Reston Residents Chafe at Reston Town Center's 'Educate' Remark

RESTON, VA — Reston residents who had campaigned for months against a move to end free parking at Reston Town Center scored a huge victory after developer Boston Properties announced Sept. 7 it would postpone the move until January -- but more than a few residents have taken issue with the developer's tone toward locals in the statement announcing the decision.

Reston residents had objected not only to having to pay for parking at Reston Town Center starting Sept. 12, but also to a mobile app, ParkRTC, that they were concerned asked for too much personal information that could be vulnerable to hackers. A statement issued by the Fallston Group, which represents RTC developer Boston Properties, said that the postponement "will allow additional time to educate customers about Reston Town Center long-term paid parking policies and technologies."

The statement prompted a flood of comments on Reston Town Center's Facebook page, with many of the commenters angry at what they perceived as a condescending tone from the developer.

"This is NOT about people needing more education about the technology," wrote Dara Jones.

"I am impressed that the author is able to convey a sense of insincerity, condescension, and disdain for customers in just a single sentence!" added Sam Small.

"News flash - we know how to use the technology, we're just not going to do it," said Jackie Shu.

"Don't worry, I don't need to be 'educated,' but thanks for the additional insult," said Christy Ann.

"We are educated - that's why we are against your app and paid parking. Don't insult us," said Bethany Hannan.

The postponement may only delay what has become a major battle between Boston Properties and Reston locals. Activists promise that they will be closely watching RTC's actions leading up to the new rollout in January.

"It's encouraging to see that Boston Properties is starting to listen to the community's concerns about the new parking system and fees," said Suzanne Zurn, a Reston resident and creator of the Stop Parking Fees at RTC social media campaign and a Change.org petition that has garnered more than 7,500 signatures. "The community will be looking for Boston Properties to satisfactorily resolve the issues with the system’s privacy and security holes, and make improvements on its rate plan to be more consumer friendly and appropriately priced to the area."

Zurn added that she was "happy with the delay," but the 7,500 people who signed the petition "will be watching and keeping the pressure on Boston Properties to do the right thing for our community."

She added it wouldn't be acceptable to simply institute a delay and then ultimately put in place the same system and rates.