[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 6, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E690]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF RESTON, VIRGINIA AND THE 100TH 
           BIRTHDAY OF RESTON'S FOUNDER, ROBERT E. SIMON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 6, 2014

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th 
Anniversary of America's first planned community, Reston, Virginia, and 
the 100th Birthday of Reston's Founder, Robert E. Simon, Jr.
  In 1961, Mr. Simon, a New York-based developer, sold his family's 
interest in Carnegie Hall to finance the purchase of 6,750 acres of 
farmland 20 miles west of Washington, D.C., and five miles east of 
Dulles International Airport, which was under construction at the time. 
Mr. Simon envisioned building a ``New Town'' based on the following 
seven principles:
  1. That the New Town should provide a wide range of cultural and 
recreational facilities as well as an environment for privacy.
  2. That by providing the fullest range of housing styles and prices, 
housing needs can be met at a variety of income levels and at different 
stages of family life.
  3. That the importance and dignity of each individual be the focal 
point for all planning, and take precedence for large-scale concepts.
  4. That the people be able to live and work in the same community.
  5. That commercial, cultural and recreational facilities be made 
available to the residents from the outset of the development--not 
years later.
  6. That beauty--structural and natural--is a necessity of the good 
life and should be fostered.
  7. That Reston be a financial success.
  Mr. Simon and his team produced a plan considered quite radical at 
the time because it consolidated residences, industry, commerce, 
schools, places of worship, cultural institutions, natural resources, 
social, and recreational facilities in an integrated and independent 
community. Many of its features were inspired by great European cities 
and the Garden City movement of early 20th century America and serve as 
models for mixed-use development today. Indeed, the key innovation and 
lasting success of Reston lies in the way its buildings, 
infrastructure, and the natural environment have been arranged in ways 
that encourage a sense of community.
  Reston also became a pioneer for civil rights. Although racial deed 
restrictions were very common in Virginia in 1964, to Bob they were 
``inconceivable.'' Many lenders refused to finance the first integrated 
community in the south, but he persevered despite tremendous personal 
financial risk. As a result, numerous African Americans and others 
seeking diverse neighborhoods chose to live in Reston in its early 
years.
  Today, Reston is home to nearly 60,000 people in approximately 27,000 
households as well as 3,000 businesses, several non-profits, and 
numerous federal, state, and local government agencies employing 
approximately 60,000 people. People visit from around the world to tour 
Reston's public art, world-class architecture, festivals, and 
innovations in environmental stewardship.
  The socioeconomic diversity, vibrant aesthetics, economic success, 
and natural beauty we see in Reston today are direct results of the 
wisdom and courage Bob Simon brought to Northern Virginia 50 years ago. 
I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating this milestone for Reston 
and in wishing Robert E. Simon, Jr. a very happy 100th birthday.

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