Fairfax County’s population growth has slowed to a crawl, and it’s unclear if that’s a temporary result of the pandemic or a more permanent trend.
The newly published 2022 Demographic Report indicates that the county’s population has slowed since 2020. It decreased in 2021 for the first time since 1840, though 2022 saw a slight rebound from that — an increase of a fraction of a percent.
According to a press release on the report from the county:
Population growth has slowed down in the county since 2020. In fact, in 2021 the total population decreased, resulting in the first negative growth recorded in Fairfax County since 1840.
The Census Bureau Vintage 2021 Population estimates indicate that all factors — largely reduced international in-migration, declined natural growth and increased domestic out-migration — contributed to the slowing of population growth. The 2022 Demographic Report shows that our population growth saw a mild recovery (the total population in 2022 was estimated to be 1,172,646, a 0.2% annual growth), it remains to be seen whether the slowed growth is temporary due to the pandemic.
Still, population forecasts estimate continued but slow growth over the next few decades, from the current 1.2 million up to 1.4 million by 2050.
While the Town of Herndon’s population is expected to swell from 22,308 people to 28,385 by 2050, the forecasts estimate populations in Clifton and Vienna will remain fairly stagnant. Vienna is estimated to hit 17,326 residents by 2030 and stay around that number through 2050.
The report indicated the market value of housing units continues to outpace increases in household income, particularly in the Sully District:
In 2022, the county’s median market value of owned housing units was $648,270, a 10.9% increase from 2021. Among Supervisor Districts, the highest increase was in the Sully District (up 14%), and the lowest was in the Hunter Mill District (up 7.8%). The average monthly rent increased from $1,787 in 2020 to $1,913 in 2021, based on the latest 2021 Rental Housing Complex Analysis report.
Meanwhile, the report noted that the 2021 American Community Survey 1-Year estimated Fairfax County’s median household income only increased 4.5% between 2019 and 2021 — growing only half as fast as housing costs.
The survey estimated the county’s median household income as $134,115, which is almost double the national average of $69,717.
An information technology company has officially opened its doors in the heart of downtown Herndon.
Probity, a small business that offers content analytics, cross-domain solutions and software and engineering services, opened at 754 Elden Street in Suite 201 earlier this year.
The company, which was founded in 2011, employs more than 100 individuals. It’s located at the Herndon Commerce Center, a three-story building that was built in 2006 and is in the historic district.
The town’s Heritage District Review Board is considering an application for signage identifying the business at a meeting tomorrow (Wednesday).
A spokesperson for the business told FFXnow that the company has been operating elsewhere in Herndon for more than 10 years. Probity recently signed a lease at the Herndon Commerce Center.
The owners were not immediately available for a request for comment.
Photo via Google Maps
Local Firefighter Rescues Cat in Tree — “Cat-astrophe avoided! Firefighter Austin Cole and crew from Tower 424, Woodlawn, C-Shift recently resc-mewed a cat who’d been lost for a few days. W/ safeties tied to ladder, Firefighter Cole climbed and warmed up to Asha w/a treat. Tears of joy shed upon reunification.” [FCFRD/Twitter]
Lawyer Criticizes Grand Jury Decision in Police Shooting — “Carl Crews, an attorney representing the family of Timothy McCree Johnson, said in a statement that Fairfax County detectives ‘tanked’ the presentation of evidence to the panel considering whether to indict Sgt. Wesley Shifflett…A defense attorney for the officer noted [Crews] was not present during the proceedings.” [The Washington Post]
Route 1 Advocates Urge County to Fund Social Services — “Advocates for low-income residents of the Route 1 community, including a mobile home residents’ coalition, faith communities, activist groups and nonprofit service providers, showed up in force last week at the FY24 budget hearings held by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors” [On the MoVe]
School Board Adopts First-Ever Conduct Policy — “The Fairfax County School Board on April 13 voted 10-2 to approve a new policy that governs expectations of board members’ conduct — including with their employees — and stipulates corrective measures in case of violations.” The board will be required to review the policy every five years. [Gazette Leader]
Nutley Street Lane to I-66 Closes for a Month — “A long-term closure of the right lane on northbound Nutley Street between Hermosa Drive and the ramp to I-66 East will begin at 9 p.m. tonight, Tuesday, April 18, to complete drainage work as part of the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Project. The closure will remain in place until approximately May 18.” [VDOT]
Government Contractor Moves Into Tysons HQ — V2X Inc., a “government services company formed through the $2.1 billion merger of Vectrus Inc. and Vertex Inc., said Monday it has officially moved its headquarters to Tysons.” Providing operations and logistics, aerospace, training and technology support, the new company is based at 7901 Jones Branch Drive, where Colorado Springs-based Vectrus had an office. [Washington Business Journal]
FCPS Sees Increased Enrollment for Arabic Classes — “Fairfax County Public Schools has good reason to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month this April: enrollment in its Arabic language course has nearly doubled over the last decade…For the 2022–2023 school year, there are 838 students enrolled in Arabic 1–4 and International Baccalaureate courses.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
County Opens Registration for Therapeutic Summer Camps — “Registration for NCS’ 2023 Therapeutic Recreation Summer Camp opens on Wednesday, April 19. This is a wonderful opportunity for children and young adults with disabilities ages 5-22 to be involved in up to three weeks of a safe and fun summer program.” [Neighborhood and Community Services]
Bike to Work Day Adds Annandale Pit Stop — “For the first time since Bike to Work Day was established 22 years ago in the D.C. area, there will be a pit stop at George Mason Regional Library in Annandale. Bike to Work Day is May 19. Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association are coordinating the event with the goal of raising awareness about the benefits of riding a bike to work” [Annandale Today]
It’s Wednesday — Sunny. Mild. High of 74 and low of 45. Sunrise at 6:26 am and sunset at 7:49 pm. [Weather.gov]
Several new shops at a new plaza in Great Falls will be up and running by the end of this summer.
Domino’s and Jersey Mike’s Subs are expected to open in May at Seneca Corner, which is located at 1020-1024 Seneca Road, a representative for Republic Land Development told FFXnow.
Five Guys, however, is expected to open some time in the summer. Exact opening dates for all three establishments were not available.
Domino’s is relocating from 9912B Georgetown Pike, a location that has already closed.
The center is anchored by CVS Pharmacy and was constructed in two phases. The first phase was competed in 2019.
Other tenants have not yet been announced.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Fairfax County and the rest of the D.C. area.
In effect from noon until 8 p.m. today (Tuesday), the alert says a combination of strong wind gusts and low humidity have raised the risk of outdoor fires.
“A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly,” the NWS said. “A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.”
The full alert is below:
…RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR VIRGINIA, SOUTHERN MARYLAND, AND EASTERN WEST VIRGINIA PANHANDLE…
* WINDS…West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…As low as 15 percent.
* IMPACTS…Critical fire weather conditions are expected through this evening. All outdoor burning is discouraged, as fires could rapidly spread and become uncontrollable.
* FUEL MOISTURE…Dropping to around 7 or 8 percent.
It’s a higher-level warning than the “elevated threat” alert that the NWS issued last Wednesday (April 12) when there were similar weather conditions.
The Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management and Security advises that cigarettes and other smoking materials should be disposed properly in water, sand or an ash tray.
The Virginia Department of Transportation said there were “several reports of brush fires” last week. A brush fire near the Evergreen House apartments in Annandale on Thursday (April 13) affected about 2 acres of land, though the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department reported that there were no injuries.
Virginia’s spring fire season typically falls between Feb. 15 and April 30, according to the state’s forestry department.
The D.C. area is currently in the midst of its warmest year on record, the Capital Weather Gang reported, with the 46.9-degree average temperature at Dulles International Airport surpassing the previous record in 2012 by 1 degree.
[4/18 at 12:15 PM]
A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 8 PM. A Red Flag Warning means warm temps, very low humidity, & strong winds are expected to produce an increased risk of fire danger. Dispose of smoking materials properly. Sink it or soak it in water/sand/receptacle. pic.twitter.com/Zkxgs3DAaA
— Ready Fairfax (@ReadyFairfax) April 18, 2023
A #RedFlagWarning has been issued from Noon-8 pm today. We had several reports of brush
last week during similar conditions, so please dispose of smoking materials properly. #VaWX pic.twitter.com/gnrsgew7Vh
— VDOT Northern VA (@VaDOTNOVA) April 18, 2023
Fairfax County is reducing the hours for some waste collection services at the I-66 Transfer Station (4618 West Ox Road) and I-95 Landfill Complex (9850 Furnace Road).
Beginning May 1, the facilities will reduce hours for dropping off household hazardous waste (HHW) and electronics waste. The changes are ushered in by staffing shortages and are intended to maintain a “consistent quality service,” according to the county.
Currently, four of the seven total positions for environmental technology are vacant — positions that are hard to fill internally and externally, says Sharon North, a spokesperson for the county’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES).
“They require specific training and knowledge to work with such materials, per federal and state regulation,” North told FFXnow. “The training is focused on packaging, labeling, and marking shipping containers and drums, as well as basic knowledge of chemical, environmental and health hazards, plus hazardous waste emergency response methods, procedures and regulations.”
Private contractors that the county typically relies on to supply field chemists and other staff have also been hit by similar labor problems.
“These challenges are not unlike what we are seeing throughout our DPWES operations with regard to frontline field personnel,” North said. “The most challenging positions are drivers, operators, technicians, maintenance and trades personnel, safety specialists and general labor.”
A breakdown of the new hours is below:
*The new I-66 HHW drop-off hours will be:
Monday and Friday: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday: noon to 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
*There are no HHW drop-offs hours on Wednesday.*The new I-95 HHW drop-off hours will be:
Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.*There are no HHW drop-offs hours on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday or Sunday.
*The new I-66 electronics waste drop-off hours will be:
Monday: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday: noon to 5 p.m. (half day)Thursday: noon to 5 p.m. (half day)
Friday: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.*There are no electronics drop-off hours on Wednesday.
*The new I-95 electronics drop-off hours will be:
Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.*There are no electronics drop-off hours on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday or Sunday
The developer looking to transform the former Fannie Mae complex in Reston has resubmitted plans for Fairfax County’s consideration.
Developer Wheelock Capital and representative McGuireWoods resubmitted plans on April 10 for the redevelopment of the 28-acre property due to a technical issue.
Although the plan was first approved in August of last year, the development team sent a late buyout payment of roughly $190,000 dollars to the county beyond the preferred 60-day period. As a result, last year’s approval was voided.
The previously approved agreement with the county required the developer to pay a lump sum because the residential units approved the site are not subject to a nonresidential tax in connection with the special tax district created to finance phase two of the Silver Line and associated infrastructure.
The new application replaces the previously approved plan, which called for up to 228,000 square feet of residential development and an option for two additional office buildings on the site.
The new proposal calls for 74 townhouses and eight two-over-two units on the property, which is currently developed with an office building that was once home to Fannie Mae. That building would remain on the property, which is the site of ponds with paths and a protected environmental zone.
The total number of units planned for the property hasn’t changed.
The applicant says the new plan reduces the site’s overall density “while furthering Reston goals of promoting transit-oriented and pedestrian-scaled development, providing affordable housing, enhancing public open space amenities and recreation opportunities, and stream valley restoration.”
The applicant hopes to retain the mission of the original Sallie Mae campus with “a bit of a twist.”
“The park itself will now be home to permanent residents who live literally on the park and can enjoy the beauty of nature at their doorstep,” the application said.
The residential units would be located on the northern end of the property. Existing access points off of American Dream Way will be realigned, and two additional access points will be added to serve the residential development.
Concerns about access dominated last year’s discussions, particularly gated access to the office area of the property.
A private road system and connections to the trail system are also proposed. A new sidewalk will be constructed along the Sunset Hills Road frontage to the property, as well as a modified intersection at Sunset Hill Road and American Dream Way.
The new proposal has not yet been formally accepted for review by the county.
Beacon Center Wendy’s Misses Opening — “Dozens of excited people lined up outside the restaurant’s doors located at 6634 Richmond Highway in the Beacon Center shopping center for the Wendy’s location’s opening. However, no one from the restaurant showed up to open the doors, leaving everyone quite disappointed.” [ABC7]
Northern Virginia Losing Economic “Mojo,” Researcher Says — “[Terry] Clower, director of the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University, provided an overview of the region’s economy for the more than 100 attendees at the breakfast, at Belle Haven Country Club. He noted that while the Northern Virginia economy is resilient and the unemployment rate is low, there are headwinds.” [Inside NoVA]
Three Displaced by Centreville House Fire — Investigators have determined that fire pit ashes discarded in a plastic trash can caused a two-alarm house fire in the 15400 block of Eagle Tavern Lane on Saturday (April 15). The fire caused an estimated $110,000 in property damages and displaced three residents. [FCFRD]
Old Dominion Pizza Opens in Fairfax — The Arlington-based business opened its new Fairfax City location yesterday (Monday), marking its first expansion. The restaurant’s most popular pizza — a pepperoni pie with oregano and chili-infused hot honey — is called “The Patriot” in honor of George Mason University. [Patch]
Contract for New Louise Archer Playground Approved — “Fairfax County School Board members on April 13 unanimously approved a consent-agenda item to purchase playground equipment for Louise Archer Elementary School in Vienna, using a $400,750 contract with Centennial Contractors Enterprises Inc.” [Gazette Leader]
Mason District School Board Rep Kicks Off Campaign — “School board member Ricardy Anderson told the crowd at her re-election campaign kickoff on April 16 that she will work hard to ensure Mason District schools get enough resources. Anderson is one of just four members of the Fairfax County School Board running for re-election.” [Annandale Today]
Reston Woman Quits Job to Hike Appalachian Trail — “A couple weeks ago, Cris Howard was living in Reston and in her 33rd year of an executive-level biopharmaceutical career…On Good Friday quit her longtime job. Two days later, she was in Springer Mountain, Georgia, starting her trek on the 2,200-mile trail.” [WTOP]
New Vendors Line Up for Mount Vernon Farmer’s Markets — “The 2023 season for Fairfax County Farmers Markets kicks off Wednesday, April 19 with the opening of the McCutcheon/Mount Vernon Farmers Market. Several new vendors will make their debut there this season, according to farmers market coordinator Caroline Hockenberry.” [On the MoVe]
It’s Tuesday — Mostly sunny. High of 67 and low of 46. Sunrise at 6:28 a.m. and sunset at 7:47 pm. [Weather.gov]
Whole Foods Market may be contemplating a move from its current location in Reston’s Plaza America.
The national grocer appears to be moving into the former Best Buy space (1861 Fountain Drive) next to The Container Store in the Spectrum at Reston Town Center, a nearly 46,000-square-foot space, according to a county permit that is currently processing.
The permit shows that building owner utility upgrades for Whole Foods will include upgraded electrical service and water and sanitary lines.
A store employee confirmed that the existing Whole Foods at Plaza America will relocate, but the closure isn’t expected to happen for another year or so.
Lerner Retail, the landlord for The Spectrum, did not immediately return a request for comment from FFXnow.
Back in November, a Whole Foods Market spokesperson told FFXnow that a Reston store was “in development” but declined to provide any further information at the time. The company did not immediately respond to a new request for comment.
Photo via Google Maps
Updated at 5:50 p.m. — Georgetown Pike has now reopened, Fairfax County police say.
Earlier: Georgetown Pike has been closed in both directions near Old Dominion Drive in Great Falls in the wake of a vehicle crash.
“Wires are in the roadway and Virginia Power Company is on the scene,” the Fairfax County Police Department said at 9:07 a.m. “Avoid the area if possible.”
The closure extends to the River Bend Road intersection, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation’s traffic camera site, which advises that drivers should expect delays
The impact of the downed wires appears to be relatively limited, causing a power outage for just 39 customers, according to Dominion Energy’s outage map.
“A truck hit a utility pole bringing wires down,” Dominion Energy spokesperson Peggy Fox said. “We were able to restore power to most customers with switching, but 21 customers will remain without power while repairs are done.”
The utility company’s estimated time of restoration for those remaining customers is 1 p.m., Fox said.
TRAFFIC ALERT: Northbound and southbound Georgetown Pike closed due to an accident. Wires are in the roadway and Virginia Power Company is on the scene. Avoid the area if possible. Follow police Directions and expect delays. pic.twitter.com/H2S0kIGUYq
— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) April 17, 2023
Person Trapped in Car in Annandale — “Approximately 10:45 a.m., [Sunday] units were on the scene of a car overturned in the 5000 block of Backlick Road. One occupant was trapped. Extricated by Rescue Squad 426, Edsall Road, and transported to hospital with minor injuries.” [FCFRD/Twitter]
Innovation Station Development Nears Vote — Loudoun County supervisors discussed the latest draft of the Rivana at Innovation Station project last week, scheduling a vote for May 16. Straddling the Fairfax County border, the development “could include more than 2,700 apartments or condominiums, 450 hotel rooms, 2.4 million square feet of office space, 347,000 square feet of commercial space and 127,000 square feet of ‘civic uses,’ the last of which could include a performing arts center.” [Loudoun Times-Mirror]
Students Adapt to FCPS Ban on Cellphones — “A new report from the Fairfax County, Virginia, school system, reveals 459 students were written up for cellphone violations during the first semester of the current school year…[The new policy] was initially met with backlash, but students have since conceded that it helps them focus on their work.” [WTOP]
FCPS Hires Neurodiversity Specialist — “Fairfax County Public Schools added three specialists to its roster in an effort to better meet the needs of neurodivergent students. One of the new hires, Kristen Haynor, ‘is believed to be the first Neurodiversity Specialist in a U.S. K-12 public schools setting,’ the system said” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Four Cybersecurity Companies Become One in McLean — “The New York investment firm Achieve Partners acquired two local firms — McLean-based W@tchTower and Stage 2 Security in Lanham — along with Phoenix-based Mosaic451 and Metmox in Schaumberg, Illinois, over the course of 2022 and has merged them into a new, McLean-based company called UltraViolet Cyber.” [DC Inno]
Tysons Nail Salon Considers Expansion — “Nothing in Between is a nail salon founded by Jade Kim Trusso in 2016 in Falls Church — with a second, larger location, complete with massage services, that opened mid-pandemic at Capital One Center…Trusso plans to open additional corporate locations in Northern Virginia, perhaps near Amazon.com Inc.’s second headquarters, and she said the franchising of Nothing in Between could begin as soon as June.” [Washington Business Journal]
Police Chief Highlights Pets Up for Adoption — “We’re excited to announce that each month, Fairfax County Police Department’s Chief Davis will select an adoptable pet to feature. We’re calling it ‘Chief’s Choice.’ This month’s Chief’s Choice is Despacito, who has been in our care since last September.” [Fairfax County Animal Shelter/Facebook]
Skateboarding Event Planned at Wakefield Park — “You’re not going to want to miss this year’s Skate the Wake at the newly redesigned Wakefield Skate Park! Join the Park Authority on May 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for a full day of fun and entertainment, featuring celebrity guests, music, food, door prizes, local vendors and more.” [FCPA]
It’s Monday — Light rain. Mostly cloudy. Mild. High of 66 and low of 56. Sunrise at 6:29 am and sunset at 7:47 pm. [Weather.gov]
A Reston woman who teaches at James Madison High School was arrested yesterday (Thursday) for reportedly having a sexual relationship with a student.
The student “disclosed an inappropriate sexual relationship” to school administrators, who notified law enforcement on Wednesday (April 12), the Fairfax County Police Department said in a news release today (Friday).
“Detectives were notified and assumed the investigation,” the FCPD said. “Detectives determined Allieh Kheradmand, 33, of Reston had unlawful contact with a student over the past several months.”
Kheradmand works at Madison as a learning disabilities teacher. She has been employed by Fairfax County Public Schools since 2016, according to police.
She has been charged with four counts of indecent liberties by a custodian of a student, a felony offense in Virginia. She’s currently being held without bond at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, per the FCPD.
Kheradmand has been placed on administrative leave, FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid and Madison principal Liz Calvert said in a message to families and staff.
“In Madison and across FCPS, our primary responsibility is the safety and security of everyone who enters our doors,” Reid and Calvert wrote. “This is something we take very seriously. As educators, we are entrusted with the wellbeing of the children in our care every day. It deeply affects us when someone appears to have broken that trust.”
The FCPD advises anyone with information about this case, or other possibly related incidents, to contact its detectives at 703-246-7800, option “4.” The department also accepts anonymous tips by phone (1-866-411-TIPS) and online.
The full message from FCPS is below.
Madison High School Families and Staff,
We need to inform you that Fairfax County police have announced that a teacher at Madison High School has been arrested and charged with four counts of indecent liberties by a custodian of a student. The employee has been placed on administrative leave.
In Madison and across FCPS, our primary responsibility is the safety and security of everyone who enters our doors. This is something we take very seriously. As educators, we are entrusted with the wellbeing of the children in our care every day. It deeply affects us when someone appears to have broken that trust. Please contact Fairfax County Police Major Crimes Bureau if you have any information you would like to share at 703-246-7800, option 3.
If you have specific concerns about your student, please contact our main office or your child’s school counselor. You can find your child’s school counselor on our website. School staff will support students in any way they need.
Sincerely,
Liz Calvert
Principal
Madison High School
Dr. Michelle C. Reid
Superintendent
Fairfax County Public Schools
The Reston location’s closure follows the closure of the Elden Street location (courtesy anonymous tip)
Burger King has shuttered its doors in Reston.
The business — which also closed its Elden Street location on Tuesday (April 11) — was located at 2270 Hunters Woods Plaza.
“Thank you so much for allowing us to serve you and the community for so many great years,” a sign posted at the door of the Reston location said.
Its last day of business was April 9. The company did not immediately return a request for comment from FFXnow on the closure.
A local resident who describes himself as a regular customer said the closure appears abrupt.
He said the restaurant had a hiring notice posted a few days ago. The resident was also able to place an order via an app online, but when he went to pick up the food, a blue bench blocked entry into the drive-through. He was later told the location was closed.
“Their staff was very helpful and respectful,” the resident said. “Sad to see it shut down.”
Restaurant Business Magazine reported this week that Meridian Restaurants Unlimited — a Burger King franchisee — has plans to close 27 Burger Kings across several states. Locations in Virginia were not on the list.
Hat tip to Siraj Ahmed
The Fairfax County Government Center (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Fairfax County is currently set to keep its real estate tax rate the same as last year, but some local residents accused county leadership of trying to disguise a tax hike for local residents.
During a meeting on Tuesday (April 11), the Board of Supervisors held a public hearing for the fiscal year 2024 tax rate, which is likely to hold steady at $1.11 per $100 of assessed value.
The staff report notes, however, that holding the tax rate steady is effectively an increase in the tax bill for most residents. According to the report:
It should be noted that the total increase in assessed value of existing properties is expected to be 5.68 percent, including an increase of 6.97 percent for residential real property and an increase of 1.65 percent for non-residential real property. As a result, most property owners would experience an increase in their real estate tax bill even if the tax rate remains unchanged.
The tax rate drew the ire of some locals in the public comments, who said the relatively low attendance at the meeting was another sign that the public didn’t fully understand what the tax rate would mean for their bills.
“In his March 7 email, the Chairman said the advertised rate of $1.11 is unchanged from last year,” said Arthur Purves, president of the Fairfax County Taxpayers’ Alliance. “That statement is in violation of the Virginia Code, which states that previous years’ rate must be lowered to offset an increase in assessments.”
He claimed that the rate should be lowered to $1.05 and accused the County leadership of underhanded dealing when it came to the tax rate.
“A good rule of thumb for homeowners is that when supervisors say they are reducing the tax rate, expect a tax hike,” Purves said. “This is because the Supervisors only reduce the rate when there is an assessment increase and the rate is never reduced enough to offset the assessment increase.”
Purves said that, even as someone aware of the ins and outs of the budget process, it was still frustratingly difficult to find out when the public hearing on the proposed tax rate was being held. Others said they had similar challenges finding out when the budget hearings would be held.
“These taxes are a significant financial burden for businesses and homeowners alike,” said Justin Mastrangelo. “While I understand what you’re trying to do behind the increase, it can be difficult for many of us to absorb the cost.”
Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay previously called the budget forecast a “real mixed bag” and indicated to FFXnow that he would support a reduction in the tax rate, though the board hasn’t signaled how much of a drop is under consideration.
Others at the public hearing noted that inflation and changing real estate markets would, as Mastrangelo said, put much of the costs onto county residents.
The tax rate is open to feedback until May 2, 2023. The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote and adopt the FY 2024 budget on May 9.
A survey that will guide an economic visioning study for Reston’s Lake Anne area reveals community support for active public spaces and arts and culture focuses.
Consulting firm Streetsense hosted a public workshop on Monday (April 10) at Reston Community Center where roughly 50 attendees gathered to dive deeper into their hopes for the future of the area.
A public survey conducted by the firm found that most respondents prefer cultural and arts facilities, activated public spaces and a grocery store as options to anchor the community. Medical or institutional and office and technology uses were not desired.
“Respondents tend to agree that responsibility for public areas of Lake Anne should be borne by a wider set of parties than current management,” meeting materials said.
The survey closed in mid-March, with most respondents hailing from outside the Lake Anne area.
Respondents also generally agreed or were neutral about the possibility of adding structured parking.
The survey revealed mixed views on an “educational anchor” or school in the area. A little over 40% of respondents agreed with the need for new residential development — roughly 5 percentage points more than those who disagreed with the prospect.
Residents were also divided on whether economic sustainability was a priority at the expense of the neighborhood’s historic aspects. The survey found that “seasonality” and infrastructure were the two biggest challenges facing the area.
The largest portion of respondents — nearly 45% — was age 65 or older. Most also lived outside of the immediate Lake Anne area. Roughly 56% of respondents also reported a household income of $160,000 or more.
The firm also held four virtual focus groups with area stakeholders earlier this year, as it creates an economic vision for the future of the Lake Anne Commercial Revitalization Area.
The study was initiated by Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn.
After releasing the first draft of the vision on May 18, Streetsense hopes to firm up a formal vision by June 5.
