Acacia James | FFXnow

Vienna moves forward with tree conservation plans

Published September 7, 2023 at 9:30AM | Updated March 8, 2024 at 7:08PM

Trees and a bench in Vienna's Wildwood Park (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

In an effort to reverse a decrease in the tree canopy, Vienna’s government is taking another step towards tree preservation and plantings. Last week, the town council discussed proposed amendments to enhance tree canopy, including moving forward with a tree conservation ordinance and the possible creation of an independent tree commission.

Town Attorney Steven Brigalia said the tree conservation ordinance would put the town in line with Fairfax County, which has had conservation rules since 1990. He said it would require builders to indicate which trees can and cannot be saved before cutting them.

Countywide

Fairfax County to unveil its first all-electric trash truck today

By Acacia James

Published August 25, 2023 at 9:30AM

Fairfax County has acquired its first all-electric trash truck (courtesy DPWES)

The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) is unveiling its first electric refuse trash truck today (Friday).

The truck will “pick up residential trash and yard waste on routes throughout the county,” DPWES announced. The county says the truck is “a move that will save money and protect the environment.”

Countywide

Supporters and opponents make their case on county’s off-street parking overhaul

By Acacia James

Published July 31, 2023 at 3:00PM

The parking lot at Kingstowne Towne Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

In its first public hearing last Wednesday (July 26), the Fairfax County Planning Commission heard from the community on its proposed overhaul of parking requirements.

The initiative known as Parking Reimagined puts forth changes to off-street parking, bicycle parking, and loading. Overall rates and regulations have not been comprehensively reviewed since 1988.

Countywide

Fairfax County’s office vacancy rate is at a 10-year high, staff says

By Acacia James

Published July 25, 2023 at 10:15AM | Updated August 1, 2023 at 10:17AM

Space is available for lease at an office building on Penrose Place in Chantilly (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

(Updated at 9:05 a.m. on 7/26/2023) Fairfax County is currently the second largest suburban office market in the nation, with an inventory of 120 million square feet.

However, the current office vacancy rate sits at 16.7% — topping the county’s previous 10-year high, according to Stephen Tarditi, director of market intelligence at the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority.

Countywide

Fairfax County Park Authority wants feedback on plan to improve park access and equity

By Acacia James

Published July 13, 2023 at 2:15PM

People walk and bike on a bridge at Lake Accotink Park in Springfield (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The Fairfax County Park Authority wants feedback on a draft plan to make county parks more equitable and accessible.

County staff is collecting input on its Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Access (PROSA) Strategy through an online survey and two virtual workshops scheduled this month. The second round of community engagement comes as the FCPA prepares to finalize the strategy later this year.

Around Town

Obituary: Sheila Pauline Comstock (1951-2023)

By Acacia James

Published July 8, 2023 at 9:30AM

Sheila Pauline Comstock (Age 71)

Sheila Pauline Comstock, 71, unexpectedly passed away on June 10th, 2023 at her home in Nags Head, NC. She will be deeply missed by her friends and family. Sheila was born in Toledo, Ohio. She was raised in a large family with 6 brothers and sisters and would go on to have five children of her own and raise them with her husband, Robert “Bobby” Comstock, in Woodbridge, Virginia.

Countywide

Fairfax County to support internships with new initiative linking employers and job candidates

By Acacia James

Published June 20, 2023 at 11:00AM

A "We are hiring" sign (via Eric Prouzet/Unsplash)

Fairfax County wants to bridge the gap between employers and qualified talent through a work-based learning opportunity initiative.

Talent Up will match local employers facing hiring challenges with qualified talent through paid temporary-to-permanent work-based learning internships, staff explained to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors at an economic initiatives committee meeting last week.

Countywide

County seeks grant funds to establish tree planting program for vulnerable communities

By Acacia James

Published June 9, 2023 at 11:00AM

Some trees line Leesburg Pike (Route 7) in Idylwood (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

In an effort to reduce heat islands in vulnerable communities, the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services has applied for millions of dollars in grant funding to establish a street tree planting program.

The county will use its Vulnerability Index to identify communities in need of the program, according to county staff.

Countywide

County officials propose guidelines for allowing bigger and brighter signs

By Acacia James

Published May 30, 2023 at 9:30AM

A sign for Graham Park Plaza in West Falls Church (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County is looking into adjusting its signage rules to allow for brighter and bigger electronic signs.

Casey Judge with the county’s Zoning Administration Division presented the proposed changes during a Board of Supervisors land use policy committee meeting on May 16.

News

New trail on Mount Vernon Memorial Highway has been completed

By Acacia James

Published May 11, 2023 at 3:30PM

A pedestrian bridge over Dogue Creek has been added to the Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Trail (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Fairfax County leaders will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an inaugural bicycle ride and walk tomorrow (Friday) to celebrate the completion of the Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Trail.

Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck will join the Fairfax County Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services at George Washington’s Gristmill to mark the finishing of the trail.