Reston Merchants Association Could Sue Boston Properties in a Month

RESTON, VA — The Reston Merchants Association is still mulling their legal options in their battle with Reston Town Center manager Boston Properties over paid parking, but they are moving ever closer to a lawsuit.

Aaron Gordon, owner of Red Velvet Cupcakery and a key figure in the movement against ParkRTC, told Patch Friday that RMA is "80 percent likely" to file a lawsuit, and the suit would be filed anywhere between a month to three months from now.

RMA currently represents about 25 businesses at Reston Town Center. Jackson's Mighty Fine Food & Lucky Lounge, which is not a member of the RMA, announced this week that they would sue BXP over the move to paid parking because they argue it would violate their lease. Gordon said RMA is "very much behind Jackson's suit because we are all fighting for the same thing."

"If anything, their suit will pave the way for our future legal action," he said.

BXP declined to comment on Jackson's suit, saying: "It would be inappropriate to discuss pending litigation, particularly as there is a confidentiality provision that prevents either party from discussing many of the lease terms."

Gordon said he tried to force a conversation with "the landlord," but was told that all of the businesses would have to complete a lot of forms for there to even be a sit-down.

"It doesn't seem like a big deal, but can you imagine going to 25 companies and having to run this up the flagpole to all of their lawyers?" Gordon said. "It gives a clear signal that the landlord has no interest in talking to us."

Image: Patch file photo