County budget would raise the tax rate
County Executive Bryan Hill (right) presents the 2019 advertised budget to the Board of Supervisors. On the left is FCPS Superintendent Scott Brabrand. The proposed fiscal year 2019 budget presented by Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill to the Board of Supervisors Feb. 20 would increase the real estate tax rate by 2.5 cents. That would … Continued
Average real estate assessments rise 2.17 percent
Homes for sale in Annandale. [Zillow] Real estate assessments for 2018 are up an average of 2.17 percent over last year, the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration reported Feb. 20. The average assessment for all homes is $547,219, up from $535,597 in 2017. The mean assessed value of homes in Annandale is $464,220 in … Continued
Report predicts demographic changes in Fairfax
The latest statistics released by the Fairfax County Department of Management and Budget predict steady growth over the next few years. According to the county’s Demographic Reports 2017, released earlier this month, there were 1,142,888 people living in Fairfax County in 2017. That’s an 0.8 percent increase from 2016. By 2045, the population is expected … Continued
Weekend crimes include auto theft, drugs, assault
Recasas [FCPD] A man from Fort Washington, Md., was arrested in the 4200 block of Hummer Road in Annandale for auto theft and drug possession at 10:15 p.m. on Feb. 17, the Fairfax County Police Department reports. An officer doing a check in a parking lot ran a license plate that came back as stolen. … Continued
Local pool goes from ‘death spiral’ to waiting list
The Parklawn Pool Like many community pools in this area, Parklawn Pool had seen its membership decline, leading to a shrinking budget and deferred maintenance. We were in a “death spiral,” says Dave Galway, the current president and membership chair of the Parklawn Recreation Association. “When people start to see the pool deteriorate, when membership … Continued
‘Light Years’ at Signature: the story of a father and son told through music
Robbie Schaefer in “Light Years.” [Christopher Mueller] By David Siegel How does someone pay honor to a deceased parent whom they loved dearly? How does a son give thanks to his father? And when does a son really come to learn what a father went through, in those many years before the son was even … Continued
The Coach CJ Celebration is March 3
Previous scholarship winners. You’re all invited: The fourth annual Coach CJ Celebration is Saturday, March 3, in the Annandale Volunteer Fire Department’s social hall, 7128 Columbia Pike. This family-friendly fundraiser, 7-10 p.m., features food, dancing with a DJ, and a silent auction. The event raises money for college scholarships for students at Falls Church High … Continued
Police will start wearing body cameras this week
A body camera pilot program involving three Fairfax County police stations – Mason, Mount Vernon, and Reston – will be phased in starting this Monday, with full implementation expected by March 13. A total of 230 cameras will be distributed to patrol officers in the three stations. Those stations were selected, the FCPD states, “due … Continued
‘Lady Day’ at the Creative Cauldron
Mark Meadows and Iyona Blake in “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill.” [Keith Waters/Kx Photography] By David Seigel “Don’t threaten me with love, baby. Let’s just go walking in the rain,” is a quote attributed to the late, and lost-too-soon singer Billie Holiday (1915-1959). Creative Cauldron’s production of “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and … Continued
Wakefield Park to get a new playground
The playground at Wakefield Park. [NoVa Outdoors] The Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved the installation of a new playground at Wakefield Park in Annandale. The project will cost $100,000. Funding will come from a park bond passed by voters in 2016. The funds approved by the Park Board will cover the design and layout … Continued
Supervisors to weigh cost of saving Lake Accotink
The dam at Lake Accotink. Is Lake Accotink such a huge asset that it should be saved regardless of the cost? If nothing is done and the lake fills up with sediment, how will that affect property values? If the lake is dredged, how will the community deal with thousands of trucks carting dirt through … Continued
Reporter found guilty for causing disruption at Annandale parade
Stark [FCPD] Judge Mark Simmons of the Fairfax County General District Court found Wilfred Michael Stark III, the reporter who was arrested for causing a disturbance at the start of the Annandale parade Oct. 28 guilty of disorderly conduct. Stark was fined $500. The judge found Stark not guilty of resisting arrest. Stark a reporter … Continued
Updated land use plan considered for Fairview Park
The entrance to the building at 2941 Fairview Park Drive. The Fairfax County Planning Commission is expected to take up a nomination for a site-specific amendment to the county’s Comprehensive Plan to update land use guidelines for future development in Fairview Park. The proposal calls for revitalizing a standalone office park in Merrifield by encouraging … Continued
Man arrested for larceny at Home Depot
Patterson The Fairfax County Police Department reports the following recent crimes in the Mason District area: A D.C. resident, Eric Patterson, age 19, was arrested for grand larceny at the Seven Corners Home Depot on Feb. 11. Officers arrived at the store at about 12:30 p.m. after someone called in a larceny in progress. The … Continued
Redevelopment of Fairfax Plaza proposed
The aging Fairfax Plaza strip mall is ripe for redevelopment. A redevelopment proposal for the Fairfax Plaza shopping center on Gallows Road next to the Mosaic District calls for a major mixed-use project on the 12.6-acre site. Retail Properties of America Inc. (RPAI) submitted a nomination for a site-specific comprehensive plan amendment in December proposing … Continued