Fairfax City Council reaffirms full George Snyder Trail after weeks of public debate

Fairfax City Council on June 10 voted 4–2 to reaffirm approval of the full George Snyder Trail project, ending a months‑long dispute between residents who urged completion for regional connectivity and those who opposed the plan’s through‑the‑woods alignment on environmental grounds. The council rejected a motion to limit construction to a western half and a later substitute motion to cancel the trail if staff could identify repayment financing and $3.7 million in budget savings.

The decision followed a lengthy public‑comment period in which dozens of residents, advocacy groups and former officials spoke. Supporters emphasized connectivity and the risk of losing roughly $3.7 million in I‑66 concession and related grant funding if the city abandons the full design. "Adding an obligation of $1,700,000 to the city's taxpayers is simply unacceptable," said Art Hammerschlag of Fairfax City Citizens for Smarter Growth, urging the council to build the entire trail. Other speakers, including Tom Ross, a former council member, said completing the trail is necessary to maintain the city’s credibility with regional partners.

Opponents focused on environmental damage and tree loss in resource‑protection areas. Residents who opposed the through‑the‑woods alignment described mature forest, wildlife and stream restoration work they said would be harmed by a hard‑surface trail. Tom Blackburn of the Northern Virginia…