News | FFXnow - Part 370

Morning Notes

Published May 8, 2024 at 8:15AM

Vehicles on Route 50 (Arlington Blvd) approach a pedestrian bridge in Seven Corners (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County Board Adopts New Budget — “Fairfax County lawmakers Tuesday approved a budget that raises the residential tax rate by 3 cents, a reflection of the lingering economic impacts of the pandemic and uncertainty over the Virginia state budget…The Board of Supervisors approved the budget on a 9-1 vote without comment, with Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) opposing.” [Washington Post]

Gunfire Reported in Fair Lakes Neighborhood — “According to Fairfax County police, the shooting was reported during a gathering at one of the townhouses in the Fair Lakes community. Upon arrival, officers encountered a large group of people leaving the home. Video footage captured people desperately seeking refuge and calling for help amidst the chaos.” [FOX5]

Fairfax Circuit Court launches monthly satellite location in Reston

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 7, 2024 at 1:30PM

The Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate in Reston (via Fairfax County)

Reston-area residents will no longer have to trek to the Fairfax County Courthouse to access some basic court services.

The Fairfax Circuit Court, which serves both the county and Fairfax City, announced today that it will open a satellite location next Tuesday, May 14 in the Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate (12125 Pinecrest Road) in Reston.

Neighbor complaints lead to elimination of pickleball at Annandale courts

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 7, 2024 at 11:30AM

Kendale Woods Park's racquetball courts are currently striped so they can be used by both tennis and pickleball players (courtesy Fairfax County Park Authority)

The days of pickleball at Annandale’s Kendale Woods Park are coming to an end.

In response to noise complaints from neighboring residents, the Fairfax County Park Authority will remove the pickleball lines from the park’s two racquetball courts, turning them back into tennis-only facilities.

Pedestrian hospitalized after vehicle crash on Frying Pan Road

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 7, 2024 at 9:30AM

Eastbound Frying Pan Road at Fieldcreek Drive in Herndon (via Google Maps)

An adult man was taken to the hospital yesterday (Monday) afternoon after he was hit by a vehicle on Frying Pan Road in the Herndon area.

Police were dispatched at 2:57 p.m. for the crash at the Fieldcreek Drive intersection outside the Somerset townhomes, according to scanner traffic on Open MHz.

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published May 7, 2024 at 8:15AM

Workers remove a banner over Maple Avenue in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Firefighters Participate in Rescue Challenge — “Who’s that suspended from ropes under the Woodrow Wilson Bridge? It’s your friendly neighborhood technical rescue operations team. From 5/6-5/9 #FCFRD is participating in the 28th Annual Rescue Challenge. This training involves scenarios including a rescue under the bridge.” [FCFRD/Twitter]

Oyster Bar Coming to Old Town Fairfax — “Local chef and restauranteur Bill Hamrock will be opening Kelly’s Oyster House and Bar at 4069 Chain Bridge Road in Old Town Fairfax. The building is the former home of the Capital Ale House. Hamrock already owns and operates Hamrock’s Restaurant, which is located just down the street at 3950 Chain Bridge Road.” [Patch]

Fairfax County board likely to approve consolidation of animal control services

By James Jarvis

Published May 6, 2024 at 4:45PM

Fairfax County Animal Shelter on West Ox Road (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The Fairfax County Department of Animal Sheltering (DAS) will likely assume the duties of the Animal Protection Police, starting this summer.

At a mark-up session last Tuesday (April 30), the Board of Supervisors indicated that it will implement the consolidation by transferring a position from the Fairfax County Police Department and creating a new chief animal control officer (ACO) as part of the fiscal year 2025 budget, which is scheduled to be formally adopted tomorrow (Tuesday).

Washington Capitals-donated skating rink nears opening at Lake Fairfax Park

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 6, 2024 at 2:30PM

A new inline hockey rink donated by the Washington Capitals is being installed at Lake Fairfax Park (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The Washington Capitals will soon unveil a new sports facility in Northern Virginia — one likely to be much less controversial than the team owner’s failed push for an arena in Alexandria.

Installation of the inline skate rink donated by the D.C.-based professional hockey team to Lake Fairfax Park (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive) in Reston is expected to finish this week, according to the Fairfax County Park Authority.

Vienna will require developers to preserve trees, starting this summer

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 6, 2024 at 1:30PM

A yard sign advocates for saving Vienna's trees (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Going forward, developers in the Town of Vienna will be required to save trees, not just replace them.

After years of study and discussion, the Vienna Town Council voted on April 29 to adopt a new tree conservation ordinance and create an advocacy committee in a bid to preserve and expand the town’s declining canopy.

Burke resident dies in private plane crash, state police say

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 6, 2024 at 10:30AM

Police and first responders at the scene of a fatal plane crash in Palmyra (courtesy Virginia State Police)

Two people, including a 73-year-old Burke resident, were killed yesterday (Sunday) when their plane crashed in central Virginia, police say.

According to the Virginia State Police, the sheriff’s office in Fluvanna County got a 911 call at 8:54 a.m. from residents of Palmyra who reported seeing a “low-flying plane,” followed by “what sounded like an explosion.”

Photos: Barnes & Noble temporarily closes Tysons store, will relocate within mall

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 6, 2024 at 9:30AM

Barnes and Noble at Tysons Corner Center on May 4, 2024, a day before it temporarily closed (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Barnes & Noble has closed up shop at Tysons Corner Center for the year.

Yesterday (Sunday) was the bookstore’s last day serving customers in the two-level space it has occupied since the mall’s expansion wing opened in 2005. In the month leading up to the closure, shelves were emptied and some areas closed, including the cafe, as the store cleared merchandise through “last chance sale” discounts.