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There are a number of issues that are under discussion now relevant to the future of Reston that will require understanding and public response. This paper has been developed to address these issues that will be the subject of forums and meetings in the near future. Members of various planning groups have contacted me regarding potential participation. I am attempting to organize a Reston Professional Community Building Center which can provide a source of funding for my services and the support that is necessary to accomplish my objectives such as administrative assistance staff and technical system improvements to compensate for my disabilities. This paper includes descriptions of the potential revitalization areas in Reston: The Spectrum, Lake Anne, and the areas around the potential metro spots. Two other subjects are discussed: the update and revision of the Reston Master Plan and the potential possible limits of the planned community. These two sections set the framework for reinvestment. The webpage contains a number of postings under PFK Perspective relating to Reston’s Future. These are updated regularly.
Spectrum revitalization: The spectrum area was developed as a method of supporting the cash flow needs of Reston Land while developing the Town Center. The Spectrum is in fact a composition of “big box retailers” a type of retail use attempting to take advantage of the growth curve at that time. Therefore, it was probable that it would be subjected to revitalization. In fact the construction includes a number of artifacts such parapets which are decorative not functional. Prior to construction, the community was attempting to promote a mixed use environment which includes housing. I participated in these discussions and have been anticipating the revitalization that may occur. As a recent patient of both Reston Hospital and Cameron Glen, I have been advocating the creating of additional housing choices for health care providers in proximity which includes the Spectrum. I have communicated with Bill Adams seeking support to my participation in public meetings and forums in this subject.
When a “Big Box” retail area undergoes reinvestment, how will the customers be served? A number of years ago, I traveled to Japan to study how the quality of their life is maintained in smaller units. Housing often includes a single room that is reconfigured to accommodate sleeping, dining, and daily activities referred to as a Tatami room. Its size is referred to by the number of tatamis in use. The Japanese have learned to live well in smaller spaces than Americans. The sale of electronic products such as offered by Best Buy occurs in an area called electric street, a series of stalls manned by knowledgeable product representatives. After a sale, an order is given to a runner to secure the product from a nearby inexpensive storage loft and deliver it to the purchaser. This procedure may be a technique that will meet the consumer needs if the “big boxes” are displaced. Additional research to the alternatives of meeting the consumer needs will be appropriate when attempting to plan the revitalization of “Big Box” retailers. The other very important aspect of the Spectrum is its connectivity to Reston Town Center and other adjoining areas. It is basically a very large parking lot with difficult circulation patterns.
Metro Stops: The future land use considerations that will be necessary to support and benefit from the metro into the Dulles Corridor will require additional consideration and discussion. The Patrick F. Kane website will soon contain a paper describing the vocabulary related to TOD. Messages have been sent to real estate owners near possible station locations offering professional assistance in meeting the land use needs.
Lake Anne Revitalization: Kane has been perusing the future needs of Lake Anne since his firm was created and operated from 1604 Washington Plaza and served as chair person of the Save Lake Anne committee formed by Martha Pennino which resulted in the opening of the Il Cingo restaurant and the new grocery. He also was retained by the county to study the administrative and management needs of revitalization which resulted in the recommendation of the creation of the Reston Community Revitalization Committee (RCRC) selected by Fairfax County as the community representative. The County issued an RFP to prepare the scope of the plan for the future. Kane was part of a team that prepared a proposal which was not selected by the county. He expects someone will call on his experience and retain him to help shape a plan for the future.
Reston Master Plan: The Reston Master Plan created under the direction of Robert Simon in the 1960s has reached a point where revision would be appropriate. Not only because master plans have a shelf life of forty years, but because the community characteristics have changed radically. The plan did not include the Toll Road or a proximity to a lively and an active community such as Herndon. The right and responsibility to revise the master plan was stated to be the Capital D developer. Transfer of this right has been assumed to have occurred to RA, but no documentation exists to confirm this. The plan update will become a significant project. Kane has completed Master Plans for a number of large municipalities including the second largest community in New York and prepared a handbook to assist Florida local governments prepare master plans as required by state law.
The Population Cap: which will be discussed at a September 9th forum at the Lake Anne Community Center. I have been analyzing the subject for quite sometime and I could contribute significantly to shaping the issues and offer alternatives for discussion. This is the type of subject that has been the focus of my professional practice for a number of years, either under contract with government agencies, citizen groups, or investors. I am attempting to organize the Reston for professional support center that can be the recipient of funding. This would meet the expenses related to my participation needs including support staff and equipment to compensate for my disabilities.
Team: Mr. Kane is setting up a new venture called The Reston Professional Community Building Support Center which will draw on his long standing team of support firms and individuals. An application is being prepared for a grant from government agencies, including the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of the Blind and Visually Impaired, who have provided Kane with technical support to compensate for his disabilities. His network of firms and individuals include some of the country’s most respected organizations. They will be drawn upon as appropriate to address specific issues of concern or interest to the County. For example, ELS is the Berkley based urban design firm that Kane brought to the east coast to work with him in preparation of the community renewal program for Yonkers, New York. ELS pioneered a revitalization approach entitled I’ll make a deal used as a framework for a Real Estate transfer program at Waikiki Beach in Honolulu.
The Tysons Project included Davis and Carter Architects and John Callow traffic planner as well as professionals from economic research associates. Mr. Kane’s contacts include Walter Webdale, Alan Feinberg, Michael Vergason ASLA and winner of the Rome Prize, Guy L. Rando ASLA, Vernon George, the Northern Virginia Regional Planning Commission, the Alexandria based Architectural Planning School of Virginia Tech, and a number of other people who have previously served in local government agencies.
His local experience includes the preparation of the plan for the central area of Herndon, VA and the redevelopment concept for the Sheraton in Reston, VA. His project in the Buckingham Area in Arlington, VA received an award as did his study on the future of Tysons Corner.
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