FFXnow - Fairfax County, Va. local news

Morning Notes

Published October 6, 2023 at 8:15AM

Vehicles drive by the Lumen apartments and Tysons Central offices on Route 7 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Toll Lanes Proposed on I-495 From Springfield — “A proposal to widen an 11-mile stretch of the Capital Beltway in Virginia has entered a new phase with the release of nine possible construction alternatives. Topping the list is an extension of toll lanes into Maryland.” The concepts also include dedicated bus lanes and “technological enhancements.” [Washington Post]

Teens Arrested in Kingstowne Shooting — “Two teenagers were arrested in connection with a shooting that took place last month in the Kingstowne Shopping Center, according to the Fairfax County Police Department. Shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 22, police officers responded to the 5900 block of Kingstowne Towne Center for the report of the sound of gunshots…No one was injured from the gunfire.” [Patch]

Around Town

Most and least expensive homes sold in Fairfax County (September 2023)

By FFXnow.com

Published October 5, 2023 at 4:45PM

Here in Fairfax County, real estate is a spectator sport. Let’s take a look at some of the most and least expensive single-family homes sold last month (September 2023).

Most expensive single-family homes sold

McLean Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival – DEC 4th-6th

By Sponsor

Published November 9, 2026 at 12:45PM

SAVE THE DATE!
December 4-6, 2026
Experience the magic of the holiday season at this beloved event that has offered truly unique, handcrafted treasures for more than four decades. Find pottery, glass, jewelry, fashion accessories, woodwork, artisanal foods, and more from eighty exceptional regional artisans. Come discover the perfect gifts, treat yourself to lunch at the onsite café, and celebrate the spirit of the season with us! A juried show since 1982.

• FREE parking | 1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean, VA 22101
• Proceeds support the NVHG Scholarship Program for college art students
• Tote bags will be given to the first 200 attendees each day
• MCC has accessible entrances and restrooms

For additional information please visit:
www.nvhg.org
www.mcleancenter.org

Countywide

Emerging disease is killing young plants in Virginia, county warns

By Angela Woolsey

Published October 5, 2023 at 3:40PM

A redbud with scorched and yellowing leaves, signs of the disease vascular streak dieback (photo by Nicole Kopas/VDACS, courtesy DPWES)

Any Fairfax County residents who recently bought a budding tree or shrub may want to keep an eye on its leaves.

A relatively new disease called vascular streak dieback is killing plants from nurseries in Virginia and five other states, the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services’ (DPWES) Urban Forest Management Division says.

News

Newly completed high-rise will bring retail, outdoor plaza to Scotts Run in Tysons

By Angela Woolsey

Published October 5, 2023 at 2:30PM | Updated October 9, 2023 at 12:10PM

Construction is complete on Heming, a 28-story, mixed-use apartment building in Scotts Run (courtesy Skanska)

(Updated at 12:10 p.m. on 10/9/2023) A central piece of the Scotts Run development near the McLean Metro station is now in place.

Distinguished by a tall, glass-box front, the 28-story Heming has wrapped up construction after more than three years, bringing 410 new apartments and 38,000 square feet of retail space to 1800 Chain Bridge Road in Tysons, developer Skanska announced yesterday (Wednesday).

Event

2026 White House Holiday Open House

December 14, 2026 1:00 pm -3:20 pm

Event location

The White House

600 Pennsylvania Ave NW

Washington, DC, District Of Columbia 20500

Add to Calendar

NoVa Youth Ensembles was recently selected to perform at the White House during the 2026 Christmas season at the Holiday Open Houses. Being chosen to perform at the White House is an incredible honor, and we are excited to represent Fairfax and Loudoun counties during this special time of year. As The White House welcomes visitors each Christmas season, performers have the unique opportunity to share their musical talents and holiday cheer. In the past, only a few dozen performer groups have been selected from over 1,000 applicants.

Around Town

Prepare for street closures when Herndon Homecoming Parade returns this month

By Fatimah Waseem

Published October 5, 2023 at 1:30PM

Herndon High School's 2022 homecoming parade (courtesy Town of Herndon Parks and Recreation Department)

The annual Herndon Homecoming Parade will return to town on Saturday, Oct. 14.

This year’s theme — which is used to plan floats — is “Through the Decades” with a focus on the years between the 1970s and 2000s.

Countywide

Virginia begins crafting new plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

By Charlie Paullin / Virginia Mercury

Published October 5, 2023 at 11:45AM

Smoke coming out of a power plant (via Ella Ivanescu/Unsplash)

Virginia is beginning to create plans for how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the primary driver of climate change, on a state and regional basis thanks to millions of dollars from the federal government.

This June, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded about $6 million in grants to Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality, regional planning organizations in Northern Virginia, Richmond and Hampton Roads and the Monacan Indian Nation to create two plans.

Countywide

Grant program proposed to help residents and Fairfax County fight flooding

By Acacia James

Published October 5, 2023 at 11:00AM

A truck got trapped by flooding on Arlington Blvd in Merrifield in 2019 (via FCFRD/Twitter)

The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) has proposed a new grant program to help curb flooding in the county.

The flood mitigation assistance program (FMAP) would reimburse residents and property owners for purchasing and installing approved products and services that reduce the risk of flood damage to their property.

Around Town

Peter Chang’s Chinese restaurant to open in McLean next week

By Angela Woolsey

Published October 5, 2023 at 10:15AM | Updated October 5, 2023 at 2:29PM

Peter Chang opened his first D.C.-area restaurant in Arlington in 2015 (via Google Maps)

(Updated at 2:30 p.m.) Peter Chang’s new McLean restaurant is almost ready for diners.

The eponymous restaurant from the prolific Chinese chef will open at 6715 Lowell Avenue in one week on Oct. 12.

Countywide

Fairfax and Loudoun office cleaners vote to strike if needed over wages

By Angela Woolsey

Published October 5, 2023 at 9:30AM

Alejandria Paz, a member of 32BJ SEIU's bargaining team, addresses fellow cleaners ahead of a strike vote in Reston (courtesy 32BJ SEIU)

Another strike may be on the horizon for the D.C. area, this time led by office cleaners who say wages have stagnated even after they were expected to keep working through the pandemic.

About 9,100 janitors, more than 3,000 of them in Northern Virginia, are voting this week on whether to go on strike if they’re unable to agree on a new contract with the Washington Service Contractors Association (WSCA) before the existing one expires on Oct. 15.