All Fairfax County Public Schools employees will get a bump in their paychecks, starting next year, after the school boardunanimously approved2% raises last week.
The additional pay was made possible by the budget that the Virginia General Assemblybelatedly adoptedin early September, which provided money to raise teacher salaries across the state. But school board members and FCPS workers argue that overall state funding for education falls far short of what they need.
“While the 2% raise is a start, it is clearly insufficient in ensuring our professionals are compensated at their full value, nor does it bridge the gap enough for family liaisons, drivers, [instructional assistants] and others to earn a wage that allows them to reside in Fairfax County,” Mason District Representative Ricardy Anderson, chair of the school board’s budget committee, said before the vote on Thursday (Oct. 26).
Effective Jan. 1, the 2% raise will ensure FCPS can “retain teachers at the status quo, essentially,” keeping pace with other school districts in the state, Mount Vernon District Representative Karen Corbett-Sanders said. Loudoun, Arlington, Prince William and Alexandria schools have also approved the increase, FCPS staff told the board.
State formula underestimates school staffing costs
According tothe meeting agenda, FCPS is getting a $19.7 million increase in state revenue from the revised fiscal year 2024 budget. However, only $5.3 million of that was designated for the 2% raises, with the remainder intended as “reimbursement” for support staff positions, Anderson explained at the school board meeting.
With the raises costing a total of $30.5 million, FCPS is taking advantage of “flexibility allowed with” the support staff funding to allocate that $14.4 million to the compensation supplement, Anderson said. The remaining gap will be filled by $10.8 million from the school system’sstaffing reserve,留出更多的职位不eded than anticipated in each year’s budget.
The reserve will still have enough money for about 99 staff positions, FCPS Chief Financial Officer Leigh Burden told the board, noting that new positions aren’t often added after October “because of the potential disruption of adding teacher positions once the school year has started.”
In other words, the “burden” of funding the school system and its employees “rests largely on local funds,” Anderson said.
The standards of quality (SOQ) formula that Virginia uses to calculate the number of positions each school division needs and how much they will cost “substantially” underestimates actual school needs, according toa reportreleased in July by theJoint Legislative Audit and Review Commission(JLARC), which evaluates programs and provides state agency oversight for the General Assembly.
The report found that Virginia provides 14% less funding per student than the national average, trailing Maryland by 18% and West Virginia by a whopping 25%.
“The points made in the study about Virginia being one of the lowest paid states for teachers in the United States is an abysmal statistic to behold,” Tamara Derenak Kaufax, who represents Franconia District on the school board, said. “…We cannot continue to be last in the nation in this, with the pay for our teachers in particular, so it is something that we will continue to fight for.”
Unions advocate for more compensation
Whileappreciativeof the new pay increase, FCPS employee union representatives say it isn’t enough to fully address shortages of teachers and other staff, a challengefacing school districtsacross the U.S.
FCFT President@dpwalrodon the wage increase that was WON last night. FCPS employees will receive a two percent wage increase effective 1/1/24.pic.twitter.com/Y0fIMtlHQd
— Fairfax County Federation of Teachers (@FCFTcares)October 27, 2023
This school year, FCPS hasn’t encountered as many issues withhiring and retentionas last year, but “we still found ourselves scrambling to ensure all classrooms have a teacher,” Fairfax County Federation of Teachers President David Walrod told FFXnow.
He noted that the 2% raises will be countered by an 8% increase inhealth insurance costs. FCPSis contributingslightly more than usual toward employee premiums for 2023 after switching providers to Cigna, according to the FY 2024 budget.
“While we certainly appreciate receiving an additional salary bump, the reality is that the change in paycheck will be negligible, or even negative, for most employees,” Walrod said. “The Fairfax County Federation of Teachers is committed to working with the school board and board of supervisors to ensure that all teachers and educational staff receive robust compensation that demonstrates a commitment to long-term retention of staff.”
Fairfax Education Association President Leslie Houston called the raise “a crucial step” in ensuring FCPS can retain and support “exceptional educators,” but she argued that it can’t continue relying on staffing reserves to fund salaries.
In addition to the state updating its staffing formula and eliminating acap on support positions, the county needs to continue giving FCPS its full funding requests, she said. Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrityhad advocatedfor reducing funds for the school system in the current budget to provide more tax relief.
“It is our hope that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the State will recognize the urgency of this situation and take action to ensure that our educators receive the compensation they deserve,” Houston said. “Together, we can maintain the high standard of education that Fairfax County Public Schools are known for.”
Both unions are hopeful that collective bargaining — a right secured for FCPS employeesthis spring— will begin in time to affect the next budget, whichwill be presentedin January. However, they “still have work to do to call for an election,” Walrod said.
The school board has approved pay raises for all FCPS workers in each of the past three budgets, according to Providence District Representative Karl Frisch, the board’s current vice chair.
“Teachers and school staff deserve a lot more than we’re giving them in this pay increase,” Frisch said. “But this vote is a step in the right direction, and it shows that we value their hard work and dedication to our schools and our students.”
The trend of hot chicken continues to spread its wings in the area with the coming of another restaurant.
The Red Birdis set to open atSouth Lakes Village Center, according to signage posted at the Reston shopping center.
The company did not immediately return a request for comment from FFXnow on when the new restaurant is expected to open.
The Reston location will be The Red Bird’s second permanent restaurant in Northern Virginia. A location in Vienna is expected to open this year, FFXnowpreviously reported. The company previously operated out of a ghost kitchen and held several pop-ups in Virginia and D.C.
Other hot chicken spots in the area include Roaming Rooster, Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken and Dave’s Hot Chicken.
At The Red Bird, spice levels range from hot to the highest spiace level “Fck You Cra.” The company’s chicken tenders are marinated in a Red’s chicken rub and dipped in homemade breading. A final red rub is then dusted over the cooked chicken. Other items on the menu include chicken bowls and fries.
The Red Bird is negotiating leases for locations in Falls Church, Ashburn and Arlington.
The landscaping outside 2491 helped land it the no. 1 spot on Northern Virginia Magazine’s 2023 50 Best Restaurants list (photo by Jerry Woolsey)
The best place to eat in Northern Virginia right now is an upscale restaurant tucked away in an office building outside Merrifield that also houses the U.S. headquarters of defense contractor BAE Systems.
At least that’s the designation bestowed upon2941by Northern Virginia Magazine’s food critics, whose ranking of the 50 best restaurants in the region for 2023hit newsstandson Friday (Oct. 27) as part of its November issue.
While the full list can only be found in print, reviews for thetop 10 restaurantsare online, led by 2941. Located at 2941 Fairview Park Drive, the restaurant impressed the magazine’s critics with the artistry of both its cuisine and setting, which features landscaping, a koi pond and a view of an artificial lake.
“tal在高耸的空间ented contemporary American kitchen staff transforms top-flight ingredients into culinary art,” the review said, highlighting a five-course tasting menu curated by Executive Chef Bertrand Chemel as well as a la carte dishes like a “grilled rib-eye with crisped potatoes.”
Self-describedon its websiteas “one of the most celebrated restaurants in the metropolitan area,” 2941 previously topped Northern Virginia Magazine’s annual rankingsin 2021andcame in secondlast year. It has also been recognized in the past byWashingtonian,Eater DCand theWashington Post.
“We’re ecstatic to share that we’ve been ranked as the #1 restaurant in Northern Virginia!” the restaurant said in aFacebook post. “This recognition wouldn’t be possible without our incredible team and the support of our loyal customers. Thank you for making…us the best in the region.”
2941 isn’t the only Fairfax County restaurant to place in the top 10. It was joined byNostosin Tysons (No. 6),L’Auberge Chez Françoisin Great Falls (No. 8),Trummer’s in Clifton(No. 9) andTrio Grillin Merrifield proper (No. 10).
Praised for proving that there’s “much more to Greek cuisine” than gyros, Nostos (8100 Boone Blvd)was amongWashingtonian’s “very best restaurants” in 2014, 2017 and 2018. Its owners are behind Vienna’sincoming Yellow Diner, which is expected to open at 501 Maple Avenue Westearly next year.
L’Auberge Chez François has been operating at 332 Springvale Road since 1976, when itmovedfrom its original home in D.C. Also recently laudedby Washingtonian, the French establishment is a “captivating destination for celebrating life’s special moments” with “masterful cuisine” and “exquisite service,” according to Northern Virginia Magazine.
Trummer’s (7134 Main Street) originally opened as a fine dining restaurant in 2009, but it has beensteadily evolvinginto a more casual American bistro,droppingthe “on Main” portion of its name in 2019. Northern Virginia Magazine highlights its “skillful” blending of “Austrian and regional American traditions.”
Near the Mosaic District at 8100 Route 29, Trio Grill comes from Metropolitan Hospitality Group, which is also behind Open Road, Circa and El Bebe. When it opened a decade ago, Northern Virginia Magazinedinged the eateryfor not taking more risks with its menu, but it now says Trio Grill offers “a night of fine food and camaraderie.”
Falls Church was also represented withEllie Birdat No. 5 and the Vietnamese restaurantNUEcoming in seventh. Both restaurants opened earlier this year in the city’s newFounders Rowdevelopment on West and Broad streets.
The roll-top observatory at Turner Farm Park (courtesy Fairfax County Park Authority)
An effort topreserve dark skiesin Great Falls recently got a vote of support from the Fairfax County Planning Commission amidst contention within the community.
At a heated Oct. 18meeting, the commission unanimously recommended approval ofregulationsto preserve dark skies aroundTurner Park Farm Observatory Park. Public testimony, however, was divided into two camps.
Proponents called the proposal a necessary step to preserve dark skies, reduce light pollution, and ensure astronomers can continue to get clear views. Opponents said the changes would decrease safety, were being considered without direct community engagement, and did little to result in a meaningful impact on light pollution.
Theregulations, which limit outdoor lighting with a half-mile of the observatory, have beenin the worksfor years. The latest version was pared down after several town halls and an online community survey.
Under the proposed zoning ordinance amendment, motion-activated outdoor lights must be 1,500 lumens or less — a drop from the current limit of 4,000 lumens or less. Additionally, all lights need to be fully cut off, which is currently not required.
Still, an exception to the cut-off and shielding requirements will remain for lights at a door or a garage of up to 1,500 lumens per fixture.
The regulations would also set limits on the number of up lights or spotlights allowed. Currently, any number are allowed as long as they are fully cut off or shielded to confine light. The changes would limit each fixture to 300 lumens. Changes would apply to future lights.
But some residents said they were in the dark about the proposal. They also said they were concerned about the safety impacts of reduced lighting.
Laszlo Zsidai, president of Foxvale Farm’s homeowners’ association, said the neighborhood of 115 homes received no direct engagement from the county on the amendment, noting that an online community survey conducted by the county found 50% of respondents were not supportive of the changes. A survey conducted by the HOA of its own community found similar levels of support, he said.
He also questioned if regulating lights near the observatory was effective in the shadow of other high-rise, luminous developments in surrounding areas like Tysons.
“Their light pollution will eat us up,” Zsidai said.
Great Falls has a visibility level of around 6 when judged on aBortle scalewhere 1 means excellent viewing and 9 means poor viewing.
Dranesville District Commissioner John Ulfelder emphasized that Great Falls has one of the lowest crime rates compared to other parts of the county.
“Crime in Great Falls is not rampant. It’s not even serious. But it’s important to feel that they have a sense of security,” Ulfelder said.
Others, including theGreat Falls Citizens Associationand several astronomy organizations, expressed support for the proposal.
Thomas Reinert, president ofDarkSky International, described the regulations as a compromise. He noted that students at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology near Lincolnia can no longer use a telescope on their facility due to the increase in light pollution over the years.
The observatory at Turner Farm is among a handful of facilities in the area where astronomical viewing can continue — for now.
“In no sense are these rules onerous,” Reinert said.
Dr. Peter Flavchan, a professor of phusics and astronomy at George Mason University, emphasized that light pollution has doubled in just the last 10 years. He compared the community to a “proverbial frog” sitting in water that is slowly reaching a boiling point.
The proposal heads to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for a final vote on Nov. 21.
As Metro considers ways to address a looming $750 million shortfall and stave off changes to its operations, officials are requesting jurisdictions, including Virginia, review their options to help address the funding deficit that threatens thousands of jobs and various services.
Metro hopes policymakers in the commonwealth will consider adjusting the state law that sets a 3% cap on the growth of Virginia’s annual payment to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Dedicating more funding to Metro and overlooking the demands of other transportation projects, however, concerns some lawmakers and transportation leaders.
The shortfall
[Earlier this month], Metro officials made their case to Virginia leaders at the Commonwealth Transportation Board’s work session and joint House and Senate Transportation meeting in Arlington.
“We are obviously trying to avoid the cuts, but to do that, we need the cap [readjusted] and the certainty around funding,” said Randy Clarke, general manager and CEO of Metro, speaking at the Oct. 17 CTB work session.
As the agency faces a loss of COVID-19 relief funding at the end of the fiscal year, Metro officials said the reasons for the expected shortfall include revenue decreases since the COVID-19 pandemic, contractual commitments such as bargaining agreements and increased inflation costs.
In the meantime, Metro is focused on belt-tightening to avoid potential layoffs of about 5,000 employees, hiring freezes, and service cuts; the agency is also considering fare increases. Clarke said Metro is closely managing its operating expenses to help with carryover to the next fiscal year, and it could have a recurring fund of $50 million every year going forward for the next 10 years as part of an earlier initiative to create a savings plan.
“We’ve significantly reduced the …deficit for this year, but some of these are one-year solutions, but I think everyone again is just trying to figure out a more holistic path forward,” Clarke said.
On Oct. 19, Virginia Secretary of Transportation Shep Miller told the Mercury at the Governor’s Transportation Conference that region and state transportation leaders are considering Metro’s proposed shortfall. However, after speaking with committee members, it’s unclear which body will take up Metro’s request.
At the Oct. 17 work session, Miller said Metro is an important system and has been on “good footing” compared to previous years marked by管理问题. Still, the agreement between the jurisdictions, and the millions of dollars each is being asked to contribute to Metro, is a difficult matter.
“Whether the number is 750 or whether it’s 500, or whether it’s 350, on an annual basis, [it] is going to be a choker for the folks that got to come up with the money,” Miller said.
3% cap
Clarke said Metro needs some clarity on what funding adjustments Virginia can make to address the expected deficit, ideally by December. To help address the $750 million shortfall, Metro officials are proposing Maryland and Virginia adjust their 3% cap on the growth of their annual payments to WMATA, which would require a one-time adjustment for fiscal year 2025.
However, in Virginia, any changes to thestate lawcould be a lengthy process.
“Virginia, Maryland and the District all have different calendars and the timing and some of the things that the general manager and his team will have to enact or put in place [makes for] a very complicated situation that we’ll have to work through,” said Paul Smedberg, chair of the Metro Board of Directors.
In 2018, Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., and WMATApartneredto address the agency’s financial issues operating transit services in the D.C. metropolitan area, primarily in Northern Virginia. The three jurisdictionsestablished a dedicated funding sourcefor the transit agency to help address any maintenance issues. The Virginia General Assembly then created theWMATA Capital Fundto uphold its portion of the agreement.
The state appropriates the funds to the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, transferring them to WMATA for capital projects and operating assistance. In 2022, Virginia contributed $200.8 million to WMATA, according to the Department of Rail and Public Transportation.
Under the state law, if WMATA’s budget increases the commonwealth’s payments by more than 3% in any given year, state code directs the Commonwealth Transportation Board to withhold 35% of funding for capital and operating assistance.
However, at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, Metro provided jurisdictions including Virginia a credit of $196 million. Metro provided the credit because jurisdictions’ funding was unclear until they received the second round of federal pandemic relief money.
Clarke said if the credit were compounded, it would be worth $690 million to date.
“You could actually argue that without the credit, we would actually have a more or less balanced budget this year,” Clarke said. “That doesn’t mean we wouldn’t have a next year of significant funding issue, but that’s how large that credit is, especially when you add in the compounding.”
Virginia legislators’ funding concerns
Lawmakers at the Oct. 19 Joint House and Senate Transportation Committee meeting expressed concern about the potential impacts of the shortfall, while others didn’t want their colleagues to lose sight of other priorities such as road and multimodal projects in the commonwealth.
Del. Terry Austin, R-Botetourt, said lawmakers must fund and maintain the rest of Virginia’s transportation network.
“We have to acknowledge the needs of Metro and the needs of the transportation surface movers in this region of the state, nor can we allow [it] to take away from all the needs of all the rest of the state,” Austin said. “We have a problem with revenue. Our transportation needs far exceed our ability and this is a huge need.”
Del. Vivian Watts, D-Fairfax, added that when the agreement was created between the jurisdictions it was because of trust issues with the transit agency and its management of operations. However, she applauded Clark’s work since joining the agency last July.
Still, Watts said, “We cannot, as we move forward, take all of the importance of Metro and say that it overrides this region’s total transportation needs.”
Sens. Barbara Favola, D-Arlington, and Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax, said Metro has had a major impact on the environment and business communities in their districts. According to Metro, 70% of jobs and 60% of the region’s population are within a half-mile of a transit stop.
Sen. Dave Marsden, D-Fairfax, said policymakers must work as “diligently” as possible to restore things for Metro next fiscal year.
“When you start talking about the 3% cap not being adjusted, when you start talking about the possible layoffs, possible reductions in budget that require reduced services because you do have to be a balanced budget, you’re talking about the beginning of the death spiral for an agency that is critical to this commonwealth’s economy, [and] critical to Northern Virginia because COVID has changed everything,” Marsden said.
On Oct. 17, Miller told Metro officials he was also concerned with the agency’s overdue safety needs, totaling approximately $4.5 billion.
Clarke said Metro’s structures, tracks and power cabling are in good condition, but the agency is concerned that using its capital for operations will delay the roll out of the 8000 series rail cars and keep the 3000 series railcars in service longer. Clarke said the 3000 series rail cars have already reached the maximum life of a railcar, around 35-40 years.
Clarke said he doesn’t believe the agency will ever have zero dollars worth of overdue safety needs because Metro is constantly working on its safety plan.
Still, he said, “We got to keep that number low because that number means a state of good repair, which means reliability, which means, ultimately, a safe system.”
This article was reported and written by theVirginia Mercury, and has been reprinted with permission.
Centreville Shooting Started Over Parking— “Two men are in the hospital suffering from gunshot wounds after an argument about a parking space in Centreville, Virginia, police say. Residents say the incident started when a car with a group of men inside pulled into a parking spot outside a townhouse community on Golden Oak Road Thursday night. [NBC4]
Route 7 Improvements Made in Culmore— “In a follow-up to a meeting onpedestrian safety for Leesburg Pikein Culmore in August 2022, transportation officials presented an update at a community meeting Oct. 25 on what has been done and what’s in the pipeline…In one major improvement, the speed limit along Leesburg Pike between the City of Falls Church and the City of Alexandra has been reduced from 40 to 35 mph” [Annandale Today]
Software Company Opens HQ inTysons— “Global cloud-led, data centric software company, NetApp celebrated the grand opening of its new U.S. Public Sector headquarters in the Boro Tower in Tysons on October 18, 2023. NetApp chose to keep its U.S. Public Sector headquarters in Fairfax County, moving into a new, 24,000 square-feet office space.” [FCEDA]
Local Afghan Translator Faces Eviction——“一个女人帮助美军在阿富汗的一个d barely escaped with her life as the Taliban overtook the country in 2021 [was] in a Fairfax County court Friday to ask not to be evicted from her apartment for being two months behind on her rent.” [NBC4]
First Animal Adopted at County’s New Shelter— “Our FIRST adoption at thenew Lorton Campuswas sweet Brandi! Her new mom quickly fell in love with her cuddly and gentle personality. Both our Lorton Campus, located at 8875 Lorton Rd., and our Michael R Frey Campus, located at 4500 West Ox Rd. in Fairfax, are open” Tuesdays and Wednesdays 12-5 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays 12-7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. [Fairfax County Animal Shelter/Facebook]
Supervisors Supportive of Turn-Calming Pilot— “Some Fairfax County Supervisors said they would support a pilot program thatintroduces turn-calming measureson certain roads, aimed at keeping pedestrians safe while drivers make turns…The equipment used to get drivers to slow down while turning isn’t likely to have issues as a result of snow, but the Virginia Department of Transportation did raise several concerns about using it.” [WTOP]
Dormant Cicadas Still Affect Ecosystem— “Brood x periodical cicadasemerged in the D.C. regionin the summer of 2021 — then burrowed back underground, where they will stay until 2038. In the meantime, though, the impacts of their emergence have had effects that likely continue to reverberate through local ecosystems, according to newly published research.” [DCist]
Reston Teen Starts Theater Scholarship Program— “August Gabriel Rivers’ love of theater started at an early age. The 17-year-old…was able to hone his craft through theater enrichment programs, many of which he participated in outside of school. Joining those extra programs took money…To help some kids overcome that barrier, Rivers, a senior at South Lakes High School, worked with other students to create ‘Reston Stars,’ which gives out scholarships to kids in need.” [WTOP]
It’s Monday— Scattered showers are expected mainly after 2 pm, with increasing clouds and a high near 77. There is a 30% chance of precipitation. For Monday night, rain is likely after 2 am. The sky will be mostly cloudy, and temperatures will drop to around 43. [Weather.gov]
River-Sea Chocolate Factoryis moving its chocolate production facility to Reston, though its retail store and hot chocolate cafe will remain in Chantilly at 4520 Daly Drive, Suite 100.
While the company isn’t ready to share the exact address yet, co-founder Krissee D’Aguiar tells FFXnow they are in the process of working with architects and engineering experts to plan the build-out for the Reston location, which is expected to start operations next year.
“This strategic expansion will allow us to continue providing the finest bean-to-bar chocolate products to the D.C. area and enhance our production capabilities,” the company said in a statement. “We want to assure our customers that our retail shop and hot chocolate cafe will remain in Chantilly, ensuring that you can still enjoy our nourishing bean-to-bar chocolate and experiences in the same familiar location.”
The company plans to celebrate its fifth anniversary witha partyon Nov. 4 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Chantilly factory.
The $8 entrance ticket for the event includes a s’mores kit, hot chocolate, and samples of chocolate from around the world. The event will also include live music by Herndon percussionistAll Around Acousticsfrom 1-4 p.m. and cacao bag races that start at 2 p.m.
River-Sea founders Krissee and Mariano D’Aguiar started making chocolate in 2017 after visiting family in northern Brazil, where they saw the potential of using food to act as a “connecting bridge” between their life in D.C. and Brazil, according to the company’s website.
Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written bySharmane MedarisofMcEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479.
Have you been here YET?
Are you a coffee lover? Do you search for the best local spots? I definitely do! As a regular at today’s spot, we are giving you the insider look at one of the hottest coffee cafes in Downtown Fairfax,De Clieu.
We met with the infamous Jazzii, one of the best baristas around to highlight what makes De Clieu set apart from the rest.
From the opening diverse atmosphere, to house made syrups and drinks that will make you come back again to in-house made bakery yumminess to those amazing sandwiches (can we say Breakfast all day).
Pro-Tip:it’s walking distance to Van Dyck Park, Old Town Square, and Fairfax Library so you can definitely have more fun!
Explore Fairfaxwith Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney.
Sharmane Medaris |Live Fairfax|www.soldbysharmane.com|[email protected]|@soldbysharmane| 813-504-4479 | 374 Maple Avenue Suite 202, Vienna, VA 22180
The preceding sponsored post was also publishedon FFXnow.com
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisorsunanimously approveda plan for single-family homes near a historic area of Lake Fairfax Park at a Tuesday meeting.
Theplanby developer SEM Fairfax Land Associates calls for eight single-family homes at the site of J.R.’s Custom Catering’s formerFairfax Hunt Clubalong Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston. The property features a historic log house that will be preserved as part of the redevelopment and an unmaintained and unnamed cemetery.
John McGrahan, the applicant’s attorney, said the applicant changed several features of its plan in response topushbackfrom neighbors, including Hunt Club Cluster residents concerned aboutpreserving the cemetery.
At the request of residents, McGranahan said the location of the development’s sixth lot — which previously wrapped around the cemetery — was changed in order to avoid disturbing the cemetery and create a buffer between surrounding areas.
“The location of lot six and protection of the cemetery were the two big issues that we had at the community meeting,” McGranahan said.
申请人还计划种植更多的树木Lake Farifax Drive in response to a request from Planning Commissioner John Carter.
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn said he was pleased with the outcome of what he called a small but “tricky” case.
Halloween Events Galore This Weekend— “Whether you’re looking to be scared silly or for some Halloween events for kids to just have some good old-fashioned family fun this year, check out the activities below to find the perfect Halloween activities. And beware, you never know what could turn up on these hallowed grounds at these Halloween events.” [Visit Fairfax]
Escaped Inmate Arrested at SpringfieldHotel— “Naseem Roulack, 21, was arrested at approximately 9 a.m. at a hotel in the 6700 block of Commerce Street…Roulack was serving a 13-year sentence for charges of aggravated malicious wounding, grand larceny and hit-and-run when he escaped custody, but is also facing kidnapping, armed robbery, armed carjacking, first-degree assault and vehicle theft charges for a Sept. 1 incident in Gaithersburg, Maryland.” [U.S. Marshals Service]
Homes Cleared for Mount Vernon Gateway——“财产demolition and site clearing activities are underway for the impending construction of amultifamily residential buildingin a suburban neighborhood between Hybla Valley and South County. The nearly five-and-a-half-acre site will eventually be home to a five-floor, 280-unit apartment building that represents the first phase of the ‘Mount Vernon Gateway’ project.” [On the MoVe]
前配发医生判性的屁股ault Again— “A former Army doctor from Springfield, Virginia, who’s already serving a 10-year prison sentence for rape, is now facing up to life in prison for abducting andattempting to sexually assaulthis wife inside the couple’s home. Drew Steiner, 60, was convicted by a jury in a second trial in Fairfax County Circuit Court on Wednesday.” [WTOP]
School Speed Cameras Lead to Thousands ofTickets— “In August and September, nearly 13,000 drivers were caught going 10 or more miles per hour above the posted speed limit. Over 3,500 speeders were caught in August, and over 9,300 were identified in September. Since April, whenthe county initiativestarted, more than 55,000 drivers were caught speeding.” [WTOP]
Reston Parkway Repairs to Take Rest of Year— “Motorists traveling southbound on Reston Parkway can expect the lefthand lane on the bridge over the Dulles Toll Roadto remain closeduntil December, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.” The lane has been closed since July 10, when a truck struck the bridge, damaging the “deck beams and other elements.” [Patch]
FCPS Seeks Input on Website Redesign— “FCPS will be updating our current websites to improve user experience. Our website vendor will focus on key elements including design, layout, navigation, content, and accessibility. Pleasetake our surveyand let us know your thoughts about our websites and how well they are serving you.” [FCPS]
New Playground Finished at Lake Accotink Park— “Construction ofthe new playgroundbegan in early September and final inspections were completed last week. The new playground will officially open with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting next Thursday, November 2, at 5:00 p.m. at Lake Accotink Park.” [The Walkinshaw Advisory]
It’s Friday— Expect partly sunny skies with a high around 81, accompanied by a gentle west wind at 3 to 6 mph. As night approaches, the sky will be partly cloudy, and the temperature will drop to approximately 62. [Weather.gov]
Fairfax County is gearing up to secure land rights to proceed with the development of anew shared-use pathfrom the Innovation Center Metro station to surrounding neighborhoods.
周二(10月24日)的一次会议上,费尔法克斯的计谋nty Board of Supervisorsunanimously agreedto set a public hearing for the project on Nov. 21.
Presented to the communityin January, the project includes a 10-foot-wide, approximately 1,920-foot-long shared-use path. It would connect the kiss-and-ride parking lot to the residential communities at Farougi Court and Apgar Place.
“The connection will significantly reduce the trip length between the station and surrounding neighborhoods,” the Fairfax County Department of Transportation said on its webpage for the project.
Two pedestrian bridges over Horsepen Creek andlightingalong the new path are also planned.
To move forward with the project, the county must secure land rights on six properties.
“与受影响的公关谈判正在进行中operty owners,” county staff said in theboard meeting agenda. “However, because resolution of these acquisitions is not imminent, it may be necessary for the Board to utilize quick-take eminent domain powers to commence construction of this project on schedule.”
Construction on the project is expected to begin in summer 2024, followed by completion in the summer of 2025.
