Google plans to invest $1 billion to expand data center campuses in Northern Virginia this year, including two Loudoun County sites and a newly opened site in Prince William County.
Ruth Porat, the president, chief investment officer and chief financial officer of Google and its parent company, Alphabet, announced the funds on Friday (April 26) at the company’s Reston headquarters. They will bring Google’s total investment in the state to more than $4.2 billion to date.
“We’ve been here for five years with two data centers, and today, I’m really proud to announce that we’re investing an additional billion dollars in Virginia to expand those campuses and to add a third data center in Prince William County,” she said.
Google also introduced a $75 million artificial intelligence opportunity fund and an AI essentials class as part of two new workforce development initiatives geared towards helping employees and learners in Virginia benefit from new technologies.
“The intent is to ensure that everyone everywhere across Virginia and across the United States has the ability to get central training around AI,” Porat said. “How can we individually use it? How can we use it to support our businesses large and small?”
Through providing grants to best-in-class workforce development and education organizations, Google’s opportunity fund will equip more than a million people with fundamental AI skills.
“Google’s new AI Essentials course will teach people to use AI effectively in day-to-day work. In under 10 hours, people will get practical, hands-on experience using AI to help with work tasks through videos, readings, and interactive exercises,” a press release reads.
One of the fund’s first recipients, Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), will provide the new AI Essentials course and a Google Cybersecurity Certificate to its Onward to Opportunity participants in Virginia and across the country, according to the release.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin spotlighted the state’s technological advances, noting that Northern Virginia is the global hub for data centers with more development than the next five U.S. markets combined.
“With that comes tremendous synergy and an ecosystem that enables advanced development,” Youngkin said. “And so, Google’s $1 billion investment is a continued demonstration that that ecosystem is one worth investing in.”
Youngkin also said local communities are benefitting from data centers by paying $2.2 billion in wages and “a billion dollars in local revenue that funds an immense investment in schools and public services and social services.”
At the same time, some localities have moved to more closely regulate data centers in response to concerns about their neighborhood and environmental impacts. Fairfax County will hold community meetings starting this Thursday (May 2) to gather feedback on its proposed zoning changes.
In the press release on Google’s announcement, IVMF Executive Director Dr. Mike Haynie expressed appreciation for the technology giant’s continual backing.
“We are extremely proud to receive continued support from google.org that will allow us not only to continue to deliver the cybersecurity training that we’re currently delivering to the military connected community, but now also enhance the support we can provide to our nation service members, veterans and military spouses through AI training,” he said.
Fairfax City Schedules Fireworks Test — “Fairfax City Parks and Recreation has arranged for a “test fire” of fireworks from the roof of Fairfax High School. The test fire, consisting of two 15-second bursts, will occur between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. April 30.” The test is planned in preparation for the city’s Independence Day Celebration, which is scheduled for July 4. [City of Fairfax]
Vienna Veteran Charged With Making Toxin — “A judge on Friday ordered a Marine Corps veteran and former militia member to remain jailed pending trial on charges he attempted to make ricin, a biological toxin.” The 42-year-old man was arrested about two weeks ago after “traces of ricin along with lab equipment and castor beans, from which ricin is derived,” were found in his home. [Associated Press/WTOP]
Local Man Allegedly Showed Porn to Elementary School Students — “The 18-year-old man from Fairfax County was arrested and is facing several charges, including possession of child pornography, Arlington County police announced…The man worked at Abingdon Elementary School in the Fairlington neighborhood, in the after-school program for students, police said.” [ARLnow]
Arrest Made in Reston Armed Robbery — “Reston Days B officers & K9 just arrested a man after he broke into a home & robbed a woman at gunpoint in the 2200 blk of Stone Wheel Dr in Reston. The man tried to flee across a nearby golf course but was quickly apprehended.” [FCPD/Twitter]
Community Service Held for Clifton Fire Victims — “The Brice family held a celebration of life after the family was struck by tragedy earlier this month: their sons, 6-year-old William and 3-year-old Zachariah, died in a fire at their grandparent’s house in Clifton…The parents, supported by the community, cherished the memories of the kids on Saturday at the event.” [WUSA9]
Local Musicians Plan Inaugural Mount Vernon Festival — “Fifty-five years after hundreds of thousands of people descended on Woodstock, New York for a legendary music festival, a Fort Hunt-area musician is organizing a somewhat smaller rendition for local community members’ enjoyment — Waynewoodstock.” [On the MoVe]
Satellite Company Signs Deal for Reston Move — “SES and SES Space & Defense have inked a 35,000-square-foot lease restructure and relocation at Reston Square, 11790 Sunrise Valley Dr. in Reston, VA. As part of the deal, SES, a Luxembourg-based satellite communications company, will consolidate operations at the Reston property, serving as one of its main U.S. offices.” [Connect CRE]
It’s Monday — Expect sunny skies and a high of approximately 89 degrees, with a west wind at 5 to 7 mph that will turn southward in the afternoon. Monday night will be mostly clear with a low temperature around 65 degrees and a south wind at about 7 mph. [NWS]
The Oakton driver behind a 2022 crash that killed two teenagers has been sentenced to four years in prison.
Earlier this week, 20-year-old Usman Shahid was convicted of two counts of involuntary manslaughter for the June 7, 2022 crash on Blake Lane, where he struck and killed two Oakton High School students while driving 46 mph over the 35-mph speed limit.
A jury proposed the sentence today (Friday) after issuing its verdict Wednesday (April 24).
“At trial, prosecutors proved that Shahid’s high rate of speed and lack of evasive action to avoid the situation were responsible for both the initial crash and the subsequent pedestrian collision,” the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office said in a press release.
Multiple news outlets reported that, during the trial, prosecutors stated Shahid was driving his BMW at 81 mph on Blake Lane shortly before noon on the day of the crash. Students had been released early that day with the end of the school year approaching.
Upon seeing a yellow traffic light, Shahid accelerated and collided with a Toyota 4Runner that was turning left. Police testified that the collision forced Shahid’s vehicle off the road and onto the sidewalk, where it struck three teenage girls.
According to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, a crash expert testified during the trial that the data recorder in Shahid’s vehicle showed he accelerated from 60 to 81 mph in the five seconds before the crash as he approached the intersection. The recorder also indicated that Shahid didn’t attempt to brake.
Two of the victims, 14-year-old Ada Gabriela Martinez Nolasco and 15-year-old Leeyan Hanjia Yan, died of their injuries, while a third teen was seriously hurt.
“This is one of the most tragic cases in Fairfax County’s history,” Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano said in the release. “I have a daughter just a few months younger than Ada and Leeyan were – and I can’t imagine how broken I would be in her absence. My heart breaks for the families, friends, and loved ones of these young girls. While there is nothing that can make up for such an immense loss, I hope that this conviction can help our community finally begin to heal from this tragedy.”
A judge will finalize the sentence — which could be lower but not higher than the jury’s determination — later this year.
RELAC Water Cooling will begin delivering air-conditioning services to residents and businesses in Reston’s Lake Anne area this weekend — ahead of its official launch date of May 22.
The volunteer-run utility announced today that it will “go live” tomorrow (Saturday) to test its services, providing chilled water from the artificial lake to cool 635 residential and commercial properties.
“Being ready for the start date, which is prescribed by state regulations, is mission-critical,” RELAC Steering Committee Chair Simon McKeown said in the announcement. “We want to avoid any adverse impact on our community’s health and comfort when the temps go high. That’s why it’s imperative we implement a rigorous testing period.”
RELAC will have full services available during the testing period, which will begin before a surge in temperatures next week. The National Weather Service’s current forecast for Reston shows highs in the 80s, starting this Sunday (April 28) through at least Thursday (May 2).
While some maintenance and refurbishment work remains in progress, engineering contractor, Innovative Mechanical Systems (IMS), confirmed last night that RELAC can start its chilling operations, according to McKeown.
Since it was created in the mid-1960s, the Reston Lake Anne Air Conditioning Corporation has been required for certain homeowners by the Reston deed, which prohibits individual air-conditioning units for residential clusters where the central AC service is available.
However, the State Corporation Commission-regulated utility announced last December that it would cease operations, citing increased operating and maintenance costs as well as difficulties with getting customers to pay their bills.
In response, McKeown and other residents moved to take over the company with plans to turn it into a community-run co-op. The new RELAC officially registered with the SCC as a nonprofit on Feb. 5.
That reorganization unfolded concurrently with a Reston Association referendum that sought to repeal the RELAC requirement. Like previous efforts, the campaign fell short of the two-thirds majority vote needed to pass.
RELAC’s new leaders announced earlier this month that they had received enough community donations to restart operations for the upcoming cooling season.
“This has involved a team of extremely dedicated people: the members of the Initiative Steering Committee and the subsequent members of the Advisory Board and the generous support of many of our neighbors that have financially played a critical role and provided thoughtful input and been so supportive,” McKeown said in this morning’s notice. “In short, this IS a community initiative.”
Properties where RELAC’s services will be available include the Coleson, Governours, Hickory, Wainright, Waterview, Washington Plaza and Chimney House Road clusters as well as the Vantage Hill Condominiums, the Lake Anne of Reston Condominium Association (LARCA) and Lake Anne businesses, such as Reston’s Used Book Shop and the Washington Plaza Baptist Church.
The cost of riding Metro trains and buses will go up, starting July 1, when the transit agency’s new budget takes effect.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) board of directors approved a $4.8 billion fiscal year 2025 budget yesterday (Thursday) that will increase fares by 12.5%, including by ending the flat $2 rate for weekend and late-night rides introduced in 2021 and expanded in 2022.
Going forward, riders will be charged between $2.25 and $2.50 during those times, depending on how far they travel. The new budget also raises the base fare for both buses and rail from $2 to $2.25, the cap for MetroAccess service from $4 to $4.50, and the price of rail and bus passes.
The increases will keep fares “in line with inflation,” WMATA said in a press release.
The transit authority also hopes to generate some more revenue by introducing a 5-cent hourly rental fee for its bicycle lockers, capped at $1 per day, though vehicle parking rates will be unchanged.
In a statement, Metro Board Chair Paul Smedberg acknowledged that the budget “asks for a shared sacrifice from our employees and customers,” but WMATA stressed it was able to avoid the “catastrophic” cuts proposed last year, when it projected a $750 million funding deficit.
“We appreciate the collaboration of our regional partners on this board-approved budget that will keep our community moving,” Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke said. “This region is a great place to live, work, and play, and our recent ridership reflects the vital role Metro plays in getting people where they need to go.”
Some “targeted” service reductions will still be implemented, including “modest” headway increases for the Orange Line on both weekdays and weekends and for the Green and Yellow lines on weekends, according to a staff report. Metro also plans to utilize more six-car trains and a two-hour peak period.
Metro says it averted more drastic moves like station closures and worker layoffs by identifying $50 million in “cost efficiencies” — including a wage freeze for non-union positions — and securing increased funding commitments from D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
However, the amount of money headed to the transit agency from Virginia remains up in the air. The General Assembly passed a two-year budget in March with an additional $149.5 million for Metro, but Gov. Glenn Youngkin proposed an amendment earlier this month that would allocate $133.7 million — most of it redirected from the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC).
Last week, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors urged state lawmakers to reject Youngkin’s proposal, noting that funding is already running low for NVTC, which manages funding for transit systems throughout the region, including Metro.
The ongoing wrangling over the state spending plan has created some uncertainty for the county, which is considering an additional $10 million for Metro in its proposed FY 2025 budget.
Now that Metro has finalized its budget, the county anticipates adjusting its contribution, but the final numbers are contingent on what the state does. Read More
The continued development of Tysons doesn’t have to come at the expense of its remaining natural green space, argues a recent report on ways to preserve 65 acres of forest in the urban center.
A community task force has recommended two dozen actions that could help preserve and even enhance wooded areas collectively known as Tysons Forest, including tree plantings and clean-up efforts. Dated March 24, the report was formally accepted by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on April 16.
“Usually, task forces are not looking at preserving natural areas like this and enhancing them, but it was a really wonderful and very positive community-led effort,” Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn said at the board meeting.
Alcorn assembled the Tysons Forest Community Task Force last September to craft a plan for protecting the woods along Tysons’ southwestern edge. Spanning the Dulles Toll Road to Gosnell Road, the expanse includes the 33-acre Old Courthouse Spring Branch Stream Valley, the Ash Grove Historic Site and Raglan Road and Freedom Hill parks.
Chaired by resident Jack Russell, the task force counted residents, local building owners, office tenants, Fairfax County Park Authority staff and other county representatives, and conservation experts among its 23 members.
After meeting throughout the fall and winter, the group solidified recommendations that it hopes will enable humans and wildlife to coexist, while making Tysons Forest “sustainable and emerald green forever.”
Leading the proposals is the need for the county to officially recognize the stream valley corridor as Tysons Forest, including by adding wayfinding signage, and incorporate a pledge to protect the habitat in its Tysons Comprehensive Plan.
The task force also highlighted the importance of replenishing the area’s tree canopy, which it reported has declined by approximately 20-25% in the past five years. In addition to planting 200 wire-guarded trees and seedlings annually, the report suggests cutting down on the amount of invasive plants by at least 50% by 2028 and conducting counts of birds, bees and other wildlife to measure the area’s biodiversity.
Other notable recommendations include:
- Revive the Ashgrove Trail extension project and evaluate options for connecting it to the Vesper Trail south of Spring Hill Road
- Expand Tysons Forest by securing proffer contributions from developers and encouraging property owners to adopt ecologically friendly practices
- Maintain a safe and clean forest by requiring developers to mitigate run-off into streams, adding trash cans along walking trails and conducting regular trash cleanups
- Enlist local students as “green champions” by offering volunteer opportunities and including youth on future task force teams
- Create a website and events calendar for Tysons Forest
Planned facility upgrades will require the Reston Regional Library to close for an extended period this summer.
Friday, June 28, will be the last day of public operations for the aging building at 11925 Bowman Towne Drive before construction on interim renovations starts on July 1, Fairfax County Public Library announced yesterday (Thursday).
“This brief and necessary refresh will enhance library visitors’ experiences and complete important facility modernizations to ensure that it remains usable, clean and safe for the duration of the building’s lifespan,” FCPL said in a news release.
According to the county library system, work on the project is expected to take about 10 weeks and will include:
- Full ADA updates and refurbishment of the main public restrooms;
- Updates to all public and staff area lighting fixtures;
- Replacement of carpet in key areas such as the entry way and teen area;
- Cleaning and updates to the public meeting rooms;
- Paint, cleaning, blind repair, etc; and
- Replacement of the drinking fountain and addition of a bottle filling station
During the closure, FCPL will encourage Reston patrons to visit other libraries in the area, including the Herndon Fortnightly Library, Great Falls Library and Chantilly Regional Library. Reston Regional Library staff will be relocated to other branches.
FCPL previously told FFXnow that the facility updates will extend the existing Reston library’s lifespan for the next seven to 10 years, as planning for a brand-new building continues.
The county hopes to replace the library as part of a sweeping overhaul of Reston Town Center North, an area bounded by Baron Cameron Avenue, Town Center Parkway, Bowman Towne Drive and Fountain Drive.
As recommended by a task force in November, the future redevelopment will also deliver a new homeless shelter and county human services building, affordable housing, Inova health facilities, an athletic field, a recreation center and a future school site.
The county spent months working on an earlier development plan with Foulger-Pratt, but the private developer abruptly withdrew its proposal in February 2023, citing escalating costs related to construction and interest rates.
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn then assembled a task force to revise the county’s vision for RTC North, and a land swap with Inova Health System is in the works, which would allow the project to move forward.
FCPL confirmed plans for a new library are still “moving forward,” noting that voters authorized the county to pay for the facility with bond sales in a 2012 referendum.
“It is planned to be constructed in the next few years,” the county library said. “Land acquisition and design of the new facility is in the development phase.”
Sentencing of Driver in Fatal Oakton Crash Delayed — “The sentencing hearing in the manslaughter case of two Oakton High School students killed in a June 7, 2022, crash abruptly stopped Thursday morning after a member of the courtroom audience collapsed during the testimony of one of the victim’s mothers. A jury convicted Usman Shahid on two counts of involuntary manslaughter” on Wednesday (April 24). [Patch]
Affordable Housing Waitlists to Open — “Those interested in applying to affordable housing waitlists can do so beginning Monday, April 29, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. through Sunday, May 5, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. for select properties,” including family and senior housing complexes in Idylwood, Herndon, Lorton and Arlington. [Fairfax County]
GMU Unveils Redesigned Logo — “George Mason on Thursday unveiled a new streamlined logo for the university and its athletics department, replacing a pair of separate marks the Fairfax school had used for the last 20 years. The new logo features an interlocking ‘GM’ in George Mason’s traditional green and gold colors.” [Washington Post]
County Raises Fine for Illegally Placed Signs — “Fairfax County supervisors on April 16 unanimously agreed to quintuple the Department of Code Compliance’s administrative fee for abating and removing signs illegally placed within highway limits from $10 to $50 per sign. That fee, which will take effect July 1, is in addition to the $100-per-sign civil penalty.” [Gazette Leader]
Virginia Rail System Plots Expansion — “While 2050 is more than a quarter century away, The Virginia Railway Express wants to start transforming its commuter rail operations much sooner by offering Saturday services as it considers its System Plan 2050, part of holistic, multi-agency efforts to transform rail services in the commonwealth.” [Virginia Mercury]
Woodlawn Launches New History Exhibits — “April 25 marks the opening of two new exhibits at Woodlawn, the historic 126-acre plantation that once was part of George Washington’s Mount Vernon. For the staff at Woodlawn and Pope-Leighey House, the exhibits also mark the debut of a new phase in which the historic site collaborates with all people associated with the property — including indigenous people and descendants of enslaved people — to tell fuller and more inclusive stories.” [On the MoVe]
Where to Find Free Concerts This Summer — “Throughout the warmer seasons, parks and towns throughout NoVA host free concerts where you can relax and listen to some local tunes under the warm summer skies, free of charge.” Local options include Herndon’s Friday Night Live and series in Reston, Fairfax City and Fort Hunt. [Northern Virginia Magazine]
It’s Friday — Expect mostly sunny skies and a high of around 63 degrees, accompanied by a southeast wind at 6 to 8 mph. As night falls, the clouds will increase, leading to a low of about 48 degrees. [NWS]
Nearly 14 years after Clifton Elementary School shuttered, its sign has been repurposed.
The sign now serves as a bulletin for local organizations, businesses, and community groups to promote events such as farmers markets, cultural celebrations and educational workshops.
The Fairfax County School Board voted 9-2 on July 8, 2010 to close Clifton Elementary School, citing declining enrollment, high renovation costs and poor well-water quality.
Clifton-area residents filed a lawsuit to keep the school open, arguing that the school board’s decision was arbitrary and based on misrepresented facts.
After a year of legal battles, the Virginia State Supreme Court sided with the school board, allowing the elementary school to officially close on June 21, 2011 — a few years shy of its 60th anniversary.
The site has since remained empty, which didn’t sit well with recently elected At-Large School Board Member Kyle McDaniel. So, he teamed up with his colleague on the board, Sandy Anderson, as well as Clifton Mayor Tom Peterson and Fairfax County Public Schools staff to turn the school’s old sign into a community notice board.
“It was a simple thing to do that didn’t cost us any money and helped the community,” he told FFXnow. “It also was a gesture to start trying to mend fences with the community that is still upset about the school closure.”
Anderson, who represents the Springfield District on the school board, expressed gratitude for the community’s support and enthusiasm for the sign’s revival.
“I’m so glad that FCPS has been able to take the small first step to reintegrate this property back into the Clifton community,” she said in a press release. “I look forward to continued progress.”
“Clifton is a special community, and I am proud to represent it on the school board,” McDaniel remarked. “This is a first step on a journey to repurposing more of the Clifton Elementary School site for more community use.”
The Spring Hill Rec Center in McLean is now being partly powered by the sun.
The Fairfax County Park Authority announced today (Thursday) that it has turned on a new, 307-kilowatt solar panel array on the roofs of the recreation center’s gym and indoor swimming pool at 1239 Spring Hill Road.
The largest array installed on a park authority facility to date, the solar panels will generate enough energy annually to power 33 homes and reduce the rec center’s electricity needs by 13%, according to the press release.
“Turning the switch at this solar project represents another step in our journey away from fossil fuels and toward a more sustainable future,” John Morrill, director of Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, said. “Not only will this solar array save money in electricity costs over time, it confirms the county’s commitment to meeting the goals in our Operational Energy Strategy.”
Adopted by the Board of Supervisors in July 2021, the county’s Operational Energy Strategy laid out a plan for achieving carbon neutrality — when it absorbs or removes the same amount of carbon emissions as it releases — by 2040. By that year, the county aims to generate 50% of its electricity with renewable sources, among other goals.
The solar panel launch represents a key step forward in a larger push by the FCPA to make the Spring Hill Rec Center more energy efficient. Under construction since July 2023, the project will also install a geothermal HVAC system, replace the pool’s dehumidification units, add LED lights and improve the building’s automation system.
Work on all of the improvements is expected to wrap up this summer.
“We decided, when it was time to make improvements to the rec center, that we would be intentional about installing fixtures and infrastructure that would minimize the impact on our environment, enhance user experience, and save money in the long run,” FCPA Director Jai Cole said. “This is doable, and it’s the right thing to do.”
Other park authority facilities that have undergone similar retrofits include the Cub Run and South Run rec centers.
The county unveiled its first major solar photovoltaic arrays on the Reston and Woodlawn fire stations last September and anticipates completing 12 installations this year in addition to the Spring Hill project.
