July 17, 2024

Neighbors,

Yesterday, we honored the Fairfax County Public Library’s 85^th anniversary at the Board of Supervisors meeting.

Our library system got its start on February 1, 1939, when the Board voted to allocate $250 to fund a public library for the first time.

Today, our library is the largest and busiest system in Virginia and the entire South. It had nearly 3.2 million visits during the last fiscal year, circulated almost 12 million items and for the first time recorded over 3 million check outs of digital materials. There are only a handful of other library systems worldwide that have achieved this milestone in a single year.

Our library offers more than books, magazines, classes and technology assistance. It also provides three “maker” labs with 3D printers, and the Library of Things that makes available laptops with Wi-Fi hotspot devices, air quality monitors, light pollution meters, board games, binoculars and more.

In Hunter Mill our libraries are in a bit of transition. The Reston Regional Library is currently undergoing temporary renovations and is closed through next month. This will enable the library to function until a new regional library is built a few hundred yards away which is scheduled to be open in 2029. And the Patrick Henry Library in Vienna is being rebuilt starting next year with the rebuilt library planned to open during the winter of 2026.

As one of our most cherished institutions, our library — and its many dedicated staff and volunteers — deserve recognition and congratulations. I can’t wait to see what new innovative programs and services it will offer in the future.

Regards,

Walter

The Board of Supervisors met yesterday, July 16. You can watch the meeting here and review the Board agenda and package.

We voted on the following transportation issues:

Town Center Parkway Underpass Funding Requested

The Board approved a $363 million state funding request to extend Town Center Parkway beneath the Dulles Toll Road. The almost half-mile extension would run between Sunset Hills Drive and Sunrise Valley Drive. I’m hopeful that the Town Center Parkway underpass will be selected for funding. It’s a great example of a multi-modal project that supports transit-oriented development. This underpass, which has been in the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan for decades, will help to relieve congestion and provide pedestrian and bicycle access to both sides of the Dulles Toll Road near the Reston Town Center Metro station.

New Express Route from Tysons to Bethesda Approved

We also approved the new Connector Route 798 that will offer express bus service between the Bethesda Metro Station in Maryland and the Tysons West*Park Transit Station. Service is expected to begin in August, and the state is funding this route that was proposed as part of the regional effort to relieve congestion on the American Legion Bridge. The state’s $2 million grant allows service to start before the I-495 Express Lanes are extended to the bridge.

Connector Fares Increased for First Time in Seven Years

For the first time in more than seven years, Connector fares will increase by 12.5% to match the recent changes in Metrobus fares. Beginning July 29, the base fares for regular Connector customers will increase from:

• $2.00 to $2.25 for local bus service
• $4.25 to $4.80 for express bus service.

For seniors and people with disabilities, base fares will increase from:

• $1.00 to $1.10 for local bus service
• $2.10 to $2.40 for express bus fare

With its Walk, Bike, Roll campaign, the Tysons Community Alliance wants everyone to learn about the many options for getting around Tysons, and I hope you’ll join me on a community walk next Monday.

What’s Happening: I’ll lead an approximately one-hour walk around some unique destinations in Tysons on Monday, July 22 at 6 p.m. We’ll start at The PARC at Tysons, 8508 Leesburg Pike, and everyone who participates is eligible for a $15 gift card from the Alliance. Bring your cell phone and wear comfortable shoes. I will have both, and I will not be in a suit!

Discounted Bikeshare and Scooter Rides: To help you explore Tysons on two wheels, the Alliance is also offering discounts this month for trying Capital Bikeshare and Bird scooters. Use promo code TYSONSTRYCABI for $4 off your next bike ride or get 25% off your first three Bird scooter rides with promo code TYSONS2024.

Wheel Wise Demonstration on July 20:Learn how to safely and confidently explore Tysons on two wheels, including by bike, scooter and other wheeled vehicles. This event includes demonstrations, a biking safety talk by the Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling and bike tune-ups by the REI Bike Shop. Wheel Wise takes place on Saturday, July 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The PARC at Tysons. Details.

Are you planning a home renovation project? Building a new deck? Renovating your kitchen or bath? Finishing your basement?

Attend the Building Permits 101 class on Tuesday, July 23 from noon to 1 p.m. at the North County Governmental Center, 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston.

You’ll learn what types of permits you will need, how to hire a contractor, and tips to save time and money. Register now.

Hunter Mill District Transportation Advisory Council Meeting July 24

The council will meet virtually on July 24 at 8 a.m. The agenda includes updates from county and VDOT transportation staff on key projects, including the Old Courthouse Road realignment and Soapstone Connector. For questions or more information, email my office. Use this link to join. To participate by phone, call 571-429-5982 and use conference call ID: 145 054 907#.

Vienna Youth Players summer production "Newsies!" opens on Saturday, July 20 at 7 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center. Based on true events, this music and dance-filled show traces its roots back to the time when boys and girls who sold newspapers on the street fought for the chance to earn a livable wage. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased online or in person. Details. 

Celebrate Reston’s 60th Anniversary on July 20

Attend the community pool party and cookout on Saturday, July 20, at 4 p.m. at Lake Newport Pool. You’ll enjoy carnival games, pool activities, prizes and a DJ. This event to celebrate Reston’s founding is free to all Reston Association members. Details.

Provide Input on Services for Residents with Disabilities on July 31

The Fairfax Area Commission on Aging and the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board want your input to identify systemic gaps in service or barriers that people with disabilities face. Attend the virtual meeting on July 31 at 7 p.m. Registration required.

Learn about Pollinators, Bees and Beekeeping July 23

On July 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the Great Falls Library, local beekeeper John Rhodes will share information about beekeeping, honey bees, and what we can do to provide a healthy environment for all pollinators. Light refreshments — including honey from John's bees — will be served. Details.