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JUST IN: Power Outage Hits McLean Below Scott’s Run Nature Preserve

A power outage is affecting hundreds in McLean just south of Scott’s Run Nature Preserve.

The outage stretches from Georgetown Pike to Route 694, just west of I-495. Dominion Energy’s power outage map says that 466 customers are impacted.

The outage was caused by the storm that hit the D.C. region today, according to Dominion.

The energy company expects power to be restored between 3-8 p.m.

Map via Dominion Energy

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Survey Results Spotlight Pandemic Dilemmas for Businesses, Workers

What factors should businesses consider when making decisions on remote and in-person work during the pandemic? Do employers feel like they will be safe in the office or using public transit?

Tysons Partnership aimed to provide insight into those very questions with a recent survey.

A message from Tysons Partnership President Sol Glasner accompanying the newly released survey results notes that they are meant to “set a baseline of understanding” that the organization plans to track with another survey in roughly six months.

Roughly half of the more than 700 people who responded to the survey live or work in the Tysons area, according to the results.

Drew Sunderland, Tysons Partnership’s marketing director, told Tysons Reporter that the survey indicates a shift from people relying on government and health officials giving guidance on public health precautions to following their own ideas about what’s safe as the pandemic continues.

The survey covered a variety of factors, from working at home to mask mandates to childcare concerns. Here’s an overview of the results.

Transit Concerns

Roughly 23% of the respondents said they rely on public transit to return to in-person work and less than 10% said they feel comfortable riding public transit right now. Overall, half of the respondents said they plan to wait until there’s a vaccine before returning to public transit.

Whether people want their commutes back is a different question. Analysis in the survey notes that many commenters are hopeful for long-term change that reduces or eliminates commuting.

Tysons Partnership says in the survey that WMATA and other public transit agencies should visibly enforce safety measures and test new initiatives like special fare zones to encourage riders back.

Kids and Work

Of the respondents, 30% were parents with kids under the age of 18.

The survey found that those parents are 16% more likely to have issues focusing on work, and the 10% of parents who don’t have any childcare support are twice as likely to want to send their kids back to school.

Several anonymous comments linked the ability to return to in-person work with classroom learning. Currently, Virginia is in Phase Three, which means teleworking is strongly encouraged.

For the respondents working full-time (491), a majority said they are working from home. Roughly 49% said they are happy with remote work, while 33% expressed loneliness. When asked why they would want to return to in-person work, respondents said they miss a variety of social interactions.

Safe at Work?

While 70% of the workers who responded said they trust their employer to provide a safe work environment during the pandemic, the employers had a different response with 25% saying they think they have the resources to make that happen.

In total, 32 businesses responded to the survey — 18 of which are in the Tysons area. They flagged the availability of personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies along with access to information about how to create a safe work environment as top concerns.

Roughly 58% of the respondents said they don’t want to return to in-person work unless there is a vaccine or treatment for the virus.

Masks and Preventive Measures 

The analysis for the survey notes that masks were the “hottest” topic in the open-ended comments section.

Several comments included in the report addressed concerns around masks, like one person writing that they did not appreciate face coverings as optional in the workplace and others saying that businesses should require and enforce masks wearing.

“Right now, masks should be MANDATORY for every business worker and every single customer, inside or outside,” one person wrote.

Live, Work, Play

The final section of the survey results touched on respondents’ attitudes, comfort and ideas about a variety of activities. Overall, they were twice as likely to say they would shop at an outdoor rather than an indoor one or take part in “economic activities” that are outside.

Under Phase Three, non-essential retail, parks, restaurants and places of worship are now able to fully open. Some places, like fitness centers and entertainment venues, have capacity restrictions.

Roughly 23% of the respondents identified themselves as essential workers. “Essential workers are twice as comfortable engaging in non-work social and economic activities outside the home,” the analysis noted.

Respondents noted that protective measures drive their interest in participating in activities more than rollbacks of government restrictions.

A full summary of the results can be found online.

Photo by Michelle Goldchain

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JUST IN: Power Outages Affecting Thousands Along Dulles Toll Road, I-66

Two power outages are currently impacting more than 2,500 Dominion Energy customers along the Dulles Toll Road and I-66 in the McLean area.

One outage, which is affecting 1,721 customers, stretches from Route 123 to the East Falls Church Metro station on the eastern side of the Dulles Toll Road.

Meanwhile, the other one is just above the West Falls Church Metro station — where I-66 and the Dulles Toll Road connect. That outage is impacting 824 customers.

Tropical Storm Isaias caused both of the outages, according to Dominion Energy’s power outage map. Dominion Energy anticipates the power will be restored between noon-5 p.m.

Map via Dominion Energy

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TRAFFIC ALERT: High Water Prompts Road Closures in the Tysons Area

Updated 3:40 p.m. — The Fairfax County Police Department said around 3:30 p.m. that all of the road closures have been resolved. 

Earlier: Several roads are closed in the Tysons area due to the storm.

The Fairfax County Police Department shared an updated list of weather-related road closures around the county this morning.

Currently, the Tysons area is under a Flash Flood Watch and Flood Warning today as Tropical Storm Isaias moves through the D.C. region.

Road closures:

  • Old Courthouse and Besley roads: high water
  • Old Dominion Drive and Swinks Mill Road: tree blocking the roadway
  • Idylwood Court and Idylwood Road: tree on power line over the roadway
  • Friden and Hillside drives: tree blocking the roadway
  • Browns Mill and Beulah roads: high water 

Use the map below to find the Tysons-area road closures. Tysons Reporter will update this article and map as more information becomes available or if the road closures change.

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Tysons Area Under Flood Warning as Tropical Storm Nears

The eastern portion of Fairfax County and the City of Falls Church are under a Flood Warning today (Tuesday) as Isaias approaches the D.C. area as a tropical storm.

The warning went into effect shortly after 7 a.m. and will last until 1 p.m. The National Weather Services says that McLean, Vienna and Falls Church can expect flooding.

More from NWS:

At 700 AM EDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated that heavy rain was falling over the area. The heavy rain will cause flooding. Up to one inch of rain has already fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of several inches are possible, and Flash Flood Warnings could be required later today. For now, though, flooding will be relatively slow to develop…

A Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring. All interested parties should take necessary precautions immediately.

The Tysons area is also under a Flash Flood Watch until 4 p.m. and a Tropical Storm Warning.

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New Senior Living Community Proposed in McLean

A newly proposed senior living community in McLean aims to promote aging in place.

Tri-State Chain Bridge Road wants to build 33 townhouse-style units on just over 3 acres on the north side of Chain Bridge Road near Westmoreland Street. The townhomes would be for seniors ages 60 and up.

Lori Greenlief, the land use planner with McGuireWoods who is representing the applicant, said that the proposal fills a need for senior living in McLean, noting that several options in the area are multi-family, four- to seven-story buildings.

Roughly 15% of the units will be affordable, and all of the units would be designed for aging in place with one-level living and options for an elevator and live-in caregiver suite, according to a document from the applicant to the county. The proposed community would also have a 3,600-square-foot amenity building for gardening classes, on-site physical therapy appointments, a fitness center and more.

Tri-State Chain Bridge Road said that the proposed independent living community is about one-fourth of a mile away from McLean’s downtown area.

More from the applicant:

Supported by the 50+ Community Action Plan Initiatives for housing and the well-documented need for senior housing in the Policy Plan of the Comprehensive Plan, this community will offer area residents the opportunity to remain in the McLean/Great Falls area and age-in-place in a purpose-built community designed for seniors.

The community will provide the array of amenities and services desired by the older adult population with homes designed to allow residents to age-in-place. Both the 50+ plan and the Comprehensive Plan highlight the need for options for seniors and the attached product proposed in this application will provide an alternative to the multi-family independent living lifestyle.

The focus of this community will be to create an atmosphere where residents will be able to interact for weekly or daily dining, classess, and a myriad of recreational and educational activities, with like-aged and like-minded people who are dealing with similar lifestyles and issues. At the same time, they will have the freedom to own their own space.

This community will be a safe space in that if there arises a need for added security, such as a pandemic, residents will be able to insulate within the community in their own homes but stay in community. This type of community will become more and more important as our seniors adapt to the “new normal.”

The applicant recently submitted the proposal to the county, which will get reviewed by county staff. Once accepted, the county website will add the scheduled hearing dates for the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.

So far, Tri-State Chain Bridge Road has reached out to the surrounding neighborhoods and the McLean Citizens Association (MCA), Greenlief said.

Scott Spitzer, the chair of MCA’s Planning and Zoning Committee, told Tysons Reporter that the committee is currently evaluating the application.

Winnie Pizzano, the president of the Stoneleigh Homeowners’ Association, told Tysons Reporter that she has heard support for the project from her board, which oversees 134 townhomes.

“It’s obviously needed given the demographic is so much older in McLean than anywhere else,” Pizzano said, adding that it will be a good alternative to assisted living for people looking to downsize.

Greenlief noted that the proposal is in its early stages and that there is plenty of room for citizen input. Some aspects of the proposal are still getting figured out, like specifics around what “60+” will mean, Greenlief said.

People who want to provide feedback can contact Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust, Greenlief at McGuireWoods and Tri-State Chain Bridge Road. Once a staff coordinator is assigned, people will also be able to reach out to the county staffer.

Map via Google Maps

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Poll: Are You Ready for Tropical Storm Isaias?

Ahead of Tropical Storm Isaias hitting the D.C. region, Fairfax County officials and forecasters are sharing resources and tips to help people prepare for the storm.

“Significant flash flooding of small streams and creeks is likely tonight into Tuesday evening as rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Isaias spreads northward,” according to Fairfax County. Forecasters predict that the storm will bring 3-6 inches of rain.

Currently, the Tysons area is under a Tropical Storm Warning, which means that tropical storm-force winds are expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours,” according to National Weather Service.

The area will be under a Flash Flood Watch from 11 p.m. tonight to the same time Tuesday night and a Coastal Flood Watch will also be in effect from Tuesday morning to Wednesday.

Due to flooding risks, Fairfax County officials are reminding drivers to turn around if they see water and don’t know how deep it is. The county also tweeted out contact information for the appropriate people to call if someone spots a downed tree.

NWS wants people to protect property in flood-prone areas.

The Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang tweeted that waves of heavy rain are expected to hit the D.C. region by Tuesday morning and that commuters should allow for extra time.

Image via NWS Baltimore-Washington/Twitter

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Board of Supervisors OKs New Residential Building in Scotts Run Project

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors greenlighted changes that will create a mixed-use residential building in Tysons’ Scotts Run development.

Cityline Partners proposed replacing two residential towers with a 25-story building, which will have approximately 447 residential units and ground-floor retail.

“A private courtyard and rooftop terrace with amenities such as a pool and sundeck, landscaped terraces, sitting areas, fire pit, outdoor kitchen and grill and dog run area are also proposed for the building,” the county’s staff report noted.

As for the parking, the new building will be over a parking podium like the two previously approved towers, but will get slightly modified, staff said.

The new residential tower will reside in Scotts Run South — a portion of the development that is bringing new retail, office and residential buildings near the McLean Metro Station.

County staff noted that the change from two buildings to one will not substantially alter the development’s skyline.

The board approved the changes after a public hearing last Tuesday (July 28).

Image via Fairfax County

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Fairfax County Sees Continued Boost in Census Response Rates

Fairfax County has one of the highest response rates to the U.S. Census in Virginia.

As of today (Aug. 3), the national response rate is 62.8%, while Virginia is 67.5%, according to the U.S. Census.

Fairfax County currently has a 76.6% response rate, surpassing its 2010 response rate of 75.3%. By the time the count ends this year, the county might jump above its 80% total in 2000.

At the end of March, Virginia’s response rate was 37% response rate.

While the pandemic at first extended the submission deadline, the Census Bureau plans to cut short its door-knocking efforts, moving the deadline from Halloween until Sept. 30, The Hill reported last week.

Last week, the City of Falls Church took to Twitter to encourage residents to fill out the census, saying that one in four people haven’t been counted yet. As of today, the Little City’s response rate is 79.6%.

Falls Church said that Census workers have been going door to door in the city since July 23 and might stay until the fall.

It’s unclear yet how much the door knocking will boost the response rate. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that four-in-ten residents who have not yet responded do not want to answer their door.

People who haven’t responded to the Census can complete it by filling it out online, returning the form mailed in March or calling 844-330-2020.

Map via U.S. Census

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UPDATED: Fairfax County Under Tropical Storm Warning

Updated 11:55 a.m. — The National Weather Service placed Fairfax County under a Tropical Storm Warning shortly after 11 a.m. today. “A Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm-force winds are expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours,” according to NWS.

Earlier: As Tropical Storm Isaias hits the East Coast, forecasters warn that the Tysons area could see flash flooding early this week.

The Tysons area will be under a Flash Flood Watch from 11 p.m. tonight to the same time Tuesday night. “Moderate coastal flooding is possible at times of high tide Tuesday as Tropical Storm Isaias makes its closest approach to the area,” the National Weather Service said.

NWS says that widespread rainfall between 3-6 inches is expected, with possibly more in certain areas.

A Coastal Flood Watch will also be in effect from Tuesday morning to Wednesday.

“Rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Isaias is expected to start spreading northward late Monday night and continue into Tuesday evening,” according to NWS.

Forecasters encourage people to protect flood-prone property as soon as possible and monitor the weather. People should not attempt to drive through water if they don’t know how deep it is.

 

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