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 City Council to review redevelopment proposal for Courthouse Plaza

By James Jarvis

Published September 24, 2024 at 11:15AM

Illustration of 315-unit, mixed-use redevelopment proposed for Courthouse Plaza in Fairfax (via Fairfax City)

A redevelopment plan for the Courthouse Plaza Shopping Center in Old Town Fairfax is headed to the city council for review.

The Fairfax City Council is expected to hold a work session today (Tuesday) to discuss a revised proposal from developer Combined Courthouse to transform the aging retail center at 10300 Willard Way into a mixed-use development.

Countywide

Fairfax County early voting starts: Here’s what’s on the ballot

By James Jarvis

Published September 20, 2024 at 8:15AM | Updated September 20, 2024 at 10:18AM

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

Early voting for the Nov. 5 general election in Fairfax County kicks off today (Friday) at three polling locations.

Voters will not only be deciding between Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump in the presidential race, but also choosing candidates for Congress and, for Herndon residents, the town’s mayor and six council members. Several bond referenda and a proposed amendment to Virginia’s constitution will also be on the ballot.

Countywide

Fairfax County considers new tax options to ease burden on property owners

By James Jarvis

Published September 19, 2024 at 11:15AM

Sign points to the Department of Tax Administration in the Fairfax County Government Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The Fairfax County County Board of Supervisors is exploring its taxing options, including possible taxes on meals and event admissions, in the hopes of reducing its reliance on property taxes.

Supervisors discussed new revenue diversification proposals at Tuesday’s (Sept. 17) budget policy committee meeting after calling on County Executive Bryan Hill to identify ways to ease the tax burden on homeowners and fill reported shortfalls in state funding for public schools.

Around Town

Upcoming Taste of Annandale festival will be ‘the biggest yet,’ organizers say

By James Jarvis

Published September 18, 2024 at 1:15PM

Images from the 2023 Taste of Annandale event (courtesy of Ellie Ashford)

The annual Taste of Annandale street festival is set for this weekend, bringing food, entertainment and community fun to the area.

The festival kicks off Saturday, Sept. 21, from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space (7200 Columbia Pike).

Around Town

Balducci’s celebrates reopening in McLean after major remodel

By James Jarvis

Published September 16, 2024 at 9:45AM

Balducci's in McLean had its grand re-opening on Friday, Sept. 13 (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Balducci’s Food Lovers Market is back in McLean with a fresh look and more floor space for shoppers to explore.

After a six-month renovation, the gourmet grocery store, known for its prepared dishes, fresh seafood and locally sourced meats, hosted a grand re-opening ceremony last Friday (Sept. 13) to showcase the extensive remodel.

Countywide

Food insecurity on the rise in Fairfax County, affecting over a quarter of households

By James Jarvis

Published September 12, 2024 at 10:15AM | Updated September 12, 2024 at 10:45AM

A shelf of food items in Western Fairfax Christian Ministries' food pantry (staff photo by Vivian Hoang)

Fairfax County is seeing a rise in food insecurity, with nearly 27% of households struggling to afford enough nutritious food, the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) found in its 2024 Hunger Report.

Though food insecurity has increased across all income levels, the sharpest growth has been among middle-income households earning between $100,000 and $150,000 annually. For those families, the cost of living in Fairfax County and rising prices for essentials like housing and food have outpaced wage growth.

Countywide

Fairfax County to review property deeds, remove discriminatory language

By James Jarvis

Published September 11, 2024 at 1:30PM

Fairfax County Government Center (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Fairfax County will review its property deeds to remove clauses that historically barred non-Caucasian individuals from owning or leasing property in specific neighborhoods.

In response to new research revealing the prevalence of racially restrictive covenants in Northern Virginia property deeds, the Board of Supervisors, led by Dan Storck and Rodney Lusk, unanimously approved a board matter yesterday (Tuesday) to allocate resources for eliminating any segregation-era language from county-owned property deeds and assisting private property owners in doing the same.

Countywide

Fairfax County board approves new data center regulations, promise further review

By James Jarvis

Published September 11, 2024 at 10:20AM | Updated September 11, 2024 at 10:53AM

Attendees of the Fairfax County Planning Commission's June 5 public hearing call for stricter rules on data centers (staff photo by James Jarvis)

After a lengthy and contentious debate, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has approved a revised zoning ordinance that imposes strict regulations on data center development in the county.

Yesterday’s 8-2 vote followed over a year of community input and revisions to the proposed ordinance, which tightens restrictions on where and how data centers can be built in Fairfax County.

Countywide

FCPS leaders criticize state’s new school evaluation system, citing resource gaps

By James Jarvis

Published September 9, 2024 at 3:30PM

The Fairfax County Public Schools administrative center in Merrifield (file photo)

Fairfax County school officials fear Virginia’s new accreditation system could disproportionately harm schools with large populations of English learners and students with disabilities.

Adopted last month by the Virginia Board of Education, the School Performance and Support Framework places more weight on standardized test scores and graduation rates — a move state officials argue will hold schools to higher educational standards and improve accountability.

Countywide

Park Authority faces potential service cuts amid countywide budget challenges

By James Jarvis

Published September 4, 2024 at 3:30PM

Fairfax County Park Authority logo (file photo)

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is preparing for the possibility of significant service reductions as part of a countywide effort to close an expected budget shortfall.

During a Park Authority Board budget committee meeting last Wednesday (Aug. 28, park officials outlined proposed cuts that could include shorter hours and fewer services at rec centers, less frequent grounds maintenance, cancellation of seasonal programs, reduced staffing and postponed facility upgrades.

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