Reston Association members now have an additional month to file annual assessment fees. The deadline was extended from March 1 to March 31 due to technical issues with RA’s new online payment system.

Readers told Reston Now that the system did not allow members to complete payments, despite multiple attempts.

RA will waive late fees and interest charges, as well as offer a 20 percent discount for passes to pools, tennis, and pickleball. This year’s assessment is $708.

Due to issues with the online system, members can also drop-in at Reston Assiocation’s headquarters (12001 Sunrise Valley Drive) on Saturday, March 7 from 9 a.m. to noon to pay fees. RA’s member services team is also available on weekdays between 8:30 a.m to 5 p.m. to help process dues.

Earlier this year, RA transitioned to a new online feature in its existing WebTrac portal for online payments. The change came after MemberSuite — a website that launched in December — was discontinued due to “configuration challenges that are requiring significant research and additional time to resolve.”

“We recognize that some Reston homeowners have been unable to make their payments electronically, therefore we are waiving the late fee and interest charges for the rest of the month in order to give folks more time to make their transactions,” wrote RA CEO Hank Lynch in a statement. “We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience to our members and will work prudently to ensure that these technical problems do not occur in the future.”

Image via Reston Association

Developer Comstock and the Town of Herndon have yet to announce when construction will begin on long-anticipated redevelopment of downtown Herndon into a mixed-use center.

As the opening of the Herndon Metro Station is pushed deep into 2021, the town’s attorney says the project is still “advancing and is within the time periods” stipulated in an agreement signed by both parties in 2017.

“At this point, the majority of the ‘to do’ items are on the Comstock side and they are working through them with assistance from town staff as necessary,” according to a statement issued by the town attorney’s office.

A spokesperson for the town declined to comment on what remaining items must be worked out.

The project was expected to break ground last year.

So far, the only estimate of anticipated groundbreaking is early 2020.

The project, which includes a $3.6 million contribution from the town, would create a cultural arts district in the town and a multi-family development with around 273 apartments, 17,000 square feet of retail, an arts center, an arts plaza, and a 787-space parking garage.

The project, which includes a $3.6 million contribution from the town, would create a cultural arts district in the town and a multi-family development with around 273 apartments, 17,000 square feet of retail, an arts center, an arts plaza, and a 787-space parking garage.

Photo via Town of Herndon/handout

Voting Underway for Reston Association Election — The last day to vote is April 3 for RA’s 2020 election for the Board of Directors. Voting information is available online. [Reston Association]

Charges Pending for Home Burglary — A burglary was reported on the 1600 block of Hiddenbrook Drive on Feb. 29 at around 3:44 a.m. The homeowners said they were awakened by the sound of knocking on their front door. Two juveniles were located a short distance away. Charges are pending. [Fairfax County Police Department]

South Lakes Girls Finish Second — “Senior Hannah Waller finished her final season on the South Lakes High School girls indoor track team as a state champion, finishing first in the 55 meters with a winning time of 6.95. This effort helped to lift the South Lakes girls indoor track team to its third consecutive second place finish Feb. 28-29, at the 6A State Championships, at the Boo Williams Sportsplex.” [Reston Patch]

Photo by Marjorie Copson

Capital One is closing 37 branches across the country, including seven locations in the DC-area.

The Great Falls location is at 9863 Georgetown Pike in Great Falls Center.

The McLean-based banking giant is responding to changes in customer preferences, according to company officials.

Here’s more from the Washington Business Journal on the closures:

The bank is simply responding to changing customer preferences on how they manage their money, according to Capital One spokesman Derek Conrad, who noted the entire banking industry is being re-shaped to meet new digital demands — with Capital One balancing digital and in-person options.

“Our customers are increasingly engaging with us digitally. We continue to see steady growth in mobile banking, online banking, enhanced ATMs, remote deposit capture, etc., however, we know that many customers still value some physical presence to provide assurance, advice, and the ability to facilitate and support some transactions. We do too. Our goal is to deliver a compelling and optimal customer experience across all channels, not just one,” Conrad said in a statement.

Conrad also said the bank is working to make sure its digital evolution doesn’t inadvertently leave someone behind, and that it will continue to focus on bridging digital barriers to make sure people have access to online banking.

Locations in sterling (45545 Dulles Eastern Plaza) and Centreville (5613 Stone Road) are also set too close.

Photo via Capital One/Facebook

The Hunter Mill Road bridge over Colvin Run will be closed until around 3 p.m. today (Monday) after an unknown driver damaged barriers on the bridge.

According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, a driver struck the barriers on the bridge, causing drain and gravel to wash around the bridge.

Hunter Mill Road had been closed between Chamberlain Drive and Mount Sunapee Road from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. today.

“To the striking driver, enjoy your new orange paint,” VDOT tweeted today.

Folks, we need to close Hunter Mill bridge today until about 3PM. Crews returned to lay asphalt & found someone had hit them, draining the water & washing the gravel fill from around the bridge. Crews need to redo work now. To the striking driver: enjoy your new orange paint. pic.twitter.com/PjASIkbfA0

— VDOT Northern VA (@VaDOTNOVA) March 2, 2020

Lake Thoreau pool won’t be the only pool that’s closed for the 2020 season.

In an email to members, Reston Association announced that North Shore Pool will be closed as well due to planned construction and maintenance projects at and around the facility.

Renovation of the dock at Lake Anne Plaza is set to begin this month. The lake canal and plaza area will also be dredged, according to Reston Association.

The following improvements are planned over the spring and summer:

• Concrete deck repairs
• Re-plaster of main pool
• Replacement of tile and coping stone
• Replacement/upgrade of facility fencing – including installation of railings for the main deck staircase
• Replacement of deck equipment (access chair, lifeguard stands, ladders, railings)
• Replacement of the shade structure
• Replacement of the flooring surface in the bathhouse
• Replacement of cabinets, countertops in the office and bathrooms

RA says that its 13 other pools with remain open with adjusted schedules in order to accommodate members who use the pools at Lake Thoreau or North Shore. Anyone with questions should contact [email protected] for more information.

Lake Thoreau Pool — which was originally built in the 80s — is also set to get a facelift.

Before we head off into the weekend, let’s take a look back at the biggest stories on Reston Now in recent days.

1. EXCLUSIVE: Police Launches Investigation into Lake Anne Condominium Association
2. After Disputed Lake House Purchase, Reston Association Reflects on Lessons Learned
3. UPDATED: Herndon Man Arrested for Shooting and Killing Mother
4. Reston Association Letters Threatening Legal Action Rile Boat Owners
5. Celebrity Tan France Visits ‘Purty’ Lake Anne Plaza

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 weekend plans or anything else that’s happening locally in the comments below.

Photo by Brian Pittack

Spring Flea Market Set for March 7 — The flea market takes place at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods at 9 a.m. to noon. The event is free and open to all. [Reston Community Center]

County Minority-owned Business Employ 80,000 — “According to the last Economic Census, African-Americans own nearly 9,000 companies in Fairfax County. In addition, the county is home to 25,000 Asian-owned businesses, 14,000 Hispanic-Latino businesses, 42,000 woman-owned companies and 12,000 veteran-owned firms in the county. Together these firms employ 80,000 people in the county and have total annual revenue of $14.4 billion.” [Fairfax County Economic Development Authority]

Nearby: Concerns Over Pet Shop Owner — “A Virginia man who is charged with animal cruelty told WTOP that he is innocent, and plans to move forward opening a pet shop in Fairfax County. But there is already a similarly named business in Northern Virginia, and a trademark question led to greater concerns.” [WTOP]

What You Need to Know for Super Tuesday — “There are 14 candidates on the ballot. While a number of Democratic Party presidential candidates have suspended their campaigns, these candidates will remain on the ballot unless they officially withdraw from the race with the state. The names of any candidates who withdraw will be posted at the polls. [Fairfax County Government]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

A fire at a home in Herndon displaced two residents yesterday (Wednesday).

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue personnel brought the fire under control on the 1500 block of Millikens Bend Road around 2:11 p.m. that day.

A resident who was home at the time discussed the fire on a stovetop. Fire investigators believe the fire started in the kitchen after cooking oil ignited and spread to nearby combustibles.

The fire caused $255,675 in damages. A dog that resided in the home died during the incident.

Photo via Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department

Like other entities in the country and around the world, Fairfax County Public Schools are preparing for a potential outbreak of the coronavirus.

In an email sent to parents and staff Wednesday evening, FCPS Superintendent Scott Brabrand said the school system is reviewing its existing flu response plan and making necessary revisions to respond to the coronavirus. Currently, there are no confirmed cases in the county or the D.C. region.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention directed school officials, childcare centers, and workplaces to prepare for a possible outbreak.

Here’s more from Brabrand’s letter:

 The plan is dynamic and sections will be revised and updated as new information becomes available. FCPS’s response plan addresses the specific activities necessary to keep schools open and operating while providing a clean and safe environment during an outbreak and the essential functions that must be performed by FCPS, if schools are closed. Other variations of these scenarios could also be considered.  While the full impact of an outbreak cannot be predicted, planning for operations under such conditions can mitigate the impact of the event on our staff, facilities and mission. 

We recognize the growing concern about the possible spread of coronavirus to our region.  To date, we have cancelled international field trips and short-term visitations to and from some countries, based on CDC guidelines. We have also updated our web page and will continue to work closely with health officials and monitor this evolving situation. Additional information is available at this link: https://www.fcps.edu/news/coronavirus-update. This link will be updated as we receive new information.

As a reminder, common cold and flu viruses are not unusual during the winter season. Precautions are recommended. We ask that everyone do their part to stay healthy. Wash hands frequently, monitor your health, and stay home when ill.

FCPS recently suspended international field trips and short-term visits to and from countries flagged by the CDC. The temporary suspension is valid through June 30.

Governments around the world are ramping up measures to battle what could be a looming global pandemic. So far, the virus has infected more than 80,000 people and killed nearly 2,800 individuals.

For the first time, the number of infections outside China — which was the source of the outbreak — exceeded the number found within the country.

Photo courtesy Fairfax County Public Schools

Apartment Fire in Greywing Square — A fire started in the kitchen of an apartment unit on the 12000 block of Greywing Square yesterday evening. The cause of the fire is under investigation. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]

Reston Association Meeting Moved — Next week’s Board Governance Committee has been moved to March 3 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting takes place at the Walker Nature Center. [Reston Association]

Submission Sought for Mary B. Howard Invitational — The Greater Reston Arts Center invites artists to submit a proposal for the new exhibition, “An Excellent Thought About a Quality Idea.” Submissions are due by March 15. [Greater Reston Arts Center]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr 

Tan France, a style guru who is on Netflix’s makeover show “Queer Eye,” made an unexpected stop to Reston over the weekend.

The fashion designer and celebrity author stopped by Lake Anne Plaza for filming purposes on Saturday. While celebrities have notified Lake Anne tenants or managers in the past, France’s visit seemed to come out of nowhere, according to a Lake Anne business owner.

Yesterday, he gave Virginia a shoutout on his Instagram, posting “Virginia, you is purrrty.”

A reader told Reston Now that the crew said France, who was raised by Muslim Pakistani parents, was working on filming independent material, not footage for Queer Eye.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8_qLZmgz-s/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

His PR manager and media company did not return multiple requests for comment from Reston Now.

Photo by Brian Pittack

Great Falls has taken a tiny hit in Bloomberg’s annual index of the richest place in the D.C. area.

The community ranks #20 on the list, down from #16 last year. Great Falls has an average household income of $311,255. Still, the average income of Great Falls rose by 2.7 percent over last year.

Bloomberg’s list is based on average household income and only includes places with at least 2,000 households.

The list includes nine places in the DC area as the richest places in America. McLean ranked 30th on the list, with an average household income of $292,323.

Although Virginia only has a few spots on the list, Maryland ranks sixth among states with six places that made it on the list. Unsurprisingly, Silicon Valley area towns nabbed three of the top five spots.

File photo