F.C. Council Postpones Akridge Vote
Plans to cast a preliminary “first reading” vote this Monday on the Akridge Company’s mixed use project on N. Washington St. were altered this week, with the Falls Church City Council putting it off until its following meeting on Sept. 8.
A lengthy discussion at the F.C. Council’s work session indicated that a number of outstanding issues warranted the postponement, especially since resistance to the current plan by neighbors to the site on E. Jefferson St. and Gresham Place has stiffened. The project, known as The Gateway, which has been in preliminary phases for three years, has been downsized by two stories on two of its three buildings. But a Gresham spokesman said while they’re not against the project, there are still issues; ingress and egress to their homes, opposition to a loading dock in front of them, and of the plans for a row of four-story townhouses at the back of the project. “We’d rather they put two stories back onto the buildings they lowered than have those townhouses,” one homeowner told the News-Press. Akridge spokesmen also reiterated that they’ll not be able to decide for some time yet whether the 150 residential units it intends to build will be rented out or sold.
Fairfax Sups Want Investigation of F.C. Water Rates
The rate structures used by the City of Falls Church Water System and the Town of Vienna Water System came under fire from two Fairfax County supervisors last week, and they’re now calling for an investigation by the Fairfax County Consumer Protection Commission. Providence District Supervisor Linda Smyth and Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins called for the inquiry in response to alleged differences in the rates charged Fairfax residents serviced by the F.C. and Vienna systems, compared to what Fairfax County’s water system charges. According to sources, this issue arose after Vienna shifted from taking water and services from Fairfax in favor of open competition, and Falls Church’s system won. Meanwhile, litigation involving the Fairfax and Falls Church water systems continues.
Report: Restaurant Leases at New Building
An upscale, new Italian restaurant with the working name of Pizzeria Orzo has just been signed to a lease for the ground floor of the new Tax Analysts building adjacent to the new Pearson Square rental building on S. Maple Ave., according to the local blog, Blueweeds. The restaurant, scheduled for opening in early 2009, will be near the arts and theatre space proffered to the City of Falls Church by the original builders of Pearson Square,. The space is now being designed by architects retained by Falls Church Arts and Creative Cauldron to bring an array of small theatre and arts options to the City.
Argia’s in D.C. ‘Restaurant Week’ Aug. 11-17
Argia’s Restaurant at 124 N. Washington St. (near the State Theatre) is the only Falls Church restaurant participating in the 13th annual “Restaurant Week” organized by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. Over 200 of the finest area restaurants offer three-course fixed-price dinner meals for $35.08, with a la carte items also available. Some restaurants (not Argia’s) also offer lunch at $20.08.
Fairfax Co. Seminar on Foreclosures Aug. 20
The Fairfax County government will offer a free seminar on the ins-and-outs of homeowner and renter foreclosures at a brown-bag lunch presentation Wednesday, Aug. 20, at Room 120C of the County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, from noon to 1 p.m. Due to limited seating, advance registration is encouraged by calling (703) 246-5086.
Vanderhye Named ‘Environmental Hero’
McLean-area State Del. Margi Vanderhye, a first-term Democrat, has been named a “Legislative Hero” by the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, earning a score of 100 percent in its annual Legislative Conservation Scorecard. A total of 40 legislators were commended with 100% scores.
