Months after a large fire leveled the restaurant, Marco Polo still stands as a burnt out husk on Maple Avenue.
The building had been long vacant and was set to be demolished, even before two teens allegedly set fire to the building as part of a small crime spree.
The site is owned by a limited-liability corporation, Vienna Vision LLC, and was planned to be redeveloped as 8,200 square feet of retail space and 44 townhouse condominiums. The development was approved in 2017.
Town of Vienna staff say a letter has been sent out to representatives of the property’s owners with questions regarding the property and condition, urging them to do something about the building’s “blighted condition.”
After Vienna staff sent a letter requiring action within 30 days, Doug D’Alexander, the property’s developer, applied for a demolition permit on Dec. 16. Additional information about the demolition was requested and no response has been offered by D’Alexander.
Tysons Reporter attempted to contact D’Alexander but has not received any response.
“As part of the development process, the site plan was approved in early December,” said Lynne Coan, communications and marketing manager for the Town of Vienna. “Next steps as part of the [Maple Avenue Commercial] process would be for the project to go before the Board of Architectural Review and for the developer to apply for building permits.”
If no progress is made, the town government could move forward with blight proceedings, where the town would demolish the building and charge the expenses to the property owner.
After a series of noise complaints, Bey Lounge’s live-entertainment permits could once again be on the chopping block.
Bey Lounge, a bar and restaurant at 303 Mill Street with Lebanese cuisine, hookahs, and live music, currently has four pending noise violation charges for incidents across the last several months. Town Attorney Steve Briglia said the most recent violation was this past Saturday (Jan. 5) night.
Briglia said the first case is scheduled to go to court this Monday (Jan. 14), with more court appearances planned for early February.
If the lounge is found guilty of the noise violations, Briglia said his office is planning to present a motion to revoke the site’s conditional use permit to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA).
“It’s clearly audible,” said Briglia. “Officers are able to hear it on [nearby] streets and across residential lines.”
This isn’t the first time the lounge has gotten into trouble over noise levels. In 2017, the BZA voted unanimously to renew Bey Lounge’s conditional-use permit for live entertainment but required that between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, the noise cannot exceed 51 decibels at the property line.
“We did that once before and there had been some better behavior by Bey Lounge,” said Briglia. “But I think things have changed.”
Discussion at the Vienna Town Council meeting on Monday (Jan. 7) showed that many in the city’s leadership are fed up with the noise violations.
“I fully support revoking the permit,” said Councilmember Pasha Majdi. “It’s not strike three, it’s strike fifteen.”
Photo via Google Maps
A killer is stalking Vienna’s streets, leaving at least 30 of the town’s Norway maples dead at an alarming rate.
“We’ve noticed a lot of dead and dying Norway maples,” said Town Arborist Gary Lawrence. “These deaths are not slow. They’re sudden and in groups.”
Leslie Herman, director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, said the mysterious deaths of Norway maples comes on the heels of the emerald ash borer completely wiping out the town’s supply of ash trees.
Lawrence said the Norway maple deaths aren’t anywhere near the magnitude of the ash tree deaths — that became a nationwide epidemic that started in Detroit and has since spread nationwide, killing millions of ash trees. But Lawrence said the spate of ash tree deaths did initially obscure the impact on the local maples.
At first, Lawrence said he made the assumption that the clumps of dead foliage were ash trees. The two share some visual similarities. While most trees have alternating branches, like steps up the tree, ash trees and maple trees are among the few trees with opposite branches. But on closer look, Lawrence realized the trees were maples and didn’t have the telltale signs of ash borer infestation — holes where the bugs emerged from the trees and stripped bark from woodpeckers in a feeding frenzy.
After realizing the dead trees were maples, Lawrence said he began to see more of them around the town. So far, whatever is killing the trees has targeted only the Norway maples, leaving others — like the town’s red maples — untouched. There was a group of six Norway maples that were healthy and strong last year, but Lawrence said when he returned to them this year they were all dead.
“There’s still plenty of healthy Norway maples, but I’m concerned by how quickly [this is happening],” said Lawrence. “There’s a pattern here. It’s not random.”
One of the most confusing aspects is that the phenomena seems isolated to Vienna so far. Lawrence said he’s been keeping his ear to the ground for buzz about Norway maples being killed in other parts of the country, but hasn’t heard anything.
So far, Lawrence said his suspicions about what’s causing the deaths are still a hypothesis.
“I have no answer for the maples,” said Lawrence. “A wild guess is that it’s some kind of soil-borne disease. I’m guessing it’s soil-borne because it seems to affect the root system, because of the quickness of death. Usually insects, other than the ash borer, are a secondary problem.”
The topic came up during last night’s Vienna Town Council meeting during a request to increase funding for tree removal as a result of the ash tree epidemic. Lawrence said the ash trees were scattered in small batches throughout the town and native, rather than town-planted.
“It’s a substantial amount of trees,” said Lawrence. “It is a major impact to the budget. The trees die quickly, and because of the quickness of their death they become brittle and fall apart quickly.”
In addition to the beetles and mysterious maple killer, Lawrence said the record-high rainfall has also made it a difficult year for local trees.
Photo via Flickr/F.D. Richards
Vienna is working on updating its 50-year-old zoning code, but at last night’s Vienna Town Council meeting, the prospect of the code overhaul raised concerns that updating those ordinances could open a new path for a higher density Vienna.
The Town Council voted in favor of a resolution requesting funds from Fairfax County’s Economic Development Support Fund to update Vienna’s zoning and subdivision ordinances.
While new urban areas with comparatively lax zoning codes have sprung up in Tysons and Merrifield, Vienna is still working with ordinances put together in 1969, and many of those relics of earlier zoning codes written in the 1950s. Staff joked that some zoning ordinances are kept in notebooks in a management office.
Councilmember Carey Sienicki, who announced earlier that meeting that she would not be running for reelection later this year, compared the code to an old station wagon.
“We keep replacing parts and fixing the station wagon from the 1960s, but in reality, there’s a lot of cars out there that work without all of the little patches. We have to take a holistic approach to this and I think this is going to be a benefit to the town in the long run.”
But while the majority of the Council approved exploring new zoning codes, Councilmembers Pasha Majdi and Howard Springsteen, who have both frequently opposed higher density developments, voted against the request.
“When we say we’re not changing the zoning, that’s missing the issue,” said Majdi. “We have ordinances that are woefully out of date. OK, but what is the effect of bringing them up to date? Bringing them up to date means a potential developer has the ability to develop on that land financially viable project.”
Majdi said that rather than being a detriment, the town’s arcane zoning ordinances are a source of strength, forcing developers to work closely with Vienna staff if they want to get a development approved.
“I would bet my entire salary, $10,000, that the recommendation is going to result in higher density, which I oppose,” said Majdi. “When you update the code, you get higher density. If you want higher density, you got Tysons. This is a niche market for homebuyers with a niche appeal. It’s brought a lot of success to our town. We don’t have to be everything to everybody.”
But other members of the Council called Majdi’s bet. Councilmember Douglas Noble said he’d match Majdi’s $10,000 that updating zoning codes wouldn’t automatically result in higher levels of density unless that was something specifically sought out by the Town Council.
“We’re not going to be Tysons,” said Mayor Laurie DiRocco. “We’re not going to be Arlington. We’re going to update the code in a way that’s more understandable to residents, developers and everyone… so it’s all written down and not just in a booklet in a manager’s office.”
Majdi and Springsteen voted against the request, but the resolution was approved on a 5-2 vote.
File photo
There’s plenty of acclaimed restaurants around the Tysons area, but the selection for vegetarians or vegans are a little more slim.
Chains like Cava and &pizza have vegan options and several locations across the Tysons area. Honeygrow, a stir-fry chain with vegetarian options and a vegan dish, recently opened at 8409 Leesburg Pike.
Happy Cow, a website that lists vegetarian-friendly food options, lists a handful of vegetarian-friendly restaurants in the area. Most are in Vienna or Merrifield.
So if you’re a lifelong vegetarian or someone trying out Veganuary, here’s a look at some vegetable-heavy dining options around the area.
Vienna
Amma Vegetarian Kitchen (344 Maple Ave E) — A quick service restaurant featuring South Indian cuisine like dosa, chole bhatura and uttapatham. Happy Cow notes that the restaurant uses dairy in some products, but still has vegan options.
The Pure Pasty Co (128 Church St NW) — This British pies and pastry shop in downtown Vienna is not vegetarian focused but has vegetarian hot and frozen options and frozen vegan options.
Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant (2531 Chain Bridge Rd) — An Asian cuisine restaurant with extensive vegan options.
Merrifield
Spice 6 Modern Indian (2674 I Avenir Place) — An assembly line-style Indian restaurant that serves meat but has vegan options. The menu has several vegetarian meals and curries, and the whole wheat naan is vegan.
Lost Dog Cafe (2729 Merrilee Drive) — A restaurant with locations throughout the region that features a large selection of sandwiches. The menu marks items that are vegetarian and has vegan options for sandwiches.
Puree Juice Bar (2905 District Ave) — A juice bar with organic produce, vegan smoothies and salads.
True Food Kitchen (2910 District Ave) — The menu changes seasonally at the True Food Kitchen, a national chain of restaurants with another location in Ballston Quarter, but always includes vegan and vegetarian choices. Options include tofu bowls and cheese-less pizzas.
Jinya Ramen Bar (2911 District Ave) — A casual Japanese food and ramen chain, with a new location opening soon in Vienna. Vegan ramen options are available, with vegetable-based sides and salads.
Oath Pizza (2920 District Ave) — A pizza restaurant with vegan cheese and some vegan toppings.
Tysons
Mixing Bowl (7949 Tysons Corner Center) — A Korean tacos, wraps and bibimbap restaurant on the first floor of the Tysons Corner Center mall with vegan options.
Earl’s Kitchen (7902 Tyson’s One Place) — A restaurant near the Tysons Corner Center mall with vegan options, including sushi, salads and bowls.
A couple called Vienna police New Year’s Day after a dispute at a local urgent care center.
The incident happened shortly after 1 p.m. at the Inova Urgent Care center at 180 Maple Avenue W. Police were called after a man was refused entry to his wife’s exam room by urgent care staff, citing company policy.
“The man and his wife left the facility and called the police,” the Vienna Police Department said in its weekly crime report. “Officers summoned EMS personnel who evaluated the wife but found she was not in need of any further treatment.”
Reached for comment, an Inova spokeswoman told Tysons Reporter that family members are allowed in exam rooms “at the discretion of the patient.”
“In compliance with HIPAA laws, Inova cannot comment on specific patient matters,” said Iova’s Tracy Connell. “At the discretion of the patient, family members may accompany patients in examination rooms at our Urgent Care Centers.”
Photo via Google Maps
The Town of Vienna’s last major zoning code changes occurred in 1969, the year man first walked on the moon and the Beatles released “Abbey Road.”
Now, 50 years later, Vienna is gearing up for another zoning change. At the Vienna Town Council meeting on Monday, Jan. 7, the council is scheduled to vote on a $120,000 funding request to the Fairfax County’s Economic Development Support Fund to support updates to Vienna’s zoning and subdivision ordinances.
According to the staff report, one of the largest benefits of updating the zoning code would be a “reduction in the amount of time and money required by the private sector to gather information about development rights and zoning regulations.”
“By more closely aligning the zoning and subdivision ordinances to the comprehensive plan, the town will be more likely to attract the type of development so desired here,” according to the staff report, “i.e., more mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented development, rather than automobile-oriented, strip-mall development that currently dominates the Maple Avenue corridor.”
The funding is half the total cost, $240,000, of retaining a planning consultant. The remaining $120,000 would be paid by the Town of Vienna in the FY 2019 and FY 2020 budget.
There have been zoning changes for specific areas of the town, like the Church Street Commercial Zone in 1999 and the Maple Avenue Commercial (MAC) Zone in 2014, but according to the staff report much of the town’s zoning code outside of those streets is “outdated and cumbersome.”
Those zoning changes haven’t occurred without significant pushback, however. A controversial four-story development was approved in October amid outcry from nearby citizens that the building was too big for Maple Avenue. Some of the side-streets off Maple Avenue still feature green yard signs opposing the scale of the new development.
“This results in uncertainty for citizens, elected officials and the development community,” according to the staff report. “The current zoning and subdivision ordinances need to be comprehensively updated so the regulations are logically organized and easier to understand and navigate through the use of clear language, charts, tables and illustrations.”
There is also a legal component for the push, as the staff report notes that parts of the zoning code are inconsistent with state law and recent Supreme Court decisions with regards to sign regulations, changes that recently forced Fairfax to adjust its sign ordinance.
“An updated zoning code would incorporate contemporary zoning and best practices, providing more opportunity for redevelopment,” the report said.
Changes to the Vienna zoning code were first broached in 2015 as part of a recommendation to update the town’s comprehensive plan. An update to the town’s zoning code is estimated to take between one and two years.
If you’re looking to start the year off with a new job, there’s plenty of options around the Tysons area: from major corporate positions to openings in local gyms.
One of the most high profile offerings is a regional manager opening for the Charles Schwab Corporation, a banking and brokerage firm. The regional manager would help shape business development in the area and build working relationships in the area. The position requires a BA/BS, with an MBA preferred. Ideal applicants should have a minimum of 10 years in the financial services industry with over five years experience in investment management or sales management.
Other listings around the area include:
- Zoning Enforcement Officer for the Town of Vienna — Vienna is looking for a person to enforce the town’s zoning regulations by inspecting new construction for compliance, responding to complaints, and identifying and resolving zoning and other property violations. The job pays between $50,474 and $65,868 depending on qualifications.
- Automotive Sales at Priority Nissan Tysons — Advertised as a no-experience-required position, anyone with an enthusiasm and willingness to learn can apply to work at Priority Nissan in Tysons.
- Front Desk Associate at Sport & Health Tysons — The newly renovated Tysons Sport & Health is looking for a front desk associate to manage the desk and greet members and guests. High school diploma, six months experience in customer service, and first aid certifications preferred.
- CrossFit Coach at Phoenix Athletix Club — The Vienna CrossFit location is looking for a Level 1 CrossFit coach to teach 3-4 classes on Thursday and Friday mornings and two classes every other Saturday. Three years of coaching experience is required, and the position earns $20 to $25 per hour.
- Montessori Floater and Office Assistant — The Fiore Montessori School in Vienna is looking for a teachers assistant and office assistant to help in classrooms and in the office. The ideal candidate would be trained in Montessori Education or be interested in training. The job is full-time and offers between $25,000 to $38,000 per year.
- Assistant for Wolf Trap Institute of Early Learning Through Arts — The Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts needs an assistant to provide institute and administrative support for the Wolf Trap Institute’s educational programs. The position would last from Jan. 7 through March. 1, with a pay rate of $10 per hour. Wolf Trap is also seeking interns for the Annual Giving program to assist with fundraising efforts.
Photo via Facebook
Tysons Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in the Tysons area.
We’ve scoured the web for events of note in Tysons, Vienna, Merrifield and McLean. Know of any we’ve missed? Tell us!
Saturday, Jan. 5
Community Open House
McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Ave)
Time: 11 a.m-2 p.m.
The newly renovated McLean Community Center will be hosting an open house with a self-guided tour. The open house will allow visitors to peek at The Alden theater and learn about upcoming events in 2019.
Resolution Jam
The Palladium (1524 Spring Hill Road)
Time: 8 p.m.-2 a.m.
The Palladium nightclub is hosting a New Year’s themed “Resolutions” party, with a live band and DJ’s throughout the night on two floors of the club. Tickets to the party are $20.
Sunday, Jan. 6
Lil’ Kickers DMV Open House
Sport & Health McLean (1800 Old Meadow Rd)
Time: 9:15-10:05 a.m.
Lil’ Kickers invites prospective members to join the group for an open house. The event will feature free soccer activities and learn more about the area’s newest soccer program for kids from 18 months to 8 years old.
Road to Richmond Legislative Brunch
Westwood Country Club (800 Maple Ave E)
Time: 11 a.m.
Attendees at the Fairfax County Democratic Committee’s legislative brunch will hear from state and local Democratic leaders about the upcoming legislative session. Individual tickets are $50.
The Fellowship Book Club: Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Bards Alley (110 Church Street NW)
Time: 4-5 p.m.
As the new year starts, the Bards Alley book club will move into a new genre: sci-fi/fantasy. The group meets every Sunday at the Bards Alley book store.
Jammin’ Java Mid-Atlantic Battle
Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave E)
Time: 6 p.m.
Eight bands will compete on Sunday to win a $2,000 cash, studio time with Bias Studios, and a headline show at Jammin Java.
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.
If you’re thinking of moving to the Vienna area, or maybe you’ve recently relocated, you might not know the ins and outs of the town. It’s easy to fall back on big chains when you don’t know where to start, so please use this guide to get to know the town of Vienna.
Actually, let’s start with defining that there exists a subsection of the Town of Vienna — any address that has a SE, SW, NW, NE at the end of the street is part of the Town of Vienna AND Fairfax County. Any other Vienna address is part of Fairfax County only.
The homes that fall under the Town of Vienna have their own Government, including a town mayor, code, trash, police department, water service and they pay an extra Town of Vienna real estate tax on top of their Fairfax County taxes to fund the Town.
Perks of living within the town: early registration for Town of Vienna camps and events, and trash service (including the popular leaf vacuum collection). You don’t need to live specifically within the Town limits to use the Community Center, attend events, or sign up for classes (town residents just get priority sign up).
Now that we’ve defined the difference, let’s get to the good stuff. Vienna has a small town feel, despite the growing traffic concerns and larger developments on the horizon. Knowing where to go and what to do will help you enjoy what the town has to offer:
Events and Classes
Make sure you pencil into your calendar the annual events put on: Halloween Parade, Viva Vienna, Kids Adventure Race, 4th of July fireworks and so many more.
You can sign up for classes (both kids and adults) through the Town of Vienna website. You can browse by age, type of class, etc.
Sign up for the Partakes Online emails from the Park Authority of Fairfax County. They’ll notify you of events (Celebrate Fairfax, 4th of July Parade, etc) along with camps and class sign ups.
Browse the Jammin Java calendar for concerts (adults and kids)
There are also local businesses that offer camps, classes, events etc depending on your interests.
Kids & Parenting
Looking for new “mom friends,” resources to find a nanny or babysitter, doctors, etc. Join Vienna Moms.
Sign your kids up for sports, keeping in mind registration starts early! Vienna Youth (basketball, cheerleading, football, lacrosse, rugby, track, volleyball and wrestling), baseball, soccer, softball,
Find indoor play spaces to takes your kids
When the weather gets warmer, you can explore the playgrounds all over Vienna. Top favorites are Meadow Lane Park (also known as the toy graveyard), Glyndon Park, Peterson Lane Park and Northside Park (bring carrots to leave for the deer — a favorite activity my kids loved).
Join a pool: Vienna Woods Swim & Tennis, Vienna Aquatic Club, Dunn Loring Swim Club, Cardinal Hill Swim & Racquet Club or Westwood Country Club.
Take a bike ride or walk/run on the W&OD Trail.
Sign up for OurKids.com, which is a weekly email roundup to find out about local events
