February 2, 2012

The total taxable assessed value for all properties in the City as of Jan. 1, 2012, is $3,229,692,600 ($3.2 billion), a 4 percent increase from January 1, 2011. The City plans to mail assessments for 2012 by Friday, Feb. 3, so property owners should receive the notices on or after Tuesday, Feb. 7. Updated assessment information will be posted on the City website Monday, Feb. 6.
 
Overall residential real estate values increased 3.8 percent over the last year. Single family home values increased by 4 percent, townhomes increased by 4.3 percent, and residential condominiums had varying changes.
 
Overall commercial property values increased 4.9 percent since January 2011. The real estate value of multi-family apartments increased 5 percent, large office buildings are up 2 percent and large retail properties are up 2 percent. The value of City hotels increased 4.2 percent.
 
As set forth in the Virginia Constitution, real estate is assessed at 100 percent of fair market value. The City’s Office of Real Estate Assessment calculates property value annually using mass appraisal techniques that are standard in the real estate assessment industry.
 
Real Estate Taxes and Public Hearings 

The notice of assessment is an appraisal of the fair market value of the property; it is not a tax bill. Property tax payments will be due in two installments on June 5 and Dec. 5; property owners will receive bills prior to these dates.
 
The real estate tax rate will be determined on April 23, 2012, when the Falls Church City Council adopts the Fiscal Year 2013 Operating Budget and Capital Improvements Program and sets the tax rate. Public hearings on the Fiscal Year 2013 Proposed Operating Budget will be held on March 26, April 9, and April 23 at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers (300 Park Ave.) To see the complete budget schedule, visit www.fallschurchva.gov/budget.
 
Assessment Appeals 

Homeowners wondering if their assessment is correct should ask the question, “Would my home sell for the assessed value if I put it on the market?” If the answer is “yes,” the assessment is probably accurate. If the answer is “no,” contact the Office of Real Estate Assessment at 703-248-5022 (TTY 711).
 
Deadlines for assessment appeals are Friday, March 16, 2012, for an Office of Real Estate Assessment review and Friday, July 6, 2012 for a Board of Equalization review. More information about the assessment review process is available online at www.fallschurchva.gov. 
 
Real Estate Tax Relief Program for the Elderly and Disabled

The City’s Real Estate Tax Relief program assists eligible City homeowners by reducing their property tax through exemptions (grants) and deferrals.
 
Eligibility requirements:
• The owner must be at least 65 years of age, or totally and permanently disabled;
• The property must be the owner’s primary residence;
• The combined income of all household members must not exceed $37,650 for exemptions (grants) and $75,000 for deferrals; and
• Assets must not exceed $540,000.
 
The deadline to apply is April 16, 2012. For more information and an application, visit or contact the Treasurer’s Office (300 Park Ave., Suite 103 East) at treasurer@fallschurchva.gov or 703-248-5045 (TTY 711).

January 31, 2012

NOTE: This report is not a definitive list of all criminal activity and is subject to change upon investigation.

Larceny from Building, 400 block S. Maple Ave.  On Jan. 25, two bicycles were stolen from a bike station.

Driving Under the Influence and Possession of a False ID, 6700 block Wilson Blvd.  On Jan. 25, an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 35 year old Riverdale, MD man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence, and Possession of False ID.

Larceny from Building, 313 Park Ave. #202 (Park Avenue Medical Group).  On Jan. 27, an unknown suspect(s) stole cash from an unattended purse sometime overnight.

Driving Under the Influence, 200 block E. Broad St.  On Jan. 28, an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 37 year old Suitland, MD man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Driving Under the Influence, 500 block N. West St.  On Jan. 28, an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 29 year old Falls Church man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Attempted Sexual Assault, 450 W. Broad St. #220 (Venus & Mars Spa).  On Jan. 28 at approximately 9:56 a.m., the suspect entered the business as a patron and attempted to sexually assault the victim in one of the rooms.  The victim was able to break free and leave the scene.  The suspect was described as a male, approximately 40-45 years of age.  He has a medium build and unshaven.  He was wearing dark colored pants, a gray sweatshirt, a gray stocking cap, and dark rimmed glasses.

Shoplifting, 1150 W. Broad St. (CVS Pharmacy).  On Jan. 28, a 30 year old Oxon Hill, MD man was arrested for Grand Larceny.

Public Drunkenness, 800 block Villa Ridge.  On Jan. 28, a 55 year old Falls Church man was arrested for Public Drunkenness.

Liquor Law Violation, 6619 Wilson Blvd. (New Moon Restaurant). On Jan. 29, the manager of the restaurant, a 59 year old McLean man, was arrested for Virginia ABC violations.

Urinating In Public, 300 block W. Broad St.  On Jan. 29, a 22 year old Woodbridge man was arrested for Urinating In Public. 

Domestic Assault, 100 block Rowell Ct.  On Jan. 30, a 42 year old Arlington man was arrested for Assaulting a Family Member.

There is no doubt that we face difficult times. The rising cost of fuel is driving up the price of living and the our enormously interconnected economy has been sending shock-waves around the world. However, we often feel powerless against the forces driving peak oil, economic interdependence, and climate change. We fear that government is unresponsive and that individual action is not enough. Instead of facing these issues as individuals we can work together on a community level to improve the way we live.

The future without oil can be better than the present with oil.  We can build genuine relationships with our neighbors instead of the people on reality TV. We can transition Falls Church to a self-reliant, sustainable, and resilient future powered by local food, economy, energy, and ingenuity. Instead of waiting around for government to act, we can act as a community of individuals.

This is the hope of Transition Falls Church. Transition is a student-initiated project that emphasizes a grass roots response to the greatest challenges of our time. By unleashing the collective genius of the Falls Church people, we can respond to the issues posed by climate change and peak-oil while simultaneously building a closer, tight-knit community.

We will be holding events over the next several months to teach people about this exciting new movement starting with a film screening at the Community Center on Saturday, February 18th. We will be showing a documentary called Transition 1.0 starting at 4:00pm. Please come as early as 3:30pm to ensure your seat. The documentary will last about an hour and there will be an opportunity for discussion at the end of the film. Please shoot us an email at transitionfc@gmail.com to sign up for email our email list and receive updates about upcoming events.

Although our initiating group will be steering the project for the next several months, it is ultimately something we are going to leave in the hands of the community. You can start the transition on the neighborhood level! Get together with the people on your street to discuss the Transition idea. Develop projects designed to make your neighborhood a more sustainable, vibrant place to live. Your neighborhood can practice community composting, develop a neighborhood garden, or start teaching people about a special skill (this can be anything from knitting to box gardening).

It starts with you! Hold a meeting in your neighborhood and send us an email. We will provide you with the information and resources necessary to make your idea a reality. Also, if you are interested in becoming a leader in the movement please let us know. We look forward to making Falls Church a better place to live.

Matt Abel is a student at George Mason  High School.

January 26, 2012

The City of Falls Church Police Department is hosting an information session for City residents, business owners, and interested individuals to volunteer for the Crime Solvers Board.  The session will be held Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 7:30 p.m., in the Dogwood Room in City Hall (300 Park Ave.)
 
Crime Solvers is a community-oriented program involving citizens, the business community, news media, and the Police Department working together in the fight against crime.  The Board would pay cash rewards to anonymous informants who provide information leading to the arrest and indictment of any person or persons who commit crimes or to the capture of a wanted person.  No tax dollars are used for rewards as Crime Solvers depends on the community for the funds.  The Board will work independently from but in partnership with the Police Department.
 
For additional information, please call Officer James Brooks at 703-248-5056 or send an e-mail to jbrooks@fallschurchva.gov.

January 25, 2012

NOTE:  This report is not a definitive list of all criminal activity and is subject to change upon investigation.

Drinking In Public, 200 Grove Ave. (West End Park).  On Jan. 17,  three Falls Church men ages 23, 29, and 30, were arrested for Drinking In Public.

Larceny from Building, 300 block James St.  On Jan. 17, officers responded to the area for a report of a stolen cash and clothes from the victim’s residence.  After further investigation, a 47 year old City of Falls Church, was arrested for Petit Larceny.

Shoplifting, 134 W. Broad St. (CVS Pharmacy).  On Jan. 17, officer responded to the location for a report of a black male, approximately 5’ 10” tall, 40-50 years of age, with short curly hair and a dark colored jacket, concealing an unknown amount of merchandise.

Larceny from Vehicle, 929 W. Broad St. #200 (Dancing Mind Yoga).  On Jan. 18 between 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., an unknown suspect smashed windows and stole an iPhone and a computer from two vehicles parked in the business’ parking lot.

Prostitution, 300 W. Broad St . #23 ( Stratford Motor Lodge).  On Jan. 18,a 38 year old  Annandale man, was arrested for Solicitation of a Prostitute.  A 35 year old Falls Church woman was arrested for Prostitution and Keeping a Bawdy House.

Trespassing, 6795 Wilson Blvd. #16 (Pho Bien Restaurant).  On Jan. 19, a 34 year old Sterling man was arrested for Trespassing.

Graffiti, 1081 W. Broad St. (West End Shopping Center).  On Jan. 19, graffiti was found spray painted on the side wall.

Graffiti, 1003 W. Broad St. (Rite Aid).  On Jan. 19, graffiti was found spray painted on the dumpster.

Shoplifting, 1150 W. Broad St. (CVS Pharmacy).  On Jan. 20, a 50 year old man of no fixed address, was arrested for Petit Larceny.

Assault and Battery, 200 block N. Maple Ave.  On Jan. 21, a 23 year old City of Falls Church man was arrested for Assault and Battery and Possession of Marijuana.

Vandalism, 624 S. Washington St. (Crown Auto Group).  On Jan. 22, the business reported four vehicles were keyed sometime overnight.

Larceny from Vehicle, 105 W. Broad St. (Ireland ’s Four Provinces).  On Jan. 22 at approximately 11 p.m., an unknown suspect(s) stole medication from a patron.

Larceny from Building, 116 E. Broad St. (Pragma Corp.).  On Jan. 23, the business reported an unknown suspect(s) stole an iPhone and a digital camera sometime between Jan. 13 and Jan. 17.

George Mason’s Boys Varsity basketball team traveled to Clarke County Friday for a key Bull Run District game with the Eagles, who stood one game behind GM in the standings. The hostile environment usually produces close games, but not this time, as the Mustangs roared out of the gate with a 20-2 first quarter run and never looked back, defeating Clarke 51-38 for their seventh straight victory. The win puts Mason at 13-3 overall but more importantly 8-1 in the BRD, and earned the Stangs a sweep over Clarke in the season series.

Seven Mustangs scored in the opening quarter. Philippe Griffiths, Eion Oosterbaan and Noel Obusan all nailed three pointers to spark the backbreaking rally. Clarke (10-6, 6-3) missed numerous point blank attempts in the period, and Mason pounced on the mistakes. The lead stretched to 25-4 at one point in the second before the Eagles closed to 29-13 at half.

A brief run in the third period pulled the home squad to within 8 at 39-31, but Nate Ogle scored 9 of his team high 16 points in the stanza to keep the lead safe. Noel Obusan added 11 points and Oosterbaan had 8 for the guests. Only a dismal 6-13 effort from the free throw line from Mason kept Clarke within shouting distance, as the Stangs managed to miss all 3 front ends of their one-and-one opportunities in the fourth quarter. Stellar defense on Clarke sharpshooter Ethan Emmart held him to 5 points, and with most of the other Eagles in early foul trouble, GM was able to hold a comfortable lead from the first period on.

Mason will travel to Central-Woodstock Wednesday night before hosting Strasburg Friday at MEH. Game time is 7:45 for both contests.

The Falls Church City School Board received eight (8) “Letters of Interest” from City residents interested in filling the school board seat vacated by Pat Riccards who resigned in December. The eight are, in alphabetical order:

Linda Becker
Justin Castillo
Shannon Ashpole Litton
Rena Marsh
Barbara Nooter
Karen Oliver
Cecily Shea
Keith Thackrey

Letters of interest were due at noon on Wednesday, January 18, 2012.  Qualified candidates must be Falls Church City voters and bona fide residents of the City. They cannot be Falls Church City Public Schools employees.

The Falls Church School Board is scheduled to meet in Special Session Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m. to choose a new member. The meeting will be held in the Central Office Conference Room, 800 West Broad Street, Suite 203, Falls Church.

January 18, 2012

NOTE:  These reports are not a definitive list of all criminal activity and are subject to change upon investigation.

Driving Under the Influence, 200 block W. Columbia St.  On Jan. 3, an officer responded to a traffic accident.  A 73 year old  Arlington woman was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Larceny from Building, 400 W. Broad St. (Exxon).  On Jan. 4, an unknown suspect pumped gasoline into a vehicle and drove away without paying.

Larceny from Vehicle, 103 W. Columbia St. (Columbia Baptist Church).  On Jan. 5, an unknown suspect(s) smashed a window and stole a laptop from the victim’s vehicle.

Stolen Vehicle, 1000 block Seaton Ln.  On Jan. 6, between 4:50 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., an unknown suspect(s) stole a van parked on the street.

Graffiti, 1001 W. Broad St.  On Jan. 7, an officer found graffiti spray painted on a building’s exterior wall.

Urinating In Public, 917 W. Broad St. (El Zunzal).  On Jan. 7, a 31 year old Vienna man was arrested for Urinating In Public.

Urinating In Public, 306 Hillwood Ave. (Lesly’s Restuarant).  On Jan. 7, a 34 year old Stafford man was arrested for Urinating In Public.

Graffiti, 210 E. Fairfax St. (Merrill House).  On Jan. 7, graffiti was found spray painted on an exterior wall.

Graffiti, 201 Douglas Ave. (The Mill Company Design & Decoration).  On Jan. 7, graffiti was found spray painted on a dumpster in the rear parking lot.

Shoplifting, 167 Hillwood Ave. (Virginia ABC Store).  On Jan. 7, an unknown suspect stole two bottles of liquor.

Tampering with a Motor Vehicle, and Narcotics Violation, 600 block Fulton Ave. On Jan. 7, officers responded to a report that individuals were entering vehicles in the area.  A 19 year old New Carrolton, MD man and an 18 year old Capitol Heights, MD man were arrested for Tampering with a Motor Vehicle and Possession of Marijuana.

Narcotics Violation, Underage Possession of Alcohol, and Driving Under the Influence, 300 block W. Broad St . On Jan. 8, an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  A 20 year old Falls Church man was arrested for Possession of Marijuana, Underage Possession of Alcohol, and Driving Under the Influence.

Graffiti, 929 W. Broad St. (Second Chance Thrift Store).  On Jan. 8, graffiti was found spray painted on the exterior walls of a storage building.

Shoplifting, 1212 W. Broad St. ( Virginia ABC Store).  On Jan. 8, the business reported an unknown suspect stole a liquor bottle on Jan 7.

Driving Under the Influence, 1100 block W. Broad St.  On Jan. 8, an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 59 year old McLean man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Graffiti, 421 block W. Broad St. (Inns of Virginia).  On Jan. 9, graffiti was found on a support pillar.

Graffiti, 300 block W. Broad St.  On Jan. 9, graffiti was found on a retaining wall.

Tampering with Vehicle, 200 block Pennsylvania Ave.  On Jan. 9, the victim reported an unknown suspect(s) pried the door of the victim’s vehicle sometime on Jan. 6.

Graffiti, 1300 block S. Washington St . On Jan. 9, graffiti was found on a retaining wall.

Driving Under the Influence, 1000 block E. Broad St.  On Jan. 11, an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 30 year old Arlington man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Graffiti, 1230 W. Broad St. (Giant Foods).  On Jan. 11, graffiti was found spray painted on the rear wall.

Graffiti, 1216 W. Broad St. (Pietanza).  On Jan. 11, graffiti was found spray painted on the rear dumpster.

Graffiti, 1104 W. Broad St. (Staples).  On Jan. 11, graffiti was found spray painted on the rear dumpster.

Graffiti, 1100 W. Broad St. (Capital One Bank).  On Jan. 11, graffiti was found spray painted on the rear wall.

Stolen Vehicle, 501 N. Washington St. (All Tune & Lube).  On Jan. 11, an unknown suspect stole the victim’s vehicle from the parking lot sometime overnight.

Larceny from Vehicle, 132 W. Broad St. (Dogwood Tavern).  On Jan. 11, an unknown suspect(s) smashed a window and stole a laptop from the victim’s vehicle.

Larceny from Vehicle, 130 N. Washington St. (Clare & Don’s).  On Jan. 11, an unknown suspect(s) smashed a window and stole electronics from the victim’s vehicle.

Destruction of Property, 6757 Wilson Blvd. #14 (Bach Tuyet Jewelry).  On Jan. 12, a front window was damaged sometime overnight.

Shoplifting, 1212 W. Broad St. ( Virginia ABC Store).  On Jan. 12, an unknown suspect(s) stole a bottle of liquor from the store.  After further investigation, officers identified the suspect.  A 22 year old Reston woman was arrested for Petit Larceny.

Driving Under the Influence, 100 block E. Jefferson St.  On Jan. 13, an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 26 year old Sterling man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Disorderly Conduct, 110 N. West St. (7-Eleven).  On Jan. 14, officers responded to the location for a report of a fight.  A 25 year old Gaithersburg, MD man and a 34 year old City of Falls Church man, were arrested for Disorderly Conduct.

Narcotics Violation, 300 block S. Washington St.  On Jan. 14, an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  An 18 year old Falls Church man was arrested for Possession of Marijuana.

Driving Under the Influence, 900 block W. Broad St.  On Jan. 15, an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 56 year old Rockville, MD man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Prostitution, 300 W. Broad St. #22 (The Stratford Motor Lodge).  On Jan. 16, a 27 year old Hyattsville, MD woman was arrested for Prostitution and Frequenting a Bawdy House.  A 31 year old woman of no fixed address, was arrested for Receiving Money from Earnings from Prostitution and Keeping a Bawdy House.

The Falls Church City Council adopted a resolution last night to increase the City’s fund balance from 12 to 17 percent and to establish a Capital Reserve Fund for the General Fund and the Utility Funds to provide for continued investment in capital infrastructure. 

“These actions are part of the City’s efforts to develop more robust long range financial planning capability,” said Finance Director Richard LaCondrè.   “These fiscal policies are developed to guide both short-term and long-term fiscal strategies.” 

The City Council last adopted fiscal policies in January 2009.  Until FY2008 the City maintained an undesignated fund balance well above the policy target which enabled the City to use that excess funding to support the Capital Improvement Program.  Due to the recent economic downturn and revenue shortfalls, the fund balance was drawn down below policy levels and resulted in a significant curtailment of the Capital Improvement Program.    The new fund balance level of 17 percent represents approximately two months of expenditures. This action will mitigate the impact of revenue shortfalls and economic downturns affecting assessed real estate values and other local tax revenues.

Establishment of a Capital Reserve Fund for the General Fund and the Utility Funds will provide for continued investment in capital infrastructure. The current policy of using surplus fund balance to fund “pay as you go” capital projects makes those projects a lower priority than other items in the operating budget. This new policy establishes a minimum level of effort utilizing both current revenues as well as fund balance appropriations to address both “pay as you go” and debt service funding. This type of policy will also make absorption of new debt service for capital projects less difficult.

For more information, contact CFO Richard LaCondrè rlacondre@fallschurchva.gov or 703-248-5092.

November 24, 2011

This week the City of Falls Church Department of Public Works mailed a survey about stormwater management to every single-family detached home in the City.  The survey is a result of the October 17 Town Hall Meeting regarding stormwater and flooding issues.  Survey responses will help the Department of Public Works gain a better understanding of the drainage issues facing City residents.  The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, Dec. 2, 2011.

Instructions for completing the paper or online versions of the survey are included in the mailing.  Respondents will need the individual Real Property Code provided in the letter in order to complete either version of the survey.  Residents of single-family homes who did not receive the letter and survey should contact Allison Lohrenz, 703-248-5456, or via email  alohrenz@fallschurchva.gov.  The online version of the survey can be accessed via Survey Monkey.

Click [Read More] to access link.