Countywide

Some last-minute heartburn over the details led the Fairfax County Planning Commission to defer a series of votes last week that would have advanced the county government’s plans for redeveloping its judicial complex.

After a public hearing last Wednesday (Oct. 9), Providence District Commissioner Jeremy Hancock ultimately pulled back his initial proposal to recommend approval of the submitted plans for the 48.2-acre judicial and public-safety compound surrounded by the City of Fairfax.


Belmont at One University

Join us for an Open House this Saturday, October 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Move in today and pay no rent until December 1, 2024 on select apartments*.

Explore Belmont at One University where extraordinary living meets unrivaled convenience.

Our community offers a range of 1-2 bedroom apartments featuring spacious layouts and modern amenitiesand only one household member must be 62+ to live here! Enjoy large kitchens with custom cabinetry, granite countertops, and wood-style flooring.

Experience the convenience of in-apartment washers/dryers and complimentary basic Wi-Fi. Indulge in our fitness center, club room for gatherings, and beautiful green spaces for relaxation. Even better, Belmont is pet friendly with no breed restrictions for dogs.

 Located in Fairfax County, near George Mason University and major employers, residents enjoy easy access to shopping, dining, parks, and entertainment venues. Coming soon, we’ll be providing a twice weekly shuttle to a local shopping center. Discover the enriching lifestyle awaiting you at Belmont at One University.

Schedule a tour today and live the way you’ve always wanted!

Belmont at One University participates in a housing program that offers more modest monthly rental rates based on Maximum Household Income limitations, according to household size. Interested in finding out if you might qualify to live at Belmont?  Click Here, choose “Do I Qualify”, and follow the provided directions.**

*Conditions apply, subject to change, ask for details, call 571-786-6146. **This is just a guide whether or not you might qualify. Addition information/documentation is required.


News

An instructional assistant at Langley High School in McLean was arrested last week after a student allegedly saw him masturbating in a classroom.

During school hours on Friday (Oct. 11), David Scalea, a 40-year-old resident of Great Falls, “began inappropriately touching himself underneath his desk” in a classroom, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.


A crowd starts to gather for the Bacon Brothers concert at the Reston Town Center pavilion on Oct. 12, 2024 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

New D.C. Pandas to Arrive Via Dulles — “Two giant pandas … have departed China for an hours-long flight to Washington and a new home at the National Zoo. A FedEx cargo jet from Chengdu via Anchorage is scheduled to arrive at Dulles International Airport at 9:55 a.m. Tuesday, according to FlightAware, a website that tracks air traffic.” [Washington Post]

Truck Driver Crashes into Fairfax Station Home — “A driver in a flatbed truck crashed into a home on Paynes Church Drive in Fairfax, leaving a gaping hole in their living room.” No injuries were reported as a result of the Oct. 11 crash, but neighbors say speeding and stop-sign-running are issues on the road. [NBC4]

Civic Group Proposes Shifting Flights to Dulles — The Arlington County Civic Federation is calling for changes at Reagan National Airport to address safety, noise and environmental concerns. Current proposals include diverting “excessive and unsafe levels of traffic to Dulles Airport through increased subsidies for landing fees…to encourage airlines to use this facility as a departure and destination location.” [ARLnow]

Lorton Gets New Dining Options — “Several new restaurants are opening — or signing on as future tenants — at shopping centers in the Lorton area. At Liberty Market, which is anchored by the Lidl grocery store, a Hangry Joe’s franchise marked its soft opening Oct. 5 and will soon hold a grand opening.” Also look for Naz’s Halal Food and Nash & Smash at Gunston Plaza. [On the MoVe]

Former Commanders Owner’s Home Finds No Buyers — Former Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder’s mansions in Potomac, Maryland, and Fort Hunt remain on the market. “So far, the properties have found no buyers in an otherwise thriving D.C.-area market of what is known as ‘ultra luxury’ real estate, even after one of the Snyder homes was donated to charity and its price was repeatedly cut.” [Washington Post]

Coyote Spotted in Vienna — “Residents in one part of Fairfax County, Virginia, are seeing coyotes in their neighborhood. The most recent sighting was near Southside Park in Vienna on Thursday…The Tanglewood Community Association also put out a notice about the coyotes, saying ‘please take care around the wildlife.'” [WTOP]

Kevin Bacon’s Band Rocks Reston — “Famous actor and musician Kevin Bacon and his equally talented brother, Michael Bacon, rocked the Reston Town Center Saturday night where the duo performed as The Bacon Brothers. The event was held at the RTC’s pavilion and drew a large crowd.” [The Burn]

‘Love Is Blind’ Contestant Now Living in Tysons — Nick Dorka, a “duck-riding real estate agent” and contestant on the ongoing D.C. area-set season of the Netflix reality show “Love Is Blind,” says he “got a place here in Tysons Corner” shortly after filming. [Washingtonian]

County Opens Registration for Winter Camps — “Registration for NCS’ Camp Fairfax and Teens in Action Camp Winter and Spring Programs will open on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024. NCS’ camp programs offer fun and creative opportunities to help participants develop valuable life skills and make positive social connections during school breaks.” [Neighborhood and Community Services]

It’s Tuesday — Expect a mostly cloudy day with temperatures reaching around 56 degrees, accompanied by a west wind blowing at 5 to 8 mph. As nighttime approaches, the skies will become partly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to around 42 degrees and a northwest wind blowing at 6 to 8 mph. [NWS]


Countywide

Those buying homes across Fairfax County in September paid, on average, 5.5% more per square foot for their acquisitions than those who made a purchase a year earlier.

The average per-square-foot housing cost of $365 in September 2024 across Fairfax was up from $346 in September 2023, according to figures reported Thursday (Oct. 10) by Bright MLS, based on data from MarketStats by ShowingTime.


Sports

The running game was significant on both sides of the ball for the Marshall Statesmen in Thursday (Oct. 10) football action.

On defense, the Statesmen allowed 303 yards rushing to the host and undefeated Washington-Liberty Generals, while gaining a modest 125 in their 42-13 loss in a Liberty District high-school game.


Sports

For one dominant local football team, its most recent success can be summed up in two words: Knicely done.

Trailing a couple of times in a Concorde District high-school football game against the visiting Westfield Bulldogs, the Madison Warhawks’ star runningback and kick returner, Dominic Knicely, responded with different types of touchdowns to rally his undefeated team for a 26-21 victory Oct. 10 in Vienna.


News

Booz Allen Hamilton has expanded its Fairfax County footprint with the opening of an engineering facility in Lorton.

Launched last Tuesday (Oct. 8), the 23,250-square-foot facility near Fort Belvoir is the Tysons-based consultant’s third flagship engineering facility, joining the Pax River Mission Systems Integration Facility in California, Maryland, and a site in Panama City, Florida.


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.

Attention, Asian street food fans and craft beer lovers!

High Side in downtown Fairfax is a must-visit spot that combines incredible flavors with a great local atmosphere. Opened in 2018, High Side was born out of his love for craft beer and Taiwanese street food, offering a unique fusion right in the heart of our community.

At High Side, the beer selection is always changing, with so many different varieties rotating through. From fruity smoothie sours to hazy IPAs and classic lagers, there’s something for every taste.

And when it comes to food, expect mouthwatering street eats like Taiwanese popcorn chicken, garlic noodles, and crispy tornado fries. It’s the perfect place for a laid-back night with friends, or just to treat yourself to something fun and delicious.

High Side is also known for its strong ties to the community, especially through their annual Asian Festival each May. This event brings thousands of people together to celebrate Fairfax’s rich Asian heritage with food, music, and culture. In 2023, the festival attracted 26,000 visitors, showcasing 100+ vendors and food stalls. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you’ll want to add it to your calendar!

Looking for an unforgettable spot for craft beer, tasty bites, and an inviting ambiance?

High Side in downtown Fairfax is the place to be. Next time you’re nearby, drop in, meet Jinson, and enjoy the experience!

High Side in Downtown Fairfax

Sharmane Medaris | Live Fairfax | www.soldbysharmane.com | Sharmane@mcenearney.com | @soldbysharmane | 813-504-4479 | 374 Maple Avenue Suite 202, Vienna, VA 22180


Countywide

Some equipment and staffing challenges remain, but Fairfax County’s 12 volunteer fire departments are positioning themselves for ongoing improvement after a solid fiscal year that ended June 30.

That was the message delivered by Fairfax Volunteer Fire Commission chair Shawn Stokes to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday (Oct. 8).


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