Absentee voting begins today — Voting begins today at the Fairfax County government center and ends on Oct. 13 at nine additional locations. Absentee votes can also be cast by mail. The ballots for Town of Herndon residents will include options for mayor and town council members. [Fairfax County Government]

How about some hairspray — Reston Community Players will kick off its 52nd season with the musical Hairspray. It opens on October 19 and runs through November 10 at Reston Community Center. [Reston Community Players]

Missing endangered man found — Patrick Brown, 74, an endangered man who went missing yesterday, was found and is safe. [Fairfax County Police Department]

Photo by Kit Allgaier

The team behind the redevelopment of Tall Oaks Village Center is asking the county to amend garage size requirements so it can proceed with the redevelopment of the failing village center.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the owner’s plan to redevelop the retail center into a mixed-use project with 156 residential units, community space, 8,500 square feet of retail and 6,000 square feet of office space. Jefferson Apartment Group purchased Tall Oaks Village Center in December 2014 for $14 million. A mix of townhouses, two-over-two townhouses, and multifamily buildings are approved for the 7.5-acre site.

Site development is expected to begin in March next year. Home construction will likely begin in October next year and be completed by the end of 2021.

In an Aug. 21 proposal submitted to the county, Stanley Martin, the contract purchaser of the property, says the county’s requirements for the size of garages, which are included in original entitlements, are too generous and create a “design challenge that is inconsistent with the planned site layout.” The county requires personal garages to have a minimum width of 11.5 feet for single-car garages and 20 feet for two-car garages.

Truett Young, vice president of land for Stanley Martin Homes, told Reston Now the following:

“There was an error in the original entitlements that created a requirement that the garages have an interior dimension that could not be achieved with the size of homes that were planned for the community.  The county has standards regarding the size of parking spaces and the revised proffer language is consistent with those standards as well as the commitments that have been made on more recent projects of this type.”

Instead, the developer wants to remove the size requirement and add a commitment advising future purchasers of units to review the unit’s garage space. Covenants would also restrict the use of garages for parking, storing trash and other uses. Stanley Martin says it has received approval for garages as narrow as 10 feet in width at the Dulles Technology Center site. If the county approves the change, the development would “finally come to fruition,” wrote Mark Looney, the applicant’s representative, in a statement.

The Planning Commission will review the requested amendment on Nov. 15, followed by a public hearing before the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 4.

In 2007, Giant Foods, the center’s longtime anchor, closed, slowly pushing the center to slip into suburban malaise. The center’s location on a dead end and with a lack of visibility from a main street has also long remained a challenge.

Rendering via Jefferson Apartment Group

Stay away from Lake Audubon and Lake Thoreau — A toxic algae bloom spotted at the lakes two weeks ago remains, so Reston Association staff are encouraging residents to avoid contact with the water. Pets also shouldn’t swim or drink from the lakes. [Reston Association]

Silver Line investigation continues — Metro’s Office of the Inspector General announced Wednesday that it’ll take over an investigation into flawed concrete in phase two of the Silver Line extension project. The effort is currently overseen by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. [The Washington Post, WMATA]

A natural recovery at Sunrise Valley Elementary School — When a renovation project at the school required the removal of trees to maintain line of sight for pedestrians and drivers, Reston Association, the school system and two design firms partnered to restore a natural area at the school. The area is now a natural habitat for birds, butterflies and other animals. [Fairfax County Public Schools]

Flickr pool photo by vantagehill

Ahead of the completion of phase two of the Silver Line project, a nearly $14 million renovation project of the Reston-Herndon bus garage facility on 268 Spring Street is complete.

County officials said the facility will help support Fairfax Connector bus operation in Reston and Herndon as the Silver Line project brings more demand to the area.

The project was funded through revenue from the commercial and industrial tax and general obligation bonds. A ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the new facility was held today (September 19).

“Staff now have a working environment that is safer, more efficient, and more comfortable than before,” county officials wrote in a statement.

The renovation project includes the following:

• An existing bay was closed to create a new drive-through bus wash
• Addition construction for exterior tire storage
• Upgrades to vehicle lifts and service equipment
• Creation of automated parts storage system
• Modernization of drivers lounge and administration areas
• Addition of new fueling station
• Replacement of bus parking lot surface with heavy-duty concrete
• New parking lot for staff

Photo via Fairfax County Government

A new preschool preparation program is coming to Reston Community Center on Tuesday mornings from Oct. 2 to May 14. Children can attend the free program with a parent or guardian and learn more about the tools, skills, and confidence needed to transition from home to school.

The program is made possible through RCC’s partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools and Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters, a national program that partners with parents to help children transition to school. Adults will receive training and materials for reading, writing, language, math and motor development. Materials will be available in English and Spanish.

RCC’s executive director Leila Gordon said the program is a “vital resource” for area families. “The transition from home to kindergarten is a big leap into a brand new world. Preschool Prep will take the fear away and make sure that leap has a happy landing,” Gordon said.

During weekly meetings, adults and children will meet a HIPPY instructor to learn new skills and chart progress. Registration is open online.

Sessions will take place between 9:30-10:30 a.m. for three-year-olds. Two slots are offered for four-year-olds between 10:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. and between 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.

File photo

Private contractors are likely to operate and maintain the six new stations that are part of the Silver Line extension project that runs from Wiehle-Reston East into Loudoun County

In an announcement on Tuesday, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority said it has issued a request for proposals in order to seek private contractors who can operate and maintain the new stations, trains, and facilities.

WMATA said the move was necessary in order to control operating and maintenance costs, including future pension costs, which it says have “grown to unsustainable levels.”

“We are leaving no stone unturned as we look for opportunities to maintain transit service for the region and protect jobs, all while living within our means in light of what our funding jurisdictions can afford,” said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Paul J. Wiedefeld. 

Bids are due on Jan. 15 and a contract will be awarded in the spring.

Officials said the move will not result in job losses for Metro’s current workforce. They also noted that transit agencies in Hong Kong, London, Melbourne, and Beijing have had success in contracting some or all rail services through public-private partnerships, resulting in “improved on-time performance, reliability, operating efficiencies and cost savings.’

The Silver Line extension project is tentatively scheduled to open in 2020.

Photo by Fatimah Waseem

Give transit a try — Fairfax County officials are encouraging residents to go car-free for a day and try an alternative to drive-alone commuting. If you take a pledge to take transit during the week, you could win a year of free transit service from a participating Virginia transit operator. [Fairfax County Government]

A special text from the president for Oct. 3 — A national alert test originally set for Thursday has been postponed to Oct. 3 due to the ongoing response to Hurricane Florence. It’s the first-ever national test of the country’s Wireless Emergency Alerts system. [Fairfax County Government]

Housing affordability meeting postponed — Tomorrow’s meeting on ways to boost housing affordability in the area has been postponed. A new date has not been scheduled yet. The meeting concerns phase two of the Communitywide Strategic Plan. [Fairfax County Government]

Flickr pool photo by vantagehill

A Herndon man was arrested and charged with taking indecent liberties with a child after exposing himself to children during two separate incidents, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.

Police believe Allen Williams, 28, exposed himself to a 10-year-old boy who was playing in the driveway of a home on the 12600 block of Builders Road on September 8.

A family member recognized the suspect based on a description distributed by police in reference to a different exposure incident on September 5.

Williams was charged on Friday with taking indecent liberties with a child. Further charges are pending as police continue their investigation. 

Photo via FCPD

Artists behind the artwork of Founding Farmers in Reston Station will offer explanations of their work at an “Art Reveal” tonight from 6-8 p.m.

The interior of the restaurant includes work by local and regional artists, all centered around the theme of Thomas Jefferson and Monticello. Featured artwork includes a North Dakota Farmers  Union Laundry line, which hangs from the restaurant’s ceiling.

The piece was made from pieces of cloth from farm owners that were hardened into place with glue and paint.

Other pieces include colorful farm animals dispersed on the wall of the restaurant and an image of Sally Hemings, an enslaved women who had a relationship with Jefferson.

Co-owner Dan Simons and creative director Leah Frankl will be on-site to answer questions about the art in the restaurant. Tickets are available online.

Photos via Gina Carroll

Bullets were fired inside a home on the 12600 block of Kettering Drive on Monday night, according to the Fairfax County Police Department. No injuries were reported.

Just after 11 p.m. yesterday, police responded to the scene and heard two suspects whispering in the wooded area behind the victim’s home.

When the police officer identified himself to the suspects, they ran through the wooded area and were not found.

Police said they believe the suspects were patronizing a house party on the 12500 block of Quincy Adams Court.

Evidence was collected from the home and the investigation is ongoing. 

Police are determining whether or not to charge a woman who they believe scratched and attempted to bite two police officers on Tuesday (Sept. 11).

Local law enforcement responded to a report about a domestic assault at the 1900 block of Barton Hill Road around 7:33 p.m and found a woman experiencing an “apparent mental health crisis,” according to the Fairfax County Police Department. The Commonwealth Attorney’s Office is reviewing the incident to determine if the woman should be charged.

In a separate incident, the Herndon Police Department is looking for a suspect who may have robbed a business in the 1000 block of Herndon Parkway on Sept. 14 at around 5:15 p.m. The suspect, who was described as a slim African American man, displayed a handgun and ran away from the scene, according to police.

The police department is also looking for information about an assault near Herndon Library on Sept. 14. According to the Herndon Police Department, an individual was assaulted between 8-8:30 p.m. on the path between Center Street and Park Avenue. If you have any information about the above incidents in Herndon, call 703-435-6846.

Meanwhile, the FCPD also reported the following incidents in recent days:

 LARCENIES:

1600 block of Becontree Lane, catalytic converter from vehicle

2300 block of Soapstone Drive, property from residence

12100 block of Stirrup Road, property from residence

12100 block of Sunset Hills Road, cell phone from business

STOLEN VEHICLES:

1220 block of Delta Glen Court, 2007 Toyota Station Wagon

Deputies from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office made arrests this week linked to public intoxication and alcohol consumption.

On Sept. 14 at around 2 p.m., sheriff’s deputies charged Erik Vanzandt, 19, of Herndon with driving under the influence. The arrest was made after sheriff’s deputies arrived at the 44000 block of Waxpool Road in Ashburn for a report about a crash involving a parked car. Vanzandt was released from the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center on an unsecured bond.

In a separate incident, Jason Wesley, 26, of Herndon was arrested and charged with public intoxication and possession of marijuana on Sept. 12 at around 8:47 a.m. The arrest was made after a sheriff’s deputy saw the man walking in an unbalanced manner in a parking lot near the 46000 block of Community Plaza in Sterling. Wesley was released from the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center on an unsecured bond.

File photo

Lake Anne Plaza is the place to be on Saturday (Sept. 22) at for the annual Reston Multicultural Festival.

The festival, which is organized by Reston Community Center, hosted by Lake Anne Plaza and cosponsored by Reston Association, aims to celebrate culture and honor diversity as one of Reston’s “greatest strengths,” according to organizers. Attendees are encouraged to wear attire representative of their cultural roots.

The event kicks off at 11 a.m. with remarks by local and state leaders, including state Sen. Janet Howell and Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins. Remarks will be followed by a naturalization ceremony for the area’s newest citizens. The festival also features National Heritage Award fellows, arts and crafts activities, an “Art Mirrors Culture” 3D exhibit and family activities from around the world. The festival ends at 6 p.m. and will take place rain or shine.

Entertainment will be offered in three areas: the world stage, the global stage, and RCC Lake Anne. Other activities include a global cafe and a global market. The complete program and a map are available online.

Photo via Reston Community Center

Lanes reopen after fatal crash — Lanes are starting to reopen after a fatal accident in the eastbound direction of Interstate 66 happened earlier this morning. One person was killed in the crash. [WTOP]

Save the date, bookworms — The Friends of the Reston Regional Library will host its semi-annual fall book sale on Thursday, September 27 through Sunday, September 30. [The Friends of the Reston Regional Library]

And save your pool passes, too — All adult, child, and all-season guest pool passes are renewable online, so don’t forget to keep the passes at the end of the season. Tennis, pickleball and aqua fitness passes are also renewable online. [Reston Association]

“What We Do for Love” discussion tonight at 7 p.m. — In this discussion led by Dr. Rewa Burnham of Trinity Washington University, attendees will discuss the following theme: what we do for love. Each discussion is based on an episode of the PBS show “The Great American Read.” [Reston Regional Library]

Flickr pool photo by vantagehill