George Snyder Trail
The George Snyder Trail was a planned shared-use trail project (VDOT UPC 112816) in the City of Fairfax intended to improve multimodal connectivity. 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 proposed health and community center project in the City of Fairfax, closely associated with senior services and intended to replace or supplement the aging Green Acres facility. The project faced an early setback in April 2025 when PRAB was informed it might not continue due to staffing and security concerns, with all trails-related work paused pending a City Council presentation on April 22, 2025.
- 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 specifically identified in the Camp Washington Small Area Plan as an important pedestrian connection and had been funded as of mid-2024, when it was noted alongside other multimodal transportation projects receiving awarded funding.
- 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-ever 20-year roadmap for stewardship of its urban forest, developed beginning in May 2024. The planning process included two Steering Committee meetings, multiple public meetings and open houses (July 2024, October 2024, October 2025), a public survey, stakeholder interviews, and presentations to the Planning Commission, City Council, PRAB, and the Environmental Sustainability Committee.
- 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, with associated parcel at 3922 Blenheim Boulevard) is a shopping center redevelopment proposal in the City of Fairfax, pursued by Combined Courthouse, LLC. The project has gone 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 project to redevelop the Willard Health Center and Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center sites at 3740 and 3750 Blenheim Boulevard into a new shared health, wellness, and recreation facility.
- 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 covering a twenty-year horizon, required by state code to be updated every five years; the previous update was completed in 2021. Work on the update was underway by at least July 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 adopted by the City of Fairfax. Plan development 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 infrastructure project involving construction of a new east-west roadway between Chain Bridge Road and University Drive Extension. The project is being pursued through VDOT's Revenue Sharing Funding program, which requires a local match.
- 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 examining parking supply, demand, and utilization in and around Old Town Fairfax City. The study's field analysis was conducted in fall 2024, and it 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 a $6.5 million funding allocation, proposed on the eastern side of Pickett Road. The project drew public opposition from its earliest appearance on Council agendas 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 in the city's broader trail network, connected to the George Snyder Trail project. The proposal drew sustained public opposition, particularly over concerns about the loss of mature oak-hickory forest trees, with opponents calling for cancellation as early as January 2025.
- 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 tearing down the unused portion of the INOVA site within the city. The project has been referenced in Planning Commission staff report updates on at least two occasions.
- 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 transportation capital improvement project focused on safety and infrastructure upgrades along the Jermantown Road corridor. The project first came to the City Council's attention in connection with the George Snyder Trail discussion in March 2025, when Councilmember Hall requested that more information on the Jermantown Road CIP improvements be brought to a future 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 construction initiative to improve landscaping at City Hall. 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 concerns a request by ABTB Mid-Atlantic, LLC to amend the General Development Plan for the shopping center at 10120 and 10140-10160 Fairfax Boulevard (Tax Map Parcels 47-4-23-000-A and 47-4-23-000-D) in order to permit a 2,090-square-foot Taco Bell restaurant with a drive-through and walk-up window. The application also required a Special Use Permit for the drive-through restaurant, a Special Exception for reduced 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 2025 and into 2026. After numerous work sessions beginning in March 2025, the City Council voted unanimously (6-0) in April 2025 not to advertise the trail in its then-current configuration and directed staff to explore modifications. In June 2025 the Council adopted Resolution R-25-20 (4-2) reaffirming the full project as designed, defeating both a western-half-only option and a full cancellation motion.
The project's finances became the decisive issue when construction bids came in $4.6 million over the remaining $16 million budget; in December 2025 the Council introduced a supplemental appropriation of $4,600,000 from Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Concession Funding (approved 3-2-1), but at the January 13, 2026 public hearing the motion to approve that appropriation failed 3-3, and the Council subsequently voted 4-2 to cancel the George Snyder Trail Project in its entirety. The cancellation was confirmed at the February 2026 PRAB meeting. A separate but related project — the George Snyder Trail Extension (connecting the Wilcoxon trailhead on Fairfax Boulevard to the now-canceled trail's eastern terminus), funded by approximately $9.5 million in FY26 Smart Scale funds — was reconceived in May 2026 as the Wilcoxon Trail Extension with a modified alignment, and the Council gave consensus to pursue a feasibility study and public outreach using already-appropriated funds.