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
Craft Gallery showcases work of Annandale artisans
The Artisans United Craft Gallery at 4022 Hummer Road, Annandale, displays amazing pieces by incredibly talented artists and crafters from Annandale and throughout the region. It also happens to be a great place to find a special gift for Mother’s Day. An open house at the gallery Saturday showcased work from the National Capital Art … Continued
VDOT chief will consider I-395 ramp alternatives but won’t delay the project
At the ramp site, left to right: VDOT Chief Engineer Garrett Moore, Transportation Secretary Sean Connaughton, Alexandria Mayor William Euille, and Fairfax County Chair Sharon Bulova. Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaughton told residents of the Landmark area opposed to a ramp on Interstate 395 April 26 that he will consider their request to consider … Continued
Students at Montessori School plant donated trees
Students at the Falls Church campus of the Montessori School of Northern Virginia celebrated Arbor Day a bit early, as they helped plant trees donated by Casey Trees, a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the tree canopy. Casey has planted over 12,000 trees in the District since its founding in 2002. The trees … Continued
Annandale stakeholders consider needs of local youths
Youths walk along Medford Drive in Annandale. After several meetings, the Annandale Youth Engagement Community Planning Group has come up with lots of good ideas, but which ones should they focus limited resources on? What do young people really need? What assets already exist in the community? And should they develop a long-term or short-term … Continued
Columbia Pike Streetcar ‘not dead,’ says Fairfax County official
The Columbia Pike Streetcar line would serve the Skyline Center in Bailey’s Crossroads. The Columbia Pike Streetcar project is “not dead,” even though the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) turned down a request for funding, Fairfax County transportation planning director Leonard Wolfenstein told participants at a Bailey’s Crossroads Business Breakfast April 24. Arlington and Fairfax counties … Continued
Fairfax County students build houses
7005 Spingville Court A brand-new house that will come on the market in Springfield soon for $824,500 is way more than just a house. About three-quarters of it was built by students from several Fairfax County high schools as part of a course on construction technology. One of those students is Bryan Jefferson, a senior … Continued
Restoration of Wakefield Run in Annandale to start this summer
Wakefield Run [Photo by Friends of Accotink Creek] A project to restore Wakefield Run, a tributary of Accotink Creek in Annandale, is expected to start this summer. Wakefield Run begins near Heritage Drive behind Braddock Elementary School, goes under the beltway, and flows into Accotink Creek in Wakefield Park. The stream receives heavy runoff from … Continued
Stop killing your lawn
This is the second piece in a three-part series on lawns by urban forest conservationist Jim McGlone. The first piece, published April 9, explored the forces at play in the popularization of the “great American lawn.” An Annandale homeowner probably put a lot of effort into this lawn. What’s killing your lawn? Chances are, you … Continued
Firefighters burn down Annandale house for training purposes
Residents of the Columbia Pines and Broyhill Crest neighborhoods in Annandale were startled by what looked like a raging out-of-control fire engulfing a house on Murray Lane yesterday. It was actually deliberately set by Fairfax County firefighters for training purposes—with the homeowner’s permission, of course. He is planning to tear down the house and build … Continued
More regulations sought for donation boxes cluttering Annandale
A Planet Aid donation box on the edge of the bowling alley parking lot on Markham Street in central Annandale. The easiest way to recycle old, damaged or out-of-style clothes is to toss them into one of the dozens of clothing donation boxes all over Annandale. You’ll be keeping them out of landfills, and in … Continued
Join the Culmore Cleanup this Saturday
Culmore Cleanup volunteers at last year’s event. Local residents are encouraged to join the 2013 Spring Culmore Cleanup Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon. This semi-annual event has been going on for more than 10 years. It’s a huge collaborative effort that brings together teams from many organizations and companies, as well as individual volunteers, who not only … Continued
NOVA Annandale hosts Green Festival
Everyone’s invited to the Green Festival at the Annandale campus of Northern Virginia Community College, Saturday, April 20, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. This free, family-oriented event focuses on environmental issues and sustainability. Parking is free, too. Activities include interactive and educational exhibits, children’s entertainment (Billy B, the “Recycling Pirates” puppet show by the Goodlife Theater), wildlife … Continued
Fairfax, Arlington counties still committed to Columbia Pike streetcar line
Fairfax County and Arlington County officials reaffirmed their support for the Columbia Pike Streetcar project even though the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has not included the project in its Small Starts program for fiscal year 2014. “The Columbia Pike Streetcar Project is vitally important to the economic revitalization of Columbia Pike and the Skyline/Bailey’s Crossroads … Continued
Treasure Trove shop celebrates 50 years in Annandale
The Treasure Trove is celebrating its 50th anniversary next weekend with a storewide sale, giveaways, and prize drawings. The consignment/thrift shop, 7010 Columbia Pike in the Annandale Shopping Center, is one of three volunteer-run shops that benefit Inova Fairfax Hospital. Last year, the Treasure Trove raised nearly $300,000 for the hospital, said manager Jodi Shannon, … Continued