It’s official: half of Amazon’s HQ2 will be coming to Arlington and Alexandria. But while the offices won’t be located in Fairfax County, experts tell Tysons Reporter that the impact will be felt across the region.

Jerry Gordon, President of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, said today that the new headquarters is not only likely to bring 25,000 new jobs to the HQ2 site, but will likely pull 50,000 to 75,000 jobs following Amazon into the region.

“There’s going to be a lot of new jobs, particularly in Tysons because of the Metro connection,” said Gordon. “There’s going to need to be new housing and new office space. The whole region is going to boom.”

Gordon said the first companies to feel the impact of the new headquarters will be regional construction companies, who are likely to see more work as developers scramble to meet the new residential and office space demands.

Among the excitement for new jobs are concerns that the headquarters will also make Tysons, an area already infamous for traffic congestion and a lack of affordable housing, denser than its supporting infrastructure allows.

“I’m hoping we get just enough of a boost from HQ2 for everyone to get raises or better jobs,” said a commenter on the Tysons Reporter Facebook page, “not so much of a boost that we end up with a housing crisis like what Seattle or [San Francisco] have right now.”

Gordon said there’s legitimacy to these concerns.

“When you bring in all these new people, you’re going to find housing values go up,” said Gordon. “There’s going to be a lot of families and they’re not going to want to live in high rises. If you want to own — or if you do own — property in the area it’s going to go up in value.”

Gordon said apartments will also feel the squeeze as new Tysonians move in, especially in the interim before the residential development market can catch up to the demand.

“Renting apartment space, that’s going to go up too,” said Gordon. “It’s all based on supply and demand. When that demand increases dramatically, the prices go up.”

Unfortunately, Gordon also said that the headquarters will likely impact traffic as well.

“If Arlington creates enough housing to accommodate, or new housing is built in proximity to the Metro, that impact will be relatively small,” said Gordon. “But that won’t be the case. This is 25,000 people… It depends on whose hired, but you’re still adding 25,000 jobs in the primary sector so there’s going to be an impact on transportation.”

But overall, Gordon said Amazon is likely to have a positive impact on the community.

“Everyone’s been focused on the new jobs, but people don’t think about the fact that Amazon is one of those companies that are very good corporate citizens,” said Gordon. “I know in Seattle they’re involved in issues from homelessness to arts to health issues. If that’s any indicator for how they’ll be involved here, the region is about to get a good shot in the arm.”

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]

Wondering what to do with your long weekend? Never fear, Tysons Reporter has you covered.

Throughout the weekend, Tysons Corner Center mall will be one of a handful of locations nationwide where players will be able to demo popular Nintendo brawler Super Smash Bros. Ultimate one month before its release.

The game will be playable at kiosks in the mall, along with other Nintendo games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Just Dance 2019. The kiosks will be open tomorrow (Saturday) from 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Tonight (Nov. 9)

• Opening Night at Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights (5:30-10 p.m.) — The Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna (9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court) will be lit up with a half-mile stretch of light displays. Tickets are $14 for regular admission or $8 for child admission. Be warned, light rain is expected tonight, and cold weather is expected tomorrow. The Walk of Lights will run until Jan. 6, 2019.
• Happy Hour Fundraiser for Vienna Volunteer Fire Department (6-9 p.m.) — The Tysons Biergarten will donate $2 to the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department (VVFD) for every person that shows up with the Facebook event flyer either printed out or on their phone. A percentage of bar sales from 7-8 p.m. will also be donated to the VVFD.

Saturday (Nov. 10)

• Wolf Trap Mega-Adoption Event (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) — The Wolf Trap Animal Rescue’s adoption events typically have around 30 animals available, but for National Adoption Weekend the organization will have nearly 100 puppies and kittens up for adoption Sunday morning at the Tysons PetSmart (8204 Leesburg Pike). A full list of animals up for adoption is available online.
• Veterans Expeditions BBQ and Blues Fundraiser (6:30-9:30 p.m.) — Veterans Expeditions is hosting a fundraiser at J.R.’s Stockyards Inn (8130 Watson St) in Tysons to support its mission of arranging outdoor adventures for veterans. The event will feature live retro-blues music and barbecue.
• Gordon Biersch Tysons Corner Veteran’s Day Fundraiser (Noon-5 p.m.) — A percentage of food and beer sales at the Tysons Corner (7861 Tysons Corner Center) brewpub will go towards the EOD Warrior Foundation, a charity that provides assistance to explosive ordnance disposal veterans and their families. Veterans eat free from a special menu.
• Sabado with Jeff Carr (8 p.m.-2 a.m.) — Guest DJ Jeff Carr will host a night of salsa and bachata dancing with hits from Latin house music and Latin pop at the newly opened nightclub Palladium (1524 Spring Hill Road). Salsa and Bachata classes start at 8 p.m. with cover free for anyone who arrives before 11 p.m.

Sunday (Nov. 11)

• SyteraYoga Grand Opening Celebration (1:30-3:30 p.m.) — The yoga studio that launched in January in downtown McLean will open its doors in a new location (6888 Elm Street) with a celebration that includes chair massages, local vendors, food and drinks.
• Tyler Ramsey at Jammin Java (8 p.m.) — The former lead guitarist for Band of Horses will be performing at Jammin Java in Vienna (227 Maple Ave E). Tickets are $13 in advance or $15 for same-day purchases. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Image via Nintendo

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.

Runners will be able to “wattle” to the finish line in the 16th annual Vienna Turkey Trot. Registration is open for the annual 10K, 5K, and fun run through Vienna next Sunday (Nov. 18).

The course starts at the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department at 400 Center Street. Following the race, music and refreshments will be offered at a festival near the finish line.

Today (Friday), tickets for the 5K are $35 and tickets for the 10K are $40, but starting tomorrow each price increases by $5.

Those who register before 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11 will be entered to win a $25 Whole Foods gift card. Those who enter by noon Friday, Nov. 16 have a chance to win a free teeth whitening at Tysons Elite Dental if they “like” the Facebook page.

To avoid long race-day lines, race packets can be picked up on Friday, Nov. 16 from 4-7 p.m. at Vienna Whole Foods (143 Maple Ave E) or Saturday, Nov. 17 from noon to 7 p.m. at Road Runner Sports (1120 West Broad Street).

All proceeds from the race benefit the James Madison High School Band and the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department.

Photo via Facebook

If you’re driving through McLean and you see a yard full of American flags, remember Vincent Hiltz.

Hiltz was a train engineer from northern Kentucky who served in the First World War, a war that ended 100 years ago this Veterans Day (Nov. 11). One of those flags is planted for him.

The McLean and Tysons Rotary Clubs are collaborating for Flags for Heroes, an effort to fill McLean with American flags every Memorial Day and Veterans Day (Sunday).

Sponsorship for a flag and a commemorative certificate is $60. Paul Kohlenberger, a Rotarian and President of the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce, said all proceeds of the fundraiser to go charity, predominately ones supporting veteran and first responder organizations locally.

Once a flag is purchased, it will be replanted every Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

In addition to veterans, flags can be purchased in honor of a first responder or even a personal hero. Those interested in purchasing a flag should contact Rotarian Vance Zavela at [email protected] or Kohlenberger at [email protected].

Robert Jansen, Past President of the Rotary Club of McLean, bought one of those flags to honor Hiltz, who was his grandmother’s brother.

Jansen said there was a story passed down in his family from the war, where Hiltz came face to face with a German soldier.

“They both stared at each other,” Jansen said. “Both were about the same age, very young in their early 20s. Vincent thought about the German’s soldier’s family and just how tragic the war was.”

Jansen didn’t say what happened next.

This is the first Veterans Day for which Flags for Heroes planted flags. Currently, there are 50 flags on display in front of the Sharon Masonic Temple (999 Balls Hill Road) and ten in front of the American Legion Post (1355 Balls Hill Road). Jansen said the organization’s goal is to gradually increase the number of flags planted to 200-300 as it expands year after year.

A brief ceremony will be held at the American Legion Post on Monday, Nov. 12, at noon.

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]

(Updated at 2:25 p.m.) Fairfax County Police have arrested Megan Hargan for the murder of her sister Helen Hargan and mother Pamela Hargan in McLean in 2017

Palema and Helen Hargan were murdered on July 14, 2017 in their home at 6708 Dean Drive. Police had initially suspected a murder-suicide, but as the investigation continued police began to suspect double homicide.

A search warrant revealed that police believed the scene had been staged by the suspect. Suspicion turned to Pamela’s daughter Megan, who had attempted fraudulent wire transfers from her mother’s account.

Megan, 35, was arrested this morning in West Virginia is being interviewed by detectives, according to the Fairfax County Police Department. More details were released at an afternoon news conference.

More from an FCPD press release:

A 35-year-old woman is facing charges in the murder of her mom and sister. On July 14, 2017, 23-year-old Helen Lorena Hargan and her mother, 63-year-old Pamela Denise Hansen Hargan were found dead in a home in the 6700 block of Dean Drive in McLean. They had both been shot. This morning, detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau arrested Megan Hargan near her home in Monongalia County, West Virginia for their murders.

The bodies were discovered by officers, after a 9-1-1 call reporting someone in the home might have been killed. The scene was secured and meticulously processed over several days by our Crime Scene Section. Detectives determined early in the investigation that the scene was staged to appear to be a murder-suicide. Due to the complexity of the evidence, a reconstruction of the crime scene was completed by an independent company. Our investigation and forensic findings led us to Megan Hargan, and our Major Crimes Bureau remained vigilant while pursuing every investigative lead. We interviewed Megan Hargan on July 14th, and then again a few days later. Megan Hargan attempted fraudulent money transfers from her mom’s bank account on the day of the murders, as well as the day before. Megan Hargan was indicted by a multi-jurisdictional grand jury yesterday for two counts of 1st degree murder and two counts of using a firearm in committing a felony.

“This is a tragedy, domestic violence at its worst,” said Major Ed O’Carroll, commander of the Major Crimes Bureau.  “Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Helen Hargan and Pamela Hargan. Know that justice always leads to the truth, and today the criminal justice process on this case continues.”

Our detectives are still in West Virginia, as the case remains active. We want to thank our law enforcement partners for their cooperation on this complex case, including the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office.

UPDATE: Woman arrested in 2017 murder of mom and sister. #FCPD #FairfaxCountyhttps://t.co/bi7AlGMGeC pic.twitter.com/VzGYW6dsty

— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) November 9, 2018

Photo via Twitter

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is looking to expand its Falls Church headquarters.

A zoning application filed with the Department of Planning and Zoning in September says the new facility could potentially bring 300 to 500 uniformed personnel and civilian contractors to Fairfax County.

The application proposes to add a 179,200 square foot office building to the site, near the well-known 2941 restaurant, as well as a 948-space parking deck. This is in addition to the 670,000 square foot building already at 7700 Arlington Blvd.

DHA is the government agency that oversees health care to active duty and retired U.S. military personnel and their families. Included under the DHA is Tricare, which provides health benefits to 9.4 million people.

DHA moved into the site in 2012 after the building’s former occupant, Raytheon, moved out to consolidate its operations. The proposal cites the property’s proximity to Washington, D.C. and the Pentagon as the main reasons for the facility expansion.

The application says the new building on the site will include pedestrian amenities, like an open plaza area with tree cover and cafe tables. While most of the site expansion falls within existing zoning requirements, the new DHA offices will require additional screening and landscaping.

The area adjacent to DHA headquarters is currently under review by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to be turned into a new urban center like the nearby Mosaic District.

A second open house is being tonight (Thursday) to discuss the future of McLean’s central business district.

The open house will be held in the McLean High School cafeteria (1633 Davidson Road) from 7-9 p.m.

The McLean Community Business Center (CBC) vision plan predicts that retail, residential, and office space will continue increasing in demand in McLean. The final version of the CBC vision plan, scheduled to be released later this fall, will make recommendations on how McLean should approach this growth on issues like land use and transportation.

Retail is projected to grow by 80,000 square feet over the next five years, slowing to grow by an additional 40,000 square feet over the subsequent five years. Most of this growth, however, will likely replace existing retail spaces.

The demand for residential growth is similarly projected to grow over the next five years, with a demand for 720 new units expected to consist mostly of apartments, then slowing to the growth of an additional 240 units in the five years after that.

Office growth is projected to remain more consistent, with 50,000 square feet in demand over the next five years, and an additional 50,000 square feet in the five years after that.

Streetsense, the consultant hired by Fairfax County to help create the vision plan, is scheduled to present a more refined draft of the vision plan at tonight’s meeting that takes into account the feedback from the first open house.

The first open house, held in September, outlined the broader scope of the plan. When asked for feedback, McLean residents at the meeting overwhelmingly agreed that more pedestrian access was vital to making McLean feel like more of a community location.

Specific intersections along Dolly Madison Boulevard were also noted to be particularly dangerous, cutting McLean Central Park off from the rest of the downtown area. Residents expressed frustration that many nearby streets lack sidewalks, an issue Fairfax County Government is currently working to address.

After tonight’s open house, the CBC Task Force is scheduled to meet on Monday, Nov. 19, before the final vision plan is unveiled at the Dec. 17 meeting. The final plan is scheduled to be presented to the Board of Supervisors in late 2019 or early 2020 for adoption.