Reston Prepares for Battle Over Future of Golf Course

Community leaders from Rescue Reston and Reston Association plan rallies and demonstrations to voice their objections to developing the Reston National Golf Course.

Community leaders are planning a Rally to Save Open Space on Saturday, Jan. 10 and are also eyeing to fill the hearing Wednesday, Jan. 21 before the Board of Zoning Appeals in Fairfax. The hearing will be held at 12000 Government Center Parkway, beginning at 9 a.m. Stay tuned for more information coming soon about the rally.

Rescue Reston and RA say they “support our Fairfax County Zoning Administrator’s determination that the 166 acres of Reston National Golf Course is indeed zoned as permanent open (recreational) space,” saying that “the Reston National Golf Course is more than a network of green open space and trails, it is an active recreational asset for the community.”

In early 2012, RN Golf Management, LLC, an entity which is majority owned by Northwestern Mutual, filed a letter with the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Zoning (the “P&Z”) asking for a ruling that the golf course land was zoned for residential development and was not subject to any restrictions that would prevent such development.

On June 20, 2012, the P&Z responded that the property was restricted under the Reston Master Plan to use as “open space,” such as a park, nature center or golf course.

The attorney for RN Golf Management requested an appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals, but after several delays they indefinitely deferred a decision on whether to appeal the county’s ruling in 2013.

On Nov. 10, attorney for RN Golf (Northwestern Mutual) requested a hearing date. The new date for the appeal is Jan. 21, 2015. The meeting starts at 9 a.m. at 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax.

Those who oppose the move say they plan to fill the auditorium with “Home Team” supporters wearing bright yellow T-shirts.