Community center coming to Annandale
Plans are moving forward for the establishment of a community resource center in the Heritage Shopping Center in Annandale. Construction is expected to start in early 2022, said Supervisor James Walkinshaw (Braddock).
Fairfax County signed a lease with the Webb Cos. for a 1,200-square-foot long-vacant space formerly occupied by CrossFit Annandale.
That was part of a proffer agreement when the Board of Supervisors approved the townhouse development on the parking lot behind the retail center.
Related story: Discussions underway on a community resource center at Heritage Mall
The community center could be used for a Boys and Girls Club, after-school tutoring, workforce training for adults, or similar programs – depending on the results of a forthcoming needs survey of area residents, Walkinshaw said.
His staff is coordinating with the Opportunities Neighborhood program in Annandale (ON-Annandale), which is also developing programs for area residents based on their priorities.
Activities at the new community center also won’t duplicate the programs at the nearby Heritage Mission Center, which focuses on food and clothing assistance provided by volunteers. The Medical Care for Children Partnership Foundation will offer healthcare and dental care at that site.
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I hope that this will be a positive force in that area. Leaders will need to ensure that it does not become a magnet for those who continue to tarnish that area with crime and gang-like behavior. I truly hope that this helps the community.