Fairfax: Council Hears about Two Road Projects
Both are geared toward future development.
In 2014, Gov. McAuliffe signed House Bill 2 (HB2) into law. It requires the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) to develop a prioritization process for making funding decisions for the statewide Six Year Improvement Program.
Duck Donuts Opens in the City of Fairfax
At first glance, Duck Donuts seems like a funny name for a doughnut shop. But those familiar with the legendary doughnut store in Duck, N.C. – from which it gets its name – know it’s the real deal.
Fairfax City Council Approves Project to Build 80 Condos
Although there were problems along the way, the Fairfax City Council last week gave the go-ahead for a residential development called The Enclave to be built at the Mantua Professional Center on Pickett Road.
Fairfax: Enjoying Music, Relaxation and Fun
Customers create like crazy at Paint Your Own Pottery.
Sporting the slogan, “Create Like Crazy,” Paint Your Own Pottery is proving to be popular with both individuals and groups as a destination for fun. And it’s right in downtown Fairfax.
Fairfax: ‘Privileged to Join the Lanier Family’
Lenart takes reins at middle school.
Erin Lenart, Lanier Middle School’s new principal, always pictured herself as an educator. Raised in Tennessee, her first dream was to become a teacher.
City of Fairfax Fire Chief Dave Rohr Retires
When Dave Rohr says he and his brothers were “always interested in public safety,” it’s definitely an understatement. All three have had long careers with the Fairfax County Fire Department, and now Rohr, 55, just retired as the City of Fairfax’s fire chief.
Fairfax: Social Painting Can Be an Art
City of Fairfax resident mixes food, drink, art lessons and fun.
When Luc Atangana came to the U.S. from his native Cameroon, Africa, little did he expect to someday make his living as an artist. But that’s exactly what the City of Fairfax resident is doing.
Fairfax City Council Greenlights Old Lee Highway Survey
Questions about project’s scope still remain.
The results are in and City of Fairfax residents have now given their opinions on how best to improve Old Lee Highway. So the Fairfax City Council has authorized a survey of the entire corridor to obtain more information before going further with the project.
Fairfax City Intends to Rewrite its Comprehensive Plan
The City of Fairfax’s Comprehensive Plan is a blueprint for future development.
Fairfax: ‘Master Plan Wasn’t Finished Document’
City Council, Planning Commission discuss Fairfax Boulevard’s future.
In April 2012, the City of Fairfax adopted the Master Plan vision for the redevelopment of Fairfax Boulevard. It transformed this 3.5-mile corridor from transportation-oriented to more pedestrian friendly.
Fairfax: New Funding Rules for Road Projects
City must amend its Comprehensive Plan to qualify for state money.
There are now new rules jurisdictions have to follow to get state money for transportation projects. So if the City of Fairfax wants to obtain future funding, it’ll have to make some changes.
Fairfax Residents Have Concerns about 80-Condo Project
Worried about water runoff, building height and view.
Although IDI-RJL Development LLC hoped the Fairfax City Council would green-light its condo project in June, both the Council members and local residents voiced many concerns.
Fairfax: Family, Friends Raise Cancer-Research Funds in Jimmy Breslin’s Name
A Fairfax County firefighter for 28 years, Jimmy Breslin died of cancer last year at age 55, but he’s never far from the thoughts of his friends and family. And in tribute to him, they raise money for and participate in The Ride to Conquer Cancer.
Lower Water Bills for City of Fairfax Residents
Fairfax Water equalizes rates 18 months earlier than expected.
Usually, as time goes on, people end up paying higher prices for everything. But that’s not the case for residents of the City of Fairfax. From now on, their water bills will be lower.
City of Fairfax Theatre Company Presents “Hairspray”
Good morning, Baltimore. It’s 1962 and overweight white teen Tracy Turnblad is thrilled when her dancing talent lands her a spot on the Corny Collins TV show.
Fairfax: ‘A Spoonful of Sugar’ Plus Magic
Robinson senior has title role in “Mary Poppins.”
Featuring a cast and crew of nearly 50, Westfield Summer Stage is bringing the beloved Disney musical, “Mary Poppins,” to life. And playing the lead role is a rising senior at Robinson Secondary School.
Residents Mull Proposed Options to Improve Old Lee Highway
Since Old Lee Highway is one of the main streets of the City of Fairfax, its citizens have a vested interest in how well it looks and functions. So they’re being involved in its revitalization.
Fairfax: Fireworks, Firefighters and Fun
Fairfax Fourth of July includes a parade and music, too.
Come one, come all, to the City of Fairfax’s 49th annual Fourth of July celebration. The festivities include a gigantic parade, a Firefighters’ Muster, live music and a spectacular fireworks display.
Fairfax: Testifying ‘Took Courage, But it was Important’
Matthew’s victim explains how assault affected her.
On Sept. 24, 2005, Jesse L. Matthew Jr. viciously attacked a young, City of Fairfax woman, leaving her beaten and bloody on the ground. But in court last week – and during his June 8 trial – she needed only words, not fists, to respond to him at last.
Fairfax: Recognizing 25 Years of Volunteer Work
Fairfax City Council honors resident Dorothy Sorrell.
Dorothy Sorrell’s been volunteering for a quarter of a century. And at the May 26 Fairfax City Council meeting, she was honored for her many years of service to her community.
Paul VI High Is Leaving Fairfax
School will move to a new, much larger site in Loudoun County.
It’s the end of an era and a done deal: Paul VI High School is leaving the City of Fairfax for a new campus in Loudoun County. And while it won’t happen until 2020, it’ll be a big change for both the school and the City – but one they both saw coming.
‘These Were Not Just Names, but People’
City of Fairfax honors local, fallen veterans on Memorial Day.
Sure, Memorial Day is a holiday from work and school – a time when friends and family gather for fun-filled picnics, barbecues and pool parties. But the celebration is made possible by something much more serious – America’s many, selfless veterans. And Monday morning, May 25, some 60 people gathered in the Veterans Amphitheater outside Fairfax City Hall to pay them tribute.
15 Cappie Nominations For Local Schools
The 2014-15 Cappie nominations for high-school theater were announced Monday night, with two local schools garnering a total of 15 nominations. Fairfax High received nine nods for “Big: The Musical,” and Paul VI got six for its play, “The Miracle Worker.”
City of Fairfax Doubles Money Allocated for FRHC
Organization provides no-interest, home-improvement loans.
Business is booming for the City of Fairfax Renaissance Housing Corp. (FRHC). So to help it carry out its mission, the Fairfax City Council doubled the amount of money it had allocated for the organization in its FY 2016 budget.
City of Fairfax Seeks a Brand
It would identify the City’s unique qualities.
It’s been 15 or 16 years since the City of Fairfax has given serious thought to possibly adopting a brand-marketing campaign. So, to learn how the City could better promote itself, City Manager Bob Sisson arranged for an expert in that field to address the City Council.
Fairfax County Hosting the 2015 World Police & Fire Games
A huge event on a scale Fairfax County has never before seen — that’s the 2015 World Police & Fire Games. It’ll run June 26-July 5 and promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for area residents. “We expect over 12,000 first responders from more than 70 countries,” said county police Maj. Rich Perez, who’s heading up security. “There’ll be 61 sporting events spanning 10 days, and with more athletes than the summer Olympic Games.”
Fairfax City Council Adopts FY 2016 Budget
Real-estate tax rate will rise slightly.
Last week’s City Council meeting often seemed more like a work session, with members still haggling about the real-estate tax rate. But after much discussion, some failed motions and several votes, they finally came to a consensus.
Introducing the City of Fairfax's First, 24-Hour Park
Old Town Square open for business and fun.
It wasn’t just Saturday morning’s ribbon-cutting that signaled the official opening of the City of Fairfax’s Old Town Square. It was all the people who gathered there, the children playing in the splash pad and the friends and neighbors enjoying themselves afterward at the Derby-Q festival.
Neighborhood Outlook: What’s on the Horizon for the City of Fairfax
Homes, grocery renovation and road improvements.
Several development projects are either proposed or in the works in the City of Fairfax. Below is a snapshot of some of them:
Fairfax Old Town Square Debuting in Style on May 2
Ribbon-cutting and Derby-Q event.
The City of Fairfax’s brand-new Old Town Square will make its debut Saturday, May 2, with two special events. First, at 9 a.m., will be the official ribbon-cutting on the City’s new gathering place that features decorative fountains.
Woodson High Premieres Musical 'Waiting'
Seated right onstage, the audience becomes part of the action when Woodson High presents an original musical, “Waiting.” It presents a slice of teenage life, as seen through the eyes of servers at a diner. The cast and crew of nearly 70 have been rehearsing since February, and the show is the world premiere of a play by Sarah Motes Ashley. She and Woodson Director Terri Hobson attended Woodson together as teens.
Fairfax High Presents 'Big: The Musical'
In today’s world, many young people spend so much time on their smartphones that they miss chances to just go out and play. But Fairfax High’s production of “Big: The Musical” reminds them and others to sometimes be kids again and have fun doing so.
Cannons, Hayrides Music and Fun at Fairfax's Civil War Day
Civil War Day set for Historic Bleinheim on April 25.
Civil War camp life and weapon-firing demonstrations are among the highlights of the 15th annual Fairfax Civil War Day. It’s set for Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Historic Blenheim Estate, 3610 Old Lee Highway in Fairfax. Courtesy of the City of Fairfax, Historic Fairfax City Inc. and the Fairfax Rifles – Company D of the 17th Virginia Infantry Living History Organization – residents will be able to step back in time for a glimpse of life here in the early 1860s.
Burke Filmmaker’s Work Will Help Others
Zinn’s documentaries going to schools, hospitals and rehab centers.
Monica Zinn is just 21, but she’s already made two documentaries with the potential to change people’s lives for the better. And now, both have been selected for distribution to K-college schools, hospitals, clinics and rehabilitation programs in English-speaking countries worldwide.
Paul VI Presents 'The Addams Family'
A continuation of the popular, 1960s TV show, “The Addams Family” will take the stage at Paul VI High. A musical comedy, it features a cast and crew of 75 and promises to be rollicking, good fun.
Real Estate Tax Rate Is Still a Work in Progress in City of Fairfax
In the city manager’s proposed budget for FY 2016, the residential real-estate tax rate would increase by 2.5 cents – to 1.065 cents per $100 assessed valuation. The City Council can ultimately decide to lower the tax rate but, for now, it’s advertising it at the proposed amount. Meanwhile, it’s holding public hearings and workshops on the budget, so the idea will receive a great deal of thought and discussion before the budget is finally adopted and the tax rate is set.
Commercial Community Appearance Awards in Fairfax
Three buildings and grounds are honored.
Three City of Fairfax buildings and their grounds were honored recently with 2014 Commercial Community Appearance Awards. Their owners/managers received certificates at the Feb. 10 City Council meeting.
City of Fairfax Seeks Public Input to Improve Old Lee Highway
To the City of Fairfax, Old Lee Highway is a critically important road leading residents to homes, schools, businesses, shopping, the police station, Sherwood Community Center and Van Dyke Park. But believing it can be improved, the City applied for and received a grant for technical assistance to help determine what should be done there.
Insight Memory Care Center Celebrates New, Larger Building in Fairfax
It was raining outside, but warm and cheerful inside, when dignitaries gathered March 4 to cut the ribbon celebrating Insight Memory Care Center’s new home.
Fairfax High Band Students Shine
Fairfax High band members made their school proud at the recent, All-District Band auditions, March 6, at West Springfield High. Fairfax had the most students selected of any high school in the district. Some 36 FHS band students were chosen and another nine were named alternates.
Fairfax Man’s Relative Who Died in 1863 Is Reburied
James Davis died in 1863, but he was just buried last Monday in the Oakton Baptist Church Cemetery in Chantilly.
Fairfax City Manager Presents Proposed New Budget
Would raise tax rates, fund employee merit raises.
The thing to remember about the proposed City of Fairfax budget for FY 2016 is that it’s still a work in progress. City Manager Bob Sisson presented it last Tuesday, March 3, to the City Council, but there will be work sessions and public hearings before it’s finally adopted on April 29.
Guilty or Innocent? What’s the Truth?
City of Fairfax Theatre Company presents ‘Doubt: A Parable.’
Uncertainty about whether a priest committed a crime is at the heart of “Doubt: A Parable,” the upcoming play by the City of Fairfax Theatre Company.
Kamp Washington Triangle Redevelopment Approved for City of Fairfax
Residential/retail project will include 24 affordable units.
It is not a perfect project and not everyone got what they wanted. But it will be a vast improvement over what’s there now, and it includes some much-needed affordable housing.
Day of Celebration: Homeless No More in Fairfax
The first residents move into Kate’s Place.
Kate’s Place consists of six apartments for extremely low-income and formerly homeless families. And to the mothers and children who just moved in, the homes are more than a roof over their heads — they’re a lifeline.
Oak Knolls Project Makes Big Changes in Fairfax
New proposal swaps apartments for condos.
There’s a plan afoot to redevelop the Oak Knolls Apartments. But the proposal has changed significantly since it was presented last spring to the Fairfax City Council.
Big Changes Planned for Lotte Market in Fairfax
New façade, better parking, less big trucks and traffic.
For many years, the Lotte market in Fairfax has been a popular grocery store, especially with its Asian customers. But its exterior has been an eyesore to the public.
Team Members Teach Children with Autism
Besides participating in robotics competitions, team Robowiz also did community outreach via the START (Spreading Technology And Robotics Together) program. It partnered with the Autism Society of Northern Virginia (ASNV) to encourage children with autism to develop an interest in robotics.
‘You Start with a Box of Metal’
Local robotics team heads to two state championships.
It’s a big deal when a team, academic or athletic, reaches the state championships. But it’s even more impressive when that team does it in two, different states. Meet team Robowiz – 10 local students who’ve reached that level in both Virginia and Maryland. The eight boys and two girls live in Centreville, Chantilly and Fairfax and are in grades eight through 10.
‘The Sidewalk Will Increase Safety’
City Council Votes to Improve Section of Roberts Road in Fairfax
Pending receipt of the necessary funds, the west side of Roberts Road in Fairfax – between Main Street and Sager Avenue – will be getting a new sidewalk, curb and gutter. The Fairfax City Council approved this action at its Jan. 13 meeting. Not all the residents are happy about it and not all the Council members are in agreement. But in the end, it’s believed that the project will make the city more walkable and this portion of Roberts Road safer.