James Walkinshaw | FFXnow

County board signals support for preserving smaller Lake Accotink

Published January 24, 2024 at 10:15AM

Paddle boats at the dock on Lake Accotink (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors hopes to preserve a smaller version of Lake Accotink, but a number of questions still need to be answered before it commits to a specific action plan.

At Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw’s request, the board directed staff yesterday (Tuesday) to begin a series of studies to flesh out a task force’s determination that it would be feasible for the county to save 20 to 40 acres of the Springfield lake as opposed to fully dredging it or allowing it to disappear.

Countywide

Fairfax County officials say residents missing out on cost-saving green incentives

By Caley Fox Shannon / Inside NoVA

Published October 11, 2023 at 1:30PM

Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw speaks at Fairfax County's Climate Action Conference (via James Walkinshaw/Facebook)

Fairfax County residents are underutilizing publicly-funded incentives to make their homes more green. That’s according to James Walkinshaw, Fairfax County Supervisor for the Braddock District, who hosted the county’s first Climate Action Conference on Sept. 30.

Greeting a crowd of community members gathered at Lake Braddock Secondary School, Walkinshaw said the focus of the conference was to give residents “all the actionable information and the tools you need to reduce your emissions and save money.”

News

VDOT to develop safety improvements for Burke Centre Parkway after fatal crash

By Melanie Pincus

Published August 16, 2023 at 3:00PM

Some community members say a median on Burke Centre Parkway should be extended at a roadway out of the Burke Centre Shopping Center (via Google Maps)

In October, the Virginia Department of Transportation will put together recommended improvements for the portion of Burke Centre Parkway where a fatal crash occurred last month.

The recommendations will come after VDOT staff can review the official police investigative report on the crash in September. The department is also planning to conduct studies on potential speed limit changes and the feasibility of a traffic signal in September and October.

Countywide

County officials propose guidelines for allowing bigger and brighter signs

By Acacia James

Published May 30, 2023 at 9:30AM

A sign for Graham Park Plaza in West Falls Church (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County is looking into adjusting its signage rules to allow for brighter and bigger electronic signs.

Casey Judge with the county’s Zoning Administration Division presented the proposed changes during a Board of Supervisors land use policy committee meeting on May 16.

News

Funds needed to replace ‘unsafe’ Lake Accotink Park playground

By Angela Woolsey

Published April 12, 2023 at 1:30PM

Lake Accotink Park sign (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Lake Accotink Park’s playground has seen better days, not unlike the lake itself.

The Fairfax County Park Authority closed the playground at the popular Springfield park in November after an inspector determined the rusting equipment was “unsafe for use,” Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw said at a Board of Supervisors meeting yesterday (Tuesday).

News

Annandale Community Center at Heritage Mall to celebrate grand opening tomorrow

By Acacia James

Published March 3, 2023 at 11:45AM

The new Annandale Community Center at Heritage Mall (via Fairfax County)

Fairfax County leaders will celebrate the grand opening of a community center in Annandale’s Heritage Mall tomorrow (Saturday).

Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw and the county’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services will open the Annandale Community Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony, an open-house, and community activities, according to a release.

Countywide

County starts visualizing region’s first transportation plan with goals for cutting greenhouse gas emissions

By Matt Blitz

Published February 3, 2023 at 11:45AM | Updated February 3, 2023 at 12:15PM

Traffic fills Richmond Highway (via Fairfax County)

The clock is ticking for Fairfax County and the D.C. region to adopt a new transportation plan aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

This past June, the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) approved Visualize 2045 — a regional transportation plan that runs through 2045 and must be updated every four years, as mandated by the federal government.

Countywide

Fairfax County warns budget could be ‘challenging’ due to slowing real estate market, rising staff costs

By Matt Blitz

Published November 29, 2022 at 11:45AM | Updated November 30, 2022 at 1:15PM

The Fairfax County logo is shown on the front of the Fairfax County Government Center building at 12000 Government Center Parkway. (Staff photo by David Taube)

(Updated at 1:15 p.m. on 11/30/2022) Local officials are already preparing for “one of the most challenging” budget talks in years due to inflation, the changing real estate market, and staff retention challenges.

Right before the Thanksgiving holiday, Fairfax County staff offered supervisors and the school board an early look at projected revenues, expenditures, and points of potential discussion as the county and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) prepare to release proposed budgets early next year.

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County explores funding clean energy with ‘green bank,’ potentially a first in Virginia

By Matt Blitz

Published August 2, 2022 at 11:55AM | Updated March 15, 2024 at 3:02PM

A solar energy-powered lamp post (via Sandra Parra/Unsplash)

(Updated at 11:25 a.m. on 8/5/2022) Fairfax County is exploring being the first Virginia locality to create a “green bank” as a way to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

In a presentation to the Board of Supervisors’ environmental committee last week, county staff said a green bank can help spur investments in clean energy.

Countywide

Fairfax County supervisor suggests legal remedy to reduce speed limits

By David Taube

Published May 12, 2022 at 12:45PM | Updated December 9, 2022 at 2:02PM

A crosswalk on Graham Road at Strathmore Street (via Google Maps)

A 2021 law gave hope to Fairfax County officials looking to lower speed limits in residential and business neighborhoods.

However, the Virginia Department of Transportation has said the law — which gave localities the authority to reduce speed limits from 25 to 15 mph — conflicts with other state rules, according to the Virginia Association of Counties.