News | FFXnow - Part 691

Office building planned for Virginia Tech campus could be powered by solar panels

Published November 29, 2022 at 3:00PM

A solar panel array has been proposed on the future HITT Contracting headquarters building at Virginia Tech's Idylwood campus (via Fairfax County)

A massive array of solar panels could provide cover for the office building that developer Rushmark Properties and the construction company HITT Contracting are planning to build at Virginia Tech’s campus near the West Falls Church Metro station.

In a final development plan recently submitted to Fairfax County, the two companies — collectively known as Converge West Falls LLC — propose installing a photovoltaic array canopy on top of the building, which will house HITT’s corporate headquarters and laboratory space for Virginia Tech’s planned National Center for Smart Construction.

Residences proposed near historic log house at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston

By Fatimah Waseem

Published November 29, 2022 at 2:15PM

The former private venue will be preserved as part of the overall infill residential proposal (Photo via JR Catering/Facebook).

A nearly 9-acre property near Lake Fairfax Park in Reston could be the sight of future infill residential development.

SEM Fairfax Land Associates is seeking Fairfax County’s blessing to build eight single-family homes on the property and preserve a 1790s building on the land, according to the Nov. 22 application.

GW Parkway road diet and Mount Vernon Trail widening proposed in southern Fairfax County

By Vernon Miles

Published November 29, 2022 at 1:30PM

Cyclists on the Mount Vernon Trail (via National Park Service)

The George Washington Memorial Parkway and the mostly parallel Mount Vernon Trail could see some substantial changes, with the former being narrowed and the latter being widened.

The plans cover the southern portion of the parkway, covering 15.2 miles from Arlington Memorial Bridge to Mount Vernon. This area includes the majority of the Mount Vernon Trail, though a portion of the parkway and trail through Alexandria isn’t part of the project.

Fairfax County warns budget could be ‘challenging’ due to slowing real estate market, rising staff costs

By Matt Blitz

Published November 29, 2022 at 11:45AM | Updated November 30, 2022 at 1:15PM

The Fairfax County logo is shown on the front of the Fairfax County Government Center building at 12000 Government Center Parkway. (Staff photo by David Taube)

(Updated at 1:15 p.m. on 11/30/2022) Local officials are already preparing for “one of the most challenging” budget talks in years due to inflation, the changing real estate market, and staff retention challenges.

Right before the Thanksgiving holiday, Fairfax County staff offered supervisors and the school board an early look at projected revenues, expenditures, and points of potential discussion as the county and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) prepare to release proposed budgets early next year.

Pedestrian killed in crash on Route 29 outside Centreville shopping centers

By Angela Woolsey

Published November 29, 2022 at 9:40AM | Updated December 5, 2022 at 10:42AM

Police blocked off southbound Route 29 at Centrewood Drive last night after a fatal pedestrian crash (via VDOT Northern Virginia/Twitter)

(Updated at 10:25 a.m. on 12/5/2022) A pedestrian died last night after a vehicle hit them on Route 29 (Lee Highway) in Centreville.

The crash occurred at 9:03 p.m. in the Trinity Parkway/Centrewood Drive intersection, which is outside the Centrewood Plaza and Centreville Square shopping centers.

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published November 29, 2022 at 7:30AM

Wolftrap Creek in fall (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Route 7 Lane Shift in Reston Starts Today — “On or about Tuesday, Nov. 29, the right-turn lane from eastbound Route 7 to Baron Cameron Avenue will shift to the north (toward the median). Between Nov. 29 and Thursday, Dec. 1, crews will construct a temporary entrance from eastbound Route 7 to the Sunoco-Baron Cameron Service Center and Three Cees Car Wash & Quick Lube.” [VDOT]

Mobile Notifications for Covid Boosters Begin — “The Virginia Department of Health is sending text and voice message reminders to residents aged 50 and above that they are eligible for COVID-19 bivalent boosters. The text/phone reminder campaign begins on Monday, November 28th in multiple counties across the Commonwealth, including the Fairfax Health District.” [Fairfax County Health Department]

Virginia still reviewing feedback on policies limiting transgender student rights

By Angela Woolsey

Published November 28, 2022 at 3:00PM | Updated December 9, 2022 at 2:54PM

Students at West Potomac High School walked out today in protest over policies that threaten to violate the rights of transgender students (photo courtesy of Mara Surovell)

(Updated at 5:30 p.m.) The Virginia Department of Education has no clear timeline for when its new policies on the treatment of transgender students will take effect, leaving Fairfax County Public Schools and other local school districts waiting to see if the state makes any changes in response to vocal opposition to the proposal.

It has now been over a month since the state closed its public comment period for the draft “model” policies, which would require schools to identify students based on their sex assigned at birth and prohibit discipline for deadnaming or misgendering a student even if they get their official school records changed.

Town hall on new performing arts center in Reston set for tomorrow

By Fatimah Waseem

Published November 28, 2022 at 2:15PM

The arts center could be located on Block J in Reston Town Center (Photo via handout/Fairfax County government).

A proposal for a new arts center in Reston will be the topic of discussion at a town hall tomorrow evening (Tuesday).

Developer Boston Properties plans to work with the county to provide a space for the performing arts center on Sunset Hills Road as parts of Reston Town Center’s next phase of development.

Self-storage facility proposed near Marriott in Springfield

By Fatimah Waseem

Published November 28, 2022 at 11:45AM

Secure Space is planning a seven-story facility in Springfield (Photo via handout/Fairfax County government).

A seven-story self-storage facility is planned on land in Springfield currently developed with a TownePlace Suites by Marriott (6235 Brandon Avenue).

Secure Space, the applicant, is seeking Fairfax County’s permission to build the facility on a vacant portion of the property, resulting in no major effect on the existing hotel.

Roofing company to relocate from McLean to Reston, bringing 400 jobs

By Fatimah Waseem

Published November 28, 2022 at 11:00AM

A solar and roofing company is moving its location in McLean to Reston — a $350,000 relocation that is expected to bring more than 400 jobs, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced today.

Currently based at 6862 Elm Street, SmartRoof is expected to create the additional jobs over the next five years, according to the announcement. It will be relocated to 11901 Sunset Hills Road.