A total of six new Capital Bikeshare stations may soon arrive around the Innovation Center Metro station.

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation will host a meeting this coming Wednesday (Oct. 4) to discuss the proposal. The virtual meeting begins at 7 p.m.

So far, proposed locations include:

• Innovation Metro South
• Corta Way and Sayward Boulevard
• Coppermine Road and River Birch Road
• Dulles Technology Drive and Sunrise Valley Drive
• Woodland Park Road and Cooperative Way
• McNair Farms Drive and Thomas Jefferson Drive

Comments on the proposal will be accepted through Friday, Oct. 20.

County staff will then work with supervisors John Foust (Dranesville) and Walter Alcorn (Hunter Mill) as well as the Virginia Department of Transportation to install the equipment sometime next year, according to Freddy Serrano, a spokesperson for FCDOT.

“The recently opened Innovation Center Metro provides an ideal first and last mile destination for Capital Bikeshare riders. County staff also wanted to propose expansion into Supervisor Districts with few, if any existing stations such as [the] Dranesville District,” Serrano wrote in a statement.

The new stations are funded by a grant from the Federal Highway Administration. The grant covers a total of 10 stations and roughly 69 electric bicycles. Capital Bikeshare has 738 stations in the D.C. area, 79 of which are located in Fairfax County.

Next week’s meeting will also include an update on Bikeshare’s new electric bicycles, which started rolling out this spring.

Tysons Corner Center can move forward with new plans for its next phase of development.

After a public hearing on Tuesday (Sept. 26), the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved revisions requested by property owner Macerich that will build on the mall’s plaza, shift planned office space closer to Metro and pave the way for more street-level activity.

“A lot of work has gone into this, but we are seeing wonderful improvements and commitments, mainly the park and open spaces that would come with this, the ability to expand a very successful plaza [and] connecting that to the ground level,” Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik said. “…Having more retail and restaurant uses, I think, [is] very much something we and the community are looking forward to.”

Macerich submitted its new development plan for Tysons Corner Center in December 2021 after acquiring the former Lord & Taylor store in 2020. When the master plan was originally adopted in 2007, the clothing retailer had declined to participate, according to DLA Piper land use planner Brian Clifford, the developer’s legal representative at the hearing.

“We had a little bit of a hole in our donut there right next to the Metro,” Clifford told the board. “With the applicant’s acquisition in 2020, we had a chance to fill that hole in the donut and really provide some exciting connective tissue between phase 1, approved phase 2 and the Metro connection.”

The Lord & Taylor building has now been designated “phase 2A” and will be replaced by either a 26-story office building or a 34-story, 292-unit office and residential building. Both options include about 36,000 square feet of retail and a pedestrian connection from the mall’s ground level to the elevated plaza.

Phase 2B consists of a 20-story office building and a 27-story, 320-unit residential building that would be constructed on top of an existing four-level parking garage at the 78-acre property’s northwestern corner. This phase also calls for its own elevated plaza and a street-level, 1.8-acre linear park, featuring a dog park, children’s play areas and a path from International Drive to the Tysons Metro station.

In a change from the plan that Macerich initially filed, One Tysons Place will be relocated to the south side of the block, allowing access to the linear park from the new buildings without the interruption of a street crossing.

Palchik thanked the developer and county staff for working together to address the pedestrian safety concerns raised by the original design.

“I think you really hit it on the nail, and phase 2B cannot come soon enough, at least in my book,” she said.

In a separate project, the county is also working with Macerich and the Virginia Department of Transportation to add a street-level crosswalk on Route 123 (Chain Bridge Road) at the Tysons Blvd intersection.

No phase 3 changes were proposed, but the fourth phase of development has been reduced to two residential buildings and a retail building after its office space got moved to phase 2. Another retail building is planned on Leesburg Pike for the fifth and final phase.

The revisions won’t alter the size or density of the proposed development, which will exceed 6 million square feet when completed.

Clifford and Sharon Williams, a planner for the county, agreed that the application “was a fun one to work on.”

“That’s due in large part to their technical expertise, but [also it was a] very solution-oriented, open, honest, transparent process and conversation we got to have with staff, and the application’s much better for it,” Clifford said.

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.

As your neighborhood expert in Fairfax County and a Florida girl who appreciates the fall season, I’m excited to guide you through the breathtaking beauty of fall foliage in our picturesque corner of Virginia.

These spots promise to be a vibrant canvas of autumn hues, with several stunning spots to witness this natural spectacle. Here are my top five places you won’t want to miss:

1. Great Falls Park

Located along the banks of the Potomac River, Great Falls Park offers a stunning backdrop for autumn’s transformation. The trees that line the park’s trails burst into a mesmerizing palette of red, orange, and gold. For the best views, hike along the River Trail or enjoy a picnic near the overlooks. As the leaves fall, the Potomac River rapids make the experience even more captivating.

2. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna is a hidden gem when it comes to fall foliage. This 95-acre oasis is home to a diverse collection of trees and plants that explode with color in the autumn months. Stroll through the serene gardens and admire the reflection of the vibrant leaves in the ponds. The Korean Bell Garden is particularly enchanting during this season.

3. W&OD Trail

Fairfax County’s portion of the Washington & Old Dominion Trail offers an exceptional opportunity to experience fall foliage on a bike or on foot. Stretching over 45 miles, this former railroad route meanders through forests, farmland, and charming communities. The trail is particularly picturesque as it winds through the lush woods, making it perfect for a leisurely autumn ride or hike.

4. Burke Lake Park

Burke Lake Park is a serene escape into nature’s autumn brilliance. The 218-acre lake is surrounded by a 4.7-mile trail enveloped by hardwood trees. Rent a canoe or paddleboat for a unique perspective of the fall foliage, or simply take a leisurely stroll around the lake while enjoying the colorful scenery.

5. Prince William Forest Park

While technically not in Fairfax County, Prince William Forest Park, located just south of the county line, is well worth the short trip. This hidden gem boasts over 15,000 acres of protected woodlands. The varied terrain and dense forests come alive with vibrant colors, and there are numerous hiking trails to explore, including the scenic South Valley Trail.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of fall, Fairfax County offers an incredible array of options for experiencing the magic of autumn. Don’t miss your chance to witness nature’s masterpiece right in our own backyard!

Explore Fairfax with Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney.

Sharmane Medaris | Live Fairfax | www.soldbysharmane.com | Sharmane@mcenearney.com | @soldbysharmane | 813-504-4479 | 374 Maple Avenue Suite 202, Vienna, VA 22180

A pitch for housing at the Kingstowne site previously occupied by Topgolf and now home to Rudy’s may finally become a reality.

The Fairfax County Planning Commission recommended on Wednesday (Sept. 27) that the Board of Supervisors approve a proposal to allow residential development at 6626 South Van Dorn Street. Most community members who spoke at the preceding public hearing voiced support for the proposal — a change of pace from the vocal opposition that greeted previous redevelopment plans.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors first requested county staff to consider an amendment to the county’s comprehensive plan in 2015. At that time, the proposal would’ve allowed up to roughly 275 residential units and up to 70,000 square feet of retail uses.

However, feedback from the community, including “comments related to the proposed density being too high, too many dwelling units proposed and also opposition to retail uses on the site,” led to a series of changes, according to county planner Aaron Klibaner.

“The first iterations included both residential and retail uses, and then later transitioned to all residential,” Klibaner said. “The proposed density has steadily decreased, beginning at 16 dwelling units per acre in 2015 down to 10 dwelling units per acre.”

The latest concept also includes affordable housing units and allows consideration of “a consolidated open space in the form of a publicly accessible community park,” he added.

The updated proposal also ensures connections for pedestrians and cyclists to Kingstowne and guidelines to protect the preservation of trees. 

Resident Kenneth Bailey opposed the plan, saying his son is now on his school’s golf team because of Rudy’s, which opened last year and offers recreational golf and entertainment. However, he said he understood the benefits of the proposal. 

“I’m still going to say my position on behalf of my son and…all the other young people that could benefit from a place like Rudy’s,” Bailey said. “I mean, I get it. We need housing. Sure. There’s not enough housing in Northern Virginia.”

Aaron Wilkowitz, vice president of YIMBYs of Northern Virginia’s Fairfax County chapter, said he supports the updates for several reasons,t the most prominent being the development of more affordable housing.

“Every single home matters. Every new unit matters to driving down prices and making Fairfax County affordable for everyone,” Wilkowitz said.

Paul Wagner, a Kingstowne resident, commended staff for incorporating suggested changes since the plan was first introduced.

“What was on the table with 275 units in that property was worrisome to me and my family,” Wagner said. “What we have on the table now seems much more reasonable to me. It’s a plan that has been considerate.”

After the 2015 and 2021 versions of the amendment petered out, Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk revived the redevelopment effort on Dec. 6, 2022, reporting that it had secured resident support, including from the Kingstowne Resident Homeowners Association, “as a result of extensive community outreach and engagement.”

If the Board of Supervisors approves the amendment after its scheduled public hearing on Oct. 24, the project is expected to be undertaken by developer EYA, the Washington Business Journal reported last week.

Terms for Herndon Town Council members will remain unchanged after the council unanimously agreed to drop a proposal to increase the term from two to four years.

The council voted on Tuesday (Sept. 26) to remove consideration of the item from its legislative program for the Virginia General Assembly’s 2024 session. A similar effort came up almost a decade ago but was dropped by a previous council after lack of public support.

Changing term limits would require an amendment to the town charter and the state’s constitution. Councilmember Clark Hedrick described the proposal as “self-indulgent.”

“If people aren’t clamoring for four-year terms, I’m not sure we are the appropriate people to be necessarily asking for it,” Hedrick said.

But Councilmember Donielle Scherff emphasized that the current council would not be directly impacted by the change if it was approved. She noted that the council could look into two-year staggered terms so that it wouldn’t start from scratch every two years.

“I don’t know if that’s self indulgent,” Scherff said, stating that running for election every two years isn’t easy and requires staff to acclimate new council members every other year.

Councilmember Pradip Dhakal said the intention of the proposal was to provide more continuity.

“There’s nothing political about this. It’s all about bringing continuity to the government,” Dhakal said.

Mayor Sheila Olem emphasized that the council shouldn’t pass the proposal if it didn’t have significant support from the current council.

“You always need to make sure that this is something that you have someone to carry,” Olem said.

She said the public didn’t appear to support the proposal when it came up in 2014. It was discussed again last year.

Ultimately, Dhakal removed the pitch from the town’s legislative program.

As approved, the legislative program includes a push for the state to expand where localities are allowed to place photo speed monitoring devices. They’re currently allowed in school zones and work zones.

Fairfax County has cameras in place at eight sites under an ongoing pilot program.

After years of debating the issue of “panhandling” in board rooms, Fairfax County will now actually talk to the people asking for money, often from sidewalks and street medians.

At Chairman Jeff McKay’s request, the Board of Supervisors approved $75,000 for a survey of people engaged in panhandling as part of a budget carryover package adopted on Tuesday (Sept. 26).

“Understanding that asking for money is a protected act under the First Amendment, it is imperative that the County better understand the needs of the people who are panhandling and explore innovative approaches to responding to panhandling,” McKay wrote in his request that the item be added to the package, which allocated $203 million in leftover funds from fiscal year 2023.

Per the memo, the survey will be conducted by a contracted firm that should have experience surveying “marginalized populations” and “a proven track record of producing high-quality data.”

Collected data could include:

Demographics; reasons for panhandling; how long they have been panhandling; experiences with employment, poverty, and homelessness; panhandling income and spending patterns; possible coercion and collaboration among people panhandling; and opinions on what it would take to stop panhandling.

The memo notes that the surveys “must be conducted safely and confidentially.”

A start date hasn’t been determined yet, but the survey is expected to take six months. The results will be presented to the board at a future committee meeting.

The planned survey will be the county’s latest effort to address panhandling, following rejected attempts to prohibit the practice or install anti-panhandling signage. The county did launch a clean-up program in 2019 that gives temporary work to people experiencing homelessness.

While panhandling is protected as free speech, the county discourages community members from giving money to people on the streets who ask for it, arguing that it’s more effective to connect them with long-term assistance.

Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity, who has led the charge against panhandling, said earlier in Tuesday’s meeting that he’s reviewing “ordinances involving prohibiting the exchange of objects in the roadway that have been successful in other jurisdictions,” including Loudoun County. Read More

A raccoon struck by two different vehicles on Route 29 last weekend has tested positive for rabies, Falls Church City says.

The drivers hit the animal near the 500 block of S. Washington Street in the West Falls Church area on Saturday, Sept. 23, according to the city. The raccoon’s resulting injuries led Falls Church City police to euthanize it.

Before police arrived, however, at least two people came into contact with the animal.

“A witness stated that prior to officers arriving, both he and an unidentified driver came in direct contact with the injured raccoon while removing it from the roadway,” the city said in a news release.

The Fairfax County Health Department tested the raccoon for rabies and reported that it was positive on Tuesday (Sept. 26).

“The City of Falls Church Animal Control Officer and Fairfax County Health Department are seeking to identify the unknown driver (and any other individuals) who came in contact with the raccoon to clear them of rabies exposure,” Falls Church City said. “Please call the Fairfax County Health Department Rabies Program immediately at 703-246-2433 (TTY 711) if you believe that you were exposed.”

Falls Church says this is the first animal found within its city limits to test positive for rabies in 2023.

The Fairfax County Health Department typically identifies 40 to 60 rabies cases annually. Cases so far this year have included a raccoon that got attacked by a dog in Vienna and a skunk that chased, sprayed and bit hikers on the Bull Run Occoquan Trail in Clifton.

Rabies cases often increase in the spring, summer, and end of the fall, Fairfax County health officials previously told FFXnow.

“Rabies is a viral disease that people and pets can catch from infected animals through a bite, scratch, broken skin, and mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth.),” Falls Church City said. “It is fatal if medical care is not given promptly.”

The city advises anyone who encounters sick, injured or aggressive wildlife that appear injured, sick, lethargic, disoriented, or aggressive to avoid it and call its non-emergency line at 703-241-5053.

In Fairfax County, community members can report incidents to the Animal Protection Police at 703-691-2131.

Photo via Pete Nuij/Unsplash

State Senate Candidate Almost Fired by FCPD — “Republican state Senate candidate Bill Woolf, who is running in Virginia’s Nov. 7 election on his record as a former Fairfax County Police detective and human-trafficking foe, would have been fired had he not resigned in 2017 during an ongoing internal affairs investigation into hours he reported on duty while at another job, according to police records.” [Washington Post]

What a Government Shutdown Would Mean for Virginia — “A government shutdown would be a double whammy for Virginia, a state that’s home to more federal civilian employees and active-duty military personnel than almost any other.” The funding halt would also affect public programs like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, which supports about 15,490 people just in Fairfax County. [Washington Post, Associated Press]

Mars Shares Plans to Expand McLean HQ — “Mars Inc.’s McLean headquarters expansion features an environmentally friendly design, public and private amenity spaces, and connections with an adjacent property’s pathways. Representatives of the candy-making corporation provided the latest updates Sept. 27 at a breakfast meeting of the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce.” [Gazette Leader]

Last Chance to Comment on Metro Improvements — “Riders and commuters have until Saturday to complete an online survey of proposals to improve service and reliability on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines. Thursday morning, riders at the Vienna station on the Orange line weighed six alternatives that Metro has compiled. They discussed whether a larger Metro footprint would make them even more likely to use transit.” [WTOP]

What to Know About RSV Vaccines — “Last year’s “tripledemic” shined a spotlight on another respiratory illness that adversely affects children under 6 and adults over 65 — Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV. And while most children are infected with RSV by the time they turn 2 years old, anyone can become infected with the virus.” [Fairfax County Health Department]

McLean Private School Named Best in Virginia — BASIS Independent McLean was ranked as the best private K-12 school in Virginia for a second consecutive year by Niche, a data analysis company. The school also topped Niche’s 2024 lists for the best private high school and the best college prep private high school in Virginia. [Patch]

County Public Health Worker Seeks to Reach Hispanic Community — “Claudia Morcelo, una latina en Virginia, está luchando por disminuir la brecha de paridad en el acceso a la salud de las comunidades hispanas, principalmente en las mujeres latinas. Desde el Condado de Fairfax, esta inmigrante está ayudando a construir una mejor red de salud para apoyar a las inmigrantes.” [El Tiempo Latino]

McLean Mansion May Set Rental Price Record — “With a monthly price at $38,500, a mansion in McLean may end up breaking the Virginia record for priciest rental if it ends up leasing at that price. Since early September, the nearly 20,000-square-foot property has been up for grabs at 938 Peacock Station Road, listed by TTR Sotheby’s International Realty.” [WTOP]

It’s Friday — The forecast predicts patchy drizzle and a 30% chance of showers until 2pm, with mostly cloudy skies and a high of 69°F accompanied by a north wind at 9 mph. For Friday night, expect mostly cloudy conditions with a low of 60°F and an 8 mph north wind. [Weather.gov]

Good Thursday evening! Today we published 8 articles that were read a total of 5906 times on FFXnow alone, so far.

📈 Top stories

The following are the most-read articles for today (Sep 28, 2023)…

1. Fairfax County ties parking to density with first regulatory overhaul in 35 years
2. Camp to open ‘Encanto’ experience and toy shop at Tysons Corner Center
3. County backs Lake Anne economic vision study with another $200,000

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Friday in Fairfax County, from our event calendar.

• No events today. Have one to promote? Submit it to the calendar.

🌦️ Friday’s forecast

Expect patchy drizzle and scattered showers before 2pm, followed by isolated showers later in the day. There will be fog before 11am, mostly cloudy skies, and a high temperature near 68°F. North winds will blow at 6-9 mph with a 30% chance of precipitation. Friday night will see isolated showers before 2am, patchy fog after 10pm, mostly cloudy skies, a low temperature around 59°F, and a north wind at 8 mph. The chance of precipitation decreases to 20%. See more from Weather.gov.

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.