The corner of Maple Avenue and Nutley Street where the Vienna Wolf Trap Hotel and Tequila Grande continues to lie fallow, but the developer hoping to revitalize the site is at least working to make it more presentable.
Hekemian & Company and its civil engineering firm Walter L. Phillips got the Vienna Board of Architectural Review’s (BAR) approval on Jan. 16 to maintain a chain-link fence around the 2.8-acre property at 444 Maple Avenue West through the end of this year.
A majority of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors criticized Gov. Glenn Youngkin yesterday (Tuesday) for backing the Trump administration’s efforts to shrink the federal workforce, warning that the sweeping cuts could undermine the economy of Fairfax County and, by extension, Virginia.
Led by Chairman Jeff McKay, the mostly Democratic board suggested that Youngkin, a Republican, could support President Donald Trump’s goals or the people in Virginia he was elected to represent, including thousands of federal workers and contractors, but not both.
Legislation to Reform Speed Cameras Stalls — “After lawmakers uncovered millions in speed camera revenue across Virginia, a proposal to tighten regulations on the devices has hit a legislative roadblock. The General Assembly now waits to see whether a pared-down version of the plan will survive without triggering an expansion of automated enforcement.” [Virginia Mercury]
Two Hospitalized by Lincolnia House Fire — “On Tuesday, February 18, at 7:12 pm, #FCFRD responded to a house fire in the 5100 block of Clinton Road in the Lincolnia area. Units arrived to smoke showing from the single-family home … Two civilians were transported. No firefighter injuries. Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.” [FCFRD/Facebook]
I-495 Lane Closures Near Tysons — “Ramps will be closed and traffic detoured nightly at eastbound Dulles Toll Road/Dulles Airport Access Highway to Northbound I-495 during overnight hours through March 1. The ramp from eastbound Dulles Toll Road/Airport Access Highway (Route 267) to northbound I-495 will also be closed nightly.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
N. Va. Church Cancels Kennedy Center Christmas Show — “On Sunday, Alexandria’s Alfred Street Baptist Church announced it would be cutting ties to the Kennedy Center after President Trump purged the arts center’s board. Alfred Street Baptist Church joins a list of events and shows canceling on the venue. [ALXnow]
Va. Push to Regulate Data Centers Falters — “Out of several dozen bills introduced on the subject, including a slate that had support from Republicans and Democrats in both the Senate and the House of Delegates, only a few remain alive — and industry critics say those have been watered down.” A state report on data centers came out too close to the beginning of the legislative session for significant changes to be fully considered, one delegate says. [Washington Post]
Metro Plans Tap-to-Pay System — “Metro is making strides this year, recently bringing back automated trains on the entire Red Line and readying to launch tap-to-pay in late spring … Tap-to-pay with a credit or debit card is anticipated for late May or early June, says [General Manager Randy] Clarke,” though SmarTrip cards will stick around. [Axios DC]
South Block Celebrates Fairfax City Opening — “Representatives from the Fairfax City business community hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday morning to welcome the new South Block to Fair City Mall. The shop specializes in making healthy smoothies, acai bowls and juices.” [Patch]
Mount Vernon Police Station Head to Retire — “Maj. Matthew Luik, who has served as commander of the Mount Vernon District Police Station since last summer, is retiring from the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD), effective Feb. 21.” The station’s assistant commander, Capt. Jeff Mauro, will fill the position until a permanent hire is made. [On the MoVe]
It’s Wednesday — Expect snow mainly between 1pm and 4pm today, with cloudy skies and a high near 27. There’s a 60% chance of precipitation, accumulating less than half an inch of new snow. Tonight, a slight chance of snow before 7pm and isolated showers after 4am with lows around 22. The chance of precipitation is 20%. [NWS]
Additional taxes, including the possibility of a meals tax, program and staff cuts and less-than-requested funding for the school system are all incorporated in the Fairfax County government’s draft $5.7 billion fiscal year 2026 budget proposed by County Executive Bryan Hill.
“I don’t think anybody is happy with this budget, but this is where we are,” Hill said when delivering his proposal to the Board of Supervisors this morning (Tuesday). “We have been working diligently to figure out how to make this mildly palatable, to find the right balance.”
An effort by Fairfax County officials to crack down on excessively loud vehicle exhaust systems is facing an uncertain future in Richmond, where state legislators recently voiced concerns about the possible costs.
The powerful Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations voted 10-4 Monday night (Feb. 17) to send the proposed legislation to the State Crime Commission, which will study its provisions and report back later to the General Assembly.
A new tea shop has arrived in Tysons.
Hey Tea, a chain based in China, is hosting a week-long grand opening celebration after serving its first customers at Tysons Corner Center last Friday (Feb. 14).
The window has closed for developers, property owners and other community members to nominate sites in Fairfax County for future redevelopment.
The county received about 50 nominations during its Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) process, which lets members of the public propose changes to the comprehensive plan that guides future land use and development. The submission period lasted from Jan. 13 through last Thursday, Feb. 13.
Fairfax County School Board members are mulling whether to increase the number of student representatives on the body.
The proposal, currently in the exploratory stage, is part of a broader push toward more direct engagement with the 180,000-plus students enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools.
Strong Winds Affect Power in N. Va. — The D.C. area was “hit with winds as high as 60 mph Sunday night … as energy companies in the area reported thousands of customers were in the dark.” More than 20,000 Dominion Energy customers in Fairfax County lost power on Sunday (Feb. 16), and “Fairfax County Fire and Rescue reported that seven houses had been hit by falling trees and nine downed wires.” [WUSA9]
Witnesses Describe Reston Gym Shooting — “The case against a man accused of killing another man inside a gym in Reston, Virginia last summer is moving forward. Steve Ha, 43, of Chantilly, is suspected of killing Hyungjoon Choi, of Reston, in a Gold’s Gym in August. Choi was 31.” Witnesses, including Gold’s Gym trainer, testified in court last Thursday (Feb. 13). [NBC4]
Bill to Expand Traffic Enforcement on GW Parkway Dies — “A bill in Virginia that would allow state and local police departments to enforce traffic laws on the federally owned George Washington Memorial Parkway failed to advance in Richmond. Senate Bill 776, introduced by Sen. Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax County) passed the Senate … However, in a House transportation committee, the bill was defeated.” [WUSA9]
Flight Honors Springfield Pilot Killed in Crash — “Twenty-two homeless dogs and eight cats boarded a flight toward freedom Feb. 2 at Culpeper Regional Airport — a mission in memory of volunteer pilot Seuk Kim, a Springfield resident and former financier who died in a plane crash last year saving dogs from kill shelters.” [Inside NoVA]
Falls Church Library Reviewing Palestinian Book — “A children’s book about Palestine is under review at a Falls Church library following a complaint alleging antisemitic language. ‘P is for Palestine: A Palestine Alphabet Book’ is the work in question. Library Director Megan Dotzler said at a Feb. 5 meeting that a complaint had been lodged, leading to the review.” [ARLnow]
Taiyaki Shop Opens Chantilly Location — “Rice Culture — the new eatery specializing in sweet fish-shaped Asian desserts — started a soft opening over the weekend at its newest location in Chantilly off Route 50 … Rice Culture has taken a small space in the Chantilly Crossing shopping center.” [The Burn]
Sen. Kaine Jams With GMU Pep Band — “Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine (D) accompanied George Mason University’s Green Machine pep band during the men’s basketball game against St. John’s College … The Patriots squeaked by the visiting St. John’s College Hawks, overcoming a 16-point deficit to win 58-57 at Eagle Bank Arena in Fairfax.” [Patch]
Budget Airline to Serve Dulles Starting in Spring — “Low-cost carrier Contour Airlines is set to launch service at Dulles International Airport starting May 1, the airline announced. The Tennessee-based carrier will begin nonstop flights to Dulles from Macon, Georgia, and Plattsburgh, New York. Fares will start at $94 one-way, Contour said in a Facebook post.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
It’s Tuesday — Expect mostly sunny skies and a high near 36 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind blowing at 11 to 15 mph with gusts reaching up to 25 mph. As Tuesday night arrives, anticipate increasing clouds and a low temperature around 20 degrees, along with a north wind blowing at 8 to 10 mph. [NWS]
The Chantilly Chargers narrowly won the team title and had the individual all-around winner at the girls 6D North Region gymnastics championship this week.
The Chargers won their first team regional crown since 2011 with a 141.450 score during the Monday (Feb. 10) meet at Washington-Liberty High School in Arlington.
