2017: The year in review

Here’s a look back at some of the major stories we covered in the Annandale Blog during the past year.

January


The Howard Hughes Corp. revises its proposal for redeveloping Landmark Mall after acquiring the Macy’s site.

Fairfax County copes with a soaring number of opioid overdoses.

Local immigrant advocacy groups denounce refugee ban.

February

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approves zoning changes allowing the Inova Health Care System to develop an advanced research and treatment center on the site of the former ExxonMobil campus on Gallows Road.

Local immigrant communities are living in fear after raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at Fairmont Gardens in Annandale

Five suspects are charged with the brutal, gang-related murder of 15-year-old Damaris Alexandra Reyes Rivas near Lake Accotink.

A newly formed Lincolnia Planning District Study Task Force considers the future of redevelopment in Lincolnia.

March

Two bodies found in Holmes Run Stream Valley Park are connected to gang-related murders.

Law enforcement officials report an uptick in gang activity.

The Falls Church Anglican begins work on a new sanctuary and parking deck next to the office building it purchased in 2015 on Arlington Boulevard.

Bailey’s Crossroads residents complain about homeless squatters occupying vacant houses that will be torn down to make way for a new retail center on Leesburg Pike.

April

A severe storm uproots trees, downs power lines, and damages buildings across the area.

The “farm” on Annandale Road goes on the market for $3 million.

Bailey’s Upper Elementary School gets a new gym and playground.

May 

An Aldi grocery store opens in the Annandale Shopping Center on Columbia Pike.

A proposal for a 66-unit townhouse project on Gallows Road has been withdrawn in the face of opposition from county staff.

June

Immigration advocates urge Fairfax County to stop cooperating with ICE.

Library friends groups call Fairfax County officials’ proposal to increase control over their budgets a “money grab.”

PR Performance Fitness opens on John Marr Drive in Annandale.

July

The Board of Zoning Appeals approves a special permit allowing an office building on General Green Way to be converted to Spa Forest.

A five-story apartment building, The Loren, opens on Arlington Boulevard in Seven Corners.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approves a rezoning application and conceptual development plan for the Columbia Crossroads project on Columbia Pike in Bailey’s Crossroads.

The Board of Supervisors approves a list of recommended projects to improve bicycle and pedestrian access along the Little River Turnpike corridor.

The Fairfax County School Board directs the superintendent to develop a process for changing the name of JEB Stuart High School.

August

A new historic marker on Lincolnia Road commemorates the important role played by Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in sustaining the African-American community of Lincolnia.

A man was arrested at the Little River Turnpike Shopping Center in Annandale following a chaotic series of incidents, including a carjacking and several collisions.

The final plan for the Braddock Road Improvement Project would improve traffic flow and bicycle access between Ravensworth Road and Guinea Road.

A new baseball field named for Hall of Famer Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez opens in Mason District Park.

September 

Construction begins on the huge St. James sports and wellness complex in an industrial area off Backlick Road in Springfield.

Community members vote for a new name for JEB Stuart High School.

Erickson Living announces plans to build a community for seniors on the site of the former Northern Virginia Training Center on Braddock Road in Fairfax.

October

The third Taste of Annandale community festival draws crowds of people for food, entertainment, children’s activities, a pet contest, and a 5K race.

The Fairfax County Planning Commission endorses a rezoning application to permit the construction of 37 townhouses on the site of a medical office building in Seven Corners.

An Annandale resident and restaurateur wins the lottery for the second time this year.

Federal Realty Investment Trust downsizes its plans for developing a mixed-use project at Graham Park Plaza.

The School Board votes to change the name of JEB Stuart High School to Justice High School.

November

Five restaurants receive “Annie Awards” by the Annandale Blog as the top dining choices of local residents.

The Arts Council of Fairfax County selects an artist team to develop a public art engagement project in Seven Corners.

Fairfax County voters play a key role in electing a Democratic governor, Ralph Northam, and other Democratic lawmakers.

The Lincolnia Planning District Study Task Force presents its recommendation for designating the area around the Little River Turnpike/N. Beauregard intersection a Community Business Center.

December

The Board of Supervisors authorizes two Annandale pilot projects: a pop-up civic plaza and an “open streets” event.

The Board of Supervisors streamlines the process for converting obsolete and underutilized office buildings to other uses, such as housing or public facilities.

A small dog is attacked and killed by a wild animal, most likely a coyote, in Annandale.

Glory Days Grill opens in Barcroft Plaza.