News | FFXnow - Part 582

McLean residents affected by I-495 widening push for possible legislative action

Published December 21, 2022 at 3:00PM

Trees along Live Oak Drive in McLean have been cut down so the Beltway can be widened (photo by April Georgelas)

The project to extend the I-495 Express Lanes north toward the American Legion Bridge has been under construction for half a year now, but some McLean residents remain as determined as ever to fight the Beltway’s encroachment into their neighborhoods.

Residents along Live Oak Drive in particular have consistently argued that they will face the most disruptions from the I-495 Northern Extension (495 NEXT) without getting the congestion relief benefits touted by the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Reston couple seek to establish Free Little Library for 10-year anniversary

By Fatimah Waseem

Published December 21, 2022 at 2:15PM

The proposal must now make its way to Reston Association's Design Review Board (photo via Reston Association/handout).

As they turn the page on 10 years of marriage, a local couple is looking to mark the milestone by giving back to the community.

Molly Bloudoff-Indelicato is seeking Reston Association‘s approval of a Free Little Library near the walking path between 12700 and 1652 Thunder Chase Drive. She pitched the idea as a gift to her husband, Greg.

Mount Vernon Rec Center closing Dec. 31 for two-year, $74 million revamp

By Matt Blitz

Published December 21, 2022 at 1:30PM

Rendering shows an expansion and a renovation for the Mount Vernon RECenter (via Fairfax County)

The Mount Vernon RECenter is closing at the end of the month for a two-year, $74 million renovation project.

The nearly four-decade-old recreation center right off Belle View Blvd is set to close at 4 p.m. on Dec. 31 to allow for a massive expansion and renovation.

JUST IN: Driver indicted after crashing bus of kindergarteners on Cox Farms trip

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 21, 2022 at 11:45AM

Fairfax County Police Department Capt. Rachel Levy at an October press conference on Troy Reynolds' arrest following a school bus crash (via ABC7)

A bus driver was indicted by a grand jury yesterday (Tuesday) for allegedly driving drunk while transporting D.C. kindergarten students home from a trip to Cox Farms in Centreville.

Troy Reynolds, 48, faces nine felony charges of child endangerment and three misdemeanor charges, including a second offense of driving while intoxicated, driving with a disqualified commercial license, and driving a bus without a commercial driver’s license, Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano announced today.

Police: Teen faces gun charges after Tysons Corner Center pursuit

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 21, 2022 at 11:00AM

A Fairfax County police cruiser positioned outside the Tysons Corner Center Macy's (staff photo by James Cullum)

One of the two individuals arrested at Tysons Corner Center on Sunday (Dec. 18) will face several charges, mostly related to possession of a gun that police say was reported stolen in Prince William County.

The Fairfax County Police Department said Monday that a 16-year-old from Centreville has been charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm by a person underage, possession of a concealed weapon, possession of a stolen firearm and obstruction of justice.

Town of Herndon courts feedback on area near Metro station primed for redevelopment

By Fatimah Waseem

Published December 21, 2022 at 10:15AM

The town is planning the future of the area surrounding the Herndon Metro Station (via Town of Herndon)

With the Herndon Metro Station now fully operational, the Town of Herndon is positioning itself to chart the future of a 94-acre area surrounding the station.

The town is working with a five-firm consultant team to determine how that transit-related growth area (TRG) could change in the coming years. The outcome includes a TRG study that will provide long-term visioning for the town.

Police catch loose llama near Fairfax County Parkway, leading to reunion with owner

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 21, 2022 at 9:30AM

Kolby the llama rests on hay in the Fairfax County Animal Shelter's barn (courtesy Fairfax County Animal Shelter)

A stray llama who was caught running on Fairfax County Parkway in the Fairfax Station area over the weekend has been reunited with her owner, the county’s animal shelter says.

Kolby, a 20-year-old female llama, was caught by Fairfax County Animal Protection Police near Popes Head Road Sunday evening (Dec. 18) after escaping her enclosure.

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published December 21, 2022 at 7:30AM

Candy cane statues line the Four Seasons garden center in McLean (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

FBI HQ Search Almost Holds Up Bill to Fund Federal Government — “The biggest hold-up to releasing the text on Monday came, instead, from a dispute among Democrats…related to the location of the FBIs new headquarters.” Senators clashed over whether to add language that would favor Maryland in the site selection process or to stick with guidelines that would give Virginia an edge. [Politico]

Sushi Takeout Coming to Inova — Hissho Sushi Inc. “will launch five franchise locations at Inova Health System hospitals, including Inova Fairfax Hospital, where it applied in November to open a carryout only location serving more than 100 prepared meals a day, according to Fairfax County permit data. The first of the five is set to open next month at Inova’s Gallows Road campus” [Washington Business Journal]

Fairfax Connector will soon be half-price for low-income riders, but free fares tabled

By Fatimah Waseem

Published December 20, 2022 at 2:15PM

A Fairfax Connector bus leaves the Dunn Loring Metro station (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Fairfax County is poised to halve Fairfax Connector fares for low-income riders, beginning in February, through a pilot program.

The Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) is a state grant initiative that aims to increase transit ridership. Reduced fares would only apply to individuals whose annual income is at or below 225% of the federal poverty level by household size. That would put the eligibility cap around $29,000 for an individual or $59,625 for a family of four.

Firm to evaluate long-term future, revitalization of Lake Anne area

By Fatimah Waseem

Published December 20, 2022 at 1:30PM

By the water at Reston's Lake Anne Plaza (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

A new vision for the future of the Lake Anne area in Reston is brewing.

Fairfax County has hired the consulting firm Streetsense to lead the visioning effort. Beginning next month, the team will launch an initial immersion and discovery phase, followed by a significant community engagement process, according to Tracy Strunk, director of the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development.