The affordable housing developer behind the new Lake Anne House in Reston is targeting an apartment complex near Falls Church High School for a similar rebuild.
Enterprise Community Development, a Maryland-based national nonprofit, announced last week that it has acquired the Coralain Gardens Apartments in West Falls Church for $21.7 million, setting the stage for a rehabilitation that will enable the property to remain fully affordable.
Located at 7435 Arlington Blvd, the 10 three-story apartment buildings were built in 1964 and consist of 106 studio and one or two-bedroom units — all of them reserved for residents who earn 60% of the area median income (AMI) or below.
Now 60 years old, Coralain Gardens was at risk of losing its income restrictions, but Enterprise Community Development has committed to preserving them through 2087, according to a press release.
“The acquisition of Coralain Gardens was a wonderful chance for Enterprise Community Development to make a positive impact on the Fairfax community,” Enterprise interim president Christine Madigan said. “We are grateful for the County’s partnership and leadership in affordable housing preservation. We are looking forward to renovating the property and ensuring it remains a great place to live for both current and future residents.”
Enterprise says it will seek federal tax credits to fund “a full-scale rehabilitation” of the apartments, a project expected to start by the first quarter of 2025.
The acquisition was financed with a senior mortgage from a Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF) and Capital Impact Partners (CIP) partnership. Enterprise also assumed an existing loan that the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) had on the property.
The nonprofit was chosen for the deal from the county’s Preservation Partner Pool, a list of housing providers created last year to streamline the process of identifying developers and funding for projects to preserve affordable housing.
In parallel with its efforts to add 10,000 new affordable housing units by 2034, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors adopted an affordable housing preservation policy last year that incentivizes developers to replace both income-restricted and market-rate affordable units.
The Preservation Partner Pool was formed to help implement that policy, which also gave developers the option to provide the replacement units off-site if building them on the redeveloping site isn’t feasible.
“The Preservation Partner Pool enables Fairfax County to quickly act on preservation opportunities that arise, such as this opportunity to purchase Coralain Gardens,” FCRHA Deputy Director of Real Estate Development and Finance Anna Shapiro said. “Enterprise was selected…because of their commitment to extend the existing affordability and invest in physical improvements to the property. The benefits of this acquisition will be realized for years to come for current and future residents.”
Enterprise completed its $86 million Lake Anne House at 11444 North Shore Drive last summer. The 240-unit apartment complex for low-income seniors replaced Lake Anne Fellowship House, which had provided affordable housing for older Reston residents since 1970.
Enterprise owns 114 communities across the U.S. that collectively house 23,000 people.
Northern Virginia has lured another D.C. sports team across the Potomac River.
Georgetown University’s baseball team will play most of its home games this year at Capital One Park in Tysons, the Hoyas announced yesterday.
The team was based at the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy in the District last year after bouncing between the Nats academy, Shirley Povich Field in Rockville and Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, Maryland, for the 2022 season.
The Hoyas won 30 games in both of those seasons, a first for the program, and a pre-season coaches’ poll projected it to finish fourth this year in the NCAA’s Division I Big East Conference, according to the team.
“We are really excited to play at Capital One Park this spring as it is an amazing first-class venue that will provide our fans a great experience,” Hoyas Baseball Head Coach Edwin Thompson said. “We look forward to providing a great product on the field and we know with Capital One Park’s amazing amenities, our fans will enjoy the gameday experience. We look forward to opening day at our new home this spring!”
Capital One Park opened at 1820 Dolley Madison Blvd for its inaugural season at the end of March 2023, hosting over 200 high school and college-level baseball games. The stadium features a synthetic turf field and can seat 650 people in fixed and bleacher seats.
The stadium is part of Capital One Center, the financial corporation’s headquarters campus in Tysons. Slated to be supplemented at some point by an urban park, the facility is intended to be temporary until the mixed-use residential and office buildings approved for the site can be constructed.
Capital One Park’s 2024 season will kick off in February. A full schedule is expected to be available this week, according to a spokesperson for Capital One Center.
The news that the Hoyas will make Tysons their new home came just a month after Washington Capitals and Wizards owner Ted Leonsis announced plans to relocate the professional hockey and basketball teams to Alexandria, though whether that vision comes to fruition remains to be seen.
Fairfax County Public Schools will more than double the number of electric buses in its fleet, thanks to a new federal grant.
The local school system has been awarded $16.59 million as a winner of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s inaugural Clean School Bus program grants competition. The other winner announced yesterday (Monday) was also from Virginia: Newport News Public Schools will receive $525,000.
The funds will enable FCPS to purchase 42 electric school buses. According to its website, the district currently has eight electric buses in a fleet with 1,625 buses, but it was slated to add another 10 in 2022. FCPS didn’t respond by press time when asked to confirm whether those buses are now operating.
“We are honored and excited to be among the recipients of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Awards,” FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid said in a statement. “This recognition not only underscores our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship but also reflects our ongoing efforts to provide healthier, cleaner transportation for all Fairfax County Public Schools students.”
FCPS has pledged to provide entirely carbon-neutral student transportation by 2035. The first electric school bus arrived in January 2021 as part of a statewide initiative led by Dominion Energy, which had proposed replacing all diesel school buses in Virginia by 2030.
However, the Virginia House of Delegates voted against expanding Dominion Energy’s program that spring, instead creating a grant fund that never got funding.
After getting eight electric buses from Dominion in 2021, FCPS received a state grant for 10 buses out of a settlement agreement with Volkswagen, which had been sued in 2016 for cheating on vehicle emissions tests.
The new federal grant funds come from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Joe Biden in 2021, allocating $5 billion to create the Clean School Bus program, which is dedicated to replacing existing school buses with “zero-emission and low-emission models.”
While FCPS intends to buy electric buses, Newport News requested funding to add propane-fueled buses, a switch it said will reduce emissions and lower fuel and maintenance costs.
Rep. Gerry Connolly called the grant “a game-changer” for FCPS.
“The environmental benefits of these new buses are vitally important to our fight against climate change, but the good news doesn’t stop there,” Connolly said. “Students, staff, and parents who spend time on and around school buses will no longer be exposed to diesel exhaust and other toxins from diesel-powered buses.”
This is a gamechanger for Fairfax County. Clean school buses will bolster our fight against climate change and protect the health of students, staff, and parents.⁰
This win comes thanks to the #BipartisanInfrastructureLaw signed by President Biden.⁰https://t.co/mcAKAvZZoH https://t.co/an33Aarx5K— Rep. Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) January 8, 2024
Outside of the school system, the Fairfax County government adopted an operational energy strategy in 2021 whose targets included converting all of its buses and fleet vehicles to electricity or another non-carbon-emitting fuel by 2035.
Fairfax Connector, the county’s public bus system, welcomed its first electric buses in September, and the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services added an electric trash truck in August.
Late last year, the county launched a Climate Action Dashboard to keep track of its progress on various efforts to combat climate change. The transportation portion of the dashboard indicates that the county government has acquired 224 hybrid and 50 fully electric vehicles, putting it just 1.5% of the way to its goal of completely transitioning in just over a decade.
Bills to Expect From the 2024 General Assembly — “Virginia lawmakers will head to Richmond on Jan. 10 for the start of the General Assembly session, which lasts until mid-March.” Key issues up for debate will include proposed tax changes, funding for Metro and a stadium to bring the Washington Capitals and Wizards to Alexandria, and data center regulations. [DCist]
Oakton HS Band Wins Metallica Contest — “Oakton High School’s marching band has won the small high school category in the metal band Metallica’s first-ever ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’ competition…The choreography and nice touches like a drum solo, liberal use of band members throwing devil horns, and wallets on chains seem to have put it over the top.” [Washingtonian]
Local Contractor Violated Labor Law, Judge Says — “JAG Contractors Inc., a Fairfax County company specializing in commercial drywall, discriminatorily transferred and terminated or laid off three workers, per a Jan. 2 decision from a National Labor Relations Board administrative law judge.” The company filed voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Oct. 12. [Washington Business Journal]
Environmental Council Seeks Public Input — “The Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) will meet on January 10, 2024, at 7:15 PM in Conference Room 4/5 of the Government Center…The public is encouraged to attend EQAC’s public comment meeting to share views on the state of the environment and to identify environmental issues of concern applicable to” the county. [OEEC]
Spring Start Anticipated for Old Mount Vernon HS Project — “The Original Mount Vernon High School (OMVHS) is edging closer to construction, with work potentially starting in late spring 2024, according to Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES)…The county originally had hoped to award the construction contract by the end of 2023.” [On the MoVe]
FCPS Program Helps Students With Disabilities Get Work Experience — “On Friday afternoon at Brooke Rental Center in Vienna, Virginia, Fairfax County student Curtis Roberts took inventory of some of the items throughout the warehouse…Since September, Roberts has worked at the store three days per week for one hour each day. It’s part of a countywide program that aims to get students with disabilities working experience before they graduate.” [WTOP]
Nearby: Input Sought on Dulles Greenway Toll Hikes — “The Toll Roads Investors Partnership II, which operates the road, is calling for a peak-hour hike, which would be up from $5.80 for the trip. Off-peak times could jump to $6.40 from $5.25. But residents will have a chance to voice their opinions on the change Tuesday during a hearing at Freedom High School in South Riding.” [WTOP]
It’s Tuesday — Heavy rain is expected with a high near 60, accompanied by strong east winds increasing to 23-28 mph in the afternoon, gusting up to 39 mph. A 100% chance of precipitation is anticipated, with 1-2 inches possible. Rain will persist before 1 am, with a low around 44. Windy conditions continue, and an additional 1-2 inches of rain may fall. [Weather.gov]
In case you didn’t get your fill of rain on Saturday (Jan. 6), another downpour could be in store for Fairfax County this week.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch and a Wind Advisory for the mid-Atlantic region, including Fairfax County and the rest of northern Virginia, ahead of a storm that’s expected to travel up the East Coast tomorrow (Tuesday).
Issued this morning, the Flood Watch is currently set to take effect at 1 p.m. tomorrow and remain in place until 7 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 10). The alert warns that flooding caused by “excessive rainfall” of two to three inches is possible.
The forecast indicates that the heaviest period of rain will come in the afternoon and evening.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” the NWS said. “Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded.”
The Wind Advisory will be in place from 3 p.m. tomorrow to 1 a.m. Wednesday. Southeast winds may reach 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph, according to the NWS.
“Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result,” the alert says.
According to the Capital Weather Gang, the incoming storm will be similar to the one that hit on Saturday, fueled by warm air from the south that will turn most of the precipitation into rain.
Forecasts last week suggested Fairfax County could get up to an inch of snow and sleet accumulation from Saturday’s winter storm. NWS data for the Dulles Airport area indicates that the 0.97 inches of precipitation recorded that day was mostly rain, though there were “trace” amounts of snow.
An impactful storm system will move through the area Tuesday. Potential impacts:
– Wintry Weather in the mtns
– Flooding from heavy rainfall
– Coastal Flooding
– River Flooding
– Storm Force Winds over the waters
– Strong Winds over landLatest: https://t.co/h1hyYvdRiw pic.twitter.com/4jEC2lW3YE
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) January 8, 2024
An impromptu race at McLean High School has gained some serious online traction.
University of Virginia track star Alahna Sabbakhan was visiting the school at 1633 Davidson Road for a straightforward workout, but then, a friend of her boyfriend claimed that he could beat her in a 400-meter race, despite not being a runner.
“He refused to believe that a woman could beat him in a race,” Sabbakhan said in a video that has been viewed more than 11 million times since she posted it on TikTok on Dec. 17.
A sprinter and middle distance runner, Sabbakhan says in the video that, while she didn’t have anything to prove, she agreed to the challenge only because she was already planning to run 400 meters for her workout. When he invited his parents, family and friends to watch, however, she started wondering “what the heck did I get myself into?”
After keeping even with the unnamed man for about 200 meters, Sabbakhan kicked her pace into another gear for the second half of the race and won without seeming to break a sweat.
“I finished hard, because that’s what you do as a track runner, and this was also one of the reps of my 400 workout, so I’m just doing my workout,” she said.
Sabbakhan added that she finished the 400 meters in 57 seconds, “which is pretty good for practice.” Her personal best time of 54.67 seconds was achieved at the Atlantic Coast Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships last year, according to her UVA athlete profile.
In an interview with UVA Today, UVA’s Office of University Communications publication, Sabbakhan said she initially regretted sharing the video on social media, where it has started to gain a foothold on other platforms.
She noted that she didn’t intend for people to “jump on” the man and they’re “on good terms” after talking about the viral video.
A native of D.C., Sabbakhan graduated from St. John’s College High School before attending UVA, where she’s now a senior.
A female D1 track star Alahna Sabbakhan raced a man who insisted he could beat her. The result is going viral pic.twitter.com/7gx0UVuThn
— Track Spice
(@trackspice) January 6, 2024
The current president and a long-serving member of the Fairfax County NAACP has died, the civil rights advocacy organization announced today (Monday).
The exact circumstances of Michelle Leete’s death weren’t addressed, but the organization described her passing as “sudden.”
“The esteemed president and unwavering advocate for civil rights departed this world, leaving a void in the hearts of those she served alongside and a legacy of tireless dedication to justice, equality, and community empowerment,” the Fairfax County NAACP said.
Leete had served on the group’s executive committee since 2013, holding the positions of treasurer and vice president before getting elected as president for the 2023-2024 term.
She became a target of conservative outrage in 2021 after giving a speech at a rally in support of Fairfax County Public Schools providing protections for transgender students. The incident led to her resigning as vice president of training for the Virginia PTA.
Leete’s tenure as president of the local NAACP branch included a focus on police reform, as the organization provided support to the family of Timothy Johnson, who was fatally shot by Fairfax County police last February at Tysons Corner Center.
Former Fairfax County NAACP presidents shared condolences after the group announced Leete’s death.
“Michelle was the embodiment of a selfless leader,” her predecessor, Sean Perryman, said. “She approached community service with a quiet confidence and no ego. She was a steady and calming presence. Her maturity and capability radiated in everything she did. With her death, the Northern Virginia community loses someone that dedicated years to its betterment.”
Kofi Annan, who served as president from 2016 to 2019, noted that Leete had been the organization’s longest-serving board member.
“She was a great mentor and friend to me over the years. RIP my friend,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
The Fairfax County NAACP’s full announcement is below:
With profound shock and sadness, the Fairfax County NAACP branch announces the sudden passing of their president, Michelle Leete. The esteemed president and unwavering advocate for civil rights departed this world, leaving a void in the hearts of those she served alongside and a legacy of tireless dedication to justice, equality, and community empowerment.
The Fairfax County NAACP branch family is grieving this significant loss and extends their deepest condolences to President Leete’s family, loved ones, colleagues, and the entire community she served so passionately. An active NAACP Fairfax County branch member and a member of its Executive Committee since 2013, President Leete served in many capacities, including Treasurer and Vice President, before being elected President for the 2023-2024 term.
Details regarding memorial arrangements and community gatherings to honor President Leete’s memory will be forthcoming. The Fairfax County NAACP branch is working diligently to ensure that the events reflect her profound impact on the community.
Further information and updates will be communicated through official channels and posted on Fairfax County NAACP’s social media platforms. The Branch appreciates the outpouring of support during this challenging time and requests privacy for President Leete’s family as they navigate this loss.
President Michelle Leete may be gone, but her indomitable spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those she inspired and served.
Police have identified two teens as suspects in a spree of postal box thefts that began half a year ago with a mail carrier getting robbed and pepper-sprayed in Vienna.
A 19-year-old man and a younger teen were arrested Friday (Jan. 5) in the 3000 block of Borge Street in Oakton, announced the Vienna Police Department, whose detectives coordinated the search with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Fairfax County SWAT officers.
The teens have been charged with robbery, assault with a caustic substance and identity theft, though the VPD didn’t specify which charges applied to each individual.
According to police, a postal worker reported around 11:50 a.m. on June 2 that a person with a knife had demanded their U.S. Postal Service mailbox keys and assaulted them with pepper spray before fleeing. The encounter occurred in the 500 block of Church Street NE, along the carrier’s assigned route.
“Subsequent to the initial incident, a series of thefts occurred, targeting blue collection boxes in the Vienna, Fairfax, and Oakton areas,” Vienna police said. “In response, Vienna PD initiated a collaborative investigation with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.”
The Postal Inspection Service provides support to the U.S. Post Office by investigating all mail-related crimes.
Even after the arrests, which were made without incident, the investigation into the thefts is ongoing, police said.
The Vienna Police Department expressed thanks to the Postal Inspection Service, Fairfax County Police Department and “citizens who came forward and provided information that helped bring the case to a successful conclusion.”
Inova Revives Face Mask Requirements — “Effective Jan. 4, Inova is requiring that all patients, visitors and staff at emergency departments, emergency care centers and Inova-GoHealth Urgent Care centers wear masks to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.” As of Dec. 29, Virginia was “experiencing a ‘very high’ level of respiratory illness activity — including from COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.” [On the MoVe]
Leader of Fairfax-Based NRA Steps Down — “The longtime head of the National Rifle Association said Friday he is resigning, just days before the start of a civil trial over allegations he treated himself to millions of dollars in private jet flights, yacht trips, African safaris and other extravagant perks at the powerful gun rights organization’s expense.” [Associated Press/WTOP]
Pedestrian in Springfield Crash Still Hospitalized — ” A mother of two just trying to make it home after work was hit by a car as she tried to cross the street steps away from her home…63-year-old Mary Wong, remains in the hospital more than a week after being put in a coma by a hit-and-run driver on the night of December 27.” [WJLA]
County Seeks to Expand Affordable Rental Housing Program — “The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) seeks to expand the number of rental properties available to local participants of the Housing Choice Voucher program.” The authority will hold a free information session for property owners on Jan. 17 to encourage them to join the program. [FCRHA]
Halal Gyro Restaurant Opens in Reston — “Shah’s Halal Food has taken a spot in the North Point Village Center shopping plaza…The menu at Shah’s includes rice platters served with chicken, lamb, falafel, and other options. There are also gyros, sandwiches, as well as sides such as fries, wings, and hummus with pita chips.” [The Burn]
Reston Man Charged With DWI in Vienna — “A motorist who was traveling westbound in the 600 block of John Marshall Drive, N.W., on Dec. 31 at 5:09 p.m. disregarded the stop sign at Lawyers Road and struck a stone wall, Vienna police said…Police transported the 52-year-old Reston man to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.” [Gazette Leader]
Fairfax City Police Add “Cruise Mode” Lights — “Patrol vehicles in Fairfax, Virginia, now have what are being called ‘cruise mode lights.’ ‘These low-intensity, steady burning lights are designed to enhance the presence of police vehicles, especially during evening hours or in low-light situations,’ the City of Fairfax Police Department said in a news release.” [WTOP]
Oakton HS Hires New Basketball Coach — “His climb to the top from an assistant to a head high-school football coach went fairly fast for Brian Slay — about six seasons. Slay, 32, has been hired as the new head coach of the Oakton Cougars. He spent the last two seasons as an assistant for the McLean Highlanders” [Gazette Leader]
It’s Monday — Expect a sunny day with highs near 45, and a northwest wind at 5 to 9 mph that will become a light westerly breeze in the afternoon. Clouds will increase during the night, with lows around 32 and calm winds blowing southeast at about 6 mph after midnight. [Weather.gov]
The season’s first winter storm is making its way toward the D.C. region, though the chances for serious snow in Fairfax County are iffy.
Instead, the county is expected to get a slushy mix of rain, snow and sleet, starting tomorrow (Saturday) morning. The precipitation could add up to an inch of snow and sleet accumulations, along with “a light glaze” of ice, according to a Winter Weather Advisory issued today by the National Weather Service.
The advisory, which also includes central and southeast Prince William County, is scheduled to take effect at 7 a.m. tomorrow and stay in place until 2 p.m. After that, the wintry mix is anticipated to turn into rain.
“Slow down and use caution while traveling,” the NWS said. “When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.”
Fairfax County notes that some of its facilities may close and programs might get canceled, depending on the severity of the weather.
Virginia Department of Transportation crews began treating roadways with salt brine this morning, a process that will be complete by this afternoon’s rush hour, according to a snow update.
[1:40 PM] – The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory, effective from 7 AM – 2 PM on Saturday, January 6, 2024.
What: Mixed precipitation is expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations of a coating to one inch, and ice accumulations of a light glaze. pic.twitter.com/o2Z55pmwA5
— Ready Fairfax (@ReadyFairfax) January 5, 2024
A #WinterWeatherAdvisory has been issued for parts of NOVA.
Please plan on delaying travel when the #snow & #wintrymix begins Sat AM. If traveling, monitor the forecast along the length of your trip.
Check traffic & road conditions: https://t.co/2vj3HqqPy9 pic.twitter.com/BvmXjcmbnD
— VDOT Northern VA (@VaDOTNOVA) January 5, 2024
The full Winter Weather Advisory is below:
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 2 PM EST SATURDAY…
* WHAT…Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations of a coating to an inch, and ice accumulations of a light glaze.
* WHERE…Fairfax County, and Central and Southeast Prince William County.
* WHEN…From 7 AM to 2 PM EST Saturday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions and slippery untreated paved surfaces, mainly from light ice glaze due to freezing rain.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Precipitation is expected to begin as snow and sleet between 7 and 9 AM. Precipitation will change to freezing rain around 11 AM, then rain after 2 PM. Precipitation is expected to end during the early evening.
Map via National Weather Service
