Falls Church Faces Many Challenges Ahead
Originally published in the Falls Church News Press by David Tarter on January 23, 2014
First of all, I would like to thank the citizens and City Council of Falls Church for giving me the opportunity to serve you. I am honored and humbled by the confidence placed in me. As Mayor, I am but one of seven members on the Council, nonetheless, I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts about the coming year.
We are emerging from tough economic times, and have many challenges before us.
These challenges include maintaining the excellence of our schools in an era of explosive enrollment growth, among the highest growth in the region. Years of austerity have led to pent-up demand for capital improvements for the schools, the library, City Hall and other facilities. We must find ways to satisfy this demand while continuing to provide high quality core services to our community.
All of this will put pressure on our tax rate, but higher taxes are not the answer.
I believe that we can meet these challenges by renewing our commitment to economic development and smart growth. Not growth at any cost, but properly considered and well-planned development that is consistent with the values, culture, and character of our City.
The recent water sale agreement created a tremendous opportunity for economic development. This agreement resulted in the transfer of more than 38 acres of land from Fairfax County to Falls Church, markedly expanding the City’s area. Our middle and high schools sit on 36 of these acres, located next to the West Falls Church Metro Station. Reconfiguring the schools’ footprints could make up to 11 acres available for commercial redevelopment. A parcel this size next to a Metro station has enormous potential.
This transformation will not happen overnight. It will take a significant amount of work by our City staff and citizen volunteers, including the School Board, the Planning Commission, the Economic Development Authority, Council, other boards and commissions, and the community at large. Nevertheless, it is an unprecedented opportunity worthy of our most diligent efforts. For it may be possible, with proper planning and execution, to leverage this land to provide much needed new school facilities, while creating a center of inviting commercial activity that will help generate the new tax dollars needed to pay for it.
