When Justice Park was created, Black families were displaced
By Marie Reinsdorf As previously reported in the Annandale Blog, Fairfax County Public Schools and the Park Authority have plans to pave over a portion of Justice Park to build a satellite parking lot for Justice High School. FCPS would construct the parking lot, demolish the basketball/multi-use court to make room for the parking lot … Continued
Annandale vigil honors victims of Atlanta shootings
More than 200 people gathered in Annandale March 22 for a candlelight vigil to mourn the Asian American victims of a mass shooting in Atlanta last week and to speak out against racist and misogynistic violence. The event, at the Peace Statue on Little River Turnpike, drew people from a diverse mix … Continued
Two shooting incidents reported at Annandale apartments
Ethan Allen Lane, Annandale. [Google Maps] There were two shooting incidents on March 20 at the Vistas of Annandale apartment complex, the Fairfax County Police Department reports. “Detectives are investigating whether those cases are related and have increased patrols in that area,” says FCPD spokesperson Sgt. Hudson Bull. Witnesses who may have information on the … Continued
Residents fighting plans to designate small private road as only access point to new housing development
Brooks Place The Virginia Department of Transportation accepted Brooks Place into the state road system on March 11. That’s significant, because it would legitimize Brooks Place as the only way to access a by-right housing development under construction on Sleepy Hollow Road called Hudson Quarter.
New state laws address voting, equity, electric vehicles, and more
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced March 19 that he signed into law over a dozen additional bills passed by the General Assembly, including measures to expand access to healthcare and birth control, promote equity, and more.
School board rejects proposal to close school for four more religious holidays
Despite intense lobbying from families and faith communities, the Fairfax County School Board adopted a 2021-22 calendar that does not close schools on four holidays important to the Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh communities. Religious groups and individual families had urged the board to close schools on Rosh Hashanah (Sept. 6), Yom Kippur (Sept. 15), … Continued
Explore a Park: Bren Mar Park is a woodsy oasis in an urban area
This article is part of our series on parks in the Annandale/Mason District area. The last piece in this series explored Mason District Park. The 32.4-acre Bren Mar Park is off Edsall Road west of Interstate 395 in a densely populated area of Mason District. Features: There is a playground, trails, picnic shelter, baseball field … Continued
Toxic chemicals found in Annandale drinking water
According to the D.C.-based Environmental Working Group (EWG), Annandale zip code 22003 has the highest levels of toxic PFAS (per- and polyfluorakyl) chemicals in Fairfax County The EWG tested tap water at 19 locations in Northern Virginia at private residences, commercial establishments, and parks.
Fairfax County schools to return to five days a week of in-person learning in the fall
Fairfax County Public Schools will return to five days a week of in-person learning this fall, Superintendent Scott Brabrand told the school board March 16. By March 19, more than 109,000 students will have returned for in-person learning, as in-school COVID-19 transmission rates low.
Police investigate weapons incident at Annandale apartments
There was a weapon brandishing incident at Fairmont Gardens on Wadsworth Court in Annandale at about 5 p.m. on March 16. According to the Fairfax County Police, two men were involved with the victim. One of the men displayed a gun and hit the victim with it. The victim suffered a minor injury. The two … Continued
Grocery workers can now register for the COVID vaccine
The vaccination center at Inova Health System. The Fairfax County Health Department has expanded eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine to three more subgroups in Phase 1b: people who work in grocery stores, manufacturing, and food and agriculture. People in those groups can register for a vaccine appointment here. There’s also a new form for registering … Continued
Annandale author helps children cope with mental health challenges
Wysocki As a teacher and parent, Annandale resident Sarah Wysocki knows how difficult it can be for children to deal with such issues as fear, social anxiety, and negative relationships. The COVID pandemic certainly hasn’t made life easier for kids – or anyone. To help families cope, Wysocki has written and self-published four books about these … Continued
Police video highlights speeding, noise complaints in Annandale
2nd Curry at John Marr Drive and Little River Turnpike in Annandale. A brief video posted on Twitter May 16 by the Fairfax County Police Department addresses concerns about street racing in Annandale. In the video, 2nd Lt. James Curry of the FCPD’s Public Affairs Bureau, says, “Today we’re in the Mason District to let … Continued
Residents air concerns on taxes at Mason District Budget Town Hall
The Fairfax County Government Center The biggest issue Mason District residents brought to the virtual Town Hall meeting March 15 hosted by Supervisor Penny Gross is the increase in real estate assessments. The advertised budget for fiscal year 2022, approved by the Board of Supervisors March 9, would maintain the current tax rate of $1.15 … Continued
More candidates join the race for governor, other state offices
Since we reported in January on the crowded field of candidates running for statewide offices, several more Republican candidates have jumped into the race. They include seven more candidates running for governor for a total of 10. Another Republican candidate joined the race for lieutenant governor, and there’s one more running for attorney general.