Posts by Douglas Stewart — Contributor
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Top posts of 2021: The Fair Oaks Mall could be converted into a walkable mixed-use community, if Fairfax County can reimagine its streets
Fairfax County has an opportunity to transform one of its largest shopping malls and the area around it into a walkable community with access to regional transit. Success depends in large part on whether the county changes how it designs its streets. Keep reading…
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At a Fairfax County intersection: new housing is underway as pedestrian safety plans are in flux
Conflict between the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Fairfax County is jeopardizing a plan to improve pedestrian safety at the intersection of Route 123 and University Drive, which is currently designed almost single-mindedly for vehicle throughput. Keep reading…
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The Fair Oaks Mall could be converted into a walkable mixed-use community, if Fairfax County can reimagine its streets
Fairfax County has an opportunity to transform one of its largest shopping malls and the area around it into a walkable community with access to regional transit. Success depends in large part on whether the county changes how it designs its streets. Keep reading…
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Could a Fairfax school turn into an urban street grid?
In 2019, the private school Paul VI will move to Loudoun County from its Fairfax City campus. Plans for what to do with the land are starting to take shape, and there’s a big opportunity to make the space walkable and transit-friendly. Keep reading…
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Walking and transit score high in Virginia’s transportation rankings
Scores that evaluate transportation projects in Virginia recently came out, and many of the highest belong to projects focused on walking and transit. That’s because they provide the most bang for taxpayers’ bucks. Keep reading…
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Old Lee Highway could become Fairfax’s most bike-friendly street
Old Lee Highway in Fairfax City might soon become a lot more walkable and bikeable. That would mean more foot traffic in downtown Fairfax and more people using bikes to travel to residential and transportation hubs around the county. Keep reading…
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Northern Virginia has $350 million to spend on transportation. Here’s what officials want to build
The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) controls a vast budget for transportation projects all over Northern Virginia. Now they’re gearing up to build 34 new projects, including new Metro stations, more buses, and wider highways. Keep reading…
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How George Mason University and Fairfax City can be better neighbors
While George Mason is Virginia’s largest research university, nobody would mistake the City of Fairfax for a college town. But Fairfax and George Mason are working together to try and improve the downtown area, a measure that will benefit them both. Keep reading…
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Fairfax Circle takes a step toward urbanism, but it’s still an island for now
On Tuesday, Fairfax City approved the city’s first major redevelopment project on Fairfax Boulevard. This will bring new residences, a grocery, and pedestrian-oriented spaces to an area that’s strip malls and parking lots today. But since the city has no larger plan, the project isn’t poised to connect well with future projects or bring all the amenities the… Keep reading…
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Fairfax City is starting to lay down a strong foundation for smarter growth
The City of Fairfax has long struggled to establish a clear vision for future development. Despite a strong master plan for Fairfax Boulevard, the town hasn’t established strong guidelines for revitalizing its central commercial corridor. While nearby areas such as Merrifield and Fair Lakes have flourished, Fairfax City’s commercial tax base has been stagnant. But… Keep reading…