When Reston Association Pools open for the season May 28, double check pool schedule before you grab your towel.
Seven of RA’s 15 pools are open weekends only from May 28 until Fairfax County Public Schools close in late June. That’s a departure from recent years, when most pools were open, even if just for a few hours in the afternoon, during the RA pools’ “Season 1” schedule.
It’s part of a money-saving measure the RA Board approved in a vote last September.
Reston Association’s outdoor pools cost about $1.6 million annually to administer and staff. They also take in upwards of $800,000 in revenue, according to RA documents.
Changing to the weekends-only schedule early in the season is going to save about $10,000 annually, RA estimated when examining making the change. There will also be a reduced number of pools open in late August. That will save the association another $14,000.
RA aquatics officials said that the pools are scarcely used during mid-day hours while children are still in school.
Here is what you need to know:
From May 28 to June 23 it is weekends (Friday evening-Sunday) only for Dogwood, Golf Course Island, Lake Audubon, Newbridge North Hills, Shadowood and Tall Oaks pools.
North Shore and Ridge Heights, RA’s two heated facilities, are open daily from 1 p.m. (11 a.m. on weekends). Also open daily, but with more limited hours, are Autumnwood, Glade, Hunters Woods, Lake Newport and Uplands. See the complete schedule on Reston Association’s website.
The “Season 3” summer schedule, with all pools open daily (minus one day a week for cleaning, training, special events and lifeguards’ day off), runs June 24 to Aug. 21.
Four pools — Ridge Heights, North Shore, Glade and Lake Newport — will be open Aug. 21 to Sept. 4. In previous years, eight pools had been open during that time. RA has said staffing problems are widespread in late August as aquatics staffers head back to college.
The RA Board had looked into permanently closing the least-used pool in each district: Shadowood in Hunters Woods/Dogwood; Tall Oaks in Lake Anne/Tall Oaks; Autumnwood in North Point; and Newbridge in South Lakes.
Autumnwood has had an average of 10,165 visitors per summer over the last five years; Shadowood, 3,542; Newbridge, 4,211; and Tall Oaks, 4,587, RA said. Read More
A large swath of land close to the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station may join the growing list of development projects in Reston.
According to the Washington Business Journal, Fraser Forbes Real Estate Services is marketing 23-acres south of the Dulles Toll Road to potential developers.
The land currently houses a collection of low-rise office buildings on and around Association Drive off of Sunrise Valley to Wiehle Avenue and backing to the Toll Road.
The area owned by eight different property owners, the WBJ reports. Fraser Forbes is marketing the site as the potential for up to 3 million square feet of mixed-use development.
“This group had been interested in doing something for a couple of years, it’s just taken this long for it to come together,” Fraser Forbes CEO Rich Samit told the WBJ.
“We ultimately don’t know what the specific mix will be, but we have a pretty big canvas to work with and ultimately it’s what’s in the eye of the beholder — it’s going to be market driven.”
Samit estimates the combined properties will sell for in excess of $100 million.
Samit said the site has a range of potential development scenarios, including as a town center with several hundred thousand square feet of retail and a variety of for-sale housing, office or potentially hotel uses.
An extension of Soapstone Drive is planned to eventually pass right through Association Drive. This will offer an additional crossing of the toll road and alleviate traffic on Reston Parkway, Wiehle Avenue and other main roads. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the project in 2014, but it is many years away from being built. A community update meeting is planned for June 15.
Other planned projects nearby along Sunrise Valley include turning an office park at Sunrise Valley and Commerce Park Drive near the Metro Station’s south entrance into 500 residential units, a 175-room hotel, 400,000-square-feet of office and office and ground-floor retail.
Also on the docket: Sekas Homes‘ plan to turn the former American Press Institute buildings into townhomes; JBG’s expansion of Reston Heights; Lincoln at Commerce Park, which plans a 260-unit residential building on the same stretch of Sunrise Valley; and 49 urban-style townhouses at 11720 Sunrise Valley Dr. across from Reston National Golf Course.
New Reston Town Center Office Tower Has a Name — The Block 5 office building, soon to be built at Market Street and Presidents Street has a name. the Boston Properties building at 1750 Presidents Street will be called 17Fifty. No start date yet for the 17-story project. [Bisnow]
Nearby: The Hub On The Silver Line — The Dulles World Center mixed-use development at the future Innovation Center (Route 28) Silver Line Metro Station has been renamed the Hub. The $1 billion project will combine 400,000 square feet of retail; 1300 multifamily residential units; 5.5 million square feet of office space; and a 350-room hotel. [WTOP]
Treatment For Lake Newport — Lake Newport is scheduled to have a treatment to remove bladderwort on Monday, May 23. These free-floating plants are usually found in calm waters and can form dense mats. Herbicides will be used in the treatment of the lake. As a precaution, residents and their pets should stay out of the water until May 25.
Photo: Reston Town Center by XP via twitter
Fairfax County Police are still looking for a man who allegedly robbed the 7-Eleven at 2303 Soapstone Drive early Friday morning.
Detectives have good security camera footage though, and are seeking the public’s help to identify and arrest the suspect.
The man entered the store about 6 a.m. on Friday, May 20, announced that he had a weapon, and then fled the store with merchandise.
The suspect was described as white, 35 to 45 years old, 5 feet inches to 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing about 250 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes, police said.
He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, green camouflaged hat, green cargo shorts, black socks, and black shoes. The suspect may have left in a vehicle that was waiting for him near Underoak Court.
FCPD officers searched for the suspect by air and ground for about an hour after the incident but were unable to locate him.
If you recognize him, or if you have any information about the suspect, please contact Detective F.K. Chambers at (703) 246-7800.
You may also contact Crime Solvers of Fairfax County by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), via web-based email at http://www. fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or, text “TIP187” plus your message* to CRIMES (274637). Tipsters who provide their information through Crime Solvers are eligible for a cash reward of $100 to $1,000 if their information leads to an arrest. Tipsters remain anonymous and never have to give their names or appear in court.
The Town of Herndon has narrowed down proposals to redevelop a stretch of its downtown into a a mixed-use area featuring retail, office and residential development; a public/private parking garage; and an arts center.
The downtown redevelopment site is about 4.6 acres between Station Street to the east, Center Street to the west, south of the W&OD Trail, and north of Elden Street.
The town issued a Request for Proposals last fall and has selected plans from developers Comstock and Stout & Teague Company as finalists. Herndon is soliciting citizen comments, and will choose the developer this summer.
Highlights of Comstock’s proposal include:
Pedestrian Street/Arts Walk, with the arts center on one side and the loft housing on the other “with picturesque bridges on both ends.”
Station Street Retail Plaza, featuring ground floor retail, “perfect for a
restaurant.”Elden Street Retail Plaza, which would be neighborhood-serving retail,
such as a coffee shop, bakery/deli, or small store, as well as a restaurant with outdoor
café space.Vine Street, which is an extension of a new Vine Street through the site provides the desired pedestrian and vehicular connectivity and creates new frontage for the Arts Center along the W&OD Trail.
Stout & Teague’s plan, called Herndon Town Commons, features:
A 31,000-square-foot, three-story commercial condominium building that will incorporate the 18,000 SF Arts Center, 9,500 SF of retail space, and 3,500 SF of office space.
A 450 to 475 car, three-level garage will be placed in the
center of the site.A hotel containing 100 to 120 rooms.
A 60-unit condominium building and 18 to 22 townhouses.
There will be a community meeting on Wednesday, June 8 at 7 p.m. at the Herndon Council Chambers, 765 Lynn St. Representatives from Comstock and Stout & Teague will each present their proposals and answer questions.
There will be a public hearing on the project on Tuesday, June 14, 7 p.m. at Herndon Council Chambers.
Mayor Lisa Merkel and the Herndon Town Council will solicit comments from the public regarding the proposals. Citizens can provide comments with this online form.
Staff at Aldrin Elementary School is working with the Fairfax County Department of Health to try and stop the spread of a gastrointestinal virus that has affected students at the Reston school.
A number of students have shown signs of illness this week. Neither school officials or Fairfax County Public Schools would say how many, but it was enough for Principal Shane Wolfe to alert parents to the situation.
It is believed to be viral and not a food contamination issue. Aldrin staff directed Reston Now to FCPS officials, who said the illnesses appear to be confined to one classroom.
“Parents have been notified and the classroom and common area surfaces are being disinfected,” said FCPS spokesman John Torre.
Here is what the principal said in a message to Aldrin families:
Dear Parent or Guardian:
It is our concern to promote quality health for the students in our school and to control and manage communicable diseases. In cooperation with the Fairfax County Health Department, we are sending this health information letter home because we have seen an increased number of students in the school complaining of vomiting and/or diarrhea at Aldrin Elementary School.
These illnesses could represent viral gastroenteritis, which is a common cause of vomiting and diarrhea. The viruses that cause gastroenteritis are spread through close contact with infected persons. Individuals may also become infected by eating or drinking contaminated foods or beverages. Although severe or long-term effects from viral gastroenteritis are uncommon, the very young, the elderly, and immunocompromised persons may develop more severe illness.
We are working with the Fairfax County Health Department to institute control measures in the school to limit the spread of illness. You can assist these efforts by implementing the following recommendations:
Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, before preparing food, before eating, and after any episodes of vomiting or diarrhea. If soap and water are not available, liquid hand sanitizers are also effective.
Monitor your child for signs and symptoms and notify the school if your child is sick with vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Keep any child experiencing symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea home and away from others until the child has been symptom free for at least 24 hours (i.e. he or she should not attend school, school functions, sporting or extracurricular activities, or leave the home except to seek medical care).
If you have questions regarding this information, please contact your physician or the Fairfax County Health Department School Public Health Nurse, Virginia Wilkinson, RN 703-237-6009
Sincerely,
Shane Wolfe
Principal
Fairfax County Police are warning parents of a new trend: scammers that are telling adults their children have been kidnapped. It’s an attempt to get money — and don’t fall for it, police say.
From the FCPD:
Since April, police have responded to several reports of what appear to be a trending scam for money. This scam utilizes fear as a catalyst. A parent gets a phone call during a school day and they hear a child crying or a child stating they have been kidnapped. Then, a stranger gets on the phone and tells the parent their child has been abducted and demands ransom for the child’s return. The scammer tells the victim to wire the money to a specific location.
Instinctively, many parents will do whatever it takes to get their sons or daughters back home to safety. The victims may not think about calling their child’s school to verify that they are safe and where they’re supposed to be until it’s too late and realize they have just been swindled.
These scammers will try to keep you on the phone with them so you cannot call police or anyone else and keep your mind distracted and frazzled for fear of your child’s safety.
Police encourage any parent who receives a ransom call about their child being abducted to immediately call your child’s school (or the location where they are supposed to be) to verify whether they are, in fact, there.
Financial scams are prevalent in today’s technological and connected society. Scammers target unsuspecting victims through phone calls, e-mails and face-to-face. They prey upon your emotions from excitement and joy to fear and intimidation and the types and styles of ruses are countless. The common thread is that all scammers hope to catch you off-guard and keep you off-balance so you act without thinking and don’t realize what’s happened until your money is already gone.
Market Street will be lined with works by painters, sculptors, jewelry makers and other artists as the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival returns to Reston Town Center May 21 and 22 its 25th year.
More than 200 festival artists from across the nation have been selected by jurors to exhibit and sell their works.
Complete list of festival artists.
Among the artists: 28 artists from the D.C. metro region, including Reston-area artists Ann Barbieri, Laura Edwards, Dana Ann Scheurer, and Connie Slack.
Festival organizers say about 30,000 visitors are expected to check out the festival this year, though the forecast is for lots of rain on Saturday. Here is what you need to know:
Hours and Prices — The festival is open from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, and 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 22 at Reston Town Center, 11900 Market Street, Reston, VA 20190. A gate donation of $5 to GRACE is suggested and provides a festival program and dining certificates for local restaurants. Parking is free.
Launch Party — There will be a Festival Launch Party in the Reston Town Center Pavilion on Friday, May 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The party will feature fun food and beverages and a silent auction. Tickets are limited, so purchase soon if you want to attend. Tickets are $100 each and can be purchased online. Read More
J.C. Sipher scored five goals on Thursday to lead the South Lakes boys lacrosse team to a 10-4 regional quarterfinal victory over Centreville and seal a spot in the Virginia 6A state tournament.
The win was the 14th straight for the Seahawks (15-1), who are enjoying a historic run. The team has not lost since March 31, and in the last two weeks won its first Liberty Conference title, its first Northern Regional games, and now, a place at states.
First the Seahawks must play two more regional games, however. The way Virginia High School League brackets are set up, the top four teams in the region earn spots in the state tournament, which will be held June 6-11.
South Lakes next plays Woodson (which beat Langley on Thursday) at home on May 25, 7 p.m. The regional finals will be May 31 at the highest seed’s school. Robinson and Madison will play in the other Northern Region semifinal
Thursday’s game started out close, with the game tied at 1-1 in the first quarter. South Lakes then scored five straight and held the Wildcats scoreless until late in the third quarter to lead 7-3 by the end of the third.
South Lakes’ Nate Campbell also scored twice for the Seahawks. Goalie John Hughes had eight saves.
Can You ID This Burglary Suspect? — The Fairfax County Police are trying to solve a burglary that took place on Parcher Avenue April 1. Can you ID the man in this photo? Crime Solvers can use your help. [Crime Solvers]
Taste Of Reston Looking For Volunteers — The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce’s Taste of Reston is coming in June. The event needs hundreds of volunteers to make it work. Volunteers receive 12 free Taste Tickets. [Sign Up Genius]
Changes At Dulles — Starting today, Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project crews will close the enclosed walkway between the Terminal Public Parking Lot and the Main Terminal to facilitate utility work related to the construction of Metrorail’s Silver Line Dulles Airport Station. Elevators and stairs leading to the enclosed walkway will be out of service during this period, and there will be no access to the enclosed walkway from the Main Terminal. [Dullesmetro.com]
Bike To Work Day Today — Friday is Bike to Work Day 2016. Be careful out there. [Reston Now]
Fairfax County Police were searching for a robbery suspect by ground and by air early Friday morning.
Police said a man, who implied he was armed, robbed the 7-Eleven on Soapstone about 6 a.m. Friday.
The suspect fled on foot. He was described by store employees as a white male wearing a gray sweatshirt and jeans.
Police K9 units and the police helicopter are searching the Soapstone-area roads, parking lots and trails but were called off about
That same store was robbed earlier this month.
In looking for ways to fund about $2.6 billion in transportation improvements in Reston, there has been talk among officials of creating a special tax district to cover some of the costs.
At a community meeting Wednesday, Fairfax County Department of Transportation officials said that idea is still on the table — but only for residents and businesses in developments within the Reston’s transit area. Transit areas are considered within one-quarter of a mile or less from Metro Stations at Wiehle-Reston East and (in 2o2o) Reston Town Center.
The Reston Network Analysis Group (RNAG) and FCDOT mentioned in February the possibility of taxing all of Reston or all of Special Tax District 5 (the Reston area that is already paying annually to fund the Reston Community Center). That idea has been discarded, FCDOT says.
The transit areas are expected to see the greatest level of development — and will need the most street grid, lane additions and traffic signals, among other improvements — as Reston grows over the next three decades.
FCDOT’s Janet Nguyen says $1.34 billion in transportation projects will likely come from shared public and private contributions. That money would go for road widening, intersection improvements, the Soapstone overpass, and an Dulles Toll Road underpass near Reston Town Center, among other projects. Read More
Silver Line riders, be prepared for long waits, delays and frustrations as Metro embarks on its upcoming SafeTrack project to remedy issues across the system. Also, the repairs are coming sooner than expected for Silver, Orange and Blue line riders.
Metro is even encouraging that Silver Line riders think about travel other than Metro.
“Due to reduced capacity and expected longer travel times, Orange and Silver line customers are strongly encouraged to consider alternative travel options and avoid traveling during rush-hour periods,” Metro warned in a statement Thursday.
Here’s what’s about to happen: Metro says from June 4-16, the Orange and Silver lines will undergo continuous single-tracking from Ballston to East Falls Church. That work originally had been scheduled for late November.
The second maintenance surge, originally scheduled for late August, will result in the shutdown of the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines from Eastern Market to Benning Road and Minnesota Avenue stations. Blue Line service will only operate in Virginia, and the other two lines will see reduced service end-to-end, with buses replacing trains in the impacted area. Read More
There are a batch of men’s grooming opening around Reston, but the owners of North Point Barber say their niche is old-school, no-nonsense men’s hair care.
Cousins Trang Nguyen and Kevin Do opened North Point Barbers at 1436 North Point Village Center about two weeks ago. Even though the shop is a few doors down from a Hair Cuttery and the high-end KLS Studios, Nguyen says they know they have a market.
“We are not doing color,” said Nguyen, who worked at nearby Reston Barber Shop for 10 years. “Nothing fancy. Just making men look handsome.”
Customer Joseph Britto, getting a haircut on Wednesday, says that’s what brought him into the shop.
“I am just a guy who wants a straightforward haircut,” he said.
Cuts at North Point Barber are $14, with discounts for kids, seniors and military members. They also offer hot towel shaves. Walk-ins are welcome.
North Point Barber is open weekdays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 703-429-1147.
Note: Community Day 2016 has been cancelled.
Southgate Community Center is turning 10!
The entire community is invited to the 2016 Southgate Community Day Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Southgate Community Center is located at 12125 Pinecrest Rd.
There will be family activities, food, music, entertainment and the annual Southgate’s Got Talent show.
“It’s a great opportunity for neighbors to come and socialize, meet other neighbors, and have your kids enjoy moon bounces, popcorns, free county candy,” says Southgate Community Center Director Richard Cabellos. “Community Day is definitely a celebration of everything Southgate has to offer and also a celebration of the partners who helped Southgate become what it is today.”
The new Southgate Community Center opened in July 0f 2006. The project was a joint effort by Reston Association; the local Southgate and Stonegate communities; the Reston Community Center; and a number of county agencies, including the Fairfax County Police Department.
The group gathered grants and bonds to pay for the $4.5 million center, which offers recreational and educational programming for an underserved population.
The new Southgate replaced an aging basketball court and pool with a 7,733-square-foot facility that has room for a variety of indoor and outdoor programs. The property on which the Southgate Community Center is built is owned by the Reston Association, but leased by Fairfax County. Reston Association members voted to lease the property to Fairfax County for a period of 99 years.
