New Reston Library And Shelter Project Master Planning Approved By Fairfax Supervisors

RESTON, VA — Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a measure to begin the process of building a new regional library and homeless shelter on county-owned land in Reston.

"The time is right to move forward with a master plan with locations for critically needed community facilities in Reston Town Center North," Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn said, as he introduced the measure during Tuesday's board meeting. "Most pressing is a new Embry Rucker Shelter, facilities for related services, and permanent supportive housing and a new Reston Regional Library."

By moving the measure forward, staff at the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development and the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority would be able to coordinate efforts on the proposed Bowman Town Court Affordable Housing Library Project, according to Alcorn.

At the board's April 12 meeting, Alcorn introduced a measure calling for the formation of the Reston Town Center North Task Force to oversee the project.

"With this master planning effort and the work of the RTCNTF, this will provide an opportunity for the community and this task force to provide input on that project and how it could fit within the broader set of improvements planned for the Reston Town Center North area," Alcorn said.

The Reston Comprehensive Plan Study Task Force is expected to hand in its final recommendations by the end of the summer, which is when the new RTCNTF would begin its work.

"The RTCNF should wrap up its work and coordinate with staff by the end of the year and consistent with board consideration of the Reston Comprehensive Plan amendments, which are coming," Alcorn said.

After Alcorn's motion was approved, he told his fellow supervisors that former Fairfax County Board Chair Kate Hanley, who happens to be a Hunter Mill District resident, has agreed to lead the new task force.

Interest in adding more affordable housing and building a new regional library in Reston heated up in April, when the an unnamed developer submitted a proposal, which was made under the Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act of 2002, to redevelop land at the intersection of Bowman Town Drive and Town Center Parkway in Reston. The 2.89 acre site includes the large parking lot to the south of the North County Governmental Center and the existing townhouse community on Bowman Towne Court, which is owned by FCHRA.