After weeks of deferrals, a plan to redevelop a three-story office building into 20-story condominiums is getting closer to approval.
The Fairfax County Planning Commission unanimously passed Renaissance Centro, a 150-unit project on 1801 Old Reston Avenue, Thursday night.
The project was stalled after the county’s planning and zoning staff and the developer clashed over how the condominiums incorporate workforce housing and parking for workforce housing units. In response to concerns about the intensity of development on the 1.5-acre site, the developer agreed to reduce the scale of the project by 7,500 square feet, reduce the building height from 260 feet to 240 feet and improve tree protection and fencing.
The building will have 150 units, with 24 units set aside for workforce housing, allowing the developer to add 24 units in bonus density. The size of the additional units will be within 10 percent of the size of workforce housing units.
Still, At-Large Commissioner James Hart said the case was “difficult.” Although he voted for the project because it met Reston’s comprehensive plan and county requirements, Hart, who is also the commission’s vice chairman, said the project had “too much intensity on too small of a site.”
He cited concerns that the developer filed the application as Planned Residential Mixed (PRM) use application. As Reston approaches the density cap for the Planned Residential Community district, more developers may file applications as PRM, resulting in what he called a “patchwork” of development.
Overall, commission members said the project highlights the need for the county to clarify workforce housing requirements, especially for parking. Hart said current requirements are at best “confusing.”
“It’s very difficult even for us to understand how the numbers work,” he said.
At Renaissance, which will include a parking garage, residents will have the option of buying one parking space per unit. Two loading spaces will be available along the entrance, in addition to three short-term parking spaces in order to meet growing demand for drop-off stations.
The proposal will head to the county’s Board of Supervisors for final approval. More projects that require repurposing old office buildings into residential and mixed use projects are in the pipeline. If approved, the residential building will be taller than the adjacent Harrison apartments and similar in size to The Signature apartments across the street from Renaissance Centro.
Photos via handout and by Fatimah Waseem
Construction on office tower in Reston Station to begin — Comstock will begin building a new $95 million office tower this spring. The tower is the third office building that is part of its Reston Station development. [The Washington Business Journal]
A tax(ing) season — Need some tax relief? The county is hosting two tax relief workshops for older adults and people with disabilities in Reston next month. [The Connection]
Police seek suspects in a string of Northern Virginia robberies — “Police are searching for the suspects they believe are responsible for more than a dozen robberies in Northern Virginia over the last few months. Two men have been involved in five commercial robberies in Fairfax and Loudoun counties since Monday.” [WTOP]
Reston Station thinks big — Comstock wants to make its massive redevelopment project more robust. A new hotel and taller buildings could be added to its development plan. [Reston Planning and Zoning Committee]
Local dance company goes to Atlas — Gin Dance Company will perform at the Atlas Festival this year. We hope they’ll break a leg! [The Connection]
Photo by Fatimah Waseem
A Herndon man was charged yesterday for having inappropriate sexual relations with a juvenile, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.
Marvin Ramirez-Ayala, 20, was charged with three counts of sending sexually explicit messages over social media and two counts of sexual assault. The relationship began last summer and only came to light this week, police said.
“There is no indication the suspect was involved with any other juveniles,” according to a statement from the office.
Ramirez-Ayala is being held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center on no bond.
Photo via Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office
A six-member team from Edlin School beat 43 other teams this week in a national competition where students design an aging-friendly city.
The Future City Competition challenges students from around the country to create a city. This year’s topic pushed students to design a city that helps the elderly remain active, independent and engaged.
More than 40,000 teams from across the country entered in the competition. Students from the Reston school created Halona, a city modeled after Richmond.
The city, also known as the “city of happy fortune,” solved the problem of limited mobility, few independent living options and little access to transit. Students proposed multi-generational housing, a new transit system with foldable seats and ultra-haptic sensors, a passover tram and an adopted senior program, a housing initiative that pairs seniors with college students.
The students’ complete presentation at the competition on Tuesday is below:
Photo via Future City
An opening day has been set for Total Wine & More. The beer, wine and spirit purveyor will open on March 15 at 11620 Plaza America, according to the the store’s Facebook page.
The grand opening day will include free wine tastings and opening specials. Details are expected by March 1.
Total Wine & More replaced Staples, which closed in October last year after opening in 2011. The store has other locations in Sterling, Fairfax and McLean.
Photo by Fatimah Waseem
Meet Reston Association Candidates Next week – There are 13 candidates running for seats on RA’s Board of Directors. Check out three opportunities to meet them. [Reston Today]
Jumping Off Ship – John Jumper is retiring from the board of directors of Leidos. The company plans to move its headquarters to a future trophy tower in Reston Town Center. [Washington Business Journal]
Vote on Renaissance Centro Project Expected Tonight – The county’s Planning Commission will vote on the Renaissance Centro project tonight. The proposal calls for replacing offices on Old Reston Avenue with 20-story condos. [Reston Now]
Enjoy “Expressions of the Soul” Today — eMotion, a local dance group with dancers ranging from ages eight to 65, will performance today at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. [Reston Community Center]
Plans to replace an outdated fire station on 1820 Wiehle Avenue are in-the-works in order to meet increasing demands fueled by population growth in Reston.
The $13 million project calls for replacing Reston Fire and Rescue Station 25, which was built in 1972 and last upgraded in 1986, with a two-story station more than double the size of the current site.
The new 17,150-square-foot station will include four bays with a “contemporary look to compliment the urban feel of Reston Town Center,” according to plans submitted to the county this month.
The current 7,750-square-foot fire station is “grossly undersized” with only two-and-a-half bays, leaving little room for storing equipment and managing additional responders and units. Service demands are also expected to increase as construction and residential development rapidly expands in the immediate area, according to the plans.
If approved by the county, construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2019 and be completed by early spring of 2021.
Lisa Goddard, a project manager for the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Service, said the transition from a one-story to two-story building was well-received by the community at a Reston Planning and Zoning Committee meeting earlier this week.
“It will anticipate the growth for the Reston area,” Goddard told Reston Now. “And that’s the big concern given how Reston is growing so much.”
The new station will also include space for programming on the second floor, along with administrative offices, a dayroom, kitchen, storage and bunk rooms.
Expected construction costs are not available because the project is still in the design phase, Goddard said. Roughly $13 million has been allocated. The fire station is one of five stations slated for upgrades under a bond referendum in 2015.
During the course of the project, the fire station’s operations will temporarily move to 1800 Cameron Glen Drive.
Photos via handout
Roughly 350 students at South Lakes High School took part in a walkout at noon today to remember the 17 people killed last week at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
Students left the school and stood outside for 17 minutes before returning for class or lunch, school officials said.
A similar walkout happened at Langston Hughes Middle School today. Around 250 students participated in that event.
“I am proud of how the students conducted themselves, including a moment of silence that was very moving,” said SLHS Principal Kim Retzer in a statement.
moment of silence for the victims of the florida shooting in our walkout today at South Lakes High School. We will fight to put an end to gun violence. We will not stop until we are heard. #wewantchange @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/Sv6uQGAGAh
— Camille Denny (@itscamilledenny) February 21, 2018
Here’s more from Retzer:
FCPS respects the rights of our students to engage in peaceful protest and express their opinions through speech and other ways as long as it is done respectfully, does not interfere with the rights of others, and does not disrupt learning in the school. Our school is committed to providing an environment where everyone is treated with respect and encouraged to help others.
Our teachers, administrators and staff continue to reinforce a sense of positive school community and we ask for your partnership in working with your child to discuss meaningful actions that they can take to engage in their community.
Another walkout is planned for National School Walkout Day on March 14. Schools across the country are expected to walk out to demand action on gun violence and school shootings.
Photo via Twitter user @amandayoungg
After reviewing a blistering report about Reston Association’s $2.65 million purchase of the Tetra property, the Board of Directors is mulling next steps.
Controversy surrounding the 2015 purchase, which cost RA nearly double the most recent tax assessment, continues to shadow the board.
In an effort to court closure, At-large Director John Bowman is seeking to involve legal counsel from the state to offer what could be the third review of the purchase. The draft motion will go before the board at their regular meeting at 6:30 p.m.
The proposal comes as two RA members, Moira Callaghan and Jill Gallagher, presented a scathing critique of the purchase in late January. The report flagged concerns about conflicts of interest, inadequate internal controls and limited transparency.
Last year, RA contracted StoneTurn Group to complete a $45,000 review of the purchase. The 30-page independent review included 15 recommendations to avoid a similar situation from happening in the future. In their review, Callaghan and Gallagher contend StoneTurn’s analysis was incomplete and insufficient.
Bowman said taking no further action after the members’ report would be “an avoidance of responsibility.” He also indicated forming a special board committee to review the members’ findings would require considerable board resources. The board may also lack qualifications to complete a review.
Engaging help from the state’s attorney would address “any potential concerns regarding forensic expertise,” Bowman noted.
The motion before the board tomorrow reads:
“Even though we would probably not be advised by the Commonwealth’s Attorney of any action deemed appropriate – we would have referred the matter to a qualified third party; the cost to the Reston Association would be minimal if any; and this Board could close the matter and focus on completing the internal controls.”
How do you hope RA’s board will respond to the report? Respond below.
File photo
Growing pains — Proposals to increase population density have been met by fierce community opposition. A Burke resident fires back, arguing that Reston’s development isn’t finished yet. [Greater Greater Washington]
Forging a new fellowship — Lake Anne Fellowship House could soon be transformed into a new 240-unit apartment building for seniors in need of affordable housing. Plans, which also include 74 townhouses, will go before the Design Review Board on March 19. [Reston Association]
Second phase of Loudoun Station begins — Reston-based Comstock is set to begin the $75 million development project as Metro service inches closer. [Washington Business Journal]
Wins in the first regional champion for girls indoor track — With dominating performances in the sprints and relays, the South Lakes High School girls’ team won the 6A North Region D indoor track and field championship in mid-February. [SLHS]
Photo by Ruth Sievers
Local police responded to two robberies at gas stations on Monday. In both cases, the suspect was described as a black man wearing dark clothing, police said.
An armed man robbed the Shell gas station on 12219 Leesburg Pike around 10:20 p.m. No one was injured in the incident, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
In a separate incident, an armed man robbed the Sunoco gas station at 1496 North Point Village Center around 11:05 p.m. The man displayed a handgun and took cash and other property from the business.
In another incident, local police continue to investigate the robbery of a Sunoco gas station in South Lakes. As we reported last week, An armed man robbed the gas station on 11190 South Lakes Drive last Tuesday.
Local police also arrested a juvenile for making an electronic threat against a police officer this month. The threat was made through social media on February 2, according to the police department. The department released no further information and a spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.
The police department reported the following incidents:
LARCENIES:
1300 block of Cassia Street, property from residence
1600 block of Fieldthorn Drive, property from vehicle
STOLEN VEHICLES:
2100 block of Astoria Circle, 2002 Honda Accord
Herndon’s police department is investigating two robberies over the last week.
On Friday at around 10 p.m., a man armed with a gun demanded money from the cashier of a business on the 600 block of Elden Street.
He left with an undisclosed amount of money and several cigarette packs. The suspect is described as a white made of “average height and build.” He was wearing black clothing and a black ski mask, police said. The investigation is ongoing and police are investigating possible connections with other robberies being handled by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and the Fairfax County Police Department.
In a separate incident on Sunday, two suspects approached a victim in the lobby of a restaurant on the 13000 block of Worldgate Drive. The suspects took him outside, assaulted him and grabbed his sneakers.
Police located the suspects and transported them to the Fairfax County Juvenile Detention Center, where they were held for robbery, abduction and malicious wounding.
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).
Body Cameras Go Live This Week— Police officers in the Reston police district will be equipped with body cameras beginning this week. During the six-month pilot program, cameras will record anytime officers respond to a scene and during routine traffic stops. [NBC 4]
Maame Biney Looks Forward to Beijing 2022 — Over the weekend, Biney finished last in the 1,500-meter short-track speedskating heat. She also finished fourth in the quarterfinals for the 500-meter race. The 18-year-old made history by becoming the first black woman to make the U.S. Olympic speedskating team. [The Washington Post]
Meet Reston Association Board Candidates — There are four open seats on RA’s board of directors. E-meet the 13 candidates who are running by watching their online videos. [RA]
Hiccups on the Metro Line This Morning — Metro trains did not share a track on the Blue and Silver lines this morning. Backups were caused by a report of smoke. [The Washington Post]
Photo by Twitter user @MrErrett
Before we head off into Presidents Day weekend, let’s take a look back at the biggest stories on Reston Now in recent days.
Feel free to discuss these topics, your weekend plans or anything else that’s happening locally in the comments below. We’ll resume our regular publication schedule on Tuesday, barring any breaking news.
- &pizza is Opening This Fall in Reston Town Center
- Crime Roundup: Herndon Man Arrested In Connection with CVS Pharmacy Robbery in Reston Town Center
- Armed Man Robs 7-11 in Herndon
- Fairfax Police: Parts Taken From More Than a Dozen Vehicles
- Police Investigate Robbery at Sunoco Gas Station in South Lakes
If you have ideas on stories we should cover, email us at [email protected] or submit an anonymous tip. Have a great weekend.
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
A four-story hotel could replace surface parking in Lake Fairfax Business Park.
TH Holding Company is seeking to build a 98,500 square foot hotel with 138 rooms next to the headquarters of Thompson Hospitality (1741 Business Center Drive), its retail food and facilities management company.
Reston’s Planning and Zoning Committee will vote on the proposal on Monday, Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m. The plan outlines 299 parking spaces, including 149 spots for hotel guests and employees. An outdoor terrace will sit next to the hotel’s main entrance and towards the neighboring office building.
The plan is designed to transition into a future street that would connect Business Center Drive to Michael Faraday Drive. Reston’s comprehensive plan proposes a local street running along the southwest border of the site.
Although redevelopment does not require this additional step, the company is designing the south side of the site in order to “easily integrate into the ultimate grid of streets,” according to the proposal.
The proposed development is expected to generate 775 weekday daily trips and 929 daily trips.
A map showing the location of Thompson Hospitality and the adjacent parking lot is below:
Photo via handout
Relief could be on the way soon for drivers who frequent Hunter Mill Road near the Dulles Toll Road.
Last night, the Fairfax County Planning Commission approved long awaited plans to tackle traffic backups by realigning Sunset Hills Road to Crowell Road.
The plan also includes adding a roundabout as an intersection control. Hunter Mill Road would become a four-lane road between the intersection of Crowell Road and Sunset Hills Road to the Dulles Toll Road’s westbound ramps.
John Carter, the Hunter Mill District’s planning commissioner, compared the new plan to George Washington Parkway. Conceding the comparison was imperfect, he said the changes feature sweeping curves, major setbacks of 400 feet from houses to the road and a commitment to preserve a pond and a forested resource protection area.
The plan passed by the commission includes several amendments to address concerns raised by the Hunter Mill Defense League and the Hunting Crest Homeowners Association. Changes include:
- Beginning realignment to the east of the Edlin School and extending no farther than Crowell Road
- Maximizing the distance between the realigned road and the Hunting Crest community
- The inclusion of a roundabout as a preferred alternative
- Modifying transportation maps to include a cul-de-sac on Hunter Mill Road
The county’s Board of Supervisors will hear public comment on the plan on March 6 at around 4 p.m.
Since 2014, the county held several community meetings to lay out traffic management alternatives. The latest plan is a mix of several options, but departs from previously discussed plans, which the county indicated no longer work.
Carter said the county’s studies clearly indicate the current plan is the “better method to calm traffic in this area.”
Photo via handout
