Ashburn District Newsletter

Friday, June 23, 2023

Fun Fact about Loudoun County

Congrats to all the High School graduates! We're proud that Loudoun County's graduation rate exceeded national and state averages by significant margins in 2022 and that Ashburn District high schools were ranked in the top 30 in Virginia. With a graduation rate that was ten percent higher than the national average and five percent higher than Virginia's average, we set a new standard for academic excellence. Our students, teachers, and staff have worked tirelessly to achieve these results, and we're excited to see their hard work pay off!

Featured in the Ashburn-Lansdowne Flyer

Sound from Data Centers

What is that Buzzing/Humming Noise I Have Been Hearing? (Scroll down for more information)

Loudoun's 4th of July Event Schedule

Transportation & Country Facilities Update

Church Street Segment to Reopen; Access to Pennington Lot and Garage Changes
Westpark Improvements Design Public Meeting Set for June 27
Several Road Renamings Completed as Part of County Initiative
Improvements to the Intersection of Claiborne Parkway & Marshfield Drive (Scroll down for more information)

Loudoun County News

Upcoming Events

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Belmont Chase II Commercial | SPEX-2022-0012 & SPEX-2022-0013 APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN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 Ashburn District Friends!

Over the next few months, you are likely to hear a lot about power lines. I wanted to provide some background about this issue and next steps. Last spring, I chaired a series of meetings in the Transportation and Land Use Committee (TLUC) to gain insights into where new data centers can be in the county. The Board of Supervisors then passed the recommendations that came out of TLUC and just last Tuesday we passed another motion to speed up the process. Shortly after the TLUC series, Dominion and PJM, the regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia, determined that new overhead transmission routes will be required to provide additional energy to areas in eastern Loudoun County.

In response, Dominion will be convening a series of community engagement meetings to discuss the transmission routes they’re considering. The next meeting is on Thursday, June 29th, 5pm - 8pm, at Broad Run High School (21670 Ashburn Rd, Ashburn, VA 20147). If you are in the area of the proposed routes, you should have received mail from Dominion. If you accidentally discarded it, you can also go here to read more about them. In anticipation of the discussions, I thought it would be helpful to provide you with a “power line primer” covering the basics. Hopefully, this will facilitate a better understanding of the issues involved for all of us.

Dominion Energy is required by law to provide electricity to its customers. The State Corporation Commission (SCC) is the legal authority in Virginia that makes the routing decisions for all transmission lines, and the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors (BOS) has no authority to approve or deny transmission line placement. That said, Dominion provides the SCC potential transmission routes and engages the community for feedback on the proposed concepts.

There are two basic types of overhead power lines: 500 Kilovolt (KV) lines and 230 KV lines. These can be hung in varying configurations, but most commonly, we see either a 530 KV/230 KV line combination or two 230 KV lines hung on several types of structures: large, four corner lattice towers, “H” configuration with two poles next to each other, and single pole with multiple lines. Depending on the combination of lines, a 100-to-200-foot easement is required. Burying these higher voltage lines is extremely difficult. These lines are used to move electricity between power substations whose purpose it is to “step down” the voltage from the overhead lines to 7,000-volt distribution lines. Distribution lines leave the substation, often underground, and are used to deliver electricity to the end-stage user (homes, businesses, schools, county facilities, etc.). If you would like to have more information about the transmission routes, I encourage you to attend this meeting next Thursday or visit the link I provided.

We've added an additional feature to this newsletter that I want to call to your attention. I’ve visited or lived on 48 states and several countries, and I can state, without any hesitation, Loudoun County, VA is a FANTASTIC place to live and is an amazing, vital, caring and thriving community. With that in mind, we are now including a section in every Flyer, “Fun Fact About Loudoun County.” I encourage you to hang on to these so the next time someone mentions Loudoun County, you can regale them with some great, positive facts about our home.

Cheers!

Mike Turner

Ashburn District Supervisor

If this email was forwarded to you and you would like to receive regular updates from Ashburn District Supervisor, Mike Turner, Sign Up for the Ashburn-Lansdowne Flyer here!

Sound from Data Centers

What is that Buzzing/Humming Noise I Have Been Hearing?

In recent weeks, residents in the Ashburn and Catoctin Districts, made county staff and my office aware of a low-pitched buzzing noise emanating from the data centers that are located on the west side of the Goose Creek, between the Dulles Greenway (Route 267 toll road) and Sycolin Road.

Once this concern was brought to our attention, county staff took decibel (sound) measurements and determined that the noise level from these data centers did not violate county ordinance. However, an individual from the Goose Creek Village community, who has been closely observing, tracking and working with other community groups on this issue, believes that the noise levels are louder during the cooler parts of the year.

Therefore, county staff will return in the fall to take additional noise measurements to determine if the decibel levels violate county ordinance. In the meantime, Supervisor Kershner and I are working through county staff to schedule a meeting with the business leadership, from these data centers to discuss potential mitigating solutions.

We truly value the level of citizen engagement we have received on this issue, especially because it helps us identify impacts to the quality of life for the people living in these communities. We will keep you informed of what we learn and any potential actions we can take.

Loudoun's 4th of July Fireworks Event Schedule

Loudoun Fire Officials Offer Critical Fireworks Safety Tips and 2023 Fireworks Event Schedule

The Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System (LC-CFRS) wants to ensure a memorable and SAFE Fourth of July holiday for you and your family. Fireworks cause thousands of serious injuries every year, sending adults and children to the emergency room. LC-CFRS encourages residents to leave fireworks to the experts and attend professionally coordinated fireworks shows instead of using fireworks on your own. If you choose to use fireworks, know the risks, PROCEED WITH CAUTION, and follow these tips!

DON'T use illegal fireworks! DO use only legal fireworks purchased from a retail stand with a Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office permit.

DON’T use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol!

DON'T light fireworks indoors! DO use fireworks a safe distance away from homes, and steer clear of brush, leaves, and flammable substances. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby.

NEVER allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. DO maintain constant adult supervision.

DON'T light fireworks in your hand! DO place fireworks on stable ground, never in a container, and ensure the device will not tip over when firing.

NEVER point or throw fireworks at anyone!

DON'T try to re-light "a dud" or malfunctioning firework! DO soak spent fireworks in water for several hours before discarding into a fire-proof container. Keep the container outside, away from the home.

Loudoun County Fireworks Events:

6/24/2023 - Brambleton, Evergreen Mills Rd. @ Loudoun County Pkwy., Ashburn

6/25/2023 - Hillsboro, 37110 Charles Town Pike, Purcellville

6/30/2023 - Sterling Park Golf, 333 South Sterling Blvd., Sterling

6/30/2023 - Greens at Willowsford, 41085 Willowsford Ln., Aldie

6/30/2023 - South Riding, 43237 Golf View Dr., Chantilly

07/1/2023 - Greene Mill Preserve, 41192 Black Branch Pkwy., Leesburg (Private)

07/2/2023 - Lansdowne Resort, 44050 Woodridge Pkwy., Leesburg

07/3/2023 - Trump National Golf - 20391 Lowes Island Blvd., Sterling (Private)

07/3/2023 - Waterford - 40266 Water St., Waterford

07/3/2023 - Lovettsville, 57 East Broad St., Lovettsville

07/3/2023 - Loudoun United, 42095 Loudoun United Dr., Leesburg

07/4/2023 - Creighton Farms, 22050 Farms Dr., Aldie (Private)

07/4/2023 - Middleburg, 500 North Pendleton St., Middleburg

07/4/2023 - Franklin Park, 17501 Franklin Park Dr., Purcellville

07/4/2023 - Ida Lee, 60 Ida Lee Dr., Leesburg

07/22/2023 - Raspberry Plain Manor, 16500 Agape Ln., Leesburg (Private)

10/7/2023 - Loudoun United, 42095 Loudoun United Dr., Leesburg

Remember that fireworks can disrupt those sleeping, scare pets, and can be traumatic for veterans. Be a good neighbor and be considerate of those around you. For a list of upcoming shows, permissible fireworks, and approved retail stands visit Loudoun.gov/fireworks.

Celebrate Independence Day with Loudoun County Parks, Recreation & Community Services

Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) will host four events in honor of Independence Day beginning Friday, June 30, 2023.

The Sterling Community Center hosts its annual Star-Spangled Sterling Friday, June 30, 2023, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Sterling Middle School. Enjoy various games, including a balloon water toss and potato sack races, live entertainment, balloon twisting, and food for purchase. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. Sterling Middle School is located at 201 W. Holly Avenue in Sterling. The event is free.
The Independence Day Celebration at Lovettsville Community Center and Lovettsville Community Park kicks off on Monday, July 3, 2023, with a hometown parade sponsored by the Lovettsville Community Center Advisory Board and a Pool Bash for the entire family. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Town of Lovettsville. The parade will begin at the Lovettsville Community Park and travel down Broad Way turning onto S. Loudoun Street and ending at the Lovettsville Elementary School. The pool party at the Lovettsville Community Pool begins at 6:30 p.m. Admission to the Pool Bash is $5 per person. The festivities continue at the Lovettsville Community Park with food for purchase and a free fireworks show at approximately 9:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, July 4, 2023, Claude Moore Park hosts its annual Claude Moore Park 4th Fest featuring live music, crafts, nature exhibits, historic tours, carnival games, and more. The Claude Moore Park 4th Fest is being held from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event is free, and food will be available for purchase. Attendees should use the Loudoun Park Lane entrance to the park. Claude Moore Park is located at 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road in Sterling.
The July 4th at Franklin Park celebration will be held Tuesday, July 4, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Enjoy outdoor games, large inflatables, face painting, henna and glitter tattoos, balloon twisting, food for purchase, and music with DJ Bifocals before the fireworks. The fireworks will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. and will be accompanied by live music from Loudoun Symphonic Winds. The event is free. The Franklin Park Pool will have holiday hours from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; normal pool fees will apply. Franklin Park is located at 17501 Franklin Park Drive in Purcellville.

Event details and rain dates can be found at loudoun.gov/prcsevents. Alcoholic beverages and personal fireworks, including sparklers, are not permitted at any PRCS events. 

In the case of severe weather, a cancellation notice will be posted on the Loudoun County website at loudoun.gov/prcs and PRCS social media accounts.

Transit & County Facilities Update

Church Street Segment to Reopen; Access to Pennington Lot and Garage Changes

After 5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 16, 2023, a segment of Church Street NE, from North Street to the Pennington Lot in Leesburg, will reopen to traffic after being temporarily closed for road construction. Vehicles will access the Pennington Lot and Garage through the Church Street surface lot entrance. The temporary parking garage entrance on North Street will close to vehicular traffic in coordination with the opening of Church Street. The pedestrian walkway from the garage to North Street will remain open.

In addition, Rotary Park, which is located at the corner of North and Church Streets NE, will reopen to the public the evening of June 16, 2023.

Shuttle Service

Loudoun County government administrative offices are closed on Monday, June 19, 2023, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. Shuttle service will resume when Loudoun County and courthouse offices open on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. The shuttle between the Pennington Lot and courthouse will resume service at the bus stop’s permanent location at the re-opened main entrance of the Pennington Garage. The shuttle stop outside the courthouse remains at its current location on the southeast corner of Market Street where it intersects with Church Street.

Complimentary shuttle service between the Pennington Garage and the courthouse will continue to run approximately every 10 minutes, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

View parking details and map of the shuttle route and walking path in this flyer (PDF).

Planning Your Trip to the Courthouse

Free parking is available to visitors to the Loudoun County Courthouse for standard size vehicles (vehicles under 8’2”) in the Pennington Lot and Garage. The Pennington Lot and Garage are located approximately three blocks from the courthouse. More information about planning your visit to the Loudoun County Courthouse Complex is posted at loudoun.gov/courthouse.

About the Courthouse Construction Project

The Loudoun County Courthouse Complex expansion project includes the design and construction of the new 92,000-square-foot Loudoun County District Courthouse, renovation of existing courts facilities, and new parking facilities.

Significant progress on the new courthouse has been made in recent months. Installation of interior drywall, door frames and window glazing is complete on all levels. Permanent power for the new building has been established, and crews have installed the elevators and are painting interior walls. Construction of the new courthouse is expected to be complete this summer with the building opening to the public in the fall of 2023.

For more information about the new courthouse construction project, including contact information, and to sign up for email and text updates on the project, visit loudoun.gov/courts-expansion.

Westpark Improvements Design Public Meeting Set for June 27

Loudoun County invites members of the public to attend an in-person, design public meeting on the Westpark Improvements project. The public meeting will be held Tuesday, June 27, 2023, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., at the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services administrative offices, 742 Miller Drive SE, Leesburg. At this meeting, residents will have an opportunity to provide input on the design of this future passive park.

Comments will be accepted through July 14, 2023, through the online comment form at loudoun.gov/westparkproperty or by mail to Logan Baird, Loudoun County Department of Transportation & Capital Infrastructure, 101 Blue Seal Drive, Leesburg, VA, 20177.

In August 2022, Loudoun County purchased 134 acres of the former Westpark Golf Course that was located along Country Club Drive in Leesburg. The county-owned land has been placed into a conservation easement, which will preserve the natural landscape. The Westpark Improvements project includes the design and construction of a passive park. A typical passive park may consist of walking and biking trails and include many natural and minimally disturbed areas.

Funding for the project in the amount of $13.4 million is included in the county's Capital Improvement Program (PDF). The project has an estimated completion date of 2027.

More information about the Westpark Improvements project, including a link to sign up for email and text updates on the project, is posted on the Loudoun County website at loudoun.gov/westparkproperty.

Several Road Renamings Completed as Part of County Initiative

The road renaming initiative that began in Loudoun County in April 2022 has reached several milestones with the renaming of several streets and roads completed or nearly complete.

The renaming of these roadways is a result of the Board of Supervisors’ September 2020 decision (PDF) to inventory and review Confederate and segregationist symbols in the county; the Board's November 2021 decision (PDF) to rename Fort Johnston Road, Jeb Stuart Road and streets adjacent to and within the Town of Round Hill; and the Board’s December 2021 decision (PDF) to rename Routes 7 and 50.

Roads in Central and Western Loudoun

As of June 1, 2023, the process of renaming Jeb Stuart Road has been completed and all new street signs are in place. The new name is Philomont Road.

In addition, as of August 3, the renaming of the following roads in the Round Hill area will be completed. The county has mailed letters to property owners on the affected roads and streets officially notifying them of the name change.

The new name of Early Avenue will be Earlybird Avenue.
The name of Hampton Road will be Cinnamon Fern Road.
The new name of Jackson Avenue will be Honeybee Avenue.
The new name of Lee Drive will be Turtle Hill Drive.
The new name of Longstreet Avenue will be Piper Run Avenue.
The new name of Pickett Road will be Broken Arrow Road.

The renaming of Fort Johnston Road is underway and will be completed later in 2023.

Route 7 and Route 50

In February 2022, the Commonwealth Transportation Board approved renaming the portions of Route 7 and Route 50, that are within the boundaries of Loudoun County, from Harry Byrd Highway to Leesburg Pike and from John Mosby Highway to Little River Turnpike, respectively. These designations honor the names traditionally used for these roads, which were developed as major transportation and trade routes between Alexandria and the Shenandoah Valley in the early 1800s.

To allow for the manufacturing and installation of new street signs for Route 7 and Route 50 as well as the notification of affected property owners, the effective date for the new names is planned for late September 2023.

The county will notify property owners 60 days in advance of the official road name and address change. The goal is to complete all address changes as early as possible in the fall to avoid impacts on holiday mail delivery. The county will provide updates to Apple Maps, Google Maps, TomTom GPS and Waze in advance of the renaming.

For More Information

To assist property owners during this transition, the county has prepared a helpful Street Name Change Checklist (PDF), which is available at loudoun.gov/roadrenaming. In July, the county is slated to launch a program to assist businesses impacted by the renaming.

Improvements to the Intersection of Claiborne Parkway & Marshfield Drive

Through Loudoun's Intersection Improvement Program, the county plans to make modifications to the intersection of Marshfield Drive/Claiborne Parkway. The purpose of this project is to transform this intersection into a “right-in, right out, left-in” configuration at Marshfield Drive as well as installing a U-turn lane for traffic traveling north on Claiborne Pkwy (heading towards the intersection of Wayside Circle/Claiborne Pkwy).

The design team has completed 90% of the design plan and is working with VDOT to receive feedback.

Loudoun County News

Planning Commission Completes Draft Zoning Ordinance Review

The Loudoun County Planning Commission reached a pivotal milestone in the county’s multi-year Zoning Ordinance Rewrite project during its June 8, 2023, work session: a vote to forward the Planning Commission’s Draft Zoning Ordinance to the Board of Supervisors with a recommendation for approval. The vote is the result of more than 20 work sessions held by the commission since August 2022 and consideration of thousands of comments from members of the public. The Planning Commission worked to improve the county’s ordinance by drafting a more simple, modern ordinance that is intended to be easier to use by the public and includes new district regulations that reflect land use policies in the county’s Comprehensive Plan.

Last week, the Planning Commission considered more than 70 motions for final revisions to the draft text. The recommended draft will incorporate the commission’s final edits and be prepared for review by the Board of Supervisors in the coming weeks.

The Planning Commission also recommended that the Board consider future Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance amendments after the adoption of a new Zoning Ordinance. These items require additional deliberations by both the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors to ensure Comprehensive Plan (General Plan) policy guidance is considered prior to the consideration of future text amendments. This will also allow time for thorough public processes that will further improve the county’s land use polices and regulations.

Next Steps

Following the completion of more than three years of work that began with the Board of Supervisors’ Zoning Ordinance Committee, and later with the Planning Commission, the next step in the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite project is for the Board to review the recommendation of the Planning Commission. The Board is likely to hold a public hearing on the Planning Commission’s recommended ordinance later this summer and consider potential revisions to ordinance text during a series of work sessions before ultimately adopting a new Zoning Ordinance that will replace the county’s existing ordinance.

The Planning Commission’s Draft Zoning Ordinance will be published on the county’s website in advance of a Board of Supervisors public hearing. The date of the public hearing will be announced once it is scheduled.

About the Zoning Ordinance

The Zoning Ordinance is the primary regulatory tool to implement the county’s long range land use planning policies. The Loudoun County 2019 Comprehensive Plan is an aspirational document that guides the county’s planning efforts, and the Zoning Ordinance is comprised of the standards and regulations that implement the plan. The Planning Commission’s extensive review helped form the regulatory zoning code language that governs what land uses are permitted in specific zoning districts. Together the plan and ordinance shape the long-term use of land throughout the county and include consideration of economic sustainability, sensitive environmental features, natural and historic resources, community amenities, quality of life and the development of attainable housing options.

The Planning Commission’s Draft Zoning Ordinance regulates the development of all proposed residential, commercial, industrial and civic buildings and structures, as well as transportation and pedestrian improvements. The Planning Commission’s Draft Zoning Ordinance is designed to foster a high quality of life and successful economy while continuing to protect Loudoun’s historic resources, sensitive environmental features and community amenities.

More Information

The Planning Commission’s Draft Zoning Ordinance is based on the June 2, 2023, version of the draft text, and includes final revisions approved by the commission during its June 5 and June 8 work sessions. The final version of the ordinance that will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors will be published online in the coming weeks.

More information about the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite project, including the June 2, 2023, version of the text, videos of the June 5 and 8 work sessions during which the commission approved additional revisions to the draft text, and an interactive map illustrating existing and draft Zoning Districts, is posted at loudoun.gov/ZoningOrdinanceRewrite.

Loudoun Freedom Center to Serve as Resident Curator for Union Street School Property

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has approved a lease agreement with the Loudoun Freedom Center for the historic Union Street School property. The Union Street School property, located at 20 Union St. NW in Leesburg, becomes the first county property included in the county's Resident Curator Program. This significant partnership between the county and the Loudoun Freedom Center aims to preserve African American history & culture and make accessible the full understanding of the rich heritage of Loudoun County and the significant contributions of the African American community. Under the terms of the Resident Curator Program and the lease agreement, the Loudoun Freedom Center will serve as the curator for the property, taking responsibility for the day-to-day operation, maintenance and security of the facility.

“Preserving the invaluable parts of Loudoun's history, such as the Union Street School, was a driving force behind my motion to create the curator program,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis J. Randall. “This collaboration is a win-win for the community, providing both historical preservation and ongoing education for Loudoun residents at this historically significant school.”

The property is being leased to the Loudoun Freedom Center in a “phased lease” agreement, in which the single-story brick building will be available to the center in 2023, with the historic two-story schoolhouse, parking areas and grounds becoming available after the county has completed planned rehabilitations to the structure and site.

The Loudoun Freedom Center, in collaboration with members of the Douglass Alumni Association and Loudoun Branch of the NAACP, intends to transform the Union Street School into a living museum, cultural resource center and civic hub to honor the African American “Journey To Freedom” in Loudoun County.

Pastor Michelle C. Thomas, founder and president of the Loudoun Freedom Center and president of the NAACP Loudoun Branch, expressed their vision for the school, stating, “We aim to honor the legacy of heritage, healing and hope, exemplified by our ancestors who fought and died for the equality of civil rights and educational freedoms that we all enjoy in Loudoun today. In addition to becoming the home of the first African American History Museum in Loudoun County and our plans to hold in-person classes of the Northern Virginia Data Center Academy, the Loudoun Freedom Center intends to utilize the historic Union Street School Campus as an history educational hub and workforce development center that fosters sound futures for underrepresented and marginalized youth and families, through innovative industry training & certifications programs. Our partners that are committed to helping us bring this historic dream to present day reality include, but is not limited to Loudoun County Government, Loudoun County Public Schools, Northern Virginia Community College, Southside Virginia Community College, Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, Carnegie Mellon University, Loudoun County civic organizations and our Loudoun County business partners Microsoft Corporation and Vantage Data Centers. We look forward to reclaiming our history and reimagining our future together.”

The Loudoun Freedom Center's plans for the site encompass a range of history, community educational & professional development programs, research & development, STEM preschool, STEM learning and vocational training. Additionally, the museum space will serve as a venue for exhibits, history programs, lectures, community discussions, collaboration among small minority business owners, agribusiness, and horticulture programs.

History of the Union Street School

Since its establishment in 1884 as the Leesburg Training Center, the Union Street School has played a vital role in educating Black students from elementary through high school. It ceased operations in 1958 following the opening of Douglass High School, the county's first high school for Black students, and the opening of a consolidated elementary school in Leesburg serving Black students. Recognized for its historical significance, the Union Street School is listed under the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, the Virginia Landmarks Register, the Historic African American Sites in Virginia Register, and the National Park Services Register for Historic Places.

Loudoun County Acquires Property

For 60 years, the Union Street School building served as a storage facility for Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) before it was declared surplus. LCPS transferred the property to the county government in 2019. In 2021, the Board of Supervisors created a project in the county’s Capital Improvement Program to rehabilitate the building and site for museum functions. The county is currently working through the design phase of the project. The construction phase, which will include the rehabilitation of the structure to include public access, infrastructure improvements, and accessibility upgrades, is currently scheduled to be complete some time in fiscal year 2025.

Resident Curator Program

The county’s Resident Curator Program ensures preservation of underutilized, historic county-owned properties, while also making them accessible to the public. The lease was awarded to the Loudoun Freedom Center through an open and competitive process based on several criteria, including a commitment to the management and maintenance of the historic property, a use that is compatible with the nature of the property, and the resources, skills and financial capabilities necessary to carry out the proposed curatorship.

The Resident Curator Program is designed to reduce the public costs associated with the care and preservation of properties that have been deemed historically significant and either meet the county’s established criteria of eligibility for curation and/or also may meet the National Historic Register criteria.

More information about the program is online at loudoun.gov/residentcuratorprogram.

Loudoun County Issues Request for Qualifications for Affordable Housing Financing Program

The Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for one of its affordable housing financing programs for developers - the Rental Housing Acquisition and Preservation Loan Program (RHAP).

The purpose of the RHAP program is to preserve affordable, multi-family rental housing units in Loudoun County by making funding available for the acquisition and preservation of improved land for rental housing that is either market affordable or affordable through rent restrictions.

Interested developers must submit the required documentation in the RFQ by August 1, 2023, to be considered for certification. Program requirements and guidelines are online.

The RFQ will provide Loudoun County with a pool of certified developers, who will receive priority consideration for RHAP loans. Project applications will be required to meet county priorities for the program. Once approved by the Board of Supervisors, developers will remain certified for 12 months. Pre-qualification opportunities will be issued annually.

For questions or more information about the RHAP program, email the Department of Housing and Community Development.

Regional Homelessness on the Rise; Loudoun Continues to Provide Homeless Support Services

As homelessness in the Washington D.C. region rises, Loudoun County continues to offer support services for people facing a housing crisis. Homelessness in the Washington D.C. region is up 18% over last year, according to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ May 2023 Homelessness in Metropolitan Washington: Results and Analysis from the 2023 Point-in-Time Count of Persons Experiencing Homelessness report. The number of people experiencing homelessness in the region increased by 1,300 since 2022. In Loudoun County, the number of persons experiencing homelessness increased by 30% in the last five years, from 169 persons in 2019 to 220 in 2023.

“The rise in homelessness from 2022 highlights the challenges that members of our community continue to face,” said Loudoun County Department of Family Services Director Ina Fernández. “We continue to provide year-round support services to anyone in our community who may be experiencing a housing crisis and wants to accept our assistance.”

Homeless Support Services

Loudoun County offers a variety of programs to assist households in need through the Department of Family Services; Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services; and the Loudoun Continuum of Care, a partnership between local government, nonprofit agencies, the public school system, health care providers and faith-based organizations. Members of the Continuum of Care work together to address the needs of those experiencing housing instability or homelessness in Loudoun County.

Unsheltered individuals and families can receive assistance with their housing search, obtaining identification documents, employment services, health care services and other supportive services. In addition to year-round sheltering, Loudoun County offers a drop-in services program that provides information on community programs and resources as well as lunch and snacks, laundry facilities, showers, and a computer lab.

Anyone who may be experiencing a housing crisis is encouraged to contact the Department of Family Services’ Information & Referral /Coordinated Entry program at 703-777-0420.

Point-in-Time Count

The Point-in-Time Count is a one-day snapshot of persons experiencing homelessness across nine area jurisdictions. The Homelessness in Metropolitan Washington report is a comprehensive analysis of the state of homelessness in the region. The Loudoun County Continuum of Care conducts the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Point-in-Time Count of persons in the community experiencing a housing crisis or literal homelessness every January.

The 2023 findings include:

In Loudoun County, the total number of persons experiencing homelessness increased from 105 in 2022 to 220 in 2023. This represents a 110% increase in Loudoun County since last year.
Regionally, a total of 8,944 individuals were identified as literally homeless, an 18% increase from 2022.
While there has been a regional rise in people experiencing literal homelessness since 2022, the percentage change since 2019 has been a decrease of 9%.

For More Information

For more information about Loudoun County’s homeless services, visit loudoun.gov/HomelessServices or contact the Department of Family Services at 703-777-0353.

Board of Supervisors Reschedules Two June Committee Meetings

Loudoun County announces schedule changes for the June meetings of two of the Board of Supervisors' standing committees: the cancellation of the Joint Board of Supervisors/School Board Committee and the rescheduling of the Finance/Government Operations & Economic Development Committee.

Joint Board of Supervisors/School Board Committee

The meeting of the Joint Board of Supervisors/School Board Committee scheduled for Monday, June 12, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. has been canceled. The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 18, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. in the Board Room on the first floor of the Government Center, 1 Harrison St. SE in Leesburg.

Finance/Government Operations & Economic Development Committee

The Board of Supervisors’ Finance/Government Operations & Economic Development Committee meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. has been rescheduled to Tuesday, June 27, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Dulles Room on the first floor of the Government Center, 1 Harrison St. SE in Leesburg.

Meeting Documents

Documents prepared for the meetings will be posted on the Loudoun County website prior to the meetings at loudoun.gov/bosdocuments.

Television and Webcast Coverage

Meetings of the Board of Supervisors’ standing committees are televised on Comcast Government Channel 23 and Verizon FiOS Channel 40 and livestreamed at loudoun.gov/meetings.

Loudoun County Landfill Waste Disposal Fee to Increase July 1, 2023

The waste disposal fee at the Loudoun County Solid Waste Management Facility is scheduled to increase to $71 a ton effective Saturday, July 1, 2023.

The waste disposal fee at the gate will increase from $68 to $71 per ton; all other fees will remain the same, including the minimum charge for waste disposal of $7 per customer. A complete list of landfill fees, including surcharges for specific items including tires, propane tanks and refrigerated appliances, is available at loudoun.gov/landfill.

The fee increase follows the annual financial review by an outside consultant of the landfill’s current and forecasted revenues, expenses and estimated tonnage receipts. The most recent analysis recommends the waste disposal fee be adjusted to remain market competitive and to ensure the long-term viability of the landfill.

More information about the services available at the landfill is online at loudoun.gov/landfill.

PRCS Announces Passport to the Parks During Parks and Recreation Month

July is National Parks and Recreation Month. To help celebrate Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) is announcing Passport to the Parks- connecting residents to our parks and nature preserve.

Throughout the month of July, Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park, Franklin Park Performing and Visual Arts Center, and Claude Moore Park will host programs allowing residents to discover and explore the county’s unique natural habitats, wetlands, and waterways.

Participants in Passport to the Parks will receive a stamp on their Passport when they visit the Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park Nature Center or the park’s Administration Office, the Franklin Park Performing and Visual Arts Center, the Claude Moore Park Visitors Center, and the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve Visitor Center.

The first 100 participants to complete one of two Passport to the Parks tiers will win a prize. Participants can complete the Loudoun Parks Grand Slam by visiting all four participating parks to win a tier 1 prize pack. If participants attend at least six programs (no more than two in each park), they will win a tier 2 prize pack. If a participant cannot make it to a scheduled program at all the parks, there are plenty of other activities, such as hiking and fishing, at no cost that can also earn you a stamp in place of a program.

To receive your Passport, complete the registration form here. You may also pick up a Passport at the Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park Nature Center or the park’s Administration Office, the Franklin Park Performing and Visual Arts Center, the Claude Moore Park Visitors Center, or the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve Visitor Center.

Since 1985, people in the United States have celebrated Park and Recreation Month in July to promote building strong, vibrant, and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation and to recognize the hundreds of thousands of park and recreation professionals and volunteers that maintain our country’s local, state and community parks. This year's theme — “Where Community Grows” — celebrates the vital role park and recreation professionals play in bringing people together, providing essential services, and fostering the growth of our communities.

For more information about Passport to the Parks, visit loudoun.gov/PassportToTheParks.

Upcoming Events

Next Loudoun Household Hazardous Waste Event is June 24 in South Riding

The next Loudoun County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection event is scheduled for Saturday, June 24, 2023, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., at Freedom High School, 25450 Riding Center Drive in South Riding. Loudoun residents are welcome to bring HHW from their homes to the event, free of charge.

What’s Accepted

Typical HHW includes: fluorescent light bulbs, dry-cell batteries (alkaline, Ni-Cad, Lithium, rechargeable, etc., but no automobile batteries), oil-based paints and stains, varnish, paint thinner, mineral spirits, metal polish, rust remover, wood strippers and preservatives, furniture polish, waxes, sealants and solvents, bleach, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fertilizer, pool chemicals, muriatic acid, sulfuric acid, ammonia, mercury, mercury thermometers and thermostats, gasoline, expired fuel, auto cleaners and flushes, brake and transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid, fire extinguishers, moth balls, flea and tick products, photographic chemicals and other hobby chemicals.
Anyone who has an item that is not on this list is encouraged to call the county’s Waste Management Division at 703-771-5500 to determine if the item is accepted or if an alternate disposal option is needed.
HHW should only be brought to the event location on the scheduled date and event time. Please do not drop off material at any unattended site.
The limit per household is 15 gallons of liquid HHW (container size not to exceed 5-gallon), and 40 pounds of solid HHW (container size not to exceed 5-gallon).
Participants should be able to provide proof of Loudoun County residency such as a driver’s license or utility bill.

What’s Not Accepted

Motor oil, antifreeze, automobile batteries, propane tanks, helium tanks, CO2 tanks and cartridges, drywall compound and oil-based space heaters are not accepted at HHW collection events. These materials are accepted at the Loudoun County Solid Waste Management Facility (Loudoun County landfill), 21101 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg. Visit loudoun.gov/landfill for more information.
Ammunition, explosives, fireworks, and gun powder are not accepted at HHW collection events. For information about disposal of these items, contact the Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office at 703-737-8600.
Electronics are not accepted at HHW collection events. Information on how to properly dispose of unwanted electronics is online at loudoun.gov/electronics.
Medical waste and medications are not accepted at HHW collection events. Disposal information is available at loudoun.gov/hhw.
Latex or water-based paint is not hazardous and should be taken to the Loudoun County Solid Waste Management Facility (Loudoun County landfill), Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; fee applies. Visit loudoun.gov/landfill for more information.
Non-residential hazardous waste is not accepted. Businesses and organizations in Loudoun that generate less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month are encouraged to visit loudoun.gov/bhwp or call 703-771-5500 for information about the county’s Business Hazardous Waste Collection Program.

Event Procedures

Because of safety concerns related to the handling of various types of hazardous materials, the events feature a drive-through process in which residents are instructed to remain in their vehicles and allow event staff to unload any items accepted for disposal. To ensure everyone remains in their vehicle while at the point of service, items must not be in sealed or tied plastic bags. Staff are not allowed to open any plastic bag containing HHW.

Future Loudoun County HHW Events (All events are from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.)

Saturday, July 29, 2023, Lovettsville Elementary School, 29 South Loudoun St., Lovettsville
Saturday, September 9, 2023, Harmony Park and Ride, 39464 East Colonial Highway, Hamilton
View the 2023 schedule of HHW events.

HHW Contact Information

For more information about the Loudoun County Household Hazardous Waste Program, call 703-771-5500 or visit loudoun.gov/hhw.

June is Homeownership Month: Loudoun Offers Educational Workshops

During June—Homeownership Month—the Loudoun County Department of Housing & Community Development and its community partners will host four virtual events at no cost for people interested in learning more about owning a home in Loudoun County.

These workshops will provide information on Loudoun County homebuyer programs, fire safety, home improvement and repair programs, and the Virginia Mortgage Relief Program.

The Virginia Mortgage Relief Program: Tuesday, June 27, 2023, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Join Virginia Housing for an overview of the Virginia Mortgage Relief Program.

Registration is required for the workshops. Details on how to register, as well as more information about Loudoun County’s housing programs, may be found at loudoun.gov/housing.

Loudoun Offers Mental Health Education & Substance Abuse Prevention Programs

in June

Loudoun County offers ongoing mental health education and substance abuse prevention programs. All programs are free, but seats are limited and registration is required, with the exception of Rapid REVIVE! The schedule of upcoming classes for June 2023 is as follows:

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.

Visit loudoun.gov/rapidrevive for Rapid REVIVE! in English.
Visit loudoun.gov/reviveespanol for Rapid REVIVE! in Spanish.

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:

June 26, 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

The Question Persuade Refer program offers training to help people recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to refer someone for professional help. The suicide prevention training teaches three simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide; question, persuade and refer. The virtual training presentation lasts about one hour. Discussion and practice opportunities will follow the presentation.

The next class will be held:

June 27, 2023, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

For details about the training and to register, visit loudoun.gov/suicidepreventiontraining.

For More Information

For more information on the prevention and intervention services offered by the Loudoun County Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services, visit loudoun.gov/mhsadsprevention or send an email.

Next Session of Online Initiative to Develop Fatherhood Skills Begins July 11

The next session of the program sponsored by Loudoun County to help fathers build skills to become even stronger dads begins Tuesday, July 11, 2023. All fathers are welcome to attend the free, 12-week, virtual program.

Area fathers are encouraged to register for the National Fatherhood Initiative’s 24/7 Dad® program to strengthen their relationships with their children. The virtual workshops will take place weekly on Tuesdays, beginning July 11, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Early registration is encouraged as space is limited.

Developed by parenting experts, the 24/7 Dad program teaches fathering techniques and strategies, provides fathers with peer support and guidance and allows fathers the opportunity to discover their own parenting strengths.

For more information and to register, visit loudoun.gov/fatherhood.

Anyone who requires an accommodation to participate in the program may contact the Department of Family Services at 703-737-8237. Three days’ notice is requested.

VCE Loudoun Master Gardeners Present: Nuisance or Nonsense

What’s the harm in invasive plants? Why should I care about invasive plants - are they really a problem? Are there ‘good’ invasive plants? Joanne Royaltey will help us examine the differences between native, non-native, and invasive plants. She will discuss how best to manage invasive plants in Northern Virginia.

Nuisance or Nonsense: What’s the Harm in Invasive Plants?

Part of VCE Loudoun Master Gardener's Free Lecture Series

July 13, 2023
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Hosted by Loudoun County Public Library
Sign Up for Event Reminders

Event Details:

View the Event: Event URL
Password: LCPL

Speaker Bio:

Joanne Royaltey is the Consumer Horticulture & Invasive Species Program Associate at VCE Frederick. Through her love of gardening, Joanne became an Extension Master Gardener in 2020. A native New Yorker, Joanne's called Northern Shenandoah Valley home since 1977. She is a ‘community change agent’ and spent years developing expertise in the healthcare and educational arena including helping to secure many millions of dollars to support initiatives that make our communities healthier places to live, work and thrive.

Legislative Applications for Development in the Ashburn District

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 8^th.
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.

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: This application is scheduled to come to the June 27^th, 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 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.