Rescue Reston to Northwestern Mutual: 'No' to Residential Development of Golf Course

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Some 49 protestors, members of Rescue Reston, braved a windy morning Sunday to gather in front of the Reston office of Northwestern Mutual to spell out the word “NO.”

They hoped to get their word across to Northwestern Mutual to stop attempts at trying to develop — take away — the golf course/green space, Reston National Golf Course.

Green space supporters swarmed a government hearing in January.

Rescue Reston President Connie Hartke told the group Sunday that if the Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals rules in favor of the County Zoning Administrator on April 15, it will be ”three strikes” and NWM should accept the word “NO,” meaning no to residential development of the 166-acre recreational space across the street from where they stood.

Northwestern Mutual (NWM) is the majority owner of RN Golf Management, owner of Reston National Golf Course. Twice the Fairfax County Zoning Administrator has told NWM attorneys that they cannot develop the golf course into townhomes or anything other than open recreational space. “It’s time they got the message,” said Hartke.

Hartke told supporters that the #1 action they can take between now and April 15 is getting more County residents to sign the online petition at bit.ly/RescueReston. The impact of over-development affects all of Fairfax County, she noted.

Reston resident and Hunter Mill District Supervisor Catherine Hudgins, wearing a Rescue Reston T-shirt, addressed the crowd on Sunday: “. . . the proposed Comprehensive Plan language continues to support the use of the golf course as a golf course or open space. While this has been a long and intense process, I continue to support the Fairfax County Zoning Administrator’s determination.”

Virginia Delegate Ken Plum, also a Reston resident, had this to say: “Thanks to Rescue Reston volunteers for working so hard to preserve one of Reston’s very important assets—its open space. Your efforts are appreciated.”

Virginia state Sen. Janet Howell sent her regards with this message: “Rescue Reston is an important voice for preserving Reston ideals. We moved to Reston to live Robert Simon’s vision. Protected open space is crucial to our shared vision. I commend Rescue Reston for its vigilance and determination!”

For more information, visit www.rescuereston.org.

PHOTOS: Rescue Reston supporters say “NO” to Northwestern Mutual’s plans to develop Reston National Golf Course – photo credit Jim Kirby;

Reston Association, Supervisor Hudgins and Delegate Plum support the open space at Reston National Golf Course. Pictured left to right: Reston Association (RA) South Lakes District candidate Andy Sigle, Rescue Reston President Connie Hartke, Supervisor Catherine Hudgins, Delegate Ken Plum, RA South Lakes District candidates Ken Chew and Julie Bitzer. – photo credit Paul Hartke

Also read:

• Reston National Golf Course Owner to Proceed with Zoning Appeal
• Sierra Club Has Concerns About Golf Course