State lawmakers punted consideration of a casino in Fairfax County to next year, but that hasn’t stopped some proponents from seeking to assist in the divisive plan to bring the Washington Wizards and Capitals to Northern Virginia, whose odds of a comeback win are looking slim.
Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, who represents Fairfax County’s Richmond Highway corridor, recently pitched the idea of bringing both a casino and the sports arena to Tysons to a representative of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns the basketball and hockey teams, the Washington Post reported on Sunday (March 24).
According to the Post, Surovell dropped the idea after Monumental President of External Affairs Monica Dixon “immediately” rejected it, but Christopher Clemente, CEO of the aspiring casino developer Comstock, and Ben Tribbett, a prominent consultant whose clients include Comstock and Surovell, “continued shopping the idea last week.”
The suggestion of combined arena/casino site in Tysons emerged as Monumental’s much-hyped plan to move the teams from D.C. to Alexandria’s Potomac Yard flailed for support. The Virginia General Assembly adjourned on March 9 without including funding for a state authority to finance the $2 billion entertainment district in their budget proposal, and at least one Alexandria City elected official withdrew her endorsement of the project.
Clemente told the Post that a joint development could “enhance financing options for the arena” by using tax revenue generated by the casino to guarantee bonds that would pay for the stadium, but Potomac Yard developer JBG Smith’s CEO, Matt Kelly, noted the deal could be used to evade Virginia’s requirement that casinos get approved by voter referendum.
Like the arena, Fairfax County’s potential casino is envisioned as part of an entertainment district, according to State Sen. Dave Marsden, who sponsored legislation to make the county eligible for a gambling establishment this past session and in 2023.
After vocal opposition from local residents and some officials, though the county board stopped short of taking an official position, a Senate committee voted on Feb. 6 to continue this year’s bill to 2025 to allow for more study and public engagement.
The combined facility proposal appears to be dead on arrival, with Monumental owner Ted Leonsis and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin reportedly expressing “disgust” and “no interest,” respectively. But hypothetically, would you support the Wizards and Capitals calling Fairfax County home? Would it alter your stance on a casino?
Meet Arnold Wise, a Norwegian Forest cat, and Alejandro Rockbridge, the domestic short-hair he’s taken under his fluffy paw.
Here is what 4Paws Rescue Team has to say about Arnold, who can be adopted on his own or with his foster sibling:
Meet Arnold (right), a Norwegian Forest cat with a gigantic good heart and outgoing disposition. He was rescued as a stray. Despite his difficult beginnings, Arnold is a super friendly kitty who can charm you with his larger-than-life personality. He loves human companionship and never says “No” to head and chin scratches. If you listened carefully to his talking, you would hear him say that he looks forward to a home with another gentle cat who is looking for a friend. Being an only cat would probably be too boring for Arnold!
Arnold is your ultimate family pet, even for first-time adopters. He can also do well in a household with children. All he really wants in return is love, love, and more love!
To boot, in his foster home, Arnold has become best buddy with Alejandro (left), another kitty who is waiting for his forever home. Indeed, they make a dynamic duo! The two sleep and cuddle together and Arnold gives Alejandro the boost of self-confidence that he needed. Arnold is the more outgoing of the two.
Both boys are shelter kitties, with Arnold from Wise County Animal Shelter and Alejandro from Rockbridge SPCA. In his ideal world, Arnold would love to be adopted with Alejandro, though he will definitely go for a forever home with another young, friendly and welcoming cat who is looking for a feline companion!
Arnold’s estimated birthdate is 11/01/2020. He is neutered, vaccinated, negative for FIV & FeLV, and microchipped.
Please e-mail us if you’re interested in adopting Arnold (ideally with, but also without Alejandro). Be sure to include your phone number in your message. Please limit inquiries to the Greater Washington, DC area, except for barn cats.
Alejandro was also rescued as a stray by a shelter in Central Virginia, according to 4Paws Rescue Team, which describes him as a “friendly and generous kitty” who would love to be adopted with his best buddy but is also open to new feline companions.
Is your home the perfect new base for this A-Team?
Meet Gwenyth, a tri-colored mixed breed rescued from possible euthanasia by the miracle of modern medical treatments.
Here is what Gwenyth’s friends at Operation Underdog WV have to say about her:
Our girl Gwenyth is playing great Auntie to the 3 pups that we rescued last week. And while even Gwenyth is fond of puppy breath, we are hoping that the senior dog lovers out there will consider giving Gwenyth the wonderful home that she deserves. This darling senior girl is affectionate with people and does well with other dogs. She enjoys light walks, snuggling with stuffed toys, and snacks. Some things just get sweeter with time and this girl is one of them!
Gwenyth was rescued from a shelter where she was in danger of euth due to a heartworm positive status. She’s finished treatment and will be ready to go to a home after spay in mid- February, but we’re accepting applications now! Give us a shout to learn more about her!
If Gwenyth has won your heart, contact the shelter at [email protected].
The slowdown in the Tysons area’s housing market continued for a second consecutive month.
There were 74 homes sold last month in Tysons, Vienna, and McLean, down from 99 sales in January, according to Homesnap data. The median sales price dipped to $495,000, though it remains higher than the median list price of $410,000.
Here are some of the most expensive homes sold in the area in January:
- 1011 Turkey Run Road, McLean — 7 BD/7.5+ BA, 20,000 square-foot colonial house — $11,000,000
- 6815 Wemberly Way, McLean — 6 BD/6.5+ BA, custom-built contemporary villa — $4,625,000
- 703 Potomac Knolls Drive, McLean — 6 BD/5.5 BA, colonial house by Potomac River — $4,600,000
- 1231 Clarkewood Court, McLean — 6 BD/6.5+ BA, colonial house with a glass conservatory — $4,250,000
- 1048 Rector Lane, McLean — 6 BD/7.5+ BA, French-style colonial house — $4,200,000
- 1168 Chain Bridge Road, McLean — 6 BD/7.5+ BA, craftsman-style house built in 1927 — $4,195,000
In the market? Check out the latest in Tysons area real estate.
Photo via Google Maps
Rosie McCracken can do it — if by it, you mean adapt to new environments and befriend both animals and people.
Like previous Pet of the Week Olive McCracken, Rosie came to her friends at Merrifield’s 4Paws Rescue Team from West Virginia:
Rosie was found on the streets in rural West Virginia. She was fostered by one of 4Paws’ network rescues before being given to 4Paws to take to Meows Corner. She is a petite silver tabby who only takes a couple days to become comfortable in her new environment. She will come when her name is called and likes playing with all types of toys.
Rosie enjoys being around people and getting pets. She has lived with other foster cats and showed no reaction to a calm mastiff dog. Rosie would do well in an active home with children of all ages. She will chase your feet under the covers but tolerates having her nails trimmed, which helps! She loves the company of other cats so will need at least one cat in her new house.
Rosie likes to nap under furniture and on beds. She also likes to observe the birds and squirrels in the back yard and play footsie under the door with her foster’s other cats.
Rosie’s estimated date of birth is October 15 2020. She has been spayed, microchipped, tested negative for FeLV and FIV, and vaccinated. She has been eating Fancy Feast wet food and Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach dry kibble.
Are you ready to sign up to give Rosie a new, permanent home?
Meet Peggy, a short-haired Great Pyrenees mix looking for a good home and a supportive male companion.
Here’s what the National Great Pyrenees Rescue has to say about this go-getter pup:
PYRfect Peggy is one of 4 Great Pyrenees mix (possibly with Lab) mix puppies who came into our rescue under our neediest cases due to malnourishment and skin issues. These sweet pups were placed in loving foster homes, given much needed nutrition, plenty of fresh air and exercise, and lots of love and guidance and are now ready to find their furever homes. Peggy loves routine and knows when it is outside time, nap time, dinner time, and play time. She is working on sit, stay, and is so quick at catching on that these will be second nature in no time. When she wants to go outside she will stand at the door and give it her ‘Pyr Paw’ 🙂 Peggy LOVES her people and her fur friends; she hasn’t met a stranger. She loves her clamshell bed, which she plans to bring anywhere with her even though she will quickly outgrow it! She has been around cats and chickens since she was young and shows no interest in them. This smart, loving girl will need a home with a secure fence at least 5 feet, and a male dog to bond and play with and continue her doggie training. This girl is pretty close to perfect; if you are looking for a smart, loving companion to grow old with, look no further!
Could your home be the perfect environment for Peggy to flourish? Interested adopters can apply at www.nationalpyr.org/adoptable-dogs.
Meet Thor O’Connell, a domestic short-hair definitely worthy of Mjölnir, and his long-haired companion, the benevolent Czar O’Connell.
Here’s what 4Paws Rescue Team has to say about Thor:
Thor and his bonder companion Czar arrived at 4Paws looking for their new forever home after their beloved Daddy recently died of COVID-19.
Thor is 7 years old. He is timid, but warms up after a while and loves to have his back and ears scratched. Thor loves to jump and chase wand toys.
Thor never interacted with dogs before and is not accustomed to being around children. He is vaccinated and neutered, will be microchipped before going to his forever home and tested negative for FIV and Feline Leukemia.
Please email us if you’re interested in adopting Thor and his bonded companion Czar. Be sure to include your phone number in your message. Please limit inquiries to the Greater Washington, DC area, except for barn cats.
According to the nonprofit, Czar is about 4 years old and “timid at first, but eventually becomes very friendly once he feels that his surroundings are safe. He loves to roll on his back and be combed.”
Like his buddy, Czar has not interacted with dogs before and isn’t used to being around children. He has also been vaccinated and neutered, will receive a microchip before going to a new home, and has tested negative for FIV and Feline Leukemia.
Could your home be the Valhalla Thor and Czar are seeking? If so, 4Paws Rescue Team can be contacted at [email protected].
December was a sleepy month for the Tysons area’s housing market.
There were just 99 home sales last month in Tysons, Vienna, and McLean, down from 118 sales in November, according to Homesnap data. The median sales price of $520,000 was higher than the median list price of $439,000, as properties spent an average of 106 days on the market.
Here are some of the most expensive homes sold in the area in December:
- 6902 Lupine Lane, McLean — 6 BD/7.5+ BA single-family detached home, still under construction — $5,021,578
- 938 Saigon Road, McLean — 6 BD/7.5 BA recently built, single-family home — $4,249,000
- 2114 Virginia Avenue, McLean — 8 BD/8.5 BA French-style, single-family home — $3,850,000
- 2043 Virginia Avenue, McLean — 6 BD/6.5 BA craftsman-style, single-family home — $3,255,000
- 8418 Brookewood Court, McLean — 6 BD/7.5+ BA colonial-style, single-family home — $3,237,500
- 540 Orchard Street NW, Vienna — 6 BD/6 BA custom-built, craftsman-style, single-family home — $2,768,000
In the market? Check out the latest in Tysons area real estate.
Photo via Google Maps
2021 is almost over.
It’s been a topsy-turvy year, starting with the heartening, albeit sometimes tricky distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and ending with the grim uncertainty introduced by the omicron variant.
Fairfax County was beseiged by cicadas and controversy over its new police chief, overhauled its zoning code, and committed to reducing its carbon footprint. Students returned to in-person classes, while school board members faced — and survived — recall campaigns.
In the Tysons area, notable developments included plenty of, well, development, from the approval of plans for McLean and West Falls Church to Capital One Hall’s arrival as a major performing arts venue. Tysons Corner Center hosted a mass vaccination center, and Tysons Galleria welcomed Black Santa to one store while revamping another.
Before you prepare for whatever 2022 may have in store, let’s take a look back at Tysons Reporter’s top 10 most-read stories of the past year:
- CVS to offer COVID-19 vaccine in Fairfax County starting this week
- Source of mysterious bug bites still unconfirmed, Fairfax County health experts say
- McLean Safeway set to close in April, will be replaced by Lidl
- Amphora Restaurant takes a bow after 40 years in Vienna
- Pet of the Week: Annie
- Fairfax County moves to next set of vaccine appointments, aims for faster pace
- Fairfax County seeks funding to forge one ring binding Seven Corners
- Fairfax County to launch new vaccine registration system after overwhelming demand jams system
- Starr Hill Brewery will anchor ‘The Perch,’ Capital One Center’s skypark in Tysons
- D.C. favorite Italian deli is planning an expansion to Tysons
Don’t let Dolce’s diminuitive size fool you. This Yorkshire terrier still has a world of love to give.
Here is what his friends at the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation have to say:
Dolce is a sweet 10-year-old silky terrier looking for his forever home. He’s taken on the nickname Dooley and he’s small enough to easily tuck into your arms.
He loves being outside and will prance around, sniffing everything, for as long as you let him! Once inside, he’s a little less curious and is content to curl up by your side for a good nap. He loves getting and giving kisses while being hugged.
Dolce is fully housetrained and well behaved. He doesn’t bark or beg. He would do best in a home where he’s the only dog or where the other dogs are the same size and temperament as him as he can be a little fearful of bigger dogs.
If you’re looking for a quiet, cute, and loveable little companion, Dolce would like to apply for that position! He’s an easygoing guy and if you open up your heart and home he will jump right in!
Think you’re a match for Dolce? Contact Flora at [email protected] to adopt him.
