A year ago yesterday, the Silver Line’s first train rolled into Wiehle-Reston East.
After years of talk, political maneuvering, construction, construction delays and budget busting, Reston was finally connected to Washington, D.C. by rail.
Phase 1 of the Silver Line has five stations that run from Tysons Corner to Reston. Additional stations will be part of Phase 2, which will stop at Reston Town Center, Herndon, Route 28, Dulles International Airport and Ashburn.
However, Wiehle-Reston is the end of the line until at least 2019. It is the only Phase 1 station with parking (3,300 spaces at the Comstock-Fairfax County garage). That makes it by far the busiest of the five stations.
It only took a few weeks for the Reston stop to exceed expectations after it opened July 26. 2014. By mid-September, Wiehle-Reston East was counting more than 8,000 entries daily, surpassing first-year ridership goals. Overall Silver Line ridership was about 60 percent of where Metro expected it to be after a full year.
Wiehle-Reston East is now seeing more than 9,100 entries daily. Other stations: McLean, 1,842; Tysons Corner, 3,423; Greensboro, 1,185; and Spring Hill, 1,441 (17,088 Silver Line entries daily).
“Wiehle-Reston East continues to be the Silver Line’s commuting powerhouse, surpassing first-year ridership projections with nearly 9,200 boardings, or 18,400 weekday entries and exits last month,” a Metro spokeswoman said.
There have been some growing pains, though. Many commuters have complained the Silver Line saves them neither time nor money; Metro service in general suffers delays and issues daily; and the addition of the Silver Line may have slowed Metro service overall.
There has also been criticism of faulty timed lights getting in and out of the Wiehle-Reston East garage, as well as a poorly designed kiss-and-ride area.
Still, it has had an impact on the Reston economy. Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Mark Ingrao says his organization has seen a 22- percent increase in membership from new businesses or businesses new to Reston in the last year. The chamber itself also moved its headquarters from the Reston Town Center area to within walking distance of Wiehle-Reston East.
Jerry Gordon, President and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, says the Metro’s economic impact can be seen countywide.
“We have direct evidence that two companies that are in Tysons Corner are there because of the Silver Line,” Gordon told Reston Now. “Instelsat moved from DC, and they told us ‘no Silver Line, no Intelsat.’ The county was also able to retain Cvent in Tysons. Without the Silver Line, Cvent undoubtedly would have left.” Read More
Red’s Table, the long-awaiting, locally owned restaurant slated to open at the former Lakeside Inn space at South Lakes Village Center, hopes to open by the end of August, said co-owner Ryan Tracy.
The date is tentative, depending on county permits and inspections. However, after months of construction — and construction-related delays — the business appears on track, he said.
Tracy, along with brother Matt and Pat, first signed on for the project in early 2014, a few months after Lakeside Inn closed after more than 20 years at the spot.
The Tracys had expected to open in March 2015, but a roof issue, which resulted in the whole roof having to be replaced, delayed the project to summer 2015.
The new roof is in place, and the interior remodeling is in its late stages.
Here are some details:
Adam Stein, a well-known DC chef, is running the kitchen. The menu is still in the planning stages, but Red’s Table will concentrate on an abundance of locally sourced products, Tracy said.
The restaurant has hired Sharon Wetteland, an experienced restaurant manager, as its general manager. Wetteland comes to Reston from jobs in San Diego and Minnesota.
Red’s is still looking for a bar manager and an assistant general manager. Apply by sending a resume to [email protected].
On Friday, crews were putting awnings into place on the new patio overlooking Lake Thoreau. Tracy said there will be heaters on the patio, and they expect to seat restaurant patrons there most of the year. The existing patio, to the right of the front door, will be a bar patio, he said.
The full bar will include craft cocktails and 14 craft beers on tap (as well as a wide assortment of national brands in bottles), Tracy said.
The restaurant will be open for dinner at first, with lunch and weekend brunch to come soon after.
Inmate Treatment Review — After the in-custody death of Natasha McKenna earlier this year, Fairfax County Sheriff’s are re-evaluating how to treat mentally ill inmates. [NBC Washington]
Disability Reform Time? — A Justice Department report says Virginia is not being serious enough about efforts to comply with court-ordered reforms to its program for people with disabilities. [Washington Post]
Public Transportation 101 — New to Metro’s Silver Line? Learn the basics at a workshop Friday, July 31, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Reston Community Center Lake Anne. Learn how to ride a Reston bus to the Silver Line, determine fares, purchase fare cards, load SmarTrip cards, read system maps, and board trains. Free. Register at restoncommunitycenter.com or call 703-476-4500. [RCC]
The Fairfax County Planning Commission has recommended for approval tighter rules on charity drop off boxes, which have good intentions but often end up as neighborhood dumps for castoffs.
The boxes are currently not covered by any county zoning rules, officials say. Instead, Fairfax County has applied its rules for secondary structures like garden sheds or garages.
Under new rules OKed by the planning commission on Wednesday:
- May not be larger than seven feet tall, six feet wide or six feet long.
- Are limited to two boxes per property in an area not to exceed a total of 120 square feet.
- Must be made of weather-proof, noncombustible materials.
- Must get regular collection with no items left outside the boxes.
- Must list the following information on the outside of the box: name and telephone number of the owner/operator, the items for collection, and a statement prohibiting liquids and dumping.
- May only be placed on certain commercial properties, like shopping centers, that are 40,000 square feet or larger; in any commercial area of a planned district when shown on an approved development plan; and in any residential district on lots with a non-residential principal use, like a church, or in conjunction with approval for another use by a special permit, special exception or proffered rezoning and only when shown on an approved development plan.
The new rules will now move on to the Board of Supervisors for final approval.
Shopping for a new home? Lots to see, starting with these weekend open houses. For complete real estate information, check out Reston Now’s Real Estate section.
11518 Sunder Court
3 BR, 2.5 BA TH
$519,000
Open Sunday 1 to 4 p.m.
11812 Breton Court
2 BR, 1 BA Condo
$225,000
Open Sunday 1 to 4 p.m.
2407 Myrtle Lane
4 BR, 3 BA SFH
$650,000
Open Sunday 1 to 4 p.m.
1539 Chatham Colony Court
3 BR, 2.5 BA TH
$465,000
Open Sunday 1 to 4 p.m.
11011 Saffold Way
4 BR, 2.5 BA TH
$435,000
Open Sunday 12 to 3 p.m.
1394 Concord Point Lane
4 BR, 2.5 BA SFH
$735,000
Open Sunday 12 to 3 p.m.
1705 Lake Shore Crest Drive
2 BR, 2 BA Condo
$315,000
Open Sunday 2 to 4 p.m.
1554 Brookshire Court
2 BR, 2 BA TH
$365,000
Open Sunday 1 to 4 p.m.
(Update, Friday 2:30 p.m.) — Reston Association says the Lake Audubon water has been tested and it is now OK to go boating and paddleboarding.
A sanitary sewer pipe leaked into Lake Audubon on Monday. County water officials fixed the pipe Tuesday, but on Thursday RA told residents to stay off the lake until testing was finished.
RA removed temporary caution signs around the lake on Friday after test results showed no hazardous levels of bacteria in water.
Original story: Reston Association officials are asking residents to “restrict recreational activities” on Lake Audubon until further testing of the water can be done.
Earlier this week, a sanitary sewer pipe located between Wakerobin Lane and Cedar Cove Court was discovered to be draining into Lake Audubon. The pipe was fixed by Fairfax County Wastewater management on Tuesday.
Signs have been posted around the lake cautioning people to stay off.
“Until further assessments of water quality and potential clean-up are completed by the county, recreational use (boating and fishing) at the lake is restricted,” says RA. “As always, residents are being asked to abide by RA’s regulations that prohibit swimming in any of Reston’s four lakes.”
Meanwhile, a Cedar Cove resident reports the pipe is fixed, but the sewage smell “and a white film” remains in the creek leading to the lake.
Reston Association closed on its acquisition of the Tetra building on Thursday and will now move forward on refurbishing the building and its 3.47-acre property for community space.
Reston Association members in May approved the $2.65 million purchase via referendum. The referendum capped a busy few months of community discussion, debate and opposition to the purchase.
Opponents cited expense (the purchase price was nearly double the most recent tax assessment), borrowing money and whether Reston needed the additional space among the reasons not to purchase.
Reston Association maintained the acquisition — which gives the association 98 acres of contiguous space at Brown’s Chapel Park and Lake Newport Tennis — would stave off commercial development and offer an additional location for community and private events, as well as a park on the banks of Lake Newport.
“The Tetra Property purchase represents a historic moment for our association,” said RA President Ellen Graves. “It is the first time in RA’s history that property has been acquired to protect against over development, to enhance green space and to increase community and recreational use opportunities for members.”
RA CEO Cate Fulkerson says RA is eager “to begin site and building improvements and renovations so that the community can take advantage of this wonderful venue for meetings, recreational programs and corporate/event rentals by spring 2016.”
Fulkerson said there will be no impact to the RA assessments until “2018 at the earliest.”
Some details of the deal:
Reston Association assumed a $2,650,000 term loan issued by Access National Bank secured by the assessment revenues collected by RA.
Seller Lake Newport, LLC placed $275,000 of the Purchase Price in escrow to be used by RA for improvements, renovations and repairs to the Property.
Lake Newport, LLC will lease back the Tetra building and 20 reserved parking spaces from RA from the July 23 settlement date through Dec. 31, 2015. The lease rate is $32 per square foot net of utilities and cleaning.
RA has also received $650,000 from Comstock as developer contributions from the deal to add BLVD apartments to the association. Comstock will also have 10-year naming rights to the building. That money will also go towards renovations.
RA will now narrow down ideas for the site’s use. The association is forming a working group to develop an initial the plan by December.
Members interested in joining the working group can download the application form at on Reston Association’s website or contact RA’s Board/Committee Liaison Sabrina Tadele at [email protected] or call 703-435-6570.
Reston Association staff will be collaborating Cresa Partners to oversee all aspects of the project including: exterior design and maintenance, developing interior space reconfiguration plans, managing the engagement designers, contractors, voice/data suppliers, furniture and other contracts.
Reston organizations appealing a recent decision about the future of Reston National Golf Course will have a day in court this fall.
Reston Association, Fairfax County and advocacy group Rescue Reston, all of whom are appealing the 2015 Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) ruling on Reston National, will have a hearing on motions for summary judgment to reverse the decision in the Circuit Court of Fairfax County on Oct. 23.
The BZA ruled in April (following a January hearing) that golf course owner RN Golf Management would not need a zoning change in order to redevelop the 166-acre golf course from open and recreational space to residential.
That leaves open the possibility that residential development could occur at the course at Sunrise Valley Drive and Colts Neck Road. That would affect golfers, of course, but also hundreds of homeowners who purchased nearby because of golf course views and nearby open space.
“We’re very pleased that our evidence will be heard at the Circuit Court level,” said Rescue Reston’s Connie Hartke. “A few weeks ago, RN Golf’s attorney tried to get this dismissed, saying that Reston Association and the petitioners who live around the golf course had no standing.”
“It is time to step up and help financially so that we can send our strongest message ever to the investor-owner, Northwestern Mutual (NWM), that it is time to STOP.”
The future of the golf course has been a matter of community and legal discussion since summer 2012. That’s when Fairfax County’s Zoning, responding to an inquiry from RN Golf, told the golf course owners that the space is recreational and developing it would require a comprehensive plan amendment.
After several years of delays and continuances by RN Golf Management, the company’s appeal was finally heard in a six-hour hearing in January. There has never been a redevelopment plan filed or made public by the golf course owners.
In the BZA’a April decision, board member Paul Hammack’s motion that “we overrule the zoning administrator to the extent she says a comprehensive plan amendment is a precondition [to development]” was unanimously approved.
Rescue Reston board member David Burns said at that time that the BZA ignored the law and rights of thousands of people in Reston.
“We believe the BZA has ignored not only the law and the property rights of the thousands who own property adjacent to the golf course, ” he said. “But also the will of the more than 6,000 supporters of Rescue Reston, and the thousands more members of the Reston Association, who respect the Reston Master Plan and oppose development of the golf course.”
A January county staff report also upheld the 2012 ruling.
Reston Association’s Board voted in May to also appeal the BZA ruling.
“The decision reflects RA’s position that any redevelopment of PRC zoned land within Reston, including the Reston National Golf Course, must be reviewed and compared to the existing zoning development plans, and any proffers or conditions attached to the development plans,” RA said in a statement at the time. Read More
Many Reston residents are still mourning the loss of Barnes & Noble, which closed its store at The Spectrum in early 2013.
The departure left Reston without a place to buy — or at least browse for — new books. The Reston closure came at a time when Barnes & Noble was closing about 20 stores a year, due, in part, to the rise in the popularity of e-readers. The large Georgetown location also closed around the same time as Reston’s.
But that doesn’t mean new ones will “never” open.
The Washington Business Journal reported on Thursday that a new Barnes & Noble will open in at One Loudoun, a mixed-use development in Ashburn, in 2017.
Construction of the 18,000-square-foot store will begin next year, WBJ reports.
Does this mean all hope is lost for Barnes & Noble re-opening here? With new retail developments planned at The Spectrum, RTC West, Reston Heights and Crescent/Lake Anne, there will certainly be available space. Stay tuned.
Photo: Former Reston Barnes & Noble in 2012
Geer Case Change — The daughter of John Geer, the man shot and killed by Fairfax County Police in 2013, will not have to speak before a Grand Jury next week. [Washington Post]
Swim Skills — Reston Community Center will hold free swim evaluations for young swimmers Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. This is a good opportunity to know where you are before fall swim class signup begins on Aug. 1. [RCC]
Grant For GRACE — The Greater Reston Arts Center is one of 17 Fairfax County non-profit arts organizations that have been awarded the 2016 Project Support Grant from the Arts Council of Fairfax County. GRACE received the grant in support of its 2016 gallery installation by artist Shih Chieh Huang. That exhibit will begin in April 2016.
Metro’s Silver Line is turning one July 26.
In honor of the anniversary, the Silver Line Express is offering free rides to Washington Dulles International Airport on Sunday and Monday.
The ride from Wiehle-Reston East to Dulles usually costs $5 each way.
Metro says more than 272,000 riders have used the bus service since it began on July 26, 2014. That is an 80-percent increase over previous service that ran between the airport and the East Falls Church Metro Station.
“This special promotion of free rides marks one year of enhanced passenger experience for travelers to and from Dulles International on the Silver Line Express bus,” Airports Authority Deputy Vice President for Planning and Revenue Development Chryssa Westerlund said in a release. “Dulles is the gateway to the world, and we are marketing the Silver Line Express bus to make sure travelers are aware that, with this service, the world is easier to get to than ever.”
The Silver Line Express operates every 15 minutes during weekday peak hours and every 20 minutes off-peak between Dulles the parking garage at the Wiehle-Reston East.
For schedules, maps and additional information visit the Silver Line Express website.
Phase 2 of the Silver Line, expected to be completed in early 2019, will take passengers all the way to Dulles, as well as stops in Loudoun County.
Fairfax County Animal Control officials are urging area residents to take extra care if leaving their pets out unattended after a dog was attacked by wildlife — possibly a bear — in the Great Falls area this week.
A veterinarian who was treating the dog for its wounds called Fairfax County personnel on Tuesday to report that the dog sustained injury while he was in the the 100 block of River Park Lane near the Potomac River as a result of an encounter with wildlife at some point on Sunday evening, Fairfax County Animal Control said.
“Without a witness, it is hard to say exactly what happened to cause the dog’s injury, but in an abundance of caution, animal control and wildlife management personnel remind residents to keep their pets contained to their property and monitor their time outdoors,” Katherine Edwards, Certified Wildlife Biologist for Fairfax County, said in a statement.
Trail cameras are being set up Thursday in wooded areas near the River Park Lane incident. Footage will be monitored for any unusual wildlife activity taking place in the area, officials said.
“Fairfax County does not have record of any similar incidents but there are cases where injuries resulted from dogs attacking other dogs and those were erroneously attributed to wildlife,” Edwards said.
Black bears are not typically aggressive and will retreat when encountered, animal control says. There have been a handful of local sightings in the Great Falls/McLean area this spring and summer.
Overall, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has received 12 bear sighting reports this spring. The most recent was Wednesday in the Chantilly area.
Most bears are attracted to property because of an available food source.
Tips to minimize interactions with bears and other wildlife include:
- Keep a respectful distance
- Making sure to secure your trash or contain it in an animal-proof dumpster
- Do not leave pet food outside
- Take down your birdfeeder for 3-4 weeks after a bear visits
- Leash walk pets and do not leave them unattended outsideIf you see a bear or have any questions, contact the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Hotline at (855) 571-9003.
Photo: Dog injured by wildlife/Credit: Fairfax County
All three of the suspects in the fatal shooting at Stoneview Square in May appeared in Fairfax County Court on Wednesday.
While they were scheduled for preliminary hearings, the appearances became more of administrative scheduling sessions for Dominique May, 18, Eddie Rodriguez, 22, and Jalan Merrill, 21.
The three men have been all been charged with robbery and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Fairfax County Police said the men were allegedly involved in a fight that ended with the shooting death of 24-year-old Rashad Kejuan Daye on May 17.
None of the men have been directly charged in Daye’s death.
Wednesday’s court appearance introduced for the first time a witness, Kevin Baldwin. Sources said the residence in the 11600 block of Stoneview Square was Baldwin’s residence.
Police said at a Hunters Woods community meeting in May that the resident of the condo, who was not named by police at that time, is not facing charges “because according to law, he was defending himself in his own home,” said FCPD Lt. Lance Schaible.
Virginia statute allows for use of force in relation to perceived threat, says Schiable.
“If someone is in your home … you can take the level of force you feel necessary,” he said. “Ultimately, the decision [on level of force allowed by law] is made by the Commonwealth’s Attorney.”
At Wednesday’s proceedings, Rodriguez waived the preliminary hearing on both charges. He will appear in Fairfax County Circuit Court Sept. 15. Merrill waived the preliminary hearing on the robbery charge. He will appear Aug. 20. May received a continuance on his preliminary hearing to Sept. 29.
Baldwin is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing on separate felony and misdemeanor drug charges on Sept. 8. Those charges stem from a February arrest.
Photos: Left, Dominique May; Right, Eddie Rodriguez/Courtesy FCPD
Reston Rockers — Reston-based Model Train Wreck has an album coming out soon. [RVA Magazine]
Beneath Fairfax Underground — Commenting on the Fairfax Underground web forum has taken a serious and disturbing turn offline — and into court. [Washington Post]
Help For Seniors — Reston Association’s 55+ Advisory Group has completed a Getting Around Guide. Bookmark this page to access all transportation assistance and options for seniors or may not be able to drive. [Reston Association]
Chocolate Saturday — Chesapeake Chocolates at Lake Anne Plaza will be celebrating its eighth anniversary and its recent expansion into the former Lake Anne Florist space on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Special activities include chocolate samples, wine & beer tastings, chocolate dipping, coupons and giveaways.
After a delayed Metro commute (backups all along the Orange, Silver and Blue lines) Tuesday night, some commuters trying to leave Wiehle-Reston East’s parking garage and Kiss-and-Ride lane found themselves with nearly an hour wait.
There is a short light that controls traffic to leave the Kiss-and-Ride area and the parking garage. Many commuters have complained that the wait is frustrating.
“Forty minutes to to exit the Reston Metro Parking lot is unacceptable,” one driver said on Twitter Tuesday.
Said another: “The delay here alone makes it faster to drive.”
Garage officials say they are listening.
Wednesday morning commuters noticed there was a person directing traffic to get into the 3,300-space parking garage.
Comstock owns the garage in a public-private partnership with Fairfax County. Comstock spokeswoman Maggie Parker said Wednesday they are working on the traffic flow.
“Fairfax County and Comstock have been working with the timing to improve egress from the Kiss and Ride,” Parker said in an email. “It was reset last Thursday and appears to have improved the situation. A new camera detection system is being installed. Once in operation, the system will go to dynamic timing.”
How was your experience at Wiehle-Reston East on Wednesday? Tell us in the comments.
