Explore more Articles in
Government
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.
Community
Volunteering and Civic Life In America: Estimated Worth $5.2 billion per year
In Northern Virginia and all across the state, volunteers play an integral role in supporting robust community life and ensuring access to vital programs and resources. Since 1974, National Volunteer Week has provided an opportunity to recognize these volunteers and the impact their volunteerism can make by tackling society’s greatest challenges, building stronger communities, and transforming the world. This year, National Volunteer Week takes place April 20–26, providing an opportunity for us to celebrate the volunteers who make our community better every day.
City
Paul VI School Facade Preservation Update
The Paul VI school building may soon get the long awaited preservation treatment that has been long awaited by city residents. In December, the IDI Group Companies, the developers of Boulevard VI, sold the property to Virginia Epic Properties. A building permit has been filed with the City by Virginia Epic to revitalize the building while still preserving the facade. The project, dubbed the St Paul Project, includes a proposal to renovate the interior structure and replace the rear and side facade which are presently draped with an industrial grade covering.
News
Real Estate Taxes are Going Up This Year
Real Estate taxes are going up. The City Manager’s proposed budget increases the real estate tax rate by $0.095 to $1.125 per $100 of assessed value. For CY 2025, the average City resident’s (assessed value of $694,503) annual real estate tax bill would raise the average annual bill by $1,126.
City
Popular Annual Financial Report
The City of Fairfax published its very first Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), which provides a snapshot of the city’s financial activities during fiscal...
News
Governor’s pardon of Tyson’s shooter
On Feb. 22 2023, police sergeant Wesley Shifflett shot and killed Timothy McCree Johnson in an incident that has since sparked extensive controversy and debate around the use of deadly force by law enforcement. Johnson had reportedly fled after being caught shoplifting two pairs of sunglasses from the Nordstrom inside Tysons Corner Center. Police confronted him in a poorly-lit wooded area following a short foot pursuit. After issuing two commands to get on the ground, Shifflett fired two rounds at Johnson, striking him in the chest. He was pronounced dead 44 minutes later at Fairfax Hospital.
News
Sign the Petition: Havabite’s Last Cry for Help
Havabite Eatery, a cherished family-owned restaurant in Old Town Fairfax will be closing its doors at 10416 Main Street on March 31, 2025, after 47 years of serving the community. Havabite Eatery is a staple in the Old Town Fairfax, offering homemade Greek, Italian, and American cuisines.
