Depiction of an accessory dwelling unit in the backyard of a house (via City of Fairfax)
It’s not clear yet if many Fairfax City homeowners will have the option one day to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) — more commonly known as “granny pods” or “in-law suites” — in their yards. But despite some hesitation expressed during a May 12 work session, Fairfax City Council members are ready to hear public comments on the issue.
In a presentation to the council, city staff laid out the implications of a new zoning ordinance that would let significantly more homeowners build detached accessory units in their yards.
Fairfax County trash collection (photo via Fairfax County)
Fairfax County leaders appear to have largely abandoned controversial efforts to impose a future countywide residential trash district.
“We’ve heard pretty loud and pretty clearly that this is not the model,” said Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik, who chairs the Board of Supervisors’ Environment Committee and presided over its May 12 meeting.
Renderings of the proposed Scotts Run Johnson Block Building D (courtesy Rushmark Properties)
Plans for an apartment building once slated to open near the McLean Metro station in Tysons in early 2024 are getting revised under a new owner.
Developer Rushmark Properties is seeking tweaks to the design of the residential building — designated as Building D in the Johnson Block of the Scotts Run neighborhood — that would allow fewer but larger units, according to a rezoning application submitted to Fairfax County on Monday (May 11).
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid presents her proposed reductions in the fiscal year 2027 budget to the school board on May 7, 2026 (via FCPS/YouTube)
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid has proposed trimming a number of items from the school system’s fiscal year 2027 budget to address a $28.9 million shortfall.
“At this time,” Reid wrote in a May 8 letter to FCPS families, “I am proposing to make up the difference by reducing the staffing reserve, leveraging alternative major maintenance funding, extending the time to refresh FCPSOn technology devices, deferring microcredentialing, reducing math adoption curriculum materials, and reducing the Superintendent’s Strategic Reserve.”
Fairfax County’s average home sales price tiptoed toward $1 million in April, as the spring buying market was dominated by upper-end properties.
“There is significant pent-up demand in the marketplace, but higher-income buyers are the ones primarily driving activity while budget-conscious buyers remain more sensitive to rate volatility and economic uncertainty,” said Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist for Bright MLS, the region’s multiple listing service.
A crow perched on a folding sign in Vienna’s Maple Avenue Shopping Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Survey Work Starts on ‘Triumphal Arch’ — “Workers began preliminary surveys and testing Monday of the proposed site of a Triumphal Arch sought by President Donald Trump, the latest step in plans for the contentious project in the nation’s capital. Workers were seen inspecting the site of the proposed arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery with tools and equipment.” [Associated Press/ARLnow]
Regional Pizzeria Chain Using AI — “Behind the counter at Andy’s Pizza, AI now helps direct everything from when mozzarella gets ordered to the moment a pie needs to hit the oven. As big restaurant chains pour money into AI to cut labor costs, fast-growing D.C. pizza chain Andy’s is betting custom-built AI tools can help it scale without sacrificing hospitality.” [Axios DC]
Meeting on Pedestrian Safety at Herndon HS — “We’re working to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety on Bennett Street in front of Herndon High School!” Herndon and Virginia Department of Transportation staff will present preliminary concepts for improvements at a community meeting tonight (Wednesday) at 7 p.m. in the Herndon High School cafeteria (700 Bennett Street). [Town of Herndon/Instagram]
Retired Fairfax Deputy Loses Home in Fire — “Imagine losing nearly everything at age 72. That’s what happened to a retired Fairfax County deputy in March when his home burned to the ground. Dan DePalma’s neighbors say he spent his career helping others, so now they are trying to help him rebuild.” [NBC4]
Fairfax City School Briefly Evacuated — “Students at Daniels Run Elementary School in Fairfax City were evacuated for a short period of time on Tuesday as firefighters investigated the report of a building fire, authorities say.” Principal Susan Mullen later informed families that a light had “burst in a classroom, which generated some smoke.” No injuries were reported. [Patch]
Yemeni Cafe Opening Soon in Seven Corners — “Qahwah, a Yemeni coffee shop, is expected to open in Seven Corners within the next couple of weeks, as soon as it clears the inspection process. The shop is located in a long vacant building at 6315A Leesburg Pike that once housed the Seven Corners Pub.” [Annandale Today]
Prepare for Graduation Traffic — “Drivers may see heavier than normal traffic around George Mason University’s Fairfax campus from May 14 through June 17, according to a traffic advisory about graduation events at EagleBank Arena.” The stadium will host commencements for GMU and Northern Virginia Community College on May 14 and May 18, respectively, followed by a slate of high school graduation ceremonies. [Patch]
Lighthouse from 1800s For Sale — “The Middle Ground Lighthouse is a privately owned, fully restored lighthouse that is only accessible by boat. The property is now on offer for private sale.” Built in 1891, the lighthouse has been renovated into a private home, but its light still functions, flashing over the Chesapeake Bay near Newport News. [Northern Virginia Magazine]
New Legal Notice — Applicant seeks ABC license for on/off-premises beer, wine, mixed beverages. [Public Notices]
It’s Wednesday — Expect increasing clouds with a high near 75°F, a 30% chance of showers, and possible thunderstorms after 5 pm. Night will have showers and thunderstorms until 2 AM and a low of around 53°F. Precipitation chance rises to 90% with potential rainfall between a tenth and a quarter of an inch. [NWS]
There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger signs legislation on Monday, May 11 that will create a paid family and medical leave program in Virginia (via Office of Gov. Abigail Spanberger)
A North Springfield child care center owner spoke in support of the new paid family and medical leave program at a ceremonial bill signing with Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) and lawmakers yesterday (Monday).
Starting on Dec. 1, 2028, Virginia’s new paid leave program will allow most workers to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave for significant life events like caring for a new child, recovering from serious illness, military family needs or caring for relative with a serious health condition.
A Cunningham Park Elementary School voter at the ballot box for the 2022 general election (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Should Fairfax County switch to ranked-choice elections for Board of Supervisors’ races? Views were mixed during a community forum held last night (Monday) in Reston.
Even Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn, who could be directly impacted by a voting-format change, said he needs to learn more about any potential impacts.
Mobile lounges at Dulles International Airport with the main terminal building in the background (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Less than a year after adopting a new master plan for Dulles International Airport, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) is considering an update that would expand the facility’s main terminal, redesign its concourses and eliminate the polarizing mobile lounges.
Shared with airlines earlier in May, the proposed revitalization plan would cost an estimated $22 billion with an ambitious targeted completion date of 2034, according to the Substack-based newsletter Airport Architecture, which says it obtained an exclusive copy of MWAA’s presentation.
Fairfax County Supervisor Andres Jimenez and public service workers rally outside the Fairfax County Government Center May 6. (Courtesy SEIU)
Fairfax County firefighters, teachers and other public sector workers recently rallied outside the county government center, asking Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger to sign legislation granting public workers the right to engage in collective bargaining.
The May 6 rally was one of several held around the commonwealth by unions, including the Virginia Education Association, the International Association of Firefighters, and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), in support of HB 1263 and SB 378.
