Reston Named Hottest Neighborhood for Home Sales –Reston was named one of the hottest neighborhoods in the greater Washington area. The community came in at number 15, with a median sale price of $561,200, a roughly eight percent change over 2019. [Washington Business Journal]
Fairfax County Underwater Search Practice at Lake Newport Pool — Reston Association is working with the Fairfax County Police Department’s underwater search and recovery unit for training at the pool. FCPD conducts similar training about once a month. [Reston Today]
School Board to Discuss Metrics for Reopening — Fairfax County Public Schools’ Superintendent Scott Brabrand will offer update his team’s development of health and operational metrics to determine when in-person instruction will resume. The meeting begins today (Tuesday) at 4 p.m. [FCPS]
Photo via Marjorie Copson
The fifth annual Fairfax County Brewfest returns on Saturday, Sept. 26 with a twist year.
The event will take place at seven locations instead of a one-stop event in order to limit large gathering and follow social distancing guidelines.
The event features seven breweries in Fairfax County, including the Lake Anne Brew House in Reston.
“We designed a smart Brewfest this year. It’s scaled to be safer by spreading out locations to avoid a large crowd but still celebrating the breweries, music, and food in the area. It’s a chance to have fun and toast the craftmanship of the brewers,” said John Boylan, President & CEO, Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The event kicks off in Reston with a beer run at 9:45 a.m., followed by nitro cold brew coffee and Kombucha.
A complete breakdown is below:
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Join us as we tap an exclusive and very limited edition keg of our 2020 Golden Strong Ale (2020 VCB Cup Silver medalist). Will also be the first day that our QUADIVERSARY, 4th Anniversary Belgian Quad (2020 VCB Cup Bronze medalist) will be available (750 ml commemorative, ltd edition bottles available for in house consumption or to go. In addition, pretzel and pint special with NORDIC-KNOT pretzels, all day. Come sit by the lake for great views and even better brews. No ticket required.
6-8 p.m.: OKTOBEERFEST (advanced ticket purchase required by 9/24 with reserved table seating only. Limited seats still available. See website for more details.
Other participating breweries include Caboose Brewing Company (Fairfax), Fair Winds Brewing Company (Lorton), G34.3 Brewing Company (Lorton), Mustang Sally Brewing Company (Chantilly), Ono Brewing Company (Chantilly), and Settle Down Easy Brewing (Falls Church).
The event is co-hosted by the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce and Mustang Sally Brewing Company.
The Residence Inn on 315 Elden Street in Herndon could be transformed into an affordable housing development.
The new owner of the hotel is seeking to repurpose the property into a 166-unit residential development. According to preliminary plans, 55 percent of the units would be dedicated as workforce housing.
Before the traditional approval process can begin, the Town of Herndon’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan requires an amendment to the land use map, which would change the property from the business corridor classification to adaptive area-residential.
The Herndon Town Council will consider a proposal to refer the matter to the town’s Planning Commission. Public hearings will follow at a date that has not yet been announced.
In meeting materials, town officials indicate that the proposal could address a shortage of affordable housing in the area.
The meeting is set to begin at 7 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday) in the Herndon Council Chambers Building (765 Lynn Street).
Image via Google Maps
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a plan by Christopher Land to build 26 single-family homes on nearly 13 acres on Floris Lane.
Christopher Land plans to build the homes on a site at the south end of Floris Lane in the Spring Lake Estates community. The property currently has two single-family homes that were built in the 1950s.
The developer laid out two possible plans for a stormwater management facility on the site, which was a flashpoint between neighbors and the developer.
At a Sept. 15 board meeting, Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn said he was hopeful neighbors and the developer can agree on ways to improve the area lake.
“The applicant can go ahead with a base plan or an alternate plan. They can put stormwater facilities on their property or jointly contribute to improving the nearby lake,” Alcorn said.
A five-foot-wide sidewalk is planned on either side of the two private streets in the neighborhood.
The site was rezoned for increased density from R-1, which allows one dwelling unit per acre, to Planned Development Housing, which allows two units per acre.
Vernon Miles contributed reporting to this story.
Photo via handout/Fairfax County Government
Local police continue to investigate a stabbing that occurred earlier this month.
According to the Fairfax County Police Department, two men were heading to a local sporting event on Sept. 12 when a group of men stabbed them and ran away.
The victims were taken to a local hospital where they were treated for injuries that were not life-threatening, according to police.
The incident occurred around 3:44 p.m. FCPD released information about the incident on Friday.
Reston Association to Host Listening Session — RA is hosting a listening session for the Hunters Woods/Dogwood District today (Monday) via Zoom. Th meeting begins at 7 p.m. [Reston Association]
Capital Bikeshare Celebrates 10 Years — “DC’s Capital Bikeshare marks its 10th birthday this Sunday, September 20. Along with iPads and electric car charging stations which also turn 10 this year, they’ve changed the possibilities for how many of us work and play.” [Greater Greater Washington]
Fairfax County Park Authority Celebrates 70 Years — “This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Fairfax County Park Authority, and activities are planned from now through next June to mark our 70 Years of Excellence.” [Fairfax County Government]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Before we head off into another weekend with COVID-19 abound, let’s take a look back at the biggest stories on Reston Now in recent days.
- BREAKING: Woman Shot and Killed in Reston
- EYA Breaks Ground on Reston Midline Project
- Fairfax County Board to Consider Proposal to Ban Firearms in County Areas
- Cigar Town to Open New Location in Herndon Next Week
- Best Buy in Reston to Close Next Month
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.
Image via Google Maps
NextStop Theatre Company is adapting to restrictions posed by the COVID-19 pandemic by kicking off a new fall concert series.
The company plans to kick off an outdoor concert series called “The Parking Lot Concerts” on Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Shows will run from Sept. 26 through Oct. 31.
Each performance will include performers from previous NexStop productions, including Robert Mintz, Wood Van Meter, and Sarah Anne Sillers.
NextStop Theatre Company has been closed for public performance since the final weekend of “Ordinary Days” was canceled on March 12.
“With indoor performances cancelled since March, we have missed bringing entertainment and joy to our community!” said Evan Hoffmann, Producing Artistic Director of NextStop Theatre. “But now the wait is over!”
Here’s more from the theatre company on the series:
NextStop will transform the parking lot just outside of their building into an intimate outdoor venue and wine garden, with socially-distant, cafe-style seating for just over 40 patrons. It promises to be a delightful evening under the stars, featuring music, laughter, and a chance to be transported.
Guests are invited to pack a meal, bring take out, and are particularly encouraged to order from one of the many fine local restaurants, such as Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern and A Taste of the World, some of which will even deliver to the event! NextStop will also offer beer, wine, and other soft drinks at their outdoor bar, arranged specially for these performances.
With the health and safety of the community being NextStop’s top priority, all staff and guests will be required to wear a mask at all times, except when eating or drinking at their table. There will be 12+ feet of distance between other patrons and the performers.
Tickets are $60 for a table for two. A limited number of standing room single stools are available for $40. More information about the series and how to purchase tickets is available online.
Photo courtesy of NextStop Theater Company
Reston Tech Company Announces New Hire — “Reston-based tech and network security company Electrosoft announced Wednesday it has hired Teena Lavu as vice president of civilian programs. With more than 20 years of government contracting experience, Lavu was most recently the senior director of civilian services with NTT Data Services LLC.” [Virginia Business]
Local Leaders Encourage Flu Shots — “Leaders from Northern Virginia localities came together Thursday morning to encourage residents to get the flu shot ahead of flu season in the fall and winter. Amid the potential double threat of flu season and the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, leaders want to keep pressure off hospitals as well as personal protective equipment and testing resources.” [Reston Patch]
Sewing Center Volunteer Slots Open to Make Masks — “Fairfax County has collaborated with Volunteer Fairfax to designate a volunteer space to make masks for kids. The sewing center at Audrey Moore RECenter — 8100 Braddock Road, Annandale — will be open daily from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.” [Fairfax County Government]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
A woman was shot and killed in Reston earlier today, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
Police believe the woman was shot in the area of Colts Neck Road and Glade Drive. She died at the scene. Detectives continue to conduct interviews and process evidence.
Colts Neck Road is closed between Glade Drive and Paddock Lane. FCPD encourages residents to avoid the area and use an alternate route.
No other information about the incident was immediately released.
Wiehle-Reston East Station Closing for Three Weekends — “Metro’s Silver Line will shut down for three weekends for work to prepare for a likely opening of the Silver Line’s second phase next year. Metro and the Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority (MWAA) say the likely dates are November 7-8, November 21-22, and December 5-6.” [WJLA]
Treatment on Two Reston Lakes to Begin Today — “On Sep. 15 Lake Anne and Lake Thoreau were monitored for algae by Aquatic Environment Consultants (AEC). AEC confirmed this morning that they will be proceeding with the regularly scheduled algae treatments for both lakes.” [Reston Association]
Local Firm Boasts ‘Stellar Year’ — “Venture capital firm Proof.VC has been on a roll in 2020. The Reston company’s portfolio has seen 3D-printing startup Desktop Metal and Inc. online gaming platform Skill Inc. both announce their intentions to go public, as well as the earlier IPO of mattress company Casper Sleep Inc.” [Washington Business Journal]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Following months of opposition from local residents, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the addition of a cell tower at Herndon High School on Tuesday.
In response to concerns about the location and size of the facility, Milestone reduced the monopole’s height from 124 to 114 feet and the facility’s size from 2,590 to 1,175 square feet. The latest plan also shifts most of the ground equipment under the visitor’s bleachers and away from a more central location on the football field.
Still, residents said concerns about the use of the field for the facility remained unaddressed.
““We have consistently opposed the monopole because it is taking valuable land from our schools. It is a hazard to our children and is inconsistent with the school,” said Heather Metz, a Herndon High School parent who helped launched an online petition to oppose the facility.
Others said they were concerned the pole and facility was placed between in the middle of the football field.
Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust said it was misleading to suggest the facility was located in the middle of the field.
“The reality is, that’s not where the pole and the compound are,” Foust said, adding that the revised proposal addresses many of the community’s concerns.
“I think everybody has done their best to minimize the impact of this proposal.”
Other board supervisors expressed dismay that a representative from Fairfax County Public Schools was not present at the meeting to allay concerns.
Vernon Miles contributed reporting to this story.
Photo via Milestone
Efforts to Preserve Lake Health Underway — “RA hosted a virtual meeting on Aug. 31 to collect input from residents and answer questions about the ongoing health of Reston’s lakes. Based on that feedback, RA has set up a Lakes and Watersheds webpage, where residents can find the latest water quality reports. They can also send their concerns via email to [email protected].” [Reston Patch]
Responding to Hate Crimes in Reston — A fifth Rainbow flag and a second Black Lives Matter banner that flew at the entrance of the church were installed at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Reston. They replace banners stole in June. [The Connection]
More Funding Pumped into Small Business Grant Program — “Additional funding for the Fairfax Relief Initiative to Support Employers (RISE) grant program will provide grants to remaining eligible businesses and nonprofits that applied. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors approved up to $12 million for the program. The Town of Vienna is providing $1 million as well.” [Reston Patch]
Photo by Marjorie Copson
Reston Association to Host Second Meeting on Lake Health — In a letter to its members, RA CEO Hank Lynch and Board of Directors President Julie Bitzer said next year’s budget will includ funding for lake treatment. A meeting to followup on lake health and management plans is set for October. [Reston Association]
High Honors for Rotary of Great Falls — “Rotary District 7610 recently named the Rotary of Great Falls as one of its top achievers for 2019-2020. The club was honored in several categories. It received plaudits for several youth projects, including sponsoring two teenagers for Rotary’s Leadership Institute.” [The Connection]
Current State of Pandemic in County — Fairfax Health Director Gloria Addo-Ayensu encourages residents to continue practicing social distancing in order to limit the spread of the pandemic. [Fairfax County Government]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Eight candidates are running for six seats on the Herndon Town Council for the 2021-2022 term. This week, Reston Now will publish candidate statements, which are edited for typos and formatting only. Statements are published in the order in which they are received. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Featured here is Cesar del Aguila.
What would your top three priorities be as a council member?
My top priorities are: full council decision transparency, new housing options, budget, and new town branding.
What is the top challenge the town faces currently and how do you aim to address it?
Prioritizing the budget for the next ten years will be paramount. What we save and cut will impact services delivered and future initiatives. This will be the most important issue the new council will face. We must find areas to save taxpayer dollars and find new sources of long-term revenue.
What legislative matters or proposals do you hope to bring forward on the council?
Major changes to the HPRB are desperately needed. Too many residents are being impacted and the ordinances need to be updated. We are creating a district where only wealthy individuals can afford to maintain their homes to a standard that is outdated. I would like to see the HPRB modified with input from the actual residents that live in the district.
I want to create an environment where new development provides a wider range of housing product options to include; workforce, studios, senior living and affordable units. We have several projects in the future and can address these needs if we value and commit to providing homes for everyone who wants to call Herndon home.
How does your background uniquely position you for this position?
I spent years in various positions with large businesses in executive roles. I understand leadership, at times, requires telling people what they need to hear, versus what they want to hear. I come from communities that invested in public schools and affordable housing. I have heard from many residents and what they desire for Herdon’s future. Change is happening and our growth depends on how well we leverage our resources to capture new businesses, residents, and investors. I welcome all views, listen to new ideas, and value the contrarian view.
The Town of Herndon is poised for transformation as Metro and the redevelopment of downtown Herndon is underway. What is your current assessment of progress made so far? How do you hope to continue ensuring the development occurs in a timely and productive manner?
I think we are behind in terms of what we could have had. It appears previous councils decided not to look into long-term investments and leverage our town resources. It seems previous councils were waiting for projects to come to Herndon. I would have invested in large projects over the past twenty years. I would have created line items in the budget and partially funded large projects through special revenue allocations versus bonding all costs. Pay a little as we go. I understand bonding projects benefit residents in the future that can utilize new infrastructure, however, I believe we have an obligation to pay a little now, so we don’t fully burden future residents with all the project costs. I believe sharing benefits and costs.
Photo via Cesar del Aguila
