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.

Published July 8, 2024 at 3:30PM

Fairfax County Courthouse (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The Fairfax County Circuit Court has rolled out a new online tool that allows people to search case information in several languages for free.

The new eCaseSearch system delivers on a key campaign promise of Chris Falcon, who was elected last year as the county’s circuit court clerk and pledged to make court records more accessible to the general public.

Around Town

Reston to mark 60 years with party, cookout at Lake Newport Pool

By James Jarvis

Published July 8, 2024 at 1:30PM

A kid flips at Lake Newport Pool in Reston (courtesy Reston Association)

Reston Association plans to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Reston’s founding with a community pool party and cookout later this month.

The event, free for all RA members and recreation pass holders, is set for 4 p.m. July 20 at the Lake Newport Pool and Recreation Area (11601 Lake Newport Road).

News

NEW: NRA HQ, neighboring office reportedly eyed for redevelopment

By James Jarvis

Published July 3, 2024 at 3:30PM

The NRA's headquarters on Waples Mill Road (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County staff are in talks with multiple developers about converting two office buildings in the Fair Oaks Business Park, including the NRA headquarters, into residential units, a county official has revealed.

In addition to the National Rifle Association’s building at 11250 Waples Mill Road, the neighboring office building at 3920 Pender Drive is being eyed for redevelopment.

Countywide

Fairfax County farmers markets go plastic-free for July, giving away reusable bags

By James Jarvis

Published July 2, 2024 at 9:30AM

(Courtesy of Fairfax County Park Authority)

Fairfax County’s farmers markets are going plastic-free this month.

Starting tomorrow (Wednesday) through July 28, visitors to the Fairfax County Park Authority’s farmers markets are encouraged to bring reusable shopping bags in support of Plastic Free July, a global initiative fighting plastic pollution.

Around Town

Another fast food operator might renovate Reston’s former Burger King

By James Jarvis

Published July 1, 2024 at 11:30AM

Former Burger King restaurant at 2270 Hunters Wood Plaza in Reston (via Google Maps)

A new fast food operator appears to be taking over the former Burger King adjacent to the Hunters Woods Village Center in Reston.

It’s currently unclear what will replace the now-vacant building at 2270 Hunters Woods Plaza, where Burger King shuttered last year.

Countywide

School board mostly backs revised FCPS boundary change policy, but timeline a concern

By James Jarvis

Published June 28, 2024 at 2:30PM | Updated October 18, 2024 at 2:04PM

Fairfax County Public Schools

A revised policy for adjusting school boundaries appears to have most of the Fairfax County School Board’s support ahead of a possible vote next month.

While most members agreed that the current policy needs an overhaul to address capacity issues across Fairfax County Public Schools, some expressed reservations at a work session on Tuesday (June 25).

News

Herndon Taco Bell renovation gets approval of Fairfax County board

By James Jarvis

Published June 27, 2024 at 2:30PM

Taco Bell at 2170 Centreville Road (via Google Maps)

The Taco Bell across the street from Herndon’s Worldgate Centre shopping mall is officially getting a makeover.

Earlier this week, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the California-based, Mexican-inspired fast food chain’s request to demolish the existing building at 2170 Centreville Road and construct a more modern facility boasting new amenities and extended hours.

Around Town

Burlington to open new store in Mount Vernon this weekend

By James Jarvis

Published June 27, 2024 at 10:30AM

Burlington in Mount Vernon (courtesy of Federal Realty)

Burlington is set to open its doors in Mount Vernon this weekend, offering the first 100 customers a $10 discount on their first purchase.

Formerly known as Burlington Coat Factory, the discount retailer will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, June 28, at 7690B Richmond Highway in the Mount Vernon Plaza outdoor shopping center to celebrate its new store’s grand opening.

Countywide

Fairfax County explores creating agency to enhance recreation, sports facilities

By James Jarvis

Published June 26, 2024 at 3:30PM

A basketball court at Jefferson District Park in West Falls Church (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County is considering creating a specialized agency to enhance its recreational facilities and boost sports tourism.

The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a board matter yesterday (Tuesday) directing County Executive Bryan Hill to explore the establishment of a Public Recreational Facilities Authority.

Countywide

Fairfax County to request bond funding for Metro, public safety renovations

By James Jarvis

Published June 26, 2024 at 10:30AM | Updated June 26, 2024 at 2:10PM

Fairfax County Government Center (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is looking to fund upgrades for its aging public safety facilities and transportation network through bond referenda that may appear on the November ballot.

The supervisors unanimously endorsed a plan yesterday (Tuesday) to seek voter approval for a $306 million investment that would modernize Metro facilities, refurbish old fire stations and build a new police training center.

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