Morning Notes

Fairfax County Casino Bill Advances — A Senate committee voted 10-4 yesterday (Wednesday) to advance the bill that would make Fairfax County eligible for a casino despite opposition from many local residents, homeowners’ organizations and some county and state elected officials who represent Reston and Tysons. “The bill now goes to the Senate Finance Committee for another round of review.” [Associated Press]

Vote Deferred on Housing at Franconia Government Center — “The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to defer its decision on the transfer of the Franconia Governmental Center property to the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority. At a public hearing prior to the Board of Supervisors’ vote, many residents expressed opposition to plans to build multifamily affordable housing at the site.” [Patch]

D.C. Region Leads U.S. on Office Conversions — “RentCafe reports office-to-apartment conversions in the D.C. region that are either underway or in the pipeline will create more than 5,800 residential units, almost double the residential conversions planned in 2023. Residential conversions represent 65% of all repurposing projects of older office buildings.” [WTOP]

Community Weighs in on Huntington Area Bikeshare Expansion — “During the Q&A portion of FCDOT’s Mount Vernon District meeting, several community members voiced concerns about the proposed docking station locations.” Other attendees “expressed support for Bikeshare expansion, with one advocate noting that bikes ‘improve quality of life’ and ‘don’t just belong on the Mount Vernon Trail.'” [On the MoVe]

Water Main Construction Closes Vienna Road — “Construction has begun on a watermain on Knoll Street NW between Lewis and Nutley Streets. Existing permitted parking is limited Monday-Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and no thru traffic is allowed. The project is expected to be completed on March 15. Please use caution.” [Town of Vienna/Twitter]

Traffic-Calming Project in Great Falls Approved — “The Fairfax County Department of Transportation soon will install three traffic-calming measures along Forestville Drive…The Board of Supervisors on Jan. 23 unanimously approved the installation of one speed hump and a speed table along the street between Myra Drive and Farmingdale Court/Fairpine Lane, plus another speed hump adjacent to 1216 and 1217 Forestville Drive.” [Gazette Leader]

Registration Opens for Housing Symposium — “Registration is now open for the Fairfax County Housing Symposium. Community members, industry professionals, affordable housing users, and others working toward the common goal of a Fairfax County everyone can afford to call home are welcome to register.” The event will take place at George Mason University’s Harris Theater on March 6. [Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority]

Reston Glass Recycling Bin Relocated — “Exciting update for Reston South Park & Ride folks! Our Purple Can Club glass recycling bins are now at 2531 Reston Pkwy, Reston, VA. Check the attached map – it’s quieter and easier for truck access. Keep recycling and making a difference!” [Fairfax County Public Works/Twitter]

It’s Thursday — Expect rain and patchy fog with a high near 60. There’s an 80% chance of precipitation, with new amounts ranging from a tenth to a quarter of an inch. At night, there’s a 60% chance of rain, likely after 1am, and patchy fog will occur before 9pm and after midnight. It will be cloudy, with a low around 55. [Weather.gov]