Fairfax County Police have identified the body found in unincorporated Herndon on Tuesday as Brooke Lee Lancaster, 19, of Ashburn.
Lancaster’s body was found in a grassy area next to an eight-story parking garage in the 2300 block of Dulles Station Boulevard Tuesday morning. She appeared to have head trauma. Police said on Tuesday the death appeared suspicious.
However, police said on Wednesday that they believe there was no foul play and there is no public safety threat. The case remains under investigation.
Get a taste of Fairfax County’s former agricultural spirit when the 67th Annual Fairfax County 4H Fair and Carnival opens at Herndon’s Frying Pan Park July 30.
The fair celebrates traditional farm skills and tradition with events like a cow milking contest, a tractor pull, and competitions on everything from rabbit raising to vegetable growing.
Here is what you need to know:
Admission is free. Carnival rides require tickets.
Thursday, July 30
Carnival and fair open at 10 a.m. Gonzo’s Nose plays a concert at 7:30 p.m. Free parking.
Friday, July 31
Carnival and fair open at 10 a.m. Highlight: Big Truck Night at 6:30 p.m. Free parking.
Saturday, Aug. 1
4H Exhibits open at 9 a.m. Carnival begins at 11 a.m. Highlights: Robotics Showcase; Dog Shows; Tractor Pull at 4 p.m. Parking is $7.
Sunday, Aug. 2
4H Exhibits open at 9 a.m. Carnival begins at 11 a.m. Highlights: Sheep, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, and Dairy Goat Shows; Stage Entertainment; Robotics Showcase; Dog Demonstrations. Parking is $7.
To see full lineup of activities or to enter a competition, visit the Fairfax County website.
Photo: Riding competition at 4H Fair/Courtesy Fairfax County
Meet Gidget, this week’s Pet of the Week who needs a home.
Here is what her people at Lab Rescue of LRCP have to say about her:
Gidget is a 2-year-old spayed chocolate female. She is a very sweet girl that loves her older, smaller canine brother. She always wants to play. She just gives so much love.
She will let you know when she needs to go outside to potty by barking. She is crate trained and potty trained. Gidget is unknown around cats and is approved for kids 10 and up.
Gidget weighs 57 pounds and is up to date on shots. This dog is approved for homes with adults and/or kids ages 10 and up.
This dog is available for adoption from Lab Rescue LRCP. The rescue has about 50 dogs available for adoption at any given time.
If you are interested in adopting, please visit www.lab-rescue.org and complete an adoption application. Within a few days of submitting an application you will hear from an Adoption Coordinator who will guide you through the adoption process.
An adoption fee is charged to cover the cost of veterinary care and a house check is required.
Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week?
Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet.
Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks.
Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.
The 23-story tower on Reston Parkway is still expected to dominate Reston’s future skyline, but developers are waiting on a major tenant before beginning construction.
The $210 million building — which was controversial when it was approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 2012 — will replace a five-story office building at 1760 Reston Parkway.
At 330 feet tall, the new office building will be more than 100 feet taller than One Freedom Square at Reston Town Center, currently Reston’s tallest.
Developer Akridge, which has partnered with RTC Partnership LLC to construct the building, said last winter that the plan is to sign a major tenant for at least 150,000 of the building’s 420,000 square feet before starting construction.
Akridge reps were at Reston Association’s Design Review Board meeting on Tuesday, where it showed small design modifications. The lead architect is HOK, who will work in collaboration with original architect The Polleo Group, Akridge Vice President of Development David Toney said.
Waiting for a tenant would be a lot less risky than proceeding “on spec” as developers say. While office space at Reston Town Center is 100 percent leased, space more than one-quarter of mile from a Metro station is not as hot.
Verity Commercial Real Estate said in a 2014 report that within a quarter-mile of Wiehle-Reston East Metro station, vacancy rates were as low as 11 percent in 2011 but were more recently hovering around 25 percent.
The vacancy rates within the half-mile radius have stayed somewhat steadier: 12 percent vacancy rate in 2011 to a rate of 15 percent in the last year.
The 1760 building will be about eight-tenths of a mile from the future Reston Town Center Metro Station, which is expected to open in 2019.
Planned building amenities include a large rooftop plaza, floor-to-ceiling glass, 9.5-foot ceilings, five levels of screened parking above street level, ground-floor retail and about 18 floors of office space.
In September of 2012, Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins called the project an example of world-class design.
“This will stand as a stark example of what world-class design is called for in the principles of Reston,” said Hudgins. “We will not have to remain in the sameness of heights and density as a measure of world-class design.”
Some of Reston’s citizens were not as complimentary, citing the scale of the building and traffic concerns, among others. Opponents of the project called it “incompatible with Reston.”
Critics of the project included Reston Association and the Fairfax County Planning Commission staff, which said the building was out of scale with its surroundings.
The building was approved by the supervisors anyway. The current building, which houses a title agency and dentist office, among others, was zoned Planned Residential Community in 1978 and is under no height restrictions.
The proposed density of 4.08 Floor-Area Ratio on the 2.36-acre property is actually less than several surrounding buildings or proposed buildings, representatives for RTC Partnership pointed out at the time.
Looking toward the future, the building might not seem so out of proportion, though. Across the street are the new 14-story Harrison residential buildings. And coming eventually: major development at adjacent Town Center North and the Spectrum.
Town Center North — the area from New Dominion Parkway to Bowman Town Drive and Town Center Parkway to Fountain Drive — is planned for a mixed-use district, with renovated or relocated space for the Reston Regional Library and Embry Rucker Community Shelter, as well as offices, hotels, a performing arts center and at least 1,000 new residences.
Fairfax County is currently accepting Request For Proposals from developers seeking the project.
The Spectrum, currently site of strip retail, will eventually be seven new residential buildings, a hotel and 774,879 square feet of retail and office.
Photos: Renderings of planned 23-story tower/Credit: RTC Partnership
Top Ranking for Fairfax Hospital — Inova Fairfax Hospital earns the Washington region’s the top rank in US News & World Report’s annual hospital rankings. [Washington Business Journal]
Focus On Artist Patrick Dougherty — Reston filmmaker Rebekah Wingert-Jabi has made short film about artist Patrick Dougherty, whose sculpture Bird in Hand opened at Reston Town Center in April. [Vimeo]
‘We Make Reston’ Gets TV Time — NBC4 takes a look at Reston’s public art project showing diverse faces of Reston. [NBC Washington]
Suburban Ghost Towns — A look at how the suburban office park may have met its demise, though office leases in the Dulles Corridor, especially near Metro’s Silver Line, are up for the first time in a few years. [Washington Post]
Officers from Fairfax County Police’s Reston District Station are investigating two armed robberies that occurred in unincorporated Herndon over the weekend.
The first was in the 2900 Block of Centreville Road on Friday at about 12:23 a.m.
A man wearing a mask and gloves entered a business and displayed a handgun to an employee. The victim handed over cash and the suspect fled. The victim did not require medical attention, police said.
The second took place at the Clocktower Shopping Center in the 2400 block of Centreville Road about 11 p.m. Friday.
Police said a man entered a business, displayed a handgun to an employee and demanded money. The suspect took cash and fled. The victim did not require medical attention. The suspect, described as 5 foot 9 inches, about 150 pounds, was wearing a ski mask, dark clothing and boots.
In other crime news:
UNLAWFUL ENTRY, 12000 block of Greywing Square, July 19. A property manager reported an unknown person entered a vacant apartment. Nothing was taken.
UNLAWFUL ENTRY/DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY, 11300 block of Stonehouse Place, July 20. A resident reported several juveniles entered his backyard and damaged property.
LARCENIES:
2300 block of Freetown Court, wallet from vehicle.
Green Range Drive/Antiqua Court, property from vehicle.
12000 block of Greywing Square, license plate from vehicle.
2300 block of Hunters Woods Plaza, merchandise from business.
13100 block of Parcher Avenue, merchandise from business.
11600 block of Tori Glen Court, property from vehicle.
9100 block of Weant Drive, property from residence.
Fairfax County Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a woman found dead Tuesday morning near a parking garage in the 2300 block of Dulles Station Blvd. That location is off of Sunrise Valley Drive in unincorporated Herndon.
Police said the deceased is an adult woman, possibly in her 20s, with red hair. They also said the death appears suspicious. The woman had obvious head trauma, police said. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death.
Officers from the Reston District Station were on the scene at the parking garage and the surrounding Camden Dulles Station complex all morning. Evidence was recovered from the upper floors of the eight-level garage, they said.
It is unclear whether the woman died at the scene or was dropped there from somewhere else.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers electronically by visiting www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.orgor text-a-tip by texting “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES(274637)** or by calling 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.
Photo: Crime scene where body was found Tuesday/Credit: FCPD via Twitter
Update: 3:30 p.m. Tuesday – A permanent repair was completed Tuesday afternoon, Reston Association says.
Reston Association and Fairfax County Wastewater Management are working on a permanent fix for a leaky sewer pipe near Lake Audubon.
The sanitary sewer pipe located between Wakerobin Lane and Cedar Cove Court was discovered to be draining into Lake Audubon on Monday afternoon, RA spokesman Mike Leone said.
Fairfax County Wastewater Management was notified and dispatched workers to stop the leak. A temporary patch was placed by 7 p.m., and county personnel are expected to return to the site on Tuesday to determine how to permanently fix the pipe, RA says.
Testing of the water for bacteria levels will be done later this week, RA says. Residents are being asked to abide by RA’s regulations that prohibit swimming in any of Reston’s four lakes.
After more than two years of public hearings and discussions, Fairfax County is still working on a new noise ordinance.
Following the latest round of hearings last spring, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has deferred until November a decision on the proposed new rules.
The board says it needs time to address issues about the plan brought up by community members at a May public hearing.
The county has been working since 2013 to put in place an amended noise ordinance. It has been working with an interim one in the meantime.
“It is the purpose and intent of the proposed ordinance to recognize that certain noise is a hazard to the public health, welfare, peace, and safety, and the quality of life of the citizens of Fairfax County,” county planners say in a 2015 staff report on the subject.
“People have a right to and should be ensured of an environment free from sound that jeopardizes the public health, welfare, peace, and safety or degrades the quality of life.”
County officials say that the overall goal of the new plan is to “recognize that there will always be certain levels of noise that occur in the normal course of daily living; allow certain levels of daytime noise so that people can live, work, and play during the day; and minimize nighttime noise so residents have an appropriate quiet environment in their homes at night.”
Of course, enforcing a noise ordinance has proven difficult in the past. The noise is only an issue if the neighbors complain, and violators would only be issued a ticket.
Officials also say they need additional time to weigh the methodology used to determine noise levels. The board will have a workshop on the subject on Sept. 11.
Here is what some of the proposed changes look like:
Activities on School and Recreational Grounds — Advertise a decibel range of 60 to 72 dBA for limiting the maximum noise level for cumulative noise, when loudspeakers are used. Read More
Remembering FCPS’ Spillane — Fairfax County Public Schools board member Ryan McElveen bids farewell to former Superintendent Bud Spillane, who died on Saturday. McElveen says Spillane “cemented Fairfax’s reputation as a national model for educational excellence.” [Ryan for School Board]
Metro Adds a New Post — Metro has added a new position, fire-rescue liaison, to coordinate emergency response. The change is part of new systems put in place following the Jan. 12 fire in which a rider died and dozens were injured. [Metro]
Stay Cool — Fairfax County has assistance for senior citizens and other eligible residents who need help in extreme heat. The cooling assistance program offers help with repairs or equipment installation. The fan care program distributes window fans and air conditioners. [Fairfax County]
National Dance Day in Reston — Reston Sport & Health is celebrating National Dance Day Saturday at Reston Town Center with free Zumba and other classes in the pavilion from 10 a.m. to noon. [Sport & Health on Facebook]
Photo of RSTA swimmer courtesy Leslie Sogandares
Robert E. Simon Jr. Children’s Center celebrated its 25th anniversary Saturday by cutting the ribbon on its new headquarters.
After more than two decades on Cameron Glen Drive, the child care facility had to move as the former building, owned by Inova, is part of the land slated for redevelopment as mixed use and park space in the Town Center North area. Cameron Glen Care Center, a nursing home that shared the building with the child care center, moved to Potomac Falls in 2014.
Local dignitaries such as Rep. Gerry Connolly, Del. Ken Plum, State Sen. Janet Howell, Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins and school board rep Pat Hynes were on hand to open the new center, along with Reston founder Robert E. Simon Jr.
The new space, located at 12005 Sunrise Valley Dr., expands the center by 3,000 square feet, says Raquel Witkin, the center’s Relocation Committee Chair.
The space was designed by J3 Design Collective and built by Palmer’s Contracting Group. All Recreation of Virginia provided and installed all new playground equipment and safe rubber surfacing.
The school embarked on a Capital Campaign earlier this year and raised more than $50,000 in donations, Witkin said. That money will be used to outfit and furnish the new space.
Photo: Local dignitaries at opening of new RObert E. Simon Children’s Center/Credit: Gerry Connolly’s office.
(Updated, 9:40 a.m. July 21 to correct charges came from animal control officers).
Two residents of Southgate Square are facing charges after Fairfax County Police rescued more than 30 animals from the Reston home last May.
More than 35 cats and two dogs were taken from the home in the 2200 block of Southgate Square in mid-May after a neighbor called police about a strong odor.
Fairfax County Animal Control officers have charged Catherine Nagle, 71, and Daniel Orenge, also 71, with eight counts of inadequate care of animals by owner and six counts of animal cruelty. Both charges are misdemeanors. Both will appear in court on July 30.
At the time of the rescue, the animals were taken to Pender Veterinary Centre for evaluation, treatment and placement, said FCPD spokeswoman Lucy Caldwell.
“All animals were treated by veterinarian with varying degrees of medical issues,” she said. “One puppy was fine and had no medical issues.”
The animals are currently at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, Caldwell said.
A $5.5 million expansion of Lake Fairfax Park’s Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole is nearly complete and will open on Saturday, Aug. 1.
The Fairfax County Park Authority will hold a ribbon cutting on Aug. 1 at noon.
The star attraction among the improvements include a new slide tower with three chutes. This will add excitement for older children as many of the park’s features a geared towards the under-12 crowd.
Other changes include include new spray pads and play structures, as well as an additional restroom with family changing rooms.
More improvements are coming, park authority officials said. IN 2016, the Water Mine will add individual cabanas, improved shaded seating areas in the grass area around the Water Mine, an additional play structure in the spray ground and space for mobile food vendors.
The Park Authority Board approved the expansion in February 2013; construction began in October 2014. It was financed by park bonds.
The Water Mine has been a major attraction at Reston’s Lake Fairfax Park since 1997. Previous features such as the Big Pete and Little Pete slides and the Rattlesnake River, where patrons lounge in inflatable tubes while the current moves them through the water, remain open.
Photo of new slide courtesy Fairfax County Park Authority.
Has your pet joined the raw food movement?
PetMAC at Lake Anne Plaza is inviting you to try — and possibly win a year’s supply of raw pet food.
The pet store is participating in the National Raw Pet Food Challenge.The challenge asks contestants who have never fed their pet raw food before to feed them raw food for 30 days as their main source of nutrition.
That means no grains, no kibble, nothing with any chemical preservatives or that is highly processed. At the end of the 30 day period, contestants will submit a video detailing how Raw Food affected the health of their pet during the challenge, says PetMAC owner Cindy Williams.
The winner will be chosen at random from all the videos to receive a FREE year’s supply of Answers Pet Food, up to a $2,000 value.
All contestants will receive a 25 percent discount off Answers Pet Food, Raw Goat’s Milk and Fish Stock at PetMAC Lake Anne for the duration of the contest, said Williams.
The goal of this contest is to educate pet owners about the health benefits of a natural pet diet and to increase the lifespan and health of our pets, she said.
“Processed foods have created an obesity crisis for our pets,” said Williams. “By getting our pets back to basics and feeding them what they are naturally designed to eat, we hope to reverse the damage caused by highly-processed, inferior-quality foods that permeate the pet food industry.”
Williams said that benefits to a raw diet include improved digestion, healthier skin and coat with less shedding, reduced allergy symptoms, and better weight control, among others.
Want to enter? Sign no later than Aug. 7 at the store at 11412 Washington Plaza West or contact [email protected].
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the entire D.C. Metro area from noon to 8 p.m. Monday as temperatures will climb into the high 90s.
With the heat index, it will feel like 109, meteorologists said.
A heat advisory means that a period of high temperatures is expected and the combination of high temperatures and high humidity creates a situation in which heat illnesses are possible, says the NWS.
From the NWS:
* HEAT INDEX VALUES…UP TO 109 DUE TO TEMPERATURES IN THE MID TO UPPER 90S AND DEWPOINTS IN THE LOW TO MID 70S
* IMPACTS…RISK OF HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS FOR THOSE WITHOUT AIR- CONDITIONING OR THOSE OUTDOORS FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS IF YOU WORK OR SPEND TIME OUTSIDE WHEN POSSIBLE.
RESCHEDULE STRENUOUS ACTIVITIES TO EARLY
MORNING OR EVENING.KNOW THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE. WEAR LIGHT WEIGHT AND LOOSE-FITTING CLOTHING WHEN POSSIBLE AND DRINK PLENTY OF WATER.
TO REDUCE RISK DURING OUTDOOR WORK…THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDS SCHEDULING FREQUENT REST BREAKS IN SHADED OR AIR CONDITIONED ENVIRONMENTS.ANYONE OVERCOME BY HEAT SHOULD BE MOVED TO A COOL AND SHADED LOCATION. HEAT STROKE IS AN EMERGENCY – CALL 9 1 1.
Photo: Summer sun/Credit: Lee via Flickr
