Angela Woolsey | FFXnow

Herndon hotel owner requests plan change to allow conversion into housing

Published December 11, 2025 at 8:30AM

Hyatt House in Herndon (via Google Maps)

The owner of Herndon’s Hyatt House appears ready to move forward with a potential redevelopment, but it may have to wait a little longer for any changes to be considered.

New York-based developer Widewaters has asked the Town of Herndon to amend its comprehensive plan for the hotel site at 467 Herndon Parkway to allow housing as “a viable near term redevelopment option,” according to the submitted request.

News

Crescent Apartments overhaul to prioritize affordable housing, new community center

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 10, 2025 at 3:45PM

Crescent Apartments in Reston (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) is starting to test the waters on an initial concept for its plan to replace and expand on Reston’s Crescent Apartments.

Now more than a decade in the making after a previous push to revitalize the Lake Anne area stalled, the redevelopment will prioritize preserving the property’s status as a valuable affordable housing site, while also better integrating it with the surrounding community, according to FCRHA Associate Development Director Thor Nelson.

Around Town

Super Pet Expo finds new home after 25 years at closing Chantilly venue

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 10, 2025 at 11:45AM | Updated December 10, 2025 at 7:19PM

Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The largest pet event in the D.C. region is leaving Fairfax County.

With the Dulles Expo Center, their home of 25 years, permanently closing in Chantilly this month, Super Pet Expo organizers will bring their showcase for local pet businesses, nonprofits and experts to Manassas Mall next year instead.

News

Lake Thoreau dredging delayed by insufficient water levels

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 10, 2025 at 10:00AM

The Westcove area of Lake Thoreau is slated to undergo dredging this winter or spring 2026 (via Reston Association/YouTube)

Reston Association had hoped to dredge sediment from Lake Thoreau this fall, but paltry precipitation may force the project to wait until next spring.

While staff still hope to schedule the dredging for sometime this winter, the rain and snow that passed through the D.C. region last week weren’t enough to sufficiently raise water levels at the manmade lake, according to RA communications director Cara O’Donnell.

Around Town

Indian jeweler celebrates opening of Tysons store, first in D.C. region

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 10, 2025 at 9:15AM | Updated December 10, 2025 at 3:16PM

Inside Tanishq's showroom in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

After an approximately 100-day engagement, Tanishq officially celebrated its union with Tysons last week.

The Indian jeweler has been selling necklaces, earrings and other accessories to customers at its new store in the Shops at Fairfax Square (8065 Leesburg Pike, Suite 120) since Aug. 8, but the grand opening on Dec. 2 came with an extra level of ceremony.

News

Reston among hosts of new street hockey league from Washington Capitals

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 9, 2025 at 3:45PM

Players participate in a Capitals street hockey clinic (courtesy Washington Capitals)

Calling all young hockey players in the D.C. area: the Washington Capitals is launching a new street hockey league and looking for participants.

The inaugural Capitals Street Hockey League (CSHL) season will unfold from March to May 2026 across three host venues, including Lake Fairfax Park in Reston. Games will also be held at Francis C. Hammond Middle School in Alexandria and Ridge Road Recreational Park in Germantown, Maryland.

Countywide

Fairfax board narrowly votes to oppose any casino legislation not requested by supervisors

By Scott McCaffrey and Angela Woolsey

Published December 9, 2025 at 2:45PM | Updated December 10, 2025 at 2:47PM

A lobbying flyer shared with state lawmakers in January 2025 includes a rendering of Comstock's envisioned casino development in Tysons (via Access Point Public Affairs)

By the narrowest of majorities, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors went on record today (Tuesday) opposing any state legislation authorizing development of a casino property within the county’s borders.

The 5-4 vote was in support of a proposal from Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn to include a plank in the county’s 2026 legislative package stating opposition to any casino legislation until it is formally requested by a majority of supervisors and meets a number of other criteria.

News

Fairfax County expands fabrics recycling pilot to support demand

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 9, 2025 at 1:45PM

Helpsy textile recycling containers at the I-66 Transfer Station (via DPWES)

South County residents now have an option closer to home for recycling clothes and other fabrics.

After seeing robust participation at the I-66 Transfer Station on West Ox Road, the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) has expanded a pilot program for textile recycling to the I-95 Landfill Complex (9850 Furnace Road) in Lorton.

Around Town

NEW: Indoor mini golf venue put on hold at Reston Station

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 9, 2025 at 9:15AM

Outdoor patio in front of the 1870 Reston Row office building, under construction in July 2025 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Booz Allen Hamilton is in, and Puttshack might be out at Reston Station.

Developer Comstock Companies announced last month that the federal contractor will move its corporate headquarters to Reston Row, occupying 310,000 square feet. That includes the entire office building at 1870 Reston Row Plaza, where over 29,000 square feet had been reserved for Puttshack for the past three years.

News

Rabies confirmed in cat caught after recent Belle Haven attacks

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 9, 2025 at 8:30AM

The intersection of 13th Street and H Street in Belle Haven (via Google Maps)

The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) is urging community members to reach out if they or a pet came into contact with a rabid cat reported in Belle Haven last month.

The cat was captured after attacking “multiple people and pets” during the evening of Nov. 28 near the 13th Street and H Street intersection. Testing later confirmed that the animal had been infected with rabies, the FCHD announced on Friday (Dec. 5).