Covering Annandale, Bailey's Crossroads, Lincolnia, and Seven Corners in Fairfax County, Virginia

New environmental group will advocate for protection of Holmes Run waterway

Holmes Run overflowed its banks after torrential rains July 8. [Photos by Kris Unger] A newly formed organization, Friends of Holmes Run, plans to keep an eye on development at the Inova site on Gallows Road, at Fairview Parkway in Merrifield, and other sites near the Holmes Run waterway. “We are concerned about human impacts … Continued

Special bins set up for glass-only recycling

A glass-only recycling bin operated by the City of Alexandria. Fairfax County doesn’t want people to put class bottles or jars in their curbside recycling bins any more (although you can still do that.) The market for recycled glass has declined, mainly due to tighter controls imposed by China on the quality of materials it … Continued

Candidates for board of supervisor chair: experience vs. new blood

Tim Chapman and Alicia Plerhoples At a debate for chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the only candidate currently on the board, Jeff McKay of the Lee District, mostly defended actions he pushed the board to take, while the other candidates said much more needs to be done. The debate was sponsored by … Continued

School news roundup: Students shine in science, music, journalism, and more

Science Olympiad team at Justice High School. Biking at Bailey’s – The physical education team at Bailey’s Elementary School received two grants – a Community Foundation Healthy Kids grant and a Virginia Safe Routes to School grant – to teach students how to ride a bicycle. Students will learn bicycle skills, safety, and will learn … Continued

New loan program will promote sustainable buildings

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors authorized a new program to help commercial, industrial, nonprofit, and multifamily property owners borrow money from private lenders to make buildings more environmentally sustainable. The Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program will make it easier for eligible property owners to take out private loans for energy efficiency, renewable … Continued

Oil spill affects Holmes Run

Ranck Updated, 5:35 p.m.: An oil spill on the Inova property on the 3200 block of Gallows Road on March 21 has contaminated Holmes Run. The Fairfax County Fire Department found approximately 3,700 gallons of diesel fuel had spilled out of some tanks, Battalion Chief Marty Ranck, with the department’s Hazardous Materials Response Team, reported … Continued

Committee to rule on whether a home can be built in a flood zone in Annandale

4104 Woodlark Drive. Fairfax County officials are considering a proposal to build a home in Annandale on a property subject to flooding. The project, at 4104 Woodlark Drive, would disturb more than 2,500 square feet of a resource protection area (RPA), so it’s up to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance Exception Review Committee (ERC) to decide … Continued