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.
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.
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The Accessory Dwelling Survey Reveals a Community That is Split on the Proposed Code
227 people completed the City’s Accessory Dwelling Survey. The results show a community that is split on six of the nine elements, with strong disagreement on height, setback and the lack of an owner occupancy requirement.
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.
A New Showroom Planned for Econize Closet at W Broad and S Spring
Econize is finalizing plans for a new showroom at 821 W Broad St. The basement may be rented out for remote work. The current Econize properties on Park Ave. are to be sold to Madison Homes.
Introducing “Falls Church Federal Voices”
The editors introduce a feature where federal employees and contractors are invited to tell their stories describing the importance of their work to the public they serve.
Planning Commission Wrestles with Owner Occupancy, Size, and Setbacks for Accessory Dwellings
The Planning Commission voted on key issues on Feb. 19. Owner occupancy, setbacks, and size were the most contentious, but views also diverged on the number of occupants. March 5th Public Hearing/Final Recommendations for Council.
City Explores Redeveloping the 15-Acre Gordon Road Triangle, Including Its Property Yard
The ULI-TAP discussions on the Gordon Road Triangle suggested a phased redevelopment, including re-doing an earlier property yard study, zoning for more multi-family and mixed-use housing, and affordable housing.
Operating Next to a Major Development: 4 Lessons Learned
Small business owner David Tax shares lessons learned from the proposal and construction phases of the Broad and Washington development.
The City’s First Roundabout: S Maple Ave and W Annandale Road
City Council gave the go ahead for the construction of the roundabout to begin, and also to initiate condemnation proceedings to acquire needed land from Bowlero by eminent domain. The roundabout is expected to cost $3 million, 90% covered by state grants.
Accessory Dwellings: Key Remaining Issues; More Permissive Senate Bill Passed
Planning Commissioners continue to have issues with owner occupancy, size, height and setbacks of detached accessory dwellings – details that impact neighboring properties. No consensus was reached. The State Senate passed their AD bill.
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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
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.
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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