One third of eligible Reston Association voters casted ballots, with 53 percent of those voters in favor of authorization for RA Board of Directors to borrow $2.65 million to purchase the Tetra property, formerly known as the Reston Visitors Center.
During the month-long referendum, dozens of people on both sides of the debate, held a robust dialogue on the merits of purchasing the 3.47 acres property at 11450 Baron Cameron Avenue.
Many opponents objected to the cost of the building and the value of the purchase; the price is not right, they said. The assessed value is about half the purchase price.
The Reston Association pitched the purchase of the Lake Newport property as a chance to protect that area against overdevelopment, and to increase and enhance green space by removing the commercial office/restaurant development potential on the site. The Reston Association says the property will be used to expand community and recreational use opportunities.
“This is an invaluable addition to the Reston community,” said RA Board President, Ellen Graves. “We are creating a much-needed space for additional programming and community activity, while also preserving the open space and environmental integrity of Reston.
Before the final tally, Tetra owner Bill Lauer was found dead in his Reston home on May 5.
“It is with a heavy heart that the association will not be completing the transaction with the Tetra owner, Bill Lauer,” said Graves. “His unexpected death has brought great sadness to many in the community who greatly valued his business acumen and giving nature. He will be missed.”
By the end of May, RA will establish a working group to assist staff with community input and concept plan development for the property, according to Reston Association. The working group will be composed of one representative from each of the association’s four voting districts, three members from the neighborhood immediately surrounding the Tetra property and one representative from each of the association’s advisory committees.