Once part of George Washington’s Mount Vernon plantation, River Farm is now a historic landmark that has been owned by the American Horticulture Society (AHS) for over five decades. Its gardens and scenic views play host to special occasions such as weddings and memorial services.
The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust and American Horticulture Society announced that River Farm has received formal, permanent protection with a conservation easement, a milestone celebrated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony this afternoon (Friday).
Waving U.S., Virginia and Fairfax County flags (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Flags across Virginia will be lowered next Monday (May 4) to honor the memory of Dr. Cerina Fairfax and other victims of domestic violence.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger ordered today (Friday) that U.S. and Virginia flags be flown at half-staff on all state and local government buildings and grounds from sunrise to sunset, expressing a commitment to “helping those who face domestic violence or the threat of domestic violence.”
Conceptual rendering of Pulte Group's proposed Lofts II at Reston Station development (via Land Design Consultants/Fairfax County)
The Fairfax County Planning Commission has thrown its support behind a proposed expansion of the Lofts at Reston Station with the expectation that the developer will address several outstanding complaints raised by existing residents.
All eight commissioners present for a meeting on Wednesday (April 29) voted to recommend that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approve a comprehensive plan amendment that would allow residential development on the 5-acre site at 1810, 1825 and 1850 Samuel Morse Drive, which are currently occupied by low-rise office buildings.
A goose walks out of Royal Lake in Kings Park West as another floats by (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
DHS Shutdown Over Except for ICE — “President Donald Trump swiftly signed a bipartisan legislation Thursday to fund much of the Department of Homeland Security, but not its immigration enforcement operations, shortly after the package won final approval in the House, ending the longest agency shutdown in history.” [Associated Press]
Charges for Attempted CIA HQ Entries — A 28-year-old man from the Fort Worth area of Texas was arrested on Monday (April 27) “after allegedly attempting to breach the CIA’s Virginia headquarters three times since Friday, according to court filings … He was charged with trespassing for the attempted CIA breaches and released on bond with the condition he not return to either government facility.” [Washington Post]
Fairfax and Arlington Diverge on Real Estate Taxes — “Higher assessed property values mean most homeowners in both jurisdictions will pay more in property taxes, under the new budgets. But how did Fairfax County manage to reduce its rate while Arlington increased it?” [ARLnow]
Faith in Housing Bill to Become Law — Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has signed into law a pair of bills that “will eliminate the rezoning step for faith-based organizations and other tax-exempt nonprofits to develop affordable housing on their properties. The law will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027 and will sunset on Jan. 1, 2031 unless reenacted by a future General Assembly.” [ARLnow]
Satellite Company Sets IPO Target — “Herndon defense technology contractor HawkEye 360 Inc. intends to raise up to $416 million from its initial public offering, according to [an April 27] filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.” Planning to offer 16 million shares priced between $24 and $26 each, the $2.4 billion company is expected to debut on the New York Stock Exchange “within the next few days or weeks, though no official date has been set yet.” [Washington Business Journal]
Sneak Peek of Reston Restaurant in D.C. — The annual New Kitchens on the Block offered visitors at Mess Hall in D.C. “an early taste of the city’s next big cafes, restaurants and bars to find out if the hype is real.” Among the participants was Ebbitt House, a new concept from Clyde’s Restaurant Group that’s expected to open at Reston Station this August. [WTOP]
Spring Farm Day Returns to Frying Pan — “See life on the farm in full swing — including the spring baby boom — at Spring Farm Day on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Frying Pan Farm Park. Experience hands-on activities, live demonstrations and family-friendly fun throughout the day.” [Fairfax County Park Authority]
Sully District Celebrates Birthday — “Please join Supervisor Kathy Smith to celebrate the Sully District’s 35th birthday on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 11 am to 2 pm. Gather with friends and family to celebrate this milestone, enjoy cake, a flashback of Sully District history, and take advantage of onsite County services.” [Sully District Office]
It’s Friday — This afternoon will be mostly sunny with a high of 67°F and a slight 20% chance of showers after 2 PM. Overnight, expect mostly cloudy skies with a 40% chance of showers between 8 PM and 2 AM, and a low around 48°F. [NWS]
View of Dittmar Company's proposed Westpark Plaza development from the Greensboro Metro station (via Hickok Cole Architects/Fairfax County)
A developer that has been hoping to build on Tysons’ former Best Western Hotel site for more than a decade might have finally identified a way to turn its aspirations into a reality.
Dittmar Company is seeking to revise its plans for Westpark Plaza, a mixed-use development that would occupy an approximately 5.2-acre property at the corner of Westpark Drive and Route 7 (Leesburg Pike), just south of The Boro.
Audrey Moore Rec Center (staff photo by Jared Serre)
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is holding a public meeting this Saturday (May 2) on proposed renovations to the Audrey Moore Rec Center, the oldest recreational facility built by the agency.
The FCPA says the rec center has served as a community hub since its opening in Annandale in 1977. After undergoing some routine maintenance four years ago, the 76,000-square-foot facility complex is set for a major overhaul.
Designated curbside pickup parking spaces at the Mosaic District in Merrifield (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
From curbside pickups to ridesharing services and Amazon Prime deliveries, drivers making quick trips through neighborhoods or to local businesses have become increasingly commonplace in Fairfax County.
However, the county still doesn’t have any regulations around short-term parking, even after it adopted new parking rules in 2023, its first comprehensive update in 35 years.
Construction in progress on the Fairland at Vantage Hill townhomes in Reston (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Construction is progressing on a new townhome neighborhood near the Vantage Hill Condominiums in Reston.
Two buildings containing the first seven of 28 houses planned in The Fairland at Vantage Hill are on track to be completed this summer, likely in July or August, according to Craftmark Homes sales manager Lori Windsor.
Updated design of Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center (via City of Fairfax)
Fairfax City Council members voted unanimously Tuesday night (April 28) to move forward with a plan for construction of a combined $127.2 million Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center.
The city government will cover about $54 million in construction costs, with the Fairfax County government paying the rest. The two will also split operating costs once the facility opens, based on usage rates.
