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 February 5, 2024 at 9:30AM

The Japanese restaurant Kajiken will fill the vacancy left by Foxfire Grill at 6550K Little River Turnpike in Pinecrest Plaza (staff photo by James Cullum)

A Japan-based ramen chain is gearing up to open a new location in Lincolnia this summer.

Founded in Nagoya, Japan, in 2010, Kajiken is expanding its footprint with an outlet in Pinecrest Plaza at 6550K Little River Turnpike. The restaurant is scheduled to open within the next six months, according to the franchise owner, Maryland-based IVEA Restaurant Group.

News

GMU hopes to construct new multi-purpose baseball and cricket stadium by 2025

By James Jarvis

Published February 1, 2024 at 11:45AM

Aerial view of GMU's Fairfax Campus with proposed multi-purpose ballpark location outlined in red (via George Mason University)

George Mason University is poised to complete the construction of a functional cricket field at its Fairfax campus by the end of this summer and a new ballpark by 2025.

During a virtual town hall meeting on Monday (Jan. 29), GMU staff and Sanjay Govil, owner of the Washington Freedom cricket team and a founding investor in Major League Cricket (MLC), outlined the project and listened to feedback from local stakeholders.

Countywide

Fairfax County School Board outlines its key priorities for the upcoming budget

By James Jarvis

Published January 31, 2024 at 10:15AM

A Fairfax County Public Schools bus parked at Vienna Elementary School (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Teacher recruitment, school safety and controlling class sizes have been designated as top priorities for funding by the newly sworn-in Fairfax County School Board.

However, the county’s expected financial constraints may make it challenging for the board’s entire wish list to get funded in the upcoming budget cycle, which will start July 1.

News

Kingstowne housing development moves closer to approval after county board vote

By James Jarvis

Published January 26, 2024 at 11:45AM

Rudy's Golf and Sports Bar (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has revised its comprehensive plan for Kingstowne, opening the door for potential new housing development at the former Topgolf site.

After a two-hour public hearing, the board unanimously agreed on Tuesday (Jan. 23) to boost the housing density at 6626 South Van Dorn Street from 3-4 units per acre to 10 units per acre.

News

Fairfax County greenlights Chantilly data center, leading residents to consider lawsuit

By James Jarvis

Published January 25, 2024 at 9:30AM | Updated January 25, 2024 at 9:57AM

Pleasant Valley neighborhood resident Cynthia Shang speaks to crowd in front Fairfax Government Center on Jan. 23, 2024 (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Fairfax County is getting a new warehouse or data center next to the Chantilly Auto Park — though unhappy residents and local stakeholder groups say they may take the issue to court.

After a lengthy public hearing on Tuesday (Jan. 23), the Board of Supervisors voted 8-1 to approve a rezoning of a 12-acre plot off Route 50 for industrial use. Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity was the sole dissenting vote, and Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn was absent.

News

Fairfax County board to hold public hearing on Chantilly data center proposal amid opposition

By James Jarvis

Published January 22, 2024 at 11:45AM | Updated January 22, 2024 at 12:09PM

An affiliate of developer Penzance is seeking to build a three-story data center (via Fairfax County)

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is considering a proposal to rezone several acres near Chantilly Auto Park for a data center.

The project, however, faces strong opposition from several local stakeholder groups who are urging the board to delay approval until the effects of data center development can be further researched.

Countywide

As Fairfax County kicks off early voting, local party officials weigh in on presidential primary

By James Jarvis

Published January 18, 2024 at 3:45PM | Updated January 19, 2024 at 10:13AM

Voters fill out their ballots for the 2023 Democratic primary at Bailey's Community Center (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Updated at 10:15 a.m. on 1/19/2024 — With the county government closed due to snow, the start of early voting has been delayed to 9 a.m.-5 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday), the Fairfax County Office of Elections announced.

Earlier: Early voting for the 2024 presidential primary election is set to begin ~~tomorrow (Friday)~~ Saturday (Jan. 20) in Fairfax County, with local party officials and campaign strategists projecting varied voter turnout.

News

Fairfax restaurant owner says no plans to close despite proposed car wash

By James Jarvis

Published January 18, 2024 at 9:30AM

A Tommy's Express Car Wash has been proposed to replace The Espositos in Fairfax City (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

A proposed express car wash at Fairfax Blvd and Lion Run in Fairfax City faces an uphill battle after council members expressed concerns about its potential traffic impact.

“I’m not sure that this is the right location for this kind of business — whether it’s yours or someone else’s — given that the location is the primary access and exit for the public school system and for people south of that area,” Fairfax City Councilmember Thomas Ross said during a work session last Tuesday, Jan. 9.

News

Fairfax County seeks input on future of development in Centreville

By James Jarvis

Published January 16, 2024 at 1:30PM

Fairfax County’s Department of Planning and Development is inviting Centreville residents to share their thoughts on the area’s future development.

In an effort to better understand community preferences, the county published a six-question online survey last month, which seeks to gather opinions on what residents and visitors enjoy about the neighborhood and their desired direction for its future development.

News

New Dranesville supervisor seeks to build on predecessor’s legacy, prioritizes housing and ‘smart growth’

By James Jarvis

Published January 10, 2024 at 1:30PM | Updated January 10, 2024 at 1:50PM

Dranesville Supervisor Jimmy Bierman (courtesy of Jimmy Bierman)

Jimmy Bierman officially stepped into the role of Dranesville District supervisor last week, taking the reins from John Foust, who retired last year after 16 years on Fairfax County’s board.

Bierman, a lawyer and McLean resident, has a clear vision for his tenure, but he says he’s also committed to continuing the work of his predecessor, focusing on issues such as the revitalization of downtown McLean, senior living opportunities and the impact of the I-495 expansion on local residents.

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