News | FFXnow - Part 469

Morning Notes

Published July 5, 2023 at 7:30AM

A U.S. flag flaps by Maple Avenue in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

No Elevated Bacteria Levels at Lake Accotink — “More than 24 hours after bacterial testing began on the water in Lake Accotink following a sewage spill, results show bacteria levels are not elevated. This indicates the cleanup effort was done in time to prevent downstream contamination from reaching Lake Accotink. As a result, there is no continued concern regarding human exposure to untreated sewage in the lake.” [DPWES]

Supreme Court Passes on Lawsuit Against Sheriff’s Office — “The Supreme Court on Friday said it would not review a decision holding that gender dysphoria is covered by the Americans With Disabilities Act…Leaving the decision undisturbed means that Kesha Williams’s lawsuit against the Fairfax County, Va., sheriff can proceed.” [The Washington Post]

JUST IN: Lake Accotink closed due to potential sewage contamination

By Angela Woolsey

Published June 30, 2023 at 2:45PM | Updated June 30, 2023 at 4:05PM

Lake Accotink Park paddle boats (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

(Updated at 4:05 p.m.) Lake Accotink is off limits entering the Fourth of July holiday weekend after an upstream sewage spill potentially contaminated the water.

Fairfax County has shut down all activities on the North Springfield lake, including fishing and boating, while the water is tested for bacteria.

Construction on Idylwood park trail, playground and more to begin in July

By Angela Woolsey

Published June 30, 2023 at 2:15PM

The conceptual development plan for Ruckstuhl Park, from a master plan approved in 2015 (via Fairfax County Park Authority)

Residents near Ruckstuhl Park in Idylwood will soon have a trail, playground and other amenities to explore, but first, they must endure some construction.

Active site work to implement the master plan for the 7.2-acre park at 2445 Idylwood Road is expected to begin by early July, the Fairfax County County Park Authority said yesterday (Thursday).

Voided development plan for former Fannie Mae campus expedited for approval

By Fatimah Waseem

Published June 30, 2023 at 1:30PM

The application has once again come forward for approval (Photo via handout/Fairfax County Government).

A previously approved plan for the redevelopment of the former Fannie Mae campus in Reston is once again headed before the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for a vote on an expedited timeline.

At a board meeting on Tuesday (June 28), Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn successfully passed a board matter to move the application from developer Wheelock Capital for an official vote by the board as soon as possible.

Here’s where to watch fireworks this Fourth of July in Fairfax County

By Melanie Pincus

Published June 30, 2023 at 11:45AM

Fireworks shows return to Fairfax County for Fourth of July (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The Fourth of July may be on a Tuesday this year, but Fairfax County residents can celebrate with fireworks starting this weekend.

On Tuesday, it’s possible to see the National Mall fireworks from locations along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. But fireworks shows will light up the skies around Fairfax County, too.

Town of Vienna’s remaining trees are unusually healthy, inventory finds

By Angela Woolsey

Published June 30, 2023 at 11:00AM

Trees and a bench in Vienna's Wildwood Park (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Vienna’s tree canopy may be shrinking, but the trees still standing are actually doing quite well, a recently released town-wide inventory found.

About 88% of the 7,224 trees on public land examined by PlanIT Geo are in “fair” or “good” condition, the consultant told the Vienna Town Council when presenting its findings on June 20.

Vote on overhaul of Reston’s new comprehensive plan deferred again

By Fatimah Waseem

Published June 30, 2023 at 10:15AM

Carter walked through his analysis of the plan at a June 28 meeting (Photo courtesy Fairfax County Government).

The Fairfax County Planning Commission will take another stab at a major overhaul of Reston’s defining planning document next month.

At a Wednesday (June 28) meeting, the commission once again deferred a decision on the extensive update of Reston Comprehensive Plan to July 12 — a move that Hunter Mill District Commissioner John Carter said would allow staff time to incorporate proposed revisions. The commission first deferred a decision on the project on June 14.

Bigger school zones, fentanyl labeled a ‘weapon of terrorism’ and more new Virginia laws coming July 1

By Matt Blitz

Published June 30, 2023 at 9:30AM | Updated June 30, 2023 at 9:47AM

A Fairfax County police officer watches traffic pass through a 25 mph school zone (via FCPD)

A number of new laws will take effect in Virginia this weekend, including expanded school zones, a prohibition on sexual harassment non-disclosure agreements, and classification of fentanyl as a “weapon of terrorism.”

Most laws passed by the General Assembly and signed by the governor each year go into effect on July 1, which marks the beginning of the new fiscal year.

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published June 30, 2023 at 7:30AM

Vehicles on westbound Route 50 in Chantilly (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Metro Waives Nighttime Fares for Independence Day — “Metrorail, Metrobus, and MetroAccess will be fare-free on Tuesday, July 4 from 5 p.m. until the system closes, with frequent service to the National Mall and other celebrations across the region…Signage will be posted throughout the stations and on buses to communicate that customers do not need SmarTrip cards if using Metro after 5 p.m.” [WMATA]

New Route 50 Intersection Opens Ahead of Schedule — Construction on the Route 50 and Waples Mill Road intersection in Fairfax has finished nearly two months ahead of schedule. Part of the I-66 Outside the Beltway toll lanes project, the changes include a new left-turn lane from westbound Route 50 to southbound Waples Mill and a new pedestrian crossing and refuge island. [VDOT]

UPDATED: Walgreens extends test of one-hour deliveries from D.C. area stores

By Angela Woolsey

Published June 29, 2023 at 3:00PM | Updated July 5, 2023 at 5:52PM

Walgreens has been testing one-hour deliveries in the D.C. area (courtesy Walgreens)

Updated at 5:50 p.m. on 7/5/2023 — Walgreens has extended its one-hour delivery promotion through July, citing a positive response to the D.C. area pilot in June.

“We know summer is a busy time for our customers and that they’re looking for easy, quick and convenient solutions,” the company said.