Realtors Holding Clothing Drive — “McEnearney Associates is holding its fourth annual winter-clothing drive through Jan. 4. Held in partnership with United Community Ministries, donations of new or gently used winter clothing can be dropped off at either the Arlington office (4720 Lee Highway) or McLean office (1320 Old Chain Bridge Road, Suite 320) weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.” [InsideNova]
Snow on the Way — Fairfax County is expected to get its first snowfall of the season Thursday, with up to an inch of snow and sleet falling Thursday morning before changing to rain. Forecasters, meanwhile, are calling for a snowier than usual winter, with up to two feet of snow falling inside the Beltway over the course of the season. [Capital Weather Gang, Twitter, Capital Weather Gang]
Changes in County’s Recycling Program — “What happens to your recycled items these days? That’s a good question as the worldwide recycling market has changed dramatically in recent months, especially due to ‘Operation National Sword‘ in China.” [Fairfax County]
Interview With Tysons Corner Center Santa — “Santa Claus is making a list and checking it twice as he begins to set up shop at malls and shopping centers throughout the D.C. region as we countdown to Christmas. That includes the Santa Claus at Tysons Corner Center, who has been there for three decades. Many throughout the area have sat on [Santa’s] lap and are now having their children take their turn visiting him.” [Fox 5]
There may be even more upside for Fairfax County from Arlington and Alexandria’s Amazon HQ2 win.
With Amazon set to bring tens of thousands of jobs to the Crystal City area, Apple is now looking elsewhere for a large East Coast outpost.
The Washington Post reported in May that Apple was looking at sites in Crystal City, Loudoun County and the planned Scotts Run development in Tysons. The would-be Apple campus would house 20,000 employees, according to the Post.
But Arlington and Crystal City are now out of the running, according to Arlington Economic Development Director Victor Hoskins.
Though the Loudoun option remains, we’re told that Apple is looking “seriously” at Fairfax County.
Gerry Gordon, Fairfax’s top economic development official, declined to comment on the Apple news. Via a spokesman, Gordon told Tysons Reporter that it is his policy not to talk about company moves until it’s made official.
Photo via Cityline Partners
Update on 11/14/18: A suspect has been arrested and charged in the bank robbery.
(Updated at 4:40 p.m.) Fairfax County Police are looking for a man who robbed a Wells Fargo Bank in Great Falls today.
The robbery was reported around noon at the Wells Fargo at 750 Walker Road, near the Old Brogue Irish Pub.
The suspect reportedly made off with cash and is now on the run after fleeing in a car. He was described by police as “5’6″-5’8″, possibly wearing glasses, black baseball hat, beige jacket, and possibly armed.”
We are no longer searching the area for the suspect and do not believe there is a threat to public safety. Detectives are still actively investigating this case. More updates to follow. #FCPD #FairfaxCountyhttps://t.co/zUUDXxmjCn
— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) November 13, 2018
Map via Google Maps
McLean Citizens Reject Ramp Closure Resolution — “After debating nearly two hours over a pair of conflicting resolutions regarding the Virginia Department of Transportation’s proposal to temporarily close an on-ramp to northbound Interstate 495 during weekday afternoon peak hours, McLean Citizens Association (MCA) board members on Nov. 7 rejected both resolutions.” [InsideNova]
Fire at Madison High School — A fire broke out in a classroom at Vienna’s Madison High School Friday night, but was brought under control by a sprinkler system. [Twitter]
Vienna Legislative Priorities — “The Vienna town government’s draft 2019 legislative agenda looks decidedly similar to ones of yore and continues to ask the General Assembly to maintain adequate state funding and not further reduce local authority.” [InsideNova]
New Retail Concept Coming to Mall — “Macerich this weekend is launching a concept known as ‘BrandBox’ at Tysons Corner Center just outside Washington, D.C., one of the most valuable shopping malls in the U.S. There, it will house six brands, including apparel retailer Naadam and makeup company Winky Lux, for six to 12 months. Each brand will have its own mini store inside an 11,000-square-foot space, with new retailers funneling in and out each year.” [CNBC, Glossy]
Opioid Epidemic Discussion in Vienna — “It might be a scary topic, but still an important conversation to have: TOV’s Club Phoenix is hosting a parent discussion at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, on Understanding the Opioid Epidemic.” [Twitter]
The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority helped to add 164 jobs in Tysons, McLean, Vienna and Merrifield between July and September.
In all, FCEDA says it helped to add more than 800 jobs in Fairfax County throughout the third quarter of 2018. In the Tysons area, the biggest additions were 50 jobs created by the new Arconic Inc. corporate headquarters and 60 jobs created by the expansion of MicroHealth, LLC.
More from an FCEDA press release:
In the third quarter of 2018, the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) worked with 21 businesses that announced the addition of 841 jobs to the Fairfax County economy.
Major announcements came from a wide variety of businesses.
The St. James, an indoor sports, wellness and entertainment venue in Springfield, opened its doors with 300 employees.
“The Washington region and Fairfax County in particular were really a fantastic place for us to develop the very first St. James,” said Kendrick Ashton, the company’s co-founder and co-CEO. “As everyone knows, Fairfax County is one of the most dynamic, high-growth, high-impact counties in all of the United States. The scale, density, economic vitality of the county, along with the quality of engagement that citizens have with sports – being generally active – makes this an incredible place to start a business like the St. James.”
Bechtel, one of the world’s leading engineering and construction firms, announced consolidation of its company headquarters in Reston, adding 150 jobs in the process.
“Since relocating our global operational headquarters to Reston in 2011, we have enjoyed immense support from the business community of Fairfax County and the Commonwealth,” said Bechtel CEO Bill Dudley. “Reston has proven to be an ideal location for Bechtel. Conveniently situated between two airports, it facilitates international and domestic travel, which is key to our business, provides access to a highly skilled workforce, and offers an enjoyable work/life environment for our employees.”
MAG Aerospace also moved facilities to Fairfax County, bringing 120 new jobs in the aerospace and defense industry.
“Fairfax County provides an essential proximity to customers, along with the dedicated and talented workforce to serve those customers,” said Joe Fluet, MAG CEO. “Making Fairfax our new home allows MAG to focus further on its growth and vision of making the world smaller and safer. We’re proud to call Fairfax County our home for years to come.”
“The wide range of company expansions and new jobs announced during the quarter highlights the diversity of our economic base,” said Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. “It’s also a testament to the diverse talents of the highly-skilled individuals we have available to fill positions at these companies.”
Time magazine called Fairfax County “one of the great economic success stories of our time.” Business growth and innovation helps Fairfax County fund the nation’s top-rated school system and other public services that contribute to the quality of life of residents. Fairfax County offers businesses a state-of-the- art telecommunications infrastructure, access to global markets through Washington Dulles International Airport, a vibrant investment capital community and a highly skilled, well-educated workforce.
The award-winning Fairfax County Economic Development Authority promotes Fairfax County as a business and technology center. The FCEDA offers site location and business development assistance, and connections with county and state government agencies, to help companies locate and expand in Fairfax County. In addition to its headquarters in Tysons Corner, Fairfax County’s largest business district, the FCEDA maintains marketing offices in six important global business centers: Bangalore, Berlin, London, Los Angeles, Seoul and Tel Aviv.
New Alcohol Policy for Fairfax Parks — “The Fairfax County Park Authority has updated its policy on the use of alcoholic beverages in county parks, allowing for expanded alcohol consumption under specific conditions… [this] comes in response to an increasing number of requests for alcohol use at park facilities for gatherings and events of all types.” [Fairfax County]
GOP Going Extinct in Fairfax — “The loss of two-term incumbent U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (D-10) means Republicans are down to one lone elected official in Northern Virginia, Del. Tim Hugo (R-40). The blue wave that started last year unseating Republicans like Del. Jim LeMunyon (R-67) and Del. Bob Marshall (R-13) continued this year, when state Sen. Jennifer Wexton (D-10) was able to flip a seat that had been in Republican hands since… 1980.” [Connection Newspapers, NPR]
Nov. is Adoption Awareness Month — Fairfax County is marking Adoption Awareness Month this month. There are currently 196 children in foster care in the county. [Fairfax County]
Mike Tyson Still Dominates ‘Tysons’ Headlines — Although he’s been retired from professional boxing since 2006, Mike Tyson still pops up almost daily for anyone who has set a Google Alert for news about “Tysons.” [Twitter]
County: Be Careful During Dark Commutes — “As night falls earlier now, please take it easy on the roads. Pedestrians: watch for drivers. Drivers: watch for pedestrians.” [Twitter, Fairfax County]
Scam Alert for Fairfax County — If someone calls or shows up on your doorstep saying they work for Fairfax Water, it could be a scam, county officials say. [Fairfax Water]
See’s Candies Opens Holiday Store — “See’s Candies, known for its American-made chocolates, just debuted a holiday gifting center in Tysons Galleria. Go-to boxes, complete with chocolate, brittle, lollipops, and truffles, can be found on the mall’s second level near Macy’s.” [Eater]
Veterans Day Closures Next Week — Fairfax County Government offices will be closed Monday for the observance of Veterans Day, but county schools will remain open. [Fairfax County]
A man accused of threatening to blow up the Starbucks in the Yorktowne Shopping Center, in the Falls Church section of Fairfax County, is due in court for a preliminary hearing next month.
David Velasquez, 28, is facing a felony charge of making a bomb threat in connection with the Saturday afternoon incident, which prompted the evacuation of the cafe and surrounding businesses. His preliminary hearing for the bomb threat charge is scheduled for Dec. 19, court records show.
If convicted on that charge, he could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.
Velasquez is also charged with being drunk in public. It’s the 10th time he’s been arrested and charged with being drunk in public in Fairfax County so far this year, according to General District court records.
More on the bomb threat from a Fairfax County Police Department press release:
A 28-year-old Fairfax man is facing charges for threatening to bomb a Starbucks in the Yorktowne Shopping Center around 4 p.m. on Saturday. David Velasquez was drunk and passed out inside the Starbucks, located at 8104 Arlington Boulevard when an employee woke him and asked him to leave. Velasquez refused and said he had a bomb in his backpack that would explode in two minutes. He then went inside the bathroom and would not come out.
Employees immediately evacuated the business and called 9-1-1. Our officers arrived and asked adjoining business to evacuate as a precaution. Negotiations were attempted for almost 70 minutes before Velasquez finally walked out of the front door and was arrested. Due to his level of intoxication, Velazquez was taken to an area hospital to be medically treated. Velasquez was then taken to the Adult Detention Center, where he was charged with threats to bomb or damage buildings , and being drunk in public. He was held on no bond. Our Explosive Ordinance Division responded and examined the backpack, which did not contain any hazardous items.
Crash in Idylwood Area Closes Road — Idylwood Road was closed in both directions during this morning’s rush hour due to a two-vehicle crash that caused live wires to fall across the roadway. [Twitter, Twitter]
High I-66 Tolls This Morning — “Hump day is often considered one of the heavier traffic days for local commuters, and the day after the elections was no exception. The toll along I-66 lanes, inside the Beltway, reached $45.50 just before 9 a.m. The toll prices are dynamic and change every six minutes, depending on speed and traffic volume. Those who are solo and traveling at peak times have to pay them.” [Washington Post]
Last Night’s Sunset — Across the D.C. area last night, the sky lit up at sunset after an extended stretch of rain and overcast gloom. The spectacular sunset was particularly picturesque when set against the Tysons skyline. [Twitter, Twitter]
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) is scheduled to visit the Barnes & Noble at Tysons Corner Center next Wednesday, Nov. 14, to promote her new children’s book “Bold and Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote”.
Wristband tickets will be distributed starting at 10 a.m. for the signing, which is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Wristbands will be distributed to attendees with a valid Barnes and Noble proof of purchase receipt.
According to the Barnes & Noble website, hardcover editions of the book are available for $17.09. It tells the story of ten suffragists who campaigned for women’s right to vote, from more prominent figures like Susan B. Anthony to lesser known people like Mary Church Terrell.
Gillibrand has represented New York in the U.S. Senate since 2009. She is up for re-election to the Senate tonight (Tuesday).
The book also features illustrations by artist Maira Kalman, an illustrator who has created art for The New Yorker and the New York Times.
Photo via Barnes & Noble
