We curate public records and meetings about Falls Church City projects and proposals and conduct independent research for added context. Read about the history of the new T-Zone code, Founders Row II, the Broad and Washington Project, and much more.
A Review of the Proposed FY 2025 Budget
The $138.3 million FY 2025 budget is a 16% increase that includes $11.8 million of capital spending. City staff will receive a 6% pay raise while real estate taxes average increase is 2.4%.
Latest Posts
OakPark Townhomes – The First T-Zone Project on Park Avenue
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 Little City’s Big Sewage Challenge – Part 2: Has Growth Paid For Growth?
The City Manager proposed funding the $20+ million cost of adding sewage capacity with City funds and $14.3 million bond issuance. City Council asked why growth isn’t paying for growth, what other options.
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.
Falls Church Demographics: The Impacts of Growth
Demographics data from 2021Census shows the impacts of growth. Housing affordability is not only affecting renters but also homeowners without mortgages.
City Council Approves the 10-Story Quinn Homestretch Project, Not Waiting For Information On Sewer Outcome
City Council voted to approve the Quinn Homestretch project (5-2). The majority felt the trade-off between the 10 stories and the open space was justified.
The Little City’s Big Sewage Challenge – Part 1
Approved and coming mixed-use projects prompted negotiations to increase sewage processing capacity. The City Manager surprised Council with an estimate of $19.3m.
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Primers
A Quinn Homestretch Primer
The Quinn Homestretch project is a 10-story senior living and mixed used building on S Maple Street.
A Founders Row II Primer
An overview of Founders Row II, a 6-story apartment building with ground floor retail on the corner of Broad and West Streets.
A Primer On The T-Zone Proposal
An overview of the T-Zone proposal to allow greater density development, and why residents have reacted so strongly to it.
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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.
Accessory Dwelling Units Will Be a Key Focus of City Planning in 2024. What Are They? What Are Other Jurisdictions Doing?
City Council has signaled that it will consider zoning changes on Accessory Dwelling Units in 2024. Learn about what other jurisdictions have done and why.
Potential Falls Church City Zoning Changes Need Citizen Awareness and Involvement
Recent upzoning trends in Arlington and Alexandria may lead to similar zoning changes in Falls Church City.
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T-Zone Proposal
T-Zone Lessons Elected Officials and City Staff Plan To Apply To Future Zoning Changes
City staff and Council members perform a candid and revealing postmortem to glean T-Zone lessons for handling future zoning changes.
New T-Zone Ordinance’s Impact On Historic Properties Begins
The new T-Zone code opens the door for 4 historic properties to be developed. The O’Bannon House owner has begun to explore building townhomes there.
A New T-Zone Code Approved (5-2) Despite Lack Of Consensus
Council voted to pass the new T-Zone code despite opposition from hundreds of citizens, including current and former mayors and planning commissioners.
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