Closed sign (via Tim Mossholder/Unsplash)
With a high office and commercial vacancy rate and over 1,000 locals experiencing homelessness, Fairfax County is considering a zoning change that could use one problem to help solve the other.
The proposal would allow unused commercial spaces, including office and hotel space, to be used as emergency shelters for those experiencing homelessness.
The new zoning would let private entities — namely nonprofits that work with those experiencing homelessness — operate emergency shelters in vacant or underutilized commercial or industrial properties.
“Special exception use would permit repurposing of a commercial building in a commercial, Industrial, or in some Planned Districts with approval by the Board,” a staff report on the change said. “Commercial building includes buildings designed or used for office, hotel, retail, institutional, or industrial purposes.”
In a presentation to the Board of Supervisors housing committee on Nov. 22, staff said there is currently no “emergency shelter” use in the county zoning code.
In addition to creating an emergency shelter use, the zoning change would add a “permanent supportive housing” use for housing that provides assistance and supportive services, like transportation and training, to residents. Supportive housing is reserved in the zoning ordinance for those making below 60% of the area median income.
The presentation didn’t include information on incentives to get private property owners to open their space up for use used as emergency shelter, but board members still expressed enthusiasm for the idea.
“We’ve had similar conversations to this before, but I think we’re in a different situation right now,” said County Board Chair Jeff McKay, “not only with what we know about homelessness but that we also, unfortunately, have a higher number of vacancies because of Covid. I think it’s time to have a conversation about adaptive reuse.”
The proposed changes are part of a general push by the county to reevaluate how it tackles homelessness, particularly by increasing the availability of permanent and supportive housing instead of relying on temporary shelters.
The last point-in-time count, conducted on Jan. 26, found 1,191 people experiencing homelessness in the county, a decrease from 2021 but higher than the numbers reported in the most recent years preceding the pandemic. About 50% of the individuals counted were Black, even though only 10% of the county’s population falls in that demographic.
During the initial months of the pandemic, the county enlisted hotels as temporary shelter for individuals who were experiencing homelessness or otherwise lacked space needed for isolating or quarantining due to Covid.
Photo via Tim Mossholder/Unsplash
Fairfax County Public Schools failed to give needed educational services to “thousands” of students with disabilities when it pivoted to virtual learning due to COVID-19 in 2020, federal officials say.
FCPS must compensate all affected students for the lost services as part of an agreement with the U.S. Department of Education, which was investigating reports that the school system had violated students’ right to a free, appropriate public education (FAPE).
“I am relieved that the more than 25,000 students with disabilities in Fairfax County will now receive services federal law promises to them, even during a pandemic, to ensure their equal access to education,” Education Department Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine Lhamon said in a news release announcing the agreement yesterday.
FCPS said in a statement that it will convene meetings with all current and former students who attended during the “pandemic period” from April 14, 2020 to June 16, 2022 to discuss their Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Section 504 plans.
IEPs are written plans that establish services and academic goals for students in special education. Section 504 prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in programs that get federal funding and requires public school districts to provide a FAPE.
The education department’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) opened investigations into FCPS and districts in Indiana, Seattle and Los Angeles in January 2021, citing local news reports where parents said schools delayed or neglected to deliver the specialized services their kids need.
While acknowledging the pandemic’s “unique challenges,” which prompted widespread school closures in an effort to limit Covid’s spread, OCR says that doesn’t relieve schools of their responsibility to educate students in accordance with their specific needs.
After going fully virtual in spring 2020, FCPS started reintroducing in-person classes that October, but it didn’t bring back all students, five days a week, until August 2021.
Though FCPS attempted to address learning losses with expanded summer programs, OCR reports that the school system “inappropriately reduced and limited services” to students with disabilities, failed to “accurately or sufficiently” track the services it was providing, and “refused even to entertain compensatory education for services it did not or could not provide due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“The evidence strongly suggests that appropriate remedial services still remain unavailable, as a practical matter, to the many thousands of students with disabilities in the Division who may need them,” OCR said in a letter to Superintendent Michelle Reid.
As of this past February, FCPS had only provided recovery services to 1,070 students with IEPs and eight students with Section 504 plans, OCR said. 15.5% of the over 180,000 students who attend FCPS this school year have disabilities, according to state data.
Under the agreement, FCPS must get OCR’s approval for plans to compensate students, appoint an administrator to implement those plans, notify parents and guardians, and develop an electronic system by Jan. 17 to track which students need additional services and what accommodations are provided.
“As we emerge from the global pandemic, FCPS remains committed to working diligently to provide the support needed to ensure each and every student recovers from learning loss,” the school system said. “FCPS has and will continue to leverage resources to ensure students with the greatest need receive prioritized support for enhanced outcomes.”
This isn’t the first criticism FCPS has faced for its treatment of special education students. A lawsuit over its use of seclusion and restraints led to a long-awaited ban on those practices in March, and a report completed in October found that students with disabilities, especially Black and Hispanic students, are disproportionately disciplined.
Parents filed a lawsuit against the Fairfax County School Board and Virginia Department of Education in September, alleging that the hearing process for addressing complaints about IEP plans is biased against families.
Shatter the Silence Fairfax County Public Schools, a nonprofit that says it’s dedicated to fighting abuse, discrimination and sexual harassment, said in a news release that the OCR findings suggest the school system “has a systematic problem with how it treats disabled students,” noting that FCPS has entered into 14 agreements over civil rights complaints since 2014.
“While we applaud OCR for these findings, we express concern that without accountability toward individual administrators, FCPS school bureaucrats will just view this settlement as a ‘slap on the wrist’ and nothing will change,” a Shatter the Silence spokesperson said.
FCPS is currently developing a three-year plan to improve its special education program based on the October review by the consultant American Institute for Research (AIR).
(Updated at 3:40 p.m.) One person was killed this morning in a multi-vehicle crash on the Capital Beltway (I-495) in Tysons.
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department had reported that one person had sustained injuries considered life-threatening, but the fatality wasn’t confirmed until just after 10 a.m. by the Virginia State Police.
VSP said it responded to the crash in the northbound lanes of I-495 near the exit for Route 267 at 6:52 a.m.
According to VSP, the driver of a 2019 Ford F-150 pickup — identified as Robert A. Blakely, 71, from D.C. — was “ejected from his vehicle” and died at the scene. A passenger in another vehicle received treatment for minor injuries.
The crash shut down the northbound Express Lanes and multiple general lanes on I-495 at the Dulles Access Road for hours during this morning’s rush hour, prompting vehicles in the toll lanes to be diverted at Route 7.
By 9 a.m., traffic backups extended approximately 9.8 miles to the end of the Express Lanes in North Springfield, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation’s traffic cameras.
This is the second major crash on the Beltway in as many days. During yesterday’s evening rush hour, a man died after being struck by an SUV near the Braddock Road exit. He had gotten out of the tractor-trailer he was driving following a collision with a sedan.
Units on scene of a multi-vehicle crash on I495 NB at Dulles Access Rd in Mclean area. One life-threatening injury. NB Express Lanes and multiple lanes of I495 NB closed for unknown duration. Expect delays. Seek alternate route. View Map: https://t.co/ooNN1smrhc #FCFRD #traffic pic.twitter.com/AQysAWs8dn
— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) December 1, 2022
ICYMI: Man Killed in Crash on Capital Beltway — A tractor-trailer driver exited his vehicle after colliding with a sedan that ended up on the Beltway’s left shoulder near Braddock Road. While running over to the sedan, the man got hit by an SUV in the I-495 Express Lanes and succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. [FFXnow]
Reward Offered for Suspect in Mount Vernon Murder — “The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Victims’ Rights Foundation have partnered to offer $5,000 each to be used as a combined reward with Crime Solvers for information that leads to the arrest of the Kyjuan Omar Braxton Trott-McLean,” who is wanted for allegedly shooting and killing Maryland resident Brandon Wims on Oct. 2. [FCPD]
Hypothermia Program Launches Today — “Since 2005, the Hypothermia Prevention Program has prevented death and serious injuries among Fairfax County’s most vulnerable residents by ensuring that no one must sleep outside during the winter months. The program is available to any adult in need of immediate shelter.” [Hunter Mill District News]
Last Chance to Weigh in on Sex Ed Changes — The deadline to comment on proposed changes to Fairfax County Public Schools’ Family Life Education curriculum is 4:30 p.m. today. Possible revisions include co-ed classes and language that’s more inclusive of different genders and sexual orientations, suggestions that were raised last year but delayed by the school board. [FCPS]
Grant of $20K Approved for Fort Belvoir Park Project — “The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) Board approved a Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Funds Grant to help fund a project to construct a concession/restroom building at McNaughton Fields Park…It is anticipated that this new building will enhance the experience of hundreds of players and spectators participating in baseball games and practices.” [FCPA]
Fairfax City to Assess Stream Water Quality — “Fairfax City Stormwater Management Division staff will assess the main stem of Accotink Creek and all of its tributaries starting in December. Residents may observe staff wearing fluorescent safety vests as they document and rate conditions in the stream corridors. The stream condition assessment is expected to conclude in April 2023.” [City of Fairfax]
Local Police Collect Toy Donations for Santa — “Before the annual Santa’s Ride delivers toys to local charities and area hospitals, donations can be made through the Vienna Police Department and other locations. During Santa’s Run, police officers on motorcycles pick up donated toys from local government buildings and schools and deliver them to Inova Fairfax Hospital, Georgetown Lombardi Cancer Center and local children in need.” [Patch]
Madison and Fairfax Football Teams Advance to States — “The James Madison High School football team defeated Centreville, 22-7, on Nov. 26 to become the 2022 6D North Region football champion and move on to state competition against Fairfax High School.” [Sun Gazette]
It’s Thursday — Clear throughout the day. High of 45 and low of 33. Sunrise at 7:10 am and sunset at 4:48 pm. [Weather.gov]
Mellow Mushroom is officially coming to the Town of Vienna.
The Atlanta, Georgia-based pizza restaurant has signed a franchise agreement to open a new location at 444 Maple Avenue, the four-story, mixed-use development replacing the now-demolished Vienna Wolf Trap Hotel and Tequila Grande at the corner of Nutley Street.
FFXnow’s sister site, Tysons Reporter, noted early this year that Mellow Mushroom was featured as a leased tenant in a property brochure for the project, but the business didn’t confirm that the location until Monday (Nov. 28).
“We are extremely excited to bring the Mellow Mushroom brand to Vienna,” franchise owner Jay Shah said in the press release. “The support of this community and the Mellow Mushroom team have helped us grow four successful Mellow Mushroom restaurants.”
The restaurant will be operated by the franchisee Vienna Pizza LLC, whose owners also have Mellow Mushrooms in Short Pump, Chantilly, Virginia Beach and Fredericksburg.
Founded in Atlanta in 1974, Mellow Mushroom now has locations in 21 states, including restaurants in Herndon and Chantilly. In addition to pizza, it sells calzones, hoagies and other sandwiches, burgers, salads, and both cocktails and “mocktails”:
Each Mellow Mushroom is unique in its design and décor and frequently captures unique aspects of the local community. The cornerstone of the Mellow Mushroom menu is stone-baked pizzas featuring a crust made from five simple ingredients, including water from Appalachian Mountain springs. Other menu highlights are freshly made salads, handcrafted cocktails, and a wide selection of beers, many of them local.
Mellow Mushroom didn’t return an inquiry about a possible opening timeframe by press time.
The vacated hotel and Tequila Grande buildings were razed this spring, but nothing appears to have been built on the 2.79-acre site yet. Developer Hekemian & Co. estimated in February that construction would take 18 to 20 months.
The 444 Maple project will consist of a four-story, 151-unit residential building with approximately 20,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, supported by plazas and two levels of parking.
In addition to Mellow Mushroom, Hekemian’s marketing brochure indicates that space has been leased to the restaurant Tom Yum Thai and Gloss Nails salon. There are still three available commercial suites.
Fairfax County hopes to increase the availability of bicycle parking spaces by establishing a tiered system that sets minimum requirements for developers.
At a land use committee meeting last week, the Board of Supervisors received an update on the county’s Parking Reimagined project, a comprehensive overhaul of the county’s three-decade-old parking requirements.
One goal is to increase bicycle parking availability, potentially by setting minimum requirements for any new construction, change in use of a building, or expansion of an already-existing development. The requirement would vary based on density — essentially the inverse of the tiered system proposed for car parking, which the county hopes to reduce in high-density, transit-oriented areas.
“The minimum bicycle parking requirement increases as auto parking minimums decrease within the tiered framework, reflecting enhanced abilities to use this mode of transportation within higher density and intensity development areas,” county staff said in a white paper. “Overall, minimum bicycle parking requirements are expected to encourage more biking as the community will begin to expect these parking facilities to be [placed] at their destinations.”
At a minimum, any new construction will have to provide two bicycle parking spaces. From there, the number of required spaces will depend on the type of construction, location, and number of vehicle parking spaces.
A bicycle parking space is defined as an outdoor rack or a built storage facility.
Most developments — from apartment buildings and other multifamily dwellings to museums — would need to match 5% to 15% of the provided car parking spots. The denser an area is, the higher the percentage it will be required to meet.
For example, a community swim club located in the Tysons Urban Center would need bicycle spots equal to 15% of the number of car parking spots. If there are 20 spots for cars or other motorized vehicles, there has to be at least three spots for bicycles.
A shopping center in a suburban neighborhood along the Richmond Highway Corridor would face a 10% minimum. So, if there are 100 vehicle parking spots, there needs to be 10 available for bikes.
The potential for increased availability of parking in the county has been met with strong support from local bicycling advocates.
The Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling has followed the Parking Reimagined initiative closely since it launched last year and has advocated for bicycle parking requirements from the beginning. While not perfect, FABB President Bruce Wright believes “they are a start.”
“Creating more space for secure bike parking encourages greener transportation, frees up land for housing or green space, and most importantly, is more equitable,” Wright said in a statement to FFXnow. “Requiring bike parking in the zoning ordinance is a major accomplishment.”
However, he said the requirements remain “insufficient” and believe that demand, especially in multifamily dwellings, will far outweigh supply if developers only meet the proposed minimum.
More public hearings and engagement opportunities on the plan will be scheduled for the remainder of this year and into early January.
County staff plan to bring a final Parking Reimagined draft plan incorporating public feedback back to the Board of Supervisors sometime in early 2023.
This Saturday, December 3 Wolf Trap’s Holiday Sing-A-Long returns to the Filene Center after two years of virtual performances!
Guests are invited to take part in this free tradition that dates back to 1968.
This Washington-area holiday mainstay features “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band and local choristers from the metropolitan area performing a variety of Christmas carols, Hanukkah songs, and seasonal ballads. Audience members will be invited to sing-a-long to holiday favorites, and can expect jolly appearances from special guests.
There will also be a “Jingle-A-Long,” during the singing of “Jingle Bells,” and attendees are encouraged to bring their own bells to ring along with the merriment. The event concludes with audience exiting the Filene Center in a candlelight processional during the last verse of “Silent Night.” Attendees are asked to bring their own candles (LED preferred) for this portion of the program.
Concessions will be open with warm seasonal drinks, but guests who choose to sit on the lawn can also bring their own picnics and make this a fun, family outing! Parking is free, but limited, so attendees are encouraged to arrive early for parking and bag check. The Wolf Trap Shuttle will not run for this event.
Wolf Trap’s Holiday Sing-A-Long started in 1968, when local choirs were invited to Wolf Trap founder Catherine Filene Shouse’s farmhouse to share in holiday mirth. A few years later, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band and audiences were invited to the Filene Center and the concert took its current form.
Generations of holiday concertgoers have gathered since in celebration, and audiences have performed many of the same traditional songs throughout the event’s 50+ year history.
Prior to the start of the celebration, Wolf Trap will be participating in Toys for Tots, a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve. New, unwrapped toys will be collected at the entrance to the Filene Center. Donations are voluntary and not required.
Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long will take place on Saturday, December 3, at 4 p.m. Admission for the event is free and no tickets are necessary.
Make sure to follow Wolf Trap on Facebook, Instagram, and @Wolf_Trap on Twitter for the latest news and information!
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Officially, winter won’t come for another three weeks, but as far as the Tysons area is concerned, its spirit is already in the air.
This weekend will bring a number of festive, mostly Christmas-oriented events to usher in the colder weather and upcoming winter holidays, from a dance party at The Boro to the previously announced McLean Holiday Art and Crafts Festival.
Winter Boroland
The Boro in Tysons will kick off its festivities from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday (Dec. 3) with Rudolph’s Rockin’ Reindeer Games, which it describes as the “ultimate holiday dance party.”
“Get your groove on with friends, families and neighbors at this holiday-themed dance party featuring a live DJ,” the development said in a press release. “Move and sing to your favorite seasonal tunes while sipping hot cocoa, doing arts and crafts and capturing memories (with Santa photo ops!) for your holiday card. Take part in a special scavenger hunt and compete in reindeer games like freeze dance, red light green light and limbo!”
Santa will be present for photos from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The festivities at Boro Park (8350 Broad Street) are free, but advance registration is encouraged.
Winter Boroland will continue on Dec. 10 with a Holiday Movie Pajama Party at ShowPlace ICON Theatre, which will screen three films that morning:
- 9:45 a.m. — Arthur Christmas (2011)
- 10 a.m. — The Polar Express (2004)
- 10:15 a.m. — Elf (2003)
Tickets cost $8 but include admission, a small popcorn, an apple juice, a goodie bag with candy and a holiday craft, and a photo booth opportunity.
Reindog Parade
Over in McLean, the annual “Reindog Parade” will return to the Langley Shopping Center for a 25th year on Saturday.
Hosted by the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce, the event invites community members to dress up their pet dogs for a parade that will start at 8 a.m. outside Flowers & Plants Etc. (1378 Chain Bridge Road).
Prizes will be determined by a panel of judges, including Del. Marcus Simon (D-53). Dominion Energy spokesperson and former WUSA9 Northern Virginia Bureau Chief Peggy Fox will serve as emcee.
In addition to the parade, the 90-minute event will feature gift bags for participants, hot chocolate and donuts, music by Bristol Sounds, and an appearance by Santa, per the chamber of commerce. An antique McLean Volunteer Fire Department engine and Dominion Energy bucket truck will also be at the scene.
The fire department will have holiday ornaments for sale as a fundraiser, the chamber told FFXnow.
As in past years, the chamber is asking participants to bring two cans of dog food that will be donated to a local animal shelter as a form of “admission.”
Fairfax County might soon expand its Capital Bikeshare network beyond the Silver Line corridor.
The county’s transportation department has proposed adding 28 new stations, including seven in the Franconia District and 21 additional locations in the Providence District.
This will be the rental bicycle-sharing system’s first foray into the Franconia District, where the Fairfax County Department of Transportation plans to install four stations near the Franconia-Springfield Metro station and three near the Huntington Metro station.
FCDOT will discuss its proposal in a virtual meeting at 7 p.m. tomorrow.
Expansion Plans for Capital Bikeshare in Fairfax County!
Virtual Public Meeting, Thursday, December 1, 7 p.m.
•Franconia District
Virtual Public Meeting, Monday, December 5, 6 p.m.
•Providence District
Details: https://t.co/1XaTLXPp6P pic.twitter.com/8K9Wmzw3dn— Fairfax Connector (@ffxconnector) November 28, 2022
The county hopes to fund the Franconia station sites with a Commuter Choice grant that it’s requesting from the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, while the Huntington sites will be covered by federal money secured by Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner.
“The opportunity to install stations near the Huntington Metrorail Station is due to the County working with our Congressional delegation to secure federal support to expand Capital Bikeshare to underserved populations in the County,” FCDOT said in a news release. “…Residents who qualify for certain state or federal assistance programs may be eligible for CaBi’s Capital Bikeshare for All equity program, which offers unlimited 60-minute rides with an annual membership of just $5.”
The department will also hold a virtual meeting this coming Monday (Dec. 5) to share an update on its plans to expand Bikeshare in the Tysons area, including to the Vienna area and West Falls Church.
There are currently 30 Bikeshare stations in Tysons and Merrifield after the recent addition of a location at Hartland Road and Harte Place.
According to FCDOT’s Bikeshare webpage, proposed new locations in Providence include:
- Circle Woods Drive and Lee Highway
- Gatehouse Road and Telestar Court
- Hilltop Road & Willowmere Drive
- Kingsbridge Drive and Draper Drive
- Mission Square Drive
- Mosaic District garage
- Prosperity Flats
- Providence Community Center
- Vienna Metro South Entrance
“Since Fairfax County launched Capital Bikeshare in Tysons in 2016, recently completed residential and commercial developments have provided new opportunities to better serve residents and visitors by moving some existing Capital Bikeshare stations to be closer to those types of properties,” FCDOT said.
The Providence District expansion is being funded by a combination of county money and outside grants.
In addition to answering questions at the meetings, county staff will accept comments on the proposed expansions by email ([email protected]), phone (703-877-5600) and mail (FCDOT, Capital Bikeshare Program, 4050 Legato Road, Suite 400, Fairfax, VA 22033) until 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16.
The county also has Bikeshare stations in Reston, where a new one was installed at North Shore and Wainwright drives this fall. Two additional stations are expected at the now-open Reston Town Center Metro station.
I-66 Express Lanes Opening Celebrated — “The I-66 Express Lanes outside the Capital Beltway are open as Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and other officials celebrated Tuesday with a ribbon cutting…Youngkin said the Express Lanes can help busy families get to school, work and other extracurricular activities.” [Patch]
Inova Reports Surge in Emergency Room Patients — “Due to another spike in flu, COVID-19, RSV and other illnesses following the Thanksgiving holiday, Inova’s hospitals are experiencing unprecedented patient volumes and strain on hospital capacity, the health care system reported Tuesday…For every patient discharged another is waiting to be admitted.” [Inside NoVA]
Fairfax Connector Bus Stop in Sterling Changes — “Route 924 Stop Update! Effective immediately the Kohl’s Connector stop will no longer be operational. Beginning December 5, passengers must utilize the bus stop located near 7-Eleven. Use the crosswalk at South Cottage Road to get to the @novaloudoun campus.” [Fairfax Connector/Twitter]
Tysons Corner Center Hosts Holiday Photo Contest — “Our friends at Visit Fairfax are adding more love to the holiday season with a special #LoveTysonsHolidays Giveaway, including a 2-night weekend stay at the Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center, breakfast for two at Barrel and Bushel, and a free photos with Santa package at Tysons Corner Center!” [Tysons Corner Center/Facebook]
Mosaic Elementary Expansion Plan Advances — “Plans to expand and renovate Mosaic Elementary School in Oakton — and bump up its student capacity by a wee tad — received the Fairfax County Planning Commission’s unanimous recommendation Nov. 14…The School Board’s plans call for the school to be expanded by 55,365 square feet, bringing the total to 125,000 square feet, but extending the school’s design capacity by just 12 more pupils.” [Sun Gazette/Inside NoVA]
McLean Cybersecurity Company Acquired — “McLean, Virginia-based Avantus Federal, one of the area’s largest government contractors, has been acquired by Lorton-based QuinetiQ U.S., the U.S. cybersecurity contracting division of London-based QinetiQ Group plc, for $590 million.” [WTOP]
Learn About Upcoming Tysons Transportation Projects Tonight — “The McLean Citizens Association is holding a public meeting virtually on Zoom with Fairfax County Department of Transportation Director, Tom Biesiadny, who will give a presentation and take questions on pending and planned transportation projects and initiatives in and affecting the greater McLean Area.” [MCA]
Mystery Author Extravaganza Coming to Reston Library — More than 20 mystery and crime writers will gather at Reston Regional Library from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday (Dec. 3) to discuss their new books and short stories published this year. Books will be available to get autographs and to buy. [Fairfax County Public Library]
It’s Wednesday — Rain in the morning and afternoon. High of 58 and low of 44. Sunrise at 7:09 am and sunset at 4:49 pm. [Weather.gov]
