Countywide

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.


Countywide

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.


Fake, winter-themed trees stand on the Plaza at Tysons Corner Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

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]


Sports

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.


Countywide

For the fourth consecutive year, Virginia lawmakers have sent the governor a bill allowing all localities to impose a 1% sales tax for school construction. Now, all eyes are on Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who has vetoed similar measures before.

Youngkin, who has historically opposed these tax proposals, will once again review the legislation. After the last session, he blocked the measure, citing the state’s existing efforts to fund school construction and concerns over its impact on taxpayers.


Countywide

Several Northern Virginia school districts, including Fairfax County Public Schools, are in the crosshairs of the U.S. Department of Education after a conservative legal group filed a complaint challenging their transgender-inclusive bathroom and locker room policies.

The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) opened an investigation this week into Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun and Prince William schools in response to the complaint from America First Legal, a nonprofit founded by former Trump advisor Stephen Miller.


Around Town

First Watch is ready to make its Idylwood introduction.

The daytime cafe chain, which has been expanding its Northern Virginia presence in recent years, will officially open to the general public at Idylwood Plaza (7501 Leesburg Pike) next Tuesday, Feb. 18.


Countywide

Pending final agreement with a key bargaining unit, Fairfax County government officials are ready to move forward with a consolidation of animal care and protection services.

The change, which was approved last year as part of the county’s fiscal year 2025 budget, will move operations currently handled by the Animal Protection Police (APP) within the Fairfax County Police Department to the county’s Department of Animal Services (formerly the Department of Animal Sheltering, or DAS).


Countywide

The legislation to make Fairfax County eligible for a casino isn’t officially dead, but it appears to be in active need of resuscitation.

A House of Delegates appropriations subcommittee’s decision to pass by Senate Bill 982 after a 30-minute hearing on Wednesday (Feb. 12) brought celebratory statements from the community groups and local elected officials who had vocally opposed the proposal to allow a casino in Tysons.


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