Casino At Reston Station: Share Your Opinion In Patch's Survey

RESTON, VA — Judging from the comments on the two stories Patch published this week about Comstock's plans to build a casino at or near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station, most people seem to be opposed to the idea.

Patch reached out to several community leaders for their reaction to a casino being built at Reston Station:

"I have heard conflicting rumors about where Comstock wants to build a casino, they have not talked with me about it. I oppose putting a casino on the Silver Line and Comstock should be aware of my position on that, it has not changed since I first became aware of casino interest in the Dulles corridor late last year. The land around these stations is already valuable for so many other socially beneficial uses, and plopping a casino into these emerging transit oriented development communities during their formative years is a bad idea. — Walter Alcorn, Hunter Mill District supervisor

"I worked in the General Assembly during the past session to stop the proposal for a casino in Reston and will continue to oppose it this year. I do not support efforts to bring a casino to our community." — State Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-Reston)

"The introduction of a casino at the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station poses an alarming threat to the character, integrity, and values of our community. From a land use perspective, this massive construction would inevitably disrupt the urban fabric, affect traffic patterns, and put undue stress on local infrastructure. Casinos are often associated with increased crime rates and social problems, potentially compromising the safety and welfare of our residents. Additionally, while diversifying the tax revenue base might seem appealing, it's crucial to consider the long-term social and economic costs associated with such an establishment. ... As your next Virginia Senator, of the 38th District, I will vehemently OPPOSE the development and construction of a casino in our district." — Matt Lang (R), candidate in 38th District Virginia Senate race

"Reston Citizens Association (RCA) is not aware of any plans for a casino at Reston Station; however, the idea of a casino in Reston goes against the Reston Comprehensive Plan and Reston's planning principles. Restonians have borne the burden of uncontrolled growth along the Dulles Toll Road and the resulting traffic jams. If activity picks up again at the State level to reintroduce the bill that would allow a casino along the Silver Line, RCA will work with representatives to oppose the bill." — Lynne Mulston, RCA board president

• Casino Planned Near Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station By Comstock
• Developer Brings Democratic Leaders To Site Of Planned Casino At Metro

“I will ask the RA Board to add this item to the agenda of Thursday night’s meeting. We’ll see what they want to do. Personally, I think it’s a terrible idea for the people of Reston.” — John Farrell, Reston Association board president

"I strongly oppose a casino in the Reston area. A casino is not compatible with our community for land use or equity considerations. As HD7’s delegate, I will strongly advocate for our shared values and use my background as a former planning commissioner to ensure Richmond knows why this simply will not work in Reston." — Karen Keys-Gamarra (D), candidate in 7th District House of Delegates race

What do you think of a casino being built at the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station? Is it the worst idea in the world or a way for Fairfax County to diversify its tax revenue base, as some suggest?

The survey is no longer accepting responses.