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

Bowlero at Tysons Galleria to rebrand as Lucky Strike Entertainment

By James Jarvis

Published January 13, 2025 at 9:00AM

Bowlero at Tysons Galleria shopping mall (staff photo)

The Bowlero sign at Tysons Galleria is coming down next month, but bowlers can rest assured — the lanes aren’t going anywhere.

Starting in early February, the arcade, bowling, and sports bar venue will be renamed Lucky Strike Entertainment as part of a company-wide rebranding. Formerly known as Bowlero Corporation, the company officially adopted the Lucky Strike Entertainment name on Dec. 12.

Countywide

Fairfax lawmakers propose legislation on abortion, gun control and election reform

By James Jarvis

Published January 9, 2025 at 11:15AM

The Virginia State Capitol building (file photo)

State legislators representing Fairfax County are taking the lead on major issues in the Virginia General Assembly’s 2025 session, filing proposals addressing reproductive rights, same-sex marriage, gun control and election reforms.

Originally slated to begin yesterday (Jan. 8), the legislative session has been delayed by water service issues in Richmond stemming from the snowstorm on Monday (Jan. 6). Lawmakers will now convene on Monday, Jan. 13 and remain in session through Feb. 22.

Countywide

Fairfax County unveils first concept for pandemic-inspired memorial

By James Jarvis

Published December 19, 2024 at 3:45PM

Initial concept rendering of proposed 'Circles of Memory' memorial outside the Herrity Building (via Fairfax County)

Fairfax County has shared the initial design for a “Circles of Memory” memorial to recognize the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last week, the Fairfax County Arts Committee’s project team submitted a zoning interpretation application to allow the memorial’s construction in front of the Herrity Building and Public Safety Headquarters at 12055 Government Center Parkway.

News

Fairfax County to convert vacant hotel into emergency family shelter

By James Jarvis

Published December 18, 2024 at 1:15PM | Updated December 18, 2024 at 2:03PM

The Extended Stay America hotel at 3997 Fair Ridge Drive is planned for conversion into an emergency shelter (via Google Maps)

Fairfax County is moving forward with plans to turn a vacant 94-room hotel near Route 50 and West Ox Road into emergency housing for families and victims of domestic violence.

The former Extended Stay America hotel building at 3997 Fair Ridge Drive was purchased by the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) in August for $14.5 million to address a growing need for emergency shelters and consolidate services provided by shelters in Reston.

Countywide

Fairfax County is developing new tools to help residents go green

By James Jarvis

Published December 17, 2024 at 3:45PM

Solar panel roof installation (via Raze Solar/Unsplash)

Fairfax County is stepping up efforts to meet its carbon neutrality goals with new programs and tools to help residents go green, starting next year.

First outlined in May, the three-part plan includes a public awareness campaign, a climate action tracking app and a home energy advisory service to help residents transition to clean energy and reduce their carbon footprints.

Countywide

Fairfax County tax reduces plastic bag circulation, raises $6 million

By James Jarvis

Published December 16, 2024 at 2:30PM

A plastic grocery bag (via Christopher Vega on Unsplash)

Fairfax County’s plastic bag tax has pulled in more than $6 million in revenue and taken an estimated 3 million plastic bags out of circulation nearly two years after it was enacted, county officials say.

“There are 3 million fewer plastic bags in circulation in Fairfax County since the bag tax was enacted, which 100% shows the intention is working,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said during an environmental committee meeting last Tuesday (Dec. 10).

Countywide

FCPS students seek consistency and flexibility in cell phone policy revisions

By James Jarvis

Published December 13, 2024 at 9:45AM

Fairfax County School Board student representative Megan Sawant speaks during a board meeting on Dec. 5, 2024 (via FCPS)

As Fairfax County Public Schools considers revising its cell phone storage policy, students are calling for a more consistent approach across classrooms, citing concerns about uneven enforcement.

The school system is currently testing a phone-free pilot program at select middle and high schools to evaluate the impact of stricter limits on student cell phone use. Once the pilot concludes, the school board plans to use the collected data to develop an updated policy aligned with new Virginia Department of Education guidelines, which must be adopted by school boards statewide by Jan. 1, 2025.

Countywide

Fairfax County to begin major overhaul of waste collection system next year

By James Jarvis

Published December 12, 2024 at 9:45AM

Fairfax County's Recycling and Disposal Center at the I-95 Landfill Complex (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Fairfax County officials are moving forward with plans to overhaul how trash and recycling are handled, aiming to have a centralized collection system by 2030.

The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) has proposed a “Unified Sanitation District” model to replace the current system, where most residents hire private haulers. Instead, the county would grant exclusive contracts to private companies to manage waste collection in specific geographic areas.

Countywide

Report: Fairfax County leads state in data centers near residential neighborhoods

By James Jarvis

Published December 11, 2024 at 1:15PM | Updated December 11, 2024 at 1:46PM

CoreSite's Reston data center campus (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Nearly a third of Virginia’s data centers are located within 200 feet of residential areas, with Fairfax County leading the state, according to a new report released Monday (Dec. 9) by the Virginia Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC).

Assessing the impact of data centers throughout Virginia, the JLARC report found that 55% of Fairfax County’s 20 data centers are within 200 feet of residential zones, and 70% are within 500 feet.

Countywide

Fairfax County Public Schools seeks to expand security with $3.4M budget boost

By James Jarvis

Published December 10, 2024 at 3:45PM

FCPS Chief Financial Officer Leigh Burden speaks to school board (via FCPS/YouTube)

Fairfax County Public Schools is set to allocate an additional $3.4 million to safety and security upgrades, drawing from surplus revenue identified in its mid-year budget review.

The funding includes $1.5 million from a class-action settlement with Juul, as well as higher-than-expected sales tax revenue and tuition payments from the City of Fairfax.

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