🌱 Affordable Housing Preservation + Fairfax Water To Flush Mains

Good morning, Annandale! I'm Danielle Fallon-O'Leary and I'll be your new source for all the events, news, and general happenings in your town. Here is everything you need to know in five minutes or less, including updates on:

• Fairfax County Planning Commission recommends strengthening county policy on affordable housing
• Fairfax Water to begin flushing water mains
• Annandale man drives 101 mph in a 55 mph zone, fails field sobriety test

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Clouds giving way to some sun. High: 58 Low: 41.
• Tuesday: Partly sunny with a shower. High: 66 Low: 37.
• Wednesday: Cooler; a little p.m. rain. High: 49 Low: 45.
• Thursday: Partly sunny and warmer. High: 77 Low: 45.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Annandale who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top five stories in Annandale:

1. On Feb. 15, the Fairfax County Planning Commission recommended that the Board of Supervisors strengthen the county’s policy on preserving affordable housing by adding a new objective to provide affordable multifamily rental housing incentives for preservation, including density. The policy aims to achieve “no net loss of affordable housing” by implementing a one-for-one replacement when multifamily properties are redeveloped. The guidelines would include potential incentives for developers, such as additional density and building height, and would also cover relocation plans for tenants while a property is being redeveloped. (Annandale Today)
2. Fairfax Water will begin flushing its water mains soon to maintain water quality, switching from using combined chlorine to free chlorine. Annandale residents can expect the flushing to take place between Mar. 20 and Jun. 12. Although the flushing might result in temporary discoloration and sediment in the water — as well as a potential chlorine taste — it is not harmful, according to Fairfax Water. (Annandale Today)
3. An Annandale man was stopped by police for traveling at 101 mph in a 55 mph zone on Route 20. Justin Thomas Holdgreiwe, 39, was taken into custody after failing field sobriety tests and held without He was arrested for DUI, refusing a breathalyzer test, and reckless driving. (Culpeper Star-Exponent)
4. A recent study by law firm Bisnar Chase found that Virginia employees in the private sector worked an average of 1.7 hours of unpaid overtime per week in 2022. Based on the median wage and the number of exempt workers in the state, researchers estimate that Virginia workers are owed $4 billion in back pay. The study also noted that average hourly wages have declined since the 1970s, while the average number of hours worked has increased. (Virginia Patch)
5. Fairfax County police have issued a warning to parents and the community about drug dealers marketing THC-infused sports drinks that look like everyday items, making them appealing to children. These drinks can be difficult to distinguish from regular products, with some packaging containing the message "may contain THC" or featuring a marijuana plant image. Police have advised parents to educate themselves about these products and to be vigilant in monitoring their children's behavior and belongings. (FOX 5 Washington DC)

Coming up in Annandale:

Tuesday, February 21

• Bad Art Night At George Mason Regional Library (7:00 PM)

Friday, February 24

• TAP-DC February Supper Club At Tosokchon (6:30 PM)

Saturday, February 25

• Paint Your Pet With Tails High At American Legion Riders Post 1976 (3:30 PM)

Sunday, February 26

• Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show At Annandale Virginia Fire House Expo Hall (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Calling all prospective pet parents: meet the adorable, adoptable pets awaiting their forever homes in Annadale-area shelters. (Annandale Patch)
• After a two-year hiatus, the Coach CJ Celebration returns to Annandale on Mar. 11 from 7-10 p.m. The event will take place at the Annandale Volunteer Fire Department social hall and include music and dancing, food and drink, games for all ages, and a silent auction with unique prizes. (Annandale Today)
• Looking for a new place to call home or just want to see what's on the market? Here are five new houses for sale in the Annandale area. (Annandale Patch)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Antique Silver and Brass Restoration Services: MONDAYS 10-4 (February 20)
• Estate Planning Seminar on February 21st and 22nd at Interpretive Center at Historic Blenheim (February 21)
• XP League Open House (February 25)
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For sale:

• Call Of The Cosmic Wild: Relativistic Rockets For The New Millennium (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday. See you all soon for another update!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.