Reston | FFXnow - Part 387

Push for more long flights at Reagan National Airport would undermine Dulles, senators say

Published May 1, 2023 at 3:00PM

Dulles International Airport at night (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

A proposal for more long-distance flights at Reagan National Airport (DCA) is catching the ire of some of Virginia’s Congressional representatives, who say it could undermine efforts to grow Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Proponents led by Capital Access Alliance argue that current restrictions at Reagan National — an airport owned by the federal government — are outdated and hurt the economy. They want to increase the number of flights that travel beyond 1,250 miles from the airport, allowing as many as 25 daily round trips.

Countywide

Fairfax County offers to split the bill for private stormwater projects

By Vernon Miles

Published May 1, 2023 at 11:45AM

Flooding on Old Courthouse Road (file photo)

Fairfax County is pushing forward on a program that could have the county government split the bill for private stormwater projects with property owners.

Flooding doesn’t end at the property line and the Local Stormwater Management Assistance Fund aims to help boost stormwater management on private property. At an environmental committee meeting of the Board of Supervisors on April 25, staff presented an update on the program.

News

Voting now open to choose an animal mascot for Reston’s ‘icon’

By Fatimah Waseem

Published May 1, 2023 at 11:00AM

Voting for Reston's new animal icon is underway (Photo via Reston Association).

Restonians can officially select Reston’s new animal icon.

A group of organizations — Friends of Reston, Reston Association and Public Art Reston — have partnered on a quest to choose an animal to represent the area. Local artists have created the images.

Countywide

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published May 1, 2023 at 7:30AM

Wolftrap Creek in Wildwood Park (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

FCPS Scales Back Falls Church HS Expansion — “The renovation and expansion of Falls Church High School, currently underway, is going to cost millions of dollars more than anticipated. As a result, some aspects of the original plan will be eliminated, and completion of the project has been pushed back a full year — from summer 2025 to summer 2026.” [Annandale Today]

Fairfax Runner Banned from Triathlons — “Collin Chartier, the triathlon champion who grew up in Fairfax and has strong ties to NoVA, has been banned from the sport for three years for taking a banned substance…Chartier admitted on Instagram to taking the drug and said he has no plans to return to the sport.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Around Town

Reston Town Center’s renovated fountain and pavilion to reopen tomorrow

By Fatimah Waseem

Published April 28, 2023 at 1:30PM

Reston Town Center has finished renovating its pavilion and fountain square (courtesy Boston Properties)

Reston Town Center will turn on the water for its iconic Mercury Fountain tomorrow (Saturday) for the first time in over a year.

Fountain Square and the neighboring pavilion are set to open with a celebration from 1-4 p.m. after a year-long renovation effort that brought the facility’s first improvements in more than 30 years.

Live Fairfax: Top 5 date nights (or day dates) on a budget in Fairfax County

By Sponsor

Published April 28, 2023 at 12:30PM

Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479.

Looking for fun and affordable date ideas in Fairfax County? Check out our top 5 date nights (or day dates)!

Around Town

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit to host grand opening at Herndon Centre in May

By Fatimah Waseem

Published April 28, 2023 at 10:15AM

The Herndon location is open, but a grand opening is slated for next month (Photo courtesy Dickey's Barbeque Pit).

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has opened its latest location in Herndon.

The restaurant will host its grand opening on May 4 at the Herndon Centre (494 Elden Street, Suite 230). It is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Countywide

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published April 28, 2023 at 7:30AM

A pedestrian bridge over Backlick Drive in Springfield (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Arlington Residents Suing Over “Missing Middle” Look to zMOD Ruling — “The Virginia Supreme Court forced Fairfax to revert to an older zoning code because of this procedural misstep prior to the new laws taking effect. The 10 plaintiffs in the Missing Middle suit say it is a point in their favor, arguing the state Supreme Court signaled it takes seriously procedural violations.” [ARLnow]

New Signage Installed on GW Parkway — A temporary traffic pattern on the George Washington Parkway “has led to some confusion among drivers.” The National Park Service said new signs and barriers would be added to address issues, mostly in the afternoon rush hour, with northbound drivers trying to use the new center lane. [WTOP]

News

After losing Barton Hills appeal, Reston Association seeks tweaks to county zoning ordinance

By Fatimah Waseem

Published April 27, 2023 at 2:15PM

The Barton Hill Recreation Area in Reston is slated for upgrades (via Google Maps)

Earlier this spring, the Virginia Supreme Court declared Fairfax County’s modernization of its zoning ordinance (zMOD) invalid because it was adopted at virtual meetings.

In light of the pending re-adoption of the new zoning ordinance, Reston Association is pitching a change that would clarify if additions or enhancements require a Planned Residential Community (PRC) plan — a lengthy process that involves the development of detailed plans and public hearings before the county Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.

Countywide

County proposes permanent rules for temporary outdoor dining areas

By Fatimah Waseem

Published April 27, 2023 at 11:45AM

Karé Bar in Chantilly has heaters to warm up its outdoor dining area (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Spurred by the pandemic, outdoor dining in Fairfax County is likely here to stay.

The county is considering a proposal to formalize standards and regulations for outdoor dining in parking areas that were first introduced during the pandemic.