Countywide

Feedback Sought on National Airport Noise — “Alexandria, Fairfax County and Prince George’s County have hired Vianair Consulting to spearhead a collaborative effort with members of the community and staff from various airport agencies to recommend changes to DCA airspace and flight procedures. Vianair is currently running a survey of residents south of DCA.” [ALXnow]

Gov. Youngkin Signs New State Budget — “Weeks of Virginia state budget drama ended Monday with pledges of bipartisan goodwill as the General Assembly passed a compromise two-year spending plan that boosts funding for education and other priorities without increasing taxes.” [Washington Post]


Around Town

Reston Concerts on the Town will kick off this Saturday (May 18) in conjunction with the Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art’s annual arts festival.

The Reston Town Center Association (RTCA) and property owner Boston Properties unveiled a performance lineup last week for the free summer concert series, which is now entering its 31st season.


News

The Town of Herndon will look into lowering how much restaurants and other businesses pay for using public space to host temporary outdoor seating.

Zoning Administrator David Stromberg gave an update on current zoning regulations, which have been on the books for two years, during a Herndon Town Council work session last Tuesday (May 7).


Countywide

Pre-Dawn Northern Lights Glimpsed in D.C. Area — “Because of pesky clouds, the D.C. area initially missed out on a rare and magical opportunity to the see the northern lights Friday night. But during the pre-dawn hours Saturday, between about 4 and 6 a.m., the skies opened up just enough for an exceptionally rare view.” [Washington Post]

Local Judge to Decide If Embryos Can Be Property — “A trial is underway in Virginia that will determine whether state law allows frozen embryos to be considered property that can be divided up and assigned a monetary value. Fairfax County Circuit Court Judge Dontae Bugg heard arguments Thursday from a divorced couple who disagree over the ex-wife’s desire to use two embryos that they created when they were married.” [NBC4]


News

Reston Association is ready to dive into a new swimming season — one that will open all 15 pools to members for the first time in half a decade.

The 2024 pool season will kick off tomorrow (Saturday) with the heated pools at North Shore and Ridge Heights opening at 11 a.m. Eight other facilities, including the newly renovated Lake Thoreau Pool, will follow suit on May 25 for Memorial Day weekend.


Countywide

New research shows that thousands of Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church deeds from the early-to-mid 20th century had language barring people of certain races, nationalities, or religions from buying property.

Researchers contend that these practices, known as restrictive covenants, play a major role in the segregation of neighborhoods throughout the county and across Northern Virginia, the effects of which are still evident today.


Countywide

Deal Reached on State Budget — “Budget negotiators in the Virginia General Assembly have reached a bipartisan deal, ending a lengthy standoff over the spending plan and avoiding a highly unusual state government shutdown. Lawmakers will be back in Richmond on Monday to vote on the deal during a special legislative session.” [WTOP]

Pedestrian Safety Measure Approved — “The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on May 7…updated the county code to match the state code requiring drivers to stop — not just yield — for pedestrians at unsignalized intersections. It also prohibits drivers from overtaking vehicles stopped for pedestrians. Violators can be charged up to $500.” [Annandale Today]


News

(Updated at 3:40 p.m.) Police are investigating a fatal crash on the Dulles Toll Road along the Reston and Herndon border.

The crash involved two vehicles that collided around 11:20 a.m. near Fairfax County Parkway, according to a Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) spokesperson.


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