Morning Notes

County Breaks Ground on Housing Project Near Arrowhead Park — “The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Michaels Development, members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and other partners celebrated the groundbreaking of The Lodge at Autumn Willow on July 20th, new affordable housing for older adults” at 13090 Autumn Willow Drive. It will have 150 independent living units, outdoor amenities and walkways. [FCRHA]

Six People Displaced by Annandale Apartment Fire — Firefighters were dispatched around 11 a.m. on Tuesday (July 18) to a fire at a three-story building in the Fairmont Gardens Apartments. There were 11 people in the building at the time of the fire, but no one was home in the unit where the fire was started by “an electrical event involving an extension cord,” resulting in an estimated $93,750 in property damages. [FCFRD]

Cheesesteak Restaurant Opens in Belle Haven — “A new cheesesteak and wings restaurant has opened for business at the Kings Crossing shopping center. Charleys Cheesesteaks signed a lease with Rosenthal Properties for the space at 6307-F Richmond Highway last fall and on July 19 held its grand opening.” [On the MoVe]

Man Embezzeled $100k From Fairfax Doctor, Police Say — “On July 18, 2023 City of Fairfax Police arrested a subject in connection with an embezzlement that occurred at the office of Dr. Michael J. Bermel, OD, located at 10640 Main Street Suite #100. On March 2, 2023 it was reported that an employee embezzled over $100,000 belonging to the business.” [Fairfax City Police]

Grocery Store Affiliate Buys Hybla Valley Shopping Center — “An affiliate of Fresh World co-founder Kenneth Kim appears to have acquired the Mount Vernon Square retail center off Richmond Highway…raising the prospect of a new grocer stepping in to replace a Safeway that closed there more than six years ago.” [Washington Business Journal]

Construction on Horizon for Dulles Airport Solar Farm — “Construction is slated to start in October on a major solar farm spread across 800-plus acres at Washington Dulles International, with the effort being up and running sometime in 2025…When fully in operation, the facility is expected to generate the equivalent of the power needed for 25,000 homes.” [Gazette Leader]

Athletes Visit Reopened Local Dick’s Sporting Goods — “Dick’s Sporting Goods reopens in its newly renovated store in Bailey’s Crossroads on Wednesday, July 19, at 9 a.m. The store, at 5417 Columbia Pike in the Crossroads Center, is hosting athlete appearances on Friday and Saturday during its Grand Opening Weekend.” [Annandale Today]

Spanish-Speaking Volunteers Wanted to Help Children — “Volunteer and Partner Services is currently recruiting bilingual volunteers to support our Body Safety Program and our BeFriend-A-Child Mentoring Program. If you can speak Spanish and English, you are a great candidate to help us make a difference in our community!” [Fairfax County Department of Family Services]

It’s Friday — Isolated showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. West wind 5 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. The night will be mostly clear, with a low around 68. Northwest wind 8 to 10 mph. [Weather.gov]