Mount Vernon Police District – Detectives from our Criminal Investigations Division are seeking the community’s help in identifying a suspect responsible for multiple burglaries in Hybla Valley officers responded to a burglary call at the La Taza Panaderia located at 7850 Richmond Highway in Hybla Valley The complainant reported that a suspect broke into the business using a rock and stole money before fleeing Detectives responded to assume the investigation detectives believe this suspect may be responsible for similar incidents in Hybla Valley shown below the suspect used a rock to break the front glass door to make entry Detectives obtained security footage below which shows the suspect involved in the burglaries Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App and follow the steps to “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers.” Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.   Register your camera with Connect Fairfax County to help FCPD solve crimes call (preferred) or text 9-1-1 (voice and TTY) Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email Remove all graphics and images from the website so that only the text and links are visible Reverts to original layout including graphics and images The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin revitalization work at Hybla Valley Park Contractors will mobilize on site and active construction is scheduled to begin the first week of March active construction is expected to conclude by the end of summer 2025 Residents should expect occasional construction traffic entering and exiting Lockheed Boulevard the entire park will be closed to the public FCPA presented multiple park renovation concepts to the community at Hybla Valley Elementary School in September 2024 The community feedback received during that meeting and the subsequent comment period confirmed that the community desired a substantial playground The following illustrative below depicts the final renovation concept Residents are encouraged to use the Park Amenity Locator to identify alternative sites to utilize during the closure at Hybla Valley Park Hybla Valley Park is located at 3431 Lockheed Blvd. in Alexandria, Virginia. For more information about the project, please visit the Hybla Valley Park construction website or contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov 703-324-7329 Website Accessibility Translate Download Mobile App ADA Accessibility FOIA Requests Website Administrator Fairfax County Public Schools Economic Development Authority Visit Fairfax Council of Governments Commonwealth of Virginia USA.gov Local law enforcement has arrested a man accused of striking and killing a woman in a hit-and-run crash earlier this year Reginald Brown, 42, of Fairfax was arrested last Wednesday (April 23) and charged with a felony hit and run a driver of a black Chevrolet Suburban struck 33-year-old Erica Tibbs and her 5-year-old child as they attempted to cross Richmond Highway (Route 1) near the Buckman Road intersection in Hybla Valley The two victims were not in a crosswalk when they were struck by the SUV which was abandoned by its driver “a short distance away,” the FCPD previously said Tibbs, an Alexandria resident, was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Her 5-year-old son was in stable condition after the crash but needed stitches, NBC4 reported Family and friends honored Tibbs with a vigil in February, and she was laid to rest at Bethel Cemetery in Alexandria on Feb. 28, according to an obituary The FCPD didn’t provide details on how Brown was identified as the alleged driver in the crash but said in a press release that detectives located him with help from its Fugitive Tracking and Apprehension Team He is in custody at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center without bond Virginia drivers are required to “render reasonable assistance to any person injured in such accident, including taking such injured person to a physician, surgeon, or hospital if it is apparent that medical treatment is necessary,” according to statute Image via Google Maps (7News) — A single-car crash has shut down parts of Richmond Highway Fairfax County Police officials revealed that they had responded to a single-car crash on Richmond Highway First responders arrived on the scene to find a driver had crashed into a utility pole on the side of the road The driver has sustained minor injuries from the crash Clean-up has closed the highway between Holly Hill Road and Lockheed Blvd in Hybla Valley and is expected to continue for several hours Police advise motorists to use an alternative route 2025 at 12:11 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A man has been charged in an attempted sexual assault of a woman walking in the Richmond Highway corridor VA — An Alexandria man is facing a charge in an attempted sexual assault Sunday in Hybla Valley Sunday in the 7700 block of Richmond Highway Police say an adult woman was walking when a man approached in a vehicle and offered a ride the suspect refused to let the victim leave and attempted to sexually assault her Officers searched the area and soon found the suspect and his vehicle was charged with abduction with intent to defile and was held without bond The Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division is assisting the victim with resources Fairfax County Police's Major Crimes Bureau is assuming the investigation. Victims, witnesses or anyone with information can contact the Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 3 or submit a tip through Crime Solvers Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. A man who killed his friend at a bus stop in the Hybla Valley area of Fairfax County and permanently blinded another man who refused to serve as his getaway driver was sentenced to life in prison Thursday Jordan Cochran was 20 years old at the time he fatally shot 18-year-old Kebbren Leigh-Gaye who had been pleading with his father to allow Cochran to stay at their home Leigh-Gaye’s father kicked Cochran out when Cochran showed him his gun The two had been riding in Cochran’s vehicle together before the shooting on Jan.8 police recovered a job application that Leigh-Gaye had filled out “And so it’s obvious that Kebbren’s not running around with Jordan Cochran looking to cause trouble; Kebbren’s out there trying to get a job,” Eubank said Cochran and Leigh-Gaye got into a fight around 6:30 p.m at a bus stop at Richmond Highway and Dart Drive Leigh-Gaye had called an acquaintance shortly before the shooting and told them Cochran had a gun and asked the acquaintance to come back and help an eyewitness saw Leigh-Gaye beating up Cochran at the bus stop Jordan Cochran produces that gun and Kebbren says Cochran took the shoes off Leigh-Gaye’s feet and fled to a nearby 7-Eleven in search of a ride he fires at the car and hits Reggie Grant in the face and permanently blinds him,” Eubank said “This is just somebody that is out of control with his gun and has been for a while And it culminated in one young man being shot to death and a complete stranger to the whole mess blinded forever.” Almost exactly two years before the shootings Cochran was arrested and later convicted of firearms charges tied to bringing a gun to a high school basketball game Judge David Bernhard made note of that misdemeanor conviction when handing down his sentence Thursday which was over the recommended range of around 28 to 47 years in prison Bernhard said he did so to protect the community Cochran apologized to Leigh-Gaye’s family in court Thursday Bernhard ultimately sentenced Cochran to a total of two life terms in prison use of a firearm in commission of both those felonies and simple robbery Cochran will be eligible for parole review when he turns 60 years old Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area Thomas Robertson is an Associate Producer and Web Writer/Editor at WTOP After graduating in 2019 from James Madison University Thomas moved away from Virginia for the first time in his life to cover the local government beat for a small daily newspaper in Zanesville All submissions must be received by 4:30 p.m Hybla Valley Park is a modest 2.3-acre community park in the Franconia Supervisory District It is adjacent to Hybla Valley Elementary School and easily accessible from the surrounding neighborhoods The park's master plan was approved in 1979 which resulted in the construction of two tennis courts a tennis practice wall and a small parking area a multi-use court and picnic area were included in the master plan but were never developed In 2023, the Park Authority completed the Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Access (PROSA) Strategy to provide a framework for equitable access to facilities and amenities throughout FCPA park system habitat connectivity and prioritization of recreational needs with equity in the forefront the Park Authority identified Hybla Valley Park as an opportunity for investment that will have a lasting positive impact on the surrounding community FCPA is committed to providing a diverse range of recreational opportunities throughout the county Research in this area indicates the need for additional futsal and basketball opportunities for the surrounding community Hybla Valley Park is located at 3431 Lockheed Blvd. in Alexandria. Questions about this project can be directed to the Park Authority Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov (7News) — Crash Reconstruction Unit detectives from theMount Vernon Police District are investigatinga fatal hit-and-run that left one pedestrian dead officers arrived at the intersection of Richmond Highway and Woodlawn Trail in Hybla Valley SEE ALSO | Woman shot near Nationals Park in second Navy Yard incident this weekend According to preliminary police investigations was struck by a car while he was crossing Richmond Highway from east to west.Martin was declared deceased at the scene Detectives believe the driver was operating a Toyota Camry during the crash It is not yet known what role speed or alcohol played in the accident police ask that you call the Crash Reconstruction Unit at 703-280-0543 or submit it anonymously time by calling 1-866-411-TIPS The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking community feedback on some potential improvements at Hybla Valley Park The agency is considering replacing the two existing tennis courts at the park near Hybla Valley Elementary School (3431 Lockheed Blvd) with a combination basketball and futsal court A survey to gather public input launched yesterday (Thursday) and will remain open until 4:30 p.m According to a press release, the park authority identified Hybla Valley Park, a 2.3-acre lot, “as an opportunity for investment” after adopting a Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Access (PROSA) Strategy last year that sets goals for improving the accessibility and inclusiveness of the county’s park facilities Recommendations included ensuring that all residents are within a 10-minute walk of a park and planting trees in areas with minimal tree canopy “FCPA is committed to providing a diverse range of recreational opportunities throughout the county,” the park authority said “Research in this area indicates the need for additional futsal and basketball opportunities for the surrounding community.” Hybla Valley Park’s two tennis courts were constructed along with a tennis practice wall and a “small” parking area The park authority says its proposed playground will be small but include features to “serve children of all ages and abilities” in accordance with the master plan’s vision “After a review of the recreational experiences at other nearby parks transforming the tennis courts into a multi-sport court for basketball and futsal serves a need for offering a greater diversity of sport opportunities,” the park authority said on its webpage for the Hybla Valley project “There are several opportunities for tennis and pickleball play in the surrounding area yet limited opportunity for unscheduled soccer play.” Per the FCPA’s amenity locator the closest tennis courts appear to be at Stonybrooke (3900 Stoneybrooke Drive) in Groveton Nearby North Hill Park at 7231 Nightingale Hill Lane has two unlit dedicated pickleball courts and a half-lit basketball court Mount Vernon Police District – A 58-year-old man is in custody after abducting a woman and attempting to sexually assault her in Hybla Valley officers responded to the 7700 block of Richmond Highway in Hybla Valley for an abduction was walking when an unknown man approached her in a vehicle The suspect offered the victim a ride but refused to let her leave once she was in the vehicle and he fled the area.  The victim was not injured Patrol officers began checking the area and found the suspect and his vehicle shortly after Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau assumed the investigation and the suspect was identified as Jose Mauricio Sosas Ramos Sosas Ramos was arrested and transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center where he was charged with Abduction with Intent to Defile Victim specialists from our Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division have been assigned to ensure the victim is receiving appropriate resources and assistance.   Detectives urge witnesses or any other victims to come forward and call our Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 3. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web – Click HERE Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers.” Anonymous tipsters are eligible for a cash reward Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.    Franconia Supervisor Rodney Lusk and the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services invite community input on a mural design for the exterior wall on the east side of Hybla Valley Community Center. The designs were submitted as the result of an April 2024 call for artists. The selected artist will paint the mural in August Voting is available July 8-26 (by 5 p.m.). The design finalists are pictured in the graphic at right. Voting is available online or in person at Hybla Valley Community Center and the center officially opened in May 2022 The county made several improvements to the facility in the areas of basic accessibility In addition to providing resources for the community the community center is also the site of the Workforce Innovation Skills Hub (W.I.S.H.) a workforce training and development center To learn more about the project, visit the community center's webpage One of the pedestrians struck in a hit-and-run crash on Richmond Highway earlier this week has died of Alexandria and her 5-year-old child were crossing Richmond Highway (Route 1) near the Buckman Road intersection in Hybla Valley around 8:34 p.m according to the Fairfax County Police Department “Tibbs and the child were transported to the hospital in life-threatening condition,” the FCPD said yesterday (Thursday) in an press release “Tibbs was later pronounced deceased at the hospital and the child remains in stable condition.” detectives believe Tibbs and her child were crossing Richmond Highway from west to east “while not in a crosswalk” when the northbound driver struck them “a short distance away” and fled the scene before police arrived “The investigation into the crash continues as detectives work to identify the driver of the Chevrolet Suburban,” the FCPD said Richmond Highway has crosswalks on the northern and eastern sides of the intersection Google Maps also shows no sidewalk along southbound Route 1 after the intersection Image via Google Maps Residents of the Hybla Valley and Mount Vernon neighborhoods will have a chance to explore new research revealing the history and impact of racially restrictive deed covenants in their communities a professor of History and American Studies at the University of Mary Washington and religious groups were historically barred from buying homes in subdivisions along the Richmond Highway corridor due to explicit restrictions written into property deeds it’s just like one lot; that’s not really the case here particularly with Hybla Valley,” Moon told FFXnow “We’re talking about 178 lots with this restriction so it’s a sizable amount of acreage.” The presentation will be held at 7 p.m 27 in the first-floor meeting room of Sherwood Hall Library (2501 Sherwood Hall Lane) with Spanish interpretation available and light refreshments provided Moon, who has been mapping these historical restrictions across the county, published a detailed interactive map online in May with several colleagues showing the prevalence of racially restrictive covenants across the Northern Virginia region Distinct from redlining where banks and insurance companies systematically deny services to residents in certain areas based on race or ethnicity restrictive covenants are explicit legal agreements prohibiting the ownership The researchers constructed the maps using public land records from 1900 to 1968 to help people visually trace the impact of these policies. Areas shaded in orange mark locations where racial covenants have been confirmed starkly illustrating the geographical extent of segregation Since the “Documenting Exclusion” site went live in May Moon says she has identified another 8,000 land parcels where restrictions were implemented particularly in the Mount Vernon and Falls Church areas That brings the total to more than 22,000 parcels in Fairfax County with racial covenants Although there is no single explanation for the prevalence of racial covenants in these areas Moon says the discriminatory practices generally emerged when Fairfax County started to urbanize in the early to mid-20th century “It is tied to the moment when suburbanization becomes a thing in those parts of the county and because this is considered common practice by that time According to Moon, developers routinely employed racial restrictions to preserve property values and enforce community segregation during this period, essentially creating a “figurative wall” to prevent the expansion of Black neighborhoods like the historic Gum Springs community Moon suggested the high concentration of racial covenants in specific areas is likely due to their proximity to Arlington and Alexandria “What we see is the Falls Church…and the Mount Vernon magisterial districts have the highest percentage of acres with racial restrictions of some kind and because this [research] is a work in progress The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved funding in 2020 for a study to preserve Gum Springs’s history The study is meant to identify significant historical themes and structures In May, a committee consisting of county officials and community members convened a town hall to gather feedback from residents While her research is independent of that study Moon says she has been in contact with county officials and members of the Gum Springs Historical Society Fairfax NAACP and Mount Vernon Regional Historical Society to discuss the implications of her findings “I think the community is definitely invested,” she said Based on initial measurements, yesterday’s snowstorm didn’t quite measure up to the one that passed through in January In Fairfax County, snowfall amounts ranged from 5.2 inches in the Town of Herndon, as of 7 a.m., to 8.5 inches spotted in Hybla Valley at 2:30 a.m., according to preliminary estimates reported by the National Weather Service at 10:28 a.m The Jan. 6 snowstorm also dropped more snow on the central and southeastern parts of the county compared to the west, with Herndon getting around 6 inches to the 9.5 inches reported in Hybla Valley and 10 inches in Newington, per NWS estimates Here are the snowfall estimates reported for different parts of Fairfax County from this week’s storm which began yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon and continued overnight: Given the differences in accumulation across the county the notability of the storm varies depending on which point of comparison is being used For those to the east and south, this is now the snowiest February since 2015, when 9.8 inches of snow were recorded at Reagan National Airport The 8.5 inches seen in Hybla Valley exceeds the area’s 5-inch average for February and with the 9.5 inches from January added on top the total snowfall is the most in a season since 22.2 inches fell in 2015-2016 Historically, Dulles tends to get more snow than National Airport, with a seasonal average of 19.3 inches versus 13.7 inches. According to the Capital Weather Gang, the track of yesterday’s storm contributed to a noticeable difference in snowfall amounts to the north and south of the D.C Though the snow stopped early this morning there have been 92 crashes on Northern Virginia highways A total of 910 crashes were reported statewide 91 of them with injuries but none resulting in fatalities “Virginia State Police continue to encourage drivers to stay off the roads during the storm and allow the Virginia Department of Transportation and other emergency crews more space to work,” the state police said Metrobus is operating on a “severe snow plan” today limiting service to major roads for the 42 of 193 routes that are in effect Rail service is being provided without changes A pedestrian was killed by a driver who fled on Richmond Highway near Mount Vernon Plaza this morning (Thursday) “They have a lot of bystanders over there but they have that guy surrounded,” an officer said The man was declared dead at the scene Police weren’t immediately able to obtain a description of the vehicle that was involved in the crash beyond that it might have some “front end damage,” per the scanner Southbound Richmond Highway (Route 1) was shut down at Belvoir Drive for an investigation by Crash Reconstruction Unit detectives the Fairfax County Police Department tweeted at 7:14 a.m “Please use an alternate route,” the FCPD said All lanes reopened shortly before noon but an investigation into the crash continues This is the fourth pedestrian fatality on Fairfax County roads within the past week, following a crash on Old Keene Mill Road in Springfield last Thursday (Sept. 19) and crashes in Oakton and Centreville on Saturday (Sept — Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) September 26, 2024 Image via Google Maps Fairfax County, VA—Detectives from our Cold Case Squad are seeking the community’s assistance in solving a 24-year-old murder case in Woodlawn officers responded to the Super 7 convenience store in the 8700 block of Richmond Highway in Woodlawn for a report of a dead person The complainant reported observing an adult man deceased on the floor upon entering the store Officers located the victim inside the business and identified him as Surinder “Paul” Sharma An autopsy revealed that Sharma was stabbed multiple times in the upper body detectives from the Cold Case Squad continued their efforts to meticulously review the evidence to identify a suspect detectives are asking for the community’s help in identifying a suspect For more information about this case please click HERE Below is a picture of the Super 7 store in 2000 Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers.” Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards Victim specialists from our Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division have been assigned to ensure the victim’s family is receiving appropriate resources and assistance.  see what’s happening in your neighborhood and share any available surveillance footage with our department.  For a link to our Cold Case page, visit here Pedestrian Injured in Fairfax City Hit-and-Run — “City of Fairfax Police are asking the public to help identify a vehicle and locate the driver who investigators said was involved in a hit-and-run involving a pedestrian on Sunday afternoon. Police released photos of the car that they say struck a pedestrian around 3 p.m. at 11130 Fairfax Blvd.” [Patch] New GDC Judge Elected — Trial attorney Raymond Obregon will be the newest judge in Fairfax’s General District Court was unanimously elected by Virginia’s General Assembly last week It’s Tuesday — Expect partly sunny skies with highs reaching 61 degrees and light, variable winds strengthening to a northwest 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon. For Tuesday night, it will be mostly clear as temperatures drop to a low of 37 degrees and a northwest wind maintains a speed of around 6 mph. [NWS] Fairfax County officials are working to get to know roughly 1,750 residents of the area’s eight manufactured homes better “We are really hoping to understand the needs,” Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development Affordable and Manufactured Housing Program Manager Ivana Escobar told the Board of Supervisors housing committee at a Tuesday (Nov Centered mainly in the southern part of the county local manufactured home communities range in size from 45 to 700 units County officials aim to be “really engaging building trust” with the people who live there Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik said absolutely moving in the right direction,” Palchik To gauge the needs of those living in the community, county officials will be doing their first comprehensive survey of residents They’re also planning a roundtable forum bringing together all stakeholders the county government has put cash into a home repair and renovation pilot program that will be conducted at the Harmony Place community of about 90 units in Hybla Valley As with most mobile home communities, residents at Harmony Place own their abodes but lease the land. Residents of that community have managed to push back against redevelopment proposals that imperiled their future residency The home repair program will provide assistance with improving water and sewer pipes and updating roofing A contractor designated by the county government will do the work The Board of Supervisors established a Manufactured Housing Task Force in 2021 that delivered a report a year later with a slew of recommendations About 350,000 Virginians live in manufactured housing, according to the advocacy group Manufactured Home Community Coalition of Virginia manufactured homes are completely constructed in a factory setting placed and affixed to a permanent foundation “These neighborhoods can be just a small handful of homes on a small property or hundreds of units in a master-planned community,” the organization says “They are found throughout the state Photo via Google Maps 2025 at 8:10 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The U.S Department of State issued travel alerts for popular spring break destinations and the FBI is warning Virginians to be cautious (Shutterstock)VIRGINIA — The first day of spring arrived Thursday spring break for most school districts is about a month away and the FBI on Monday warned Virginia families and student spring breakers to take precautions while traveling abroad Several popular destinations for Commonwealth residents are under travel alerts, especially in Mexico amid spikes in kidnappings and crime targeting tourists. The FBI is urging travelers to review and take U.S. Department of State travel advisories seriously The State Department is also urging people to reconsider travel plans to Baja California Similarly, the State Department is urging residents to reconsider travel to destinations such as Jamaica and to avoid certain areas of the island altogether due to crime Travelers in Costa Rica and Cuba are advised to use increase caution due to crime Apple Moved Your Local News, Patch Emails — Here’s How to Fix It In 10 Seconds “Whether it’s families looking to escape the final throes of winter or a college student seeking a brief respite from the rigors of academic life know that the risks are there,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge “Maintain vigilance throughout your travels and be prepared to contact the nearest U.S Embassy or Consulate should the need arise.” travelers should take the following precautions (7News) — A man was arrested after he burglarized five businesses in a Hybla Valley shopping center on Saturday Officers said they responded to a burglary in progress around 7:49 a.m at Mount Vernon Plaza in the 7600 block of Richmond Highway A person monitoring the office video footage told police the man was still inside A preliminary investigation revealed that Lynch entered the building through an unlocked fire hatch He then burglarized five businesses in the plaza Lynch was arrested and charged with five counts of burglary He was taken to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center and is being held without bond Two teenagers are facing criminal charges after reportedly brandishing a gun at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School in Woodlawn yesterday (Thursday) Officers responded to the school at 4015 Fielding Street at 2:53 p.m after “several” students reported seeing two men on the property “Both men fled prior to officers’ arrival,” the FCPD said today (Friday) in a press release No injuries were reported, but officers worked with Fairfax County Public Schools officials to secure the building. Students were dismissed as scheduled around 3:15 p.m officers identified two 18-year-old men as suspects based on provided descriptions has been charged with trespassing on school property brandishing and possessing a firearm on school property while the other was charged with trespassing and property destruction Both teens were taken to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center and held without bond They were also both served outstanding warrants for petit larceny The brandishing at Mount Vernon Woods was the second gun-related incident to be reported on FCPS grounds this month On Feb. 20, police arrested a 16-year-old student who allegedly brought a gun to Edison High School An investigation led to the arrest of a second student which reportedly being shown to a group of students No injuries were reported in that case either — Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) February 27, 2025 Image via Google Maps (7News) — A 4-month-old baby was briefly abducted Wednesday afternoon officers said they responded to the 7700 block of Richmond Highway in Hybla Valley for an abduction call READ| Virginia man arrested for 2 burglaries in a Bethesda neighborhood Officials said the caller told them that her car was stolen while her months-old baby was in the back seat Police said they were able to quickly find the car and the child READ|Police search for two people allegedly connected to armed robbery in Northwest DC The investigation into the incident remains ongoing as they continue to search the area for the person responsible A man who was hit by a car driver while riding a scooter in Mount Vernon last night (Tuesday) remains hospitalized in critical condition Officers and medics responded to Mount Vernon Highway at Drew Court around 7:54 p.m yesterday for a crash that the dispatcher initially said involved a pedestrian and a driver who fled the scene Based on initial interviews of witnesses, police identified the fleeing vehicle as a black sedan an officer reported that a scooter used by the crash victim had been found was transported by helicopter to Inova Mount Vernon Hospital with life-threatening injuries Mount Vernon Highway was closed to traffic while detectives investigated between Drews Court and Sunny View Drive “The man is still in life-threatening condition,” the Fairfax County Police Department told FFXnow earlier this afternoon (Wednesday) “Detectives from our Crash Reconstruction Unit continue to investigate.” Officers are on scene of a hit-and-run crash involving an adult man on a scooter at Mt Vernon Hwy and Drews Ct near Hybla Valley. The man was taken to the hospital in life-threatening condition. The driver fled the scene in a black sedan. [1/2] pic.twitter.com/uoGpdXRedB — Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) March 26, 2025 The region saw a flurry of snow last night but with temperatures warming up much of that is already melting In all, the National Weather Service said Alexandria accumulated 6.4 inches roughly average for the area but slightly less than neighboring Hybla Valley’s 8.5 inches (in the city’s defense The City of Alexandria said, given the amount of snowfall, locals have until 1 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday) to clear their sidewalks “Failure to comply may result in a fine,” the City said the City may complete the work at the owner’s expense Those unable to clear their sidewalks should plan ahead and make arrangements to ensure compliance.” Volunteer Alexandria offers a Snow Buddy Program with volunteers to assist seniors disabled residents and others with clearing snow: Two new sculptures were installed last Thursday (Aug kicking off a public art campaign aimed at boosting community pride and enhancing the corridor’s visual appeal Positioned at Mount Vernon Plaza on Fordson Road and outside the North Hill Residences in Hybla Valley, respectively, the “Liquid Sunshine” and “Beacon” installations represent the first steps taken by the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation (SFDC) to revitalize a 7 mile stretch from Ft The “Faces of 1” campaign aligns with recommendations from a recent report by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) which suggested installing art pieces along the highway as one way to enhance the area’s appeal and improve quality of life for residents and visitors “We want to help tell the story about the faces of Route One,” SFDC Executive Director Evan Kaufman told FFXnow we are planning on launching a website shortly that will explain the description of each of the sculptures but then we’ll have a space for the community to interact where they can provide input on different prominent faces of Route One which might have been their grandfather or…a friend.” the SFDC signed a contract with Massachusetts-based artist Michael Alfano to lease 10 face-shaped sculptures for display along the highway are scheduled to arrive and be installed later this year — likely by the end of October or early November Kaufman says leasing the sculptures was more cost-effective for SFDC allowing them to place multiple artworks along the corridor and offering the option to update the installations with different artists over time “It’s the start of something that hopefully can grow and expand,” he said Though the sculptures are only on lease for a year Kaufman says some property owners have already voiced interest in purchasing the pieces at the end of the lease term “We think a lot of them will purchase it and keep it there,” he said or keep it for another year…so it’s very flexible.” the sculptures were strategically positioned near bus stops for maximum visibility to both drivers and pedestrians following advice from property owners and Fairfax County planning staff “We figured that it had a built-in viewership and why not have a great piece of art to look at while waiting for the bus?” he said “This campaign offers access to high quality public art outside of a museum and allows people of all incomes and demographics to experience quality art.” SFDC plans to keep the momentum going with future installations steadily bringing more character and energy to the highway through other types of installations Although the details are still being finalized Kaufman says SFDC is working to commission two murals in “different prominent places” in the Hybla Valley area with plans to complete them by the end of this year Fairfax County planning staff and SFDC are also working together to replace the aging wooden sign that reads “Fairfax County — Gateway to America’s Historic Heritage” at the northern end of the corridor with plans for a new design and enhanced landscaping “The goal is use every imaginable way to increase just the sense of place for the Route 1 community and public art is a great way to do that,” Kaufman said Two roadway projects set to transform Richmond Highway will take longer to implement than anticipated The Virginia Department of Transportation’s project set to expand a portion of the four-lane roadway to six lanes is now expected to be completed in 2032 — six years after the once-targeted 2026 time frame “The timeline for the Richmond Highway Improvements Project has been extended to implement requests for design changes including a reduction in the number of turn lanes and an updated construction schedule,” VDOT spokesperson Alex Liggitt told FFXnow A roughly three-mile stretch of Richmond Highway, between Hybla Valley’s Sherwood Hall Lane and Jeff Todd Way near Fort Belvoir, will be widened in two phases, according to VDOT plans is currently scheduled to begin in mid-2028 Construction on the remaining stretch is expected to begin in the middle of 2029 The project, which hopes to “improve safety, reduce congestion, and help increase the community’s multimodal options,” is currently being slightly reworked to make certain cross-sections more “pedestrian-friendly,” according to Fairfax County. The land needed for the project is also currently being secured VDOT’s project page for the road widening estimates a total cost of $465 million but Liggett said the department doesn’t have an updated cost estimate “at this time.” delays to the road widening project will affect the schedule of a bus infrastructure project that Fairfax County was slated to build after the new lanes open The Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project will establish nine bus stops between the Huntington Metro station and Hybla Valley and got federal approval to begin engineering earlier this year The dedicated bus lanes are expected to take approximately one year to finish after the road widening, according to the county. The BRT system, which has been named The One was previously targeting 2030 for beginning operations VDOT will build the transit lanes for the bus system allowing the construction to happen at the same time as the road widening The switch has reduced the expected delay by roughly two years Fairfax County says its staff is continuing to work with VDOT “to seek ways to reduce the delay even further.” “I will continue to work to minimize any delays in the schedule so that we can move forward with our partners to create a modern efficient and reliable transit system that meets the evolving needs of our vibrant community,” McKay said in a statement In the meantime, several residential properties along Richmond Highway are scheduled to be demolished this fall to make way for the future road widening and bus lanes the Mount Vernon Athletic Club at 7950 and 7960 Audubon Avenue served as a private health and racquet club for more than 45 years The site includes a 50,000-square-foot sports facility on the identified parcels totaling 5.3 acres of land The property was purchased by the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCHRA) in May 2020 and staff have been coordinating with the county's Facilities Management Department on a number of improvements for facility systems and accessibility upgrades before the property is conveyed by late summer 2021 to Fairfax County and the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) for operation NCS currently operates nine community centers throughout Fairfax County providing a broad array of activities for individuals of all ages and abilities The improvements are expected to be completed by early spring 2022. Questions related to Phase I improvements may be directed to RHA@fairfaxcounty.gov A second phase of more comprehensive rehabilitations will be performed at a future date following necessary zoning actions That work will be led by the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services in coordination with NCS dates and schedule for these improvements are yet to be determined For questions about the minor improvements and project schedule, please contact RHA@fairfaxcounty.gov For questions regarding community outreach and potential uses for the facility, please contact ncs@fairfaxcounty.gov For questions about the use of the new facility Materials for the advisory Committee Meeting on March 31 The response area for this fire station covers the northern section of the Richmond Highway corridor changing demographics and more residential and commercial development will increase the demand for emergency and non-emergency services The Penn Daw Fire Station was built in 1967 as a volunteer station and is one of the oldest and busiest in the county It was expanded in the late 1980s to 15,700 square feet men’s and women’s shower/locker rooms and bunks The station is located on a 1.15-acre parcel on a residential cul-de-sac with significant challenges to expand or rebuild on the existing site The building systems have reached the end of their service life The original plumbing fixtures do not meet county standards for water conservation the emergency generator has significantly less capacity than generators at similarly sized stations the lighting and HVAC systems are not energy efficient and are due for replacement The apparatus bays are outdated and undersized with very low ceilings and are unable to house larger This station lacks adequate living quarters for female personnel and requires replacement of building systems that have far exceeded their intended life cycles As planning developed on the Penn Daw Fire Station the Hybla Valley Nursery site became available and was found to be an advantageous location for the new fire station The location on Beacon Hill Road allows first responders direct access to emergencies in the community and eliminates the need for construction of a temporary fire station Due to the size of the property and ideal location along Route 1 an opportunity was realized to provide co-location of additional facilities The county also hosted virtual and in-person community meetings Funding for the Eleanor Kennedy Shelter was approved along with three other county shelters in the 2016 Human Services and Community Development Bond Referendum; however a suitable location had not been identified at the time The existing Eleanor Kennedy Shelter operates from a 100-year-old converted pump house located on land leased from Fort Belvoir Renovating the shelter would require complete modernization of existing interior and building systems refurbishment of historic exterior materials and the addition of stormwater management facilities Expansion of the shelter to accommodate a comprehensive program is prohibited due to the building’s location within a 100-year floodplain and resource protection area and renovations are limited by the building’s historic status Co-locating services at the site and providing supportive housing in a new modern facility aligns with county strategies to prevent and end homelessness in the Fairfax-Falls Church community Individuals and families with the lowest income levels face the greatest challenge and lack of affordable housing in the county has been identified as a leading cause of homelessness Housing First is the county’s preferred approach for serving people who are experiencing homelessness with no dependable housing options The community has a unique opportunity with the Beacon Hill site to create a 21st Century vision of the continuum of housing The project team also heard from the community about the strong need for housing for families and has been able to incorporate additional family units The program now includes a total of 30 units of service-enriched long-term supportive housing units for individuals and families in addition to the emergency housing at the former Hybla Valley Nursery site at 2801 Beacon Hill Road The project team is working on the revised concept design incorporating the additional family supportive housing units and associated support spaces The concept design phase is scheduled to be completed in Spring 2025 and the project will proceed into the schematic design phase For more information, please contact the project team at penndawproject@fairfaxcounty.gov Department of Public Works and Environmental Services To sign up for updates or to access your subscriber preferences please enter your contact information below (Updated 10:30 a.m.) A ribbon will be cut today (Wednesday) on a new affordable housing development in Hybla Valley The Residences at North Hill will get a ceremonial grand opening at 10 a.m hosted by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority Expected speakers include Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey McKay A family and senior housing development with mixed-income levels, the Residences at North Hill consist of 279 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments across five four-story buildings, according to Pennrose, which developed the project with the nonprofit Community Housing Partners Corporation The development includes one building of 63 apartments reserved for people aged 55 and older The apartments are priced at 30% to 60% of the area median income which is “roughly $29,900 to $59,820 for a one-person household,” a media release from the Fairfax County Office of Public Affairs says Under construction since 2020, the project furthers the county’s goal set in 2022 to create 10,000 affordable housing units by 2034 It demonstrates the county’s usage of “creative strategies” to ensure affordable housing “despite the current economic realities of high land prices and other barriers to entry,” Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Direct Tom Fleetwood said by email Spanning roughly 33 acres off of Richmond Highway (Route 1), the project is part of the Woodley-Nightingale Redevelopment area, now known as North Hill. The FCHRA first acquired 48 acres of the area in 1981, putting it at odds with residents of an existing mobile home park Part of the land was redeveloped as the Woodley Hills Estates mobile home community on Dart Drive “The remaining 33 acres are now the vibrant mixed-tenure type intergenerational community the Richmond Highway needs and deserves,” Fleetwood wrote In addition to the 279 affordable apartments the North Hill community includes 175 market-rate townhouses along Dart Drive The proposed stop will be part of The One the planned public bus system on Richmond Highway that aims to outpace traditional bus services with dedicated lanes and projects The BRT is expected to be operational in 2030 The county’s Embark Richmond Highway Comprehensive Plan “encourages future residential and commercial development around the proposed BRT stations so that residents and workers can walk to transit and other daily needs in a mixed use environment,” according to Fleetwood “The Bus Rapid Transit system is the catalyst for the revitalization of the Richmond Highway Corridor from 70’s era development sprawl to a 21st century developer Pennrose notes that North Hill also provides residents easy access to public services health care services and grocery stores located within half a mile of the site A woman is fighting for her life in a hospital after a man shot her in a car parked at Mount Vernon Plaza in Hybla Valley on Saturday (Aug Fairfax County police officers were called to the shopping center in the 7700 block of Richmond Highway at 3:49 p.m that day in response to the reported shooting the officers found an adult woman with a gunshot wound to the upper body along with three other people at the scene including a man suspected of firing the weapon and an infant in the car Identified as 29-year-old Front Royal resident Montez Damone-Faggins the man was arrested and charged with malicious wounding and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony the FCPD said in a news release yesterday (Sunday) who was inside the car and has “outstanding warrants from another jurisdiction,” the department said “A credit to the patrol’s response, they got here very quickly,” FCPD Lt. James Curry told media on Saturday we get a positive outcome with our victim here.” who hasn’t been publicly identified yet remains hospitalized with potentially life-threatening injuries detectives believe all of the people involved know each other and were inside the car — a white sedan parked outside the seafood restaurant Skrimp Shack — when Damone-Faggins shot the woman The woman’s infant child wasn’t harmed in the shooting and has since been “reunited with another family member,” the FCPD says “The most important thing is that child is safe,” Curry said Damone-Faggins is in custody at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center while Thornton is being held on a secured bond The FCPD didn’t specify whether Thornton is in custody in Fairfax County or in another jurisdiction this was a widespread belief during most of the 1920s and '30s — a motive which led to the creation of Alexandria’s prestigious and unique Hybla Valley Airport the airport was first called the Alexandria Airport and mainly built as a way to profit from the public’s sudden love affair with flying — particularly after Charles Lindbergh’s extraordinary New York City to Paris flight Robertson planned for the business to be a sightseeing attraction where light aircraft would offer tourists bird’s-eye view tours of the area and the Potomac River while also amusing them with jaw-dropping air shows noted this growing fascination: “It’s evidence of what historian Joseph Corn called the ‘Wing Gospel.’ Americans were embracing this new technology and their enthusiasm for it had no bounds.” But while many people fantasized about being pilots the majority were content with watching others fly the machines Hybla Valley Airport became the first airport granted a permit in the Commonwealth — and yet while slowly building an impressive resume it still faced major competition because across the region countless private airfields were popping up was only a few minutes away in what is now Groveton all these airports were seeking to be designated the official D.C still didn’t have a proper airport — only small private ones,” Bednarek explains the Zeppelin Company considered the Alexandria airfield to be a potential transatlantic base for its airships just when it seemed the plan would go through the idea was ultimately disregarded as local government officials believed the project would be too big and expensive to accomplish Although Alexandrians might not have seen Zeppelins floating overhead it wasn’t uncommon to see other blimps doing so — usually naval training vessels from the nearby Anacostia Base which were housed at Hybla Valley Airport in its heyday Navy was given the airport by owner Elvin Robertson for training purposes It was here that naval pilots underwent fierce tests to ensure they had the skills necessary to aid the Allies in the global conflict the facilities were handed back and the airport continued its operations under the guidance of new owners The Ashburns also had big dreams for this small airport it spanned more than 179 acres and housed numerous Piper Cubs It also hosted a respected flying school and a high-end terminal restaurant where patrons could watch air shows as they dined The Congressional Flying Club also met here Representatives would often be seen learning how to fly over the Metro area But perhaps what might be most intriguing are the somewhat overlooked events that occurred at Hybla Valley Airport the Civil Air Patrol used it as a starting point for a major emergency blood delivery flight to Easton Aldine Glass (one of the first parachute rescue nurses in the country) used the land to perfect her jumps before taking off to do relief work Those present at the time might also have seen Bob Ashburn as he pursued his hobby of aerial photography the high profile of Hybla Valley Airport was not to endure Its popularity began to wane as a developmental boom hit the area in the mid-1950s The airport did everything it could to survive as the suburbs closed in but it was eventually sold to a developer and officially closed in 1956 the former airfield is now where Hybla Valley Elementary School and surrounding neighborhoods rest While this legendary destination may no longer exist its spirit lives on each day in small ways you might come across a historical marker near Route 1 and Fordson Road highlighting this significant land you might also notice that the neighborhood roads built on the former airport are named after various aspects of the aviation industry The early 20th-century dream of owning personal planes might not have fully come to fruition but the magic of aviation continues to inspire generations — something that fulfills the long-lost Hybla Valley Airport’s mission Beacon Field was established in 1929 when property owner W.F.P Reid installed a pilot's navigation aid on the property was called a "beacon tower" and commonly used in the early days of aviation the Ashburn Flying Service was training hundreds of pilots for military service at Beacon Field The airport closed during World War II for safety reasons the Civil Aeronautics Administration Region One Safety Office moved its headquarters to Beacon Field Before the airport ended operations in 1959 veterans of both World War II and the Korean conflict trained at the Lehman/Reid flying school there Alexandria Living Magazine is your go-to source for exploring the past Two long-planned community building projects are coming together at the former Hybla Valley Nursery  site on 2801 Beacon Hill Road In 2015 Fairfax County voters approved a Public Safety Bond Referendum for the renovation and expansion of five of the county’s fire stations The current station was built in 1967 as a volunteer station and is one of the busiest and oldest in the county the current station needs multiple improvements:  Fairfax County voters approved funding to renovate or replace four emergency housing facilities or shelters through a 2016 Human Services and Community Development Bond Referendum The existing Eleanor Kennedy Shelter operates from a 103-year-old converted pump home location on Fort Belvoir with no options for additional supportive housing renovating this dilapidated shelter is not practical due to its age and poor design Best practice calls for having emergency housing be a part of a crisis response system that provides safety and individual and family connections to permanent housing This new facility will serve as part of the crisis response system that connects individuals experiencing homelessness to resources and supportive services that will chart their course toward housing stability Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck convened the Penn Daw Fire Station and Supportive Housing Advisory Committee to engage the community on the proposed collocation plan The committee includes members from nearby communities faith community and affordable/emergency housing providers the Mount Vernon Council of Citizens Association The group has been meeting monthly since November 2020 Committee members will provide information about the project to their individual community groups and seek feedback County staff will begin engaging the greater Mount Vernon community with two virtual meetings on April 24 at 10 a.m More information about the proposed Penn Daw Fire Station, Emergency and Supportive Housing is available at Department of Public Works and Environmental Services. Project questions and comments from the public may be sent via e-mail to penndawproject@fairfaxcounty.gov Tweets by fairfaxcounty 2023 at 9:41 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A Hybla Valley man accused of a burglary spree in Fairfax County was tied to additional crimes (Fairfax County Police Department)FAIRFAX COUNTY VA — A Hybla Valley man accused of five burglaries within 12 hours in Fairfax County is facing new charges for other crimes Angel Argueta Galeas, 22, of Hybla Valley, had been charged with three counts of burglary, two counts of grand larceny, one count of petit larceny and several other charges for the five burglaries One of these involved the home of a 93-year-old woman The incidents included a burglary and stolen vehicle from the 3300 block of Willow Crescent Drive in Oakton attempted burglary at DigiTech-PC Solutions at 7601 Clifton Road in Fairfax Station burglary in the 7100 block of Swift Trails Drive in Fairfax Station 7100 block of Swift Trails Drive in the Clifton area another homeowner called police about a burglary and police took Argueta Galeas into custody Since police arrested Argueta Galeas on Tuesday police have been investigating additional crimes Police found he had several items and confirmed with the property owners that they were stolen Argueta Galeas was released on bond from the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center His release came before detectives obtained additional warrants for arrest The police department's Fugitive Track and Apprehension Unit worked to locate Argueta Galeas again detectives found him in a stolen Hyundai Sonata with stolen license plates The vehicle had been stolen from Fairfax County's West Springfield Police District earlier on Friday Additional charges against Argueta Galeas include three counts of misdemeanor destruction of property three counts of vehicle trespassing and one count of credit card theft He was also charged with grand larceny – auto theft He was held without bond at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center This was his fifth arrest in 102 days for multiple crimes in Fairfax County Anyone with information can contact the Sully District Criminal Investigations Division at 703-814-7000 Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. (7News) — Fairfax County police are searching for two people in connection with a burglary at a Hybla Valley gun store early Thursday morning Officers said they responded to a burglary in progress at H&F Arms located at 7524 Richmond Highway around 1:59 a.m Security footage captured two masked people forcing entry into the business through the front door The suspects took six handguns and two airsoft pistols before fleeing the scene The suspects were dressed in dark clothing and can be seen in the photo below: Anyone with information on this incident is urged to call 703-360-8400 or share a tip online HERE A new kid-focused community center is opening tomorrow (Thursday) inside a long-vacant space at a Hybla Valley apartment complex A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. for the Communities of Trust Center, a renovated two-story community gathering place within the Creekside Village Apartment complex at 7932 Janna Lee Avenue The project comes from the local nonprofit organization Communities of Trust (COT), which works to build trust between public safety agencies and the community, and HomeAid an organization that builds housing and facilities for nonprofits COT will focus on preventive solutions for at-risk youth by providing a safe haven and building ties within the community,” the event flyer says The new community center in the Franconia District will be a “safe place” for kids to gather Communities of Trust Chair Shirley Ginwright told FFXnow “This has been a community where there has been a large amount of negative interaction with law enforcement,” she said “This facility will provide a place for them to go after they get out of school and while their parents are working.” The 1,582-square-foot space had been vacant for a decade and was very much in need of renovations Walls and the kitchen were removed to create a large while vinyl plank flooring was installed throughout All three bathrooms were renovated as well The renovation ended up costing about $125,000 Ginwright said creating a space where kids can learn was important because the pandemic hit this community particularly hard while setting many students back in terms of reading There will be workshops and programs aimed at helping kids catch up on those skills There will also be a number of specialized programs aimed at different interests, including filmmaking, podcast production, and music recording. STEAM education will be a focus too “We will also be engaging with our law enforcement in implementing many of these programs to help build positive relationships and trust,” she said The Communities of Trust Committee was first established in late 2014 in response to the killing of Michael Brown by a police officer in Ferguson The committee’s intention was to bring together public safety agencies and community representatives to prevent what happened in Ferguson from happening in Fairfax County a nonprofit organization was established in 2016 The community center in Hybla Valley is the first of its kind to be built by COT A Hybla Valley standoff eclipsed the 30-hour mark Wednesday evening as Fairfax County Police SWAT and crisis negotiators continue to try and speak with a woman they say is barricaded in a car with a gun ---------------------------------------------------------------- The Hybla Valley standoff eclipsed the 35-hour mark late Wednesday night as Fairfax County Police SWAT and crisis negotiators continued to try and speak with a woman they said was barricaded in a car with a gun Police said they wanted the incident to end peacefully "We’ve been talking to her and just trying to make sure she understands that we’re here to make sure she goes home safely," Fairfax Police Department Lt negotiators were heard utilizing a megaphone "I'm working with you," and "you got to work with me," and also asking the woman to open her car window Police also confirm the woman has been provided food Curry said police were utilizing a phone to speak with the woman Sirens could also be heard periodically throughout the afternoon "The original call for service came yesterday around 11 o’clock and it started as an investigation -- a welfare check -- for a woman who was reported missing out of Maryland," Curry said "It was that point in time when we were approached by a second woman who had stated she was abducted we were led to a car that was possibly involved Police said there was a brief chase to Richmond Highway When asked why this incident was being treated with such care in comparison to recent incidents like the Fairfax County Police-involved shooting at Tysons Corner Center in February "I don’t want to compare two incidents the circumstances of each incident are always going to be different," Curry said and time is essential when we have time to give her This specific incident does give us the ability to bring our resources together to have properly trained officers -- in that negotiation -- talk to her and it’s all about effective communication on these." It appears the woman in the car also posted to social media and saying she would never hurt or kidnap anyone But while police said they are taking the time to carefully resolve this many locals in the Alexandria area said they were tired of the issue it caused commuters “I think it’s a big inconvenience," one resident said "I did have to work all day yesterday and call out because there was no getting in and out I have never heard or seen anything like this here Curry asked the public to leave communications with her to the police "When other individuals begin to interfere with that investigation "And that is why our crisis negotiators are trying to communicate with her so the specific details should be left to the investigators and it should probably be best for those lines of communication and getting the details of her story A portion of Richmond Highway remains closed and has been closed since 11 a.m. Drivers are being diverted at Lockheed Boulevard and at Boswell Avenue while others were temporarily closed -- leaving customers unable to run errands or in some cases Police said they were working with people who needed to get to those dealerships but asked the community to avoid the area and use alternate routes "This could be somebody else’s daughter "And I think all of us would want these same lengths that we are going to We're going to be here until we can get this right and getting this right is getting her out of that vehicle VDOT of Northern Virginia tweeted an update saying that construction barriers by the Mt It opened access to Route 1 via Dart Drive family-owned southern comfort food restaurant is taking its sweet potato pie to Hybla Valley Della J’s Delectables is moving from its Springfield home of the last five years to Mount Vernon Plaza, right off of Richmond Highway near Gum Springs. It will occupy a space that was formerly a Ruby Tuesday’s The plan is to start serving at 7692 Richmond Highway by early August with the old spot in Springfield remaining open until the new one begins operations Young explains that they are moving because of space with one frequent patron telling FFXnow that lines can snake out of the door “We’re busy,” Young said “And we needed something that’s more accommodating for us known for its soul food and southern cooking He grew up in Alexandria, right behind what was then called T.C. Williams High School he used to help his mom cook many of the recipes that are now served at the restaurant “We were really close,” he said cooking and baking is Young’s passion as well as an activity that reminds him of his mom who died at the relatively young age of 68 “Cooking is a huge stress reliever for me,” Young said “I have this ability to just open the cookbook up and pretty much nail it the first or second time.” Young didn’t actually start out in the restaurant business working for American Express for nearly four decades before finally retiring in 2017 he first realized that he could sell the dishes he baked and cooked he brought over a pumpkin cheesecake to a family dinner loved it so much that he encouraged Young to make more “I did what he said and started selling them Young opened a take-out spot in Woodbridge with his wife Lydia but they stepped aside when his first daughter was born and Young’s mom got sick opening a stand at the Springfield Farmers’ Market Young got requests to open another brick-and-mortar and Della J’s launched in Springfield in April 2017 “I signed a lease April 4th and retired [from American Express] the 27th,” he said Della J’s menu consists of many southern favorites though they will be a bit more “upscale.” Young also plans to hire more staff and host jazz bands a night or two every week The move closer to Gum Springs is a bit of a homecoming for Young, whose dad was a member of the community’s historic Bethlehem Baptist Church Young is excited to make the move to a bigger space one that holds meaning for him and his family and continue to serve up dishes that honor his mom Fairfax County police said a man has died and another was injured in a pair of shootings Saturday evening in Virginia Police told WTOP they’ve taken a man into custody following two shootings in the Hybla Valley area that allegedly started with a fight at a bus stop has been charged with second-degree murder two counts of use of a firearm in commission of a felony The first shooting happened around 6:30 p.m Officers arrived to find Kebbren Isaiah Leigh-Gaye Cochran fled the shooting and approached a driver in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven at 3100 Lockheed Boulevard He asked the driver for a ride and shot him in the eye when he was turned down The driver was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries Police found Cochran in the parking lot of a nearby Taco Bell at 7230 Richmond Highway and arrested him They also discovered items belonging to Leigh-Gaye Police said Cochran and Leigh-Gaye knew each other Anyone with information is asked to contact Fairfax detectives at 703-691-2131, or call 911. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), by text – Type “FCCS” plus tip to 847411, and online. William Vitka is a Digital Writer/Editor for WTOP.com. He's been in the news industry for over a decade. Before joining WTOP, he worked for CBS News, Stuff Magazine, The New York Post and wrote a variety of books—about a dozen of them, with more to come. Juan Herrera is an associate producer for WTOP News. He joined the radio news team in 2021 after previously working for WMAL News as a news assistant. He is a graduate of the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland. Copyright © 2025 by WTOP. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. TRACK RADARForecasting a bright future: Brian Van De Graaff shares climate knowledge at career dayby Good Morning Washington (7News) — Our Brian Van De Graaff and First Alert Meteorologist Mark Pena got weather-wise at Hybla Valley Elementary in Arlington today Brian talked to the kids about how the weather works and his life as a meteorologist 2023 at 10:10 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The North Hill Park that joins the North Hill affordable and market-rate housing will have a ribbon cutting on Sept VA — After the North Hill affordable housing and market-rate townhouse community opened this summer in Hybla Valley The Fairfax County Park Authority announced the North Hill Park will have a ribbon cutting at 9 a.m a formerly vacant site at the Richmond Highway and Dart Drive was developed into affordable and market-rate housing after decades of planning The land had previously been home to the Woodley-Nightingale Mobile Home Park before the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority purchased it in 1981 Part of the land became the Woodley Hills Estates mobile home community while the remainder became the Residences at North Hill development a 12-acre property was given to the Fairfax County PPark Authority to create a public park The new park has a large community playground 16 will happen at the pavilion up the trail from the park entrance Event parking will be available at the North Hill Park parking lot and down Nightingale Hill Lane Community members and officials like Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck the Fairfax Count Park Authority Board will attend SEE ALSO: Affordable Housing, Townhouse Community Opens On Richmond Highway Public art and social spaces will be key to transforming southern Richmond Highway into a community Last week, the consulting nonprofit Urban Land Institute (ULI) presented recommendations at the Hybla Valley Community Center for how to foster economic growth in the corridor while preserving its cultural identity through “placemaking.” Placemaking highlights the unique aspects of a community, including its people and history, which encourages activity and “helps to make the space vibrant,” Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation (SFDC) Executive Director Evan Kaufman told FFXnow in an interview you can go to any corporate strip mall across the country and you’re not really going to find a sense of place,” Kaufman said “You’ll probably find an Applebee’s but they’re not really telling a story of the community.” After spending two days studying four miles of the corridor from Jeff Todd Way to Lockheed Blvd, the assembled panelists proposed creating community spaces for socializing — like parks and event venues — and enhancing the area with public art and more greenery The full findings will be detailed in a report that’s expected in the next six to eight weeks which worked with the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development to finance the study ULI will also conduct follow-up surveys to track the implementation of the panel’s recommendations With some community members fearing negative impacts from the road widening project in particular on traffic the ULI study aims to identify strategies that can stimulate economic growth and improve the area’s quality of life the consultant’s panelists recommended establishing a visitors center and using signage to guide visitors and residents to businesses affected by construction pop-up activities and murals to beautify shopping plazas and make commercial areas more inviting “Those are great for serving local residents and visitors so it can become a destination as well,” community design and housing advocate Anna McCorvey told attendees of the Feb the aim is to support projects that encourage social interaction and reflect the area’s unique culture “I think more people have begun to recognize especially people maybe within the government or the planning realm how important these people-centric and placemaking modalities are and creating livable communities…where people want to live “That’s kind of a cliche saying but it’s true: people want to be around other people.” With many local government officials in attendance panelists suggested Fairfax County could make it easier for small businesses to host outdoor community gatherings expanding green and recreational areas near shopping centers could help attract residents and support local businesses County officials could take a more active role in requiring developers to integrate parks and green spaces into their projects or contribute to a fund dedicated to creating public spaces “You want to kind of pick and choose and focus on projects that are closer to where the people reside and have greater expectations for those projects because then you’ll be able to make sure that people are occupying those spaces,” Steven Segerlin Amtrak’s head of commercial development panelists have identified eight possible sites for placemaking projects along the corridor and suitability for temporary events or installations: The panel offered examples of landscaping buffer designs around the South County Government Center and the Residences at North Hill They also proposed a temporary market in the Aldi shopping center’s parking lot as a future project The responsibility of managing and maintaining these placemaking projects would depend on the individual projects and who’s involved “It’s more of a collaborative effort and shared responsibilities depending on the partners and who benefits most from these kinds of projects,” he said “It’s hard to know exactly until we start getting into the project and finding out what requires what and what needs to be maintained.” Mount Vernon Police District – Yesterday at 1:07 p.m. officers responded to a parking lot in the 7400 block of Vernon Square Drive in Hybla Valley for a man who had been shot laying on the sidewalk suffering multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body Norris was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause and manner of death.    detectives determined the two men had an interaction which led to Francisco Juares shooting Norris multiple times in the upper body Juares remained at the scene when a nearby witness held him down until officers arrived Juares was arrested without incident and two firearms were recovered from the scene Detectives continue to conduct several interviews and review evidence to determine the circumstances that led up to the fatal shooting The relationship between the two men is not known at this time After consultation with the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, Juares was charged with second degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App and follow the prompts to “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers” Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards of $100 to $1,000 dollars Victim specialists from our Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division have been assigned to ensure that the victim’s family is receiving appropriate resources and assistance.     please read our blog and follow us on Twitter Facebook and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD  Fairfax County Police have identified the teenager killed in a Hybla Valley shooting in the Virginia county Saturday night Officers say they discovered 19-year-old Alexandria resident Darren Davis inside of a white Dodge Challenger in the 8000 block of Seaton Street Officers said Davis’ vehicle was parked in the roadway when a black Dodge Charger drove up to the vehicle Police described the suspects as Black men in their 20s wearing all black clothing Anyone with information is asked to contact 703-246-7800 and select option two or use the department’s anonymous Crime Solvers options This is the eleventh murder in Fairfax County this year Ivy Lyons is a digital journalist for WTOP.com This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.