Boston Properties has filed a lawsuit against Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market alleging that the New-Jersey based grocery has failed to pay more than $225,000 in rent since December.
The lawsuit, which was first reported by the Washington Business Journal, was filed last month against Balducci’s Virginia LLC, which signed a 19,930-square-foot lease at 1871 Foundrive Drive in April 2016.
The grocer opened in June 2018 on the ground floor of The Signature apartments. According to WBJ, the lease was changed a few months later to “provide rent relief” to the business.
““Balducci’s VA has continued to operate its grocery store business through the Covid-19 emergency period, and, on information and belief, has taken significant revenue during the emergency period as business that was allowed to continue operating as an essential service,” according to the complaint.
Here’s more from WBJ on three default notices sent to the company:
On Feb. 25, the Boston Properties affiliate sent Balducci’s a written default notice, which the grocer received the following day, according to court documents. Boston Properties claims in the lawsuit that, at that point, Balducci’s had failed to pay $95,157.07 in past due rent, following that up with another default notice two months later.
In an April 7 notice sent to Balducci’s VA, and received April 8, per the lawsuit, Boston Properties notified Balducci’s it had applied $189,244.33 of the retailer’s security deposit to the outstanding rent balance and demanded Balducci’s replenish the security deposit within three days by paying that same amount. It did not, per court documents.
On April 28, according to court documents, Boston Properties sent a “Final Notice of Continuing Default and Notice of Termination of the Relief Period,” demanding payment of $226,703.15, which was not remitted, according to the lawsuit. “Balducci’s VA did not pay any amount to Block 4 for May 2020 charges that were due under the Lease on May 1, 2020,” the suit states.
As of June 3, Boston Properties was seeking $256,436.37 in damages and an additional $226,703.15 if that amount was not paid by June 29, on top of attorney’s fees, interest and all other payments not made throughout the legal process, according to its complaint.
Balducci’s has eight locations throughout the country, including one in Alexandria, McLean and Bethesda.
Photo via Balducci’s
Weather-related Road Closures — Although no roads are closed in Reston, a number of areas throughout the county remain impacted by yesterday’s storm. [Fairfax County Police Department]
Reston Association Board Meets Tonight — The Board of Directors will meet virtually today at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will take place via Zoom. [Reston Association]
Founding Farmers, Comstock to Deliver Food to Shelter — “Comstock Companies and Founding Farmers are partnering to provide breakfast and boxed lunches to the the Embry Rucker Shelter over the next month. Embry Rucker, which is located at 11975 Bowman Towne Drive, is a 70-bed residential shelter that provides housing for individuals and families in Reston.” [Reston Patch]
Photo via Marjorie Copson
A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for Fairfax County. The National Weather Service issued the alert until 4 p.m. today.
A flash flood warning is also in effect until 6:30 p.m. today.
Here’s more from the alert:
HAZARD…Scattered damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph and isolated
hail up to quarter size.SOURCE…Radar indicated.
IMPACT…Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches to fall. This could injure those outdoors, as well as damage homes and vehicles. Roadways may become blocked by downed trees. Localized power outages are possible. Unsecured light objects may become projectiles.
Residents are encouraged to stay indoors and seek shelter.
(2:57 pm) Severe thunderstorm warning is in effect:
✔️ Stay safe, be weather aware.
✔️ Don't drive through flooded roads.
✔️ If there are downed trees, here's who to contact: https://t.co/viUOw6RYLF pic.twitter.com/eZW21yN2jg— Fairfax County Government 🇺🇸 (@fairfaxcounty) July 22, 2020
Reston Community Center has announced the voting schedule to fill three seats on its Board of Governors.
Voting in the annual preference poll will begin on September 11. RCC is seeking candidates for the seats, which have three-year terms. Residents of Small District 5 who are age 18 or above are eligible to run.
Candidates can submit a candidacy statement between August 1 and August 15 to have their names included on the preference poll ballot. Registration forms will be available at RCC Hunters Woods and RCC Lake Anne, as well as online beginning August 1.
A candidate photo session and orientation is set for August 15. Voting takes place from September 11 through September 27, until October 2 at 5 p.m. The deadline for mailed. Ballots is October 1 until 5 p..m. and October 2 until 5 p.m. for online and walk-in voting.
The Board of Governors is a nine-member body that overseeing policies, programming and finances for RCC.
Logo via Reston Community Center
A heatwave continues throughout the region today (Wednesday). A flash flood watch is also in effect until 11 p.m.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today.
Here’s more from the advisory:
* WHAT…Heat index values up to 109 expected.
* WHERE…The District of Columbia, central, northern and southern Maryland and central and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…From 11 AM this morning to 8 PM EDT this evening.
* IMPACTS…Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. CDC recommends that if you need to go to a cooling center, wear a cloth face covering. While you are there, wash your hands with soap, or use hand sanitizer, often. Face covers should not be used by children under the age of 2. They also should not be used by people having trouble breathing, or who are unconscious, injured, or can’t remove the mask themselves.
Photo by Marjorie Copson
The county is considering several new upgrades — including a multi-purpose center, playground, and off-leash dog area — for Lake Fairfax Park in Reston.
The changes would first be incorporated into the park’s master plan, which provides a general guide for appropriate park uses and establishes the overall location of proposed facilities.
Revisions for the Lake Fairfax Master Plan were approved by the Fairfax County Park Authority Board in September 2018 after a public engagement process.
Now, the FCPA has submitted an application — known in planning jargon as a 2232 — for its previously adopted master plan revision. The Fairfax County Planning Commission will determine if the plan conforms with the county’s comprehensive plan.
A multi-purpose center is proposed on newly-acquired parcels along Hunter Mill Road. The center would accommodate large classes and events.
Additionally, a gazebo is planed in the central portion of the park, which would serve as event space. A canopy picnic area could be converted into a permanent event pavilion for corporate and large group use.
A playground in the area south of the main parking lot and the northern end of the picnic area is also proposed. The facility would allow for “all-inclusive play” and accommodate all age groups, including adults.
Planners are also considering upgrading the cricket field to meet regulation sizes and standards, including additional lighting. A skills course could be added to the pump track, which may also be expanded. The current location of group camping could be converted into a ropes adventure course.
The incorporation of the proposals in the park’s master plan does not guarantee the changes will be implemented. Each change for new features and facilities would go through the county site plan review process and permitting prior to development.
County staff presented the proposal to the Reston Planning and Zoning Committee at a meeting earlier this week.
Fairfax’s Edge in Flagging Office Market — Microsoft’s 400,000-square-foot-deal at Reston Town Center was one fo the biggest leasing wins for this region this year. But county business leaders see more deals coming, despite a slowdown created by the coronavirus pandemic. [Bisnow]
Reservations for Ridge Heights Pool Open Tomorrow — Reston Association is now offering members and non-members a chance to reserve a spot at the pool. The updated pool schedule is also available online. [Reston Association]
Herndon-based Company Offers Virtual Learning for Students — “Herndon-based online education provider K12 Inc. announced Wednesday it plans to hire more than 1,300 educators for the 2020 through 2021 school year, in light of a massive push to move education online during the pandemic. Across Virginia, schools have been making decisions regarding reopening in the fall, with some already opting for full online learning.” [Virginia Business Monthly]
Photo via Marjorie Copson
The Fairfax County School Board voted to start the school year virtually late today (Tuesday), reversing its previous plans for virtual and in-person instruction.
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand pitched the proposal at a school board meeting today. The change was primarily motivated by a surge in new coronavirus cases. Brabrand also noted that he was concerned many of the school system’s staff would not return for in-person instruction.
Here’s more from Brabrand’s letter, which was sent to parents and the school community last night:
The online school year will begin, as scheduled, September 8. Should health conditions improve, we would first bring back students for intervention supports on a limited basis. Following that, we would work to bring students back to school as soon as possible starting with elementary school students, select PreK-12 special education students and English Learners.
This was not an easy decision, but after reviewing the best available health data and continuing to gather input from teachers, staff, students, and families, we have determined that full-time online instruction is the only safe option at this time. The pandemic looks much different now than it did even three weeks ago. Although infection rates in Fairfax County have declined and are relatively stable, 33 percent of our employees live outside the county. The threat posed by the virus does not recognize borders or boundaries.
We know this is very disappointing news for the families who chose the two-day-a-week in-person learning option in our recent preference questionnaire. We all want in-person learning to resume as quickly as possible. We will reassess health conditions regularly to determine when students can begin in-person instruction, if science and data suggest it is safe to do so.
Initially, parents were instructed to choose between an online-only approach or a mix of virtual and in-person instruction.
Schools are expected to start virtually. After the first quarter, the school system’s leadership will reassess the situation.
“Should health conditions improve, we would first bring back students for intervention support on a limited basis,” according to the presentation.
The Fairfax County Federation of Teachers lauded Brabrand’s proposal and the school board’s decision.
“Everyone, but nobody more than our educators, want to open schools and get all kids back as quickly as possible, but we must open schools as safely as possible. Unfortunately, the health crisis doesn’t make in-person classes possible right now,” Tina Williams, the FCFT’s president, wrote in a statement.
Brabrand said the school system is improving its digital learning model.
“We will dedicate ourselves to spending the weeks before September 8 preparing resources and help for parents and students. We will provide additional training for our teachers to better meet the needs of our students and provide distance learning supports and guidance for our families,” he said.
Due to health concerns posed by COVID-19, the Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta will return sometime next year.
But Restonians can take part in a different cardboard-related challenge. The Reston Historic Trust and Museum is hosting an at-home cardboard challenge.
Residents can submit cardboard fabrications of their favorite Reston place, landmark or boat. Entries must be entirely made of cardboard and duct tape. Submissions are due by August 31.
Entrants can submit images or videos of their cardboard creation to [email protected] or via Twitter, Facebook or Instagram by tagging the museum.
Those interested can also register online to have their creation exhibited inside the Reston Museum in October and receive a trophy from NovaLabs.
Registration is not required to participate, but only registered participants will be eligible for the exhibit and award. Awardees will be notified in September 2020.
The first-place winner for the following categories will be selected for the exhibit:
- Building
- Art
- Nature
- Most Reston
- Boat for your favorite lake
Guidelines for the competition are below the jump.
Photo via Charlotte Geary Photography
Jinya Ramen Bar will open in Reston Town Center by the end of the summer — for takeout and delivery only.
The Japanese ramen restaurant chain will open at 11964 Market Street, which was vacated by Busara Thai Restaurant last spring.
In order to protect customers and staff, the restaurant will only accept takeout and delivery orders over the phone and online. Although its ramen bowls are typically priced at $16, the Reston location will serve bowls for $10 for a limited time in honor of the restaurant’s 10th anniversary.
As the business stabilizes, staff will determine how to develop a seating layout in the fall that abides by social distancing requirements and health guidance.
Here’s more from Jinya on their brand and offerings:
JINYA brings to Reston a hospitality philosophy that is rooted in authentic Japanese cuisine and the concept of kaizen, meaning “continuous improvement.” The restaurant was founded in 2010 by Tomonori Takahashi, and the company’s growth is proof that he knew what it would take to build a great restaurant. Since day one Chef Kazuya Takebe has dedicated his work to introducing diners to generations’ old ramen traditions, experimenting with fresh ingredients to build delicious new compositions that excite and often surprise. Chef Takebe has implemented a water filtration system that purifies the water used for all of JINYA’s broths. And at JINYA diners experience ramen as it is meant to be – with thick, rich broth perfectly balanced with handmade noodles. When it opens, diners in Reston will discover a wide array of authentic toppings, from tender pork chashu to a perfectly cooked and seasoned poached egg.
JINYA Ramen Bar offers “A Bowl Above All Others” – satisfying ramen options that offer guests true ramen culture. JINYA was founded with a mission to supply communities with delicious food at a reasonable price that is accessible to everyone. Thick and thin ramen noodles are made fresh daily served traditionally with appropriate broth. Each bowl of ramen is built around a thick and rich broth simmered slowly for 20 hours, then balanced with toppings ranging from spicy bean sprouts to pork chashu, seasoned with fresh garlic and much more. While tastes vary, all options are unique, and range from best-sellers including a Spicy Chicken Ramen, Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen, and JINYA Tonkotsu Black.
Photo via JINYA Ramen Bar
Makers Union — a “pub for the people” — has officially begun hiring for its first location in Reston Town Center.
The business, which will be located at 1811 Library Street, is hosting open houses for hiring this week.
Through Wednesday, interested applicants can drop by between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and between noon and 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.
Makers Union hopes to “create a neighborhood place we all need.” Its mission is to “bring local community together over delicious food and destination drinks while sharing the idea of a modern neighborhood pub that’s always welcoming to you and any occasion.”
Applicants must wear a mask to be interviewed.
A company representative told Reston Now the pub is expected to open in the coming months.
It takes space vacated by American Tap Room at the end of last year.
Image via Makers Union
Call for Absentee Votes — The county is opening 14 locations for in-person absentee voting starting Oct. 14. Residents can also apply for an absentee ballot via mail. [Fairfax County Government]
Metro to Restore Service in August — “Metro is increasing service for Metrorail starting Aug. 16 and Metrobus starting Aug. 23. It’s part of the transit agency’s plan to ramp up service throughout the coronavirus pandemic and return to full service in spring 2021.” [DCist]
White Fairfax County police officer formally indicted — “Prosecutors have formally indicted a white Fairfax County police officer charged with assault after firing a stun gun at an African American man. The procedural move means Fairfax County prosecutors are dropping three assault charges against officer Tyler Timberlake in General District Court and instead opting for a grand jury indictment that will allow him to be tried by a jury in Circuit Court.” [WJLA]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Construction on a new pedestrian and bicyclist bridge over Wiehle Avenue is expected to begin in the summer of 2022.
The project, known as the Wiehle overpass, is currently in the land acquisition phase. Once completed — most likely in the summer of 2023 — the project would offer a new trail crossing at the intersection of the Washington & Old Dominion Trail and Wiehle Avenue.
Upgrades would begin near the Isaac Newton Square development to the west of Wiehle Avenue and end near Michael Faraday Court to the east.
The project would also connect with a future trail to the trail from the Isaac Newton Square development.
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation has received right-of-way authorization from the Virginia Department of Transportation. Dominion Energy’s overhead transmission line is located on Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority property.
Local police are turning to the public for help after two men were stabbed in Reston late last week.
The men — one of whom had serious injuries — were stabbed on Friday around 3:41 a.m. in the 12200 block of Laurel Glade Court.
Detectives released the images above depicting “persons of interest,” according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
“No arrests have been made but detectives are continuing to process evidence and interview witnesses.”
Anyone with information should follow the instructions below:
Anyone who recognizes the persons of interest or who has any information about the incident is asked to contact our Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 2. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), by text – Type “FCCS” plus tip to 847411, and by web – Click HERE. Download our Mobile tip411 App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards of $100 to $1,000 dollars if their information leads to an arrest.
Photos via Fairfax County Police Department
Heat Advisory in Effect — Hot temperatures and high humidity are expected from noon to 8 p.m. today (Monday). Forecasters encourage residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, and stay out of the sun. [National Weather Service]
Input Sought on Route 28 Improvements — “The Virginia Department of Transportation wants the public’s input for a study on improving the Route 28 corridor. The goal is to ease congestion and improve safety around the Dulles Greenway interchange. VDOT has created a survey people can take online until Aug. 3.” [VDOT]
RA Offers Discounts for Recreation Passes, Rebates — “The Reston Association Board of Directors voted to discount the purchase price of member recreation passes by 50 percent starting July 15. The board also decided to offer 50 percent retroactive rebates to members and non-members who have already paid the full price for their 2020 passes. The decisions came during a special virtual meeting of the board on July 13.” [Reston Association]
