Developers Eyeing Reston National Golf Course Should Think Twice, County Supervisor Says

RESTON, VA — A Fairfax County Supervisor is warning potential developers to think twice before trying to snatch up Reston National Golf Course.

Fairfax County and Reston residents prevailed in a long and protracted legal battle with Northwestern Mutual after the company tried to redevelop the 168-acre golf course just a year ago, and already investment advisory firm ARA Newmark has listed the golf course on their website as a possible development opportunity.

Fairfax County Supervisor Catherine Hudgins, whose District includes Reston, issued a statement Monday warning developers who think the property is an attractive opportunity.

The statement claims that the golf course, which is located at 11875 Sunrise Valley Drive and 2018 Soapstone Drive, can't be redeveloped for residential purposes unless there is an amendment to the Reston Master Plan, which is part of the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan. The statement adds that a prospective developer would also need to obtain both a Development Plan Amendment and Planned Residential Community Plan, which would need to be approved by the Board of Supervisors.

"According to the interpretation, the process is clear and concise and must be followed in order for development other than a golf course or open space to be considered for the property," Hudgins said in the statement.

Two years ago, 49 protesters from Rescue Reston gathered in front of the offices of Northwestern Mutual to spell out the word "No" to demand they cease from trying to develop Reston National Golf Course. It took a lengthy and expensive legal battle to get Northwestern Mutual to give up on the 168-acre golf course, which didn't happen until last March. But Rescue Reston is once again sounding the alarm that the golf course is being advertised as a prime investment opportunity for residential development.

"This morning Rescue Reston was alerted by a supporter that ARA Newmark, an investment advisory firm, has listed the Reston National Golf Course property as being for sale for development purposes," Rescue Reston said in a statement released last month. "The marketing materials state that the property consists of '168 Acres of By-Right Residential Development.'"

Rescue Reston asserts that the land is "clearly" designated by Fairfax County as open space to be used as a golf course, and a residential development plan would require a review by the county and multiple public hearings. The organization says they've contacted the county and have been informed that no applications have been filed on the property.

The golf course is owned by RN Golf Management, which is owned by Northwestern Mutual. Connie Hartke, president of Rescue Reston, said in the statement she suspects that "this is the first round to determine what the market will bear. A call for bids, if you will."

Hartke pledged that the organization would battle any attempt to redevelop the golf course.

“We will mobilize our allies and supporters as necessary to oppose any attempt to amend the Comprehensive Plan that would threaten our open space. We ask that supporters who wish to stay well informed subscribe to our newsletter or update your contact information at RescueReston.org/contact,” she said in the statement.

PHOTO: Rescue Reston supporters say “NO” to Northwestern Mutual’s plans to develop Reston National Golf Course in 2015 – photo credit Jim Kirby.