Major issues found on Silver Line extension — “Significant concrete issues have been found in potentially thousands of locations along the second phase of the $2.7 billion Silver Line Metro extension in Northern Virginia, project officials say. The issues are raising serious questions about the durability of concrete and quality control in the largest transportation project in the region.” [NBC 4]
A new hire — Comstock has hired Timothy Steffan as executive vice president of development and asset management. [NASDAQ]
Reston federal contractor files for bankruptcy — “STG Group Inc., the publicly held and financially embattled government contractor whose holding company was recently acquired for $83 million by SOS International, has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation.” [Washington Business Journal]
The signature touch — A grand opening celebration for the new residential building in Reston Town Center is set for May 10. [The Signature]
An e-introduction — Check out a few of the farmers at the Fairfax County Farmers Market at Lake Anne Village Center. [The Connection]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
The Herndon Town Council passed a $60.2 million budget for next year, a nearly 18 percent increase over last year.
The budget package, which was approved Tuesday night, holds the line on taxes. The general fund budget increased moderately by 1.7 percent to $35.2 million.
A significant portion of the spending boost is tied to the development of downtown Herndon and vehicle and pedestrian access improvements.
The budget includes $2.7 million for improvements on Van Buren Street and Herndon Parkway, $730,000 for improvements at the intersection of Herndon Parkway and Spring Street and $900,000 for improvements at the intersection of Elden Street and Monroe Street. An additional $500,000 is included for downtown parking and an arts facility.
Local officials are considering adding a second story to the Herndon Community Center to create more space for fitness activities and storage. The project also includes plans to upgrade locker rooms and a reconfigured entrance to address issues with HVAC system in the current lobby.
Funding for a 4,000-square-foot nature center at Runnymede Park is also included in the budget.
The complete budget will be available online by July. 1
File photo
Honeygrow, a Philadelphia-based, fast-casual restaurant, is opening in JBG Smith’s new Reston Town Center West development at 12100 Sunset Hills Road in May.
The restaurant sells made-to-order stir-fry, salads, cold-pressed juices. The store has no freezers in order to ensure ingredients are sourced locally and made from scratch on a daily basis.
Justin Rosenberg, the restaurant’s CEO, founded honeygrow in 2012. Since then, the restaurant has opened in Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, the District, Pentagon City and other areas.
Photo via honeygrow
Jesse Holland’s novel “Who is the Black Panther?” will debut at Scrawl Books (11911 Freedom Drive) on Saturday (April 28) for one day only ahead of its general release on May 8. Holland will visit the store at 4 pm.. to sign advance copies and lead a discussion on the novel.
The special event is in honor of Independent Book Store Day, which celebrates the impact of indie book shops on their communities.
The novel follows the story of the Black panther, a warrior-king, who leads the imaginary African nation of Wakanda. The country, rich with technological advancements, faces ruin as outsiders attempt to plunder its riches.
The day-long event includes the following program, provided by Scrawl Books:
10 a.m.: Meet and greet with Maisy the Mouse at Scrawl Books. Young fans are invited to meet Maisy, take photos and enjoy drinks and snacks courtesy of the Reston Town Center.
10:30 a.m.: Author Ann Marie Stephens visits Scrawl to read from her best-selling picture books, Cy Makes a Friend and Scuba Dog. Ann Marie will read to the audience, sign books and lead a fun STEM activity for kids of all ages.
12:30 p.m.: Author Megan Wagner Lloyd joins the party at Scrawl to read from her children’s book, Fort-Building Time. Following the story, Fort-Building becomes a reality inside the store when the author and her fans gather up boxes, blankets and tape, and build a giant fort.
4 p.m. : Author Jesse J. Holland, Who is the Black Panther? debuts the paperback version of his sold-out novel, 10 days before its general release. Holland will lead a discussion on the book, as well as sign copies for fans. Following the event, the paperback will be removed from the shelves until May 8.
Photo by Marvel
Homeowners, prepare for a hit — The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors have sent forward a budget that includes increases in the county’s real estate tax rate. Most homeowners will pay an additional $241 annually. [WTOP]
Report card for Boston Properties — The real estate investment trust reported results for its first quarter, with a net income of $176 million, up from 97 million this time last year. [Business Wire]
South Lakes High School summer camp — Registration is now open for summer camps at the school, which offers programs for girls basketball, field hockey, football and volleyball. [SLHS]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
More community meetings about a controversial plan to increase Reston’s population density may be forthcoming.
In an April 23 letter to the Coalition for a Planned Reston, a community group opposing the increase, Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins suggested holding more meetings to discuss issues related to the proposal, which would increase population density from 13 to 16 people per acre in Reston’s Planned Residential Community areas.
Hudgins pitched the idea of holding another group meeting with CPR, Reston Association and the county’s planning staff. Work sessions in small groups would follow based on topics like infrastructure implementation, transportation, schools and parks.
CPR and RA declined to meet on April 2 to discuss the county’s response to their concerns. County planning staff reiterated the need to pursue the proposal in order to effectively implement Reston’s master plan. Staff affirmed their commitment to ensuring infrastructure matches the pace of development, but did not accept a number of amendments suggested by both parties.
In her letter, Hudgins acknowledged the county’s response was “slow in coming.”
“But a commitment was made to respond and the planning staff did so in a detailed and thoughtful manner. It is unfortunate that CPR and RA declined to meet on April 2 and to discuss the staff’s response and to outline next steps and the process going forward,” she wrote.
Hudgins also noted that Reston’s master plan includes protections for existing residential communities and Reston’s golf course.
Most of the potential growth is slated for village centers, St. Johns Wood apartments, the retail area north of Baron Cameron avenue near Home Depot, Reston Town Center North, parts of Reston Town Center and other parcels in Reston’s Transit Station Areas.
“As was evident again this year at the Founder’s Day celebration, Reston is a special place that we all love and I am confident that we can all work together to resolve the issue of the maximum density allowed in the PRC zoned area and the concerns of the community regarding the Reston Master Plan,” Hudgins said.
CPR met on Monday to discuss the county’s response. In a statement, Bruce Ramo of CPR said the opposition group is disappointed with the county’s response.
“It is evident that in the absence of leadership by the Supervisor, Restonians must step forward directly to convince the Board of Supervisors of the need for changes in the Master Plan,” Ramo wrote.
Dates regarding when the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will officially introduce the legislative proposal have not yet been announced.
Police believe three Herndon teenagers were involved in a robbery on the 1100 block of Crestview Drive in Herndon on Wednesday, April 11.
A minor said he gave money to trio so they could buy him age-restricted nicotine products. But police said the teenagers took the money and threatened the minor with violence if he did not leave.
Kevin Alexander Fernandez, 19, of Herndon, was arrested for robbery. Warrants are outstanding for Olivia Rose Lovgren Paulson and Brandon Leonel Hernandez, both 19, of Herndon.
In a separate incident, a man was found lying down on the ground at the 20000 block of East Hampton Plaza in Ashburn on Saturday (April 21) at around 1:30 a.m..
Police arrested and charged the man, Marvin Ayala, 27, of Herndon, with public intoxication. He was released from Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.
The Fairfax County Police Department also reported the following incidents this week:
Larcenies:
2400 block of Centreville Road, bicycles and electronic devices from business
11700 block of Decade Court, laptop computer from business
2300 block of Hunters Woods Plaza, merchandise from business
2400 block of Misty Dawn Court, cash from vehicle
1800 block of Presidents Street, cell phone charger from business
2600 block of Puritan Court, cash and jewelry from residence
2300 block of Stone Fence Lane, sunglasses and phone cord from vehicle
11800 block of Sunrise Valley Drive, beer from business
Stolen Vehicles:
11600 block of Vantage Hill Road, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
Anyone with information about any crimes reported by FCPD should call 703-691-2131 or 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), or text “TIP187” plus the message to CRIMES(274637).
A seven-member team from Langston Hughes Middle School has advanced to the final round of the Odyssey of the Mind contest, an international educational competition that aims to develop creative problem-solving.
Students apply creativity by solving problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting an interpretation of literary classics.
The team won second place in the Virginia State Tournament this month, qualifying them for the 39th annual world finals. The championship takes from on May 23 through May 26 at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.
As the team prepares for the competition, it has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise $14,000 to finance the journey, which includes expenses for housing, tournament registration and travel.
In March, the team won first place at the regional competition at Thomas Jefferson High School, where they were challenged to present a humorous, documentary-style performance based on a classic.
Photo via Kris Gabor
Roughly 200 students participated in a walkout on Friday (April 21) at Langston Hughes Middle School (11401 Ridge Heights Road).
The walkout was in honor of the anniversary of 13 victims of the Columbine High School shooting.
Students left the school building at 10 a.m.. Most students re-entered the building and returned to fifth period class while a small group of students remained to continue the walkout.
Below is a message from Langston Hughes Middle School Principal Aimee Monticchio:
FCPS respects the rights of our students to engage in peaceful protest and express their opinions through speech and other ways as long as it is done respectfully, does not interfere with the rights of others, and does not disrupt learning in the school. Our school is committed to providing an environment where everyone is treated with respect and encouraged to help others.
Our teachers, administrators and staff continue to reinforce a sense of positive school community focused on teaching and learning in our increasingly complex world. We thank you for your continued partnership in working with your child to discuss meaningful actions that they can take to engage in studies of all issues and participate fully in their community.
Similar walkouts happened at the school on February 21 and on March 14 in order to remember the victims of a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
File photo
The right lane of Reston Parkway at the intersection of Sunrise Valley Drive will be closed for parts of the week.
Dulles Corridor Metrorail crews will complete drill testing related to the traffic signal.
Closures will remain in effect today (April 23) through Thursday (April 26) from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on Friday (April 27) from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
Drivers should pay attention to all signage and traffic barriers, as large, slow vehicles may exit and enter the highway at various times throughout the week.
Map via Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project
Shooting on Sunday in Ashburn — A Reston man was shot at early Sunday at a home on the 43500 block of Dunhill Court, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. [Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office]
Population density debate fires up — The Coalition for a Planned Reston will meet tonight to discuss a proposal by the county to increase the community’s population density. [Coalition for a Planned Reston]
Bookmark this, book lovers — Friends of the Reston Regional Library will host its semi-annual book sale from Thursday through Sunday. [Friends of the Reston Regional Library]
Alcohol enforcement update — Officers from the Reston Neighborhood Patrol Unit conducted business compliance checks late last week at 11 businesses. 10 passed. [Fairfax County Police Department]
Photo by Sarah Mccue
Before we head off into the weekend, let’s take a look back at the biggest stories on Reston Now in recent days.
- Residents Worry Upgraded Plaza in South Lakes Village Center Will Attract Teens, Noise
- Reston Home Heavily Damaged by Fire Saturday Night
- Some Metro Users Scramble for Parking Space at the Wiehle-Reston East Garage
- Updated: Baron Cameron Avenue at Wiehle Avenue Closed
- Crime Roundup: Police Catch ‘Suspicious’ Herndon Man In Woods
If you have ideas on stories we should cover, email us at [email protected] or submit an anonymous tip. We’re also looking for photos of Reston submitted by readers. Feel free to discuss these topics, your weekend plans or anything else that’s happening locally in the comments below. Have a good weekend.
County government entities are partnering to present a workshop on how to prepare for active violence in the workplace. The event will be held on Monday (April 23) at Reston Association’s conference center (12001 Sunrise Valley Drive).
The program is intended to provide an explanation about active violence, view past incidents in U.S. history, and discuss ways to response to violence.
Two other workshops will take place on Tuesday (April 24) at Immanuel Baptist Church in Springfield and on April 30 at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway).
The initiative is presented by the Fairfax County Police Department, the Office of Emergency Management, the Fairfax County OEM Volunteer Corps, and the Fairfax County Community Collaboration for Disaster Resiliency.
Online registration is required.
The Reston Farmers Market opens for its 20th season at Lake Anne Plaza’s parking lot tomorrow (Saturday).
Market hours are from 8 a.m. to noon. Vendors will be available to sell a mix of veggies, fruit, breads and snacks. Food trucks may also frequent the parking lot to offer on-the-go goodies. A Master Gardener Plant Clinic will be on site to offer information about plants.
Here’s a list of vendors who will set up for the 2018 season, which runs through December 1. The market will be closed on September 22 for a multi-cultural festival.
- 78 Acres, LLC
- Arnest Seafood
- Baguette Republic
- Blue Ridge Dairy Co.
- BreezyMeadowFarms
- Caprikorn Farms
- Cavanna Pasta
- Colonial Kettle Corn
- Fresh Crunch
- Glascocks Produce
- Good Omen
- Grace’s Pastries
- GreenFare Organic Cafe
- J & W Valley View Farm
- Kiwi Kuisine
- LoKL Gourmet
- Misty Meadow Farm Creamery
- Mt. Olympus Farm
- Nitro’s Creamery
- Noshy
- Penn Farm
- Potomac Vegetable Farms
- Reid’s Orchard, Inc.
- Smith Family Farm
- Spring Valley Farm and Orchard
- Stallard Road Farm & Botanicals
- The Farm at Sunnyside
- Toigo Orchards
- Valentine’s Bakery & Meats
- Virginia Vistas Greenhouses
- Zayna’s Delight
The jobs forecast — Unemployment remains below three percent in Fairfax County. [Fairfax County Government]
Thoroughly Modern Millie — Dive into the height of the jazz age in New York City with “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” Reston Community Players’ next play. The performance, based on the 1967 award-winning film, will run from April 20 through May 12 at Reston Community Center’s CenterStage. [Reston Community Center]
Pet sitting galore — Pooch Pros officially celebrating its grand opening yesterday. The business offers pet sitting services in the local area, including in Reston. [Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce]
No kidding — Registration for the 8th annual Reston Kids Triathlon is now open. The event is set for August 5 at 8 a.m.. [Reston Kids Triathlon]
Photo by Gail Crockett
