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| Monthly Newsletter from Chairman Sharon Bulova |
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| Stay Connected |
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Email
Website
Office
(703) 324-2321
Please contact my office with any comments, questions, concerns or ideas.
I look forward to hearing from you!
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Greetings,
I am writing this Byline just a few days before Easter and Passover and thinking about traditions. I grew up in a big Roman Catholic family in a  suburb of Baltimore that was predominately Jewish. My sisters and I attended mass every Sunday but also got to enjoy our friends' Bat Mitzvahs. We learned to love bagels with lox along with Easter baskets full of chocolate eggs and
marshmallow peeps.
Maybe that early experience led me to appreciate diversity, especially with regard to religions, cultures, foods and ethnic backgrounds. All across the world there is so much variety to experience and enjoy!
Last week I attended an open house for a school of Islamic Sufism in the Herndon area. Students of the school treated
their audience to beautiful tunes
sung to the accompaniment of ancient instruments and  rhythmic swaying movements. After the service, guests mingled over traditional Middle Eastern fare.
Afterwards, I attended the 44th Anniversary of the Korean Community Service Center in Tysons. This great organization is one of Fairfax County's many non-profit partners serving the human services needs of our community. We in Fairfax County are indeed blessed with a vibrant community that values and celebrates our diversity, along with the traditions our families hold dear.
With a number of holiday celebrations and Spring Break behind us, the Board of Supervisors now turns to another tradition - public hearings on the Advertised Budget! Within this Byline is information about how you can weigh in on the tax rate and the services your county provides. Testimony can be given in person and also by video. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks so much for keeping up-to-date on what is happening in your community!
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Sincerely,
Sharon Bulova
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
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| Testify at a Public Hearing in Person or through Video |
Budget public hearings are coming up on April 10, 11 and 12 at the Fairfax County Government Center. If you would like to share your thoughts with the Board of Supervisors regarding the Advertised (Proposed) Budget, you can sign up to testify in person, or, you can submit a video testimony via YouTube. Submitting testimony through YouTube is a great way for residents to participate in the public hearing process without having to drive out to the Fairfax County Government Center. Check out this link for more information on how to submit video testimony:
fairfaxcounty.gov/boardofsupervisors/budget-public-hearing-video-testimony
As always, feel free to email me at
[email protected]
with your thoughts about the budget. I look forward to hearing from you as we build this budget together.
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Steps: How to Testify at a Public Hearing In Person
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| What Taxes Do We Pay in Fairfax County? |
In my latest Fairfax County Fast Facts video series, learn about local tax rates, service districts, ways to pay and Virginia's Dillon Rule. A quick overview for residents and businesses alike in Fairfax County, Virginia:
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What Taxes Do We Pay in Fairfax County?
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| Fairfax County Proposes Regulations for Short Term Rentals like Airbnb |
 Vacation rental sites like Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway, Flipkey and many others continue to increase in popularity. Approximately 1,500 homes in Fairfax County are currently operating as short term rentals. I have heard from residents who support this emerging tourism use and see it as an economic benefit. I have also heard from residents who do not appreciate the disruptiveness that sometimes results from renters who host loud parties or take up too much parking on a neighborhood street. Currently there are no zoning regulations in place for short term rentals in Fairfax County.
On March 20th, the Board of Supervisors voted to advertise a public hearing for a proposed zoning ordinance amendment for short term rentals. The proposed amendment would limit the number of occupants to six people and cap the number of nights a dwelling could be rented out during the course of a year, among other things. The goal is to strike a balance between allowing these rentals, which are popular in today's sharing economy, while addressing some neighborhood concerns. Learn more about the proposed zoning ordinance amendment at fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-zoning/zoning/short-term-property-rentals.
Fairfax County staff engaged in extensive public input to develop the proposed rules. We received more than 7,600 responses to an online survey, held four community meetings across the county and met with individual homeowners and civic groups, tourism professionals, real estate agents and representatives from the short-term lodging and hotel industry.
Fairfax County also participated in a workgroup with other local jurisdictions that are considering (or have already adopted) regulations, including Arlington, Alexandria and Loudoun.
The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hold a public hearing on this matter on June 19, 2018. We are interested in hearing from you before we make a decision on the future of short term rental uses in our jurisdiction.
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| Things To Do This Spring |
Looking for some local and affordable entertainment options to enjoy without having to drive into D.C.? Fairfax County is home to many high quality community and regional theatres, as well as many special events and outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy this spring:
Upcoming Shows:
The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail,
GMU Center for the Arts (March 29 - April 8, 2018)
31st Annual Evening of Comedy,
Wolf Trap (April 27 - 28, 2018)
Other Events and Activities:
4th Annual Northern Virginia International Film & Music Festival (April 1 - 14, 2018)
Public Safety Day in Springfield, hosted by Communities of Trust (April 14, 2018)
Springfest
hosted by CleanFairfax at Sully Historic Site (April 21, 2018)
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| Solar Panel Discounts | Thermal Camera Rentals | LED Lighbulb Exchanges |
Fairfax County is committed to protecting our environment and providing a high quality of life that is sustainable for future generations. To help residents achieve their energy-saving goals as well, Fairfax County is linking residents to unique solar panel opportunities, rentable thermal imaging cameras, and free LED lightbulbs. Together, we can work to build and maintain a green, sustainable and energy-efficient culture in Fairfax County.
To help homeowners and businesses reduce the cost of investing in solar energy, Fairfax County is sponsoring a "Solarize" initiative from
April 2 through May 31, 2018. Like a Groupon for solar, the program offers one-time, low prices with companies chosen through competitive bids. You can
sign up for a free onsite solar assessment and potentially qualify for a deal on solar panels. Learn more.
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Solarize Fairfax County - How It Works
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Thermal imaging cameras are useful for identifying hot or cold spots in your home and significant opportunities for energy-savings. You can now rent thermal imaging cameras from any Fairfax County Public Library just as you would a book! Go to Fairfax County's online library catalog, reserve the device, and it will be shipped to your local library branch for pick up. It is estimated that a
ir sealing and insulation improvements can save an average of 17% on heating and cooling costs for homes in our area!
This spring, Energy Action Fairfax will host
LED Lightbulb Exchanges
at six public library locations in Fairfax County. All households are eligible to receive up to five free LEDs while supplies last. The first LED is complementary.
If you bring in up to four of your incandescent or compact fluorescent lightbulbs, they can be exchanged for LEDs, which offer a warm white light that's equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent lightbulb.
These exchanges can help residents save electricity and save money. If every home in Fairfax County replaced just one incandescent bulb with an LED bulb, together we could save 19 million kWh and $2 million every year!
LED Lighbulb Exchange Locations:
April 7, 10:30am - 12:30pm: Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library.
April 14, 2-4pm: City of Fairfax Regional Library.
April 25, 4-6pm: George Mason Regional Library.
May 8, 6:30-8:30pm: Chantilly Regional Library.
May 14, 10:30am -12:30pm: Reston Regional Library.
May 22, 10:30am -12:30pm: Sherwood Regional Library.
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| Veteran's Treatment Docket Turns Lives Around |
For the past three years, Fairfax County has been assisting U.S. military veterans who have committed non-violent misdemeanor and felony offenses with getting treatment, instead of being incarcerated.
Fairfax County's
Veterans Treatment Docket launched in 2015 as the first of its kind in Virginia. The special docket is designed to address mental health and substance abuse issues that often result from the combat stresses of military service. The goal is to restore the veteran to his or her community and family with tools and resources to face the future in a productive way and avoid future encounters with the law. Across the U.S. more than 230 court-supervised veterans treatment programs have been created in courtrooms since 2008.
Since Fairfax County's Veteran's Treatment Docket opened its doors, it has connected veterans struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues to treatment, housing and employment benefits. Three dockets have been established at
each level of the court system
and continue to expand. Two more dockets will begin operating in Virginia during 2018. T
here are 14 veterans currently participating in the county's docket. Ten others have already graduated.
With Fort Belvoir in our backyard and the Pentagon as a next-door neighbor, Fairfax County is home to many active military, veterans and their families. Our veterans have done so much to serve our community. It is important for us to provide the quality services and support they deserve from their local government, one example being the highly successful Veteran's Treatment Docket.
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| Operation Medicine Cabinet Cleanout - April 28 |
Operation Medicine Cabinet Cleanout is a free, convenient, confidential, and safe medicine disposal event happening on Saturday, April 28, 2018. Unused or expired medications can be dropped off at all eight Fairfax County District Police Stations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Only pills and liquids will be accepted, no pressurized canisters or needles.
Safe disposal
of unused or expired medications prevents drug abuse and misuse, accidental poisoning, and protects the environment. This event is being held in conjunction with National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Drop Off Sites:
- Fair Oaks District Station
12300 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax, VA 22033
- Franconia District Station
6121 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310
- Mason District Station
6507 Columbia Pike , Annandale, VA 22003
- McLean District Station
1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101
- Mount Vernon District Station
2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306
- Reston District Station
12000 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, VA 20190
- Sully District Station
4900 Stonecroft Boulevard, Chantilly, VA 20151
- West Springfield District Station
6140 Rolling Road, Springfield, VA 22152
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| Tricky Tree Disputes and Who to Call |
Fairfax County receives many inquiries regarding individual trees that look unhealthy or look like they may fall. It's often a good idea to take care of a risky tree before it falls and causes damage. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you see a tree that looks like it's ready to fall:
If the tree is on private property and threatens the general public (or if you are not sure) call the Urban Forest Management Division (UFMD) at 703-324-1770. UFMD will assess the tree and it's potential risk to the general public. If the tree is determined to be a hazard to the general public, then UFMD will issue a health and safety code enforcement violation and require the property owner to remove the tree (or part of the tree that is a hazard).
If the tree is threatening another private property and not the general public, then the tree is considered a civil issue between neighbors. UFMD does not have the authority to assess trees that are civil issues, nor can UFMD offer an expert opinion of the tree.
If this is your situation, urban foresters recommend the following:
1)
Talk to your neighbor to work out a solution. Many neighbors are unaware of potential high risk trees on their property. If the neighbor doesn't think that the tree is a safety issue, see if he or she would be willing to have an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist assess the tree and agree to abide by the arborist's assessment. A certified arborist can be found at
www.goodtreecare.com
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If the neighbor is not willing to work with you to resolve the issue, you may consider enlisting the services of a private attorney to help address this issue. The Fairfax County Bar Association offers a Lawyer Referral Service at
www.fairfaxlawyerreferral.org
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If you see a dead, dying or decaying tree, here are the appropriate contacts depending on where the tree is located:
- If the tree is located within a few feet of a public street, it is most likely in the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) right-of-way. Contact the VDOT customer service center at 1-800-367-7623, TTY 711 or fill out a VDOT work request at my.vdot.virginia.gov.
- If power lines are down as a result of a storm or tree failure, contact Dominion Power at
1-866-366-4357.
- For trees on county park property, please contact the Fairfax County Park Authority at (703) 324- 8594, TTY 711.
- If the tree is on Fairfax County Public School property, please call (703) 764-2429, TTY 711.
- If the tree is located on other Fairfax County property, please call the Fairfax County Facilities Management Department at (703) 324-2055, TTY 711.
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| Transportation Projects: Completed and Under Construction |
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) prepares a biannual report on all active transportation projects, which include roads, pedestrian and bike facilities and mass transit. The latest report covers thirteen recently completed transportation projects (listed below).
Additionally, there are twenty eight transportation projects under construction in Fairfax County from sidewalk extensions to the completion of the Silver Line Phase II. The report covers the full breadth of Fairfax County's transportation system and provides transparency regarding performance measures.
The report also includes individual project updates organized by Magisterial District. Each project includes a project description, project location, funding source, project manager information and project timeline. The report captures transportation projects scheduled until Fiscal Year 2020. It is a great resource to track the multitude of transportation projects happening in Fairfax County.
Recently Completed Transportation Projects (Sept. 2017 - Feb. 2018):
- Cross County Trail (CCT) pavement upgrades (Braddock)
- Fairfax County Parkway Widening extend auxiliary lane on southbound Fairfax County Parkway from
- Route 29 to Braddock Road (Springfield)
- Gallows Road/Boone Boulevard (TMSAMS) pedestrian intersection improvements (Providence)
- I-66 Inside the Beltway Tolling from I-495 to Route 29 in Rosslyn (Dranesville, Providence)
- Lanier Street Bicycle/Pedestrian Connection from Exeter Street to Carrico Drive (Mason)
- Mason Neck Trail Segment 2B trail along north side of Gunston Road from Pohick Bay Drive to entrance to Pohick Bay Golf Course (Mount Vernon)
- McWhorter Place Trail from McWhorter Place to Markham Street (Mason)
- North Kings Highway/Fort Drive pedestrian intersection improvements (Lee)
- Richmond Highway Widening from Jeff Todd Way to Telegraph Road (Mount Vernon)
- Route 1/Ladson Lane pedestrian intersection improvements (Lee, Mount Vernon)
- Route 1 Walkway southbound side from Russell Road to Roxbury Drive (Lee)
- Route 29 Widening northbound from Legato Road to Shirley Gate Road (Braddock, Springfield)
- Silverbrook Road Walkway from Oak Chase Circle to Retail Center by developer (Springfield)
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