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Index
Lost in most reports of the current budget struggles by regional jurisdictions has been the new option approved in Richmond last year to raise the commercial real estate tax rate above that of residential real estate. In these tough fiscal times, the focus has been entirely on the residential real estate tax rate, with ample coverage on
the fact that both Falls Church and Fairfax County project a three-cent increase. Both jurisdictions are slated to adopt budgets for the fiscal year beginning July 1 by the end of this month. But the new commercial tax hike option was included as part of the package signed into law last year to generate significant new revenues for transportation. While the bulk of that transportation funding package fell by
the wayside when pronounced unconstitutional by the Virginia Supreme Court earlier this year, the commercial real estate tax option remained intact. So did the abusive driver fees, which were so unpopular the legislature voted to rescind them last month. Now, area jurisdictions are planning to go ahead with the commercial tax hike option Continued on Page 4
In the first of two faceoffs before the May 6 City of Falls Church municipal election, six candidates vying to fill three seats on the City Council debated the best pathways to a sustainable future last night. The sharpest divide came on the final question of the hourand-a-half-long televised debate in front of a packed house in the City Hall’s Council chambers. It dealt with the referendum question that will be on the May ballot that would, if passed, alter the City charter to mandate a stiff residential development restriction in the City’s commercially zoned areas. The two incumbents on the City Council seeking election to third terms, Mayor Robin Gardner and Vice Mayor Lindy Hockenberry, spoke strongly in opposition to the referendum, saying it would stifle the City’s ability to welcome new marketdriven development and negotiate effectively in the City’s best interest. They were joined by Lawrence Webb, who shares “slate” status with them as candidates endorsed by the City’s venerable civic organization, the Citizens for a Better City. Independent candidate Patrice Lepczyk opposed it as well. Two independent candidates said they favored passage of the referendum, Nader Baroukh and Margaret Housen. Baroukh said that the City Council is now inclined to “approve almost any” mixed use project, and a charter change would provide it with “guidance” and “a leveraging tool.” Gardner contended that such Continued on Page 5