Activists Putting Up Signs To Protect Reston Golf Course

RESTON, VA -- As concerns grow that a developer will turn one of Reston's two golf courses into a new residential development, a local activist group is creating yard signs as part of a grassroots effort to prevent it from happening.

Rescue Reston has unveiled new yard signs that read, "Hidden Creek: $1,000,000 View or 1,000+ Houses?" They will give a sign to everyone who makes a donation of $25 or more.

At a September Reston Association Board of Directors meeting, Wheelock Communities proposed a development that would include up to 1,000 housing units. Local activists have vigorously opposed this move, arguing that it would take away a lot of green space available to the community.

Wheelock's proposal includes a "Grand Park" to soothe concerns residents have that Reston will lose green space.

The conceptual plan for the 160-acre property calls for "an unprecedented, 100 acre Grand Park that the entire Reston community will be able to enjoy and determine its vision."

The plan would include the addition of 2.5-3.5 miles of new trails, and a W&OD trailhead with facilities and parking.

The plan appears to avoid discussing the most controversial aspect of the proposal: more housing. RestonNow reports that the project would involve between 600 to 1,000 new residential units, and residents flooded the hearing Thursday to voice their opposition to the proposal.

Fairfax County currently restricts Hidden Creek Country Club as a golf course only. However, that has not stopped developers from eyeing the property as an attractive redevelopment opportunity in Reston, where real estate continues to be red hot.

Local activist group Rescue Reston slammed the plan on their website, arguing that despite the proposal for open space, 40 percent of the golf course would be turned into housing.

"Speculative developers will not stop trying to pave over green spaces when they might make millions by building more housing," they write. "Let’s not give them an opening to take away our green space in Reston. If Wheelock does not have the vision for how to make Hidden Creek the gem of a golf and tennis club that it should be, then they should sell to those who do have the vision."

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