Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
Agenda: Committee Meeting, May 12, 2010
Reston 2020
Residential, Urban Design and Livability
Work Group
May 12, 2010
Meeting Agenda
Reston Community Center Hunters Woods, Rm 4, 7:30 pm.
1. RA Board staff liaison, Richard Chew, was inhospitable to co-chair, Dick Rogers at the last Neighborhood Advisory Committee meeting. He stated RCA had no business at the NAC meeting. RA staffer Arlene Whittick refused to provide email addresses of committee members so they could receive communications from RUDL. Discussion.
2. The papers for the greater Wiehle area subgroup are complete. Bill Penniman, Bryan Moll and Dave Edwards have collaborated on this effort.
3. Discussion with subgroup for the greater Herndon-Monroe station area of issues pertinent to Herndon-Monroe. Fred Costello, task force member, is heading this subgroup.
4. Discussion of the need to review the work of the Goudie task force subcommittee with regard to parks at Town Center.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Minutes: Residential, Urban Design, and Livabili ty Work Group, April 19,2010
Reston 2020
Residential, Urban Design and Livability
Work Group
April 19, 2010
Meeting Minutes
Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods, Rm 1, 7:30 pm
In attendance: Dick Rogers and Kathy Kaplan, co-chairs, Tammi Petrine, Guy Rando, Bill Penniman, Dave Edwards, John Carter, Dick Stillson, Marion Stillson, Holli Ploog, Wendye Quaye
1. Introduce new members and our new secretary, Wendye Quaye.
a. D. Rogers introduced Wendye Quaye
b. The group introduced themselves to new attendee, Holli Ploog
2. Begin formation of subgroups to study two issues: A) Criteria for redevelopment of PRC residential neighborhoods to be written by Task Force; B) Redevelopment of village centers—Tall Oaks, Hunters Woods, South Lakes and North Point. (Lake Anne Comprehensive Plan Amendment was previously approved by Fairfax County Board of Supervisors).
a. D. Rogers passed around sign-up sheets (below) for both subgroups
3. Review by Dick Rogers of Robert Goudie's subcommittee's work on Town Center.
a. He noted that the group has expanded to non- Reston Town Center and non-developer members. The minutes for the meeting are posted on the 2020 blog; however, he took more thorough notes which he’ll forward by request.
b. He’d like to encourage people to attend the May 17 community meeting on the town center north.
c. It seems to him that the area north of Reston Town Center will see the most drastic changes of all of Reston and will become highly urban.
d. J. Carter asked if this group was discussing the metro station; D. Rogers responded that it wasn’t clear.
e. Inova will present some of their ideas at the next meeting, on April 27 at 8am. 52 acres in Town Center, half owned by Inova.
f. D. Edwards and D. Rogers had questions. Will major public facilities be integrated? What about schools? Fire station is not in a good location. Does it have equipment to fight high-rise fires? David Marshall of FxCo Facilities Planning is one to talk to. Discussed Shirlington library and performing arts center which are in one facility.
4. There were discussions here about the Parks, Recreation, and Public Facilities workgroup discussions. T. Petrine is concerned that their focus is too much on sports complexes and not enough on schools, mental health facilities, respite centers, etc. D. Stillson noted that their scope will likely broaden in the future when the task force begins to broaden its views. T. Petrine was also concerned that they’re only planning for one more meeting before presenting to the task force. Leila Gordon stated that the county had studies that show there will be no additional school children from any new residents. Adamant that any theaters will only be at TC, no where else. But Wiehle needs cultural focus, too, K. Kaplan said. Eventually residents in Wiehle area will only be able to travel to Town Center by rail or bus.
5. K. Kaplan pointed out to the group that the understory of forest near the Reston Library has been cleared. If Town Center Green to be land-swapped for an area at Cameron Glen, then why strip the woods?
6. Discussion of Bill Penniman’s papers on the Wiehle area and parts of the corridor.
a. D. Rogers suggested that the group go around the room and make any broad comments they had from Bill’s paper.
b. D. Rogers noted that someone should reach out to NVCC to inquire about their interest in the Wiehle area. It was also suggested to reach out to Patrick Kane about other universities that might be interested in the area. Dana Kaufmann is contact person at NVCC. Also President of NVCC Robert Templan.
c. K. Kaplan suggests stronger language regarding the buffer around Sunrise Valley. At this point, B. Penniman suggested running a bicycle/pedestrian path through the office parking lots off of Sunrise Valley. G. Rando said that a series of parks & plazas with a pedestrian and bicycle system connecting through every property might be a better long-term plan.
d. M. Stillson expressed concern that the definition of open space as 25% of “all future developed and redeveloped land” had been eliminated from the draft county Planning Principles. What was the reason given?
e. J. Carter said to be careful where you are. The number is place specific and includes two elements 1) Environmentally sensitive areas—streams, stream buffers and woods 2) Active space.
f. B. Penniman noted that some people think a fixed percentage (i.e., 25% open space) is unworkable where others think that 25% is too high. J. Carter suggested not putting a percentage in for environmental open space (e.g., wetlands, creeks), which must be preserved. There was much discussion about this topic and it was determined that ‘open space’ must be clearly defined. D. Edwards said it was not inappropriate to specify open space as any public space without vehicles. He thought 25% was not excessive.
g. D. Stillson suggested putting this paper and table into ‘plan’ language so that its meaning doesn’t get lost if the Dept. of Planning translates it. Also, he suggested devising more of a vision of what each subunit will look like.
h. T. Petrine brought up the thought that the longer we wait for discussion with NVCC or some other educational organizations, the more expensive the land will get. She noted that at the Parks, Recreation, and Public Facilities workgroup, they were adamant about having a cultural center at RTC but she asked why does everything need to be at RTC. Civic auditorium should be considered because the Metro parking lot will be empty at night at Wiehle.
i. D. Edwards reiterated that this document should be translated to plan language.
j. J. Carter said that the group should get started on maps with key features, looking at design aspects (street-shaped, open space-shaped) and density mix and balancing of centers with some specificity. If we can determine what kind of market will be served, then you would know what types of facilities, housing, etc. that we’ll need. Tie schools at Wiehle to what kind of employment is anticipated there: tech, life sciences, etc. The plan should direct proffers.
k. G. Rando emphasized the need for open space.
l. H. Ploog was surprised that we’re now talking about as many as 50,000 housing units. There was a bit of discussion about the amount of development we’ll see. Apparently Heidi stated that there were 8,000 new units available in the PRC under the raised density cap.
l. J. Carter says that 50,000 more people will need 1 high school, 4 to 5 elementary schools and 1 to 2 middle schools. We have no space. A good reason to limit development.
m. D. Rogers stated need for 60% residential, 30% office and 10% retail.
n. D. Edwards insisted that retail should be limited to 2%. 15% was too much. He also stated you cannot dictate land use by parcel unit.
o. B. Penniman said you could because of location of metro stations.
p. D. Edwards said there was a problem. Property owner could sue the county over the zoning changes, i.e., Lawrence at Isaac Newton Square.
q. J. Carter said the zoning category was not right for the RCIG. Both PDH and PDC allow residential. We need to define why they are not adequate for RCIG.
r. There was some discussion about whether we need a new zoning category for Reston. D. Edwards suggested looking at the two we now have, PDH and PDC and the one that’s being planned for Tyson’s and then see if those meet our needs. Need a zone that makes Reston Reston.
s. D. Stillson asked if a zoning category of PDM (mixed use) should be created.
t. D. Edwards said PDH and PDC should be amended to add 25% open space. Plaza America is essentially a village center and should be developed with residential as a village center. He said the proffer systems needs to be more focused.
u. Discussion ensued that instead of “all” we might refer to “the need for 25% open space in the aggregate.” A vote was not taken.
v. D. Edwards said Charles E Smith owns parcel in SW quadrant at Wiehle and plans infill for the parking lots.
w. B. Penniman will take aboard all the comments, including the written ones submitted by D. Rogers, D. Edwards, and B. Moll, and revise his paper. No decision was taken on how the paper might be presented to the Task Force.
B. Penniman, D.Edwards, B.Moll and K.Kaplan will meet Thursday to discuss B. Penniman’s draft.
SUB-GROUPS on PRC ISSUES
(PLEASE INDICATE YOUR AREA OF INTEREST)
20 April 2010
Residential Redevelopment (including clusters and condos)
Kathy Kaplan
Dick Rogers
Marion Stillson (interested in residential visitability)
Tammie Petrine
Guy Rando
VILLAGE CENTERS--REDEVELOPMENT
Tall Oaks
Dave Edwards
John Carter
Guy Rando
Dick Rogers
South Lakes
Dave Edwards
John Carter
Guy Rando
Bill Penniman (if needed)
Hunters Woods
Dave Edwards
John Carter
Guy Rando
North Point
Dave Edwards
John Carter
Guy Rando
Residential, Urban Design and Livability
Work Group
April 19, 2010
Meeting Minutes
Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods, Rm 1, 7:30 pm
In attendance: Dick Rogers and Kathy Kaplan, co-chairs, Tammi Petrine, Guy Rando, Bill Penniman, Dave Edwards, John Carter, Dick Stillson, Marion Stillson, Holli Ploog, Wendye Quaye
1. Introduce new members and our new secretary, Wendye Quaye.
a. D. Rogers introduced Wendye Quaye
b. The group introduced themselves to new attendee, Holli Ploog
2. Begin formation of subgroups to study two issues: A) Criteria for redevelopment of PRC residential neighborhoods to be written by Task Force; B) Redevelopment of village centers—Tall Oaks, Hunters Woods, South Lakes and North Point. (Lake Anne Comprehensive Plan Amendment was previously approved by Fairfax County Board of Supervisors).
a. D. Rogers passed around sign-up sheets (below) for both subgroups
3. Review by Dick Rogers of Robert Goudie's subcommittee's work on Town Center.
a. He noted that the group has expanded to non- Reston Town Center and non-developer members. The minutes for the meeting are posted on the 2020 blog; however, he took more thorough notes which he’ll forward by request.
b. He’d like to encourage people to attend the May 17 community meeting on the town center north.
c. It seems to him that the area north of Reston Town Center will see the most drastic changes of all of Reston and will become highly urban.
d. J. Carter asked if this group was discussing the metro station; D. Rogers responded that it wasn’t clear.
e. Inova will present some of their ideas at the next meeting, on April 27 at 8am. 52 acres in Town Center, half owned by Inova.
f. D. Edwards and D. Rogers had questions. Will major public facilities be integrated? What about schools? Fire station is not in a good location. Does it have equipment to fight high-rise fires? David Marshall of FxCo Facilities Planning is one to talk to. Discussed Shirlington library and performing arts center which are in one facility.
4. There were discussions here about the Parks, Recreation, and Public Facilities workgroup discussions. T. Petrine is concerned that their focus is too much on sports complexes and not enough on schools, mental health facilities, respite centers, etc. D. Stillson noted that their scope will likely broaden in the future when the task force begins to broaden its views. T. Petrine was also concerned that they’re only planning for one more meeting before presenting to the task force. Leila Gordon stated that the county had studies that show there will be no additional school children from any new residents. Adamant that any theaters will only be at TC, no where else. But Wiehle needs cultural focus, too, K. Kaplan said. Eventually residents in Wiehle area will only be able to travel to Town Center by rail or bus.
5. K. Kaplan pointed out to the group that the understory of forest near the Reston Library has been cleared. If Town Center Green to be land-swapped for an area at Cameron Glen, then why strip the woods?
6. Discussion of Bill Penniman’s papers on the Wiehle area and parts of the corridor.
a. D. Rogers suggested that the group go around the room and make any broad comments they had from Bill’s paper.
b. D. Rogers noted that someone should reach out to NVCC to inquire about their interest in the Wiehle area. It was also suggested to reach out to Patrick Kane about other universities that might be interested in the area. Dana Kaufmann is contact person at NVCC. Also President of NVCC Robert Templan.
c. K. Kaplan suggests stronger language regarding the buffer around Sunrise Valley. At this point, B. Penniman suggested running a bicycle/pedestrian path through the office parking lots off of Sunrise Valley. G. Rando said that a series of parks & plazas with a pedestrian and bicycle system connecting through every property might be a better long-term plan.
d. M. Stillson expressed concern that the definition of open space as 25% of “all future developed and redeveloped land” had been eliminated from the draft county Planning Principles. What was the reason given?
e. J. Carter said to be careful where you are. The number is place specific and includes two elements 1) Environmentally sensitive areas—streams, stream buffers and woods 2) Active space.
f. B. Penniman noted that some people think a fixed percentage (i.e., 25% open space) is unworkable where others think that 25% is too high. J. Carter suggested not putting a percentage in for environmental open space (e.g., wetlands, creeks), which must be preserved. There was much discussion about this topic and it was determined that ‘open space’ must be clearly defined. D. Edwards said it was not inappropriate to specify open space as any public space without vehicles. He thought 25% was not excessive.
g. D. Stillson suggested putting this paper and table into ‘plan’ language so that its meaning doesn’t get lost if the Dept. of Planning translates it. Also, he suggested devising more of a vision of what each subunit will look like.
h. T. Petrine brought up the thought that the longer we wait for discussion with NVCC or some other educational organizations, the more expensive the land will get. She noted that at the Parks, Recreation, and Public Facilities workgroup, they were adamant about having a cultural center at RTC but she asked why does everything need to be at RTC. Civic auditorium should be considered because the Metro parking lot will be empty at night at Wiehle.
i. D. Edwards reiterated that this document should be translated to plan language.
j. J. Carter said that the group should get started on maps with key features, looking at design aspects (street-shaped, open space-shaped) and density mix and balancing of centers with some specificity. If we can determine what kind of market will be served, then you would know what types of facilities, housing, etc. that we’ll need. Tie schools at Wiehle to what kind of employment is anticipated there: tech, life sciences, etc. The plan should direct proffers.
k. G. Rando emphasized the need for open space.
l. H. Ploog was surprised that we’re now talking about as many as 50,000 housing units. There was a bit of discussion about the amount of development we’ll see. Apparently Heidi stated that there were 8,000 new units available in the PRC under the raised density cap.
l. J. Carter says that 50,000 more people will need 1 high school, 4 to 5 elementary schools and 1 to 2 middle schools. We have no space. A good reason to limit development.
m. D. Rogers stated need for 60% residential, 30% office and 10% retail.
n. D. Edwards insisted that retail should be limited to 2%. 15% was too much. He also stated you cannot dictate land use by parcel unit.
o. B. Penniman said you could because of location of metro stations.
p. D. Edwards said there was a problem. Property owner could sue the county over the zoning changes, i.e., Lawrence at Isaac Newton Square.
q. J. Carter said the zoning category was not right for the RCIG. Both PDH and PDC allow residential. We need to define why they are not adequate for RCIG.
r. There was some discussion about whether we need a new zoning category for Reston. D. Edwards suggested looking at the two we now have, PDH and PDC and the one that’s being planned for Tyson’s and then see if those meet our needs. Need a zone that makes Reston Reston.
s. D. Stillson asked if a zoning category of PDM (mixed use) should be created.
t. D. Edwards said PDH and PDC should be amended to add 25% open space. Plaza America is essentially a village center and should be developed with residential as a village center. He said the proffer systems needs to be more focused.
u. Discussion ensued that instead of “all” we might refer to “the need for 25% open space in the aggregate.” A vote was not taken.
v. D. Edwards said Charles E Smith owns parcel in SW quadrant at Wiehle and plans infill for the parking lots.
w. B. Penniman will take aboard all the comments, including the written ones submitted by D. Rogers, D. Edwards, and B. Moll, and revise his paper. No decision was taken on how the paper might be presented to the Task Force.
B. Penniman, D.Edwards, B.Moll and K.Kaplan will meet Thursday to discuss B. Penniman’s draft.
SUB-GROUPS on PRC ISSUES
(PLEASE INDICATE YOUR AREA OF INTEREST)
20 April 2010
Residential Redevelopment (including clusters and condos)
Kathy Kaplan
Dick Rogers
Marion Stillson (interested in residential visitability)
Tammie Petrine
Guy Rando
VILLAGE CENTERS--REDEVELOPMENT
Tall Oaks
Dave Edwards
John Carter
Guy Rando
Dick Rogers
South Lakes
Dave Edwards
John Carter
Guy Rando
Bill Penniman (if needed)
Hunters Woods
Dave Edwards
John Carter
Guy Rando
North Point
Dave Edwards
John Carter
Guy Rando
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Agenda: RUDL Work Group Meeting, April 19, 2010
Reston 2020
Residential, Urban Design and Livability
Work Group
April 19, 2010
Meeting Agenda
Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods, Rm 1, 7:30 pm
1. Introduce new members and our new secretary, Wendye Quaye.
2. Begin formation of subgroups to study two issues:
....A) Criteria for redevelopment of PRC residential neighborhoods to be written by Task Force.
....B) Redevelopment of village centers—Tall Oaks, Hunters Woods, South Lakes and North Point. (Lake Anne Comprehensive Plan Amendment previously approved by Fairfax County Board of Supervisors).
3. Review by Dick Rogers of Robert Goudie's subcommittee's work on Town Center.
4. Discussion of Bill Penniman's papers on the Wiehle area and parts of the corridor.
5. Any reports on Saturday's community Task Force meeting on Reston Parkway station area.
Residential, Urban Design and Livability
Work Group
April 19, 2010
Meeting Agenda
Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods, Rm 1, 7:30 pm
1. Introduce new members and our new secretary, Wendye Quaye.
2. Begin formation of subgroups to study two issues:
....A) Criteria for redevelopment of PRC residential neighborhoods to be written by Task Force.
....B) Redevelopment of village centers—Tall Oaks, Hunters Woods, South Lakes and North Point. (Lake Anne Comprehensive Plan Amendment previously approved by Fairfax County Board of Supervisors).
3. Review by Dick Rogers of Robert Goudie's subcommittee's work on Town Center.
4. Discussion of Bill Penniman's papers on the Wiehle area and parts of the corridor.
5. Any reports on Saturday's community Task Force meeting on Reston Parkway station area.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
RUDL Meeting with RA Neighborhood Advisory Committee, April 1, 2010
On 1 April Kathy Kaplan and Dick Rogers met with the RA Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC), formerly called the cluster and condo advisory committee. Present were 8 members including Chair Mai Huyndh and RA staff liaison Arlene Whittick. RA Board liaison Cheryl Beamer was not present.
The NAC was very interested and receptive to the work of Reston 2020 and its Residential, Urban Design and Livability Sub-committee (RUDL). The members listened intently as we explained the seriousness for Reston of the master planning process, the division in the Task force, and the potential implications for clusters and condos in Reston.
They were somewhat puzzled about how common land could be threatened for development, thinking that “we are Reston and it’s protected.” We explained how possible changes to the PRC and zoning might work.
They were generally appalled by the prospect of development of open land such as the Herndon-Monroe wetlands. However, one wondered if the wetlands should not undergo high density development in view of its location near the Metro station.
Future
We encouraged the Committee to designate one of its members as liaison with RUDL. The Committee chair said they would do this. We encouraged them to attend some future meetings of RUDL, 2020 and the Task Force to get a better understanding of the planning process. Several were interested.
In view of the RA Board resolution in December that called on the NAC to organize “workshops” of residents surrounding Village Centers to develop recommendations for future development of the Village Centers, we noted that we had similar interests and could join forces. We suggested a joint approach to the County to organize one of the Community meetings on this basis.
The NAC noted that it had tentative plans to for a community outreach meeting on planning to latter in May. We indicated interest in cooperating on this.
Comment:
A useful, cooperative session. The NAC does not appear until now to have focused on the planning process or its implications. They were getting educated and showed a keen interest.
Staff liaison Arlene Whittick said she had cooperated with the County on drawing up a map of Reston clusters and condos and appeared to have some knowledge of the county’s interest in Reston redevelopment.
She said the NAC planned to have its usual legal session in June. Homeowner Association expert and lawyer Lusi Anna Trigiana will present.
The NAC was very interested and receptive to the work of Reston 2020 and its Residential, Urban Design and Livability Sub-committee (RUDL). The members listened intently as we explained the seriousness for Reston of the master planning process, the division in the Task force, and the potential implications for clusters and condos in Reston.
They were somewhat puzzled about how common land could be threatened for development, thinking that “we are Reston and it’s protected.” We explained how possible changes to the PRC and zoning might work.
They were generally appalled by the prospect of development of open land such as the Herndon-Monroe wetlands. However, one wondered if the wetlands should not undergo high density development in view of its location near the Metro station.
Future
We encouraged the Committee to designate one of its members as liaison with RUDL. The Committee chair said they would do this. We encouraged them to attend some future meetings of RUDL, 2020 and the Task Force to get a better understanding of the planning process. Several were interested.
In view of the RA Board resolution in December that called on the NAC to organize “workshops” of residents surrounding Village Centers to develop recommendations for future development of the Village Centers, we noted that we had similar interests and could join forces. We suggested a joint approach to the County to organize one of the Community meetings on this basis.
The NAC noted that it had tentative plans to for a community outreach meeting on planning to latter in May. We indicated interest in cooperating on this.
Comment:
A useful, cooperative session. The NAC does not appear until now to have focused on the planning process or its implications. They were getting educated and showed a keen interest.
Staff liaison Arlene Whittick said she had cooperated with the County on drawing up a map of Reston clusters and condos and appeared to have some knowledge of the county’s interest in Reston redevelopment.
She said the NAC planned to have its usual legal session in June. Homeowner Association expert and lawyer Lusi Anna Trigiana will present.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
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