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Articles by Scott Fields
New Testing Sites Are Opening Across NoVA as COVID Cases Soar, Precautions Announced
The spread of COVID-19 has been felt throughout NoVA, as The New York Times’ COVID-19 tracker shows an exponential increase in positive cases. Loudoun, Prince William, and Fairfax counties, as well as Alexandria and Fairfax cities, each show more than a 100-percent increase in positive COVID-19 cases over the last 14 days.
Morning Notes
Reston Speedskater Qualifies for Olympics — Short track speedster Maame Biney, a Reston resident, has earned a space on Team USA. She placed first in the 1,000-meter race and second in the 500 during U.S. Olympic Trials over the weekend. [Reston Patch] Demand for Office Space Near Metro Up — The county is seeing an increase in demand for new office spaces near Metro stations, but older suburban properties appear to be falling behind.
Weekly planner: Holiday festival, winter break camps and more
The Winter Walk of Lights in the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (courtesy NOVA Parks) The weekly planner is a roundup of interesting events over the next week in the Herndon and Reston area. We’ve searched the web for events of note. Want to submit a listing? Submit your pitch here! Monday, Dec. 20 Winter Break Camp — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Brown’s Chapel Recreation Area — A day camp for kids ages 5 to 12 starts.
Herndon school bands host Dallas Brass in concert
Dallas Brass will perform with the school bands from Herndon High and Herndon Middle on Jan. 4. (Image via Dallas Brass) Ringing in the new year, Herndon High and Herndon Middle will host a concert with a nationally recognized guest ensemble. The Dallas Brass musical ensemble will visit with the bands from the two Herndon schools and hold workshops before joining the school bands for the last part of their Jan. 4 concert.
Morning Notes
FCPS Superintendent Search Underway — The Fairfax County School Board discussed the process and timeline for hiring a new superintendent to replace Scott Brabrand, who will leave the position on June 30. The Fairfax County Public Schools community will be able to provide input in an emailed survey next week and focus groups scheduled for mid-January.
Preliminary site work underway on 495 NEXT, with no impact expected from GW Parkway rehab
The groundwork is being laid for construction to begin next year on the Capital Beltway Express Lanes’ expansion into McLean. A surveyor told Tysons Reporter yesterday (Tuesday) that a site boring crew has started collecting soil samples for the I-495 Extension (495 NEXT) project, which will add toll lanes on the interstate from the Dulles Toll Road in Tysons to just south of the American Legion Bridge.
Fairfax County recommends metered parking, signage in Tysons core
Vehicles parked along Boone Boulevard in Tysons (via Google Maps) Parking meters are coming to Tysons streets. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors expressed support yesterday (Tuesday) for staff’s recommendation that the county introduce managed on-street parking to the Tysons core, potentially paving the way for the practice to expand to other areas later. “I definitely support this,” Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn said at the transportation committee meeting.
Sediment in Nutley Pond near I-66 to be removed, starting January
Fairfax County is planning to dredge the pond by Nutley Street near I-66 (via Google Maps) Nutley Pond will be going dry for the next several months. The pond, located off Virginia Center Boulevard and Nutley Street in Vienna, will be drained as a part of a dredging project at the site. The project will address clogged low-flow sluice gates, an unsafe riser area, an excessive sediment deposit and invasive plant species around the pond’s periphery.
BREAKING: Pedestrian struck Monday on Leesburg Pike dies
A 68-year-old woman who was struck by a vehicle around 11 a.m. Monday (Dec. 13) died later that evening, Fairfax County Police Department reported today (Wednesday). Nguyet Ly, of Falls Church, was walking east in the westbound travel lane of Leesburg Pike near the shoulder when a 2018 Subaru Impreza making a right turn out of a business struck her in the roadway, according to FCPD. It happened in Bailey’s Crossroads in the 5900 block of Route 7 where there’s no sidewalk, police said.
Test Scores Are Down in NoVA. Could More Funding for Preschool Be the Fix?
Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, Northern Virginia’s education system and access to education has come under scrutiny. Specifically, early childhood education has become a focal point for the region, as preschool enrollment and access for children has become limited: Children at or near the poverty line sit at the second lowest rate for preschool enrollment in the country, according to The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia.
Highland District apartment building on track for summer 2022 finish, but no retail planned
The Highland District apartments — now branded The Rylan — are on their way toward completion next year. Construction crews are now adding floors and setting the wooden framework in place for a five-story complex with 390 units of multifamily housing at 1768 Old Meadow Road. Despite supply-chain issues making it harder to obtain materials, the project remains on track to be finished in summer 2020, according to Josh Wooldridge of The NRP Group, the developer behind The Rylan.
Morning Notes
Local Libraries Get More COVID-19 Tests — Fairfax County Public Library started distributing an additional 10,000 COVID-19 rapid testing kits yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon after its initial batch ran out in an hour on Friday (Dec. 3). The system is now advising people to only take a kit if they need one immediately, since the tests expire at the end of December.
Redevelopment considered for Pan Am Shopping Center near Vienna
The owner of the Pan Am Shopping Center wants to overhaul the aging strip mall, potentially turning it into the latest effort to bring mixed-use development to the Vienna Metro station area. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors directed county staff yesterday (Tuesday) to evaluate a possible change to the comprehensive plan guidance for the shopping center at the southeast corner of Nutley Street and Route 29.
Vienna Town Council approves agreement to use county funds for Bear Branch stream restoration
The Bear Branch stream restoration will address approximately 1,900 linear feet of eroded banks (via Town of Vienna) The Vienna Town Council unanimously approved moving forward with the second phase of a project to restore Bear Branch stream on Monday (Dec. 6). Originating north of Cottage Street and cutting through Southside Park, the stream has experienced “major erosion and stream bank failure,” according to project documents.
Here are the top Tysons Reporter stories of the week
The weekend is almost here. Before you rush out to buy an evergreen or head to bed for some much-needed sleep, let’s revisit news from the Tysons area that you might’ve missed.
Most expensive homes sold in November
6507 Ridge Street, McLean (via Google Maps) The calendar has turned once again, and that means it’s time to take stock of the housing market in the Tysons area. Over the past month, there were 118 homes sold across Tysons, Vienna, and McLean, a marginal downtown from the 127 residences purchased in October, according to data from Homesnap. Just 23 new listings have been added in the past four weeks, and there are 178 properties for sale, including 89 homes and 76 condominiums.
Park Authority opens discussion for pickleball court plans at Lewinsville Park
A group of people play pickleball. (via Lauren Bryan/Flickr) Interest in pickleball continues to rise and is sparking conversation about providing adequate courts in Fairfax County. In response to requests for more facilities from pickleball players, the Fairfax County Park Authority is soliciting feedback from the community on potential plans for new courts or court lines. The first site under consideration is Lewinsville Park in McLean.
Fairfax County Public Library runs out of COVID-19 tests in first hour of availability
A rapid COVID-19 at-home testing kit (via Jernej Furman/Flickr) Fairfax County Public Library offered at-home COVID-19 test kits to the community for the first time this morning (Friday). An hour later, they were all gone. The county announced on Monday (Nov. 29) that it would join a pilot program that the Virginia Department of Health launched last month to distribute free COVID-19 tests through participating public libraries.
Pet of the Week: Tank, a youthful hound mix ready to take on the world
Meet Tank, a young hound mix eager to enlist into a new home after parting ways with his previous one. According to his new friends at Mutt Love Rescue, Tank “was surrendered by his family through no fault of his” own. He is a new enough arrival that the rescue organization is still developing a more detailed bio for him, but his congenial personality was evident from the outset.
Meerkats stand at attention in Tysons Galleria traveling art exhibit
Meerkats have taken over Tysons Galleria. The 4-foot-tall, vividly colored replicas of the desert-dwelling critters started to emerge at the mall in mid-October before doubling their presence from 30 to 60 statues on Nov. 1. The statues belong to a traveling art exhibit from the Italian collective Cracking Art, whose artists create work out of “recyclable” plastic to explore the relationship between the natural and artificial worlds, according to its website.
Interim bicycle amenities planned near Vienna Metro before work on permanent improvements begins
Vienna Metro Station Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements project map (via VDOT) A proposed pedestrian and bicycle improvements project near the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Metro station is taking shape and now includes plans to accommodate community needs in the interim. During a virtual public hearing on the design of the $9.5 million project last Wednesday (Nov.
Town of Herndon loosens restrictions on accessory dwelling units
After months of deliberation, the Town of Herndon has officially eased restrictions on accessory dwelling units. The changes, approved unanimously by the Herndon Town Council earlier this month, allow the by-right use of ADUs in single-family units. The move eases current restrictions on renting out spaces inside and in detached units, which are were previously allowed only through special exceptions. The change also removes the age restriction on ADUs to those over 62 or disabled.
Olem looks back at first year as Town of Herndon mayor
When Herndon mayor-elect Sheila Olem was sworn in last December, the traditional ceremony was much different than usual: It took place as a private affair with attendee limits due to COVID-19. “We all got individually sworn in,” she said Monday, reflecting on her time in office. “It’s been a year.” Olem previously listed COVID-19 as her top priority for her term, which lasts for two years.
Morning Notes
Herndon workers put a wreath on the front of the town’s government center. (Photo by David Taube) Seed Money Dedicated to Clean Up Lake Anne Plaza — A local foundation has donated $25,000 in seed money to help clean up Lake Anne Plaza. The beautification project is called “Lake Anne Rising.” [Reston Patch] Reduced Metro Service to Remain — Metro plans to continue reducing service through Dec. 31 because it has not established a timeline to return the 7000-series fleet in the interest of safety.
Reston Association approves 2022 budget, increased yearly assessment fees
Reston Association‘s Board of Directors has approved its 2022 budget and an increased yearly assessment fee. During the board’s Nov. 18 meeting, it approved a 2022 budget of $19,833,717 and an increase of the annual assessment from $718 to $740. The decision came after public hearings on Oct. 13 and Nov. 10 to discuss the budget, and a board approved motion on Oct. 28 to defer Barton Hill tennis court upgrades to the 2023 budget. The initial proposed assessment fee increase was for 6% to $764.
Weekly Planner: A Very Victorian Christmas Open House, Thanksgiving storytime, and more
The historic farmhouse at Cherry Hill Farm (via City of Falls Church) The Weekly Planner is a roundup of interesting events coming up over the next week in the Tysons area. We’ve searched the web for events of note in Tysons, Vienna, Merrifield, McLean, and Falls Church. Know of any we’ve missed? Tell us! Monday, Nov.
Weekly planner: Reston Holiday Parade, seasonal events and more
The Weekly Planner is a roundup of interesting events over the next week in the Herndon and Reston area. We’ve searched the web for events of note. Want to submit a listing? Submit your pitch here! Monday, Nov. 22 Tot Time (9:30-10:15 a.m. and 10:30-11:15 a.m.) — Have kids up to age 4 get time to play at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods. Games, toys, books and music are provided. Free. Reservation required. Tuesday, Nov.
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra honors late chairman with new fund
James McKeever, former chair of the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (via FSO) The Merrifield-based Fairfax Symphony Orchestra has launched a new fundraising outreach in tribute to one of its leaders, James McKeever, who died on Oct. 30 at age 75. The McKeever Legacy Fund will support the symphony itself and expand its existing education programs that work with local students.
How to celebrate 'hometown holidays' in the Town of Herndon
The Town of Herndon has released its official roster of events for this holiday season. Residents can choose from several options, including craft pop-ins, improv events, a German-inspired market, and holiday performances. Below is a rundown of events that are expected to run from Saturday, Nov. 27 through the end of the year. Every Thursday except this Thursday and Dec. 23, residents can enjoy a holiday craft pop-in, which includes crafts for children and parents at Arts Herndon.
Morning Notes
All Adults Eligible for Booster Shot — Any adult who received a second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least six months earlier is eligible to receive a booster dose. The recommendations come after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expanded the eligibility criteria for both vaccines. [Fairfax County Government] Reston Board Adopts New Budget — Reston Association’s Board of Directors has approved a $19.8 million budget for 2022. The assessment was set at $740.
Morning Notes
Tysons Area Hit With Spree of Gas Station Burglaries — One or more individuals forced entry and took merchandise from three different gas stations in the Tysons area between 1:30 and 2:30 a.m. last Thursday (Nov. 18), according to the Fairfax County Police Department’s latest weekly recap. A fourth station — a Shell at 2084 Chain Bridge Road — experienced a break-in, but nothing was taken.
Here are Reston Now's top stories for this week
Recent Stories If there is an opportunity to help others, “just do it,” according to advice from Reston third-grader Benjamin Kamp. The idea of helping others is an established value in the… With Thanksgiving this Thursday (Nov.
Here are the top Tysons Reporter stories of the week
The weekend is almost here. Before you take advantage of expanded outdoor dining for dinner or head to bed for some much-needed sleep, let’s revisit news from the Tysons area that you might’ve missed.
County shares more details on plans for Tysons fire station and bus facility project
A rendering of the proposed new Fairfax County Fire Station 29 and bus transit facility at 8300 Jones Branch Drive in Tysons (via Fairfax County) Just a few months after starting operations at the new Scotts Run Fire Station 44, Fairfax County is turning its attention to another project intended to boost emergency services in Tysons. Supervisors John Foust and Dalia Palchik, who represent the Dranesville and Providence districts, respectively, hosted a virtual public meeting on Tuesday (Nov.
Reston third grader raising funds for Embry Rucker Shelter
If there is an opportunity to help others, “just do it,” according to advice from Reston third-grader Benjamin Kamp. The idea of helping others is an established value in the Kamp household as they have regularly donated and fundraised over the past six years to support their community and specifically Cornerstones. In previous years, Benjamin and his family have also created snack packs for kids at Embry Rucker Shelter and also donated winter coats and hats to the shelter.
Candlelight vigil to be held at Langley HS for local security worker killed in Georgetown Pike crash
People hold candles at night (via Robert Towell/Flickr) A beloved 65-year-old security professional killed this week in a crash on Georgetown Pike will be honored with a candlelight vigil in McLean, along with funeral services at the D.C. school where he worked and in his hometown state of Texas. The family-led candlelight vigil will be held tomorrow (Nov. 20) at 5 p.m. at Langley High School, honoring Fairfax resident Andre Newman, the son of Ray Charles saxophonist David “Fathead” Newman.
Morning Notes
I-495 South Lane Closures Tonight — “Weather permitting, the three left lanes of the southbound I-495 (Capital Beltway Outer Loop) general purpose lanes will be closed over the Dulles Toll Road (Route 267) for bridge work…The three left lanes of the southbound I-495 general purpose lanes are scheduled to be closed between 11 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 20.” [VDOT] Falls Church Civil Rights Icon Gets Historical Marker — “An unveiling ceremony will convene this Saturday, Nov.
Falls Church advances residential development with Whole Foods, retail
A seven-story building with apartments and businesses in the heart of Falls Church at Broad of Washington streets got the go-ahead from the city’s planning commission last night (Wednesday) after another round of tweaks. The Broad and Washington project will replace existing buildings at a corner of the intersection with 334 residential units on five floors above ground-floor retail.
Eagle Scout hopeful completes Churchill Road Park bridge reconstruction
Churchill Road Park in McLean has a newly refurbished bridge, thanks to local Boy Scout Samuel Williams. Williams, 17, recently completed construction on one of the park’s bridges as a part of his effort to become an Eagle Scout. The bridge project was no small feat, requiring eight months of planning as authorization to work on the site had to be first approved by the Fairfax County Park Authority, the Boy Scouts of America Council, and others.
Morning Notes
People stroll along path at Walker Nature Center (Photo by Marjorie Copson) Barton Hill Funding Moved Up — Reston Association plans to begin the nearly $851,000 in renovations for the Barton Hill Recreation Area by late 2022. Original plans called for completing the project sometime in 2023. [RA] Three People Injured in Group Fight — Two people were treated for injuries at a local hospital after a fight between two groups broke out in a business on the 2400 block of Centreville Road on Nov. 6.
The Kensington: Here for you from the moment your memory care journey begins
Let the Kensington Reston partner with you every step of the way! Open House Saturday, November 13, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you are noticing signs of worrisome memory changes in yourself or someone you love, now is the time to reach out to us. The sooner we can lend a hand, the better your chances of keeping quality of life as high as possible and even stalling or halting disease progression. Our memory care programs are thoughtfully designed and clinically comprehensive.
Morning Notes
Reston Man Arrested in Connection with Regional Robberies — Police have arrested a Reston man in connection with a series of robberies at convenience stores in Loudoun and Fairfax counties. Bresner Porres, 30, was arrested after a multi-jurisdictional effort and was charged with three counts of robbery at 7-Eleven stores in Sterling. [Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office] Search Underway for Missing Herndon Woman — Local police are seeking the public’s help to find a woman who went missing on Nov. 9.
Town of Herndon reviewing change to investment policy
Herndon’s Town Council is taking on a review to potentially change its long-standing investment policy and establish the means of overseeing the town’s financial status and future. The town council will review a resolution to adopt a new Investment and Portfolio Policy and to establish an Investment Oversight Committee during its 7 p.m. work session tonight at the Herndon Police Department Community Room, at 397 Herndon Parkway.
The Kensington: Here for you from the moment your memory care journey begins
Let the Kensington Reston partner with you every step of the way! Open House Saturday, November 13, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you are noticing signs of worrisome memory changes in yourself or someone you love, now is the time to reach out to us. The sooner we can lend a hand, the better your chances of keeping quality of life as high as possible and even stalling or halting disease progression. Our memory care programs are thoughtfully designed and clinically comprehensive.
Most expensive homes sold in October
7024 Arbor Lane, McLean (via Google Maps) The weather may have turned cold, but the Tysons-area housing market has kept warm with plenty of activity over the past month. According to data from Homesnap, there were 127 homes sold in Tysons, Vienna, and McLean in October, a slight uptick from the nearly 120 sales reported in September. The median sales price was close to $38,000 higher than the median list price of $500,000, as of the week of Oct. 31.
Here are the top Tysons Reporter stories of the week
The weekend is almost here. Before you start mentally preparing to “fall back” or head to bed for some much-needed sleep, let’s revisit news from the Tysons area that you might’ve missed. These were the most-read stories on Tysons Reporter this week: Morning Notes — Nov.
County officials and McLean Youth Soccer celebrate opening of newly converted Holladay Field
Soccer players, Olympic medalists, public officials, businessmen, and an ambassador descended on Holladay Field (1311 Spring Hill Road) in McLean last weekend to celebrate the facility’s recently completed renovation. The motley crew of attendees at the Fairfax County Park Authority’s grand opening event on Saturday (Oct. 30) reflected the unusual number of participants in the project, which converted the 5.1-acre park’s athletic field from natural to synthetic turf.
Poll: Should the Town of Vienna build more sidewalks?
The side of Alma Street SE slated to be studied for a sidewalk (via Google Maps) Tensions are brewing in the Town of Vienna should pursue adding sidewalks. Most, and possibly all, of the neighbors on Alma Street SE have voiced opposition to a new sidewalk there, signing a petition to try to prevent the project that’s being evaluated for the western side of the street.
McLean District Station commandMcLean District Station commander establishes priorities for stationer provides priorities for station
The Fairfax County Police Department’s newly appointed commander for the McLean District Station wants your help. McLean District Station Commander Captain Wilson Lee and Assistant Commander Lieutenant Scott Cowell joined the McLean Citizens Association’s Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday (Nov. 3) to discuss their priorities for the station.
Man fires gun from moving car, flees police and refuses to surrender
A man who had been firing a gun from his car while driving around Prince William County led police on a wild chase early this morning often driving in the wrong direction while trying to outrun officers. The chase began in Prince William County around 1:45 a.m. but soon crossed into Fairfax County. The suspect crashed and overturned his car around 2:18 a.m. near Hooes Road and Newington Forest Ave in the Crosspointe area. But he refused to surrender.
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