Park Authority developing a park access and equity strategy
The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the public to learn more about the draft Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Access Strategy. The plan will provide a framework for improved and equitable access to parks and a balance of recreational issues. The Park Authority will hold three community workshops, Oct. 25, Nov. 1, and Nov. 16. … Continued
Parking needs to be ‘reimagined,’ but the county plan needs work
By Donna Jacobson Fairfax County staff is working on a proposed parking amendment to the Zoning Ordinance, which would set reduced minimum parking requirements (MPRs) for new and renovated developments. The proposed parking amendment should be available at the end of October on the Parking Reimagined website.The Planning Commission is expected to have public hearings … Continued
Rt. 50 McDonald’s proposes major upgrade
The second-oldest McDonald’s in Virginia – at 6729 Arlington Blvd. – is slated for a major upgrade to include a drive-through. When it was built in 1958, it had large golden arches on either side and an outdoor food-ordering counter. It’s currently a simple brick building that needs to be modernized. Following a public hearing … Continued
Resident curator program for the White Gardens is on hold
The resident curator application for the White Gardens is on hold, but cannot be considered dead, according to Park Authority officials. The White Gardens are located in the Falls Church area of Mason District. The Fairfax County Park Authority is seeking a “resident curator” to live in Margaret and John White’s former house rent-free while … Continued
County launches ‘Take a Moment’ pedestrian safety campaign
In the face of an alarming increase in pedestrian and bicycle-related crashes, Fairfax County urges drivers to “take a moment” to slow down and be extra careful at intersections. Board of Supervisors Chair Jeffrey McKay, Police Chief Kevin Davis, and other county leaders unveiled the Take a Moment campaign at a press conference Sept. … Continued
FCPS to improve employee oversight
A review of Fairfax County Public Schools’ employee hiring and monitoring processes found significant systemic problems. FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid directed an independent third party to conduct the study after she learned that a convicted sex offender, Darren Thornton, had been working as a counselor at Glasgow Middle School. [There was a related incident at … Continued
A Historic Overlay District won’t stop renovations in Holmes Run Acres
If a Historic Overlay District is created in Holmes Run Acres, homeowners interested in remodeling could still do so – without violating the terms of the HOD designation. Holmes Run Acres (HRA) is a neighborhood full of mid-century modern homes characterized by lots of wood and glass. It’s located off Gallows Road in Mason District … Continued
Students walk out to protest governor’s anti-trans policies
Students across Virginia walked out of class Sept. 27 to protest Gov. Glenn Younkin’s new model policies on transgender students. The walkouts were organized by the Pride Liberation Project, a student-led coalition of LGBTQIA+ students working to create safe, inclusive, and equitable schools. Students at 22 Fairfax County schools participated, including Annandale, Falls Church, Justice, … Continued
NOVA Parks takes over nature preserve
There’s a new public park in the West End of Alexandria. NOVA Parks (the Northern Virginia Regional Parks Authority) has officially taken ownership of the Winkler Botanical Preserve between N. Beauregard Street and Interstate 395, the organization reports in a press release. The 44.6-acre wooded parcel has multiple streams, a lake, a waterfall, and a … Continued
Comments sought on affordable housing
Fairfax County is seeking public feedback on a proposed amendment to the Comprehensive Plan aimed at preserving affordable housing. The proposed policy would call for redevelopment projects to include one-for-one replacement of existing affordable units. Under the policy, developers would be allowed higher density or other incentives to encourage them to preserve affordable housing. The policy … Continued
Guapo’s to open in Gate House Plaza
The former Chevys Fresh Mex restaurant spot in Gate House Plaza off Gallows Road in Merrifield will be taken over by Guapo’s, another Tex Mex restaurant. Fairfax County approved a building permit Sept. 9 to renovate the interior space and patio. The new restaurant could open in March or April 2023, reports a Guapo’s manager. … Continued
Edsall Road Fire Station reopens
The new Edsall Road Fire Station, in the Springfield area of Mason District, has opened after a three-year, $12 million project to build a new station at the same location. Just a small section of the old building remains. During construction, the 11-member staff of Fire Station #26 were housed in a temporary building across … Continued
Kitchen & Bath shop opens in Annandale
Kitchen & Bath Solutions (KBS) opened a showroom Sept. 24 at 7024 Columbia Pike in the Annandale Shopping Center. As its name says, KBS can totally redo kitchens and bathrooms, replacing cabinets, showers, sinks, tiles, and much more. “We can start from nothing or just replace countertops,” says owner Henry Andrade, who’s worked as a … Continued
TV show to feature Celebrity Delly
The Celebrity Delly in Graham Park Plaza on Arlington Boulevard will be featured on TV. The restaurant was closed for four days last week for the filming of former White House chef Andre Rush’s new show “Kitchen Commando.” The show will air on the Tubi channel. Rush, an Army veteran, updated Celebrity Delly’s kitchen equipment … Continued
Bradlick Dollar Tree reopens
The Dollar Tree store in the Bradlick Shopping Center in Annandale has reopened nearly a year after it was damaged following a two-car accident that destroyed the front door. The store had been closed since October 2021 when a Mercedes struck a Nissan Versa, then crashed into the glass door. The door still hasn’t been … Continued