‘Looming rules’ are good first step to preserve neighborhood character
New rules passed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors aimed at curtailing the building of large, hulking houses that loom over much smaller, one-story houses don’t go far enough to prevent spoiling the character of some older neighborhoods. The new “looming” rules do not change the existing 35-foot building-height limit but prohibit builders from … Continued
Large vehicles could be banned from neighborhoods
Should commercial truck parking be banned in residential areas? The county board of supervisors is considering amendments to the county code that would prohibit large vans, pick-up trucks, box trucks, and other vehicles more than 21 feet long, more than 102 inches wide, and more than eight feet high from parking on residential streets. Those measurements would include attachments, … Continued
Penny Gross: Major cuts in county budget on the table
Coming up with a balanced budget (as required by law) is going to be a major challenge for Fairfax County officials, with the threat to schools and other programs likely to be even more severe than last year. In a conversation with the Annandale blog, Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross said: “I think we’re going … Continued
Where are all the Halloween houses?
Is it just me or are there fewer Halloween decorations this year? Is it the economy or what? Come on people–It’s Halloween! Here are few homeowners in the holiday spirit.
Cook launches community engagement initiative
Dozens of people came to a Town Hall meeting at Lake Braddock Secondary School Oct. 21 to hear Fairfax Supervisor John C. Cook of the Braddock District announce plans for a new community engagement initiative. A Leadership Institute, to be held Jan. 23, will educate community leaders on their legal, financial, and fiduciary responsibilities along … Continued
ArtsSpace Falls Church hosts musical fundraiser this Saturday
If you looking for a fun thing to do Saturday evening, Oct. 24, come hear live music—while supporting the local arts scene—at ArtSpace Falls Church, 410 South Maple Ave. NoBetterOff, a band of five northern Virginia musicians, will perform in the tradition of folk, rock, blues, and country at a fundraising event to support ArtSpace. … Continued
Major cuts in school funding considered
Brace yourselves for some major cuts in basic school services. The Fairfax County Public Schools budget has a revenue shortfall requiring cuts totaling $162 million and the elimination of more than 1,700 positions. The problem stems from an enrollment increase of more than 7,000 students, a decline in state revenue for the school district, and … Continued
Bolivians totally rock the Annandale parade
Deeds gets real about revenue
In an exclusive interview with the Annandale blog, Democratic candidate for governor Creigh Deeds indicated that addressing Virginia’s transportation problem is going to require a tax increase. The needed revenue “is not going to fall like manna from heaven,” he said. Republican candidate Bob McDonnell’s “plan [to privatize the state-run liquor stores] doesn’t work. The … Continued
Kory, Smith square off on taxes
The candidates for the 38th district of the House of Delegates—Democrat Kaye Kory and Republican Danny Smith—clearly differed on the issue of raising taxes Oct. 13 at the Greater Sleepy Hollow Candidates Forum at the Congressional School sponsored by the Sleepy Hollow. The 38th district includes most of Annandale, Lake Barcroft, and parts of Falls … Continued
Annandale’s crazy boys
These guys represent the spirit of Annandale – fun-loving, kinda cute, a little nerdy, maybe a little psycho. Who are these guys and what are they doing on the outside of the Francis Tailors building on the corner of Little River and Backlick? They are dressed to kill, so I guess they’re trying to sell … Continued
September home sales reported
In September, 66 residences sold in Annandale, according to the local multiple listing service, reports Vivianne Couts of Coldwell Banker. The highest sales price was $850,000, the lowest was $86,900. Of the homes sold, 38 were single family, 10 were townhouse, and the rest were condos. Fifteen were short sales, and another 15 were foreclosures.
The Lacey School: It’s really happening
If you’re curious about what the new elementary school in the Broyhill Crest neighborhood will look like, see the photo of the brand-new Laurel Hill school in Lorton. The new Annandale school on the Lacey site, scheduled to open for the start of the 2012 school year, will have a similar design as the Laurel … Continued
Fall Festival at Green Springs
Plant sales, horticulture demonstrations, music, and kid crafts brought crowds to Green Springs Gardens’ Fall Garden Festival Oct. 3.
Progress on Lacey school site
Finally some action on the Lacey school! Fairfax County Public Schools located office space for the school employees at the Lacey Center, smoothing the way for the building to be demolished so construction of a new elementary school on that site can begin. Current plans call for staff moves to begin in December and be … Continued