Highland District Approved
Another rezoning has attained approval in Tysons. It’s been a while since the last rezoning approval in Tysons, many of the first wave of proposals that came after the groundbreaking 2010 Comprehensive Plan for Tysons have been previously approved and, in many cases, are in the process of constructing. The Highland District, the newest member of the approved projects list, represents a second wave of projects and may spur similar concepts from other properties who have, to date, remained on the sidelines. (Fairfax County Government)
Metro Surge 5 Will Impact Tysons Again
Wednesday marks the start of WMATA’s Surge 5 which will mean more single tracking between Ballston and East Falls Church. Unfortunately this impacts Tysons the most, as trains will run 70% less frequently than normal, which means if you have any other means to get around it will likely be a better option, unless you get lucky and hit the timing right on the 18 minute (planned, most likely it will be longer) waits. (Washington Post)
Fire At Tysons Mall Closes Seasons 52 Indefinitely
A fire at Tysons Corner Center forced an emergency evacuation of the busy mall this past Friday night. The 3 alarm blaze started in Seasons 52 restaurant near the AMC Theaters. Thankfully there were no injuries from the fire or the evacuation. The mall has reopened but there is no word on when Seasons 52 will reopen. (NBC4)
Billions In Tourism Could Be Leveraged In Tysons
It may be shocking to some, but tourism is a multi-billion dollar industry in Fairfax County. That is billion, with a B. Yes, much of that business is due to Fairfax County’s adjacency to Washington, and much of it is from business travel associated with the major contracting firms in Fairfax, but those tax dollars help buoy the local economy and the state overall nonetheless.
That is why the Fairfax County tourism chief is recommending a conference center to help grow that portion of the economy which is helping reduce residential tax dependency by $1,147 per year. If a conference center seems unnecessary, consider that currently there are many events held at the quasi conference space located at the Capital One headquarters, albeit on a smaller scale than what a true convention center can bring. There have even been senatorial debates held in the space. No word on any concepts for the convention center in terms of location or development structure. (InsideNova)
