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September 24, 2025

Neighbors,

The Northern Virginia Families for Safe Streets recently released their Fairfax Near Miss report.

It identifies and analyzes locations where people report feel unsafe walking or biking.

The pedestrian and bicycle safety group based its findings on self-reported survey data from people who’ve experienced near misses with cars between January 2024 and this July.

I want to thank NOVA Families for Safe Streets for their work, as well as everyone who reported near misses to them.

The Hunter Mill District had the highest number of reports: 51. I believe this is due to both the existence of dangerous areas in Hunter Mill, and to our highly engaged residents (thank you!) — and the report also recognizes that near misses are likely underreported in other county districts.

I appreciate the report because it provides additional confirmation of some of the dangerous locations that residents have informed my office about —especially places where drivers are seen running red lights. For example, the report highlighted Lake Newport Road, the Fairfax County Parkway and Reston Parkway near Reston Town Center as areas where this is particularly a problem.

The report underscores the need to review the tools we have available to reduce red-light running. This includes using the county’s authority to install red-light cameras similar to the speed cameras we are using in school and work zones.

As some may remember, the county had a red-light camera program 20 years ago before it was discontinued due to state legislative changes and cost. The program, which installed cameras at 10 locations, was highly effective. It reduced red-light running violations by 45% countywide, according to the Fairfax County Police.

Four years ago, I led the renewed push on the Board of Supervisors to deploy school zone speed cameras, stop-arm cameras on school buses and the county’s ongoing public education campaign for pedestrian and bicyclist safety called “Take a Moment.”

Yet tragically, 18 pedestrians died in Fairfax County last year, and crashes involving pedestrians have increased by 33% since 2019.



Along with the Near Miss report, these fatality and accident numbers indicate that there’s more to do to improve pedestrian safety.

As the sun begins to set earlier, now is the time to drive even more carefully since it’s hard to see walkers and bikers. I hope you’ll follow these tips, and I also encourage everyone to report near misses using the NOVA Families for Safe Streets app.

Regards,

Walter

• In the Community
• Dominion to Spray Invasives on W&OD Trail
• Statement on the U.S. Attorney's Forced Resignation
• Reston Performing Arts Center's New Location
• Reston Book Sale Sept. 24-28
• Volunteer to Beautify Frying Pan Farm Park
• Metro Wins Top Transit Award
• Don’t Forget to Lock Your Car Before Bed
• What's News in Vienna
• Events and Activities

Celebrating SunDay in Vienna! ☀️ ⚡

I joined the celebration of the amazing clean energy projects happening in Vienna — from the Fairfax County Public Schools’ electric school bus displayed at Louise Archer Elementary to the impressive solar panels installed at the Church of the Holy Comforter.

It’s inspiring to see our community leading the way with renewable energy and sustainability efforts which the county is helping to support.

For example, Fairfax County provided an energy conservation grant to the church for their 325 solar panels. Their green energy project is producing all the electricity for the church’s current usage.

The county and schools are also working to electrify our vehicle fleets, including public school buses. Let's keep it going!

Pinecrest Community Cookout

Thanks to Pinecrest residents for inviting me to their cookout on Sunday. What a great way to build connections and community, and I always enjoy seeing neighbors and friends.

What’s happening: Dominion Energy says they will begin applying herbicides this week along the four-mile stretch of the W&OD Trail. The treatment will target invasive plants that have overrun the areas where the utility indiscriminately clear-cut trees.

Dominion said the spraying will take one to two weeks at targeted locations between their Idylwood and Clark substations (see map). Signs will be placed along the trail in these locations. The herbicides will be focused on managing woody vegetation and federally listed invasive plants.

Dominion says they will provide daily oversight of the work of their contractor Invasive Plant Control.

Why it Matters: As NOVA Parks has requested, invasive removal is a first, needed step before the areas that have been logged can be replanted with native plants and grasses. Encouragingly, Dominion has informed NOVA Parks that they are ready to begin to coordinate a replanting plan with parks, Town of Vienna and Fairfax County. However, the utility still hasn’t agreed to any specifics yet, and we need to see the utility make a formal commitment through a new memorandum of understanding with NOVA Parks.

What’s happening: I joined other members of the Board of Supervisors in issuing a joint statement calling out President Trump’s pressure tactics that led to the resignation of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District.

As leaders of Fairfax County, we call on our members of Congress and the judges of the Eastern District of Virginia to maintain the integrity and legal viability of our area’s U.S. Attorney’s office.

Why it Matters: The president’s action is an attack one of the bedrock traditions that separates us from less mature democracies – keeping prosecutorial authority and political battles separate.

• Read the full statement

What’s happening: The future Reston Arts Center moved a small step closer to reality last week when the Planning Commission approved a revised plan that identifies a new site for the facility.

The commission signed off on Boston Properties amended development plans for Reston Next’s second phase. This next phase of their mixed-use project includes the county’s performing arts center. The company proposed these changes as it nears completion on the project’s first phase.

The arts center was previously approved for Block J, but the new plan calls for it to be relocated to Block G2. (Block J is now planned to be developed with an office building instead.) The center would be located along Sunset Hills Road across from the Reston Town Center Metro station.

While the revised development plans cleared the Planning Commission, the Board of Supervisors still must ultimately approve them.

Arts Center: The center will be located on a site that will accommodate a 60,000 square foot facility, as originally proffered. The amended development plans envision it to be a 72-foot tall building.

Boston Properties will convey the land to the county no later than a year after it receives its occupancy permit for the last building it constructs. Or, it will provide the site when the county confirms it has secured the money to design, build and operate the arts center.

Until either of these conditions are met, Boston Properties have the option to use the land for a temporary public park. However, they would need to coordinate this action with me and the Fairfax County Park Authority. Boston Properties would be solely responsible for building and maintaining the park.

Background: Boston Properties originally proffered the arts center as part of their approved 2018 rezoning for what was then called Reston Gateway. (This overall plan for the 23-acre site that’s adjacent to the Reston Town Center Metro Station calls for offices, residences, restaurants and shops, hotel rooms, as well as the arts center.)

Following the rezoning approval, the county conducted a feasibility study for the arts center that included public input and meetings in 2002. It examined community needs and requirements for a facility located on Block J. The study concluded that an arts center was both feasible with Block J as an appropriate location. In 2023, I then introduced a motion for the Board of Supervisors to accept Block J as the location for the center. Now we will be looking at a different but identically-sized block.

What’s happening: The Friends of Reston Regional Library are holding their Big Fall Sale on Sept. 24 – 28. You’ll find 35,000-plus books to browse and buy with new books restocked every day.

What’s on sale: The sale features large selections of the two most popular book categories: fiction and history.

• Find large offerings of science fiction and fantasy books too, including great vintage 1960s and 70s SciFi magazines.
• DVDs, music CDs and books on CD are also available
• However, no children’s books are on sale.

Sale dates: It begins today with a preview in the lobby, followed by the full collection going on sale for the next three days:

• Wednesday, Sept 24: Preview sale in lobby from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Members-only room will be open from 1-5 p.m.)
• Thursday, Sept 25: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Friday, Sept 26: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept 27: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept 28: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

What’s happening: Join me at Frying Pan Farm Park on Saturday, Sept. 27 to help beautify the park in celebration of National Public Lands Day.

Volunteers will assist with general clean-up of the grounds and surrounding trails from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Instructions and supplies will be provided. Sign Up

Background: Our parks are truly our “home outdoors,” and National Public Lands Day is an opportunity to show your love for Fairfax County’s parks. This annual nationwide event engages the community in service and stewardship of our public lands. As one of the largest park systems in the nation, the Fairfax County Park Authority oversees more than 23,000 acres of parkland and 334 miles of trails.

What’s happening: Metro won the transit industry’s most prestigious award: Outstanding Public Transit Agency of the Year by the American Public Transportation Association. It’s the agency’s first win in this category in nearly 30 years.

I was honored to be there with my fellow Metro Board members, General Manager Randy Clarke and Metro staff to accept the award.

Why it matters: Metro received the honor for its transformation and accomplishments during the past three years, including the agency’s:

• Record customer satisfaction (92% for rail) and ridership growth (265 million trips taken last year with 54 straight months of ridership growth!)
• Redesign of the entire Metrobus network.
• Dramatic increase in rail service including the opening of seven new stations.
• Improved customer amenities, like better wayfinding signage and more digital screens in stations.
• Metro also boasts significant public safety achievements, including an eight-year low in crime, an 82% drop in fare evasion, and a new in-house police academy. 

What’s happening: Due to increased vehicle break-ins in Reston, the Fairfax County Police are reminding residents to lock their car doors. Before you go to bed, follow the “9 p.m. Routine”:

• Lock all doors: vehicles, homes, garages, gates, windows and sheds 
• Remove all valuables from vehicles (including keys, wallets, and electronics) 
• Bring valuables inside from yards, porches, and patios 
• Turn on exterior lights 
• Activate vehicle and home alarm systems and security cameras 
• Include and educate all members of your household 

Why it matters: While some thieves may break into your car if they see something valuable, in most cases, they’re looking for an easy opportunity to steal — like an unlocked car or open garage or window at your home. With one simple action — keeping your car and home locked — you can help deter these criminals.

For more tips and info: Contact the Reston District Police Station’s Community Outreach Officer Jenette Post by email.

What’s happening: Join the Selection Advisory Committee for the FY 2027-2028 Consolidated Community Funding Pool. The committee has only has half of the the 40 members needed — and currently there are no members from the Reston, Herndon or Vienna areas.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the committee is filled. Apply now.

Why it matters: As a committee member, you’ll make funding recommendations on how the county will allocate money to local nonprofits and community organizations that provide human services. This includes vital services like emergency food and housing assistance, food and nutrition programs, medical and dental care, and more.

Established by the Board of Supervisors, the Consolidated Community Funding Pool invests money in nonprofits that strengthen the county’s ability to provide human services. The pool provides annual funding through a competitive process.

What you’ll do: This committee reviews and evaluates proposals submitted by nonprofits and makes funding recommendations to the Board of Supervisors.

As a committee member, you must be ready to commit to volunteering your time for a minimum of 2.5 hours per week from January through March 2026. You will review proposals and attend bi-weekly meetings. The SAC onboarding training will take place, in person, in the fall of 2025. Proposal reviews will be held January to March 2026 and will be conducted virtually.

Questions? For more information, assistance, language access needs or ADA accommodations, email Marla Zometsky or call 703-324-1762, TTY 711.

Raise a Glass at Oktoberfest on Oct. 4

Get out your Dirndl and lederhosen, Vienna's Oktoberfest is back — and I’ll be there to help pour beer. This annual event returns to Church Street on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. complete with live music across three stages, global eats (including many German favorites), family fun, and two beer and wine gardens. Free shuttles and bike parking will be available. See me at the beer tent starting at 10:45 a.m.

Volunteer for the Moorefield Park Habitat Restoration on Sept. 26-27

Help remove invasive plants and plant natives at Moorefield Park (Vienna Dog Park), 700 Courthouse Road SW, on Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27. Meet at the kiosk adjacent to the parking lot. Sign up. For questions or more information, contact Jeremy Edwards by email or call 703-255-6360.

❓Reston Museum presents trivia night tonight at Lake Anne Brew House.

🎭Next Stop Theatre Company performs excerpts from Dream Hou$e tonight at Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art in Reston.

👩🏾‍🎤Meet cabaret singer Beverly Cosham on Sept. 25 at Reston Community Center.

🎷The Mighty Little Big Band performs jazz on Sept. 26 at Reston Town Square Park.

📖 Meet Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen on Sept. 27 at Reston Community Center.

👠Shop Reston Association’s Community Yard Sale on Sept. 27 at Halley Rise.

🪈 Virginia Chamber Orchestra performs flute and string music on Sept. 28 at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens.

🚘Take the CarFit class for individualized instruction on adjusting your car’s safety features on Oct. 1 at the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department parking lot.

🎹 Brazilian pianist José Luiz Martins tickles the ivories on Oct. 3 at Reston Town Square Park.

🐦Take a Birding for Beginners class on Oct. 5 at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens.

📖 Author Timothy M. Gay discusses his nonfiction book, “Rory Land: The Up-and-Down World of Golf’s Global Icon,” on Oct. 5 at Reston Regional Library.

🙋‍♀️Attend the Venture in Volunteering Fair on Oct. 5 at Springfield Mall.

🌎Learn about world cultures at the family friendly Global Passport Adventure on Oct. 5 at Wolf Trap.

🧍Learn why posture matters more as you age on Oct. 6 at the Vienna Community Center.

📽️Watch the “Sound of Metal” on Oct. 6 at Reston Community Center.

👩‍🎤 Listen to the Tallwood Trio present classics from “The Great American Songbook” on Oct. 9 at Reston Community Center.

🎭 Do the time warp when the Reston Community Players perform the Rocky Horror Show starting Oct. 10.

👨‍🎤Jazz artists Clara Campbell & Justin Mendez perform on Oct. 10 at Reston Town Square Park.

🩺 Attend the Fall Wellness Fair on Oct. 11 at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods.

🪘Relax with “Sunset Serenity: Sound & Nature Therapy” on Oct. 11 at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens.

🎸 Listen to Smash Mouth perform on Oct. 11 at Rocktoberfest at Reston Town Center.

💰Take a seminar on how to identify and avoid scams on Oct. 13 at the Vienna Community Center.

🎞️Watch movies at the Washington West Film Festival on Oct. 9-13 at Reston Town Center.

📽️ Watch a screening of “American Bombing” with producer Mahrya MacIntire on Oct. 13 at Reston Community Center.

🌷Learn how to "garden for wildlife" on Oct. 30 at the Vienna Community Center.



Find all events for these local organizations: Reston Community Center, Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation Programs, Tephra ICA and Arts Fairfax. Find other community events in the Reston Letter.