For today and tomorrow, Tysons Reporter will be counting down our most-read articles of 2019.
We’re kicking off the retrospective today with articles #11-20.
20. Rehab Company Faces Widespread Community Backlash Over Planned McLean Facility (5,746 views)
A series of new group homes by Newport Academy, a corporation that runs therapy programs treating teenagers with mental health or addiction problems, faced a backlash from residents at a meeting in April.
19. Whole Foods Picks New Space in Downtown Falls Church (6,165 views)
The grocery chain signed a lease in early November to anchor the redevelopment of the corner of E. Broad and N. Washington streets, according to Falls Church News-Press.
18. Danielle’s Desserts Closing at Tysons Galleria in August (6,258 views)
The Tysons Galleria bakery announced that it would close in August.
17. Fairfax County Considering Parking Space Reduction for Malls in Tysons (6,793 views)
In October, Fairfax County started to consider reducing its parking requirements for its largest malls in the county — the two in Tysons, Fair Oaks and Springfield Town Center. (Ultimately, the Board of Supervisors approved the change.)
16. Here’s When The Boro Developments Are Set to Start Opening (6,924 views)
In February, Tysons Reporter gave readers an update on when the residential and retail components of the new Tysons development would open their doors.
15. Here Are the Candidates Running in Fairfax County Races (7,243 views)
Ahead of the November election, Tysons Reporter created a short guide to the candidates running in the local races affecting Tysons residents and information on when and where to vote.
14. Three People Injured in Electrical Incident in Tysons (7,318 views)
Three workers were injured while installing a conduit box and more than a thousand people were without power along Greensboro Drive in Tysons one September afternoon after a contractor cut into energized cables.
13. Five Tysons-Area High Schools Make U.S. News’ Top Virginia Schools List (7,484 views)
Several public high schools in the Tysons-area, including Langley and McLean high schools, made the cut for U.S. News and World Report’s annual roundup of best high schools on the state and national levels.
12. Tysons Biergarten Closing Ahead of New ‘Shipgarten’ in Scotts Run (7,872 views)
The Tysons Biergarten announced its upcoming closure by the Greensboro Metro station. The owners behind the beer garden are planning to open a new concept called The Shipgarten at Scotts Run that is set to open in spring 2020.
11. Here’s the Latest on the Restaurants, Stores Coming to The Boro (8,187 views)
Another update in June told readers which retailers and restaurants were lined up to come to The Boro development.
Check back tomorrow for the countdown of the top 10 stories.
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The Fairfax County delegation to the General Assembly will hold a public hearing for the upcoming 2020 session.
The hearing will take place on Saturday, Jan. 4 at 9 a.m. in the board room of the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway).
Residents interested in speaking at the hearing should register online or contact the county’s Department of Clerk Services at 703-324-3151 by Thursday, Jan. 2.
Only county residents can speak either on behalf of themselves or an organization serving county residents. All speakers will be allocated three minutes to address the delegation. The hearing will be streamed online.
The 2020 session convenes on Wednesday, Jan. 8. More information about key dates is available online.
This story was written by Fatimah Waseem and also appeared on our sister site Reston Now.
Photo via Fairfax County/Facebook
With the holiday season in full swing, several residents in McLean are turning the exteriors of their homes into festive showcases.
Tysons Reporter spotted more than a dozen houses in the Ingleside and Langley areas with colorful lights and elaborate decorations. Blue-colored snowflake projections onto the side of the homes seemed to be a popular choice this year.
Check out the gallery above and let us know in the comments if you have — or are planning to — deck your residence or business with holiday spirit this year.
Have a photo you want to submit? Tag or direct message us on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) or email [email protected].
Meetings to solicit community input on a proposed boundary change for two high schools in McLean seemed to raise more questions than they answered.
Roughly 200 parents, stakeholders and politicians, including Providence District Supervisor-elect Dalia Palchik and several incoming Fairfax County School Board members, attended the meetings at Langley High School on Monday (Dec. 2) and McLean High School last night (Wednesday).
McLean High School, which was designed for a capacity of 1,993 students, currently has 2,350 students. Meanwhile, newly renovated Langley High School has 1,972 students and could have up to 2,370, according to the presentation from FCPS staff.
The proposed boundary change would move some students from McLean High School (1633 Davidson Road) to Langley High School (6520 Georgetown Pike) to address the overcrowding issue.
There are 18 trailers at McLean High School right now, Jane Strauss, the Dranesville District representative on the school board, said at the Monday night meeting.
“It would be unfair to not consider a boundary change,” Strauss said, adding that Fairfax County does not want to move juniors and seniors from the schools. “You want to keep large cohorts of kids together.”
A strike against the contractor of Metrobus could affect service by the Fairfax Connector.
The union that represents Fairfax Connector drivers indicated that a strike is possible amid an ongoing labor dispute with Transdev, the operations contractor of the Fairfax Connector service.
The county has recently warned that ongoing negotiations for a new labor agreement with the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1764 could result in service delays.
Here’s more from the county:
The Fairfax Connector operations contractor, Transdev, is currently negotiating a new labor agreement with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1764, which represents Fairfax Connector drivers and mechanics. Even though Fairfax County is not a party to any labor negotiations between Transdev and labor unions, Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) has encouraged negotiations in good faith with the goal of completing a new contract prior to the expiration of the current one on Nov. 30, 2019.
FCDOT strives to provide effective communications and excellent customer service to our customers. We understand that you depend on us to take you where you need to go with reliable service. If the current negotiations are not successful and labor action occurs, FCDOT will communicate with passengers about service impacts and travel alternatives.
The county offers updated about Fairfax Connector service online. Residents can also sign up for email service alerts through the county’s BusTracker.
NEW: Metro’s leader sends letter to both sides involved in ongoing Metrobus strike in Northern Virginia – urging them to find a mediator and come to a resolution #wmata @nbcwashington @ATULocal689 @Transdev pic.twitter.com/Sze0Z4C2MX
— Adam Tuss (@AdamTuss) November 13, 2019
This story was written by Fatimah Waseem
(Updated at 10:15 a.m.) Tysons area commuters heading to and from Maryland on the Beltway may see some relief from the constant traffic woes.
The governors of Virginia and Maryland announced an agreement Tuesday morning that would see the construction of a new American Legion Bridge.
The agreement to rebuild the bridge is being billed as “historic” and “a big win for Northern Virginia, the metro region, and our entire Commonwealth” by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D).
The new bridge will “relieve congestion at one of the country’s worst traffic chokepoints,” according to a press release, below. “The project is expected to cut commuting time in half for many travelers, reduce congestion in the regular lanes by 25 percent, provide 40 percent more lane capacity over the old bridge, and include bicycle and pedestrian paths across the Potomac River.”
The new bridge will be build on largely the same footprint as the existing bridge, but with two new express lanes in both directions. The initial stages of construction could begin as early as 2021.
Proud to stand with @GovLarryHogan to announce our new, historic Capital Beltway Accord. Finally, our two states have come together to rebuild the American Legion Bridge—a big win for Northern Virginia, the metro region, and our entire Commonwealth.https://t.co/lamx5p3zqr pic.twitter.com/av4wOhzYjI
— Governor Ralph Northam (@VAGovernor73) November 12, 2019
More via a press release from the governor’s office:
Governor Ralph Northam (D-VA) and Governor Larry Hogan (R-MD) today announced a bi-state, bipartisan accord to create a new, unified Capital Beltway, replace the aging American Legion Bridge and relieve congestion at one of the country’s worst traffic chokepoints. The two governors made the announcement at the annual Capital Region Transportation Forum in Washington, DC.
“A new bridge means commuters will get to work and back home faster,” said Governor Northam. “Our teams have identified a way to fix one of the worst traffic hot spots in the country. This demonstrates what can get done when leaders come together to find shared solutions to tough regional problems. This is about helping people see their families more, grow their businesses, and further unlock the region’s vast economic potential.”
“The ‘Capital Beltway Accord’ is a once-in-a-generation achievement for the capital region,” said Governor Hogan. “A bipartisan, commonsense, interstate agreement such as this has eluded elected leaders throughout the region for many decades. Together with our partners in Virginia, we are building a foundation for even greater economic growth, greater opportunity for our citizens, and advancing real, lasting, transformative improvements for the entire Washington metropolitan region.”
The project complements ongoing plans by both governors in their jurisdictions–advancing a region-wide vision for a seamless network of reliable travel options around the Capital Beltway, and along Interstates 270 and 95, 395, and 66.
The project is expected to cut commuting time in half for many travelers, reduce congestion in the regular lanes by 25 percent, provide 40 percent more lane capacity over the old bridge, and include bicycle and pedestrian paths across the Potomac River.
The American Legion Bridge has been operating beyond its capacity for nearly four decades. Daily traffic has grown 390 percent since the bridge opened in 1962, with 235,000 vehicles using it daily. More than 40 percent of the region’s population travels this segment of the Capital Beltway, and the region expects to grow by another 1.2 million people by 2040. Both governors have made it a top priority to identify a long-term, seamless solution for the Capital Beltway.
The project will replace the existing lanes in each direction across the Potomac River and add two new Express Lanes in each direction for approximately three miles between the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Virginia to the vicinity of River Road in Maryland. New bicycle and pedestrian access will connect trails on both sides of the Potomac River. The project is being designed predominantly within the footprint of the existing bridge and right-of-way to minimize impact to travelers, the environment, and surrounding communities. No homes or businesses are expected to require relocation.
“This is once-in-a-generation project that will improve accessibility throughout the region,” said Virginia Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. “This is a milestone in regional cooperation. We in Virginia look forward to working hand-in-hand with Maryland to deliver this transformative transportation solution.”
(Updated at 10:30 p.m.) School Board member Dalia Palchik defeated Republican Eric Anthony Jones to win the Providence District seat on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
Meanwhile, John Foust was reelected to the Dranesville District seat, defeating his Republican opponent Ed Martin. Foust was first elected to the county board in 2007.
Palchik received roughly 70 percent of the vote, while Foust received about 64 percent of the vote — voting figures cited are unofficial.
Palchik celebrated her win at the Arlington-Fairfax Elks Lodge in Fairfax with Karl Frisch, who won the Providence District seat on the Fairfax County School Board, and Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross, who won reelection.
Palchik will replace Linda Smyth, who announced last December that she wouldn’t run for reelection this year.
“I’m overjoyed. It’s been a long year,” Palchik told Tysons Reporter. “We’ve come out with a stronger community and a stronger county.”
Meanwhile, at the watch party at the McLean Community Center for Foust and other Democratic candidates, attendees appeared stressed around 8 p.m. when an “error” message appeared on the Virginia Department of Election’s webpage with the live results.
We are aware of the problem with the results on our website and are working to fix it. #VirginiaElection #VirginiaVotes
— VA Dept of Elections (@vaELECT) November 6, 2019
“People who care about our future are being elected to office,” Foust told Tysons Reporter. “I think the type of leadership we need to move forward in Fairfax County is in place.”
Current Lee District Supervisor Jeffrey McKay won the Board of Supervisors’ chair with roughly 65 percent of the vote, beating Republican Joe Galdo.
Democrat Steve Descano won the race for the Commonwealth’s Attorney position in Fairfax. Descano ousted current Commonwealth’s Attorney Raymond Morrogh in the June primary.
Democrat Elaine Tholen won the Dranesville District Seat on the Fairfax County School Board.
More from social media:
I’m here tonight at the @johnfoustva watch party – numbers still have to come in, but Fairfax Dems are feeling confident about the races. @TysonsReporter pic.twitter.com/8BdRNSVqaJ
— Kalina Newman (@KalinaNewman) November 6, 2019
UPDATE 2: @johnfoustva takes off Ed Martin, layers down to reveal his own campaign shirt underneath. Crowd goes wild. @TysonsReporter #VirginiaElection pic.twitter.com/YBY1K3L8Cp
— Kalina Newman (@KalinaNewman) November 6, 2019
Virginia Democrats win majorities in both the state House and Senate, giving them control of the legislature and the governorship for the first time in 26 years. Follow our full U.S. election coverage. https://t.co/z2PXWC7DHk
— AP Politics (@AP_Politics) November 6, 2019
Catherine Douglas Moran, Ashley Hopko and Kalina Newman contributed to this story.
Updated at 4:25 p.m. — As of 4:23 p.m., county-wide turnout is at 25.1% for in-person voters, Fairfax County tweeted.
With just a few hours left before the polls close this evening, Tysons-area voter turnout has steadily increased throughout the day.
Contested races are underway for the Providence and Dranesville District seats and the chair on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
As of 1 p.m., voter turnout was at 15.9% in the Providence District, 18.2% in the Hunter Mill District and 18.4% in the Dranesville District, Fairfax County tweeted.
Around 2 p.m., Tysons Reporter spotted a full parking lot outside George Marshall High School (7731 Leesburg Pike). As of 1:57 p.m., 991 people had voted at the high school.
A polling official at Marshall told Tysons Reporter that it’s been a “great steady flow” all day.
The Chief Election Official at Langley High School in McLean told Tysons Reporter earlier today that most voters tend to come between 5 p.m. and when the polls close at 7 p.m.
Registered voters can find their polling locations with the My Neighborhood Map or through the portal on the Virginia Department of Elections website.
Tysons Reporter interviewed the candidates running for the Providence and Dranesville District seats on the Board of Supervisors: Dalia Palchik, Eric Anthony Jones, John Foust and Ed Martin.
Additionally, we have a guide about who is running in the local races for the Tysons area.
When you #vote on Tuesday, don't forget to turn your ballot over! It's two-sided.#VoteNov5 #IWillVote #IamAVoter #VAleg #HD40 #VAelection #VAelections #VirginiaVotes #LocalElectionsMatter #GOTV #GetOutTheVote #Election2019 #2019Election #Virginia #VA pic.twitter.com/wPoewRMIBj
— Fairfax County Votes (@fairfaxvotes) November 3, 2019
Kalina Newman and Catherine Douglas Moran contributed to this story.
(Updated at 11:45 a.m.) Election day is here and Fairfax County voters are out at the polls.
At Langley High School (6520 Georgetown Pike), two women sitting in the back of the large room where the voting is taking place have been volunteering together for elections for the last 10 years.
Chief Election Officer Amanda Bridges and Assistant Chief Election Officer Virginia Norton said that there has been a “good turnout” so far with 198 voters as of 8:50 a.m. at the McLean school.
“It’s slow but steady,” Norton said.
They expect most voters to come between 5-7 p.m. No issues have been reported at the polling location, they said.
Bridges said that she loves the process of voting, while Norton said that volunteering is “giving back to the community.”
As of 10:30 a.m., the number ticked up to more than 300 voters.
Chief Elections Officer here told me that 198 people have voted here as of 8:50 a.m.
— Catherine Douglas Moran (@c_douglasmoran) November 5, 2019
Over at George Marshall High School (7731 Leesburg Pike), more than 600 people have voted so far this morning as of 10:30 a.m., according to Jenne Faubell, the Chief Election Officer at the location.
Outside the Falls Church area high school, Kim Mislock, a canvasser for the Republican Party, told Tysons Reporter that she feels like parents’ voices aren’t being heard when it comes to the Fairfax County School Board.
“I care deeply about the transparency on the School Board,” she said.
“I feel like people are definitely informed [voters],” Dalia Palchik, a current School Board member and candidate for the Providence District seat on the Board of Supervisors, told Tysons Reporter. “Here at Marshall, there has been a steady stream of people.”
The estimated turnout across Fairfax County was 8.4% around 10 a.m., according to the county.
Election day is here! I'm at George Marshall HS today in the Falls Church part of #FairfaxCounty keeping track of numbers and talking to voters! Since 6 a.m. there have been over 383 people who stopped by to cast their ballot #ElectionDay2019 #ElectionDay @TysonsReporter pic.twitter.com/TuK9zT5Ux8
— Ashley Hopko (@AshleyHopko) November 5, 2019
#Fairfaxcounty Providence District Supervisor candidate @DaliaPalchik greets Cheryl Pendell, a voter, who proudly walked to the polls today! #ElectionDay #VoteOnNov5 pic.twitter.com/b4g1JfCSnx
— Ashley Hopko (@AshleyHopko) November 5, 2019
Voters can find their polling locations with the My Neighborhood Map or through the portal on the Virginia Department of Elections website.
Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.
Tysons Reporter interviewed the candidates running for the Providence and Dranesville District seats on the Board of Supervisors: Dalia Palchik, Eric Anthony Jones, John Foust and Ed Martin.
Additionally, we have a guide about who is running in the local races for the Tysons area.
When you #vote on Tuesday, don't forget to turn your ballot over! It's two-sided.#VoteNov5 #IWillVote #IamAVoter #VAleg #HD40 #VAelection #VAelections #VirginiaVotes #LocalElectionsMatter #GOTV #GetOutTheVote #Election2019 #2019Election #Virginia #VA pic.twitter.com/wPoewRMIBj
— Fairfax County Votes (@fairfaxvotes) November 3, 2019
Catherine Douglas Moran and Ashley Hopko contributed to this story.
