Politics & Government

Falls Church 'Bullish' on 2013 Economic Forecast

New businesses and restaurants are opening across the city, and officials plan to review several mixed-use development projects this year.

Even with several new businesses popping up around the City of Falls Church, officials are still looking to attract more owners.

Becky Witsman, business development manager for the city, said the city is “very bullish on business in Falls Church in 2013.” The city continues to develop solid niches in building an eclectic inventory of restaurants, bars and fitness centers, she said. A 24 Hour Fitness and Body Dynamics opened late in 2012 in the city.

“In 2013, the Northgate mixed use development project on North Washington Street will be completed, providing additional office and retail space in the city,” Witsman said.  “The 44,000 square foot Good Fortune Asian supermarket will open at the Eden Center and the new Hilton Garden Inn will be close to completion on West Broad Street.”

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As the city looks to expand it’s business base, several big, mixed use development projects will be reviewed, including Rushmark’s Harris Teeter-anchor project at 301 W. Broad Street and Lincoln Property’s commercial and apartment project on South Maple Avenue. There is also a proposed 110,000 square foot office building under review for a property at 400 N. Washington. Witsman said meals taxes in the city are steadily increasing annually. From fiscal year 2010 to FY 2011, meals taxes increased a little over 13 percent. Between FY 2011 and FY 2012, meals taxes increased by almost five percent.

Meals taxes from FY 2012 to 2013 are not available yet, Witsman said.

Find out what's happening in Falls Churchwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

With a Burger 7 set to open sometime this year in a space left vacant for a short period of time by the departure of a bagel shop in the Falls Plaza, Witsman said the city wants to see all of their vacant business properties filled. It’s the city’s goal to fill as many of the vacancies and to help that cause, Witsman said the city offers free individualized assistance to anyone seeking space in the city, including businesses that already exist who may wish to move, upsize or downsize.

“Another is working closely with all of the commercial real estate brokers that we possibly can, who represent both prospective business tenants and our building owners, to make sure that they get all of the information and encouragement we can muster,” she said. “Bottom line, we try to do whatever it takes, roll out the red carpet, offer tours and generally do whatever we can to assist prospective businesses that are considering the city as a location.”

Check out Falls Church Patch Tuesday to read about how “The Little City,” retains small businesses.


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