|
|
|
Monthly Newsletter from Chairman Sharon Bulova
|
|
|
Sign up for the Bulova Byline
|
|
Tell me what you think
Do you have questions, concerns, or ideas for the County? Please contact my office.
(703) 324-2321 TTY 711
[email protected]
  
|
|
|
| Greetings,
To say July was a month for celebration is a colossal understatement. Many things came together throughout the month that were the result of decades of effort. In particular, I am still savoring the successful opening of Phase 1 of the Silver Line - a project that was saved from near death on multiple occasions. Washington Post columnist, Robert Thomson (aka Dr. Gridlock) summed it up best for me when he wrote about his first ride on the new train extension:
But the biggest lesson that seeped through was: This new train thing is going to be big. No planner's document, no artist's rendering matches the understanding conveyed by taking transit through Tysons Corner, out to the western suburbs and back to the middle of the D.C. region.
Creating train access for shoppers to gigantic malls at Tysons is like telling 16th century European merchants that they have a sea route to the Spice Islands. They'll figure out the rest.
For commuters, there's new, car-free access to job centers previously reachable only by braving some of America's most soul-sapping drives.
The Silver Line is not just a new extension of the Metro, it is a transformational game-changer for Fairfax County and the region. For more on the Silver Line opening, see my welcoming remarks at the ceremony along with some great photos inside this Byline.
Wiehle- Reston East Station
The weekend prior to the opening of the Silver Line featured an Open House for the largest station of Phase I, the Wiehle- Reston East Station and Parking Facility. This station will provide parking for 3,300 commuters and includes a large bike room with a bike repair area. It was built through a public-private partnership with Comstock, Inc. and eventually will include a mixed-use development with both retail and residential uses.
Innovation Center Station Garage
A similar arrangement was approved by our Board at our meeting on July 29th that allows us to move forward on building the Silver Line's Innovation Center station garage. This eight-level garage is part of the second phase for the Silver Line. It will offer about 2,100 spaces, about 25 kiss-and-ride spots and a secure bike room for about 100 bicycles. More information can be found at: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/2014/fairfax-build-innovation-center-metro-station-garage.htm
Tysons Plaza
And speaking of transformational, the opening of the Tysons Plaza on July 24th, complete with confetti shot out of cannons, acrobats inside person-sized balloons and a giant chess set gave attendees an example of what the Tysons Task Force envisioned when it labored for five years to create the Vision and Comprehensive Plan Amendment that will convert seas of asphalt parking lots and auto-dependent uses into an exciting, livable, walkable urban center.
The plaza is above ground, with traffic and parking below. At sky level, it connects the Tysons Center shopping  center (through Lord & Taylor) the Tysons Metro Station, commercial offices and a still-under-construction apartment building. Activities include Friday night concerts on the plaza, movie nights and a fantastic children's area, the Cox Discovery Cove.
VRE Commuter Rail Station in Woodbridge
Just south of Fairfax County, another game-changer for the region was a ground breaking on July 31st for a new VRE Commuter Rail Station at Potomac Shores in Woodbridge. This station, originally labeled "the Cherry Hill Station," has been on VRE maps ever since the system was envisioned in the 1980s. It is situated on a bluff on the Cherry Hill Peninsula with a stunning view of the Potomac River and is being built as part of a public-private partnership with developer SunCal, VRE and Prince William County. It will be part of a mixed-use community, providing commuting residents with a much needed rail alternative to I-95.
Iftar Dinner
Another celebration this month was an Iftar Dinner I hosted with the American Turkish Friendship Association at the Fairfax County Government Center on July 18th. The woman in the photo is demonstrating an art form unique to Turkey.  Paint is dribbled on a tray full of water. Paper is then gently draped over the paint and water which transfers a picture onto the paper. I liked the art so much that I framed one of the pictures and have it hanging in my office.
Iftar, a breaking of the Ramadan fast at sunset, is celebrated in Turkey through community gatherings. The dinner is an opportunity for people from different cultures and religions to come together in friendship. Our Turkish hosts did all the cooking and our meal was fantastic.
The same night as the dinner, seven Turkish college students arrived at Dulles Airport from Fairfax County's sisterhood partner, Kecioren, in Ankara. The students will be here for three weeks as part of a new America in Global Context international student summer program at George Mason University. Last year, 30 Fairfax County college students spent the summer in Kecioren to participate in their Youth Intercultural Study program. The program was highly successful and we are eager to reciprocate the warm hospitality shown to our Fairfax County students.
So now I am ready for August. Time to recharge! I hope you have a safe and relaxing summer and take advantage of the beautiful things Fairfax County has to offer.
Sincerely,
Sharon Bulova
Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
|
|
|
|
|
|
My Speech at the Silver Line Ribbon Cutting - July 26, 2014
|
Good morning and welcome, as we celebrate one of the most significant transportation projects in the history of Fairfax County and in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Silver Line project has spanned well over 20 years - across numerous administrations, elected officials and community leaders - all who have stepped up to the plate when needed to proffer their vision and to address the challenges that needed to be resolved to make today happen.
Major projects like the Silver Line Metro extension take time. Success requires commitment, continuity and dogged persistence. Individuals who fought hard to make this project happen did so knowing that another person would likely be the one to cut the ribbon.
Controversies
As we prepare to cut the ribbon, many of us here today may recall the many heated controversies and near death experiences that made up the exciting Silver Line saga.
- What kind of technology? Metro? Light Rail? BRT? Mag-lev?
- Should the new line loop through Tysons?
- How could such a large project be funded?*
- Management of the project and selection of the construction team were hotly debated.
- Would the Federal Government contribute?**
And finally, there was:
"Wait! Wait! Can't we redesign and build it underground?"
Passing the Torch
When I think of both the Silver Line project and redevelopment of Tysons I think of a torch being passed from one player to another. If someone drops the ball, everything can - and will - unravel.
And so, thank you to everyone who did not drop the ball.
To name just a few: Sen. Tim Kaine; U.S. Senators John and then Mark Warner; Congressmen Gerry Connolly, Jim Moran, and Frank Wolf; former Chairman and Secretary of the Commonwealth Kate Hanley; Tom Davis in his roles as chairman, member of the MWAA Board and as a member of Congress; my colleagues on the Board, Linda Smyth, John Foust and Cathy Hudgins who all represent part of the Dulles corridor; former Commonwealth Transportation Secretaries Martinez, Ybarra, Clement, Milliken, Homer, and Connaughton; former U.S. Transportation Secretaries Mary Peters and Ray La Hood; our County executives Tony Griffin and Ed Long; in our Office of Transportation: Shiva Pant, Ho Chang, Kathy Ichter, Tom Biesiadny, and Mark Canale; and, thank you to Walter and Dan Alcorn
More than Transportation
The Silver Line is not only a transportation project. It is a major, transformational economic development initiative.
As a result of Fairfax County's decision to wind the Silver Line through Tysons, this part of Fairfax is realizing our vision for a vibrant, mixed-use urban downtown. Our work is not done and I am looking forward to completion of Phase 2 of the Silver Line project which will connect the Metro system to Dulles airport and into Loudoun.
*Two special tax districts comprised of land owners along the corridor were established and then were able to survive legal challenges.
**The larger project was broken into two phases and even then, Governor-at-the-time Tim Kaine had to perform CPR on Phase 1 when the FTA decided to not participate.
|
Northern Virginia Cycle Fest Coming Next Month
|
 Hop on your bike and get some exercise this September at the 5th Annual Northern Virginia Cycle Fest! Brought to you by the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia and benefitting the Wounded Warriors Project and the Washington Area Bicycling Association, the Cycle Fest offers riders 11, 30, 50 and 62 mile options and includes giveaways, snacks, and support crews.
The Northern Virginia Cycle Fest is open to all experienced road-bike riders who are comfortable riding on roads with traffic (suggested minimum age of 12). Set in the fall, the ride enjoys the fall temperatures and scenery through the hills of Northern Virginia.
The ride options are designed to be fun and challenging for riders of all levels and experience. It is the intent of Northern Virginia Cycle Fest to bring together riders who have a common goal of health, friendship, and giving back to the community.
For more information, please visit www.jccnv.org/sportsfitnessaquatics/5th-annual/
|
Summer Evening Concerts, Wine Tastings, Food Trucks and Farmers Markets
|
I hope you will take the time to enjoy some of this Summer's Concerts in the Parks. These performances are offered free to the public in parks throughout Fairfax County thanks to our generous corporate sponsors. This summer's offerings can be found at: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/. There is something for everyone to enjoy!
This is the second summer I am hosting our Evenings on the Ellipse Concerts! Performances are held every Thursday evening behind the Government Center from 5:30pm to 7:00pm (July 3 - August 28, 2014). Whether you like jazz, big band, bluegrass, or Latin pop, the performances are always fun. So bring your lawn chairs, blankets, co-workers, families and dates and get ready for some memorable Thursday evenings this summer! Complimentary wine tastings will be offered by Paradise Springs and Bull Run Winery.
Event flyer: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/downloads/ellipseflyerweb.pdf
Fairfax County Government Center "Ellipse" (green lawn behind the building)
12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax VA 22035
Every Thursday, July 3 - August 28, 2014
5:30pm - 7:00pm
This event is rain or shine. In case of rain, concerts will continue as scheduled in the Government Center Forum.
With summer concerts hosted in the "backyard," you will also find the Government Center Farmers Market in the "front yard" parking lot. Feel free to grab some delicious produce, visit a food truck, and catch a concert all in the same evening. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter to keep track of which food trucks are coming next. Farmers Markets operate throughout Fairfax County during the spring and summer. Find one close to you at this website: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/wp-farm-mkt.htm
 | | Enjoying music performed by The United States Air Force "Singing Sergeants" |
|
Have a Say in Fairfax County's Trash & Recycling Strategies
|
 Fairfax County is in the process of updating its Solid Waste Management Plan. This plan describes an integrated strategy for the management of trash and recyclables generated by businesses and residents in Fairfax County. The county's current 20-year plan requires an update in 2015.
The revised plan for trash and recycling will guide the development of waste reduction, reuse, recycling, collection, transfer and disposal initiatives in Fairfax County from July 2015 - July 2035. The plan will also include goals to help the solid waste management program achieve environmental and financial sustainability. Please visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/swmp/ if you would like to look over the current plan.
If you would like to participate in updating this plan, you can complete the online survey at
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/surveys/swpriorities.htm and/or attend one of the three remaining public meetings. All meetings will be held from 7pm - 9pm.
Tuesday, August 12 - Franconia Governmental Center, 6121 Franconia Road, Alexandria (Helen Wilson Community Room)
Monday, August 18 - West Springfield Governmental Center, 6140 Rolling Road, Springfield (Community Room)
Tuesday, August 26 - Sully District Governmental Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly (James McDonnell Room).
The Board of Supervisors will also hold a public hearing on the SWMP following the completion of the public meeting process. We look forward to having the community engaged in the development of this policy.
|
Silver Line Media Highlights
| |
|
|
|
