RA-RCA Joint Statement of Comprehensive Plan Principles

The following statement represents an agreement between RCA and Reston Association on what should be the guiding principles for the Phase I Comprehensive Plan, which is currently under consideration by the Master Plan Task Force.  The RCA Board of Directors unanimously approved the statement at its meeting on September 23, 2013.

1.  Reston Sustainability:  We believe that Reston encompasses all of the land within the Transit Station corridor area.  All new development in this area should be incorporated into either RA or RTCA, according to their agreed upon membership boundaries.

2.  Environmental Sustainability:   Consistent with Reston’s history of forward thinking on environmental stewardship and sustainability, we believe that future development in Reston should meet the highest feasible environmental standards, ranging from the protection or restoration of natural amenities, to the use of the best environmental practices in development design and materials.

3.  Flexibility:  We appreciate the need for moderate flexibility in planning over a two-decade timeframe, but we do not support Plan language that would allow significant variation or increase from the density/intensity and land use mix objectives laid out in the Preferred Development Scenario (Scenario G).  
 

 4.  Open Spaces, Parks, & Recreation:  In order to sustain Reston’s existing character and reputation as a model planned community, we believe the new Comprehensive Plan must assure the provision of adequate high-quality, publically accessible open space, parks,  natural areas, and recreational facilities within the Phase 1 area, to accommodate Reston’s residents and employees.

5.  Mobility:  We believe the people of Reston must have reasonable cross-community driving, biking and walking conditions, especially during peak periods, both within and near the Phase 1 area.  The following are crucial to maintain a balance between land use and transportation:  (1) road, bicycle, pedestrian and transit improvements;  (2) transportation demand management (TDM) measures; and (3) adherence to the Preferred Development Scenario mix of uses and maximum level  of development.

6.  Implementation:  We believe the people of Reston must have strong guarantees that the infrastructure needed to support the increased level of development and continuation of Reston’s high quality of life  will be completed concurrently with development, and paid for, on a fair, pro rata basis,  by those who will profit from the development.

RCA and RA are working on a joint comment on the current Comprehensive Plan draft, subject to approval by both organizations, which they hope to release in the next several days.