FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Reston, VA May 19, 2019 – Rescue Reston is disappointed that a developer who fully intended to keep the 18-hole golf course and put the majority of the open space into a permanent preservation trust could not gain traction with RN Golf, majority owned by Northwestern Mutual.
Instead, they chose to sell to a developer whose long-term intentions clearly appear to be development of Reston’s Open Space. Weller Development Co. and War Horse Cities state in this Washington Business Journal article that they are “focused on building relationships” and “being part of the Reston community.” Yet they have NOT reached out to Rescue Reston or any other Reston entity which is in favor of golf and open space in Reston, thus showing their true intentions. To Rescue Reston’s knowledge, they do not operate other golf courses but appear to focus on large scale urban redevelopment projects.
Connie Hartke, President of Rescue Reston, said: “The purchase of Reston National Golf Course by companies apparently intent on developing Reston’s open space emphasizes the importance of the upcoming Democratic primary election for the County Board of Supervisors. The path to developing this land will run through the Board of Supervisors, and all County residents who care about preserving the recreational, environmental and other benefits of our open space should carefully consider their choices for the Board.” The primary election for the Board of Supervisors will be on June 11, 2019. Information about candidates can be found on the Rescue Reston’s website at rescuereston.org/stay-aware/.
Reston National Golf Course is enjoyed by thousands of people throughout Northern Virginia, many of whom do not live in Reston. The golf course is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program Golf Course on the Chesapeake Bay watershed and provides habitat for a myriad of wildlife species. It also includes rare “old field habitat” which is recognized by the FCPA Resource Management Office as the most rapidly disappearing wildlife habitat in Fairfax County. Less than 2% of vegetative cover in Fairfax County is old field habitat. This is not an “in my backyard” issue. The thousands of supporters of Rescue Reston, in Reston and elsewhere, have a message for the new owners: “You bought a golf course and you own a golf course. Period.” More information at www.rescuereston.org.
Contact:
Connie Hartke 571-205-8874, conniehartke@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rescuereston • Twitter: @RescueReston