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Resident warns of commercialized redevelopment of Reston golf course, urges county scrutiny; RA counsel to review proffer language
Summary
A Reston HOA president told the board that recent amendment filings for the local golf course propose a lit, two‑story commercial driving-range and other commercial uses that could bypass zoning review. The board directed counsel and staff to review proffer language and to act if the submitted proffer does not safeguard Reston interests.
Michelle Hudnau, president of the Whitney Park East homeowners’ association, told the Reston Association board on April 30 that recent amendment filings tied to the local golf-course redevelopment include elements that could convert open space into lit, commercial uses without undergoing conventional commercial zoning review.
Hudnau said the materials she has reviewed show a two-story, lighted commercial driving-range—"basically a Topgolf driving range"—plus a standalone restaurant, indoor simulators and other night-lit facilities that would be surrounded by netting and fencing. She warned the changes could set a precedent for other open-space amendments across Fairfax County and described large, approximate property-value impacts for homes adjacent to the golf course.
"So to me, it's not a golf course story. It's a Fairfax County story, setting a big precedence in what open space actually is and what it can go through as an amendment," Hudnau said, arguing the amendment route could avoid a full rezoning process and related reviews such as traffic and lighting studies.
Board response and action: Directors noted that the ultimate land-use decisions rest with Fairfax County and that RA already has a standing land-use resolution on the subject. Counsel and staff reported they had received a proffer for Reston Town Center North and agreed to circulate it to the board. The board then moved to authorize counsel and staff to review the proffer language and, if it does not adequately protect RA's interests, to negotiate or defend revised proffer language on the association's behalf.
Why it matters: Hudnau framed the issue as a county-level precedent that could change how open space is treated and argued potential impacts on lighting, traffic and property values for nearby neighborhoods. The board's vote to review proffer language signals RA intends to engage in the county process to protect member interests.
Numbers Hudnau cited (approximate, as presented): she said one analysis showed 441 directly impacted homes (market value decline from about $318 million to $271 million, a roughly $48 million loss), average homeowner loss roughly $100,000, and broader figures she described in testimony; those figures were presented as speaker estimates and were not validated during the meeting.
Next steps: Counsel (Mr. Champ) said he received a proffer for RTC North and will forward it to the board. Staff and counsel will review the language and advise whether it needs revision; the board asked staff to prepare written materials and to be prepared to negotiate or defend terms as needed.
