Community Corner

Restaurants Close, Intruder Outside CIA: 2021 Top News In McLean

An intruder was shot outside CIA HQ. Athletes sell homes. McLean Volunteer Fire Department marked 100 years. Here's the top news of 2021.

There were numerous top stories in McLean during 2021, including the centennial of the McLean Volunteer Fire Department.
There were numerous top stories in McLean during 2021, including the centennial of the McLean Volunteer Fire Department. (Emily Leayman/Patch)

MCLEAN, VA — While 2021 continued to be overshadowed by the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, there was a variety of local news that interested McLean Patch readers.

Business news tends to be one of our popular topics. Two McLean restaurants — The Greek Taverna and Assaggi Osteria — cited failed rent negotiations as the factor in their closings. The McLean Safeway closed on Chain Bridge Road and is set to be replaced by a Lidl next year. In Tysons, development activity is taking shape with the opening of Capital One Hall and the sky garden with Starr Hill Biergarten. On the transportation front, the I-495 NEXT project advances to design and construction.

In police and fire news, the most notable story was an intruder outside CIA headquarters who was killed in a standoff and shooting. In the case of McLean resident Bijan Ghaisar's fatal shooting in 2017, charges were dismissed against the two U.S. Park Police officers involved in the shooting.

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On the real estate front, McLean continues to have plenty of eye-catching listings. Two DC sports stars sold their McLean homes in 2021 — former Washington National Max Scherzer and former Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith.

Last but certainly not least, numerous McLean residents made a difference in the community. When COVID-19 vaccines first become available and supply was limited, a neighbor helped seniors find appointments. A group of McLean High School students started a nonprofit to bring the joy of art lessons to hospital patients. Another teen completed on "American Ninja Warrior." An elementary school girl learned to bake during the pandemic and landed a spot on Food Network's Kids Baking Competition. The McLean Volunteer Fire Department celebrated 100 years of providing volunteer fire and rescue support to McLean.

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To stay up to date on McLean and Fairfax County news in 2022, subscribe to our free news alerts and morning newsletter. If you would like to share story ideas, send me an email at Emily.Leayman@patch.com.

Here are McLean's top stories of 2021:

Real estate

Difference makers

Other community news

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