Angela Woolsey | FFXnow

Driver charged for Franconia Road crash that killed pedestrian

Published December 23, 2024 at 9:00AM

Eastbound Franconia Road at Elder Avenue in Springfield (via Google Maps)

An Alexandria man has been charged with a felony hit-and-run for a crash in Springfield that killed a pedestrian.

Caleb Allison, 26, allegedly left the scene after striking Julio Cesar Pasassi, a 43-year-old Springfield resident, with his vehicle while driving east on Franconia Road near Elder Avenue around 6 a.m. on Sept. 13, the Fairfax County Police Department said in a press release on Friday (Dec. 20).

Around Town

Bonchon reopens in Herndon under new owner, Annandale restaurant coming

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 20, 2024 at 1:15PM

Bonchon specializes in Korean fried chicken (courtesy Bonchon)

Bonchon is back in Herndon.

After temporarily closing last year amid customer complaints, the Korean fried chicken chain reopened its franchise at Franklin Farm Village Center (13320 Franklin Farm Road) in the Oak Hill area on Wednesday, Dec. 18, under new ownership.

Countywide

Gov. Youngkin cites Fairfax cases in bid to pressure localities to assist ICE

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 20, 2024 at 11:15AM

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announces a budget proposal on Dec. 12, 2024 that would require localities to comply with federal immigration detainers or lose funding (Photo by Austin Stevens, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin)

Undocumented immigrants in Fairfax County and elsewhere in Virginia could face threats on two fronts in the new year, with both national and state elected leaders proposing policies targeting that population.

As incoming president Donald Trump plans mass deportations, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin unveiled a budget proposal this week that would require local governments to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and withhold funding from those with cooperation-limiting policies, including Fairfax County.

News

Driver in fatal Fairfax County Parkway crash was drunk, police charge

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 20, 2024 at 8:15AM

Northbound Fairfax County Parkway over Elden Street (via Google Maps)

A Reston man is facing criminal charges for his involvement in a recent fatal crash on Fairfax County Parkway.

The Fairfax County Police Department says Ayaan Usmani, 23, was drunk and speeding when he lost control of the 2019 BMW M850I he was driving near Elden Street around 2:40 a.m. on Nov. 23.

News

Design approved for first mixed-use redevelopment near Herndon Metro station

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 19, 2024 at 11:15AM

The residential building at 555 Herndon Parkway will include ground-floor retail space (via Hord Coplan Macht/Town of Herndon)

Though Herndon’s downtown revitalization push has stalled, a key piece of the town’s vision for development outside its Metro station reached a milestone last month.

The Town of Herndon Architectural Review Board (ARB) gave its approval on Nov. 20 to architectural and landscape design plans for the first phase of Fairfield Residential’s 555 Herndon Parkway project, a multifamily residential building with retail that will later be complemented by an office building.

News

Police seek man linked to multiple ‘peeping’ incidents in Idylwood

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 19, 2024 at 10:00AM

The Alister Falls Church apartments in Idylwood (via Google Maps)

Residents of Alister Falls Church apartment complex in Idylwood have reported several peeping incidents since this spring, and police believe the same man may be behind all of them.

Officers first responded to a peeping call in the 2100 block of Evans Court on April 9, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.

News

Vienna finance director to retire after 25 years with the town

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 19, 2024 at 9:00AM

Vienna Finance Director Marion Serfass introduces then-new Deputy Director of Finance Steven Barlow on May 15, 2023 (courtesy Town of Vienna)

After serving the Town of Vienna for a quarter of a century, Marion Serfass is ready to see new sights.

She will work her final day as the town’s finance director tomorrow (Friday) after announcing plans last month to retire. Deputy Director of Finance Steven Barlow is set to succeed Serfass, starting Monday (Dec. 23).

Around Town

Tchaikovksy’s ‘The Nutcracker’ ballet to take stage at GMU with full orchestra

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 19, 2024 at 8:15AM

The FSO and Fairfax Ballet perform Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" at George Mason University's Center for the Arts (courtesy Fairfax Symphony Orchestra and Fairfax Ballet)

The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) and Fairfax Ballet will reunite later this month for their annual performances of “The Nutcracker” at George Mason University.

Continuing a tradition that’s now in its eighth year, the two local arts organizations will present two shows of Pytor Tchaikovsky’s holiday staple this Saturday and Sunday (Dec. 21 and 22) at Mason’s Center for the Arts (4373 Mason Pond Drive) in Fairfax.

News

Comstock redevelopment deal collapse leaves former Herndon mayor ‘devastated’

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 18, 2024 at 3:45PM

Herndon's downtown master plan calls for an existing public parking lot to be replaced by a garage (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Herndon leaders past and present are surveying the aftermath of Comstock’s decision to officially pull the plug on its long-percolating downtown redevelopment project, but so far, they’re not blaming the developer.

With details of its separation from Comstock still being worked out, including the fate of the Arts Herndon building that would’ve been demolished, the Town of Herndon declined to comment beyond interim town manager Chris Martinez’s announcement last Tuesday (Dec. 10).

Around Town

J. Crew Factory to open new store in Tysons tomorrow

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 18, 2024 at 2:45PM

J.Crew Factory is set to open at Pike 7 Plaza in Tysons (courtesy Federal Realty)

J. Crew Factory is ready to unveil its new store at Pike 7 Plaza in Tysons.

The discount clothing store will open its doors at 8387-D Leesburg Pike tomorrow (Thursday) around 10 a.m., shopping center owner Federal Realty announced today.