1. Good afternoon. My name is Travis Johnson, and I serve as President of the Reston Association Board of Directors, representing approximately 65,000 member residents in one of Fairfax County’s most vibrant communities.
2. I am here today to strongly urge you to oppose any legislation that would authorize a casino in Fairfax County—particularly in our planned community of Reston. The Senate’s version of SB 756 loosened site limiting language, expanding potential locations and heightening impacts beyond Tysons, including Reston.
3. Unlike any other Virginia jurisdiction targeted for a casino – our community has not asked for this. In fact, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors formally voted to oppose a casino in its legislative program; advancing SB 756 disregards local governance and land use planning.
4. This bill conflicts with adopted community planning: the Reston Master Plan, shaped through extensive public input, never contemplated gaming; a casino would undermine the community’s long term, mixed use vision.
5. It is also seen as an economic risk to a proven engine: Reston’s economy is built on major employers and innovation, and research shows that companies like them could consider our area a “no go zone” if a casino is built—jeopardizing well-paying jobs, investment, and commercial tax base.
6. I humbly ask that you respect local planning, the County’s stance, and the wishes of our membership —vote NO on this bill.
1. Good afternoon. My name is Travis Johnson, and I serve as President of the Reston Association Board of Directors, representing approximately 65,000 member residents in one of Fairfax County’s most vibrant communities. 2. I am here today to strongly urge you to oppose any legislation that would authorize a casino in Fairfax County—particularly in our planned community of Reston. The Senate’s version of SB 756 loosened site limiting language, expanding potential locations and heightening impacts beyond Tysons, including Reston. 3. Unlike any other Virginia jurisdiction targeted for a casino – our community has not asked for this. In fact, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors formally voted to oppose a casino in its legislative program; advancing SB 756 disregards local governance and land use planning. 4. This bill conflicts with adopted community planning: the Reston Master Plan, shaped through extensive public input, never contemplated gaming; a casino would undermine the community’s long term, mixed use vision. 5. It is also seen as an economic risk to a proven engine: Reston’s economy is built on major employers and innovation, and research shows that companies like them could consider our area a “no go zone” if a casino is built—jeopardizing well-paying jobs, investment, and commercial tax base. 6. I humbly ask that you respect local planning, the County’s stance, and the wishes of our membership —vote NO on this bill.