Vienna residents who own a Hyundai can now obtain a free steering wheel lock from the town’s police department.
The Vienna Police Department has “several” wheel locks on hand from Hyundai Motor Company, which launched a national campaign in response to a TikTok challenge that has inspired an increase in thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
“The Town of Vienna Police Department is taking a proactive approach to combat the uptick in thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles across the United States,” police said in a news release. “Owners of these cars may be wondering how to make their vehicles less appealing to thieves. Locking a vehicle’s doors is a very effective deterrent but, adding a steering wheel lock may provide an additional layer of protection.”
The locks are available to Vienna residents in the zip code 22180 who own a Hyundai vehicle with a key ignition that was made in 2010 to 2021.
Starting today (Monday), the devices can be picked up in the lobby of the police station at 215 Center Street South from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday through Friday.
Thefts began to surge in 2021 when TikTok users started posting videos under the hashtag “Kia Boyz” encouraging teens to steal Kia and Hyundai vehicles by taking off their steering wheels and hotwiring them with a USB cable, according to CNBC.
The videos revealed that models manufactured from 2010 to 2021 that use mechanical keys — rather than push button ignitions — are vulnerable to theft due to their lack of immobilizer systems, which prevent hotwiring using computer chips in key fobs that communicate with the engine.
The Fairfax County Police Department reported 28 carjackings last year, up from 16 in 2021, and seven to open 2023, as of Feb. 10. The data that the department shared with FFXnow didn’t specify how many incidents involved Hyundai or Kia vehicles, but it confirmed those were targeted in a series of stolen or damaged vehicle reports in Lorton on Jan. 14.
At that time, the FCPD said its officers had taken 24 reports for stolen Hyundai vehicles and 13 reports for stolen Kia vehicles between Nov. 22 and Jan. 17.
Hyundai and Kia announced in February that they will provide free software upgrades for approximately 8.3 million vulnerable cars.
Residents of the Wolf Trap area near Meadowlark Botanical Gardens may want to charge up their phones now before the power goes out sometime today (Monday).
A “large power outage” is expected to be necessary so that Dominion Energy can replace a pole on that was knocked down last night by a vehicle crash on Beulah Road, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
No injuries were reported in the single-vehicle crash, which occurred in the 1600 block of Beulah Road. Police responded to the scene around 10:20 p.m.
While the crash didn’t result in a power outage, work to replace the damaged pole is still underway. Traffic on Beulah Road is being detoured, with the roadway anticipated to remain closed until early in this afternoon’s rush hour, police said.
Neighborhood remains powered. Beulah Road is expected to be closed until early evening rush hour tomorrow. Detour has been established. Large power outage is anticipated while pole is being replaced.
— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) March 13, 2023
Map via Google Maps
The Fairfax County School Board voted unanimously on Thursday (Mar. 9) to give public school teachers and staff collective bargaining rights.
The resolution gives employees the right to organize and elect a union that can negotiate labor contracts, including pay, benefits and work conditions.
The Virginia General Assembly passed legislation in 2020 allowing local governments to give collective bargaining rights to public workers. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution for county employees the following year.
After more than a year of work, administrators with Fairfax County Public Schools presented a 22-page draft resolution to the school board in December.
Karl Frisch, the school board’s Providence District representative, introduced the motion during a school board meeting, saying collective bargaining will positively affect staff retention and student success.
“Everyone wins when teachers and staff have pay increases, better working conditions, reduced turnover, and workers have a seat at the decision-making table,” Frisch said.
The resolution states that the school board retains the right to determine budgets and can take necessary actions to carry out its mission during emergencies. It also guarantees workers the right “to engage in informal conversations and interactions about workplace and organizational issues while on duty” without facing coercion or intimidation.
According to Virginia law, bargaining unit members are not allowed to go on strike.
Any negotiations with budgetary or financial implications need to be initiated by Sept. 1 and agreed upon by Nov. 1 to be included in the following year’s budget.
FCPS will recognize separate bargaining units for:
- Licensed instructional staff, including full and part-time teachers, librarians and counselors
- Operational support employees, such as assistants, custodians, food service workers and bus drivers
- Administrators and supervisors, including principals and program administrators
Through a majority vote, employees in the bargaining units can select an employee association to represent them. The association, with majority support, becomes that unit’s exclusive bargaining agent after the school board certifies the election results.
Substitute teachers and temporary employees are excluded from bargaining units. However, they could request to be recognized as a unit or seek inclusion in one of the existing units after July 1, 2023.
During his remarks, Frisch highlighted what he said are the causes of recent staffing challenges faced by the school system.
“Longstanding teacher and school staff shortages are driven by low pay relative to peers in other professions with similar credentials, inadequate or uneven professional support, and challenging work conditions.”
Sully District representative Stella Pekarsky seconded the motion and said because of the vote, schools in the county will be a better place to learn and work in the coming years.
“With this vote, there should be no doubt where FCPS stands. We stand for our employees to have a voice and a seat at the table. We stand to ensure our schools can recruit and retain staff who provide a world-class education for all students,” she said.
In a release, Fairfax Education Association President Leslie Houston said passing the resolution is the first step to ensuring that FCPS employees “will have a seat at the table and not be on the menu.”
“The educators and staff in Fairfax County Public Schools will finally be able to make decisions that is best for their well-being and the well-being of their students,” Houston said.
While advocating for collective bargaining, the FEA joined forces with the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers (FCFT) to form the Alliance of Fairfax Educational Unions (AFEU), which will presumably seek election to represent the new bargaining units.
According to the school system, FCPS will secure a labor relations administrator (LRA) in the next few weeks to manage the certification and election processes.
Fire Destroys Multiple Annandale Businesses — “Fairfax County and Fire Rescue crews responded to the scene of a building fire in the 7200 block of Columbia Pike. Four Annandale businesses, two restaurants, a shipping company, and a hair salon, sustained what fire officials called catastrophic damage.” [DC News Now]
FCPS Denies Attorney General’s Racism Allegations — “Jason Miyares is alleging that a Fairfax County middle school discriminated against students based on race, color, and national origin in an email sent to families regarding a college preparatory program offered by the county…A statement from Fairfax County Public Schools called Miyares’ assertions ‘false and damaging.'” [DCist]
Former D.C. Official Sentenced for Fatal I-495 Crash — “A former elected leader in D.C. was sentenced Friday to four years in prison one year after a deadly DUI wreck in Fairfax County. Former Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Devon Lesesne pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter on Nov. 30, 2022, for driving under the influence when he struck and killed 20-year-old Katherine Reyes on March 6, 2022.” [WUSA9]
Density Dooms Annandale Development Pitch — “The Fairfax County Planning Commission rejected a site-specific plan amendment nomination for a mixed-use development on Little River Turnpike, but agreed to proceed with four others…The proposed plan amendment…called for 105 multifamily units in a four-story building with ground-floor retail between Columbia Road and Randolph Drive” [Annandale Today]
Mason District Residents Sound Off on Rising Taxes — “Real estate assessments for [fiscal year] 2024 are up an average 6.34 percent in Mason District, slightly below the countywide average of 6.79 percent. To help compensate for the rising assessments, Gross said she would support reducing the tax rate by at least 3 cents.” [Annandale Today]
Maryland Beltway Widening Project Faces New Setback — “The lead team involved with Maryland’s plan to build high-occupancy toll lanes on the Capital Beltway and Interstate 270, along with building a new American Legion Bridge, has pulled out of the project.” [NBC4, Maryland Matters]
FCPS Hosts Meeting Today on Opioid Crisis — “Opioid and fentanyl overdoses are rising nationwide, and more and more students nationwide and here locally are being impacted. Join @fcpsnews on Monday, Mar. 13, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at @fcpsfairfaxhs for a conversation about the epidemic.” [Fairfax County Government/Twitter]
A Look at the History of Two Lorton Roads — “Furnace Road and Cinder Bed Road assumed their official designations on April 1, 1965. The previous June, Fairfax’s Board of Supervisors had approved a resolution naming or renaming hundreds of the county’s streets and secondary roads. This was necessary because — as in the song by U2 — some streets had no names.” [The Washington Post]
It’s Monday — Light rain in the morning and afternoon. High of 47 and low of 39. Sunrise at 7:24 am and sunset at 7:14 pm. [Weather.gov]
With the first day of spring drawing ever closer, the McLean Tree Foundation is gearing up for another season of sprucing up the area’s tree canopy.
For a $100 fee, the local nonprofit is offering to help McLean homeowners plant growing native trees in their yards as part of its Neighborhood Tree Program, which is now in its ninth year.
“Native trees increase biodiversity, enhance ecosystems, provide shelter for wildlife, improve our health and the environment, increase property values, and reduce heating and cooling costs for homeowners,” MTF Chairman Carol Wolter said in a news release. “In short, trees contribute to our well-being!”
Launched in 2014, the Neighborhood Tree Program is the only tree-planting initiative in Fairfax County that’s specifically aimed at homeowners, according to the foundation.
In addition to selecting and delivering a 6 to 12-foot-tall tree, volunteers help with the actual planting, give residents information about how to take care of the tree, and check in after a few months to see how it’s doing.
Plantings occur in the spring and fall, but applications are accepted throughout the year, MTF board member Steve Lagerfeld says. Since it began, the program has added 70 trees in McLean.
The McLean Trees Foundation originated in 1964 as a McLean Citizens Association program whose goal was to plant 300 dogwood, oak and maple trees, according to the foundation’s website.
Using proceeds from a community-wide newspaper recycling campaign to fund tree plantings, the program evolved into a permanent MCA committee in 1980 and incorporated as a standalone organization in 2004.
After the recycling campaign ended in 2014, the foundation says it’s now entirely supported by grants and donations. On top of the Neighborhood Tree Program, MTF has tree sponsorships where donors of $500 or more can get one planted at a public park.
The toll lanes on I-66 outside the Capital Beltway have been open for over three months now, but some drivers are still getting tripped up by the accompanying signage.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors directed staff on Tuesday (March 7) to prepare a letter asking the Virginia Department of Transportation to clarify the information on its signs about toll prices and exit locations.
Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity, who requested the move, said his office has continued to receive complaints from confused constituents.
“The signage used on these newly opened Express Lanes is not as clear as the signs on I-495 and I-95 Express Lanes,” Herrity said. “The signage does not provide total cost information for the entire length, and it does not give clear information to drivers on locations of exit ramps to general purpose lanes, which is important for drivers deciding whether to pay additional tolls.”
Covering 22.5 miles from the Beltway (I-495) in Dunn Loring to Route 29 in Gainesville, the westward extension of the I-66 Express Lanes became fully operational on Nov. 22, though portions of the overall $3.7 billion project are still under construction.
The signage was developed in accordance with federal guidelines and approved by the Federal Highway Administration, but both VDOT and I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP), the private company that operates the toll lanes, acknowledged that this is “a learning period” as drivers adjust to new signs and traffic patterns.
“We are looking at areas in the corridor where we might enhance or clarify the signage in an effort to help drivers,” VDOT Northern Virginia’s megaprojects section said in a statement.
Because of their length, the new lanes are split up into three eastbound segments and four westbound segments, charging drivers for each segment they take. Signs for the lanes currently show only toll prices for specific sections, rather than the whole corridor.
Nancy Smith, the corporate affairs director for I-66 EMP, says the operator is “aware” that this approach “may present particular confusion” at spots like the I-495 interchange that are complicated to navigate, but it’s ultimately more effective.
“This system provides our drivers with the most accurate rates as well as greater flexibility to determine when to get on and off the lanes,” Smith said. “An end-to-end rate wouldn’t accurately reflect conditions in the furthest segment by the time a driver gets there. Again, it will take time for all drivers to completely familiarize themselves with our segmental tolling system.”
According to I-66 EMP, the average weekly toll lanes usage increased from about 3% to 5% of I-66 users over the past month, suggesting drivers becoming more accustomed to the lanes.
“That’s a very encouraging growth trend,” Smith said.
I-66 EMP has an online trip planning tool that provides toll estimates. Its customer service center at 1-833-643-2867 will also answer questions, Smith said.
Despite his concerns about the signage, Herrity called the I-66 Express Lanes project an “impressive feat” that provides new transportation choices and “a quicker commute due to the additional capacity from the toll lanes.”
“I thought a letter from the board might help VDOT encourage the contractor to get that signage done,” Herrity said.
The time has come for Vienna to decide as a community how the former Faith Baptist Church property at 301 Center Street South can best be utilized.
The Town of Vienna launched a survey earlier this week to gather public feedback on potential future uses for the 3-acre site, now known as the Annex.
Open to town residents and non-residents, the community perspective questionnaire is part of a long-term use study that the town has undertaken after hiring the consulting firm Kimmel Bogrette Architecture + Site in November.
“We want to ensure the reimagined Annex property evolves into something the entire community can enjoy,” Vienna Mayor Linda Colbert said. “That’s why it’s important for community members to respond to our survey and let us know what they see as priorities or unmet needs. Their input will help inform the Town Council’s decision on what comes next for the Annex.”
What's next for the Annex? The Town wants your feedback on how the 301 Center St. S. property should be used. Tell us your thoughts at the Community Workshop on Tuesday, March 28, at 6:30 p.m. in the @VPDVA Community Room or take the online survey: https://t.co/k5QwKZot4T. pic.twitter.com/DnBtWi7xHy
— Town of Vienna, VA (@TownofViennaVA) March 7, 2023
When the town purchased the former church for $5.5 million in 2020, the acquisition was seen as a fortuitously timed fix to the impending challenge of finding a temporary home for the Vienna Police Department while its new station was under construction.
Now that the police have moved into the new station, however, the town council has been reluctant to commit any funds to the church property, including for repairs, without having a long-term plan in place.
Intended to guide the consulting firm, the community questionnaire asks respondents what activities they value in Vienna and what amenities are currently lacking in the town, from recreational and educational opportunities to public art and retail options.
The survey will be open through May 1. Community members will also get to provide feedback at an in-person workshop that will be held in the new police station (215 Center Street South) at 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28.
The town council will discuss the study’s goals at a conference session on March 20. The consultant is scheduled to present its final recommendations on June 12.
School Board Member Joins Race to Replace Ken Plum — Karen Keys-Gamarra won’t return as an at-large member of the Fairfax County School Board, instead filing to become delegate in Virginia’s new House District 7. She is the fifth candidate vying to succeed Del. Ken Plum, who confirmed last month that he won’t seek reelection after representing Reston for 44 years. [Patch]
County Breaks Ground on New Government Center — “We celebrated the beginning of construction on the new Franconia Governmental Center and Kingstowne Regional Library this week. The new facility — projected to open in 2025 — will provide a safe, convenient and friendly environment for the residents of the Kingstowne area to gather and to access county services in one central location.” [Fairfax County]
Virginia Makes Final Pitch for FBI HQ — “Virginia leaders met with federal officials on Thursday to make their final pitch to bring the…headquarters from downtown Washington, D.C. to Fairfax County…According to Virginia officials the Springfield site offers infrastructure, Metro and railway access that other options do not.” [FOX5]
Students Design Art for Future Route 1 Bus Stations — “Students from three area high schools recently completed design concepts for artwork at seven of the nine future Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations. The preliminary designs will be presented at the BRT Executive Committee meeting March 10 before community feedback is sought” [On the MoVe]
Weather Affects Local Wine Vineyards — “This winter has been one of the warmest in recent years, and Northern Virginia winegrowers say they are worried about how the rise in temperature and a potential drop in temperature could impact the production of grapes and growth of vineyards.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Community Meeting on Pan Am Redevelopment Coming — “The Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development will hold a community meeting for residents to learn more about the Pan Am Shopping Center Project on Thursday, March 30th from 7PM to 9PM at the Pan Am Shopping Center (3069 Nutley Street).” [Palchik Post]
Park Service Previews Upcoming GW Parkway Changes — “The George Washington Parkway is in the process of getting some much-needed TLC. In order to rehabilitate the road, drivers will see lower speed limits, changing road configurations and even a reversible lane that would begin operating in just over a month.” [WTOP]
Daylight Saving Time Begins Sunday — “Remember, we move our clocks forward one hour Sunday morning at 2 a.m. Also remember when you change your clock we want you to check your smoke alarms to ensure they work.” [FCFRD]
It’s Friday — Possible light rain until evening. High of 47 and low of 37. Sunrise at 6:29 am and sunset at 6:11 pm. [Weather.gov]
This summer will be Cold Stone Creamery’s last at Vienna Marketplace.
The ice cream shop will vacate 205 Maple Avenue by Aug. 31 to make way for fast-casual restaurant Taïm Mediterranean Kitchen, according to a leasing agent for KLNB, which owns the shopping center.
Joined by Chipotle and Noodles and Company, Cold Stone has been a mainstay of Vienna Marketplace since at least 2006, according to Yelp reviews. The 1,315-square-foot space is sandwiched in between the heavily frequented but still relatively new South Block and Crumbl Cookies.
It’s unclear whether the closure will mark an end to Cold Stone’s time in Vienna, or if a relocation is being considered. A media contact for the company didn’t respond to requests for comment by press time.
Once Cold Stone closes in about six months, Taïm will begin its build-out in anticipation of opening later this year.
“Mediterranean cuisine has emerged as a great option for the health-conscious consumer,” KLNB Principal Craig Cheney said. “Taïm Mediterranean Kitchen is a fresh, new, quick-service concept where consumers can build their own meal, and is bound to be a hit in Vienna. We’re pleased they chose Vienna Marketplace to be one of their first locations in Virginia.”
Started in New York City in 2005, Taïm has gained a following for its falafel, chicken shawarma and fries, now boasting 13 locations in the New York and D.C. areas, including one that opened earlier this year in College Park, Maryland.
Before coming to Vienna, the chain will venture into Virginia for the first time with a restaurant at Tysons Station in Pimmit Hills. That location remains on track to open late this spring, according to Phil Petrilli, founder and CEO of Untamed Brands, the restaurant group that includes Taim.
“Fans who have experienced taim in the city continue to ask us to bring our restaurants to more of the places where they’re hybrid working or moving with their growing families,” Petrilli said. “We’re really looking forward to meeting our neighbors and serving each community.”
For Vienna residents scouting out other places to get their ice cream fix, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream opened last week just on the other end of the block in Glyndon Plaza, joining Ben & Jerry’s, Toby’s Ice Cream, Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard, and more.
In the meantime, the Vienna Cold Stone remains open from noon to 9 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Facing financial constraints, Fairfax County hopes to defer some public safety projects as part of its bond referendum plan.
At a Fairfax County Planning Commission meeeting late last month, county staff announced intentions to establish a 2024 bond referendum for the Tysons Fire Station. The move would push a referendum for the Chantilly Fire Station from 2024 to 2030 and plans for the fire department’s well-fit training facility to 2030.
The discussion comes as part of the county’s proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for fiscal years 2024-2028, which was unveiled on Feb. 21 in conjunction with a proposed county budget.
A significant portion of the bond program goes to required contributions toward Metro, county staff say.
“It eats into our capacity for other program areas,” Martha Reed, the capital programs coordinator of the Department of Management and Budget, said.
According to Reed, fire department officials were comfortable with postponing the planned project for a new Chantilly Fire Station. The building, which is currently aging, is surrounded by a new development. She also noted that there are early and preliminary talks to redevelop the fire station.
Public safety officials also said they were comfortable with delaying a referendum for a new police station in Tysons.
The county is considering including a new place for the Criminal Justice Academy in the 2024 bond referendum, which would push out a referendum for Tysons Police Station to 2030.
In other parts of the county, a new Chantilly Library was pushed out from 2026 to 2032.
The Tysons Fire Station is the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department’s top priority, according to a summary of the proposed CIP. The county has money for the project design, but not enough for construction, and funds from proffers were also delayed, Reed said.
The project deferrals reflect challenges with the county’s bond referendum plan — namely backlogs in unsold bonds. After they’re approved by voters, bonds must be sold within eight years unless the courts grant a possible two-year extension.
Challenges include restrictions on annual bond sale amounts, changes to projects after voter approval, and project delays, Reed said.
Additionally, the county has factored in a roughly 10 to 12% buffer to project costs due to inflation and escalating costs in construction bids.
A report by a joint county and schools CIP committee recommended devoting one penny on the real estate tax rate toward debt service payments.
The report, completed in 2021, also recommended gradually increasing the limit on annual General Obligation bond sales from $300 to $400 million. Bonds are typically what finance most capital projects.
The county is also exploring other sources for project funding. The old Mount Vernon High School redevelopment, for example, will be supported by Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority bonds. The Tysons Community Center relies on a partnership with the Dominion Square developers.
Bonds by the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority are expected to be sold in fiscal year 2024, which begins on July 1.
But Dranesville District Commissioner John Ulfelder said he was concerned about the Tysons police station’s deferral “in light of current events” in the area, namely the recent fatal police shooting at Tysons Corner Center.
“My concern is there is a fair amount of crime in Tysons, or certainty it gets publicity,” Ulfelder said.
The county will revisit its CIP with the commission on March 29, followed by public hearings before the Board of Supervisors on April 11, 12, and 13. The final version will be adopted on May 2.
