Officials from the Town of Herndon and Comstock have declined to disclose information on why the development of downtown Herndon has been delayed from its expected groundbreaking late last year.
In a statement posted on social media yesterday (Monday), Town of Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel offered some insights on what has led to delays. She pointed to market conditions and COVID-19 as reasons that have led to delays.
Comstock and the Town of Herndon have not yet closed on the project. The town’s manager, the town’s attorney and Merkel met with Comstock’s senior staff, including its CEO Chris Clemente late last week to “address a number of outstanding items required prior to closing,” Merkel said.
Both parties are working on strategies to address the pending issues, Merkel said.
She also added that Clemente and his staff stressed their commitment to “expeditiously” move forward with the redevelopment project.
“Both Comstock and the Town are committed to this project and my personal goal as your major is to see these actions completed during this calendar year,” Merkel said.
A promotional website and banner offer a tease regarding what’s to come on the site, which will include 273 apartments, 17,00 square feet of retail, and arts center, and a 787-space parking garage. The $85 million project is a joint venture between the town and Comstock.
More information is expected next month.
Photo via Comstock
Another major event in Reston has been canceled due to health concerns posed by COVID-19.
The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce decided to cancel this year’s Taste of Reston, the largest outdoor food festival in Northern Virginia, due to the pandemic.
“Taking everything into account, this decision supports the community’s efforts to keep us safe and healthy during these unprecedented times,” according to a press release.
Taste of Reston is expected to return to Reston Town Center next summer on Father’s day weekend on June 18 and June 19.
This year’s festival was originally expected to take place in late September.
Late last month, the Greater Reston Arts Center announced that it is also canceling the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival this year due to similar concerns.
Photo by Don Renner
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the area today as Tropical Storm Isaias brings rain and the possibility of flooding.
A Flash Flood Watch and coastal Flood Warnings are in effect today into tonight.
The storm is expected to move rapidly over St. Mary’s County this morning and exit the Chesapeake Bay by midday.
Forecasters say that the threat of flash flooding is likely as rainfall continues to move northward. Totals of between three to six inches are expected. The highest amounts are expected over the I-95 corridor in the early afternoon.
Isaias is moving NE across NC, crossing our region through the early PM. Heavy rain will intensify with significant flood potential, especially near & east of I-95. Winds will also increase in these areas, with wind damage possible. Tornadoes also possible, mainly near the Bay. pic.twitter.com/wUyXqUxsuz
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) August 4, 2020
Beware of Downed Power Lines — “The National Weather Service has indicated sustained winds of 10 to 20 mph with wind gusts up to 30 mph are likely for our area today. These winds, along with the saturated ground, may cause trees, tree limbs, and power lines to fall. Scattered power outages are possible.” [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]
New Leadership at CertiPath — “CertiPath — a high-assurance identity management leader — has appointed industry veteran Jack L. Johnson as Advisor to its Board of Directors. In his new role, Jack will provide expertise and guidance on growth opportunities to the CertiPath leadership team and much more.” [CertiPath]
Reston’s EverWatch Buys Firm — “Reston’s EverWatch, a defense and national security contractor under the Enlightenment Capital umbrella, has made its largest acquisition to date, an Anne Arundel County IT and cloud services firm.” [Washington Business Journal]
Touring Artists to Take CenterStage — “Even as it faces the challenges of COVID-19, the Reston Community Center CenterStage has programmed a Professional Touring Artists Series that aims ‘to help our community reflect on how structural racism impacts us all and to celebrate diversity,’ said Paul Douglas Michnewicz, RCC’s Director of Arts and Events.” [DC Metro Theatre Arts]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Fairfax County officials are seeking $66.4 million in state funds for the Soapstone Connector.
The project, which would create a new one-mile roadway between Sunrise Valley Drive and Sunset Hills Road, recently received $15 million from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority.
A bridge would be built over the Dulles Corridor, providing an additional crossing that is critical to reducing congested areas along Wiehle Avenue
At a July 28 meeting, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to seek the funds through the Commonwealth Transportation Board’s FY2022-FY2027 Smart Scale Program.
The program considers projects for funding based on factors like congestion mitigation, economic development, safety, land use and environmental safety. In Northern Virginia, the factor of congestion mitigation has the most weight.
The county worked with the Virginia Department of Transportation to flag nine other projects for consideration, including the widening of Route 7 for bus rapid transit and the widening of Fairfax County Parkway from Route 123 to Nomes Court.
Greater Reston Arts Center is the latest local entity to be hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
With one of its flagship events canceled this year, the organization has launched a special fundraising appeal for this month. The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, which was initially rescheduled to September, was canceled late last month due to the difficulty of implementing social distancing guidelines at the popular event.
“The festival historically provides more than one-third of our annual net income. And, consequently, the financial I impact of the cancellation is severe fort he organization,” wrote Jaynelle Hazard, GRACE’s executive director and curator in a written appeal sent earlier this morning. A board member has offered to match the first $5,000 raised.
Here’s more from Hazard on the plea:
We understand that charitable donations may not be an option for many in this moment, and that some have already given to Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) – thank you. If you are, in any way, able to help meet this inspirational year-end challenge, we would be grateful. Donations will contribute toward essential funds necessary in powering our ability to continue offering opportunities that explore and engage with contemporary art and artists. Whether you are able to donate $5, $50, $500, or more, your tax-deductible gift will make a substantial impact. Help us meet, if not exceed, Lezley’s gracious challenge. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and for supporting GRACE.
GRACE is projecting a loss of about $100,000 of its $500,000 budget, GRACE’s gallery and communication manager, Sofia Blom, told Reston Now. Donations are being accepted online.
Photo by Don Renner
Reston residents looking to get tested for COVID-19 can do so at a free testing clinic this week in Reston.
The Fairfax County Health Department and Southgate Community Center are partnering to offer free testing on Wednesday, August 5 from 5-8 p.m. at the community center, which is located at 12125 Pinecrest Road.
It is important to note that the event is intended for people who live within a two-mile radius of the community center. Reston Association noted that the site is “not a large public testing event open to anyone.” In the past, previous officials have stressed the need for localized testing. Testing clinics that were broadly advertised in the past led to major logistical issues when testing for COVID-19 initially began in the county.
A doctor referral and identification are not required to get tested. Health insurance is also not required. Residents must be five years or older to get tested.
Patients must pre-register in order o get tested by calling 703-267-3511 or by registering online. Contact information will only be used to provide test results.
File photo
Prepare for a wet beginning to the workweek.
A flood watch is in effect from this evening through Tuesday evening as Tropical Storm Isaias makes its way to the region.
A severe thunderstorm warning is also in effect until 4:30 p.m. today.
A potential for between three to six inches of rain is possible.
Here’s more from the National Weather Service:
* RAINFALL ASSOCIATED WITH TROPICAL STORM ISAIAS IS EXPECTED T START SPREADING NORTHWARD LATE MONDAY NIGHT AND CONTINUE INTO TUESDAY EVENING. WIDESPREAD RAINFALL TOTALS OF 3 TO 6 INCHES ARE EXPECTED WITH LOCALIZED HIGHER AMOUNTS POSSIBLE.
* THIS AMOUNT OF RAIN IS LIKELY TO RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT FLASH FLOODING OF SMALL STREAMS AND CREEKS MONDAY NIGHT INTO TUESDAY EVENING.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION. SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED
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Route 7 Lane Shifts Begin — There will be permanent lane shifts between Towlston Road and Lewinsville Road beginning today. All residences, businesses and other facilities will remain accessible. [Virginia Department of Transportation]
Filing Now Open for Reston Community Center Poll — “Candidate filing is now open for Reston Community Center’s 2020 Preference Poll to fill three seats on its Board of Governors. The Board of Governors is a nine-member body responsible for overseeing the policies, programs and financial planning for RCC.” [RCC]
Northern Virginia Trails Eastern in New COVID-19 Cases — “While the northern region was the center of the coronavirus crisis in Virginia months ago, it has been trailing the eastern region for new cases lately. In the eastern region, additional restrictions have been implemented in Hampton Roads due to increasing new cases, hospitalizations and positive tests.” [Reston Patch]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Bechtel Taps New President — “For the first time in four years, Bechtel Corp. will have a new president and chief operating officer. Executives for the Reston engineering and construction company said Thursday that Craig Albert, president of its infrastructure segment, will take the reins as its president and COO, stepping in for current COO Jack Futcher, who is set to retire at the end of 2020.” [Washington Business Journal]
Town of Herndon is Open for Business — “The town has launched a “Herndon is Open for Business” promotional video campaign. The town with the help of HCTV is visiting 10-15 small businesses a month to highlight the unique and variety of businesses in the community.” [Town of Herndon]
New State Grant Launching Soon — “A new program, Rebuild VA, will open for applications on August 10 to help small businesses and nonprofit organizations whose normal operations were disrupted by the economic emergency created by the pandemic.” [Fairfax County Economic Development Authority]
Reston Firm Going Public — “SOC Telemed has signed a deal to go public through a merger with a blank-check company, 16 years after the Reston telemedicine provider launched as a videoconferencing service for hospitals — and as the coronavirus pandemic stimulates unprecedented demand for virtual care.” [Washington Business Journal]
Photo vis Marjorie Copson
A restaurant that offers smoothies, acai, pitaya, and coconut bowls is exploring plans to open a location in Reston Town Center, according to a report by The Burn.
Playa Bowls is considering leasing corner space at the intersection of Democracy Drive and Discovery Street, according to the report.
The New Jersey-based business, which opened in 2014, has more than 80 locations across the country.
Its menu includes bowls, smoothies, juices, and poke bowls.
Photo via Playa Bowls/Facebook
A trio of Fairfax County Board Supervisors has pushed for the establishment of the Affordable Housing Preservation Task Force.
The task force was created through a board matter during a Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ meeting on July 28. Supervisors John Foust, Dalia Palchik, and Board Chairman Jeff McKay noted that the task force is essential in order to preserve affordable housing, especially as older multifamily rental and mobile home communities are threatened by demolition or redevelopment.
“These trends are slowly eroding the county’s market affordable housing stock and forcing families and individuals out of the communities where they work,” the board matter states.
The move comes as the county continues discussions on ways to improve its affordable housing and workforce dwelling unit policies. In 2016, the board calls for the development of a housing strategic plan that offers guidance on how to strengthen and preserve affordable housing.
According to an analysis by the Virginia Center for Housing Research at Virginia Tech, there are 9,500 housing units in Fairfax County that are considered market affordable and target households earning 60 percent of the area median income and below.
The county is aiming to ensure that no market affordable housing units in the county are lost — a recommendation provided by the board-created Affordable Housing Resources Panel.
The board matter calls on the task force to develop a comprehensive preservation plan. The task force will provide recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on the following issues by the end of the first quarter of 2021:
- “Definitions for the types of preservation that can occur in communities;
- Typology of properties at risk and characteristics to guide prioritizing properties or
- neighborhoods in need of action sooner; and
- A comprehensive set of preservation strategies that includes recommended policies and
- tools to achieve the county goal of no net loss of affordability.”
“The way to ensure no net loss is through clear articulation of preservation strategies,” the board matter states.
The task force will include representation of a variety of stakeholders, including the private sector, county officers, and local planners.
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Boston Properties, the owner of Reston Town Center, has taken a hit in earnings since the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the regional economy.
According to a quarterly earnings statement, the real estate owner’s funds from operations were down by 14 percent in the second quarter this year when compared to this time last year. The company earned $236.9 million for the first three months ending on June 30.
Boston Properties CEO Owen Thomas attributed the earnings drop to layoffs, rent concessions with struggling tenants, and dips in parking fees from office tenants that are now working remotely.
Still, the company reported some big wins. Earlier this year and in the thick of the pandemic, Microsoft signed a 400,000-square-foot-lease in Reston Town Center.
It’s unclear how the pandemic will pan out for the company. Rent collections remain high, with collections of 94 percent of rents overall, Thomas said.
“I’m particularly proud of our team’s commitment to serving our customers with the highest level of professionalism that is our standard at Boston Properties,” he said.
He also noted that greater acceptance of part-time work from home may act as a headwind to office demand growth.
“So longterm, we think the product is here to stay. And the question is, who is going to be providing that and who is going to get through this pandemic most successfully?”
Photo by Jay Westcott
Summer Entertainment Series Returns — “Beginning July 30, the Fairfax County Park Authority will livestream 25 free summer concert events featuring a mix of nationally known performers and singer-songwriters. These virtual events provide a new way to enjoy great performances from the safety of your home.” [Fairfax County Government]
Private Wagon Rides at Frying Pan Farm Park — The park is offering 30-minute private tours Monday through Friday mornings throughout August. The cost is $40 per family and advance reservations are required. [Fairfax County Government]
Public Art Reston to Host Virtual Artist Talk — “Join Public Art Reston for a live virtual artist talk with DeWitt Godfrey. The artist’s latest work ‘Simon’ is scheduled to be installed at Valley & Park here in Reston in August. During the artist talk, Godfrey will be interviewed by Public Art Reston Board Director and local artist Marco Rando. They will discuss the new sculpture, the artist’s creative process, and inspiration.” [Viva Reston]
The Reston Association Board of Directors approved a committee’s updated report on the status of pedestrian and bicyclist facilities in the Reston.
The report, titled “Reston On Foot and Bicycle,” was formulated by the Multimodal Transportation Committee and is intended to serve as a resource for residents, developers, the county and state officials.
This is the fifth update of the report since it was first published in the early 1990s, according to Reston Association.
Most of the report’s recommendations continue to stress the need for an integrated network of bicycle facilities using existing streets.
“Reston has been supported by VDOT and FCDOT in making this a reality, yet many gaps remain,” according to the 33-page report.
MTC is also encouraging a number of curb cut improvements in Reston. The overall effort requires more cooperation between the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, VDOT, the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority and the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, the report states.
File photo
