Reston | FFXnow - Part 367

Morning Notes

Published July 5, 2023 at 7:30AM

A U.S. flag flaps by Maple Avenue in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

No Elevated Bacteria Levels at Lake Accotink — “More than 24 hours after bacterial testing began on the water in Lake Accotink following a sewage spill, results show bacteria levels are not elevated. This indicates the cleanup effort was done in time to prevent downstream contamination from reaching Lake Accotink. As a result, there is no continued concern regarding human exposure to untreated sewage in the lake.” [DPWES]

Supreme Court Passes on Lawsuit Against Sheriff’s Office — “The Supreme Court on Friday said it would not review a decision holding that gender dysphoria is covered by the Americans With Disabilities Act…Leaving the decision undisturbed means that Kesha Williams’s lawsuit against the Fairfax County, Va., sheriff can proceed.” [The Washington Post]

News

Voided development plan for former Fannie Mae campus expedited for approval

By Fatimah Waseem

Published June 30, 2023 at 1:30PM

The application has once again come forward for approval (Photo via handout/Fairfax County Government).

A previously approved plan for the redevelopment of the former Fannie Mae campus in Reston is once again headed before the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for a vote on an expedited timeline.

At a board meeting on Tuesday (June 28), Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn successfully passed a board matter to move the application from developer Wheelock Capital for an official vote by the board as soon as possible.

Countywide

Here’s where to watch fireworks this Fourth of July in Fairfax County

By Melanie Pincus

Published June 30, 2023 at 11:45AM

Fireworks shows return to Fairfax County for Fourth of July (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The Fourth of July may be on a Tuesday this year, but Fairfax County residents can celebrate with fireworks starting this weekend.

On Tuesday, it’s possible to see the National Mall fireworks from locations along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. But fireworks shows will light up the skies around Fairfax County, too.

News

Vote on overhaul of Reston’s new comprehensive plan deferred again

By Fatimah Waseem

Published June 30, 2023 at 10:15AM

Carter walked through his analysis of the plan at a June 28 meeting (Photo courtesy Fairfax County Government).

The Fairfax County Planning Commission will take another stab at a major overhaul of Reston’s defining planning document next month.

At a Wednesday (June 28) meeting, the commission once again deferred a decision on the extensive update of Reston Comprehensive Plan to July 12 — a move that Hunter Mill District Commissioner John Carter said would allow staff time to incorporate proposed revisions. The commission first deferred a decision on the project on June 14.

Countywide

Bigger school zones, fentanyl labeled a ‘weapon of terrorism’ and more new Virginia laws coming July 1

By Matt Blitz

Published June 30, 2023 at 9:30AM | Updated June 30, 2023 at 9:47AM

A Fairfax County police officer watches traffic pass through a 25 mph school zone (via FCPD)

A number of new laws will take effect in Virginia this weekend, including expanded school zones, a prohibition on sexual harassment non-disclosure agreements, and classification of fentanyl as a “weapon of terrorism.”

Most laws passed by the General Assembly and signed by the governor each year go into effect on July 1, which marks the beginning of the new fiscal year.

Countywide

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published June 30, 2023 at 7:30AM

Vehicles on westbound Route 50 in Chantilly (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Metro Waives Nighttime Fares for Independence Day — “Metrorail, Metrobus, and MetroAccess will be fare-free on Tuesday, July 4 from 5 p.m. until the system closes, with frequent service to the National Mall and other celebrations across the region…Signage will be posted throughout the stations and on buses to communicate that customers do not need SmarTrip cards if using Metro after 5 p.m.” [WMATA]

New Route 50 Intersection Opens Ahead of Schedule — Construction on the Route 50 and Waples Mill Road intersection in Fairfax has finished nearly two months ahead of schedule. Part of the I-66 Outside the Beltway toll lanes project, the changes include a new left-turn lane from westbound Route 50 to southbound Waples Mill and a new pedestrian crossing and refuge island. [VDOT]

Countywide

UPDATED: Walgreens extends test of one-hour deliveries from D.C. area stores

By Angela Woolsey

Published June 29, 2023 at 3:00PM | Updated July 5, 2023 at 5:52PM

Walgreens has been testing one-hour deliveries in the D.C. area (courtesy Walgreens)

Updated at 5:50 p.m. on 7/5/2023 — Walgreens has extended its one-hour delivery promotion through July, citing a positive response to the D.C. area pilot in June.

“We know summer is a busy time for our customers and that they’re looking for easy, quick and convenient solutions,” the company said.

News

New Marriott hotel to open in Reston Town Center next year

By Fatimah Waseem

Published June 29, 2023 at 1:30PM | Updated July 13, 2023 at 11:07AM

The hotel is expected to open on late 2024 (Photo courtesy Donahue Construction).

(Updated at 11:05 a.m. on 7/13/2023) A new dual-branded hotel in Reston Town Center is expected to open in late 2024.

The first combined Marriott AC and Residence Inn in the D.C. region, the hotel includes 267 guest rooms that will be managed by Donohue Hospitality.

News

Town of Herndon lands $720k federal grant to develop comprehensive plan for 2050

By Fatimah Waseem

Published June 29, 2023 at 10:15AM

Town of Herndon government offices (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

The Town of Herndon’s comprehensive plan for 2050 received a big funding boost from the U.S. Department of Transportation this week.

In a release on Monday (June 26), Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced the town received $720,000 in funding from the federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grant program (RAISE).

Countywide

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published June 29, 2023 at 7:30AM

The Vienna Community Center with "Taking Flight" statue at sunset (photo by Amy Woolsey)

Code Red Air Quality Alert Today — “A Code Red Air Quality alert has been issued for the D.C. region” as smoke from Canadian wildfires drifts through the area. “The Fairfax County Park Authority has canceled many outdoor activities for the day, including summer camps and classes, and outdoor water parks and pools will be closed.” [FFXnow]

Herndon Man Charged With Assault — A 34-year-old man from Herndon “was arrested for abduction and assault stemming from an incident in which he threatened to rape a female acquaintance and prevented her from leaving the residence. Upon being taken into custody by police the following day, he was arrested for assault on a police officer and obstruction of justice” [Herndon Police]