Fairfax County government | FFXnow

Morning Notes

Published August 5, 2022 at 7:30AM

Lewinsville Park basketball courts in McLean (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

McLean Police Shooting Not Justified, Family Says — The parents of Jasper Aaron Lynch, who was fatally shot four times by a Fairfax County police officer during a mental health crisis call on July 7, said in a statement that the police “could have, and should have, handled this far differently.” Their comments came after the county police department released footage of the encounter. [WTOP]

Bailey’s Crossroads Car Dealership to Expand — “The Radley Acura dealership on Columbia Pike near Route 7 in Bailey’s Crossroads will undergo a major expansion. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a rezoning application Aug. 2 by Radley Management LLC to build a three-level parking garage with 307 spaces and an enclosed customer service drop-off addition.” [Annandale Today]

Countywide

Plastic bag tax could raise over $1M for Fairfax County in first year

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 27, 2022 at 11:45AM

A plastic grocery bag (via Christopher Vega on Unsplash)

Fairfax County is on track to bring in more than $1 million in revenue from the first year of its plastic bag tax.

In the first five months after the tax took effect on Jan. 1, the county government received over $500,000, the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination said in a memo to the Board of Supervisors.

News

Construction on $80M Franconia Government Center pushed to fall

By Matt Blitz

Published July 21, 2022 at 11:45AM

Rendering of the new Franconia Government Center (image via Fairfax County)

Construction on the new, nearly $80 million Franconia Government Center will begin later than expected.

Back in February, construction was anticipated to begin in “early summer,” but it’s now been pushed back a few months to the fall, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services spokesperson Sharon North told FFXnow.

Countywide

Surging prices, inflation push food insecurity to new heights in Fairfax County

By Fatimah Waseem

Published July 19, 2022 at 3:45PM | Updated October 9, 2023 at 2:43PM

A food and resource distribution drive in Reston last month drew hundreds (Photo via Cornerstones).

Prior to the pandemic, Fairfax County had the highest amount of food insecurity in the state. Now, some advocates say that number has more doubled.

According to the Fairfax Food Council and other county and local advocates, food insecurity remains a growing challenge for moderate-income families in what is a high cost-of-living area.

Countywide

Plans for affordable housing at Fairfax County Government Center unveiled

By Fatimah Waseem

Published July 12, 2022 at 11:50AM

The site includes a community hall called Fairfax One (via Fairfax County Government/handout)

A proposal to convert parking lots at the Fairfax County Government Center into affordable housing is officially taking shape.

The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority and Lincoln Avenue Capital have formally submitted a conceptual plan to the county for what is known as Residences at Government Center II, according to materials filed July 8.

News

Fairfax County releases plan for new, two-story Tysons community center

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 5, 2022 at 1:30PM | Updated April 11, 2023 at 2:48PM

A rendering of the proposed community center in the southeast corner of Dominion Square West Building C5 (via KGD Architecture/Fairfax County)

Tysons residents will soon get to shape the plan for Fairfax County’s community center in the upcoming Dominion Square West housing development.

The county’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) staff will host a trio of community engagement forums later this month to gather feedback on potential services, activities and programming for the new facility, which will fill 30,000 square feet at the base of a 20-story residential high-rise at 1592 Spring Hill Road.

Countywide

Fourth of July 2022: What’s open and closed in Fairfax County for the holiday

By Brandi Bottalico

Published July 1, 2022 at 11:45AM

Closed sign (via Tim Mossholder/Unsplash)

While it won’t be quiet around Fairfax County on Monday with Fourth of July celebrations, many government offices and facilities will be closed.

Government offices, and some businesses, are closed for the Independence Day holiday. Public transportation schedules may be lighter and public services, like trash collection, may be changed. See our listing below to get details on what will be open and closed.

News

Riverbend Park celebrates opening of $1.3 million maintenance shop

By Fatimah Waseem

Published June 30, 2022 at 11:00AM

The new maintenance facility is funded by 2012 park bonds (Photo via Fairfax County Government).

Riverbend Park in Great Falls debuted a new $1.3 million maintenance shop this week.

The Fairfax County Park Authority and other stakeholders celebrated the opening of the facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday (June 28).

Countywide

New interactive climate map shows impact of heat, flooding in Fairfax County

By Angela Woolsey

Published June 29, 2022 at 1:30PM

Fairfax County's interactive climate map shows heat and flooding conditions (via Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination)

As Fairfax County finalizes its first-ever plan to address the future effects of climate change, community members can see how the phenomenon already affects them with a newly released interactive map.

Launched last week, the climate map depicts heat and flooding data that can be viewed in conjunction with maps of the county’s population and infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and public facilities.

Countywide

Fairfax County will expand free Metrobus program for students to four new schools

By Matt Blitz

Published June 17, 2022 at 9:30AM

A Metrobus at the West Falls Church Metro station (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Fairfax County is expanding its student Metrobus pass program to four new schools in the fall, letting more students ride the bus for free.

Starting in September, students at Annandale High School, Falls Church High School, Marshall High School, and Davis Center will be able to get a pass that allows them to ride Fairfax Connector, the City of Fairfax CUE, and the Metrobus for free.