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 board greenlights shared-use path construction on Shreve Road

By James Jarvis

Published May 10, 2024 at 2:30PM

Shreve Road in Falls Church (via Google Maps)

Fairfax County leaders have given the go-ahead for a new shared-use path and planting strip along Shreve Road at the Falls Church border.

On Tuesday (May 7), the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the Fairfax County Department of Transportation to begin the project’s design, land acquisition, and construction that will extend from the Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail to Route 7 in Idylwood.

Around Town

International bakery Paris Baguette slated to open in Springfield this fall

By James Jarvis

Published May 10, 2024 at 11:30AM

Pastries from Paris Baguette (courtesy of Paris Baguette)

The international bakery and cafe Paris Baguette is slated to open another franchise in Springfield later this fall.

Known for its French-style bread, pastries, desserts, and sandwiches, Paris Baguette’s upcoming location at 6811 Bland Street will be its fifth in the Fairfax area, joining other sites in Tysons, Herndon, Fairfax City and Centreville.

Countywide

New study exposes racial restrictions in historical Fairfax property deeds

By James Jarvis

Published May 10, 2024 at 9:30AM

Map of racial covenants in land deeds (via Documenting Exclusion & Resilience)

New research shows that thousands of Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church deeds from the early-to-mid 20th century had language barring people of certain races, nationalities, or religions from buying property.

Researchers contend that these practices, known as restrictive covenants, play a major role in the segregation of neighborhoods throughout the county and across Northern Virginia, the effects of which are still evident today.

News

With plans for a temporary shelter still in limbo, Reston’s unhoused residents brace for summer heat and change

By James Jarvis

Published May 8, 2024 at 3:45PM | Updated May 10, 2024 at 2:04PM

Xavier Turner and Andy "Pops" Whiddon at an encampment in Reston (staff photo by James Jarvis)

(Updated at 2 p.m. on 05/10/2024) As the Virginia summer looms, residents of Reston’s tent encampment are preparing for challenges beyond sweltering temperatures.

Many are anxious about the impending installation of no-trespassing signs, which will mark the beginning of a two-week countdown before they must leave the forested area between Inova’s emergency room, the North County Government Center and Sunrise Assisted Living. The encampment stretches across multiple properties owned by Inova and the county.

News

Arlington developer proposes townhomes in Oakton, replacing aging office building

By James Jarvis

Published May 8, 2024 at 9:30AM

A residential development is proposed to replace offices at 3201 Jermantown Road in Oakton (via Fairfax County)

An Arlington-based developer has proposed demolishing a large office building in Oakton and replacing it with 139 townhomes.

Property owner Flint Hill Propco LLC, an affiliate of Network Realty Partners, aims to replace the 183,000-square-foot office building and the surrounding parking lot at 3201 Jermantown Road in the Flint Hill Office Park, according to an application recently submitted to Fairfax County.

Countywide

Fairfax County board likely to approve consolidation of animal control services

By James Jarvis

Published May 6, 2024 at 4:45PM

Fairfax County Animal Shelter on West Ox Road (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The Fairfax County Department of Animal Sheltering (DAS) will likely assume the duties of the Animal Protection Police, starting this summer.

At a mark-up session last Tuesday (April 30), the Board of Supervisors indicated that it will implement the consolidation by transferring a position from the Fairfax County Police Department and creating a new chief animal control officer (ACO) as part of the fiscal year 2025 budget, which is scheduled to be formally adopted tomorrow (Tuesday).

Around Town

Bike to Work Day returns to D.C. area this month, promising a workout and swag

By James Jarvis

Published May 3, 2024 at 2:30PM

Bike to Work day pit stop at Fairfax County Government Center (courtesy of Fairfax County)

Local morning commuters can save on gas and win a free t-shirt when Bike to Work Day returns to Fairfax County this month.

The 23rd annual Bike to Work Day is scheduled for Friday, May 17, offering residents across the D.C. area the opportunity to celebrate cycling. Fairfax County will host 27 designated pit stops, with additional stops organized by Commuter Connections, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) and local governments in the region.

News

Fairfax pro golfer to compete among nation’s best in 2024 PGA Championship

By James Jarvis

Published May 3, 2024 at 1:30PM

Larkin Gross celebrates sinking a putt on the 18th hole during the final round of the PGA Professional Championship at PGA Frisco on May 1, 2024, in Frisco, Texas. (courtesy of Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America)

Local golf professional Larkin Gross has qualified for the 2024 PGA Championship in Louisville, Kentucky, where he will face off with some of the U.S.’s top male golfers in two weeks.

Gross, a Fairfax resident and assistant professional at the Westwood Country Club in Vienna, secured a spot in the Professional Golfers Association of America’s annual tournament after competing in the PGA Professional Championship in Frisco, Texas.

News

Historic Ellmore Farmhouse reopens with new cafe and gift shop run by people with disabilities

By James Jarvis

Published May 2, 2024 at 2:30PM

Elmore House Service Source ribbon cutting ceremony on May 1, 2024 (courtesy of ServiceSource)

The historic Ellmore Farmhouse at Frying Pan Farm Park has finished renovations and is now ready to offer programming for adults with disabilities.

The two-story farmhouse, which dates back to 1891, was restored and repurposed by ServiceSource, a national nonprofit that provides employment training and support resources to adults with disabilities.

Countywide

Fairfax County board approves real estate tax hike, laments state under-funding

By James Jarvis

Published May 1, 2024 at 11:30AM

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

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has signed off on a 3-cent bump in its real estate tax rate, a move it said was partly forced by insufficient state funding.

The board approved the new rate yesterday (Tuesday) as part of a mark-up session on the fiscal year 2025 budget, which will be formally adopted next Tuesday, May 7. The 3-cent hike is expected to generate about $97 million in additional revenue for the county — about $32.3 million less compared to the 4-cent increase initially proposed.

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