Planning Commission agrees to consider plan amendment nominations
The Fairfax County Planning Commission took a preliminary vote on May 22 to recommend that a mixed-use development opposed by residents at Willow Run in Annandale not go forward. Numerous community residents spoke out at a Planning Commission workshop on the Site-Specific Plan Amendments (SSPAs) proposed for Mason District against a 186-unit multifamily building at … Continued
Elementary school will end early on eight Wednesdays next year
Fairfax County Public Schools will continue the early release schedule for elementary schools next year but will switch from Mondays to Wednesdays. During the current year, FCPS launched a pilot program in which elementary students were dismissed three hours early on select Mondays. The goal was to give teachers extra time to plan lessons, participate … Continued
Lt. gov. candidate Ghazala Hashmi vows to fight Trump policies
State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi says she is running for lieutenant governor to protect public education and reproductive freedom and to push back against the bigotry promoted by the Trump administration. Hashmi is one of six candidates on the Democratic Primary ballot. The Primary is June 17. Early voting is already underway, and voting at satellite … Continued
American Legion Post hosts a pre-Memorial Day celebration
American Legion Post 1976 invites the community to Thunderbash 2025 on Sunday, May 25. The event, noon-9 p.m., at 4206 Daniels Ave., Annandale, features the band Cold North and the Grant’s Family Kitchen food truck. The $20 charge for admission includes a door prize and beer ticket. In related news, the post has a large … Continued
Connolly is remembered as a champion for federal workers
Rep. Gerry Connolly, who represented Fairfax County residents for 30 years, died at his home on May 21. He was 75. He announced in March that his esophageal cancer, first diagnosed in November, had returned. Connolly’s career in public service began in 1995 when he was elected to represent the Providence District on the Fairfax … Continued
Renovations planned for George Mason Regional Library
A project to renovate the George Mason Regional Library in Annandale is in the design phase. The interior space will be rearranged, but the footprint will not change. The project calls for relocating the information desk to the area next to the check-out desk, a member of the Library Board explains. That will free up … Continued
Metro to launch credit card fare payments
Metro is gearing up to launch Tap Ride and Go, a new system allowing riders to tap their credit card or debit card on a turnstile instead of a SmarTrip card or phone app. WMATA staff testing is underway, WMATA General Manager Randy Clarke tweeted. “Stay tuned for more details later this month.” According to … Continued
Celebrate Asian American Heritage Month Saturday in Annandale
The community is invited to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Annandale this Saturday. There will be Asian food and entertainment at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space at 7200 Columbia Pike on May 24, 1-4 p.m. The event is hosted by the Community Revitalization Section of the Fairfax County Department of Planning … Continued
Planning commissioner announces congressional campaign
Candace Bennett, a member of the Fairfax County Planning Commission, announced plans to run for Congress to succeed Rep. Gerry Connolly in the 11th District. Bennett is the third candidate to launch a campaign so far, following state Sen. Stella Pekarsky and Braddock Supervisor James Walkinshaw. Bennett, a resident of Lorton, is the deputy executive … Continued
Metrobus routes are changing on June 29
Your Metrobus route and schedule will likely change on June 29 when the Washington Area Metropolitan Transit Authority launches the Better Bus Network. Better Bus is an initiative to redesign the Metrobus system. WMATA says the goal is to provide “more frequent, consistent bus service across the region and make bus service easier to understand.” … Continued
Fairfax courts reopen Monday
The Fairfax County Courthouse will reopen on Monday, May 19, with some modifications, the county reports. The Circuit Court and General District Court will resume in-person operations, although visitors may experience delays in accessing the building or services. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court will operate out of the Historic Courthouse at 4000 Chain … Continued
Mason District Animal Welfare Alliance formed
Supervisor Andres Jimenez has formed a Mason District Animal Welfare Alliance with local animal advocates to improve services for pets, wildlife, and companion animals. The group will work with his office, local agencies, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations “to advance county resources, policies, and programs that strengthen animal welfare and promote coexistence in both residential and … Continued
Shawarma Taco is coming to Annandale
Over a year ago, the owner of a property in Annandale told us they were planning to open a Shawarma Taco restaurant and accounting firm by the end of 2024 in a building undergoing renovations at 4201 Annandale Road. The renovations are still underway, although a sign is up announcing Olwan, Ghannam & Associates Accounting … Continued
Big plant sale at Green Spring Gardens this Saturday
Green Spring Gardens will become a marketplace for gardeners on Saturday. Spring Garden Day, an annual event hosted by Friends of Green Spring, will take over the lawn from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Over two dozen vendors will sell popular, rare, and unusual plants, including natives, edibles, and trees. The Green Springs Plant Shop, offering plants … Continued
Oiso offers Korean street food
Oiso, a restaurant focusing on Korean street food, is having a soft opening on May 15. The restaurant, located at 7133-C Columbia Pike, Annandale, is in the space formerly occupied by Gom Ba Woo. The owner and chef, William Kim, is offering an original take on traditional Korean food, using all-fresh ingredients. Oiso’s menu features … Continued