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 June 11, 2024 at 3:30PM

2023 Fairfax County Demographics report (via Fairfax County)

Fairfax County’s population is older, more diverse, and wealthier than it was a year ago.

After a pandemic-induced slump in population and the economy, Fairfax County is showing signs of recovery with increases in population, wages, and housing production, according to a the county’s 2023 demographic report. However, the cost of buying and renting a home continues to rise.

News

Accessibility improvements to begin at Jefferson Manor Park in July

By James Jarvis

Published June 11, 2024 at 2:30PM

Jefferson Manor Park off Telegraph Road near Belle Haven (staff photo by Brandi Bottalico)

Jefferson Manor Park will soon undergo construction to enhance access for people with disabilities.

The park, located off of Farmington Road in Groveton near the Huntington Metro station, will soon see the addition of new trails that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fairfax County Park Authority recently announced.

Countywide

Divisive new data center rules clear Fairfax County Planning Commission

By James Jarvis

Published June 10, 2024 at 3:30PM | Updated March 12, 2025 at 1:15PM

Attendees of the Fairfax County Planning Commission's June 5 public hearing call for stricter rules on data centers (staff photo by James Jarvis)

New regulations on the construction of data centers in Fairfax County cleared their first major hurdle last week.

The Fairfax County Planning Commission unanimously endorsed zoning amendments on Thursday (June 6) that aim to restrict the size, location, equipment screening and design standards of any new data centers in the county.

Countywide

Fairfax County to expand early voting for Congressional primary this weekend

By James Jarvis

Published June 6, 2024 at 1:30PM | Updated June 7, 2024 at 9:03AM

Political yard signs outside of Fairfax County Government Center (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Early voting in the upcoming Virginia primaries will expand this weekend, with Fairfax County opening additional in-person sites starting this Saturday (June 8).

Voters will determine representatives for Virginia’s 10th and 11th Congressional districts, as well as the Republican who will challenge Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine this fall. Early voting for the June 18 primary began on May 3 and will continue in-person through June 15.

News

Middle school students pitch eco-friendly redesign for Fairfax Circle

By James Jarvis

Published June 5, 2024 at 1:30PM | Updated June 6, 2024 at 12:26PM

Eighth-graders from Katherine Johnson Middle School pose in front of diorama depicting an eco-friendly Fairfax Circle (courtesy City of Fairfax)

A group of Katherine Johnson Middle School students has proposed a new design for Fairfax Circle that they hope will be more environmentally friendly.

Several eighth graders presented their ideas to the Fairfax City Council on May 28 for addressing issues such as flooding, runoff, and pollution, which they argue will help to reduce the city’s impact on surrounding ecosystems, such as the Chesapeake Bay.

Around Town

Sola Salons on track to open in Reston later this summer

By James Jarvis

Published June 4, 2024 at 3:30PM | Updated June 5, 2024 at 1:26AM

Sola Salons is coming to Plaza America in Reston (staff photo)

Sola Salons is gearing up to open at Plaza America in Reston later this summer, keeping it on track with the previously reported timeline for its newest location.

“The Reston location will open closer to the end of summer and is corporately owned,” Sola Salons Marketing Director Liz Eggert told FFXnow via email. “The location will also have 63 chairs/salons within the location.”

Around Town

Andy’s Pizza opens in Fairfax City with plans for further expansion into Virginia

By James Jarvis

Published June 3, 2024 at 11:30AM

Andy's Pizza has opened a new location in Fairfax City (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

One of the D.C. area’s favorite pizza spots is now officially open in Fairfax City.

Located at 10408 Fairfax Blvd in the 50 Point Shopping Center, the New York-style pizza chain Andy’s celebrated the grand opening of its newest Northern Virginia store last Friday (May 31), marking another step in its regional expansion.

Around Town

Greenheart Juice eyes Reston expansion

By James Jarvis

Published May 31, 2024 at 2:30PM

Greenheart Juice Shop sells cold-pressed juices and other health food and drinks (via Greenheart Juice/Facebook)

Greenheart Juice Shop plans to open its newest location in Reston this summer.

Greenheart’s area manager, Cheryl Strzemienski, confirmed that the juice and smoothie shop plans to open its sixth location in the North Point Village Center as early as August.

News

County board moves forward with Bailey’s Community Center name change

By James Jarvis

Published May 31, 2024 at 10:30AM

Bailey's Community Center (via Google Maps)

Fairfax County is moving ahead with plans to rename the Bailey’s Community Center (5920-A Summers Lane) in honor of a notable historical figure from the area’s Black community.

The Board of Supervisors, led by Mason District Supervisor Andrew Jimenez, approved a motion on May 21 to initiate the renaming process. A prominent figure in the historically Black Springdale community, Minnie Peyton founded five churches, including Warner Baptist and Holy Scripture Church of Christ.

Around Town

Reston Pride Festival returns to Lake Anne Plaza this weekend

By James Jarvis

Published May 30, 2024 at 1:30PM

A drag performer at the 2023 Reston Pride Festival (courtesy of Jennifer Heffner Photography)

Lake Anne Plaza is set to host the seventh annual Reston Pride Festival this Saturday (June 1) from noon to 6 p.m.

This year’s theme, “SHINE,” is expected to offer a day of vibrant activities and entertainment, such as a dunk tank, drag artists, and a micro arts and craft fair, according to a press release. Reston-based engineering firm Leidos is sponsoring the event.

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