Rescue Reston Has Almost Paid Off Its Legal Fees As Another Fight Looms: Report

RESTON, VA -- Rescue Reston racked up a bill of $153,000 in legal fees in a bid to stop a developer from ending Reston National Golf Course as we know it. And although they've nearly paid off that hefty legal bill, they're gearing up for yet another fight.

Rescue Reston held their third annual Golf Classic at the course on Oct. 2, charging individual players $85 and teams of four players $340 to participate. The fees went toward helping Rescue Reston pay off their legal fees, and the organization had paid $132,500 of the bill before the fundraiser, according to a Connection Newspapers report.

The battle against Northwestern Mutual was a long one culminating in 49 protesters from Rescue Reston gathering in front of the company's offices in 2015 to spell out the word "No." Eventually, Northwestern Mutual backed down and the 168-acre golf course was saved.

But in March, Rescue Reston once again sounded 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 then. "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 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.

Image via ARA Newmark