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.
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.
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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.
Approved! Quinn Project Moves Loading Dock to S Washington Street, 46% Parking Reduction Waiver Requested
Update: The Quinn site plan was approved on March 19, 2025. The latest site plan moves the Quinn loading dock from S Maple to S Washington. The sanitary sewage will be pumped to Arlington County’s treatment plant.
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.
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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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