Author: James Jarvis

James Jarvis covers county government, local politics, schools business openings, and development for both FFXnow and ARLnow. Originally from Fauquier County, he earned his bachelor’s degree in government from Franklin & Marshall College and his master’s degree in journalism from Georgetown University. Previously, he reported on Fairfax, Prince William, and Fauquier counties for Rappahannock Media/InsideNoVa. He joined the ARLnow news team as an assistant editor in August 2023.

News

Fairfax County tourism head wins award for boosting Dulles corridor’s economy

By James Jarvis
Visit Fairfax's President & CEO Barry Biggar (courtesy of White64 Studio Headshots)

Barry Biggar, president and CEO of Visit Fairfax, has been honored with the Tower of Dulles award, following in the footsteps of notable figures like Steven F. Udvar-Hazy and senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine.

Presented annually by the Committee for Dulles, the award honors individuals or organizations that significantly enhance Dulles International Airport and its surrounding economic corridor.

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Countywide

FCPS gets set for varsity boys’ volleyball and girls’ wrestling programs

By James Jarvis
West Springfield High School students try out for the new varsity boys' volleyball team (courtesy Donnie Biggs/Fairfax County Public Schools)

Boys’ volleyball has staged a comeback and girls’ wrestling will soon take to the mats in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).

Thanks to new funding, Fairfax County Public Schools will offer both sports at the varsity level for the first time during the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, which starts classes next Monday (Aug. 19). Boys’ volleyball will start this fall, followed by girls’ wrestling in the winter.

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Countywide

Fairfax County goes for ‘gold’ in federal initiative to expand EV charging

By James Jarvis
An electric vehicle charging station in a parking garage at The Boro in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

In a bid to upgrade its electric vehicle infrastructure, Fairfax County is turning to the federal government for a little extra support.

The Board of Supervisors approved a board matter on July 30 directing staff to join U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) new “Charging Smart” pilot program, which offers free technical assistance to help local governments in eight states, including Virginia, expand EV charging infrastructure “efficiently and equitably.”

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Countywide

Fairfax County executive unveils proposal for $260 million unspent funds

By James Jarvis
Fairfax County Government Center (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Fairfax County’s Board of Supervisors plans to use $260.6 million in unspent funds for improvements to roads, schools, parks, public safety and other community services.

The surplus is due to increased revenue, decreased spending and funds left from the American Rescue Plan Act, County Executive Bryan Hill said in a July 29 memorandum to the board.

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Countywide

Fairfax County jumps up in ranking of healthiest communities in U.S.

By James Jarvis
People walking at Reston Town Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County has gained a couple spots in an annual ranking of the healthiest communities in the U.S.

The county snagged 14th place, up from 17th in 2022, in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 rankings of the nation’s healthiest communities. It came in higher than Fairfax City (no. 15) and Arlington County (no. 19) but couldn’t beat Falls Church City, which claimed the top spot.

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News

Chantilly housing development advances after facing questions about wildlife, traffic impacts

By James Jarvis
The proposed Park East at Westfields housing development (via LDC/Fairfax County)

A proposal to redevelop a mostly vacant office park in Chantilly with housing has cleared its first regulatory hurdle and could receive full approval by next month.

The Fairfax County Planning Commission recommended that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approve a request last month to rezone the property between Poplar Tree Road and Newbrook Drive from medium industrial to a residential district.

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Countywide

Fairfax County seeks feedback on strategies for achieving zero waste by 2040

By James Jarvis
Dump truck pouring trash into landfill (courtesy Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services)

Fairfax County is seeking feedback on its current solid waste management practices and strategies for achieving “zero waste.”

Open from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, the survey asks residents to share their opinions on how the county handles solid waste and possible ways it could divert 90% of trash from landfills and incineration. Participants have the chance to win a $100 gift card.

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Around Town

Maryland taco eatery eyes Penn Daw for first Virginia expansion

By James Jarvis
Concept rendering of Big Papi's Tacos in South Alex (courtesy of Big Papi's Tacos)

Maryland-based Mexican chain Big Papi’s Tacos is set to make its Virginia debut in Fairfax County, possibly by the end of the year.

The restaurant, known for its diverse menu featuring carne asada tacos and quesabirria pizza, currently operates two locations in Frederick and Hagerstown, Maryland.

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Around Town

Ice Cream Jubilee opens at Reston Town Center after long delay

By James Jarvis
New Ice Cream Jubilee outpost now open in Reston Town Center (photo via Ice Cream Jubilee/Facebook)

Ice Cream Jubilee has finally arrived at Reston Town Center, just in time for the final month of summer.

Following a months-long delay in obtaining permits, the D.C.-based ice cream shop kicked off a soft opening today (Friday) at 11990 Market Street, Suite D, where it’s serving up scoops from 1-9 p.m.

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Countywide

New data dashboard breaks down cases handled by Fairfax County prosecutors

By James Jarvis
Fairfax County Courthouse (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney has released a new data visualization dashboard that organizes and tracks criminal cases across the county.

The Case Overview Dashboard breaks down the cases handled by local prosecutors based on demographic information, case types, charges and the overall volume.

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