George Snyder Trail
The George Snyder Trail was a planned off-street shared-use path project (VDOT UPC 112816) intended to improve multimodal connectivity along Fairfax Boulevard in the City of Fairfax. 20 separate matters touch this project; each has its own status.
Wilcoxon Trail Extension
- May 26, 2026City Council · item 11aWilcoxon Trail Extension Connectivity Study Briefing
The George Snyder Trail project's associated shared-use path component, funded by approximately $9.5 million in FY26 Smart Scale funding, is being reconceived as the Wilcoxon Trail Extension with an alternative alignment under study.
Willard Sherwood
The Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center (WSHCC) is a City of Fairfax project to construct a new health and community center, intended in part to replace the aging Green Acres facility for senior services. As of April 2025, the project's future was uncertain due to staffing and building security concerns, with a full City Council presentation scheduled for April 22, 2025, and all city trails work paused in the interim.
- New Business – Summary of Recent Council Meeting Actions Pertaining to Parks and Recreation
The George Snyder Trail project has been officially cancelled.
Fern Street Connector Path
The Fern Street Connector Path is a city infrastructure project that will construct a 10-foot bicycle and pedestrian path within the city right-of-way, connecting the dead-end of Fern Street (south of Route 29) to Park Road. The project was identified as an important transportation project in the Camp Washington Small Area Plan and was among several multimodal projects awarded funding, as noted in mid-2024 updates.
- Jan 12, 2026Planning Commission · item 9Staff Report
City Council was noted as scheduled to consider additional funds and a contract award for the George Snyder Trail on January 13, 2026.
Urban Forest Master Plan
The Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) is the City of Fairfax's first comprehensive, 20-year roadmap for stewardship of its urban forest. Development began in May 2024 and proceeded through two Steering Committee meetings, two public open houses (July and October 2024, with a third in October 2025), stakeholder interviews, a public survey, and ongoing presentations to the Planning Commission, PRAB, Environmental Sustainability Committee, and City Council.
- Jan 12, 2026Planning Commission · item 9Staff Report
City Council was noted as scheduled to consider additional funds and a contract award for the George Snyder Trail on January 13, 2026.
Courthouse Plaza
Courthouse Plaza (10300 Willard Way and 3922 Blenheim Boulevard) is a shopping center redevelopment project in the CR Commercial Retail/Old Town Fairfax Transition Overlay District, proposed by Combined Courthouse, LLC. The project has proceeded through two distinct application cycles.
- Staff Report
George Snyder Trail was the subject of a City Council work session on March 11, 2025, as reported by staff.
- Staff Report
An update on the George Snyder Trail Project was scheduled to be presented at the October 28, 2025 City Council meeting.
Willard-Sherwood Community Center
The Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center is a joint City of Fairfax and Fairfax County redevelopment project at 3740 and 3750 Blenheim Boulevard, replacing existing facilities with a new health, wellness, and recreation center featuring an underground parking garage, rooftop amenity space, fenced outdoor playgrounds, and a bridge connection to the existing Stacey C. Sherwood Community Center.
- Jun 23, 2025Planning Commission · item 7Staff Report
City Council held a work session on the George Snyder Trail at the June 3, 2025 meeting, as reported by staff.
- Staff Report
An update on the George Snyder Trail Project was scheduled to be presented at the October 28, 2025 City Council meeting.
The City of Fairfax's Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) 5-Year Update is a long-term planning document required by Virginia state code to be updated every five years, covering a twenty-year planning horizon. The plan was last updated in 2021 and the update process was underway as of mid-2025, with a public meeting held on November 20, 2025, at Katherine Johnson Middle School Library and a community survey open through the end of 2025.
- Staff Report
An update on the George Snyder Trail Project was scheduled to be presented at the October 28, 2025 City Council meeting.
The Fairfax Circle Small Area Plan is one of four Activity Center Small Area Plans developed by the City of Fairfax. Planning began in Spring 2023.
- Staff Report
An update on the George Snyder Trail Project was scheduled to be presented at the October 28, 2025 City Council meeting.
Northfax East-West Roadway
The Northfax East-West Roadway is a City of Falls Church capital project to construct a new east-west roadway between Chain Bridge Road and University Drive Extension. The project has been advanced through two rounds of VDOT Revenue Sharing Funding applications.
- Jun 23, 2025Planning Commission · item 7Staff Report
City Council held a work session on the George Snyder Trail at the June 3, 2025 meeting, as reported by staff.
Blenheim Boulevard Multimodal Improvements
The Blenheim Boulevard Multimodal Improvements Project (UPC-107013) is a city transportation corridor upgrade adding walking and biking infrastructure, benches, and an amphitheater, running from Blenheim Hall Drive to Ridge Avenue. The project has been in planning and design for several years, with construction expected to begin in 2025 per early-year projections; utility relocation was underway as of March 2026, with construction start revised to later in 2026 or early 2027.
- Jun 23, 2025Planning Commission · item 7Staff Report
City Council held a work session on the George Snyder Trail at the June 3, 2025 meeting, as reported by staff.
Old Town Parking Study
The Old Town Parking Study is a city-commissioned analysis of parking demand and utilization in and around Old Town Fairfax City. The study was conducted by a consultant who performed detailed field analysis of parking lots and utilization rates throughout the Old Town area; the data collection occurred in fall 2024, and the study was completed in 2025.
- Jun 23, 2025Planning Commission · item 7Staff Report
City Council held a work session on the George Snyder Trail at the June 3, 2025 meeting, as reported by staff.
Pickett Road Connector Trail
The Pickett Road Connector Trail is a City of Fairfax trail project with approximately $6.5 million in allocated funding, intended to improve transportation safety and connectivity in the Pickett Road corridor. The project drew public opposition from its earliest appearance before the Council in January 2025.
- Jan 14, 2025City Council · item 6Initial general public comment period
Multiple residents spoke in opposition to the George Snyder Trail during public comment. Douglas Willard spoke in opposition to the George Snyder Trail during the second public comment period.
- Work Session: Discussion and update on the George Snyder Trail project
Council received a discussion and update on the George Snyder Trail project during the work session; no formal action was taken, but significant public opposition was expressed and council members requested further discussion.
- Work Session: Discussion and update on trail projects
A revised alignment concept sketch was discussed during the work session, leading to Council action under item 4a. Council approved 6-0 that the city submit the concept sketch revising the proposed alignment for the George Snyder Trail to VDOT for their review.
The Country Club Hills Connector Trail was a proposed trail segment associated with the broader George Snyder Trail (GST) project. Public opposition to the trail emerged early, with residents speaking against it at least as far back as January 2025, citing concerns about tree loss, forest preservation, and the existence of alternative connections.
- Work Session: Discussion and update on the George Snyder Trail project
Council received a discussion and update on the George Snyder Trail project during the work session; no formal action was taken, but significant public opposition was expressed and council members requested further discussion.
- Work Session: Discussion and update on trail projects
A revised alignment concept sketch was discussed during the work session, leading to Council action under item 4a. Council approved 6-0 that the city submit the concept sketch revising the proposed alignment for the George Snyder Trail to VDOT for their review.
Five Chimneys proposal
- Staff Report
George Snyder Trail was the subject of a City Council work session on March 11, 2025, as reported by staff.
Highlands at Mantua
Highlands at Mantua is a redevelopment proposal by RJL Associates, Inc. to replace approximately 21,566 sq ft of existing office space with 14 front-loaded townhomes on a 2.12-acre site at 9495 Silver King Court. The project drew early public opposition from the neighboring Pickett's Reserve HOA, which raised concerns about lot size, building heights, buffers, and tree removal at the February 10, 2025 Planning Commission meeting.
- Staff Report
George Snyder Trail was the subject of a City Council work session on March 11, 2025, as reported by staff.
INOVA site demolition
The INOVA site demolition project involves the removal of an unused portion of the INOVA site within the city. The project has been noted as actively moving forward on at least two occasions in 2025 — first at the March 24, 2025 Planning Commission meeting and again at the May 12, 2025 Planning Commission meeting — suggesting steady progress.
- Staff Report
George Snyder Trail was the subject of a City Council work session on March 11, 2025, as reported by staff.
Jermantown Road Corridor Improvements
The Jermantown Road Corridor Improvements is an active City of Fairfax capital infrastructure project focused on transportation improvements along the Jermantown Road corridor. The project first came to Council attention in March 2025, when Councilmember Hall requested that information on Jermantown Road CIP improvements be brought to a future council meeting.
- Work Session: Discussion and update on the George Snyder Trail project
Council received a discussion and update on the George Snyder Trail project during the work session; no formal action was taken, but significant public opposition was expressed and council members requested further discussion.
- Jan 14, 2025City Council · item 6Initial general public comment period
Multiple residents spoke in opposition to the George Snyder Trail during public comment. Douglas Willard spoke in opposition to the George Snyder Trail during the second public comment period.
The City Hall Landscape Improvements Project is a municipal landscaping initiative for City Hall grounds. On November 12, 2024, the City Council unanimously approved (6-0) the award of a construction contract to Galicia Construction Corporation for an estimated amount of $587,752, as part of the consent agenda.
- Jan 14, 2025City Council · item 6Initial general public comment period
Multiple residents spoke in opposition to the George Snyder Trail during public comment. Douglas Willard spoke in opposition to the George Snyder Trail during the second public comment period.
The Boulevard Marketplace Shopping Center GDP Amendment project concerns a request by ABTB Mid-Atlantic, LLC to develop a 2,090-square-foot Taco Bell restaurant with a drive-through and walk-up window at 10120 Fairfax Boulevard (Tax Map Parcels 47-4-23-000-A and 47-4-23-000-D). The application required four distinct approvals: a General Development Plan (GDP) amendment, a Special Use Permit for the drive-through restaurant, a Special Exception for interior parking landscaping, and a Major Certificate of Appropriateness for architecture and landscaping.
- Sep 9, 2024Planning Commission · item 6aRequest from ABTB Mid-Atlantic, LLC for GDP Amendment, Special Use Permit (drive-through restaurant), and Special Exception (parking landscaping) – Boulevard Marketplace Shopping Center, 10120 & 10140-10160 Fairfax Boulevard
A 600-sf buffer of new plantings near the George Snyder Trail and a 6-ft wide pathway linking Fairfax Boulevard to the trail were included in the revised proposal.
passedMotion by Ms. Lockhart, seconded by Mr. Coleman, to recommend City Council adopt the attached resolution approving the GDP amendment for ABTB Mid-Atlantic, LLC at 10120 and 10140-10160 Fairfax Boulevard (Tax Map Parcels 47-4-23-000-A and 47-4-23-000-D).✓ Feather✓ Briggs✓ Coleman✓ Cunningham✓ Denton✓ Lockhart✓ Rice
- Council Comments and Committee reports out
Councilmember Hall inquired about the George Snyder Trail presentation; City Clerk Shinaberry confirmed it is scheduled for March 11, 2025. Councilmember Hall requested that the cost of canceling the project be included in the future presentation.
- Summary of Recent Council Meeting Actions Pertaining to Parks and Recreation
A City Council walk on the George Snyder Trail is scheduled for February 28; a broader trails projects discussion is set for March 4.
- Summary of Recent Council Meeting Actions Pertaining to Parks and Recreation
The George Snyder Trail was discussed for 2.5 hours at the last Council meeting; options including building only the west half were discussed, and PRAB's stance was communicated to the Mayor and City Council via email.
- Council Comments and Committee reports out
Councilmember Peterson noted the Council is working toward a permanent resolution; the Mayor confirmed that Councilmembers Peterson and Bates would attend an upcoming meeting with VDOT and city staff to discuss the project.
- George Snyder Trail (GST) Advertising Cancellation and Project Modification Process
Council unanimously voted not to advertise the George Snyder Trail project in its current configuration and directed staff to explore modifications; VDOT has set a December 31, 2025 deadline to advertise for construction.
passedMotion that the City shall not advertise the George Snyder Trail project in its current proposed configuration and that City staff be directed to work with the City Council on exploring possible modifications, noting a VDOT deadline of December 31, 2025 to advertise for construction.✓ Amos✓ Bates✓ Hall✓ Hardy-Chandler✓ McQuillen✓ Peterson - Work Session: New Proposed Alignment for the George Snyder Trail
Work session discussion and update on the new proposed alignment for the George Snyder Trail was rescheduled to May 27, 2025; multiple residents spoke during public comment in opposition to and in support of the project.
- Work Session: Discussion on the George Snyder Trail
The trail was discussed extensively in a work session and drew large public comment (predominantly in opposition). Four councilmembers reached consensus to direct staff to ask VDOT whether building only the western half of the trail is still an option; financial repayment structure information was requested via email. No vote to cancel or proceed was taken at this meeting.
- Update on the George Snyder Trail project
An update on the George Snyder Trail project was presented to City Council during the work session. No vote or formal action was taken.
- Consideration of a resolution on the George Snyder Trail
Council adopted Resolution R-25-20 (4-2) reaffirming previous approval of the George Snyder Trail Project (VDOT UPC 112816) as designed in its entirety; motions to build only the western half or to cancel the project both failed.
failedAdopt a resolution to modify the George Snyder Trail Project (VDOT UPC 112816) to remove segments east of Fair Woods Parkway (segments B, C, and D) and construct segment A1 only (hybrid/western half option), with understanding that repayment of project expenditures for removed segments will be required.✓ Bates✕ Amos✕ Hall✕ Hardy-Chandler✕ McQuillen✕ PetersonfailedSubstitute motion: Adopt a resolution to cancel the George Snyder Trail Project (VDOT UPC 112816) in its entirety, with full repayment of project expenditures (estimated at $3.7 million) and identification of financing and savings to cover repayment.✓ Peterson✕ Amos✕ Bates✕ Hall✕ Hardy-Chandler✕ McQuillenpassedAdopt Resolution R-25-20 to reaffirm previous approval of the George Snyder Trail Project (VDOT UPC 112816) as designed.✓ Amos✓ Bates✓ Hardy-Chandler✓ McQuillen✕ Hall✕ Peterson - New Business – Summary of Recent Council Meeting Actions Pertaining to Parks and Recreation
City Council voted to approve building the full George Snyder Trail.
- Work Session: Update on the George Snyder Trail
Status update on the George Snyder Trail presented during the work session. Multiple members of the public spoke in opposition during the general public comment periods; no formal action was taken at this meeting.
- Nov 4, 2025City Council · item 1cFollow-up Discussion on the George Snyder Trail
A follow-up discussion on the George Snyder Trail was held at this work session; no formal action or vote was recorded.
- Introduction of a grant supplemental appropriation resolution in the amount of $4,600,000 for Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Concession Funding for the George Snyder Trail
The Council approved introduction of a $4,600,000 supplemental appropriation resolution from Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Concession Funding for the George Snyder Trail, with the first reading waived and a public hearing set for January 13, 2026. The city previously received $20.6 million in concessionaire funding and construction bids exceeded the remaining $16 million budget by $4.6 million.
passedIntroduce the supplemental appropriation resolution of $4,600,000 from Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Concession Funding for the George Snyder Trail, waive the first reading, and set the public hearing for January 13, 2026.✓ Amos✓ Bates– Hall✓ Hardy-Chandler✕ McQuillen✕ Peterson - Public Hearing and Council Action on a Grant Supplemental Appropriation Resolution – $4,600,000 from Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Concession Funding for the George Snyder Trail
The motion to approve a $4.6 million supplemental appropriation to cover construction bids exceeding the remaining $16 million project budget failed 3-3. Following the failed supplemental appropriation vote, the City Council voted 4-2 to cancel the George Snyder Trail Project in its entirety.
failedApprove the supplemental appropriation resolution in the amount of $4,600,000 from Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Concession Funding for the George Snyder Trail✓ Amos✓ Bates✕ Hall✓ Hardy-Chandler✕ McQuillen✕ Peterson
In full
The project drew sustained and significant public opposition throughout its consideration. In April 2025, Council voted unanimously (6-0) not to advertise the project in its current configuration and directed staff to explore modifications, noting a VDOT deadline of December 31, 2025 to advertise for construction. After extensive work sessions and public comment, Council adopted Resolution R-25-20 in June 2025 (4-2) reaffirming the full project as designed, defeating both a hybrid "western half only" option and an outright cancellation motion.
However, in December 2025, a $4.6 million supplemental appropriation to cover construction bids exceeding the remaining $16 million budget was introduced (approved for introduction 3-2-1), and at the January 13, 2026 public hearing that appropriation failed on a 3-3 tie vote. Immediately following, Council voted 4-2 to cancel the George Snyder Trail Project in its entirety, with cancellation confirmed as official by PRAB in February 2026. A related but distinct project — the Wilcoxon Trail Extension (formerly the George Snyder Trail Extension), funded by approximately $9.5 million in FY26 Smart Scale funds — is now being reconceived with a modified alignment using Draper Drive and Beach Drive; Council gave consensus in May 2026 to proceed with a feasibility study and public outreach using already-appropriated City funds.