Reston | FFXnow - Part 515

Morning Notes

Published October 6, 2022 at 7:30AM | Updated October 6, 2022 at 8:29AM

Public art outside Oakton Library (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Downed Wires Close I-66 in Fairfax — Fallen power lines completely shut down I-66 at Route 50 in Fairfax City for about 45 minutes during rush hour this morning, prompting warnings of travel delays. The Virginia Department of Transportation said at 8:15 a.m. that all lanes had reopened. [FCFRD, VDOT]

Last Day to Apply for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals — “Apply for Free and Reduced-Price Meals by the deadline of Thursday, October 6. Any family interested in free or reduced-price meals MUST submit a new application, even if your child has received free meals in the past.” [FCPS/Twitter]

Countywide

Fairfax County proposes compelling developers to replace lost affordable housing

By Vernon Miles

Published October 5, 2022 at 3:30PM

Construction is underway on The Rylan apartments in the Highland District (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Fairfax County is moving forward with an update to its affordable housing policy that could ensure a one-for-one replacement of affordable housing units in areas under redevelopment — signaling a major push to bind development to affordable housing preservation.

Open for public feedback until 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 28, the proposal would amend the county’s comprehensive plan to require developers to replace affordable housing on sites where it’s being eliminated in order to get their project approved.

Around Town

Washington West Film Festival kicks off next week in Tysons

By Angela Woolsey

Published October 5, 2022 at 2:40PM

Journalist Bob Woodward at the Washington West Film Festival's 40th anniversary screening for "All the President's Men" (courtesy of Washington West Film Festival)

The movie world’s annual parade of fall festivals will make a pit stop in Fairfax County next week, with the launch of the Washington West Film Festival.

After celebrating its 10th anniversary virtually in 2020 due to COVID-19, the festival returned in person last year and is now preparing for its 11th season, which will bring a variety of films to Tysons and Reston from Oct. 13-17.

News

Herndon avoided service disruptions despite staff shortages, town’s annual report says

By Angela Woolsey

Published October 5, 2022 at 1:15PM

Herndon Town Manager Bill Ashton presents the town's fiscal year 2022 annual report (via Town of Herndon)

The Town of Herndon hasn’t missed a single trash day during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite grappling with the same labor and supply issues as other jurisdictions.

Town Manager Bill Ashton admitted to the town council on Sept. 27 that he typically wouldn’t highlight uninterrupted trash service “as a badge of honor” in the town’s annual report for fiscal year 2022, which ran from July 1, 2021 to June 30 of this year.

You’re invited: Open House at the Schar School

By Sponsor

Published October 5, 2022 at 12:30PM

Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University

Thinking about taking the next step in your career?

The Arlington-based Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University offers flexible part-time or full-time options for graduate certificate and master’s degree programs designed to teach applicable, real-world knowledge for in-demand careers.

Countywide

County’s new data dashboard shines a light on opioid overdoses, deaths

By Melanie Pincus

Published October 5, 2022 at 11:45AM

Fairfax County has launched a new data dashboard on opioid overdoses (via Fairfax County Health Department)

With opioids topping the list of causes of non-natural death in Fairfax County, local health officials have launched a new resource to give residents a better understanding of the situation.

A public-facing dashboard went live Monday (Oct. 3) with data about opioid overdoses and overdose deaths in the Fairfax Health District, which includes Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church.

Around Town

GMU music scholarship fund launches in memory of Reston jazz musician

By Angela Woolsey

Published October 5, 2022 at 9:30AM

Lake Anne Plaza's concert commemorating jazz musician Mykle Lyons is back for a second year (courtesy Alec Berry/Roxplosion)

The Mykle Lyons Commemorative Concert will return to Reston this weekend with a new charitable component.

The Lake Anne & Washington Plaza Merchant Association (LAWPA) introduced the now-annual music festival last year to celebrate the life of Mykle Lyons, a jazz musician and longtime Reston resident who died in May 2021.

Countywide

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published October 5, 2022 at 7:30AM

The Jefferson Manor neighborhood had a block party to celebrate its 75th anniversary this past weekend (staff photo by Matt Blitz)

GMU Explores Possible Mixed-Use Development — George Mason University recently issued a request for proposals to study the feasibility of building up nearly 300 acres at its main Fairfax campus. The potential development could bring housing, “experiential learning space” and commercial uses, such as retail, office, a hotel or entertainment, to three university-owned properties. [Washington Business Journal]

Metro to Crack Down on Fare Evasion — “Metro is rolling out a multi-faceted plan to address a $40 million fare evasion problem. Beginning this month, Metro will start posting reminders on digital screens in stations, and Metro Transit Police officers will hand out fliers reminding riders to pay their fares. Metro will have more police out on the system and install cameras and monitors to deter gate-jumping.” [DCist]

Countywide

County plans to get more HOAs on board with electric vehicle chargers, starting in Reston

By Matt Blitz

Published October 4, 2022 at 3:40PM | Updated October 4, 2022 at 4:08PM

Electric vehicle chargers in a parking garage (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

(Updated at 4:05 p.m.) Fairfax County is looking to charge up a new electric vehicle charging station program and pilot it in Reston.

At last week’s Transportation Committee meeting, the Board of Supervisors discussed a new “Charge Up Fairfax” program, where the county would provide support to homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and multi-family communities to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in common areas.

Reno of the Month: Dated design elements in your home — Part 2

By Sponsor

Published October 4, 2022 at 12:30PM

Before & After. (Photo courtesy Synergy Design & Construction)

By Nicola Caul Shelley, Synergy Design & Construction

Well, last month’s “Design Elements That Are Dating Your Home” column clearly struck a chord with many local homeowners! We heard from lots of people who shared other items they think are ready for a new, fresh twist. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some other dated items homeowners want to switch up when it comes time for their next home remodel or refresh!