Dulles Rail Project Called Misguided
<bt>The proposed multi-billion dollar construction of the Dulles Rail project would not reduce traffic, according to a report co-sponsored by the anti-rail group Landowners Opposing Wasteful Expenditures on Rail (LOWER) and the Colorado-based Center for the American Dream. The project, a $4 billion, 23-mile expansion of the Metro Orange Line, would lead to higher commercial real estate taxes and higher tolls on the Dulles Toll Road, the study's sponsors asserted at a press conference at the Wiehle Avenue commuter lot in Reston Monday. “Despite what the politicians are saying, it will not solve congestion,” said Ken Reid, director of LOWER. The study, titled “Great Rail Disasters: The Impact of Rail Transit on Urban Livability,” can be found online at www.independenceinstitute.org.
<sh>Police Seeking Electronics Burglar
<bt>Fairfax County Police are seeking information about a man responsible for breaking into and stealing electronics equipment from 30 to 40 businesses in Virginia and Maryland, including five business in Fairfax County. The suspect, police believe, gained entry into the business by acting like an employee who had lost his identification card. Upon entering the businesses, usually during weekend hours, he would steal cash and equipment such as laptop computers. Police described the suspect as a black man, approximately six feet two inches tall, weighing 240 pounds with a stocky build. He also has a distinctive gap between his front teeth, and is well-dressed and friendly. Anyone with information is urged to call Fairfax County Crime Solvers at 1-800-673-2777 or 703-691-8888. A cash reward of $100 to $1,000 will be paid for information leading to an arrest.
<sh>Moran Challenger to Speak in Reston
<bt>Andrew Rosenberg, who is challenging U.S. Rep. James P. Moran (D-8) for the Democratic nomination, will address the public at the North County Government Center (the Reston district police station) on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. Rosenberg, an Alexandria attorney, hopes to unseat the seven-term incumbent in the June Democratic primary. The event is sponsored by the Hunter Mill District Democratic Committee.
<sh>Funds for Son of Murdered Parents
<bt>Reston resident Teri Cochrane is seeking help from the community to support her 25-year-old nephew, whose parents were murdered on Jan. 29 at their home in Indianapolis. Cuban immigrants, Mayra Luisa Perez-Gonzalez and Manuel Aguiar-Gonzales were stabbed to death, their bodies discovered by their son, Yairan Perez. Indianapolis police arrested a 23-year-old man for the crime on Feb. 1, according to a report in the Indianapolis Star. Now, Cochrane is worried about her nephew, saying he needs assistance after the shock of finding his parents brutally murdered. Donations may be made to the Nadine Fletcher trustee for the benefit of Yairan Aguiar-Perez, First Indiana Bank, 11991 Fishers Crossing Dr., Fishers, Indiana 46038. [See letter to editor, page 14.]
<sh>Trust Offers Commemorative Bricks
<bt>The Reston Historic Trust is selling engraved bricks which will be set in the ground, near the benches at Lake Anne Plaza. The trust has already installed one round of bricks in the plaza, and will place the next round after 100 bricks are sold. The brick sale is the biggest fundraiser for the trust, which runs the Reston Museum and sponsors educational programs. The bricks cost between $100 and $250 for families/individuals, and $450 for corporations. Order forms for the engraved bricks can be found at the museum, which is also located at Lake Anne Plaza.
<sh>Housing Authority Receives $6 Million Grant
<bt>The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority has been awarded $6 million by the Virginia Housing Development Authority to finance 40 homes for residents who make no more than $67,840. The program will provide $5,000 per home as a low interest loan for downpayment and closing costs.