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.
Madison Homes Seeks to Build 12 New Townhomes on S Lee Street
Description and analysis of the Madison Homes’ request to rezone two single-family lots on S Lee St to transitional lots (T-1) to build 12 luxury townhomes. City Council will review the submission at their June 2 meeting.
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Fairfax Reviews Gordon Road Triangle Plans
Fairfax considers a Comprehensive Plan amendment application from the Beyer Family properties for the Gordon Road Triangle that would clear the way for increased density at the City’s west end.
West Falls Part 4 – Special CDA Assessments to be Paid by All West Falls Properties
The West Falls CDA issued $13 million bonds to help the developers pay for infrastructure. These bonds are repaid over 30 years via special assessments on the West Falls properties only, condo owners included.
Compromise Carries the Day on Accessory Dwellings
Following one-on-one negotiations over the weekend, City Council reached key compromises on setbacks and owner occupancy requirements. Mayor Letty Hardi called for an ADs 2.0 review in a year to see if new provisions need to be relaxed.
FY2026-2031 CIP Budget – Major Sewer Infrastructure Project to Begin Soon
The FY2026-2031 CIP budget continues prior years’ capital projects plus a new sewage flow equalization basin that will require a bond issue in FY2026. The six-year $148 million budget covers over 40 projects. $26 million will be spent in FY2026.
Flash Update: FY2026 Budget – Proposed Real Estate Tax Rate Reduction is Gone!
A 10.5% real estate assessment increase allowed the City to initially propose a 2.5c (2%) decrease in real estate taxes from $1.21 to $1.185 in the FY2026 budget proposal. The latest data show economic uncertainties putting that reduction at risk.
Stormwater in the City: There’s Flooding in our Future!
The City has a stormwater system that is under capacity for even a once-every-2-years storm. We need to evaluate the impact of new development and climate change and build a long-term investment plan to protect our community from flooding.
Setback Undecided as Accessory Dwellings Steam Toward Conclusion
Council Members lined up 3-3 with contrasting positions on the one remaining issue to be discussed in April: the permissible side and rear setbacks for ADs from the property line. Other elements of the code were also contentious.
Sewer Saga—A Deal with Fairfax and $45+ Million in Costs Over 6 Years
Falls Church and Fairfax County have agreed to key terms for the City’s purchase of sewer capacity to meet development and peak flow demands that anticipates building a $10+ million sewage retention tank under Cavalier Park.
Insights From the 2025 Community Survey on the Importance of City Services and Satisfaction with City Government
The 2025 Community Survey showed residents liked life in the City, valuing its walkability and small-town feel. Taxes, traffic, and road infrastructure were top issues. While they were satisfied with City government, they were least satisfied with how growth and development, and road infrastructure are being managed.
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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
Update: Analysis of 2024 Traffic Crashes In Falls Church City
175 injuries from traffic crashes were reported in 2024, according to police and traffic data, an improvement over 2023 but still the third worst year in the last 8 years. The majority occurred on key 25-30 mph roads – Broad St, Washington St, Hillwood Ave and Great Falls.
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 Population Growth Of 35% From 2020 To 2030
A new study projects a population growth of 35% from 2020 to 2030 as a result of the mixed-use developments, making the City among the densest in the region.
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