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Development
Rising Dominion Bills, Windy Knoll Farm and AI Boom Fuel Virginia Energy Debate
Beginning July 1, a typical Dominion residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each month saw bills increase by about $8 because of higher fuel costs. Combined with an earlier approved base-rate increase of $8.51 per month, average monthly bills are expected to rise by nearly $19, or about 14%, in 2026.
Real story behind the City of Fairfax Democratic Committee “recommendation” Op-Ed by Kate Doyle Feingold
This year the Democratic Party of VA told county and city party committees they couldn’t endorse candidates without a primary. The City of Fairfax dem committee decided to “recommend” instead. The practical difference is probably nothing, but there are some key points to note. The city dem committee had a questionnaire on their website for individuals interested in party endorsement or support, and a handful of candidates responded to that questionnaire: Anthony Amos, Sandra Slappey Brown, Maria Padmore, and Kelly O’Brien. They all ended up on the recommendation list - along with Kirsten Lockhart. Everyone who asked for endorsement or recommendation from the city dem committee received it. The endorsement committee for the city dems is tiny (4 people including the chair & chair’s husband).
Three Constitutional Amendments to Appear on Virginia Ballot This November
Fairfax, VA - When Virginians head to the polls this November, they will vote not only for candidates seeking federal, state, and local office, but also on three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution. The measures address reproductive freedom, marriage rights, and voting rights for individuals with felony convictions.
In Memoriam: Janet Howell, a Force for Northern Virginia
Former State Senator Janet Howell was a force to be reckoned with. For 32 years in the Virginia Senate, the Reston Democrat fought against injustice, championed Northern Virginia and helped shape policies affecting residents across the Commonwealth
Development
Comment on Willard-Sherwood project
I was so excited to learn the details of the new Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center at the Feb. 10 City Council meeting. When I was on the Green Acres Feasibility Study Committee in 2015, I never thought it would be possible to have a comprehensive community center at the Willard site on Blenheim Boulevard, which is near Old Town Fairfax, the public library, Van Dyck Park, the police station, three schools, and, most importantly, public transportation.
Development
Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center
Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center Discussions https://fairfaxindependentnews.press/willard-sherwood-health-and-community-center-discussions/ https://fairfaxindependentnews.press/comment-on-willard-sherwood-project/ https://fairfaxindependentnews.press/affordable-housing-is-a-frequent-rallying-cry-among-our-leaders/ https://fairfaxindependentnews.press/public-hearing-on-willard-sherwood-sept-30th/ https://fairfaxindependentnews.press/the-willard-sherwood-health-and-community-center-a-nice-to-have-project/
Council
City Council Cancels George Snyder Trail in 4–2 Vote
The Fairfax City Council voted 4–2 to cancel the proposed George Snyder Trail, ending plans for the long-debated shared-use path. Supporters of the project said the trail would have improved pedestrian and bicycle access and strengthened connections between neighborhoods. Opponents raised concerns about cost, environmental impact, and tree loss along the proposed route.
Opinion
Response to Open Letter to Mayor and Council: George Snyder Trail
I disagree that there is an effort to stop the construction of the GST. I have been attending and speaking out at city council meetings regularly since 2023, and have met no one who is against implementing some bike trail connectivity between Route 123 and Fair Woods Pkwy, and east to connect with Draper Dr. at Fairfax Blvd. The choice is not a bike trail or not; it’s a question of the footprint of the GST.
Development
The George Snyder Trail Controversy: “Oh, what a tangled web we weave, ….”
The rationale for building an over $21.M, 1.7-mile through-the-woods George Snyder Trail (GST) is falling apart. Initially, the purpose of the GST was to get people from Point A to Point B and support local businesses along Fairfax Boulevard. How does a through-the-woods trail away from businesses do that? How does the less expensive alternative design concept, which creates a shared-use path along Eaton Place and Fairfax Boulevard, not do that?
News
City Council Matters: Environment, Budget & Zoning (op-ed by Kate Doyle Feingold – former City Council Member)
There was a great win for the Fairfax City environment on Earth Day. And a great lesson for tireless residents who continued to speak up about taxpayer dollars going to build destructive, wide, paved roads through our dwindling forests.
