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 April 30, 2024 at 3:30PM

The Fairfax County Park Authority launches its Wonder Wagon on Saturday, April 20, 2024 (courtesy of Fairfax County Park Authority)

Fairfax County is now bringing nature to residents’ doorsteps.

Last week, the Fairfax County Park Authority launched a new, fully electric mobile nature center called the Wonder Wagon. The tricked-out nature-themed van, operated by park staff, is intended to bring outdoor wonders to underserved communities and Title 1 schools.

Countywide

Fairfax board eyes lower-than-proposed real estate tax hike amid budget constraints

By James Jarvis

Published April 29, 2024 at 3:45PM

Fairfax County Government Center (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Real estate taxes will likely go up for Fairfax County homeowners in the coming year, but perhaps not by as much as they could.

The Board of Supervisors plans to approve a 3-cent tax rate increase, down from the four cents that was advertised. That will reduce the average tax bill hike from about $524 to just over $450.

News

Proposal for townhomes near Franconia-Springfield Parkway clears planning commission

By James Jarvis

Published April 29, 2024 at 11:30AM

Aerial view of proposed Towns at Villa development in Springfield (via Fairfax County)

A proposal for 40 new townhomes in Springfield is heading to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for a vote next month.

The Fairfax County Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval last Wednesday (April 24) for developer JR Real Estate Group’s plan to construct 40 single-family homes on a 5.81-acre property located near the Franconia-Springfield Parkway.

News

JUST IN: Driver convicted in fatal Oakton crash that killed two teens

By James Jarvis

Published April 26, 2024 at 2:50PM | Updated September 7, 2024 at 11:37AM

Fairfax County Courthouse (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The driver behind a 2022 crash that killed two teenagers could serve up to four years in prison.

Earlier this week, 20-year-old Usman Shahid was convicted of two counts of involuntary manslaughter for the June 7, 2022 crash on Blake Lane, where he struck and killed two Oakton High School students while driving 46 mph over the 35-mph speed limit.

News

School board members, mayor collaborate to repurpose Clifton Elementary School sign

By James Jarvis

Published April 25, 2024 at 3:30PM | Updated April 25, 2024 at 4:26PM

Fairfax County school board members Kyle McDaniel and Sandy Anderson and Clifton Mayor Tom Peterson with the repurposed Clifton Elementary School sign (courtesy McDaniel's office)

Nearly 14 years after Clifton Elementary School shuttered, its sign has been repurposed.

The sign now serves as a bulletin for local organizations, businesses, and community groups to promote events such as farmers markets, cultural celebrations and educational workshops.

News

Celebree School to open second location in Reston area with spring carnival

By James Jarvis

Published April 25, 2024 at 1:30PM

Celebree School classroom (courtesy of Celebree School)

A Maryland-based early childhood education company is opening a second location in the Reston-Herndon area.

Celebree School will celebrate the grand opening of its newest location at 12700 Sunrise Valley Drive with a spring carnival on Saturday, April 27. The event, which will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., will feature magic shows, a bubble station and various food vendors.

Around Town

W&OD Trail’s 50th anniversary celebration kicks off this weekend with cleanup

By James Jarvis

Published April 25, 2024 at 11:45AM

W&OD Trail in Herndon (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail has reached the half-century mark.

The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NOVA Parks) is marking the facility’s 50th anniversary with various activities from April to September, starting this Saturday (April 27) with a trail-wide cleanup event from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Countywide

Fairfax County employees advocate for pay raises during April budget hearings

By James Jarvis

Published April 24, 2024 at 3:45PM

SEIU member and Fairfax County employee Ellisa Green speaks at county budget hearing on April 17, 2024 (courtesy of SEIU Virginia 512)

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors faces tough decisions ahead of next week’s budget markup session, following demands from local unions to increase county employees’ wages.

Last week, dozens of county employees from various departments gathered at a series of public hearings to protest the 2% market rate adjustment (MRA) included in the county executive’s proposed fiscal year 2025 budget — asking instead for an increase of at least 4%.

News

WillowWood Plaza mixed-use development advances to Fairfax City Council

By James Jarvis

Published April 24, 2024 at 2:30PM

A proposed mixed-use building at 10306 Eaton Place in Fairfax City (courtesy of Capital City Real Estate)

A proposal for a seven-story mixed-use development over a parking lot next to the WillowWood Plaza office center in Fairfax City cleared another hurdle this week.

A majority of the Fairfax City Planning Commission voted Monday (April 22) to recommend that the city council approve a mixed-use development at 10306 Eaton Place featuring 260 residential units and 5,000 square feet of retail space over top of a 328-space parking lot.

News

FCPD: Third arrest made in Springfield ‘street takeover’ incident

By James Jarvis

Published April 23, 2024 at 9:30AM

A man allegedly brandishes a weapon during a car meet in Springfield on Easter Sunday (via FCPD)

Fairfax County Police have arrested another individual involved in a “street takeover” in Springfield earlier this month.

On Friday, April 19, Baltimore County Police Department detained a 20-year-old man from Parkville, Maryland, according to FCPD. He faces charges of abduction, assaulting a law enforcement officer, wearing a mask in public and obstruction of justice.

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