(Updated at 6:45 p.m.) A man has been taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries after getting stabbed in Reston.
Fairfax County police officers are currently at the scene in the parking lot of a Sunoco (12191 Sunset Hill Road) near RTC West.
According to scanner traffic, 911 received a call around 5:35 p.m. about a fight between two people, one of them with a knife, who were “running towards a Target donation box.” A couple of minutes later, the dispatcher confirmed that one person had been stabbed.
The police department describes the suspect as a white man with long blonde hair and wearing a blue shirt who was seen running in the direction of the Target (12197 Sunset Hills Road). The dispatcher said the man may have a BB gun.
The Fairfax County Police Department says community members should contact 911 with any information.
Officers are in the parking lot at 12191 Sunset Hill Rd in Reston for a man who was stabbed. Adult male victim was taken to hospital for injuries considered life threatening. Suspect described as white male, 30-40, 6’ 165lbs, long blonde hair & blu shirt. Call 911 w/info. pic.twitter.com/QAqVn9DEfD
— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) April 20, 2023
Another round of compensation increases could be on the horizon for some Town of Herndon bodies.
The Herndon Town Council is considering a proposal to increase the compensation for members on the Architectural Review Board (ARB), Historic District Review Board (HDRB), Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals, resulting in an annual increase of $20,400 overall.
The increases would go into effect in July, if approved. It’s in the early phases of the town’s review process and, at an April 18 work session, was placed on the council’s consent agenda for future consideration.
Councilmember Cesar del Aguila said the compensation increase might increase the diversity of candidates who apply, though he noted that it was possible that presumption could be “completely wrong on the statistical side.”
“There are segments of our community where $35 is a lot of money,” del Aguila said. “The thinking was if you invest a little bit, you might reach a broader segment of residents.”
Councilmember Donielle Scherff also said it could boost the “diversity of opportunity” for applicants.
Mayor Sheila Olem, however, noted that some people may not simply seek specific positions due to life circumstances. Prior to her role as mayor, she served on the town’s appeals board because meetings were on a monthly basis and did not interfere with her family commitments, she said.
For ARB and HDRB members, compensation would increase from $100 to $250 per month, $175 to 250 per month for PC members and $50 to $75 per month for Board of Zoning Appeals members.
Last year, the council instituted its first pay increase in 15 years.
The move — which passed as part of the budget with one dissenting vote — increased annual pay from $4,000 to $10,000 for council members and $6,000 to $12,000 for the mayor.
Retired CIA staffer Lisa Downing is challenging Jeff McKay for Fairfax County’s top governmental seat.
Last week, Dunn Loring resident Downing announced her candidacy to chair the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Running as a Democrat, she will face off in the June primary against current Chairman Jeff McKay, who was elected in 2019 after representing Franconia District (then called Lee District) on the board for over a decade.
A three-decade county resident, Downing worked for the Central Intelligence Agency prior to retiring in 2019. She was also the first woman of color to attend and graduate from New York Maritime College, where she studied the business of shipping and how to operate tankers.
She told FFXnow her bid for the county’s top seat is to provide residents another option.
“When I found out that there was only one person — the incumbent — running on the Democratic ticket for the primary, I thought that the residents of Fairfax weren’t being given a choice,” Downing said. “And, in America, we all need choices, even within the same party.”
The top issue she’s campaigning on is increasing funding for Fairfax County Public Schools, specifically teacher pay. Downing noted that pay for FCPS teachers and staff has fallen behind other neighboring jurisdictions like Arlington and Loudoun.
“We’re losing teachers. We’re not competitive. We haven’t put in the resources that our students and teachers need to thrive. So, schools are the number one concern for me,” she said. “If we don’t provide our residents with good schools, they will find other places to give their children education.”
Increasing the county’s housing inventory to boost affordable housing “for working class people” is another priority for Downing. She said it’s disheartening that so many people who serve the county — from firefighters to teachers to small business owners — can’t afford to live here.
“When you have townhomes and condos reasonably priced and a lot of them, it takes the pressure off the housing market. People are then able to afford the moderate priced homes,” she said. “We have concentrated so much on sweetheart deals for developers that only the big houses get built. That’s where the money is for the developers, but that’s not where the money is for Fairfax County.”
Downing confirmed she’s referring to a change in approach similar to the “Missing Middle” policies passed in Arlington last month, allowing multifamily structures to be built on single-family home lots.
To pay for these priorities, Downing says the tax base needs to increase. That doesn’t necessary mean raising taxes so much as increasing the number of residents who are paying taxes.
“We have a lot of taxes. Fairfax gets money through its taxes. The more people who live in the county, the larger our tax base,” she said.
Downing sharply criticized McKay and other county supervisors for increasing the board’s salaries, starting in January 2024. The supervisors who voted for the raises argued they were in line with how other county employees are compensated and will allow others to serve regardless of personal financial circumstances. During the public hearing, though, many residents spoke out against the increase.
“He and the Board of Supervisors voted to give themselves a huge raise, even after the teachers had not gotten a raise,” Downing told FFXnow. “And after an open session where people said, ‘No, no, no, you don’t deserve that raise,’ they still said, ‘Oh, yes, we do.’ That showed contempt for their constituency.”
The county’s proposed budget for the next fiscal year includes a 2% market rate adjustment for all county employees, lower than the 5.44% that staff recommended. FCPS is seeking a 3% adjustment for its employees, along with other salary changes.
If Downing wins the June primary and gets elected in November, she would be eligible for the approved salary increase for the Board of Supervisors chair and would make $138,283 annually.
The candidate also referenced a WJLA story that accused McKay of using a county car for personal trips, including to attend political fundraisers.
“As a retired fed, I was appalled to hear this,” Downing said. “So, I’m wondering about the integrity of a person who puts even small items before the needs of the county.”
McKay said his use of the car adheres to county regulations, which prohibit personal use of county vehicles with an exception for errands that deviate less than a mile “from the normal route traveled” to or from work.
“I attend official events and meetings across the County on any given day throughout the year and always obey traffic laws and follow all applicable County regulations as to the use of County-owned vehicles,” McKay said. “I use a County-owned vehicle for County business. I have when needed used that vehicle for occasional and rare personal stops on the way to and from County functions as permitted for Class 2 take-home vehicle use per County regulations.”
Downing emphasized that, as a Democrat, she aligns with the “platform” of the current Board of Supervisors but disagrees on priorities.
“Where we differ is how we prioritize what’s important for Fairfax. I see that the residents of Fairfax must come first,” she said. “If we don’t emphasize schools and housing, people will walk with their feet. They will leave Fairfax.”
The Democratic primary is set for Tuesday, June 20 this year with the general election on Nov. 7.
A new Mediterranean restaurant is coming later this year to Plaza America in Reston.
Fast-casual restaurant Taïm Mediterranean Kitchen will open a nearly 2,000-square-foot location at 11692 Plaza America Drive this fall, according to company representative Becky Olson. Tentatively, an October opening date is anticipated.
Olson said the restaurant will offer fast-casual options for shoppers and nearby offices.
“Guests love having fresh and vibrant options, like our Mediterranean cuisine, that they feel good about eating multiple times per week,” she said. “Taïm customizable salads, bowls and pitas are crave-able for lunch and dinner, and we offer family meal options to enjoy in the restaurant or take home.”
The business got its start in 2005 in New York City. Since then, it has 13 locations the New York and D.C. areas — including planned locations in Vienna and Pimmit Hills.
Customers can build a meal with options like a pita or bowl base and a choice of falafel, meatballs, cauliflower shawarma, eggplant, shawarma and kabobs.
Preparation for Delayed Southbound GW Parkway Closure Begins — “To prepare for the traffic shift, crews will begin to install temporary lane dividers on April 20. Motorists should expect single lane, northbound closures from 8 p.m. on April 20 to 2:45 p.m. on April 21 during these preparations. Crews will implement the new traffic pattern between 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 22.” [National Park Service]
New Dining Options Coming to Local Airports — “Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport announced a new slate of concessions, including spinoffs of some notable DC restaurants and brands. The phased rollout will begin later this year, and more than 80 new dining and retail options are expected open across both airports by 2026.” [Washingtonian]
Metro Shares Vision for Redesigned Bus Network — “Metro released its ‘visionary’ bus network redesign maps on Monday, proposing drastically more bus service to the region. The plan, which is 35% more expensive than the current service, is unfunded so far.” The 100 proposed bus routes include 24-hour service to Dulles Airport and a bus between Bethesda and Tysons. [DCist]
Mosaic ES Renovation Approved — “Fairfax County School Board members voted unanimously on an April 13 consent-agenda item to award a $41.4 million contract to Dustin Construction Inc. to expand and renovate Mosaic Elementary School in the Oakton area.” The project will add a 55,365-square-foot, two-story expansion to the building. [Gazette Leader]
Fort Belvoir Now Has a Panda Express — “Panda Express, a fast food restaurant chain specializing in American Chinese cuisine, opened April 6 at the Fort Belvoir Main Exchange food court. The eatery, which had been under construction since early last year, is located in a space formerly occupied by Boston Market.” [On the MoVe]
State Senate Candidates Debate Tonight in Vienna — Democratic candidates for the 37th Senate District, which includes Vienna, Merrifield, Tysons, Oakton and Fairfax City, will have a debate from 6:30-8 p.m. at the American Legion Post 180 (330 Center Street North). Incumbent Chap Petersen faces primary challenges from Saddam Azlan Salim and Erika Yalowitz. [Patch]
Virginia Revises Process for Removing Dead From Voter Rolls — “As Virginia election officials work to clean up the state’s voter rolls, they announced the discovery of a huge number of dead people still listed as registered voters in the state. After reviewing death records dating back to 1960, they found 18,990 deceased voters who had not been removed.” [WTOP]
Tuition Increase Proposed at GMU — George Mason University has proposed increasing tuition by $300 for the 2023-24 academic year to provide additional financial aid and offset “escalating operational expenses.” The increase could be eliminated for in-state undergraduate students if “the university’s broader funding requests” are included in Virginia’s budget by the General Assembly. [GMU]
It’s Thursday — Mostly sunny. Pleasantly warm. High of 87 and low of 50. Sunrise at 6:25 am and sunset at 7:50 pm. [Weather.gov]
Reston Association is seeking member feedback on its parks and recreation offerings.
The online survey, which begins on May 1 and continues through June 30, will help guide the association’s 10-year parks and recreation plan.
Marketing firm The Noise Doctors, Inc. was hired to get information on how RA’s parks and recreational facilities and programs are currently used, future uses, and possible new facilities and programs for the future.
This will be the association’s first 10-year parks and recreation plan, according to RA spokesperson Mike Leone.
“A planning process is conducted every 10 years to ensure that our parks and recreational facilities and programs are optimally meeting both the current and future needs of our residents,” RA said in a recent newsletter.
RA says that the survey will provide the foundation for its planning process.
The survey will be released at the end of the month and will be accessible online. It will be anonymous and take roughly 15 minutes to complete.
RA manages 55 miles of paved pathways and natural surface trails, along with with other amenities like soccer fields, pools, tennis and pickle ball courts. In recent years, a comprehensive effort has been underway to manage aging facilities and infrastructure while balancing future needs.
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
