More residents say Annandale is improving

Visitors to the Annandale Today table at the Taste of Annandale last month were asked to fill out a brief, nonscientific survey with the question: “Is Annandale getting better or worse?”

Nearly three-quarters of respondents (73.6 percent) checked “better.”

They were then asked to write down why think Annandale is getting better or worse. Here are some of the responses from those who said “better”:

• “More businesses, housing, and employment opportunities; more visitors, thriving academics; environmental/community improvements.”
• “O’My Chiq and the Block are transforming Annandale.”
• “Stores, options increasing; nice housing being built.”
• “It would be better with better maintenance of weeds along sidewalks and traffic safety precautions, such as adding a stoplight at Mason District Park.”
• “I want to be positive and think that things are getting better. I think that for this to be possible, it must be everyone’s job. For example, pedestrians must respect traffic signs to avoid accidents. Also, I see some trash on the streets near 7-Eleven.”
• “I love everything about Annandale. Hopefully, more walkable areas will develop.”

Here are some of the comments from the 26.4 percent of respondents who said Annandale is getting worse:

• “Columbia Pike from Burger King to Gallows is a mess. The road is not wide enough.”
• “Traffic remains a mess. It appears crime is up. Events like the Taste of Annandale are very helpful. Homeless and street-side begging is all over, so it’s not just an Annandale thing.”
• “Efforts seem to be growing but those with more power and influence are sitting on their hands.”
• Others mentioned crime and the homeless.

Community residents will have a chance to weigh in on the future of Annandale at a Town Hall on Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m., at the Mason Government Center, 6507 Columbia Pike.

The event, hosted by the Annandale-Mason Roundtable, will feature a discussion on what people consider the biggest issues in the community and offer an opportunity to brainstorm potential solutions.

Related story: Annandale Town Hall set for Nov. 13

The survey also asked people about their experience at the Taste of Annandale on Sept. 21.

When asked about their favorite thing at the event, most people cited the food.

Others mentioned the small businesses and other vendors, the entertainment, the pet contest, the music, the diversity, and the new venue (the Eileen Garnett Civic Space). One respondent mentioned access to the fire station for restrooms and an air-conditioned place to enjoy the food.

Another open-ended question asked what should be improved at the next Taste of Annandale. Here are some responses:

• More tables for eating, more shaded seating.
• Parking information.
• “A little more organization on the 5K route.”
• Add more arts and crafts.
• A bounce house and more games for kids.
• “Vendors should offer small tastes, so people could sample more items.”
• Expand it, with more booths.
• More diversity and more cultural groups.
• More variety of cuisines.

The Taste of Annandale Planning Committee will consider all this when we start thinking about the 2025 event.

In addition, the survey asked people to write down what Annandale Today news topics they’re most interested in.

Among the responses (in no particular order): crime, commercial development, local government, civic engagement, police activity, schools, parks, fires, incoming businesses, restaurants, local events, transportation, environmental issues, and the homeless situation.