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 May 30, 2024 at 11:45AM

Cell phone on top of Dr. Seuss book (via Tamarcus Brown/Unsplash)

Fairfax County Public Schools is considering a pilot program this fall that would require students to hand over their cell phones during class.

Earlier this month, the Fairfax County School Board directed Superintendent Michelle Reid to develop a plan for students to secure their phones in lockers, magnetic pouches or similar central storage areas — as opposed to their pocket or backpack — with the goal of reducing distractions and improving student focus.

Around Town

Vida Fitness launches new gym in Reston Row near Metro station

By James Jarvis

Published May 29, 2024 at 3:30PM | Updated December 6, 2024 at 8:21PM

Sign for new VIDA Fitness at Reston Row (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Vida Fitness in Reston is now open.

According to a spokesperson, the new 50,000-square-foot facility, which spans three levels of an office tower at 1845 Reston Row Plaza, held its soft opening this past Saturday (May 25).

News

Sweeping mixed-use makeover proposed for Fair Oaks Business Park

By James Jarvis

Published May 29, 2024 at 1:30PM

Aerial rendering of mixed-use development proposed for the Fair Oaks Business Park (via Fairfax County)

A Chantilly-based property management company wants to transform the Fair Oaks Business Park into a 22-acre mixed-use development.

According to Fairfax County records, the project, dubbed Fairfax Crossing, aims to replace the 1980s office park with 706 housing units, 20,000 square feet of retail, a 1.6-acre central park and 2.25 miles of pedestrian walkways.

Countywide

School board approves budget with pay raises for all FCPS workers

By James Jarvis

Published May 29, 2024 at 9:30AM

FCPS Central Office in Merrifield (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Despite calls for targeted raises for teachers and support staff, the Fairfax County School Board has approved 4% pay raises for all school employees as part of its adopted fiscal year 2025 budget.

The decision, voted on last Thursday (May 23), came after the Virginia General Assembly allocated an additional $35.5 million to Fairfax County Public Schools, allowing Superintendent Michelle Reid to increase employee pay raises from 3% to 4%.

News

Tysons-based Capital One pursues historic $35 billion merger with Discover Bank

By James Jarvis

Published May 28, 2024 at 2:30PM

Capital One Center in Tysons (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

One of the largest bank mergers in U.S. history may be happening in Fairfax County’s backyard.

Earlier this month, the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency — the federal agency that regulates national banks — announced plans to hold a virtual public meeting on July 19 at 9 a.m. on Capital One Financial Corporation’s proposal to acquire Discover Bank.

Countywide

Fairfax supervisors balk at cost of flood prevention programs amid budget constraints

By James Jarvis

Published May 28, 2024 at 11:30AM | Updated July 12, 2024 at 11:20AM

Wolftrap Creek frequently floods Old Courthouse Road at Besley Road (file photo)

Fairfax County staff are seeking additional funding to hire more personnel who could help expedite ongoing and future flood mitigation projects across the county.

However, with the county facing increasing financial challenges, worsened by inflation and reduced commercial tax revenue, some members of the Board of Supervisors said at a recent land use committee meeting that they are reluctant to commit to expanding the budget’s list of indefinite expenditures.

News

Walmart prepares for major office renovation in Herndon

By James Jarvis

Published May 24, 2024 at 1:30PM

Site of Walmart offices at 2245 Monroe St in Herndon (via Google Maps)

Retail giant Walmart is finally planning to move into Herndon, more than four years after it originally leased office space in the area.

According to Fairfax County records, the discount department and grocery store chain filed for permits last month to renovate the first four floors of the six-floor office building at 2245 Monroe Street, totaling approximately 83,300 square feet.

News

Costs drop for Route 29 widening project, completion set for 2026

By James Jarvis

Published May 23, 2024 at 3:30PM

Route 29 is being widened to six lanes between Union Mill Road and Buckleys Gate Drive (via VDOT)

The price tag for the ongoing project to widen Route 29 just east of Centreville has dropped.

The project, which started construction over a year ago, will add two lanes to a 1.5-mile segment of the road between Union Mill Road and Buckleys Gate Drive, expanding it from four lanes to six.

Countywide

FCPS to raise pay with additional state funding, but school board divided on approach

By James Jarvis

Published May 23, 2024 at 11:30AM

FCPS Central Office in Merrifield (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Following a budget compromise between Gov. Glenn Youngkin and the Virginia General Assembly, Fairfax County Public Schools is set to receive an additional $35.5 million for fiscal year 2025.

Superintendent Michelle Reid has proposed using most of the extra funds to boost school employee pay raises from 3% to 4% in the budget that the school board is set to adopt tonight (Thursday).

News

Fairfax elementary student named finalist in national Google Doodle contest

By James Jarvis

Published May 22, 2024 at 1:30PM | Updated May 23, 2024 at 12:48AM

Arya Pribadi's 2024 Doodle for Google submission (via Arya Pribadi)

A Fairfax elementary student might soon see her artwork on Google’s homepage.

Google announced today (Wednesday) that Arya Pribadi, a student at Greenbriar West Elementary School in Chantilly, has been named a finalist in its “Doodle for Google” contest. Her drawing, which depicts a family of four celebrating the COVID-19 vaccine, was selected from tens of thousands of K-12 student submissions nationwide.

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