RELAC UPDATE

Reston RELAC confirmed today that the system is operational and ready for 2013 cooling season customer use.  Tests indicate that RELAC chilled water is flowing as planned in all properties including Hickory Cluster, and in Chimney House and Washington Plaza Clusters after key valves were reopened.  Reston RELAC also offered the following advice:
- Do not bleed air from your systems, instead call Reston RELAC and they will do it for you
- Check RELAC solenoid valve proper operation by turning your thermostat to Cool, adjusting the set point temperature to below the current room temperature, listening for water flowing through RELAC pipes, and/or observing the RELAC meter indicators turning
- Older in-home RELAC main valves may not fully close even in an emergency leak situation, so consider calling Reston RELAC for a system check now
- Contact Reston RELAC anytime to check systems, report problems, or to comment, at (703) 349-3301 or comments@restonrelac.com.  A new Reston RELAC website is under construction.

RELAC SYSTEM UP MAY16+

Reston RELAC President Mark Waddell advised HCA midday today that the community air conditioning chilled-water system is now fully pressurized, operational, and available for customer use during the 2013 cooling season as required on the second consecutive 80F day in May.  Customers with questions about their equipment or RELAC service should contact Reston RELAC at (703) 349-3301 or comments@restonrelac.com.

FAIRFAX COUNTY HISTORIC SITE SURVEY MAY 20+

The Fairfax County Department of Planning and Zoning, and Fairfax County History Commission, plan to recognize Hickory Cluster for historic and architectural significance by listing it in its Inventory of Historic Sites.  HCA recently agreed to allow County staff to document the cluster as part of the required nomination process. Once the nomination is complete, it will be reviewed by the History Commission for acceptance. Listing is a recognition of historical and architectural value, much like an award, and does not impose restrictions.

County staff typically relies on the general public to nominate important sites.  However, if Hickory Cluster is accepted into the Inventory, and in return for County nomination document preparation at no cost, HCA has agreed to allow posting of the completed document on the County website as an example for others.

County Heritage Resource Specialist Lauri Turkawski plans to walk HCA Common Areas during the week of May 20, 2013 to photograph and otherwise describe Hickory Cluster building exteriors and landscape, weather permitting.  Additional site visits may be required at later dates.  Visit the Inventory of Historic Sites website for more information.

RELAC TO TRANSFER OWNERSHIP MAY 13-17

On April 30, 2013, the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) issued an Order to conditionally approve transfer of RELAC system ownership from Aqua Virginia Inc. to Reston RELAC LLC.  Aqua and Reston RELAC formally filed a Notice of Acceptance on May 10.  They plan to close the transaction during the week of May 13-17, 2013.

According to Reston RELAC new owners Michael Coleman, Craig Nyman, and Mark Waddell:  "The three owners of Reston RELAC are excited about the coming season and are looking forward to improving customer satisfaction.  We are also committed to keeping our customers informed about the operations of RELAC.  The following website will be used to inform all customers when RELAC is operational.  Over the next few months we will improve the website and give additional information and feedback methods to our customers.  We are very interested in getting customer comments, both good and bad, and we will work on problem areas.  When the transfer is finalized, we will introduce ourselves and announce it on our website.  We will be at the Reston Farmer's Market a couple of Saturdays each month and will be happy to answer any questions or concerns our customers may have."  Email comments to comments@restonrelac.com .

RESTON HISTORY SPECIAL PROGRAM MAY 23

Thursday, May 23, 2013
7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Reston Community Center Lake Anne
Lake Anne Village Center
1609A Washington Plaza
Reston, VA 20190

This program will include individual 15-minute presentations and panel discussions on Architect Charles M. Goodman FAIA and Hickory Cluster by HCA Member Richard Speier; Architect Cloethiel W. Smith FAIA and Waterview and Coleson Clusters by HCA Director Ralph P. Youngren FAIA; Architect Louis E. Sauer FAIA and Golf Course Island Cluster by Barbara Naef; and work by Architects William J. Conklin FAIA and the late James S. Rossant FAIA within Lake Anne Village Center by Cheryl Terio-Simon. 

Reston Founder Robert E. Simon Jr. and Architect Bill Conklin will also attend a private Reston Historic Trust members-only wine and appetizer reception at the Reston Museum before the public program.

Public program admission is free, but space is limited.  Donations to Reston Museum are welcome.  For more information contact Reston Museum at (703) 709-7700 or visit restonmuseum.org.

RA NORTH SHORE POOL RE-OPENS MAY 11

The RA North Shore Heated Pool and Spa adjacent to Hickory Cluster re-opens Saturday, May 11, 2013 for the 2013 Summer swim season.  Weekend hours are 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.   Weekday hours are typically 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  RA pool passes available at RA Headquarters are required.  Check the RA website Aquatics pages for related details.

HCA COMMON AREA POWERWASH MAY 13-14

The contractor has rescheduled this work because of expected rain on the original May 6 start date.  Block 3 work is now scheduled for Monday, May 13, and Blocks 1 and 2 for Tuesday, May 14.  Residents should remove all personal property from Common Areas before work begins.  TWC mailed residents a related notice on May 3.

HCA ASPHALT PATHWAY RECONSTRUCTION MAY 9+

The contractor recently confirmed that clusterwide HCA aslphalt pathway removal and reconstruction work will begin Thursday, May 9, and continue every day but Sundays until complete.  TWC mailed residents a related notice on May 3.