The second phase of the huge development project north of Reston Town Center is moving forward. Fairfax County and nonprofit healthcare system Inova, which owns part of the land targeted for development, have agreed to a land swap.

The swap has been approved by the Board of Supervisors and will transfer Fairfax County Park Authority land to Inova, which will develop there in the future. The approval allows Fairfax to develop all of its portions independently and move forward into Phase 2 of the massive redevelopment. Phase 1 is underway with the ultimate vision of redeveloping the area into a vibrant urban, mixed-use environment that complements the town center and surrounding area.

Plans include the creation of a central green space open for public use and to create a walkable community with easy access to the town center, public transportation and surrounding communities. The future vision for Reston would undoubtedly sit well with town founder Bob Simon, who passed away last week. Simon purchased the 6,700 acres that is now Reston in 1961 and envisioned a community with a central gathering place featuring cafés and shops and plenty of space for parks and residential. [GGW]