📷 Arlington County is ending its use of Flock Safety cameras on public property after residents raised concerns about privacy and how surveillance data could be used.

🏗️ A major piece of Reston’s future is starting to take shape. Fairfax County has approved the framework for redeveloping nearly 47 acres at Reston Town Center North with housing, public facilities, green space and commercial uses.

🌳 A former construction-debris landfill in Lorton is getting a new life. Work is now underway on Overlook Ridge Park, a nearly 250-acre public park expected to open in 2027.

Scroll down and enjoy!

—Chris Colgan

A free two-day neighborhood fall festival, with more than 140 local artisans and small businesses selling fashion, jewelry, home décor, art and specialty goods. The weekend also includes the FRESHFARM Farmers Market, kids' crafts and games, Sip & Stroll specials at Mosaic restaurants, and live entertainment throughout.
📍 Location: Mosaic District, Merrifield/Fairfax County
📅 Date: Sept 26–27 | 11 AM – 6 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
MORE INFO→

This juried outdoor show brings local and national fine artists to Carlyle with thousands of American-made pieces across every medium. Life-sized sculpture, paintings, jewelry, pottery and textiles.
📍 Location: John Carlyle Square Park, Alexandria, VA
📅 Date: Sept 26–27 | 10 AM – 5 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
MORE INFO→

A classic all-day neighborhood carnival with rides, bounce houses, live music and a beer garden, plus a wide food lineup, bingo, prize games and a 50/50 raffle. There's also a 1.5-mile Falcon Fun Run, with proceeds supporting Saint Ann Catholic School programs.
📍 Location: Saint Ann Catholic Church school and grounds, Arlington
📅 Date: Sept 26 | 10 AM
🎟️ Tickets: Free; tickets are sold on-site for food, drinks, and activities
MORE INFO→

NOT ENOUGH? SEE 10+ GREAT THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND→

Driving the news
The Arlington County Board directed the County Manager on Sept. 15 to stop using county-leased Flock technology and begin removing the equipment. County officials said there have been no reported cases of the system being misused in Arlington.

Details

Why it matters
For Arlington residents who raised privacy concerns, the move gives them a direct response from county leaders and clearer rules for what happens to stored data. It also gives the county a chance to review how public-safety technology fits with residents’ expectations before deciding what tools should come next.

The big picture
Arlington isn’t alone. Local governments across the D.C. region are taking a closer look at automated license plate readers as officials weigh their crime-fighting value against questions about privacy, data sharing and surveillance. Fairfax County has paused new installations while reviewing the technology, while other jurisdictions have faced similar public pressure.

The bottom line
Arlington is stepping away from Flock cameras even without a reported case of local misuse. The decision puts resident privacy concerns at the center of the county’s next conversation about surveillance and public-safety tools.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE→

Driving the news
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted 8-0 on Sept. 15 to approve rezoning and development actions for Reston Town Center North, giving Fairfax County and Inova Health a framework for redeveloping the site. Board Chair Jeff McKay and Supervisor Jimmy Bierman recused themselves because they serve on Inova advisory boards.

Details

Why it matters
For Reston, the redevelopment could add much-needed housing while replacing several public facilities in one coordinated project. Residents could eventually gain a new library, recreation options, park space, and improved services without having to travel far from the town center.

The big picture
The county and Inova currently control different parcels across the site. The approval allows them to move ahead with planned land exchanges so each party controls the property needed for its part of the redevelopment. The broader goal is a walkable civic and mixed-use district built around a roughly 3.5-acre central green.

What’s next
The new Reston Regional Library and replacement Embry Rucker Community Shelter are already funded and are expected to be among the first pieces of the redevelopment, along with new internal roads and central park space. Future development blocks will move through their own review processes.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE→

Driving the news
Waste Management broke ground Sept. 2 on the park at 10001 Furnace Road. By the time this newsletter reaches you on Sept. 24, construction will have been underway for several weeks on a project Lorton residents have heard about for nearly two decades.

Details:

Why it matters
Lorton is gaining hundreds of acres of recreation and open space on land that spent decades receiving construction waste. For nearby families, walkers, birders and photographers, that means a new place to spend time outdoors without leaving the community.

The big picture
The landfill began operating in 1981 and stopped accepting construction and demolition debris in 2018. Its permanent closure, which included capping the landfill and planting vegetation, was completed in 2021. Plans to eventually use the property as a park date back to 2006.

What’s next
Waste Management is responsible for building the park, with construction continuing ahead of the planned 2027 opening. Environmental monitoring of the closed landfill will continue for years after the park opens.

After years of planning, Lorton’s former landfill is moving from proposal to construction. If work stays on schedule, one of Fairfax County’s most unusual pieces of land will become a new destination for trails, community events, birding and panoramic views in 2027.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE→

Reply and let me know what you liked the most and what you’d like to see in next week’s newsletter. See ya!