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

Gross hosts civic leadership seminars

Mason Supervisor Penny Gross’s annual Civic Leadership Seminars for community and homeowner association presidents and board members will start later this month. The first session, Jan. 24, will feature presentations from the police commanders of the three police districts – Mason, Franconia, and West Springfield – that serve the Mason District. The Feb. 28 session … Continued

Gross reports on the state of Mason District in 2014

The Main Street Clarinet Quartet brings holiday cheer to the Mason District Government Center. “Overall, 2014 was a pretty good year in Mason District,” said Supervisor Penny Gross at her annual holiday gathering Dec. 8. The event included a performance of holiday songs by the Main Street Clarinet Quartet, refreshments, and door prizes, as well … Continued

Board of Supervisors approves Markham Place project

An illustration of Markham place from the county staff report. The Markham Place apartment project is going forward. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 2 approved a rezoning application for a 12-story, 310-unit apartment building on Markham Street, Annandale, on a 3.4-acre site currently occupied by Annandale AMF Lanes. “We are losing the … Continued

Residents express growing opposition to Seven Corners redevelopment plan

A Mason District Council community forum attracts a large crowd. A proposed redevelopment plan for Seven Corners is facing growing opposition from local residents, who are concerned about the prospect of significant increases in density and the impact on traffic congestion, school capacity, and the general quality of life in the area. Many of those … Continued

Seven Corners plan deferred; new committee will look at Sears site

Mason Supervisor Penny Gross, Planning Commission member Janet Hall, and Seven Corners Task Force Co-Chair John Thillman at the Lake Barcroft Association meeting. The Seven Corners Land Use and Transportation Task Force will delay its final report, and a new committee made up of community residents will be formed to make recommendations on the redevelopment … Continued

Supervisors approve expansion of shelter for women abuse victims

An illustration of the expansion project. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors agreed July 29 to allow Bethany House of Northern Virginia to expand a shelter for women victims of domestic abuse in the Barcroft Hills neighborhood. The expansion plan has generated controversy in recent weeks, as some neighbors who oppose it put up signs … Continued

Courtland Park residents raise concerns on proposed retail center

The site of a proposed shopping center on Leesburg Pike as seen from Charles Street. With a public hearing scheduled before the Fairfax County Planning Commission July 17 on a proposal for a shopping center on Route 7 in Bailey’s Crossroads, local residents are urging that the project be modified to protect the Courtland Park … Continued

BoS approves motion to expedite Columbia Pike redevelopment project

This stretch of Columbia Pike is slated for redevelopment. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Mason Supervisor Penny Gross last week to “authorize the initiation of the appropriate steps for a plan amendment and rezoning” involving a proposal to redevelop a 7.4-acre property in Bailey’s Crossroads. AvalonBay Communities has assembled … Continued

New school under discussion for Bailey’s Crossroads

The long-delayed redevelopment plan for a property in Bailey’s Crossroads at Columbia Pike and Moncure Avenue seems to be back on track—and the project might include a badly needed new elementary school. Mason Supervisor Penny Gross sent the following announcement to constituents on her email list June 19: “Fairfax County is continuing to progress with … Continued

School funding, taxes dominate Mason Budget Town Hall

Fairfax County Executive Edward Long and Mason Supervisor Penny Gross. Would the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors agree to raise the property tax rate to provide more money for the budget-strapped school system? That’s one of the key questions for the board to decide over the next few weeks. That issue was brought up by … Continued

Local Democrats support Penny Gross at annual fundraiser

Front row, left to right: Sharon Bulova, Rep. Gerry Connolly, Justin Fairfax, and Penny Gross. Dozens of local Democrats gathered at the Camelot home of Justin Fairfax Feb. 23 for Mason Supervisor Penny Gross’ annual Champagne and Chocolate fundraiser. “We’re here to celebrate Penny and replenish her campaign kitty,” said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors … Continued