Within the last year, some Reston residents have reported concerns about increased airplane noise in areas where it previously wasn’t a nuisance.

Although changes in flight patterns have resulted in airplanes flying at lower altitudes over neighborhoods across the country, the Federal Aviation Administration says that there have been no such changes in Reston and Herndon that could explain the spike in complaints.

In some cases, residents say planes are flying so low “you can see their tail logo.”

Nanci Jewell, who lives on Quorn Lane in Reston, says that several neighbors have noticed the issue in recent months.

“We’ve always been right under a flight path but it’s never been like this,” Jewell said. “There are whole segments of the day and night when the noise is unbearable.”

In an unscientific poll by Reston Now on Feb. 6, nearly 57 percent of respondents said they noticed an increase in airplane noise. Roughly 33 percent of respondents said they noticed no change and at all. The remainder of the 1,412 total respondents said they were either unsure or didn’t know.

Kevin Wiley, a South Lakes resident for 15 years, says there’s no question of a difference in noise levels.

“In particular, ever so often we get a very loud, large aircraft flying low over our house. It is unmistakable.”

Similar concerns were reported by residents near Glencourse Lane, Armstrong Elementary School, South Lakes Village Center, and North Point Village Center.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority also told Reston Now they haven’t noticed an uptick in complaints from residents affected by more noise.

“We’re not aware of any modifications to the normal flight paths or typical altitude assignment for air traffic operating at and around Dulles International,” an MWAA spokesperson said.

Communities across the country have sounded off against NextGen, a $40 billion nationwide program designed to modernize air traffic control.

FAA officials say that the system will save $160 billion through 2030 in fuel, maintenance and other costs.

Residents concerned about aircraft noise can file a complaint online.

Photo via Unsplash

A bill long championed by Del. Ken Plum (D-Reston) to expand the definition of hate crimes cleared the Virginia House of Delegates with a 60-39 vote on Wednesday (Feb. 19).

If approved by the state Senate, the bill would add gender, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation and disability as categories covered by hate crimes.

Currently, the law defines hate crimes as an illegal act directed against individuals or property because of the person’s race, religion or national origin.

Plum and Del. Richard Sullivan, Jr. pushed for the measure. Last year, a similar bill proposed by Plum died in a House committee. Republicans on the committee stated that the change would unnecessarily complicate the law, which already punishes violence.

Hate crimes must be reported to the Department of State Police by local law enforcement agencies.

File photo

Reston Community Players is exploring new ways to get youth in the community to experience live theatre.

The nonprofit organization, which has been producing theatrical productions since 1966, launched a new initiative that allows area students to receive discounted tickets for its productions.

The program, Access to the Arts, allocates blocks of discounted tickets for select shows.

Jolene Vettese, RCP’s president, said many of the organization’s productions contain themes and messages that are relevant to today’s youth.

“We believe strongly that young people should have wider and more affordable access to performing arts events in their communities,” Vettese said.

Discounts are available for schools and community groups online. Individuals cannot purchase discounted tickets.

Photo via Reston Community Players

New Tip Line Number for County Schools — Fairfax County Public Schools officially have a new text number: 888-777. All information is treated as anonymous and confidential. [Fairfax County Public Schools]

Reston Association Board Meets Tonight — The Board of Directors will meet tonight at 6:30 p.m. in RA headquarters. The meeting will be live-streamed online. [Reston Association]

Outdoor Lighting Standards Changed — “Fairfax County is updating our outdoor lighting standards to reduce glare and excessive illumination and match the expanded use of LED lights, which can improve the quality of life for county residents.” [Fairfax County Government]

Herndon Mayor Endorses Pete Buttigieg for President — Mayor Lisa Merkel announced her endorsement of the presidential candidate ahead of his town hall on Sunday, Feb. 23. In a press release, she says he’s committed to “bringing the local executive leadership to Washington and making Washington look more like best-run cities and towns.”

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

Lake Anne Plaza will welcome its first gourmet dive bar this week.

Local VA will hold its grand opening on Friday (Feb. 21) from 5-11 p.m.

The business takes the place of a Thai restaurant that closed last year at 1633 Washington Plaza.

The menu isn’t available to preview yet, but at a soft opening earlier four days ago, customers said the menu included steak frites, wings, macaroni and cheese, as well as other items.

Photo via Dylan Clark

A new Italian steakhouse is coming to Reston Station’s third office building at 1902 Reston Metro Plaza.

Boston-based Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse has leased 11,000 square feet of retail space at the Wiehe-Reston East Metro Station’s plaza.

The restaurant, which serves up northern Italian foods like aged steaks, pasta, and desserts, occupies retail space in a building that will be the future headquarters of international consulting firm ICF. Plans also include a Davio’s “grab and go” Italian market with ready-made selections.

Steve DiFillippo, the chef and owner of the steakhouse, says he’s looking forward to expanding his Boston-based business into the area.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to open a restaurant in Northern Virginia and what could possible be better than being at Reston Station,” DiFillippo said in a statement.

The restaurant expects to open in 2022 when ICF Global occupies the office tower in 2022.

Here’s more about Davio’s from Comstock:

The concept behind Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse is simple, regional Italian food with a focus on the grill. Davio’s offers everything from prime aged steaks, fresh seafood and salads as well as handmade pasta creations. Davio’s takes great pride in serving guests with an expert kitchen and attentive staff in the dining room, offering an exceptional dining experience unlike any other with a focus on hospitality. Chef-Restaurateur, Steve DiFillippo published his first business and hospitality book, “It’s All About the Guest: Exceeding Expectations in Business and in Life the Davio’s Way.” For more information visit www.davios.com or www.stevedifillippo.com.

“Davio’s nationally renowned operation and award-winning menu compliments the existing range of offerings at Reston Station,” said Tim Steffan, EVP/Asset Management, Development and Leasing for Comstock. “We are delighted to have such a high caliber addition joining our food and beverage line-up in the Reston Station neighborhood.”  

Other retail tenants that are part of Comstock’s second phase of development are also forthcoming. CVS Pharmacy plans to open on March 1. Big Buns Damn Good Burgers and matchbox have not officially indicated when they plan to open.

High Honors for Lakeport Cluster Association — “The Lakeport Cluster Association was named “Community Association of the Year” by the Washington Metropolitan Chapter of the Community Associations Institute. An article will be included in the March edition of the chapter’s magazine.” [Reston Association]

A Recap of the Audubon Photographer Award Winners Exhibition — “There’s still time to visit the traveling 2019 Audubon Photography Award Winners Exhibition presented in association with Nature’s Best Photography. Running through Feb. 26, the photos covering a range of species and geographic locations can be viewed for free at Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive in Reston.” [The Connection]

Virginia Program for Veterans Certifies 1,000th Employer — “Shortly after Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell started a program in 2012 to provide jobs to Virginia veterans, it aided roughly 5,000 veterans. Since then that number has jumped to nearly 60,000. Tuesday morning, current Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced the 1,000th employer to earn certification in the Virginia Values Veterans program–the Reston-based technology solutions provider Carahsoft.” [WJLA]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

A Reston house fire displaced five people on Monday (Feb. 17).

It took the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department 12 minutes to extinguish the fire, which started in the single-family home on the 10700 block of Meadowood Drive at around 1:40 p.m. that day.

Fire investigators said the fire was caused by an unattended stove in the kitchen. The incident caused $243,750 in damages.

Photos via Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department

Halley Rise, a major mixed-use development next to the Reston Town Center Metro Station, will be powered by renewable energy.

Brookfield Properties, the developer, announced today (Tuesday) that the company is shifting all six of its Northern Virginia office properties to renewable sources in order to “develop responsible and sustainable placemaking destinations’ in the area.

“Brookfield Properties is committed to developing great places for people to live and work while also bringing innovation and responsible practices to our projects and communities,” Greg Meyer, Executive Vice President, Brookfield Properties’ Washington, DC region. “We are proud to be powering our Northern Virginia office portfolio sustainably, reducing our impact on the environment and setting a new standard for green practices in the region.”

Halley Rise, which is located at the corner of Sunrise Valley Drive and Reston Parkway is seeking LEED Neighborhood Development status, which is awarded to neighborhoods that are built to be sustainable. Once complete, the development will bring 1,500 residential units, 1.5 million square feet of office space, and 250,000 square feet of retail space to the area. It’s also the site where self-driving vehicle company Optimus Ride is currently exploring energy-efficient options to transport commuters within the development.

Brookfield broke ground on the project in October. Wegmans plans to open in 2022 at the project.

Photo via handout/Fairfax County Government

Attention, chicken lovers: Super Chicken, a Peruvian restaurant, is now open at Reston Heights.

The business celebrated its first day of business on President’s Day. It is located at VY, a residential building at 11830 Sunrise Valley Drive that is part of JBG Smith’s Reston Heights development.

Other planned groundfloor retail includes My Home Thai and California-based burger chain BurgerIM.

In late January, Reston Kabob reopened at Reston Heights.

Photo courtesy Super Chicken

Northern Virginia’s Growth and Its Impact on Leasing — “From Arlington to Herndon, the economic upswing following 2008 continues to spur growth throughout many parts of Northern Virginia. According to JLL Research, the region reported its highest positive net absorption in nearly a decade by the end of 2019. Spearheaded by the “War on Terror,” the last comparable development and expansion period came from government and defense contractors vying for space in the early 2000s.” [Washington Business Journal]

Stateside: Ban on Assault Weapons Fails — “Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s push to ban the sale of assault weapons has failed after members of his own party balked at the proposal. Senators voted to shelve the bill for the year and ask the state crime commission to study the issue, an outcome that drew cheers from a committee room packed with gun advocates.” [WTOP]

Fairfax County Reconsiders Mother-in-Law Suites — “Fairfax County could soon substantially loosen its regulations governing accessory dwelling units, perhaps following the lead of D.C. and other local jurisdictions looking to expand available housing options for renters.” [Washington Business Journal]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

South Lakes High School students won the boys and girls titles at the 6A Northern Region D Indoor Track and Field Championships this week.

The girls’ team defended their title, scoring 116 points and just enough to win a third consecutive championship. The boys’ win, with 96 points, for the Northern Region title was the first for the team since 2011.

Here’s more from SLHS on the win:

Hannah Waller won the 55 meters with a region record time of 6.95. The previous mark of 6.96 was set by Alyssa Aiken of Chantilly in Feb. 26, 2000. Waller also won the 300 meters (40.05) and was second in the triple jump (38-08.25). Waller anchored the 4×200 meter relay team of freshman Julianna Byrd and sophomores Megan Luczko and Jillian Howard, that finished third (1:46.73).

Emily Lannen, who was third in the 1,000 meters last year, won the event in 3:05.89 this season. She also teamed with senior Caitlyn Morris, sophomore Annika Yu and freshman Annalise Williams to win the 4×800 meter relay (9:43.68). 

Mary Gregory won her third consecutive 500 meters with a time of 1:16.57. She was also third in the 55 meters and 4×400 meter relay with teammates Lannen, Yu and Luczko (4:05.52).

Jackson Cooley dominated the horizontal jump events winning the long jump (21-05.50) and triple jump (43-07.25). He also finished second the 55 meters (6.59).

Mira Cuthill won the girls high jump (5-01.00) while Caleb Miller successfully defended his title in the boys shot put (50-08.50).

David Ramirez was third in the 500 meters (1:09.13).

The regional championship took place on Feb. 12 in Landover, Md.

The school plans to send two dozen athletes to the 6A State Championship on Feb. 28-29 in Hampton, Va.

Photos by Deborah Lannen

Registration Now Open for Presentation by Master Flutist — experience the history of women in jazz during a lecture and live performance by master flutist Galen Abdur-Razzaq at Reston Regional Library. The events takes place on March 3 from 7-8:30 p.m. [Fairfax County Government]

Leading the World in Data Centers — “Northern Virginia is by far the largest data center market in the world… data centers are centralized locations where computing and networking equipment is concentrated for the purpose of collecting, storing, processing, distributing or allowing access to large amounts of data. [Fairfax County Economic Development Authority]

Registration Now Open for Reston Camps — Registration for Camps Reston is now open for all. More information about this year’s offerings is available online. [Reston Association]

Photo by Jay Westcott

It’s no secret that Northern Virginia is well-known for being a technology corridor.

Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn (D) is looking for ways to bring the benefits of emerging technologies to all residents.

In a board matter proposed this week, Alcorn says he wants to find ways to promote innovative and equitable technologic Fairfax County.

Here’s more from the board matter:

Beyond our internal investments in GIS, other examples of our leadership in advancing technology include these initiatives championed through our Economic Advisory Commission (EAC):

• Our pilot with Dominion Energy is the first state-funded connected autonomous vehicle (CAV) public transportation demonstration in Virginia.
• Testing of driverless cars, by public and private entities, on our more than 70 miles of “connected corridors” in the county.
• The county’s state-funded efforts to attract and retain workers for high-demand IT positions, including cybersecurity.   
• Our partnership with Smart City Works and Refraction utilizing their $750,000 federal grant to increase regional capacity to bring technologies to market and grow innovative companies.

To complement these EAC activities we can also do more to promote innovative and equitable technology in Fairfax County. The Board’s IT Committee, which I now chair, provides an excellent opportunity for board members to explore how we can use technology more efficiently and ensure that our residents also benefit from new technology.

In concert with the efforts by the county’s EAC and the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to encourage emerging technology companies, it is also important that we look to bring the benefits of safe and consumer-friendly emerging technologies to our residents as consumers.  And we should do so with an equity lens in mind so that residents who are in most need of the efficiencies and cost reductions often associated with these innovations actually receive the benefits.

The board is expected to discuss ways to promote emerging technologies at a future IT meeting committee.

Staff photo by Jay Westcott