Wednesday, February 8th, 2023 |
|
Featured in the Ashburn-Lansdowne Flyer
Loudoun County News
Upcoming Events
Legislative Applications for Development in the Ashburn District
(Scroll down for more information)
-
Belmont Innovation Campus | ZMAP-2022-0021 (Update Available)
-
Belmont Automobile Service Station | SPEX-2022-0001 Approved by BOS
-
Belmont Park | ZMAP-2021-0005 Approved by BOS
-
Hyde Park | ZMAP-2021-0006 Withdrawn by Developer
-
Northstar Square | ZMAP-2021-0017 (Formerly known as "Mercer Crossing")
-
Lansdowne Blvd Rezoning | ZMAP-2021-0024 (Formerly known as "Lansdown Blvd Rezoning")
-
Broadlands Section 104 | ZCPA-2021-0011
-
Belmont Chase II Commercial | SPEX-2022-0012 & SPEX-2022-0013 (Located in the Broad Run District)
-
Goose Creek Village West | ZMAP-2022-0013
|
|
Greetings Ashburn/Lansdowne!
On February 1st, I was very pleased to join Loudoun Chair Phyllis Randall in co-hosting a community stakeholder meeting to begin the process of working with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) and the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) to design noise abatement procedures for the departure end of Runway 30 at Dulles Airport (east/west runway). About 68% of all Dulles Airport departures are from Runway 30 each day. This means there are several hours a day when 15-20 aircraft overfly about 1,000 Loudoun homes at full power and below 1,000 ft. Flight paths and volumes changed significantly between 1992, the last time MWAA provided projected departure traffic patterns to Loudoun County, and 2019, their first comprehensive update to the county. During that time, Loudoun County made several land-use decisions based on the 1992 Overlay resulting in severe impact on 991 existing homes and more than 1,100 already approved to be built. As Transportation and Land Use Committee Chair, I have spearheaded an initiative to engage MWAA and the FAA to make changes.
Another topic that I would like to highlight is the update to the ATU strike, which effects users of Loudoun Transit services. Loudoun County Transit bus drivers are not County employees. They are employees of Keolis Transit Services who provide service to Loudoun County through a contract between the County and Keolis. These employees consist of bus operators, mechanics, paratransit drivers, dispatchers, and other transit workers. On Jan. 31st, Chair Randall and I met with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) in hopes that we could spark a conversation between both parties. I’m glad to report that Keolis is back at the negotiating table with ATU and I’m hopeful for an expedient and fair conclusion.
Finally, I would like to take a moment to explain how redistricting has affected the Ashburn District. The Board voted at the Jan. 17th Business Meeting to adopt amendments to the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County which will alter the county’s precinct boundaries and polling places. These changes won't go into effect until the Virginia Attorney General issues a “Certificate of No Objection”, which is a certification process required by law. These modifications accommodate updates to new state and local election district lines and an increase in registered voters in the county.
Stay safe and stay warm!
Mike Turner
Ashburn District Supervisors
|
|
Was this Newsletter forwarded to you? |
|
Loudoun County 2022 Popular Annual Financial Report |
|
Loudoun County’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Popular Annual Financial Report is online.
The report is specifically designed to be readily accessible and easily understandable to members of the general public who do not have a background in public finance.
The report is intended as a companion document to the award-winning Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, presenting the highlights of the county’s complex financial activities in a concise and accessible format.
Loudoun’s Popular Annual Financial Report has been recognized with the Outstanding Achievement Award in Popular Annual Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for the past five years.
|
|
White Supremacy Propaganda Flyers Located in Western Loudoun County |
|
On January 19, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) received several reports of White supremacy propaganda flyers found in the driveways of several homes on Sagle Road in Purcellville, Hamilton Station Road in Hamilton, and Waterford Creek Circle in Waterford.
All the flyers were in plastic bags that also contained bird seed. There is no indication that any household that received the flyers was targeted. Deputies canvassed the areas and located approximately 50 flyers.
We are asking that anyone with information about these cases or may have possible surveillance video please call the LCSO at 703-777-1021. You may also submit a tip through the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office app. The Loudoun Sheriff app is available on the iTunes App Store and Google Play.
|
|
Firefighters Rescue Resident in Early Morning Fire |
|
Just before 4:00 a.m. on February 6, 2023, Loudoun County fire and rescue units from Cascades, Kincora, Sterling Park, and Fairfax County responded to a reported house fire on Thrush Road in Sterling. A passerby saw smoke and called 911 to report the fire.
Upon their arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and fire conditions from the rear of the structure and requested additional resources. While the engine crew worked to extinguish the fire, rescue squad personnel forced entry into the home to search for trapped occupants. Firefighters were able to quickly locate and rescue one unconscious adult victim, as well as, several unresponsive pets from the home. Paramedics on the scene initiated advanced life support procedures and transported the victim to Inova Lansdowne Hospital where they remain in critical condition. Loudoun County Animal Services responded to assist with two dogs and one cat that did not survive.
The fire was brought under control quickly and the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office remains on scene investigating.
|
|
Board of Supervisors Adopts New Precinct Boundaries and Polling Places |
|
During its January 17, 2023, meeting, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors adopted amendments to the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County, Chapter 209, Voting Precincts and Polling Places, which revise the county’s precinct boundaries and polling places. The revised ordinance will now be submitted to Virginia’s Attorney General for a “Certificate of No Objection,” which is a certification process required by law.
Once certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Loudoun County Office of Elections and Voter Registration will implement the precinct and polling place changes later this year. As a result, some Loudoun voters will cast their in-person ballots in new locations beginning in the next election. The Office of Elections and Voter Registration will notify voters by mail of changes in their precincts and polling places prior to the next election.
- Precinct changes to accommodate new Senate, House of Delegates, and County election district lines.
- Precinct divisions related to an increase in the number of registered voters.
- Precinct names, polling places, and boundary corrections.
These changes are taking place as a result of the implementation of new election districts (PDF) that the Board of Supervisors and Commonwealth of Virginia approved following a redistricting process that was informed by the 2020 U. S. census and input from the public. The adopted local redistricting plan redrew the election districts to help maintain districts in which the number of residents is balanced over the next decade. In addition, the Board previously established the new Little River District covering southwest Loudoun while retiring the Blue Ridge District’s name.
To accommodate the changes that resulted from the local redistricting plan, the county needed to:
- Redraw the boundaries of forty-nine existing precincts.
- Add eleven new precincts.
- Eliminate two precincts.
- Rename four precincts.
- Establish or change the polling places of seventeen precincts.
- Relocate two early voting satellite locations.
The next election, if held, will be the June 20, 2023 primary, The first general election for Board of Supervisors and School Board representatives in the redrawn election districts will be in November 2023. Until then, Loudoun County residents will continue to be represented by their current Board of Supervisors and School Board members.
|
|
Board of Supervisors Adopts Social and Racial Equity as Fundamental Values |
|
At its January 17, 2023, meeting, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a resolution identifying social and racial equity as fundamental values for Loudoun County government. The resolution in part, calls for the county to promote fairness and justice as it develops and implements its priorities, policies and programs. The resolution also calls for a collaborative effort among community partners to intentionally promote equity.
“We brought this resolution forward because we want to make sure that as we conduct county government business, we do so in a way that invites voices and talent from various perspectives and life experiences,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis J. Randall. “This effort directly impacts only the county government but invariably could positively benefit every resident of Loudoun County. I appreciate all of the feedback of Board of Supervisors received, regardless of their position. As it says in the resolution, we will continue to strive to ‘ensure a more prosperous, accessible, livable, sustainable, and equitable future for all county residents.’"
Chair Randall, Sterling District Supervisor and Board Vice Chair Koran T. Saines, and Algonkian District Supervisor Juli E. Briskman co-sponsored the resolution. The initiative is the Board’s latest action seeking to eliminate social and racial disparities within Loudoun County. The Board previously established the county’s Office of Equity and Inclusion and hired the county’s first Chief Equity Officer in July of 2021.
“This Board has demonstrated its commitment to eliminating social and racial disparities and to looking at our work through an equity lens by providing resources needed to advance these efforts,” said Supervisor Saines. “This resolution also acknowledges the county’s past participation in segregation that resulted in lasting inequitable social and economic impacts on communities of color.”
As a result of the Board’s action, the county will:
- Provide an annual report to the Board of Supervisors on the county’s equity initiatives.
- Present to the Board a framework and Equity Plan for Loudoun County that identifies objectives for making and assessing progress on addressing social and racial inequities.
- Develop an implementation plan that outlines how an equity lens and tools will be used to embed equity principles in the county’s work. Identify within each county department an analysis to be used in decision-making.
“The vote on this resolution is an important step to assure the thousands of county employees and all the people we serve that their government holds equity as a fundamental value,” said Supervisor Briskman. “This resolution will inform the county’s decisions as we work to promote a more prosperous, accessible, livable, sustainable and equitable future for all county residents.”
The resolution identifies a number of commitments, including:
- Establishing a shared understanding of the term “equity” and related terminology.
- Continuing to promote equity through educational opportunities and policy and eliminating barrier based on race, ethnicity, general, sexual orientation, age and other factors.
- Looking at the county’s routine business and operations through an equity lens.
- Analyzing data to identify areas where disparities and gaps in service exist.
- Developing an equity framework that eliminates disparities.
- Combating racial, religious, ethnic, disability, gender identity, and national origin-based harassment and all other forms of unlawful discrimination and to ensure equal opportunity, equity, inclusion and dignity for all throughout county government.
To learn more about the county’s Office of Equity and Inclusion, visit loudoun.gov/equity.
|
|
Board of Supervisors Funds Various Projects and Reserves with Mid-Year Budget Adjustments |
On January 3, 2023, the Board of Supervisors authorized the use of unassigned General Fund balance from the Loudoun County Adopted Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Budget. The $114,561,290 fund balance includes revenue collected during the fiscal year that was not anticipated and therefore not assigned to budgetary items and expenditure savings.
The largest portions of the balance were set aside for one-time needs of the county’s capital budget. The Board directed $40 million to the FY 2024 Capital Improvement Program, Capital Asset Presentation Program and the Debt Service Fund. Other funding decisions for FY 2023 include:
- $31.4 million for potential county land acquisition and capital contingency purposes.
- $0.5 million for an enhanced scope for a public safety monitoring system in school facilities.
- $25 million to establish a contingency account for Loudoun County Public Schools’ capital budget, though management of the account will remain with the county.
- $15 million for the county’s fiscal reserve, which the Board funds as part of its prudent fiscal planning.
In addition, the Board appropriated $1.4 million to general government uses and $1.3 million for board-directed uses, including:
- A countywide arts plan and temporary program staff ($550,000).
- Road Renaming Business Assistance Program ($445,250).
- Replenishment of the Conservation Easement Assistance Program ($38,079).
- Reconciliation for Segregated Schools Study Project ($250,000).
|
|
Loudoun Electoral Board Determines School Board Members’ Staggered Terms |
|
At its January 12, 2023, meeting, the Loudoun County Electoral Board determined which Loudoun County School Board members will be elected to four-year terms and to two-year terms in the November 2023 general election.
The School Board members who will serve four-year terms are members who will be elected from the:
- Ashburn District
- At-Large (Countywide) District
- Catoctin District
- Little River District
In 2021, the Code of Virginia was amended by the General Assembly to allow the Loudoun County School Board to adopt staggered terms starting with the November 2023 general election, with the terms beginning January 1, 2024. The code, which was further amended in 2022, also called for the Loudoun County Electoral Board to conduct a random drawing at the board's first meeting of 2023 but no later than January 31, 2023, to determine which of the four members of the School Board elected in 2023 will serve four-year terms. The remaining five seats will serve two-year terms.
The November 2023 election in Loudoun will be conducted using the 2022 election district map (PDF). Loudoun County election districts were updated in 2022 through the local redistricting process based on the 2020 U.S. census.
|
|
Avoid In-Home Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Through Prevention and Notifications |
|
The risk of Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning increases during winter months due to cold temperatures forcing home heating systems to run longer and more frequently. Often called the silent killer, CO is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, fuel burning heating and cooking equipment when damaged or misused can be sources of CO. Other sources of CO include cars, generators, lawn mowers and grills.
CO alarms provide early warning of CO in your home. To help prevent CO poisoning, the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System (LC-CFRS) recommends installing CO alarms on every level of the home if your home has fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage. If you show symptoms of CO poisoning, immediately move to a fresh air location, and seek medical care. CO poisoning symptoms include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.
Here are some important CO Alarm tips:
- CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.
- Choose a CO alarm that is listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.
- Test CO alarms at least once a month.
- Check for low batteries during your monthly test. If the battery is low, replace it.
- Replace CO Alarms according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location, such as outdoors or by an open window or door. Call for help from the fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel declare that it is safe to re-enter the home.
The LC-CFRS Smoke Alarm Program offers free home safety assessments to all residents. During the free home safety assessment, personnel will check smoke alarms and CO alarms for proper placement and operation. If your smoke alarms are broken or outdated, LC-CFRS will replace them with battery powered alarms at no cost and install additional alarms as necessary.
LC-CFRS recently received a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant for a limited number of combination smoke and CO alarms. During the free home assessment, personnel will be able to install these combination smoke and CO alarms as needed while supplies last. If LC-CFRS personnel run out of the combination smoke and CO alarms, they can install smoke alarms where needed and provide homeowners with information on CO alarms for their home.
For more information about the Smoke Alarm Program or to schedule an appointment, call the hotline 703-737-8093 or visit www.loudoun.gov/smokealarms and complete the online form.
|
|
Loudoun Landfill to Require Proof of Origin of Commercial Construction, Demolition Waste |
|
Beginning February 1, 2023, Loudoun County will require written documentation that commercial construction and demolition waste being delivered to the Loudoun County Solid Waste Management Facility comes from sources within Loudoun. In addition, all haulers of commercial construction and demolition waste must be pre-authorized to use the landfill.
The new requirements reinforce existing county policy that only waste generated in Loudoun County is accepted at the landfill and come in response to a recent increase in the amount of commercial construction and demolition waste being delivered to the facility.
Pre-authorization forms and information about the new requirement for written documentation have been mailed to more than 200 commercial haulers, contractors, businesses and institutions that have landfill accounts and that routinely deliver commercial construction and demolition waste.
Documentation accepted at the time of delivery includes affidavits from the property owner or customer, construction permits, notice of award, work orders or signed quotes. Other forms of written documentation may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Under Chapter 1084 of the Loudoun County Codified Ordinances, commercial construction and demolition waste is solid waste which is produced or generated during the construction, remodeling, or repair of pavements, houses, commercial buildings, and other structures. Construction waste includes, but is not limited to, lumber, wire, sheetrock, broken brick, shingles, glass, pipes, concrete, paving materials, and metal and plastic if they are part of the construction material or empty containers for such materials.
More information, including a link to the pre-authorization form, is available at loudoun.gov/landfill.
|
|
Loudoun County Business Tax Deadline is March 1 |
|
Loudoun County Commissioner of the Revenue Robert S. Wertz Jr. recently issued notices of business tax filing requirements to business owners for tax year 2023. The notice provides the necessary account number to enable taxpayers to report by March 1, 2023, their calendar year 2022 gross receipts at loudoun.gov/efile. The license tax or fee can then be paid at loudoun.gov/paytaxes. The filing of receipts and payment of the tax are due by midnight March 1.
Owners of business equipment that was located in Loudoun County on January 1, 2023, must declare it for taxation to the Commissioner of the Revenue at loudoun.gov/efile. The reporting of original cost, year of purchase and item description is due by midnight, March 1, 2023. Semi-annual bills for this equipment will be issued by the Loudoun County Treasurer and will be due May 5 and October 5.
Owners of businesses within one of Loudoun’s incorporated towns should contact the respective town regarding local license renewal. The reporting of business equipment is made to the Commissioner of the Revenue for all businesses in the county whether within or outside of an incorporated town.
For more information or filing assistance, visit loudoun.gov/cor or contact the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue by email or by calling 703-777-0260. Regular office hours are weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. So that the office may better serve residents, taxpayers are encouraged to email or call prior to visiting the office.
|
|
County Provides Update on Franklin Park’s Future Improvements |
|
Loudoun County continues the master planning process for Franklin Park, which currently encompasses 200 acres between the towns of Purcellville and Round Hill.
After acquiring 103 acres adjacent to the current park in 2022, the county began a master plan process for the newly enlarged park to consider a sustainable and meaningful active and passive recreation design that supports the community's diverse interests and growing demands for recreation and leisure. The process has included gathering input from residents and businesses in multiple formats to review potential future improvements to Franklin Park, which is operated by the Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services.
Following an October 25, 2022, in-person public information meeting and feedback from the community through an online comment form, planners have modified potential amenities that may be added to the newly acquired land and existing park. The master plan was revised in January 2023 as a result and the revisions to the western and eastern parcels include modifying the western parcel to passive recreation areas, modifying and expanding the existing equestrian facility on the original park site, and reducing access and parking on the newly acquired property. Members of the public may view the updated revised master plan at loudoun.gov/franklinparkplan.
To allow for the proposed active and passive recreation uses, the county proposes to rezone the residential portion of the property. The current zoning for the 103 acres of newly acquired land is split, currently zoned for agricultural in one section and zoned for residential development in another section. Seeking a rezoning of the land by the Board of Supervisors will align development potential with the master plan for agricultural and recreational use. This approximately nine-month rezoning process will include two public hearings held by the Loudoun County Planning Commission and the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors where members of the public will have the opportunity to provide comments on the plan.
Future announcements to include upcoming Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors meetings concerning the Franklin Park master plan, the rezoning request and the public’s opportunities to provide input will be available at loudoun.gov/franklinparkplan. The meeting dates for the Board and Planning Commission are posted at loudoun.gov/calendar. Through collaborative efforts between Loudoun County and the Town of Round Hill, this master planning process will also evaluate potential connections between the existing park, the new area of the park and the town’s Sleeter Lake Park.
For more information about the Franklin Park master planning project, including materials presented at the October 2022 public information meeting, visit loudoun.gov/franklinparkplan. Residents may also submit additional comments or ask questions regarding Franklin Park’s future improvements by email.
|
|
Public Invited to Provide Comment on the Fair Housing Plan for Loudoun County |
|
The Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development invites residents to provide comment on the draft regional fair housing plan for Loudoun County. The public comment period opened January 31, 2023, and will last until March 31, 2023. Residents are also encouraged to attend a public hearing on March 8, 2023, to learn more about the plan and provide feedback in person.
Loudoun County is one of eight participating jurisdictions that is working collaboratively to develop a regional fair housing plan, also known as the Regional Analysis of Impediments, to Fair Housing Choice. The process is being coordinated by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.
Under the U.S. Fair Housing Act, people are protected from discrimination when they are renting or buying a home, applying for a mortgage, seeking housing assistance or engaging in other housing-related activities.
Loudoun County is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to “affirmatively further fair housing.” The regional analysis will fulfill this HUD requirement and aims to increase collaboration, innovation, and effectiveness of strategies to further fair housing throughout the region. The plan will become final in 2023.
Public Comment Period
The public comment period will gather input from Loudoun County residents on the draft fair housing plan. The public comment period is open from January 31, 2023, to March 31, 2023. To submit comments:
-
Email
-
Phone/Voicemail: 202-962-3794 or TDD to 202-962-3213
- Mail: MWCOG, 777 N. Capitol St, Washington, D.C. 20002, Attn: Fair Housing
Public Hearing
Loudoun County will host a public hearing on March 8, 2023, at 6 p.m. at the Department of Housing and Community Development office located at 106 Catoctin Circle SE in Leesburg. The meeting will be held in the Olmstead Room on the first floor. The program will include an overview of the Loudoun County sections of the fair housing plan including goals, past achievements, and data on affordable housing and barriers to fair housing in the county.
Anyone interested in speaking during the public hearing is encouraged to sign up in advance by contacting the Department of Housing and Community Development at 703-737-8323 or by email.
To request language interpretation or accommodations for those with disabilities, please contact the Department of Housing and Community Development at 703-737-8323 or by email. Five days' notice is requested.
|
|
Clerk of Circuit Court Offers Black History Program February 25 |
|
Loudoun Clerk of the Circuit Court Gary M. Clemens is pleased to announce that the Clerk’s historic records team is offering a special Black History program in recognition of Black History Month in February. The program, “Navigating Slavery: The Goose Creek Meeting and the Hopkins Family,” is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 25, 2023, at the Goose Creek Meeting House, 18204 Lincoln Road in Purcellville.
The program will include presentations by scholars from Johns Hopkins University and members of the Clerk’s historic records team. The program will offer discussions related to the Hopkins family’s role in relation to slavery and the Goose Creek Meeting’s (Quaker community) view of slavery in Loudoun County.
The program is presented by the Loudoun Clerk of the Circuit Court, Goose Creek Friends, Johns Hopkins University and the Black History Committee of the Friends of the Thomas Balch Library. The program is free to the public. For more information about the program, contact the Clerk of Circuit Court’s Historic Records and Deed Research Division at 703-737-8775 or via email.
|
|
Loudoun Offers Mental Health Education & Substance Abuse Prevention Programs in January and February |
|
Loudoun County offers ongoing mental health education and substance abuse prevention programs. All programs are free, but registration is required, and seats are limited. The schedule of upcoming classes for January and February 2023 is as follows:
Adverse Childhood Experiences Training
The Adverse Childhood Experiences training is a one-hour educational program that aims to raise awareness of Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs. ACEs are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood. ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness and substance use problems in adulthood. The training teaches that ACE prevention is a key to improving a community’s well-being. The virtual training presentation lasts about one hour. Discussion and a question-and-answer session will follow the presentation.
The next class will be held:
- February 8, 2023, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid offers training that teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. The training also teaches the skills that someone needs to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. The trainings are usually held over a two-day period, with the class lasting for about three hours each day.
The next training of Adult Mental Health First Aid will be held:
- February 14 & 15, 2023, 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. each day. The in-person training will be at the Loudoun County Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services office at 906 Trailview Blvd SE, Leesburg, Aspen Room.
Opioid Overdose Reversal
REVIVE! is the opioid overdose and naloxone education program for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The training is free and anyone who uses opioids or knows someone who is using opioids is encouraged to attend a training. Loudoun County offers two versions of the program - Rapid REVIVE! and Virtual REVIVE!
Rapid REVIVE! is a shortened format that allows individuals to complete the training in six minutes. After watching a short video and then providing their contact information, participants receive free naloxone nasal spray. They may choose to receive naloxone by mail or arrange pickup. Rapid REVIVE! is available anytime. No registration is required.
Virtual REVIVE! is a one-hour, scheduled training session that requires registration. Participants who complete the training are also eligible to receive free naloxone nasal spray. They may choose to receive naloxone by mail or arrange pickup.
The next scheduled training will be held:
- February 13, 2023, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
REVIVE! trainings can also be scheduled upon request. For details about the training and to register, visit loudoun.gov/revive.
Suicide Prevention Training
|
|
2023 Real Estate Assessments Available Online |
|
Loudoun County Commissioner of the Revenue Robert S. Wertz Jr. announces that Loudoun County real estate assessments for tax year 2023 are now available online at loudoun.gov/parceldatabase. Printed assessment notices will be mailed to property owners the week of February 6, 2023.
These assessment notices, which are not tax bills, communicate to property owners the value of their real property as of January 1, 2023, and are reflective of real estate market activity that occurred during 2022. The assessed value in conjunction with the tax rate to be set by the Board of Supervisors in April provides the basis for real estate tax bills that will be due on June 5 and December 5. Property owners who believe their assessments are incorrect may file an Application for Review with the Commissioner online at loudoun.gov/reaa by March 10, 2023. Thereafter, appeals may be made to the Board of Equalization until June 1.
The county’s total taxable real estate is $129.9 billion, an increase of 14.9% over last year. The typical existing single family detached property saw a year-over-year increase in value of 7.5% and the average attached townhome was up 5.9%. Commissioner Wertz stated, “We saw continued increases in sales prices of residential real estate in the county last year which peaked mid-year and began to taper off by the end of 2022.” He continued, “Regarding commercial real estate, Loudoun is all about data centers which now comprise 58 percent of the commercial tax base and 14 percent of the overall value of real estate in the county.” The total value of taxable commercial property in the county climbed to $31.7 billion, an increase of 22.4% compared to 2022. These figures are averages and property owners may experience assessment changes that are more or less than the average.
Property owners may communicate with their respective appraiser whose name and contact information can be found on the assessment notice.
Taxpayers are encouraged to connect with the Commissioner of the Revenue’s office virtually since most transactions can be done online. For more information, visit loudoun.gov/cor or contact the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue at 703 777-0260 weekdays during regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. or by email.
|
|
Board of Supervisors to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Addition to Animals Ordinance Feb. 15 |
|
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hold a public hearing February 15, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. on a proposed new section of Chapter 612, Dogs and Other Animals, of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. If adopted, the new section of ordinance would prohibit private ownership of certain exotic and venomous species of animals that present a risk to public health and safety.
The February 15 public hearing will be held in the Board Room of the Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison St. SE in Leesburg. Meeting documents will be posted online at least three days before the meeting at loudoun.gov/meetings. Members of the public may attend in person or watch the meeting online or on the county’s cable TV channel (Comcast Government Channel 23 or Verizon FiOS 40).
Provide Input on Proposed Ordinance Text
Members of the public may provide feedback to the Board of Supervisors on the proposed new section of the county’s ordinances in a variety of ways:
-
Sign Up to Speak at the Public Hearing: To provide input and comment on the current draft text, members of the public can sign up to speak at the public hearing. Information about how to sign up to speak in advance at the Board of Supervisors’ public hearing is posted at loudoun.gov/signuptospeak.
-
Contact the Board of Supervisors: Members of the public may provide comment to the Board of Supervisors at any time by email or by calling the Board’s Comment Line at 703-777-0115.
-
Submit Comments Online: A convenient online comment form is available at loudoun.gov/Chapter612addition. Comments submitted through the online form will be provided to the Board of Supervisors.
Following the February 15 Public Hearing, the Board of Supervisors could adopt the proposed changes or send the proposed changes to a future Board meeting for further discussion.
Background
The revised ordinance as drafted would prohibit private ownership of certain types of exotic and venomous animals, such as wolf hybrids, kangaroos, scorpions, baboons, venomous snakes and other venomous reptiles, and non-native venomous spiders. Loudoun County currently does not prohibit the ownership of these animals by ordinance; however, similar ordinances already exist in the Town of Leesburg; Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William counties; the District of Columbia; and jurisdictions in Maryland.
The proposed ordinance also prohibits the breeding of such animals. Virginia law already restricts private ownership of many other wild and exotic animals, such as big cats and bears. The proposed ordinance would not impact entities that are licensed or permitted through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources or other state or federal agencies to house restricted species, such as zoos, exhibitors or rehabilitators.
The proposed addition would also allow current owners of the listed animals to keep them but would require those animals be registered through a process the county would establish to ensure awareness by first responders in the event of an emergency. Currently, a violation of Chapter 612 is a class 4 misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of up to $250.
In November 2022, the Board of Supervisors’ Animal Advisory Committee voted unanimously to support the staff proposal for a new section of the ordinance, which is being proposed by Loudoun County Animal Services (LCAS), whose humane law enforcement officers have encountered venomous animals when responding to routine calls for service. LCAS identified a public safety concern after learning anti-venom for non-native snakes is not readily available in Loudoun County. Informing the proposed ordinance is LCAS officers’ collective experience investigating complaints involving wolf-hybrids, scorpions, monkeys and venomous snake species, which indicates that exotic and venomous species are present in Loudoun County residential settings.
For More Information
More information, including a video of the presentation given during a virtual public information meeting hosted by LCAS on January 5, 2023, and a link to the online comment form, is posted at loudoun.gov/Chapter612addition.
|
|
Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging Announces Winter Caregiver Virtual Education Series |
|
The Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging is pleased to announce its Winter 2023 Caregiver Virtual Education Series beginning Tuesday, February 7. The free series for anyone providing care and support to a loved one includes life care planning and real-life tools you can use as you navigate the difficulties of being a care partner.
The series includes three educational programs: The Power of Routines! How a Routine Benefits People with Dementia on Tuesday, February 7 at 1 p.m.; Life Care Planning for the Senior facing a Continuum of Care Needs on Wednesday, February 15 at 10 a.m., and Become the Calmest Person in the Room…How to Manage Chaos in Dementia on Thursday, March 9 at 1 p.m. You can find more information on the educational programs here.
The series includes three educational programs: The Power of Routines! How a Routine Benefits People with Dementia on Tuesday, February 7 at 1 p.m.; Life Care Planning for the Senior facing a Continuum of Care Needs on Wednesday, February 15 at 10 a.m., and Become the Calmest Person in the Room…How to Manage Chaos in Dementia on Thursday, March 9 at 1 p.m. You can find more information on the educational programs here.
To register for these free virtual programs, call 571-258-3490 or email the Area Agency on Aging.
The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is a division of the Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services. Loudoun County AAA offers family caregivers numerous resources including support groups and educational events to provide support and insight.
the Area Agency on Aging.
|
|
LCSO Announces 49th Citizens’ Police Academy |
|
Loudoun County Sheriff Michael L. Chapman announced the formation of the 49th Citizens’ Police Academy, which will commence on March 9, 2023.
Members of the class will participate in training classes taught by Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office personnel. The classes provide an overview of all the aspects of law enforcement within the agency. Members of the class may also have the option of participating in a ride-a-long with a deputy after completing the academy.
The free sessions will be held each Thursday evening from March 9 through May 25. Each session will be approximately 2.5 hours in length and begin at 7 p.m. Class locations will be announced prior to the upcoming session.
Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Enrollment is limited to 25 participants.
This is the first of two Citizens’ Police Academies held by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office this year. The next session will be held in the Fall of 2023.
|
|
Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue Events |
|
Pancake breakfast:
Come on out with family and friends to enjoy a great breakfast and support AVFRD.
on Sunday, Mar 12, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM. AVFRD Station 6, Ashburn Rd.
Run the Greenway: 5K/10K/Kids Fun Run/Virtual on Saturday, May 6th. Click here to register and/or click here to donate and select an Ashburn volunteer.
Volunteering: Come be part of our long-standing tradition of Neighbors Helping Neighbors at our next meeting on Tuesday, March 28th, 7:00pm, Station 6.
|
|
Legislative Applications for Development in the Ashburn District |
|
Belmont Innovation Campus
Application Number: ZMAP-2022-0021
|
|
Description: “Belmont Innovation Campus” is an application to rezone 84.52 acres to allow for the construction of a data center.
Update: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant.
For more information and/or to leave a comment on this application, click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “ZMAP-2022-0021” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review the application documents.
|
|
Belmont Automobile Service Station
Application Number: SPEX-2022-0001
|
|
Description: “Belmont Automobile Service Station” is a proposed Special Exception to allow the construction of a service station in Belmont Greene Village Center over 2.13 acres of land.
Update: The Board of Supervisors voted to approve this application at the January 17th Business Meeting.
-
Previous Update: At the October 25th, Planning Commission Public Hearing, the Planning Commission voted to send this application to the December 14th Board of Supervisors' Public Hearing. To learn more about providing input during the BOS Public Hearing click here, and call 703-777-0200 to sign up to speak.
-
Previous Update: This application is scheduled to come to the Planning Commission's Public Hearing on Tuesday, October 25th, 2022. Learn more about participating in planning commission public hearings here
-
Previous Update: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant.
For more information and/or to leave a comment on this application, click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “SPEX-2022-0001” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review the application documents.
|
|
Belmont Park
Application Number: ZMAP-2021-0005
|
|
Description: “Belmont Park” is proposed application to rezone 12.16 acres directly north of St. David’s Episcopal Church and School to allow the construction of a residential development. The development includes one-hundred and sixty-three townhouses/multi-family units. These include fifty-seven seventy-one) single-family attached units and one-hundred and six (revised from seventy) two-over-two units. The residents are currently zoned to Newton-Lee Elementary School, Belmont Ridge Middle School, and Riverside High School.
Update: The Board of Supervisors voted to approve this application at the January 17th Business Meeting.
-
Previous Update: At the September 27th Planning Commission work session, the Planning Commission voted to send this application to the November 9th, 2022 Board Public Hearing. To learn more about providing input during the BOS Public Hearing click here, and call 703-777-0200 to sign up to speak.
-
Previous Update: After working with the applicant, county staff decided to send this application to the September 27th Planning Commission Work Session.
-
Previous Update: At the June 28th, 2022 Planning Commission Public Hearing, the Planning Commission voted to send this application to a future work session. County Staff is working with the applicant to determine the appropriate meeting date.
-
Previous Update: This application is scheduled to come to the Planning Commission's Public Hearing on June 28th, 2022. Learn more about participating in planning commission public hearings here.
For more information and/or to leave a comment on this application, click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “ZMAP-2021-0005” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review the application documents.
|
|
Withdrawn by Developer
Hyde Park
Application Number: ZMAP-2021-0006
|
|
Description: “Hyde Park” is a proposed application to rezone 57.61 acres to allow the construction seven-hundred ninety-five dwelling units. These include four-hundred thirty-two single-family attached units, two-hundred one multi-family stacked units, and one-hundred forty-six multi-family attached units. The residents are currently zoned to Cedar Lane Elementary School, Trailside Middle School, and Stonebridge High School.
Update: The Hyde Park residential rezoning application has been withdrawn by the developer and the property was sold. The Board of Supervisors will not be voting on this application.
-
Previous Update: The final vote of approval or denial for the Hyde Park residential rezoning application has been deferred to the Board of Supervisors’ Tuesday, November 1st, 2022, Business Meeting. This is a change from the originally advertised meeting date of Tuesday, October 18th, 2022. The agenda for the November 1st meeting, along with the application’s informational document, will be released on the evening of Thursday, October 27th and will be available here. Information on how to sign up to speak at the Board meetings is available here.
-
Previous Update: At the September 14th Board of Supervisors (BOS) Public Hearing, the BOS voted to send this application to the October 18th BOS Business Meeting for a vote of approval or denial. To learn more about providing input during the BOS Business Meeting click here and call 703-777-0200 to sign up in advance. The deadline to sign up in advance is noon on the day of the meeting.
-
Previous Update: At the July 14th Planning Commission work session, the Planning Commission voted to send this application to the September 14th, 2022 Board Public Hearing. To learn more about providing input during the BOS Public Hearing click here, and call 703-777-0200 to sign up to speak.
-
Previous Update: On May 26th, 2022, the Planning Commission voted to send this application for Hyde Park to the July 14th Planning Commission Work Session. To provide input during this phase of the process for this application, please email the Planning Commission at loudounpc@loudoun.gov or make a comment at www.loudoun.gov/3362/LOLA.
-
Previous Update: This application is scheduled to come to the Planning Commission's Public Hearing on May 26th, 2022. Learn more about participating in planning commission public hearings here.
For more information and/or to leave a comment on this application, click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “ZMAP-2021-0006” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review the application documents.
|
|
Northstar Square
Application Number: ZMAP-2021-0017
(Formerly known as "Mercer Crossing")
|
|
Description: "Northstar Square” is a proposed application to rezone 110.86 acres to allow the construction of one-thousand two-hundred forty-five dwelling units. These include two-hundred ninety-seven single-family attached units, three-hundred fifty-six multi-family stacked units, and five-hundred ninety-two multi-family attached units. The residents are currently zoned to Newton-Lee Elementary School, Belmont Ridge Middle School, and Riverside High School.
Update: This application is scheduled to come to the February 9th, 2023 Planning Commission Work Session.
-
Previous Update: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant.
For more information and/or to leave a comment on this application, click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “ZMAP-2021-0017” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review the application documents.
|
|
Lansdowne Blvd Rezoning
Application Number: ZMAP-2021-0024
(Formerly known as "Lansdown Blvd Rezoning")
|
|
Description: “Lansdowne Blvd Rezoning” is a proposed application to rezone 9.22 acres to allow the construction of an additional one-hundred thirty dwelling units. These include seventy-two single-family attached units and fifty-eight multi-family stacked units. The residents are currently zoned to Steuart W. Weller Elementary School, Belmont Ridge Middle School, and Riverside High School.
Update: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant.
For more information and/or to leave a comment on this application, click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “ZMAP-2021-0024” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review the application documents.
|
|
Broadlands Section 104
Application Number: ZCPA-2021-0011
|
|
Description: “Broadlands Section 104” is a proposed application to rezone 10.19 acres to allow the construction of one-hundred sixty-three dwelling units. These include forty-five single-family attached units, thirty multi-family stacked units, and thirty-one multi-family attached units. The residents are currently zoned to Cedar Lane Elementary School, Trailside Middle School, and Stonebridge High School.
Update: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant.
For more information and/or to leave a comment on this application, click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “ZCPA-2021-0011” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review the application documents.
|
|
Belmont Chase II Commercial
(Located in the Broad Run District)
Application Numbers:
SPEX-2022-0012 & SPEX-2022-0013
|
|
Description: “Belmont Chase II Commercial” are two proposed Special Exceptions application to allow the construction of an automobile service station and a fast-food restaurant with a drive-through in the Broad Run District.
Update: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant.
All materials related to both applications can be found under “SPEX-2022-0012”. To access this information and/or to leave a comment on these applications, click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “SPEX-2022-0012” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review these application documents.
|
|
Goose Creek West
Application Number: ZMAP-2022-0013
|
|
Description: “Goose Creek Village West” is a proposed application to rezone 20 acres (revised from 25 acres) to allow the construction of an additional two-hundred twenty-two residential units. These include one-hundred and four single-family attached units, and forty-six multi-family stacked units, and seventy-two multi-family attached units. The residents are currently zoned to Belmont Station Elementary School, Trailside Middle School, and Stone Bridge High School.
Update: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant.
For more information and/or to leave a comment on this application, click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “ZMAP-2022-0013” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review the application documents.
|
|
VDOT 511
511 provides users with real-time, accurate traffic information from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) about road conditions, traffic congestion, and highway construction anywhere you are, anytime you need it.
More information on VDOT 511 can be found here.
|
|
Online Process for Building Permits, Land Development Applications
Homeowners and residential contractors can submit their completed application form and supporting documentation, including drawings and plats, in PDF format for most residential construction projects to the Department of Building and Development online. More information about the online submission process and requirements is available here.
|
|
Residential Traffic Calming Guide
Loudoun County’s Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure (DTCI) manages an eight-phase process to address traffic calming, which considers residents’ concerns regarding speeding, safety and overall quality of life on publicly-maintained residential streets.
|
|
Who Maintains my Street?
To identify which entity responsible for maintaining your road/street, Loudoun County made an online color coded mapping system which helps residents determine who to contact when work needs to be done.
|
|
Report a road problem
VDOT created an easy to use online form to report unsafe and hazardous road conditions. Similarly, work requests for state-maintained roads can also be made here.
|
|
Paving Schedule
VDOT reports what roads will be paved during the fiscal year and updates their website with progress updates.
Find VDOT's Paving Schedule here.
|
|
Because your voice plays such a vital role in the decision-making process, a critical responsibility for me as your county representative is to provide you with the necessary facts to keep you informed about any and all issues affecting you or your family’s quality of life. Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly or my staff or click the "Take My Survey" button to leave a comment. |
|
Mike Turner
-
Supervisor
703-777-0205
|
|
Rachael Mai
-
Chief of Staff
703-737-8180
|
|
Joel Gicker
-
Legislative Aide
571-440-1947
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
