Vienna is considering several options to improve parking availability along its commercial corridor.
At a conference session on April 15, the Vienna Town Council reviewed recommendations to its update zoning laws, promote shared parking and improve signage, aiming to optimize downtown parking usage and reduce traffic in busy areas.
The recommendations were informed by a recent parking study conducted by the town’s consultant, Nelson Nygaard. The study included a survey completed in February 2023 that got responses from over 700 residents and visitors who shared feedback about their experiences parking in the town.
According to the survey, respondents most frequently visit areas between Maple Avenue and Church Street. They typically park in free lots or garages — with only about a third parking for more than two hours — and often no more than a block from their destination.
Survey participants noted that, while many businesses they visit have ample private parking, there is a significant lack of free public parking.
According to the study, 5,033 of the 5,221 parking spaces in the area are privately owned, leaving only 94 publicly owned spaces.
“During existing peak demand, many parking spaces are available in most locations,” town staff said in a presentation. “This is not a parking supply problem — it’s a parking management problem.”
To address the issue of under-utilization, the consultant suggested the town modify its zoning laws to allow more flexibility in parking requirements and encourage higher-density development.
For example, office and retail uses, including grocery stores, currently need one parking spot per 200 square feet of space. Staff recommended amending the minimum to four spaces per 1,000 square feet.
Another suggestion is to make better use of existing parking spaces by promoting shared parking agreements between different businesses and property owners. This would allow visitors to use the same parking facilities, tailored to different peak hours and specific parking needs.
Other potential strategies include improving signage to guide people to available parking spots, introducing metered on-street parking to encourage quicker turnover, promoting the use of public transit among visitors and adopting parking design standards to “achieve a vibrant streetscape and attractive walking conditions.”
After some discussion about the difficulties of finding parking for the town’s most popular shopping areas, such as the strip housing Chipotle and Crumbl Cookies, Councilmember Chuck Anderson cautioned against making “hot spots” the norm for parking requirements.
“Overall, we’re over-parked, and what that does, it drives up our rates, our leases. It reduces the amount of space we have. It doesn’t come without a cost,” Anderson said. “There’s always going to be hot spots — always. You try to work around those and minimize those by doing the shared parking that we eventually got around to at Chipotle. But essentially, if you try to solve the problem by going to the spaces that have the worst parking and considering that the norm, you’re going to end up with a lot of empty parking spaces in the rest of town.”
Mayor Linda Colbert confirmed that those areas are “outliers.”
Council members didn’t vote on any recommendations and plan to continue discussing the next steps.
The Starbucks at the Chesterbrook Shopping Center (6214 Old Dominion Drive) in McLean has reopened after an extensive facelift.
Starbucks closed in early March to get some interior design improvements.
According to a release, the improvements brought a new bar set-up, a redesigned second story and more:
- Alterations to the current bar setup
- Updated partition arrangements
- Installation of new lighting
- Incorporation of modern furniture and fixtures
- Application of fresh finishes
- New, inspiring artwork
- Redesigned second story seating
Demolition begins at burned hust of Oud Resto and Hall — “The site of the Main Street restaurant that burned down in 2020 is where Ox Hill Companies will build a seven-story mixed-use development with condos, retail spaces, and a drive-thru bank. The company said a Truist Bank regional branch will be relocated to the new building.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Driver in crash that killed two Oakton High School students only had learner’s permit — “Usman Shahid, who police say was driving a BMW at 81 miles per hour southbound on Blake Lane just before the crash, only had a learner’s permit at the time. Virginia law requires that drivers must be 21 or older, or 18-years-old and accompanied by a legal guardian or sibling when they’re driving. At the time of the crash, Shahid was 18 and a resident of Fairfax County.” [Patch]
Students at Annandale Terrace Elementary School plan Arbor Day tree planting — “Students, faculty and staff at Annandale Terrace Elementary School are gearing up for a big Arbor Day celebration on April 26, 2024, at 8:50 a.m. The event will take place simultaneously with the County’s 41st consecutive year being designated a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.” [Fairfax County]
Firefighter sustains minor injury in Loudoun County warehouse fire — “A significant warehouse fire in Sterling drew a fire department response, causing one firefighter to be evaluated for heat exhaustion Monday afternoon.” [Patch]
It’s Tuesday — Frost is expected in the early morning until 8am, followed by sunny skies and a high temperature of around 71 degrees. The light southwest wind will shift to the south at 6 to 11 mph during the morning. Scattered showers are likely after 2am Tuesday night, accompanied by increasing clouds and a low temperature of about 56 degrees. The south wind will blow at 9 to 13 mph, gusting up to 20 mph, with a 50% chance of precipitation. [NWS]
Man fires gun at dog, Fairfax County police say — “Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) said they received a report of a man firing a gun at a dog in Annandale on Thursday morning.” [DC News Now]
Fairfax County libraries hosting used book sales this spring — “There’s no need to spend a fortune on brand-new books — various Friends of the Library groups throughout Fairfax County are holding used book sales this spring that can help you stock your bookshelves for a lower price, all while supporting the library.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Footwear retailer New Balance opens in Mosaic District — “Specializing in one-on-one service, New Balance Mosaic District offers a wide variety of footwear and apparel.” [Patch]
All Virginia drivers required to have insurance by July 1 — “All Virginia drivers will be required to have vehicle insurance starting on July 1, ending the Uninsured Motorists Fund.” [WAVY]
It’s Monday — Expect sunny skies and a high near 64 accompanied by a northwest wind at 7 to 9 mph during the day. The night will be mostly clear with the temperature dropping to around 40. The northwest wind will decrease to around 5 mph and become calm as evening approaches. [NWS]
Shake Shack proposed for Kamp Washington Shopping Center — “Fairfax City Board of Architectural Review approved exterior designs for two new restaurants planned for the former Just Tires location.” [Patch]
A Fairfax County school bus crashes into a DMV — A Fairfax County school bus struck the relatively new Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles building on Braddock Road Thursday morning when another driver failed to yield, forcing the bus driver to swerve off the road, Fairfax County police said. [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Poetry in the Parks coming to Turner Farm Park Observatory — “April is National Poetry Month, and ArtsFairfax and the Fairfax County Park Authority are kicking off a summer of fun poetry events to get you inspired. Poetry in the Parks is a series of poetry readings and workshops, created by Fairfax County Poet Laureate Daniella Badra, that will span from April 27 to August 17.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
The Peterson family, of Fairfax-based Peterson Cos., donates $20 million to Inova Health System — “Inova Health System just landed another substantial donation from big names in Greater Washington’s real estate world, putting the system closer to its $75 million fundraising goal.” [Washington Business Journal]
It’s Friday — Expect showers after 2pm, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 65 degrees. The southeast wind will blow at 6 to 8 mph, and there’s a 30% chance of precipitation. For Friday night, showers are likely in a mostly cloudy setting and a low temperature of around 54 degrees. The southeast wind will be around 6 mph before transitioning to a northwest wind after midnight, with a 50% chance of precipitation. [NWS]
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is asking the county’s General Assembly delegation to oppose Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s proposed funding cuts to Metro in the state’s budget.
During a board meeting on Tuesday (April 16), supervisors unanimously approved a letter written by Chairman Jeff McKay, Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw, and Dranesville District Supervisor James Bierman, asking the delegation to oppose the cuts and retain the funding needed to address the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) estimated $750 million shortfall.
The General Assembly passed the FY 2024-2026 biennium budget in March which included $149.5 million from the state to address WMATA’s funding shortage in FY 2025 and FY 2026, according to the letter.
“This funding, which is expected to be matched by the local funding partners, including Fairfax County, is essential to putting WMATA on sound financial footing and retaining its consistent operations.”
A month later, Youngkin announced his proposed budget amendments, which included cutting $113.8 million of WMATA’s funding. Instead, Youngkin urged localities to use funds previously allocated to them through state assistance.
However, the county clarified in its letter that this money — provided to the region through the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) by the Northam Administration in 2022 — was used to cover immediate Metro payments following the pandemic and to reserve the remainder for “ongoing needs.”
Even with the additional funding, the letter says the county expects the money from the NVTC to be largely depleted soon, making their request even more vital.
“We know WMATA is absolutely essential to our regional economy,” McKay said during Tuesday’s County Board meeting. “It is essential to Virginia’s economy, bringing in over $1 billion a year into the general fund.”
He also noted how the lack of funding could impact taxpayers.
“If this money doesn’t come from the state, where will it come from? From the real estate taxpayers of Fairfax County. That’s where it will come from,” McKay said.
Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity said he was reluctantly supporting the request, saying Metro needed to “figure out how they’re going to get their costs under control.”
“We’ve got to get the long-term answer figured out because, you know, punting it down the road with a couple more years of ridiculous funding increases is not necessarily the best answer,” Herrity said.
Citing a 2017 study by former U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Walkinshaw noted that Metro would need $500 million a year in dedicated funding to achieve stable financial footing, a burden that would ultimately fall on resident taxpayers.
“This idea that there are hundreds of millions of dollars or billions of dollars of cost savings to be found at Metro is a fantasy,” he said. “The amount needed in dedicated funding to prevent us from having to go back to property taxpayers every single year is in the hundreds of millions of dollars. That’s just math.”
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue responded to a fire at a high-rise on the 8200 block of Crestwood Heights Drive in Tysons after noon today.
The department said firefighters arrived and found a fire on the roof. The scanner indicated the source seemed to be a “flash fire in the HVAC unit on the roof.” The fire is currently out.
One male in his 20s received significant burns to his face and was transported via helicopter to a burn center. A second victim had burns to their arms and shoulders, per scanner traffic.
MCLEAN, VA (FAIRFAX COUNTY) | 8220 CRESTWOOD HEIGHTS DR | REPORTED HVAC EXPLOSION IN RESIDENTIAL HIRISE – 2 BURN VICTIMS FOR EMS | MEDEVAC REQUESTED FOR ONE #BREAKING
— Alertpage, Inc (@alertpage) April 18, 2024
#FairfaxBravest are on scene of a fire in a high-rise building in the 8200 block of Crestwood Heights Dr in the Tysons area. Crews arrived to find a fire on the roof. The fire is out. Two civilians were transported with non life-threatening injuries. pic.twitter.com/PZdc0K53aw
— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) April 18, 2024
Cat declawing to be banned in Virginia — “Veterinarians will not be allowed to declaw cats in Virginia starting in July, unless there are certain ‘therapeutic’ reasons to do so.” [ABC8]
Proposed 4-cent tax hike prompts community debate — “The proposed Fairfax County budget comes with a hefty real estate tax increase, and a lot of opinions from community members.” [WUSA9]
Historic McLean garden tour returns this weekend — “This walking tour showcases Ballantrae Farm — a 6.5-acre estate with a 1923 Colonial Revival manor house, a c. 1843 farmhouse and extensively landscaped grounds with areas for outdoor entertaining, a sunken tennis court, a hidden treehouse, and a walled kitchen garden.” [Eventbrite]
Two Florida men arrested for string of car break-ins at Fairfax parks — “Fairfax County police say two Florida men are under arrest and have been charged in connection with a string of car break-ins at parks across the Virginia county during a nearly two-year period.” [WTOP]
It’s Thursday — Expect a mostly sunny day with temperatures reaching a high near 79 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind blowing at 6 to 10 mph. As for Thursday night, the clouds will increase and the temperature will drop to around 51 degrees, with an east wind at 6 to 9 mph. [NWS]
The Knutson Companies is thrilled to announce new opportunities for Loudoun County living with the release of a new section of rooftop terrace townhomes and a brand new community of garage townhomes. Each community offers a distinctive living experience tailored to fit your family’s lifestyle, blending Knutson’s signature classic design with the convenience and vibrancy of Brambleton.
The spacious townhomes in the new section at Knutson at Downtown Brambleton offer up to 5 bedrooms, nearly 3,000 square feet of living space and a loft and rooftop terrace — your Yard in the Sky. The previous section sold out quickly and this new section is now open for sales from the high $700s.
Knutson West Park at Brambleton presents a new community of garage townhomes from the mid $600s. These homes boast private backyards, ideal for family fun and neighborhood gatherings, 3 bedrooms and flexible home office space.
Both communities have a coveted location within walking distance of Downtown Brambleton, a retail hub with a plethora of dining, shopping and entertainment options. The Brambleton neighborhood also offers homeowners access to award-winning neighborhood schools, sport courts, walking trails, pools and more. There are also year-round community events with activities for everyone in the family to enjoy.
These homes provide the perfect backdrop for life’s next chapter, offering sought-after new construction options in Loudoun County and embodying the Knutson Companies’ commitment to crafting exceptional living spaces in enriching neighborhoods.
Learn more and schedule a tour at DowntownBrambleton.com and KnutsonatWestPark.com.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Fairfax Schools could lose millions under proposed Youngkin budget amendments — “Fairfax County Public Schools would lose over $6 million in funding for English language learners in each of the next two years, as a result of Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s proposed changes to the state’s budget.” [WTOP]
Caboose Commons is hosting Women’s Market — “Female-owned Caboose Commons is hosting Women’s Market Sunday afternoon in the Mosaic District, featuring more than 20 women vendors.” [Patch]
Fairfax students use AI to create an algorithm for classifying brain signals — “Ramachandran said he and Nalini considered different types of available technology for analyzing brain signals. In some cases, patients get implants, which Ramachandran said are innovative but ‘require a level of invasiveness that isn’t really ideal for everyone.'” [WTOP]
Non-fatal student overdose reported at Falls Church High School — “A non-fatal student overdose was reported at Falls Church High School Monday, Fairfax County police said.” [ABC7]
It’s Wednesday — Expect showers with possible thunderstorms after 5pm, cloudy skies, and a high near 70 accompanied by a southeast wind at 5-7 mph. Precipitation chance stands at 70%, with new rainfall amounts generally under a tenth of an inch, although higher amounts are possible in thunderstorms. On Wednesday night, there’s a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 pm, with showers likely and possible thunderstorms between 8 pm and 2 am, followed by a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 am. The night will be mostly cloudy with a low around 59, southeast wind at 6-8 mph, and a 60% chance of precipitation. Similar to the day, new rainfall amounts will be less than a tenth of an inch except for potentially higher amounts in thunderstorms. [NWS]
Personal training studio Fitness Together is planning to open a new location in McLean later this year.
The company has filed a permit to open at 6263 Old Dominion Drive in McLean in the former McLean Super Cleaners space.
The studio’s website said it will offer one-on-one personal training in private suites or virtually.
“You are unique and your training should be, too,” the website said. “No matter your age or fitness level, we are invested in helping you reach your personal goals because we take your health, well….personally.”
The studio doesn’t have prices listed online, saying the cost varies by studio, frequency of sessions, and “overall commitment to goals.”
The application for the building, meanwhile, says the new studio will come with extensive alterations, including new interior walls, ceilings, accessible restrooms and more.
The studio website said it’s scheduled to open in August 2024.
Photo via Google Maps
