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Community
Trees Over Tarmac: Why Fairfax City Council Made the Right Call
The City Council recently made a tough, controversial decision to stop funding the George Snyder Trail. While some people see this as a step backward for recreation, I see it as a win for common sense, fiscal responsibility, and the environment.
Bots Corrupt Oakton Traffic Survey in Support of ATT Redevelopment
OAKTON, VA — A January 8 letter from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), combined with allegations of manipulated survey data and concerns raised by local civic groups, is intensifying scrutiny of the proposed redevelopment of the former AT&T campus at 3033 Chain Bridge Road. While the VDOT letter does not directly address the survey, some residents believe its findings may have heightened pressure around the project and contributed to efforts to demonstrate community support for the proposed “Rosehaven Solution.”
Sometimes the Good Guys Win
It was a cold and blustery day on January 13, 2024. A small crowd had gathered at the picnic pavilion at Manassas Battlefield, the same meadow where — 162 years earlier – John Hood’s Texans had collided with the Army of the Potomac in one of the most violent moments in American history.
How a Massive Data Center Proposal Collapsed in Court
For several years, Prince William County sat at the center of one of the most consequential land-use debates in Virginia’s recent history. At stake was the proposed Digital Gateway, a large-scale data center project planned near Manassas National Battlefield Park that would have included dozens of buildings spread across more than 2,000 acres.
Sports
GMU Gears Up for Homecoming: Be Brave! Be Bold!
From January 30 to February 7, 2026, George Mason University will host one of the most spirited traditions of the academic year — Homecoming Week. Packed with events that bring together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the Fairfax community, this year’s festivities promise to be bigger and bolder than ever before.
Latest
Record Number of Americans Identify as Independents, Gallup Poll Finds Independent Voters Break Another Record: Fairfax City Voters Smashed that Record in 2024!
The September 2024 edition of The Fairfax Independent published its inaugural cover story - Fairfax City Voters Support Non-Partisan Elections. A 2024 Mason-Dixon® poll found...
Community
Better Arguments Workshop Series
At a time when conversations too often turn into standoffs, many of us want to do better - but aren’t sure how. In response, I am hosting a free five-part Better Arguments workshop series.
History
How a cow burned down the Fairfax County Jail
In the early morning hours of Wednesday, December 12, 1883, Richard “Dick” Lane and John Wheeler, entered "Strawberry Vale", the 144-acre farm of James N. Walton near Peach Grove (now Tyson’s Corner) Fairfax County, Virginia. Strawberry Vale was located on the south side of Chain Bridge Road (Rt. 123) at the interchange of present-day Interstate 495.
City
The Path Forward is Clearer for the City (Op-Ed by Judy Fraser)
As the dust settles after the January 13 City Council vote that brought the long running George Snyder Trail controversy to a swift conclusion, it is hitting me what a long journey this has been. For those who are interested I thought I’d share a brief summary of its history.
Opinion
What the Customer Wanted: George Snyder Trail – Perspective from City of Fairfax Council Member Thomas D. “Tom” Peterson
As many of you know, the Fairfax City Council held two important votes Tuesday evening of this week on the disposition of the proposed George Snyder Trail. 1️⃣ The first was to proceed with a supplemental appropriation to fund the construction contract (3-3 vote with nays by Hall, McQuillen, and Peterson; motion by Hardy Chandler, FAILED). 2️⃣ The second, with City Attorney guidance, was to cancel the project (4-2 vote in favor of cancellation by Bates, Hall, McQuillen, and Peterson; motion by Peterson, PASSED).
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