Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

County to consider contributing funds to new McLean arts center

Published June 28, 2024 at 10:30AM

The McLean Project for the Arts hopes to build a new arts and education center at the Signet condominiums (rendering by CannonDesign)

The McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) could potentially get a financial assist from Fairfax County for its campaign to turn a long-vacant retail space into a new arts center.

The Board of Supervisors directed staff on Tuesday (June 25) to evaluate whether the MPA Downtown project might be eligible for a public investment from the county’s Economic Opportunity Reserve (EOR), which can be used to support “economic development activities of strategic importance,” along with capital development projects and real estate purchases.

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Herndon Taco Bell renovation gets approval of Fairfax County board

By James Jarvis

Published June 27, 2024 at 2:30PM

Taco Bell at 2170 Centreville Road (via Google Maps)

The Taco Bell across the street from Herndon’s Worldgate Centre shopping mall is officially getting a makeover.

Earlier this week, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the California-based, Mexican-inspired fast food chain’s request to demolish the existing building at 2170 Centreville Road and construct a more modern facility boasting new amenities and extended hours.

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Fairfax County explores creating agency to enhance recreation, sports facilities

By James Jarvis

Published June 26, 2024 at 3:30PM

A basketball court at Jefferson District Park in West Falls Church (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County is considering creating a specialized agency to enhance its recreational facilities and boost sports tourism.

The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a board matter yesterday (Tuesday) directing County Executive Bryan Hill to explore the establishment of a Public Recreational Facilities Authority.

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Fairfax County to request bond funding for Metro, public safety renovations

By James Jarvis

Published June 26, 2024 at 10:30AM | Updated June 26, 2024 at 2:10PM

Fairfax County Government Center (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is looking to fund upgrades for its aging public safety facilities and transportation network through bond referenda that may appear on the November ballot.

The supervisors unanimously endorsed a plan yesterday (Tuesday) to seek voter approval for a $306 million investment that would modernize Metro facilities, refurbish old fire stations and build a new police training center.

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Transportation officials suggest upgrading popular Metrobus route ahead of Route 7 BRT

By Angela Woolsey

Published June 25, 2024 at 10:15AM | Updated June 26, 2024 at 9:43AM

Metrobus 28A going to Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

With Route 7 still years away from getting a bus rapid transit (BRT) system, regional transportation planners want to improve Metro’s existing service in the corridor from Tysons to Alexandria.

In response to feedback suggesting the process could be sped up, the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) is developing a strategic implementation plan that considers short-term enhancements for Metrobus 28A, even as it keeps studying how to eventually convert the route into a higher-capacity, higher-frequency BRT.

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Fairfax supervisors redirect ‘green bank’ funds to home energy efficiency program

By James Jarvis

Published June 21, 2024 at 1:30PM

Worker installing solar panels on a roof (via Bill Mead/Unsplash)

Fairfax County has shelved plans to create a “green bank,” instead redirecting those funds to a new initiative that offers residents educational and technical support to make their homes more energy efficient.

The Board of Supervisors voted on June 11 to reallocate $638,955 initially designated for the green bank — a publicly financed institution that facilitates funding for residential and commercial clean energy projects — to a new pilot program called Electrify Fairfax.

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Tax breaks considered for Lake Anne, Huntington developers to spur revitalization

By Angela Woolsey

Published June 20, 2024 at 10:30AM | Updated July 1, 2024 at 3:48PM

Lake Anne Plaza in late March (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County is looking at Reston’s Lake Anne area and the Huntington Metro station as the next candidates for a program that offers tax breaks and other incentives to jumpstart revitalization efforts.

Both areas have proven difficult to redevelop and are seeing stagnant real estate values, despite their prime locations and the county’s overall economic growth, according to Elizabeth Hagg, director of the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development’s community revitalization section.

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Fairfax County allows supportive housing on site near West Ox Road

By Acacia James

Published June 13, 2024 at 10:30AM | Updated June 13, 2024 at 11:42AM

Cornerstones' planned 34-unit supportive housing development at Route 50 and West Ox Road (via Fairfax County)

Fairfax County leaders have opened the door for a supportive housing project in the Fair Oaks area proposed by Cornerstones, a Reston-based organization that provides housing, food and other services to people in need.

During a meeting on Tuesday (June 11), the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved an amendment to the county’s comprehensive plan that would allow affordable housing on the 1.12 acres of land along the northwest intersection of Route 50 and West Ox Road interchange.

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Fairfax County to educate and train its employees on using generative AI

By Acacia James

Published June 6, 2024 at 3:30PM | Updated June 7, 2024 at 9:32AM

Fairfax County flag (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

As the use of chatbots and other types of “artificial intelligence” continues to grow, Fairfax County is working to ensure its government employees are educated on the opportunities and risks associated with the technology.

During an information technology committee meeting on Tuesday (June 4), the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors received an update on the use of generative AI within the county government — including how to “deliver improved business outcomes” while maintaining the county’s “rigorous security standards.”

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Fairfax County to push for more communication on gas pipeline projects

By Angela Woolsey

Published June 5, 2024 at 2:30PM

A natural gas-powered stove burner (photo via Kwon Junho on Unsplash)

Fairfax County’s leaders agree that natural gas companies need to communicate more with them and the public on major pipeline projects, but they appear divided on how to make that happen.

At a land use committee meeting on May 14, county staff presented the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors with potential options for regulating “high-pressure” pipelines under local streets. The review was specifically prompted by community opposition to a 2-foot-wide pipeline that Washington Gas plans to build through Pimmit Hills.