Paint And Sip For Rescue Reston — Rescue Reston, battling for open space in Reston, is hosting a fundraiser March 10. [Rescue Reston]

Charter School Bill Dies — Bill that would have allowed charter schools in Virginia surprisingly defeated in state senate. [Washington Post]

Herndon High Fundraiser — Herndon High’s All Night Grad Party is holding a Casino Night fundraiser March 5 at The Breeze in Herndon. Advance tickets to this adults-only event are $40. The night includes casino games, raffles, and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit HHS’s 30th annual All-Night Grad Party, which offers a safe and inclusive graduation night for everyone. [Herndon High]

Yes, Summer seems a long way off. But it is not — and Reston Swim Team Association is already preparing for the 2016 season, with important deadlines are approaching.

Swim teams practice and compete at pools throughout Reston from late May until late July.

For more than 40 years, RSTA has provided fun summer competition for swimmer ages 6 to 18. There are teams at Lake Anne, Ridge Heights, Newbridge, Hunters Woods, Glade, Lake Audubon, Lake Newport, Autumnwood, and North Hills. Nearly 1,000 swimmers participate.

Here is what you need to know:

All NEW swimmers who are under the age of 11 (as of June 15, 2016) are required to participate in and pass a new swimmer evaluation prior to participating in RSTA’s summer league. Evaluations will take place at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods; participants must register at www.rsta.org.

New Swimmer Evaluation Dates:

• Sunday, February 28, 8 a.m.
• Sunday, March 13, 8 a.m.
• Sunday, April 3, 8 a.m.
• Thursday, April 21, 7 p.m.
• Sunday, May 1, 8 a.m.

Other important dates:

March 1 – Registration opens to returning RSTA families

March 15 – Registration opens to swimmers/families participating in RSTA’s Winter Swim Program

April 12 – Registration opens to NEW families who want to join RSTA

Fairfax County Executive Ed Long presented a proposed $3.99 billion budget Tuesday to the county Board of Supervisors that includes a real estate tax increase of 4 cents (to $1.13) for every $100 of value for Fairfax County homeowners.

That will represent a tax bill increase of about $303 for the average county homeowner, Long said.

And while that increase will provide an additional $23.31 million to the county’s coffers, the county is still offering far less than the 6.7-percent increase Fairfax County Public Schools requested for Fiscal Year 2017.

Long, who said Fairfax is still suffering from a sluggish economy and slow growth in the real estate market, also said the county will start off FY 2018 with a $74 million deficit.

See an executive summary of the 2017 budget — including other county spending and savings — on Fairfax County’s website.

Long is proposing the county transfer a total of $2.08 billion to the schools. That number is a 3-percent increase from Fiscal Year 2016. Included in that number is a school operating transfer of $1.88 billion (a 3 percent, or $54.75 million, increase from 2016).

The county is also offering $13.1 million in construction support and a school debt service transfer of $189.87 million.

Earlier this month, the Fairfax County School Board requested an FY 2017 operating transfer of $1.95 billion — a $122.7 million increase (6.7 percent) over the FY 2016 General Fund transfer. Read More

Several Reston-area organizations are appealing to Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe to veto or amend bills that recently passed the Virginia House and Senate that limits the amount of proffers localities can for from developers.

The final versions of the bills are expected to go to the governor to be signed into law as soon as this week.

Limiting local government’s ability to ask for proffers could have a big impact in Reston, which is undergoing a period of multifamily housing growth in the areas around Metro stations at Wiehle-Reston East and Reston Town Center.

However, according to the Senate bill, restrictions would not increase in areas in direct proximity to Metro, where much of Reston’s future development will occur.

Proffers are concessions local governments ask for from developers in exchange for development. Proffers can be anything from road improvements to traffic mitigation to money for a new recreation center or school.

Del. Ken Plum (D-Reston) voted in favor of the House version of the bill. He said on Monday that House members were previously assured that the deal would not have an effect on Fairfax County’s interests.

“Since then time, the story seems to have changed,” said Plum. “What I trust is going to happen is when the bills cross between the House and the Senate, there will be accommodations. I trust we can get it done.”

Plum says the bills’ intent was primarily aimed at fast-growing counties near Richmond, where developers have been demanding cash proffers, which is driving up the cost of housing. In Fairfax, cash proffers are not allowed.

Reston Association Board President Ellen Graves sent a letter to McAuliffe last week saying the association “opposes the Proffer Reform Legislation (Senate Bill No. 549 and House Bill No. 770) as it is currently written because it adversely affects the ability of Reston Association, the county and a developer to mitigate impacts of residential development on Reston Association’s budget, facilities and programs.”

Reston Association would like the restricted area expanded to allow an exemption from the new rules within one mile (rather that one-quarter mile of a Metro station.

“Since Reston Association’s facilities, services and programs are technically not deemed ‘public’ facilities under the statute, any mitigation could unfortunately be deemed an unreasonable proffer,” wrote Graves. “We ask that [the legislation] be amended to provide that this legislation shall not apply to mixed use development or a plan that allows additional residential density, within one mile (rather than one-quarter mile) of an existing or planned Metrorail Station.”

Earlier, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors wrote to the Fairfax County General Assembly Delegation, asking them to “Please oppose HB 770/SB 549, or seek amendments to safeguard Fairfax County’s proffer authority.”

Wrote Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova:

“Virtually all development in the county is infill development. In these types of cases, proffers are critical in meeting infrastructure and compatibility needs of surrounding areas. If enacted, these bills may require us to rewrite entire sections of our Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance.”

Bulova says the proffer system provides an opportunity for developers to work with the county to address community concerns related to the increased density of such development.

Advocacy group Reston 2020 has also written to McAuliffe, saying “the draft legislation, as it stands, would severely impact the quality of life, even safety, throughout the entirety of our community well beyond the boundaries of our Metro stations.”

Reston 2020 says it understands there needs to be some controls over proffers due to “serious overreach” in other counties.

“However, this is not the case in Fairfax County,” Reston 2020 said. “Indeed, we believe Fairfax County should seek greater proffers or other similar arrangements with developers to offset the impact of their for-profit private development in our community given its expected intense development.”

Photo: Virginia Statehouse in Richmond/file photo

Speeding May Not Be Reckless Driving — A bill in the Virginia Senate may do away with reckless driving charges for drivers going only 11 miles over the speed limit on some Virginia highways. [WTOP]

Citizens Fire Academy Sign Up — Fairfax County Fire and Rescue is holding a spring Citizens Fire & Rescue Academy. Registration open until March 7. [Fairfax County]

Hunter Mill Community Summit Saturday — Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins is hosting the annual Hunter Mill Community Summit Saturday, Feb. 20, 9 a.m. at the Vienna Fire Station (120 Center St. South, Vienna). Local leaders will be on hand to look at the county’s Proposed FY2017 County Budget and the FCPS budget.

Photo: Lake Fairfax in snow/Credit Robbie Nolan via Twitter

First it snowed. Then the freezing rain fell. Now it is just rain on top of ice — at least until later today.

Tuesday morning’s weather has made for slick sidewalks and traffic backups, but forecasters say temperatures should rise quickly and make things slushy — but not dangerous — in the next few hours. Highs should be near 50 by mid-day.

Meanwhile, Fairfax County Public Schools are closed. Fairfax County Government is open. Metro is on its regular weekday service plan, but delays are being reported on Blue, Orange and Silver lines.

Fairfax County is also under a flood watch today, with the greatest flood risk Tuesday afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service. A flood watch means there is potential for flooding.

Let us know what you see out there on your commute this morning.

Ice on trees in Reston Feb. 16/Credit: Douglas H. Errett via Twitter

Update, 7 a.m. Tuesday: FCPS now says schools will be closed Tuesday. This is a change from the announcement Monday evening, when there was to be a two-hour delay.

Original story, Monday 7 p.m.: Fairfax County Public Schools said the expected freezing rain overnight — on top of several inches of snow that fell Monday — means all Fairfax County public schools and school offices will open two hours late on Tuesday, Feb. 16.

The school system also said conditions will be reassessed Tuesday morning, and if closure is necessary it will be announced by approximately 6:15 a.m.

From FCPS:

• Morning preschool (special education) classes are canceled.
• Afternoon preschool classes start on their regular schedule.
• Full-day preschool (special education) and Family and Early Childhood Education Program/Head Start classes start two hours later than the regular schedule.
•  Morning field trips are canceled.
•  Morning transportation for high school academy classes is canceled.
• Transportation for afternoon academy classes will be provided.
•  Adult and community education classes will start on time.
• School age child care (SACC) centers will open at 7:00 a.m.

It’s Presidents Day, and Reston Now, like many of you, is taking the day off.

Enjoy the holiday. Stay warm and be careful — several inches of snow are expected to fall Monday, followed by freezing rain and ice Monday afternoon.

Northern Virginia is under a Winter Storm Warning today.

Fairfax County Public Schools are already closed for the holiday. All activities scheduled for school property (i.e., sports practices, meetings, testing, adult education) have also been canceled due to weather.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch beginning late Sunday and lasting through Tuesday morning.

Here’s what to expect for Valentines Day and Presidents Day:

Temperatures in the teens and 20s that will feel like 10-20 degrees below zero with the wind chill. The NWS says to expect snow, sleet and freezing rain.

There is the potential of 5 inches of snow and sleet, as well as the potential for around a quarter inch of ice from freezing rain, says the NWS.

Timeline:

Snow will begin late Sunday night and continue through Monday before changing to sleet and freezing rain on Monday. Precipitation will end Tuesday afternoon.

Expect slippery roads and travel difficulties.

Plans for a pedestrian bridge that takes the W&OD Trail over Wiehle Avenue are taking shape.

The bridge will help ease chaos at that intersection, which is where Sunset Hills Road and Wiehle Avenue meet and where emergency vehicles continually enter and exit a Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Station.

It is also just North of the Wiehle-Reston Metro and its accompanying foot and car traffic. The trail itself is a popular walking, running and biking path.

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation now has a timeline. The agency is holding a public meeting March 17, 6:30 p.m. at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods.

The bridge is expected to cost $10 million, said project manager Scott Riffner. The bridge will replace the street crossing and will accommodate both the gravel path and asphalt W&OD Trail. The FCDOT also plans minor roadway, sidewalk and median modifications will be made to Wiehle Avenue to accommodate the bridge and the necessary drainage and stormwater management features.

The project is part of the Third Four-Year Transportation Program that was approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 2012.

Here is a tentative project schedule:

• Public Hearing, Winter 2016
• Document Completion, Winter 2016
• Public Hearing Design Approval, Spring 2016
• Land Acquisition Completion, Spring 2018
• Final Design Approval, Winter 2018
• Utility Relocation Completion, Summer 2019
• Construction Completion, Winter 2021

Rendering of W&OD Bridge over Wiehle Avenue/Credit: FCDOT

Update, 2 p.m. Friday: Fairfax County Public Schools have canceled all evening activities due to inclement weather.

A little bit of snow is likely heading here this evening. It’s not much, but it may be just enough to impact evening rush hour.

The Capital Weather Gang says about a half-inch of snow is expected to move through Northern Virginia about 6 p.m. But combined with very cold temperatures, that could make for icy roads and backed-up traffic, similar to what we saw on Jan. 20.

On Jan. 20, an early evening dusting turned short commutes into hours-long treks within Fairfax County and from DC to Northern Virginia.

The Virginia Department of Transportation says it will have 1,150 trucks deployed to continually treat roads by early afternoon. Crews began treating roads in advance yesterday and are finishing mid-day today, said VDOT.

Read more on the Capital Weather Gang and from the National Weather Service.

file photo

A Fairfax County septic tank disposal site may be relocating from Colvin Run Road road to land owned by the Fairfax County Park Authority in Reston.

Fairfax County’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services briefed park authority officials Wednesday on a Septage Receiving Site Feasibility Study that found several reasons to move the site to Reston.

Septic tank customers (mainly homes on large lots not tied into the county sewer system), portable toilet companies and restaurants who must properly dispose of grease have for decades pumped waste safely into the Colvin Run plant.

But that site is aging, prone to flooding and “stinks,” said Park Authority Chair Bill Bouie. About 22 trucks visit the site daily.

The county is proposing a secure, modern, odor-controlled facility off Hunter Mill Road. It is important to have the new plant located off a major road to minimize the impact on traffic, county officials said.

And while the proposed new site is on park land, it is not in a part of Lake Fairfax Park where citizens would be using the park, said Bouie.

The Park Authority’s Area 6 Park Operations / Lake Fairfax Maintenance area is located in an isolated, employee-only part of the park. The septage facility would be heavily screened by trees and is not in a floodplain, according to the county’s proposal. Adding the septage facility would also be a chance to make needed improvements to the current site, which currently is a tree debris and solid waste disposal area, as well as mulch storage.

The new location would also provide convenient access from areas without sewer service (i.e., Great Falls and Oakton), as well as Reston and Vienna restaurants, the presentation noted.

Bouie said most trips to the plant would be grease disposal as home septic customers usually only get cleanouts about once every five years.

Residents can learn more and offer feedback at a community meeting with Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins Feb. 18 at  7:30 p.m., at Bechtel Conference Center, 1801 Alexander Bell Drive, Reston.

Petition to Fully Fund Schools — The Fairfax Education Association has an online petition for county supervisors to fully fund the Fairfax County Schools Budget. [Actionnetwork.org]

Love In the Afternoon — The Reston Community Center is one of 50 locations nationwide that will be screening the movie “Age of Love,” which explores love in your later years. The movie follows a group of 70- to 90-somethings as they try speed dating. The free screening is today at 1:30 p.m. and will be followed by a discussion moderated by Steve Gurney from Reston for a Lifetime.

It Will Be Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious — Reston Community Players’ “Mary Poppins” opens next weekend at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods. [Reston Connection]

Trout Season Soon — Trout fishing season in Fairfax County begins Feb. 20. Lake Fairfax will be stocked and ready for fishing, but make sure you get passes and permits. [Fairfax County]

New Park Authority Officers — Reston’s Bill Bouie (Hunter Mill) has been elected by the Fairfax County Park Authority Board to serve his eighth term as chair. Other Park Authority officers elected to a one-year term: Providence District Representative Ken Quincy (Vice Chairman); Springfield District Representative Michael W. Thompson, Jr. (Secretary); and At-large Member Mary D. Cortina (Treasurer). [Fairfax County]

Photo: Bald Eagle on Lake Thoreau/Credit: Dave Prochnow

On Fridays, we take a moment to thank our sponsors and advertisers:

Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, the business community for the vibrant region.

The Harrison, luxury apartments near Reston Town Center.

Berry & Berry, PLLC, Reston law firm specializing in federal employment, retirement, labor union, and security clearance matters.

Reston Real Estate, Eve Thompson of Long & Foster Real Estate specializes in Reston homes.

Becky’s Pet Care, offering friendly pet services in Northern Virginia.

Reston Community Center, Serving Reston’s recreational and cultural needs.

MakeOffices, shared work spaces with five area locations, including Reston.

Oatlands Historic House & Gardens.

Bento House, Japanese restaurant in Reston.

Lake Anne Nursery Kindergarten, educating Reston’s young minds for more than 50 years.

Boofie O’Gorman, Top Producer Realtor at Long & Foster Reston.

Goldfish Swim School, specializing in children’s swim lessons year-round.

Small Change Consignment, serving Reston’s kids for more than 30 years.

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, full-service Realtors with a new office in Reston Town Center.

VITA, luxury apartments at Tysons Corner.

A Cleaning Service, professional residential and commercial cleaning.

BASIS Independent McLean, Independent school for K-12 located in McLean.

A Reston developer has filed a rezoning application in order to develop a parcel of land adjacent to Plaza America.

Linden Development owns the 6.3-acre property known as Triangle Park, as well as several other Reston office buildings.

Triangle Park currently contains two office buildings directly adjacent to the side of Plaza America where Starbucks, Loft and Staples are located. The land also borders Sunset Hills Road to the north and the Dulles Toll Road to the south and is within a half-mile of the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station.

Linden is seeking to rezone the property from office-industrial to mixed use. It says it plans a 75/25 mix of residential and non-residential (office, retail), though plans have not yet been made public.

Fairfax County Planning staff is currently reviewing the application.

Meanwhile, plans for the Soapstone connector include a route that goes almost right through this property.