Angela Woolsey | FFXnow

Herndon town manager to resign after 27 years with town

Published July 11, 2024 at 1:30PM

Herndon Town Manager Bill Ashton will resign on Sept. 10, 2024 after getting appointed as county administrator for Stafford (courtesy Town of Herndon)

Herndon Town Manager Bill Ashton’s nearly three-decade-long career with the town government will come to a close this fall.

The town announced last night (Wednesday) that Ashton will resign as its top administrative official in order to take a new job as county administrator for Stafford. His final day as town manager will be Sept. 10.

News

Fairfax County to rethink vision for Route 29 in Idylwood

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 11, 2024 at 10:30AM

Westbound Route 29 approaching Fairmont Street in Idylwood (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County wants to come up with a new vision for the Idylwood segment of Route 29, one that’s more inclusive of modes of transportation other than cars.

The Board of Supervisors authorized transportation staff on June 25 to apply for $175,000 in federal grant money to fund the development of an active transportation plan for Route 29 between Hollywood Road and Route 7 (Leesburg Pike).

News

Reston Community Center plans facility upgrades, requiring pool closure

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 11, 2024 at 9:30AM

Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods (staff photo by David Taube)

Reston Community Center (RCC) will update its Hunters Woods facility this summer, requiring some reductions in programming and a temporary closure of its swimming pool.

Starting on July 22, contractors are slated to replace the elevator and install solar panels, among other energy improvements, in the nearly 50-year-old flagship building at 2310 Colts Neck Road. The Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center will be closed during construction, which is expected to last through Sept. 6.

Around Town

South Block lines up new juice shops in Fairfax City, Springfield

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 10, 2024 at 3:30PM

South Block has leased one of three new tenant spaces under construction at Fair City Mall in Fairfax City (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

South Block will continue its steady march to bring smoothies, acai bowls and cold-pressed juice to health foodies throughout Northern Virginia in 2025.

The Arlington-based chain anticipates opening its newest juice shops at Fair City Mall in Fairfax City and at Old Keene Mill Shopping Center in West Springfield early next year, founder and CEO Amir Mostafavi told FFXnow.

Around Town

Tysons Community Alliance offers free demos to encourage bicycling

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 10, 2024 at 2:30PM

The Capital Bikeshare station at Jones Branch Drive and Blyton Street in Tysons (via Google Maps)

The Tysons Community Alliance (TCA) wants to make the case that two wheels can be just as effective as four for getting around Tysons.

The nonprofit booster group is inviting community members to familiarize themselves with the area’s bicycle and scooter options with two Capital Bikeshare demonstrations this week, followed by a more extensive “Wheel Wise” event with safety tips and swag bags.

Around Town

Fitness and wellness gym Club Studio opens at Tysons West

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 10, 2024 at 10:30AM | Updated July 10, 2024 at 1:58PM

The gym Club Studio has opened at Tysons West (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

A new option for those looking to get fit without having to endure the summer heat is now available in Tysons.

Club Studio has completed a $11 million retrofit of the former 24 Hour Fitness at Tysons West (1500 Cornerside Blvd A). The 48,891-square-foot gym opened for workouts just before the Fourth of July and began offering classes last Friday (July 5), the business announced on Instagram.

News

County board approves renovation for Armstrong Elementary School

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 10, 2024 at 9:30AM

A rendering of Armstrong Elementary School's planned library addition (via Fairfax County Public Schools)

Fairfax County Public Schools can move ahead with a renovation of Armstrong Elementary School in Reston.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the project without discussion after a public hearing on June 25, setting the stage for an expansion that will give the school additional space and updated amenities.

Countywide

JUST IN: Excessive Heat Warning issued for Fairfax County

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 9, 2024 at 2:45PM

Sun shining among trees in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The heat and humidity that have baked the D.C. area through much of July so far are reaching dangerous levels.

The National Weather Service issued an Excessive Heat Warning for the region, including Fairfax County, shortly after 2 p.m. today (Tuesday). Scheduled to stay in effect until 8 p.m., the notice warns that heat index values — which measures air temperatures combined with humidity — could reach up to 110.

Countywide

Metro to upgrade bicycle parking, including at some Fairfax County stations

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 9, 2024 at 10:30AM

Bicycle lockers outside the McLean Metro station in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Metro is preparing to kick a multi-phase update of its bicycle parking facilities into gear later this year.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority will install hundreds of new bicycle lockers and racks at 74 different stations, replacing amenities that, in some cases, date back to when the stations were first constructed 30 to 40 years ago.

News

Four people arrested in Alexandria tied to several Fairfax County ABC store thefts

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 9, 2024 at 9:30AM | Updated July 9, 2024 at 11:30AM

The Virginia ABC store at Plaza at Landmark in Lincolnia (via Google Maps)

Fairfax County police have made headway on a months-long investigation into over a dozen thefts targeting local liquor stores.

Detectives believe the crimes were all committed by the same “crew,” identifying a man arrested in Alexandria and three juvenile individuals as suspects, though others may also be involved, the Fairfax County Police Department said yesterday (Monday) in a news release.