The Washingtonian’s Benjamin Wofford gave Reston a big nod in a feature published over the weekend.

Titled, “The Very Uncivil War Going Down in America’s Most Civil Suburb,” Wofford writes that the once inclusive suburb is now “whiter, older and richer than its founder ever intended,” locking itself in a battle for its soul and the preservation of open space.

Calling the opponents of a recently deferred plan to increase Reston’s population cap “the Yellow Shirts,” the article lays out a narrative of the battle to preserve the community’s two golf courses, issues of affordability, and nimbyism. The article has drawn interesting responses from readers.

i grew up in Reston in the 80s, when it was still a town where working-class people could live, and watching it (from progressively farther away, lol) remake itself as Federal Tech Contractor Whole Foods Hell over the past 30 years has been the weirdest fucking thing https://t.co/w8syJNDdHR

— Albert Burneko (@AlbertBurneko) December 17, 2019

Hard to choose the best quote. Maybe "In Petrine’s eyes, the problem was that anyone had sought to bring Metro to Reston at all.The list of turncoats was vast: the county for putting its grubby hands on the town, Metro for spreading through the county, [LBJ] for conceiving Metro"

— David Schleicher (@ProfSchleich) December 17, 2019

Wofford points out some interesting U.S. Census Bureau statistics:

Lately, though, the town has followed the familiar arc of an aging suburb. Since 2000, according to Census data, the number of children has fallen by nearly 10 percent. Reston is now 17 percent whiter than Fairfax County. 

He chats with one of the “Yellow Shirts”:

To that sect of the Yellow Shirts, who insisted they were not entirely opposed to growth, the fight was about preservation of idyllic values. But at the core of the movement, sentiments about Reston’s evolution were more inflamed. “It’s not even hardly recognizable!” complained Tammi Petrine, one of the earliest activists. “If I could think of another place to go, I would. Because this is a shitshow.”

A local Restonian offers his assessment of the demographics of Reston:

Bouie was willing to see the worst in this admission. “When they’re saying they’re against Metro, they weren’t thinking about people from Reston going to DC. They were thinking about people from DC coming here,” he said. “Cranky old white people,” Bouie sniffed. “There’s no diversity in that group.”

One of Bob Simon’s first salespeople — Chuck Veatch — offers his persepctive:

He chided the competing caricatures of Reston that had taken root in the haze of infighting, either a municipal kibbutz or a gated hamlet in Mar-a-Lago. “It’s not a socialist utopia,” he chuckled. At the same time, the Yellow Shirts misunderstood that “the success of the community is not about how much money your house is worth.” Amid the partisan bickering, everyone had misplaced something elemental: the town’s shared sense of community, a distinct virtue in the face of the booming metropolis surrounding it. “Bob started out by weaving the social fabric of Reston first,” Veatch said.

The article appeared in the December issue of the magazine.

Photo by Marjorie Copson

New Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Sworn In — Newly elected members of the board, including Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn, were sworn in yesterday. Their terms officially begin on Jan. 1. [Fairfax County Government]

Herndon Police Officer Recognized — The Washington Regional Alcohol Program recognized Senior Sergeant Bobby Galpin, who is with the Town of Herndon’s police department, for his “outstanding efforts to combat drunk driving in the Town of Herndon” this year. [Herndon Police Department]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

Three Fairfax County Public School teachers — including two local residents — were charged in connection with the assaults of six children with intellectual disabilities at Freedom Hill Elementary in Vienna.

Cylmeera Gastav, 48 of Herndon, and Cecilia Maria Benavides, 59, of Alexandria, were charged with felony cruelty, injuries to children, misdemeanor assault and battery. They were placed on leave after the investigation began.

The school’s former principal, Scott Bloom, 39, of Reston, was charged with failing to report the abuse to law enforcement of child protective services, as required by law. A total of 18 counts were handed down by a jury.

Chief Edwin Roessler Jr. said described the victims as “nonverbal students with intellectual disabilities” and pledged to provide support to victims and their families as the case is prosecuted in the justice system.

The Fairfax County Police Department conducted a press briefing on the investigation, which has been ongoing since September, earlier today. A teacher tipped law enforcement about the incidents.

Marty Smith, chief operating officer for Fairfax County Public Schools, said he was deeply disturbed by the allegations.

“We are deeply saddened by this situation and resolve to do all we can to support our students, their families and others who have been impacted,” Smith said.

Photo via FCPD

Local police are encouraging residents to be wary of porch pirates in Reston and Herndon. An increase in package thefts is often seen when holiday shopping is in full swing this time of year.

The Fairfax County Police Department issued the following tips to avoid package thefts:

• Ask a neighbor to hold a package if you’re unable to pick it up
• Ship packages to your workplace or a nearby store
• Sign up for delivery alerts and require a signature, if possible.
• Purchase a lockbox for your front porch or a mailbox with secured access

A recent study found that nearly 26 million Americans reported having holiday packages stolen from their doorstep or porch.

Lots of package delieveries?! Don’t make it this easy for porch pirates. Ponch has some suggestions to make sure your packages make it safely under the tree. 🎁🎄https://t.co/TmyS8jCtrQ#elfontheshelf #herndonpd pic.twitter.com/V6j2qtRUSi

— Herndon Police (@HerndonPolice) December 13, 2019

Photo via Unsplash 

Local police are investigating after CVS Pharmacy in Herndon was robbed over the weekend.

Police believe the location at 2525 Centreville Road was robbed on Saturday, Dec. 14 at around 7:55 p.m.

The suspect implied she had a handgun and demanded cash, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.

FCPD indicated the woman is around 40 years old and was wearing dark clothing. 

Photo via Google Maps

Property owners who rent their sites through short-term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO must follow new regulations effective Feb. 1.

Property owners in the Town of Herndon must register with Fairfax County and pay $200 to receive a two-year permit to operate the rental. The Town of Herndon’s regulations, which were approved by council members earlier this month, are similar to legislation adopted by Fairfax County’s Board of Supervisors this year. Discussions have been underway since June 2018 in the town.

In order to receive the permit, sites will be inspected. A $500 fee is charged for failing to register. Owners must live at the location for at least seven months, provide proof of residency, and provide notice to homeowners associations.

Homes can be rented out for a maximum of 90 nights — 30 more nights that the cap set by Fairfax County. A maximum of six adults under one contract can use the sites. A single rental period must be less than 30 days.

The town council also set operational requirements, including the prohibition of events, the presence of a fire extinguisher, and dedicated parking spaces.

The Town of Herndon’s short-term rental application is available online.

Photo via Airbnb

Test Drive of Self Driving Cars in Reston — “It wasn’t exactly thrilling. “Like, literally, it is a boring ride,” says Ryan Chin, who cofounded Optimus with five buddies from MIT. But that is precisely what’s radical: For self-driving cars to truly affect the way we live, Chin thinks, using them will have to become as routine as driving your Civic to the supermarket. The Optimus cars can travel only around the Halley Rise complex; the route could expand to include the future Reston Town Square Metro station.” [Washingtonian]

Facilities Planning Council Seeks Hunter Mill District Applicants — “The School Board is seeking applications from Hunter Mill District residents for a seat on the Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC). FPAC advises and informs FCPS staff and the School Board in the development of comprehensive, long-term plans for facilities.” Applications are due by Jan. 6. [Fairfax County Public Schools]

Town of Herndon Planning Commission to Meet Today — The commission meets today to discuss standards regarding communications towers and the town’s comprehensive plan tonight. [Town of Herndon]

Staff Photo by Jay Westcott

A wintry mix complicated the morning commute as the workweek begins.

The National Weather Service warns that a period of snow and sleet is possible after 4 a.m. on Monday.

Here’s more from the alert:

There is a potential for hazardous commuting conditions for the Monday morning commute, primarily for the western suburbs of Baltimore and Washington. A period of snow and sleet is possible Monday morning, mainly after 4 AM. Up to an inch of snow is possible through Monday morning.

If this threat does materialize during the Monday morning rush-hour, many roads could quickly turn slippery. This could lead to hazardous traveling conditions, multiple accidents, and extensive delays.

If commuting Monday morning, be aware of the POSSIBILITY of significant travel disruptions. Plan ahead by allowing for extra travel time, and consider using public transportation and telework options.

Photo by Marjorie Copson

The first-ever Herndon WinterMarkt kicks off tomorrow, bringing European holiday festivities to the Herndon Depot Museum from noon to 8 p.m. There are also plenty of local options to take photos with Santa through the end of the year.

Tomorrow

• Handmade Holiday Ornaments (1-2:30 p.m. ) — Make holiday ornaments at this workshop with staff the Greater Reston Arts Center. The workshop is $10 for Restonians and $20 for all others.
• Balloon Twister (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) —  Enjoy Mike’s and Marsha’s balloon hats, giant birds, and other balloon creations at Reston Regional Library.
• Reston Holiday Open House (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) — Join staff at Reston Regional Library to celebrate the holiday season with light refreshments, music, entertainment and fun.
• The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (1 p.m.) — Rhythm Street Dance performs at Reston Town Center in front of the ice skating pavilion.

Sunday

• Reston Town Center Holiday Performances (Noon, 1 p.m., 3 p.m.) — The Northern VA Ukelele Society, the Northern VA Ensemble, and Rich Landers, are set to perform during three separate timings at Reston Town Center’s promenade.
• Mini-train Rides (Noon to 4 p.m.) — Enjoy mini-train rides at Reston Town Center. A suggested donation of $5 per person is appreciated.   

Photo via Facebook

NextStop Theatre Company will present a new historical drama that takes audiences to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s hotel room the night before his assassination.

The historical drama, “The Mountaintop,” runs from Jan. 9 through Feb. 9 at 269 Sunset Park Drive.

Here’s more from the theatre company on the upcoming show:

In his hotel room on the night before his assassination, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. meets a young maid who forces him to consider exactly who and what he is fighting for.

On April 3, 1968, room 306 of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis is not yet the scene of one of our nation’s greatest tragedies. It is just another motel for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In this bold reimagining of history, Dr. King is visited by an enigmatic maid who can unveil the humanity and vulnerability of America’s larger-than-life icon. Full of vivid theatricality, poetic language, and surprising twists, this drama takes us to the summit of a man’s historic life and offers a stunning new view of his dream for our nation.

More information about the show is online. Tickets are available for purchase on the company’s website.

Photo via NextStop Theatre

A new “modern gastropub” will replace American Tap Room, which is set to close on Dec. 22 at 1811 Library Street, according to a news release.

Makers Union Pub for the People, a project by Reston-based company Thompson Hospitality, plans to begin construction on the new business early next year. An opening date has not been announced.

“It’s a place for you. It’s a place for us. It’s a pub for the people,” according to the company website.

TAA PR, a DC-based company that manages communications and public relations for Boston Properties, wrote the following about the opening:

Guests can look forward to a fun-casual restaurant, bar and gathering space that is designed with each of our special everyday occasions in mind. It’s a place to grab a crave-worthy bite on the fly or to hang awhile during game day. It’s a place to brunch with your besties or happy hour with your work crew. It’s a place to roll solo with your laptop and coffee or roll deep with your family and friends.

Photo via Makers Union Pub

Walter Alcorn, the incoming Hunter Mill District Supervisor who won a five-way Democratic primary, plans to prioritize managing growth and infrastructure as he takes over for retiring Cathy Hudgins on Jan.  1.

As cranes scrape the skies and community consternation about development continues to rumble, one of Alcorn’s top priorities is to update and improve Reston’s major planning document — phase two of Reston’s comprehensive plan.

“Our biggest challenge is clearly managing the growth that we’re undergoing right now, both in terms of mobility and change and our quality of life,”  Alcorn said in a recent interview with Reston Now.

He hopes to incorporate measures that manage growth and infrastructure — including population projections that can guide infrastructure needs, planning for public facilities like transportation and schools,  and expectations for public open space. Alcorn also hopes to incorporate language to preserve existing affordable housing and clarify expectations surround the future redevelopment of Reston’s village centers, some of which are in need of revitalization.

Although Alcorn has not pitched specific recommendations — a public feedback process in early 2020 will guide the community conversation — the Democrat has one specific idea: breaking up the ownership of Reston Town Center.

Alcorn says the county can incorporate language in the comprehensive plan to “call for diverse ownership of Reston Town Center” in order to break up the “monopolistic” ownership of Reston’s core from Boston Properties. The move would address concerns related to vacancies and the departure of small businesses following the company’s seismic shift to paid parking in 2017.

For now, the controversial discussion on increasing Reston’s population density per acre in the Planned Residential Community district — the community’s primary zoning district has been indefinitely delayed.

Alcorn believes the county should reexamine Reston’s comprehensive plan before reconvening discussions on the tabled PRC proposal.

“We need to fix the comprehensive plan,” Alcorn told Reston Now. “My first priority is to fix the comprehensive plan.”

He also wants to explore ways to streamline how Reston-related development proposals are reviewed, particularly between the Hunter Mill District Land Use Committee, which advises the supervisor’s office on land use issues, and the Reston Planning & Zoning Committee. Possible proposals include improving the public input process, adding county staff support to attend meetings and improving the sequencing of the multi-step approval process.

“Many times, these groups are asked to make recommendations on zoning before they can even see proffers associate with rezoning,” he said.

Other county-wide initiatives Alcorn hopes to take a lead on include:

• A land use reform initiative to create affordable housing opportunities, in conjunction with other supervisors
• Efforts to improve pedestrian mobility through regional initiates and more comprehensive planning beyond the county’s bicycle master plan.

As he begins his term on Jan. 1, Alcorn hopes to leverage his experience as a former planner with the county to ensure the vitality and promise of Reston remains.

“I come to this job with good knowledge of the land use process and also a commitment to engage the public and the community in that land use process,” he says. “We’re at an interesting time in Reston with transit-oriented development underway and older communities that are in need of retention. That is something that is new.”

Photo via Facebook

The Capital Burger promises to bring a “luxe burger experience” to Reston Town Center early next year, according to a company statement.

An opening date is set for Jan. 27.

An extension of the restaurant The Capital Grille, the Reston location will offer wines, shakes, craft cocktails, local beers and “elevated burgers, according to the company.

This is the second location to opening the DC region, following the opening of a location in Mount Vernon Square in March last year.

The business is located at Hyatt Regency in the town center. It expects to hire 70 staff members.

Photo via Capital Burger/Facebook

Meeting on Local Department of Historic Resources Survey Set for Next Week — A pubic information session on state preservationists’ efforts to study Reston this fall and wanter is set for Dec.  17 at 7 p.m. The project is being managed by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. [Fairfax County Government]

Metro Cancels Summer 2020 Shutdown — “Metro is canceling a planned Green and Yellow Line shutdown next summer that the agency had announced in 2018, WTOP has learned. Internal Metro documents suggest that when Metro announced the shutdown plans, Metro did not fully understand the scope and cost of additional work at Greenbelt, College Park, Prince George’s Plaza and West Hyattsville stations, so any significant repairs to crumbling platforms could be delayed several years.” [WTOP]

Staff photo by Jay Westcot