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 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.
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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.
Brown’s Hardware to Close After 142 Years
The oldest business in Falls Church City, Brown’s Hardware, will close April 1 with the sale of the property currently owned by the heirs of Hugh Brown. There are no plans to reopen in another location.
Accessory Dwellings: Continuing Community and Planning Commission Discussions
Open houses were sparsely attended but vocal. Community concerns include the lack of owner occupancy, environmental issues, the one size fits all approach and no requirement to notify neighbors of construction plans.
Two Massive Fairfax County Developments Next to Meridian High School – Converge and WMATA West Falls
These 31.5 acres in Fairfax County plus the City’s 10-acre West Falls project will result in a dense Mosaic-like area next to FCCPS’ Secondary Schools campus. Over 2,000 new residential units are planned.
West Falls – Part 3: Affordable Housing, Students, Site Plan, and Architectural Drawings
Phase 1 buildings in the West Falls project are all open and residents are moving in. There are 32 ADUs, and 65-69 students expected. See photos, renderings, architectural drawings, floor plans, and more.
No Short-Term Rentals Allowed in the Latest Accessory Dwellings Code but Impacts on Neighbors Remain, First Reading Passed
At the urging of City Council and Planning Commission, staff reversed the decision to allow short-term rental in accessory dwellings, but made no changes to accommodate other concerns about impacts on neighbors, neighborhood and the environment.
FY2026 Budget Guidance For Falls Church City Expects 5.5-6% Revenue Growth Yet Projects $2 Million Shortfall
The FY2026 budget guidance cautions that real estate tax rates may need to rise to meet the increased costs for infrastructure and school enrollment growth. Also, there is uncertainty in state and federal funding, and the regional economy.
FCCPS Growth Leads to Possible 9.4% Increase in FY2026 Budget Request
FCCPS growth, driven by new residents moving into West Falls, Broad and Washington and Founders Row II, is a major factor in the 9.4% increase in the FY2026 budget guidance. Staff salary increase is about 5%.
Why the “Grad Center” Site was Bought, Leased, and Sold by the City
The City made $8.4 million from the sale of the Virginia Tech (VT) grad center in November 2023. Favorable lease terms between the City and VT allowed VT to make a deal with Converge, one the City saw had benefits. VT received $16.6 million.
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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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