A long-rumored plan for opening a second Chick-fil-A restaurant in Reston is in the works.
Chick-fil-A recently filed Planned Residential Community (PRC) documents with Fairfax County to establish a fast food restaurant (with drive-through) at 1490 North Point Village Center.
Interestingly, the former Burger King spot, which has been vacant since March of 2o14, is located at 1494 North Point. The application is for 1490 North Point Village Center, which currently houses a BB&T Bank branch. (Editor’s note: The address could be a clerical error; future documents will confirm exact location).
The application is being reviewed for quality control before official acceptance. There is a Fairfax County Planning Commission hearing scheduled for March 16, 2016.
The application should go through, however, as the site on which Chick-fil-A intends to open is designated Village Center Mixed Use in the Reston Comprehensive Plan and formerly contained a fast-food restaurant.
Meanwhile, the owners of the nearby Chick-fil-A on Sunset Hills recently confirmed on their Facebook page that the plan for North Point location is “moving forward.”
Summer’s bounty may be gone (so long, strawberries and tomatoes), but a good number of vendors from the Reston Farmers Market and craft market will remain on site Saturdays through Dec. 19.
So put Lake Anne down as a place to get Thanksgiving goodies, holiday gifts and other stuff of the season.
Here is who will be at the fall market, which will run through Dec. 19:
- Del Sur Baked Goods
- Dimitri Olive Farms
- Valentine’s Country Bakery & Meats
- The Farm at Sunnyside
- Penn Farm
- Reid’s Orchard-
- Back to the Basiks
- Uncle Fred’s BBQ
- Glasscock Orchard
- Grace’s Pastries
- Baguette Republic
- Smith Family Farms
- Chesley Vegetable Farms
- Joie de Vivre Fine Food
- Oh Pickles
- Lake Anne Market (empanadas, tacos)
- Arnest Seafood
- Chef Eloy Kickin Salsas
- Cavanna Pasta
- Loudon’s Breezy Meadow Farm
- Kiwi Kuisine
- Monument Coffee Roasters
- 100 Bowls of Soup
Save the Date For Swearing-In — Fairfax County officials, including the Board of Supervisors, will be sworn in at a ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 6 p.m. at Fairfax County Government Center. All elected officials will take office on Jan. 1, 2016.
Sex Assault on Silver Line in D.C. — Metro Transit Police are seeking the public’s assistance identifying a man they believe might be connected to a sexual assault aboard a Silver Line train. The incident was on Oct. 29 near Eastern Market. [Hill Now]
Red’s Table Makes Another Mark — New Reston restaurant Red’s Table, recently reviewed in The Washington Post, also made Eater.com’s “The Hottest Restaurants in Dc, November.” Red’s Table was among other newcomers such as Momofuku at City Center. [Eater DC]
Anniversary for Christ The Servant — Christ the Servant Lutheran Church at Hunters Woods Village Center celebrated its 40th anniversary last weekend. The congregation, which is looking to renovate its space, has begun a campaign on all things “RE”- to REflect, REnew, and REjoice. [Christ the Servant]
Photo: Trees near Browns Chapel/Credit: Mick Boesen
Update, 2 p.m. Friday — The westbound lanes of Sunrise Valley are still closed for repairs. Plan an alternate route.
Original story: If you are heading down Sunrise Valley Drive near the Fairfax County Parkway this morning, take another route.
A water main break in the 12300 block (Mercator Drive at U.S. Geological Survey entrance) is causing the road to buckle in the right lane and the right-hand turn lane, authorities said.
Authorities said the road will be shut down for an “undetermined amount” of time today for repairs.
You can pick up a really good holiday present Saturday at Reston Town Center — one that could be a beloved family member even before Thanksgiving.
Nonprofit GoodDogz.org is sponsoring its 10th annual Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Organizers say there will be about 40 rescue organizations at RTC. Most will have adoptable pets for you to meet. Admission is free.
Even if your pet family is complete, there will also be a wide variety of vendors selling pet gifts, supplies, toys and services.
Some details are starting to take shape of what Fairfax County officials and area citizens would like to see on the first two blocks of redevelopment at Reston Town Center North.
At a community meeting on Wednesday, Fairfax County officials presented rough standards for Blocks 7 and 8 — the area along Bowman Towne Drive where the Reston Regional Library and the Embry Rucker Community Shelter are located.
Those two facilities will be rebuilt in the same spot — only in a larger and more urban format with more services and amenities.
“We are not looking to copy the Reston Town Center space, but rather to complement it,” county project manager Andy Miller said about the plans for the overall 49-acre redevelopment that will stretch from Bowman Towne Drive to Baron Cameron Avenue.
No specific plans have been drawn, and the county must first go through a lengthy rezoning and planning process.
But in theory, an idea is emerging of what will be there in the future.
The current library is 30,000 square feet. The replacement library would be 39,000 square feet, which would make it the largest library in the Fairfax County system (not including Fairfax City, which houses the Virginia Room, a large facility for historic documents), said Miller.
The library will be built in “urban form,” meaning it will take up one or two floors in a larger structure. There will be parking beneath the building and no surface parking. There will also be an additional 4,000 square feet of space that will likely be used for senior services.
Embry Rucker Community Shelter, meanwhile, will be replaced with a facility nearly twice its size. The current shelter is 10,500 square feet with 70 beds. The proposed replacement shelter would be 21,300 square feet with 90 beds.
The 90 beds would include space for 11 families, 40 individuals, 6 medical spaces and expanded space during hypothermia season (November to March).
The shelter will in urban form as part of a larger building, with an additional 28,000 square feet being considered for use by non-profits.
Both the library and shelter will need to be temporarily housed elsewhere during construction.
Citizens, as they did at a previous meeting in September, gave feedback on what they would like to see at both facilities. Among the suggestions: tutoring rooms and more children’s areas at the library; and the temporary shelter being relocated to the empty Cameron Glen Care building nearby.
The county also showed tentative plans for other development on Blocks 7 and 8. There will likely be between 270,000 and 340,000 square feet of retail/commercial/office space, much of it in the same buildings as the library and shelter.
Tentative residential plans for Blocks 7 and 8 include 360-420 market-rate units; 12 percent affordable units (44-51 units); and 30 “supportive housing units” related to the shelter (mainly for people/families making less than 30 percent of the area median income).
An estimated timeline for redevelopment: Rezoning and and a Request for Proposals would take place in 2016, followed by individual rezoning of Blocks 7 and 8 in 2018. The design and permit process would take about 18-24 months in 2018-2020. Construction would take several years, with the final product being delivered in 2023.
Read about overall plans for Reston Town Center North in this previous Reston Now story.
Advocacy group Rescue Reston, Reston Association and other parties concerned about the future of Reston National Golf Course will head to Fairfax County Circuit Court for a hearing this Friday at 2 p.m.
It’s the next step in a years-long battle over whether the 166-acre public course is open and recreational space or can be developed as residential by owners RN Golf Management.
Here’s the backstory:
In 2012, the owners of Reston National Golf Course asked Fairfax County if the course at Sunrise Valley and Colts Neck Road could be considered residential. Fairfax County Planning and Zoning said no, it’s open and recreational space. After several postponements, RN Golf filed an appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA).
In January, the Board of Zoning Appeals heard arguments from both sides. The BZA ruled in April that the owners could redevelop without getting a comprehensive amendment, which could ease the path to redevelopment of the land.
There have never been any specific plans filed for the golf course’s future — and just because they don’t have to get a comprehensive plan amendment does not mean that whatever is in store would get approval from the Fairfax County Planning Commission, the county board of supervisors or Reston Association.
The golf course site is also a wildlife habitat, as well as a serene backdrop for hundreds of homeowners whose properties overlook or back to the rolling greens and wooded trails.
But parts of the course are less than a half-mile from Metro’s Wiehle-Reston East station, which makes it a prime space for redevelopment in a rapidly changing Reston.
Says Rescue Reston: “The outcome of this hearing will affect all properties abutting or near the golf course. Home and business owners stand to lose scenic views, privacy and substantial value and will face years of construction trucks, dirt and noise in their backyards, and worsening congestion on local roads. Our community may lose 166 acres of wildlife habitat and scenic beauty. All of Reston faces the loss of control over its future.”
Rescue Reston says if the judge rules in their favor Friday, RN Golf, a subsidiary of Northwestern Mutual Insurance, “will have a much harder time achieving its goal of transforming this treasured open space into anything other than recreational open space.”
Land use attorneys not affiliated with the case say this type of hearing is standard procedure on the way to scheduling more court dates and that this issue could go all the way to the Virginia Supreme Court eventually.
Read the most recent filings on the part of the petitioners on Rescue Reston’s website.
Comstock Partners says the first eight jewel-box pop up shops at Reston Station will be ready for business by the end of the month.
The developer announced two weeks ago that retail clients were heading for the plaza at the mixed-use development adjacent to the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station: a large outpost of Founding Farmers restaurant (in late 2016); and Urban Pop, pop-up retail booths for “emerging and artisan brands.”
The glass spaces to house the vendors are in the process of being installed, said Comstock spokeswoman Maggie Parker.
The shops, Phase One of Urban Pop, will open Thanksgiving week, sad Parker.
Phase Two, called Urban Pop Active, is scheduled to open in spring 2016. That will will include an outdoor piazza entertainment area in an open concept setting. Parker said there will be distinct gathering spots, microbars, food stands, and live entertainment.
“The holiday shopping season is the perfect time to open Urban Pop Shop at Reston Station,” said Parker. “Both large and small retailers are using pop-up retail to create fresh interest and excitement to discerning consumers who are turning to artisan shopping in a quest for quality, sustainability and authenticity.”
To learn more about Urban Pop, visit www.urbanpopreston.com.
Photo: Urban Pop kiosks/Courtesy Comstock
More About Crumb Rubber Risks — Reston lawyer Jon Damm, who has raised awareness about the potential risks of crumb rubber in turf athletic fields, was on Newschannel 8 recently talking about his concerns of multiple carcinogens in the field materials. Most Fairfax County fields, including South Lakes and Herndon High Schools, use the surface. [Newschannel 8]
Chamber Breakfast — Thinking of joining the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce? Then come to the chamber’s annual Prospective Member Breakfast Friday 8 to 10 a.m. at Reston Association headquarters, 12001 Sunrise Valley Dr.
Workplace Kudos — Congratulations to Reston IT firm Knight Point Systems Inc., which earned a spot on Washingtonian’s 2015 Best Places to Work list. Knight Point was selected because of generous and creative employee perks and benefits, as well as growing revenue, the magazine said. [Washingtonian]
Fairfax County Police have released a sketch of the suspect who stabbed a man in a fight at Clyde’s at Reston Town Center early on Sunday.
Police said a Vienna man, 24, and his 26-year-old girlfriend from Fairfax were at the bar about 1:20 a.m. when an unknown man approached and started to flirt with the girlfriend. The men began arguing, which led to a physical fight.
The unknown man then took out a knife, allegedly cut the boyfriend, and then fled.
The victim was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Detectives have have developed a composite sketch of the suspect in this case. He is believed to be a light skinned man, possibly of Hispanic or East Indian descent, in his late-20s to mid-30s.
The suspect was described to police as 5-feet-7 to 5-feet-8 inches tall, with an average build. He was wearing a black or dark blue jacket, blue jeans and possibly prescription glasses. He has dark hair; thinner on the sides and thicker on the top.
Detectives are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who attended the Halloween party at Clyde’s, Saturday night, into Sunday morning and who may have taken photographs during the party.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Crime Solvers electronically by visitingwww.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or 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 . You may also call the Major Crimes Division at 703-246-7800.
Sketch of suspect in stabbing at Clyde’s/FCPD
Washington Post food critic Tim Carman recently spent some time at new Reston restaurant Red’s Table, giving the South Lakes Village Center spot two stars (good).
Carman had a lot to say — most of it good — about the family owned spot that opened in early September. He liked the homegrown roots of owners Matt, Pat and Ryan Tracy, who grew up in Reston. He liked the local beers and house-made baked goods. He praised chef Adam Stein’s creativity.
Said Carman: “Your brain may feast on ethical sourcing, but your palate cares about only one thing: Is the food tasty at this farmhouse-meets-warehouse-meets-boathouse space with views of Lake Thoreau? Mostly yes. Decidedly yes in some cases. Sometimes yes with a caveat. And on one rare occasion, a fork-dropping, entree-ending no.”
Read the full review on Washington Post.com.
Carman gave high marks to the burgers; the east coast take on cioppino; and the unusual calamari appetizer collaboration.
Not faring so well: a pumpkin mornay dip; an overcooked pork chop; and a too-salty pasta dish.
Ryan Tracy says he is pleased with the review.
What’s your own personal review of Red’s Table? Tell us in the comments.
The Reston Association Board of Directors has found an surplus $1 million to keep assessments from rising more than $15 in 2016. But what will happen in 2017?
That is the question RA Board Treasurer Dannielle LaRosa (North Point) posed to the board in a budget meeting on Monday.
Two weeks ago, LaRosa presented to the board a plan to move the cash from its operating fund reserves — which built up partially as a result of assessments being overfunded for several years.
The board liked the plan, and voted to use option two of three presented to them — to offer assessments at $657 next year, a 2-percent ($15) increase from this year’s $642 and far under the $718 assessment cap.
On Monday, LaRosa wanted to make certain the board understood that the additional $1 million won’t be there at this time next year, and without some serious examination of future spending or an influx of revenue, assessments could rise by more than $40 in 2017 — flirting with the $700 mark.
“I honestly could not sleep without letting you know this is what we are approving,” said LaRosa.
LaRosa outlined some of the association’s biggest cost drivers. She pointed out that since 2011, RA has given 4 percent increases in salary and compensation. Professional and legal fees have increased about $240,000 in the last two years.
“We are putting off some hard choices that we are going to have to face in 2016-17,” said LaRosa.
Board members said there are some areas in which Reston should not curtail spending. Among them: keeping good employees and maintaining Reston’s assets.
“We have come to a good place with regards to 2016,” said At-Large member Ken Knueven. “I am confident we are addressing the issues a 50-year-old community has to address. Things have to be maintained. Old [RA] boards were doing a little ‘let the next board worry about it.’ This board has to step up, be frank tell the public we are going to do something about it.”
“Across-the-board cuts are meaningless to me,” he added. “Let’s start focusing on other side of equation — revenue.”
At-Large Director Ray Wedell said the large influx of new members expected with new residential construction means the RA membership could grow exponentially in coming years.
“That means an influx of dollars,” he said. “We should be raising revenue quite a bit. That in itself should do wonders in keeping assessments down.”
Take a look at the second draft of the 2016 budget on RA’s website.
There will be an additional budget meeting and public hearing Nov. 19 at RA headquarters. The board will vote on the final budget and assessment amount in late November or early December.
Sunday was the final day for Herndon’s Woody’s Golf Range.
The driving range and the Perils of the Lost Jungle miniature golf course had been a recreational fixture in the area since 1980.
Owner Woody FitzHugh, a former PGA Tour player, announced last spring that he would close Nov. 1.
Woody’s had this to say on its Facebook page Sunday:
Final morning opening the range for our wonderful customers. It has been a pleasure and a blessing to serve you and your families for the past 35 years. Thank you all for coming and hitting balls, sharing stories and allowing us to be and share a small part of your lives.
Thank you for helping us to create a community of fellowship that was never just about golf but about people. We have many precious memories because of you. Please continue to check this page for our upcoming endeavors. Thank you, and may God richly bless you and your families.
FitzHugh told the Fairfax Times in April that traffic and construction near the entrance to Woody’s on Route 7 had an impact on business the last few years.
The 30 acres that housed Woody’s has been sold to a residential developer, who plans single-family homes on the site. Look for construction to begin early next year.
FitzHugh says the money from that deal will now enable him to build a new miniature golf course, location to be named later. He will likely save his collection of animatronic animals and other theatrical set pieces from Woody’s to use at the new location.
Photo: Perils of the Lost Jungle at Woody’s Golf Range/Woody’s Golf Range via Facebook
There were no surprises on Election Day as the Virginia State Senate and House members, and the Fairfax County Supervisor and School Board member representing Reston — all running unopposed — were re-elected.
Here are some tallies:
State Senate (32nd District)
Janet Howell (D) 28,872 votes (93.41 %)
Write ins 1,684 (6.59 %)
State Delegate (36th District)
Ken Plum (D) 10,339 (93.91%)
Write-ins 670 (6.09% )
Board of Supervisors, Hunter Mill District
Cathy Hudgins (D) 17,235 (94.33%)
Write-in 1,036 (5.67%)
In the only Reston-area contested race, Hunter Mill School Board member Pat Hynes was re-elected to a second term. Hynes (12,951 votes; 61.30%) defeated Mark Wilkinson (8,116, 38.41%).
Hynes, who also serves as the current school board chair, will serve another four-year term.
In the school board race for three At-Large seats, incumbents Ryan McElveen and Ilryong Moon were re-elected. However, newcomer Jeanette Hough was elected with the third-highest number of votes (80,006) in the nine-candidate field, moving ahead of incumbent Ted Velkoff for the third at-large seat.
Sharon Bulova (D) will also return for another term as Board of Supervisors Chair. She received 59 percent of the votes, easily defeating Republican opponent Arthur G. Purves and Independent Glenda Gail Parker.
In other races:
Raymond F. Morrogh, running unopposed, was re-elected to the county Commonwealth’s Attorney office.
Stacey Kincaid defeated challenger Bryan “B.A.” Wolfe to return as Fairfax Count y Sheriff.
Scott John Cameron, George W. Lamb IV and Gerald O. “Jerry” Peters earned spots for the Soil and Water Conservation Director Northern Virginia District.
John Frey narrowly defeated Bettina Lawson (48 percent to 46 percent) as for county clerk of courts.
Both the $315 million public schools bond and the $151 million facilities bond easily passed.
For more vote totals, breakdowns by precinct and nearby races, visit the Virginia Board of Elections’ website.
Photos: Top, Hunter Mill School Board rep Pat Hynes; Bottom, Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova/file photos
Explosion Leads To FCPS Science Changes — Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen Garza says flames are off-limits in science classrooms until further notice following last week’s accident that injured several students at Woodson High School. [WTOP]
Cracking Down On Distracted Driving — Fairfax County Police have a new initiative aimed at stopping this hazard. [Fairfax County Police]
New To You Kids Sale at LANK — Lake Anne Nursery Kindergarten (LANK) is holding its annual New to You Sale Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a wide selection of kids clothes, baby equipment, toys, books and DVDs. LANK is located at 12021 North Shore Dr. [Facebook]
DMV2Go Today — The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles will have its monthly stop at Reston Town Center Pavilion on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can apply or renew an ID card and driver’s license; get driving records; obtain vehicle titles, license plates, decals, order disabled plates, and more.
