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

UPDATED: Reston man charged with unlawfully filming FCPS students

By Angela Woolsey and James Jarvis
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid and Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis discuss an investigation into a former FCPS contractor who allegedly filmed students (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Fairfax County police have filed new charges against a Reston man who was already facing sexual assault and child porn allegations.

Arturo Elmore-Adon, 25, was charged yesterday (Tuesday) with seven counts of unlawful filming after detectives found videos he had allegedly taken of four girls, all of them Fairfax County Public Schools students, the Fairfax County Police Department announced today.

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News

New Springfield commuter parking garage set to open next week

By James Jarvis
The new Springfield Community Business Center Parking Garage (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Fairfax County’s new $58.38 million commuter parking garage in Springfield is now complete and will open to commuters starting next week.

A ribbon-cutting for the six-level facility at 7039 Old Keene Mill Road is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 5, at 11 a.m., with the garage officially opening to the public on Saturday, Sept. 14, per a Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) release.

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Countywide

Fairfax transportation planners seek public input on major trail and bicycle network overhaul

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

After two years of meticulous data collection and analysis, Fairfax County’s Department of Transportation (FCDOT) is moving into the second phase of its ActiveFairfax Transportation Plan.

Starting today (Tuesday) at 6 p.m. at the Graham Road Community Center in West Falls Church, FCDOT will host a series of in-person and virtual open houses throughout the fall to gather input from residents on enhancing the county’s extensive network of pedestrian trails and bicycle pathways.

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News

New single-family neighborhood proposed on Route 123 in Lorton

By James Jarvis
L&F Laurel Highlands has proposed building 23 single-family houses along Ox Road in Lorton (via Fairfax County)

A Maryland developer is looking to fit a new residential subdivision on eight acres in Lorton between Route 123 and Ox Road.

L&F Laurel Highlands LLC submitted a rezoning application to Fairfax County on Tuesday (Aug. 27) proposing 23 new single-family homes on the mostly vacant land.

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News

New sculptures light up Richmond Highway, kicking off public art campaign

By James Jarvis
‘Liquid Sunshine’ (left) and ‘Beacon,’ face sculptures by Michael Alfano, installed along Richmond Hwy (courtesy of Michael Alfano).

Two new sculptures were installed last Thursday (Aug. 22) along Richmond Highway, kicking off a public art campaign aimed at boosting community pride and enhancing the corridor’s visual appeal.

Positioned at Mount Vernon Plaza on Fordson Road and outside the North Hill Residences in Hybla Valley, respectively, the “Liquid Sunshine” and “Beacon” installations represent the first steps taken by the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation (SFDC) to revitalize a 7 mile stretch from Ft. Belvoir to the Capital Parkway.

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News

Giant Food reopens Burke store after major remodel

By James Jarvis
Giant Food celebrates the grand reopening of its newly remodeled store in Springfield with a ribbon cutting (courtesy of Giant)

Giant Food has reopened its store at the corner of Fairfax County Parkway and Huntsman Blvd in Burke after a major remodel, offering special promotions to celebrate the grand opening.

Located at 7501 Huntsman Blvd, the updated store now features a range of new amenities designed to enhance the shopping experience.

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News

Proposed blueprint for Richmond Highway development prioritizes history and community

By James Jarvis
Richmond Highway (staff photo by James Jarvis)

With extensive construction on the horizon for Richmond Highway, Fairfax County has been handed a roadmap to help manage the impact, preserve the area’s heritage, support local businesses and keep the community engaged.

Last week, the nonprofit consulting group Urban Land Institute (ULI) released a report with a blueprint for redevelopment along the upcoming 7.4-mile Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route from the Huntington Metro Station to Fort Belvoir.

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News

Local historian to share research of discriminatory housing rules in Hybla Valley

By James Jarvis
A map of racial covenants in land deeds around Northern Virginia (via Documenting Exclusion and Resilience)

Residents of the Hybla Valley and Mount Vernon neighborhoods will have a chance to explore new research revealing the history and impact of racially restrictive deed covenants in their communities.

Later this month, Krystyn Moon, a professor of History and American Studies at the University of Mary Washington, will explain how certain racial, national, and religious groups were historically barred from buying homes in subdivisions along the Richmond Highway corridor, due to explicit restrictions written into property deeds.

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Countywide

Fairfax County to roll out phone-free pilot in select schools next month

By James Jarvis
Woman types on smartphone (via freestocks/Unsplash)

During the new school year, which kicks off Monday (Aug. 19), students at select Fairfax County middle and high schools will be required to hand in their phones in order to turn up their focus.

Starting Sept. 3, Fairfax County Public Schools will begin rolling out a new phone-free pilot program, requiring middle and high school students to secure their cell phones in magnetically sealed pouches or lockers during class to reduce distractions.

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Around Town

Springfield community and local military reunite for annual Bridge Walk after multi-year hiatus

By James Jarvis
The 2016 Springfield Bridge Walk (via Fort Belvoir/Facebook)

After a several-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Springfield Bridge Walk is back on.

The annual event celebrating the connection between the Springfield community and the nearby major U.S. Army installation, Fort Belvoir, kicks off this Saturday (Aug. 17) at 10 a.m. at the corner of Bland Street and Amherst Avenue.

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