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.

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
Countywide

Fairfax County executive readies plan to revamp ‘placemaking’ groups

By Scott McCaffrey
Visit Fairfax president CEO Barry Biggar (screenshot via Fairfax County)

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors could soon receive a staff proposal on potentially consolidating “placemaking groups” that promote either the county as a whole or specific communities in it.

County Executive Bryan Hill said he expects to detail his proposals to elected officials later this spring.

Go to Fairfax County executive readies plan to revamp ‘placemaking’ groups Read more
Countywide

Fairfax casino critics share range of concerns in urging Spanberger to veto legislation

By Scott McCaffrey
A No Tysons Casino sign outside Cedar Park Elementary School in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

A coalition of homeowners associations and civic groups is pressing Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) to veto legislation allowing a casino in Tysons.

“Residents are deeply concerned about the potential impacts on traffic congestion, public safety, neighborhood character and the well-being of families in surrounding communities. These concerns come from people who would live with the consequences of this decision every day,” said the letter, provided to FFXnow by the Tysons Stakeholders Alliance.

Go to Fairfax casino critics share range of concerns in urging Spanberger to veto legislation Read more
News

Fairfax City considers criminal penalties for violations of revised noise rules

By Scott McCaffrey
Fairfax City Council member Thomas Peterson (screenshot via City of Fairfax)

City of Fairfax officials will take six more weeks to gather input and consider options before enacting changes to the city’s noise regulations.

A final vote was delayed until May 12 after council members heard public testimony and discussed the matter among themselves on Tuesday (March 24).

Go to Fairfax City considers criminal penalties for violations of revised noise rules Read more
View More Stories