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Morning Notes

Published March 25, 2022 at 7:30AM

Cherry blossoms in Tysons (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

New Issues Hamper Silver Line Phase 2 — While a summer opening is still possible, don’t expect the Silver Line extension from Reston into Loudoun County before July 1, Metro officials said yesterday (Thursday), citing waterproofing and insulation issues around power cable connections. Past problems with “the orange boot” have caused fire and smoke incidents. [DCist]

County Residents Report Lags in Rent Assistance — “Sarah Allen, regional director of Fairfax County Human Services, told InsideNoVa in October the county was rolling out a separate online portal that tenants could also use to apply for assistance. The online portal has yet to launch, according to a county spokesperson who said it’s still in development.” [Inside NoVA]

Fairfax County ushers in spring with this year’s farmers market schedule

By David Taube

Published March 24, 2022 at 3:45PM

Farmers market (via Fairfax County)

The Fairfax County Park Authority’s farmers markets are getting ready for another season.

Led by the Burke Farmers Market on April 16, the 10 markets will reopen throughout late April and the first week of May. This year’s events will feature more vendors than in the past, according to Molly Cullen, a marketing and outreach coordinator for the county.

Repairs at Lake Fairfax dam to begin next month

By Fatimah Waseem

Published March 24, 2022 at 3:00PM

Repairs are expected to begin next month (Photo via Fairfax County Park Authority).

Park visitors may notice Lake Fairfax‘s waters dipping below their usual levels next month.

The Fairfax County Park Authority plans to complete maintenance work on the main spillway at the Lake Fairfax Dam in early April.

Compass Coffee opens new café in Fairfax

By Fatimah Waseem

Published March 24, 2022 at 12:45PM

Compass Coffee has opened a new location in Fairfax City, further cementing a stronghold in the area.

The coffee shop opened on Monday (March 21) at the new Point 50 shopping center, located at 10400 Fairfax Boulevard.

Fairfax County seeks public input for review of Connector bus service

By David Taube

Published March 24, 2022 at 9:45AM

A Fairfax County bus driver waits for the next segment of his route (Staff photo by David Taube)

Fairfax County is seeking community input to guide the future of its Fairfax Connector bus system.

The Transit Strategic Plan review will examine how service could be adapted to address community needs over the next 10 years.

Fire in Centreville business with no smoke alarm costs $200k in damages

By Brandi Bottalico

Published March 24, 2022 at 9:00AM

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department determined a fire in Centreville March 10 was caused by mechanical failure of an air compressor motor (courtesy of FCFRD)

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department determined that a two-alarm fire in Centreville earlier this month was caused by a mechanical failure in the motor of an air compressor.

Firefighters from Fairfax and Prince William counties were dispatched to the 14600 block of Lee Highway around 2:34 p.m. on March 10 for a building fire, according to a news release.

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published March 24, 2022 at 7:30AM | Updated December 9, 2022 at 1:49PM

Prices at a gas station in Tysons (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Regional Winter Clothing Drive for Ukraine Now Accepting Donations — “Northern Virginia localities are partnering together to collect donations for Ukrainians who fled their country amid the Russian invasion. Dozens of locations around Northern Virginia will begin accepting donations Wednesday [March 23] through April 15.” [Patch]

FCPD Officer Faces Trial for Taser Use — “Day two of the trial of a Fairfax County police officer accused of assaulting an unarmed and incoherent man has concluded…Defense attorneys insist Officer Tyler Timberlake was well within department guidelines when he tasered La Monta Gladney in Mount Vernon. Prosecutors call it a crime.” [WUSA9]

County board tells Metro to limit impact of planned Yellow Line pause

By David Taube

Published March 23, 2022 at 3:45PM | Updated March 24, 2022 at 12:34PM

Yellow Line tunnel and bridge over the Potomac River (via WMATA)

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and other Northern Virginia officials are looking for ways to help commuters during a lengthy planned shutdown of Metro’s Yellow Line for rehabilitation work.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority will stop service on a key section of the line for seven to eight months to repair a Yellow Line bridge over the Potomac River and tunnels that are over 40 years old.

Lt. Gov. nominee Hala Ayala launches bid for Burke’s state Senate district

By Angela Woolsey

Published March 23, 2022 at 1:30PM | Updated December 9, 2022 at 1:49PM

Virginia Senate District 33 from 2021 redistricting maps (via Supreme Court of Virginia)

After falling short in her 2021 campaign to become Virginia’s new lieutenant governor, Hala Ayala is now looking to occupy a different position in the State Senate.

The former delegate launched a campaign this morning (Wednesday) for the newly created Senate District 33, which encompasses the Burke area of Fairfax County down past Woodbridge in Prince William County.

Fairfax County approves fines for running bamboo, starting next year

By David Taube

Published March 23, 2022 at 12:45PM

Bamboo (photo via Fairfax County)

Fairfax County will soon require property owners and residents to prevent running bamboo from spreading and take steps to contain it.

After holding a public hearing in February, the Board of Supervisors approved the new ordinance yesterday (Tuesday), but officials reiterated that county staff will first seek to educate community members and let them correct issues voluntarily before fines are imposed.