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.
Staff’s Accessory Dwelling Code Does Not Regulate Short-Term Rentals or Require Owner Occupancy
Some on Council and Planning Commission have concerns about the proposed code that allows ADs up to two stories and 1,000sf, with no regulations on short-term rentals and occupancy nor parking review.
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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.
The FY2024 Year-End Financial Report – a $6 Million Surplus!
The FY2024 surplus was primarily due to a higher investment return than the 2% budgeted, and higher property tax and meals tax revenues. The capital reserve was $13 million, and projected to go down to $2 million by 2030.
Council Cuts Commercial Parking for First 1,200 Square Feet of Leased Space
City Council approved the zoning change to reduce the commercial parking requirement to attract small businesses to the City and enable adaptive reuse of older buildings.
Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) Considers T-Zone Project on Historic Property
At their August meeting, HARB received a proposal to build an 8-unit apartment building adjoining a historic property, taking advantage of the new T-Zone ordinance.
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.
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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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