10 min read

City of Falls Church Gov't Updates, Week of Sept. 18, 2024

City of Falls Church Gov't Updates, Week of Sept. 18, 2024
Entrance to City Hall for the City of Falls Church at 300 Park Ave. Photo by Chris Jones.

The following is based on press releases, social media and website postings from the City of Falls Church.

School Zone Speed Safety Program Launched

The City of Falls Church launched its inaugural School Zone Speed Safety Program Monday, Sept. 16, with a new speed safety camera on the 800 block of West Broad Street (Rt. 7) within the designated school zone of Saint James Catholic School at 830 W. Broad St. The purpose of this safety tool is to protect students as they go to and from school, slow motorists down by changing driver behavior, and reduce the number of violations, crashes, and injuries caused by speeding motorists.

Speed safety cameras are operational with the 20 m.p.h. speed limit when the Saint James Catholic School Zone lights are flashing during school arrival and departure. The automated speed cameras take digital images and video footage of vehicles traveling faster than the posted speed limit. Warning signs are posted 1,000 feet in advance of each speed safety camera.

Slow down to 20 mph near St. James Catholic School, when school zone lights are flashing. Courtesy City of Falls Church.

A warning period began Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, and runs through Friday, October 25, 2024, to allow drivers a chance to adjust to the new enforcement method. At the conclusion of the warning period, vehicles exceeding the posted speed limit while the speed safety cameras are active will be issued a $100 citation (civil fine) per speeding violation. A sworn law enforcement officer with the City of Falls Church will review the footage of all potential speed violations captured by the photo enforcement system. Confirmed violations will be issued a speeding citation via mail to the owner, lessee, or renter of the vehicle as determined by the license plate.

In 2020, the Commonwealth of Virginia enacted legislation authorizing the use of automated speed enforcement (speed cameras) in school and work zones. City of Falls Church staff assessed school zones within the City limits to identify viable locations to deploy this technology.  The Saint James Catholic School Zone met key criteria necessary for a speed safety camera program, including Virginia state code requirements, significant vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and ideal street topography.

Courtesy City of Falls Church.

For information about the City of Falls Church's "Smart City" transportation programs, see below:

Smart Cities Program Underway in City of Falls Church
The Smart Cities Program has launched in the City of Falls Church. In collaboration with Virginia Tech’s Transportation Institute (VTTI) Division for Technology Implementation, Aug. 12 marked the official kick-off of the first phase of the Smart Cities Program, designed to “leverage advanced technologies to address the City’s and community’s transportation needs”…

City of Falls Church: Innovation Award-Winner

The City of Fall Church received a 2024 Communications Award from the Virginia Municipal League (VML) for the East End Small Area Plan.

Courtesy VML.

"The Virginia Municipal League (VML) is pleased to announce the winners of its annual awards for excellence in local government," VML said in a press release Sept. 16. "The statewide competition recognizes innovative problem-solving, excellence in management, citizen participation, and improved services to citizens."

Of this year’s Innovation Awards, VML Executive Director Michelle Gowdy says: “Every year, the Innovation Awards entries remind me how much our local governments do for their communities.... I encourage all our localities to keep up the great work and I congratulate all the winners!”

Senior Planner for the City of Falls Church, Emily Bazemore. LinkedIn photo.

Emily Bazemore, senior planner for the City, developed and championed the City’s plan. For more information, go to: https://www.vml.org/Opportunities/Innovation-Awards


Still one more chance to attend! Courtesy City of Falls Church.

Child Safety Seat Inspections

The City of Falls Church Police Department will be hosting Child Safety Seat Inspections on Thursday, Sept. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m., at City Hall, 300 Park Ave. Residents are asked to please bring all safety seat instructions and vehicle owner manuals with them, and to have already installed the seat to the best of their ability, following the installation instructions.  


What are you going to be doing for PARK(ing) Day? Courtesy City of Falls Church.

PARK(ing) Day!

Rain or Shine – the City of Falls Church proudly presents its annual PARK(ing) Day on Friday, Sept. 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 479 S. Maple Street. PARK(ing) Day is a global annual event where parking spots typically used by cars are transformed into temporary pop-up parks to rethink the use of urban spaces. This event will provide activities that allow for social exchange, fun, creativity, and a rethinking of the public-right-of-way. 

On Sept. 6, the City posted to Instagram, "Join City staff on Friday, September 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 479 S Maple Ave. for our PARK(ing) Day pop-up event with games, displays, and more!"


Accessory Dwelling Unites (ADUs) ~ Upcoming Meetings


City residents are invited to participate in two upcoming meetings on possible updates to accessory dwelling regulations. The first meeting is on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall, 300 Park Ave. For this meeting, remote participation will be available. The second meeting will take place on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 2 p.m. in the Lower Conference Room at the Mary Riley Styles Public Library at 120 N. Virginia Ave.

What are your thoughts on ADUs? Courtesy American Planning Association.

Falls Church Farmers Market. Courtesy City of Falls Church @ 2024.

Visit Fall Church!

The City has launched Visit Falls Church – a resource that can be leveraged by locals and visitors alike. The new website features guides to shopping, dining, history, as well as arts and culture. Directories of businesses, itineraries, and interactive dining and shopping maps are helpful tools that will both inform and encourage visitors as well as City residents who want to Shop Local. To explore this new resource visit: https://visitfallschurch.com/  

The historic Falls Church Episcopal, founded in 1734. Courtesy City of Falls Church @ 2024.

Interested in Voting Early?

Remember, ballots for early, absentee and mail-in voting for the 2024 U.S. presidential and down-ballot elections are due to be ready by Sept. 20. See our interview with Chief Deputy Registrar for the City of Falls Church, Stacy Pilson, about "what sorts of questions people are asking the City’s Voter Registration and Elections Office at 300 Park Ave., City Hall, and what messages her office would like to disseminate to City residents during this heated time."

City of Falls Church’s Voter Registration Office Responds to Unsure Early Voters
The Falls Church Independent interviewed Chief Deputy Registrar for the City of Falls Church, Stacy Pilson, about what sorts of questions people are asking the City’s Voter Registration and Elections Office at 300 Park Ave., City Hall, and what messages her office would like to disseminate to City residents during this heated time.

Upcoming City Facilities Closures

Falls Church City Community Center at 223 Little Falls Street. Facebook photo.

City facilities will follow the below operational schedule on Thursday, Sept. 19, to give City government employees the opportunity to attend the annual Employee Picnic.

    • Library: Closed all day for staff training and the employee picnic. The library will reopen on Friday, Sept. 20, at 10 a.m.
    • City Hall, Community Center, and Other Government Buildings: Closed to the public from 11:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. Online services will remain available, and City facilities will reopen at 3:15 p.m.

For more information about how the City's ambitious climate goals factor into the refurbishment of the Community Center, see below:

City’s Ambitious Environmental Goals Include Revamp of Community Center’s Energy Design
Named the first “Green Power Community” in Virginia and a “Tree City USA” for the last 42 years straight, the City of Falls Church has long served as a role-model in environmental stewardship.

Recycling Extravaganza!

Courtesy City of Falls Church.

Recycling Extravaganza

    • Saturday, October 5, 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
    • Recycling Center, 7100 Gordon Road.
    • Open to City of Falls Church community members only; ID or other proof of residency is required. Residents will be asked to stay in their vehicles and allow event staff to remove items and materials directly. 

Fall Clean-Up! 

Help keep the City clean by volunteering to pick up trash in our parks. Meet at the Community Center. Tools will be provided, and wear comfy clothes. Register by emailing recycling@fallschurchva.gov or call 703-248-5466 (TTY 711).

October 5, 10:00 a.m. - noon. (223 Little Falls St.)


Farm Day!

October 5, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Cherry Hill Park at 312 Park Ave.

Enjoy a day of fun and activities for the whole family, including a petting farm, pony rides, pumpkin painting, live music, tours of Cherry Hill Farmhouse and Barn, historic trades demonstrations, and food! Admission is free, but there's a fee for activities. Learn more.

Courtesy City of Falls Church.

Sunset Cinema at Cherry Hill Park

The 21st Annual Sunset Cinema Series Presented by Renewal by Andersen continues on select Fridays and a spooky Saturday in the fall. Movies start at dusk (between 7-7:30 p.m.). Sunset Cinema is located at Cherry Hill Park at 312 Park Ave. next to the barn and playground. Arrive early to get a good spot!

Viewers are encouraged to bring blankets, bug spray, and a picnic. Drinks, popcorn and snacks will be available for purchase (cash and card). In case of inclement weather, screenings will be rescheduled to the last Friday of the month OR the following Friday evening. 

  • Sunset Cinema: 
    • Friday, September 20, 2024, 7:15 p.m. - Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
People's Choice: The votes are in, and the winner is: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids! Come see the People's Choice film during the September 20 Sunset Cinema. 
    • Saturday, Oct. 26, 7:15 p.m. - Monsters University
      • SweetFrog will be onsite this date selling sweet treats.

City Calendar for September

Library Board of Trustees Meeting

Sept. 18, 6-8:00 p.m. at Upper Floor Conference Room. Regular Library Board Meeting. More Details.

Urban Forestry Commission Meeting

Sept. 18,  7:30 -9:00 p.m. at Dogwood Room A and B. Regular monthly Urban Forestry Commission meeting. More Details.

Planning Commission Meeting

Sept. 18,  7:30-10:00 p.m. at Council Chambers/Court Room. More Details.

Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church Meeting

Sept. 19, 9:30-11:00 a.m. at Dogwood Room A and B. Regular meeting of the Arts & Humanities Council of Falls Church. More Details.

Environmental Sustainability Council & Energy Transition Subcommittee Meeting

Sept. 19, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Council Chambers/Court Room. More Details.

Housing Commission Meeting

Sept. 19, 6-7:00 p.m. at Laurel Room. More Details.

Human Services Advisory Council Meeting

Sept. 19, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Dogwood Room A and B. More Details.

City Council Budget and Finance Committee Meeting

Sept. 20, 8:30-9:30 a.m at Oak Room. More Details.

City Council Meeting

Sept. 23, 7:30-11:00 p.m. at Council Chambers/Court Room. The City Council meets the second and fourth Monday of the month, with the exception of August and December when only one meeting is held. The public is welcome to address the City Council on any topic during the public comment period. Sign up to speak at www.fallschurchva.gov/publiccomment. All members of the public may view the meeting at www.fallschurchva.gov/CouncilMeetings. The meeting may also be viewed on FCCTV (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35). Video will be available after the meeting both online and on FCCTV. More Details.

City Council Economic Development Committee Meeting

Sept. 24, 1- 2:30 p.m. at Oak Room. More Details.

City Council Government Operations Committee Meeting

Sept. 25, 9-10:00 a.m. at Oak Room. More Details.

Mayor's Agenda Meeting with Staff

Sept. 25, 8:30-9:00 a.m. at Oak Room. The Mayor will meet with staff to determine the agenda schedule for future City Council meetings. Other members of City Council may also participate in this meeting. More Details.

Historic Architectural Review Board Meeting

Sept. 26, 7-9:00 p.m. at City Hall. Dogwood Room A and B. More Details.

Historical Commission Meeting

Sept. 26, 2024, 7-9:00 p.m. at Dogwood Room A and B. More Details.

Citywide Notices

Court Day (Juvenile and Domestic Relations)

Sept. 24, 2024, 8-2:00 p.m.