Metro announced today (Thursday) plans to add Silver Line connection work to its summer construction, which includes platform reconstruction at several Orange Line stations.
Now, all Orange and Silver line stations west of Ballston will be closed starting Saturday, May 23. The nine stations are expected to be closed through the fall.
“This is about two things: working smarter and working safer,” Metro General Manager and CEO Paul Wiedefeld said, adding that the changes will “limit the exposure of our frontline staff and contractors, mitigate delays to our capital program, and minimize inconvenience to the public.”
Metro said that the decision was prompted by “historically low ridership and traffic-free highways” — likely due to Virginia’s stay-at-home order to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
In addition to rebuilding four Orange Line station platforms, crews will also work to connect the upcoming Silver Line Phase II stations, which run from Reston to Ashburn.
Riders who normally use the stations will be able to use free express and local shuttle buses.
Metro bus options will include:
- Orange Line Local between Vienna, Dunn Loring, West Falls Church and Ballston
- Orange Line Express directly between Vienna and Ballston
- Silver Line Local between Wiehle-Reston East, Spring Hill, Tysons Corner and Ballston
While the Fairfax Connector has currently reduced its service, the county bus system said it will offer several routes for riders traveling to the Dunn Loring, Vienna, Tysons Corner and Wiehle Reston-East stations.
Drivers can find free parking at the Vienna and Dunn Loring stations, but won’t be able to park at the East Falls Church station, Metro said.
A website created by a Vienna couple is looking to connect locals to Vienna restaurants offering gift cards to stay in business during the coronavirus pandemic.
Jane and Ray Brill, Jr. started SAVOR Vienna in mid-March when they noticed restaurants were “really taking it hard,” Ray Brill, Jr. told Tysons Reporter, adding that Vienna Inn was the first restaurant to sign on.
“We very action oriented,” Brill said.
In March, Gov. Ralph Northam ordered restaurants to stop table seating and switch to carry out, curbside pickup and delivery options. While many local eateries have managed to stay open with the new serving options, the restaurant industry is suffering due to the pandemic.
“You can do the carryout but it’s never the same,” he said.
While the effort has changed a bit, SAVOR Vienna now features information for 13 local eateries for people interested in buying gift cards, and Brill said he expects the list to grow. Patrons have to wait until July 1 to get their gift cards, which gives the eateries time to improve their finances.
To get the word out to restaurants, Brill said that he’s been having socially distanced conversations — staying 6 feet apart — with restaurants’ owners.
Restaurants interested in participating for free in SAVOR Vienna can contact the Brills via the website.
Brill said they paid out their pockets for the service to set up for the website and have bought about $700 in gift cards.
Brill also said that they are receiving “not a nickel, dime or penny” from the effort and that SAVOR Vienna has “nothing to with” the upcoming Vienna election — Ray Brill Jr. is a councilmember candidate.
While Brill said the idea can apply to other businesses like retailers, he’s waiting to see when the Vienna election will be held before deciding on whether or not to expand the effort.
“The process is very clean, very straightforward,” Brill said, adding that he hopes the opportunity for people to support local restaurants lifts everyone’s spirits up. “I’m just pleased we did it.”
Image via SAVOR Vienna
Ahead of the Town of Vienna’s election this year, Tysons Reporter asked the candidates to answer the following questions and also submit a short biography. Each candidate had an opportunity to answer the same questions in their own words. We are publishing the Q&As this week in the order we received the responses.
Featured here is Chris Wright, who is running for a position on the Vienna Town Council.
Bio: Chris Wright has lived in the Town of Vienna since 2004. He lives with his wife, Calli, and two boys who attend Vienna Elementary School. Born and raised in Lynchburg, VA, he graduated from James Madison University with a BBA and currently works as a partner in a local consulting firm based out of Merrifield. Chris volunteers with Shelter House and coaches in Vienna Little League, I9 Sports, as well as Vienna Youth Basketball.
Nearby, Tysons is urbanizing. How do you think the Town of Vienna’s identity should change in response to Tysons’ growth?
In short, I will do everything I can to ensure that Vienna’s identity does not change as a result of Tysons’ urbanization. Vienna’s small town charm is what attracted many of our residents to live and raise families here. I do not think it’s necessary to construct hundreds of condos/apartments in Vienna to compete with other D.C. areas such as Tysons or Mosaic as some have suggested in the past. The council needs members that can pro-actively and effectively work with Fairfax County and Tysons developers to ensure our current and future interests are represented.
What are your solutions to Maple Avenue congestion and cut-thru traffic in neighborhoods?
Minimizing cut-thru traffic in our neighborhoods is not an easy task and all ideas should be on the table. I would posit that the individuals most motivated to tackle this problem are the candidates that currently have young children who are most at risk by cut-thru traffic.
In addition to safety concerns, I can say with certainty that I have never seen the roads in Vienna in this bad of shape. The intersection of Echols and Berry streets SE being one of many examples.
The obvious solutions to mitigate the safety concerns are more speed calming measures as well as finally prioritizing sidewalks. I would focus on a more pedestrian friendly town, not only with sidewalks, but also with more access to businesses via the W&OD trail, bike lanes, and incentives to encourage residents to leave their cars in the driveway.
Another idea is a small toll on Maple Ave on commuters as they travel between Oakton and Tysons with an exemption for town residents. Given the volume of traffic on Maple Ave, all options should be explored and not simply dismissed as “that’s not possible.”
Should Vienna keep its “small town feel”? If so, how? If not, why and what do you propose?
“Elections have consequences” is a phrase applicable to every level of government. A couple of years ago it looked as if the Town of Vienna was headed the way of Tysons, Falls Church, Mosaic, etc. The D.C. area has many communities where someone can find that type of lifestyle.
I would argue that Vienna is extremely unique in that it does have a small town feel just a few miles from DC and it’s something that I want to preserve. Vienna should work to mordernize and encourage new vibrant businesses to settle here, while working diligently to understand the impact of that development. Then it must be effectively communicated to residents affording them the opportunity to provide feedback.
Vienna has a long history of being named a “Tree City USA.” What steps would you like to see Vienna take to become greener and more sustainable/environmentally-friendly?
Whether it’s residential or commercial, we continue to see new development replacing old all over town. The obvious downside to this is that many of our trees are removed. I would advocate that for every one tree that development knocks down that two new trees are planted to continue Vienna’s tradition of being named a “Tree City USA.” I would also work to bring more green spaces and parks to Vienna. I would support converting Beulah Road Park, which is now an industrial mulch yard, to its original intent of a park for all of Vienna to enjoy.
What do you want to see happen for parking when Parking Henry Library gets moved and rebuilt?
Vienna is going to have to recalibrate the need for a number of costly projects like a parking garage below Patrick Henry Library given the impact that COVID-19 will have on our community. That having been said, I believe that ensuring we have the best library possible combined with centrally located parking is an obvious win for the town.
Before committing substantial money and resources to a project like this, we must first understand what improvements need to be made to the existing library, approximately how many parking spaces are needed now and for the foreseeable future, and that the new structure fits in architecturally with our town.
What are your ideal height and building sizes for developments in the Maple Avenue Ordinance?
Given the existing traffic and school populations in Vienna, the existing height restrictions should remain in place as a rule. I do believe there are exceptions to every rule that can be evaluated on a case by case basis. Before making exceptions, Vienna should understand the traffic impact, school impact, and surrounding neighborhood impact of proposed new development. Additionally, the need for the proposed development/business should be weighed before exceptions are made and broadly communicated to our residents.
People interested in learning more about Wright’s campaign can check out his website and Facebook.
Photo courtesy Chris Wright
The Town of Vienna has a new survey to help town officials better understand how the coronavirus pandemic has affected local businesses.
The survey was created by the town’s economic development office with the input of the Town Business Liaison Committee and Vienna Business Association, according to a press release.
The survey includes questions about revenue losses, staffing capacities, preventative measures taken and any changes made since the pandemic started.
“Survey responses will be shared with town staff and councilmembers and will help inform strategies that may lead to relief programs for businesses in Vienna,” the press release said, adding that individual responses will not be published.
Business owners have until May 15 to complete the short survey.
Image via Survey Monkey
Ahead of the Town of Vienna’s election this year, Tysons Reporter asked the candidates to answer the following questions and also submit a short biography. Each candidate had an opportunity to answer the same questions in their own words. We are publishing the Q&As this week in the order we received the responses.
Featured here is Linda Colbert, who is running for the mayor’s seat.
Bio: I am an independent candidate running for Mayor because I love my hometown and the people who make it so special. I understand and cherish the history of our Town and I will fight to keep Vienna unique amidst a metropolitan area.
Nearby, Tysons is urbanizing. How do you think the Town of Vienna’s identity should change in response to Tysons’ growth?
I do not think the Town of Vienna’s identity should change because of Tyson’s growth. We are a special community and I will fight to keep it that way. Our uniqueness is rooted in our traditions, history and volunteers. Our main street needs to improve. We need to make it more walkable and more vibrant. Vienna should be a place were businesses come and thrive. The town should work with them to ensure our vision for that investment is shared and trusted.
As mayor, would you pledge to A) declare a climate emergency and B) support a council vote for the Town of Vienna to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045?
I do not think that the council can bind future councils to a promise like that so it would only be symbolic. Mayors have limited powers as Virginia is a Dillon Rule State. As mayor, I would lead the town in setting an example of being a good steward of its environment.
The town can certainly do things to cut carbon emissions and it should. The physical structure of our buildings have the potential to lock away carbon. The town should retrofit old buildings and require standards for new ones. Types of materials used, green walls and roofs, and green space with trees and landscaping are things that can help reduce carbon.
Parking garages are beneficial in two ways. First, they require less ground covered in concrete than surface parking lots. Second, they could provide a place to park once and walk to nearby destinations as opposed to parking and driving to every destination.
The Vienna Community Center received gold-level LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) so that is a goal for future buildings.
What are your solutions to Maple Avenue congestion and cut-thru traffic in neighborhoods?
Keeping traffic flowing on Maple Avenue helps keep cars out of neighborhoods. Real time traffic signaling is being implemented as a way to keep cars moving and the town should continuously be re-evaluating that technology.
As the Vienna representative to the Greater Tysons Citizens Coalition, I am continuously working with Fairfax County to ensure the county helps mitigate traffic produced by Tysons. I would work with the town’s new traffic engineer and look into innovative ways to calm traffic and keep it flowing on Maple Avenue.
Providing sidewalks in town also can reduce traffic as it gets people out of their cars. The town received a generous monetary gift from the late Councilmember Maud Robinson, which was designated for sidewalks. I would prioritize the installation of sidewalks on the busiest streets, on streets leading to bus stops, schools, downtown and other places of interest.
How would you work with Natalia Monkou to boost economic development in the town?
Hiring Natalie Monkou as the economic development manager for the town has already proven to be a wise decision. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, she was meeting with town businesses to determine what their needs were and how best to help them.
I would work with her and the finance department and council to develop methods to support our Town businesses who have been impacted by the pandemic. She has also been able to work with businesses and guide them through processes like applying for small business loans.
I would also work with Natalie during the redevelopment plan for Maple Avenue. I would like to look at ways to bring businesses into town as well as help determine ways to support our current businesses.
What are your ideal height and building sizes for developments in the Maple Avenue Ordinance?
Our town should be a welcoming community where people of all ages want to live, shop, walk, bike and drive safely. I will look for ways to make improvements and to offer amenities and housing options for all. We must preserve and increase green space and trees and I will look for sustainable ways to ensure the health and welfare of our environment and community.
The design for Maple Avenue is very important and I want to bring Vienna together on this topic. We all agree that we want to keep Vienna unique amid a large metropolitan area. I envision a mixture of one to three or four storied buildings with nice architecture. My vision is a walkable, vibrant main-street that is economically feasible and provides a beautiful, safe, and thriving business district that residents will use with pride.
Some residents are concerned about town officials’ transparency and the public’s ability to comment on proposals. Do you think this is an issue? How will you ensure people understand what is going on and are able to engage on topics that matter to them?
Transparency and trust go hand in hand. Every councilmember needs to follow state requirements for ethics and financial disclosures. The town needs to be transparent and inform and engage residents during the process of making big town decisions.
I will improve communication between the town and its residents both by providing easily accessible information and upgrading how the Town receives feedback from the community when making town decisions. I want every resident to know that their voice is being heard. As your mayor, one of my top priorities will be to ensure that we are One Vienna, working together to make our town stronger and even more vibrant. Our decisions are not black and white. I do not ever want to divide our town. I want to unite our town. #OneVienna
People interested in learning more about Colbert’s campaign can check out her website and Facebook.
Photo courtesy Linda Colbert
(Updated 4/27/2020) Ahead of the Town of Vienna’s election this year, Tysons Reporter asked the candidates to answer the following questions and also submit a short biography. Each candidate had an opportunity to answer the same questions in their own words. We are publishing the Q&As this week in the order we received the responses.
Featured here is Ray Brill, Jr., who is running for one of the councilmember seats.
Bio: I spent a lifetime solving difficult issues with practical, common-sense solutions as a corporate CEO, the COB of a Salvation Army chapter and a church leader. My leadership experiences are ideally suited to solving issues facing Vienna. I graduated from Air Force Academy, served as Air Force pilot, earned MBA /UCLA, JD/Florida, MDiv/VA Theological Seminary.
Nearby, Tysons is urbanizing. How do you think the Town of Vienna’s identity should change in response to Tysons’ growth?
We do not want to be a mini-version or extension of Tysons. Every effort should be made to maintain the small town character of Vienna — well-maintained and safe residential areas, parks, walking and bike trails, sports and community activities, and thriving small business community.
The development along Maple Avenue should be modest in scope and provide a sufficient buffer to residential neighborhoods nearby. Appropriate modifications to the Town Code will ensure our small town character is maintained. It is what sets us apart and makes us such a desirable place to live. We consistently rank in the top three of the best places to live in Virginia and our future decisions must insure that doesn’t change.
What are your solutions to Maple Avenue congestion and cut-thru traffic in neighborhoods?
The town needs to complete the installation of traffic light sequencing system using adaptive signal controller technology that provides better sequencing of lights and movement of vehicles through our 14 light signals along Maple Avenue. We should ensure the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and neighborhoods by using traffic calming measures and enforcement as needed.
We should also consider:
- Reducing or relocating commercial driveways and curb cuts of which there are more than 100.
- Permitting inter-parcel connections so cars can drive to adjoining commercial areas without having to travel on Maple Avenue.
- Traffic calming on residential streets to reduce traffic cutting through neighborhoods.
- Restricting turns into traffic during rush hour Monday-Friday from 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
Should Vienna keep its “small town feel”? If so, how? If not, why and what do you propose?
The MAC should be replaced, and the Town Zoning Code should be reviewed and modified as needed to remove inconsistencies and ensure that residential neighborhoods are preserved and that reasonable and realistic height, density, and buffer requirements are incorporated in new developments. The input of residents is essential in this process.
I support a three-story height limitation, less dense development along Maple Avenue, and increased green space. There needs to be a buffer between the residential areas and commercial development. Developers should consider a terrace effect on the side of the development facing the homeowners.
Vienna has a long history of being named a “Tree City USA.” What steps would you like to see Vienna take to become greener and more sustainable/environmentally-friendly?
Vienna has been designated a Tree City by Tree City USA for more than 15 years. Our trees are an essential part of our neighborhoods and are a priority. A new tree should be planted for every tree that is removed. When new homes are built, developers should save as many existing trees as possible. Sec. 17-15.1.A of the Town Code states the preliminary plat shall provide a plan for the planting and replacement of trees that are removed during development. A 20% tree canopy of mature trees is required within 20 years in the RS-16, RS-12.5 and RS-10 zones.
There appears to be a major exception in Sec. 17-15.1.E which states “The Town Council may grant reasonable exceptions or deviations from the requirements of this section when strict application of the requirements would result in unnecessary or unreasonable hardship to the developer.” The Town Council should use this power sparingly.
What do you want to see happen for parking when Patrick Henry Library gets moved and rebuilt?
I want the new library to look like a library and not a 220 foot long box-like structure 25 feet from the road that dominates the corner of Maple Avenue and Center Street. We do not need another massive building on Maple. Most of the new Fairfax County libraries have exterior designs that are innovative and creative. The design drawing I saw has neither.
We must get it right because it will be there for 50 years. No one has shown there is a demand for 84 public parking spaces in addition to library parking (option 1: two levels $4.5 million), much less 188 spaces (option 2: three levels $9 million) in the next 15-20 years. There is a third option; namely, build a charming, small town library with 90 parking spaces. Vienna should not spend money on parking located blocks from most businesses. We must be practical and realistic.
What are your ideal height and building sizes for developments in the Maple Avenue Ordinance?
I support a three-story height limitation and less dense development along Maple Avenue. There needs to be a buffer between the residential areas and commercial development.
When I led the mediation effort between the developers of the 380 Maple Avenue project and homeowners, I proposed a terrace effect on the side of the development facing the homeowners. That approach has been incorporated in the Sunrise development on that same piece of property.
I support a review of the MAC (currently suspended) and our zoning code to insure that reasonable and realistic height, density, and buffer requirements are incorporated in new development. The input of residents is essential in this process.
People interested in learning more about Brill’s campaign can check out his website.
Photo courtesy Ray Brill
Ahead of the Town of Vienna’s election this year, Tysons Reporter asked the candidates to answer the following questions and also submit a short biography. Each candidate had an opportunity to answer the same questions in their own words. We are publishing the Q&As this week in the order we received the responses.
Featured here is Howard Springsteen, who is running for the mayor’s seat.
Bio: With 11 years on the Vienna Town Council, 30 years of public administration and extensive community involvement, I bring a record of accomplishment and a promise of action and not just talk. I am proud of my reputation for demanding accountability and transparency and for being responsive to citizen concerns.
Nearby, Tysons is urbanizing. How do you think the Town of Vienna’s identity should change in response to Tysons’ growth?
The pressures of being a town in the shadow of Tysons Corner are very real, with implications on commercial rents, traffic, parking, housing prices, and demand for town services. But we are not Tysons, and we need to manage and control our own destiny in terms of residential building and commercial development.
Vienna residents have made clear that the protection of its residential neighborhoods is a top priority and key to maintaining a “small-town” feel. However, we also need to have realistic conversations the economic vitality of our commercial districts. These are complex and important conversations. As mayor, I pledge that my door will be open to all in the Vienna community as we work through this very difficult issue of how we set a direction for the future of Vienna.
As mayor, would you pledge to A) declare a climate emergency and B) support a council vote for the Town of Vienna to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045?
The town’s Conservation and Sustainability Commission produced a study in this area and has put some great options on the table for consideration. The study identified three areas of energy use — electricity, natural gas and vehicle fuel — and suggested achievable goals to reduce both consumption and cost. I want to include these goals into the town’s next comprehensive plan, which will be updated later this year.
We have already taken significant action to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs. The Vienna Community Center received its Gold LEED certification. We will see similar design features in the new police station. We have made progress replacing florescent lighting with LED and incorporating energy efficiency into purchasing decisions.
I look forward to working with the town staff to see how we can bring additional energy reduction goals to the town and work toward carbon neutrality by 2045.
What are your solutions to Maple Avenue congestion and cut-thru traffic in neighborhoods?
Maple Avenue is a major transportation corridor with up to 35 percent of cars just passing through town. One of my top priorities is to keep traffic off our side streets — that means using modern technologies to time lights so that traffic moves along Maple Avenue.
We need to continue to use a combination of traditional traffic calming measures, police enforcement and innovative technologies to keep up the battle against aggressive driving. And that needs to be coupled with pedestrian safety measures, particularly sidewalk construction around schools. And finally, we need to understand the implications of new development on traffic flows and ensure that we are not adding to gridlock on Maple Avenue.
How would you work with Natalia Monkou to boost economic development in the town?
I was one of the first councilmembers to advocate for an economic development manager. I did not take the decisions to add to the town’s payroll lightly, but believed very strongly that it was a worthwhile investment in our future.
Ms. Monkou was brought on-board in December 2019. Her work with our businesses and advice to the town manager as well as the mayor and town council in response to the coronavirus crisis has been invaluable.
I will continue to support her efforts and work for the funding and resources that she needs to do her job. She is currently working closely with the business community to come up with options to assist and help them get through these trying times. I look forward to her advice and counsel as we address the crisis, and over the longer-term, take action to make this town more business friendly.
What are your ideal height and building sizes for developments in the Maple Avenue Ordinance?
My record speaks for itself — I have not pivoted because of an election. I support projects that protect and improve the quality of life in Vienna. The allowable heights and densities in the current MAC do neither of these things. That is why I have consistently voted against MAC projects and for extending the
moratorium.
I have advocated for buildings with:
- varying heights and densities that do not overload our infrastructures and traffic, and buffer zones that adequately protect the abutting neighborhoods
- adequate parking to prevent crowding of other businesses or spillover into neighborhoods
This is not an anti-development stance — it is a pro-Vienna stance. I stand by my record — new buildings should fit into Vienna and not overshadow existing properties. We must have adequate buffers between commercial and residential development.
Some residents are concerned about town officials’ transparency and the public’s ability to comment on proposals. Do you think this is an issue? How will you ensure people understand what is going on and are able to engage on topics that matter to them?
Transparency in governance is critical. Vienna advertises all council meetings and work sessions in advance and broadcasts all council sessions both on the web and cable TV. The town publishes a monthly newsletter and posts daily on the town’s website and on social media.
The public has always been able to and does comment on proposals. I have seen numerous occasions in my 11 years on the council where both oral and written statements have resulted in changes to proposals being considered.
However, I do understand that many have concerns about transparency in governance — we need to address that concern and explore additional channels of communication and community engagement and create additional opportunities for provide input. As mayor, I will lead the council in efforts to set high-quality standards, provide clear guidance and demand transparency and accountability.
People interested in learning more about Springsteen’s campaign can check out his website and Facebook.
Image via Town of Vienna
Ahead of the Town of Vienna’s election this year, Tysons Reporter asked the candidates to answer the following questions and also submit a short biography. Each candidate had an opportunity to answer the same questions in their own words. We are publishing the Q&As this week in the order we received the responses.
Featured here is Ed Somers, who is running for one of the councilmember seats.
Bio: I am running for town council to focus on priorities related to transportation safety, community engagement, and balanced development. I have 30 years of experience fighting for local governments at the national level and want to apply what I have learned to my home — Vienna.
Nearby, Tysons is urbanizing. How do you think the Town of Vienna’s identity should change in response to Tysons’ growth?
Vienna’s identity does not need to change as a result of Tysons. Yes, we will have to work with our neighboring communities to mitigate traffic as much as possible. But what I would also like to ensure is that Vienna does not simply become a “pass through” for people on their way to somewhere else. I want people to spend time in our Town, spend money in OUR stores and OUR restaurants, and generate business tax revenue to offset OUR property taxes.
What are your solutions to Maple Avenue congestion and cut-thru traffic in neighborhoods?
As for Maple Avenue, much can be done with signal timing and reducing the number of entrance and exit points to businesses that will help move traffic smoother through our major artery. Cut through traffic is a trickier issue, in that efforts to limit traffic on one person’s street can result in more traffic on someone else’s street. So, the entire Vienna street network must be evaluated as an interconnected system. Where needed and based on solid data, traffic calming should be employed.
But my top priority remains making sure that people who want to walk, bike or run in our town — especially children — can do so safely. Sidewalks and modern street crosses tools should be installed wherever possible — as we have prioritized during my time as chair of our town’s Transportation Safety Commission — with engagement and community support.
Should Vienna keep its “small town feel”? If so, how? If not, why and what do you propose?
I am not sure Vienna has been a “small town” in the traditional sense for some time. We are not a country village surrounded by farmland. I believe that many people have stayed in Vienna, or recently moved to Vienna, because it is a town with a good “balance.” We have houses of various sizes, nice sized yards, condos and apartments, shopping, restaurants and entertainment that people can walk to, and what amounts to the “river” that connects us — the amazing W&OD Trail.
I remember when some fought against having a Town Green — and now I bet many would say it is one of our best assets. The key is maintaining the proper “balance” and I believe this can be done, while still moving our town forward and NOT ending up with more vacant properties that are not generating business taxes for our town or providing the services we would like to have in our town.
Vienna has a long history of being named a “Tree City USA.” What steps would you like to see Vienna take to become greener and more sustainable/environmentally-friendly?
Let me answer that question in two parts.
First on the issue of tress, I remember a discussion we had in the Transportation Safety Commission regarding a sidewalk petition from residents. They were united for a sidewalk and our commission agreed their street needed it — until they learned that trees would have to come down. Then they changed their mind about wanting the sidewalk. I say this to point out how important trees are to our residents.
The trick I think is to have a long-term vision for tree installation and to remember that you can’t “build” a tree like you can something else. We need to invest in trees that match our ecology, can thrive in our climate, and will not need to be cut down because they were planted in the wrong location or became overgrown. This is why we have a town arborist and we need to listen to both the desires of town residents and professional advice. And we must ensure that all new construction requires tree installation.
But to the bigger question of how me make Vienna a more environmentally friendly and sustainable community, consistent with everything I have said, we MUST design a town the encourages and helps people to not use their cars whenever and wherever possible.
What do you want to see happen for parking when Parking Henry Library gets moved and rebuilt?
Let me just say this. What I know I do want is for people to have a place to park their cars and then walk in Vienna — on Maple Avenue, on Church Street, to the Town Green, and so on. It bothers me greatly when I see cars driving from shopping center to shopping center. This is not good for traffic, and it is not good for the environment.
Some kind of integrated parking solution for our main shopping and entertainment district must happen. Not having been on the town council or planning or zoning boards, I simply can’t say what the design should be. But I know that many towns have dealt with this very issue, and I plan to call on my network of experts to help us design parking solutions that are appropriate for Vienna.
What are your ideal height and building sizes for developments in the Maple Avenue Ordinance?
Again, not having been on town council or the planning board, I can’t exactly say what I think the maximum limit should be. Having studied the excellent survey that the town sent out to all residents to get their input — something I think must be replicated for other big issues the Town needs to address — my general feeling is no more than four stories.
I want to make sure there is plenty of sidewalk space, and I would like the designs to both encourage outside eating and gathering and have the proper rear designs to protect as much as possible people who live behind these new developments. I believe that consensus can be found on this issue — and much like the Town Green that many fought against — if done correctly, we really will have a vibrant Main Street that is appropriate for Vienna and that our residents will use and love for generations to come.
And I also know this. If we do not come together with a consensus plan for Maple Avenue that engages the current land owners in the process, we will end up with more “one off” construction projects and will look back with regret at a missed opportunity to help design a comprehensive, unified approach to Maple Avenue development. Just saying “no” is not enough. We must work together to get to a “yes” that benefits all who live in our town.
People interested in learning more about Somers’ campaign can check out his website, Facebook and Twitter.
Photo courtesy Ed Somers
A new pizza place in Vienna has opened its doors and now offers customers a variety of Italian fare for delivery.
PizzaRoni opened in the former Keiko Charcoal Chicken spot (235 Maple Ave E.) and is currently delivering orders, according to its website. The pizza place joins a list of more than a 100 local restaurants offering delivery or curbside pick-up to stay open during the coronavirus pandemic.
The restaurant is also locally owned by a resident who moved to Vienna with his wife and previously opened a pizza shop in New York, according to the Vienna VA Foodies Facebook page.
On the menu, customers can find also find subs, appetizers, salads, entrees like pasta, gyros and wings, according to the website.
The hours of operation are Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m. until midnight and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 9:30 p.m.
People who want to make an order can call 703-319-0002, the website said.
Photo via Vienna VA Foodies/Facebook
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.
As we embark on week 6 of stay-at-home orders, you may be looking for something to change things up. Need some new puzzles? What about a science kit to do with your kids? Maybe it’s time to introduce them to Monopoly?
Or maybe you have no idea what they’d like but could use some input. As many small businesses pivot to new business ideas in this pandemic, the local toy stores are doing the same. You can shop over the phone, pay over the phone and they’ll deliver it to your car — contact free. In addition, you’ll also be helping a small business survive:
The store has “Virtual Concierge Shopping” appointments, where they can make recommendations and you can shop the full store. They’ll deliver within 6 miles of the store for orders over $40, or you can do curbside pickup. They do have a mini shop online where you can browse a specific selection of toys.
Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Falls Church
The store is offering curbside pickup and you can shop both online and over the phone with one of their sales consultants. I actually sent them a Facebook message asking for puzzle options and they sent back 3 photos of the current inventory. So I was able to pick which ones I wanted, pay over the phone, and then do curbside pickup.
Also offering curbside pickup and Bike Pedalers delivery service, they offer games and books, plus wine, snacks and cards. You can call the store and ask for book suggestions — both adult and kids. If they don’t have it in store, they’re able to order it for you.
Freeman Historic Gift Shop in Vienna
You probably wouldn’t immediately think of the Freeman Store, but they do carry a unique gift store filled with puzzles, toys and other unique Vienna specific items. There’s a great blanket with specific Vienna spots embroidered.
