Overcrowding Likely At Reston Meeting On Overcrowding

RESTON, VA -- Restonians are expected to make a big, ironic point during Monday night's meeting on whether Reston should raise its density limit: they're going to try to pack South Lakes High School's cafeteria to the gills.

Fairfax County Supervisor Cathy Hudgins was forced to call off the original meeting last month, which was supposed to be held at Lake Anne Elementary School but drew far more attendees than could fit in the cafeteria.

Terry Maynard, the co-chair of local activist group Reston 20/20, promised in a statement that Restonians would once again turn out en force to the meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23.

"Reston's key citizens groups are banding together to, once again, voice their opposition to a proposed change in the Reston PRC zoning ordinance at a community meeting sponsored by Supervisor Hudgins that, combined with a change in another zoning ordinance last year, would allow Reston's population to triple," Maynard wrote. "They plan to turn out in force wearing yellow shirts at the fourth meeting on the topic this October 23, 2017, at 7PM at the South Lakes High School cafeteria."

Fairfax County wants to increase the Reston PRC (Planned Residential Community) District density cap from 13 to 16 persons per acre, which county officials say is necessary in order for Reston to achieve planned future growth. However, opponents argue that Reston infrastructure struggles to support the current population, let alone a large increase in development and new residents.

In addition to Restonians, Reston Association Director Eric Carr has come out in opposition to the plan, writing in an op-ed to the Reston Connection that the county should "hold the line at 13."

"The county needs to earn our trust through actions, not words," he wrote. "If they are serious about addressing infrastructure needs, I need to see that happen first. Then we can talk about the density limit."

Judging by last month's short-lived meeting, the scene at South Lakes High School on Monday night is sure to be a dramatic one with a very vocal audience. You can tune in to watch it live: check out Patch's guide for doing so here.

Image via Fairfax County