Countywide

Fairfax County Board Adopts New Budget — “Fairfax County lawmakers Tuesday approved a budget that raises the residential tax rate by 3 cents, a reflection of the lingering economic impacts of the pandemic and uncertainty over the Virginia state budget…The Board of Supervisors approved the budget on a 9-1 vote without comment, with Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) opposing.” [Washington Post]

Gunfire Reported in Fair Lakes Neighborhood — “According to Fairfax County police, the shooting was reported during a gathering at one of the townhouses in the Fair Lakes community. Upon arrival, officers encountered a large group of people leaving the home. Video footage captured people desperately seeking refuge and calling for help amidst the chaos.” [FOX5]


Around Town

Wag N’ Wash has set a grand opening date for its Vienna store, more than a year after it took over 144 Maple Avenue West from Loyal Companion.

The pet supply and grooming retailer officially announced its expansion into Virginia last Friday (May 3). The new locations in Vienna and Arlington (2501 N. Harrison Street) will be formally introduced to their respective communities with a weekend-long grand opening celebration on May 18-19.


Around Town

Another Japanese restaurant in Herndon is expanding into Tysons.

Coming on the heels of Sushi Umi’s soft opening last month at Scotts Run, Umai Ramen and Rice Bowl anticipates launching its new sister restaurant, Umai Ramen and Donburi, at Tysons West this summer, according to owner and chef Jaa Preeyaporn Aroonchokthawon.


Countywide

Firefighters Participate in Rescue Challenge — “Who’s that suspended from ropes under the Woodrow Wilson Bridge? It’s your friendly neighborhood technical rescue operations team. From 5/6-5/9 #FCFRD is participating in the 28th Annual Rescue Challenge. This training involves scenarios including a rescue under the bridge.” [FCFRD/Twitter]

Oyster Bar Coming to Old Town Fairfax — “Local chef and restauranteur Bill Hamrock will be opening Kelly’s Oyster House and Bar at 4069 Chain Bridge Road in Old Town Fairfax. The building is the former home of the Capital Ale House. Hamrock already owns and operates Hamrock’s Restaurant, which is located just down the street at 3950 Chain Bridge Road.” [Patch]


Countywide

The Fairfax County Department of Animal Sheltering (DAS) will likely assume the duties of the Animal Protection Police, starting this summer.

At a mark-up session last Tuesday (April 30), the Board of Supervisors indicated that it will implement the consolidation by transferring a position from the Fairfax County Police Department and creating a new chief animal control officer (ACO) as part of the fiscal year 2025 budget, which is scheduled to be formally adopted tomorrow (Tuesday).


News

Going forward, developers in the Town of Vienna will be required to save trees, not just replace them.

After years of study and discussion, the Vienna Town Council voted on April 29 to adopt a new tree conservation ordinance and create an advocacy committee in a bid to preserve and expand the town’s declining canopy.


News

Barnes & Noble has closed up shop at Tysons Corner Center for the year.

Yesterday (Sunday) was the bookstore’s last day serving customers in the two-level space it has occupied since the mall’s expansion wing opened in 2005. In the month leading up to the closure, shelves were emptied and some areas closed, including the cafe, as the store cleared merchandise through “last chance sale” discounts.


News

Early Voting Underway for Congressional Races — Fairfax County opened three early voting sites on Friday (May 3) for the June 18 Democratic and Republican primaries, which will determine nominees for multiple House and Senate seats. “An additional 13 early voting sites open on June 8…The last day to vote early in person is June 15.” [Fairfax County, NBC4]

One Injured in Merrifield House Fire — “Fairfax County Fire and Rescue personel extinguished a fire late Thursday night at a two-story home in the Merrifield area. Initial reports said no one was injuried, but a department spokeswoman told Patch on Friday afternoon that one civilian was taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.” [Patch]


Around Town

Local morning commuters can save on gas and win a free t-shirt when Bike to Work Day returns to Fairfax County this month.

The 23rd annual Bike to Work Day is scheduled for Friday, May 17, offering residents across the D.C. area the opportunity to celebrate cycling. Fairfax County will host 27 designated pit stops, with additional stops organized by Commuter Connections, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) and local governments in the region.


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