With the federal government slashing its workforce and attempting to freeze billions in funding, Virginia lawmakers are bracing for impact. House Speaker Don Scott (D-Portsmouth) on Tuesday evening announced the formation of an Emergency Committee on the Impacts of Federal Workforce and Funding Reductions, a bipartisan panel tasked with assessing the economic fallout and crafting solutions to protect the commonwealth.
“This is not about politics — it’s about protecting Virginia’s workforce, economy, and essential services,” Scott said in a statement. “With nearly 145,000 federal civilian employees and even more federal contractors calling Virginia home, we depend on a strong partnership with the federal government to provide critical services. The federal administration’s announced plans to ‘drain’ the federal workforce and the pause in federal funding raise serious concerns for Virginia’s economy and the ability to maintain essential services.”
Archer Square Condominiums has debuted its fourth and final building in the vibrant 55+ community of Birchwood at Brambleton in Northern Virginia.
This last release presents a unique opportunity for upscale, single-level condominiums, featuring the return of some of the most sought-after, previously sold-out designs.
Elevated, Single-Level Residences
The final building comprises 25 meticulously crafted residences featuring classic stone exteriors and offering a range of 1- to 3-bedroom homes, with select floorplans featuring dens and private balconies. Each single-level condominium is designed with upscale finishes, ample natural light and thoughtful details, ensuring a sophisticated and low-maintenance lifestyle. Residents will benefit from convenient elevator access, dedicated package rooms and private garages, enhancing both comfort and accessibility.
Abundant Community Amenities
Archer Square is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, active adult lifestyle. Homeowners will enjoy an array of 55+ amenities, including two clubhouses, indoor and outdoor pools, hobby rooms, sports courts and a variety of social activities within Birchwood at Brambleton. These features provide ample opportunities for residents to engage, socialize and build lasting friendships.
Prime Location & Accessibility
Located within the broader Brambleton community, Archer Square offers seamless access to retail, dining and recreational options. Whether enjoying a day out at local shops or exploring the extensive outdoor trails, residents can experience the best of Northern Virginia’s amenities. Additionally, the community’s close proximity to the Washington, D.C. area and Dulles International Airport ensures that family and friends are always within reach, making it an ideal location for those seeking to stay connected.
Commitment to Quality & Design
Archer Square Condominiums exemplify the Knutson Companies’ commitment to elevated design and quality craftsmanship. Each home is thoughtfully designed by a local builder to meet the needs of active adults, providing a harmonious blend of comfort, style and functionality.
Don’t miss the opportunity to join this exceptional community. Visit ArcherSquare.com to explore available residences from the upper $400s to $600s+ and learn more about the lock-and-leave lifestyle that Archer Square at Birchwood at Brambleton offers.
Schedule a tour today and discover why Archer Square is the perfect place to call home.
Aerial view of the proposed Dunn Loring Elementary School (via Fairfax County Public Schools)
Fairfax County Public Schools has received the zoning changes necessary to build a future Dunn Loring Elementary School.
The unanimous vote yesterday (Tuesday) by the Board of Supervisors doesn’t mean a school will necessarily be built at the site of the current Dunn Loring Administrative Center, but a four-story building to serve nearly 1,000 students is now allowed, if the Fairfax County School Board ultimately opts to move forward.
Sunset Hills Road heading toward the Skymark building at Reston Town Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Candlelight Vigil Tonight for DCA CrashVictims — “Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) invites the community to a candlelight vigil in remembrance of the 67 lives lost in the tragic American Airlines crash at National Airport last week. The gathering will take place Feb. 5, at 5:30 p.m., at Rivergate City Park, 2 Montgomery St., on the Alexandria waterfront.” [Annandale Today]
Concerns About Crowded Airspace Have History — “With a preliminary NTSB report not expected for several weeks, Arlington’s federal representatives have ventured few opinions on what factors may have contributed to last week’s crash. However, local advocates’ concerns about the number of flights at DCA stretch back years.” [ARLnow]
Route 28 Bypass Project Officially Dead — The Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted 5-3 yesterday (Tuesday) to cancel a planned road extension that would’ve diverted traffic off of Route 28 (Centreville Road) before reconnecting north of Bull Run Stream in Fairfax County. Approved in 2020, the bypass proposal faced various challenges, including a “lack of buy-in from Fairfax County.” [WTOP]
Lawmakers Could Regulate License Plate Readers — “Virginia lawmakers are moving to regulate automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) for the first time, but privacy advocates warn that the legislation could expand surveillance rather than rein it in.” The House of Delegates passed a bill yesterday that would limit police data storage and authorize VDOT to issue permits for the devices’ installation. [Virginia Mercury]
Loudoun to Consider Dulles Airport Noise Mitigation — “As residents near Dulles International Airport continue to voice concerns over noise from aircraft flying over their homes, a community-involved process to consider mitigation methods will kick off this spring … A virtual community kick-off meeting is envisioned for April to provide an overview of the project.” [Loudoun Now]
Update on FCPS Athletics PolicyReview — “Months after Hayfield Secondary School’s football team withdrew from the playoffs, Fairfax County Public Schools is crafting a plan that it hopes will improve its athletic processes and transparency ahead of the next school year.” The plan is being developed by a working group in collaboration with the Virginia High School League. [WTOP]
Secret Service Cracks Down on ‘Card Skimmers’ — “A U.S. Secret Service task force cracked down on a card-skimming scheme that targeted people who rely on government assistance … The unit visited 879 businesses in the D.C. area, inspected 6,561 devices and found 24 skimmers.” [NBC4]
Hunter Mill District Invited to Town Hall — “Do you want to know more about the proposed casino or have other questions or issues you want to discuss with me? Let’s talk!” Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn will host a town hall tomorrow (Thursday) from 7-8:30 p.m. at the North County Governmental Center (1801 Cameron Glen Drive) in Reston. [Walter Alcorn/Instagram]
It’s Wednesday — There’s a 30% chance of precipitation during the day, with an increased likelihood of combined snow and sleet after 1 p.m. At night, though, the chance of preciptation is 100%, with sleet transitioning to freezing rain and sleet from 1-4 a.m. The high temperature will be around 37 and the low near 32. [NWS]
State Sen. Scott Surovell speaks to Senate Bill 982, which would make Fairfax County eligible for a casino (via Senate of Virginia)
Legislation that would give Fairfax County the authority to ask voters to allow a casino is heading to the Virginia House of Delegates.
After a passionate debate that split Fairfax County’s typically unified delegation, the contentious bill from Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-34) to add the county to the short list of localities eligible to host a casino passed the state Senate today (Tuesday) by a 24-16 vote.
The General Services Administration Warehouse in Springfield, potential site of the FBI's new headquarters (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
The federal agency that led the search for a new FBI headquarters site provided some inaccurate estimates of the costs associated with a Springfield relocation, possibly hampering Fairfax County’s bid for the project, a new report found.
The inaccurate cost information was one of a few issues with the site selection process identified by the inspector general for the General Services Administration (GSA), which began a review in late 2023 in response to complaints from Northern Virginia’s Congressional delegation and concerns raised by the FBI.
Inside Patrick Henry Library in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
After years of planning, the start of construction on a new library for the Town of Vienna is almost within sight.
Staff at Patrick Henry Library have started preparing to relocate to a temporary site in the Cedar Park Shopping Center, where some services will be offered while the new facility is being built, Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) announced in an alert to patrons on Friday (Jan. 31).
Trash bins on the side of a road in Dunn Loring (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Fairfax County is launching a public outreach campaign ahead of a June Board of Supervisors hearing on its plan to take over management of residential trash collection.
The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services introduced its plan for Unified Sanitation Districts (USD) in December. The proposal would shift the county from a waste collection system where most single-family homeowners hire private haulers to a county-managed model that would assign private companies to specific collection zones.
A statue of a Girl Running with a Dog in Fairfax City (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Democrats Counter Youngkin Budget Proposal — “Virginia Democrats have slammed the brakes on Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s push for tax cuts, rejecting most of his budget proposals — including a car tax credit that would have phased out the widely unpopular levy. Instead, House and Senate budget plans unveiled Sunday take a different route, prioritizing faster, more targeted tax relief while pumping funds into education, housing, and healthcare.” [Virginia Mercury]
Police Help Catch Escaped Horses — “Alexandria and some neighboring jurisdictions had to hoof it to catch some escaped horses on Telegraph Road [on Sunday]. Fairfax County Police Department helped the Alexandria Police Department secure the horses. Both horses were safely returned to custody in ‘stable’ condition.” [ALXnow]
Inova Launches Mobile Cancer Screening Clinic — “Early detection of cancer saves lives — this week, the Inova Schar Cancer Institute is launching a mobile cancer screening clinic to reduce health care barriers in underserved communities.” The clinic will work with partner community organizations to bring its services to their clients. [WTOP]
Route 29 Construction to Block Road — “Willowmeade Drive (Route 5407) between Route 29 and Knight Arch Road (Route 7699) will be closed from 7 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5 until 7 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 to install a water main as part of the Route 29 widening project … Traffic will be detoured via Route 29, Meadow Estates Drive (Route 7885) and Knight Arch Road back to Willowmeade Drive.” [VDOT]
Reactions Mixed to Honorary Annandale Street Name — “About 70 people came to a community meeting at the Mason Government Center on Jan. 30 to learn about and express their opinions on a proposal to rename a portion of Little River Turnpike to honor the contributions of Korean Americans. Mason Supervisor Andres Jimenez stressed that the name change would be totally honorary.” [Annandale Today]
Va. Senate Passes Bill to Help CBD Retailers — “A bill that would help CBD retailers sell their goods at farmers markets and community events around the state passed the Virginia Senate on a 39-9 vote on Monday afternoon.” The bill from local state Sens. Jennifer Boysko and Saddam Salim will eliminate a $1,000 registration fee currently required to sell CBD products at temporary locations. [Patch]
Black History Month Events in FairfaxCounty — “This February, we’re proud to host a variety of events in honor of Black History Month, offering you a chance to engage with the rich and diverse threads of African American history and culture.” Options include a celebration at the Fairfax County Government Center, an interpretive sign unveiling, musical performances and more. [Fairfax County Government]
It’s Tuesday — Expect mostly sunny skies with temperatures reaching around 53°F accompanied by a northwest wind blowing at 6 to 14 mph, gusting up to 26 mph. At night, cloud coverage will increase, and temperatures will drop to about 31°F. The north wind will maintain a gentle 5 to 8 mph breeze. [NWS]
Dunn Loring Elementary School design (via Fairfax County Public Schools)
The McLean Citizens Association (MCA) is calling for the Fairfax County School Board to delay the construction of a new Dunn Loring elementary school, arguing that the project is unnecessary given the ongoing decline in student enrollment at nearby schools.
The request comes ahead of a Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting tomorrow (Feb. 4), when officials are set to hold a public hearing and vote on whether to approve the project.
