General Dynamics’ plans to build a five-story office building on a wooded lot on Sunset Hills Road will go before the Fairfax County Planning Commission on Tuesday.
The plan has generally been well received by community members, as well as the Fairfax County Planning staff, which recommends the plan with a few conditions.
The 21.69-acre site between Wiehle Avenue and Hunter Mill Road is a heavily treed, previously undeveloped lot. But it has been approved for years for a developer to build three, five-story buildings or about 358,000 square feet. Also approved: three levels of below grade structured parking designed for 297 spaces and the option for surface parking spaces on the south side of the building.
What General Dynamics has proposed is one, five story building at about 190,000 square feet, with an option for a 30,000-square-foot addition in the future.
GD also plans a reduction in parking from 572 spaces to 347 spaces.
GD, which currently leases office space in Fairview Park, previously said it was drawn to the site because it could build to its specifications, including a security fence and an “arrival pavilion” that would provide security checks on the property’s access road.
The company also plans to preserve most of the trees. GD has asked to build a 10-foot security fence along the perimeter, which has previously been approved for a 4-foot fence.
What concerned community members at a previous meeting was potential traffic backups on Sunset Hills Road as the proposed building is not in walking distance of the Wiehle-Reston East Metro.
The county staff report recommends widening Sunset Hills Road to four lanes. Nearly two acres has been dedicated for such road widening as part of the previous approvals. The report says Sunset Hills’ eastbound improvements include the addition of a 150-foot left turn lane with a 100-foot taper into Dressage Drive and a 250-foot right turn lane with a 100-foot taper into the site. Read More
As Fairfax County residents are receiving a meals tax fact sheet in the mail, advocates on both sides of the issue are organizing for a battle this fall.
The meals tax referendum will be on the Fairfax County general election ballot on Nov. 8. It’s the first time since 1992 that voters will get a say on whether the county will add a meals tax to diversify its tax base. The 1992 referendum failed, and while the topic has been brought up nearly annually in recent recent years, it has not been presented to the voters.
The 4-percent meals tax would add about $100 million to county coffers annually, according to the fact sheet. About 70 percent would go back to Fairfax County Public Schools. The other 30 percent would go to county programs and services.
The 4-percent tax would be in addition to a 6-percent sales tax. Nearby jurisdictions such as the District of Columbia, Arlington and Alexandria have a meals tax, as do towns of Vienna, Herndon, Clifton, Falls Church and Fairfax City (those towns’ rates would stay the same; diners would not pay an additional county tax).
Not surprisingly, many school board members and civic groups fall in favor of the tax, while many restaurant owners are against it.
The food tax foes have organized into a new group called Fairfax Families Against the Food Tax.
Fairfax Families Against the Food Tax says it has about 1,500 individuals, as well as a host of businesses behind it. Included in the businesses are Reston restaurants American Tap Room; Be Right Burger; Clyde’s; Glory Days Grill; the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce; Hyatt Regency Reston; Jackson’s; and Silver Diner.
The group says the 4-percent tax on top of the 6-percent sales tax for all prepared foods and ready-to-eat meals from restaurants, grocery stores, movie theaters, gas stations, food trucks, hot dog stands, coffee shops, pizza delivery, and hotel food will be too much burden on some customers.
“This isn’t just a meals tax,” Jon Norton, Partner at Great American Restaurants (which includes Jackson’s), said in a statement. “In reality, it’s much broader than that because it adds an extra tax on people and families who are trying to buy prepared food items or even dine out as a family at their favorite restaurant. This really is a food tax.” Read More
A man was assaulted and robbed on the W&OD Trail east of Reston Parkway Friday night, Fairfax County Police said.
Police said the man, 39, was walking along the path about 10:40 p.m. when he was approached and assaulted by four men.
The suspects assaulted the man and took his wallet, the victim told police.
The suspects, described as Hispanic men, all fled the scene. Officers set up a perimeter and looked for the suspects via helicopter and K9 units. The suspects were not found.
The victim was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, police said.
Reston Man Helps Out — After a Maryland man was bilked out of $30,000 from a company that he hired to build him a mobile smoker to start a food truck business, a Reston man stepped up to give him his competition-level smoker that can grill 72 lbs. of meat at once. [NBC4 Washington]
Lines of Business Input — Fairfax County asked for residents’ opinions on top priorities for next years budget. More than 1,000 people responded. Here were some of the top answers. [Fairfax County]
Football: SLHS Wins; Herndon Falls — South Lakes running back Spencer Alston ran for 300 total yards and scored four touchdowns in SLHS’ 28-21 victory at Briar Woods on Friday. Herndon lost to Stuart 50-46. [South Lakes Athletics]
From Herndon to DC Through Art — A Herndon artist’s work “On The Edge Of Eternity,” celebrating the United States, her adopted country, has moved from a temporary installation in downtown Herndon to the garden of the Embassy of Afghanistan in D.C. The work will be on display until November. [Connection]
Photo: A winner at 2016 ChalkFest/Credit: IPAR
Paid parking at Reston Town Center is still coming.
While the postponement until January of the app-based paid parking system ($2 an hour on weekdays) may seem like a victory for those in favor of free parking, it is only a temporary one.
A source familiar with the thinking of Boston Properties, which owns town center, says there is “no indication” to amend the plans, which feature the app; a safety component called LiveSafe; a complicated Bluetooth-enabled validation feature at some merchants; the ability to pay by cash or credit card at four kiosks; and wayfinding systems to determine locations of available spots.
According to the source, the backlash from thousands of consumers (both in an online petition and in comments of Reston Now and other news and social media sites) had nothing to do with the delay.
Rather, the system is complicated (also a top complaint from users, along with privacy concerns). Boston Properties said it needs additional time to “educate” merchants and Reston Town Center visitors how to use it.
“Boston Properties wanted more time for outreach,” said Rob Weinold, the communications rep hired by the RTC owner for the parking rollout, which has been scheduled to be put in place on Sept. 12.
“We will be working with merchants,” he said. “We will be doing outreach at events such as concerts. We will update out FAQs on our website and doing ads and promotions. We need to get people more comfortable with the technology.”
As of Thursday, about 6,500 people have downloaded the ParkRTC app, Weinhold said.
But at least that many are likely saying they refuse to download the app because privacy concerns. Still more are saying they will avoid the town center altogether when they have to pay to park.
And still more take issue with the idea that they need more instructions and education, as Boston Properties said earlier this week.
Said these commenters on Reston Now’s Facebook page:
Really? We don’t need no education (to quote Pink Floyd). We’re just not going to add this app on our smart phones. … and we’re not going to pay to eat and shop. Period. …
Additional time to educate customers? It’s truly hilarious that Boston Properties thinks the public believes this baloney. They are just worried about losing revenue from holiday shoppers. The fact that they had to start a gift card raffle in order to entice people to download the app speaks volumes. …
I think it is Boston Properties that needs some education. We the consumers know what we want…free parking. Perhaps they will get it when their tenants move out because they are losing the foot traffic they depend on.
What say you? Will additional time and instructions make pay parking easier for you? Or have you gotten the message loud and clear already?
New Belgium Brewing’s national Clips Beer & Film tour stops in Reston next week for a free event that will benefit Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling.
This event, now in its seventh year, features short films and a selection of small-batch beers. It takes place Sept. 16 at Reston Town Center at 7 p.m., with the films starting at 9 p.m.
Last year, the Reston event contributed more than $4,000 of the national total of nearly $160,000 raised for nonprofits, a New Belgium spokesman said.
“This year is actually New Belgium’s 25th anniversary, so we’re doing things a little differently,” said Christie Catania, Clips national special events manager. “We asked 10 filmmakers to incorporate the year 1991 into their film, as a way to salute the year that New Belgium got its start. The films do a great job of bringing us back to the glory days of big hair, questionable fashion, and outdated technology!”
There will be more than a dozen beers to try, including New Belgium’s hard-to-find Lips of Faith varieties. For a complete list of beer available in Reston, check out New Belgium’s website.
Admission is free, but beer will cost: $1.50 (3-oz. sample) or $6 (12-oz size).
There will also be food vendors on site, including, Doug the Food Dude and Bacon ‘N Eds.
Other things you need to know:
- Please bring your government issued ID. No ID means no beer.
- Bring low chairs or blankets —or lounge on the grass.
- No outside alcohol .
- Picnics are welcome.
- Bring your water bottle. There will be free water filling stations.
- Dogs are welcome if they are under control, on a leash, curbed, and by your side.
For updated informationgo to NewBelgium.com/Clips.
Reston has a new eatery located in an unlikely spot. Laredo Taco Company is now open inside the convenience store at the Exxon Station at 11854 Sunrise Valley Dr.
This is Laredo Taco’s first Reston location as the Texas-based company makes a push into the Northern Virginia market.
Laredo Taco is a popular chain of fast casual Mexican restaurants found inside 480 Stripes convenience stores in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.
Laredo Taco bills itself as “fast, fun, friendly and delicious,” offering “generous portions of your favorite Mexican food, handmade with the freshest ingredients every day.”
On Friday morning, staffers were busy making homemade tortillas to fill with eggs and other breakfast fillings. Breakfast is available from 7 to 10:30 a.m.; Lunch and dinner are available from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Laredo Taco Company has made a push towards the East Coast recently, opening locations in gas stations in Ashburn and in Pennsylvania.
A Herndon man who died in his cell at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center last week expired from natural causes due to a stomach ailment, the county medical examiner has determined.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner says the 53-year-old’s cause of death was “Acute Peritonitis due to Perforated Duodenal Ulcer” and the manner of death was “Natural,” Fairfax County Police said.
The final autopsy report is not yet complete.
Scott was found unresponsive in his cell at the detention center about 6:40 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3. Deputies called the Department of Public Safety Communications at 6:41 a.m. and immediately initiated CPR. Rescue personnel arrived at 6:45 am, and after extensive efforts to revive the inmate proved unsuccessful, they pronounced Scott dead.
Scott was assigned to a Direct Supervision Unit, where inmates are routinely checked every 30 minutes. Police said nothing appeared to be suspicious.
Scott had been at the detention center since his arrest in September 2015 on a probation violation for previous drug charges. Scott was the third inmate to die of natural causes at the jail over the past year.
The Reston Triathlon returns to the streets, trails, track and Lake Audubon on Sunday.
The race is in its 33rd year, born in 1984, when triathlons were a relatively new pursuit. This year’s field includes close to 500 participants who will swim just under a mile, bike 24.86 miles and then run 6.22 miles (10K).
There will be no parking at Lake Audubon on race day. Race officials also say any vehicles parked on Twin Branches near the Lake Audubon Pool will be towed.
The best plan for racers is drive to and park at South Lakes High School/Langston Hughes Middle School and drop off bike/run transition gear at South Lakes High School and ride your bike to the lake. All athletes should plan to be at the lake and ready to swim no later than 6:30 a.m.
Paid Parking Perspective — Paid parking at Reston Town Center is on hold until January, but it is still going to happen. Read the perspective of one small business owner who has been a tenant at RTC for 20+ years. [Patch]
Football Tonight — In week two of the 2016 high school football season, South Lakes (1-0) travels to Briar Woods. Herndon (1-0) hosts JEB Stuart. Both games are at 7 p.m.
High Marks for Vinifera — The Fairfax Times checks in on new chef hires at the Westin Reston Heights’ Vinifera Wine Bar and Bistro. [Fairfax Times]
Gallery Visit — Local artist Dorothy Donahey has a new exhibit, Sunrise …Sunset at Lake Anne’s Reston Art Gallery & Studios through Oct. 6. [Connection]
Chalk It Up This Weekend — Reston Town Center’s ChalkFest begins will take place Friday and Saturday. Check out the colorful murals by professional and amateur artists all along Market Street. [Reston Now]
Photo: RA Dog Paddle/Credit: Sammy Monaghan for RA
Fairfax County Supervisor Chair Sharon Bulova and Police Chief Ed Roessler will lead the community in a forum addressing race relations, police, justice and unity this weekend.
“Communities Working Together: Justice, Unity & Peace Town Hall,” is hosted by the Fairfax County Communities of Trust Committee. The forum is Saturday, Sept. 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Centreville Baptist Church, 15100 Lee Highway, Centreville.
Said Bulova in a press release:
“The key to building communities of trust is establishing positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.”
“With the continued violence against unarmed black men and women, and recent attacks on police officers across the nation, Fairfax County is inviting residents, public officials and law enforcement to engage in important and difficult conversations in order to listen and learn from one another.” Read More
Salon Nordine & Day Spa will close its doors on Saturday, but a new tenant is ready to take over the space.
Charles Schwab will move its offices from 11874 Market Street to the two-floor space at 11955 Freedom Dr.
The former salon space is on the ground floor of one of Reston Town Center’s large office towers, making it a good fit for a financial services offices. Its doors also face Freedom Drive and two of Reston Town Center’s parking garages, making it more accessible for customers than the current office, in a storefront on Market Street.
Charles Schwab has filed permits with Fairfax County for interior changes, but no moving date has been announced.
The Reston Community Players are celebrating their 50th anniversary season with a gala at Hidden Creek Country Club on Sept. 23.
RCP — formerly the Reston Players — have been entertaining local audiences since 1966 with four productions a year.
Patrons of the arts are invited to come honor the program at the Black Tie Optional gala.
Here is what you need to know:
The event is from 7 p.m. to midnight on Friday, Sept. 23
Tickets are $60 per person (includes cocktail hour, buffet dinner, dessert and a performance).
RSVP and purchase tickets online. No tickets will be sold at the door. Sponsorships are also available.
RCP will open in 2016-17 season with the musical Gypsy on Oct. 21 at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods’ CenterStage.
South Lakes Village Center has a new owner. The shopping center was recently purchased by Chevy Chase Land Co. for $62 million, The CoStar Group reports. The center was previously owned by a subsidiary for Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers.
There are no plans for redevelopment of the 110,000-square-foot village center, which was built in 1984 and is anchored by Safeway.
South Lakes currently has only one vacancy, an 888-square-foot space formerly occupied by Yogiberry frozen yogurt.
Lake Fairfax Park’s Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole will have a dogs-only swimming event to end the 2016 season on Sunday.
Here is what you (and Fido) need to know about Dog Daze at The Water Mine:
The Water Mine will be open for dogs from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sept. 11. Suggested admission is $5 per dog. Proceeds will benefit the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.
Dogs will be able to splash and swim for the first time in the park’s Rattlesnake River.
Some rules:
All dog handlers must be 18 years or older and supervise dogs at all times – and no humans are allowed in the water.
All dogs must be current on vaccinations.
No female dogs in heat, puppies less than 3 months old, or aggressive, unruly dogs will be permitted.
Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs (waste disposal bags will be provided).
The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole at Lake Fairfax is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston. For more information, visit The Water Mine’s website or call 703-471-5415.
