Pedestrian improvements under way at Little River/Heritage intersection
Pedestrian improvements are under way at the intersection of Little River Turnpike and Hummer/Heritage roads in Annandale. The project involves a new crosswalk painted across Little River, new walk signals, handicapped ramps and sidewalks from Americana Drive to Little River, and other improvements, said Giles Njumbe, construction manager at VDOT. The work should be completed … Continued
VDOT is failing to play fair in the I-395 ramp pollution issue
Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaughton (left) with local residents at the ramp site. Residents of the Landmark area are “deeply disappointed” in VDOT’s failure to address their concerns about the impact of dangerously high levels of pollution resulting from a new ramp on Interstate 395. Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaughton, Fairfax County Chair … Continued
Historic marker commemorates Bog Wallow Ambush
A new historic marker was unveiled May 5 at the intersection of Braddock Road and Dunleigh Drive in Burke to commemorate a Civil War skirmish known as the “Bog Wallow Ambush.” The marker is just outside Annandale, between Rolling Road and Guinea Road. The unveiling was conducted by descendants of the Union scout who planned … Continued
Five Annandale neighborhoods jointly host yard sales next Saturday
For the first time, five west Annandale neighborhoods have gotten together to host simultaneous yard sales. The yard sales take place next Saturday, May 11, 8 a.m.-noon, rain or shine, in the cul-de-sacs and driveways throughout Chapel Square, Chapel Square West, Chapel Lakes, Oak Hill, and Chapel Hill. The neighborhoods are accessible from Wakefield Chapel … Continued
Lots of candidates running for Virginia offices
State Sen. Ralph Northam, a candidate for lieutenant governor, speaks at a campaign event in Annandale May 5. Standing next to him are Del. Kaye Kory and Sen. Dick Saslaw. We’ve got a whole slew of candidates running for statewide offices this year. The Democratic primary, on June 11, will have two candidates for lieutenant … Continued
Young boy in street killed by car
A four-year-old boy was killed as he was attempting to cross the street at the 6300 block of Stevenson Avenue in the west end of Alexandria Saturday, May 4, the Alexandria Police Department reports. According to a police department news release, an 84-year-old man was driving a 2010 Jeep Commander eastbound on Stevenson Avenue when … Continued
Annandale Walgreens to open this fall
The new Walgreens under construction between Little River Turnpike, Columbia Pike, and Backlick Road is scheduled to open this fall. The 12,878-square foot building will have a drive-through pharmacy, and about 20 to 25 employees, said Walgreens spokesperson Robert Elfinger. Even before it opens, Walgreens is showing an interest in the community. There are tentative … Continued
D.C. man shot in Landmark area
Police are investigating a shooting that occurred Friday, May 3, in Landmark Plaza on Little River Turnpike. A 21-year-old man from Washington, D.C., was walking through a parking garage on when he was approached from behind and shot in the upper body, according to a notice from the Fairfax County Police Department. The victim did … Continued
Rafael’s Laura: a woman of mystery
By Annandale humorist Robert Schwaninger I recently attended a local, political event where people gather to talk politics but wound up talking about nearly anything else. When you are in a room full of folks who are politically adroit and generally in agreement, then every utterance seems redundant or simply obvious. So, thankfully, there are … Continued
Falls Church HS parents express frustration over lack of renovation funds
A grungy sink in a science lab. There was a huge amount of frustration vented at a Falls Church High School PTSA meeting May 1 over the lack of progress in getting funds for a badly needed renovation. School board members Sandy Evans (Mason) and Patty Reed (Providence) listened patiently as parent after parent complained … Continued
Hess convenience store under construction in central Annandale
The new convenience store at the Hess gas station on the corner of Little River Turnpike and John Marr Drive in Annandale was delivered in three pieces from Georgia on April 26 and is being assembled on site. It is expected to be ready to open in July. The Hess Express store will have the … Continued
Firehouse Subs donates gear to police and fire departments at Annandale event
Firehouse Subs founder Robin Sorenson (left) with firefighters and police officers at Pinecrest Plaza in Annandale. Firefighters and police officers from Arlington and Falls Church gathered at Firehouse Subs in Pinecrest Plaza, Annandale, April 30 to accept a donation of equipment worth more than $39,000 from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The foundation donated two … Continued
Four charged in armed robbery in Annandale
Fairfax County police officers arrested four men for armed robbery at the Little River Plaza Shopping Center in Annandale last night. According to a news release from the Mason Police Distinct, the men, all from Prince Georges County, Md., were in the process of robbing a 15-year-old boy at gunpoint, when the officer while on … Continued
Volunteers fix up Annandale house for mentally ill tenants
The residents of 4553 King Edward Court in Annandale probably wouldn’t have been able to live there if it wasn’t for the assistance provided by the Brain Foundation. All four men are affected by mental illness. They also need help with home repairs and maintenance. So more than 25 volunteers from Temple Rodef Shalom in … Continued
More citizen involvement urged in Fairfax County planning process
Fifteen houses are being built on this property on Backlick Road in Annandale, despite neighborhood opposition. The new Fairfax County land use planning process known as Fairfax Forward could lead to more strategic thinking about development, but only if the plan is revised to strengthen provisions on citizen involvement. That’s the view of Providence District … Continued