Ceremony Scheduled to Celebrate Little River Turnpike/John Marr Drive Streetscape Improvements in Annandale
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 30, 2004
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristina Norvell, 703-246-5104

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the Annandale Central Business District Planning Committee (ACBDPC) will be celebrating the completion of the John Marr Drive and Little River Turnpike streetscape project at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 30. The Annandale Chamber of Commerce and invited state and local elected officials, including Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Gerald E. Connolly, Mason District Supervisor Penelope Gross and Braddock District Supervisor Sharon Bulova, will be on hand for this celebration. This significant milestone in long sought improvements for downtown Annandale will take place in front of the Kmart at 4251 John Marr Drive.

With brick sidewalks, acorn lighting, landscaping, and underground utilities, central Annandale is beginning to reestablish a sense of place, a feeling of community. The important streetscape initiative is part of the Fairfax County Commercial Revitalization Program financed by citizen supported bond referenda. The Virginia Department of Transportation joined with the county in making important safety and environmental improvements in stormwater runoff, driveway entrance repair, resurfacing, automobile and pedestrian movement, and traffic signalization. New bus shelters accompany attractive benches and trash receptacles. The project was completed on budget and on schedule.

The project helps move Annandale toward the ACBDPC goals of improving pedestrian movement and having esthetics that build community respect. Since the Annandale Planning Committee commenced its work with the county revitalization staff, many downtown businesses have enhanced the appearance of their buildings and paid to install brick sidewalks and acorn lights as well as landscaping in front of their properties. Helping build pride in their community, the Annandale Woman’s Club, Korean-American groups, and others have joined in periodic downtown street and sidewalk cleanups.

For information about the streetscape improvements, contact Frank Roberts, project manager, or Larry Ichter, chief, Transportation Design Branch, DPWES, at 703-324-5800, TTY 711. For information on the Commercial Revitalization Program in Annandale, contact Arlene Quinones-Vargas, senior program manager, Department of Housing and Community Development, 703-246-5082, TTY 711. For information on doing business in Annandale, contact Linda Bufano of the Annandale Chamber of Commerce at 703-256-7232, TTY 711. Developers interested in Annandale can obtain demographic and other information from the Fairfax County revitalization Web site, www.fcrevit.org.                     

Fairfax County is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in all county programs, services and activities and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request. To request special accommodations, call 703-246-5101 (TTY 703-385-3578). Please allow seven working days in advance of the event in order to make the necessary arrangements.