Fairfax County is exploring avenues for regulating or even prohibiting the construction of high-pressure natural gas pipelines under residential streets.
The county’s Board of Supervisors directed staff last week (Dec. 5) to evaluate options for “Board evaluation of, or possible prohibition of” gas pipelines that utilize local street rights-of-way based on their size, the type of pipe used and other operational factors.
The request was spurred by safety concerns from residents, according to Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust, who introduced the motion.
“The residents have questioned the safety and need for this type of line to be located under a local residential street, citing concerns about a higher risk for gas leaks and related hazards in the event of a rupture due to construction activities within proximity of the line,” Foust said.
While no specific project is mentioned in the board matter, which passed unanimously without discussion, Foust confirmed to FFXnow that the potential risks of having major gas pipelines under residential streets was brought to the board’s attention by Pimmit Hills residents, who have spent several years now fighting a planned pipeline through their neighborhood.
The 2-feet-wide underground line proposed by Washington Gas would replace an existing 14-inch-wide line and complete the Strip 1 Tysons project that has been in the works since 2012. When finished, the 5-mile pipeline will run from Tyco Road in Tysons to a new regulator station at the Pimmit Hills Center (7510 Lisle Avenue).
Pimmit Hills residents have rallied against the project, which they argue will endanger their homes and families. Washington Gas has said an alternative route putting the pipeline under Route 7, instead of residential streets, would be more disruptive and time-consuming.
After the Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals ruled in February 2022 that the project needs to get additional county approvals, Washington Gas sued the zoning board and four residents in a lawsuit that challenged the board’s authority to overrule an administrator who determined the project could proceed.
Fairfax County Circuit Court Judge David Oblon overturned the zoning board’s ruling on Oct. 12, determining that the pipeline is a distribution line and, as a result, not subject to the county’s zoning code.
“Washington Gas’ entire series of pipelines engage in the distribution of gas. They are all exempt from the Zoning Ordinance…exactly as the Zoning Administrator originally stated,” Oblon wrote in his opinion, disputing the defendants’ argument that the pipe counted as a transmission line because it doesn’t directly serve the affected properties.
The defendants have appealed the decision to the Virginia Court of Appeals and are seeking to put any construction on hold while Fairfax County develops a possible ordinance, according to Christine Chen Zinner, one of the residents. A hearing on the request for a pause is scheduled for this Friday, Dec. 15.
Kurt Iselt, another defendent and Pimmit Hills resident, says the community is “grateful” that the Board of Supervisors is looking at potential regulations after the October court ruling suggests “the clock on this ticking time bomb is running out.”
There have been several Washington Gas incidents that have hurt individuals and damaged property, so the very thought of placing such a large scale high pressure transmission line in a densely packed residential area raises many safety concerns. These safety concerns impact the entire county due to the recent court ruling, so we’re relieved to see the Board of Supervisors moving in the right direction. Taking steps to study the matter is helpful, and we’re aware of several easy fixes to clarify this ordinance with minimal to no unintended consequences.
According to Washington Gas, the Strip 1 Tysons pipeline will have a maximum pressure of 325 pounds per square inch — 16% of what the system is designed to safely handle.
When asked about Fairfax County’s evaluation of high-pressure pipelines, Washington Gas Director of Strategic Communications Andre Francis noted in a statement that they’re already overseen by federal and state agencies, though the utility’s website says this project didn’t require any federal regulatory approvals.
“These natural gas pipelines are a necessary and integral part of the local natural gas distribution system,” Francis said by email. “Natural gas pipeline safety is fully regulated by the federal Department of Transportation and delegated to the state regulators. The federal regulations that govern natural gas utilities allow for these types of pipelines to be installed in residential streets. These pipelines are installed in accordance with safe, modern construction standards.”
However, gas lines of the intensity and size planned for Pimmit Hills could cause greater damage if they’re struck during construction, residents have argued.
“The fact that Washington Gas would even consider running large high-pressure gas lines under neighborhood streets is a countywide concern,” Foust said.
In addition to seeking to determine whether it could get a say in approving future pipelines, the Board of Supervisors asked county staff to review best practices for the “safety, installation and location of such ‘high-pressure’ gas lines.”
Recommendations will be brought to the board’s land use policy committee in March 2024.
First Snow of the Season Arrives — The D.C. area saw its first snow yesterday (Monday), thanks to a cold front that dropped temperatures overnight from 60 degrees on Sunday. In Fairfax County, preliminary snowfall totals ranged from 0.5 inches in Springfield to 1.5 inches in Mount Vernon, already topping the 0.4 inches recorded last winter at Dulles International Airport. [Washington Post, Inside NoVA]
Wizards and Capitals Could Move to Virginia — “A group of Virginia state lawmakers voted Monday in favor of a deal to bring the Washington Capitals and Wizards to a new arena in Northern Virginia, according to four people with knowledge of the situation.” The plan, which still needs to be approved by the General Assembly and local officials, would move the hockey and basketball teams to a facility in Alexandria’s Potomac Yard. [Washington Post]
Animal Shelter Event Leads to Dozens of Adoptions — “We’re thrilled to share that 55 pets found homes this past weekend during the #EmptyTheShelters Holiday Hope Event! Thank you to BISSELL Pet Foundation and Cathy Bissell for their support in finding so many pets loving families!” [Fairfax County Animal Shelter/Facebook]
County Reflects on Daunting Election Season — Fairfax County Electoral Board chair Katherine Hanley told the Board of Supervisors on Dec. 5 that this year’s local and state elections were “more complicated” than any other off-off-year election in her memory. Complications included an especially lengthy ballot and redistricting-related confusion. [Gazette Leader]
Herndon MS Gets Google Grant for Tech Clubs — “At a hands-on event Monday at Herndon Middle School, about 40 students had the chance to make a robot with the help of Google engineers. The company used the event to announce grants to start robotics and AI clubs in Virginia schools, including one at Herndon Middle School.” [WTOP]
McLean Companies Ordered to Pay for Covid Relief Fraud — A federal court has “ordered IT Services Now LLC and O@sis Group LLC, located in McLean, and their CEO, Mustafa Khabir, 51, of Haymarket, to pay $1,052,227 for submitting fraudulent applications to obtain federally guaranteed loans through the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).” [DOJ]
Man Charged With Soliciting Minor on Snapchat — “A 48-year-old man from Washington, D.C., faces multiple criminal charges in connection with his solicitation of a minor and seeking other victims, according to Fairfax County Police. Detectives began their investigation after parents notified them their child had been communicating with someone called “Alex” on Snapchat.” [Patch]
Reston Pizzeria Offers Discount for Anniversary — To celebrate the third-year anniversary of its Wiehle Avenue location, Pupatella is offering 50% off all red, white and seasonal pizzas all day today (Tuesday). “Join for dine in or carry out…from 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. at the Reston location only to enjoy $7-10 pizzas, or for happy hour from 3-6 p.m. for $7 signature spritzes.” [Pupatella]
It’s Tuesday — Expect sunny skies and a high of 45, accompanied by calm winds shifting south at 5 to 9 mph during the morning. Overnight, the skies will remain clear, with temperatures dropping to a low of 32. South winds will prevail at 6 to 8 mph before becoming westward after midnight. [Weather.gov]
(Updated at 3:30 p.m.) A car wash site on Route 7 in Tysons is ready to roll with a fresh coat of paint and a new company in charge.
Mr Wash Car Wash began operating at 8218 Leesburg Pike on Thursday (Dec. 7), replacing the long-standing Champion Hand Car Wash. To celebrate the opening, the facility is providing free car washes through Sunday, Dec. 17.
“We’re thrilled to serve the Tysons Corner community,” Evan Harris, executive vice president of Mr Wash Car Wash, said in a statement. “As a family-owned business, we’re dedicated to delivering a top-tier car wash experience, creating meaningful job opportunities, and fostering impactful partnerships within our communities.”
When announcing the opening, Mr Wash noted that customers on its unlimited membership plan “automatically have access to all locations.”
Unlimited members get one vehicle wash a day for a monthly payment.
The Tysons center is Mr Wash’s 11th location overall and its fourth in Fairfax County, joining sites in Merrifield, Bailey’s Crossroads and Centreville. Aside from one Delaware car wash, the business is concentrated in the D.C. area, with facilities in Alexandria, Arlington and Maryland.
Construction on the Tysons car wash began in July, according to Scott-Long Construction, which says in a press release that its team overhauled a “previously dilapidated structure.”
Based on its Yelp page, Champion Car Wash had occupied the site since at least 2007, but it appears to have closed around October 2021. The business provided auto detailing in addition to cleanings.
The existing structures were demolished to make way for the 4,703-square-foot Mr Wash facility, per Fairfax County permits. Construction finished on Dec. 1, Scott-Long Construction said.
“We are thrilled to have been involved with the planning and execution of this new state of the art car wash in the heart of Tysons,” Scott-Long CEO John Scott said in the press release.
Mr Wash is adjacent to an office building that’s co-located with Reston Hospital Center’s Tysons emergency room, which opened in June 2022.
(Updated at 10:30 a.m.) A man was found dead in a McLean house where a two-alarm fire broke out this morning (Monday).
Several Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units were dispatched at 9:15 a.m. to the house fire on Ridgeview Circle near Rosamora Court, according to scanner traffic on Open MHz.
“Crews are currently working to get the fire under control,” the FCFRD said.
Per the scanner, 911 received a call around 9:24 a.m. from someone who advised their ex-husband may be inside the house, and at 9:40 a.m., firefighters reported finding a victim on the second floor.
Since the incident is ongoing, a fire department spokesperson said they couldn’t yet confirm whether there were any occupants. However, the Fairfax County Police Department says a man was found dead, and its detectives were called to assist FCFRD with the investigation.
Fire units from Alexandria, Falls Church and Arlington were also spotted on the scene.
Units are on scene of a two-alarm fire in the 4000 blk of Ridgeview Circle in McLean. Crews are currently working to get the fire under control. pic.twitter.com/BkpwKGL2yQ
— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) December 11, 2023
Community Helps Family of Student Who Fatally Overdosed — “A Justice High School student died after overdosing while video chatting with a friend [last] week, now a GoFundMe is aiming to help the student’s family.” Shared by the Justice High School PTSA, the fundraiser drew more than $5,000 as of Friday (Dec. 8). [WUSA9]
Firefighter Checked for Injuries After Lorton Townhouse Fire — “Units [were] on scene of a townhouse fire [on Saturday] in the 9800 blk of Hagel Circle in the Lorton area. Crews arrived with smoke and fire showing. The fire is under control. One firefighter is being evaluated for injuries. No reported civilian injuries.” [FCFRD/Twitter]
Pipe Replacement on Route 123 Begins Today — “Beginning Dec. 11, Fairfax City will replace about 25 feet of sewer pipe on Rt. 123/Chain Bridge Road at the intersection of Armstrong Street. Construction will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays, and work is expected to last about two weeks (weather permitting).” [City of Fairfax]
Dognapping Spree Reported in D.C. Area — “Duke is one of several dogs from Prince George’s to Fairfax County who have been stolen, including a French bulldog puppy who was reunited with his owner in D.C. last month…Authorities say the dognappings appear to be a moneymaking opportunity, targeting expensive breeds that fetch thousands of dollars.” [Washington Post]
Officials to Discuss Unfounded Threats at Fort Hunt School — “Thanks to recent activism by local residents, Fairfax County Public Schools will be holding a community meeting Dec. 11 related to recent incidents in which false reports of violence were made at or toward a local school.” The incidents include a hoax call to police on Oct. 17 that claimed there was an active shooter at Carl Sandburg Middle School. [On the MoVe]
New County Program Will Assist Small Businesses — “On December 12, Fairfax County will launch THRIVE, a technical assistance program aimed at bolstering the resilience and growth of small businesses in the area. Through this initiative, approximately 600 businesses will receive consulting services valued up to $10,000.” [Department of Economic Initiatives]
Local Students Win National Arts Awards — “Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students received 10 awards in the National YoungArts Foundation Competition. These students are part of a group of nearly 700 YoungArts award winners that were selected…from more than 9,000 applications across 10 artistic disciplines.” [FCPS]
Winners of Vienna Holiday Decorating Contest Revealed — “And the winners for the ‘Shine Bright, Vienna!’ Holiday Decorating Contest are…drum roll please… 121 Casmar St., SE and Trousseau! The People’s Choice Award went to Pennywise Thrift Shop, and the Honorable Mention was Trace – The Zero Waste Store. Congratulations!” [Town of Vienna/Facebook]
It’s Monday — After some early morning rain, the day will be mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 42. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Skies will clear at night, when temperatures will reach a low around 27. [Weather.gov]
Zombies, pirates and other virtual characters are about to be unleashed on Tysons, just in time for Christmas.
Sandbox VR will launch its new virtual reality gaming experience at 1656 Silver Hill Drive in The Boro with a grand opening on Dec. 22. This is the first Virginia location for the San Francisco-based startup, which has expanded to over 40 sites across North America, Asia and Europe since introducing itself to the world in 2019.
“We are thrilled to open our very first Virginia location and The Boro — with its robust lineup of entertainment options — is the perfect home,” Sandbox VR founder and CEO Steve Zhao said. “We can’t wait to introduce the McLean community to our world-class VR experiences and give residents and visitors alike the opportunity to experience a whole new reality.”
Initially anticipated this summer, the 7,508-square-foot venue will feature four private rooms known as “holodecks” that can each accommodate up to six players at a time. Players get a headset, haptic vest, a backpack, and wrist and ankle sensors that enable them to interact with each other in a fully immersive virtual world.
Pre-opening booking is now available at a discount of $39 per guest through Dec. 21. Admission is typically $50 to $55 per player, according to Sandbox VR’s website.
Games available at the Tysons location will include “Deadwood Valley” (zombies), “Deadwood Mansion” (haunted house), “Curse of Davy Jones” (pirates), the fantasy world “Seekers of the Shard: Dragonfire,” a sci-fi adventure “Amber Sky 2088,” the gladitorial “Unbound Fighting League,” and ones based on “Star Trek: Discovery” and the dystopian Korean show “Squid Game.”
Sandbox VR will be open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to midnight on weekends.
The virtual reality concept’s arrival continues a trend toward interactive entertainment in Tysons, as the area seeks to diversify its retail offerings to draw in visitors and support a growing residential population. Tysons Corner Center in particular has become a regular destination for pop-up “experiences,” such as the “Encanto”-themed show that opened today (Friday) and a Hot Wheels attraction coming next week.
The primary entertainment option at The Boro right now is the ShowPlace Icon movie theater.
“The Meridian Group is excited to officially welcome Sandbox VR to The Boro,” said Charlie Schwieger, vice president of asset management at TMG, the property owner and developer. “This tech-driven, immersive and social experience will be an entertainment destination for visitors of all ages. It’s the perfect addition to The Boro’s experiential retail lineup, restaurants and family-friendly entertainment options.”
Next year, The Boro will see the arrival of The Trillium Tysons, a senior living community currently under construction. The high-rise apartment building constitutes the first block of the neighborhood’s second phase, a 9.37-acre expansion that will include 40,000 square feet of retail space and more than 800 residential units.
With the last pandemic-era expansions of federal child care aid to states set to end next year, Gov. Glenn Youngkin is proposing to put $448 million into the commonwealth’s early learning and child care system in each of the next two years.
“The reality is that in March 2024, without significant reforms to improve this long-term viability of our child care programs, we would otherwise see children simply being kicked out of these most important collaborations that enable families to realize their dreams and so we can’t leave families, parents and their children without options,” said Youngkin at a press conference for his “Building Blocks for Virginia Families” initiative Thursday.
The funding will be part of Youngkin’s proposal for the state budget over the next two years, which he is scheduled to present to lawmakers Dec. 20. The General Assembly, which Democrats will narrowly control when the session begins this January, will use that proposal as the jumping-off point for their own spending plan.
While the administration has not yet provided a detailed breakdown of how all of the $448 million would be spent, a document provided to reporters includes a list of priorities. They include the desire to “ensure every low-income working family that currently receives public support continues to have access to early childhood and afterschool programs,” “accelerate parent choice, from home-care providers and public school preschools to community co-ops and private day centers,” and require all early childhood programs to “annually measure and report unmet parental demand and preference.”
A few priorities have dollar figures attached: The proposed investment includes $25 million to develop public-private partnerships in areas with child care shortages, $10 million in educator incentives and $1 million to launch early learning and child care accounts on a digital wallet platform for families with children under five. Families can use the wallets to accept funds from such groups as employers, local governments and family members.
Additionally, the plan calls for streamlining teacher licensure requirements and “rightsizing” student-teacher ratios.
“This is about an opportunity for success,” Youngkin said, “and it starts with success for families.”
Kathy Glazer, president of the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation, called the proposal “a remarkable commitment to Virginia’s children and families.”
“By sustaining access to quality, affordable early childhood care and education services, these investments will help unlock the potential of all children and keep Virginia on the path to economic success,” she said in a statement.
An October report by Virginia’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission found approximately 1.1 million children in Virginia aged 12 and younger need child care, and the majority of Virginia families find care to be unaffordable.
The situation is set to worsen. Over the past three years, Virginia has used federal relief funds to help meet child care demand. However, the commonwealth is in jeopardy of being unable to support services when American Rescue Plan Act child care funds expire at the end of the federal fiscal year 2024. JLARC has estimated that 25,000 Virginia children could lose their child care slots as a result of the end of pandemic child care subsidies.
As other pandemic relief programs wind down, legislative staffers have told lawmakers that signs are increasingly pointing to the U.S. entering a slowdown or mild recession next year as high revenues over the past few years begin running dry.
The governor has asked state agencies to begin looking at cuts for the July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2026 budget, the Richmond Times-Dispatch has reported.
Child care advocacy groups on Thursday said they hope lawmakers will see the need to keep parents and providers afloat with stable funding and investments. Allison Gilbreath, senior director of policy and programs for Voices for Virginia’s Children, said the proposed investments are “desperately needed.”
“As a mom, my career begins and ends with access to early childhood that is affordable and accessible for my family,” she said. “So it’s going to be so meaningful for families across the commonwealth.”
Costs
Child care is unaffordable for most Virginians, especially for low-income families, JLARC found in its recent study.
The October report showed child care is unaffordable for 85% of Virginia’s families with infants, 82% with toddlers and 74% with preschoolers.
According to the Century Foundation, a progressive think tank, the average annual cost of child care currently is more than $10,000 for one child, and in some states, it’s as much as $15,000 to $20,000.
JLARC’s estimates put the cost of full-time formal child care in Virginia at between $100 and $440 per week per child, or $5,200 to $22,880 annually. Many child care providers charge fees on top of base tuition rates, which further increase the cost.
Low-income families have relied heavily on Virginia’s Child Care Subsidy Program, which uses federal and state funds to reimburse providers for care services. Last year, the commonwealth received a boost of federal funds for the subsidy program, which JLARC said led to an increase in the number of families receiving subsidized child care and a reduction in copayments for families. Still, demand for subsidy slots remained.
Forty-two percent of the state’s licensed child care providers are subsidy vendors, or providers that service children in the program, JLARC reported.
This article was reported and written by the Virginia Mercury, and has been reprinted under a Creative Commons license.
Rice Culture is now serving taiyakis and ice cream just outside the Dunn Loring Metro station.
The pop-up bakery, a regular at several D.C. area farmers’ markets, kicked off the soft opening phase of its first brick-and-mortar shop last week on Nov. 30. Its location in the Shops at Avenir Place (2672D Avenir Place) had been vacant since Bruster’s Real Ice Cream closed in 2020.
“Come through and bring a friend,” Rice Culture said in an Instagram post announcing the opening. “We want to extend our thanks ahead of time for everyone’s patience as we get adjusted to our new space and find our footing.”
Founder MikkiJo Bayawa started Rice Culture in January 2021 with her fiancé Kevin Tsai after getting delivery requests for her homemade taiyakis, a Japanese waffle snack that’s shaped like a fish and stuffed with sweet fillings.
The business quickly gained traction and moved production to Frontier Kitchen in Chantilly, Bayawa previously told FFXnow. It has appeared at the Mosaic District’s weekly FreshFarm market and The Block in Annandale, among other locations across the D.C. region.
With its new, permanent space, Rice Culture has expanded its menu to include soft-serve ice cream, which can be purchased by itself in a cup or with a taiyaki on top. The ice cream flavors — ube, black sesame, corn and pandan — can be swirled, and toppings are available.
Inspired by Bawaya’s Japanese and Filipino heritage, taiyakis can be filled with ube, pandan, nutella, Oreo, or corn and cheese, along with the traditional flavors of traditional red bean paste and vanilla custard. They come in single, three-pack and six-pack orders.
Bayawa says a grand opening will be held in January, but an exact date is still being determined.
For now, the shop is operating during limited hours of 4-9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Fairfax County Resident Wins “Squid Game” Reality Show — “Mai Whelan — also known as Player 287 on Netflix’s Squid Game: The Challenge — is one of the DMV’s newest multimillionaires. [On Wednesday] night, she took home the top $4.56 million prize in the game show’s finale, beating out 455 other contestants, including Falls Church native Shelby Hoefling.” [Washingtonian]
New Funding Goes to N. Va. Rail Projects — “Elected officials announced Thursday the state has received $729 million in federal funding. The money will go toward the construction of a new Long Bridge over the Potomac River. Currently a major chokepoint on East Coast, the project will double the bridge’s capacity.” [WTOP]
Toy Store With “Encanto” Experience Opens in Tysons — “Get ready to have the lyrics of ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ stuck in your head…again. On Friday, CAMP at Tysons Corner Center opens its Encanto-themed experience, its first interactive show at this location…The experience is currently open through the end of April, though it is likely to be extended.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Popular Tree Relocated Ahead of Fairfax Station Road Project — “This afternoon, we finished transplanting the beloved Popes Head tree from the Fairfax County Pkwy to a location at our district office. The Popes Head interchange project will be starting soon and we didn’t want to lose this tree that means so much to tens of thousands of people.” [VDOT/Reddit]
Police Seek Toy Donations for Santa’s Ride — “Residents who wish to support Santa’s Ride can drop off new, unwrapped toys, games, books, and gifts at the Vienna Police Department…by 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023. Police officers on motorcycles from multiple jurisdictions will escort Santa to local schools and government buildings to pick up the donated items and deliver them to hospitals and to community children in need on Tuesday, Dec. 12.” [Town of Vienna]
Culmore Residents Air Crime Concerns — “When Capt. Patrick Brusch, commander of the Mason Police District, asked Culmore residents about their concerns, he got an earful. Several people complained about the criminal element hanging out and drinking by the 7-Eleven at 3337 Glen Carlyn Drive. Others said gangs are recruiting young boys, shoplifting is getting out of control, and when they reported crimes, nothing happened.” [Annandale Today]
Work Underway to Restore South Run Trail — “The Fairfax County Park Authority has begun trail restoration work along a 3,086-foot section of the South Run Stream Valley Trail between the Burke Lake Dam on Laketree Drive and South Run District Park. Weather permitting, the work is expected to be completed within approximately two to three weeks.” [FCPA]
Virginia Proposes Additions to Banned Plants List — “Virginia is considering adding 12 more plants to its noxious weeds list, a compilation of species that are banned from use in the state because of the damage they provide to ecosystems…The public comment period is scheduled to end Friday, Dec. 8.” [Virginia Mercury]
It’s Friday — Expect mostly sunny skies with temperatures reaching 56°F and calm winds from the south at 5-8 mph during the afternoon. Tonight, watch for patchy fog after midnight alongside partly cloudy sky and lows around 37°F, with south winds at 3-6 mph. [Weather.gov]
(Updated at 3:05 p.m.) The anticipated cost of renovating Patrick Henry Library has escalated in recent years, leading Fairfax County to seek a bigger contribution from the Town of Vienna.
The Vienna Town Council agreed on Monday (Dec. 4) to raise the town’s cap on funding for the new library’s construction to approximately $4.7 million — a $590,000 increase from the previous maximum set in 2020.
Under the existing joint development agreement, the town committed to paying up to $4.2 million or 19% of the total construction costs, along with 30% of the design costs. The project will replace the 13,817-square-foot community library at 101 Maple Avenue East with a bigger facility and a new parking garage.
The remainder of the funds will come from Fairfax County. However, an updated cost estimate completed in September found that the price of materials, labor, fuel and other factors has gone up, a trend affecting all of the county’s capital improvement projects, county staff recently told the town.
“The higher costs are attributable to the market escalation for material costs including supply chain issues, and continuing shortages in skilled labor,” Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services spokesperson Sharon North told FFXnow by email.
North says more specifics about the county’s cost estimates can be shared “in the next few days” after DPWES updates county leaders on the town council’s decision.
In an email summarized by town staff, DPWES project manager Maryam Mostamandi told Vienna officials that the county’s cost estimators believe costs could continue escalating “at least through the end of 2025.”
“However, they have also cautioned that the market remains volatile, and they are finding it difficult to predict costs for the future,” she wrote.
She said plans for “aggressive” sustainability goals — including solar panels and all-electric building systems to achieve net-zero carbon emissions — have also contributed to the rising cost of the Patrick Henry project.
Those initiatives don’t affect the town’s share, which covers the 84 spaces it has been allocated in the four-level parking garage, Vienna Director of Finance Marion Serfass told the council. She said it “may not be practical” to eliminate a floor of the garage to lower costs, a suggestion evidently floated by council members in an earlier closed session.
“That would cut our number of spaces dramatically,” Serfass said. “…It would cut 68 spaces out, so we probably would not have enough garage spaces to get anything from [the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority] or to receive the grant we have agreed to, because NVTA wants to see something for their money.”
Though construction bids aren’t expected to go out until next fall, this was the last opportunity for Vienna to back out of the joint agreement. If the town took that “off-ramp,” it could’ve gotten back $331,500, or 50% of what it paid for the project’s design, according to staff.
Instead, the council unanimously voted to move forward with the project, which has been in the works since a feasibility study started in 2018.
“I hope construction costs come down, but it’ll give us the parking we need and improve the vibrancy of Vienna,” Councilmember Howard Springsteen said.
Councilmember Chuck Anderson agreed that the library is important to the community but warned county officials in the room, including Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn, not to expect any additional increases to the financial cap.
According to town staff, the county gave “verbal assurances that there will be no more requests for cost increases.”
“I think we deserve the best possible library, and if there are overruns, we’ve kind of already paid for it through our regular property taxes to the county of Fairfax,” Anderson said.
