New Construction Acquired for $105 Million — “Snell Properties has acquired the new construction multifamily building at 11500 Commerce Park Drive in Reston from Lincoln Property Company for $105M. Now called, Russell at Reston Station the building features 260 apartments, a mix of 1 through 3 bedrooms with amenities including a pool, fitness center, and library.” [BLDUP]

Reston Association Seeks Members for Focus Group — The association is looking for members to take part in a website focus group as it gears up to launch a new website this year. [RA]

Dunkin’ Offers Coffee for Fairfax County Blood Donors — Dunkin’ of Washington, D.C. has come up with a sweet deal to encourage people to donate blood and platelets during National Blood Donor Month. The company is partnering with the American Red Cross National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region to provide 10,000 coupons redeemable for 1 pound of Dunkin’ packaged ground coffee for all donors in the region.” [Reston Patch]

Photo by Marjorie Copson

Like other towns throughout the state and country, the Town of Herndon’s budget has been hit harder by the COVID-19 pandemic than counties as other larger municipalities.

But Jennie Tripoli, the town’s finance director, hopes things will “start to turn the corner” over the summer as vaccinations and warmer weather bring more normal conditions to the area.

At a recent Herndon Town Council meeting — the first session with newly-elected members and Mayor Sheila Olem — Tripoli said that the town had to sequester roughly $5.5 million in funding in fiscal year 2021. In the next fiscal year, the town hopes to transition from surviving to reviving itself.

The currently authorized budget for FY2021 is roughly $33.3 million, a figure that is short of projections by roughly $450,000. The town received $2.4 million in funding from the federal CARES Act.

But like other towns, Herndon was excluded from the latest round of federal funding.

The challenges posed by the pandemic are unique to the town. Unlike the county, the town relies heavily on excise taxes like the meals tax for funding.

The town took big hits in many sources of revenue. For example, revenues from fines and forfeitures decreased by 44 percent, when reductions of roughly 10 percent were originally anticipated. Similarly, fees from services for parks decreased by 91 percent instead of the original 56 percent decrease projected by staff.

As the town looks toward preparing the FY2022 budget, Tripoli cautioned that much is still uncertain about the budget, consumer habits, the path of the virus, and vaccinations.

So far, the county is expecting a three-percent increase in revenues from residential real estate taxes. However, a 10 percent decrease in non-residential retail and hotels, as well as local taxes like meals and transient occupancy, is still expected for the next fiscal year.

Fees from building inspections are also expected to normalize, she said.

“We’re still in unprecedented economic uncertainty,” she said, adding that the hope is “gradual recovery” begins in the summer of this year.

The town council is expected to hold additional work sessions on the budget later this month.

Image via Herndon Town Council

The Fairfax County School Board’s proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for Fairfax County Public Schools will not include any major adjustments or immediate big-ticket spending.

Released on Dec. 17, the proposed CIP – which sets short-term priorities for school renovations, capacity enhancements, and other infrastructure projects – remains largely the same as last year’s plan, as the uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic made FCPS officials wary of making any significant new commitments.

A virtual public hearing is planned for 7 p.m. today.

FCPS Assistant Superintendent for Facilities and Transportation Services Jeff Platenberg said described the current times as “daunting.”

“We don’t want to do anything that’ll impact our facilities or our staffing, especially with the inoculation coming, the vaccines, and then, next year, [we want to] put ourselves in a position to get back to whatever the new normal might be.”

The ongoing renovation at Langstone Hughes Middle School, which was fully funded by voter-approved bonds in 2015 and 2017, is expected to be completed in $FY2022. Once completed, the school, which first opened in 1980, will include modern amenities and an addition of 53,900 square feet. The project is expected to cost roughly $52 million.

The CIP includes $39 million for a school to manage additional growth expected to be brought on by phase two of the Silver Line. A location has not yet been determined, but the project is fully funded for planning-related costs.

Roughly $42 million is proposed for Herndon Elementary School, 52 million for Hughes Elementary School, and 106 million for the ongoing renovation of and Herndon High School, which will be completed this year.

Because students have mostly been learning virtually, FCPS staff were unable to include data on the capacity utilization of individual facilities for this school year in the CIP. Fluctuating attendance also precluded staff from making five-year projections for future student enrollment.

According to a presentation that Platenberg gave to the school board on Tuesday (Jan. 5), FCPS shed 8,338 students between the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years. The losses predominately came at the elementary school level, which saw a drop in membership of 7,729 students.

Because FCPS is not adding any new projects with the proposed CIP, the school system will be able to focus on the many needs that it has already identified, Platenberg says.

Overall, the proposed CIP carries a five-year requirement of $1.1 billion. While only $314.8 million of that is currently covered, Platenberg says the unfunded commitment should be addressed by future bond referendums.

The school board is scheduled to vote on the CIP on Feb. 4.

Images via FCPS

COVID-19 Means Big Growth for Reston Company — “A virtual care startup working to help doctors manage telehealth is raising its first funding round to build up its team and expand its reach, after breaking out of stealth mode and into an explosive growth year fueled by the coronavirus pandemic.” [Washington Business Journal]

Northam: ‘Virginia Will Be There’ — In a recent press release, Northam says, “I continue to pray for the safety of every member of the House and Senate, all the staff, the journalists, everyone who works in the Capitol. And I commend the Virginia National Guard and Virginia State Police for quickly stepping up in this time of great need. Let me be clear: Virginia will be there for as long as it takes to protect our nation’s capital and ensure the peaceful transfer of power.” [Gov. Ralph Northam]

Reston Firm Sells Off Division — Reston-based civil engineering and surveying firm Wiles Mensch Corp. announced Tuesday that it has sold off its federal projects division, which now operates as an independent. [Virginia Business]

State Considers Speeding Up Vaccinations — “Governor Ralph Northam today announced new actions to support the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution program and accelerate the pace of vaccinations across Virginia.” [Gov. Ralph Northam]

Photo by vantagehill/Flickr

Fairfax County Public Schools students will not start returning to in-person learning next week as planned.

After getting an update on local COVID-19 trends last night (Tuesday), the Fairfax County School Board gave its support to FCPS Superintendent Scott Brabrand’s suggestion that the school system delay bringing students back into buildings until February at the earliest.

“We can take some of the feedback today…and take a pause right now and come back with some more information about vaccinations and a revised timeline with input from our principals and our teachers,” Brabrand said.

All students are currently learning virtually after a two-week winter break, but FCPS had hoped to restart in-person instruction for some students in special education and career and technical programs on Jan. 12.

Other students were scheduled to follow in phases over the next month, with the last group of middle and high school students starting hybrid in-person learning on Feb. 9.

However, with COVID-19 surging in Fairfax County and vaccines not yet rolling out to school employees, school board members, principals, and teachers’ unions expressed concern that it would be unsafe for both students and workers to restart in-person learning.

Virginia Department of Health data shows that Fairfax County has exceeded multiple thresholds established by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for determining the risk of COVID-19 transmission in schools.

As of today, the county is averaging 520.6 new cases per 100,000 people over the past 14 days, and the 14-day testing positivity rate is at 13%. The number of new cases per 100,000 people in the past week is up 26.2% compared with the previous week.

In addition, FCPS has recorded 649 COVID-19 cases among employees, students, and visitors since Sept. 8. Brabrand told the school board that there have been 20 outbreaks in school facilities, even though only 11,810 students and staff have participated in in-person instruction this school year.

The Fairfax County Federation of Teachers, which represents FCPS educators and staff, has pointed to those case rates as evidence that the school system has not adequately implemented mitigation measures like social distancing and face masks that would reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

“We are deeply concerned that FCPS is rushing to reopen schools while COVID-19 cases are surging like never before,” FCFT President Tina Williams said in a statement issued prior to last night’s school board meeting. “We all want nothing more than for students and staff to return to school for face-to-face instruction, but right now, it just is not safe.”

Brabrand told the school board that he will bring a presentation reevaluating how FCPS should proceed with its Return to School plan on Feb. 2.

The Herndon Town Council has unanimously voted in favor of naming Cesar del Aguila as vice mayor for the 2021-2022 term.

The resolution passed unanimously. As a matter of tradition, the council member who receives the most number of votes during the Nov. 3 election is given the position.

He won the election with 13.69 percent while incumbent Pradip Dhakal trailed with 13.48 percent of the total vote, according to election results.

Del Aguila is serving his second term on the council. In the past, he has served on the town’s pedestrian and bicycle committee and the interview subcommittee.

The council member was also the town’s representative to the Dulles Area Transportation Association and the Phase II Dulles Rail Transportation Improvement District Commission Board.

Del Aguila also held several sales positions, including regional vice president of sales at Conga. He also serves as a volunteer certified reserve deputy sheriff with the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office.

He has lived in Herndon since 2007.

Station House, a new infill development on Jefferson Street in Downtown Herndon, is finally nearing completion.

The applicant, Doll Homes, is proposing to construct the final two single-family homes on the property. The first home, which is roughly 4,500 square feet, will be located on 647 Jefferson Street, and the second home, which is 5,1010 square feet, is located at 649 Jefferson Street.

Homes in the new development start in the mid-$800,000s.

The Town of Herndon’s Historic District Review Board will consider the application at a meeting tonight. The town’s staff formally withheld a recommendation on the final approval of the property due to pending information needed from the applicant, including whether the homes are intended to follow a bungalow-type house.

“Staff is withholding its recommendation at this time given the additional information that is necessary,” according to a Jan. 6 memo.

In an Oct. 1 letter to the town, the developer wrote that the design of the development is intended to match with the area.

“Overall, we are confident that the design and superior products used to construct this home will accomplish our efforts to provide a new home that not only complements the surrounding structures but helps to preserve the predominant architectural character of the Downtown Heritage Preservation District,” the company wrote.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m.

Photo via Doll Homes

Virginia Polar Dip Goes Virtual — The annual event is going virtual this year due to the pandemic. Camp Sunshine is allowing participants to take patron several virtual events at any point between Feb. 6-14. [Camp Sunshine]

Microsoft Expands with New Lease — The company is expanding its presence in Northern Virginia by signing a lease in Rosslyn. [Bisnow]

Local Music Students to Perform in Virtual Concert — ‘Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) choral teachers have put together a virtual choral concert and presentation involving 350 middle and high school students from 37 secondary schools. The concert and presentation of student work will air at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 27.’ [FCPS]

Photo by Marjorie Copson

The First Responders Council of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce delivered meals to first responders during the holidays.

The annual drive, which has been in effect for the last 11 years, raised more than $6,000 for more than 500 meals in Reston last month. Food was purchased from local restaurants that are struggled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘Now more than ever the restaurants and First Responders are deservingly soaking up any bit of support from the community,’ GRCC wrote in a statement.

In previous years, food was donated by restaurant instead of being purchased.

Drive sponsors included the following :

• Dave & JoAnne Adams Group – Coldwell Bank Realty
• CST Group CPAs, PC
• Thompson Hospitality
• Chick-Fil-A – North Point Village
• Force Security Services, LLC
• Offit Kurman
• BluePrint Financial Group
• BEI
• Pineapple Payments
• Edward Jones Investments – Gene Summerlin
• Maggie Parker
• Huey & Associates
• Fatech International
• Katherine & John Deming
• Ellen & Mike Jennings
• Allen & Jennifer Herzberg

One of the world’s largest golf management companies, Troon, has acquired Reston-based Indigo Golf Partners, formerly known as Billy Casper Golf.

The Reston company owns and operates more than 160 golf courses, country clubs, and resorts in 29 states.

“Troon aligns with our commitment to quality service and has a complementary course portfolio making it the right company for us to join. We are confident in growth ahead for Indigo and appreciate the dedication and commitment of all team members and partners who have made our great company what it is today.”  Peter Hill, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Indigo Golf Partners, wrote in a statement.

The office in Reston will continue to support managed clubs in the Troon family, including OB Sports and Troon Golf. The company has offices in Reston, along with others in the United States, and one in Dubai.

“Peter Hill and I have been good friends for many years,” said Troon Founder and Executive Chairman Dana Garmany. “While we have been friendly competitors over time, we’ve always shared a mutual admiration for each other’s company.”

Monday, Jan. 4

• Equity Matters — Reston Community Center’s CenterStage will screen Harriet, a movie about Harriet Tubman. The show, which is free, begins at 10 a.m. Registration is required.

Tuesday, Jan. 5

• Housing Discussion — The Herndon Town Council is hosting a discussion on housing policy tomorrow. The panel discussion, which begins at 10 a.m. online, will feature comments by a panel of three experts, including state Sen. Barbara Favola, state Sen. Jennifer Boysko, and Jeff Gore, a consultant who represents clients involved in housing issues. Anyone who wishes to participate can register online. 

Wednesday, Jan. 6

• Reston Farmers Market — Enjoy fresh produce and farm favorites at the Reston Farmers Market, which is located at 11900 Lawyers Road.

Thursday, Jan. 7

• Mathnasium Open House — The center’s directors will take part in an hour-long discussion on the program from 6-7 p.m. via Zoom.

Saturday, Jan. 9

• Make a Bird Feeder — Learn how to make a bird feeder while learning about different kinds of birds at Lake Fairfax Park. The workshop takes place from 1-2 p.m.

• Planning for a New Baby — Reston Hospital Center is hosting a virtual session from 10 a.m. to noon on how to prepare for your baby.

Sunday, Jan 10

• Raptors Up Close — In this activity for all ages, residents will explore nature with naturalists at the Walker Nature Center from 2-3 p.m. Registration is required online.

Local health care workers received the COVID-19 vaccine late last week in Reston, joining nearly 500,000 people who are in the state’s priority group for vaccinations.

Just before the New Year rang in, health care workers were given doses of the vaccine at the Herndon-Reston District Health Clinic.

“It’s exciting. It feels good to be a part of history,” said Tiffany Laseter, a nurse who has been administering the vaccine.

Fernando Benitez told Reston Now that the vaccine was the easiest shot that he has received.

According to Christy Gray, the director of the Virginia Department of Health’s immunization division, the state has received 285,000 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

Overall, Gray anticipates that the state will receive 100,000 doses of the vaccine on a weekly basis, a process she described as a ‘moving target’ and depends largely on the speed of vaccine manufacturing.

A federal allocation process outlines how and when vaccines are administered. In December, the county began distributing vaccines to health care systems and local health districts began offering the vaccine to first responders and health care workers.

Half of the state’s allocation is meant for long-term care facilities and will be administered through CVS and Walgreens.

The first phase of the vaccine is expected to cover 500,000 people. Following the priority group, the state will administer the vaccine to frontline essential workers and Virginians above the age of 75. Details on the state’s overall plan are expected this week.

Staff photos by Jay Westcott

Sycamore Trees Spark Concerns in Reston — ‘Two Reston sycamore trees at Lake Anne Village Center appear to be a concern to certain people, but for three different reasons. Their unease involves Reston’s flagship characteristics, its tree canopy, lakes, and public art. Apparent consternation for some residents at Heron House is that the sycamores block lake views.’ [The Connection]

Local Couple Helps Families Virtually Monitor Babies — A Northern Virginia couple is helping families see newborns who are in intensive care at local hospitals. The couple has offered to install cameras on incubators or cribs of infants. [WJLA]

Local Exhibition Reviewed — ‘Thoughtfully selected by former Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) curator Lily Siegel, the two concurrent presentations jointly amounted to Dryer’s first comprehensive survey in nearly twenty years, uniting thirty-four artworks in all: twenty-two paintings and sculptures at the Phillips Collection, twelve paintings and works on paper at GRACE.’ [Artforum]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

A 274-unit affordable housing building near the Innovation Center Metro Station is officially one step closer to groundbreaking.

Real estate development firm SCG Development, the county, and the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority closed on financing for the project, known as Ovation at Arrowbrook. The building brings 274 affordable apartments to the Arrowbrook mixed-use development, which is located at the intersection of Centreville Road and Arrowbrook Centre Drive in Herndon.

In a statement, Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust said noted that the Northern Virginia market is struggling to offer affordable options for stable and safe homes.

“The Ovation at Arrowbrook represents a huge leap forward by providing many of these hard-working households the opportunity to establish roots, raise their families, and benefit from all the advantages that life in Fairfax County affords.” 

A combination of local Housing Blueprint funds, project-based vouchers, and revenue bonds were used to finance the project.

“The financing component of the Arrowbrook development not only reflects the significance of our commitment to the development of affordable housing throughout Fairfax County, but it is an exceptional showcase of several of the tools we have to bring these developments a reality,” said newly elected FCRHA chair, Melissa McKenna. 

The apartments serve housings earning between 30 and 60 percent of the area median income and will remain designated as affordable for a minimum of 50 years. The development includes 55 three-bedroom units and 15 handicap accessible units.

It will be located next to Arrowbrook Center Park, a for-sale townhome and condominium community that will be developed by Pulte. A high-rise building that will house a hotel, offices, and condominiums is also planned on the site.  Roughly 36,000 square feet of retail is also planned.

Construction on Ovation will begin next month and completion is expected to take place by the end of 2022.

Photo via Fairfax County Government