Author: Scott McCaffrey

A Northern Virginia native, Scott McCaffrey has four decades of reporting, editing and newsroom experience in the local area plus Florida, South Carolina and the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. He spent 26 years as editor of the Sun Gazette newspaper chain. For Local News Now, he covers government and civic issues in Arlington, Fairfax County and Falls Church.

Countywide

Process for prioritizing sidewalk, crosswalk projects needs fixing, Fairfax officials agree

By Scott McCaffrey
Fairfax County Department of Transportation director Gregg Steverson (screenshot via Fairfax County)

Fairfax County transportation officials think they have found a better way to prioritize and manage sidewalk, trail and crosswalk improvements after several rocky years.

Yesterday (Tuesday), the Board of Supervisors informally ratified a proposal for Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) staff to develop a three-year cycle for listing all potential projects, then prioritizing them based on cost and community impact considerations.

Go to Process for prioritizing sidewalk, crosswalk projects needs fixing, Fairfax officials agree Read more
News

Despite pushback, Fairfax County is sticking with plans for second Justice HS sidewalk

By Scott McCaffrey
Proposed sidewalk route on Peace Valley Lane (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)

Fairfax County leadership is sticking with plans for a sidewalk project near Justice High School that critics say is duplicative and would be destructive to the environment.

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) expects to begin work in June on 825 linear feet of 5-foot-wide sidewalk between Mansfield Road near Justice Park and the cul-de-sac at Peace Valley Lane in the Lake Barcroft area south of Seven Corners.

Go to Despite pushback, Fairfax County is sticking with plans for second Justice HS sidewalk Read more
News

Upcoming roadwork will impact Fairfax Blvd for next 10 weeks

By Scott McCaffrey
Traffic on Fairfax Blvd at Draper Drive in Fairfax City (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Motorists should plan for impacts as City of Fairfax officials launch a 10-week roadbed reconstruction project along Fairfax Blvd beginning Thursday, April 10.

Virginia Paving will repave all six lanes of the key east-west roadway from Draper Drive to Fairfax Circle as part of the $1.73 million project.

Go to Upcoming roadwork will impact Fairfax Blvd for next 10 weeks Read more
News

Parking restrictions proposed in parts of Dranesville District near Herndon

By Scott McCaffrey
Boat parked on public roadway (via Fairfax County)

Fairfax County officials are contemplating restricting parking in parts of the Dranesville District north and south of the Town of Herndon.

Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman’s office and the Fairfax County Department of Transportation will hold an online community meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) at 7 p.m. to offer more details on the proposed community parking district.

Go to Parking restrictions proposed in parts of Dranesville District near Herndon Read more
News

Reston Association announces key dates for summer pool season

By Scott McCaffrey
A kid flips at Lake Newport Pool in Reston (courtesy Reston Association)

Reston Association’s summer pool season kicks off May 9 with limited service, transitioning to all pools opening starting in mid-June.

“Summer will be here before we know it — from lap swimming and open swim to lessons and water fitness classes, RA pools remain one of the community’s most popular amenities,” the association said in announcing its 2026 summer schedule.

Go to Reston Association announces key dates for summer pool season Read more
Countywide

Del. Sullivan optimistic governor will sign vehicle noise-monitoring bill

By Scott McCaffrey
Del. Rip Sullivan makes a point as Sen. Jennifer Boysko looks on (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)

A local lawmaker believes legislation providing a tool to regulate excessive vehicle noise will become law this year after falling short in 2025.

The measure currently sits on the desk of Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D), having passed both houses of the General Assembly earlier this year.

Go to Del. Sullivan optimistic governor will sign vehicle noise-monitoring bill Read more
Countywide

Fairfax launches pilot to help small business owners obtain permits for store renovations

By Scott McCaffrey
A Fairfax County shopping mall (courtesy Fairfax County)

A new Fairfax County government pilot program aims to make life easier for small business owners seeking to make minor alterations before they open their stores.

The Tenant Support Services (TSS) initiative is designed to move applicants through the permit approval process more efficiently by providing “early guidance, clear expectations and coordinated review support,” county officials said in announcing the effort.

Go to Fairfax launches pilot to help small business owners obtain permits for store renovations Read more
News

McLean’s state lawmakers encourage residents to call for veto of casino bill

By Scott McCaffrey
Del. Rip Sullivan makes a point at McLean Citizens Association legislative forum (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)

Time is running out for McLean residents to make their voices heard about the controversial Tysons casino proposal, state legislators said Tuesday night.

“This is my call to action: Now is the time, do not wait,” Del. Rip Sullivan (D-6) said yesterday (Tuesday) at a General Assembly roundup session sponsored by the McLean Citizens Association (MCA).

Go to McLean’s state lawmakers encourage residents to call for veto of casino bill Read more
Countywide

Fairfax apartment rents see early-spring boost, but stay below 2025 rates

By Scott McCaffrey
Lease now sign for the Edmund Apartments at Halley Rise in Reston in winter (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County’s median apartment rental rate dipped 2.3% year-over-year in March, as most major corridors of the county posted declines.

The median apartment rate of $2,359 for the month countywide dropped from $2,414 in March 2025, according to data reported March 30 by Apartment List.

Go to Fairfax apartment rents see early-spring boost, but stay below 2025 rates Read more
News

New Penn Daw fire station with shelter, supportive housing wins support

By Scott McCaffrey
Proposed design of new Penn Daw Fire Station and supportive housing at 2801 Beacon Hill Road (image via Fairfax County)

Fairfax County Planning Commission members gave their unanimous support on March 25 to a planned relocation of the Penn Daw Fire Station to a parcel that will also include supportive housing and an emergency shelter.

The plan, which will be considered by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on April 14, would put the new fire station and housing on a 3.5-acre site at 2801 Beacon Hill Road, one block east of Richmond Highway.

Go to New Penn Daw fire station with shelter, supportive housing wins support Read more
View More Stories