The retirement of Jim Snyder who led the City government’s planning and economic development groups, adds to the key leadership positions that need to be filled. The passing of Robert Young, who was involved in many City development projects and chaired the EDA, marks a changing of the guard.
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.
Planning Director Paul Stoddard leaves Falls Church for Alexandria as of November 30. The City now has three senior positions to fill, including directors for Human Resources and the Department of Public Works.
The Police Report for 2023 shows a 3.57% increase in crime overall, 22% increase in 911 calls and a third more crashes than 2022. Falls Church crime rate continues to be low, although theft, shoplifting and property damage are rising.
The City’s initial financial expectations from the public-private partnership were repeatedly revised downwards, primarily due to COVID. Higher returns from the West Falls project for the developer and investors were achieved by lowering payments to the City.
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 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.
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.
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.
