Angela Woolsey | FFXnow

Proposal to convert Vienna bank into modern diner gets key approval

Published August 1, 2022 at 2:15PM

A rendering of the front entrance for the Yellow Diner, a planned restaurant (via Town of Vienna)

As if the universe sensed a need for balance, a bank in Vienna is set to turn into a restaurant.

The Vienna Board of Architectural Review gave its approval last month to a team that plans to rework the former SunTrust Bank at 501 Maple Avenue West into the Yellow Diner, which has been described as a modernization of a classic American diner.

Countywide

Covid cases trending down in Fairfax County to start August

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 1, 2022 at 1:30PM

Fairfax Health District COVID-19 cases over the past 26 weeks, as of Aug. 1, 2022 (via VDH)

After staying level in the early summer, COVID-19 cases have been on a more decisive downward trend since mid-July in the Fairfax Health District, which includes Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church.

The 231 new cases reported today (Monday) are the fewest to come in on a single day since just 169 cases were added on May 2, according to Virginia Department of Health data.

Around Town

New Tysons office boosts visibility of disability nonprofit Best Buddies

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 1, 2022 at 11:00AM

Best Buddies Virginia and D.C. had a grand opening reception for its Tysons Corner Center office on July 13 (courtesy Tysons Corner Center)

It took a team effort to get Best Buddies its new office at Tysons Corner Center.

The nonprofit’s Virginia and D.C. affiliate moved into a first-floor suite near the mall’s former Lord and Taylor in March, but the office didn’t get an official grand opening until July 13, according to Molly Whalen, the affiliate’s state director.

News

FCPD: Man dies after Route 1 crash into tree set vehicle on fire

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 1, 2022 at 9:30AM

A Fairfax County police SUV with lights on (file photo)

A 24-year-old man from Maryland died on Saturday (July 30) after getting injured in a one-vehicle crash on Richmond Highway more than two weeks ago.

The Fairfax County Police Department announced last night (Sunday) that Santos Casco Sierra had succumbed to injuries sustained after he drove off of Richmond Highway, also known as Route 1, near Woodside Lane in Lorton around 5:14 a.m. on July 16.

Countywide

Most-read Fairfax County stories of the week: July 25-29

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 29, 2022 at 3:00PM

Acrobats with Cirque du Soleil's Kurios show rehearse in Tysons (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

The weekend is almost here. Before you read up on local history or head to bed for some much-needed sleep, let’s revisit the past week of news in Fairfax County.

Here are the 10 most-read stories on FFXnow this week:

News

Vandals damage country club golf course in Vienna, police say

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 29, 2022 at 1:30PM

The entrance to the Westwood Country Club in Vienna (via Google Maps)

Vienna police are on the lookout for men who reportedly damaged the Westwood Country Club’s golf course last week.

Surveillance video footage showed “a group of unidentified males” destroying the grounds and equipment of the country club at 800 Maple Avenue East between 2 and 3 a.m. last Saturday (July 23), the Vienna Police Department said in a flier included in its crime recap for the week of July 22-28.

Around Town

Bad Axe Throwing is out at Mosaic District but aims to reopen elsewhere

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 29, 2022 at 11:00AM

Bad Axe Throwing has vacated its Mosaic District space (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The former Bad Axe Throwing spot at the Mosaic District in Merrifield is being wiped clean.

Work to demolish Suite 190 at 2985 District Avenue has been underway for the past month, based on Fairfax County permits, as property owner EDENS prepares the space for a potential new tenant.

Countywide

Morning Poll: Should Fairfax County’s major roads have lower speed limits?

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 29, 2022 at 9:30AM | Updated December 9, 2022 at 2:00PM

Cars head south on Richmond Highway (staff photo by Matt Blitz)

Driving on Richmond Highway in Fairfax County could get a little slower, potentially by the beginning of next year.

Virginia Department of Transportation staff said last week that the speed limit should be reduced from 45 to 35 mph along a 7.31-mile stretch of the roadway from the Capital Beltway at the Alexandria border to Jeff Todd Way in Mount Vernon.

Around Town

Photos: Cirque du Soleil prepares for Friday’s ‘Kurios’ Tysons premiere

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 28, 2022 at 2:15PM | Updated July 29, 2022 at 12:13PM

Cirque du Soleil acrobats rehearse a banquine act ahead of Kurios' July 29 premiere in Tysons (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Cirque du Soleil is almost ready to shine its lights on Tysons once again.

After a three-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canada-based circus and entertainment company raised its big top tent at Lerner Town Square (8025 Galleria Drive) on July 21 in anticipation of premiering its “Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities” show tomorrow (Friday).

News

Pedestrian bridge over Beltway in Tysons expected to finish this fall

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 28, 2022 at 11:00AM

Construction continues on the new pedestrian and bicycle bridge over I-495 in Tysons (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Construction on the bicycle and pedestrian bridge over the Capital Beltway in Tysons will take slightly longer than anticipated.

The Virginia Department of Transportation says the first phase of the project — which will eventually connect Tysons Corner Center and the McLean Metro station via Old Meadow Road — is now expected to be completed this fall, behind the previously advertised summer 2022 timeline.