A new vision is taking shape for one of Inova Health System’s former administrative headquarters buildings in Merrifield.
After a previous developer backed off plans to convert the office building at 8110 Gatehouse Road into live/work units, the new property owner — an affiliate of Bethesda-based Buchanan Partners — intends to demolish the existing six-story structure and replace it with up to 300 homes.
Northern Virginia business leaders are souring on the state of the regional economy, but a majority are optimistic about the financial impact of data centers locally.
The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce (NVC) and public relations firm Pinkston released results of their third-quarter 2026 Business Leader Survey this week, revealing the sentiments of the region’s CEOs, senior executives and business owners.
A 93-year-old Springfield man has died from the injuries he sustained in a crash on Fairfax County Parkway in Burke Sunday afternoon (Oct. 4).
According to the Fairfax County Police Department, Gerald Brook was riding in the front passenger seat of a 2010 Nissan Altima that was heading northbound on the parkway, approaching the Burke Lake Road intersection, when the car collided with a 2017 Toyota 4Runner that was traveling eastbound on Burke Lake Road.
Data Center Construction Draws Complaints — “Residents living near a data center construction site in Reston say constant drilling, banging and bright nighttime lights are disrupting their daily lives. The construction site is less than 100 feet from some homes on Cocquina Drive, residents say. A three-story, roughly 75-foot structure now towers over their backyards.” [WUSA9]
Refunds for Taxpayers Penalized by Error — “Fairfax County, Virginia, officials said it will refund some residents impacted by a system glitch that caused some users to pay late fees on personal property taxes before the actual deadline … Officials said the system deadline was set to start issuing late penalties and interest after 11:59 p.m. Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) instead of 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).” [WJLA]
In-State Tuition for Migrant Students Upheld — “Months after the U.S. Department of Justice sued to end Virginia’s Dream Act, a federal judge ruled on Monday, Oct. 5, that the policy could continue … The Dream Act gives undocumented and refugee students in-state tuition rates if they meet certain criteria like graduating from a Virginia high school and paying state taxes.” [WRIC]
Fraud Emails Impersonate County — “Fairfax County has received reports of fraudulent emails targeting county vendors. The messages impersonate county employees and request payment to address purported vendor compliance issues. Fairfax County does not require vendors to pay a deposit or fee to resolve a records or vendor compliance issue, and the county does not request vendor payments by email.” [Fairfax County Procurement]
Local News Outlet Baffles Community — “The Winchester Gazette, a news website covering this city of 28,000 people in the Shenandoah Valley, calls itself ‘a publication committed to reporting the truth.’ But city leaders, residents, newsmakers and a former reporter say the truth about the Gazette is a mystery.” [Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism]
Republicans Propose Gas Tax Holiday — “Virginia Republican leaders on Tuesday called for Gov. Abigail Spanberger to summon lawmakers to Richmond and suspend the state’s gasoline and diesel taxes for 90 days, arguing that the temporary break would help families, farmers and trucking companies cope with high fuel prices.” [Virginia Mercury]
Regional Funding for I-95 Projects to Open — The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission “anticipates that between $45 million and $50 million will be available for local projects in the I-395/95 corridor during the FY 28-29 funding cycle. Localities and transit agencies have a two-month window — Oct. 19 to Dec. 18 — to submit funding requests.” [ARLnow]
Call for Traffic Signals at Woodburn ES — “Community and safety organizations are urging Fairfax County officials to require a developer proposing dozens of new homes along Gallows Road to install traffic signals near a local elementary school, citing pedestrian safety concerns at two intersections bordering the property.” The planning commission will hold a public hearing on the proposal for 32 homes in Annandale tonight (Wednesday). [Patch]
Sushi Restaurant Coming to Falls Church — “Ian Sushi is currently hiring employees and completing work on a space at 112 S. West Street, in the Modera apartment complex. The restaurant’s website advertises flame-seared sushi and house-made sauces, with a wide menu of dishes named after movies.” [ARLnow]
It’s Wednesday — Expect sunny weather with a high of around 70 degrees and a gentle south wind blowing at 5 to 9 mph. Night will be clear, with temperatures dropping to about 54 degrees. [NWS]
There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.
England’s Prince Edward, known as the Duke of Edinburgh, made his presence felt last Thursday (Oct. 1) at George Washington’s Mount Vernon while celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
The royal visit to the first U.S. president’s former residence was in partnership with the British embassy to highlight not only America 250, but to raise awareness about the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award — a charity created to assist and encourage young people in achieving their goals.
A proposal to replace office buildings in Tysons with an expanded data center has powered down for now.
The California-based operator Serverfarm recently requested that its special exception application to allow a “Vienna Cloud” data center complex on a 14.4-acre site at 7980 and 7990 Quantum Drive be deferred indefinitely, Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik shared in a newsletter last Thursday (Oct. 1).
A local youth recently reminded Fairfax County supervisors they still have time to turn their elections next year into ranked-choice voting events.
“It is a very realistic goal,” said John Tashkhanov, speaking at the monthly public comment session at the tail end of the Sept. 29 Board of Supervisors meeting.
Owners of boats, recreational vehicles and trailers now have fewer parking options in Fairfax County’s Dranesville District.
The county’s Board of Supervisors voted 10-0 on Sept. 29 to create the new community parking district, prohibiting many larger vehicles, watercraft and trailers from being parked on public streets in designated residential areas.
Despite a declining unemployment rate, Fairfax County in August recorded its smallest civilian workforce count in four-and-a-half years, according to new state data.
With 607,418 residents employed and 20,842 seeking jobs, August’s unemployment rate was 3.3%, according to figures reported Sept. 30 by the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement.
The inclusive playground at McLean’s Clemyjontri Park remains a gem of Fairfax County, but after two decades of operations, the local park authority is contemplating a refresh.
With much of the original equipment nearing or exceeding its expected life cycle, the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) plans to fully renovate the playground with the goal of creating a place “where every child can play,” according to a press release.
