Ferris Bueller

...but wait there's more. Boston Properties CEO: We Want to ‘Ensure That Reston Remains a Preeminent Location’ by Dave Emke — April 26, 2017 at 12:30 pm10 Comments In response to a question during the company’s quarterly earnings conference call Wednesday, Boston Properties CEO Owen Thomas said the paid-parking situation at Reston Town Center will continue to be evaluated. Thomas was asked about “an interesting article” about the situation and tenants’ concerns about business being down. In response, the CEO said: “We did implement paid parking at Reston Town Center at the beginning of the year. As you know, Reston is an urban location, it has structure parking primarily, and there is going to be the arrival of mass transit to the region. It’s certainly not uncommon for areas with this kind of density to have paid parking. We are utilizing a state-of-the-art parking systemthat is being used in cities all over the U.S., and actually the use of these systems is growing around the U.S. In Reston specifically, the system has been adopted by 140,000 users so far. Now that being said, as you suggest, certainly not all of our customers — some, but certainly not all of our customers — have expressed some concerns about the system or simply having to pay for parking, and we are continuing to evaluate our execution and make adjustments to ensure that Reston remains a preeminent location for business and residents in Northern Virginia.” Merchants in the Town Center have reported business to be down as much as 40 percent since paid parking went into effect Jan. 3, and an organized protest of the system in March drew hundreds of participants. Jackson’s restaurant has filed a lawsuit over the implementation, and other businesses have threatened the same; however, Boston Properties says it is confident it will prevail in any legal battles.

BTW - they are open now and business appears brisk. Line was out the door on Thursday of last week around dinner time.

Stopped here on Friday evening, pre-Capitals game at VC. Great Sangria, dates, Chorizo, calamari, ham/cheese croquettes, chicken and beef empanadas just to name a few. Staff could not have been more attentive or helpful. Place was moderately busy and we were seated prior to our reservation, which was nice...even adding two to our party at the last minute (not planned). Would definitely go back when not as pressed for time. A little on the more expensive side for what we had, however they have a captive audience for all the events at VC and the area. No complaints.

It appears from a recent announcement that IceBerry is now closing on April 30th after 10 years at Reston Town Center. Nice little shop on the main street - obviously a saturated market being the frozen yogurt variety, but they did what they did well.

Depending on who you are building with, they may offer the option to upgrade to lines like GE Profile or Jenn-Air (now increasing prices and product specs to try and complete with perceptively higher quality name brands), or even Thermador. Typically the builder cost of appliances (not retail) is credited towards the builder cost of the upgraded option (+profit). If you plan on being in the TH for a while and want the appliances you want: 1) the cost is wrapped into your mortgage and 2) it beats the heck out of swapping out appliances after you move in and in many cases compromising other parts of the new home warranty in addition to the appliances. There are also potential issues with granite tops and cabinets housing new appliances as well. Congrats on the new home.

if you do not have a convention oven, and you add one, you will use it all the time. Check out a speed cooking oven as well; offers quite a few more options and configurations (stand alone or combo unit with conventional oven/advantium on top. "GE Advantium Ovens" on geappliances.com Also - for some pretty cool gas ranges, in addition to the Wolf (Sub-Zero owned), very cool colors and versions, manufactured in PA. BlueStar: "BlueStar Ranges" on bluestarcooking.com Thermador (Bosch owned) will run you about the same or a little less than Bluestar and a fair amount less than Wolf. Very similar look to Wolf and Viking: "Dual Fuel and Gas Ranges" on thermador.com Most of the companies offer some sort of unit bonus (to encourage brand loyalty and boost unit sales), so if you purchase a hood and range, they may throw in a free dishwasher or fridge or something along those lines. NOTE: just using as an example, my recollection is not a guaranteed type of promotion, check the actual websites for whatever they may currently be offering.

Report: Leidos Considering Leaving Town Center for Reston Metro Plaza by RestonNow.com — March 31, 2017 at 11:30 am0 Comments Defense contractor Leidos is considering leaving its current headquarters in Reston Town Center (11951 Freedom Drive) for a new home, the Washington Business Journal reports. Citing sources close to the company, the WBJ says the expansion in workforce brought about by the company’s merger with Lockheed Martin last year has it reevaluating its space needs. Leidos employees about 33,000 people worldwide, according to information it provides to investors. According to the WBJ report, Comstock Properties’ 1900 Reston Metro Plaza is among the properties being considered as a potential new headquarters for Leidos. Still seeking an anchor tenant, the site was considered by Nestlé before that company chose Arlington for its U.S. headquarters. The Helmut Jahn-designed building, adjacent to the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station, is currently in its final stages of construction. WBJ says Boston Properties, owner of Leidos’ current home, has proposed new headquarters space for the firm as well.

You bet lion, glad to update as things develop. I thought this a progressive topic, although starting in Reston, may be the precursor to Tysons paid parking and whatever similar objections it may bring. Reston is not Tysons, at least not yet. I too heard the Kojo show and it is apparent there is political influence/interference, but I am not so sure in the best interests of the constituents. It is a shame to see the corridor transformed so drastically. Change can be good, but the recent continued explosion in rental units/condos puts extreme stress on schools, roads, infrastructure etc. The "build it they will come" plan seems to disregard all the components it takes to support the increased residential and retail population...

The latest and greatest...you just cannot make this stuff up... Boston Properties Says It Is ‘Very Confident’ It Will Prevail in Parking Legal Battles by Dave Emke — March 29, 2017 at 4:35 pm13 Comments In a statement sent to media Wednesday afternoon, Boston Properties responded to recent developments in the ongoing saga regarding paid parking at Reston Town Center. The statement comes after a lawsuit filed by Jackson’s restaurant, an announcement by Reston Merchants Association of continued declining sales, and a statement from the Reston Citizens Association denouncing BXP’s apparent unwillingness to compromise. Released through public relations firm Fallston Group, Boston Properties’ statement claims: There is “variability” in month-to-month performance of RTC merchants. Some have reported increases in sales in the past 90 days, some have reported flat or decreasing sales. Boston Properties continues to work with retailers to provide customer support, parking validations and other assistance regarding the paid parking implementation. Planned enhancements of the system include the addition of change machines to better accommodate cash customers, as well as improvements to payment kiosks. Car counts represent “high adoption rates” of the paid-parking policies. More than 112,000 downloads of the ParkRTC app have been made, including 22,000 in the past week. The $8 million of annual paid-parking revenue estimated by groups including the Reston Citizens Association is “outdated and inaccurate,” and true expectations are “significantly less.” Boston Properties is committed to reinvesting a comparable value to its profit from paid parking back into the Town Center and the Reston community through ongoing maintenance, capital improvements, community events and charitable donations. BXP is “very confident” it will prevail against all legal challenges related to paid parking. The full text of the statement is below: Boston Properties is prohibited by the terms of most of its leases from commenting on the specific sales results of its individual tenants. In any given year, Reston Town Center’s retail tenants see fluctuations in sales for a variety of reasons, from weather to seasonality to marketplace conditions. Additionally, monthly sales trends can vary widely among those tenants, depending on their business model, marketplace adaptation and sales tactics. Based on the information provided to date under the terms of our leases, we have seen variability in the month to month performance of the merchants at Reston Town Center prior to the introduction of paid parking. That trend has continued over the past 90 days, with some tenants reporting sales are up and others reporting flat or decreased sales. Boston Properties has always been committed to working with its tenants for mutual success. Since paid parking was implemented, we have worked with our retailers to provide customer support, parking validations and other assistance as the Reston Town Center complex adjusts to paid parking. (As a reminder, parking in the garages is free on weekends and select holidays, and parking remains free at all times for retail employees.) Boston Properties continues to monitor paid parking adoption and will consider all appropriate policy and technology amendments as needed to ensure the long-term success of the Town Center. For instance, upcoming planned enhancements include the addition of change machines to better accommodate cash customers and improvements to the payment kiosks. Additionally, Boston Properties’ car count continues to reflect high adoption rates of the new parking policies by the community. The ParkRTC app has been downloaded more than 112,000 times — with 22,000+ people signing up in the last week alone — and to date, nearly 85,000 individuals have utilized the app to pay for parking. Since paid parking was rolled out in January, garage usage by non-office tenants have steadily increased, week over week. Regarding the $8 million annual revenue number that has been repeatedly referenced, the estimated figure was from 2011 and was based on very different operating assumptions. It is both outdated and inaccurate. While Boston Properties does not report property-specific performance, revenue expectations are significantly less, as the vast majority of visitors and tenants are either validated or do not pay for parking. Further, Boston Properties is committed to reinvesting a comparable value to its profit from paid parking back into the Town Center and the Reston community through ongoing maintenance, capital improvements, community events and charitable donations. Finally, regarding recent legal action, Boston Properties is very confident it will prevail against any and all legal challenges related to paid parking. Much of the information provided in the statement echoes previous statements from Boston Properties regarding the paid-parking initiative.

Without any basis other than personal observation - this past weekend I went to RTC, no parking fee since it was on a Saturday and Sunday - the place was a virtual ghost town. While i did not spend a significant amount of time there, perhaps weather-related, but the lack of street traffic and people/families walking around was very noticeable. The numbers quoted in the article are significant and, if nothing else, signify the vast numbers of people who are not visiting, hence spending $$ at the RTC. Sadly the retailers and employees are the one's paying the price, for a situation they have little or no control over.

RTC Merchants Planning Town Hall, Second Protest March in Fight Against Paid Parking by Dave Emke — March 28, 2017 at 4:00 pm1 Comment The Reston Merchants Association is not backing down in its opposition to paid parking at Reston Town Center, which it says has drastically hurt business. In an announcement Tuesday, the group’s organizers says they plan to hold a town hall-style meeting in May to discuss the issue. Merchants, community leaders, elected officials and more will be invited to speak and take questions from citizens. RTC owner Boston Properties, which implemented the paid-parking system in January, will also be invited to participate in the event, according to the announcement. In addition, the Merchants Association says it plans to work with community organizers to hold a march and rally in June to protest the paid-parking system. A march earlier this month, organized by citizen group Reston United, saw hundreds of participants. “The community has spoken and they are fed up with paid parking,” said Aaron Gordon, owner of Red Velvet Cupcakery and the head of the Merchants Association. “Not only is it expensive, but the app that people have to download to park is onerous, complicated and an invasion of their privacy. People don’t want to hand over their license plate number and credit card information to Boston Properties. As a result of all of this, we see that many of our best customers are boycotting RTC altogether and others have said they will never come back.” Last week, one restaurant in the Town Center — Jackson’s Mighty Fine Food & Lucky Lounge — filed a lawsuit against Boston Properties, arguing their lease agreement was violated by the paid-parking system and that it has been an impediment to conducting business. In Tuesday’s announcement, the Reston Merchants Association says its supports the suit and “is likely to seek similar legal action for similar reasons in the following month.” Boston Properties has so far not backed down from the system, which charges $2/hour in parking garages Monday through Friday and $3/hour for on-street parking Monday through Saturday. It has said the impact of the system on Reston Town Center business has been “far less” than claimed. The Reston Merchants Association, however, says retailers and restaurateurs have seen “sinking sales figures” and a “precipitous drop-off in foot traffic” in 2017. They say that is directly related to Boston Properties’ paid-parking initiative. Figures reported Tuesday by the Merchants Association, which they say were provided with consent from companies’ owners or corporate officials, include: Red Velvet Cupcakery reports March sales are down 19 percent. It projects a yearly drop of 25%. Big Bowl reports sales down 26 percent in March. Sales were down 15 percent in February, and it is down 4,500 customers over last year. Busara reports March sales are down 18 percent. The Counter Burger reports March sales are down approximately 24 perent. Dawn Price Baby reports February sales were down 18 percent, while its other locations were up an average of 20 percent for the same month. The Eyewear Gallery reports February sales were down 29 percent. Potomac River Running reports March sales are down 37 percent, while its seven other locations sales are higher. Edibles Incredible Desserts reports February sales were down 28 percent. Ted’s Bulletin reports sales are down significantly on the year, while other locations have even or higher sales compared to last year. “Paid parking is simply killing business, ruining our reputation and destroying the sense of community that has always been the pride of Reston,” Gordon said. “The merchants are suffering across the board from the greedy money-grab of one company and many of us are being driven out of business.”

Dinner last night was excellent - service/server(s) were spot on, very attentive, but not overbearing. Chef's tasting menu (below) was fantastic and everything timed perfectly. We added the feta stuffed squid based on recommendation. Beer, Martini and bottle of Cab also heloed compliment meal. Place was busy and despite cold temps, there were people sitting on the patio in winter jackets. Overall a great experience and the real wood fireplace a nice touch. CRISPY VIRGINIA OYSTERSCELERIAC-APPLE REMOULADE, STURGEON CAVIARSMOKED POLENTA TORTELLINITRUMPET MUSHROOMS, QUAIL EGG, WINTER TRUFFLESOURDOUGH CRUSTED CODSAFFRON MUSSELS, BABY FENNEL, SQUID IN ITS OWN INKNEW FRONTIER BISONMIDDLEBURY BLUE, PINE NUTS, BEET VARIATIONSGREEK COFFEE GRANITA, CHANTILLY CREAM, CANDIED ALMONDSDARK CHOCOLATE BUDINO BLOOD ORANGE, PISTACHIO, KATAIFI

Town Center Restaurant Files Lawsuit Against Boston Properties Over Parking by Dave Emke — March 23, 2017 at 11:00 am3 Comments (Edited 11:35 a.m. with more information from lawsuit and link to view document) The first lawsuit regarding Boston Properties’ paid parking system at Reston Town Center has been filed. In a press release Thursday morning, Jackson’s Mighty Fine Food and Lucky Lounge (11927 Democracy Drive) announced the suit, which includes a motion for a temporary injunction over the “cumbersome paid parking system [Boston Properties] implemented in January 2017.” Representatives of Town Center businesses have been meeting among themselves to discuss their options since paid parking began, and the threat of potential legal action was first made public in early February. The suit by Jackson’s (view) was filed Wednesday afternoon in the Circuit Court of Fairfax County. In addition to the injunction, the restaurant seeks “an award of damages of $500,000 or other specific amount to be established at trial.” According to the lawsuit, Jackson’s says it negotiated lease terms preventing Boston Properties from implementing parking controls that “unduly impede” guests and requiring Boston Properties to assure that any paid parking system must allow Jackson’s to validate parking — at no expense to the restaurant — for guests and employees. The lawsuit claims the validation system imposed by BXP violates the restaurant’s lease rights and the requirements it sought. “Our team has been inundated with complaints from guests who tell us that the process to use the validation system is cumbersome and confusing,” said Orson Williams, managing partner at Jackson’s, in the announcement. “On top of that, Boston Properties’ parking attendants often give incorrect and misleading instructions when our guests seek help in getting unlimited free parking.” Jackson’s, operated by Great American Restaurants, opened in the Town Center in 2008. Restaurants and other businesses within the Town Center have claimed major decreases in business since the paid parking system went into place. An organized protest that took place earlier this month saw hundreds of participants from throughout the community. Boston Properties has said the impact of paid parking on Town Center business has been “far less” than claimed. “We did not want to have to sue and we tried to work with Boston Properties to address our concerns and our rights under the lease to give our customers free and hassle-free parking, both before and after Boston Properties implemented this parking system. But they were uncompromising and appeared disinterested in working with us to provide our guests a better experience at Reston Town Center,” said Jon Norton, CEO of Great American Restaurants, in the announcement. “It appears to us that they are focused on maximizing revenue instead of honoring the spirit and terms of our lease, and seem unconcerned with the impact their system has had on the Town Center. It is disappointing that they have spent so much time bolstering a PR campaign rather than working with us to fulfill their lease obligations.” We have reached out to Boston Properties for comment and this article will be updated with any response that is received.

More Attention for Town Center Parking Debate — Reston Town Center merchant Aaron Gordon was on The Kojo Nnamdi Show on D.C. radio station WAMU on Tuesday speaking about paid parking at the Town Center. Supervisor Cathy Hudgins was also on the show to give her thoughts. [WAMU/player.fm]

"End of Free Parking is the Last Straw for Some Reston Residents" by Antonio Olivo on washingtonpost.com ...and, with free weekend parking: "Family Fun Saturdays - March 11" on restontowncenter.com --- FWIW - decided to meet friends at Mon Ami on Sunday for Brunch - excellent food and even better create-your-own Bloody Mary bar. Restaurant was busy, but there were empty tables and you could easily sit in the bar area. Parking was free and here was plenty of it. When leaving, it was noticeably quiet and many of the restaurants we passed on our way to our car were not busy.

Reston Town Center Merchants: Paid Parking is ‘Tearing the Fabric of Who We Are’ on restonnow.com The latest installment, basically a very well-written piece from one of the merchants and a representative for other's at RTC:

Went here Sunday evening based on posts from this site. Great food, ambiance and drinks. Ate in the lounge, started with the spicy (barely) crab dip then Venison dish and Ribeye - the Meyer Lemon Bread pudding for dessert. Service was excellent, it was quiet, but the music selection and fire place was a nice touch. From presentation to check and the handcrafted cocktails all was great.

The latest was an "Open Letter" to Reston Community regarding paid parking at RTC, published today.

Hit Costco on Wednesday late afternoon, and they again had the Mayorga. The special this month is the Cafe Cubano (whole bean/$13.99) for a 2lb bag. The product of the month is Organic Cafe Cubano! A bold dark roast with hints of sweetness and warming peppery notes FWIW - I drink a lot of espresso 7-days/week. I found come Kick Ass Coffee, yes, that is the name, at Giant recently and on sale it was like $5/lb. It was excellent. Their regular price is typically a lot more than that. see link here: https://www.kickinghorsecoffee.com/en/coffee/kick-ass-whole-bean

Likely the metal handle will resolve. Also for a quicker cycle, on the new models there is an option for Express cycle - that may help with time issues. Not sure when appliance years end (I believe they are like cars so around September/October) but I am pretty certain, deals can be had on last year's model(s).

So I purchased a Bosch D/W with concealed controls about 14 years ago. It ran flawlessly for 12 years with absolutely no issues. It ran a minimum of 1/day sometimes 2/day based on entertainment. I never rinse the dishes they go from table to D/W and the Bosch was perfect. You cannot get a quieter D/W either. When the original Bosch finally stopped working, I replaced with the newer version of their concealed control model. Again, 1/day minimum, runs without issue and dishes/pots/pans are spotless. NOTE: the newer dishwashers (Model and Brand specific) require a rinse-aid to work properly. If the rinse-aid is not used, the dishes will not dry properly. Since SEARS, BestBuy and HHGreg carry many different lines, they all price guarantee and price match. Many times offering free delivery and install which even though a D/W is a very easy install, for the low or almost no price it costs to have installed now it is worth it + they haul away the old appliance(s). No, I do not work for any manufacturer or have anything to do with Bosch or any of its related subsidiaries, appliances or anything directly related to them.

Giant has a large parking garage now so parking for this evolving area of restaurants is a breeze, albeit a little on the expensive side (parking for 2 hours was $15), but convenient. Just had dinner at Cactus Cantina (cactuscantina.com} - had only heard good things but never been able to coordinate dinner. 4 adults and 4 kids, despite being told they do not take reservations as noted on their website, we were graciously seated in the rear dining room just past the bar. Decor, service and food were all excellent. Place was packed tonight and both patios were very busy. When we left, there were several groups waiting to be seated. They had an extensive list of specials from apps to entrees, their Patron Margaritas came with extra limes and were great. They kept the chips and salsa flowing. From the avocado and tomato salad, guac and queso as well as fajitas, enchiladas and fish tacos, everything was excellent. Service was consistent and respectful, but not overbearing. You also have 2 Amys next door, Cafe Duluxe and Raku within 1/2 a block - so if you venture out in this area you have plenty of options.

Not sure if this an option, but from what I understood from the GE people and the lack of appts available at IAD, people make GE interview appts at other airports based on travel plans...sometimes the lesser travelled hubs may be a layover option on a business or personal trip and appts made for GE interviews at these airports would be much faster. Yes, those who live in, or close proximity to DC are spoiled as we have two airports (one of which is Int'l) and often times other immediate service options for passports, and in this case GE interviews or processing.

For those complaining of the fee for GE or TSA pre, there are several cards (Amex and MC) that reimburse the cost/card member. TSA Pre for a parent includes children 12 and under but GE requires everyone have approval. DC location at Reagan building is much easier and faster than IAD (I have used both locations so I have something to base it on). As many have stated the IAD location is booked for several months out, and I am told it comes from people travelling through airport often make appts based on travel schedules. DC Reagan location is easy to get to, but was the parking fee was $15 for the 41 minutes we were there.

Having been to the original location in Falls Church and sorry to see it close, I found the new location and have been several times. Nicer decor and brand new build out so the "charm" of the old diner has been updated and improved. Food is consistent and good. Their Greek specialties are best, but their pasta dishes, steak and cheese as well as meatball and cheese sub are great. Their house made red sauce (with/without meat is excellent). Service is good, and staff is friendly. Entire surrounding area is a work in progress from new car dealerships to face-lifted strip malls.