Planning Commission defers decision on affordable housing
After listening to residents’ horror stories about flooding, the Fairfax County Planning Commission deferred a decision on a proposal by First Christian Church to build 113 units of affordable housing for seniors. The Planning Commission will vote March 23 on whether to endorse an amendment of the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan, which is needed for … Continued
Culmore residents join the fight for safe streets
Members of the Culmore immigrant community and representatives of advocacy groups gathered for a rally on Leesburg Pike aimed at highlighting the need for safer streets and sidewalks. The event was hosted by CASA and the Coalition for Smarter Growth. It’s part of their Safe Streets for Bailey’s Crossroads campaign. There have been several pedestrian … Continued
Chick-fil-A opening just a few weeks away
Chick-fil-A could open on Little River Turnpike in Annandale as early as the first week of April. The exterior of the building is mostly finished, the signs are up, the drive-through lanes are in place, and workers are installing the kitchen equipment and furniture. About 140 employees have been hired, and up to 60 more … Continued
Police manhunt focuses on Xcounty trail
Fairfax County Police are searching for a man who escaped after officers stopped a car in Annandale and found a firearm inside. Officers stopped the car shortly before 1:30 p.m. March 14 near Little River Turnpike and Lake Boulevard. Three men inside the car ran away but were soon caught. Police are continuing to search … Continued
Glam Karaoke opens this weekend
Glam Karaoke could have a soft opening as early as this Friday, reports manager Chris Cho. It’s located in the former Kmart auto shop on 6369 John Marr Drive in what’s now called the East Gate Shopping Center. It has 12 state-of-the-art karaoke rooms, including two small rooms (serving two to four people), eight medium-size … Continued
VDOT installs new crosswalks and signals on Columbia Pike
New accessible traffic signals and crosswalks, aimed at improving safety, have been implemented at the intersection of Columbia Pike and Lacy Boulevard/Maple Court in Bailey’s Crossroads, VDOT reports. The traffic signal upgrades include new mast arm poles, foundations, wiring, electrical equipment, high-visibility signal backplates, and signs. Also, drivers on Columbia Pike now have flashing yellow … Continued
Popeyes expected to open in Bailey’s Crossroads
The empty storefront undergoing renovation in a retail strip in Bailey’s Crossroads could be the site of a future Popeyes restaurant. At least that’s what an employee at the State Farm insurance office next door says, although we’ve been unable to independently confirm it. The space, at the corner of Leesburg Pike and Glen Forest … Continued
Another sticker shock – soaring personal property taxes
Faced with “unprecedented increases” in personal property taxes, Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill has proposed lowering the assessment ratio for the 2022 tax year. Mason Supervisor Penny Gross discussed that issue, along with other highlights of the advertised budget for FY 2023 at a community meeting March 10. “Most vehicles typically depreciate annually,” Hill wrote … Continued
Judge denies motion for stay in TJ case
A federal judge rejected a motion by the Fairfax County School Board March 11 to delay implementation of the judge’s decision on the admissions process for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, the Washington Post reports. Judge Claude Hilton of the U.S. District Court had previously ruled that the admissions system adopted by … Continued
Driver crashes into apartment
A driver trying to park crashed into a window at the Parliaments Apartments in Annandale, a reader reports. The reader says his brother was getting off a school bus when he saw an older man, probably in his 80s, attempting to park at 5204 Conally St. Instead of braking, the man accidentally accelerated into the … Continued
Victoria Virasingh runs against Rep. Beyer
Victoria Virasingh believes she can bring a fresh perspective to Congress by better representing working-class voters in the highly diverse 8th District. She is running against Rep. Don Beyer in the Democratic Primary on June 21. Beyer has been in office since January 2015. The 8th District boundaries have been adjusted due to Virginia’s redistricting process. … Continued
New details emerge on hospital at Landmark
Inova Health System has provided more information on the future hospital at the former Landmark Mall, the Washington Business Journal reports. The new hospital will take up the western portion of the redevelopment project, which is now called West End Alexandria. The rest of the site will consist of housing, retail, parks, and a transit … Continued
Construction to start soon on Hogge Park
Construction could start as early as this month on improvements at the Boyd A & Charlotte M Hogge Park in Bailey’s Crossroads, the Fairfax County Park Authority reports. The $2 million project includes an open play area, community gardens, multi-sport courts, a picnic shelter, play area, trail, and parking. The contractor, Bright Construction Group, will … Continued
FCPS considers moving grade 6 to elementary school
Fairfax County School Board member Ricardy Anderson (Mason) invites the community to meetings to discuss whether Glasgow, Holmes, and Poe middle schools should continue to serve grades 6, 7, and 8 or whether 6th-graders should be served in elementary schools. The virtual meetings are scheduled as follows: • Thursday, March 10, 6-7. Register here. • … Continued
Former bank building up for lease
The former Bank of America building at 7220 Columbia Pike in Annandale is up for lease. There are already a couple of potential clients, including a specialty grocer and a restaurant, says Thomas Hennerty, broker/CEO at Continuum Realty LLC. Another bank or any type of retail would also work in that space. Hennerty is seeking … Continued