Conversations are underway to improve the safety of Lake Anne Dam, which currently does not meet state regulations for handling the largest flood considered when evaluating the dam’s performance.

The state’s Department of Conservations and Floodpain Management has called on Reston. Association, which owns the high-hazard dam, to submit an alteration permit application to increase the spillway capacity so it can manage a high-intensity flood, which is known as the Spillway Design Flood (SDF).

In a letter issued to RA on March 20, Russel Baxter, deputy director of dam safety and floodplain management and water conservation, told RA to submit the alteration permit by Dec. 31. 

Construction work to boost the dam’s spillway capacity should be completed by the end of. 2021, according to the letter.

So far, RA has been issued a Conditional Operation and Maintenance Certificate because the dam currently does not meet state regulations. The certificate expires on March 31, 2022. RA has previously received conditional operation certificates as well. 

But it’s unclear exactly how alterations would be phased out. Talks are underway to update the state’s dam regulations.

This year, RA’s Board of Directors deferred around $750,000 in funding to accommodate other pending projects in the fiscal year 2021 budget.

Larry Butler, RA’s Chief Operating Officer, told Reston Now that the association is waiting on the state to complete to determine what changes are made to state codes and regulations regarding dams and impounding structure.

“We have no alteration plans at present because we do not know how the code will change,” Butler wrote in a statement. 

When the board met last month, RA’s CEO Hank Lynch noted that the state is working on seating a Technical Advisory Committee to review dam safety regulations.  Lynch said that many dam owners have expressed concerns about “recent changes to the regulations and the owners’ inabilities to satisfy the requirements, both technically and financially.”

“This action has been delayed because of the pandemic,”  Lynch noted.

It can take around two years for the committee to complete its work, which prompted staff to delay any capital funding until new guidance is in place.

In 2017, the state agreed to foot half of the $14,590 bill for a hazard analysis of the dam. High-hazard dams pose the greatest risk to life and property if they fail.

Local police are asking for the public’s help to identify a suspect in connection with a bank robbery at Wells Fargo (1099 Elden Street) that happened on Nov. 27.

Police believe that the suspect depicted in the above photo passed a note to tellers demanding cash and left with an undisclosed amount of money at around 4:30 p .m. that day.

No weapon was seen or implied. The suspect then left on foot towards Alabama Avenue.

Anyone with information to help identify the subject should call the Herndon Police Department at 703-435-6846.

HPD released the image from security footage today (Tuesday).

Photo via HPD

Concerns Voiced About Zoning Modernization Project — Reston Association’s Board of Directors have written a letter to the Hunter Mill District Supervisor voicing concerns about the county’s ongoing zoning ordinance modernization project.  Concerns highlighted include the need for more public review and issues related to accessory living units and home-based businesses. [RA]

FCPD Mourns Loss of K9 — “We are heartbroken to share the news of the recent passing of one of our retired patrol canines, K9 Blitz. K9 Blitz served the Fairfax County community from 2008 to 2012, when his handler left the Canine Section due to a career promotion. K9 Blitz was a Belgian Malinois who was also specially trained to assist our SWAT team on operations.” [Fairfax County Police Department]

Reminder: Taxes Due Dec. 7 — If real estate taxes aren’t already built in your mortgage, the second installment of this year’s real estate tax is due by Dec. 7. Payments can be made online. [Fairfax County Government]

FCPS Establishes Student Equity Ambassador Leaders Program — “Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has established a new leadership program–Student Equity Ambassador Leaders (SEALS)–to amplify student voices and provide an increased understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion through leadership development, projects, and relevant experiences of high school students.” [FCPS]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

Planning to repair the bridge on Reston Parkway over the Dulles Toll Road is underway after a tractor-trailer crashed into the bridge earlier this month.

According to a spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Transportation, the tractor-trailer struck the bridge and damaged its girder and the connection to its superstructure.

Since the bridge is joined owned by VDOT and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, both entities are devising a plan for repairs.

So far, structural engineers have assessed the damage and are in the “final stages” of creating a repair plan, Ellen Kamilakis told Reston Now.

“Likely, VDOT bridge crews and their contractor will perform at least some of the repair,” she said.

The bridge strike happened on Nov. 20. Since then, the right northbound lane on the bridge has been closed to traffic indefinitely.

Photo via VDOT

A new fusion pizza restaurant has opened in the Herndon.

Pizza Twist, a chain with other locations throughout the country, opened at 13049 Worldgate Drive on Thanksgiving Day.

The restaurant offers pizza, wings, tacos, and pasta with a mix of Indian flavors. Options on the menu include a spicy lamb kebab pizza and butter chicken pizza.

Partners Amita Mahajan Singla and Nishika Nibber Bhanot opened the business despite a recent surge in COVID-19 cases and the recent closures of some businesses due to the pandemic. Singla told Reston Now she’s confident that the variety of food — including the inclusion of a full-bar — will help the business succeed. 

“Our strong trust in our food led us to use all of our own personal savings to spend on this venture along with support from friends and family,” she said.

She says the restaurant aimed to preserve personal safety as different people — including contractors, vendors and government employees —  entered the business as it geared up for opening. They had hoped to open their doors earlier but were stalled due to the pandemic.

Singla says all chairs, tables and high-contact surfaces are sanitized regularly and social distancing between patrons and staff is maintained when possible.

Pizza Twist offers gluten-free options and says its ingredients are locally sourced. More information about the restaurant is available online.

Photos via Pizza Twist

Registration Opens for Santa Clause’s Stop in Reston — See Santa Clause before he takes off in the Brown’s Chapel Recreation Area on Dec. 12. Registration is limited to allow for social distancing. [Reston Association]

Current Hospitalizations in State Hit New High — “Virginia’s current coronavirus hospitalizations reached a new high on Sunday, according to Virginia Department of Health data. The statewide number of current COVID-19 hospital patients stands at 1,628, and the seven-day average is 1,566.3. That’s close to the 1,573.3 peak average on May 12.” [Reston Patch]

Stormy Day Ahead — “Get ready for a wild weather finish to November. A strong storm system develops and moves through… bringing a mix of hazards to our area in a short time frame, capped off by the potential for strong to possibly severe storms Monday afternoon. No specific warnings or advisories have been issued, but expect a good soaking of one to two-plus inches of rain (and some wild temperature swings).” [Capital Weather Gang, Twitter]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

A townhouse fire on the 13300 block of Apgar Place that started this morning is now under control, according to the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.

When units got to the scene, smoke was showing from the townhouse unit. The fire was located in the wall and quickly extinguished around 7:46 a.m., the department wrote.

No injuries were reported.

UPDATE from townhouse fire in the 13300 block of Apgar Place in Herndon area. Fire is out. No extension to townhouses next door. No injuries at this time. Most units will be returning to service soon. #FCFRD pic.twitter.com/bYGkTp6jI0

— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) November 25, 2020

Photo via FCFRD

Although the pandemic changed plans for Reston Community Center’s Martin Luther King Jr. birthday celebration, a community-based virtual choir is in the works.

RCC is partnering with Reston Community Orchestra, South Lakes High School’s choral director Rita Gigliotti and SLHS alum Harrison de Wolfe for a special virtual event on Jan. 16. The participants will produce a virtual recording of Lift Every Voice and Sing, which is also known as the Black National Anthem.

“This year, due to the pandemic, the concert has been canceled so we intend to join together in song with a virtual celebration of the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement,” wrote Kevin Danehar, RCC’s community events director, in a statement.

Members of the public can take part in the performance by following a step-by-step instructional video guide that will include major parts of the vocal track and how to record with a smart phone, tablet or laptop.

The deadline to register for the community virtual choir is tomorrow (Wednesday). All video recordings are due by Dec. 8. The complete video will be released on RCC’s website.

The center is seeking 50 performers. The registration form is available online.

Police are investigating a shooting that happened on the 1000 block of Queens Court this afternoon.

According to the Herndon Police Department, one person was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

No other information was immediately provided by HPD, which alerted the public about the incident at around 2:45 p.m. today.

Reston Association is seeking candidates to fill three open seats on its Board of Directors.

All RA members are encouraged to take part in the upcoming election, which takes place from March 1 through April 2 of 2021.

Two at-large district seats and the South Lakes district seat will open next year. A formal call for candidates is expected this month.

Members are encouraged to opt-in for an electronic ballot to reduce postal costs for RA. Ballot requests can be sent to [email protected].

Anyone with further questions, including how to become a candidate should contact the elections committee at [email protected].

Information on the elections’ process is expected soon, according to RA’s recent weekly newsletter.

Reston Association Offers Update on Capital Projects — Chris Schumaker, RA’s director of capital projects, offers an update on recent capital projects, including the roof replacement at Uplands Pool and concrete repairs at Lake Newport Pool. [Reston Today]

County Offers Recommendations on Celebrating Winter Holidays — “Recommendations shared for Thanksgiving apply to December holidays as well. Remember: the safest way to celebrate the holidays this year is with people in your household. Therefore, we recommend making the holidays more leisurely this year. Stay home, stay cozy, and keep it small and simple.” [Fairfax County Government]

Local Volunteer Wins Elly Doyle Award — Leslie painter, who frequently volunteers at Frying Pan Farm Park and also serves on the board of directors, has been selected for an Elly Doyle Award. [YouTube]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

A barbershop-bar concept is reportedly working on deals in Reston, Bisnow reports.

Scissors & Scotch is planning to expand in the area with several locations in Reston, Vienna and Loudoun County.

The Kansas City-based retailer was founded in 2015 and offers a cocktail bar with a men’s barbershop. It recently signed a deal to open a second new location in the District.

Here’s more from Bisnow on the company’s expansion:

Given the challenges the retail market is facing today, Koroma said launching an expansion across the region is allowing Scissors & Scotch to land tenant-favorable deals. He said he has gotten frequent calls from developers with available retail space asking if Scissors & Scotch would be interested. 

“The concessions have been tremendous, and the positive note on what’s happening is everyone is in deal mode,” Koroma said. “Everybody wants to make a deal, and it’s a win-win situation. Landlords are happy to do this because you get a concept that not only do you know will be successful, but you see it as a value-add and an amenity to the project.”

Photo via Scissors & Scotch/Facebook

As Thanksgiving approaches, Fairfax County reported the highest weekly average of COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began earlier this year. The news comes as the county and state record peaks in the number of new cases reported and appear to confirm fears of a second wave of cases.

Even as the possibility of a vaccine becomes reality, health officials are urging residents to avoid celebrating the holiday with members outside ones’ household, if possible.

As of today (Monday), the state’s health department reported 453 new cases, second only to the highest number of new cases (493) per day that was reported on June 25. To date, the county has had 38,798 cases, 2,474 hospitalizations and 614 deaths.

Based on the current trajectory of cases, more evidence shows that cases have been growing at an exponential rate in the county over the last month.

The county’s test positivity rate is 8.3 percent, more than one percentage point higher than the statewide test positive rate, which is currently 7.2 percent. In the state, 3,242 new cases were reported today, according to state health data.

Similar surges have been detected regionally recently.

“The number of new COVID-19 cases in the Fairfax and Loudoun health districts is officially surging, according to new analysis from the University of Virginia, and the Northern Virginia region’s overall caseload is at its highest level since it peaked May 31,” InsideNova reported.

The Virginia Department of Health attributed some of today’s case counts to “a catch-up from the VDH data system being down for upgrades for a few hours this weekend.”

Hospitalizations, however, remain relatively low in the county. As of today, two new hospitalizations were reported and no new deaths were reported.

Photo 1 via Unsplash; photo 2 via Fairfax County Department of Health