(Updated at 6:25 p.m.) Locals way have to wait a little longer than expected for safety solutions along Shreve Road in the Falls Church area due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The road, which runs through the City of Falls Church and Fairfax County, has lately been the focus of safety concerns from local residents and the Shreve Road Community Working Group.
A study is underway by the Virginia Department of Transportation to address the road’s issues. Allison Richter, the liaison to Fairfax and Arlington counties for VDOT, gave an update on the study during a virtual town hall on Monday (May 4).
“We expect there are going to be some solutions that will have to take a little longer,” she said.
Richter said that the COVID-19 pandemic and Virginia’s stay-at-home order have hampered data collection.
“[VDOT is] not doing traffic counts because it’s not as it normally is,” she said. “We’re a little bit held back in some of our studies.”
Status of Projects Along Shreve Road
So far, the traffic engineering group has reviewed and replaced “obsolete signs,” Richter said.
Dalia Palchik, the Providence District representative on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, said during the meeting that the county is waiting for contractors to finish work near the intersection of Shreve Road and Virginia Lane.
Additionally, she said NoVa Parks is working with an engineer to address work at the W&OD Trail crossing and Shreve Road.
Palchik said that drivers should keep an eye out for lane closures near Gordon Road and Route 7 due to pipe installation.
Providence District School Board Member Karl Frisch said in his email newsletter today that 10 new parking spots have been added to Shrevewood Elementary School.
“Weather permitting, phase two will begin on May 15. When completed, about 17 new spots will have been added,” Frisch said.
Palchik said that the meeting that the new spaces will “help get the cars off of Shreve and into the school.”
Next Steps for Safety Solutions
The study is aiming to identify short- and long-term solutions, along with areas where upgrades are needed and people have continually reported issues, Richter said.
VDOT has lowered the speed from 35 to 30 miles per hour from Leesburg Pike (Route 7) to Wieland Place. Richter said that calls from residents to reduce the speed further to 25 miles per hour is still a possibility.
“I’m not going to rule that out, but we’ll also be looking at other measures like increasing enforcement or traffic calming tools,” she said, adding that a speed study was done in 2019.
People can expect the final report sometime in November, according to Richter’s presentation.
Public Support Sought for Grant Application
The Shreve Road Community Working Group’s website notes that people can submit comments on a grant application to Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA).
According to the group’s website, the $6.9 million transportation grant would be used to:
- install a 10-foot multi-use path and 6-foot planting strip along Shreve Road
- add a crosswalk near the intersection of Shreve and Gordon roads
- add a landscape buffer and lighting changes
People have until May 24 to submit comments online or via email at [email protected].
Image via Google Maps
Seva Beauty, a company that offers fast-casual spa treatments, is looking to come to Tysons Corner Center.
Its spot will be on the second level of the mall near Nordstrom, according to the mall’s directory. Seva Beauty offers brow shaping, facial hair removal, facial and lash “boosts,” makeup application and more, according to its website.
Currently, Seva Beauty is hiring full-time and part-time employees, a hiring manager told Tysons Reporter.
While the mall says Seva Beauty is “coming soon,” the studio probably won’t be open until Labor Day, the hiring manager said.
Fairfax County’s public library system wants to capture people’s COVID-19 experiences for its historical records collection.
The library system is looking for diary entries, photographs, artworks, videos — anything that documents what people’s lives are like during the pandemic.
People can submit material on their pandemic experiences anonymously or with their name attached as a “digital donation” via a Google Form. Submissions will be accepted through June 10.
The information will be used for a project for the Virginia Room, which contains historical records at the City of Fairfax Regional Library.
Image via Fairfax Library/Twitter
Fairfax County is “urgently” looking for people to help out at the polls for the primary on June 23.
While the county is strongly encouraging voters to absentee vote by mail for this election, election officers are still needed — especially bilingual people in Falls Church who speak Korean or Vietnamese, the county says. Bilingual speakers are also needed in Annandale and Centreville.
The county has taken to social media to find at least 200 election officers for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives primary.
More from the county on measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus at the polls:
To protect election officers and voters, the Office of Elections will take precautions that include:
- Providing face coverings, gloves and hand sanitizer for every election officer.
- Limiting the number of voters in the room at the same time.
- Requiring voters to maintain a social distance of six feet from each other and election officers.
Election officers help to set up voting equipment, check photo IDs, provide assistance to voters and tabulate results.
People who are registered to vote in Virginia can sign up online by next Friday, May 15, and can choose to volunteer their time or earn at least $175.
We need you on June 23! We're urgently seeking at least 200 election officers for this primary election. Apply online by May 15: https://t.co/nA2EWK3Jlh Officers will be given face coverings and gloves. Learn more: https://t.co/07m5Apycio pic.twitter.com/ibCGlykbb3
— Fairfax County Votes (@fairfaxvotes) May 6, 2020
More Time to Apply for City Grant — “The deadline has been extended to Friday, May 15 for the City of Falls Church Economic Development Authority (EDA)’s Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Grant program.” [City of Falls Church]
Capital One Employees May Stay Home Awhile — “The lender’s offices in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. will remain shut to all non-essential staff at least through the Labor Day holiday on Sept. 7, Chief Executive Officer Richard Fairbank wrote in an internal memo.” [Bloomberg]
Time for Take Off — “Defense contractor Northrop Grumman Corp. is on schedule for testing of its next-generation rocket, the OmegA, despite the challenges of operating during the COVID-19 pandemic, a company executive said.” [UPI]
Celebration Outside Inova Fairfax Hospital — “People lined up to show their love for Fairfax County health care workers who are putting-in long, grueling hours.” [NBC 4]
I-66 Toll Revenue Creates Roadblock for Project Funding — “The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, which receives and disseminates funding for the projects, anticipates a significant drop in revenue, and will have to put off selection of projects in the latest round of its ‘Commuter Choice’ initiative.” [Inside NoVa]
Another successful community effort to give to Providence’s @foodforothers! Thank you to the Falls Hill Civic Association & the neighboring communities that donated 800 lbs more food! It is warming to see gestures of community togetherness during these times. pic.twitter.com/ZzdJ8A58Y1
— Dalia Palchik (@SupvPalchik) May 5, 2020
Happy #NationalNursesDay at the start of National Nurses Week! #FCFRD appreciates you every day of the year! THANK YOU for all you do! Nurses are amazing! #ThankYouNurses pic.twitter.com/xZjHgTcES7
— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) May 6, 2020
Wegmans announced today (Tuesday) that 300 part-time employees are currently being hired and trained for the upcoming Tysons store.
The supermarket chain previously said that it plans to employ roughly 480 people at the store at 1835 S. Capital One Drive. Right next to the McLean Metro station, the 80,000-square-foot store will be a part of Capital One’s campus.
Now, Wegmans says that “the vast majority [are] hired locally.”
More from Wegmans on its job opportunities:
Part-time positions are available in all departments, offering competitive pay, flexible scheduling, and a workplace known for a caring, family atmosphere. Select full-time openings remain for cooks, produce, and bakery…
Applicants may apply online at jobs.wegmans.com/tysons-corner or call 571-423-0707 for more information.
Wegmans also announced the Tysons store’s leadership.
Kevin Russell, who started as a produce clerk at a Wegmans in New York and was most recently the store manager for one in Massachusetts, is the opening store manager in Tysons.
As the executive chef, Patrick Deans will manage a team of 135 culinary employees. Meanwhile, Matt Collalto will be the service area manager and Claudia Worley will be the merchandising area manager.
Photo courtesy Wegmans
Several Tysons-area eateries are among the nominees for this year’s Rammy’s from the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington.
Announced yesterday (Monday), the nominees for several categories include restaurants in Tysons, Vienna, the Mosaic District and Falls Church.
Here are the nominations for local restaurants:
- Manager of the Year: Bethany Wagener of Alta Strada in the Mosaic District and Rizza Leguro of Founding Farmers Tysons
- Pastry Chef of the Year: Katherine Thompson of Thompson Italian
- Wine Program of the Year: Vienna’s Clarity
- Beer Program of the Year: B Side in the Mosaic District and Caboose Brewing Company in Vienna
- Restaurateur of the Year: Mark Fedorchak, Stephen Fedorchak and Brian Normile of The Liberty Tavern Group, which manages Northside Social in Falls Church, and Victor Albisu and Poca Madre of Taco Bamba Taqueria — a local chain with locations in Falls Church and Vienna
So far, the winners are expected to be announced at the awards gala in D.C. on July 26, but coronavirus-prompted closures and restrictions could alter the date.
“RAMW is considering an unspecified date later in the year with its partners at Events DC,” according to the announcement.
Congrats to the local nominees!
Photo via Thompson Italian/Facebook
With Virginia businesses poised to have fewer restrictions in mid-May, Fairfax County’s top official is urging people to stay home to save lives.
Yesterday, Gov. Ralph Northam unveiled a three-phase plan to roll back restrictions on businesses possibly starting on May 15 — after extending the closure of non-essential businesses through May 14.
Meanwhile, his stay-at-home order, which is in effect until June 10, would become a “safer at home” recommendation, according to his presentation.
Jeff McKay, the chairman for the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is weighing in on the governor’s proposal and calling on people to continue to stay home.
“A path forward is necessary, but public health and saving lives are our biggest priorities,” he said in a statement to Tysons Reporter. “The first phase, however, doesn’t really change how we will operate.”
Fairfax County continues to have the highest reported number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths due to the illness in the state. As of today, the county has at least 4,834 cases and 201 deaths, according to the state’s health department.
McKay noted that Northam included a variety of data, including the number of daily positive test results and hospital bed capacity, when explaining the rationale behind the plan.
Both in the statement and a letter to county residents last night, McKay urged county residents to stay home, pointing to Fairfax County’s continued rise in COVID-19 cases.
“We are in the exponential growth period of our epidemic curve and will see more cases and deaths in the coming weeks,” the letter said. “I encourage you to not change what you are doing. We can’t see our friends and go to concerts yet, that’s the reality.”
State health officials recently said that social distancing has already prevented nearly 36,600 cases in Fairfax County — and an estimated 134,000 cases by June 10.
McKay’s full statement to Tysons Reporter:
It’s good to see that Governor Northam is establishing data- and science-driven metrics in his decision to gradually ease restrictions in Virginia. A path forward is necessary, but public health and saving lives are our biggest priorities. The first phase, however, doesn’t really change how we will operate. Just because certain parts of the economy will re-open, doesn’t mean that you have to or should leave the house. As Governor Northam said, it will [be] safer-to-stay home. I will continue to encourage county residents to do so because our case numbers continue to rise exponentially. It is my hope that we start seeing less cases soon, but we aren’t out of the woods just yet.
Fairfax County Has $200M of Federal Funds to Dole Out — “The one-time funds may be used only for county expenses incurred in response to the COVID-19 public-health emergency from March 1 through Dec. 30, 2020… The county government will be allowed to use the funds to cover public-health needs and other expenses directly related to the pandemic response, plus economic support for businesses and employees affected by the crisis.” [Inside NoVa]
Virginia Businesses May Soon Face Fewer Restrictions — “Gov. Ralph Northam said Monday that Virginia could begin Phase I of its economic re-opening as early as next week. Northam says he plans to extend his executive order that restricted certain businesses and banned gathering of more than 10 people through May 14.” [WJLA]
Drumroll for the Volunteer Fairfax Awards — The long list of winners for Fairfax County’s service awards is here. [Volunteer Fairfax]
Local Teacher Makes Blog to Support Kids — “The art department at Madison High created a blog to facilitate students’ transition to distance learning. The blog allows students enrolled in every level and medium of art class to feel a sense of community as they respond together to the weekly prompt.” [Fairfax County Public Schools]
Plot twist: #cyclists may find that the roads in and around #Tysons are a better option than the W&OD trail that is “so crowded with folks trying to get some sun that it's impossible to stay six feet apart.” #COVID19 #cyclinglifestyle #cyclinglife #covidlife https://t.co/bhiiy4kTXe
— Tysons Partnership (@tysonspartners) May 4, 2020
(Updated 8/24/2020) Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo and Taco Tuesday — and local Mexican restaurants are offering specials, to-go margaritas and more for the festivities.
Cinco de Mayo is an annual celebration stemming from the Mexican Army defeating the French Empire during a battle on May 5, 1862 and — especially in the U.S. — is a day to honor Mexican culture, according to History.com.
Tysons Reporter found several restaurants offering delivery and pick-up for diners craving Mexican fare tomorrow.
Rango’s Tex-Mex & Grill (1934 Old Gallows Road) opens at 2 p.m. for Cinco de Mayo for pick-up, according to its website. The online menu for the festivities includes a family meal to feed four to five people, a “30 Taco Pack” and margaritas and sangria. Diners can also order individual Mexican dishes as well.
El Tio Tex-Mex Grill’s local spots in Falls Church (7630 Lee Hwy) and McLean (1433 Center Street) both offer pick-up and delivery. Both the Falls Church menu and McLean menu include fajita combos, Pancho platters, enchiladas, burritos and more.
Anita’s New Mexico Style Mexican Food (521 Maple Ave E.) in Vienna is open for pick-up with a menu featuring margaritas and beer, an extensive breakfast menu, tacos, burritos, enchiladas and more.
El Sol (262 Cedar Lane, Suite C) in the Cedar Park Shopping Center has a $7 to-go margaritas and $4 tequila and mezcal shots special for Cinco de Mayo, according to its Facebook page. Diners must order food and alcoholic drinks over the phone at (703) 712-7701. The menu includes tacos, quesadillas and more Mexican fare.
Wild Tacoz (7167 Lee Hwy) is offering a Cinco de Mayo special — 10% off all orders over $20 — and has delivery and curb-side pick-up options.
La Campesina Restaurant (8442 Lee Hwy) in Merrifield offers delivery and pick-up via Grubhub. The menu includes tres leches, tacos, burritos, chimichangas and more.
Taco Bamba’s spots in Falls Church (2190 Pimmit Drive) and Vienna (164 Maple Ave W.) both offer carry-out and delivery. The Falls Church menu features margarita mixes, breakfast, tacos and traditional rice pudding, while the Vienna menu has pineapple margaritas, cocktail mixers, beer, wine, breakfast dishes, tostadas, nachos, sandwiches and tacos.
With locations in Tysons (1500-C Cornerside Blvd) and Dunn Loring (2676-O Avenir Place), District Taco is offering pick-up, curbside delivery and delivery via Doordash for tacos, burritos, salads and quesadillas.
While La Sandia (7852 Tysons Corner Center) is closed, the restaurant has shared its Baja Fish Taco recipe on Facebook. Meanwhile, Tequila Grande (444 Maple Ave W.) in Vienna is closed and moving to Oakton.
Corrects name of Cedar Park Shopping Center
Photo via El Sol/Facebook
