Tag: government services
Long-range park planning document addresses park issues in Annandale
Among the Fairfax County Park Authority’s long-range plans for Annandale are recommendations for new trails and new connections between existing trails, upgraded facilities at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center and Audrey Moore RECenter, the preservation of historic sites, and much more. These proposals are included in the draft report, Great Parks, Great Communities. This project was initiated … Continued
Women’s soccer league concerned about losing Saturday access to Pine Ridge Park
Women who’ve enjoyed playing soccer at Pine Ridge Park for 20 years are worried they might not be able to play there on Saturdays any more. That’s because the soccer fields are scheduled to be refurbished with synthetic turf this summer, and Fairfax County’s Department of Community and Recreation Services, which allocates athletic fields, has … Continued
Fairfax County approves five-cent increase in property tax rate
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a marked-up budget April 20 for fiscal year 2011 that raises the real estate tax rate by five cents—from $1.04 to $1.09 per $100 of assessed value. The board take a final vote to adopt a budget on April 27. The board also approved a vehicle registration license … Continued
AARP volunteers providing help with tax returns
If you’ve been putting off getting your taxes done, the AARP Tax Aide program can help. Volunteers are providing free walk-in assistance with federal and state tax returns at the Mason District Government Center, 6507 Columbia Pike. The service is available Mondays and Thursdays, 1-8 p.m.; Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. All … Continued
Litter clean-up ideas offered
Daren Shumate of the Parklawn community is tired of picking up trash from the ball fields his children use and around schoolyards and along roadways. He told a group of community leaders at a meeting in Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross’ office March 27 that he regularly fills up six bags of trash on a … Continued
Fairfax County’s proposed budget cuts: The impact on Annandale
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will be making some difficult decisions as it addresses the county’s $257.2 million budget shortfall. At Supervisor Penny Gross’s Town Hall meeting earlier this week, County Executive Anthony Griffin said, “We just can’t raise the tax rate,” noting that people are not seeing their incomes increase, and many are, … Continued
Complaints aired at Snow Summit
On a warm sunny day, with crocuses popping up all over heralding the start of spring next week, the big snowstorms of last month seem far away. Yet the unprecedented snowfall—more an 45 inches of snow between Jan. 29 and Feb. 11—and how well VDOT responded—were very much on the minds of the Fairfax County, … Continued
Hoarding is a major safety and health hazard
Do you know anyone with a house bursting with piles of old newspapers, broken furniture, or trash? You can help them clean up and get assistance by notifying the Fairfax County Hoarding Task Force. The task force investigates possible hoarding cases, determines whether the property is habitable, and helps the residents get the help they … Continued
Mason District schedules budget meeting for March 15
Mason district residents are encouraged to attend a community meeting March 15, 7 p.m., at the Mason Government Center, on the proposed Fairfax County budget for fiscal year 2011. Similar meetings have been scheduled for other districts throughout the month. With the county facing a projected budget of $257.2 million, the proposed budget calls for … Continued
Free tax assistance available
Need help with your tax return? Volunteers from the AARP Tax-Aide program are providing free, walk-in assistance to local taxpayers at the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale until April 15. This service is available be 1-8 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays; 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; and 9 … Continued
Devastating budget cuts proposed for libraries
After suffering devastating budget cuts last year, the Fairfax County library system is facing even more draconian cutbacks in the county’s fiscal year 2011 budget, including reduced hours and layoffs. If the board of supervisors approves the proposed 15 percent cut in the library budget, this is what you can expect, beginning in July: Library … Continued
Post office promises mail delivery today
“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” That slogan, commonly believed to be the creed of the U.S. Postal Service, is actually an inscription on a New York City Post Office. Nevertheless, it certainly doesn’t apply to our postal carriers here … Continued