Activists Slam Supervisor Hudgins Over 'Silence' On Reston PRC

RESTON, VA -- The controversy over a plan to increase the density limit in Reston shows no sign of abating, and a coalition of local activists say that Fairfax County Supervisor Cathy Hudgins is ignoring their concerns and refusing to meet with them.

The Reston Master Plan drawn up by the county calls for an increase in the density limit of the Reston Planned Residential Community (PRC) area, which opponents say would cause an explosion of development and growth in Reston without the infrastructure to handle it.

A statement from the Coalition for a Planned Reston (CPR) -- which is a "volunteer group of residents" from the Reston Citizens Association, Reclaim Reston, and Reston 20/20 -- criticizes what they say is a lack of action and consideration from Hudgins.

Hundreds of Reston residents packed South Lakes High School on Oct. 23 in a raucous, contentious meeting on the issue. At the hearing, Hudgins said that she wanted to "listen and hear your views," but CPR says that Hudgins has not met with the community since then to talk about possible amendments to the Reston Master Plan.

Also, CPR said that Hudgins hadn't responded to a letter from the Reston Association, nor had the Fairfax County planning staff.

The group also criticized the "silence from Supervisor Hudgins in response to requests from CPR," the statement adds. "CPR asked to meet to discuss possible amendments to the Reston Master Plan following the beginning of the term of the new Hunters Mill Planning Commissioner, John Carter, on January 10."

The next public hearing on the issue is currently scheduled for April 5 before the Planning Commission, followed by a public hearing before the Board of Supervisors on May 15. Those dates could change, however.

We have reached out to Hudgins for comment, and will update this article if and when we receive a response.

Image via Fairfax County