A consultant tasked with studying the possibility of redeveloping 120 acres of mostly disparate parcels near the Herndon Metro station has officially begun visioning for the project.
Consultant Skidmore, Owings, Merrill is working on the Transit Related Growth (TRG) Small Area Plan, as the initiative is known in planning jargon. The consultant discussed its work so far at a Town of Herndon Planning Commission meeting yesterday (Thursday).
All of the land parcels within the TRG are privately owned and within between one-tenth of a mile to nearly 1 mile from the Metro station. Quadrangle Development Corp. already has a plan approved for its site on Fairbrook Park.
The consultant says the area is an “attractive” location for redevelopment, particularly retail, rental townhomes and for-sale housing, because of its size and proximity to the Metro station.
“The TRG has the potential to emerge as a well-segmented and thoughtfully-designed neighborhood of its own, complementing — rather than competing with — others like Historic Downtown Herndon and Reston Town Center,” the preliminary report said.
The project kicked off in April 2022 with the team interviewing stakeholders, neighboring residential property owners, the town council and the public. It will result in a conceptual plan for the possible future redevelopment of 25 parcels into a “well-designed and viable mixed-use district,” said Ahmad Zaki, who leads long-range planning for the town.
“The plan is expected to encourage redevelopment, recognize the probability of disparate development timelines, provide appropriate buffers to abutting neighborhoods, formulate a unique sense of place as well as an identity integral to the Town of Herndon, and establish a pattern and expectation for innovative, sustainable, and excellence in architectural and urban design,” Zaki wrote in a Feb. 16 memo.
The consultant is also actively engaging in an online survey as it kicks off the project’s third phase, where it will develop three different development scenarios and detail their related impacts to infrastructure.
Currently, 17 property owners control 26 parcels of the TRG — three of which are condominiums. The consultant report notes that areas with multiple parcels under single ownership would reduce planning challenges. But redevelopment is possible since half of the parcels within a five to 10-minute walk of the Metro station are owned by four owners, compared to the multiple owners throughout the rest of the site.
According to the report, the area is likely not well-positioned to attract corporate users, and additional retail would have to be planned to complement, not compete, with other retail destinations like Reston Town Center and downtown Herndon.
Sunset Business Park could be enhanced because it currently doesn’t have a “holistic sense of place,” the report says. Additionally, most on-site utilities would have to be replaced to accommodate future development. The area currently also has no circulation network or mobility-connecting parcels.
Any future project would require working with Dominion Energy on an easement that bisects the Metro walk zone in the TRG area.
“Potential for cross-site connectivity and integration within a neighborhood setting should be explored, and precedents for open spaces should be researched,” the report says.
After public outreach and comments from the town council and planning commission, one scenario will be presented at future public hearings for official approval by the town council.
(Updated at 2:25 p.m. on 2/21/2023) Great Falls will soon have its own Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) store.
The wine and liquor business plans to open at Great Falls Center (9843 Georgetown Pike).
Patrick Kane, a spokesperson for the ABC, told FFXnow now that a firm opening date has not yet been determined.
The store is a little over 2,000 square feet in size, Kane said.
Virginia ABC determines new locations of stores based on the location’s demographics, traffic patterns, rental rate and population density.
“It also considers the distance of a location to existing stores, sales at those stores, tenant mix at the shopping center, and the accessibility and deliverability to the location,” the authority says on its website.
The center includes tenants like Bollywood Bistro, Starbucks, Subway, Great Falls Barbershop and Long & Foster Realtors. An animal hospital and pho bar are also slated to open soon at the center.
Virginia ABC has more than 390 stores throughout the state, according to the website. This will be the only location in Great Falls, whose residents currently have to travel to Reston or the Tysons area to find a store.
FCPD Focuses on Stopping Teen Distracted Driving — “Police in Fairfax County…are ramping up traffic enforcement during distracted-driving month, partnering with schools to educate the most distracted drivers — teenagers…Officers have written 5,000 more citations and warnings to speeding and distracted drivers than this same time last year.” [WTOP]
Fire Department Adds Data Dashboard — “Our Fire and Rescue Department is constantly updating the ways it provides service to meet the needs of residents…The department launched RescueVision to provide real-time situational awareness and decision support at the 911 dispatch center.” It offers a look at service availability, transport locations and how coverage compares to other departments. [Fairfax County Government]
Fairfax Approves Funding for Supportive Housing — “Fairfax City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve a $700,000 appropriation to help fund the redevelopment of the Hy-Way Motel property on Fairfax Boulevard for permanent, supportive, low-income housing.” [Patch]
McLean Company Prepares to Go Public — “Cycurion Inc., a McLean cybersecurity solutions firm set to go public via a SPAC merger this year, has appointed a new CEO to guide it through its next phase of growth. Kevin Kelly, the former CEO of cybersecurity company Halo Privacy…has taken over the CEO role from Cycurion founder Emmit McHenry, who will remain chairman.” [DC Inno]
County Celebrates Black History Month Tonight — “To celebrate Black History Month, the Fairfax County Black History Program Committee, in partnership with Cox Communications, presents an evening celebration of Black history in Fairfax County. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Refreshments and resources tables will be available at 5:30 p.m.” [Neighborhood and Community Services]
Where to Celebrate George Washington’s B-Day — “It might be Presidents Day for the rest of the country, but in Virginia, the third Monday of February is George Washington Day, and there are plenty of celebrations around Northern Virginia to celebrate what would have been the first president’s 291st birthday.” [Inside NoVA]
Herndon Company Makes Forbes List — “For the second-year in a row, Deltek, which has its headquarters in Herndon, was recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of America’s Best Mid-Sized Employers…Deltek, a global provider of software and solutions for project-based businesses, is listed #229 among the 500 mid-sized businesses.” [Patch]
Fun Run Fundraiser Coming to Kingstowne — “The inaugural ConnerStrong Foundation You’re Not Alone 5k Fun Run will take place Saturday, March 25, starting at 7:30 a.m. at Kingstowne Shopping Center…The goal of the event is to raise awareness of the resources available in our community to support the lack of food and clothing that impacts many families and individuals in Fairfax County.” [Fairfax County Government]
It’s Friday — Rain in the morning and afternoon. High of 68 and low of 36. Sunrise at 6:58 am and sunset at 5:49 pm. [Weather.gov]
A community art exchange confined to a box is now open at the Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate (12125 Pinecrest Road) in Reston.
The project, called a Free Little Art Gallery (FLAG), operates like the more typical Free Little Library model.
Residents can deposit and take art that is displayed on miniature cabinets. The FLAG was installed in December, but Public Art Reston and Reston Association held an official unveiling at the community center on Tuesday (Feb. 14).
The concept was created by artist Stacy Milrany, who installed the first FLAG in December 2020 in Seattle, Washington. Since then, the concept has popped up across the country.
All kinds of art — including books — can be deposited in the box.
Christine Hodgson, director of the community center, said the FLAG will help the center provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
“We believe in empowering our community and our hope is that this FLAG will provide an opportunity for our community members to connect and engage with their inner artist, the center, and the community.” Hodgson wrote in a statement.
The first FLAG in Reston was installed in the Waterview Cluster by resident Sue Johnston in December 2021. The model was borrowed by Public Art Reston at activity tables in community events.
The FLAG at the center is the first in Reston that is installed on public property. It’s supported by funding from a civic organization called Random Acts.
Public Art Reston board member Amanda Scarangella helped push the project forward, building the box with her partner, John Dean.
“Having designed the FLAG, it’s been my honor to work toward fostering a place for future artistic expression,” Scarangella remarked. “The FLAG will serve as a beacon of public art inspiring artists of all ages and skill levels to engage with their fellow community members in a positive manner. The FLAG will create a safe, accessible, and equitable space for all to enjoy the benefits — educational, social, developmental, community-building, and more — of public art.”
A California-based hair salon that specializes in blowouts is opening this Friday (Feb. 17) in Reston Town Center.
Dryer will open a nearly 1,500-square-foot location at 11985 Market Street, a company spokesperson tells FFXnow.
The business exclusively offers blowouts. Customers can choose from a selection of styles like the Manhattan, the straight up and the cosmo. Drybar also sells a number of hair-related products.
Shop owner and manager Brittany Brom comes to Drybar after a 15-year career in real estate portfolio management in the telecommunications industry. Although that career couldn’t be more different than blowouts, the company has been a part of her life since 2012.
“For me, Drybar was always a second office, therapist’s couch, and a place to energize and unwind all at once,” Brom said by email. “It’s no surprise that after moving from Atlanta, GA to Northern VA in 2020, I wanted to bring Drybar to my new surroundings. For me, Reston Town Center is a location that meets women where they live, work, and play! The warm welcome we have received so far by the Reston community has been so moving, and we can’t wait to officially open our doors.”
The company has locations in Tysons, Arlington, D.C. and across the country.
The salon takes the place of Dawn Price Baby, a baby store that previously closed all of its locations.
Turkey Earthquake Rescue Worker Shares Experience — “Dr. Murteza Shahkolahi has helped to pull survivors from the rubble several days after the quake first hit…Shahkolahi is with Virginia Task Force 1, the team from Fairfax County, Virginia, which gets deployed around the world to respond to natural disasters.” [WTOP]
Politicians Pitch Springfield for FBI HQ — “A bipartisan group of Virginia’s federal, state and local leaders met in Springfield Wednesday, calling on the General Services Administration to choose the 58 acres of federally-owned land at the GSA Franconia Warehouse Complex for the new FBI headquarters.” [Inside NoVA]
A Look Inside NOVA Wild, the New Reston Zoo — “The safari park reopened for the season last week. This Friday, visitors can enjoy a lights show called the Great Migration. There are other plans to revamp and upgrade parts of this place in the coming years.” [FOX5]
Tandoori Restaurant Arrives in Woodlawn — “The long-awaited Tandoori Kabob & Grill restaurant, located at Sacramento Center in the Woodlawn section of Alexandria, opened Feb. 3. The family-owned restaurant offers a variety of fresh, made-to-order meals, including Tandoor and grill specials, combination meat platters, curry, rice, vegetables, gyros, and bread, as well as appetizers, desserts and beverages.” [On the MoVe]
Franconia Park Gets Playground Upgrade — Manchester Lakes Park is getting a new playground, an approximately $150,000 project expected to finish construction by the end of March. With the existing playground at the end of its lifecycle, the Fairfax County Park Authority will install new equipment, do drainage work and update the park’s trails to meet accessibility standards. [FCPA]
Herndon Native Scores in Capitals Return — “A series of unexpected events led to Joe Snively skating on the Capitals’ third line for Tuesday’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes and he responded by recording points on both their goals in a 3-2 loss. The 27-year-old…hadn’t appeared in an NHL game in nearly two months, but he proved to be a bright spot for a team tapping deep into its depth.” [WTOP]
Artwork Decorates Richmond Highway Shopping Centers — “In recent weeks, new artwork has been popping up along the Richmond Highway Corridor. At Mount Vernon Plaza in Hybla Valley, paintings of birds and plant life have begun adorning the facades of several buildings housing retail tenants.” [On the MoVe]
Hope for Marijuana Sales in Virginia Fizzles Again — “Partisan gridlock thwarted any movement on the issue last year, and 2023 looks unlikely to be any different. A Republican-led House panel defeated on Tuesday the Democrat-controlled Senate’s main surviving retail bill, which would have allowed sales to begin next year” [Associated Press]
Herndon Gym to Host Blood Drive — “Following last year’s nationwide drop in blood supplies, area blood banks are still working to replenish their supplies. Worldgate Athletic Club & Spa in Herndon wants to help…Worldgate is partnering with the INOVA Blood Donor Services to host a blood drive on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 12:30-4:30 p.m.” [Patch]
It’s Thursday — Light rain starting in the afternoon. High of 68 and low of 50. Sunrise at 7:00 am and sunset at 5:48 pm. [Weather.gov]
Restonians looking to trade in their old phone after getting the latest model for Christmas are in luck.
Paymore, a national company, will open at 1675 Reston Parkway in Suite J on Friday (Feb. 17), a little later than previously anticipated. The grand opening event, which takes place from noon to 2 p.m., will include a giveaway for a PlayStation 5.
The business is an e-commerce and brick and mortar resale shop. Customers can get cash for electronics or retrade items for other technology.
“PayMore stores provide an attractive, boutique retail experience and offer a safe and easy way for consumers to sell their used electronics and purchase needed electronic devices,” the company said.
PayMore was founded in 2011 in New York as a way to repurpose and recirculate old electronics. Since then, it has opened several locations across the country.
The Reston location is managed by franchisees Dan and Lindsay Lowe, who have previous experience with Dominos in Orlando and Firehouse Subs.
The first 100 guests will get complimentary Firehouse Sub sandwiches.
A new eatery has officially landed in the Town of Herndon.
Tapioca Express, a national chain that serves bubble tee, coffee, juices and snacks, celebrated its opening on Saturday (Feb. 11) in Junction Square. The business takes up corner, ground-floor space at the residential development.
It’s located at the former location of VB Juice Bar (702 Elden Street, Suite A), a restaurant that served smoothies, açaí bowls, and cold pressed juices.
Through March 3, the business is offering a buy one get one free promotion for crispy chicken platters, milk tea and regular tea.
The location is currently only open from 4-9 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 9 p.m. on weekends. Items on the menu include crispy chicken, coffee, spring rolls and chi chi fries.
Tapioca Express claims to be among the first boba tea chains in the U.S., launching its first store in California’s San Gabriel Valley in 1999. The Herndon franchise appears to be the only one in Virginia, though the company previously had a location in Centreville that has closed.
Architect of the Capitol Fired After Reckless Driving Probe — “President Joe Biden has fired the embattled Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, following a scathing inspector general report on his personal and professional management and calls for his removal.” The inspector general found that Blanton’s family was misusing his work vehicle after a 2021 reckless driving incident involving his daughter near the Tysons Walmart. [NBC4]
Springfield Lego Center Chooses Master Builder — “Andrew Litterst’s [most impressive LEGO creation] is a bunch of LEGO Star Wars spaceships mounted on an electric LEGO train so that they chase each other on tracks around the room. So it’s no wonder he was just named LEGO’s Master Builder in the D.C. region — the first to hold that title at the soon-to-open LEGO Discovery Center” [DCist]
Man Arrested for Mount Vernon Carjacking — “Authorities in Fairfax County say a man is under arrest and faces charges after an 81-year-old woman was assaulted and carjacked Saturday night in Alexandria. The attack happened around 4:50 p.m. in the 7600 block of Richmond Highway.” [FOX5]
Bill Would Require Schools to Spend Covid Relief Funds — “Legislation backed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin that would require Virginia school divisions to spend any federal pandemic funds they haven’t yet used or forfeit them is headed to the Senate for consideration. An October report from the Virginia Department of Education shows Fairfax County Public Schools have the most unspent relief funds, representing more than $170 million.” [Virginia Mercury]
Nonprofits Brace for End to Emergency SNAP Benefits — “Southeast Fairfax County food pantries operated by nonprofits like United Community and Lorton Community Action Center may experience unusually strong demand the weekend of March 18-19, if families remain unaware of the change, said Araujo.” The final emergency allotment will be tomorrow (Thursday). [On the MoVe]
Vienna Leaders to Discuss Public Safety Trends — “Vehicle break-ins will be one topic of discussion at the first Mayor and Chief at Your Service of 2023 on Thursday. Mayor Linda Colbert and Police Chief Jim Morris will participate in the public forum at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Vienna Police Department’s Community Room” [Patch]
Mosaic District Chocolate Shop Marks Valentine’s Day — “When Neuhaus, a Belgian chocolate shop, set out to open its first Virginia location, this Fairfax neighborhood’s bustling, upscale environment stood out. The store opened its doors on District Avenue last October, and has since embraced enthusiastic and welcoming local customers.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Mount Vernon Town Hall Flies Over District — “From development news to the Bus Rapid Transit progress, Supervisor Dan Storck shared updates on the Mount Vernon District over the last year at the annual Mount Vernon Town Meeting…One of the meeting highlights is a virtual flyover tour overviewing updates in the Mount Vernon District, which has approximately 133,000 residents.” [Patch]
It’s Wednesday — Mostly cloudy throughout the day. High of 64 and low of 45. Sunrise at 7:01 am and sunset at 5:47 pm. [Weather.gov]
The groundbreaking of the bridge is set for next month (Photo courtesy FCDOT).
(Updated at 9:55 a.m. on 2/15/2023) A groundbreaking for a new Washington & Old Dominion Trail bridge over Wiehle Avenue is set for next month.
The event, which was originally scheduled for earlier this week, was postponed due to the unavailability of some elected officials.
The new bridge replaces an existing at-grade crossing. Only minor roadway, sidewalk and median changes to Wiehle Avenue are planned at this location.
The project — which has been in the works for years — will boost bicyclist and pedestrian access near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station. The bridge will include a gravel path and asphalt trail.
The project will be completed in spring 2024, according to the Fairfax County Department of Transportation.
Dominion Energy Virginia completed the relocation of transmission facilities in August 2021. An AT&T line was one of nine utility facilities to be relocated.
In a statement to FFXnow, Fairfax Alliance for Bicyclists (FABB) President Bruce Wright lauded the county for proceeding with the long-needed project. He encouraged the county to take one step further by managing detours and trail use at night:
One of the most dangerous road crossings on the W&OD Trail is at Wiehle Ave. Trail users must cross 6 lanes of Wiehle Ave traffic at an unsignalized crossing that is very close to the busy Sunset Hills Rd intersection. There are four southbound travel lanes, including a left turn lane. Where crashes have occurred, cyclists headed eastbound cross the first three lanes when the left turn signal changes. Motorists in that lane proceed through the signal and may not see cyclists or pedestrians crossing the adjacent lanes, and a crash occurs…
While there are only two northbound lanes, motorists can be approaching the crosswalk from three different directions and will often not yield to trail users. When they do yield, there is very little stacking space and cars can be backed up into the Sunset Hills intersection. The median refuge is not very wide which further complicates the crossing.
The new bridge will be a great benefit to W&OD trail users who will be able to safely cross Wiehle without having to stop or rely on motorists to yield to them. Motorists will benefit as well as they will not have to stop for trail users very close to a signalized intersection. Our only concern is how well the W&OD Trail and Wiehle Ave sidewalk/trail detours are handled. There needs to be safe, convenient 24/7 access for trail users. The W&OD Trail is officially closed at 9pm but many people need to use the trail given there are few safe alternatives at night. While we understand that there may be times at night when the trail will need to be closed, it should only be for brief periods after 9pm. If trail users must cross Wiehle at the Sunset Hills intersection, the pedestrian signal timing needs to be extended.
A spokesperson for FCDOT said information on the project was still being updated.
Correction: The bridge was previously expected to be finished this fall, but the timeline has gotten pushed back after a delayed start. H/t to Adam Rubenstein.
As Fairfax County pines for a better tree canopy, county staff is hoping a credit program expansion can spruce up the area’s street trees.
While developers could already a 10-Year Tree Canopy Credit for trees built on-site, trees in the public right-of-way aren’t eligible despite positive impacts on the environment and site development. At a meeting last week, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors raised no objection to an information item expanding eligibility to include trees.
The change in urban design guidelines across Fairfax County makes street trees eligible for that 10-Year Tree Canopy Credit and implements a new set of standards, along with minimums and maximum tree sizes, for street trees.
“These changes give the Urban Forestry Management Division (UFMD) authority to have long-term oversight of street trees that are included in ten-year tree canopy calculations,” the agenda item said. “Perpetual maintenance and replacement agreements by the applicant are required to due to the potential for the removal of trees in rights-of-way and easements.”
Per a county news release, the new guidelines apply to developments in more urbanized activity centers:
- Tysons Urban Center
- Annandale
- Bailey’s Crossroads/Seven Corners
- Huntington
- Lake Anne
- Lincolnia
- McLean
- Merrifield
- Reston
- Springfield
- West Falls Church
Those areas tend to some of Fairfax County’s most notable “heat islands” and tend to be areas with lower area median incomes than the county average, according to the county.
“The result is intended to increase the number of street trees and associated tree canopy to improve environmental, social, and economic outcomes,” the agenda item said. “Trees planted will be monitored for success and adjustments to the planting details will be made as necessary.”
Improperly discarded smoking material was flagged as the cause of a fire in a Reston home on Friday (Feb. 10).
Shortly after 1:20 a.m., Fairfax County Fire and Rescue crews tackled a fire at the three-story apartment-style building at the 11500 block of Stoneview Square.
The fire was mostly contained in the outside of the balcony. Three residents were at home at the time of the fire. One resident heard a loud popping sound from the kitchen area and attempted to extinguish the fire.
After an unsuccessful attempt, the residents evacuated from the building before the fire department arrived.
The fire caused roughly $20,000 in damages.
Fire investigators say the fire was accidental in nature and stated in the balcony. The improperly discarded smoking material spread to nearby combustibles.
(Updated at 5:50 p.m.) A former Fairfax County prosecutor who now practices as a private defense lawyer has joined the commonwealth’s attorney race.
Ed Nuttall launched a campaign yesterday (Monday) to challenge incumbent Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano for the Democratic nomination, which will be determined by a primary election on June 20.
“I have spent the last twenty six years living in and trying every kind of case imaginable in Fairfax County. I know how a courtroom works, how to run an effective office, and how to bring people together to keep our communities safe,” Nuttall said in an announcement in front of the Fairfax County Courthouse. “My opponent has shown over the last three years that he clearly doesn’t — that’s why I’m stepping up to run.”
According to his campaign, Nuttall has worked as a trial lawyer for over 26 years.
He joined the county’s commonwealth’s attorney office in 1999, prosecuting criminal and traffic cases, before becoming a member of the Tysons-based firm Briglia Hundley in 2003. In 2015, he launched the private firm Carroll & Nuttall with John Carroll — also a former prosecutor. The firm handles criminal, civil and family law.
During his announcement, Nuttall and his supporters argued that Descano’s “idea of justice for all abandons victims of crime and ignores community safety,” criticisms that have been frequently leveled at Descano and his counterparts in Arlington and Loudoun since they were all elected in 2019 on promises of progressive reforms.
In a statement on Nuttall’s announcement, Descano lambasted his opponent as having “spent the last 20 years of his career defending bad cops that give our good police departments a black eye.”
Nuttall has “represented law enforcement in over twenty police shooting cases since 2002, serving as General Counsel to the Fraternal Order of Police Fairfax Lodge 77,” according to his official bio.
“In a time when Democrats nationwide are grappling with the need for police reform, to have the police union’s on-the-payroll defense attorney pretend to be an independent actor when it comes to holding bad cops accountable is a farce that Democrats in Fairfax County will see through,” Descano said. “My relationship with the police is a good one because they know I’m a trustworthy partner in public safety and that I won’t hesitate to hold bad cops accountable which is something all good officers want.”
Descano confirmed to FFXnow that he will run for reelection in December and officially launched his campaign last month.
Nuttall announced yesterday that he has already won the support of Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid and State Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34), who are both seeking reelection this year.
In statements, Petersen commended Nuttell as “an experienced trial lawyer that understands how the courtroom works,” while Kincaid said “he has the experience and the integrity needed to do the job.”
“We are living in a time where criminal justice reform is on everyone’s mind,” Kincaid said. “It’s not enough to simply talk about progress. It’s important that we make progress. To make progress, you have to have the competence to get real things done.”
Photo via ABC7
Key Tysons Developer Dies — “Theodore N. ‘Ted’ Lerner, a self-made billionaire developer who became principal owner of the Washington Nationals and oversaw the team’s rise to prominence, capped by its victory in the 2019 World Series, died Feb. 12 at his home in Chevy Chase, Md. He was 97.” [The Washington Post]
Emergency SNAP Benefits End This Week — “During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government passed a law to temporarily increase SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits to support families. The law has recently changed, and the benefits will end Feb.16. Effective in March, SNAP benefits will return to normal, without the added supplement.” [Fairfax County Government]
Fairfax County Casino Draws Few Bets — “Marsden has left the door open for legislation to be re-introduced in 2024 in media interviews. However, discussions with lawmakers, county officials and a regional economic policy expert show there may be little appetite to go all in on a Fairfax County casino even if the proposal were to come up again” [Virginia Mercury]
Hot Chicken Joint Now Open in Lincolnia — “A new chicken place, called Hot Lola’s, opened Feb. 8 in Pinecrest Plaza. The restaurant, at 6544 Little River Turnpike, Unit A, is in the space formerly occupied by Granddaddy’s Skillet…Co-owner and manager Alan Vo describes the chicken as a combination of Asian and Nashville flavors.” [Annandale Today]
McLean Entrepreneur Expands Mac and Cheese Business — “McLean, Virginia, entrepreneur Myles Powell has grown his line of frozen, ‘clean’ mac and cheese — 8 Myles Mac N’ Cheese — from a handful of stores to more than 1,200 retail locations, including retailers like Whole Foods, Sprouts Farmers Market, Balducci’s, and Target.” [WTOP]
Private Computer School Settles Fraud Claims — “Pinellas Corporation (Pinellas), a for-profit school offering computer training courses in McLean and Richmond, and CEO and sole owner Paul Giordano, of Washington, D.C., agreed to pay $450,000 to settle allegations that Pinellas paid bonuses to consultants based on their success in securing enrollments of students receiving military veterans benefits.” [U.S. Attorney’s Office]
Meetings on Lake Accotink Dredging Project Tomorrow — The Fairfax County Department of Environmental Services and Public Works (DPWES) will hold a virtual meeting at 7 p.m. tomorrow (Wednesday) and an in-person meeting at Kings Glen Elementary School on Thursday (Feb. 16). Staff will present their recommendations and details on the impacts and costs. [DPWES]
Hen Found in Herndon Home Dies — “Henrietta the Hen, who appeared mysteriously one day last December in Tas Robin’s garage in Herndon, died recently at her new home in Montgomery County, Maryland…Before Henrietta’s untimely death, the hen had settled into her new life in Maryland, according to Robin.” [Patch]
It’s Tuesday — Clear throughout the day. High of 54 and low of 35. Sunrise at 7:02 am and sunset at 5:46 pm. [Weather.gov]
VIDA Fitness is slated to open its flagship facility in Reston in the second quarter of next year, a company spokesperson tells FFXnow.
The facility will open at Reston Row, Reston Station’s newest district near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station. The facility encompasses 50,000 square feet across three levels of an office tower at 1845 Reston Row Plaza.
The company’s Reston location will include an oxygen treatment and recovery strength, a day spa that offers facials, massages, body scrubs, cupping, and CBD oil treatments, a fuel bar and a salon. Other features include locker rooms and sauna rooms.
Reston Row is currently under construction and includes a JW Marriott hotel.
The company has six other locations in the D.C. area.
