January 8, 2025

Neighbors,

I hope you had a great start to the new year, and as we progress through the first full week of 2025, I want to share some of my resolutions for this year.

No Casino Along the Silver Line

Hunter Mill District residents have made their views clear. They’ve said an emphatic “NO” to a casino anywhere along the Silver Line — and I agree! As the Virginia General Assembly begins its session today, I’m all-in on defeating any state legislation to bring one to Tysons or anywhere along the Silver Line. Tysons is Fairfax County’s economic engine and since 2010 has had a long-term, ambitious, community-consensus development plan that a casino would upend and derail. Once a casino opens in a Silver Line station area, it becomes a No Go Zone for major employers. Let’s squash this dumb idea in 2025.

Get Approvals for New Reston Regional Library, Homeless Shelter

This redevelopment project north of Reston Town Center will result in a new Reston Regional Library, homeless shelter with permanent supportive housing, a 3.5-acre central green, housing and retail, and a future athletic field and RECenter. During this past year, the neighboring community provided input on their priorities for the central green’s use and design. In early 2025, Inova and the county will file a joint rezoning application and seek approval from the Reston Association’s Design Review Board, and I am eager to see these critical community facilities move forward.

Get Agreement to Lower Rates for Vienna Water Customers

I look forward to facilitating a long-term arrangement in 2025 between the Town of Vienna and Fairfax Water to lower the rates for Vienna water customers during the coming years. Discussions have started, and I originally brought forward this issue thanks to alert county residents who get water service from the town. Vienna customers pay higher rates compared to Fairfax Water which offers the lowest base rate in the entire D.C. region. Vienna's basic water service charge is $127.65 versus $73.20 by Fairfax Water.

Pay for Critical Local Services AND Relieve Real Estate Tax Burden

This is a tough one. Based on current projections, we are facing a difficult budget year ahead. As always, it’s a balancing act to craft a responsible budget. We must deliver essential services while minimizing the burden on our residents and businesses that already pay too much in real estate taxes. And we need the state to pay its fair share of local services like schools (see the landmark JLARC study). As I listen to your priorities during this upcoming budget season, I aim to strike the right balance. To get your feedback, I’ll be holding two budget town halls, so stay tuned for more details.

Work Out More With Ed Biggar

At 105 years old, Ed Biggar is likely one of the oldest residents in Reston. This fall I met up with him at the Reston YMCA where he usually exercises on the machines three days a week. Ed will turn 106 in February, and I look forward to meeting up with him again as this super-centinarian keeps up his work out routine.

Regards,

Walter

Seniors who need affordable rental housing can join the county’s waiting list starting Monday, Jan. 13. Submit an application online from Jan. 13 – 19 until 11:59 p.m. To be eligible, seniors must be age 62 or older and meet income qualifications. Select properties across the county are available, including:

• Lake Anne House in Reston (efficiency, one and two-bedroom apartments)
• Coppermine Run in Herndon (two-bedroom apartments)

Under the county’s program, the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority pays for a portion of the monthly rent at participating properties so that these homes are affordable.

The library released it’s list of most checked out e-books, e-audiobooks, print books and magazines last year. In the e-book category, “The Second Mrs. Astor: A Heartbreaking Historical Novel of the Titanic” took first place while “101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think” ranked as the top e-audiobook. The number one print book was the novel “Lessons in Chemistry.”

During Jan 24 - 27, five steel bridge girders will be installed over northbound I-495 (Beltway Inner Loop) at the Dulles Corridor Interchange for a new 495 Express Lanes ramp. Billed as “Big Beam Weekend,” the installation will result in major traffic impacts on the Beltway and Dulles Toll Road/Dulles Airport Access Road interchange. Northbound I-495 lanes will be reduced from six lanes to two from 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24 until 5 a.m. Monday, Jan. 27. Lane reductions will begin at the Route 7 interchange until just past Lewinsville Road. The ramp from eastbound Dulles Toll Road to northbound I-495 and westbound Dulles Toll Road under I-495 will be closed and detoured. Stay tuned for more information in this newsletter and in the local media.

Donate hygiene items, snacks and games for winter care packages for seniors in need. Make donations using this Amazon wish list. Your donations should be delivered no later than Tuesday, Jan. 21. The Fairfax County Department of Family Services Adult and Aging Division is collecting these items to participate in the Jan. 25 Fairfax Give Together event to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Hunter Mill Land Use Committee Jan. 21

This virtual meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 7:30 p.m.. Use this link to attend and participate. To participate by phone, dial 571-429-5982 and use conference ID 659 834 815#

Reston Planning & Zoning Jan. 27

This virtual meeting is Monday, Jan. 27 at 7:30 p.m. Use this link to attend and participate. To participate by phone, dial 571-429-5982 and use conference ID 826 435 557#

For more information, email Mark Goldberg-Foss, call 703-478-5123, or visit the Hunter Mill District Land Use and Zoning webpage.

New Payment Portal Available

This week the town launched its new and improved portal to pay local taxes, permit fees and other services. It simplifies the payment process with a user-friendly dashboard and businesses also have the option to pay for business licenses and meals taxes.

Annual Dog Licenses Due Jan. 31

Dogs older than four months must be vaccinated against rabies and licensed annually with the town. Renew an existing license or apply for a new license now. Details. 

🎷 Love Sax? Enjoy free lectures, classes and performances on Jan. 10-11 at the 45th International Saxophone Symposium hosted by the U.S Navy Band which will perform on both Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m.

🎭 Dark Horse Theater performs “Art” on Jan. 11-26 at Arts Herndon. This 1998 Tony Winner and 1996 Olivier Award winner is a dark comedy about three friends, €400,000 and one white painting.

🐦Listen to Will Brooks talk about using the eBird app to study birds on glaciers and birds lost offshore. Sponsored by the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance, this free lecture is Jan. 12 at 3 p.m.

💬 Angela Rye, award-winning host, social justice advocate, lawyer and commentator, keynotes RCC’s MLK Birthday Celebration and Community Lunch on Jan. 19.

🍽️ Metropolitan Washington Winter Restaurant Week begins Jan. 27. Find participating restaurants across the region. Restaurants in Reston, Herndon and Vienna are taking part, including many popular eateries at Reston Town Center.