Herndon’s business community expressed overall levels of satisfaction with the town in a recent survey, but some say they want the town to focus more on expanding support for businesses.
Presented at a Herndon Town Council work session on Tuesday (Sept. 19), the results were gathered from a business survey by Priority Metrics Group (PMG), which included 155 respondents, the average of which has been in the town for 17 years.
At the work session, council members emphasized the need for the town to more actively support businesses and expand town events that draw customers — two themes of improvement from the survey.
“They want a more business-friendly government,” Councilmember Donielle Scherff said. “We’ve talked a bit about customer service-centric leadership and staff, and this just sort of buttresses into that.”
Most respondents say they chose Herndon because of its location.
“They like being here. There are amenities and attributes that are here that they like,” said John Barrett, owner of PMG.
Overall, sentiments about the town’s general business environment dipped only slightly since the last survey was conducted in 2018.
Business owners said they were drawn by the access to airports — which expanded last year with the opening of Metro’s Silver Line extension — as well as the overall quality of life and the image of the town. Top concerns included licensing, taxation, regulations, crime rates, traffic and the quality of new development.
Many business owners said they wanted to see more special events in the town — a move that Councilmember Cesar del Aguila said emphasizes the need for the council to focus extra attention on event development.
“What I’m hearing here solidifies my personal belief that we’re on the right track,” del Aguila said, noting a need to focus on branding for the town. He said it was “painful” to hear that some business owners did not feel noticed by the local government.
So far, use of the Mason Enterprise Center — a business accelerator program from George Mason University that launched earlier this year — appears limited, according to the survey. A little over 80% of respondents said they had not heard about the center.
Most respondents — 77% of businesses — said the Metro Silver Line has had no impact or a neutral impact on their businesses.
PMG also recently completed a survey of town residents, who flagged traffic as a top concern.
Photo via Google Maps
The Fairfax County Courthouse will soon lend a helping hand to visitors intimidated by the prospect of navigating the legal system on their own.
The county’s new Self Help Resource Center will officially open at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 5 with a kick-off event in the courthouse law library (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Room 115), the Fairfax Bar Association recently announced.
Supported by $96,000 in county funds, the center will offer free legal assistance and resources to anyone who has to deal with the court, particularly those who are representing themselves either by choice or because they’re unable to hire a lawyer.
“Access to justice for self-represented litigants is a significant issue facing the legal community today,” the Fairfax Bar Association said in a press release. “…Barriers faced by self-represented litigants include cultural and language barriers, procedural hurdles, and general difficulty navigating the court process and understanding legal terminology, from what forms to file, to where and when to appear, and what to say in court.”
The association says it began exploring the possibility of opening a self-help center after the Virginia Access to Justice Commission approved the creation of a pilot program on Dec. 9, 2021.
Created by the Virginia Supreme Court in 2013, the commission found in a 2019 report that the volume of cases where a litigant is representing themselves is high and may be increasing, reflecting general economic challenges and increased online media access.
Surveys of judges and clerks indicated that individuals representing themselves appear to often be low-income and have limited education, according to the report. Judges stated that people generally opted for that approach “because they cannot afford to hire an attorney and cannot obtain representation from legal aid.”
Among other ways to make the court system more transparent and accessible, such as the launch of a self-help website, the report recommended initiating self-help centers staffed by pro bono attorneys or qualified non-attorneys who can provide information about the legal process and court policies and procedures.
Fairfax County’s Self Help Center will be the first one to open in Virginia, according to the office of Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk, who was a top advocate for the facility as chair of the Board of Supervisors’ public safety committee.
Here’s more on the new center from the bar association:
The Fairfax Bar Association in partnership with the Fairfax County Courts, Fairfax Law Library, Legal Services of Northern Virginia, Office of the Fairfax Public Defender, Office of the Fairfax Commonwealth’s Attorney, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, particularly the Office of Supervisor Rodney L. Lusk, the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, and law firms in Fairfax County collaborated in the creation of a self- help resource center located in the Law Library in the Fairfax County Courthouse Complex.
The Center will be open to the public and available for all individuals who are interacting with the judicial system as litigants, prospective litigants, witnesses, or who simply have business with the court. The Center will serve the large number of self-represented individuals, and would assist them in navigating the court process, providing legal information and forms to allow them to represent themselves in a meaningful way. The Center will serve as an alternative option for those who are unable to afford legal services and for whom pro bono help is not available. The types of assistance provided include the provision of legal information, referrals, forms, and resource materials on topics related to various court matters.
Wiseguy is set to open in Herndon this fall (courtesy Thompson Hospitality)
Wiseguy Pizza is slated to replace Herndon’s Big Buns Damn Good Burgers.
Big Buns closed its location at 1142 Elden Street on Sept. 4 — less than a year after opening in late 2022.
Both restaurants are brands of Thompson Hospitality.
Thompson Hospitality Chief Operating Officer Alex Berentzen says the company chose to pivot to Wiseguy Pizza because of the location’s proximity to another Big Buns five miles away at Reston Station. There is also a Big Buns close to Chantilly in the Franklin Farm Village Center.
“This strategic move aligns with our commitment to expanding our dynamic portfolio throughout the DMV region,” Berentzen wrote in a statement. “Additionally, this particular location is ideally suited for Wiseguy Pizza, as their performance excels in venues with limited seating and grab-and-go capabilities.”
Wiseguy is expected to open in the fall. The restaurant serves cheese, pepperoni and specialty pizzas, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
This will be Wiseguy Pizza’s first location in the Fairfax County area. Started in 2012 by a Turkish immigrant who sought to bring a New York City-style pizzeria to D.C., the business can currently be found in the District and Arlington. It will arrive in Maryland this month with a stall in the Wheaton Mall food court.
Gallows Road Study Identifies Safety, Traffic Issues — “The Gallows Road Multimodal Study is exploring ways to make the seven-mile corridor safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users, while reducing traffic congestion…FCDOT found most of Gallows Road is uncomfortable for pedestrians, due to the large number of lanes, the 35 mph speed limit, and narrow buffers between the sidewalk and roadway.” [Annandale Today]
D.C. Area Healthcare Workers Authorize Strike — “Some 3,800 union healthcare workers in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., are threatening to go on strike at the end of this month if the leadership at Kaiser Permanente and the union cannot agree to a new contract addressing staffing shortages and low pay for workers.” The company’s facilities include medical centers in Fair Oaks and Burke. [Maryland Matters]
Inova Adds Urgent Care Center in Lorton — “A new urgent care center jointly operated by Inova Health System and GoHealth Urgent Care opened Sept. 18 at Lorton Marketplace…Inova-GoHealth Urgent Care will provide treatment by Inova clinicians for common, non-life-threatening health concerns in adults and children ages six months and up.” [On the MoVe]
FCPS Gets Extension for Special Education Services — “Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia has received an extension to finalize meetings with families of students who may be eligible for extra help in the aftermath of the pandemic…Superintendent Michelle Reid said the county has already held meetings about eligibility for 30,656 students, or 96.7%, and expects to be finished by next month.” [WTOP]
Vienna Town Council Candidate Drops Out — “An already competitive Vienna Town Council race has gotten more interesting in recent days, as candidate Elizabeth Korondy dropped out of contention and the Vienna Transportation Safety Commission (TSC) chairman decided to seek a Council seat via a write-in campaign.” [Gazette Leader]
Fairfax Corner Celebrates 20 Years — The shopping center is marking its 20th anniversary with a social media contest for a $100 gift card to one of its retailers or restaurants. “To enter, like this post and comment one of your favorite Fairfax Corner memories with us! One winner will be randomly selected by Monday, September 25” [Fairfax Corner/Instagram]
Chili Cook-Off Coming to Tysons — “The Boro…is excited to host Cushman & Wakefield’s annual chili cook-off! This year’s competition benefits the Boulder Crest Foundation and will feature 15 to 20 teams vying for the grand prize. Cushman & Wakefield employees will judge the competition. All are welcome to stop by and enjoy” [Tysons Today]
Acorns Wanted by Virginia Forestry Department — “As it does every autumn, the Virginia Department of Forestry is encouraging Virginians to help collect acorns and nuts to be planted at its Augusta Nursery.” Fairfax County residents can drop off donations at the department’s Northern Virginia office in the Herrity Building (12055 Government Center Parkway). [Gazette Leader]
It’s Thursday — The weather forecast for Thursday is mostly sunny with temperatures reaching around 79°F, accompanied by a gentle north wind at 6 mph. Thursday night will be mostly cloudy, with lows near 59°F, and a 6 mph northeast wind. [Weather.gov]
Reston Row will soon welcome two new restaurants: Noku Sushi, a Virginia-based fast casual sushi and ramen restaurant, and Tous les Jours, a bakery chain.
Both businesses will take up ground-level space at 1800 Reston Row Plaza, the first of two office towers under construction.
The Reston location is the second for Noku, which originates in Leesburg. Founded in 2004, Tous les Jours has locations across the country, including in Annandale, Chantilly and Sterling.
“We are thrilled to welcome Noku and Tous les Jour to the Reston Row neighborhood,” said Timothy Steffan, chief operating officer for developer Comstock. “They join the growing list of best-in-class dining options at Reston Station, which already includes Founding Farmers, Ebbitt House, and so many more. These iconic restaurants, along with a wide range of on-site amenities and local conveniences, have made Reston Station one of the most sought-after destinations in Northern Virginia for office tenants, residents, and consumers alike.”
Other tenants in the development include VIDA Sport & Fitness facility, which is set to open next year. Ebbitt House and Puttshack will open in adjacent buildings.
Proposals for several major land use changes in Reston’s transit areas are now moving forward.
The move comes after the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an overhaul of Reston’s comprehensive plan last week.
The Reston-related applications submitted via the countywide Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) process were set aside in the spring as work on the plan continued.
Leanna Hush O’Donnell, director of the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development, says, now that the comprehensive plan is in place, the SSPA applications have been prioritized for review in the top tier of the county’s work program.
“Staff is in the process of developing a schedule for review as well as an inclusive community outreach plan for review of the amendments,” O’Donnell wrote in a statement. “Updates will be shared through the Comprehensive Plan Amendment listserve, our website, and social media.”
Most nominations in Reston’s transit area pushed for more residential uses in lieu of or in addition to office uses.
The Hunter Mill District received the highest number of SSPA nominations for 2022-2023. Overall, the county received 75 nominations — 36 of which were ultimately added by the Board of Supervisors to the county’s comprehensive plan amendment work program.
The SSPA process kicked off in July 2022, allowing the county to review proposed land use changes for individual sites. This was the first year to follow a revised process that allowed sites anywhere in the county to be nominated instead of alternating between north and south.
Local and State Candidate Forum Tonight — “The South County Federation, a non-partisan umbrella group of homeowners, civic and citizens associations in the greater Lorton area, plans to hold an in-person and virtual candidate forum Sept. 20 for several general election races…All 20 invited candidates said they would participate.” [On the MoVe]
Charges Dropped in Sexual Battery Case — At a preliminary hearing Monday (Sept. 18), a Fairfax County judge dismissed sexual battery and abduction charges against a 20-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Chantilly in July, saying there wasn’t probable cause for a trial. The man remains in jail on separate charges in Loudoun and Prince William. [WUSA9]
Lincolnia Restaurant Featured on TV Is Closing — “Foxfire Grill, which underwent a dramatic makeover on the reality TV show, Restaurant Impossible, will close at the end of October. The restaurant on Little River Turnpike in Fairfax County has indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a full bar. Its last day will be October 31.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
McLean Contractor at Risk of Bankruptcy — “Just two years after going public and raising $267 million from investors, McLean cybersecurity contractor IronNet Inc. appears to be on borrowed time…It’s not the first time IronNet has warned of a potential bankruptcy, but the board’s decision to furlough almost all employees and suspend operations on Sept. 5 has made its situation especially dire.” [Washington Business Journal]
McLean HS Hires Fairfax Girls’ Basketball Coach — Four-time state championship winner Pat Deegan has taken over as head coach of the girls’ varsity basketball team at McLean High School. The former Fairfax High School coach was chosen to succeed “Jen Sobota, who recently stepped down after 10 seasons and winning more than 100 games to become the assistant director of student activities at McLean.” [Gazette Leader]
Dulles Chamber of Commerce Seeks New CEO — “Friday was Melissa McKenna’s last day as the president and chief executive officer of the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce, according to the organization’s weekly email newsletter…Chamber Chair Joe Malabo and Vice Chair Mike Williams are working out the details of a search committee to find a new president and CEO.” [Patch]
N. Va. Coalition Assists People With Public Transportation — “The Dulles Area Transportation Association (DATA) is working with Centreville Immigration Forum and other organizations to remove some of those barriers. Their pilot program is training 55 participants, all of whom are low-income and do not speak English fluently. Each person received a transit card worth $100 for their training trips.” [DCist]
For Principal, Working at FCPS Is a Family Affair — “Since 2000, Edison High School Principal Amanda Burke has been a familiar face at Fairfax County Public Schools. She started her career teaching at the high school she now leads. Today, Principal Burke’s infectious enthusiasm for education reflects in her two children, who also work for FCPS.” [FCPS]
It’s Wednesday — Expect a mostly sunny day with a high near 79 degrees and a light northwest wind of 3-6 mph. The evening will be mostly clear, with the temperature dropping to around 60 degrees and a gentle northeast breeze. [Weather.gov]
Seven homes will be showcased in Reston Museum’s annual Reston Home Tour.
The 21st iteration of the event is set for Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participants will have the chance to take part in self-guided tours with volunteer docents at each of the seven homes, which are related to the theme, “A Style All Their Own.”
“Starting with the original architectural elements of their homes, each homeowner thoughtfully created new designs and spaces – and added unique features – to make the home their own,” Reston Museum Executive Director Alex Campbell said. “We hope everyone enjoys all the delightfully personal pieces and meaningful artwork showcased throughout the tour. Each homeowner beautifully integrated their style – and we are so thankful they agreed to share their home with us.”
Lake Anne Coffee House and Wine Bar will host a bites and bubbles event from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. that day, and there will be a wine tasting and appetizer samples at The Wine Cabinet in North Point Village Center from 1 to 5 p.m.
Early bird tickets are now on sale for $30 through Oct. 3. Tickets can be purchased at Reston Museum (1639 Washington Plaza) or online.
An office building near the Innovation Center Metro station is on its way to becoming 348 apartment units.
Last week, the Fairfax County Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of a plan to replace the ePlus headquarters at 13595 Dulles Technology Drive in McNair with a new residential building.
It would be up to six stories tall with a partial basement and 41 workforce dwelling units. A 418-space parking garage is planned on the site, along with a 4-foot-wide pedestrian pathway next to the apartment building.
At the Sept. 14 public hearing, several residents testified against the development proposal, criticizing its density, impacts on environmentally protected areas, and other neighboring developments.
The area surrounding the proposed apartments has been the focus of increased residential development, including Stanley Martin’s Overlook at Dulles Tech project.
Kathryn Taylor, a lawyer for Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh who represented developer H/F Techpointe, said the project creates a distinct community.
“The proposed development has been thoughtfully designed with high quality architecture, well landscaped public spaces, the preservation and restoration of onsite environmental features, an improved sidewalk and roadway network that enhances connectivity and facilities safe and convenient access to the Innovation Metro Station,” Taylor said.
But several residents said they were unconvinced of the project’s value to the community.
The Dulles Technology Building Association plans to seek a restraining order to stop the project if it moves forward, according to president Carl Strauss. He expressed concern about improper notification of the project, widening of a road that he said would encroach on eminent domain of his office building next door, environmental damages, and other issues.
He called the requested reduction in parking “stunningly disrespectful.”
His testimony was echoed by another resident who lamented the loss of environmental areas — including a runoff lake — caused by neighboring projects and the buildout of housing in the area.
“It’s like Moscow there,” one resident said, referring to the number of new residential units in the area.
Taylor emphasized that the proposal protects environmental areas and preserves as many trees as possible.
“The proposal will not encroach on any environmentally sensitive areas at all,” she said.
The commission approved the application after considering a motion to defer. Staff noted that a deferral would push a decision by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to January.
Braddock District Planning Commissioner Mary Cortina said several of the problems voiced by residents were linked to other surrounding projects.
“The damage has already been done on this other area,” Cortina said.
Cirque du Soleil’s Big Top tent is set up at Lerner Town Square in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Lawsuit Seeks to Disqualify School Board Candidate — The Fairfax County Republican Party and three residents argue Marcia St. John-Cunning should be removed from the Franconia District race, saying six signatures on her campaign petition are invalid. Endorsed by local Democrats, St. John-Cunning is competing against GOP-endorsed Kevin Pinkney to succeed Tamara Derenak-Kaufax, who isn’t seeking reelection. [Patch]
Singer Challenges Wolf Trap’s Merchandise Sales Commissions — Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts has drawn some criticism after acoustic singer Sarah Beth Tomberlin told fans that the venue was seeking a 41% cut of all her merchandise sales. Tomberlin instead opted not to sell merch when she opened for Ray LaMontagne on Sunday (Sept. 17). [DCist]
Rep. Jennifer Wexton Won’t Seek Reelection — Updated at 4:45 p.m. — The Congresswoman representing Virginia’s 10th District announced yesterday (Monday) that she won’t pursue a fourth term next year after getting diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy, a neurological disorder with no cure. Wexton’s decision opens up a “vulnerable” seat that’s mostly based in Loudoun County but includes a portion of Fairfax County around Clifton. [Washington Post]
French Bistro Opens in Vienna — “Acclaimed Chef Roberto Donna, executive chef at Roberto’s Ristorante Italiano, opens his newest dining enterprise, Le Bistro, Tuesday…Le Bistro replaces what used to be Blend 111, at 111 Church St. NW. Donna posted a menu for the restaurant’s September 15 soft opening on the Vienna VA Foodies Facebook page.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
FCPD Makes Arrests in Drugs Investigation — “Detectives initiated their investigation in March of 2023, following a tip regarding a narcotics distribution ring operating in the Mount Vernon District. Through their diligent efforts, the detectives gathered substantial evidence and successfully apprehended four individuals, who now face multiple charges.” [FCPD]
Classes Set to Begin at New Reston University — “Trine University will begin offering classes at its new Reston, Virginia, education center in October. Located at 1881 Campus Commons Drive, the center will offer four master’s degrees in a hybrid format,” including business, engineering management and information studies programs. [Trine University]
Long-Awaited Park Finished on Route 1 — “Fairfax County officials held a ribbon cutting Sept. 16 to mark the opening of North Hill Park, a 12-acre public park located on the eastern side of Richmond Highway between Groveton and Hybla Valley.” The site includes trails, a playground, a fitness area, pickleball courts and a basketball court. [On the MoVe]
It’s Tuesday — The weather forecast for today indicates a sunny day with a high temperature near 76 degrees. As for tonight, expect mostly clear skies and a low temperature of around 56 degrees. [Weather.gov]
A new concept for Ebbitt House — a suburban remodel of the District’s Old Ebbitt Grill — and changes in Reston Row — a mixed-use neighborhood near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station — are officially moving forward.
At a meeting last Tuesday (Sept. 12), the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved changes to the project.
Comstock, the developer behind the project, sought to reallocate 280,000 square feet of unbuilt but previously approved office space from its Reston Station neighborhood to Reston Row, increasing the height and number of residential units in a building in Reston Row. Comstock also removed above-grade parking and a private, elevated sport court.
The revised plan includes a new outdoor private dining area outside Ebbitt House, a spin-off of Old Ebbitt Grill and the leading brand of Clyde’s Restaurant Group.
Jeff Owens, chief financial officer for Clyde’s Restaurant Group, said the use of the Old Ebbitt Grill brand was a big move for the company. Clyde’s of Reston closed in Reston Town Center roughly one year ago.
“We’re really anxious kind of get back to Fairfax County again and we wanted to do in a big way,” Owens said.
Jill Parks, an attorney with Hunton Andrews Kirth, said Comstock also reworked the location of some parks and overall landscaping.
The issue of park space drew concern at a Fairfax County Planning Commission meeting in June. Although the commission ultimately recommended approval of the application, members said they worried it doesn’t meet urban parks standards.
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn said the county is in the midst of discussions on how best to calculate the amount of park space required in applications.
“We’re literally moving 280,000 square feet of approved [space], 175 units from here to there,” Parks said, describing the simplicity of the proposed changes.
She said Reston Station and Reston Row represent “two of the most significant mixed-use developments in Reston, resulting in the creation of a dynamic, one-of-a-kind transit-oriented neighborhood.”
At the meeting, Reston Association board president John Farrell restated the board’s concerns about Comstock using amenities managed and owned by RA, like Lake Thoreau, for marketing its residential projects. Farrell also urged the developer to join RA — a move that Parks said Comstock was uninterested in.
Parks noted that Comstock provided $650,000 to Reston Association as part of its development proposals.
Paris Baguette, an internationally known bakery and cafe, is opening its Herndon location in mid-November.
The nearly 4,000-square-foot restaurant — which serves bread, pastries, desserts and French-style sandwiches — will open at Arrowbrook Centre, a mixed-use development located at 2324 Silver Arrow Way.
The Herndon location features a new “3.0 design,” which includes a mural, a company spokesperson tells FFXnow. The mural will feature local landmarks. The store will also have a patio.
The international brand has locations in Tysons and Centreville. Items on the menu include sandwiches, packaged roll cakes, salads, breads, cakes and seasonal specials.
Arrowbrook Centre is expecting to welcome other tenants soon, like Ornery Beer Company Public House and Hello2India.
One Injured in Herndon Vehicle Crash — Yesterday afternoon (Sunday), Herndon police shut down “two lanes into town and one lane out of town on Sterling Rd…due to a crash investigation. Light pole blocking 3 lanes. Dominion power responding. One patient has been transported w non life threatening injuries.” [Herndon Police/Twitter]
Fairfax City Opens Addiction Recovery Center — “With a ribbon cutting held Friday, the city’s new 6,700-square-feet addiction recovery center run by the Chris Atwood Foundation stands to help those in the community fighting the disease and looking for resources, particularly low-income families.” [WTOP]
Three Arrested for Fraud at Tysons Galleria — “Officers found 36 fictitious driver’s licenses, 32 stolen credit cards, a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier’s uniform and stolen mail in a rental car outside Tysons Galleria on Thursday after surveilling two men for credit card fraud, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.” Two men and a woman found in the rental car were arrested. [Patch]
Virginia Gives OK to African American History Course — “After more than six months of review…Virginia students will now be able to take the College Board’s Advanced Placement course covering African American studies. The Virginia Department of Education determined that the class did not conflict with Governor Glenn Youngkin’s controversial first executive order.” [WTOP]
Metro Proposes Simplifying Bus Route Names — “Trying to figure out the various Metrobus routes can be a puzzle with a mix of letters, numbers, and street names, express or limited-stop service…For the first time in its 50-year history, Metro is looking to revamp the bus system and simplify routes with its Better Bus, Better Names campaign.” [WMATA]
County Jail Program Trains Inmates as Chefs — The Fairfax County Adult Detention Center has partnered with the food service company Aramark on a culinary program that provides chef training to inmates, who cook food for the jail. Once they finish their sentence and get out of jail, participants are guaranteed a job. [NBC4]
Starbucks Gives Grant to Help Lake Accotink — “The Starbucks Foundation awarded the Friends of Lake Accotink Park (FLAP) $1,000 from its Neighborhood Grants program, the Fairfax County Park Authority announced. A local Starbucks employee nominated FLAP for the grant in recognition of its work to protect the natural and cultural resources and support projects and programmatic opportunities at Lake Accotink Park.” [Annandale Today]
Regional Transportation Group Hits Funding Milestone — “In one decade, the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) has distributed $1 billion to its nine member jurisdictions and five towns, supplying the region’s localities with critical funding to address their unique transportation needs. To celebrate this milestone, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held during the September Authority meeting.” [NVTA]
It’s Monday — The forecast predicts partly sunny weather with a high temperature around 75°F and a north wind ranging from 7 to 11 mph, gusting up to 18 mph. Monday night will be mostly clear with a low of approximately 58°F and a northwest wind around 8 mph. [Weather.gov]
A senior at Langley High School, a county planner who helped craft an environmental plan for Reston, and a local business dedicated to reducing waste are among the recipients of this year’s Fairfax County Environmental Excellence Awards.
Handed out annually since 2000, the awards recognize residents, county staff, businesses and other organizations “who demonstrate extraordinary leadership within the community and exceptional dedication to the preservation and enhancement of the county’s natural resources,” according to the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination.
Announced at the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday (Sept. 12), the winners were selected by the Environmental Quality Advisory Council, an advisory group appointed by the board. The council administers the awards with OEEC’s support.
“By giving their time, passion and expertise for the betterment of our environment, these awardees are true climate champions,” said Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck, who chairs the board’s Environmental Committee. “We applaud them for leading by example and helping to ensure that our county residents and visitors can enjoy a healthy and beautiful Fairfax County for decades to come.”
The lone winner in the individual county resident category was Mei Torrey, a rising senior at Langley High School who “promotes and actively seeks opportunities to increase awareness of, and take action on, local sustainability issues,” the OEEC says.
Now president of her school’s Saxons Go Green environmental club, Torrey has organized fundraisers and worked with the nonprofit Clean Fairfax to design and distribute reusable bags to local retailers and low-income communities, according to the county.
The 2023 award lineup features three winners in the “county employee” category:
Hugh Whitehead, an Urban Forester with the Urban Forest Management Division. In 2016, Mr. Whitehead initiated a tree planting program in partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools. Since 2016, a total of 494 trees have been planted at twenty-one different K through 12 schools including seven Title 1 schools. This program not only supports the Board’s Sustainability Initiatives, reforestation goals, and recommendations from the Joint Environmental Task Force, but furthers educational opportunities throughout the county.
Joe Gorney, a Planner with the Department of Planning and Development, Environment and Development Review Branch. Mr. Gorney works collaboratively with other county agencies on a diverse range of environmental review topics, working to create a sustainable future for residents and employees. He was the staff lead for the Environmental Plan guidance update for the Reston planning study, designating Reston as “biophilic” community.
Craig Carinci, Director of Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, Stormwater Planning Division. Mr. Carinci provides excellence in leadership through monitoring and improving stream health. During his tenure as Director, Fairfax County has restored over 100,000 linear feet of streams, facilitated by his open-minded leadership and business acumen that fearlessly encourages his team to push forward on initiatives and collaborate with partners to achieve cost savings.
The Environmental Excellence Awards for organizations and businesses went to Trace the Zero Waste Store, which can be found at 140 Church Street NW in Vienna, and the grounds committee of the Montebello Condominium Unit Owners Association.
Launched in fall 2021, Trace sells entirely plastic-free household and personal care products, including towels, cutlery, lotion and bags for food storage and waste.
“The store’s owner, Mala Persaud, goes above and beyond to educate residents through the Zero Waste Store’s website and community events,” the OEEC said. “There is always a good turnout whenever Ms. Persaud co-hosts a ‘Recycling: Ask Me Anything’ event with the Fairfax County Solid Waste division.”
The Montebello condo association’s grounds committee consists of 14 members tasked with helping preserve, maintain and enhance the residential property at 5905 Mount Eagle Drive in Huntington.
“Members put in many hours each year to develop and advocate for projects, identify and address threats to the grounds, introduce new approaches, undertake citizen science projects, host resident engagement programs, communicate through newsletters and materials, and much more,” the OEEC said. “Their impact benefits the residents, the neighborhood and the county.”
All of the award winners will be honored at a ceremony this fall, though an exact date and location haven’t been announced.
“We are fortunate to have these leaders working tirelessly in our community to preserve and protect the natural world we all share,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said. “Their contributions make a significant impact and inspire others to join in the effort to build a more sustainable future.”
Fairfax County is gearing up to officially swap land with Inova, moving forward several key elements of the redevelopment of Reston Town Center North.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a motion on Tuesday (Sept. 12) by Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn asking the county executive to move forward with a real estate exchange agreement with Inova.
The step — which has been contemplated for years — would facilitate the construction of a new Embry Rucker Shelter, affordable housing and Reston Regional Library.
The expedited review comes as a task force has assembled to analyze the proposed public uses at Reston Town Center delivers its final recommendations this fall. Alcorn assembled the task force in April 2022.
If the project goes through, the Embry Rucker Shelter will be replaced with a new facility. Built in 1986, the 10,500-square-foot shelter would be expanded with medical beds, day-use services for training and workforce development, and permanent supportive housing units.
Alcorn noted that the replacement of Reston Regional Library is also a critical need.
“As recently noted by the County Executive, this library has numerous critical systems that are nearing the end of their operational lives, and the timing for the replacement of this popular County facility is also becoming critical,” Alcorn wrote in the board matter.
An interim real estate exchange agreement was approved in September 2015. That concept worked toward a grid of streets and a one-to-one land swap, which would provide the county and Inova with developable blocks.
The future of RTC North was muddied when developer Foulger-Pratt scrapped its plans for a public-private partnership to redevelop the site in February. The unsolicited proposal would have included up to 350 affordable apartments and a new 40,000-square-foot library at the intersection of Bowman Towne Drive and Town Center Parkway.
RTC North is a hodgepodge of irregularly shaped parcels owned by the county, the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority, and Inova. The Fairfax County Park Authority conveyed a 5-acre parcel to the county in exchange for 90,000 square feet of development rights.
The land currently hosts the library, the shelter, the North County Human Services building, the Reston Police Station and the North County Governmental Center.
