<sh>School Expansion Approved
<bt>The Fairfax County Planning Commission approved a proposal from Great Falls Village Day School at 790 Walker Road to increase its enrollment from 225 to 250 children.
The proposal has the support of the Great Falls Citizens' Association.
"We supported this because we think the school fills a need," said John Ulfelder of the association.
Nearby neighbors were concerned about the additional traffic the increased enrollment will generate. 'We've got to find a solution," said Amyn Meruani.
The relatively small increase in enrollment does not merit forcing the school to address some of the transportation issues at this time, said the staff report. "These changes will have to be addressed the next time this special exception is amended and/or a site plan is submitted," says the report.
The plan is scheduled for a public hearing before the Board of Supervisors on Oct. 17. To register to speak at the hearing, call 703-324-3151.
<sh>Apartments Move On
<bt>The Fairfax County Planning Commission approved a plan to redevelop a Merrifield apartment building during their Oct. 6 meeting.
The building is on Gallows Road, across from the Dunn Loring - Merrifield Metro station. The building owners, Dunn Loring Metro Apartment Partnership, plan to remove the existing three-story apartment building, which has 17 units. In its place, they plan to construct a four-story, 30-unit building including two affordable dwelling units.
During the Planning Commission public hearing on July 14, Commissioner Ken Lawrence (Providence) expressed concern that the applicant was trying to fit too much building onto too little space.
A series of changes were made over the past few months have satisfied Lawrence's concerns. "With these changes, I believe that the application is now acceptable," Lawrence said.
The plan is scheduled for a public hearing before the Board of Supervisors on Oct. 17. To register to speak at the hearing, call 703-324-3151.
<sh>Silver Diner Celebrates 10 Years
<bt>The Silver Diner’s Tysons Corner location is holding a month-long anniversary party throughout October to celebrate 10 years at its McLean location. The celebration includes a fund-raiser for Nova Rottie Rescue on Oct. 18, where 20 percent of the store’s nighttime proceeds will benefit the nonprofit group. In addition, the anniversary celebration features meal specials and giveaways designed to thank the community for its patronage.
In addition to a 10-year celebration token gift for each guest, the Silver Diner’s anniversary festivities include a series of events each week in October. Sunday through Thursday, guests receive any Silver Platter Special at $9.99, and each Tuesday, every kid receives a free milkshake.
The Oct. 18 Nova Rottie Rescue fund-raiser will serve as a key event in the month-long celebration. Since its introduction into the McLean community 10 years ago, the Silver Diner has focused on giving back to the community and helping local nonprofits and community groups meet their goals and needs through their Silver Lining Foundation. The Silver Diner, Tysons Corner, has raised about $20,000 for community organizations, including the McLean Bible Church, St. Luke’s Church, St. Johns Church, Freedom Hill Elementary School, Westgate Child Care Center, Young Life, MADD, the Tsunami Relief Fund, the MDA, the American Red Cross, NOVA Alumni Council, Civitan Club, George Marshall High School and St. Luke’s Child Care Center.