The Board of Directors for the City of Reston convened on July 24, 2025, to discuss significant developments regarding the Reston Town Center North project. The primary focus of the meeting was a recommendation from the Land Use Advisory Committee to engage an on-call engineer to review the traffic plan associated with the development.

Peter Lusk, representing the committee, outlined the need for a professional assessment of the traffic implications of the proposed development. He noted that the committee had prepared a briefing packet addressing various concerns, including traffic, environmental impacts, and recreational effects. The committee proposed hiring an engineer for a cursory review of the traffic plan, estimating costs between $2,500 and $5,000. This review aims to equip the committee with informed questions to pose to the development team during their upcoming meeting.

Director Jeschach raised concerns about the funding for this review, noting that the costs were unbudgeted and typically not allocated for committee use. Lusk clarified that while the funds were unbudgeted, they would not significantly impact the overall budget. A motion was made to approve the recommendation to engage the engineer, with a cap of $5,000.

Further discussions highlighted the importance of having an expert present during the Land Use Committee meeting with the development team. Director Lanza proposed an amendment to the motion, suggesting that the engineer also attend the meeting to facilitate a more informed dialogue. This amendment was seconded and discussed, with several directors expressing the need for clarity on the engineer's role and the potential for additional costs.

The board members emphasized the necessity of understanding the traffic study submitted by the developer, as it would inform their recommendations to the Planning Commission. Director Farrar noted that the Land Use Committee's recommendations would be crucial for addressing community concerns regarding traffic and access to the proposed open space.

As the meeting progressed, the board members expressed a collective desire for thorough analysis and community engagement in the decision-making process. The discussions culminated in a vote on the amended motion to engage the engineer and have them present at the committee meeting, which was approved.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to ensuring that the Reston Town Center North development is thoroughly evaluated, particularly concerning its traffic implications. The next steps will involve the Land Use Committee's engagement with the development team, informed by the engineer's insights, to ensure that community interests are adequately represented in the planning process.