The number of pedestrians and cyclists killed in traffic crashes in Fairfax County have doubled this year, one study says.
A total of 19 pedestrians have died this year through November — a substantial increase from the 10 tallied in 2023, according to data compiled by the advocacy group Northern Virginia Families for Safe Streets (NOVA FSS). In addition, a bicyclist was killed on West Ox Road in October, the county’s first cyclist fatality since 2021.
Nearly a third of Virginia’s data centers are located within 200 feet of residential areas, with Fairfax County leading the state, according to a new report released Monday (Dec. 9) by the Virginia Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC).
Assessing the impact of data centers throughout Virginia, the JLARC report found that 55% of Fairfax County’s 20 data centers are within 200 feet of residential zones, and 70% are within 500 feet.
The Tysons Community Alliance (TCA) wants to add a creative twist to what was originally planned as a straightforward refresh of a Dulles Toll Road bridge.
The nonprofit community improvement organization has been working with the artist Vicki Scuri on concepts for artwork that could transform the aging bridge over Route 123 (Dolley Madison Blvd) into gateway welcoming visitors entering Tysons from McLean.
Thanks to a grant of nearly $1 million, Fairfax County’s emergency response stands to capitalize on recent gains in artificial intelligence.
The county’s Department of Public Safety Communications (DPSC) is partnering with George Mason University’s Center for Resilient and Sustainable Communities (C-RASC) for a project that will embrace AI solutions to tackle challenges faced by emergency communications systems across the region.
One Injured in Fairfax Connector Electric Bus Crash — “Around 6:30 pm, #FCFRD responded to reports of a bus into a building in the 12000 blk of Government Center Parkway in the Fair Lakes area. Units arrived to find a bus crashed into a parking structure and on fire. The fire is under control. Firefighters contained the fire to the electric bus. One civilian was transported with non life-threatening injuries.” [FCFRD/Facebook]
Fairfax City Motel Demolished — “On Monday, an excavator began the demolition of the Hy-Way Motel at 9640 Fairfax Blvd. Expected to last two weeks, the demolition is the first step in the construction of a new permanent supportive housing facility by The Lamb Center and Wesley Housing.” [Patch]
ICYMI: Comstock Withdraws From Downtown Herndon Project — Town of Herndon officials shared last night (Tuesday) that developer Comstock has decided not to proceed with its long-stalled downtown redevelopment project. Staff said they still believe in the 5-acre site’s potential but “will take some time to evaluate” what to do next. [FFXnow]
Local Restaurants Voted Favorites in D.C. Area — Washingtonian’s 2024 poll of its readers’ favorite restaurants in the region is light on Fairfax County establishments, but Aslin Beer Company, which has a taproom in Herndon, came out on top for “favorite local beer restaurant.” Andy’s Pizza, which can be found in Tysons, also repeated as the no. 1 spot for pizza. [Washingtonian]
Electronics Stolen From Pohick Library — “On October 28, at 9:46 a.m., officers responded to the 6400 block of Sydenstricker Road in Burke for a burglary report. The complainant reported that multiple electronics were missing from the library. Officers reviewed surveillance footage and observed an unidentified man entering the library at 3:00 a.m. that morning.” [FCPD]
More FCPS Teachers Sticking Around — “Fairfax County Public Schools is retaining over 90% of teachers for the first time in four years, a promising sign that teachers may not be leaving the school division at the rate they were in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic … Special education retention rates are also showing positive trends, [Superintendent Michelle] Reid said.” [WTOP]
Metro Set to Revive Automated Train System — “Starting on the Red Line, trains will be spaced and timed based on computer rather than human operation. Officials say the switch could be made as soon as this Sunday … The savings, Metro says, could be used to open an hour earlier and stay open an hour later on the weekend.” [Washington Post]
Chantilly Bakery to Close Permanently — Firehook Bakery has announced that it will close all three of its locations in Chantilly, Alexandria and Dupont Circle on Dec. 24 to focus on the “rapid growth and expansion” of its nationwide Firehook Cracker business. The bakery has been a “favorite among pastry lovers” since 1992. [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Immigrant Advocates Brace for Trump Return — “Facing the threat of mass deportations, local immigrant rights groups are stepping up their rapid response activities to protect vulnerable community members.” Advocates discussed their plans for responding to president-elect Donald Trump’s threats “at a forum Dec. 6 in Annandale sponsored by the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations.” [Annandale Today]
It’s Wednesday — Heavy rain and patchy fog are expected, with temperatures rising to 63°F by 10am. Winds will increase in the afternoon, gusting up to 33 mph. Total precipitation of 1-2 inches is possible. At night, there’s a 40% chance of rain before 10pm, followed by cloudy skies that will gradually clear with a low of 32°F. [NWS]
Fairfax County Public Schools is set to allocate an additional $3.4 million to safety and security upgrades, drawing from surplus revenue identified in its mid-year budget review.
The funding includes $1.5 million from a class-action settlement with Juul, as well as higher-than-expected sales tax revenue and tuition payments from the City of Fairfax.
A right-wing group’s lawsuit challenging Fairfax County Public Schools policies designed to be inclusive of transgender and other gender non-conforming students will be allowed to move forward.
Fairfax County Circuit Court Judge Brett A. Kassabian issued an order last Friday (Dec. 6) mostly overruling an attempt by the Fairfax County School Board to dismiss the civil suit, which argues that policies requiring students to be identified and treated based on their gender identity violate the rights of students who don’t want to follow those policies.
A Fairfax County School Board member’s desire to affirm the defined rights of student journalists in the wake of the Hayfield Secondary School athlete-transfer uproar died on a 9-3 vote at the Dec. 5 board meeting.
At-large board member Ryan McElveen introduced the measure as part of a broader discussion of the Hayfield athletics matter. He said it was in reaction to allegations, which have not been independently confirmed, of student journalists at Hayfield having their work on the issue censored.
Fairfax County’s study of the Gallows Road corridor is entering its final stages, with a report expected to head to the planning commission early next year.
The project aims to address long-standing safety and mobility challenges along the busy stretch of roadway connecting Tysons and Annandale, but proposed redesigns have sparked debate among residents.
Great Falls Park has resolved to stop accepting cash as payment for its entry fees in the new year.
The National Park Service announced yesterday (Monday) that it will require visitors to the park at 9200 Old Dominion Drive to pay their entrance fees with a credit or debit card or by electronic means starting on Jan. 1, 2025.
