The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday (Aug. 25) paid formal tribute to John Carter, who recently retired as Hunter Mill District’s representative on the Planning Commission, and named his successor on the panel.
Carter, who served on the body for nine years, departed the post on Aug. 31.
“John’s many contributions are visible to everyone who lives or works in Reston and the Hunter Mill District,” Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn said when saluting Carter.
“He has helped to ensure that development in the district fits within the fabric of our community, meets high standards for design, minimizes impacts on surrounding communities, and promotes public art that’s crucial to our quality of life,” Alcorn said, adding:
“He has been a wonderful listener, teacher and mentor for many, many residents of the Hunter Mill District as Reston continues to grow and thrive — his deep knowledge and expertise will be greatly missed.”
Board Chair Jeff McKay said Carter deserves credit for his efforts to improve individual projects and overall planning processes.
“We thank him for his service,” McKay said.
Prior to being appointed to the Fairfax County Planning Commission, Carter served on the county’s Architectural Review Board and on the Hunter Mill District Land Use Committee. He is a licensed architect.
Alcorn confirmed a community gathering will be held in honor of Carter on Tuesday, Sept. 8 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the North County Governmental Center.
“We’ll get a chance to recognize John and let him know how much we appreciate his service,” Alcorn said.
At the Aug. 25 meeting, supervisors formally appointed Paul Thomas as Carter’s successor.
An education consultant and lifelong Reston resident, Thomas served on the Reston Master Plan Special Study Task Force alongside Carter.
The Fairfax County Planning Commission next meets on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Among items on the agenda is a proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment for the 16.5-acre Crescent Apartments site in the Lake Anne Village Center area of Reston.
