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 22, 2024 at 9:30AM | Updated July 31, 2024 at 10:39AM

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting on Jan. 23. 2024 (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Fairfax County is once again chewing on the possibility of a meals tax — and this time, it won’t need a public vote for approval.

The Board of Supervisors voted 9-1 yesterday (Tuesday) to instruct County Executive Bryan Hill and his staff to develop strategies for broadening the county’s revenue sources as it seeks to reduce the growing tax burden on homeowners. One option could be a tax on food and drink sales.

Around Town

Grand opening of Kook Dogg Cafe in Reston postponed due to permit delays

By James Jarvis

Published May 20, 2024 at 2:30PM

Kook Dogg Cafe at RTC West (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Due to permit-related delays, Kook Dogg Cafe in Reston has postponed its grand opening but expects to open within the next few months.

“It’s kind of a waiting game,” co-owner Noel Kuchler told FFXnow. “[The permit] has gotten submitted, so we’re just waiting to get that approval from the county and then as soon as they approve that, then we can move forward and get going on the rest of everything.”

Countywide

Fairfax County reports decline in homelessness despite broader regional surge

By James Jarvis

Published May 20, 2024 at 1:30PM

A tent encampment has become a fixture of the woods near Sunrise Assisted Living in Reston (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Fairfax County was the only locality in the D.C. area where homelessness declined last year, decreasing by 2% from 1,310 individuals to 1,278, according to a new report.

County officials stated in the report, which was published last week by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), that the decrease is primarily due to fewer families residing in shelters and temporary housing provided by the county.

Countywide

County requests federal funding for hybrid and diesel Fairfax Connector buses

By James Jarvis

Published May 17, 2024 at 11:30AM

Fairfax Connector (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) has the green light to apply for a federal grant to replace dozens of buses in its Fairfax Connector fleet.

However, none of the new buses will be all-electric, despite the county’s earlier pledges to electrify its fleet of vehicles.

News

Fairfax County seeks public input on historic Gum Springs preservation efforts

By James Jarvis

Published May 17, 2024 at 9:30AM

A sign welcoming all to Gum Springs, at the corner of Fordson Road and Richmond Highway (staff photo by Matt Blitz)

Fairfax County will hold a community meeting later this month to gather feedback on its efforts to document one of the region’s oldest African American communities.

The first meeting — scheduled for Tuesday, May 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the Gum Springs Community Center (8100 Fordson Road) — will give community members a chance to learn more about the timeline and goals of the Gum Springs Heritage Resources Study.

Countywide

Fairfax County teachers voice frustration over reduced pay raises in new budget

By James Jarvis

Published May 16, 2024 at 1:30PM

The Fairfax County School Board holds a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2025 budget (via FCPS/Youtube)

With just days to go before Fairfax County Public Schools finalizes its fiscal year 2025 budget, teachers voiced frustration this week with the news that school employees will get lower-than-expected pay raises.

As it stands, the Fairfax County School Board is on track to adopt a revised budget that includes a 3% pay increase for all school employees, down from the initially proposed 6%, starting July 1.

News

Replacement project for ‘unsound’ Herndon pedestrian bridge advances

By James Jarvis

Published May 16, 2024 at 11:30AM

A pedestrian bridge on Hunters Creek Trail in Herndon is due for replacement (via Town of Herndon)

The Town of Herndon has taken a crucial step towards constructing a new pedestrian bridge along Hunters Creek Trail, which could be ready as soon as the end of August.

The Herndon Town Council approved a special exception on Tuesday (May 14) that clears the way for a replacement of the worn-out 1970s-era bridge in Runnymede Park. The bridge was shut down last year due to safety concerns after being deemed “structurally unsound.”

News

Police investigation underway in Falls Church’s first fatal crash since 2010

By James Jarvis

Published May 15, 2024 at 9:35AM | Updated May 15, 2024 at 4:14PM

200 block of N. Washington Street (via Google Maps)

Police are officially investigating a multi-vehicle crash that occurred in Falls Church this past April, which resulted in the city’s first crash-related fatality since 2010.

According to authorities, at approximately 12:17 p.m. on April 18, 89-year-old Annandale resident Barrick Tibbet’s 2001 Honda Accord collided with a trailer stopped at a red light in the 200 block of N. Washington Street. The trailer was being towed by a truck at the time of the incident.

Countywide

FCPS superintendent scales back planned staff pay raises due to revenue shortfall

By James Jarvis

Published May 14, 2024 at 9:30AM

FCPS Central Office in Falls Church (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Facing lower-than-expected revenue from the county and state, Fairfax County Public Schools is considering a proposal to reduce staff pay raises.

Under Superintendent Michelle Reid’s new proposal, presented at last week’s school board meeting, all school employees would receive a 3% pay increase instead of the initially planned 6%, which would’ve made starting teacher salaries in Fairfax County the highest among surrounding jurisdictions.

News

Fairfax County seeks help relocating sewers affected by Franconia-Lorton rail project

By James Jarvis

Published May 13, 2024 at 2:30PM

Sanitary sewers that would be impacted by a third VRE rail line between Franconia and Lorton (via Fairfax County)

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has asked CSX Transportation to share the load when it comes to moving sewer infrastructure affected by its plans for a third passenger rail line connecting Franconia and Lorton.

Last week, the board unanimously approved a letter to the North American rail company urging it to assist with relocating several sanitary sewers at risk of contamination during the construction of the Virginia Railway Express rail line.

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