Nov. 16, 2022

Neighbors, 

After decades of hard work and planning by scores of county, state, regional and business leaders – many of whom I consider visionaries– Phase 2 of the Silver Line began passenger service yesterday. I took the Silver Line from the Innovation Center Station after a county celebration there and it was wonderful to pull into the Reston Town Center Station and see passengers heading to Dulles airport and other destinations. Even on the first day of operation, this Metro extension was taking cars off the roads and supporting transit-oriented development at Reston Town Center and beyond.

While it was exciting to be a part of the morning celebration at Dulles Airport with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, the highlight of the day for me was to celebrate the Reston Town Center Station opening with a number of readers of this newsletter in the Reston community. I've included some photos (and a video of the day's events) for you below. If you were able to attend the Reston event, thank you very much for joining us. Yesterday's celebration was a joint effort and I want to sincerely thank the staff at BXP, Reston Town Center Association and Reston Community Center, as well as county agencies for making it a success.

Next week is Thanksgiving and there won't be a newsletter next Wednesday. We have so much to be thankful for in Hunter Mill District and I hope you and your loved ones enjoy a safe and happy holiday!

Regards,

Walter

Above: We had an estimated 150 attendees who braved the cold wet weather to celebrate (moved indoors) the launch of the Reston Town Center Station.

Below: At the now open Reston Town Center Station with Metro General Manager Randy Clarke. The pennants we're holding are a traditional keepsake giveaway by Metro when a new Metrorail segment opens.

Above: My colleagues Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk, Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust and I were among the officials at WMATA's Dulles Airport Station ribbon-cutting event.

Below: Among the many attendees at the Reston event were (left to right) Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk, State Senator Jennifer Boysko, Congressman Gerry Connolly, MWAA Board Member and former Chair of the Board of Supervisors Kate Hanley, Economic Development Authority Chair Catherine Lange and Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Jeff McKay.

The news from UVa is just heartbreaking – students senselessly killed, and families devastated. On Saturday I was on grounds to watch the football game as a proud alumnus and enjoyed a wonderful day in Charlottesville. And now five fellow Hoos have been killed or hurt and their families forever impacted. It is just so sad and unfathomable to me that gun violence has once again taken promising young lives. We must find a way to work together to end gun violence. And if you see a friend or family member on a razor’s edge, please tell someone!

VDOT Update for Beltway to Dulles Toll Road Commuters

Beginning on or about Nov. 17, drivers traveling on northbound I-495 (Capital Beltway) to westbound Dulles Toll Road will take an earlier exit, rather than the existing left exit (Exit 45), which is closing to allow room for construction of a new, replacement I-495 bridge over the Dulles Toll Road ramps. This earlier exit ramp is an existing 495 North Express Lanes ramp located about one-third of a mile ahead of Exit 45, just before (slightly south of) the Dulles Toll Road bridges, which also will now be used by general purpose traffic. Learn More.

Reston Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Virtual Meeting, Monday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m.

The Reston P&Z meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m. Use this link to attend and participate. You may also call in and listen to the meeting, dial 571-429-5982 and use conference call ID: 367 883 872#.

Hunter Mill District Transportation Advisory Council (HMTAC) Meeting Nov. 30

The next Hunter Mill Transportation Advisory Council (HMTAC) meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 8 a.m. The meeting will be virtual on Teams, use this link to join the meeting, or call 571-429-5982 and use Conference ID: 263 622 418#. The HMTAC meets quarterly on community transportation issues. For additional information or to be added to the HMD TAC email list contact Shyamali Hauth

Reston Comprehensive Plan Information

Reston Comprehensive Plan Study webpage and podcast.

Register for Holiday Decorating Contest

Spread holiday cheer and participate in the Shine Bright Vienna Holiday Decorating Contest sponsored by the Town Business Liaison Committee and Vienna Parks and Recreation. The contest is open to residents and businesses located in the Town of Vienna. An application to participate is available here. Decorations must be complete, and a photo of your display must be submitted by Dec. 1. Learn more.

Fireplace and Wood Burning Stove Safety Tips

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department reminds residents who have a wood-burning stove or fireplace to follow these important safety tips:

• Make sure a licensed chimney sweep cleans and inspects your chimney. This should be done at least once a year or possibly more if you use your fireplace or wood-burning stove frequently.
• Never discard hot ashes inside or near the home. Place them in a covered metal container outside and well away from the house.
• Never use a flammable liquid (gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, etc.) to start a fire or rekindle a small one.
• Keep paper, clothing, trash, and other combustibles at least three feet away from your furnace, hot water heater, or wood-burning device.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Many “non-masonry” fireplace/chimney units have limitations on the amount of heat they can safely withstand

Hunter Mill District Holiday Open House Dec. 2

Mark your calendar to join me, my staff and community members to kick off the holiday season on Friday, Dec. 2, 4 to 6 p.m. at the North County Governmental Center, 1801 Cameron Glen Dr. in Reston.

All About Recycling: What You Need to Know About Reducing Waste

A reminder that when we reduce, reuse and recycle our trash, we lessen our environmental impact. Increasing recycling means fewer items end up in landfills, which helps conserve energy, decrease air and water pollution, maintain our natural resources and reduce greenhouse gases. Learn more about what you can do.  

Financial Support Available from Fairfax Water

Fairfax Water is offering financial support to eligible customers who need assistance with their water and wastewater bills. The application and additional information on the program are available here: www.virginialihwap.com. Residents can call 1-888-373-9908 to apply. You can also find information on the Fairfax Water website at

https://www.fairfaxwater.org/LIHWAP. 

Fairfax County COVID-19 Data Dashboard