McLean | FFXnow

Morning Notes

Published July 1, 2022 at 7:30AM

The U.S. flag flies outside the Freeman Store and Museum in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

FCPS Expands FOIA Staffing and Budget — “Fairfax County Public School added half a million dollars in this year’s budget to keep up with public records requests, which have more than tripled since 2016 and gotten broader in scope. The increase comes as the school system finds itself the subject of political vitriol over COVID precautions and racial equity programs, among other issues.” [DCist]

Vermont Senator Falls at McLean Home — “U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont was set to undergo surgery Thursday after he broke his hip in a fall at his home, according to his spokesman. The 82-year-old Democrat fell Wednesday night in McLean, Virginia, a statement Thursday morning said.” [Associated Press]

News

Fairfax County seeks public input on proposed Dolley Madison Blvd fixes

By Angela Woolsey

Published June 28, 2022 at 2:15PM

To ease Dolley Madison Blvd. traffic in McLean, Fairfax County has proposed some changes to the Great Falls Street and Chain Bridge Road intersection (via Google Maps)

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is gradually whittling down its options for addressing traffic congestion on Dolley Madison Blvd. in McLean.

An online survey released on Friday (June 24) asks community members to share their thoughts on five proposals for improving the corridor, which is also known as Route 123.

News

Congested McLean intersection up for redesign with new walkway

By Angela Woolsey

Published June 24, 2022 at 2:15PM

Thursday afternoon traffic at the Balls Hill Road and Old Dominion Drive intersection (via Google Maps)

Fairfax County has a plan to fix the Balls Hill Road and Old Dominion Drive intersection, but it will likely take another half-decade for the changes to fall into place.

Construction on the proposed realignment — which will split the X-shaped intersection into two T intersections — isn’t expected to start until the spring of 2027, finishing in fall 2028, Fairfax County Department of Transportation staff told the community in a pair of meetings this week.

Countywide

Demolition of Georgetown Pike Bridge over Beltway starts this week

By Angela Woolsey

Published June 21, 2022 at 9:30AM

The existing Georgetown Pike bridge over I-495 (via Google Maps)

Construction on the I-495 Express Lanes expansion in McLean is about to get a little more intense.

Work to demolish the existing Georgetown Pike Bridge over I-495 — also known as the Capital Beltway — will begin this week, potentially even today (Tuesday), the Virginia Department of Transportation announced Friday (June 17).

News

UPDATED: Man dies after drowning in McLean stream, police say

By FFXnow.com

Published June 19, 2022 at 8:20PM | Updated June 21, 2022 at 2:36PM

Difficult Run Stream Valley Park sign (via Google Maps)

Updated at 2:30 p.m. on 6/21/2022 — Sterling resident German Salinas, 29, died today (Tuesday) after drowning in Difficult Run Stream, police announced.

“The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine cause and manner of death,” the Fairfax County Police Department said.

Around Town

NEW: Smoothie chain South Block is coming home with new McLean store

By Angela Woolsey

Published June 17, 2022 at 10:15AM

The juice and smoothie chain South Block will open its first McLean store in the Chesterbrook Shopping Center (photo by Mike Whatley)

South Block is bringing its juice and smoothies to McLean.

The Arlington-based business will open a store in the Chesterbrook Shopping Center, aiming for a tentative opening in summer 2023, a spokesperson confirmed to FFXnow.

News

McLean Community Center seeks more visibility with draft plan for next five years

By Angela Woolsey

Published June 16, 2022 at 11:00AM

McLean Community Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

It is now the public’s turn to weigh in on the future of the McLean Community Center.

The agency released a draft of its new five-year strategic plan last week ahead of a public hearing scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on July 6.

Around Town

Bear spotted around Belle Haven, crossing GW Parkway

By Brandi Bottalico

Published June 13, 2022 at 11:00AM | Updated June 13, 2022 at 8:01PM

A bear crosses GW Parkway in Belle Haven (courtesy of Jaclyn B/Nexdoor)

(Updated at 7:40 p.m.) Why’d the bear cross GW Parkway?

Possibly to find an easy meal or explore its landscape after a winter hibernation, according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

News

McLean Youth Soccer makes pitch for permanent restrooms at Lewinsville Park

By Angela Woolsey

Published June 9, 2022 at 1:30PM

Soccer players practice at Lewinsville Park in McLean (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Now that Holladay Field’s conversion to synthetic turf is complete, McLean Youth Soccer (MYS) has set its sights on a new project to bolster the area’s recreational amenities.

The nonprofit soccer club is collaborating with the Fairfax County Park Authority on plans to build a new, permanent restroom facility for Lewinsville Park, which currently only has port-a-potties.

Countywide

VDOT tweaks 495 NEXT design as construction gets underway

By Angela Woolsey

Published June 8, 2022 at 2:15PM | Updated June 8, 2022 at 3:15PM

The Virginia Department of Transportation has launched an interactive map showing the design and impacts of the 495 NEXT project (via VDOT)

(Updated at 3:15 p.m.) Construction to extend the I-495 Express Lanes from Tysons to the George Washington Memorial Parkway is moving full steam ahead, despite continued skepticism from many McLean residents.

The Virginia Department of Transportation shared revised designs for portions of the I-495 Northern Extension (495 NEXT) project at two public meetings earlier this week, one that convened in-person at Langley High School on Monday (June 6) and another held virtually yesterday (Tuesday).