2023: The year in review
Here’s a recap of some of the major stories we covered this year.
JANUARY
Construction of new Seven Corners Fire Station underway
The Seven Corners Fire Station on Sleepy Hollow Road is being replaced with a new larger building.
A new sidewalk would improve pedestrian safety on Columbia Pike
A planned sidewalk would fill in the gaps between Backlick Road and Tom Davis Drive.
Bailey’s Crossroads residents say crime should be addressed before redevelopment
County planners describe plans for a major mixed-use development at the Food Star site on Leesburg Pike.
FEBRUARY
Planning Commission endorses Skyline live/work project
The Fairfax County Planning Commission agreed to recommend approval of a rezoning for a second live/work project at the Skyline Center in Bailey’s Crossroads.
County to begin Gallows Road study
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is preparing to explore multimodal transportation on Gallows Road and will form a stakeholder group to provide community input.
Planning Commission endorses senior housing project in Seven Corners
The Fairfax County Planning Commission is recommending approval of a rezoning application to permit an apartment building for seniors on the grounds of First Christian Church on Leesburg Pike.
Dredging Lake Accotink is not financially or environmentally feasible
County public works staff are recommending the dredging project not go forward due to significant cost increases, which would result in transforming the lake into a wetland.
Real estate assessments rise again
Assessments are rising an average of 6.79 percent, resulting in a $520 increase in average property taxes.
Park Authority drops plans for a resident curator at the White Gardens
As a result of strong community opposition, the Fairfax County Park Authority will tear down the house at the at the John C. and Margaret K. White Gardens and restore the horticultural resources.
February openings
Hot Lola’s, Pinecrest Plaza.
MARCH
Upgrade planned for Mason Police Station
Fairfax County is preparing to carry out a $15-20 million renovation and expansion of the police station on Columbia Pike.
Annandale Community Center opens
The Annandale Community Center on Heritage Drive provides an afterschool program operated by the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington.
Fire strikes businesses on Columbia Pike
A major fire in center Annandale affected the Bonchon and To Sok Jip restaurants, JJ Hair Salon, and the Hanmi Post International Ship Center.
Virginia Supreme Court throws out Z-Mod
The state Supreme Court rules the Board of Supervisors action to overhaul the Zoning Ordinance violated the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
Board of Supervisors approves affordable housing preservation policy
A new policy requires the one-to-one replacement of affordable housing when a multifamily project is redeveloped.
Construction underway on apartment project in Bailey’s Crossroads
Ground is broken for Alta Crossroads, a 361-unit multifamily building on Columbia Pike.
Investigation finds FCPS did not intentionally withhold notification to Commended Students
There is no evidence that Fairfax County Public Schools deliberately withheld notification to students designated Commended Students by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
March openings
Danuri, Annandale
APRIL
Elevated walkway opens at Lake Accotink
A new walkway by the Lake Accotink dam is above the flood zone.
FCPS expands employee background checks
Following a lapse at Glasgow Middle School, FCPS implements security measures to prevent the hiring of sex offenders.
Falls Church HS expansion cut back and delayed due to soaring costs
FCPS finds the renovation of Falls Church High School will cost millions of dollars more than anticipated.
April openings
Bitez, Annandale
JD Bar & Restaurant, Annandale
Linjee, Lincolnia
Aqua-Tots, Barcroft Plaza
K-Pot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot Restaurant, Seven Corners
The Hidden Cloud, Annandale
MAY
The Taste of Annandale brings the community together for food and fun
Thousands of people gathered in central Annandale for an annual festival featuring food, beer, entertainment, a 5K race, children’s activities, a pet contest, vendors, and much more.
Mason District supervisor candidates outline their priorities and qualifications
Four candidates – Andres Jimenez, Steve Lee, Jeremy Allen, and Reid Voss – are running in the Democratic Primary to succeed Mason Supervisor Penny Gross.
Supervisors cut property tax rate
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a budget markup package for FY 2024 that reduces the real estate tax rate by 1.5 cents and raises for county employees.
Planning Commission recommends approval of zMod despite widespread opposition
After the Virginia Supreme Court voided the overhaul of the Zoning Ordinance, the Fairfax County Planning Commission voted again to urge the Board of Supervisors to approve it.
New task force will review options for the future of Lake Accotink
The Board of Supervisors formed the Task Force on the Future of Lake Accotink to review previous studies.
Braddock Elementary renovation completed
FCPS completed an expansion and renovation of Braddock Elementary School in Annandale.
May openings
Wingstop, Annandale
Mum Aroi, Bailey’s Crossroads
Java Loco, Falls Church
JUNE
FCPS to address overcrowding at Glasgow
Short and long-term solutions are in the works to address overcrowded hallways and unsafe bathrooms at Glasgow Middle School
Affordable housing proposed for county-owned property on Columbia Pike
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is considering the development of affordable housing on the site of the Crossroads Interim Park in Bailey’s Crossroads.
Andres Jimenez wins Democratic Primary for Mason District supervisor
Mason District’s representative on the Planning Commission beat three other candidates to win the Democratic Primary for Mason supervisor.
June openings
SweetFrog, Annandale
Millennium Home Renovations, Annandale
JULY
A Bailey’s Xroads resident is documenting the history of a vibrant Black community
The Springdale neighborhood has long been the center of a flourishing Black community.
Fairfax County could end leaf vacuum service
The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services recommends the county stop collecting leaves.
Apartments would displace The Block
The Eastgate mixed-use development proposed for John Marr Drive in Annandale will have 280 apartments, ground-floor retail, and an above-ground garage.
July openings
Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken, Annandale
Rick’s Tattoo, Bailey’s Crossroads
Synergy Cabinets, Annandale
Little Giant Muay Thai, Seven Corners
AUGUST
FCPS won’t implement Youngkin’s model policies on trans students
The governor’s model policies would require students to use bathrooms and pronouns that match their biological sex.
FCPS seeks parent feedback on Glasgow boundary study
Fairfax County Public Schools is considering moving some Glasgow students to Poe, Holmes, or Jackson middle schools.
August openings
Jake’s Gourmet Popcorn, Seven Corners
SEPTEMBER
Southern Towers tenants charge landlord with exploitive practices
Despite numerous complaints, criticism by members of Congress, and negative press, African Communities Together and tenants charge CIM Group with poor maintenance at Southern Towers.
Planning Commission amends and recommends approval of Parking Reimagined
The Fairfax County Planning Commission recommended approval of a Zoning Ordinance to reduce parking requirements after passing several amendments to address some of the concerns raised by residents.
School board to consider renaming Woodson HS for Carter Woodson
The Fairfax County School Board plans to remove the name of Wilbert Tucker Woodson, a former segregation advocate, and rename Woodson High School for African American scholar Carter Woodson.
September openings
Popeyes, Bailey’s Crossroads
Jersey Mike’s Subs, Annandale
OCTOBER
County backs off plan to eliminate vacuum leaf service next year
In the face of intense opposition, the county agreed to retain vacuum leaf service for at least another year.
The community celebrates the new Eileen Garnett Civic Space in Annandale
A new park opened in Annandale on Columbia Pike between the ACCA Child Development Center and the fire station.
Falls Church HS renovation is ‘back on track’
Fairfax County Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid said everything planned for the renovation of the Falls Church High School will be done – with creative solutions to save money.
Eastgate project gets a green light
The Board of Supervisors approved a rezoning application for the Eastgate mixed-use development on John Marr Drive in Annandale.
Pedestrian safety improved on Route 7
Transportation officials are implementing pedestrian safety improvements on Leesburg Pike in Culmore.
October openings
Moby Dick House of Kabob, Annandale
Patient First, Annandale
Golf Galaxy, Bailey’s Crossroads
NOVEMBER
Democrats win big on Election Day
Andres Jimenez was elected Mason District supervisor, succeeding Penny Gross. Voters elected Chris Falcon as clerk of the court, and re-elected Mason school board member Ricardy Anderson, Sen. Dave Marsden, Del. Vivian Watts, Del. Marcus Simon, and Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano.
Food Star redevelopment advances
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a Comprehensive Plan amendment to allow a mixed-use development with up to 1,300 housing units on Leesburg Pike in Bailey’s Crossroads.
Residential conversion proposed for Annandale office building
The owner of an office building on Little River Turnpike in Annandale is proposing to repurpose it for multifamily housing.
November openings
Mae Ornit, Annandale
Inova-GoHealth, Seven Corners
DECEMBER
Lake Accotink task force presents its findings to the BoS
The Task Force on the Future of Lake Accotink found that retaining the lake at a smaller size could be a viable option.
Indoor pickleball center to open in Annandale
Plans are underway for an indoor pickleball facility in the long-vacant Kid’s Choice building on Ravensworth Road.
December openings
Umai Fusian Buffet, Lincolnia
Chay, Barcroft Plaza