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9/10/2012 |
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Category: Press Release
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To the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors:
We are writing to voice the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce’s general support for the RTC Partnership’s project, which will be located at the intersection of Reston Parkway and Bowman Towne Drive, at the site of the old Reston Times Building. It is my understanding that the project will be considered for final approval by the Board of Supervisors on September 11. As we understand it, the RTC Property is subject to a proffered, approved development plan from 1978 that is now required to secure “PRC Plan approval” from the Board of Supervisors in order to redevelop. Approval of the pending PRC Plan is appropriate and required because it represents the implementation of these existing, long-standing development rights, in addition to being a well-designed and attractive building.
Although much has been said in the Reston community about whether the proposal is appropriate in size or location, that is not the issue that matters here. The primary question is whether the proposal is consistent with its current zoning and the rights that zoning provides. Since the proposed development complies with the approved development plan and otherwise conforms to the standards set forth in Fairfax County’s Zoning Ordinance, the project should be approved. Property owners need to have confidence in the zoning process and know, regardless of how long it takes to develop a property, that Fairfax County cannot and will not impose adjustments, restrictions or limitations on approved development rights except through proper legal channels. Denying a property owner’s ability to implement existing zoning rights by simply refusing to approve a plan that otherwise meets the standards imposed by the Zoning Ordinance represents slippery slope down which we hope the County will not venture.
We appreciate the property owner’s investment in this community and look forward to a successful development.
Thank you for your support of this very unique project that will benefit the Reston community.
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