Updated at 6:55 p.m. — All lanes on Elden and Monroe streets have reopened after this morning’s crash, Herndon police said shortly after 11 a.m.
Earlier: Local police are investigating a crash at Elden and Monroe Street in Herndon involving a school bus and delivery truck this morning (Monday).
No injuries were reported in the crash, and there were no children on the bus, according to a Herndon Police Department spokesperson.
However, traffic is currently being blocked from turning onto Monroe Street from Elden Street, the police department tweeted shortly before 9:15 a.m.
Commuters are encouraged to find an alternate route.
TRAFFIC ALERT: Officers are working an crash at Elden and Monroe involving a school bus and delivery truck. Traffic cannot turn onto Monroe from Elden. Find an alternate route. Updates as available. #HerndonPD pic.twitter.com/pxrAKXice0
— Herndon Police (@HerndonPolice) February 12, 2024
Pastor Dies After Fire at Newington Home — “The Northern Virginia pastor who was sent to the ICU with severe burns after an explosion in his Fairfax County home last month has died, according to his daughter. Kevin Corey was burning documents in a firepit in the backyard of his townhome on Powderbrook Lane…when neighbors heard the explosion about 8:30 p.m.” [NBC4]
FCPD Targets Crime at Annandale Apartments — “The Mason Police District reports ‘significant and positive outcomes’ from a crime suppression effort at Fairmont Gardens in Annandale. Between Jan. 3 and Feb. 3, patrol officers and detectives charged 85 people with 137 crimes in the area around Wadsworth Court.” [Annandale Today]
Fairfax Connector Workers Seek Progress in Contract Talks — “Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689 members held a public demonstration outside the Fairfax County Government Center on Jan. 31. Union workers are demanding Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay stand with workers during their contract talks with Transdev, a French-owned company contracted to operate the county’s transit system.” [Fairfax County Times]
Inova Opens Urgent Care Clinic in Belle Haven — “The new Inova-GoHealth Urgent Care center opened at 6218-B North Kings Highway off Richmond Highway in Belle Haven. The new facility is open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekends.” [ALXnow]
County Revises Covid Vaccine Data Dashboard — “The COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard has been updated with a new focus on 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine data. Currently, 18.6% of residents have received the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine. We encourage you to stay up to date with your vaccines.” [Fairfax County Health Department/Twitter]
Fairfax City Helps Fund Business Refurbishments — “Mayor Catherine Read joined Fairfax City business leaders on the porch of Hammrock’s Restaurant in Old Town on Thursday morning to celebrate 20 city businesses who benefited from the Façade and Interior Improvement Grant program…City businesses that wish to refurbish or improve the exterior or interior of their buildings, shops or offices can apply for an FCFI grant.” [Patch]
Lorton Brewery Hopes to Open by Summer — “Buildout of the new Bunnyman Brewing and Cafe has gotten underway at building W13 at the Workhouse Campus in Lorton, and one of the venue’s owners is cautiously optimistic that it will open before the busy summer season — even if it’s a soft launch during Memorial Day weekend.” [On the MoVe]
Laundry Dryers and Washers Donated to Fairfax Nonprofit — “We received an incredible donation from The Home Depot last week! The Fairfax Circle location generously gifted us brand-new washers and dryers, which we use every day at the Lamb Center to provide clean laundry for those we serve.” [The Lamb Center/Facebook]
It’s Monday — Expect rain to begin around 4pm, with a cloudy high of 50°F. There’s a 70% chance of precipitation. Rain will continue at night, with a low reaching 40°F, east winds at 6-13 mph and gusts up to 21 mph. Precipitation is certain, accumulating between half an inch and three-quarters of an inch. [Weather.gov]
Another town council member has thrown his name in the mix in the race for Herndon mayor.
Councilmember Pradip Dhakal, who has served on the council for three consecutive terms, is running for the position. His colleague, Councilmember Keven LeBlanc, announced his intention to run earlier this week.
“Herndon deserves a leader who can collaborate with everyone, foster open discussions for new ideas, and introduce initiatives to propel our town forward,” Dhakal said. “I am committed to working tirelessly to make Herndon an even better place for all our residents.”
Dhakal says he has the “majority support from the current town council,” adding that he hopes to champion diversity if elected.
“It’s crucial for Herndon to have leadership that mirrors the diverse background and demography of our community, ensuring inclusivity and representation for all,” Dhakal said. “If elected, I will be the first-ever mayor of color from the town of Herndon and I believe that will be historic milestone for the town.”
His top priorities are increasing affordability and workforce housing, implementing traffic calming initaitives, and increasing overall safety and security in the town.
In his campaign announcement, LeBlanc included a statement of support from current mayor Sheila Olem, state Sen. Jennifer Boysko, Del. Irene Shin and former mayor Lisa Merkel. He said he would be the first person openly from the LGBTQ community to serve as Herndon’s mayor, if elected.
Another bundle of houses is on the path to development in McNair near Herndon.
The Fairfax County Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of a plan on Wednesday (Feb. 7) to build 48 stacked townhouses at the northwest intersection of Coppermine and Centreville Road — potentially revitalizing a swath of land near Dulles International Airport that has sat mostly vacant for around 20 years.
Dranesville District Commissioner John Ulfelder said the proposal creates a positive use for the site, whose only occupant right now is a PNC Bank. The drive-thru bank won’t be affected by the redevelopment, according to the application.
“I think we’ve come to a point with the proposed housing and residential use that [it] is a good use for this site,” Ulfelder said, noting that multiple proposals for the site have fallen through. At one point, Wawa was contemplating the site for a location as well.
The development plan includes an 8-foot-wide asphalt trail connection from a bus shelter on Centreville Road to the existing Merrybrook Valley Stream trail, a dedication of 21 feet of right-of-way along Centreville Road for streetscaping efforts, and designation of 40% of the site as open space.
“We have spent a lot of time trying to think about how to develop and what should and could go on this site, which does some have constraints with respect to the power line, some existing [Resource Protection Area] and the fact that it is at the intersection of two large streets,” said Sara Mariska, a land use attorney for Oden Feldman Pittleman who represented the developer Dulles Center LLC.
The applicant also plans to dedicate 12% of the units as Workforce Dwelling Units for households earning between 70 and 100% of the area median income — a range that Mariska noted was lower than what the county requires.
Dulles Center LLC had previously planned a mixed-use development on the site. The proposal was approved by the county back in 2003 but ultimately didn’t move forward due to market conditions.
The latest plan for townhouses was put on pause last fall after Beacon Hill Missionary Baptist Church — which neighbors the site — raised concerns about storage and the availability of two trailers on the developer’s property. The site’s previous owner gifted the trailers to the church, which currently uses them for a food bank and administrative purposes.
Connell Lee, a representative for the church, told the planning commission that the church is comfortable with the project moving forward after the developer agreed to several proffers committing it to finding a long-term solution for the trailers.
The developer suggested several options, including replacement of the trailers, monetary compensation, or finding another location. An arrangement would likely be finalized before a site plan is processed.
The development plan now goes to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, which is scheduled to hold a public hearing on March 19.
The Virginia State Police will be quick to call foul on any drivers behaving poorly on I-66 before, during and after the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers’ big game this Sunday (Feb. 11).
With many sports fans planning visits to their local bar or stocking up on snacks and drinks for at-home Super Bowl parties, state troopers from the Fairfax and Culpepper divisions will have an increased presence in the 76-mile-long I-66 corridor throughout the weekend.
Dubbed “Operation Diss-rupt,” the traffic enforcement and safety initiative will take place from Saturday to Monday (Feb. 10-12) and focus on distracted and impaired driving, speeding and seat belt use, the VSP announced yesterday (Thursday).
“The weekend of the Super Bowl is an excellent time to ‘tackle’ bad driving behaviors,” VSP Bureau of Field Operations Director Lt. Col. Matt Hanley said. “Additional state troopers will be on patrol along the entire I-66 corridor to enhance highway safety for all motorists. We ask Virginians to ‘DISS-rupt’ risky driving behaviors by focusing on the roads and by designating a sober driver, especially if your Super Bowl celebration includes alcohol.”
According to the VSP, its troopers charged 23 drivers with driving while intoxicated during last year’s Super Bowl Sunday.
Preliminary data shows that 839 people died in traffic crashes on Virginia roads last year, state police said. In Fairfax County, 15 people were killed in crashes involving alcohol in 2023, and there have already been 45 such crashes, including one fatality, recorded this year, according to Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles data.
After the county saw an uptick in traffic-related deaths in 2022, especially among pedestrians, the Fairfax County Police Department conducted a “Road Shark” campaign last spring and summer to address speeding, phone usage and other unsafe driving behaviors. The campaign resulted in almost 25,000 citations and warnings to drivers.
This weekend’s I-66 crackdown will the VSP’s second “Operation Diss-rupt” campaign after the agency similarly stepped up patrols of I-95 on Jan. 10-11.
“State Troopers cited 120 drivers for reckless driving, 117 drivers for speeding, 33 drivers for violating Virginia’s ‘Hands Free’ law, and 25 drivers and passengers for seatbelt violations (one improperly restrained child),” the VSP said in a press release. “There were no fatal crashes along the interstate during the enforcement period.”
Setting a goal of reducing crashes in general by 10% this calendar year, the VSP says it hopes to see no fatal crashes while the operation is in effect this weekend, advising drivers to follow basic traffic laws:
- Ditch Distractions: Virginia has a “Hands-Free” law that prohibits a driver from holding a handheld personal communications device while driving. GPS and making phone calls are still legal, as long as the device is mounted and/or not in your hands.
- Never Drive Impaired: Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal in Virginia. Even buzzed driving is drunk driving. Always designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ride-hailing service.
- Comply with Speed Limits: Posted speed limits on Virginia interstates never exceed 70 mph. So, neither should your speed. Speed-related crashes claimed 441 lives in 2022 in Virginia. Simply, drive to save lives.
- Seat Belt Safety: Virginia law requires all front seat occupants of motor vehicles be restrained, and any passenger from birth to 18 years old be properly restrained in an appropriate child safety seat or seat belt, no matter their seating position.
Man Charged With Stealing FBI Car — “A man working as a contractor at FBI headquarters in downtown D.C. stole a bureau car from the building’s basement garage Tuesday and was arrested hours later after trying to drive onto the grounds of an FBI facility in Northern Virginia, authorities said.” The man allegedly posed as an agent in a failed attempt to access the Vienna facility. [Washington Post]
Overdose by Herndon HS Student Reported — “A non-fatal student overdose was reported by the Fairfax County Public Schools District Tuesday night. The overdose, which was reported by Fairfax County police, involved a student from Herndon High School. Officials said the overdose did not happen at the school.” [WJLA]
FCPD Expands Use of “BolaWrap” Remote Restraints — “Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis announced Tuesday that his department was buying 450 of the devices — good for one in each patrol vehicle, which officers sometimes share. The department will become the first big law enforcement agency in the D.C. region to have them.” [Washington Post]
CIA Fires Woman Who Alleged Assault — “The CIA this week terminated a woman whose whistleblower account of being assaulted in a stairwell at the spy agency’s headquarters prompted a flood of colleagues to come forward with their own complaints of sexual misconduct. The woman’s attorney called the action a brazen retaliation. While the CIA said that accusation was ‘factually inaccurate,’ it wouldn’t comment further on the case” [Associated Press/WTOP]
Outdoor Furniture Chain Secures Bailey’s Crossroads Store — “Fortunoff Backyard Store, an outdoor furniture retailer that got its start in New York more than a century ago, is expanding into Northern Virginia. The outdoor furniture retailer has leased about 18,000 square feet in the Giant-anchored Crossroads Place by south Jefferson Street and Leesburg Pike.” [Washington Business Journal]
Amazon Fresh Revives Bailey’s Crossroads Plans — “The Amazon Fresh grocery store that had been on hold since 2021 is back on track, and Floor & Decor is moving into the shopping center on Leesburg Pike, reports Senior Property Manager Joe Simi. Amazon has submitted plans to redo the interior of the space and could open by late summer, although the company has not announced a date to start construction.” [Annandale Today]
Vienna Gets Tips for Becoming More Business-Friendly — “Seeking to experience the town of Vienna’s business licenses and permits, consultant James Patteson…attempted to open a tattoo parlor in the building directly across from Vienna Planning and Zoning Director David Levy’s office. Patteson found the experience generally favorable and praised the competence of town staff members, but had some suggestions for improvement.” [Gazette Leader]
Lorton Golf Club Honored as a Top Wedding Venue — “For the second year in a row, Laurel Hill Golf Club received the prestigious Weddy Award for Best Golf Club venue presented by Brides & Weddings Magazine…The award reaffirms Laurel Hill Golf Course’s dedication to providing an outstanding venue and event planning for weddings and special events.” [Fairfax County Park Authority]
It’s Friday — Expect gradual clearing leading to a sunny day with a high temperature around 60°F. Showers are possible late Friday night, particularly after 4am, as clouds increase and the temperature drops to around 46°F. Winds will be from the south at 3 to 6 mph, with a 30% chance of precipitation. [Weather.gov]
Police have arrested four people in connection with multiple home burglaries involving pretend flower deliveries in Fairfax County.
The Fairfax County Police Department announced on Jan. 10 that it was investigating five recent home burglaries linked by a woman who was seen on surveillance cameras pretending to deliver flowers. After determining that no one was inside, she alerted two men in a waiting vehicle who broke into the houses and stole cash, purses and other valuable items, police said.
In an update released today (Thursday), police reported that they have now connected seven cases between Dec. 28 and Jan. 11. Burglaries were reported in McLean, Reston, Oakton and Great Falls.
Detectives closed in on the suspects in January after identifying their vehicle, which was then spotted on Jan. 17 in a residential area of Cobb County, Georgia, according to the FCPD.
When contacted by Fairfax County detectives, the Cobb County Police Department reported that the vehicle was involved in a recent burglary in their area. That led to the arrest of four people who were charged with the Cobb County burglary.
“Our detectives traveled to Georgia to coordinate with CCPD detectives and review evidence obtained from the vehicle the suspects were driving when they were arrested,” the FCPD said. “Detectives were able to link the four suspects to multiple burglaries in Fairfax County.”
Detectives obtained warrants on Feb. 7 charging a 34-year-old man, a 27-year-old man, a 23-year-old man and a 43-year-old woman in connection to the Fairfax County burglaries. The charges include burglary, conspiracy to commit a felony and acting as an accessory to a crime.
All of the individuals are currently in custody in Cobb County, which is in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The FCPD says they will be extradited to Fairfax County after the Georgia burglary case is resolved.
The Town of Herndon is officially opening up its coffers to support community cultural festivals.
A Community Cultural Festival Donation Program launched this week, allowing local organizations to request funds for free, public cultural events, the Town of Herndon announced Monday (Feb. 5).
The goal of the program is to “support a variety of events…that celebrate and share the cultures represented in the community, are open and welcoming to all, and bridge parts of the community…to build understanding,” the town says.
The town council approved a policy to create the program on Oct. 23, shortly after agreeing to contribute $2,015 for a Pakistan Heritage Day event. Council members said the town needed clear guidelines and protocols for future funding requests.
Under the newly created program, nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations must meet several criteria to receive funds. The organization must be in good legal standing and funding requests should not exceed 50% of the total event budget or $10,000, whichever number is lower.
In addition, the program is intended for new events, so the requested event can’t have been held in the town within the last five years.
The organization also can’t receive a prior donation within a fiscal year. More information on how to apply is also available on the town’s website.
This fiscal year, the Town of Herndon has allocated $70,000 for the program — an amount that will vary on a yearly basis based on the council’s direction, town spokesperson Anne Curtis says.
Global cybersecurity company Palo Alto Networks Inc. will lease one of Boston Properties’ new office towers in Reston Town Center.
The company — which currently leases space at RTC West (12110 Sunset Hills Road) — plans to occupy 58,000 square feet of space at a 20-story office tower in Reston Town Center, the Washington Business Journal reported.
The new lease was signed on Jan. 12 for 58,000 square feet in the tower at 1950 Opportunity Way — one of two office buildings built in Boston Properties’ nearly 5-million-square-foot expansion, just north of the Reston Town Center Metro station.
According to the WBJ, the building at 1950 Opportunity Way will be close to fully leased with the Palo Alto deal. Other tenants of the paired office towers, which total 1.1 million square feet of space, include Volkswagen and Fannie Mae.
In a quarterly earnings call in late January, Boston Properties Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Michael LaBell noted that Reston Town Center is 94% leased.
“Because it is such high quality kind of a live work play kind of place, and these clients really, really value that,” LaBell said during the call. “So we’re outperforming from a rental rate perspective, and we’re seeing positive absorption there.”
LaBelle told investors that Reston Town Center had signed a “60,000 square foot new lease with a technology company” that’s relocating but didn’t name the tenant.
Originally approved by Fairfax County in 2018, the Reston Town Center expansion is planned for 4.8 million square feet of development on a 33-acre site northwest of the Sunset Hills Road and Reston Parkway intersection. Skymark Reston Town Center, a 40-story residential building, is currently under construction.
Restaurants in Fairfax County are officially free to set up temporary outdoor dining areas as they wish — provided they adhere to a handful of new regulations.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a zoning ordinance amendment on Tuesday (Feb. 6) to create a permanent outdoor dining program, codifying many of the more relaxed measures that the county adopted to help local eateries stay open during the pandemic.
“Integrating outdoor dining into the county’s regulations has the potential to enhance the pedestrian experience, activate street-level environments and contribute to the vibrancy of commercial areas,” the county said in a news release announcing the approval.
As of 12:01 a.m. yesterday (Wednesday), when the amendment took effect, restaurants and other food service establishments can provide temporary furniture for outdoor dining on patios and sidewalks by right, meaning they don’t need the county’s permission specifically for that use.
They can also have outdoor dining areas in parking lots with an administrative permit, which can be approved without public hearings and comes with a lower application fee of $205 than the minor site plan approval previously required.
In all cases, the outdoor dining area can be at most half the size of the restaurant’s indoor dining area, a slight change from the emergency rules that have been in place since July 2020 to limit the spread of Covid. County staff recommended setting a maximum size based on floor area, instead of 50% of the occupancy limit, because it would be easier to gauge compliance.
The outdoor dining area’s operating hours should match those of the main restaurant to ward off noise issues, Lily Yegazu with the county’s Department of Planning and Zoning told the board.
Outdoor dining areas must also maintain access for pedestrians and people with disabilities and obtain a fire marshal’s permit for tents bigger than 900 square feet. Businesses aren’t required to provide additional parking, but they still need to meet the minimum number of spaces required for the site.
“It makes good sense to me,” Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman said of the proposed regulations.
The board’s vote preceded a March 1, 2024 expiration date for the uncodified ordinance that eased regulations for outdoor dining, among other allowances, during the pandemic. The ordinance could stay in place for up to a year after the county’s state of emergency ended.
When initially presenting a proposal for permanent outdoor dining in October 2022, county staff reported that 91 businesses had implemented outdoor dining during the pandemic, but by Sept. 1 of that year, only five sites were confirmed to still be using parking spaces for that purpose.
Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) Vice President of Government Affairs Che Ruddell-Tabisola testified that having permanent guidelines will encourage more businesses to invest in outdoor dining, which expanded across the D.C. region and the country during the pandemic.
“Expanded outdoor dining has been wildly successful in its efficiency and efficacy of maximizing the use of outdoor space,” he said. “Additionally, outdoor dining is popular among Fairfax residents, and we have not yet maximized either the demand or capacity for outdoor dining.”
Ruddell-Tabisola praised Fairfax County’s “commonsense approach” to the permitting process for outdoor dining, adding that RAMW has cited the program “as the model for other jurisdictions to follow.”
Area localities that have approved permanent outdoor dining regulations in recent years include Arlington County, the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church, and the towns of Vienna, Herndon and Leesburg. Fairfax City has a seasonal pilot program that offers permits for outdoor dining areas that can operate between March 1 through Nov. 30.
The embrace of outdoor dining is “one of the good things to come out of the pandemic,” Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity said.
“There weren’t many good things, but this is [one],” Herrity said before the board voted. “I want to thank staff for jumping on this right away early in the pandemic with the temporary rules and great job here.”
Though the new rules are already in effect, the county is giving restaurants with existing outdoor dining areas until April 30 to get them in compliance.
Third Person Dies After Braddock Road Crash — “A third passenger in the crash that occurred early Sunday morning at the intersection of Braddock Road and Bradfield Drive in Annandale has been pronounced deceased at the hospital.” Detectives were notified yesterday that Yan Zhou, 68, of Burke, died from her injuries, bringing the county’s traffic death toll for the year up to five people. [FCPD]
County Seeks Feedback on Workforce Housing Policy — “Fairfax County is opening a period of public comment to review and provide feedback on the revised WDU sales prices,” which drop units for households earning 120% of the area median income and add 70% AMI households. Recommended by a task force, the changes are open for comment until 4 p.m. Thursday, March 7, 2024. [Housing and Community Development]
Community Farm Coming to Woodlawn — “The Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture is preparing to launch a community farm this spring that will provide free growing space for low-income and military-connected individuals and families around the Richmond Highway Corridor.” The 2-acre farm will include a barn, a well, electricity and dozens of raised planting beds. [On the MoVe]
Great Falls Treatment Facility Allowed to Stay — “The Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) on Jan. 31 voted 5-0 to uphold the zoning administrator’s determination that a Great Falls group facility is a by-right use. A Mission for Michael…was licensed as a mental-health group home on April 19 last year by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services.” [Gazette Leader]
House Passes Four Bills From Reston Delegate — “Del. Karen Keys-Gamarra (D-Reston) was elected in November to succeed Reston’s long-time delegate Ken Plum. As of Saturday, the freshman lawmaker already had four bills passed in the Virginia House of Delegates,” including ones related to services for homeless students and maternal health. [Patch]
Virginia Senate Votes to End Tax Exemption for Confederate Group — “With two Republicans joining all 21 Democrats, senators agreed to dismantle a pair of obscure tax breaks for the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the organization that sponsored most of the Confederate statues that dotted Virginia’s landscape until localities began removing them over the past several years.” [Washington Post]
Mantua Teacher Uses Super Bowl to Teach Math — “In Paul Malc’s math class at Mantua Elementary on Wednesday afternoon, the longtime teacher asked his students to raise their hands if they plan to watch the Super Bowl. Then, in an effort to talk about probability, Malc asked the class how common Hail Mary passes and onside kicks are…In his 20 years in the classroom, Malc has often turned to football and other real-life scenarios to teach math concepts.” [WTOP]
Share Love of Hunter Mill District for Valentine’s Day — “Valentine’s Day is next week and a good time to showcase our love of #HunterMill. My office is requesting your help. By Tuesday (2/13), email up to 3 things you [heart] about Hunter Mill & include ‘HMD Valentines’ in subject line to [email protected].” [Walter Alcorn/Twitter]
It’s Thursday — Expect mainly sunny skies with the temperature reaching around 53 degrees and a south wind blowing at 3 to 7 mph. By night, the skies will turn mostly cloudy, and the temperature will drop to around 38 degrees, accompanied by a southeast wind at approximately 7 mph. [Weather.gov]
Kook Dogg is slated to open this April in Reston (courtesy Kook Dogg Cafe)
A new cafe is on its way to RTC West in Reston.
Kook Dogg Cafe, a new concept, will sell delicatessen sandwiches, toasted hot subs, salads and fresh pizzas, along with a selection of craft beers. It’s slated to take over space at 12100 Sunset Hills Road that was vacated last year by Little Beast Cafe and Bistro.
The incoming tenant was first reported by The Burn, which noted that a “coming soon” banner has been draped on the storefront.
The restaurant was established in 2021 by chef Paul Huckler, a Northern Virginia native, for the “sole purpose” of opening and operating a “neighborhood” specialty sandwich and pizza restaurant, according to company business materials.
After exploring restaurant sites, Kuchler settled on the Reston Town Center area for a flagship restaurant.
The business has four partners: Kuchler and his wife Noel, along with Walter Hodges and his wife Karen.
“We are currently renovating the space and plan to open in early April of 2024,” Hodges told FFXnow.
Hodges said the decision to sign a lease at RTC West was an easy one.
“The location has high visibility, easy access, free parking and pleasant surroundings. The location is well sited to serve the Reston residential community as well as a thriving business community which we hope to feed regularly either through our catering business or for a relaxing after-work beer or cocktail,” he said.
Little Beast Cafe and Bistro and Red Velvet Cupcakery closed their RTC West locations at the end of 2023. They can still be found in D.C.’s Chevy Chase neighborhood at 5600 Connecticut Avenue NW.
Herndon Town councilmember Keven LeBlanc announced his candidacy for town mayor yesterday (Tuesday).
If elected, LeBlanc says he would be the town’s first-ever mayor to openly be part of the LGBTQ community. No other candidates have officially announced their intentions to run.
Herndon Mayor Sheila Olem didn’t immediately return a request for comment on her future plans, but in his campaign announcement, LeBlanc included a joint statement apparently endorsing him by Olem, state Sen. Jennifer Boysko, Del. Irene Shin and former mayor Lisa Merkel.
“As fellow residents who are raising our families here, we care deeply about Herndon’s future,” the statement said. “Keven understands the need to nurture Herndon’s loyal community spirit while bringing fresh economic energy to our town. His integrity and inclusive vision make him ideally suited to lead Herndon into its next chapter.”
LeBlanc said his top priorities are balance and sustainable growth. Building the stock of affordable housing will also be a key part of his plan for the town.
“I am dedicated as Mayor to leading with empathy, while driving us forward,” he said. “My priority is pursuing balanced and sustainable growth that preserves what we cherish most about our hometown, while propelling Herndon into an inclusive and vibrant future.”
He says his background as an executive and engineer makes him well-suited for the position. His candidacy statement highlights his work negotiating tax decreases for residents, pushing for economic development and spearheading events like the Herndon WinterMarkt.
The town plans to issue a formal release of candidates in June, following filing deadlines.
Fairfax County is exploring ways to formalize its process for approving street light waivers that are typically required for some developments.
At a land use committee meeting on Jan. 30, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors expressed support for clarifying and elaborating upon the county’s current processes.
Currently, street lights are required for site and subdivision plans, typically along existing and proposed right-of-way and at intersections if they are along Virginia byways or larger lot subdivisions. Developers can request waivers, but the county doesn’t specify when they should be granted.
The formalized policy is intended to create an objective and transparent decision-making process for the director of Fairfax County Land Development Services (LDS) to consider waiver requests.
“This is proposing criteria for what the director will consider in evaluating those type of waiver requests,” Jerry Stonefield, an engineer for LDS, said at the meeting.
Specifically, the director would evaluate existing conditions, the design of the intersection and street, pedestrian activity and nearby uses, collision and crime data, and environmental considerations. But at least one street light at each intersection will still be required.
Board members said they were supportive of the change, which encourages transparency.
“I think it’s great to put some standards in,” Sully District Supervisor Kathy Smith said.
Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw encouraged staff to work with the county’s health department on the issue. He said the lack of street lights is one of the key drivers of crashes involving pedestrians.
However, Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity said he was unclear what problem the county was attempting to solve.
“I’m worried about adding cost and time to a process that’s already expensive,” he said.
Stonefield said in the a small number of cases, the county ran into some problems justifying why street lights should or should not go in based on its current requirements, which provide scant criteria for evaluation.
The county has received between 80 and 90 street light waiver requests over 20 years, according to Stonefield.
Board Chairman Jeff McKay said that number was important because it demonstrates that the policy change covers an “extreme outlier.”
Staff will now consider implementing the changes after a virtual open house and official board consideration at a meeting date that has not yet been determined.
Grammy-Winning Annandale Teacher Returns Home — “On Sunday, [Annie] Ray attended the Grammy Awards Show in Los Angeles. She spoke to Meryl Streep, who told her a music teacher inspired her. She took a picture with Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus, and Oprah asked her many questions.” Back at Annandale High School yesterday (Tuesday), the orchestra director said the chance to talk about her work at the school “was the highlight.” [WTOP]
FCPD Arrests Man Wanted for Murder — “Fairfax County police arrested a suspect in Annandale Feb. 6 who was wanted for a 2022 murder in Frederick, Md.” The 27-year-old man was identified as one of two suspects in “the first-degree murder of Michael Isaih Olaniyi, the Frederick Police Department reported.” [Annandale Today]
Library to Go Offline for Computer Update — “We’re getting an upgrade! FCPL’s public computers, payment kiosks, printers and copiers will be down all day, Monday, February 12 as we upgrade the software. During this time, library visitors will be unable to use these devices. We apologize for any inconvenience.” [Fairfax County Public Library/Twitter]
County Sells Bonds to Fund Public Facilities — “On Jan. 24, Fairfax County completed a successful bond sale, generating $350 million to fund various project areas, after once again affirming its AAA bond rating with all three major rating agencies.” The funds will support capital projects for the county’s schools, public safety agencies, transportation facilities and park authority. [Fairfax County Government]
Plan to Preserve Historic Oakton Home Approved — “Fairfax County supervisors on Jan. 23 unanimously approved a rezoning proposal to build two new houses on an Oakton property and save a century-old vernacular style home.” The 2.29-acre site on Chain Bridge Road consists of a vacant parcel and the William H. Goldsmith House, which will be preserved and turned into a workforce dwelling unit. [Gazette Leader]
Animal Shelter Competition to Promote Large Dogs for Adoption — “The Fairfax County Animal Shelter (FCAS) presents the Adoption Bowl, a fee-waived adoption event for dogs 45 pounds and larger, taking place Thursday through Sunday, Feb. 8-11. This one-of-a-kind event pits Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis against Fairfax County Fire Chief John Butler against each other in a chief vs. chief challenge.” [FCAS]
Metro Buses Will Display Student Art for Earth Day — “Metro’s Art in Transit program is inviting K-6 students from Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia to submit artworks that highlight and celebrate the significant role of public transportation in fostering a sustainable environment and healthy communities. The art will be prominently featured on three specially-themed Earth Day Metrobuses that will travel the region.” [WMATA]
Virginia’s Most Popular Baby Names Revealed — “For a second year running, Charlotte was the most popular baby name for girls born in Virginia, while Liam edged out last year’s winner, Noah, to take the title for boys.” The Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Vital Records released data that also identified July 7 as the date with the most births in the commonwealth last year. [Virginia Mercury]
It’s Wednesday — Expect sunshine and a high of 48 degrees accompanied by a gentle 3 to 6 mph north wind. As for Wednesday night, the skies will be mainly clear, and the temperature will dip to around 31 degrees with calm winds. [Weather.gov]
