Monthly Newsletter from Chairman Sharon Bulova

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova

 

In This Issue
Metro SafeTrack
NVTA Events
Meals Tax Up for Vote
Lord & Lady Fairfax
Celebrate Fairfax
Evenings on the Ellipse
Workhouse Arts Center
Construction Violation Hotline
Zika Updates

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                     June 2016
Greetings, 

What I remember most was the mess. And the noise; the sound of cars traveling over wooden planks covering big holes in the roads.

The year would have been nineteen seventy-something, shortly after a groundbreaking ceremony took place on December 9th, 1969 for the first phase of an exciting new ninety-eight mile regional rail system. A bill had been passed in Congress a few years earlier (1966) which created the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), a regional body tasked with planning and operating the new system.
 
Official Metro Groundbreaking at Judiciary Square Station, December 1969. (Photo Credit: WMATA)

I was a newcomer to the DC area. I had settled in Fairfax County, where I knew my then-toddlers would receive a good education. Occasionally I would venture into the District for concerts or to witness Vietnam War protests. Washington DC was, like many cities across the country, grappling with rapid social and economic change. It didn't help that its streets were covered with broad planks, under which Metro workers with heavy machinery were toiling away to create underground tracks and huge high-ceilinged stations.

The pace for planning and building transportation infrastructure is glacial. Fairfax County did not get its Franconia-Springfield station until 1997. By this time my kids had graduated from college, were both married and I had been elected as Braddock Supervisor. The Metrorail system is now 117 miles long and still under construction as the new Silver Line is finally extended all the way to Dulles Airport, a long time transportation priority for Fairfax County.
 

What was newly built during those early years is now approaching forty. The region is also struggling with some inherent flaws of the system and governance structure as designed in the 60's:
  • a two track system, making it hard to address breakdowns and track maintenance without disrupting service;
  • the lack of a dedicated regional stream of revenue to fund operations as well as capital costs, leaving the system vulnerable if one of the states or the District threatens to withhold their share over a budget or policy disagreement;
  • no provision for reserves to be set aside for infrastructure and equipment replacement or refurbishment. 
While our Metrorail system has its own unique set of circumstances, we are not alone in facing challenges associated with aging public infrastructure. The Office of Homeland Security released a report in December 2014 noting that "Most of the nation's 600,000 bridges will have outlived their designed lifespan within the next 10 to 40 years." Alarm has also been sounded nationally regarding a backlog of aging dams, storm water and wastewater facilities.
 
One might ask, shouldn't more thought have gone into the fact that what was at the time new and shiny would someday need to be replaced or repaired? Apparently not enough.
 
While the legacy of our past generations has been to build this great country, perhaps the legacy of our children and grandchildren will be that of refurbishment and revitalization. It has to be.
 
 
In this June issue of the Byline, you will find some helpful information on the "here and now" situation we face today with shoring up our aging Metrorail system. Three years of work is being compressed into one year which will not be easy or simple. It will definitely be inconvenient for Metro riders and motorists will likely experience more crowded highways.
 
Fairfax County will do what we can to mitigate the effects of periodic shutdowns of segments of the system. We are offering more express bus service in some locations, providing information about alternative modes of transportation, such as the VRE Commuter Rail system, ride-sharing, teleworking, the Connector and Metro bus service. In the end, we will have a forty year old system that is safer and more reliable. We also have the opportunity to come together as a region to resolve some of the other challenges that need to be worked out.
 
Also in this Byline you'll find information about some of the pleasant things Fairfax County has to offer. It is summer, after all. Time to smell the roses! Thanks for reading this Byline and thanks for your interest in Fairfax County.     


Sincerely,
  


Sharon Bulova
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

Metro SafeTrack - Resources for Your Commute
 
Safety Surge #1 Affects Organge and Silver Lines
Safety Surge #1 Affects Organge and Silver Lines
 
Metro is undertaking a significant maintenance effort that will accelerate three years worth of work into approximately one year. The plan, called SafeTrack, expands maintenance time on weekends, weeknights and midday hours and includes 15 "Safety Surges" - long-duration track outages for major projects in key parts of the system. For Safety Surge #1, Orange and Silver lines are single tracking between East Falls Church and Ballston from June 4-16:
  • Orange Line trains between Vienna and Ballston will operate every 18 minutes
  • Additional Orange Line trains will operate between Ballston and New Carrollton only
  • Silver Line trains will operate every 18 minutes
  • At 10pm all trains will operate every 20 minutes
  • Metro closes at midnight seven days a week for the duration of all safety work
During SafeTrack surges that affect commuters in Fairfax County, Fairfax Connector will provide supplemental and existing EXPRESS bus service to and from the Pentagon for $4 per trip. For Surge #1, the express service operates from:
  • Reston North Park and Ride (with additional parking at Wiehle-Reston East Metro station)
  • Vienna Metrorail Station
  • Saratoga Park-and-Ride Lot
fairfaxcounty.gov/safetrack is Fairfax County's one-stop-shop for all SafeTrack info as it relates to your local commute. Check back frequently for the most up-to-date information.
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Upcoming NVTA Transportation Events

Fairfax County is obviously a busy area. People are on the go! That's why it's important that a variety of public transportation options are available to residents. The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) is responsible for Northern Virginia's long-range transportation plan called TransAction. NVTA is focused on reducing congestion and moving the greatest number of people in the most cost-effective way. NVTA is hosting two upcoming workshops in the area. These workshops are a great opportunity for you to share your concerns and priorities regarding regional transportation.
 
Thursday, June 16, 7:00pm-9:00pm 
2231 Crystal Dr., #1000, Arlington, VA 22202

Tuesday, June 21, 7:00pm-9:00pm
Providence District Office, 3001 Vaden Dr., Fairfax, VA 22031
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Whether you are heading to a soccer game, driving to work, or running errands, your use of public and private transportation has led you to form opinions on the transportation system. And NVTA wants to hear it. If you are not able to attend either of the two workshop events, please visit nvtatransaction.org to lend your  voice and help improve our great region.

Voters to Decide on Fairfax County Meals Tax this November

meat-sandwich.jpg On June 7, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to place a meals tax referendum on the ballot for the November 8, 2016 general election. Voters will have the opportunity to vote for or against implementing a 4 percent tax on prepared meals in Fairfax County. This action will allow Fairfax County residents to decide whether the County has a meals tax. If implemented, the meals tax could generate $99 million* for Fairfax County Public Schools, capital improvements, property tax relief, and other County services. A meals tax currently exists in the towns of Herndon and Vienna, in the cities of Fairfax, Falls Church, and Alexandria, and in Arlington County.
 
Since Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, Fairfax County has limited authority to diversify its revenue stream; the budget is heavily reliant on real estate and property taxes, which account for almost 80% of the General Fund. Most other revenue streams are capped or require General Assembly action to be adjusted. The Board of Supervisors does not have the authority to implement a meals tax unless approved by the voters. The Fairfax County Department of Management and Budget estimates that $99 million in revenue would be generated from a 4 percent meals tax in the first year. Seventy percent of the revenue generated from the meals tax would go to Fairfax County Public Schools, and the remaining thirty percent would go to Fairfax County services, capital improvements and property tax relief. If a meals tax is approved by voters, it would apply to tourists, commuters and travelers, as well as residents who choose to dine out. It is estimated that non-County residents eating in Fairfax County would generate twenty-eight percent of total meals tax revenue annually for Fairfax County residents.


* Approximately $99 million in revenue would be generated by a 4 percent meals tax, and approximately $3 million would go back to restaurants/businesses to offset costs of implementing the meals tax. After that, $96 million would be allocated based on the provisions of the ballot measure; 70% for Fairfax County Public Schools and 30% for County services, capital improvements and property tax relief.
 
Lord and Lady Fairfax 2016
 
The Lord and Lady Fairfax Awards Program honors two volunteer leaders from each Magisterial District every year.  Honorees are selected for outstanding volunteer service or for an act of heroism.
 
LORD FAIRFAX MICHAEL HERSHMAN:
Michael Hershman is former President and CEO of Fairfax Group, and is an internationally recognized leader on ethics and transparency in business and government. Earlier this month, he accepted a new role as Group CEO of the International Centre for Sport Security. For twenty years he gave generously of his time and talents as one of two citizen members of the Board's Audit Committee. Mr. Hershman's dedication was on display through his impressive handling of his role as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors' 70-person Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission. Mr. Hershman ably steered the commission and subcommittees through six months of discussions that culminated in 142 policy recommendations for the Fairfax County Police Department, many of which have already been implemented.

LADY FAIRFAX SHIRLEY GINWRIGHT:
Shirley Ginwright is one of the most devoted citizens of Fairfax County. She exemplifies community service in her countless efforts to bring people together and facilitate communal growth. Ms. Ginwright is the president of the Fairfax County NAACP, and served on the Fairfax County Chief of Police's Diversity Council in 2013. Ms. Ginwright inspired and facilitated the establishment of the Communities of Trust Committee, and serves as the Committee's Chairman. In addition, Ms. Ginwright served on the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission organized by Chairman Bulova, serving as the Chair of the Subcommittee to Review Police Practices for Recruitment, Diversity, and Vetting. Ms. Ginwright has done invaluable work to make Fairfax County a leader in community and law enforcement engagement and is very deserving of the title Lady Fairfax.

Get Your Tickets for Celebrate Fairfax!  |  June 10-12
 
Celebrate Fairfax! is just around the corner! It will take place June 10-12, 2016 at the Fairfax County Government Center. Celebrate Fairfax! is an annual celebration that draws tens of thousands of residents together to partake in Northern Virginia's largest community celebration. Celebrate Fairfax! showcases live concerts on nine stages, a petting zoo, the Fairfax County Karaoke Championship, carnival rides, festival food, and the Inova Train Ride. At the end of each day, make sure to catch the fireworks show with your friends and family. Visit celebratefairfax.com for more info and tickets.

Enjoy Summer Concerts & Farmers Markets this Summer

I am pleased to announce another exciting season of the Evenings on the Ellipse concert series this summer. On Thursday evenings from July 7 through August 25, the backyard of the Fairfax County Governments Center will be alive with fun music and good company. Employees, nearby residents and music lovers can stop by after work to relax in Wolf Trap-esque style! Once again, Fairfax County's two wineries, Paradise Springs and The Winery at Bull Run, will be providing generous tastings of their premium reds and whites! I hope to see you this summer.
 
Government Center Farmers Market
Government Center Farmers Market
 
Also, stop by the Government Center Farmers Market Every Thursday from 3-7pm, now through October 27. We have Bacon's BBQ Food truck, fresh fruit, veggies, snacks, bread, honey and many delicious options. Find us in the front parking lot of the Government Center.

Unique Classes and Events | Workhouse Arts Center

This summer, celebrate culture and the arts through events and classes with the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton. Everything from paddleboard fitness classes to watercolor painting lessons are offered.

Take an opportunity to brush up on your dancing. The Workhouse Arts Center provides ballroom dancing socials for $10. On June 18, take a 30 minute mini lesson starting at 7:30 before engaging in a lively social dance. This event happens every month. A variety of dance styles are featured. Come to enjoy food, drinks, music and dance! All skill levels are welcome.

Sit back and enjoy Cool Cow Comedy. On June 18th at 7pm and 9pm, laugh with stand-up comedian Erin Jackson who has performed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Comedy Central's Live at Gotham, and NBC's Last Comic Standing. Patrons must be at least 18 years old. Ticket prices range from $15-$20. To discover more fun activities this summer, visit workhousearts.org or call 703-584-2900.

Construction Violation Hotline:  703-324-7470
  engineers_at_construction.jpg
With the spring rain finally giving way to the summer sun, you've probably noticed construction season is in full swing in Fairfax County. You may have also noticed our Code Compliance investigators and other county staff are out in full force, making sure builders are following the rules set by Virginia and Fairfax County. But, they cannot be everywhere, all the time, so we rely on our residents to help identify potential violations during this busy time and throughout the year.
 
One particularly difficult type of development is the "tear down" type happening in older neighborhoods throughout the County. While this kind of infill development is certainly allowed, there are rules that builders/developers/owners must follow. Since infill development has generated a lot of inquiries to the County, our Land Development Services agency has established a new construction hotline at 703-324-7470. Calls will be answered by Site Development and Inspections Division staff, who will address common complaints such as tracked mud on the roadway, construction activity within a tree save area, construction beyond or without a county-approved plan, malfunctioning erosion and sedimentation controls, and drainage problems.
 
While infill development was the impetus for the creation of the hotline, residents may report any problems they see on or around any active construction site. Callers should provide an address and a description of the problem. If a hazardous material incident or other emergency is suspected, call 911.
  
Ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites this Summer

As the Zika virus continues to spread around the world, we can act locally to help prevent its spread here. Mosquitoes love standing water. They can breed in a container as small as a bottle cap, especially the "Aedes albopictus" or Asian Tiger mosquito, which is common to Northern Virginia. There is a risk Aedes mosquitoes could become carriers of the virus. Since this container-breeding mosquito doesn't fly far from where it lays its eggs, the most effective way to prevent the spread of Zika through mosquitoes is by eliminating breeding sites in our own backyards.

The Zika virus cannot be prevented by vaccination nor can it be cured through medication. Preventing Zika is as easy as preventing mosquito bites, so make sure to wear bug spray, empty small amounts of standing water from outside patio furniture and toys where mosquitos like to breed, keep mosquitos out of your home, and cover exposed skin. Zika poses the greatest risk to those who are pregnant, due to birth defects associated with the virus being transferred to the child. If you are pregnant, it's advised that you avoid areas where Zika is widespread such as Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The virus normally lasts around a week and primary symptoms include rash, joint pain, fever, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). If you believe you may be infected, contact your medical practitioner and make sure to spend time indoors to reduce the risk of infecting others through further mosquito bites. More information: fairfaxcounty.gov/hd/westnile/zika-virus.htm