Fairfax County makes masks optional
Face masks are now optional for employees and visitors at most Fairfax County government locations. The new policy is based on guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Feb. 25. According to the new metrics underlying the CDC’s updated guidance, the Covid-19 transmission rate in Fairfax County is “low,” meaning most … Continued
Public invited to learn about the resident curator applicant for White gardens
The public is invited to a virtual session March 2 to learn about the application submitted by a potential “resident curator” for the Margaret White Gardens property. Under the resident curator program, the Fairfax County Park Authority selects a resident to live in the house rent free while they carry out and pay for renovations … Continued
‘Tree rescuers’ sought for Roundtree Park
Friends of Holmes Run encourages local residents to become “tree rescuers” by removing non-native vines that are damaging the health of mature trees. FOHR invites the community to a “free the trees” event at Roundtree Park on Tuesday, March 1. The organization has teamed up with Plant NOVA Natives and the Fairfax County Park Authority … Continued
Many voting precincts will change
Due to the Virginia redistricting plan approved by the state Supreme Court, Fairfax County needs to change nearly 50 election precincts. The redistricting plan affects congressional, House of Delegates, and state Senate districts. The Board of Supervisors authorized a public hearing, to take place March 8, to consider a proposal to adjust certain election precinct … Continued
McKay vows to reduce property tax rate
Acknowledging the burden of skyrocketing real estate assessments, Jeffrey McKay, chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, told the community Feb. 25, “I will be strongly supporting reducing the tax rate to offset some of this impact.” Assessments for 2022 are up an average of 9.57 percent across the county compared to last year, … Continued
Masks in schools optional as of March 1
As of Tuesday, March 1, face masks will be optional for students in Fairfax County Public Schools. That’s the date a state law takes effect giving parents the authority to determine if their child should wear a mask or not. In a Feb. 25 message, FCPS Superintendent Scott Brabrand wrote: “We continue to be concerned … Continued
Recent crimes: shooting, burglary
The Fairfax County Police Department reports a shooting in the 6000 block of Bellview Drive in Bailey’s Crossroads at 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 22. Two people were walking into an apartment building when they were approached by two men. One of the men shot four rounds through the door striking one of the victims in … Continued
Fire Department seeks arson suspect
Investigators from the Fairfax County Fire Department are seeking the public’s help in identifying a person of interest related to a fire at the Oozie Café & Restaurant (Oozie Chicken Plus) at 5624 Columbia Pike in Bailey’s Crossroads. A man set fire to the restaurant at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Feb. 22. The restaurant was … Continued
Pedestrian struck in Annandale dies
An Annandale man struck while crossing John Marr Drive on Feb. 10 has died, the Fairfax County Police Department announced. William Dunn, 83, was crossing John Marr in the middle of the block just south of Columbia Pike at about 8:30 p.m. when he struck by a 2010 Hyundai in the southbound land. Dunn was … Continued
Board approves eminent domain for sidewalk
Construction of the sidewalk planned for Little River Turnpike in Annandale can proceed now that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors agreed on Feb. 22 to use eminent domain to acquire land rights from a property owner. The eight-foot-wide walkway would be on the north side of Little River Turnpike between High Place and Pinecrest … Continued
Supervisors defer decision on bamboo
Members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and local residents spoke in favor of an ordinance aimed at containing running bamboo at a public hearing Feb. 22. In the end, however, the board deferred a decision. Board members cited concerns that the proposed fines for violators might be too high and would have a … Continued
Volunteers get plenty of help at Americana Drive cleanup
The semi-annual cleanups along Americana Drive in Annandale are drawing more volunteers and more help from the county and other community partners. Forty-four volunteers turned out for the cleanup on Presidents’ Day. They filled 191 bags of trash and collected at least 19 tires and big piles of construction debris and furniture. The cleanup was … Continued
County executive proposes an ‘optimistic’ budget for FY 2023
Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill proposes a fiscal year 2023 budget that retains the tax rate, fully funds schools, and raises employee pay. Hill presented the budget to the Board of Supervisors Feb. 22. Hill told the board he is cautiously optimistic that the county is turning a corner on the pandemic and heading down … Continued
Real estate assessments are way up
Due to rising real estate prices, property tax assessments in Fairfax County are up an average of 9.57 percent for 2022. The average assessment for all homes is $668,974, a big increase from $610,545 in 2021, the Department of Tax Administration (DTA) reports. The 2023 advertised budget proposal presented by County Executive Bryan Hill to … Continued
Old Metro cards won’t work as of March 1
If you have an older SmarTrip Metro card, it won’t work as of March 1. Old cards must be replaced by March 1, either in person, online, or by regular mail. Metro is placing all of its fare gates in Metro stations and fare boxes on Metrobuses. Farecards purchased before 2012 contain outdated chip technology … Continued