Swastikas were discovered in North Point Village Center today (Wednesday).
According to the Fairfax County Police Department, several swastikas were spray painted on the sidewalk and along the concrete of the shopping center.
The word “Lucifer” was also found on the wall of a building. FCPD says the case — which was classified as a hate or bias incident — remains an active investigation
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn issued the following statement about the incident:
Acts of hate will not be tolerated. And vandalism and hate crimes are both criminal acts. Throughout this pandemic we have witnessed tremendous community spirit and goodness and I am confident that will continue. The Police Department is investigating and I encourage anyone with information related to this incident to call the Police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131.
A group of neighbors bought lunch for workers who cleaned the spray paint. A thank you sign was left on the building.
File photo
A body was found in the woods near Lake Anne Plaza yesterday afternoon, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
The deceased individual was found by a local resident in the 1600 block of Chimney House Road around 2:45 p.m. yesterday (Tuesday).
FCPD says that “nothing appeared to be suspicious” about the death. Detectives from the department’s Major Crimes Bureau are investigating the incident.
A source told Reston Now that the body appeared to that of a man in his 30s.
Photo via FCPD
Several pets were killed when a fire broke out in a Reston townhouse over the weekend. The owner and a cat were rescued from the two-story townhouse in the 2200 block of Double Eagle Court on Sunday, May 17.
Fire investigators believe the incident was caused by an electrical event in the household wiring of a ceiling light.
The owner, who was home at the time of the fire, was rescued and one cat was resuscitated. One firefighter was treated for minor injuries.
Fire investigators said the owner discovered the fire when a smoke alarm went off. Neighbors called 911.
Photo via Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department
Park-goers will be able to enjoy some features of county parks ahead of Memorial Day weekend.
The Fairfax County Park Authority has started reopening parking lots and parks in its park system beginning today. The process of clearing barricades and opening parking lots for its 427 parks is expected to continue through Friday, May 22. Facilities and restrooms will remain closed.
Indoor and outdoor parks closed roughly one month ago due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“We greatly appreciate the patience and cooperation shown by County residents during this closure,” said Park Authority Executive Director Kirk Kincannon. “We understand this has been a challenge to many who enjoy the park system on a regular basis. And it will be important that everyone follows the safety and physical distancing guidelines recommended by health authorities.”
Park visitors should adhere to social distancing guidelines and groups of more than 10 people should not congregate. Other areas that will remain closed include dog parks, playgrounds, nature centers, visitor centers, volleyball and basketball courts, and athletic fields. Water foundations will also be returned off.
The opening is part of the first phase of FCPA’s reopening plan.
Photo by Marjorie Copson
Herndon Man Arrested for Abduction, Sexual Assault — Joseph Dean-Alan Minnig, 34, of Herndon, was arrested for the abduction and sexual assault of a victim he knows, according to the Herndon Police Department. He is being held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center without bond. The incident happened on May 17 on the 400 block of Elden Street. [Herndon Police Department]
Herndon Violinist Plays So Others May Eat – “Susan McIntosh, a violinist with the Pan American Symphony Orchestra, entertains her neighbors and collects food for an area nonprofit.” [Reston Patch]
First Case of Syndrome Linked to COVID-19 Confirmed — “The Fairfax Health District has confirmed a case of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19. This is the first case of MIS-C reported in Virginia. The child was hospitalized on May 5 and has since been discharged and is recovering at home. To protect privacy, no other patient information will be disclosed.” [Inside NOVA]
Donations for Cloth Face Coverings Needed — The county’s health department is asking for donations of sewn cloth face coverings. Donations will support nonprofit providers and low-income client households they serve. [Fairfax County Government]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
The Washington Post has named Jesse Kraft, the principal of Coates Elementary School, the principal of the year.
Kraft was selected from a group of 19 finalists who lead schools in Virginia, Maryland, and the District. His leadership during stay-at-home orders was highlighted by staff and community members who said that Kraft worked to ensure mental health resources were available students. He also used the school’s Facebook page to share lessons when the school system faced major hurdles with its rollout of distance learning.
Here’s more from Fairfax County Public Schools on Kraft:
“Jesse has taken strides to make our community feel welcome and to partner with them as much as possible,” says nominator Josie Mani, gifted education teacher. “He has made Coates more inviting and welcoming to all. We have bright, colorful murals and artwork inside, and welcoming signs and banners outside. Jesse invites community members, such as churches, businesses and the Coates family.” And Kraft has worked with these community organizations to encourage their involvement at Coates, including mentoring students.
“He is the face that welcomes these new students to our school,” adds Mani. “He maintains an active social media presence and even learned some Spanish so that he could further connect the school and community. Coates’ parent liaison writes,”Mr. Kraft is always there to listen and support ideas and make them a reality. His example of humility, a love of learning, and care for others motivates everyone at Coates ES to be better employees, parents, and students.” The combination of diverse programs for parents has drawn many additional parents to volunteer at the school.
Kraft is a frequent visitor in classrooms, where he observes, encourages, and teaches. Math and reading resource teachers are called upon to help build teacher capacities and enhance their practices. Still a teacher at heart, Kraft teaches Positivity Project lessons, quarterly grade-level assemblies, and is teaching upper level students the fine art of public speaking in a series of lessons dubbed “Talk Like a Boss.”
Kraft, who has been the principal of Coates ES since 2016, began his career in FCPS as a teacher at Newington Forest Elementary in 1996. He then served as assistant principal at Westlawn Elementary and Oak Hill Elementary. In 2009, he was the principal of Providence Elementary. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and was named FCPS Outstanding First Year Principal in 2010.
Photo via FCPS
Reston Association has opted to cancel its traditional summer camps program due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Refunds will be offered to those who have already paid for summer camp registration, the association announced in a release on Monday.
Reston Camps administrators and RA management made the call as other agencies in Northern Virginia also cancel summer youth programs. Camps would have begun on June 15. Here’s more from RA:
Based on information and guidance from Gov. Ralph Northam, the Centers for Disease Control, recreation experts and local agencies, RA concluded that Reston Camps could not operate in a safe and fun manner this summer. Issues involving the potential for community spread of the virus, along with various state and local restrictions and safety guidelines, were taken into consideration by RA staff, as were opinions expressed in a survey of area parents.
RA is exploring the possibility of youth environment programs in the summer or early fall. The Board of Directors will meet on Thursday, May 21, to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on other services and programs.
Photo via Reston Association
Virginia State Police Issue Alert for Missing Reston Resident — The state’s police department issued an alert for missing Reston resident Michael Delaney, 75, who was last seen leaving Reston Hospital Center on May 10. Local police have suspended an active search for the Reston resident, who suffers from a cognitive impairment. [Virginia State Police]
Good Deed Alert: Stuff the Bus is Today — Fastran buses will be parked at locations throughout the county for donations. The Reston location is at the Hunter Mill District Supervisor’s Office, which is located at 1801 Cameron Glen Drive. Donations from that location will go directly Cornerstones. [Fairfax County Government]
Reston Man Charged with Second DWI — “A man was arrested in Ashburn May 14 after reportedly causing a vehicle collision while impaired, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to the 44000 block of Allderwood Terrace around 9:24 a.m. and reportedly found the striking driver to be under the influence of alcohol. Julio F. Aragon, 30, of Reston, was charged with driving while intoxicated — his second offense.” [Loudoun Times-Mirror]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Several local companies have snagged spots on the Fortune 500 list of the largest publicly-traded companies in the United States.
The list, which was published today, includes 11 companies from Fairfax County, representing the high number of Fortune 500 companies the county has ever had.
Rankings are based on revenues from last year.
“Only a handful of communities can say they are home to 11 Fortune 500 companies. It sends a really strong message from the corporate world that this is a strong, stable, resilient location for headquarters operations,” said Victor Hoskins, president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority.
Reston-based informational technology company SAIC was a newcomer to the list, coming in at#466. Beacon Roofing, a Herndon-based building materials company, came in at #434. Reston-based informational technology company Leidos Holdings took spot #289.
Photo via SAIC
Reston Association is taking another look at its finances and budget projections due to the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At a meeting on Thursday, May 21, RA’s Board of Directors will discuss the impact of the pandemic on the budget, revenues, camps, pools, and other items. CEO Hank Lynch is also expected to offer an update on the status of strategic goals recently outlined by the association.
RA expected to see a decline in revenues from The Lake House. The amended 2020 budget also shows expected decreases in allocations for the Walker Nature Center, environmental education, and camp, according to a draft agenda of Thursday’s meeting.
So far, RA has canceled its 2020 summer camps program entirely.
“Based on all uncertainties associated with COVID-19 and feedback we have been receiving from parents of campers, as well as steps taken by other summer camp providers in the Northern Virginia area — Reston Association is canceling its 2020 summer camps program.”
RA pools could see a dramatic decline of 70 percent or more, according to projections in the draft agenda.
“Total pool use will be down significantly… based o near of infection even when use of pools is authorized,” the agenda states.
A $150,000 shortfall is also projected from sponsorship revenues this year.
The association will determine how many pools will open depending on the number of staff that can complete a water rescue test, which cannot be completed online. RA hopes to have enough qualified and certified staff by July 1 to ensure that a minimum of four pools are fully staffed and operational.
It’s also unclear when tennis courts will be open. Depending on when social distancing requirements are relaxed in Northern Virginia, some tennis courts would be open in June. Projected tennis revenue is expected to decrease by 57 percent.
The meeting begins online at 6:30 p.m.
Fairfax County officials are seeking $69 million from Northern Virginia’s Transportation Authority to cover the cost of building the Soapstone Connector, a critical one-half-mile-long connection between Sunrise Valley Drive and Sunset Hills Road.
The total project, which is located west of the Wiehe-Reston East Metro Station and includes a new bridge over the Dulles Corridor, is expected to cost $214 million overall. Construction is not expected to begin until 2028, according to the March 5 proposal.
Once built, the road would extend from the existing north-south Soapstone Drive where it intersects with Sunrise Valley Drive. After crossing the Dulles Corridor, the new road would stop at a new intersection with Sunset Hills Road. Most of the road will include a three-lane cross-section with bicycle lanes on each side.
A five-foot-wide concrete sidewalk is planned on the west side and a 10-foot-wide shared-use path on the east side.
Here’s more from the proposal:
The proposed roadway would provide an addiƟonal crossing to supplement two exisƟng crossings of the Dulles Corridor in Reston: Reston Parkway and Wiehle Avenue. The project would provide addiƟonal capacity across the Dulles Corridor, reduce congesƟon and delay at intersecƟons along Wiehle Avenue, and improve accessibility and mobility to and within the area surrounding the WiehleReston East Metrorail StaƟon. By including bike lanes, sidewalks and an addiƟonal facility for local and regional transit operators to uƟlize, the project improves mulƟmodal connecƟvity to the Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail StaƟon.
The NVTA will select projects from a number of proposals across the region. Funding is offered through its six-year FY2020-2025 program.
Photo via handout/Fairfax County Government
Officials from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department are investigating the case of a fire at a Reston townhouse over the weekend.
A unit on the 2200 block of Double Eagle Court caught fire on Sunday (May 7). Multiple units responded during the incident.
A firefighter was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital.
The department has not yet indicated what caused the incident. The fire was contained to one unit.
Photo by Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department
Maryland Man Arrested in Connection with Robbery — Police believe Ronald Smith, 46, assaulted a man while he was walking along Sunrise Valley Drive on May 14 at around 8:30 p.m. Smith, a Maryland resident, was charged with robbery and possession of marijuana. The victim had minor injuries. [Fairfax County Police Department]
Masks Required on Metro Starting Today — “Face coverings or masks be required when traveling on Metro effective Monday, May 18. The move strengthens Metro’s position on the matter, which has ‘strongly recommended’ the use of face coverings since early April.” [WMATA]
Greater Reston Arts Center Exhibit Reviewed — “For those looking for an introduction to the book art space, The Velocity of a Page covers ample ground. Others will be compelled to search out the book-makers for more. In fact, the way to get the most out of this exhibition is to leave it. This is something the curator seems to understand, and is perhaps why The Velocity of a Page is marketed as multi-platform.” [Hyper Allergic]
Photo by vantagehill/Flickr
In order to respond to the needs of older adults, Fairfax County has launched a new grocery shopping and pharmacy pickup service for older adults.
The health department’s Neighbor to Neighbor Program will pick up groceries and pharmacy orders for free for residents who are above the age of 60.
The service is available for seniors who live in private residences and need assistance. Volunteers will have completed background checks.
In order to determine eligibility or place an order, residents can all the Fairfax County Aging, Disability and Caregiver Resource line at 703-324-7948.
The service is not available for longterm care retirement communities, assisted living centers, nursing homes, group homes or other facilities.
The program is supported by the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and the Department of Family Services.
Boston Properties will have to wait if it wants to reduce parking at Reston Gateway, a major mixed-use project currently under construction next to the Reston Town Center Metro Station.
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn said he will not move forward with the company’s proposed parking reduction, which would have reduced spaces by 20 percent in the 33-acre development. Alcorn said he wants to wait until phase two of the project is underway in order to examine the demand for parking.
“Most of the parking reduction they requested would not be applied until phase two of their project,” Alcorn told Reston Now. “Let’s see how the parking demand looks after the first phase of the project is completed and occupied, then whether there is adequate parking capacity will be a much less theoretical question.”
Boston Properties sought to provide 1,663 fewer parking spaces than previously approved. Parking for residential units would have taken the biggest hit, with an average drop of 38 percent.
The first phase of the massive project includes four new buildings at the intersection of Sunset Hills Drive and Town Center Parkway. Fannie Mae will lease 850,000 square feet of space on the site.
Once completed, the development will include four office buildings, three residential units with a little over 2,000 units, two hotels, and retail and restaurant uses.
Photos via handout/Fairfax County Government
