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 October 28, 2024 at 3:45PM

Virginia Department of Transportation Northern Virginia District office in Legato (staff photo by James Jarvis)

After several light-snow winters, transportation and weather experts are gearing up for yet another mild season in Northern Virginia.

The National Weather Service’s (NWS) D.C. and Baltimore office expects above-average temperatures across the Mid-Atlantic, which likely means more ice and rain than snow this winter.

Around Town

Lazy Dog Restaurant signs lease for Kingstowne location

By James Jarvis

Published October 28, 2024 at 2:30PM

Romano's Macaroni Grill in Kingstowne shopping center (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar is officially coming to Kingstowne Towne Center.

After Romano’s Macaroni Grill closed its doors in January, the space at 5925 Kingstowne Towne Center will soon reopen as a Lazy Dog. While an official opening date hasn’t been set, a spokesperson for the restaurant confirmed the lease has been signed.

News

Fairfax County could compel property sales for planned Richmond Highway bus system

By James Jarvis

Published October 25, 2024 at 8:15AM

Wells Fargo along Route 1 in Groveton (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Fairfax County may need to invoke eminent domain to secure more than a dozen properties along Richmond Highway for its new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.

Earlier this week, the Board of Supervisors approved a resolution to move ahead with acquiring land rights to 13 commercial and residential properties — including a Wells Fargo bank, a pet hospital, and a hotel — by early December for the new bus route, known as “The One,” regardless of whether settlement agreements are in place.

Countywide

FCPS to kick off school boundary review with listening sessions this fall

By James Jarvis

Published October 21, 2024 at 1:15PM

Fairfax County Public Schools school bus (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Fairfax County residents may soon get to provide input on the public school system’s boundary review process.

After amending its boundary adjustment policy over the summer, Fairfax County Public Schools awarded a $546,953 contract in September to the Connecticut-based K-12 education consultancy firm Thru Consultants for a comprehensive review of its boundaries.

Countywide

Guaranteed income pilot to inform Fairfax County services, but expansion unlikely

By James Jarvis

Published October 17, 2024 at 1:15PM

Person counts dollar bills (via Sharon McCutcheon/Unsplash)

As Fairfax County’s guaranteed income pilot reaches the one-year mark, officials say they’re identifying the residents most in need, as they work to improve social services programs.

Launched in October 2023, the Economic Mobility Pilot — funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and the Fairfax County Human Services Council’s Innovation Fund — provides $750 in unrestricted monthly payments to 180 randomly selected households.

Countywide

NEW: Fairfax refers possible ‘non-citizen’ voters to prosecutors, as Virginia faces lawsuits

By James Jarvis

Published October 15, 2024 at 3:45PM

Fairfax County voters went to the polls today for the 2023 general election (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County has a new policy that could lead to the prosecution of individuals who were removed from the voter rolls after being identified as possible non-citizens.

The move comes after Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed a new executive order in August directing the Virginia Department of Elections to update the voter rolls by removing deceased individuals, felons, those deemed mentally incapacitated and non-citizens before the general election on Nov. 5.

News

Fairfax County green lights 200-unit development near Huntington Metro

By James Jarvis

Published October 9, 2024 at 11:15AM

A rendering of Capital Investment Advisors’ proposed apartment building at Huntington Avenue and Metroview Parkway (via SK+I Architecture/Fairfax County)

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has approved a new mixed-use development near the Huntington Metro Station.

Located at the corner of Huntington Avenue and Metroview Parkway in the Mount Vernon District, the 85-foot-tall building will include up to 200 residential units and nearly 9,000 square feet of commercial space.

Countywide

Fairfax Circuit Court goes digital for criminal case filings, continuing trend of reforms

By James Jarvis

Published October 2, 2024 at 1:15PM

Fairfax County Courthouse (file photo)

The Fairfax County Circuit Court has introduced a new e-filing system for criminal cases, phasing out the need for physical case files, and plans for more judicial reforms are in the works.

Circuit Court Clerk Chris Falcon officially announced the launch of the tool — which builds on the existing e-filing system for civil cases launched in 2022 — to the Board of Supervisors yesterday (Oct. 1) during a Safety and Security Committee meeting.

Countywide

FCPS launches clinics to immunize 9,000 still-unvaccinated students

By James Jarvis

Published October 1, 2024 at 9:00AM

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

With the 2024-2025 school year in full swing, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is still working to get thousands of students up to date on their required vaccinations.

FCPS officials reported last week that over 9,000 students — down from 29,000 in July — still need vaccinations against diseases like measles, polio and meningitis, potentially putting their enrollment at risk. The division has approximately 181,000 enrolled students for this year, as of September, according to FCPS data.

Countywide

Fairfax supervisors press Gov. Youngkin for additional state funding for key public services

By James Jarvis

Published September 26, 2024 at 9:00AM

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

Fairfax County leaders want Gov. Glenn Youngkin to boost state funding for critical services, such as schools, transportation and health care.

The Board of Supervisors voted 9-1 on Tuesday (Sept. 24) to send a letter to Youngkin arguing that chronic underfunding by the state has forced localities like Fairfax County to lean heavily on local tax revenue to maintain “core services” like public education, public safety and transportation infrastructure, straining local budgets and taxpayers.

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