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.
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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.
The 2024 Year-End Update on New Businesses Recently Opened and Coming Soon
Here are 36 new businesses and one pop-up project that have recently opened or plan to open, including store maps for West Falls and Founders Row.Their statuses in the long process of relocating to the City is also provided.