Reston board seeks clearer coordination with DRB on redevelopment, suggests working group

Board members and DRB representatives told staff they want clearer coordination on redevelopment projects, particularly for Town Center North and other mixed‑use sites where building massing and signage will be important. Staff said DRB review documents for redevelopment are currently sparse and asked whether the board wants to set priorities the DRB should consider when evaluating commercial and multi‑story projects.

Why it matters: Redevelopment can change neighborhood character and requires coordination among the board, DRB and county planning bodies. Participants pointed to examples where developers did not proactively consult Reston groups; several urged more proactive outreach and a standing mechanism to align positions before formal applications reach county review.

Discussion highlights: Staff and directors suggested convening a working group with board members, DRB representatives and staff to identify two to three priorities (for example, massing, signage, and tree preservation) that the DRB should use as review guidance. One participant said past DRB engagement at certain projects (e.g., Isaac Newton Square) had been productive and could serve as a model for early consultation.

Next steps: The board asked staff to form a working group and to consider inviting a supervisor’s office or Fairfax County planning staff to a future session to clarify jurisdictional boundaries and improve collaboration. No formal policy action was taken at the meeting.