The extended I-66 Express Lanes outside the Capital Beltway will open ahead of schedule, the Virginia Department of Transportation says.
Previously scheduled to arrive in December, the lanes will open in the westbound direction from I-495 in Dunn Loring to Route 28 in Centreville as soon as Saturday, Nov. 19, VDOT said in a news release snuck in just before a three-day weekend.
The eastbound lanes along that 13-mile stretch of road are expected to open by the end of November.
“Updates will be provided to the public as final construction progresses. All work is weather dependent, and inclement conditions could affect the final opening schedule,” VDOT noted.
Construction to extend the I-66 toll lanes 22 miles outside the Beltway has been underway since summer 2016. Toll lanes opened inside the Beltway in December 2017.
Nine miles of express lanes west of Centreville opened in early September, also coming sooner than anticipated. Tolling on that section, which extends to Gainesville, began on Sept. 24.
As with the existing express lanes around Northern Virginia, the new I-66 lanes will charge tolls that vary based on traffic volumes and speed. Vehicles that meet the high occupancy requirements can use the lanes for free, but they need to have an E-ZPass Flex set to “HOV On.”
The I-66 Express Lanes currently have an HOV requirement of two or more occupants, but that will increase to three or more occupants along the entire corridor, starting Dec. 5, according to VDOT, which says the new rule will be consistent with other toll lanes in the region.
Here’s more from VDOT on how drivers can prepare for the express lane openings:
Obtain an E-ZPass to pay tolls, or an E-ZPass Flex to travel toll-free as HOV. Drivers can obtain an E-ZPass at ezpassva.com, by calling 877-762-7824, or in person at many Giant and Wegmans grocery stores in Northern Virginia, as well as at AAA offices, Fairfax Connector stores, and DMV Customer Service Centers.
Become familiar with other payment options available through I-66 EMP such as paying online, via the mail, by calling 833-643-2867, or in person at the 66 Express Lanes Customer Service Center in Manassas. Payment options other than E-ZPass will incur administrative fees. More information can be found at Ride66express.com.
More information about the I-66 Express Lanes can be found at Ride66express.com.
Though the express lanes will open to traffic soon, work on some interchanges and a shared-use trail alongside the highway will continue. The overall project is scheduled for completion by mid-2023.
Whether you are ready to move-in now or would prefer to personalize a new home from the ground up, Brookfield Residential has two new home communities that offer the Loudoun County lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of.
Waterford Manor in Leesburg offers high-end 3+ acre estate homes nestled in the rolling hills of Virginia’s countryside, while Cadence at Lansdowne offers low-maintenance villa homes in a vibrant 55+ community.
Want to know the best part? Brookfield Residential is making it easier than ever to own a new home at these two popular Loudoun County communities with their Mix & Match Savings offer, which includes below-market interest rates* and the opportunity to refinance for free* within three years on top of thousands in free* options and upgrades.
A New Home on Your Terms
Not only does Brookfield Residential’s Mix & Match Savings award homeshoppers incredible savings, but it also provides flexibility to better fit each homebuyer’s unique financial needs by letting them choose how they’d like to apply their savings.
The first option provides buydown financing to homeowners with below-market mortgage rates. At Cadence at Lansdowne, rates start at just 4.99%* and at Waterford Manor, fixed rates start at 6.125%*. At both communities, buyers can also refinance for free* later.
The second option lets homeowners keep more cash on hand with paid closing cost assistance*. This reduces homeshoppers’ out-of-pocket costs at the purchase of their home, plus they’ll also be able to refinance for free* any time within the first three years of their loan.
With these two options, homebuyers in Loudoun County stand to save thousands in free* options and upgrades!
*Terms and conditions apply and are subject to change without notice. Visit BrookfieldOffers.com for details.
Why Buy in Loudoun County?
Loudoun County is one of the most sought-after areas to live in Virginia. With geography defined by the beautiful contrasts of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Potomac River, notable historical landmarks and some of the region’s finest dining, drinking and shopping options, Loudoun has something for everyone.
Embrace Exceptional Living at Waterford Manor
With new estate homes in Virginia’s countryside, Waterford Manor grants a rare and luxurious lifestyle in Leesburg. Beginning at $1.3M, Waterford Manor’s homes range in size from 4-7 bedrooms, 4-7 bathrooms, up to 7,000+ sq. ft. and 4- to 5-car garages. Additionally, this popular community provides:
- 3+ acre homesites with scenic views of the Loudoun countryside
- Traditional and multi-generational home designs with main-level primary suites available
- Great proximity to shopping, dining and entertainment in Downtown Waterford
- Easy access to Dulles Greenway and Route 15
Enjoy Low-Maintenance Luxury at Cadence at Lansdowne
This close-knit Active Adult community offers all the benefits of low-maintenance living with beautiful main-level living homes that come with lawn care included. Priced from the $600’s, these 2- and 3-level 55+ villa homes feature main-level primary suites. They range from 3-4 bedrooms, 3-5 bathrooms and up to 3,700+ sq. ft. Plus, a selection of quick move-in homes are available for you to move into this year! Cadence at Lansdowne also boasts:
- Low-maintenance living close to friends and family in Northern Virginia
- Pickleball courts, a picnic pavilion, walking trails
- A community dog park and pet station for your four-legged friends
- An ideal Lansdowne location, with shopping, spas, golf and so much more in close proximity to the community
To learn more about these two remarkable Loudoun County communities and how you can claim your savings, visit BrookfieldOffers.com.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Veterans Day is tomorrow, marking the 104th anniversary of the official end of combat in World War I.
Government offices for Fairfax County, Fairfax City, and the towns of Vienna and Herndon will be closed for the federal holiday, which extends to Fairfax County Public Schools students and the court system.
Notably, the COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Fairfax County Government Center will be closed for the day. The county has scaled back its hours of operation, starting this week.
What to do
Commemorative events have been planned throughout the area to recognize those who have served in the military, including a full weekend of activities at the National Museum of the United States Army in Fort Belvoir.
Those looking to attend a ceremony will have several local options:
- Herndon: 11 a.m. on the Town Green, sponsored by American Legion Post 184
- Fairfax City: 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Upper Ballroom of the American Legion (3939 Oak Street)
- Great Falls: 11 a.m. to noon at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial behind Great Falls Library
- George Washington’s Mount Vernon: events throughout the day with free admission for all active, former and retired military service members
For anyone hoping to get outdoors, Veterans Day is one of the National Park Service’s five annual fee-free days, when admission is free for all visitors, including at Great Falls Park.
Trash and recycling
Fairfax County won’t have any changes to its trash and recycling collection schedule, and recycling and disposal centers at the I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex will remain open. Department of Public Works and Environmental Services administrative offices will be closed through the weekend.
The county advises residents served by private haulers are advised to contact those companies directly.
Trash collection in Vienna and Herndon will also happen as usual, but Fairfax City is picking up Thursday and Friday routes today. Curbside yard waste collections in the city could be delayed through Saturday (Nov. 12).
Transportation
Metrorail will follow its standard weekday schedule, with stations operating from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Metrobus, however, will use a Saturday supplemental schedule, meaning that not every route will be operating.
“MetroAccess paratransit service will operate regular service. On the holiday, scheduled recurring ‘subscription trips’ are automatically canceled,” the Metro alert says.
Fairfax Connector will provide holiday weekday service tomorrow.
Fairfax City’s CUE bus system will have modified weekday service.
Community centers
The McLean Community Center will close tomorrow, though its Old Firehouse Center for teens will be open.
The Reston Community Center’s Hunters Woods and Lake Anne facilities will both be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Herndon will close its community center for the holiday, while Vienna’s will follow a modified schedule of 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Libraries, Parks and Recreation
Fairfax County Public Library follows the same holiday schedule as the county government, so all branches will be closed Friday.
The Fairfax County Park Authority’s rec centers will be open, with people who currently or have served in the U.S. armed forces getting free admission for the day.
Park closures include the historic sites at Colvin Run Mill and Sully, Green Spring Gardens, all nature centers, and the visitor center at Riverbend Park. Frying Pan Farm Park’s farm and indoor arena will be open, but not the visitor center.
Editor’s Note — FFXnow is also taking a day off tomorrow for Veterans Day, but we’ll be back to our regular publishing schedule next week.
Add another Silver Line Phase II ribbon-cutting to the list, with the Town of Herndon planning its own celebration on Wednesday (Nov. 16).
On the extended rail line’s first full day of service, the town will celebrate with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Herndon Metro station. The event is scheduled for 8 a.m. at the entrance of the station at 585-A Herndon Parkway.
Newly re-elected Mayor Sheila Olem, State Senator Jennifer Boysko, and Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust are all scheduled to speak. Members of the Herndon Town Council are expected to be in attendance as well.
The ribbon cutting will also feature music from the Herndon High School band.
This ceremony is just one of several events coming next week to commemorate the opening of the long-delayed, three billion-dollar Silver Line Phase II.
On Tuesday (Nov. 15), the line will officially start running following an opening ceremony at Dulles International Airport. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is expected to be in attendance as Silver Line Phase II officially starts services at the Washington Dulles International Airport station.
Metro will be giving away “Wonka-style ‘Silver Tickets‘” as well as pennants to commemorate the opening.
Then, at 2 p.m., the Fairfax County Department of Transportation will hold its own ceremony at the Innovation Center station. Another ribbon-cutting will follow at the Reston Town Center station at 3:30 p.m.
After opening day, the Town of Herndon will have its own celebration the next morning on Wednesday, Nov. 16.
FCDOT is also planning a family day at the Innovation Center station from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19. Attendees will be able to learn about the transit, walking and bicycling options at the station while enjoying music, food trucks and other activities, according to an event flyer.
Free parking for that event will be available in the station’s garage.
For riders who want to be on the inaugural train, the first eastbound train going to D.C. is expected to depart the Ashburn station at 1:54 p.m. However, the deadline to nab a ticket by entering Metro’s social media and email contest is fast approaching at 5 p.m. today.
The first full-length westbound trip traveling from Largo to Ashburn is scheduled to depart Downtown Largo at 12:51 p.m., arriving at Wiehle-Reston East at 2:02 p.m. before proceeding on the new section of the line.
Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479.
It’s that time of the year, it’s Pie Time!
On the hunt for the perfect pie in Fairfax County, we surveyed several community groups that lead us to these Top Three Pies.
Pie Gourmet (Vienna)
A true fan favorite throughout all the communities. Established in 1987, Pie Gourmet prides itself on using fresh local produce and the perfect mix of herbs and spices.
Whisked! (Always available at Mom’s Organic Market, Mosaic)
These homemade pies are made with fresh ingredients and each one has a special twist that makes it unique yet still traditional. I first experienced Whisked! amazingness at a local fresh market, which just happens to be where it all started.
Mom’s Apple Pie Company (Occoquan)
Since 1982, Mom’s Apple Pie Co. has definitely made a true brand with 3 locations in Virginia. Through a partnership with Lost Corner Farmer, you are guaranteed to fall in love with the true freshness and flavor of each bite.
Make sure to watch the video of the Pie Taste Challenge with these 3 amazing pie spots. Hope you have a chance to taste the goodness for yourself and enjoy this Thanksgiving season.
Explore Fairfax with Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney.
Sharmane Medaris | Live Fairfax | www.soldbysharmane.com | [email protected] | @soldbysharmane | 813-504-4479 | 374 Maple Avenue Suite 202, Vienna, VA 22180
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
A halal gyro and platters shop that calls New York home is coming soon to Reston’s North Point Village Center.
Shah’s Halal Food plans to open a 1,200-square-foot location in the village center by early 2023, according to a company spokesperson.
“The owner of the Reston location has lived in the community for years after relocating from NY. He has found it be be a thriving community and one that appreciates great quality food,” the spokesperson told FFXnow in a statement.
The menu includes a mix of gyros, sandwiches, salads, along with the restaurant’s signature white and green sauces. Other items include chicken tenders, nuggets, and cheesesteak.
Shah’s was established in 2005 as a food court in Richmond Hills in Queens. Nearly 11 years after launching, the business opened its first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Long Island.
The Reston location would be the company’s first outside of its two restaurants in New York. The menu includes chicken tenders, nuggets, platters, cheesesteak, sandwiches, and salads.
Last Day to Compete for Silver Line Tickets — The deadline to win one of 50 “Silver Tickets” to ride the first train on Metro’s extended Silver Line is 5 p.m. today. The tickets will go to 50 customers who share their favorite Metro story while tagging @wmata and using #YourMetroMemory. [WMATA/Twitter]
McLean Double Murder Conviction Vacated — A judge vacated Megan Hargan’s conviction yesterday after her attorneys alleged a juror “had inappropriately used her own rifle at home to test out evidence.” Hargan was sentenced to life in prison after a jury found her guilty of killing her mother and sister at their McLean home in 2017. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office intends to retry the case. [The Washington Post]
No Injuries in Herndon House Fire — “Lieutenant Adrian Cubbage provided a brief update on the house fire earlier today in the 800 block of Winterhaven Place in the @TownOfHerndon. No reported injuries. Fire Investigators to determine cause of fire.” [FCFRD/Twitter]
Fairfax Man Sentenced in Child Porn Case — “A Fairfax man was sentenced today to 16 years in prison for attempted production of and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). According to court documents, Brian Scott McGalem, 24, repeatedly engaged in sexually explicit discussions with at least six minors where he attempted to persuade several of the victims to produce sexually explicit pictures of themselves and send them to him.” [DOJ]
County Board Drafts Legislative Package for General Assembly — “Education is a top priority and supervisors want the state to fully fund its public-education obligations, including ‘costs of competing’ funds in more expensive parts of the commonwealth, such as Fairfax County, Walkinshaw said. Transportation funding also is a key imperative.” [Sun Gazette/Inside NoVA]
Ribbon Cut on Tysons Pedestrian Bridge — “The Virginia Department of Transportation and Fairfax County celebrated a joint effort today to construct a crucial new link for bicyclists and pedestrians… ‘With the opening of the Tysons/Old Meadow Road Bridge, we are realizing our vision of a walkable and bikeable Tysons,’ said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay.” [VDOT]
Free Rec Center Admission for Veterans — “The Fairfax County Park Authority will join in the national commemoration of Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, by offering free admission to the Rec Centers to those who serve and have served in the U.S. Armed Forces…That includes admission to pools, fitness rooms, gyms and racquetball courts at the county’s nine recreational facilities.” [FCPA]
Vienna Homeowner to Fix Collapsing House — The proposed demolition of a dilapidated house on Beulah Road has been indefinitely deferred after Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn shared last week that the property owner is obtaining permits “to remedy the situation.” Vacant since 2016, the house “has been deteriorating” and is “the site of illegal dumping,” county officials said. [Sun Gazette]
It’s Thursday — Partly cloudy throughout the day. High of 65 and low of 47. Sunrise at 6:47 am and sunset at 5:00 pm. [Weather.gov]
Voting at Cunningham Park Elementary School in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
With most incumbents running away to victory, it appears that Fairfax County’s voter turnout for the general election this year will fall short of the 2018 midterms.
About 53% of registered, active county voters took part in this year’s midterm elections, per Fairfax County election officials. That’s about 16 percentage points off from the midterms four years ago. It’s also lower than last year’s gubernatorial election, which had a 60% turnout.
In total, 391,361 ballots have been counted so far in Fairfax County, election officials said.
Turnout numbers remain unofficial. Ballots put into drop boxes will be counted today, while additional mail ballots can continue to arrive until noon Monday (Nov. 14).
Absentee mail and in-person voting rose this election cycle compared to 2018, with 130,350 residents voting early this year — just under 18% of active, registered voters in the county. That’s about 44,000 more people than in 2018, when 12% of voters made their decisions early.
Last year, 174,641 county residents, or about 24% of voters, cast ballots by mail or early in person.
With Fairfax County staying reliably blue, the lack of competitive Congressional races on the ballot may have contributed to the lower turnout compared to other recent elections. Based on the preliminary results, all but one local incumbent — Herndon Town Councilmember Signe Friedrichs — appears to have held their job.
Don Beyer (D) secured victory in Virginia’s 8th Congressional District with 73% of the vote with most precincts reporting. The district includes about 282,000 residents of Fairfax County, where Beyer secured 69% of the vote — about three percentage points lower than what he got in 2018.
The re-elected Congressman tweeted out a statement just before 9 p.m. last night, thanking voters for “again putting their confidence in me.”
Grateful to voters in Northern Virginia for again putting their confidence in me to represent them in the House of Representatives. Their trust in me is humbling, and I will continue to do all I can to earn it. My statement: pic.twitter.com/mJCE2SNk03
— Don Beyer (@DonBeyerVA) November 9, 2022
In the 11th Congressional District, Gerry Connolly (D) won his eighth term in office with 66% of the vote overall, with all but two precincts reporting.
The 11th District is almost entirely in Fairfax County, covering about 585,000 residents. That includes Lorton, Burke, Fairfax, Chantilly, Vienna, Tysons, Reston, and most of Springfield and Herndon.
Like Beyer, Connolly didn’t fare quite as well this year in Fairfax County as he did in 2018, with 66% of the vote compared to 70% four years ago.
“Representing Virginia’s 11th congressional district is one of the greatest honors of my life,” Connolly wrote in a statement to FFXnow. “I want to thank Northern Virginians for once again putting their trust in me and I will never stop fighting for our shared progressive values.”
We are Victorious! Thank you to all the voters, committees, supporters, and especially the volunteers for making the campaign this year a tremendous success in the midterms! I’m proud to represent and truly serve the people of Northern VA once again! #2022Midterms #election2022 pic.twitter.com/1qEZotMuzk
— Gerry Connolly (@ElectConnolly) November 9, 2022
The county’s closest Congressional race came in the 10th District, where Jennifer Wexton (D) got re-elected for a second term with 52.9% of the vote compared to Republican challenger Hung Cao’s 46.95%.
Wexton represents about 14,500 Fairfax County residents, mostly around Clifton, which make up only 2.5% of the district. Among that small slice of the electorate, Wexton’s victory was even tighter with her only winning 48 more votes than Cao.
Wexton previously represented more county residents, but redistricting pushed the district further south and changed that.
THANK YOU, #VA10!
Watch my remarks with #TeamWexton supporters in Ashburn here
https://t.co/BjKvmC6qsA pic.twitter.com/vwfipvM9hf
— Jennifer Wexton (@JenniferWexton) November 9, 2022
In a statement to FFXnow, Wexton said she’s “honored” for being re-elected while noting there’s a “fight ahead of us, and it’s a fight we must win.”
I chose public service because I believed I could make a difference in the lives of kids and families in my community, and I’m honored that the people of Virginia-10 have trusted me with another opportunity to continue delivering progress and positive results for our district.
After being stuck in a pandemic, with the burden of rising prices, and in what feels like an increasingly divisive political climate – we’re moving again. I’m proud that we’ve made progress to get the economy back on track and get people back to work, fight inflation and lower prices, and bring our communities together around the issues that matter most. And there’s still work to do.
We have a fight ahead of us, and it’s a fight we must win. From attacks on our fundamental freedoms to undermining our very democracy, there is real fear about the direction of our country. But seeing the passion and determination of Virginians of all backgrounds and walks of life come out during this campaign to fight for the values they believe in — the values that make this country great — I’m more confident than ever that our brightest days are ahead.
An even tighter race came in Herndon, where nine candidates jockeyed for six seats on the town council. Only 101 votes currently separate the highest vote-getter from seventh place, with incumbents Naila Alam, Cesar del Aguila, and Pradip Dhakal appearing to secure re-election.
Challengers Clark Hedrick, Keven LeBlanc Jr, and Donielle Scherff seem to have pushed out Friedrichs, though the margins are close enough that the results could change as outstanding ballots are counted.
Herndon, while results are still coming in, it appears clear that you have entrusted me with a seat on the Herndon Town Council. Thank you, I won’t let you down. Let’s bring #HerndonTogether.
— Clark Hedrick for Herndon Town Council (@HerndonTogether) November 9, 2022
Herndon also gave incumbent Sheila Olem a second term as mayor. She drew 41% of the vote, while challengers Sean Regan and Jasbinder Singh received 38% and 20%, respectively.
The election results won’t be made official and certified until after Monday next week, when all mail-in ballots are counted.
After the pandemic unearthed new needs, Friends of Reston Regional Library is offering $200,000 in grants to support literacy efforts in the community.
The organization, which supports and promote Reston Regional Library and the overall Fairfax County Public Library system, is accepting applications for grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 to nonprofits that offer hands-on programming that impacts literacy in Reston, Herndon and the county overall.
“The Friends of the Reston Regional Library was founded with the intent of supporting our local library branch, our library system, and our community,” organizers wrote in a statement. “In light of the recent increase in challenges faced by many populations, including the difficulty in accessing information and educational resources, we seek to strengthen and improve our involvement in the community at large.”
Applications for grants are due by Jan. 11.
The grant program comes after the Friends raised $200,000 this spring for FCPL.
The organization has also set aside funds for a new library planned for Reston in anticipation of challenges associated with the property. It’s likely the new facility may not provide enough space for book sale and donation processing — the primary method for the organization to raise funds.
That application is currently working its way through the county’s approval process.
More information about the grant application process is available online.
This biweekly column is sponsored by The Mather in Tysons, Virginia, a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62 and better.
How do you Age Well? There are so many avenues for pursuing personal wellness, it can be overwhelming. Yet it’s so fulfilling to try something — whether an exercise class or a new habit — that instantly “rings true” with you.
One option you might not have considered is the growing trend of sound wellness. Sound wellness refers to using audio — including music, acoustic resonance, and/or vibration — to boost our well-being. You might play a specific song to change your mood, take in a crystal singing bowls experience, or use a smartphone app like Endel on the Apple Watch to create a personalized, neuroscience-based playlist of sounds customized to your biofeedback and more, designed to optimize your day. All of these are examples of sound wellness.
Grounded in Science
Science has shown that sound has a profound effect on our physical health, mood, mental health and overall well-being. Much of this has to do with how our brains respond to sound, vibration and rhythm.
Developers and manufacturers are using this science to develop apps, products and programs to harness sound therapies for a variety of uses, including:
- to relieve stress
- to promote creativity or boost productivity
- to trigger rest, recovery or sleep
- to manage pain
Researchers are even studying the effects of sound on cancer cells!
Sounding It Out
Mather is a not-for-profit organization with three senior living communities and plans to open The Mather, a Life Plan Community for those 62 and better, in Tysons in 2024. Over the past year, they’ve incorporated sound wellness into some resident offerings such as workshops on rhythm and percussion. “For Active Aging Week this year, we invited residents and staff in our Life Plan Community in Tucson to try experiences that incorporated sound wellness,” says William Wesley Myers, director of Wellness Strategies for Mather. “We facilitated a nature- and sound-bathing hike in a nearby canyon (see image at top of this article) that incorporated exercise and nature immersion, followed by a guided meditation with a crystal bowl sound-bathing component.” Sound bathing uses tone and vibration to resonate with the body, and may help with stress, fatigue and depression symptoms.
From sound-bathing sessions to smartphone apps, sound wellness and its proven health benefits seem to have a lot to offer.
The Mather, projected to open in Tysons, VA, in 2024 for those 62 and better, is a forward-thinking Life Plan Community that defies expectations of what senior living is supposed to be.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
The final piece of a massive mixed-used project near the Innovation Center Metro station is officially on track for approval.
At a Fairfax County Planning Commission meeting on Nov. 2, the commission unanimously gave developer DSVO Dulles approval to complete the development of just under three acres of mostly undeveloped land at 2310 Dulles Station Blvd.
The proposal is the last remaining undeveloped portion of the larger 58-acre Dulles Station development.
The applicant’s land use representative Mike Van Atta, a land use planner with the firm McGuireWoods, said the proposal was an “appropriate end-cap” for the overall development.
The plan includes a mixed-use apartment building with 510 units and seven stories. roughly 21,000 square feet of open space is proposed on the site, which would be flanked by townhouse-style units on either side of pedestrian mews. Retail is proposed on the ground floor of the building.
“It’s also the final piece of the puzzle for the completion of Dulles Station,” Van Atta said.
The developer elected to move forward with one of two separate development options for the building, which was previously approved in 2017 for either a mid-rise or high-rise building. The latest proposal favors a mid-rise building.
The approval came after discussion about the implication of the development on area schools.
Braddock District Commissioner Mary Cortina asked staff and the developer to examine if and how the county school system is prepared to handle students generated by the overall project, adding that the latest approval could bring at least one classroom full of elementary school students to the system.
“It would be good to know that we’ve committed to take a look at where we stand elementary school-wise,” Cortina said.
Hunter Mill District Commissioner John Carter also questioned why the development plan calls for single ramps instead of double ramps for pedestrians as they enter and exit the development.
Referring to challenges with pedestrian connectivity at The Boro in Tysons, Carter said that single ramps don’t do an efficient job of managing traffic.
“It sends people right out to the intersection with no regard to which way the traffic is coming,” Carter said.
He conceded that, while this was a “small point,” the overall application was “well worked out.”
Dranesville District Commissioner John Ulfelder noted that the overall application was consistent with previous approvals, the county’s zoning ordinance, and comprehensive planning documents.
“I like the straightforward applications. This one is,” he said.
ICYMI: Herndon Mayor Wins Reelection — “Mayor Sheila Olem will get a second term as mayor of the Town of Herndon after securing a narrow win against council members Sean Regan and Jasbinder Singh in today’s primary election.” [FFXnow]
Georgia Election Investigation Comes to Fairfax County — “Former House speaker Newt Gingrich, a Republican who represented Georgia, is scheduled to appear in a Fairfax County courtroom Wednesday morning to fight a demand that he testify before a Georgia special grand jury investigating possible attempts in that state to manipulate the 2020 presidential election.” [The Washington Post]
Doctor Pleads Guilty to Felony Drug Distribution Charges — “A doctor who was licensed to practice medicine in both D.C. and Virginia pled guilty Tuesday after giving a man in Fairfax County drugs despite neither examining him nor having an established doctor-patient relationship. The man then died days later of an overdose.” [WUSA9]
Fairfax Man Arrested for Reported Machete Assault — City of Fairfax Police responded at 1:35 p.m. on Oct. 29 to Patient First Urgent Care after two individuals allegedly assaulted two acquaintances with machetes, injuring their heads and hands. A 39-year-old man was arrested last week and faces multiple malicious wounding charges. [Fairfax City Police/Twitter]
Dunn Loring Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Seniors — “A man who lives in Dunn Loring and Florida pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud Monday in an elder fraud scam, according to federal prosecutors in Maryland…Prosecutors say Anderson and co-conspirators took at least $842,670 from 49 victims in the scheme.” [Patch]
See Election Day Blood Moon — Photographers captured an “ominous blood moon” over the D.C. area yesterday morning, a first for Election Day. “Photos from around the world showed the moon turning rusty shades of red — a phenomenon that occurs when the moon is in a total eclipse.” [The Washington Post]
Virginia Seeing Exodus of Teachers — “Virginia has more teachers leaving the workforce than newly licensed teachers entering it, according to a report from the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission. Data show that 10,900 teachers left the workforce ahead of the current school year, while only 7,208 teachers with first-time licenses were hired.” [Virginia Mercury/Inside NoVA]
Tysons Library to Host Talk About Domestic Violence — “The first step in fighting domestic violence is getting educated. Visit our Tysons-Pimmit Regional branch on Monday, Nov. 14 to learn about the dynamics of domestic violence and how to support someone in a violent relationship.” [Fairfax County Public Library/Twitter]
Local Holiday Markets Incoming — “The holidays are fast approaching, which also means it’s time to embark on your search for gifts. Luckily, Fairfax County has no shortage of holiday markets this year, from Christmas villages to traditional markets to craft shows. Here’s where to find unique items for those you love — even if they’re the person who already has everything.” [Visit Fairfax]
It’s Wednesday — Clear throughout the day. High of 56 and low of 40. Sunrise at 6:46 am and sunset at 5:01 pm. [Weather.gov]
Mayor Sheila Olem will get a second term as mayor of the Town of Herndon after securing a narrow win against council members Sean Regan and Jasbinder Singh in today’s primary election.
According to unofficial results, Olem edged out the race by a little over two percentage points over Regan. Singh received the least number of votes: 16%.
The Herndon Town Council race — which included nine candidates running for six open seats — is extremely close, as is typical in the town’s council elections.
Current members Naila Alam, Cesar del Aguila, and Pradip Dhakal retained their seats, while challengers Clark Hedrick, Keven LeBlanc Jr, and Donielle Scherff secured enough votes to beat out Councilmember Signe Friedrichs.
The following is a breakdown of unofficial election returns for the council race:
- Clark Hedrick: 3,372
- Pradip Dhakal: 3,334
- Keven LeBlanc Jr: 3,164
- Cesar del Aguila: 3,109
- Naila Alam: 3,084
- Donielle Scherff: 2,965
- Stevan Porter: 2,871
- Roland Taylor: 2,692
- Signe Friedrichs: 2,685
It’s not unusual for the outcome of town council races to change once official results are tabulated.
In 2020, for example, a data entry error dramatically changed the results of the mayoral election.
In this year’s midterm elections, Democratic incumbents representing portions of Fairfax County once again maintained a stronghold over their seats in the House of Representatives.
Democratic incumbents Don Beyer (D-8) and Gerry Connolly (D-11) clenched a decidedly confident victory over their Republican challengers: Karina Lipsman, Hung Cao and Jim Myles, according to uncertified election results.
But Jennifer Wexton’s (D-10) win over challenger Cao was significantly closer than her Democratic colleagues.
The incumbent won by a 5-point-percentage margin, with 90 percent of precincts reporting.
In Fairfax County, she led by a mere 48 votes, according to Fairfax County’s unofficial returns.
Victories for Beyer and Connolly were far less contentious, with Beyer winning nearly 77% of votes versus Lipsman’s 21% and Connolly winning 68% over Myles’s 31%.
Beyer said that he was grateful for voters’ confidence in his ability to represent them.
“I will continue to do all I can to earn their trust, and to serve my constituents,” he wrote in a statement today.
Grateful to voters in Northern Virginia for again putting their confidence in me to represent them in the House of Representatives. Their trust in me is humbling, and I will continue to do all I can to earn it. My statement: pic.twitter.com/mJCE2SNk03
— Don Beyer (@DonBeyerVA) November 9, 2022
Fairfax County hit a 45% turnout rate for the midterms, as of 3:50 p.m., but that number does not account for three hours of voting that remained at the time.
Still, the number appears shy of 2018 midterms when 59.5% of registered voters cast a ballot. In 2014, a mere 41.6% of registered voters voted.
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The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
The Town of Herndon is exploring the creation of a new business incubator.
The project is intended to promote e-commerce and establish the town as a tech-savvy area.
Partnerships could include George Mason University, Virginia Small Business Development Center, and Office Evolution, an office space rental agency based in Herndon. Overall, the incubator would offer education and training for entrepreneurs and small business in an effort to boost business growth and overall independence.
The project is in the early planning phases.
“The Town Council has not yet adopted a resolution authorizing the incubator project; that is anticipated to come before the council at its December meeting,” town spokesperson Anne Curtis wrote in a statement to FFXnow.
At a meeting in mid-October, the town council explored the possibility of the project.
Office Evolution would act as the incubator for the project. Mason Enterprise Center Services, a business development service affiliated with GMU, would offer programatic support, including access to its mentor team, discounts for recruiting and payroll services, and access to capstone students and interns.
The project could also include counseling and training services, along with information on marketing, sale, financing and financial management.
