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TextAnnandale Community Corner
The Future May be Unpredictable, but it Can be Planned
This article is a special to the Braddock Beacon, from Dan McKinnon,
Chair, Annandale Central Business District Planning Committee
Last month the Board of Supervisors (BOS) approved a Comprehensive Plan
amendment for downtown Annandale, or what is called the Annandale
“Community Business Center” or CBC.
As a result of concerns about the lack of downtown renewal, voiced by
the Annandale Central Business District Planning Committee, the BOS
directed county planning and transportation staffs to perform a study of
the area. First, seeking plan language that might encourage
redevelopment, and secondly language that would address the traffic
issues of Little River Turnpike. Study results were briefed to community
focus groups and endorsed by the Planning Commission. The product is
unique and a first for Fairfax County.
Nine transportation options for getting traffic through Annandale were
subject to computer simulation. Two were identified as best options. One
would have been to make part of Little River Turnpike one-way going west,
and parts of McWhorter and John Marr as one-way going east.
The option approved was to make Little River Turnpike six lanes and
eliminate the service drives, turning the whole thoroughfare into a tree
lined “boulevard” using the old rights of way for amenities such as
sidewalks, landscaping, bike lanes and other features. Adoption
eliminated the old plan, which would have created a six lane highway plus
service drives and an overpass at Annandale Road; an option many in the
community felt would have created an eight lane asphalt scar dividing
Annandale’s downtown. The new plan also facilitates future light
rail.
In land-use planning, Annandale is the first commercial center of
Fairfax County to apply the concept of a “Form-based Plan.” A form-based
approach allows property owners and developers flexibility in proposing
projects with specific land uses and intensities. The new plan language
sets out a range of building types, heights and uses, encourages
mixed-use development and a wide range of retail options, encourages
parcel consolidation and utilities underground and includes urban design
guidelines with amenities such as urban parks, pedestrian walkways,
landscaping, etc. The entire new plan can be read on the county
revitalization web
site:http://fcrevite.com/annandale/comprehensive.htm
The Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan is only a plan. It takes people
and the right economic environment to make it work and see change take
effect. The Annandale downtown plan is sound. The future may be
unpredictable, but it can be planned. Perhaps some day families in the
wonderful surrounding neighborhoods of the greater Annandale area will be
able to walk, bike, or take a short drive into what could become an
“urban village”, to shop or just hang out. A place to go to, not through.
The vision is in place.
Annandale Fall Festival & Parade, Bigger and Better than Ever
On Saturday, October 23, 2010, the Annandale Chamber of Commerce will
sponsor a spectacular Fall Festival in the Safeway parking lot on Little
River Turnpike. From 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM scores of merchants with hand
made and fashion jewelry, ceramics, imported silks, pet accessories, art
work, quality giftware from major manufacturers, exquisite crafts and so
much more will fill the community market.
Multiple rock bands and jazz groups will set your toes tapping while
“The Taste of Annandale” with food from many culinary cuisines will
satisfy every taste craving. The Kid’s Zone will challenge with a
Climbing Wall, 24’ Dual Slides, Bungee Run, a Sticky Wall, an Obstacle
Course, Moon Bounce, a Reading Tent with costumed characters, a Musical
Petting Zoo, a Treasure Hunt, and interactive games for toddlers to
teens. The Annual Parade, held since 1950, will finish at the Festival
Grounds.
For further information go to www.annandalechamber.com or write
festival@annandalechamber.com. Plan to participate, volunteer, and have
fun! Great advertising opportunities are also available for sponsors of
this event.
Annandale Neighborhood Food Site Looking for Food, Volunteers
Located at Immanuel United Methodist Church, the Annandale Neighborhood
Food site is a Food for Others community food distribution site and is
well within walking distance of the Heritage Mall.
All walk-in clients are welcome and no referrals are taken. Most of the
clients are families and many have young children. The site is strictly
run for everyone’s safety and numbers are drawn for participation at 6:00
P.M. sharp so that everyone has an equal chance to go first.
Always in need of supplemental non-perishable food to go with the
perishables they receive from Food for Others, the site is also looking
for volunteers on Thursday nights, from 5:00 P.M. to about 7:00
P.M.
If you would like more information, or are interested in volunteering,
please contact Ann Woodle at annwoodle@gmail.com.
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