Flashbacks:
The RNGC Caddyshackpocalypse
Bollards!
Facing pressure from the community, reports questioning the decision-making criteria, and studied neutrality from the Reston Association, the Reston Community Center's governing board has decided to postpone a decision on its proposed new rec center at Baron Cameron Park until next year. The board has also said it will look at locations other than Baron Cameron, which was recently transferred from the school board to the county's park authority in anticipation of building the rec center there. Give us some good blockquote, BFFs from Patch:
The board has received months of public feedback asking them to consider the cost to Small Tax District 5 residents, concerns with traffic and loss of green space, and whether developer proffers or an alternate site should be considered.Building in additional time to review alternate locations and funding options, the RCC now anticipates making a decision on whether to pursue the project in "winter 2014."
"We recognize that Reston alone should not be funding [a new pool]," board member Roger Lowen said at RCC's Public Hearing for Programs and Budgets on Monday. "We have formally asked the Fairfax County planning group for planning [information] at North Town Center to include cost options. We will continue discussions with Brailsford & Dunlavey."
Lowen said alternative sites, such as closer to future Metro stations at Wiehle and Reston Parkway or at existing commercial centers, will be examined, as will the possibility of improving RCC Hunters Woods, where the current indoor pool is located.
Unlike their last time at the rodeo, it's clear that RCC is now paying attention to what others are saying. We're not exactly sure why it'll take them another year and a half to look at a handful of other possible sites, but if that's what it takes to get buy-in, it's probably worth it.
I can do this in thirty seconds flat. I recommend that we flatten Winterthur Apartments and put the new Rec Center there.
ReplyDeleteSee. Was that so difficult?
Hmmm. We need a fairly large open space, maybe as large as, say, half a golf course, something an owner might offer to the county for other development rights. Any ideas?
ReplyDeleteInspired by the Winterthur comment, but a bit more seriously:
ReplyDeleteThe county *is* planning redevelopment of the Crescent Apartments by letting a developer tear down the existing structure.
That space would be large enough to accommodate an indoor rec center, it's basically right across Baron Cameron from Cameron Park.
So, why not there?
If vehicle access was only (or primarily) from Baron Cameron it wouldn't make North Shore any worse in terms of traffic. Ideally with bike / pedestrian access from the direction of Lake Ann / North Shore.
So how much did all this wrangling cost this time?
ReplyDeleteDon't be too overwhelmed by RCC's seeming openness to alternatives. They are still proceeding with planning to incorporate a rec center in BCP. They're just trying to look like they are open to other possibilities.
ReplyDeleteBe wary, if not afraid.
Exactly! That's how the game is played -- behind closed doors.
DeleteIf RA can annex land, why can't RCC? Just annex Oak Marr or Audrey Moore.
ReplyDeleteI would still rather have a new dive bar instead of a new swim center...And std#5 ppl wouldn't have to pay for it, either!
ReplyDeleteHear hear Convict. I've been saying that for years. Declare eminent domain for Winterthur and use the land for indoor tennis, new pools, whatever floats your boat.
ReplyDeleteSeriously. When will the RCC Executive Director and their leadership understand no really means no and stop wasting time and money on this?!
ReplyDelete