Morning Notes

GMU Explores Possible Mixed-Use Development — George Mason University recently issued a request for proposals to study the feasibility of building up nearly 300 acres at its main Fairfax campus. The potential development could bring housing, “experiential learning space” and commercial uses, such as retail, office, a hotel or entertainment, to three university-owned properties. [Washington Business Journal]

Metro to Crack Down on Fare Evasion — “Metro is rolling out a multi-faceted plan to address a $40 million fare evasion problem. Beginning this month, Metro will start posting reminders on digital screens in stations, and Metro Transit Police officers will hand out fliers reminding riders to pay their fares. Metro will have more police out on the system and install cameras and monitors to deter gate-jumping.” [DCist]

In October, Fairfax County Police Officers Wear Pink — “We’re proudly supporting #BreastCancerAwareness Month @FairfaxCountyPD this October. To show our support, some of our officers will be wearing pink enameled police badges throughout the month.” [FCPD/Facebook]

New GMU Project Aims to Boost Bailey’s Crossroads — “George Mason University is spearheading a place-based initiative to bring together residents of Culmore and Bailey’s Crossroads and the organizations that serve them…The goals, Wilson said, are to ‘build community leaders, grow community engagement and ownership, and foster strategic collaboration toward positive community change.'” [Annandale Today]

Former Governor’s McLean Mansion Sold — “A mystery buyer of residential properties along McLean’s Gold Coast recently acquired land on Chain Bridge Road that was home to the mansion of former U.S. Sen. and Virginia Gov. Chuck Robb and his wife, Lynda Robb, until a late December fire left it in ruins. According to Fairfax County records, 600 CBR LLC paid $23 million for 612 and 618 Chain Bridge Road. That ranks as the largest residential sale of 2022 in Greater Washington thus far” [WBJ]

A Murdered Man Maybe Haunts Herndon — “Frances’s story was not the only one we have heard about legend of the ghost at Dead Man’s Hollow. Another long-time Herndon resident who grew up in Herndon recalled hearing about Dead Man’s Hollow, saying that it was located along Dranesville Road, between Wiehle Avenue and Hiddenbrook Drive.” [Patch]

Great Falls Celebrated With Ornament — “The Great Falls Citizens Association and The Arts of Great Falls have teamed up to offer signature ornaments…as a fund-raiser. The first ornament, in what organizers plan to be an annual series that highlights the community’s unique features, depicts ‘Great Falls of the Potomac,’ a watercolor painting by local artist Begoña Morton.” [Sun Gazette]

Wolf Trap National Park Gets New Leader — Ken Bigley has been named the new superintendent of Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, making permanent the title he has held on an acting basis since May 2021. The park has also added more performances for The Barns at Wolf Trap’s current season, with tickets going on sale at 10 a.m. this Friday (Oct. 7). [Patch]

It’s Wednesday — Possible drizzle in the morning. High of 61 and low of 51. Sunrise at 7:09 am and sunset at 6:46 pm. [Weather.gov]