Public input sought on new community space in Annandale
The public is invited to a community engagement forum to provide input on the new community space at the Heritage Mall shopping center in Annandale. There are three sessions: Oct. 13, Oct. 27, and Nov. 3. All three meetings are 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 7611 Little River Turnpike in Annandale. Related story: Discussions underway on a … Continued
Major development proposed for Food Star site in Bailey’s Crossroads
A comprehensive plan amendment is in the works for a section of the Town Center District in the Bailey’s Crossroads Community Business Center. George Hong, the owner of the Food Star property at 5521 Leesburg Pike, told the Bailey’s Crossroads/7 Corners Revitalization Corporation (BC7RC) Sept. 29 about a proposal to develop four apartment buildings in … Continued
New details emerge on West End project
New details emerged on the huge West End mixed-use redevelopment at the former Landmark Mall site in Alexandria. At a recent meeting of the Eisenhower West Landmark Van Dorn Implementation Advisory Group, a representative of the developer, Foulger-Pratt, revealed the names of some of the projects within the site: the Brightly, the Aspect, and Thrive. … Continued
New data dashboard tracks opioid trends
There were 20 fatal opioid overdoses and 205 non-fatal overdoses during the first quarter of 2022 in the Fairfax Health District. That’s down from 31 fatal overdoses in the first quarter of 2021. There were 205 non-fatal overdoses to date in 2022 and 237 at the same point in 2021. Both fatal and non-fatal overdoses … Continued
Inova acquires 35 acres next to Fairfax Hospital
Inova Health System is expanding its already-large footprint in Northern Virginia. Inova has purchased approximately 35 acres of land on Gallows Road currently occupied by the Amberleigh apartments adjacent to the Inova Fairfax Medical Campus. [Correction: Inova acquired the land, not the apartment complex.] “Inova has no immediate plans for the land and will have … Continued
Pizza place to open in Bailey’s Crossroads
A new pizza shop, called Forni, is coming to Bailey’s Crossroads, at the corner of Seminary Road and Scoville Street. The owner, Amine Eddine, is planning an Oct. 15 opening. Forni will offer individual artisan pizzas, panini, and juice, all made with fresh ingredients, he says. The dough will be made in-house, and there will … Continued
GMU project engages with residents of Culmore and Bailey’s Crossroads
George Mason University is spearheading a place-based initiative to bring together residents of Culmore and Bailey’s Crossroads and the organizations that serve them. The project will develop an action plan “to solve systemic-level issues.” Project Manager Katie Wilson of GMU described the Place-Based Initiative (PBI) for Bailey’s Crossroads and Culmore, known unofficially as the Culmore … Continued
Pedestrian killed in hit-and-run crash
A pedestrian was killed by a hit-and-run driver Oct. 2 in the 4200 block of Annandale Road in Annandale, the Fairfax County Police Department reports. UPDATE: The victim has been identified as Dalchoon Park, 74, of Annandale, the FCPD announced Oct. 6. Her family has been notified of her passing. Park was struck shortly before … Continued
Balian Springs brings a touch of luxury to Mason District
There’s a brand-new luxury spa in an industrial area of Mason District. Balian Springs opens to the public tomorrow, Oct. 4, in a former office building at 6432 General Green Way, Alexandria. It’s not just a spa though; it’s a social wellness club, says Director of Operations Michael Yohman. The facility has a huge pool … Continued
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