News | FFXnow - Part 526

Morning Notes

Published April 28, 2023 at 7:30AM

A pedestrian bridge over Backlick Drive in Springfield (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Arlington Residents Suing Over “Missing Middle” Look to zMOD Ruling — “The Virginia Supreme Court forced Fairfax to revert to an older zoning code because of this procedural misstep prior to the new laws taking effect. The 10 plaintiffs in the Missing Middle suit say it is a point in their favor, arguing the state Supreme Court signaled it takes seriously procedural violations.” [ARLnow]

New Signage Installed on GW Parkway — A temporary traffic pattern on the George Washington Parkway “has led to some confusion among drivers.” The National Park Service said new signs and barriers would be added to address issues, mostly in the afternoon rush hour, with northbound drivers trying to use the new center lane. [WTOP]

BREAKING: Three people found shot dead in West Springfield house

By Angela Woolsey

Published April 27, 2023 at 4:30PM | Updated April 28, 2023 at 2:20PM

Fairfax County Police Deputy Chief Eli Cory updates media on an investigation into three shooting deaths in the 8500 block of Wild Spruce Drive (via FCPD/Facebook)

Updated at 2:20 p.m. on 4/28/2023 — Police are officially investigating yesterday’s shooting as a double murder and suicide case.

Based on a preliminary investigation, detectives believe that 47-year-old Tiku Berhane Gebreeyesus shot his wife, 38-year-old Meskerem Belachew Solomon, and her brother, 31-year-old Amanuel Belachew Solomon, before shooting himself.

Primary for 37th Senate District pits ‘old-fashioned’ incumbent against ‘progressive’ newcomer

By Matt Blitz

Published April 27, 2023 at 3:00PM

Chap Petersen and Saddam Salim are running against each other for State Senate in the 37th District (photos courtesy of the campaigns)

The primary race for Virginia’s 37th Senate District pits an “old-fashioned” incumbent against a “progressive” who’s relatively new in Virginia politics.

Facing off for the Democratic nomination are longtime state Sen. Chap Petersen and Fairfax Young Democrats vice president Saddam Azlan Salim. Last week, a second challenger, Erika Yalowitz, dropped out to support Salim.

After losing Barton Hills appeal, Reston Association seeks tweaks to county zoning ordinance

By Fatimah Waseem

Published April 27, 2023 at 2:15PM

The Barton Hill Recreation Area in Reston is slated for upgrades (via Google Maps)

Earlier this spring, the Virginia Supreme Court declared Fairfax County’s modernization of its zoning ordinance (zMOD) invalid because it was adopted at virtual meetings.

In light of the pending re-adoption of the new zoning ordinance, Reston Association is pitching a change that would clarify if additions or enhancements require a Planned Residential Community (PRC) plan — a lengthy process that involves the development of detailed plans and public hearings before the county Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.

Fence-jumping reckless driver nearly hit people in shopping center parking lot, Vienna police say

By Angela Woolsey

Published April 27, 2023 at 1:30PM

A reckless driver allegedly nearly hit several people in the Maple Avenue Shopping Center parking lot (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Vienna police have identified the alleged reckless driver who was arrested last week after leading officers on a wild vehicle and foot chase.

John Thomas Prince IV of Haymarket has been charged with three felonies and four misdemeanors, for reckless driving, property destruction, eluding police, attempted unlawful entry and driving on a revoked license — and that’s just in Vienna.

County proposes permanent rules for temporary outdoor dining areas

By Fatimah Waseem

Published April 27, 2023 at 11:45AM

Karé Bar in Chantilly has heaters to warm up its outdoor dining area (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Spurred by the pandemic, outdoor dining in Fairfax County is likely here to stay.

The county is considering a proposal to formalize standards and regulations for outdoor dining in parking areas that were first introduced during the pandemic.

Boston Properties buys into former Fannie Mae buildings, setting stage for redevelopment

By Fatimah Waseem

Published April 27, 2023 at 11:00AM

Boston Properties has purchased a 50 percent stake in the redevelopment of the former Fannie Mae offices (Image via Google Maps).

Boston Properties Inc. has acquired a 50% interest in the former offices of Fannie Mae in Herndon.

The developer, whose properties include Reston Town Center, paid roughly $17.3 million for the acquisition of 12310 and 13150 Worldgate Drive, according to its first quarter earnings report.

Centreville resident arrested after allegedly stabbing man, family dog

By Angela Woolsey

Published April 27, 2023 at 9:30AM | Updated March 1, 2026 at 8:32PM

A Fairfax County police SUV with lights on (file photo)

Fairfax County police are investigating an apparent domestic dispute that involved a Centreville man and his family’s dog getting stabbed.

A 22-year-old man from Centreville was arrested by Virginia State Police on Tuesday (April 25) after a pursuit that extended into Lorton. He has been charged with malicious wounding, animal cruelty, and disregarding police commands to stop.

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published April 27, 2023 at 7:30AM

Deer munches on leaves near the W&OD Trail (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Housing a Focus of County Board Chair Race — Primary challenger Lisa Downing “cited as her chief concern the shortage of homes in the county that are large enough and also affordable to middle-income families in the region.” Chairman Jeff McKay says there are 4,000 units of affordable housing “in the development pipeline and in the past year invested $94 million toward its goal” of 10,000 new units by 2034. [Washington Post]

County Resident Arrested in Alexandria Shooting — “A 28-year-old Fairfax County man wanted for a Jan. 4 shooting incident faces numerous charges after allegedly striking an Alexandria Police Department cruiser in the Landmark area earlier this month.” [ALXnow]

County torn over whether to dredge or not to dredge Lake Accotink

By Vernon Miles

Published April 26, 2023 at 3:15PM

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

The price tag affixed to dredging Lake Accotink has led some on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to say it might be time to pull the plug on restoration plans.

The Fairfax County park is popular, with over 250,000 visitors each year, but in a presentation to the board’s environmental committee yesterday (Tuesday), staff said the cost of the much-needed dredging project would be astronomical.