Happy Friday! Here are the latest stories about the Tysons area that the Tysons Reporter team has been reading:

New Middle School Principal Teacher — “Amy Miller, who has served as principal of Saratoga Elementary since 2015, has been named the new principal of Kilmer Middle School, effective February 3.” [Fairfax County Public Schools]

Coronavirus Prompts FCPS Exchange Program Changes — “Exchange students who traveled to Fairfax County from China where the coronavirus outbreak is happening will not be attending classes at Longfellow Middle School, according to the school district.” [Patch]

Focus on Affordability in Tysons — “Developers are building thousands of residential units in Tysons as they look to create a vibrant area that remains busy after the workday ends, but some are concerned that the young people they are targeting can’t afford the apartments being built.” [Bisnow]

Why You Should Visit Vienna — Richmond Magazine took a cue from Billy Joel’s “Vienna” song and listed reasons why people should check out the suburbs outside Tysons. [Richmond Magazine]

DynCorp International, LLC has agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle civil fraud allegations, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Located near the McLean Metro station, DynCorp is a global government services provider.

The allegations involve “two former DynCorp officials, Wesley Aaron Struble and Jose Rivera, who solicited and accepted kickbacks from an Iraqi subcontractor in connection with DynCorp’s lease of property for its operations in Baghdad, Iraq on behalf of the U.S. Department of State,” the press release says.

More from the press release:

Struble and Rivera previously pleaded guilty in the Eastern District of Virginia to violating the Anti-Kickback Act for their role in soliciting and accepting at least $390,000 in cash kickbacks from the Al-Qarat Company in exchange for influencing DynCorp’s lease of property in Baghdad at a lease amount higher than the previous lease. The lease costs were included with services for international civilian policing that DynCorp billed under a U.S. Department of State contract in 2011 and 2012.

The settlement resolves the alleged liability of DynCorp for violation of civil penalties under the Anti-Kickback Act and the civil False Claims Act arising out of Struble’s and Rivera’s fraudulent conduct while employed by DynCorp.

The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, the Department of State Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Roushdy. The civil claims settled by this False Claims Act agreement are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability.

The company celebrated its new headquarters at 1700 Old Meadow Road in 2014.

Image via Google Maps

A new beer garden in a sky park plans to open next year atop Capital One Hall.

Construction is underway on the Capital One Center — the second phase of Capital One’s campus in Tysons, which is set to be completed in 2021.

Called “The Perch,” the outdoor space on top of the parking podium and Capital One Hall — 10 stories above the ground — plans to offer interactive art sculptures, a park, activities like yoga and beer at The Perch Biergarten, according to the website.

The Perch is set to open in the fall of 2021.

The “serene village green” will join Capital One’s planned additions for the Tysons East urban campus:

• an 80,000-square-foot Wegmans grocery store
• a performing arts center with a 1,500-seat main hall and a 250-seat black box theatre
• Davio’s, a Northern Italian restaurant
• more retail in the second half of 2021

In addition to the upcoming beer hall, Capital One is looking to change a previously approved — yet unbuilt — hotel into a new office building, according to Fairfax County documents.

Capital One says that the change would allow for more open space, jobs and retailers:

Consistent with well settled planning and economic development objectives, this application presents an opportunity to further add employment opportunities and vitality at the headquarters campus in a location immediately adjacent to the McLean Metro station…

A lower level lobby and retail uses along Capital One Drive North and Scotts Crossing Road will wrap the parking garage. The approved drop-off area for the previously contemplated hotel use will be removed and replaced with public open space to enhance and activate these ground floor uses…

Additional retail use is proposed for Building 3 in the location of the previously approved garage entrance that will be shifting eastward.

Image via Capital One Center  

Hat tip to Chris H.

Recently labeled by Forbes as a “hidden gem” getaway spot for travelers, Tysons has plenty of options for a vacation or staycation — especially for foodies.

Tysons is undergoing major rebranding by the Tysons Partnership and developers, who want to rethink the area as a major metropolitan destination. Along with new events hosted by Tysons Partnership also comes a push from Fairfax County itself to drive traffic to Tysons.

Visit Fairfax wants to increase tourism in Tysons by expanding conference centers around the area and educating people on the dining opportunities, according to the organization’s CEO Barry Biggar.

For people visiting Tysons — or who already live here and want to enjoy a staycation — the restaurant scene seems to be a big attractor.

Last week, Tysons Reporter asked readers what they’d prefer to spend extra money on in the area when it comes to leisurely activities. Of the responses, fine dining beat shopping for the most votes.

Biggar told Tysons Reporter in a recent interview that there are many upcoming restaurants that people might not know about in the area unless they work nearby.

If he took a vacation in the area, he said he would “sample at least two or three culinary opportunities” over the course of a weekend.

For example, Agora (7911 Westpark Drive) opened in July and serves up specialties from Turkey, Greece and Lebanon in a split-level eatery featuring Turkish decor. Entre prices range from roughly $10 to $15, according to the menu on the eatery’s website.

Agora is participating in the extended Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week, leeting foodies can take advantage of set lunch and dinner specials through Sunday (Jan. 26). For $35, guests can order a four-course dinner, which includes a sampler of htipiti, cacik, hummus, a choice of starter, a main meal and dessert.

Though not a new restaurant, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood and Steaks (7900 Tysons One Place) is participating in the restaurant week specials and offers fresh seafood with a high-class dining experience.

Diners can start with a caviar tasting for $169, which offers a trio of flavors. For the main course, people have the choice of various fishes, meats and a few vegetarian options. Salads, sides and drinks are also available.

For people on a budget who want to skip the $75+ seafood platters, there are other appetizers available, like the Hawaiian Yellowtail Sashimi for $19. The price of the main courses range from $36 to $90.

Gary Block, the chief investment officer of The Meridian Group, said at a Bisnow event in Tysons last week that Eddie V’s “is packed” on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Anyone craving breakfast can check out Founding Farmers (1800 Tysons Blvd), which has multiple locations around the D.C. area — each offering various deals and specials, according to the website.

The $33 breakfast buffet cost includes unlimited fried shrimp and green tomatoes, brisket, bacon, eggs in every style, pancakes, breakfast breads, fried chicken, grits, gravy, potatoes, salads and desserts. If the unlimited buffet isn’t ideal, the restaurant also offers single plates, sides and à la carte options.

The eatery also serves up mimosas, bloody mary drinks and other cocktails for $10.

The food options continue to diversify in Tysons — both in price ranges and cuisine.

From the upcoming openings of a new concept from the owners of the now-closed Tysons Biergarten and restaurants like North Italia in The Boro to the arrival of City Works, three spots from Great American Restaurants and more in 2019, diners have a variety of choices.

Let us know in the comments below where you like to dine around Tysons.

Photo via Founding Farmers Tysons/Facebook

Did you know that Tysons Reporter is on Instagram?

Check out our professional photographer Jay Westcott’s photography on our ‘gram (@tysonsreporter). We also often have polls and seek input from readers about what they like to do around the Tysons area.

City of Falls Church staff want to create a guide to ensure the projects in the Capital Improvements Program all get completed.

Currently, the staff is managing 26 projects — with four in jeopardy, according to a new report by city staff.

Projects falling under the parks, facilities, stormwater, sanitary sewer, technology and public safety categories are either on schedule or have “some challenges.”

The four projects that are not active or on hold due to a “critical issue” fall under the transportation category, which includes more than a dozen projects.

“The city’s Transportation CIP program is the largest CIP program and demands considerable staff time and attention,” the report says. “The city is unique from most neighboring jurisdictions in that it does not have a transportation department, and instead manages the Transportation CIP with a team of staff members from multiple departments.”

More from the report about the transportation projects facing issues:

Park Ave Great Streets

Full scoping of the Park Avenue Great Streets project reveals project is underfunded. [Northern Virginia Transportation Authority] application for $8.3M submitted in September; awaiting decision from NVTA Spring 2020. Reduced scope option may be possible.

Downtown Multimodal project [is] on hold; inquiring about schedule changes with VDOT. Need to be coordinated with Park Ave Great Street.

S. Maple Ave Roadbed Reconstruction

Roadbed Reconstruction and improvements at the intersection of S. Maple and Annandale. Fully funded. No project manager assigned. Paving already completed Fall 2018.

Oak Street Bridge

60% design completed in December using existing RSTP funds. Current funding shortfall is $928K. City submitted $928K application for SGR funds available in FY21. Pending the award of SGR in the spring, 100% final design will be complete and ROW will start fall 2020. Construction would be scheduled for early 2021.

“Staff continues to look to the future and how we can improve our project implementation process to avoid these delays, as they can increase costs,” according to the report. “A CIP project implementation manual has been in development to streamline project management and ensure projects are successfully advanced and completed.”

The report says that funding and staffing shortfalls often cause projects to derail. Not having managers for some projects can be a risk for funding, the report notes, adding: “Many staff resources have been directed toward City Hall building commissioning and Mary Riley Styles Library Renovation and Expansion.”

Staff presented the report to the Planning Commission earlier this week.

The new CIP is slated to be unveiled on Feb. 3.

Editor’s Note: Tysons Reporter does not endorse any specific candidate for the upcoming 2020 election. 

With the upcoming November presidential elections, several candidates have campaign offices and events in Tysons’ backyard.

Tysons Reporter found local groups, campaign offices and activities supporting three Democratic presidential candidates.

Elizabeth Warren

The headquarters for Elizabeth Warren’s Virginia campaign located in the heart of  Falls Church at 450 W. Broad Street.

The campaign is looking for volunteers to canvas later this week on Saturday (Jan. 25) and Sunday (Jan. 26), as well as on Feb. 1 and 2. Each day there will be two timeslots from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and 12 until 3 p.m. Sign-up is available online.

Also this Saturday and Sunday, there will be a phone bank at a Starbucks in Vienna (362 E. Maple Ave) from 1 to 3 p.m.

For those wanting to canvas for Warren in Vienna, there will be a group meeting at Starbucks (362 E Maple Ave) this Saturday from 10 to 1 p.m. and 12 to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 3 p.m.

Andrew Yang

Every Monday, the MATH Mondays Organizing Night brings people together in support of Andrew Yang’s campaign.  The event begins at 6 p.m. at Urbanspace (2001 International Drive) and lasts until 9 p.m.

Attendees can get involved with the campaign at various levels, depending on interest.

“This includes texting, making calls and writing letters to Iowa voters as well as orientations on how you can recruit your friends and help the NoVA Leadership Team with local events and activities,” according to the event page.

Anyone considering volunteering is advised by the event page to bring their phone and laptop.

Bernie Sanders

Although there isn’t a central office in the area, staffers and supporters of Bernie Sanders are hosting events in the area.

On Sunday (Jan. 26), the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for Bernie group will be canvasing at the Lunar New Year Celebration in Tysons Corner Center from 11:50 a.m. until 4 p.m., according to Bernie Sanders’ campaign website.

The Bernie Sanders campaign is also hosting an event around 7 p.m. in Pimmit Hills (2021 Griffith Road) to organize individuals who want to spread knowledge of the campaign to friends and family.

Attendees will walk away with the skills to rally others, according to the event listing.

Nearby, President Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Michael Bloomberg have campaign offices in Arlington.

Photo via  Element5 Digital on Unsplash

(Updated 1/29/2020) Diners looking to eat Indian cuisine at American Tandoor in Tysons will need to find another restaurant for the time being.

American Tandoor is “temporarily closed until further notice,” a spokesperson for the mall told Tysons Reporter.

“We hope to be back out soon,” signs at the restaurant said yesterday (Wednesday). “Thank you for your support!”

A tipster said that the restaurant appeared closed on Tuesday (Jan. 21) with the lights off and no employees visible, but the tables were set and the computer looked like it was on.

Located on across from Banana Republic on the second level, the restaurant served up dishes like Rogan Josh — tender braised lamb shanks — and Bengali Mustard Fish Curry with seasonal fish in curry, mustard seed and spices.

“The closings of Brio and American Tandoor are for different circumstances and has no correlation to the vitality of Tysons Corner Center,” a spokesperson for Tysons Corner Center told Tysons Reporter on Jan. 29.

Hat tip to Craig F.

Seven companies in the Tysons area landed on Forbes’ “America’s Best Employers for Diversity 2020” list.

In total, 13 Fairfax County-based companies made the list, according to the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA).

Forbes released the third annual list with 500 companies on Tuesday (Jan. 21).

“The workforce today — and the workforce of tomorrow — want to see a commitment to diversity and inclusion by employers,” Victor Hoskins, FCEDA’s president and CEO, said in a press release. “[The ranking] is a testament to these Fairfax County companies’ efforts to attract talented employees from all backgrounds and walks of life.”

Two Tysons area companies cracked the top 100. (SAP in Pennsylvania nabbed the #1 spot.)

Here are the ranks the Tysons area companies received on the list:

• #51: Navy Federal Credit Union (Vienna)
• #54 Booz Allen Hamilton (Tysons)
• #282 Hilton Worldwide (Tysons)
• #302 Capital One Financial (Tysons)
• #316 Northrop Grumman (Falls Church)
• #355 Mars (McLean)
• #447 Gannett (Tysons)

Nearby, three companies in Reston — SAIC, Leidos and Bechtel — also made the list.

More from FCEDA about the list:

Forbes developed the rankings in partnership with market research firm Statista. To create the list, employers were identified in an independent survey from a sample of more than 60,000 U.S. employees working for companies with at least 1,000 people in their U.S. operations.

According to Forbes, additional factors were considered such as diversity levels among executives, existence of a leadership position responsible for diversity, proactive communication about diversity and the presence of a diverse company culture.

Fairfax County police arrested a Falls Church man today for an alleged inappropriate sexual relationship with a high school student.

Police charged 57-year-old Philip Spivey with four counts of indecent liberties by a custodian.

Police say that Spivey had an inappropriate relationship with a student at Justice High School. “Spivey is also employed as a private music teacher,” according to the press release.

More from FCPD:

Detectives began their investigation after it was learned that Spivey was having unlawful sexual contact with a student… He is currently being held at the county’s Adult Detention Center without bond.

Victim specialists from our Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division have been assigned to ensure that the victim is receiving appropriate resources and assistance.

Anyone with information can contact the Major Crimes Bureau detectives at 703-246-7800, option 3.