Friday, July 14, 2023

Fun Fact about Loudoun County Did you know that in Loudoun County there are 300 miles of historic, rural gravel roads? Loudoun’s network of rural gravel roads was put on Preservation Virginia’s 'Most Endangered Historic Places' List in 2020, with the organization describing western Loudoun’s network of rural roads as “a largely unchanged, living museum.” This road network is largely located in the rural area of the county and is recognized as a significant part of the historic scenic landscapes available to all who visit or call Loudoun their home.

Featured in the Ashburn District Flyer State Law Revisions Prompts BOS to Amend Rules of Order for BOS Public Hearings Loudoun County Updates Public Notification Process for Public Hearings Transportation & Country Facilities Update Loudoun County to Oppose Greenway Toll Increase Proposal Improvements to the Intersection of Claiborne Parkway & Marshfield Drive (Scroll down for more information) Loudoun County News Loudoun Awarded Federal Grant for Low-Emission, Compressed Natural Gas Buses Solarize NOVA Offers Loudoun Homeowners Free Solar Assessments, Discounted Prices on Solar Systems Loudoun County Health Department is Now Locally Administered Loudoun County Adopts Ordinance Governing Conduct on Metro Loudoun Accepting Loan Applications for Development of Affordable Multi-Family Rental Housing Joint Architectural Review Board Seeks Nominations for Community Blue Ribbon Award Loudoun County Landfill Makes Temporary Adjustments to Waste Oil Recycling Service Loudoun County to Launch New Online Land Management System in August; Services Impacted Upcoming Events Pavilion Reservations Now Available Online through Loudoun County PRCS Loudoun County Surplus Auction Features Bargains on Furniture and More Call for Art for - Pet Portraiture Art Exhibition - at Loudoun County Government Center LCSO to Sponsor Safety Summit for Houses of Worship Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging Announces Summer Caregiver Virtual Education Series Legislative Applications for Development in the Ashburn District (Scroll down for more information) Northstar Square | ZMAP-2021-0017 (Formerly known as "Mercer Crossing") Lansdowne Blvd Rezoning | ZMAP-2021-0024 (Also known as "Elm Street Development") Broadlands Section 104 | ZCPA-2021-0011 Belmont Chase II Commercial | SPEX-2022-0012 & SPEX-2022-0013 APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN Arcola Farms Residential | ZMAP-2022-0006 Goose Creek Village West | ZMAP-2022-0013 Belmont Innovation Campus | ZMAP-2022-0021 Luck Stone Leesburg Plant | ZCPA-2023-0001 Goose Creek Retail LLC | SPEX-2023-0011 Significant By-Right Developments in the Ashburn District (Scroll down for more information) Vantage VA 3 | STMP-2022-0016 Cyrus One | No Application Submitted Yet

Previous Edition of the Ashburn-Lansdowne Flyer (Link)

Greetings, Friends! Two weeks ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a mock trial as part of Loudoun County’s annual Law Camp for rising high school seniors. For my intro this week, I wanted to share my letter that was published in the Loudoun Times Mirror recounting that memorable experience and what for me were its larger lessons. For anyone without a Loudoun Times Mirror subscription, here is the letter: "Last week, I had the singular honor and privilege of serving as a juror during a mock trial at the culmination of this year’s Loudoun County Law Camp. The program affords a group of Loudoun County rising high school seniors an opportunity to immerse themselves for one week in the American legal system. I was invited by Clerk of the Circuit Court, Gary Clemens, one of the key organizers and a true champion of this wonderful program. Law Camp was the brainchild of Judge Thomas Horne, and it’s designed to give these young men and women hands-on experience by having them play key roles in the prosecution of a hypothetical criminal case. The prosecutors and the defense team were all students, but the witnesses and jurors were Loudoun County government employees, including staff from Loudoun County Public Schools, Loudoun County government, Chair Randall and several elected officials, business and nonprofit leaders, Leesburg town officials, police officers, and Leesburg Mayor, Kelly Burk. I have wanted to serve on a jury my entire life but have never been called. To me, there is almost no aspect of our Democracy more emblematic or our most sacred core values as a nation than a free and fair trial with judgement rendered by our fellow citizens according to the rule of law. I learned three enduring lessons from this wonderful experience. First, our young Loudoun County men and women are spectacular. I saw students who had clearly immersed themselves in their cases, studied the evidence, planned their strategies, and tackled their roles and obligations as pivotal members of their legal teams with an absolute commitment to excellence. They were, each one, superb in every regard. Second, the system works. Our jury comprised men and women of widely divergent backgrounds, cultures, races, education levels and biases, and yet we were able to discern the key issues and arrive at a unanimous decision very quickly. And it was a controversial decision. While we all felt the defendant had committed multiple crimes, there was simply insufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. So as difficult as it was, not one juror ever considered violating that most fundamental American legal concept. Finally, my experience as a mock juror reaffirmed for me something I have fervently believed my entire life, but most especially for the 28 years I wore a uniform: the rule of law is the glue that binds our nation together. It is the most fundamental expression of equality in our Democracy, and, at least theoretically, it enunciates for all the world every American is equal in the eyes of the law. To be sure, its application has often been deeply and tragically flawed, but that is the consequence of our imperfect humanity. The absolute sanctity of the rule of law throughout every aspect of our democracy remains undiminished. As I sat on that jury and watched some truly amazing young people embrace not just the moment but the true meaning of the moment and all its portent for our free society, I was deeply moved. Every person in America, regardless of their life experience or circumstance is, and must be, subject equally to the rule of law. If we lose that, we lose everything. I think, at a visceral level, every one of us involved in Law Camp ended the day appreciating, perhaps more than ever before, just how vital to our future that understanding is." Stay cool! Mike Turner Ashburn District Supervisor

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State Law Revisions Prompts BOS to Amend Rules of Order for BOS Public Hearings

Loudoun County Updates Public Notification Process for Public Hearings

During its July 5, 2023, meeting, the Loudoun Board of Supervisors approved an update to its Rules of Order, which changes the notice requirements related to approval of land use applications and amendments to county ordinances. The update is necessary due to changes to the Code of Virginia [§ 15.2-1427(F) and 15.2-2204(A)] that were adopted by the Virginia General Assembly and became effective July 1. State Code Changes The changes in the state code require that notice of ordinance amendments or land use applications be published no more than 14 days before the intended passage or adoption of such items. As a practical matter, this means the Board of Supervisors must either take a final vote on agenda items for ordinances and land use applications immediately following the required public hearing or advertise the item for another public hearing at which time action may be taken. Advertisement of such public hearing items must be published no more than 14 days prior to the planned vote in two consecutive weeks.  Board’s Rules of Order Changes The changes to the Rules of Order are intended to result in the least impact to the Board’s current process. Currently, the Board cannot vote on a public hearing agenda item that is not on its consolidated agenda unless the Board first votes to suspend its rules.  The consolidated agenda includes items for which there are no objections. If speakers sign up for an item in advance, the item is removed from the consolidated agenda to allow for public input on the item during the public hearing. The Board’s adopted changes to its Rules of Order now require any item appearing on a public hearing agenda for the first time to be sent to a subsequent public hearing for approval, unless the Board suspends the rules and votes.  Alternately, the Board could send an item to a committee for further discussion; however, to comply with the amended notice requirements under state law, the item will go back to a public hearing for final action. The item could appear on the consolidated agenda of that second hearing if all outstanding issues have been resolved, no speakers sign-up in advance, and no supervisor objects. Public Hearing Notices and Documents To comply with the updated state code, Loudoun County will advertise ordinance amendments or land use applications no more than 14 days before the intended passage or adoption of such items in a local newspaper of record. Additionally, all of the Board of Supervisors public meetings and meeting documents are posted on the county’s website at least three days prior to a meeting in accordance with Virginia law. The Board’s meeting schedule is posted at loudoun.gov/calendar and the Board’s meeting documents are posted at loudoun.gov/bosdocuments.  Planning Commission The same impacts stemming from the changes in state code also will impact the public notice schedules for the Loudoun County Planning Commission. The Planning Commission is currently updating its bylaws to implement the required changes. The Planning Commission’s meeting schedule is also posted at loudoun.gov/calendar and its meeting documents are posted at loudoun.gov/pc.  More Information To learn more about the recent change in the Board of Supervisors’ Rules of Order, including the changes to the Code of Virginia and to review the text edits, read the July 5, 2023 staff report, Proposed Amendments to the Board of Supervisors Rules of Order – Hearing of New Items and Returning Items Ready for Action (PDF).

Transit & County Facilities Update

Loudoun County to Oppose Greenway Toll Increase Proposal

Loudoun County continues to oppose toll rate increases that have once again been proposed by the operators of the Dulles Greenway. Toll Road Investors Partnership II (TRIP II) has filed an application this week (Case # PUR-2023-00089) with the State Corporation Commission (SCC), which is the entity that considers such requests. TRIP II has requested a toll increase of 22% for off-peak hours and a 40% increase during peak morning and afternoon hours, which the corporation claims is necessary to meet its debt obligation. Data show, however, that use of the Greenway is down because of its already high toll rate. Traffic on the Greenway decreased substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic and has not returned to pre-COVID levels.   To promote use of the Greenway by more motorists, Loudoun County has consistently supported changing the Greenway’s toll structure to distance-based tolling while also lowering toll rates. The Greenway operator has the ability to implement both changes now.  Virginia law enacted in 2021 provides objective criteria for evaluating toll increase proposals, including a requirement that proposed Greenway toll rates are “reasonable” to users in relation to the benefit they are deriving from using the road so that the rates do not “materially discourage” use of the road. Loudoun County believes TRIP II’s proposed rates will further discourage the use of the Greenway. The SCC uses the objective criteria to evaluate toll rate increase proposals and Loudoun County supports the SCC review process. In addition, Loudoun County has opposed any legislation that would potentially permit automatic toll rate increases each year of an unknown amount and an extension of the Greenway’s operator’s license for an unlimited period of time, which is not good for Loudoun residents. The county’s opposition to automatic toll rate increase legislation and continued support of the SCC review process is intended to protect Loudoun residents who may choose to use the Greenway from arbitrary toll rate increases. Automatic toll rate increase legislation was previously defeated by the Virginia State Senate twice on bipartisan votes. The SCC is currently considering the TRIP II application. In the coming weeks, members of the public will have an opportunity to submit comments to the SCC for consideration prior to issuing its determination.

Loudoun County News

Loudoun Awarded Federal Grant for Low-Emission, Compressed Natural Gas Buses

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has awarded Loudoun County $13.8 million to purchase 37 compressed natural gas buses, construct a fueling station and update its maintenance facility. The purchase of buses for Loudoun County Transit, the county’s bus system, is a key step in the county’s efforts to achieve the goals of the Loudoun County Energy Strategy, which include reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in transportation and leading by example in county government operations.  The new buses will replace the current buses in the county’s fixed-route, local bus service, which are nearing the end of their useful life. These buses provide vital transportation services to many low-income residents who depend on public transportation in order to work, go to school, medical appointments, grocery shopping and accomplish many other activities of daily life.  Officials estimate that the new buses will lead to an annual reduction of 447.55 metric tons of greenhouse gases, which, in terms of emissions benefits, equates to: 98 gasoline vehicles taken off the road. 180 tons of waste recycled. 3.1 acres of US forest preserved. 7,459 trees planted. The new buses and fueling station are expected to be operational by the end of 2024. The grant awarded to Loudoun County is through the FTA’s Low- and No-Emission (Low-No) Vehicle Program, which is designed to put cleaner buses on the road by supporting the transition of the nation’s transit fleet to the lowest polluting and most energy-efficient transit vehicles. The program makes funding available to help transit agencies buy or lease American-built low- or zero-emission vehicles, including buses and vans and make facility and station upgrades to accommodate low- or zero-emission vehicles.  Loudoun County’s grant application was one of 130 selected by the FTA for funding out of a total of 475 eligible projects. In all, the FTA awarded $1.69 billion in Fiscal Year 2023 funding for projects in 46 states and territories. More information about Loudoun County’s efforts to increase energy sustainability, as well as other environmental initiatives, is online at loudoun.gov/environment.

Solarize NOVA Offers Loudoun Homeowners Free Solar Assessments, Discounted Prices on Solar Systems

The Solarize NOVA program has returned to Loudoun County. Now through August 31, 2023, Loudoun County homeowners have the opportunity to sign up to learn more about solar power options specific to their property and take advantage of streamlined installation and financing processes. In addition to free satellite solar assessments, the program offers discounted pricing on solar systems from vetted installers and connects participants with information on the current 30% federal solar tax credit and other incentives, including the Solar Renewable Energy Credit market. Property owners in Loudoun also may be eligible for Loudoun County’s Solar Energy Tax Exemption. Anyone interested in learning more about solar power is encouraged to attend an upcoming virtual information session about the Solarize NOVA program.  Wednesday, July 19, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 1, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 17, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.  Solarize NOVA is sponsored by the Local Energy Alliance Program in partnership with the Northern Virginia Regional Commission and participating municipal governments, including Loudoun County.  More information about the Solarize NOVA program in Loudoun is online at solarizenova.org/loudoun. Information about obtaining the proper permits for installing either a residential or commercial solar photovoltaic system in Loudoun County is available at loudoun.gov/solarpermits.

Loudoun County Health Department is Now Locally Administered

The Loudoun County Health Department is now under the administration of the county government, completing a process formally initiated by Loudoun County in 2020 with its fall Legislative Report, to serve Loudoun residents better and improve several operational efficiencies. Under an agreement between Loudoun County and the Virginia Department of Health, the department has transitioned from state to local administration, effective July 1, 2023.  Approximately fifty former state employees of the Loudoun County Health Department have transitioned to county employment, joining other county employees who were already employed in the department, with all reporting up to the County Administrator and the Board of Supervisors.  “The local administration of the Health Department is something the county has been working toward for several years and I am pleased to see this come to fruition,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis J. Randall. “I look forward to the increased efficiencies and the elimination of any disparity between state and county employees.”  The benefits of local control of the Health Department include greater administrative efficiencies and the ability to better align resources with community needs and goals. Local administration provides the county with greater control over budget and programmatic choices, allowing the county to better manage responsive programming for Loudoun’s residents and businesses and to set priorities for the department in alignment with the Board of Supervisors’ vision and strategy.  Local administration also allows the county to better address the disparities in salaries and benefits that occurred between state and county employees performing the same or similar work in the Health Department. In addition, local administration will eliminate the need for duplicate systems in the areas of technology and human resources, for example. “While administration of the department has moved from the state to the county, our mission remains the same: to provide health services that enhance and ensure the health of everyone who lives in, works in and visits Loudoun County,” said Loudoun County Health Department Director Dr. David Goodfriend. “We will continue to work with our partners in the community to protect the environment, prevent the spread of disease and promote health.” In 2021, Loudoun County sought and received approval from the Virginia General Assembly for the authority to operate and locally administer the Loudoun Health Department. Loudoun becomes the third locally administered Health Department in Northern Virginia; Arlington County and Fairfax County Health Departments have been locally administered for many years. The 2021 legislation also allows Prince William County, the City of Manassas and the City of Manassas Park to locally administer a health department. The City of Alexandria also now has the enabling legislation for local administration of its health department. More information about the services provided by the Loudoun County Health Department is online at loudoun.gov/health.

Loudoun County Adopts Ordinance Governing Conduct on Metro

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has adopted a new section of the county’s codified ordinances that governs behavior on Metrorail trains as well as in Metrorail stations and facilities in the county. The Board unanimously approved the new ordinance at its July 12, 2023, public hearing. Most prohibited conduct will be considered an “unclassified” misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of up to 50 dollars for the first offense, and up to 100 dollars for subsequent offenses. Examples of these offenses include fare evasion, smoking, spitting, littering, walking with bare feet and marking or drawing on a rail car.  Offenses that pose a more serious threat to public safety are Class 1 misdemeanors, which are punishable by up to twelve months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500. These offenses include carrying flammable liquids, opening a door or window on a rail car without justifiable reason, interfering with the operation of an escalator or elevator, being on a track, tunnel, catwalk or any other part of the railcar system and riding on top of, on the side of, or between two rail cars. The Board’s action came at the request of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) in support of its efforts to have uniform regulations across the Metrorail system. WMATA’s Silver Line Metrorail service began operating in Loudoun County in November 2022 and includes three stations: Dulles Airport, Loudoun Gateway and Ashburn. The new ordinance will be primarily enforced by the Metro Transit Police Department. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office also will enforce the new ordinance as calls for service dictate.  Text of the adopted ordinance is included in the July 12, 2023 staff report. The newly approved county ordinance will be posted online in the coming weeks at loudoun.gov/ordinances.

Loudoun Accepting Loan Applications for Development of Affordable Multi-Family Rental Housing

Loudoun County’s application process for the Affordable Multi-Family Housing Loan Program for developers has opened with the release of the 2023 Notice of Funding Availability. For-profit and nonprofit affordable housing developers are eligible to apply for loans for the development of long-term, affordable multi-family rental housing units in Loudoun. The loans are to be used in conjunction with the Virginia Housing Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program and/or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Housing Administration 221(D)(4) mortgage insurance program. The application process is competitive. Project applications will receive points in the following categories: Consistency with Countywide Housing Needs: Scoring will be higher for projects serving a mix of incomes below 60% Area Median Income, providing longer affordability periods and in close proximity to transportation and jobs. Project Design: Scoring will be higher for projects that have universal design, innovative features, services, and project amenities. Project Readiness: Scoring will be higher for projects with construction plans that are permit ready, have a public participation process, and where project feasibility is clear. Experience: Scoring will be higher for projects with a design team, general contractor, developer and property manager with relevant project experience who have a track record of project completion, strong organizational capacity and success at building partnerships. Budget and Leverage: Scoring will be higher for projects that have a sound financing plan, clear budget documents, multiple funding sources, developer participation, meet leverage requirements and have reasonable operating costs. Loudoun County will hold a pre-application meeting Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. To register for a pre-application meeting or for more information about the application process, contact the Department of Housing and Community Development by email or call 703-737-8323. Complete applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m., Monday, October 2, 2023. The Affordable Multi-Family Housing Loan Program is one of several initiatives created by the Board of Supervisors to increase the supply and retention of affordable multi-family rental housing units in Loudoun County. The program encourages private investment by providing gap financing to address unmet housing needs. Loudoun County has a number of programs aimed at helping families achieve safe and affordable housing. More information about Loudoun County’s housing programs may be found at loudoun.gov/housing.

Joint Architectural Review Board Seeks Nominations for Community Blue Ribbon Award

The Loudoun County Joint Architectural Review Board is seeking nominations for its Community Blue Ribbon Award, which recognizes historic preservation and restoration projects in the county.  The project must be physically located in Loudoun County (which includes the incorporated towns of Hamilton, Hillsboro, Leesburg, Lovettsville, Middleburg, Purcellville and Round Hill) and construction must be completed by the time the nomination is submitted for consideration. The project does not have to be located in a county or town historic district. Nominated projects should illustrate the preservation of a historic resource, landscape or significant cultural resource. An eligible project might consist of a harmonious addition to a historic building, a restoration or rehabilitation project, an adaptive reuse of a historic building, the preservation of a significant archeological site, or some other project which otherwise protects or enhances one of Loudoun County’s historic or cultural resources.  Past winners are not eligible for a second award but projects that were nominated and did not win may be nominated again. Past winners of the Community Blue Ribbon award include the Aldie Mill, the restoration of the Lucketts Community Center and restoration projects at several private residences. Nominations may be submitted online at loudoun.gov/CommunityBlueRibbonAward. The deadline to submit a nomination is July 28, 2023. Winners will be notified prior to the awards ceremony scheduled for September 2023. Winners will be selected by members of the Joint Architectural Review Board, which includes representatives of the Loudoun County Historic District Review Committee and representatives of the architectural review boards in Leesburg, Middleburg and Purcellville.

Loudoun County Landfill Makes Temporary Adjustments to Waste Oil Recycling Service

The collection of waste oil for recycling at the Loudoun County Solid Waste Management Facility, 21101 Evergreen Mills Road in Leesburg, is being adjusted due to the need to replace the oil collection tank, a process that could take several months.  Waste oil collection at the landfill was temporarily suspended last week following the discovery of a leak in the oil tank during a routine inspection. Beginning Wednesday, July 19, 2023, customers may bring up to five total gallons per week of the following products for recycling: waste motor oil, engine oil, heating oil, hydraulic oil, kerosene, lamp oil, power steering fluid and transmission fluid. Waste gasoline is not accepted. Customers may be required to leave the product containers in a collection bin instead of pouring the material into a tank.  The oil collection tank being replaced holds an estimated 1,500 gallons. The landfill annually recycles more than 40,000 gallons of oil and related fluids at no charge to customers.  Loudoun County regrets any inconvenience to landfill customers and encourages residents to contact local auto parts stores for other motor oil recycling opportunities. Businesses that generate larger quantities of used motor oil should contact waste oil collection services.   Updates on the status of the oil drop-off center will be posted at loudoun.gov/landfill.

Loudoun County to Launch New Online Land Management System in August; Services Impacted

Loudoun County is scheduled to launch its new online land management system on Monday, August 14, 2023. The system, called LandMARC (Land Management, Applications, Research, Coordination) is designed to increase efficiency and transparency for Loudoun businesses and residents. The system is a comprehensive online tool for accessing, managing and maintaining Loudoun County's land-related information.  Service Impacts and Deadlines In preparation for the launch of the new system, some services for land development customers will not be available beginning Wednesday, July 26 through Sunday, August 13.  New applications will be very limited. Payments will not be accepted.  Edits/updates to existing applications/records cannot be made.  Inspections will not be scheduled, and permits will not be issued.  The in-person customer service counter on the second floor of the Loudoun County Government Center at 1 Harrison St., SE in Leesburg will remain open during this time for general help related to permitting and land development, such as questions about county processes or conducting research on a property. To prepare for these impacts, the county is implementing deadlines for application submissions, payments, and inspections. Specific deadlines for different activities and services are available online at loudoun.gov/landmarc. LandMARC Overview LandMARC will leverage new technology to better serve the needs of the county’s customers. Through an online portal, members of the public will be able to:  Submit permit, land development and legislative land use applications. Submit electronic copies of plans and other required documentation. Track the status of applications and land development projects. Request pre-application and pre-submission meetings. Request inspections. Pay application fees.  Access public records related to permits and plans. The new system will replace current internal systems, as well as publicly available systems, including LOLA and e-Permits. These systems, which date back two decades, are no longer able to provide the scalability or transparency required to meet the expectations and needs of the county’s customers. LandMARC will add many new online capabilities to better serve the needs of residents and businesses.  Stay Informed and Resources Members of the public are encouraged to sign up to receive email and text message updates about the project to stay informed about its progress and the implementation and how this change in county services may impact them. To sign up for alerts and for more information, visit loudoun.gov/landmarc.

Upcoming Events

Pavilion Reservations Now Available Online through Loudoun County PRCS

Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Service (PRCS) is pleased to announce pavilion rentals are now reservable online. There are over 30 pavilions for rent in PRCS parks and part of community center sites across the county.    The pavilions are available for a fee for the half-day or full-day and can be reserved by visiting loudoun.gov/pavilions. The website provides detailed information on the pavilion rental process, links to pavilion amenities and available rental times, the maximum occupancy for each pavilion, and photos and locations of the pavilions.  Loudoun PRCS offers small, medium, and large pavilions to hold your next birthday party or other celebrations. PRCS continues to offer several pavilions available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Reservations may still be made in person at one of our staffed sites, including the PRCS Administrative Office, Recreation and Community Centers, Community Centers, the Claude Moore Park Visitors Center, the Franklin Park Office, and the Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park Administration Building, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays. For more information on reserving pavilions online go to loudoun.gov/pavilions or visit the Frequently Asked Questions page, email PRCS for general questions, or call 703-777-0343.

Loudoun County Surplus Auction Features Bargains on Furniture and More

The current Loudoun County surplus auction offers bargains on a variety of items. Featured items this month include a large reception desk, stacking chairs with a dolly and Motorola IMPRES adaptive multi-unit chargers. Other items include vehicles, fire extinguishers, children’s furniture, carts, laptops, office furniture and many other miscellaneous items. The auction will close at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, July 13, 2023. Detailed information and photographs of the items for sale are online here. Loudoun County sells selected items online through Public Surplus, which was created specifically for public agencies. Anyone interested in bidding on the items must be registered with publicsurplus.com. Registration is free; however, a 9.75% buyer’s premium is charged to all purchases. Loudoun County government employees are subject to bidding limitations under the auction terms and conditions, which are available on the Public Surplus site.  Loudoun County has specific hours for buyers to pick up their items at 14 Cardinal Park Drive, Suite 106, in Leesburg. Items must be picked up by appointment, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. The dates for items to be picked up are noted on each auction item listed on the Loudoun County auction site.  The Loudoun County surplus auction helps keep items out of the Loudoun County landfill by repurposing them. More information about the sale of Loudoun County government surplus items is online at loudoun.gov/surplus.

Call for Art for - Pet Portraiture Art Exhibition At Loudoun County Government Center

All artists who live in Loudoun County are eligible to enter an exhibition titled Pet Portraits to showcase local artists who enjoy painting, photographing, drawing, sculpture or creating family pet portraits in other media, whether they be dogs, cats, horse, fish, etc.  The exhibition will take place in the Loudoun County Government Center Gallery at 1 Harrison Street, S.E. in Leesburg, and will be available for public viewing from July 31 through September 8, 2023.  Works in any media will be accepted. Two-dimensional media includes drawings, paintings, photographs, prints (mono-prints, etchings, and woodblock prints), fiber art, mixed media, and reliefs. Three-dimensional artwork includes pottery/ceramic, mixed media, metal, bronze, wood or other media with the largest dimension of 24” H x 24” W x 12” D or a stand-alone piece for floor display with a maximum 36” base diameter.  Each artist may submit one entry and must submit a digital photo of their submission by email by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 24, 2023. Artwork must be ready for display; hanging artwork must be framed with hanging wire securely attached to eyehooks on the back of each piece and must be appropriate for exhibit in public locations.   Artwork and loan entry forms will be accepted at the art gallery on the first floor of the Loudoun County Government Center on July 31, 2023, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. The Art Exhibition Entry Form is available online at loudoun.gov/advisory-art.  This exhibit is coordinated by members of the Loudoun County Art Advisory Committee, who are appointed by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. The committee is responsible for exhibiting work by Loudoun artists and maintaining and exhibiting the county's permanent art collection.

LCSO to Sponsor Safety Summit for Houses of Worship

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce its 2023 Houses of Worship Safety Summit.    The free summit is scheduled on Thursday, August 10, from 2-4 p.m. at Brambleton Middle School in Ashburn. It is intended to facilitate the sharing of information, concerns, and ideas with county religious leaders related to safety at their respective places of worship. The agenda will include security challenges specific to faith-based communities, what to do if there is an active threat of violence, law enforcement responses, and emergency response plans. “I am committed to making sure Loudoun’s houses of worship are safe havens,” said Sheriff Mike Chapman. “The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office continues to look for productive ways to partner with our faith-based communities, and this summit is one example of our ongoing efforts,” he added. The summit is intended for religious leaders and their safety and security teams, board members, and staff. For more information, please contact Captain Bryan Wacker at Bryan.Wacker@Loudoun.gov. Registration link: https://bit.ly/3PE08Ws

Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging Announces Summer Caregiver Virtual Education Series

The Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging is pleased to announce it's August 2023 Caregiver Virtual Education Series beginning Tuesday, August 8, 2023. 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 caregiver. The series includes two educational programs: Managing Money: A Caregiver’s Guide to Finances will be held on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. The program is presented by Phyllis Humphrey of the Alzheimer's Association National Capital Area. The second program, Thriving in the Community: Unlocking Resources for Caregivers and Older Adults, will be held Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. The program is presented by Lesley Katz, Caregiver Services and Health Promotion Coordinator, of the Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging. 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.

Legislative Applications for Development in the Ashburn District

Upcoming Changes to Loudoun County's Land Use Information Portal

As you likely saw in this newsletter, Loudoun County is scheduled to launch a new online land management system, called LandMARC, on Monday, August 14th. While we are excited about this new system, which promises to be more user friendly, this will change some of the methods our office has promoted for keeping up to date with the latest information on applications in Loudoun County. Our office will undergo training before the launch of LandMARC and we will provide updates to the end of each application in our flyer. Stay tuned!

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 1,245 dwelling units. These include 297 single-family attached units, 356 multi-family stacked units, and 592 multi-family attached units. The residents are currently zoned to Newton-Lee Elementary School, Belmont Ridge Middle School, and Riverside High School. Update: At the June 8th Planning Commission Work Session, the Planning Commission voted to send the Northstar Square application to the September 13th, Board of Supervisor's Public Hearing, with a recommendation of approval. Previous Update After the Planning Commission voted to send the Northstar Square application to the Board of Supervisors, with a recommendation of denial, the applicant requested that the recommendation be reconsidered, the recommendation was rescinded, and was sent back to the Planning Commission’s Work Session on June 8th. Previous Update: At the April 13th, Planning Commission Work Session, the Planning Commission voted to send this application to the June 14th Board of Supervisors Public Hearing. Previous Update: At the February 9th, 2023, Planning Commission Work Session, the Planning Commission voted to send this application to future work session on April 13th. Previous 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 (Also known as "Elm Street Development")

Description: “Lansdowne Blvd Rezoning” is a proposed application to rezone 9.22 acres to allow the construction of an additional 120 dwelling units. These include 72 single-family attached units and 48 multi-family stacked units. The residents are currently zoned to Steuart W. Weller Elementary School, Belmont Ridge Middle School, and Riverside High School.  Update: At the May 23rd, 2023, Planning Commission Work Session, the Planning Commission voted to send this application to future work session. The date of this work session is September 14th, 2023. Previous Update: This application is scheduled to come to the May 23rd, Planning Commission Public Hearing. 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 106 dwelling units. These include 45 single-family attached units, 30 multi-family stacked units, and 31 multi-family attached units. The residents are currently zoned to Cedar Lane Elementary School, Trailside Middle School, and Stone Bridge High School. Update: At the June 27th, 2023, Planning Commission Public Hearing, the Planning Commission voted to send this application to a future work session. Previous Update: This application is scheduled to come to the June 27th, Planning Commission Public Hearing. 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 “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 APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN Application Numbers: SPEX-2022-0012 & SPEX-2022-0013

SPEX-2022-0012

SPEX-2022-0013 

Description: “Belmont Chase II Commercial” are two proposed Special Exceptions applications to allow the construction of an automobile service station (SPEX-2022-0012) and a fast-food restaurant with a drive-through (SPEX-2022-0013) in the Broad Run District.   Update: This application has been withdrawn by the developer. Previous Update: At the March 28th, Planning Commission Public Hearing, the Planning Commission voted to send application for the Automobile Service Station (SPEX-2022-0012) to a future Board of Supervisors Public Hearing. County Staff is working with the applicant to determine when this application will appear before the Board of Supervisors. Previous Update: The application for the Automobile Service Station (SPEX-2022-0012) is scheduled to come to the March 28th, Planning Commission Public Hearing. No Planning Commission Public Hearing has been scheduled for the application for the fast-food restaurant with a drive-through (SPEX-2022-0013). Previous 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.

Arcola Farms Residential Application Number: ZMAP-2022-0006

Description: “Arcola Farms Residential” is a proposed application in Ashburn and Little River Districts to rezone 80.8 acres to allow the construction of three hundred and seven (307) single-family detached residential units. The residents are currently zoned to Sycolin Creek Elementary School, Brambleton Middle School, and Independence 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-2022-0006” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review the application documents.

Goose Creek Village 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 222 residential units. These include 104 single-family attached units, and 46 multi-family stacked units, and 72 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.

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: The application for the Belmont Innovation Campus (ZMAP-2022-0021) is scheduled to come to the September 26th, Planning Commission Public Hearing. 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-2022-0021” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review the application documents.

Luck Stone Leesburg Plant Application Number ZCPA-2023-0001

Description: Luck Stone Leesburg Plant is a Zoning Concept Plan Amendment (ZCPA) Application to amend proffers and development conditions to allow for expansion of mining operation in quarry B, on the east side of Goose Creek, underneath the current processing plant, resulting in the processing plant and point of sale to move to the west side of the property. On the west side of Goose Creek, the application is amending the development conditions to allow for Stonewater Lane to be used for shipping mined materials off-site and to rezone a portion of Luck Stone’s property to allow for data center uses. According to Luck Stone, if this application is approved, the timing of the relocation of the point of sale to Stonewater Lane and the expansion of mining operations in quarry B is subject to several variables but is not currently anticipated for approximately 25 years.   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-2023-0001” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review the application documents.

Goose Creek Retail LLC Application Number: SPEX-2023-0011

Description: “Goose Creek Retail LLC” is a Special Exception application to permit a restaurant with a drive-thru use on approximately 0.51 acres of the property.   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-2023-0011” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review the application documents.

Significant By-Right Developments in the Ashburn District

By-right: A "by-right" development is an application that does not require approval from the Board of Supervisors. The approval/denial of applications for by-right developments are managed administratively by county staff and must conform to the current zoning ordinance.

Vantage VA 3 Application Number: STMP-2022-0016 (By-right Application)

Description: “Vantage VA 3” is a by-right application which plans to build four data center buildings on 89 acres. The underlying zoning is Planned-Development Office Park (PDOP) and Planned-Development Industrial Park (PD-IP). Data Centers are allowed by-right on PD-OP and PD-IP zoned land.     For more information click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “STMP-2022-0016” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to review the application documents.

Cyrus One Application Number: No Application Submitted Yet (By-right Application)

Description: A data center, CyrusOne, purchased the site of the withdrawn “Hyde Park” application and intends to construct a data center. The developer has not yet submitted an application however, our office will continue to provide updates on this potential development as we receive them.

Resources

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. Learn more here.

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. View this map here.

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.

Contact my Office

As your representative on the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, my top priority has been to serve your needs and work towards the betterment of our community. Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly or my staff with any input and ideas you may have for the Ashburn District. The best way to reach me is by email, which I monitor on a regular basis.

Mike Turner - Supervisor Mike.Turner@Loudoun.gov 703-777-0205

Rachael Mai - Chief of Staff Rachael.Mai@Loudoun.gov 703-737-8180

Joel Gicker - Legislative Aide Joel.Gicker@Loudoun.gov 571-440-1947

Follow Supervisor Mike Turner on Facebook. @MikeTurnerAshburn