We curate public records and meetings about current Falls Church City development projects, finances, proposals and more. We also conduct independent research for added context.
City Council Reviews Options for the $6 Million FY2024 Budget Surplus
City Council decided to fund the long-awaited Fellows Park project and two EV school buses. The School Board was surprised that their share was only $449,000. $1.67M of the FY2024 budget surplus will go to capital reserve.
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City Council Mulls Moving to a Fee-Based System for Solid Waste and Introducing an Organics Bin
In response to condo owners who are not eligible for City solid waste collection today, the City is exploring options that are more equitable. Options to reduce waste are also discussed.
Planning Commission, Citizens Urge Caution on Accessory Dwelling Framework during Community Discussions
Caution is urged and there is a need for data analyses of housing, tax, privacy, parking and environmental impacts of the accessory dwelling code proposal. Public awareness and townhall attendance is low.
The History of West Falls – Part 1. An Opportunity to Finance the Building of a New High School
The 2013 Boundary Adjustment Agreement created an opportunity for the City to finance a new $120-million high school from lease payments and additional taxes by allowing 10 acres of land, now called West Falls, to be developed in a public-private partnership.
Lee Park Townhomes is Approved, Planning Commissioners Reflect on the T-Zone Ordinance
After approving Lee Park Townhomes, the Planning Commission reflected on the results of the new T-Zone code – expensive and dense housing, little tree canopy onsite, consideration for inadequate stormwater drains.
Owners of Commercial Buildings Examined for Conflicts of Interest in Proposed Parking Reductions Ordinance
In an analysis, the Pulse found that two Economic Development Authority members either own or appear to have an interest in commercial buildings eligible for proposed parking reductions and reported on public Council discussion of conflicts of interest. In an update, the City Attorney finds no EDA conflicts of interest.
City Council Reviews Draft “Framework” for Accessory Dwellings Zoning Ordinance
Staff proposed a framework of parameters to be specified in the zoning ordinance for accessory dwellings – size, setbacks, parking, occupancy, rental conditions, conversions. Staff recommended values/specifications for each parameter.
Falls Church History – The Water Wars and the 2013 City/County Boundary Adjustment That Facilitates Development Of City-Owned Land
The Water Wars between the City and Fairfax County resulted in the sale of the water utility and a tax increase for residents. However, the boundary adjustments brought opportunities in West Falls and the Gordon Road area.
Candidates for the November Special Election for City Council – Meet Laura Downs and John Murphy
Laura Downs and John Murphy, running in the Special Election for the open City Council seat, introduce themselves and their platforms and priorities.
Community Center HVAC Upgrading to a Geothermal System, Closing for Three Months in Spring 2025
A new geothermal HVAC system will be installed in the Community Center in January, causing its closure and relocation of the Farmers Market and Senior Programs. Staff provides costs, rationale and design overview.
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Primers
OakPark Townhomes – The First T-Zone Project on Park Avenue
Approved: OakPark Townhomes is the first to take advantage of the new T-Zone proposal, with the maximum density and size allowed. Expected price is around $1m.
The Maple and Annandale Development – Another Proposed Mixed-Use Apartment Project
The 7-story Maple and Annandale proposal brings minimal commercial revenue, fully occupies the lot and bulges out over the sidewalk. Otherwise, it is an interesting building.
A Quinn Homestretch Primer
The Quinn Homestretch project is a 10-story senior living and mixed used building on S Maple Street.
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Analyses
CACT Analysis of Traffic Crashes In Falls Church City
Injuries from traffic crashes jumped by 50% in 2023 compared to 2022. 203 injuries were reported in the last 10 months. This analysis looks at the data behind these numbers and some possible remedies to make our roads safer.
Falls Church’s Black History: A Welcoming Community That Has Not Always Been So Welcoming
Falls Church was once 42% black. Local historian Ed Henderson writes about their struggle for equity and how zoning, taxes and budgets can displace a community, intentionally or not.
Falls Church City Mixed Use Development Projects
An analysis and history of mixed use developments in Falls Church City, fiscal, affordable housing and school impacts.
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