The Herndon Town Council could create a new diversity and inclusion committee.
The body, called the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee, would be tasked with promoting and enhancing the town’s diverse community and connecting the community in a “partnership that celebrates equity and inclusion.”
The matter is up for discussion at a town council meeting tomorrow (Feb. 1).
Council members called on the town to create the committee in July of last year in order to make recommendations to the council that recognizes minority residents and business communities and follow policies that foster diversity and inclusion at-large.
Here’s more from the town on the committee’s objective:
To engage the community by listening and discussing to understand the breadth and depth of issues related to inclusion and equity, and to suggest actionable steps to the Town Council so that under-represented members of our community are seen, heard, and included. The committee’s recommendations may include improvements to town services, practices that enhance diversity, and inclusive cultural programming and events.
The 11-member committee will include seven town residents, two members representing the business community, a non-resident, and one council member, who will serve as chair. Members will serve two-year terms.
The council meets tomorrow at 7 p.m. in the community room of the Herndon Police Department.
Other matters up for discussion include:
- Awarding a contract for improvements along Van Buren Street
- The approval of donations from Darrel Trust Funds to Educate Fairfax
- The approval of a contract for the carnival at the Herndon Festival
Photo via Town of Herndon
Loudoun Prepares for Metro — As the opening of phase two of the Silver Line nears, Loudoun County is preparing by widening two-lane roads and attempting to thin out congestion. The county is the state’s fastest-growing jurisdiction. [WTOP]
Parks Authority Board Chair Reelected — Bill Bouie, who represents the Hunter Mill District, will return as the chairman of the Fairfax County Park Authority. [Inside NOVA]
Metro to Phase Out Old Farecards — Metro is installing new and improved fare gates, one-third of which are complete. The gates will feature mobile pay on Appel iOS and Android. Older SmaTrip cards will be phased out by the end of the year. [Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority]
School Board Approves New Calendar — The Fairfax County School Board has adopted a new calendar for the next school year. Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Orthodox Good Friday and Diwali were designated as student holidays. [FCPS]
Photo by Marjorie Copson
Amid another weekend with COVID-19 abound, here are the top stories on Reston Now this week.
- Police: Prisoner with life sentence confesses to 1987 Herndon murder
- Reston Hospital Center reverses course on vaccine mandate
- Reston Association details technological mishaps that led to $46K in extra costs
- Hunan East Restaurant in Fox Mill Shopping Center to close
- Herndon teen John Gluck takes his star turn on NBC’s “Ordinary Joe”
If you have ideas on stories we should cover, email us at [email protected] or submit an anonymous tip.
Feel free to discuss these topics, your plans, or anything else that’s happening locally in the comments below.
Boston Properties has executed 11 office leases in the fourth quarter of the year, filling more than 140,00 square feet in previously vacant space.
The company has signed a lease with Peraton, a technology company, for 90,000-square-feet of space in Reston Town Center, a company representative told Reston Now.
So far, the first phase of the company’s Reston Next project has been delivered. The project is 85 percent leased, with Fannie Mae as the anchor tenant.
Gainwell, a Pennsylvania-based technology company, has also leased 11,000 square feet of space at the next phase of Reston Town Center, according to Boston Properties..
Other leases include:
- SoFi, a personal finance company
- Lennar Multifamily
- About Objects, a computer consultancy firm
- Addison Group, an employment agency
“It is transformative to the Reston skyline and it’s a five-minute walk to the heart of the town center retail,” Doug Linde, Boston Properties director and president, said.
The company appears to have generated extra income earlier than expected from leasing, particularly in Reston and San Fransisco.
Boston Properties has also collected payments from several tenants that it had written off in 2020.
Jake Stroman, a senior vice president of Boston Properties, said Reston is the “poster child” for attracting tenants who are currently housed in suburban campuses.
“We saw our portfolio there materially outperforms both in terms of occupancy deal flow and especially rental rates,” Stroman said. “And we’re attracting tenants who may be in an unamenitized suburban campus coming back to the urban core in Reston Town Center.”
Staff photo by David Taube
Metrobus Services Returns Next Month — Metrobus will resume its regular services on Feb. . The service has been operating on a modified Saturday schedule with 75 percent of normal weekday service — since January. While absenteeism remains high, Metro said that employees are returning to work following their quarantine periods. [Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority]
Park Authority Names New Officers — The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has elected new officers for this year. Bill Bouie, who represents the Hunter Mill District will return to his 14th term as chairman. [Fairfax County Government]
Westbound Route 7 Traffic Shift to Begin — Starting on or about Feb. 3, a lane shift to the south between Carpers Farm way and Colvin Run Forest Drive is planned. Crews are continuing the construction of the pedestrian underpass at Colvin Run Mill Park. [Virginia Department of Transportation]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Boston Properties Makes Progress in Reston — The Boston-based real estate firm has signed 11 office leases at Reston Town Center, which signals that the company is picking up business this year. [Washington Business Journal]
Permit Process Begins Early — The county is encouraging residents to beat the rush for outdoor permits from the county. Permitting for summer projects like decks and screened porches tend to be busy, county officials warn. [Fairfax County Government]
Widow of Bob Simon Acquitted from Misdemeanor Charge — Cheryl Terio-Simon, the widow of Reston’s founder Bob Simon, was acquitted of a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery. The incident happened in October outside of Reston Community Center. [Reston Patch]
Possible Winter Weather On the Way — Some snow may be possible this week. Snow could develop on Friday and into Saturday this week. [Ready Fairfax]
Photo by Marjorie Copson
A portion of Edmund Halley Drive has officially been transferred over to the state.
At a Tuesday meeting, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to transfer a section of the road to the Secondary System of State Highways, a move made in preparation of the completion of phase two of the Silver Line.
The move — which was stipulated in proffer agreements for the Reston Crossing project — allows the state to have unrestricted right-of-way along the road.
The formerly private street was improved with bike lanes, a trail, and a sidewalk in order to meet requirements in the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan.
The street was also widened to meet requirements set by the Virginia Department of Transportation.
The street will connect to the Reston Town Center Metro Station from Sunrise Valley Drive.
New York-based company Tishman Speyer is developing Reston Crossing, a two-million-square development south of the Dulles Toll Road between Edmund Halley Drive and Reston Parkway.
The project was approved in 2019.
An event that is a staple for Restonians — the Reston Triathlon — is officially coming to an end.
The Reston Triathlon Association formed in 1983 and organized the event on the second Sunday of each September.
In an online post, the organization’s Board of Directors said that it was not able to find another organization to take over and continue the race.
“Unfortunately, we were just not able to overcome the mounting financial and logistical challenges we experienced these past few years to host a race that the community has come to know and love,” the statement read.
The nonprofit organization, which is staffed entirely by volunteers, canceled last year’s event due to the pandemic.
For years, participants have taken part in a race of Olympic proportions. The event was organized into into a 1500-meter swim, a 25-mile bike ride, and a 6.2-mile run.
Here’s more from the board on the change:
We have had an incredible journey with all of you, our racers, your supporters, our volunteers and all of the leaders in the community. We are very thankful for the memories and many years of racing. We will miss all of you.Â
The Reston Triathlon is a non-profit organization. Once we close out our expenses, any remaining funds will be donated to local charities.
Thank you for the many years of support. Stay healthy, volunteer and support your community events!
Photo via Reston Triathlon/Facebook
Business Burglarized in Herndon — Local police are looking for a man who may have robbed a business on the 700 block of Elden Street on Jan. 18. Police recently released a video of the subject. [Herndon Police Department]
Bingo Activity Results in Backlash — A high school lesson plan that included an activity called Privilege Bingo has resulted in backlash against the Fairfax County Public Schools system. The activity marked several demographics as privileged. [Local DVM]
Reston Athlete Competes for Olympic Gold — Maame Biney is gearing up for this year’s Olympics in Beijing. The Restonian is the first black woman to compete on a U.S. short track speed skating team. [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Photo by Terry Barans
A Reston Association committee is pushing for the renovation of Shadowood Recreation Area, an aging facility with a 20-meter pool that has been closed for more than two years.
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee is formally recommending that RA reopen the pool after completing renovations that will boost pool usage.
“Top amenities for increased enjoyment especially include lengthening of the pool to provide for standard lap lanes,” committee chair Julie Bitzer wrote in a Jan. 9 memo.
The committee is also suggesting other additions like slides, a play area, bigger bathrooms and a hot tub. Other recommendations include improving the appearance of the pool, maintaining comfortable water temperature in the pool and on the deck side, and renaming the facility from Shadowood to South Lakes.
The committee also cautioned that future investment in all RA pools should be considered in concert with the whole facility, not just the pool, and with a specific eye toward enhancing the “desirability” of RA’s facilities.
RA’s Board of Directors is expected tot discuss the issue at a meeting this Thursday.
Recommendations were made after RA completed a community survey and launched a public feedback period last year.
The county is officially courting feedback on the feasibility of a proposed arts center at Boston Properties’ Reston Next development.
Proffers negotiated by the county and the developer call for a 60,000-square-foot arts center and performing arts venue at the development.
Public meetings are planned from February through April to review the feasibility of the project. Architecture firm Grimm + Parker plans to review feedback and determine an estimate cost for the center.
“Community members, arts organizations and educators should plan to attend a session aligned with their perspective and give input regarding community needs and expectations for the facility space elements and functions,” Reston Community Center wrote in a Jan. 24 announcement about the public engagement period.
A breakdown of the meeting schedule is below:
Monday, February 14, 2022, 6:30 p.m. Kickoff Meeting. RCC Hunters Woods.
Monday, February 28, 2022, 6:30 p.m. Focus Group: Performing Arts. RCC Hunters Woods.
Monday, March 14, 2022, 6:30 p.m. Focus Group: Visual Arts. RCC Hunters Woods.
Monday, March 28, 2022, 6:30 p.m. Focus Group: Arts Education, Schools, Equity/Opportunity Neighborhoods. Zoom platform.
Monday, April 4, 2022, 6:30 p.m. General Wrap-up. Zoom platform.
Participants should RSVP by emailing [email protected].
Reston Next, formerly known as Reston Gateway, is located next to the Reston Town Center Metro Station. The development will be anchored by Volkswagen Group of America and Fannie Mae.
The arts center was part of a proffer agreement approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 2018. Block J, which is near the intersection of Sunset Hills Road and Town Center Parkway, is expected to house the facility.
A feasibility study must be completed by the summer of 2022.
Image via handout/Fairfax County Government
Help Sought in Identifying Person of Interest — The Herndon Police Department is asking the public’s help to identify a person of interest in a robbery that happened on Jan. 18. The individual is seen entering and exiting an elevator in the business. [HPD]
Metro Kicks Off Budget Talks — Metro is seeking comments on its budget for fiscal year 2023. The budget takes into account the launch of six new Silver Line Stations. [Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority]
County Districts Could Get New Names — The Lee, Mason, Mount Vernon, Springfield and Sully districts could get new names. The county’s redistricting committee meets today to discuss possible name changes. [Fairfax County Government]
Search for Boat Owner Continues — Reston Association is looking for the owner of a Malibu boat that was found at Lake Anne. The organization has been stepping up efforts to manage abandoned boats in the area in recent months. [RA]
Photo by Marjorie Copson
Driver Charged in Crash that Killed Reston Woman — Police have charged a Manassas man with driving under the influence and involuntary manslaughter in connection with a car crash that killed a Reston woman. [Fairfax County Police Department]
Lake Anne Visioning Plan Broadens — The county is considering a plan to dedicate $250,000 for a long-term visioning plan for the Lake Anne area. [Reston Patch]
Schools to Maintain Mask Requirement — Despite Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s order to lift mask mandates in schools, the Fairfax County Public Schools will maintain mask requirements for students. Virtual town halls to discuss the issue are planned for this week. [FCPS]
Police Investigate Gas Station Robbery — Local police are investigating a robbery that happened at Sunoco Gas Station at 13470 Coppermine Road on Jan. 19. A man displayed a gun and demanded property, according to police. [FCPD]
Photo by Marjorie Copson
Amid a holiday weekend helping to commemorate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., here are the top stories on Reston Now this week.
- Police: Prisoner with life sentence confesses to 1987 Herndon murder
- Reston Hospital Center reverses course on vaccine mandate
- Reston Association details technological mishaps that led to $46K in extra costs
- Herndon teen John Gluck takes his star turn on NBC’s “Ordinary Joe”
- Town of Herndon continues discussion to double down on parking
If you have ideas on stories we should cover, email us at [email protected] or submit an anonymous tip.
Feel free to discuss these topics, your social distancing plans, or anything else that’s happening locally in the comments below.
Although the pandemic wreaked havoc on supply chains and labor demands, the state’s massive improvement project along the Route 7 Corridor remains on track.
The $313.9 million project will improve seven miles of Route 7 between Reston Avenue and Jarrett Valley Drive is on schedule. Crews are working to widen the road from four to six lanes and add a shared-use path on both sides.
The project was not significantly impacted by staffing challenges and supply chain issues, a spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Transportation told Reston Now.
Kathleen Leonard, a spokesperson for VDOT, said that the design-to-build project team was able to take advantage of light traffic counts in 2012 to extend land closure hours and maintain progress throughout the pandemic.
But traffic patterns and a race-track environment are likely to remain for a little over two years.
Leonard says the project is 57 percent complete and on track for completion by July 31, 2024.
VDOT provided the following updates on the most recent work on the project:
Area 1: Reston Avenue to Colvin Forest Drive (Except Baron Cameron Avenue Intersection)
Area 1 West: Reston Avenue to Baron Cameron Avenue:
- Completed drilling for noise barrier foundations west of Reston Parkway along eastbound Route 7.Â
- Storm sewer installation west of Baron Cameron Avenue continued.
Area 1 East: Baron Cameron Avenue to Carpers Farm Way:
- Continued post installation for the noise barrier wall along westbound Route 7 between Colvin Run Road (east) and Colvin Run Road (west).
- Storm sewer installation between Baron Cameron Avenue and Colvin Forest Drive continued.
Area 2: Baron Cameron Intersection
- Continued earth-moving activities at the intersection of Route 7 and Baron Cameron Avenue.
Area 3: Difficult Run Area (Colvin Forest Drive to Faulkner Drive)
- Continued construction of the retaining wall between eastbound Route 7 and the Colvin Run stream channel.
- Construction of foundations for the piers and western abutment of the eastbound Route 7 bridge over Difficult Run continued.
- Completed storm sewer installation for Stage 2 between Difficult Run and Serenity Woods Lane.
- Completed storm sewer installation for Stage 3A between Serenity Woods Lane and Middleton Ridge Road. Â
- Installed underdrain, curb, and placed base and intermediate asphalt for Stage 2 between Towlston Road and Lewinsville Road.Â
- Placed base and intermediate asphalt between Lyons Street and Towlston Road. Â
- Completed the jack and bore storm sewer pipe crossing underneath Route 7 between Middleton Ridge Road and Newcombs Farm Road. Â
- Earth-moving activities for Stage 3B commenced between Lewinsville Road and Jarrett Valley Drive.
- Began installing storm sewer for the service road between McLean Bible Church and Laurel Hill Road.Â
Image via VDOT