June 18 – 24, 2020
FA LLS CHUR C H, V I R G I NI A • WW W. FC NP. C OM • FR EE
FOU N D E D 1991 • V OL. X XX NO. 18
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Progressive Reforms For F.C. Police On Horizon Local Protests Motivate Use of Force Changes BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
In the explosive days since May 25 — the Monday when an unarmed George Floyd was killed by a uniformed police officer after he had pinned his knee to Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes, all of which was caught on video and broadcast on national TV — there have been virtually nonstop protests and demonstrations involving millions all across the U.S. in cities large and small. Following on the three powerful demonstrations in the City of Falls Church, reflecting the mixed demographics of the protests nationwide, in the last week efforts turned to constructive action and sustainable change to address issues of systemic racism and prejudice that are underlying themes for so many manifestations of cruelty in society. They include 1. a proposal for the formation of a F.C. police over-
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THE COLORFUL MURAL now adorning Mr. Brown’s Park in the 100 block of W. Broad St. was installed on the side wall of Hot N’ Juicy Crawfish Tuesday to the delight of onlookers. According to the F.C. Economic Development Authority which funded the minipark project, the hot air balloon theme of the mural recalls the F.C. area’s Civil War history when Union forces used such balloons at Upton Hill for reconnaissance. According to EDA chair Bob Young, the mural’s artist, Joseph Craig English, has local roots and his father once worked at Brown’s Hardware. “We appreciate the support and partnership with the property owner, Jeff Jeffrey, and hope that this mural installation will inspire other public art efforts in the Little City in the future,” Young said. (P����: N���-P����)
9.5 Acre ‘West Falls’ Site Plan Submi�ed, Set For Review in July BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
Details of the plans for the 9.5 acre mixed use development project to be called “West Falls” and slated to go onto the site of the current George Mason High School were submitted to the Falls Church City Hall last week, and City Manager Wyatt Shields told
the F.C. City Council Monday night that the plan has all the required features discussed in the recent years leading up to this point, and that “the layout is good.” In brief remarks to the NewsPress this week, the City’s Chief Planning and Economic Development czar Jim Snyder was effusive in hailing the sub-
mission, saying that it is “great news” because, in the midst of the current Covid-19 pandemic and economic lockdown, a lot of jurisdictions are experiencing postponements if not cancellations of many development projects. The entire Special Exception Site Plan (SESP) submission is currently posted on the City of Falls Church’s website. Earlier-
established agreements on the development of the land and terms of payment to the City remain in force, with revenues from the projected megaproject expected to cover the cost of the new George Mason High School under construction, and much more. A presentation of the plan will
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SEE NEWS BRIEFS, PAGE 9
SEE STORY, PAGE 4
Looking to anticipate how much of a drop off in enrollment will be in the Falls Church City Public Schools in the fall, superintendent Dr. Peter Noonan appointed a team to conduct a survey in order to estimate what numbers may look like once classes commence August 24.
Mary Johns of Open Kitchen D.C. originally set out to spotlight hole-in-the-wall restaurants run by immigrants and bring some boutique flare to their establishment with special events. Now the partnership is helping keep those businesses afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.
Northern Virginia’s own “Rockin’ the Suburbs” podcast from Falls Church’s Patrick Foster and Ashburn resident Jim Lenahan will take their show to Jammin’ Java’s stage next Wednesday. SEE PRESS PASS, PAGE 14
INDEX Editorial............................................... 6 Letters.......................................... 6, 19 News & Notes............................10–11 Comment ............................... 7,12–13 Crime Report .................................... 12 Calendar ........................................... 14 Business News ................................. 15 Classified Ads ................................... 16 Comics, Sudoku & Crossword ......... 17 Critter Corner.................................... 18
