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.
Analyses
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 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.
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.
Falls Church History – The Water Wars and the 2013 City/County Boundary Adjustment That Facilitates Development Of City-Owned Land
The Water Wars between the City and Fairfax County resulted in the sale of the water utility and a tax increase for residents. However, the boundary adjustments brought opportunities in West Falls and the Gordon Road area.
The City’s Energy Action Plan: Progress Updates
FCCAN gives an update on how the City is progressing on its Energy Action Plans based on staff status reports. While there are many accomplishments thus far, funding and staffing continue to be problems.
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.
Join the 2024 Falls Church Women’s History Walk on May 11th.
The 2024 Falls Church Women’s History Walk on Saturday May 11, 10 am – 3 pm, Cherry Hill Park, is a self-guided tour to learn about the women who shaped our City.
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.