Low-pressure system could bring storms to Fairfax County on May 30, 2025, DC News Now metereologist Jackie Layer says (courtesy DC News Now)
This has been an unusually wet May in the D.C. region, conditions that are expected to linger through the month’s final days.
In her latest forecast for FFXnow, DC News Now meteorologist Jackie Layer advises Fairfax County residents “to stay weather-aware” tomorrow (Friday), as storms could potentially swing through the area in the afternoon and evening.
David Inkellis speaks before the Planning Commission about his concerns over adding housing to Community of Faith United Methodist Church parcel (screenshot via Fairfax County)
A nearly 60% reduction in initially proposed units has not swayed many Franklin Farm residents to support efforts to bring affordable housing to a church site in their community.
But the project nonetheless took a procedural step forward at a Fairfax County Planning Commission meeting on May 22.
Solar voltaic system atop a parking garage at Reston Town Center (courtesy Ameresco Inc.)
Reston Town Center is now deriving some of its power from the sun.
A 1.3-megawatt solar photovoltaic system mounted on top of the town center’s green parking garage was substantially completed at the end of 2024 and began commercial operations on Tuesday (May 27).
Grass is emerging in an area along the Washington & Old Dominion Trail in Vienna that had been cleared for equipment staging (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Dominion Energy appears to be open to addressing the damage done by its extensive tree clearings along the Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail in Vienna and Dunn Loring.
The utility confirmed its interest in a new agreement to govern vegetation management for parts of the trail that overlap with its power lines less than 24 hours before NOVA Parks Executive Director Paul Gilbert gave an update on the situation to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and Vienna Town Council.
Leopoldo Martinez is campaigning for the Democratic nomination for Virginia's 11th Congressional District (courtesy Leo Martinez for Congress Campaign)
Leopoldo Martínez, a lawyer who once served in Venezuela’s National Assembly, launched a campaign today (Thursday) for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, where he’ll compete for the Democratic nomination in an increasingly crowded field.
The vacant Priority Mazda dealership in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
DUI Charge for Woman Shot at CIA — “A woman has been charged with driving under the influence after she allegedly sped toward the front gate of the CIA’s headquarters in Fairfax County, Virginia, and was shot by security officers last week.” The 27-year-old woman “is facing charges related to driving under the influence and eluding law enforcement’s attempts to stop her vehicle.” [WTOP]
More Details of Herndon Shooting Emerge — The McLean teen charged with second-degree murder for a fatal shooting in Herndon on May 23 “said he shot a man who jumped in front of the Tesla he was driving and began kicking the vehicle, according to court documents. He told police the man appeared to be reaching toward his waist when he shot him.” [NBC4]
Metro Launches Tap-to-Pay System — “Visitors to D.C. for World Pride, the Fourth of July and other summer events won’t have to line up at fare machines to pay for Metro. Starting Wednesday, riders can pay with their credit cards.” WMATA General Manager Randy Clarke demonstrated the new “Tap.Ride.Go.” system at the Silver Line’s Dulles Airport station yesterday. [Washington Post]
Eden Center Food Hall Now Open — “An Asian food hall and forthcoming nightlife venue is now open at the Eden Center, with a sleek futuristic interior and a variety of mom-and-pop eateries. The Pop-Up District features Thai street food at Eatsy, Vietnamese food at Sun-C, on-the-go Korean barbeque at Honey Pig Cup Bop, coffee and matcha at Doppo, and pastries at The Beat.” [Annandale Today]
More Speed Cameras Considered in FallsChurch — “Additional enforcement options for automated speed cameras could be on the Falls Church City Council’s wish list for the 2026 General Assembly.” The city only has one spot that qualifies for a speed camera under existing state law: the school zone for St. James Catholic School on W. Broad Street. [ARLnow]
Funeral Set for Former Supervisor — “A visitation for Hudgins will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, June 6, at Saint Thomas A. Becket Catholic Church in Reston. This will be followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. and a reception from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the church, located at 1421 Wiehle Ave.” [Patch]
Bill on Black History Classes Vetoed — With Gov. Glenn Youngkin in his final year in office, “a Northern Virginia faith leader and parent said she will continue asking state lawmakers to make two African-American history courses count towards the state’s graduation requirements for history.” [Virginia Mercury]
Health Clinics Offer Walk-In Hours — “The Fairfax County Health Department has begun offering walk-in hours for certain clinic services on select days at all five clinic locations … Clinic services offered during walk-in hours are limited and available on a first-come first served basis.” [Fairfax County Health Department]
It’s Thursday — Patchy fog will dissipate by 9am, giving way to mostly cloudy skies and a high near 78. At night, there’s a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am, followed by mostly cloudy skies, a low of 64, and some patchy fog after 4am. [NWS]
A gateway sign for Lake Anne Village Center in Reston (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Visitors to Lake Anne in Reston should find it a little easier to get around soon with new wayfinding signage.
After wrapping up a Lake Anne Economic Visioning Study last fall, Fairfax County is working on a project to bring more signage to Lake Anne and direct visitors, shoppers and residents around the area.
One scenario for placement of facilities in western portion of George Mason University's Fairfax campus (courtesy George Mason)
George Mason University plans to focus on athletics facilities first when redeveloping the western portion of its Fairfax campus.
After new sports/recreation facilities are in place, Mason will move forward with developing housing — for both the university community and others — plus retail spaces and community facilities, university officials and consultants told community members on May 22.
In recent years, more families have embraced multi-generational living. Bringing parents, adult children, or grandparents under one roof to share space, care, and resources. Whether it’s to support aging loved ones, save on expenses, or simply stay connected, this way of living requires thoughtful home design to work well for everyone involved.
More homeowners are realizing that with innovative renovations, they don’t need more square footage; they just need better use of the space they already have. That’s exactly the kind of thoughtful remodeling work we specialize in at Synergy Design & Construction.
Rethinking Your Home’s Layout to Serve Everyone
When designing for multiple generations, one of the most important factors is layout, not size. A successful remodel creates balance: allowing for family togetherness while offering privacy and independence where needed.
To begin, identify individual needs:
Does a student need a distraction-free study space?
Would older family members benefit from a main-level bedroom with an accessible bathroom?
Do several people share the kitchen at different times?
Designing with intention means creating areas that support different routines while maintaining a natural flow. This might involve combining open shared spaces with defined zones for separation. Features like sliding doors, acoustic insulation, or flexible-use rooms go a long way in maintaining comfort and harmony for everyone.
Why Multi-Generational Living Works When Designed Well
Beyond convenience and cost-sharing, multi-generational homes offer emotional and relational benefits. When families plan thoughtfully, these homes can provide:
Built-in support systems: Whether caring for young children or aging relatives, help is close at hand.
Stronger family bonds: Daily connection can lead to more meaningful relationships.
More financial freedom: Shared living can ease the cost of housing, groceries, and utilities.
A deeper sense of home: Living alongside multiple generations can offer purpose and connection.
Creating Personal Retreats For Privacy
One of the keys to a successful multi-generational home is carving out individual zones. Think of them as mini-retreats within a shared environment; areas where each household member can rest, recharge, and enjoy a sense of personal space.
These zones may include:
Private sleeping and bathroom areas
Sound separation from high-traffic spaces
Designated storage to keep clutter at bay
For instance, a basement suite with a full bathroom may be ideal for grandparents or adult children. If that’s not an option, you might consider converting a formal room into a cozy bedroom. The goal is to create separation without sacrificing connection.
Planning for the Future: Aging in Place Design
If you have elderly family members or plan to age in place yourself, remodeling with accessibility in mind is key. The right updates make life easier now and ensure the home continues to serve you for years to come.
See more of this home remodel in Reston here Photo courtesy Synergy Design & Construction.
Helpful design features include:
Step-free entrances and minimal transitions
First-floor bedroom and bathroom access
Barrier-free showers with safety features
Wider doors for mobility devices
Easy-to-use handles and fixtures
At Synergy Design & Construction, we believe accessible design should enhance, not compromise, the beauty of your home. Our team carefully selects materials and finishes that are both functional and refined.
Smart Remodeling Within Your Existing Footprint
You don’t necessarily need an addition to make your home multi-generational. With creative space planning, you can enhance function without expanding your home’s footprint.
These can include:
Turning a dining or sitting room into a private suite
Renovating the basement with a living area and kitchenette
Adding interior doors to separate zones
Reworking common areas for better flow
Expanding laundry capacity for larger households
These updates are often faster, more cost-effective, and less disruptive than full-scale additions, while still providing a major lifestyle improvement.
Tips for a Smooth Planning Process
See more of this home remodel in Reston here Photo courtesy Synergy Design & Construction.
Multi-generational living comes with many voices and needs, so open communication is essential. Here are a few ways to keep the planning process organized and respectful:
Hold early family discussions about individual needs and goals.
Clarify shared vs. private areas so expectations are clear.
Map out daily schedules to design around routines and quiet hours.
Work with an experienced remodeler who understands multi-generational design and can help plan for long-term success.
That’s where Synergy Design & Construction shines, collaborating closely with families to create homes that feel intentional, inclusive, and built to evolve.
Remodeling for Multi-Generational Living in Northern Virginia
Multi-generational living reflects a return to connectedness—one that many families find deeply fulfilling. With the right remodel, your home can become a space that supports every generation in comfort, privacy, and style.
Travelers at Dulles International Airport walk to security on their way to their gates (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
The start of REAL ID enforcement in early May went without major hassle at Northern Virginia’s two airports.
“The rollout was smooth and uneventful,” Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Thomas Beatty said at the authority’s May 21 board of directors meeting.