The ballot for November’s Virginia election in Fairfax County includes the question of the $315 million public schools bonds referendum.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted in July to advance to question to the ballot. Absentee voting begins Friday, Sept. 22. Election Day will be Tuesday, Nov. 7.
According to information provided by Fairfax County, the bond funding would be used to:
- Plan and/or construct two new elementary schools
- Relocate one modular building
- Plan additions at three existing high schools (Madison, Stuart and West Potomac) to add capacity
- Plan and/or construct renovations of 10 elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools
One of the most expensive items on the list of projects to be funded is construction at Langston Hughes Middle School, for which more than $41 million would be budgeted. Another $1.3 million is on the list for planning renovations at Fox Mill Elementary School.
Click here for the full list of projects included.
The wording of the yes/no question is:
Shall Fairfax County, Virginia, contract a debt, borrow money, and issue capital improvement bonds in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $315,000,000 for the purposes of providing funds, in addition to funds from school bonds previously authorized, to finance, including reimbursement to the County for temporary financing for, the costs of school improvements, including acquiring, building, expanding and renovating properties, including new sites, new buildings or additions, renovations and improvements to existing buildings, and furnishings and equipment, for the Fairfax County public school system?
The sale of municipal bonds is a form of long-term borrowing that spreads the cost of major capital improvements over the years facilities are used. This method of financing ensures that current and future users help pay for the improvements. If approved, these bonds will probably be sold to large investment banking syndicates that will have to competitively bid for them. Once bought, they are typically resold to financial institutions, which then sell them to investors.
Also on the ballot will be the races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and House of Delegates. To find your polling place, visit the Virginia Department of Elections website.
Image courtesy Fairfax County Public Schools
At its meeting Tuesday (video), the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors gave its OK to conceptual plans for mixed-used redevelopment at 1831 Michael Faraday Drive.
Developer Rooney Properties’ plans for the property include 13 single-family attached and 283 multi-family dwelling units, along with up to 10,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space. The property owners say the multi-family structure would have seven stories, approximately 85 feet in height, and will have an attached seven-story parking garage.
McGuireWoods LLP attorney Scott Adams, representing Rooney, said the project “hits the goals and the vision of the Comprehensive Plan” by creating vibrant streets and providing publicly accessible park space.
“The site is designed to really anchor what’s an important corner within this quadrant of the Wiehle Metro TSA, providing those ground-floor retail restaurant uses with outdoor seating to really activate that street frontage,” Adams said. “In addition … the public open space is designed to be fully coordinated with the project to the east of us, and ultimately that combined open space will contain over an acre of publicly accessible park space, with both active and passive recreation amenities — a half basketball court, tot lots, a large grass area — [which is] something that just doesn’t exist anywhere else in this quadrant and isn’t really planned in this quadrant.”
The project east of the property is 11111 Sunset Hills Road, which has a Planning Commission hearing scheduled for Nov. 16. In addition to townhouses and courtyards that mirror the 1831 Michael Faraday Drive site, it would include an extension of the open space at the southeast corner of the site to create a “more extensive and coordinated park” on the southern portion of the properties. Four developers are also working together to redevelop the 17.5 acres west of the property, on Wiehle Avenue across from the Metro station.
“We look forward to the outcome of the collaboration with the adjacent parcels, because I think that’s also a plus in order to make sure this site works well,” said Supervisor Cathy Hudgins, Hunter Mill District representative.
Affordable housing would make up 12.8 percent of the residential units, using 70/80/100 percent AMI (area median income) tiers. A quarter of those units would have two or three bedrooms.
“We’re very excited that were able to get rid of that 120 percent AMI level, and really provide a more targeted AMI level,” Adams said. “We think it really serves a need in the area, and there aren’t a lot of those units out there, so we’re excited we were able to find a way.”
The Board unanimously approved the rezoning, conceptual development plan, and accompanying waivers and modifications. In addition, a parking reduction request (2 spaces/single-family unit; 1.3 spaces/multi-family unit; and 1.5 spaces/five seats and 1 space/2 employees for retail) was approved, based on the proximity to a mass transit station. The Board voted to require that 20 guest spaces for residential uses be designated.
“In looking at an old industrial area and seeing what the vision was in changing the [Comprehensive] Plan, we’re slowly moving through that part and getting there,” Hudgins said. “I think this application is a good reflection of it.”
Rooney hopes to begin construction on the project in the first half of 2018.
As reports of burglaries, car break-ins, gunshots and more in Reston have led some residents to believe the community has become more dangerous, its top police officer says that’s not the case.
“I think it’s perception, because I’m not seeing [an increase in crime] statistically,” said Capt. Ronald T. Manzo, commander of FCPD’s Reston District Station, speaking to Reston Now after a community presentation Wednesday in Herndon. “Reston is a safe community. Fairfax County is a safe county.”
Manzo said it is important to keep perspective, as the number of crimes that take place within the Reston District Station is relatively small.
“There could be a 100 percent increase because there was one burglary [in a neighborhood] last year and there’s two this year,” Manzo said.
Police statistics for 2016 that were released earlier this year did show decreases in assaults, burglaries, larcenies, vandalism and vehicle thefts from the previous year. There were, however, big increases in drug and weapon law violations.
Manzo said an uptick in reports of night-time gunshots in areas including South Reston and Lake Anne has been noted by police, and they are serious about investigating and keeping a record of such incidents.
“I still ask for your help — if you hear something that sounds like a gunshot, call,” Manzo said to residents during his presentation. “We need to know.”
An afternoon gunfight near the Southgate Community Center last weekend also raised eyebrows and concern in the community. Manzo said there will be more information released about that incident soon.
The captain said one crime that is on the rise is larcenies from vehicles. While he said in some cases this is the result of brazen or clever criminals, in many it’s as simple as residents neglecting to lock their doors.
“They’re walking up and down, [and] they pull on door handles,” Manzo said. “If you’re not locking your car, they go in there, they go through it.”
Residents can sometimes spot these door-to-door criminals with security cameras, Manzo said, and he encourages anyone who gets such footage to share it with police.
But Manzo said it’s not just the car that’s at risk. If a criminal finds a garage-door opener inside, they have access to the house as well.
“We’re trying to motivate the public to take ownership and lock your doors,” he said. “Don’t leave your GPS up on the windshield, don’t leave valuables in the car. Try to be less of a victim.”
Manzo said he doesn’t believe there is an uptick in home burglaries in the area, though. Rather, he said, he believes their frequency has “plateaued.”
The captain said that as the agency and the media become more thorough about reporting incidents around the community, it can make it seem as though crime is running wild. But he insists that is not the case.
“It’s more of an awareness. We do things like Nextdoor, putting the message out to the community when we have issues and stuff like that,” Manzo said. “Reston is a great community. I love being the commander of Reston and I feel like I’m part of the community.”
Anyone with information about crime in Reston should call FCPD at 703-691-2131 or 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), or text “TIP187” plus the message to CRIMES(274637).
Lake Anne Concert Series Ends Tonight — The “Take A Break” concert series at Lake Anne Plaza will wrap up tonight with a show from Texas Chainsaw Horns, an R&B group, from 7-9 p.m. [Lake Anne Plaza]
Reston Association Budget Meeting Tonight — Sridhar Ganesan, treasurer and RA Board at-large director, will facilitate a budget-development community meeting tonight from 7-9 p.m. at Reston Association headquarters (12001 Sunrise Valley Drive). According to information provided by Reston Association, members “are invited to share their thoughts and comments on issues related to next year’s budget.” [Reston Now]
Meeting on Fairfax County Parkway Trail Crossing Tonight — The County Department of Transportation has slated a community meeting to discuss options for improving safety at a trail crossing of a Dulles Toll Road ramp. The meeting is tonight from 6:30-8 p.m. in the cafeteria of Dogwood Elementary School (12300 Glade Drive). [Reston Now]
Changes Coming to South Lakes Bus Route — To address crowding associated with South Lakes High School ridership, Fairfax Connector will shorten headways on some afternoon trips on Route 551 beginning Sept. 30. [Fairfax Connector]
2017 Virginia Tax Amnesty Program Begins — Until Nov. 14, delinquent individual and business taxpayers can pay back taxes with no penalties and half the interest. [Gov. Terry McAuliffe]
No More ‘Wiley’-Reston East? — In a tweet responding to a rider’s question, Metrorail says it is “exploring ways” to fix automated voice announcements that mispronounce the name of the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station. [Metrorail Info/Twitter]
File photo courtesy Karen Raffel
Described as a “signature Reston event,” the annual Reston Multicultural Festival is coming up next Saturday at Lake Anne Plaza.
The celebration of cultures from around the world will include an international book fair, arts and crafts, entertainment, art exhibits, food, and more activities. A naturalization ceremony will also be part of the festival, as will National Heritage Award Fellows.
According to Reston Community Center:
The Reston Multicultural Festival is a celebration of the diversity and community spirit that is found in Reston. This annual event brings together the people of Reston to celebrate our rich medley of cultures. Family, friends and neighbors are treated to music, entertainment, dress, food and cultural treasures from all over the world that are all right here. This signature Reston event honors the diversity that is one of our greatest strengths. Everyone is encouraged to dress in attire from their own cultural roots and share the stories that we gather on the pathways of our lives.
The free event is scheduled to take place Saturday, Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine. The entertainment lineup includes more than a dozen performers on two stages — the World Stage and the Global Stage — as well as at RCC’s Lake Anne facility. The “Global Market” will feature jewelry, clothing and more from around the world.
The Reston Multicultural Festival is presented by Reston Community Center and hosted by Lake Anne Plaza with co-sponsorship support from Reston Association. Partners include a variety of Reston-based organizations and businesses. Call Kevin Danaher, RCC’s community events director, at 703-390-6166 for more information.
File photos from previous years’ festivals courtesy Reston Community Center
In a letter recently provided to Reston Association, the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Zoning gives more information about what areas could see “additional residential development” if a proposed zoning ordinance amendment is approved.
A map attached to the letter (pictured at left and available in more detail within the document) shows two dozen locations outside the Reston Transit Station Area where planned residential growth is envisioned by the County. These areas are mostly within or proximate to Reston’s village centers.
The proposal from the county is to increase the limit on people per acre in Reston’s PRC District from 13 to 16. This would allow for 18,737 more people beyond the current cap in Reston over time, DPZ officials say. Reston’s PRC District is currently at about 11.9 persons per acre.
The amendment would also allow for the Board of Supervisors to be able to approve individual developments in excess of 50 dwelling units per acre in Transit Station Areas within the PRC and when in accordance with Comprehensive Plan recommendations — the details of which are broken down in the letter to Reston Association.
Included among the figures provided by the County for these growth areas are an additional 3,097 units at Reston Gateway, 2,143 units at Reston Town Center’s urban core and 2,370 units at Reston Town Center North. These numbers are determined by “the estimated number of dwelling units recommended by the Comprehensive Plan within Reston’s PRC zoned land, for those areas where growth is recommended to occur,” according to the document.
Also included on the list of potential future residential units are 1,212 at North Point Village Center, 1,209 at Hunters Woods Village Center, 724 at South Lakes Village Center and 220 at Lake Anne Village Center. The provided figures also include 465 units at St. Johns Wood, 360 at Charter Oaks and more.
A total of 14,103 “planned units” are plotted, along with 8,189 that already exist or have been approved.
After three public meetings on the subject in May, the County will hold a fourth Monday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria at Lake Anne Elementary School (11510 North Shore Drive).
Prior to that, however, a trio of community advocacy groups — Reston 20/20, Reclaim Reston and the Reston Citizens Association — have scheduled an information session about the proposal. That event, open to all Reston residents, is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. at Reston Association headquarters (12001 Sunrise Valley Drive).
The DPZ had originally hoped to bring the proposed amendment before the Board of Supervisors in July, followed by a Planning Commission public hearing in September and the Board public hearing in October. It now has those projected dates pushed back to November, January and February, respectively.
Tickets are now on sale for the 16th annual Reston Home Tour, slated for Saturday, Oct. 14.
According to information provided by tour organizer Reston Historic Trust and Museum, the tour “focuses on six homes whose owners have moved in within the last few years and whose homes have given them a new perspective on their life, their surroundings and in some cases their attitudes.”
The homes on the tour include residences on Bromley Village Lane, Hemingway Drive, Orchard Lane, South Shore Road and Spyglass Cove Lane, as well as at the Stratford condominiums. In addition, Reston Association’s Lake House and Bozzuto’s Aperture apartment building will be open for tour.
Tickets can be purchased for $25 through Oct. 7, after which the price will increase to $30. Group-rate tickets are available in blocks of 10 or more for $20 each. They can be bought online or at a number of area locations including:
- Reston Museum (1639 Washington Plaza N.)
- Chesapeake Chocolates (11426 Washington Plaza W.)
- Greater Reston Arts Center (12001 Market St.)
- Appalachian Spring (11877 Market St.)
- The Wine Cabinet (1416 North Point Village Center)
All proceeds from the event benefit the Reston Historic Trust and Museum, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the past, informing the present and influencing the future of Reston through its educational programming, archives and exhibitions.
For more information about the event, contact the Reston Historic Trust and Museum at [email protected] or 703-709-7700.
Images courtesy Reston Historic Trust and Museum
A 15-year-old boy from Herndon faces a number of charges after police say a juvenile girl was assaulted in her Sterling home.
According to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, the incident took place at about 9 p.m. Friday in the 1300 block of E. Lee Road. The victim says the teen opened the window of the home’s kitchen, where the girl was, and “leaned in halfway” before he “moved further through the window.”
The teen allegedly “inappropriately touched the [girl] and threw items at her” before fleeing the scene. The girl was not injured in the incident.
The victim told police she “previously had seen the suspect in the Sterling area a few days prior to the incident.” On Saturday, LCSO released a suspect sketch and description, calling him “a black male with a heavier build, in his late teens to early twenties.”
At about noon Wednesday, LCSO reported the teen — whose name is not being released due to his age — had been arrested and charged with felony burglary, misdemeanor sexual assault and misdemeanor simple assault. He is being held at the Loudoun County Juvenile Detention Center.
Sketch courtesy Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office
A Reston attorney accused of boorish behavior as he drunkenly attended a legal seminar now faces an additional license suspension that will not allow him to practice law in the state well into the next decade.
Wayne Richard Hartke of Hartke Law Offices (11890 Sunrise Valley Drive) did not appear in court for a client’s preliminary hearing on Aug. 6, 2016. When he was called from the courtroom, Hartke said he did not show up because he had not been paid. The judge told him his attendance was required regardless of whether he had been paid, to which Hartke responded that he was physically unable to come in.
Hartke later said that his home had been foreclosed upon in February 2016 and that the sheriff had removed all his active files, which led to him being unaware of the Aug. 6 hearing. However, investigation determined that the case had been entered in May, meaning the sheriff could not have removed the file.
The court found that Hartke had “obstructed and interrupted the administration of justice” and he was sentenced to 10 days in jail. In its ruling last month, the Virginia State Bar suspended his license to practice law for five years because of “a pattern of misconduct by [Hartke] during his many years of practice.”
That suspension won’t go into effect until Oct. 27, 2019, after a three-year suspension that was issued last October is served. The current suspension relates to charges that were brought upon Hartke by a Virginia State Bar panel a few months after alleged drunken and disruptive behavior at a Continuing Legal Education seminar in Tysons on Jan. 8, 2014.
Public Safety Forum Set for Tonight — The Fairfax County Police Department’s Reston District Station will hold a community public safety forum tonight from 7-9 p.m. at McNair Elementary School (2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive, Herndon). Police leaders will discuss the “State of Reston,” pedestrian safety initiatives and crime prevention, and they will introduce the community to valuable resources. [Supervisor Cathy Hudgins]
Morning Crash Causes Traffic Delays — At about 6:15 a.m. today, FCPD reported a crash on Sunrise Valley Drive in the area of Fairfax County Parkway that caused “significant traffic delays.” All lanes were reported open again before 7 a.m. [Fairfax County Police Department/Twitter]
Supervisors Approve Budget Carryover — At its meeting Tuesday, the county Board of Supervisors approved $59.6 million in FY2017 carryover funding, to be used in part to fund reserves and infrastructure needs, along with other projects including the demolition of the Massey Building. [Fairfax County]
Review: ‘Disgraced’ Challenges and Chafes Audiences — The play about Muslim assimilation and identity in America, now being performed at NextStop Theatre Company (269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon) left a reviewer “examining [his] own life experiences and [his] own long-time, deeply-held progressive values and beliefs.” [DC Metro Theater Arts]
A Lake Anne-area resident was robbed while he slept last week.
According to the Fairfax County Police Department, officers responded to the 11400 block of Waterview Cluster early Sept. 5 to a report of a burglary. The victim said he went to bed at about 11 p.m. the previous night and, while he was in bed, someone entered his home and stole his car keys, wallet and two laptops before leaving in his car.
Police say the victim’s car was later recovered and searched for evidence. No suspect information is available, they say.
A pair of midday burglaries in the Great Falls area were also reported to FCPD last Thursday. Police say that between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., jewelry was stolen from a home in the 10000 block of Columbine Street while its occupants were out shopping; also, between noon and 6 p.m., jewelry, handbags and alcohol were stolen from a home in the 900 block of Redberry Court while the occupant was at work.
FCPD’s Reston District Station also reported the following crimes in the past week:
LARCENIES:
2100 block of Astoria Circle, package from residence
11300 block of Baron Cameron Avenue, purse from vehicle
2200 block of Centreville Road, wallet from residence
1300 block of Dasher Lane, computers from vehicle
11900 block of Democracy Drive, phone from person
12900 block of Highland Crossing Drive, merchandise from business
2300 block of Hunters Woods Plaza, beer from business
11700 block of Indian Ridge Road, wallet from person
2400 block of Masons Ferry Drive, wallet from residence
11700 block of North Shore Drive, property from vehicle
9200 block of Old Dominion Drive, wallet from vehicle
1500 block of Old Eaton Lane, property from residence
11600 block of Plaza America Drive, cellphone from business
2200 block of Rock Hill Road, money from business
11400 block of South Lakes Drive, cellphone from business
11800 block of Spectrum Center, merchandise from business
11700 block of Stevenage Road, purse from vehicle
STOLEN VEHICLES:
None reported
As we’ve already reported, FCPD also responded this past week to reports of gunfire near the South Gate Community Center and a woman found eating pizza late at night in someone else’s house.
Anyone with information about any of the crimes reported by FCPD should call 703-691-2131 or 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), or text “TIP187” plus the message to CRIMES(274637).
In Herndon, HPD says a commercial burglary took place in the 1200 block of Herndon Parkway on Labor Day. An unknown suspect or suspects broke a window, entered the business, and stole a computer and cash valued at approximately $250. The case remains under investigation, HPD says.
Then, in the 400 block of Madison Forest Drive on Saturday, HPD says a caller reported a suspect was spotted stealing items from an open car. Several other vehicles, mostly unlocked, in the area were also entered. A total of more than $800 worth of property was stolen, police say, and some was recovered after the suspect fled. An FCPD helicopter and K9 unit assisted in the search for the suspect, but he was not found. HPD says the suspect “is described as possibly being a Hispanic male in his mid- 20s wearing dark clothing and a baseball cap.” This case remains under investigation as well.
In Loudoun County, police say they responded to the 43000 block of Watercrest Square in Chantilly at about 2 a.m. Sunday for a report of a man “ringing the doorbells and acting disorderly.” Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office deputies located the suspect — 30-year-old Corey P. Robertson of Herndon — and they say he “resisted arrested and he did not comply with lawful commands from the deputy.” Robertson was charged with assault on law enforcement, obstruction of justice and public intoxication and was released on a personal recognizance bond.
Concerts, art exhibits, theater, film showings — there is always something entertaining to do in Reston.
But what about live comedy? A Reston native is trying to make it a more regular event here as well.
“I went out and scoped out the comedy scene, and I’m bringing the best comics back to Reston,” said Robin Rex, a six-month veteran of comedy who has already started her own show-booking company, Funny Friend Productions. “We don’t have comedy [here], and I want people to have a place to go to see comedy, good shows.”
In July, Funny Friend Productions put on its first show at Café Montmartre, a longtime favorite venue of Rex. The show had about 75 attendees and was a success for all involved, she said. Another show at the restaurant (1625 Washington Plaza N.) is planned for Sept. 23.
“I grew up on that side of Reston, and I’ve always loved being at Lake Anne,” said Rex, who now lives in Centreville. “There’s places is Centreville [to do shows], but Lake Anne is where my heart is.”
Rex, 43, is a 20-year high school teacher who said she has been performing at venues around Northern Virginia this year as she begins to gain experience in the comedy business. She got started at the suggestion of a co-worker who also works as a standup.
“He just thought that I would be good at it because I’m talking all day [and] I’m good at keeping the kids’ attention, at being funny,” she said. “I finally had my opportunity and I went for it, and from my first night people have started asking me to do other shows.”
She said she has been intimidated at times in the past months as she has started getting her feet wet in the business, but that her confidence is building and she is comfortable once she gets on stage.
“I’m still beside myself nervous, but once I get up there I’m able to flip a switch,” she said, saying her brand of comedy is influenced by standups such as Amy Schumer. “My friends say, ‘You don’t look nervous at all,’ and I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I’m dying on the inside.’ … But I just put it out there, and I’m not embarrassed.”
The Sept. 23 show — planned as Rex’s 44th birthday celebration — has numerous area comedians on the bill. In addition to Rex, the show will be headlined by Franqi French, who also grew up in Reston. Other standups slated to perform are Sumedha Ahuja Bahri, Kevin Skington, Wendy Wroblewski, Gil Segev, Leon Scott, Dan Kaufman and Steve Coltrain.
“What’s great about it is I’ve had the past six months to go around [the DC Metro area] and listen to other comics, and then I could handpick the ones that I want to book for my shows,” she said. “Also, it’s my birthday, so I have some of my friends who are comedians on the lineup.”
A door charge of $10 will be collected. Doors will open at 7 p.m., with the show starting at 8.
“[Attendees] probably want to come [early] and get a table and eat, because it was standing-room-only last time,” Rex said.
For information about this show, or to inquire about bringing a Funny Friend Productions show to another venue, connect with Rex on Facebook.
(Note: In addition to the standup show, Café Montmarte will also be hosting a free improv comedy show with Reflex Improv this Friday at 8 p.m.)
Photo courtesy Robin Rex
Rides on the Washington & Old Dominion Trail in recent days have been damaging for some bicyclists, as tacks spread on the path in the Herndon area have disabled bikes.
Bernard Kocis, service manager at Green Lizard Cycling in downtown Herndon, said he’s had to fix about 10 flat tires in the past two days because of the issue.
“That’s just people who have come in,” Kocis said. “How many people have fixed their own or called for a ride or whatever, I don’t know.”
The Reston Bike Club is warning its social media followers of the concern.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10154987309568660&id=337889733659
In a comment on Reston Bike Club’s Facebook page, Green Lizard owner Beth Meyer said a majority of the tacks were reported to be in the area of the trail between Ferndale Avenue and Crestview Drive in Herndon. A moderator for the Bike Club’s page said they have been noted as far out as the Pacific Avenue crossing in Sterling, which is just west of Route 28.
“All the tacks look the same,” Kocis said, adding that while he rode into work on that area of the path Monday, he didn’t suffer damage.
Karl Mohle, park manager for the W&OD Trail, said a crew was sent out Monday afternoon with a magnetic sweeper in the effort to capture as many of the tacks as possible.
“They went down the trail and swept it clear, [and] we’re going to check it out almost daily,” Mohle said. “I don’t know if this is just a one-time, kind of high-school thing, or what.”
Mohle said that in his 10 years on the job, this is the first time he has heard of such an incident on the trail, which runs 45 miles from Purcellville in Loudoun County to Shirlington in Arlington County. Kocis also said this is an abnormal occurrence that is causing undue heartache to riders.
“[The bikers] are not happy when they have to have a tack pulled out of their tire and have to pay for service to have it repaired,” he said. “It’s an irritant, and people are riding bikes to have fun.”
Chamber’s Legislative Scorecard Released — The Northern Virginia Chamber Partnership annually grades local members of the Virginia General Assembly on their support of legislation that positively affects business, economic development, workforce development and related issues. Del. Ken Plum (D-Fairfax) and Sen. Janet Howell (D-Fairfax), who represent Reston, both scored in the middle of the pack. [Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce]
Extreme Drunkenness Caused Crash That Killed Herndon Man — The driver in a July wrong-way head-on crash on U.S. 50 in Annapolis, which killed herself and a 34-year-old Herndon man, had a blood-alcohol content of .34. That’s more than four times the legal limit in Maryland. [WTOP]
Dominion Sending Workers to Help After Irma — Dominion Energy has mobilized more than 700 employees and contractors to respond to electric restoration efforts in after Hurricane Irma devastated Florida and left millions without power. [Dominion Energy]
N.C. Real Estate Company Opening Reston Office — Commercial realtors The Morgan Cos. will move into 11955 Freedom Drive, Suite 11000 at Reston Town Center. It will be their third office, following ones in Charlotte and Fort Lauderdale. [Virginia Business]
SLHS Seahawks 3-0 on Season — The South Lakes High School Seahawks football team stayed undefeated last week with a 49-7 win over Oakton. Statistical leaders included QB Devin Miles (6-6, 154 yards, 2 TDs), RB Spencer Alston (109 yards rushing, 121 yards receiving, 4 TDs), RB Albert Mensah (60 yards rushing, 1 TD) and DL Spencer Coppage (sack, interception, forced fumble). Reserve QB Will Shapiro also threw a touchdown pass, connecting with WR Kazim Khan. SLHS will play its first home game of the season Friday night against Dominion. [South Lakes Athletics]
Three community advocacy organizations have combined efforts to plan an informational forum about Fairfax County’s proposed zoning ordinance amendment that would increase the density cap in Reston’s Planned Residential Community (PRC) district.
Reston 20/20, Reclaim Reston and the Reston Citizens Association will present the forum Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 7-9 p.m. at Reston Association headquarters (12001 Sunrise Valley Drive). This is being held in advance of the fourth public meeting on the proposal, being presented by Supervisor Cathy Hudgins at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 25 at Lake Anne Elementary School (11510 North Shore Drive).
The proposal from the county’s Department of Planning and Zoning would bump the overall limit on people per acre in Reston’s PRC from 13 to 16. (The density is currently about 11.9 people per acre. The ordinance amendment would also allow for the Board of Supervisors to be able to approve individual developments in excess of 50 dwelling units per acre in TSAs within the PRC and when in accordance with Comprehensive Plan recommendations.
“We will share with you why these changes are being proposed and the impact on our open space, traffic, schools and other public facilities. We invite you to ask questions, and share your views and concerns,” reads an invitation being distributed for the forum. “Let’s come together to ensure we can continue to say ‘Reston is a planned community,’ and NOT ‘Reston was a planned community.'”
Information was first shared by the county with the community in three public meetings in May. At May’s meetings, residents expressed their concern that the county was trying to rush the amendment through the approval process. They were especially upset when the third meeting was held in an open-house format rather than as a question-and-answer session.
The DPZ had originally hoped to bring the plan before the Board of Supervisors in July, followed by a Planning Commission public hearing in September and the Board public hearing in October. It now has those projected dates pushed back to November, December and January, respectively.
For more information about the Sept. 20 informational meeting, contact members of Reston 20/20, Reclaim Reston and/or the Reston Citizens Association.
