Reston Merchants To 'Regroup' After Boston Properties Makes Paid Parking Changes

RESTON, VA — The Reston Merchants Association will "regroup" in the next couple weeks to figure out if further action is needed against Boston Properties after the announcement Wednesday that paid parking at Reston Town Center would be scaled back significantly, the head of the association told Patch.

After six months of backlash from residents and businesses alike, Boston Properties announced it would end paid parking at Reston Town Center in the evenings and allow one hour of free parking to shoppers. But many opponents to ParkRTC still aren't satisfied, arguing that one hour isn't enough time to do anything and that complaints about the app itself still stand.

The Reston Merchants Association, formed in response to the introduction of paid parking, contemplated suing Boston Properties due to steep declines in revenues they say are caused by shoppers avoiding RTC because of the parking fees.

Aaron Gordon, head of the association, told Patch in an email that Boston Properties' announcement was a "step in the right direction," but tenants still want RTC to offer three hours of free parking at all times.

"Ultimately, our customers will decide if the recent concessions are enough," he said. "I'm very hopeful they are. The Reston Merchants see this as a victory for our group and our customers. But, we will regroup in the next two weeks to discuss if we think RTC is doing enough. Then, we'll be able to determine our next steps."

Image: Patch staff