The Reston Historic Trust & Museum’s annual home tour offers residents a chance for a self-guided tour of five private homes. The tour, which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., also includes a look at VY/Reston Heights and Hunters Woods at Trails Edge, a new retirement community. Registration is open online. Tickets can also be purchased at the museum, Wine Cabinet, Chesapeake Chocolates, and the Greater Reston Arts Center.
A word of advice for those taking part: Roadwork is being done on Reston Parkway, requiring a quick detour. The parkway is open between Wiehle Avenue and Round Pebble lain for local traffic only.
Tomorrow (Saturday)
- Diwali Cultural Fair (10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) — Celebrate the Hindu festival of lights with games, music, food, craft and other activities at Reston Regional Library.
- Reston Newcomers’ Bus Tour (10 a.m. to noon) — Newcomers to Reston are welcome to take part in an open house and bus tour organized by the Reston Association. More information about the tour is available online.
- Book Launch Party (3 p.m.) — Author MK Meredith comes to Scrawl Books for a launch party and a discussion on her new book, “Not Your Usual Boob: The Good, Bad and Wonky of Breast Cancer.” All proceeds from book sales will benefit Runway for the Cure.
- Runway to the Cure (6 p.m.) — The fashion show kicks off at Reston Town Center — with all proceeds benefitting breast cancer research and local women fighting breast cancer. A donation of $25 is suggested.
Sunday (Oct. 20)
- Chess Club for Kids (2-3 p.m.) — Learn openings, tactics and end-game strategies at the club, which is open kids of all ages at Reston Regional Library.
- History of World War II (2-4 p.m.). — Dr. Harry Butowsky of George Mason University continues his six-part lecture series at Reston Regional Library.
Photo courtesy Charlotte Geary Photography
Some of the area’s largest cybersecurity companies are located in Herndon and Reston, according to a ranking by the Washington Business Journal.
Three companies in Reston and Herndon topped WBJ’s list, which ranks the largest cybersecurity companies in the Greater DC area by the number of employees, total revenue last year, and total Metro-area revenue.
More information on the local companies is below:
- Carahsoft Technology Corp. (Ranked #1): The company, which helps the public sector manage and reduce cybersecurity risks, has 1,282 employees, including 948 in the Metro-area. Last year, the company brought in $5.4 million in total revenue.
- Iron Bow Technologies LLC (Ranked #2): Located at 2302 Dulles Station Boulevard, the company boasted $1 billion in revenue last year. It has 680 total employees, 510 of which are based in the Metro-area.
- ThunderCat Technology LLC (Ranked #3): The company, which is located at 1925 Isaac Newton Square, brought in $503 million last year, roughly $289 million of which was in the Metro-area. The company has 84 employees.
Overall, 18 of the region’s 25 largest cybersecurity companies are located in Fairfax County.
Photo via Unsplash
One of Reston’s first office developments has officially been approved for major redevelopment.
A 32-acre piece of Isaac Newton Square — which is roughly a quarter-mile from the Wiehle-Reston East Development — will be transformed with 2.8 million square feet of new construction, including around 2,100 residential units.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors officially approved the project, which is a joint venture between MRP Realty and landowner Peter Lawrence. Cos., on Tuesday (Oct. 15).
Isaac Newton Square is currently developed with around 437,000 square feet of office and industrial space. The first industrial tenant in Reston came to Isaac Newton Square in November of 1964. Reston’s first residents came a month later.
The redevelopment plan includes 10 blocks of development, including 300 hotel rooms, 260,000 square feet of office space and around 69,000 square feet of retail.
An athletic field is proposed along the southern edge of the property. Parking garages throughout the site will provide 3,920 of the 4,063 total spaces on the site. The full-size athletic field, which would be located next to the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, is nearby a planned amphitheater and a public civic plaza.
The existing internal roads on the site — Isaac Newton Square North, East, South and West — form the basis of the grid-of-streets for the site. Isaac Newton South, a two-way roadway, is the only public road proposed on the property, providing a second access point from Wiehle Avenue. Southbound traffic turning right from Wiehle Avenue on westbound Isaac Newton Square will use a proposed 88-foot taper.
Subsequent development plans for specific blocks will go before local and county planning bodies as the project comes close to groundbreaking.
Photos via handout/Fairfax County Government
Reston-based company partners with Ford for EV charging network — “Reston-based Electrify America, whose coast-to-coast network already includes more than 120 ultrafast charging stations at Walmart stores in 34 states, will support the FordPass app with a comprehensive data feed that will show real-time locations and charger status data to Ford vehicles’ touch screens.” [WTOP]
Police search for man accused of exposing himself to kids in Fairfax County — “Fairfax County police are searching for a man who they say exposed himself to children on multiple occasions earlier this week. Both incidents are alleged to have happened in the middle of the day on Richmond Highway near Alexandria, about three miles apart.” [FOX 5]
Frost Advisory In Effect Today — A frost advisory is in effect for the region today (Friday) until 9 a.m. Residents are encouraged to take steps to protect outdoor plants from the cold. [National Weather Service]
Photo via Dario Piparo/Flickr
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Campus Commons on Tuesday — the first major redevelopment project in a transit-oriented area in Reston near established neighborhoods. Although community criticism pushed developer TF Cornerstone to amend its plan, citizens and resident groups remained concerned about the scale and impact of the 12-acre development.
TF Cornerstone plans to redevelop 1900-1902 Campus Commons Drive with two residential towers with 656 units, an office building, and seven public parks. Two office buildings will remain on the site.
The scale of the project — as well as a controversial proposed on-grade pedestrian crossing at Wiehle Avenue and the Dulles Toll Road — prompted the eruption of community consternation and the formation of Rescue Sunrise Valley, a community group that pushed the developer to scale back the site.
Last month, TF Cornerstone shifted roughly 86,550 square feet from an office building near Sunrise Valley Drive to a residential building and reduced its height from 12 to seven stories. The setback along the curb of Sunrise Valley Drive was also increased to a minimum of 50 feet.
The approval of the project highlights the challenge of transitioning the community to mass transit. Community planners rely on the hope that transit-oriented developments like Campus Commons will reduce the number of vehicles — a transition that will likely happen over time and raises questions about community impacts in the interim.
At Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors’ meeting, residents said the project adds additional congestion in an area that already has high traffic volumes.
Although the developer’s plans show an on-grade crossing at the intersection of Wiehle Avenue and the toll road, TF Cornerstone will work with the county to explore three options for a pedestrian bridge. The study group, which will also represent local residents, will work for up to three years to explore the best way forward. TF Cornerstone committed to constructing the bridge of contributing $1.5 million to help finance any alternative.
Michelle Kimmel, a member of the Coalition for a Planned Reston, said that while she supports transit-oriented communities, Campus Commons does not hit benchmarks for well-planned development, especially because it is not harmonious with existing residential areas.
“We got people ending up on a pork chop in the middle of the toll road,” Kimmel said. “It’s just beyond me how this project can succeed.”
Reston Association President Cathy Baum said the project illustrates the association’s longstanding concern about high densities planned for transit station areas and the inadequacy of transportation to keep up with development.
Baum also encouraged the board to remove the on-grade crossing at Wiehle Avenue from plans “as an assurance to our members that it is truly not an option.”
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins thanked residents for their involvement in the project and said she hopes the county will work diligently to ensure the developments like Campus Commons reduce traffic in the long-term. Hudgins also noted that the county’s planning documents call for redevelopment projects like Campus Commons in the corridor of Sunrise Valley Drive and Sunset. Hills Road.
Hudgins also said she hopes the developer will continue to work with residents as the project is built.
Photos via handout/Fairfax County Government
The South Lakes High School PTSA is sponsoring a 0.5k run to help support the school’s food pantry this Sunday. From 3-5 p.m.
Proceeds from the event will go directly toward the pantry, which provides students in the SLHS pyramid food and toiletries.
The run is titled, “The Best 650 Steps You’ll Ever Take.” The run begins and ends at the Lake Anne Brew House, with a stop in between for donuts and water.
To prepare for Halloween, organizers will be offering medals for the biggest team, best costume, most exuberant, best-dressed team and any other categories the judges “deem worthy,” according to organizers.
Registration is open online. Individuals can register as a student, adults, teams or families.
Raffle prizes include a diamond necklace with a value of $1,500 that was donated. Aspen Jewelry Designs. Other prices include a gift basket from Custom Ink, peanut putter basket, gift cards and a massage by Meg Donnelly.
The race is sponsored by Lake Anne Brew House, Reston Community Center, Restoration Church, Century 21 Redwood, CustomInk, Aspen Jewelry Designs, Dev Technology, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Del. Ken Plum, OmMade Peanut Butter, AKG Designs, and Friends of Lake Anne.
Photo via Roberta Gosling
Charles Kapur, a lifelong resident of Northern Virginia and a banking industry professional, is now at the helm of the Greater Reston of Commerce. As Kapur begins his position as president and CEO, Reston Now discussed his upcoming priorities and goals for the chamber.
What are your top three goals over the next year?
The goals that I have in this role over the next three years will be principally guided by the strategic plan that was recently adopted by our Board of Directors. This plan represents the culmination of a strategic process that was conducted by special committee of board members earlier this year. The plan consists of three overarching pillars.
First, we aim to raise awareness of Reston’s position as a regional leader in this market and a premier destination for business leaders seeking diversity of resources and connectivity to top influencers. Second, we will increase value to our members by evaluating how our membership models can best attract and engage businesses seeking to leverage the mission-driven marketing, business networking and educational opportunities we provide. Lastly, the Reston Chamber will grow in promoting workforce development to meet the pressing needs of the region’s employers. We will work with respected partners, along with enhancing our existing program offerings, to help shape a more nimble and capable workforce that will best support the entrepreneurial infrastructure of our region.
As more businesses come to the area, how do you think the chamber should evolve to meet the needs of the growing business community?
The activities of a truly effective chamber of commerce are those that most accurately reflect the business goals and objectives of its membership. As the composition of the surrounding business community evolves, so, too, must the Greater Reston of Commerce evolve our programming to continue to serve as a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth in our region. There are a number of ways this is accomplished. We must continue to empower the members who lead our various committees and councils to enhance the events they produce throughout the year. We’re also constantly securing member input from a variety of local, economic sectors to confirm we’re hitting the mark on the value of our programs. We’re also improving the methods we employ to connect with our membership – developing a more well-defined strategy of using the latest social media and communication channels to keep current, and prospective members, fully aware of the benefits we provide.
In what ways do you plan to bring creativity and innovation to your position and the chamber’s position within the business community?
Creativity and innovation born in isolation will not allow the Greater Reston Chamber to be as effective as we want to be. My goal is to be able to engage with as diverse a mix of our members early and often as I transition into the role of the CEO. I’ve been a member of the Northern Virginia business community my entire professional career. I’ve engaged with numerous business development and networking platforms in that time. I’ve also, at one time or another, participated with events many of the chambers of commerce in our region. My goal is to incorporate the feedback I receive from our membership, my own past professional experiences, and the relationships I’ve built with my neighboring chamber colleagues to develop new events that highlight the diversity of the industries we support, promote regional collaboration with neighboring organizations and better reflect the changing ways in which business professional engage with each other.
What is the top challenges faced by the chamber in the next 3 – 5 years and how do you plan to address it?
The top challenge facing the Chamber over the next 3 – 5 years is maintaining our value to an increasingly diverse and evolving marketplace. Economic development in this region is exploding. We’ve seen, over the last few years, the impact of organizations like Nestle, Amazon and Micron growing their presence. We’re seeing greater entrepreneurship as other businesses migrate to this region to be a part of that growth. These businesses will continue to evolve the methods they employ to grow their networks, develop their workforce and meet their business development objectives. The Chamber’s ability to adapt our programs, our communications and our delivery channels will be critical to our success in maintaining relevancy in the marketplace. My plan is to consistently, and strategically, evaluate how we deliver those mission-driven activities throughout the year and be reactive to identified opportunities for improvement. In a market as dynamic as we have, there is no such thing as maintaining the status quo. You are either moving forward with a goal of continued improvement or you are preparing to recede in your ability to serve your constituents.
Photo via Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce
Light the Night Set for Tomorrow — The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society hosts the annual walk at Reston Town Center tomorrow (Friday) from 5-9 p.m. [Reston Town Center]
Supervisors Consider Reston Town Center in Parking Meters Decision in Loudoun — Loudoun County supervisors are thinking about allowing on-street parking meters — a move that some said is not comparable to RTC b because Boston Properties reversed longstanding free parking to paid parking. [Loudoun Now]
Lanes Reopen After Downed Power Pole Prompts Closure — Lanes reopened Wednesday night after a downed power pole at Herndon Parkway and Dulles Place changed the traffic pattern. [Herndon Police Department]
Photo via Dario Piparo/Flickr
A Herndon man was arrested in connection with an aggravated assault of a victim, according to police.
Police believe Irving Lazarus Duncan, 33, assaulted a victim that was known to him on Oct. 6 while the victim was released.
The victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at Reston Hospital. Duncan was taken to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center where he was held without bond.
The Fairfax County Police Department’s Reston District Station also reported the following minor incidents in recent days:
LARCENIES:
1800 block of Cameron Glen Drive, wallet from location
1800 block of Cameron Glen Drive, cell phone and gun from location
11800 block of Barrel Cooper Court, purse from vehicle
11900 block of Barrel Cooper Court, clothing from residence
Reston Station Boulevard/Wiehle Avenue, property from vehicle
1800 block of Cameron Glen Drive, battery from vehicle
1800 block of Cameron Glen Drive, pants from vehicle
2400 block of Centreville Road, cell phones from business
10100 block of Clover Glen Drive, lights from residence
2300 block of Colts Neck Road, bicycle from location
1800 block of Discovery Street, electronic device from location
2200 block of Monaghan Drive, cash from vehicle
1800 block of Presidents Street, cash from location
1900 block of Reston Metro Plaza, construction material from location
1700 block of Seagull Court, cell phone from location
2400 block of Southgate Square, license plate from vehicle
1800 block of Sycamore Valley Drive, wallet from location
STOLEN VEHICLES:
None reported
Photo via FCPD
Bikeshare in Reston is set to get a boost by early 2020.
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation plans to install 21 new stations in Reston. The stations, which are currently in the design phase, will connect denser residential neighborhoods with transit and aim to improve access to retail, community resources, and recreational opportunities, according to the county.
The program is funded by a $1 million federal grant. All stations are expected to be installed by the end of next year.
- Green Range Drive & Glade Drive
- Charterhouse Circle & Glade Drive
- Olde Crafts Drive & Cartwright Place
- Ridge Heights Road & Seahawks Drive
- Baron Cameron Avenue & North Hampton Avenue
- Wainwright Drive & North Shore Drive
- Fairway Drive & Hook Road
- South Gate Community Center
- Links Drive & Wedge Drive
- North Village Drive & Park Garden Lane
- Great Owl Drive & Great Owl Circle
- Lake Newport Rd & Autumn Ridge Circle
- Reston Parkway & Bennington Woods Road
- Vantage Hill Road & Wainwright Drive
- Inlet Court & Wiehle Drive
- Ring Road & North Shore Drive
- South Lakes Dr & Reston Parkway
- Golf Course Square & Golf Course Drive
- Soapstone Drive Convenience Center
- Ridge Heights & Owls Cove Lane
- Becontree Lane & Goldenrain Court
County transportation officials are also looking into the possibility of adding a bike share station at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods.
As of last year, the stations at Wiehe-Reston Metro East and the Reston Town Center Transit Station were the most popular. Although ridership saw a dip earlier this year, the opening of phase two of the Silver Line is expected to boost ridership.
File photo
A natural gas leak has prompted the closure of Parcher Drive between both intersections with Springer Drive as local crews handle a gas leak in the area.
The leak was reported earlier this afternoon at the. 2200 block of Chamblee Place. Several townhouses have been evacuated.
The road closure is expected to last between six to eight hours.
Units are on scene of a gas leak in the 2200 block of Chamblee Place in the Herndon area of Fairfax County. Washington Gas is on scene. Several townhouses have been evacuated. @HutchisonEagles has not been affected. pic.twitter.com/8dp42oePka
— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) October 16, 2019
Virginia Tire & Auto is now open at 199 Elden Street in Herndon.
The company, which has 16 locations and first opened up shop in 1976, offers automotive maintenance, repair and tire services.
The 11-bay facility will be Mondays through Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. It includes a kids’ play area, free WiFi, refreshments and a waiting area.
Mike and Julie Homles, CEOs of the company and also husband and wife, say they’re excited about expanding their footprint in Fairfax County.
Here’s more from Virginia Tire & Auto:
One of Virginia Tire & Auto’s hyper-local community initiatives is an automotive internship program for students at Fairfax County Public Schools. They also run Wheels for Work, a program offering free automotive repair service to low-income families through Shelter House, a Fairfax County-based non-profit organization that offers services to homeless families and victims of domestic violence.
Virginia Tire & Auto is also committed to keeping its youngest customers safe through hosting monthly Car Seat Clinics. During the clinics, certified Child Passenger Safety technicians inspect car seats and teach parents how to properly install and use child restraints.
Virginia Tire & Auto plans to host its next Car Seat Clinic at Virginia Tire & Auto of Herndon on November 12, 2019. The clinic is by appointment only. For more information about the Car Seat Clinic or to make an appointment, email [email protected].
To celebrate the opening of the Herndon location, the company is offering $20 off oil changes through Nov. 30 using the code HD20LOF.
Photo via Virginia Tire & Auto
Two incumbents and a newcomer will join the Reston Community Center’s Board of Governors for a three-year term that begins in early November.
Incumbents Beverly Cosham and Paul Thomas, as well as newcomer Laurie Dodd, will begin their terms on Nov. 4. The candidates earned the most votes in RCC’s annual preference poll, which is used to guide board appointments.
At the request of Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors appointed the three Reston residents to the board.
Michelle Moyer will leave the board after serving two three-year terms.
RCC wrote the following about the winning candidates:
Beverly Cosham is the current Chair of the RCC Board of Governors. She has served on RCC’s Board for six terms. She has been a resident of Reston since the 1960s and is active in many other civic and arts organizations, including the Reston Community Orchestra, the Reston Chorale and the Reston Community Players. She has served three terms on the Advisory Board of ARTSFAIRFAX.
Laurie Dodd has lived in Reston for more than 20 years. She is an attorney in private practice. She has served on the boards of Reston Swim Team Association, Reston Children’s Center and her church. Dodd has been an active volunteer with Coalition for a Planned Reston, Rescue Reston, Reston Runners and the Embry Rucker Shelter, among others.
Paul Thomas will serve his second term on the RCC Board of Governors. He grew up in Reston and has served many community organizations, including Reston Association, the Reston Swim Team Association and the Reston Historic Trust. He also served on the Reston Master Plan Special Study Task Force, and is currently president of the South Lakes High School PTSA.
Thomas received the most votes (1,637), while Dodd came in second with 1,384 votes. Cosham earned 1,337 votes while Moyer received 1,219 votes and Robert Petrine received 1,143 votes.
Photo via RCC
A Guide on How to Handle Peer Pressure — “Everyone has peers. Peers can be your friends who are about your age and have similar interests and experiences. Peers can also be other kids who are about your age and are involved in the same activities with you or are part of a community or group you belong to. You may not consider all of your peers to be friends, but they can all influence you.” [Fairfax County Public Schools]
A Legacy to Live on in Reston — “Commissioned by Public Art Reston, Volta took calculated measures during the production phase of the community-inspired project finalized in 2019 to protect the mural panels against sun and element damage as well as vandalism. A few days before the Oct. 17 unveiling of the Public Artwork at Colts Neck Road Underpass, Volta shared, in a one-on-one interview, key processes and materials essential in the successful creation of the paneled mural, and safeguards he took to protect the investment.” [The Connection]
Volunteers Sought for Halloween House and Trick-or-Treat Trail — Reston Association is looking for volunteers over 15 years of age for its annual event. An orientation Is set for today (Wednesday) from 6-7 p.m. at the Walker Nature Center. [Reston Association]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Capital Bikeshare ridership has dipped in Reston this year.
Between January and August, bicyclists took 11,476 — 4,705 fewer trips than last year’s total. Ridership dipped ever so slightly between 2017 and 2018 — decreasing by 222 total trips.
The data are presented in the Fairfax County Department of Transportation’s latest status report. The status update will be discussed on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisor’s meeting today (Tuesday).
Currently, there are 16 stations in Reston. Staff are currently finalizing the locations of the second phase of stations in Reston, which would add more than 20 stations to the area. Most of the stations will be located outside Reston’s transit areas, according to the county.
File photo
