Lane closures are expected around Vienna this week as part of the I-66 Outside the Beltway Project.
According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, crews will continue corridor-wide roadway maintenance this week with multi-lane closures along I-66 including stretches near the Dunn Loring Metro station and the Beltway interchange.
On Friday (May 17), I-66 is expected to have lane closures from the Beltway to Nutley Street in Vienna. Three lanes will be closed on the westbound side from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. to implement long-term lane shifts. At the Nutley Street intersection, repaving work is also planned for the median.
VDOT estimates an extra 20-minutes of stoppages, and slowdowns should be expected.
Photo via VDOT
In yet another week of bizarre Vienna crime reports, someone has been targeting local police vehicles with a laser pointer.
The incident occurred on May 2 around 8:40 p.m at 400 Nutley Street S.W., according to a police report:
An officer was driving northbound on Nutley Street when his vehicle was struck multiple times with a green laser pointer. A Fairfax County Police Officer also advised his vehicles had been struck by the laser pointer that night. A similar incident happened to another officer a few weeks before this incident.
Other local crimes include an argument between an employee at IGS Diamonds (444 Maple Avenue E.) and a customer, where the customer said staff bent the prongs of a ring and swapped out the diamonds. The employee showed police photographs indicating this wasn’t the case.
According to the police report, “both parties were advised this was a civil matter.”
Photo via Facebook
Even after 47 years, Ar-Jon Portable Toilets in Vienna is still “a family-owned business.”
The septic company is based out of 327 Owaissa Road S.E. and offers portable restrooms and sanitation equipment for any type of event that might need them.
“It’s a family thing,” Ben Wood said of the company his father started in 1972. Ben joined the business in 1975. “I’m the only son. My mother still runs the office and she’s helped out by my niece. I have two sons and the younger one works for us.”
Wood said the company has expanded and changed considerably since his father’s time. Over the last few years, there have been new innovations in septic-toilet cleaning.
“He started off with 12 wooden ones he built in the backyard,” Wood said. “Now, we’re at around 2,500.”
Like many businesses, Wood said Ar-Jon was hit hard by the 2008 recession, but the growth of construction in the area — and the subsequent need for portable toilets — has been a boon.
“Vienna is growing,” Wood said. “They’re tearing down all the 1940s homes and putting up big ones.”
For Wood, that means dozens of construction sites, all of which need portable toilets. Wood said that’s a large part of where the company’s business comes from.
“About 90 percent of our sites are construction,” Wood said. “We also do parks and specials events on weekends, that type of thing, especially like ViVa Vienna and Taste of Vienna.”
Photo via Facebook
Small business owners and residents in Vienna narrowed down more than two dozen suggested solutions to make it easier to park in the town’s central business district.
Last night’s brainstorming session was the second meeting in an ongoing effort to find viable public parking solutions while the town waits for Fairfax County’s renovation of the Patrick Henry Library, which could bring a parking garage.
“I don’t think we’re going to have a parking garage in town for a few years so we’re trying to come up with ideas to alleviate the problem,” Jim Brooke, the chair of the Town Business Liaison Committee, said at the meeting. “It’s important to get feedback from business owners and property owners because you guys live this every day.”
Mayor Laurie DiRocco said that the library got moved up in the county’s renovation schedule from 2026 to 2022. Until then, though, attendees suggested that small business owners meet with the county’s board in June and collect signatures to push for public parking as part of the library renovation.
Friderike Butler, a member of the Town Business Liaison Committee, suggested shared parking, which could encourage drivers to park and walk — potentially encouraging people to shop in more stores as they explore the town.
“You have all of these individually designed signs of ‘No Parking’ or ‘Patrons only,'” Butler told the business owners in attendance. “The message that you’re sending is [that] you’re not wanted here. Come in for your one transitional parking and then please leave.”
Some business owners said that sharing parking sounds like a good idea, yet doesn’t add parking or address needs for nearby parking spots for customers to load heavy items.
Dave Wallen from Nothing Bundt Cakes said that designated parking spots are often necessary for patrons who might not want to hunt for a parking spot nearby.
While possible pricey, Butler said having a digital parking map could help people find public parking spots around town that visitors often don’t know about. A similar idea would have the town put up big, blue parking signs that could direct drivers to those hidden spaces.
At the end of the meeting, attendees had the opportunity to vote with stickers for their top three in the “idea gallery,” which included all of the short-, mid- and long-term ideas from the two meetings.
Some of the top vote getters:
- business meeting with Fairfax County to accelerate Patrick Henry Library garage
- create a comprehensive, digital map for available public parking options
- clear and improve town-branded parking signage
- comprehensive strategic parking and marketing plan sponsored and coordinated by the town for businesses participating in shared parking
- comprehensive shared parking solution
The idea wall is set to get displayed somewhere accessible for local business owners who were not in attendance last night to vote on the ideas.
Vienna Planning Commissioners may have found a solution last night (May 8) to parking and retail space concerns plaguing the proposed Sunrise Senior Living Facility.
Concerns raised about the proposed 83-unit facility at yesterday’s public hearing were similar to ones brought up at the last public hearing: parking, ground floor retail space and location.
Several residents and planning commissioners said they are worried that the 60 parking spaces might not accommodate all of the visitors, employees, shoppers and roughly 100 residents, adding to already problematic traffic congestion around Church Street.
Jerry Liang, the senior vice president of development for Sunrise, said that the removal of a compact parking space resolved an issue brought up at the last public hearing about easy access for ambulances. He also said that some of the facility’s employees will probably use public transit and carpools, freeing up more parking spaces.
In addition to the parking, residents said the ground floor retail at the senior living facility won’t appeal to shoppers. “Would you do your Christmas shopping at the hospital gift shop?” resident Christopher Hogan asked.
Toward the end of the meeting, Planning Commissioner Mary McCullough questioned whether the development was required to have the retail space, which then led to a possible solution: eliminate some or all of the retail space, which would free up the retailers’ 29 parking spaces.
The possible solution to the parking and retail space woes, however, does not address one other concern.
While residents said they support the idea of having a senior living facility come to the town, some took issue with the location at E. Maple Avenue and Center Street — the heart of downtown Vienna.
“I don’t want our centerpiece of town to be assisted living,” a man who said he runs a local business next to the proposed site told the Planning Commission.
Resident Nancy Logan urged the planning commissioners to consider other options for the space. “The location is something very important,” she said. “I’d love to see a hotel or something that could help Vienna.”
Vienna resident Chuck Anderson said during public comment that he doesn’t think a senior living facility will add synergy to the local bars and businesses.
Some residents said they wished the project could get moved to a different location, but the Planning Commission doesn’t have that authority.
“I really like Sunrise,” resident Shelley Ebert said during public comment. “I wish they would move to the west and come to my neighborhood.”
Ultimately, the Planning Commission decided to return to the development at their next meeting.
Rendering via Town of Vienna
Bear Branch Tavern is eyeing a space that once belonged to a bank along Maple Avenue in the heart of downtown Vienna.
The restaurant wants to move into a roughly 6,700-square-foot ground floor space in an office building known as the Vienna Professional Center (133 Maple Avenue E.). The building was built in 1983 and has eight units, including the basement, according to a Town of Vienna staff report.
Bear Branch Tavern plans to occupy units 100 and 100A, which have been vacant since Cardinal Bank left about two years ago.
The restaurant would have 249 seats for indoor and outdoor areas in both the front and rear areas of the building, transforming the former bank teller drive-thru canopy into a rear patio, according to the staff report.
“Staff believes that a restaurant of this size with outdoor seating will help encourage a more vibrant Central Business District,” the staff report says.
In addition to offering food and drinks, the tavern also hopes to entertain patrons with live music. The plans show a location for acoustic performers on the back deck near the proposed fire pit.
The Planning Commission is scheduled to provide a recommendation on conditional use permits for outdoor dining and live entertainment at tonight’s meeting.
The meeting will also continue the public hearing on the Sunrise Senior Living Facility proposal — residents’ concerns about parking, safety and retail space dominated the last public hearing on April 24.
The meeting starts at 8 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers (127 Center Street S.).
First image via Google Maps, second via Vienna Planning Commission
Vienna residents elected three candidates concerned about the scale of new developments planned for Maple Avenue to the Town Council.
Yesterday’s election saw six candidates — two incumbents face off against four challengers — vie for three council seats.
According to a press release, the unofficial results of the election are:
- Nisha Patel: 1,523
- Howard Springsteen: 1,475
- Steve Potter: 1,470
- Julie Hays: 985
- Tara Bloch: 775
- Time Strike: 415
Incumbent Howard Springsteen has been a leading voice in opposition to new larger Maple Avenue developments, saying that the town’s commercial zones need managed growth with low-density residential zoning and modest, appropriate developments.
Local small business owner Nisha Patel has expressed concerns about the impact of high-density mixed-use developments on traffic and schools. Steve Potter is a founding member of the Vienna Citizens for Responsible Development, a group that has pushed for developments that preserve the “small-town character” on Maple Avenue.
Patel, Potter and Springsteen were all endorsed by the Vienna Citizens for Responsible Development.
Incumbent Tara Bloch, who had the second to the lowest number of votes, did not win reelection. Bloch touted the increased number of sidewalks and bike routes, as well as new commercial redevelopments, and she ran a campaign focused on pushing for a pedestrian-friendly business corridor.
Julie Hays, who ran a campaign focused on pedestrian and bicycle safety and protecting residential neighborhoods, and Tim Strike, who expressed opposition to the medium-high density developments and supported more public parking, also lost.
Vienna residents cast a total of 2,411 ballots, according to the press release.
McEnearney Associates, a family-owned real estate firm, recently arrived in Vienna.
Vienna Mayor Laurie DiRocco celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week. While new to the brick-and-mortar spot, McEnearney Associates is no stranger to Vienna — the real estate firm has conducted business in the town for 35 years, according to a press release.
“We felt that we wanted a stronger presence in the Town of Vienna to increase our client support and community outreach,” Jon Wolford, the managing broker of McLean/Vienna McEnearney Associates, said. “Many of our Associates are involved in the Vienna community whether through events, schools or nonprofit organizations.”
Located at 374 Maple Avenue E., the spot is right by the Peet’s Coffee and newly opened Starbucks. It is the 11th location for McEnearney Associates in the D.C.-area, according to the press release.
“There is something incredibly unique and special about the Town of Vienna, and we felt it was a perfect fit for our firm,” Wolford said.
Earlier this week the Town Business Liaison Committee welcomed McEnearney Associates to Town. They are a local and family-owned real estate firm with over 350 associates. Cheers! #local #business pic.twitter.com/7KCqy0Vhoa
— Town of Vienna, VA (@TownofViennaVA) May 3, 2019
This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Val Sotillo, Northern Virginia-based Realtor and Falls Church resident. Please submit your questions to her via email for response in future columns. Enjoy!
Question: I work in Tysons and often drive through the Town of Vienna. How’s the housing market in Vienna and what it’s like living there?
Answer: Vienna is a suburban neighborhood located about three miles from Tysons. The Town of Vienna has been changing and improving over the past years while still maintaining its original charm and “small town” feel. It’s beautiful, full of friendly people and rich with life.
Here’s What Makes Vienna A Great Place To Live:
Location — It’s located minutes away from Tysons. It has its own Metro Station (last stop in the orange line) with 2 large parking garages, and it is located just a few minutes away from I-66 which provides quick access to 495 and can take you to D.C. in 25 minutes. You can get to Dulles Airport in 20 minutes. Overall, a great location!
Active Community — I lived in Vienna for a few years and I loved the great community atmosphere. The town holds parades and festivals throughout the year on Maple Avenue and Church Street. Viva Vienna! and Oktoberfest are my favorite. Here’s the full calendar.
There are parks and community facilities to meet citizen’s recreational needs. The Vienna Community Center is under renovation but it will reopen this fall.
Cyclists can take the W&OD Trail, a 45 mile trail that goes from Shirlington to Purcellville. Located right off the trail, you’ll find Caboose Tavern serving great beer made on site and delicious bites.
We can’t forget the amazing Wolf Trap for outdoor concerts! And of course, there’s a dog park.
Shops and Restaurants — Perfect place for foodies!
Must try: Taco Bamba (2 tacos and a draft for $12, yes please!), Yama (Sushi), Red Galanga; Vienna staples like The Vienna Inn, and Amphora; Date night places like Bazin’s on Church, Maple Ave (awesome brunch, and check their daily specials), and Clarity.
The Pear Tree Cottage, my favorite shop for antiques and design, has been in business for 5 years and it contributes to the community’s charm. There’s Bard’s Alley for books (and café and wine bar); and Whole Foods with the best fresh seafood selection. Vienna truly has it all.
The Town of Vienna will continue seeking locals’ input on public parking following a returned push to make it easier to park in the town’s central business district.
The meeting set for this Thursday (May 9) will follow up on a March brainstorming session hosted by the Town Business Liaison Committee and Mayor Laurie DiRocco.
About 35 business owners and people helped problem-solve and come up with more than two dozen ideas, including short-, mid- and long-term options, like:
- create a comprehensive parking and marketing plan for Vienna and its business community
- develop clear and improved Town-branded parking signage
- actively enforce two-hour parking on Church Street and for designated short-term parking
- consider financial or property improvement incentives for property owners
- research feasibility of connecting Vienna Metro, Town Green, Tysons Metro (and residential areas) with a trolley
The upcoming meeting will seek locals’ input on the ideas and any new ideas and possible implementation strategies.
The meetings come on the heels of the town’s decision in January to dissolve an agreement to use a four-story commercial building on Church Street as a public parking garage.
Anyone interested in going can head to the Town Hall (127 S. Center Street) at 6 p.m.
