The Herndon Municipal Center (777 Lynn Street) is opening its doors to the public for the first time since March.

The lobby, which was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will reopen  tomorrow (Wednesday) at 8 a.m.

Visitors must wear masks, which will be provided if needed. Entrances are open through the doors on Lynn Street. For now, entrances from the Town Green and the garage will remain closed. Additionally, the Town Clerk’s office and second floor of the building will remain closed.

Applications for zoning permits, development plans, and other materials that require review by the community development department are for drop-off only. Bins are available in the lobby and near the exit doors.

The center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

The Herndon Farmers Market also opens on Thursday (June 18). Last week, park amenities in the town — with the exception of basketball Cours and restrooms — reopened.

The Herndon Community Center and Herndon Police Department’s lobby remains closed.

Image via Google Maps

Herndon Police Department on Policing — In a statement, Chief Maggie DeBoard reaffirmed her commitment to remain accountable to the community. “We reaffirm to each other and the community our duty to intervene when our actions are contrary to the safe and equitable treatment of all individuals,” she wrote. [Herndon Police Department]

Capital One Supports FCPS Distance Learning — The company donated $90,000 to the Fairfax County Public Schools system to support the purchase of MiFi units for students without internet connection at home. [FCPS]

Local News Now Operating Remotely — Since the first confirmed local coronavirus case in March, Local News Now’s employees have been working from home. We plan to continue working remotely until 2021, and may continue to have most employees work remotely most of the time after that. [Washingtonian]

FCPS to Host Town Hall Tonight — A town hall to discuss return to school plans, family surveys, health resources, and other issues is set for 6:30 p.m. today (Tuesday). People can email questions via [email protected] or by calling 1-800-231-6359. [FCPS]

Photo by Marjorie Copson

Pupatella, an award-winning Neopolitan pizzeria, is expected to open by the end of the year.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic stalled plans to open but early 2020 at 1821 Wiehle Avenue, founding partner Michael Berger told Reston Now the restaurant is planning for a fall opening.

“While we are still looking forward to when the community is able to fully enjoy our lively and welcoming dining room, we are also planning for unique ways to further activate the patio and outside areas so everyone feels comfortable,” Berger said.

The restaurant’s planned opening was postponed due to delays in the county’s approval process. So far, a new roof has been installed.

“We are so excited to be getting closer to joining the Reston community,” Berger said.

The 2,700-square-foot restaurant replaces a Pizza Hut which closed late last year.

Enzo and Anastasiya Algarme started Pupatella as a food truck in 2007. The business has been named a top pizzeria, with recognition from The Today Show, The Washington Post, USA Today and the Washingtonian.

Photo via Michael Berger

The county is considering a plan to establish an economic incentive program for Lake Anne Village Center and other areas with limited development activity and dipping competitiveness.

The Economic Incentive Program, if approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, would incentivize parcel consolidation by reducing site plan fees by 10 percent and offering real estate tax abatement for up to 10 years.

It is designed to target areas with limited development activity, declining competitiveness and outdated land development and architectural designs, according to county documents. Projects must be limited to commercial, industrial, multi-family or mind use development. Additionally, up to 20 percent of existing development can be retained or repurposed.

Preliminarily, the board has identified several areas for revitalization for the following locations:

• Annandale
• Seven Corners
• Lincoln
• McLean
• Richmond Highway, Huntington
• Springfield

Lake Anne Village Center’s 41-acre Community Revitalization Area (CRA) is primarily focused on the plaza, which was the first area developed in Reston. Efforts to revitalize the plaza have been on the table for several years. The county designated the village center as a CRA in 1998 in order to stimulate reinvestment and development. Currently, roughly 22 percent of the village center is covered by surface parking, which needs repairs.

A public hearing is tentatively set for Sept. 15. If approved, the county will begin meeting with applicants to discuss potential projects. An executive outreach and education campaign about the program is also planned.

The board’s Economic Initiatives Committee is set to discuss the plan at a meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) at 11 a.m.

File photo

Return to School Public Hearing — The Fairfax County School Board is holding a public hearing on plans to return to school for the next academic year. The virtual meeting is set for Thursday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m. [Fairfax County Public Schools]

Herndon Police Department is Hiring — The local police department is seeking certified police officers to join the department as a lieutenant. [Herndon Police Department]

Current COVID-19 Hospitalizations Dip — “Fewer than 1,000 Virginians are now hospitalized for treatment of COVID-19, and the number of cases continued to slow both statewide and in Northern Virginia, according to reports Saturday morning. The Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association reported only 959 coronavirus patients in state hospitals, the lowest number since the organization began providing data in early April… Only 342 of those patients were in Northern Virginia, down from a high of 818 on April 30.” [InsideNova]

Reston Association Updates Pool Information — A release posted by the association mistakenly included information that children under eight would not be allowed admission to four pools opening later this month. The press release has been updated. [Reston Association]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

(Updated to reflect a revision by Reston Association about admittance rules for children under eight and guests of passholders)

Reston Association will open four of its 15 pools on June 29, according to a new release.

Pools will be open daily for members and non-members with a recreational pass for the year. Currently, the facilities will only be available for lap swimmers and water walkers who reserve time and for instructional programs.

State Gov. Ralph Northam’s executive order does not allow recreational or open swimming.

RA staff selected the pools at Lake Newport, Newbridge, Glade and Golf Course Island for reopening this month. The facilities were selected in order to “maximize lap swimming and fitness programming,” according to the release. Pools will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Here’s more from RA on how to reserve lap swim time:

Pass-holders will be able to reserve lap swim time on SignUpGenius.com or by phone. We anticipate having links to SignUpGenius reservation pages available by June 22. Online registration for water fitness programs or purchases of season-long fitness passes can be done through our standard WebTrac site. More information will be provided in the coming days via emails to pass-holders and through other RA communications channels about how to sign up. The notices will include other important details regarding pool safety and operational procedures.

In preparation for the openings, RA is implementing cleaning procedures and training aquatics staff on how to abide by safety rules set in place by the county and the state.

RA CEO Hank Lynch thanked members for their patience and noted that the association had to wait for state officials to provide guidance on opening aquatics facilities.

“We understand how important the pools are to our membership,” said Lynch. “Our staff has worked around the clock towards the goal of opening as many pools as we could in a way that is in compliance with government mandates. We encourage our members to take advantage of all outdoor exercise opportunities as we collectively adjust to new norms during this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”

Image via Reston Association/YouTube

A number of amenities are now open for public use at county parks as Northern Virginia enters phase two of the COVID-19 reopening plan today (Friday).

Athletic fields, basketball courts, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and other amenities will be open, but with the following restrictions in place:

Athletic Fields – Athletic fields will open for organized and permitted use based on the governor’s and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines pertaining to use of athletic fields.

Basketball Courts – Outdoor courts will open, but users must stay 10 feet apart.

Volleyball Courts – Outdoor courts will open, but users must stay 10 feet apart.

Dog Parks – Dog parks will open with users urged to maintain social distancing.

Marinas – Marinas will open for rentals at lakefront and riverfront parks.

Mini-golf – Miniature golf courses will open at all locations, except Jefferson District Park (due to construction).

Restrooms – Permanent outdoor restrooms and portable restrooms will open systemwide. We encourage visitors to bring hand sanitizer since these facilities are often without running water.

Picnic Shelters – Shelters within parks will open for permitted use with 50% capacity of regular occupancy limits, not to exceed 50 people.

Playgrounds – Playgrounds will open systemwide including Clemyjontri Park and Chessie’s Big Backyard at Lee District Park. There is no special cleaning; visitors should use at their own risk and must adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Currently, recreation centers and other Fairfax County Park Authority facilities remain closed, including nature centers, pools and historic sites. The county is expected to allow more openings when the state enters phase three.

FCPA staff have begun implementing the changes at several facilities. Implementation of the latest openings could take several weeks.

In the Town of Herndon, dogs and playgrounds opened today, but restrooms and basketball courts remain closed. No special cleaning will be conducted of any playgrounds in the town or the county.

File photo

Northern Virginia Enters Phase Two — “Eating inside a restaurant, going back to the gym and in-person worship services: Starting Friday, all of these activities will be allowed for residents of Northern Virginia as the region enters phase two of reopening. Businesses and houses of worship will have to adhere to safety standards and capacity limits to lessen the threat that customers could spread coronavirus. Virginia advises that you’re still safer at home.” [NBC4]

The Return to School — Fairfax County Public Schools’ Superintendent Scott Brabrand says that he plans to present the school system’s plan to the school board on Monday. Schools are expected to offer a mix of in-person and online learning. [FCPS]

Deadline for Boat Permits Nears — The registration and renewal deadline for permanent mooring permits is June 30. Reston Association will conduct annual boat monitoring and inspections after June 30. [Reston Association]

Members Sought for Covenants Committee — RA is also seeking members to fill three seats on the committee for a three-year term. The committee administers the use and maintenance of covenants in Reston’s deed. [Reston Association]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

The organizers of a Black Lives Matter protest over the weekend are turning to virtual platforms for an online protest this weekend.

Between 9 a.m. tomorrow (Friday) and through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Herndon residents are encouraged to post photos on Facebook in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, with a specific focus on Herndon-related issues.

The online protest is organized by the leaders of last Saturday’sone-mile march through Downtown Herndon that culminated in the town’s green. Protestors took a knee for eight minutes and 46 seconds, the amount of time Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pressed down with his knee onto George Floyd’s neck, resulting in his killing.

A car rally also took place one week ago in order to protest police brutality and support the Black Lives Matter movement.

Participants can share photos, artwork, videos and other visual work. The goal of the project is to create an online slideshow that encapsulates local voices surrounding “social and systemic racial injustice in this country,” according to the organizers.

https://twitter.com/TornadoLizard/status/1269341542403235840

Photo by Logan Weaver/Unsplash

County planners have OK’s a plan to build 26 single-family houses on roughly 13 acres near West Ox Road in Herndon.

The final development plan for the project, called The Reserve at Spring Lake, will now head to the Fairfax County Planning Commission for a meeting on June 17 at 7:30 p.m.

The property, which under development by Christopher Land, LLC, is currently developed with two single-family houses that were built in the 1950s.

The Spring Lake Estates community is also located near the site of the development. Spring Lake is a manmade lake created in the late 1950s for recreational purposes, according to the county.

The county’s health department noted that the developer must properly dispose of an onsite sewage disposal system and private well water supply prior to demolishing the current homes.

Photos via handout/Fairfax County Government

The Herndon Farmers Market will reopen on Thursday, June 18 as stay-at-home guidelines are relaxed throughout the Northern Virginia region.

The weekly market will take place in front of the caboose on the 700 block of Lynn Street from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Residents can begin pre-ordering from vendors online. Patrons can also pick up orders.

The market would join a handful of others that will open next week, including McLean Farmers Market.  The Reston Farmers Market was among the first to open in early May.

The following shopping guidelines are also in effect to avoid spreading COVID-19:

• No more than 2 family members in the market
• Face covering strongly recommended
• No pets
• Keep a 6-foot distance from others
• One customer per stall
• Do not touch surfaces. Let vendors bag purchases.
• Credit or debit card payments preferred
• No on-site eating of purchases or sampling
• Do not linger. Get in and get out quickly. 
• Leave by exits only

The county also offered the following advice:

When possible, shoppers are encouraged to preorder their items directly from the local vendors. Go to the Farmers Markets website and click on the Vendor Preorder List for a list of all market vendors and their ordering policies. You can also click on an individual market for details on the vendors at that market and preordering instructions.

At the markets, customers are asked to comply with all COVID-19 safety procedures, including limiting shoppers to two persons per household, wearing facial coverings, and maintaining 6 feet of distance from others. There may be a waiting line, and there will be a one-way path through the markets. To give everyone the best shopping experience possible, please consult the 2020 Market Guidelines infographic before your visit.

Photo via Town of Herndon

Reston Association’s ‘Camps in a Box’ Ready for Purchase — RA’s camp activity box– which includes different activities and a link to connect with camp staff during weekly Zoom’s calls — is now available for purchase online. [Reston Association]

Around Town: Vacancy Spike Expected in County— “Fairfax County’s office vacancy rate is likely to suffer as remote meetings continue to be the norm, the county’s economic development chief warned in early June. Victor Hoskins, president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, delivered that warning to the county board of supervisors during a June 2 meeting.” [Washington Business Journal]

Next Comprehensive Plan Meeting Set for June 22 — The third meeting fo the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study Task Force takes place virtually on Monday, June 22 from 7-9 p.m. [Fairfax County Government]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

A fire broke out in North Point Village Center around 3 a.m. today (Thursday).

Crews from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department quickly extinguished the fire, which was primarily isolated to the building’s roof.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. No injuries were reported.

Damages are estimated at $75,000. 

The village center was also vandalized with swastikas and other graffiti last month.

Photos via Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department

The roster of candidates for Herndon Town Council and mayor have been finalized for the Nov. 3 election.

Sheila Olem, the town’s current vice mayor, is running against Roland Taylor for mayor. Longtime mayor Lisa Merkel said she no will not seek reelection earlier this year. Merkel, the town’s first female mayor, was elected to the position in 2012.

A total of ten candidates are seeking six seats for the 2021-2022 term, including incumbents Cesar del Aguila, Pradip Dhakal, and Signe Friedrichs. The new candidates are Clark Hedrick, Syed Iftikhar, Sean Reagon, Naila Alam, Bessie Denton, Stevan Porter, and Jasbinder Singh.

Election Day is on Nov. 3. Polling locations for town council elections overlap with locations for the national election.

Stay tuned for op-eds from each of the candidates in the coming weeks.