2025: The year in review
JANUARY
Annandale residents express their views on renaming Little River Turnpike
Some residents speak out against giving Little River Turnpike an honorary name in recognition of the Korean community.
Leasing underway at Alta Nova apartments
Tenants begin moving into a new apartment complex on Columbia Pike in Bailey’s Crossroads.
Shop owners facing displacement seek rent relief
Small businesses must close to make way for a Virginia Hospital Center project.
FCPS vows to protect students if ICE agents come to schools
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to barring ICE agents from schools.
January openings
Umah Market
Blazin Halal
Playful Pack
Kajiken
Pawtiques Dog Grooming School
FEBRUARY
15 development proposals submitted for Mason District
Developers submit proposals to the Planning Commission for projects in Seven Corners, Annandale, Bailey’s Crossroads, and Lincolnia.
Virginia Senate passes casino bill
A bill to authorize a referendum for a casino in Tysons clears the state Senate.
ICE agents arrest immigrants at Fairmont Gardens
Many immigrants are hiding in their homes, as ICE agents step up actions to arrest people on the street.
Concerns raised on proposed pavilion at Green Spring Gardens
Residents oppose a pavilion that would be used as an outdoor classroom.
February openings
MARCH
Fired federal workers worry about financial security in a tight job market
Federal workers who’ve been fired by the Trump administration are angry, confused, and worried about making ends meet.
Supervisors approve upgrade for Shell station on Backlick Road
A convenience store will replace the auto shop at a gas station on Backlick Road at Industrial Road.
Cameras will catch drivers who don’t stop for school buses
Cameras on the stop-sign arm on school buses will improve safety for schoolchildren.
Mason District is a treasure trove of modern architecture
Many local houses and commercial buildings from the 1950s-80s have a distinctive style.
March openings
Megamart Supermarket
DRiP Cà Phê
Seichou Karate
Lidya Market and Coffee
Hamza & Madina
Fort Buffalo Fire Station
La Tiendita de Blanca
APRIL
Seven Corners residents oppose housing proposal at the Jefferson
Residents speak out against a development proposal to add housing on Leesburg Pike.
Neighbors object to high-density projects proposed for Annandale
Residents of the Willow Run community oppose an apartment building proposed for Little River Turnpike.
Advisory committee is considering plans to adjust school boundaries
Fairfax County Public Schools formed a committee and hired a consultant to conduct a comprehensive county-wide boundary review.
Displaced retail tenants secure concessions from Virginia Hospital Center
A retail strip on Route 50 will be demolished and replaced with a health center.
April openings
Underdog Coffee
JJ Salon & Barber
Inova Cares for Families
Malloy Chevrolet
MAY
Board approves meals tax, cuts tax rate
Board of Supervisors approves a 4 percent meals tax, to take effect Jan. 1, 2026.
Supervisor Walkinshaw is running for Congress
Braddock Supervisor James Walkinshaw launches a campaign for the late Gerry Connolly’s former seat in the House of Representatives.
A condo resident is plagued by a neighbor’s drug addict visitors
Drug dealers, passed-out addicts, and fights make life uncomfortable for a Seven Corners resident.
Renovations planned for George Mason Regional Library
An upgrade will result in a better layout and more small meeting rooms at Annandale’s library.
May openings
Oiso
Shuyi Grass Jelly & Tea
Pop-Up District
Chase Bank
JUNE
Residents express concerns about a Unified Sanitation District
Condo owners and small trash haulers oppose the county’s plan for overhauling the trash and recycling system.
Supervisors add redevelopment proposals to Comprehensive Plan Work Program
The Board of Supervisors agrees to consider the Willow Run and Jefferson Apartments housing proposals, despite strong community opposition
It’s a hard life on the street for a wounded veteran
A former comic book artist describes how he ended up living on the streets of Annandale.
Weapon scanners are now permanent at Annandale HS
Students must pass through a metal detector when they enter the high school.
June openings
Blazin Halal
GolfPark
Down the Line Sports Center
JULY
The Block and B-Thrifty are closing
Half of the East Gate Shopping Center will be torn down to make way for an apartment building.
Road diet proposed for Gallows Road
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation proposes a plan for improving pedestrian access along Gallows Road.
A fix for Lake Accotink is years away
Several studies underway will guide a future remedy for addressing sediment in Lake Accotink.
Sign design options revealed for Seven Corners and Bailey’s Crossroads
New signage would highlight neglected areas in Mason District.
July openings
AUGUST
U.S. Education Department puts FCPS on “high risk” status
The Trump administration threatens to cut federal funding to coerce Fairfax County Public Schools to change its bathroom policy for transgender students.
Supervisors approve the honorary name “Seoul Boulevard” for John Marr Drive
An honorary name for a portion of John Marr Drive will recognize the contributions of the Korean community.
BoS will consider alternatives to a USD
The Board of Supervisors agreed to defer action on a Unified Sanitary District while considering other options.
State agency approves transmission line in Bren Mar Park
The State Corporation Commission approved Dominion Energy’s request for an electrical transmission line next to a residential community.
SEPTEMBER
The Taste of Annandale highlights a vibrant community
Thousands of people come to a festival featuring food vendors, live performances, the “Animaldale” petting zoo, a 5K run, a chili cookoff, children’s activities, a pet costume contest, a game arcade, and local businesses.
Homeless shelter staff complain about late paychecks, lack of supplies
Staff at the Bailey’s Shelter and other shelters managed by New Hope Housing say they’re not getting paid.
Walkinshaw wins big in congressional election
Former Braddock Supervisor James Walkinshaw will represent Virginia’s 11th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Residents complain about deteriorating conditions at the Bailey’s Shelter
Homeless people staying at the shelter in Bailey’s Crossroads say they’re not getting help to find jobs and housing.
New Hope Housing contract terminated
Fairfax County terminates New Hope Housing’s contract to operate the Bailey’s Shelter, citing poor management.
OCTOBER
Sizemore Heizer wins the Democratic primary for Braddock supervisor
Braddock school board member Rachna Sizemore Heizer wins a primary to succeed James Walkinshaw on the Board of Supervisors.
KORUS Festival features high-energy entertainment
An annual festival brings Korean culture to Annandale.
Local residents turn out in force for No Kings rally in Annandale
Residents speak out against Trump at a peaceful rally on a pedestrian bridge over the beltway.
October openings
Con Sazon Venezolano
Recovery Unplugged
Honeygrow
NOVEMBER
Residents oppose sidewalk at Justice Park
A new sidewalk planned for Justice Park is no longer needed, residents say.
Culmore Library to close for a year for HVAC upgrade
Fairfax County announces plans to close the Culmore Community Library for an entire year to replace the HVAC system.
FACETS will manage the Bailey’s Shelter
Fairfax County hires a nonprofit organization to manage the homeless shelter in Bailey’s Crossroads.
November openings
DECEMBER
BoS backs data center industry on substations, rejects residents’ concerns
The Board of Supervisors ignores concerns from Bren Mar Park residents about a substation next to their homes.
FCDOT to proceed with Justice Park sidewalk despite community opposition
A sidewalk project at Justice Park will be constructed, whether it’s needed or not.
School Board approves AAP Center at Poe
An Advanced Academic Program center will open at Poe Middle School in 2026.
Sizemore Heizer elected to the Board of Supervisors
Former school board member Rachna Sizemore Heizer was elected to the Braddock seat on the Board of Supervisors.
Streamlined rules proposed for accessory living units
Fairfax County wants to make it easier for homeowners to establish accessory living units.
December openings
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