Posts by Canaan Merchant — Elections Committee
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In Fairfax’s Hunter Mill, three candidates vie to be more anti-development than Cathy Hudgins
Elections are happening all over Fairfax County this year, and at least four seats are open on the county's Board of Supervisors. In the Hunter Mill District, home to both Reston and Vienna, current member Cathy Hudgins is retiring. The three declared candidates, thus far, all have platforms which argue the county has been too favorable to development in Reston. Keep reading…
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Residents who don’t want more people in Reston are resorting to misinformation
The Fairfax County Planning Commission is about to take up a proposal to change some of the zoning in Reston and allow for more people to live in certain areas near transit. Known as “Planned Residential Communities (PRC),” the proposal would raise the person-per-acre cap across those areas from 13 to 15. Keep reading…
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Alexandria lost 90% of its affordable homes in the past few decades. Is it really ‘radical’ to build more?
As of 2017, Alexandria lost 90% of the affordable housing it had back in 2000. The city could start to address this shortage by adding housing in areas currently zoned for single-family homes, in a way that would mimic some of its best neighborhoods. Keep reading…
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Now you can bring your bicycle on Metro during rush hour
Starting Monday, you can take your bicycle onto a Metro train anytime, the agency announced on January 2. Before, bikes were banned during rush hour period out of concern that trains would be too crowded during those times. Keep reading…
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Lots of Fairfax communities are emphasizing transit and walkability. Why not Fair Oaks?
Fairfax is a big county with big plans. New transit lines accompanied with ambitious land use plans aim to transform areas like Tysons Corner, Reston, and Herndon in the northern half of the county, while the Embark Richmond Highway Plan is guiding growth in the southern portion. But what about the middle? Keep reading…
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Despite protests, Reston is moving ahead with allowing more residents
Despite some strong backlash, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is moving ahead with its original proposal to rewrite part of its zoning code to allow for more growth in Reston. Increases to certain density caps suddenly became a contentious issue last year, even though they were just technical changes to fit with the updated Reston Master Plan. Keep reading…
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Fairfax County Parkway planning is smashing records for public participation. Have you weighed in?
Have you taken the time to tell county officials what you think about the future of the Fairfax County Parkway? You have until November 30 to let your voice be heard. The survey also covers the Franconia/Springfield Parkway which connects Springield Metro and the Kingstowne section of Fairfax County to the main parkway. Keep reading…
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Fairfax risks forgetting transit as an option for the Fairfax County Parkway
Fairfax County wants input and ideas for the future of Fairfax County Parkway, a major road that connects communites spanning from Lorton to Herndon. It's an important road that sometimes sees a lot of congestion, so many people want to fix it. Keep reading…
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The historic designation debate is happening in northern Virginia too
Right now DC residents are debating the role of historic designations, and they're not the only ones. Historic designation is shaping debates over transportation and development in northern Virginia as well, as highlighted with two projects in Herndon and Reston. Keep reading…
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Reston has two golf courses. Why not use that space for parks and homes?
Reston is home to not one, but two privately-owned golf courses. Both own property close to the Wiehle-Reston East Metro stop, making the sites lucrative spots for redevelopment. However, some residents have already organized against any changes. Keep reading…