July 3, 2024

Neighbors,

Last fall, the Board of Supervisors adopted an updated Reston Comprehensive Plan following extensive public participation.

At the time, I noted that we would need to continue to monitor the plan’s implementation, making sure that infrastructure keeps up with development, our green spaces are protected, and the other goals in the comprehensive plan are being achieved.

One way we’re doing this is through an updated online tool called Reston Snapshots. I encourage you to take a look. It offers detailed information on transportation, land use, urban parks and zoning in the Reston Transit Station Areas (TSAs), which are the areas surrounding the three Silver Line Metro Stations . The tool provides narrative descriptions, tables, graphs and images to help you understand the latest data and trends.

Reston Snapshots presents information in four areas:

• Land Use: Get an overview of the Comprehensive Plan vision, potential land uses, existing land uses and entitled development since February 2014.
• Transportation: See monitoring reports on vehicular traffic, transit usage, pedestrian activity, bicyclist activity and bikeshare usage; implementation updates on proffered improvements; and capital projects within Reston with a focus on the TSAs.
• Urban Parks: Understand the urban park vision and find information on urban parks and athletic fields associated with redevelopment. Get details on proffered and constructed urban parks since February 2014.
• Zoning Activity: View the approved and under review zoning applications within the Reston TSAs since February 2014 with a supporting description of the overall application, a list of subsequent or related zoning applications, and links to more detailed information about each development.

The county’s planning, transportation and parks staff will continue to periodically update Reston Snapshots as new projects are approved. So visit this tool regularly to keep up with the latest data.

Regards,

Walter

The new bridge over Wiehle Avenue is finally anticipated to open on Tuesday, July 9! Walkers and bikers on the W&OD Trail will soon be able to safely travel over this busy road using the bridge instead of crossing the street at the existing crosswalks.

The project isn’t finished though. Wiehle Avenue Avenue is getting some modest improvements, and walkways must be installed on both sides of the road. During this construction work, small sections of the trail alongside the bridge will be closed. Look for closure and detour signs. However, walkers and bikers will continue to be able to use the bridge while this work is ongoing. The entire project is expected to be finished by late August.

Watch this video for a preview of the completed bridge.

Follow me on social media to get the latest news and updates.

There are many new state laws that took effect on July 1, including:

Authority to Lower Some Speed Limits

This new law allows Fairfax County to reduce the speed limit on roads with an existing 25 mile per hour limit. The Board of Supervisors may lower speeds to no less than 15 miles per hour in residential and business districts. The county successfully sought to have this law enacted to strengthen protections for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers.

Curbside Voting for People with Disabilities

This law clarifies that people with disabilities — not just physical disabilities — may vote curbside, and it requires that election officers receive training on providing assistance to voters outside a polling place.

Stopping Predatory Towing

Several laws were passed to stop predatory towing. One law now requires towing companies to notify an apartment or condo resident at least 48 hours before their car is towed for an expired registration or vehicle inspection sticker. Another law prohibits companies from requiring individuals picking up towed vehicles to present any additional documents beyond what’s legally required.

Metro Fares Have Increased

For the first time in seven years, Metro raised its rail and bus fares, increasing them by 12.5%. The fare increase took effect on July 1, and the new base fares for rail and bus service rose from $2 to $2.75. Metrorail fares on weekdays will range from $2.75 to $6.75 based on the distance traveled. Rail service on weekends or after 9:30 p.m. on weekdays will be a maximum of $2.50 depending on the distance traveled. Express bus fares increased from a maximum of $4 to $4.50. Parking fees remain unchanged. WMATA faces a severe funding shortfall during the coming years, and these modest increases are a first step to making Metro financially sustainable.

Foldable Bikes and Scooters Now Allowed on Connector Buses

You can now bring your personal foldable scooter or bike onto Fairfax Connector buses. The new rules allow you to take your foldable bike on board if it can’t be stored on the bike rack. Rental scooters aren’t permitted on board, however. Read the new rules (PDF).

Starting this month, Dominion Energy will begin replacing its electric transmission lines along a 3.9-mile stretch from Vienna to Falls Church. As a result, the utility will periodically close portions of the W&OD Trail between Mill Street, NE and Sandburg Street. Detours will be marked.

The temporary closures are necessary because Dominion’s 230-kilovolt lines parallel the W&OD Trail. Their year-long project will replace the wires between their Clark substation (375 Center Street North, across Caboose Brewing) and Idylwood substation (7701 Shreve Road, Falls Church). Learn more.

Celebrate and honor Independence Day and Liberty Amendments Month with a round-robin reading of the foundational documents of American democracy! These include the Virginia Declaration of Rights and the Emancipation Proclamation. Join in on Thursday, July 4, at 11 a.m. at the Vienna Community Center. Event details.

Sherriff’s Office Warns About Latest Impersonation Scam

Be on the lookout for the latest scam by fraudsters who claim to be a county Sheriff’s deputy. You may get a call or email from “Lt. James Perry” with the “civil service” department. Not only is there no such employee, but also there’s no such department in the Sheriff’s Office. Learn more.

Copa Tysons Offers Fútbol Fanatics Watch Parties

Tysons is the place to go to watch Copa América and Euro Cup games. Find local restaurants and bars that are showing the games on big screens. See the Copa finals on July 14 at Shipgarten or join the family-friendly Euro Cup watch party that day on The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center from 11:00 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find all participating bars and restaurants.

Gardening Volunteers Needed at Frying Pan Farm Park

You can help Frying Pan Farm Park’s gardens look their best by helping with weeding, mulching and other gardening tasks. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, July 27. Sign up.