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Reston planning committee approves Vantage Hill redevelopment
The redevelopment of Reston’s Vantage Hill condominiums (11619 Vantage Hill Road) is barreling towards approval. At a meeting on Monday (Sept. 19), the Reston Planning and Zoning Committee unanimously approved the project, which will include 28 townhouses on 2.5 acres of land currently taken up by an abandoned swimming pool. Revenue from the sale of the units will help the Vantage Hill condos — a 152-unit complex that was built in 1962 — complete a backlog of critical upgrades.
GW Parkway lanes to temporarily widen due to construction in McLean
The rehabilitation of the George Washington Memorial Parkway will bring new traffic impacts to the McLean area, starting Monday (Sept. 26). Drivers should prepare for increased construction activities and potential delays along the parkway’s northern section between I-495 and Dolley Madison Boulevard, the National Park Service announced yesterday (Tuesday).
Teen arrested in fatal Woodlawn shooting has previous felony charges
An 18-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder in connection to a fatal shooting in the Woodlawn neighborhood on Saturday, the Fairfax County Police Department announced this morning (Wednesday). Kevin Alexander Lemus was arrested around 7 p.m. yesterday (Tuesday) after police found him in the 7200 block of John Paul Drive in Groveton, FCPD Major Crimes Bureau Cyber and Forensics Commander Maj. Ed O’Carroll said at a press conference.
Proposed ‘home share’ program could help house older county residents
Fairfax County officials are exploring the possibility of promoting “home sharing” for older adults. Home sharing lets a homeowner provide accommodation to others in exchange for rent assistance and household tasks or both. The program was discussed at the county board’s older adults committee meeting yesterday (Tuesday). Staff noted that several complexities must be considered before moving forward with a pilot program.
FCPS prepares for new round of TJ admissions, as court battle continues
With a new school year underway, students will soon jockey for seats in Fairfax County’s prestigious Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJ), even as a federal court considers whether its current admission system discriminates against Asians.
Artificial intelligence startup expands West Falls Church HQ, adds 117 jobs
An artificial intelligence startup is expanding its headquarters in West Falls Church by investing $1.4 million and creating 117 new jobs. Enabled Intelligence, Inc., a company that provides secure data labeling services to enable artificial intelligence operations, will add more than 10,000 square feet of space to its current offices at 6400 Arlington Blvd, just outside Seven Corners, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced today (Wednesday). Unclassified space is also planned.
BREAKING: Assistant arrested for allegedly assaulting special needs student at Dogwood ES
An assistant at Dogwood Elementary School has been arrested in connection with assaulting a special needs student earlier this month, according to police. Fairfax County police charged Mark MacDicken, 60, of Centreville, with the assault of the juvenile student on Sept. 16. McDicken worked at the school for roughly 10 years police said. Two teachers reportedly witnessed McDicken assaulting the student when they walked into their classroom. He was charged with assault.
Morning Notes | FFXnow
I-66 Lane Shift in Fairfax Area Starts Today — “The travel lanes on I-66 West and East between Route 50 and Route 286 (Fairfax County Parkway) will be shifted into a new configuration during the early morning hours Wednesday, September 21, and Thursday, September 22.
Solar panels ready for long-awaited installation at Lorton landfill
After years of effort, solar panels are finally coming to the I-95 Landfill Complex in Lorton. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion on Sept. 13 to lease about 40 acres of the county-owned closed landfill within the complex to Sun Tribe Solar to install, operate, and maintain an array of ground-mounted solar panels.
Nothing Bundt Cakes bakery arrives in Herndon, will offer free ‘bundtlets’ at grand opening
Another dessert shop has officially opened at 332 Elden Street in Herndon. Nothing Bundt Cakes is slated for a grand opening on Oct. 7 and 8 following a soft opening that happened in early September. The first 75 guests on grand opening day will receive a free coupon for one mini bundt cake — known as a bundtlet — every month for a year, along with drawings for other prizes. Store owner France Saunders also plans to have balloon art and face painting for children.
Developer seeks to convert Tysons office building into ‘live/work’ units
A developer that turns aging, underused office buildings into apartments designed for residential and work use has set its sights on a property in Tysons just east of the Capital Beltway. Madison Highland hopes to repurpose the offices at 2000 Corporate Ridge into about 236 live/work units that would range in size from 500 to 2,000 square feet, according to a rezoning application recently submitted to Fairfax County.
County police department selects first-ever Muslim community liaison
Against the backdrop of post-9/11 community policing, the Fairfax County Police Department has selected its first-ever liaison for the local Muslim community. Lt. Wahid Alam, who has served in the department for more than 18 years, hopes to build upon the relationship that already exists between the local Muslim community and the police department.
Driver in fatal Mount Vernon crash sentenced to prison, prosecutors say
A 22-year-old man from Alexandria will serve over two years in prison for a fatal, single-car crash on the George Washington Memorial Parkway that involved speeding, alcohol and drug use, the Department of Justice announced last week. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, Samuel Meyer was driving south on the GW Parkway on May 31, 2020 when he lost control of his Toyota Tacoma truck around 5:45 p.m. near Mount Vernon Circle.
Upcoming gastropub restaurant in Reston reignites family legacy, pays ode to Lake Anne
The son of one of Reston’s first 500 residents is paying homage to his family and hometown with the launch of a new Belgian-inspired gastropub at Lake Anne Plaza. Owner Jan Carlos Byl plans to open Common Ground in the next six months at the space formerly filled by Local VA, another local restaurant that abruptly closed up shop earlier this year at the plaza.
Suspect in Tysons Corner Center gunfire incident indicted, faces new charges
The man who allegedly fired a gun inside Tysons Corner Center this summer, sparking a chaotic evacuation of the mall, is expected to face trial after getting indicted by a Fairfax County grand jury yesterday (Monday). The circuit court jury indicted Noah Settles, a 22-year-old D.C. resident also known as rapper No Savage, on seven charges that could result in up to 45 years of imprisonment if he’s convicted, Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano told FFXnow.
Morning Notes | FFXnow
Car Taxes Due Next Month — “Personal property taxes — better known as car taxes — are due on Wednesday, Oct. 5.
Listing of the Day: 818 N. Fillmore Street (Arlington)
Address: 818 N. Fillmore Street Neighborhood: Lyon Park Type: 5 BD, 3.5 BA – 3282 sq. ft. Listed: $1,660,000 Noteworthy: A classic from Lyon Park that has been expanded and updated. A Historical 6 bedroom, 4.5 bath Craftsman situated on a quiet road in Lyon Park. Two renovations were undergone, which significantly updated and expanded this 1925 Sears house — making it the ideal fusion of traditional charm served with contemporary elements.
Arlington gets $10K grant to promote Black history, businesses to tourists
A $10,000 state tourism grant will revamp how Arlington promotes its Black history to tourists. Currently, the county’s tourism webpage outlines some of the important historic moments and existing landmarks. The landing page links to blog posts featuring Black businesses and artwork celebrating Arlington’s Black culture and history. Travelers who want more can download a 68-page online tour guide last updated in 2016.
Local cookie purveyor MOLTN debuts its answer to the PSL
Sponsored by Monday Properties and written by ARLnow, Startup Monday is a weekly column that highlights Arlington-based startups, founders, and local tech news. Monday Properties is proudly featuring 1515 Wilson Blvd in Rosslyn. Autumn is upon us and a local cookie company is hoping to mint some pumpkin spiced profits with new seasonal flavors.
Fairfax County to honor Black history with six new historical markers
Fairfax County will install six new historical markers over the next year honoring Black and African-American history. The markers will highlight local civil rights activists, enslaved peoples, educators, and a famed four-star general.
BREAKING: Apparent hoax at W-L prompts large emergency response
Police and firefighters have swarmed Washington-Liberty High School after an apparent hoax about an active shooter. A caller told Arlington’s 911 dispatch that someone shot multiple people in a classroom at the school, according to scanner traffic, but no such shooting has been located by authorities. Scanner traffic suggests that Fairfax and Culpeper county schools might have received a similar alarming but false report.
JUST IN: Truck hits McLean power line, killing man and prompting outage
A bucket truck operator has died after the vehicle hit a power line on Georgetown Pike in McLean, the Fairfax County Police Department says. The collision occurred near Langley Fork Lane around 1:30 p.m. NBC4 reported that a police helicopter was called in to evacuate an injured person, but the FCPD says the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Georgetown Pike has been closed between Langley Fork and Chain Bridge Road, as police detectives respond to investigate.
NEW: A bank was robbed in the Courthouse area Friday afternoon
(Updated at 1:35 p.m.) A middle-aged man robbed a bank in the Courthouse area Friday afternoon. The robbery happened on the 2500 block of Wilson Blvd, near the border of the Courthouse and Clarendon neighborhoods, around 3:15 p.m. From an Arlington County police crime report: ACPD typically does not reveal the name of a business that has been the victim of a crime. There are two banks on the 2500 block of Wilson Blvd: FVCbank and National Capital Bank.
Rescue Reston marks 10 years with rally for open space
Rescue Reston, a volunteer organization that seeks to preserve Reston’s open space, is officially marking its 10-year anniversary. The grassroots organization plans to host a rally on Oct. 15 from 1-3 p.m. to celebrate its efforts to protect Reston’s recreational open space. Rescue Reston formed in 2012 in an effort to successfully oppose the redevelopment of Reston National Golf Course. The owners of the golf course sought to redevelop the golf course into a residential development.
Early morning wrong-way wreck on I-66 in Arlington seriously injures three
Someone driving the wrong-way on I-66 in Arlington caused a crash that seriously injured three people, state police say. The crash happened early this morning around 1:30 a.m., near one of the Langston Blvd exits between Rosslyn and Glebe Road. “At approximately 1:23 a.m. Monday (Sept. 19), Virginia State Police received an emergency call concerning a vehicle driving west in the eastbound lanes of I-66,” VSP spokeswoman Corinne Geller tells ARLnow.
Courthouse could have a chalupa Christmas with Taco Bell Cantina’s opening set for December
Local residents might be getting chalupas for Christmas. The new Taco Bell Cantina at 2039 Wilson Blvd in Courthouse is aiming for a December opening, a company spokesperson told ARLnow. The fast food restaurant is currently in the midst of training and hiring for “all positions from assistant managers to team members for all types of hours,” the spokesperson said. Flyers advertising the job openings can be seen stapled to trees around the neighborhood.
Sugarland South Stream restoration to begin in the Town of Herndon
The Town of Herndon is moving forward with a multi-million-dollar contract to restore more than 1,000 feet of Sugarland Run Stream. At a Herndon Town Council meeting tomorrow (Tuesday), the council is expected to vote on awarding a nearly $964,000 contract to KBS Earthworks, Inc. to complete the project. Public bidding on the project closed on Sept. 9. The lowest bidder — Geomorphic Restoration — did not respond to the town’s request for additional documentation.
ACPD investigating attempted carjacking near the Pentagon
An armed carjacker was reportedly foiled by a manual transmission early this morning. The attempted carjacking happened around 12:20 a.m. at the Boundary Channel Drive and I-395 interchange, between Long Bridge Park and the Pentagon. Arlington police radio traffic suggests that the would-be carjacker might have been flummoxed by the stick shift of the car he was trying to take, though that has not yet been confirmed by police.
FCPD investigates two shootings over weekend, one of them fatal
A 19-year-old man from Annandale died Saturday (Sept. 17) after being shot during what police describe as a “confrontation” outside the Woodlawn Garden Apartments. Darlin Ariel Diaz Flores was reported shot at 9:34 p.m. by a community member who heard a gunshot and found him laying on a sidewalk in the 8400 block of Graves Street, the Fairfax County Police Department said yesterday (Sunday).
Morning Notes | FFXnow
Extended Route 50 Lane Closure in Seven Corners Starts Today — “The northbound lane of the bridge over Route 50 (Arlington Boulevard) just west of Route 7 (East Broad Street/Leesburg Pike) that connects the eastbound Route 50 service road with the westbound Route 50 service road will be closed from 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 19 through Friday, Oct.
Morning Notes | ARLnow.com
Arlington Lawyer’s Jeopardy! Run Ends — “Both Luigi and Emmett got Final Jeopardy! correct, but for the second time this week, the leader going into Final didn’t win, as Luigi’s gambit hoping that Emmett wouldn’t get Final correct didn’t work out–Emmett bet $10,000 and is the Jeopardy! champion going into the weekend! He’ll be back on Monday to defend!” [The Jeopardy! Fan] ANC Confederate Statue Removal?
Neighborhood Spotlight: Let’s talk about Westover Village
Westover Village is the commercial center for several neighborhoods we will tour today. Located along Washington Boulevard, between Patrick Henry Dr. and McKinley Street, the residential part of Westover is a pleasant combination of homes. Many of the original 1940s two bedroom colonials have been expanded and renovated while a few have been replaced with new homes. Duplexes are located near Swanson Middle School, and garden apartments are sprinkled throughout the area.
Listing of the Day: 1300 Army Navy Drive #822 (Arlington)
Address: 1300 Army Navy Drive #822 Neighborhood: Pentagon City Type: 2 BR, 2 BA condo Details: 1255 sq. ft., built in 1965 Listed: $499,900 Noteworthy: This property features 2 balconies and lots of upgrades throughout the residence Welcome to this corner unit at Horizon House! Walk to Pentagon Row, Harris Teeter, and the Metro! This residence tops out at 1,255 square feet and features a dramatic living room with floor-to-ceiling windows that lead out to a wrap-around balcony.
Most-read Arlington stories of the week: Sept. 12-16
If you like perfect weather, get outside as much as possible today and tomorrow. Sunday won’t be bad, either, but it will kick off a mini September heat wave. In the interest of letting everyone enjoy the outdoors after what has been an exceedingly busy week — at least for us — let’s get right to this week’s top stories.
Most-read Fairfax County stories of the week: Sept. 10-15
Recent Stories One year ago, Capital One Center launched The Perch, a 2.5 acre park with mini-golf and a biergarten adjacent to the Capital One headquarters. To celebrate the anniversary, Capital One… Trash troubles keep piling up with the county out of trash cans for at least another two months. Fairfax County has “exhausted” its inventory of trash cans and won’t be… Summer is coming to an end and Live Fairfax discusses fall festivals to explore this upcoming season.
The Nose That Knows: Get set, ready, go?
This column is written by the team at Arrowine & Cheese (4508 Cherry Hill Road). Sign up for the email newsletter and receive exclusive discounts and offers. Order from Arrowine’s expanding online store for curbside pickup or in-store shopping. Have a question? Email . What if, during your life, you could only practice your chosen profession 45 times? Well, that’s winemaking! Think about it: 45 times, that’s it. And you have to get it right each time, no matter the circumstances.
‘Perchfest’ brings mini-golf and bocce tournament to Capital One HQ this weekend
One year ago, Capital One Center launched The Perch, a 2.5 acre park with mini-golf and a biergarten adjacent to the Capital One headquarters. To celebrate the anniversary, Capital One Center is launching a weekend-long festival. Capital One Center said guests are invited to come play elevated mini-golf at Perch Putt or drink at Starr Hill Biergarten while musicians perform at the venue’s amphitheater stage.
County could up loan for Park Shirlington renovations to $32 million
A proposed apartment renovation project in Shirlington could receive an additional $2.6 million in loans from the county. Tomorrow (Saturday), the Arlington County Board is set to review a proposal increasing the size of an existing loan from the county’s Affordable Housing Investment Fund (AHIF) for renovations to the Park Shirlington Apartments, a 1950s-era, garden-style complex with 293 units along 31st Street S., on the edge of the Fairlington neighborhood.
Trash troubles pile up with the county out of trash cans until later in fall
Trash troubles keep piling up with the county out of trash cans for at least another two months. Fairfax County has “exhausted” its inventory of trash cans and won’t be able to provide new ones to residents until later this fall, Dept. of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) spokesperson Sharon North told FFXnow. “A new order already has been placed and should be in-house by early November,” she said via email.
Arlington home hunt highlights (Sep 16, 2022)
Happy Friday Arlington! We’re in the middle of September with a much cooler weekend ahead. Currently, the median sales price is $637,000 with a median list price of $699,000. There are 528 homes for sale. Of those homes for sale, 311 are condos, 174 are detached homes and 43 are townhomes according to Homesnap. Here’s a look at some of the open houses taking place in Arlington this weekend: 818 N.
Live Fairfax: Fall Festivals are here
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. The fun only picks up as summer turns to fall in our area.
Woman charged with pepper spraying man during road rage dispute
A 54-year-old Arlington woman was arrested after an apparent road rage dispute escalated to violence. The incident happened around 8:30 a.m. around the intersection of King Street and S. Chesterfield Road, near the Wendy’s and a short distance from Wakefield High School. Police say a dispute among drivers ended with the suspect cutting off the victim, pepper spraying him when they both got out of their cars, and then driving off before returning and continuing to argue.
How County Board hopefuls say they will support Arlington businesses
A record-high office vacancy rate plus burdensome taxes and permit processes are just some hurdles for local businesses that Arlington County Board hopefuls are pledging to tackle. During a debate hosted by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce last night (Wednesday), incumbent Matt de Ferranti (D) and his two independent opponents, Audrey Clement and Adam Theo, explained to a 30-person audience how they would extend a helping hand toward area businesses.
Amazon awards $2 million grant for affordable housing in Alexandria area
A local project will receive $2 million in funding from Amazon to secure 18 affordable housing units in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County. Amazon has awarded Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services, an Alexandria-based nonprofit organization that offers assistive housing services, with the grant to acquire 18 homes in the Colchester Towne Condominiums community of the county.
Morning Poll: Is mid-September too early for Christmas?
Christmas items are now on display at the Pentagon City Costco. Reader John Antonelli sent the photo above, which is perhaps jarring given the current beautiful, 80 degree weather — and the fact that many of us have not even started thinking about Halloween. “Ho ho ho,” Antonelli said in his email. But perhaps Christmas items in September are fine. Maybe there’s a subset of the population that appreciates getting to prepare for the holiday more than three months in advance.
Dodge stolen twice from Tysons auto dealership in 48 hours
Recent Stories Suspect in Exposures Deported Three Times — “Northern Virginia authorities have put a hard stop to a terrifying summer of attacks by an alleged serial sexual predator. Juan Rodriguez-Alfaro, 42,… Despite the economic uncertainty of 2022, FFXnow’s advertisers have helped us continue to report on your community.
Morning Notes | FFXnow
Exposures Deported Three Times — “Northern Virginia authorities have put a hard stop to a terrifying summer of attacks by an alleged serial sexual predator. Juan Rodriguez-Alfaro, 42, has been arrested for nearly a dozen attacks along the Washington & Old Dominion Trail dating back to July 15. Rodriguez-Alfaro is from Honduras and has been living in Herndon, Virginia.
Morning Notes | ARLnow.com
Local Lawyer on Five-Day Jeopardy! Streak — Arlington attorney Luigi de Guzman is now on a five-day winning streak on Jeopardy! and will likely be included in future Tournament of Champions. De Guzman has won $140,700 so far and will face a homemaker from Arkansas and a freelance writer from Baltimore on Monday’s episode.
Just Listed in Arlington
Just Listed highlights Arlington properties that just came on the market within the past week. This feature is written and sponsored by Andors Real Estate Group. Hey, Arlingtonians, and welcome to JUST LISTED! Mortgage rates just topped 6%, another fresh new high since 2008. The persistent inflationary environment is spooking banks and it’s really showing up in the cost of borrowing money. “Will this make home prices go down?” No, it will not, not necessarily.
Thank you to FFXnow’s advertisers in 2022 so far
Recent Stories (Updated, 4:10 pm) Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity has gotten his first challenger in next year’s Board of Supervisors race. Albert Vega, the co-founder of the local tech business Building… The Fairfax Connector is getting a few changes (page 228) starting early next year, including a new route along I-66’s express lanes with more Vienna connections on the horizon.
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