Latest news with #FCED
Malaysian Reserve
4 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Area 2 Farms Selects Fairfax City for Second Location, Launches Innovative Urban Farm
Fairfax City Economic Development-backed initiative transforms long-vacant site into a sustainable urban agriculture hub at Fairfax Circle FAIRFAX CITY, Va., Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED) and Area 2 Farms have announced a new partnership to bring a sustainable urban farm to Fairfax City. The Northern Virginia-based startup, which is reimagining the future of agriculture through hyper-local, soil-based farming, will open its newest location at 9571 Fairfax Boulevard by the end of the year. Made possible through a zoning amendment approved by City Council in 2024 and a support grant from FCED, this project includes a 10-year lease for the property, $25,000 in Fairfax City Economic Development Authority (EDA) funding, and a commitment to transform the space through adaptive reuse. As part of the agreement, Area 2 Farms will invest in exterior improvements, including a public-facing mural that will enhance the visual identity and vibrancy of the Fairfax Circle intersection. The city's support builds on a foundation of strategic investment in sustainable agriculture and food system innovation, as exemplified by the EDA's $7,000 matching contribution to secure an AFID Planning Grant in 2024. This initiative not only revitalizes a long-vacant commercial site but also advances the city's goals to promote sustainability, pedestrian activity, and innovative investment in a key commercial activity center. 'It's ironic that we had to amend our zoning code to allow this type of agricultural use in a city and a region that was once rolling fields of farmland,' said Fairfax City Mayor Catherine Read. 'It demonstrates the need for local governments to regularly reimagine land use in ways that support our priorities today and into the future. Our community cares about issues of environmental sustainability and educating consumers about the sources of the foods they eat. Area 2 Farms brings us a project that aligns with our core values on many levels and is a welcome addition to our city.' The transformation of this location exemplifies Area 2 Farms' commitment to deconstructing the traditional food supply chain and reallocating underutilized spaces within communities. By bringing farms directly into urban areas, Area 2 Farms addresses critical issues such as supply chain fragility and lack of transparency in food production, and stronger relationships between farmers and the people they serve. 'We are incredibly excited to bring Area 2 Farms to Fairfax and to partner with a city that shares our vision,' said Oren Falkowitz, Founder and CEO of Area 2 Farms. 'This project perfectly embodies our mission to 'move the farm, not the food,' turning an underutilized space into a thriving hub for fresh, healthy produce and community engagement. The leadership shown by FCED officials in facilitating this project ushers in a new chapter of abundance for the local community.' Following the success of its pilot farm in Arlington, VA—which has delivered over 20,000 harvests, welcomed over 1,000 customers, and hosted 1,500+ student visits the Fairfax City location marks the next step in the company's mission to connect people, places, and food in a meaningful way. Area 2 Farms also plans to deepen its community engagement through partnerships with Fairfax City public schools and local civic organizations. The new Fairfax City farm will provide direct access to fresh, local, organic produce through Area 2 Farms' Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Community members will be able to enjoy a year-round supply of greens, microgreens, root vegetables, herbs, and specialty items, harvested at peak ripeness, often just minutes before they are taken home. The farm will also be coupled with Area 2 Farms' first farm stand, which will allow the local community to purchase fresh food, specialty items, and other value-added products that complement their offering. 'This project is a testament to what's possible when vision meets partnership,' said Christopher Bruno, CEO and Director of Fairfax City Economic Development. 'We didn't just fill a vacant lot; we challenged everyone to think differently about how space, sustainability, and community intersect. In doing so, FCED is showing that even a small city can lead with bold ideas. The result is more than an investment in a single property. This project represents an investment in education, health, the creation of place, and the kinds of collaborations that push the boundaries of what local government and business can achieve. Area 2 Farms invites the Fairfax community to learn more about the new farm and join their CSA program by visiting About Fairfax City Economic Development Fairfax City Economic Development is a collaboration between the Fairfax City Economic Development Department and the Fairfax City Economic Development Authority, an independent agency administered by a commission appointed by the City Council to promote economic development activity within Fairfax. Fairfax City Economic Development helps attract businesses to the city, encourages and develops programs that foster connections between businesses, residents, and visitors of Fairfax City, and spearheads innovative programs and strategies devoted to positioning Fairfax City as an ideal location to start, grow, and scale a business. It is a founding member of the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance. Learn more at About Area 2 FarmsArea 2 Farms designs, builds, and operates local, organic, soil-based vertical farms. By embedding farms directly into the fabric of communities, Area 2 is working to transform how food is grown, delivered, and experienced in the U.S. Its mission is simple: move the farm, not the food.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fairfax City Economic Development Supports Creative Placemaking with New Mural in Old Town Fairfax
FAIRFAX CITY, Va., June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED) will unveil "Fox in the Flowers," a new public art mural located at 10407 Main Street in Old Town Fairfax City on July 10 at 2 p.m. during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Designed by Bailey Sullivan, a Richmond-based illustrator known for her bold, floral-inspired artworks, the mural brings color, character, and a strengthened sense of place to the heart of the city. Commissioned as part of FCED's expanded focus on placemaking and tourism efforts, Fox in the Flowers celebrates the community's rich local identity. Situated on the second-story façade of Marlowe Ink Tattoo, above Senberry, the vibrant artwork features native flora, including crepe myrtles and dogwoods, surrounding the centerpiece, Fairfax City's unofficial mascot, the Fairfax Fox. The fox, a playful and symbolic figure, serves as a nod to the city's charm, history, and welcoming spirit. "My work is inspired by decorative European folk art," said Sullivan. "I love including lots of florals, animals, and other bits of nature. For this mural in particular, I was inspired by the fable of the fox and the crow. I'm honored to be able to paint in beautiful Old Town Fairfax and hope this piece sparks a little joy for those passing by." Sullivan's work has been featured in a range of prominent media, including book covers, U.S. postage stamps, and even the recently released autobiography of Dolly Parton. "This mural is more than a work of art—it's a vibrant expression of what makes Old Town Fairfax unique," said Tina Disch, executive director of the Old Town Fairfax Business Association. "Creative placemaking like this transforms our downtown into a welcoming, walkable destination where art, history, and community intersect." "This mural represents the first of many projects stemming from Fairfax City Economic Development's expanded focus on tourism," said Christopher Bruno, CEO and director of Fairfax City Economic Development. "Public art is more than just a creative feature; it's an investment that shapes how people experience Old Town and why they choose to visit, explore, and stay here." The project is a collaboration between FCED, the City of Fairfax Cultural Arts, and the Commission on the Arts and aligns with the city's broader placemaking and tourism goals. By investing in creative initiatives like Fox in the Flowers, Fairfax City invites residents and visitors alike to experience the area's growing arts scene and vibrant local culture. The public is encouraged to visit the new mural at 10407 Main Street and explore other art installations throughout Old Town Fairfax. For details on this and other public art projects in Fairfax City, visit About Fairfax City Economic Development Fairfax City Economic Development is a collaboration between the Fairfax City Economic Development Department and the Fairfax City Economic Development Authority, an independent agency administered by a commission appointed by the City Council to promote economic development activity within Fairfax. Fairfax City Economic Development helps attract businesses to the city, encourages and develops programs that foster connections between businesses, residents, and visitors of Fairfax City, and spearheads innovative programs and strategies devoted to positioning Fairfax City as an ideal location to start, grow, and scale a business. It is a founding member of the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance. Learn more at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Fairfax City Economic Development
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bill would allow child molesters to opt for castration
Jan. 31—ANDERSON — Concerned about repeat child molestation offenders, Rep. Elizabeth Rowray has introduced legislation to allow chemical castration. Her bill would enable a sex offender whose victim was under the age of 14 to petition a court for chemical castration to avoid prison time. The consenting offender would instead be eligible for parole, probation or community corrections. kAm%96 =68:D=2E:@? AC@G:56D E92E 2? @776?56C H9@ DE@AD E2:42= 42DEC2E:@? >65:42E:@? 4@F=5 36 492C865 H:E9 2 76=@?J]k^Am kAm%96 @776?56C 28C66:?8 E@ 496>:42= 42DEC2E:@? H@F=5 A2J 7@C E96 5CF8D] x7 2 4@FCE 56E6C>:?6D 2 A6CD@? 42?'E A2J E96 4@DE[ :E H@F=5 36 A2:5 3J E96 x?5:2?2 s6A2CE>6?E @7 r@CC64E:@?]k^Am kAm}@ 962C:?8 52E6 7@C E96 3:== 92D 366? D6E :? E96 w@FD6 r@>>:EE66 @? r@FCED 2?5 rC:>:?2= r@56]k^Am kAm"tG6CJ E:>6 x C625 23@FE 2? 25F=E ]]] D6IF2==J 23FD:?8 49:=5C6?[ x 766= =: E@ C6\@776?5 2?5 ?@E 86E 42F89E[" #@HC2J D2:5] "%96C6 D9@F=5 36 2? 6IEC2 =6G6= @7 AC@E64E:@? 7@C 49:=5C6?]"k^Am kAm|25:D@? r@F?EJ !C@D64FE@C #@5?6J rF>>:?8D DFAA@CED E96 :562 @7 496>:42= 42DEC2E:@? 2D 2? @AE:@?]k^Am kAm"x7 E96J C62=:K6 E96J 92G6 2 AC@3=6> E92E 42?'E 36 4@?EC@==65[" 96 D2:5[ ">2 2D 2? @AE:@?]"k^Am kAm%6? DE2E6D — r2=:7@C?:2[ %6I2D[ u=@C:52[ p=232>2[ |:DD:DD:AA:[ x@H2[ (:D4@?D:?[ |@?E2?2[ ~C68@? 2?5 ~2 — 92G6 =2HD E92E 2==@H 7@C 496>:42= 42DEC2E:@? 7@C D6I @776?56CD H9@ @AE 7@C E96 EC62E>6?E]k^Am kAm{@F:D:2?2 :D E96 @?=J DE2E6 E92E 2==@HD 7@C 2 ;F586 E@ @C56C A9JD:42= 42DEC2E:@? @7 2? @776?56C]k^Am Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863.
