Politics

Celebrating the ‘Best of Braddock’

Braddock District residents honored for service.

From 10-year-old Rohil Bhinge, who helped raise funds to complete a handicap accessible playground, to Norma Heck, who was one of the first five homeowners of North Springfield in 1955, the Braddock District is full of exceptional citizens.

Fairfax School Board Elects Chairman, Vice Chair

Tamara Derenak Kaufax and Ted Velkoff elected to lead Board.

Tamara Derenak Kaufax (Lee District) and Ted Velkoff (at-large) were elected chairman and vice chair of the Fairfax County School Board on Thursday night, July 10, following an abstention from some members in the election of chairman. Both will serve in their positions for one year.

Commentary: Sharing Vision of the Future

The selection of the chair of the Planning Board is an important responsibility of the County Council — and of mine. One I take very, very seriously. The Planning Board is one of the most important institutions in our county government. Its guidance on the future of our county and the manner in which it performs its responsibilities play a key role in shaping our quality of life.

Alexandria to Purchase Storied Waterfront Properties for $5 Million

Sale expected to seal Boat Club deal and open key part of waterfront.

City officials are on the verge of finalizing the sale of two slices of waterfront property, a $5 million purchase years in the making that will help seal a deal with the Old Dominion Boat Club and open up a key part of the waterfront to the public.

New Town Council, New Fiscal Year

Council approves reserves for future, current projects.

The fiscal year ends June 30, said town Director of Finance Mary Tuohy, and the town council is asked every year to review and approve reserving money not used in the previous budget for ongoing or upcoming projects.

Neighbors Object to Follin Lane Project

They say it’ll result in a ‘clear and present danger.’

The $2 million road project consists of reconstructing Follin, widening it and installing sidewalks, storm drains, curbs and gutters.

Governor McAuliffe Signs into Law Legislation for Military

Governor Terry McAuliffe and Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, Admiral John Harvey held a special ceremony last week to sign into law several pieces of legislation affecting the military community.

School Board Decreases Suspension Time

Student Rights and Responsibilities revised.

Starting this fall, suspensions for certain student offenses in Fairfax County will decrease, thanks to a revision of the school system’s Student Rights and Responsibilities [SR&R]. The school board voted unanimously at the end of June to change the discipline handbook, which will now focus on in school suspensions to preserve time in school. Offenses that come with mandatory punishments are decreased under the updated handbook.

Fairfax Updates Green Building Policy

New policy is result of new technology for green rating systems.

The green building policy in Fairfax has been updated, requiring higher standards for residential, retail, office and other construction projects seeking approval for rezoning in the county.

Moritz Named P&Z Acting Director

Karl W. Moritz has been appointed as acting director of Planning and Zoning for the City of Alexandria, effective July 7. Moritz succeeds Faroll Hamer, who is retiring.

New Beginning for a Failiing School

New school year to bring massive changes for long troubled school.

Test scores that will be released later this year show Jefferson-Houston School is failing yet again, with scores declining dramatically in writing.

Train Station Parking Will Be Expanded

Two easements should help Vienna businesses, trail users.

After much discussion and public comment, The Town of Vienna has granted conservation and parking easements to the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority.

Shaping New Tysons

MCA discusses Tysons’ past, present and future.

As the Silver Line Metro stations prepare to open this month, McLean Citizens Association is educating its members about the county’s comprehensive plan for Tysons.

You Can Run, But You Can’t Win?

Fairfax County fires attorney for winning city council seat.

Like many lifelong City of Fairfax residents, Nancy Fry Loftus is proud of her hometown’s character and charm — a Norman Rockwell postcard of small-town life in the heart of an increasingly urban, diverse and bustling region.

Simon To Resign from School Board

Opening prompts special election for this fall.

Simon said he loved doing the work of the School Board and thanked those who supported his campaign in 2012. But he said that he must make his family a priority and resign the seat.

The Connection