Oct. 26, 2022

Neighbors, 

We heard great news from Metro yesterday that an agreement has been reached with the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission to enable more 7000 series rail cars in service, with a diligent safety plan in place. This should enable the Silver Line extension to be in service by Thanksgiving. The agreement, brokered by our U.S. senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, ensures that safety will be a priority while also enabling the Silver Line extension to provide tremendous economic benefits to the Reston-Herdon area and access to Dulles Airport. 

At the publication of this newsletter, we don't have a passenger service date yet, but that announcement is expected soon. There are many moving parts, but I am optimistic that we should be able to ride the Silver Line extension during the upcoming holiday season. 

For your awareness if you live or work near the new Silver Line stations, when passenger service does get underway Fairfax Connector bus routes will change, traffic patterns will be impacted (we hope with fewer cars on the road) and there will be more pedestrians and bicyclists in the vicinity of the new stations. Stay tuned, a lot more information to come! 

Regards,

Walter

Let's Go Expo!

Last Saturday was a beautiful fall day for Let's Go Expo! I really enjoyed the opportunity to talk to the many residents who came out to get more information about transit alternatives in Hunter Mill District. We also had a lot of kids enjoying games and activities and a highlight was the entertainment provided by the School of Rock from Vienna (pictured with me). These students are incredibly talented! A big thank you to Celebrate Fairfax, as well as the county agencies and other organizations who participated in this great community event. A special thank you to Jillian, Amanda and the rest of my staff for all your hard work.

If you couldn't make it, watch this Let's Go Expo video. 

The county will open an additional 13 early voting sites starting tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 27. In total, there will be 16 voting locations available countywide until the last day to vote early, which is Nov. 5 at 5 p.m. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Early voting began last month starting with three sites open, including at the North County Government Center in Reston. In addition, voting hours will be offered on two Saturdays, Oct. 29 and Nov. 5, as well as Sunday, Oct. 30. Hours differ by location; you can find hours here.

Resources:

• Sample ballots 
• Disability services
• Voting FAQs

Halloween is Monday and while we all enjoy the treats and costumes, this can be a difficult time for pets. Here are a few reminders from the county on how to keep your pet safe during the Halloween festivities.

• Provide a safe, secure space during trick or treating time. Pets may not enjoy all of the noise, including ringing doorbells.
• Keep chocolate away from your pet as it can be poisonous to them.
• Not all trick-or-treaters like dogs – make sure to keep your pet on a leash or behind a gate away from the front door.
• Make sure your pet has identification in case they accidentally get loose.

Learn more Halloween safety tips.

Reston Comprehensive Plan Timeline Update

A few weeks ago, the Board of Supervisors' Land Use Committee and the Planning Commission were briefed on an update of the draft recommendations for the Reston Comprehensive Plan. As noted, there has been a tremendous amount of work by both Reston stakeholders and county staff, and we want to ensure that we move forward in a thoughtful and collaborative manner. Staff is currently reviewing community input on the Task Force’s proposed changes to the Draft Reston Comprehensive Plan Text and preparing recommendations for the Comprehensive Plan text. Here is the updated timeline from the Department of Planning and Development:

• The staff report, with responses to public comments, is expected for release after the first of the next year (2023).
• Staff will provide updates to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisor committees, as requested, in December and January.
• Public hearings for the plan amendment are expected to be in the spring of 2023.

In addition, I will have one-on-one meetings with supervisors in the coming weeks to discuss the draft comprehensive plan.

Residents should continue to provide written input or ask questions about the Reston Comprehensive Plan recommendations here. Your input is critical in helping the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors make informed decisions regarding this comprehensive plan that will impact Restonians for decades. Your best reference for the comprehensive plan study is the county's Reston Comprehensive Plan Study webpage.

You may also listen to an overview from my recent podcast with county staff.

Provide Input on the Public Facilities Policy Plan

The Public Facilities Element of the Policy Plan provides recommendations as to where new public facilities like schools, libraries, community centers, police and fire stations are built. These policies guide county agencies and decision makers on where and how to locate new and expanded facilities throughout the county. Residents interested in learning more about this policy plan update and providing input are encouraged to attend a virtual meeting this November. The virtual meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 2, noon to 1:30 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 3, 6:30 to 8 p.m.; and Wednesday, Nov. 9, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Learn more.

Halloween Parade Tonight Oct. 26

I'm looking forward to seeing you at the Town's annual Halloween parade tonight at 7 p.m.! Floats and a few ghosts and goblins will march down Maple Avenue, from Branch Road to Center Street. Road closures and more information can be found here.

Free Fall Tree Giveaway on Saturday, Oct. 29

The Town's Fall Native Tree Giveaway is this Saturday, Oct. 29, at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., 8 a.m. to noon. A Town arborist will also be on hand to answer your tree questions.

Take the Connector to Fairfax County's New Silver Line Stations

With the upcoming launch of Silver Line Phase 2, we are anticipating many new riders will take the Fairfax Connector bus to get to Metro, especially in the Reston-Herndon area. If you haven't taken the Connector and are wondering how to pay when you step on the bus, watch this quick video I made at Sunday's Let's Go Expo. New Rider Guide

Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, Oct. 29

Keeping unused, unwanted and expired medications in your home can lead to accidental poisoning, overdose and misuse. Getting rid of medications that are no longer needed is especially important now with the opioid epidemic continuing to impact many families right here in our community. I encourage you to participate in Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There are several locations countywide, including at Reston Hospital Center, 1850 Town Center Parkway, outside Pavilion 1, across from Parking Garage B. Learn more, including drop boxes available at county police stations. 

Reston Regional Library October Puzzle Sale Oct. 27-30

The Friends of Reston Regional Library are hosting a sale of gently used puzzles, as well as a small stock of puzzle books and games. Proceeds benefit literacy programming and materials at Reston Library and in our community. Sale hours (while supplies last): 

Oct. 27 - 29, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Oct. 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Town Hall Meetings on the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan

Fairfax County, together with the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church, is collecting input to learn more about the aging experience in our area to plan for a more aging-friendly community. Feedback collected during town hall meetings will be used to inform the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan, a strategic plan for aging services. Town hall meetings will be held on Oct. 31, Nov. 1, Nov. 4, and Nov. 10. Learn more and register.

How and Where to Properly Dispose U.S. Flags in Fairfax County 

There are multiple locations countywide to dispose of old and tattered U.S flags. The United States has a set of laws pertaining to disposal known as the United States Flag Code, or “retiring the flag." Learn more. 

COVID-19 Vaccination Update from the Fairfax County Health Department 

With vaccines now widely available at pharmacies, urgent care centers, and medical providers throughout the community, clinics located at the Government Center in Fairfax and Hyland South County Center are scheduled to scale back days of operation starting on Monday, Nov. 7. The Health Department will permanently close the Hyland South County Center clinic on Friday, Dec. 14 and the Government Center clinic on Saturday, Dec. 17. Learn more.

Fairfax County COVID-19 Data Dashboard