Featured in the Ashburn-Lansdowne Flyer
Transit & Country Facilities Update
Loudoun County News
Upcoming Events
Legislative Applications for Development in the Ashburn District
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Belmont Innovation Campus | ZMAP-2022-0021
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Northstar Square | ZMAP-2021-0017 (Formerly known as "Mercer Crossing")
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Lansdowne Blvd Rezoning | ZMAP-2021-0024 (Formerly known as "Lansdown Blvd Rezoning")
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Broadlands Section 104 | ZCPA-2021-0011
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Belmont Chase II Commercial | SPEX-2022-0012 & SPEX-2022-0013 (Located in the Broad Run District)
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Goose Creek Village West | ZMAP-2022-0013
Significant By-Right Developments in the Ashburn District
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Cyrus One | No Application Submitted Yet
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Vantage VA 3 | STMP-2022-0016
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Greetings Ashburn/Lansdowne, |
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This past Wednesday, I had the sad duty of attending the site of what can only be considered a hate crime here in Ashburn District. As you know, Pastor Michelle Thomas was instrumental in establishing the African American Burial Ground for the Enslaved at Belmont some years ago, and her son Fitz was interred there in 2020 following his tragic death. On Monday, when visiting her son’s grave, Pastor Thomas discovered that his gravesite and several other gravesites within the cemetery had been desecrated by vandals. This comes following the distribution of vial white supremacist flyers on driveways in Leesburg and antisemitic and racist graffiti painted on several buildings in the Dulles District last year. On Wednesday, I attended a vigil with community leaders, elected officials and members of the Interfaith community to reaffirm our collective commitment to take concrete steps to make sure that those responsible for this type of hate-based conduct are brought to justice.
Loudoun Chair Phyllis Randall in her remarks from the dais at Tuesday night’s Board of Supervisors meeting promised to re-examine the feasibility of passing a hate-crime ordinance here in Loudoun County, and I and several of my Board colleagues expressed our firm support of her efforts in this regard. I hope to update you with more detailed information on this initiative in the days ahead.
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Also in the news this week, we recently learned the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality recently announced a proposal to issue a variance just for Loudoun County data centers to operate their diesel backup generators continuously during peak periods of power demand. Loudoun County first learned of the proposed pollution variance only after DEQ issued its announcement seeking public comment. No one from the governor’s office, DEQ or the data center industry provided the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors with any advance notice of their discussions leading up to the announcement of the variance and its inherent and potentially significant noise and air pollution risk to Loudoun County residents.
Loudoun County cannot prevent DEQ from issuing such a variance, however we do have statutory authority to enforce our zoning ordinance noise, air pollution and permitted use constraints. I have urged Chair Randall and my colleagues to submit written and verbal comments strongly opposing the variance and advising DEQ and the data center industry of our intent to immediately and fully enforce our zoning ordinance in the event any data center chooses to operate its diesel backup generators for excessive periods of time.
Several data centers have already stated they will not operate their backup generators excessively even if allowed by the variance, and we have heard from the data center industry they did not request this variance. We are continuing our discussions with the data center industry in Loudoun County and DEQ to ensure they understand our strong opposition to this variance.
Please invite your friends to sign up for the Flyer! I get a lot of positive comments on its high quality and great content, all the result of Joel’s terrific work.
Welcome to Spring!
Best…
Mike Turner
Ashburn District Supervisor
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Transit & County Facilities Update |
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Loudoun County Transit bus service resumed full service this week following an end to the labor action between Loudoun’s bus services contractor, Keolis, and its employees, many of whom drive Loudoun’s buses. As Keolis drivers have returned to work, the county’s full schedule of local bus routes, including those that connect to Metro Stations, and the county’s commuter bus services are now operating normally.
Local Bus Service
Loudoun County Transit provides weekday, and limited Saturday, local fixed-route bus service from Purcellville through Leesburg and eastern Loudoun County. The majority of service operates from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Silver Line Bus Service
Loudoun County Transit has 21 other local bus routes that connect to the Silver Line’s Ashburn and Loudoun Gateway stations in Loudoun County, and the Innovation Center and Reston Town Center stations in Fairfax County. The Silver Line routes provide weekday service to and from 156 convenient local stops throughout the county, including Loudoun County Park and Ride Lots.
Loudoun County’s parking garages are also available at the Ashburn and Loudoun Gateway Metro stations.
Commuter Bus Service
Loudoun County Transit operates morning and late afternoon rush hour service from Loudoun Park and Ride lots to Rosslyn, Crystal City, the Pentagon and Washington, D.C. Commuter buses are equipped with reclining seats, a restroom, reading lights, overhead bins and fare boxes.
Paratransit Bus Service
Paratransit and on-demand (western Loudoun County only) bus services provide accessible transportation for residents who are unable to access fixed-route bus service because of their disability. All Loudoun County Transit buses are equipped with a lift or a ramp to assist passengers. Buses also have areas where a wheelchair can be secured.
Stay Informed
Loudoun County encourages bus riders to stay informed about any changes to the county’s bus services by visiting loudoun.gov/buschanges. Bus riders may also subscribe to bus rider alerts at loudoun.gov/busbiz to receive email and text alerts.
In addition, Loudoun County Transit riders may download the Transit app for free on Google Play or the Apple Store. After download, set your favorite routes to begin receiving notifications for the buses you ride. For more information about the app, visit loudoun.gov/transitapp.
For more information about the full range of Loudoun County’s transit and commuter services, visit loudoun.gov/transit.
Riders may contact Loudoun County Transit by email and by phone at 703-771-5665.
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Loudoun to Hold Community Meeting on Route 7/690 Interchange March 24 |
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Loudoun County is hosting a community meeting to provide an update to the public on the proposed Route 7 and Route 690 (Hillsboro Road) interchange in the Town of Purcellville. The meeting will be Friday, March 24, 2023, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Purcellville Train Station, 200 N. 21st St. in Purcellville. Members of the public are invited to attend to learn and ask questions about the project.
The project funds the design, land acquisition and construction of the Route 7 and Route 690 interchange, located approximately two miles west of the Route 7 and Route 287 (Berlin Turnpike) interchange and approximately two miles east of the Route 7 and Business Route 7 interchange. The proposed Route 7 and Route 690 interchange would alleviate connectivity issues in the roadway network around Purcellville, reduce through traffic in downtown Purcellville and along a portion of Route 287, and provide a more direct route to destinations north and northeast of Route 7, including Woodgrove High School, Mountain View Elementary School, Hillsboro and Charles Town, WV.
The project has been awarded Virginia Department of Transportation Smart Scale funding. Smart Scale funding evaluates potential transportation projects based on key factors such as improving safety, reducing congestion, increasing accessibility, contributing to economic development, promoting efficient land use and affecting the environment. The project’s funding sources also include local tax dollars, bonds, the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority and federal funds. The project is estimated to be completed in Spring 2027.
Comments will be accepted during the meeting. Comments may also be submitted at any time through an online comment form available at loudoun.gov/route7-690. Comments may also be mailed to Gary Pozzouli, Loudoun County Department of Transportation & Capital Infrastructure, 101 Blue Seal Drive, Suite 102, Leesburg, VA, 20177 or sent by email with “Route 7/690 Interchange” in the subject line.
For more information about the Route 7 and 690 interchange project, including a link to sign up for updates about the project and upcoming community meetings, visit loudoun.gov/route7-690.
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Construction Update Meeting Scheduled March 29 for Loudoun County Courthouse Complex Expansion |
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Loudoun County invites members of the public to attend a virtual construction update on the Loudoun County Courthouse Complex expansion project, currently underway at the corner of Church Street and Edwards Ferry Road in Leesburg.
Meeting attendees will receive an update on the construction progress of the new General District Courthouse, the current timeline for the remainder of the construction project, and a preview of the inside of the new building. Members of the public may also ask questions about the project through the virtual meeting’s question and answer function.
A virtual construction update is scheduled for Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. Information on how to access the meeting is available on the project webpage as well as on the county’s online public calendar, loudoun.gov/calendar.
The project is part of an expansion of the Loudoun County Courthouse Complex and includes the design and construction of a new 92,000-square-foot courthouse, renovation of the existing courthouse and historic Valley Bank building, as well as improved parking lots and pedestrian access to the courts buildings. Construction of the new building is expected to be completed in the coming months with the building opening to the public in Fall 2023.
Visitors to the Loudoun County Courthouse will continue to have access to the existing building throughout the construction project. Free parking is available in the Pennington parking lot and garage, which is located off Church Street NE, approximately two blocks from the courthouse. For more information about the courts, visit loudoun.gov/courts.
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African American Historic Architectural Resources Survey Update Underway |
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Loudoun County, in coordination with the Friends of the Thomas Balch Library’s Black History Committee, has begun updating and expanding its African American Historic Architectural Resources Survey. As a result, residents may see surveyors in their communities performing this work over the coming weeks.
Since the early 1700s, Loudoun County’s African American communities have been an important part of the county’s history and culture, and the survey is intended to document the buildings, settlements and landscapes that highlight those contributions.
The county has contracted with EHT Traceries, Inc. of Washington, DC to assist in updating the survey, which was initially conducted in 2004. Residents may be seeing Traceries staff in their neighborhoods as they photograph and further document these historic sites. Traceries is authorized by Loudoun County to conduct this research; however, if they would like to access a private property, they must first seek permission from the property owner. The county’s surveyors are carrying information about the project with them, which members of the public may take to learn more.
The county previously surveyed 210 properties related to African American history dating back to 1770. About 90% of those properties are located within 30 historically African American towns, villages, hamlets or neighborhoods.
The initial 2004 survey included recommendations for additional work and the Loudoun County Heritage Commission’s African American Resource Protection subcommittee has compiled a list of previously unrecorded resources for the current survey work. Surveyors are now attempting to photograph and further document these sites.
Among the goals of the project is to create an expanded and accessible database of architectural, archaeological, and landscape resources, a GIS-based interactive map of the resources and to update information in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources’ Virginia Cultural Resources Information System database.
For more information about the 2004 African American Historic Architectural Resources Survey and other historic and heritage resources in Loudoun County, visit loudoun.gov/historic.
For more information about the current project, contact the Loudoun County Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 or by email.
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Board of Supervisors Adopts Addition to Animals Ordinance |
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The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has adopted a new section of Chapter 612, Dogs and Other Animals, of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County that prohibits ownership of certain exotic and venomous species of animals that present a risk to public health and safety.
The revised ordinance prohibits private ownership of certain types of exotic and venomous animals, such as wolf hybrids, kangaroos, scorpions, baboons, alligators, venomous snakes and other venomous reptiles, and non-native venomous spiders.
The new section of the ordinance also prohibits the breeding of such animals. Virginia law already restricts private ownership of many other wild and exotic animals, such as big cats and bears. The ordinance does not impact entities that are licensed or permitted through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources or other state or federal agencies to house restricted species, such as zoos, exhibitors or rehabilitators.
The amended ordinance allows current owners of the listed animals to keep them but would require those animals be registered through a process the county will establish to ensure awareness by first responders in the event of an emergency. The registration period is from March 9 - May 8, 2023. Details about the registration process and a link to the form are online here.
Adoption of the ordinance on March 7, 2023, came after an extensive public process, which included a public information meeting hosted by Loudoun County Animal Services, an online comment form on the county website and a Board of Supervisors public hearing.
Background
In November 2022, the Board of Supervisors’ Animal Advisory Committee voted unanimously to support the staff proposal for a new section of the ordinance, which was proposed by Loudoun County Animal Services (LCAS), whose humane law enforcement officers have encountered venomous animals when responding to routine calls for service. LCAS identified a public safety concern after learning anti-venom for non-native snakes is not readily available in Loudoun County. Informing the new section of the ordinance is LCAS officers’ collective experience investigating complaints involving wolf-hybrids, scorpions, monkeys and venomous snake species, which indicates that exotic and venomous species are present in Loudoun County residential settings.
Similar ordinances exist in the Town of Leesburg; Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William counties; the District of Columbia; and jurisdictions in Maryland.
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Loudoun County has been awarded more than $4 million in state funding for stream restorations and local water quality improvements.
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has approved matching grants for four Loudoun projects from the Stormwater Local Assistance Fund (SLAF). Through a competitive application process, the SLAF provides 50/50 matching grants to local governments for the design and implementation of stormwater best management practices that reduce water quality pollutant loads in local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay.
The projects and grant amounts are:
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Ashburn Lake Pond Enhancement, $2,130,446: The project will create a forebay, or reservoir, in Lake Ashburn, which will increase the lake’s ability to treat pollutants and enhance water quality to local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay.
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Conklin Park Stream Restoration, $1,408,185: This project is located within Conklin Park in the Bull Run watershed and will restore an unnamed tributary to Elk Creek. The reduction of phosphorus, nitrogen and sediment in the stream will enhance water quality in the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay.
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Rostormel Court Outfall Restoration, $319,147: This project will repair and restore a highly eroded outfall channel, or discharge point, located within a stormwater easement in the Timberbrooke community. This project will enhance water quality in Beaverdam Run, Broad Run, the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay by reducing the amount of phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment from entering these waterways.
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Nutrient Credit Purchase, $148,500: As part of the county’s efforts to limit the amount of pollutants that can enter the Chesapeake Bay, (Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load Action Plan), the county purchased 30 pounds, or credits, of phosphorus in Fiscal Year 2022. The grant will allow the county to be reimbursed for 50 percent of the purchase of those credits.
Construction on the projects is expected to begin in late 2023 or early 2024.
The Loudoun County Stormwater Management Program, which is administered by the Department of General Services, addresses the design, development, improvement, operation, inspection, maintenance and oversight of the county’s stormwater management system. More information is online at loudoun.gov/stormwater.
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LCFR Promotes Two Deputy Chiefs |
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Loudoun County Fire and Rescue is proud to announce the promotion of two Battalion Chiefs to the rank of Deputy Chief.
Battalion Chief Jason Collins was promoted to Deputy Chief of Special Operations & Emergency Preparedness. In his new role, Chief Collins will provide management and oversight of Special Operations program and staff, including the Hazardous Materials, Technical Rescue, and Swift Water/Boat Operations programs as well as provide management and oversight of Emergency Preparedness within Loudoun County Fire and Rescue.
Chief Jason Collins started in Loudoun County Fire and Rescue as a member of the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company in 1986. He was hired into the career system in September 1996. Since that time, Chief Collins has worked at every operational rank in the field including his previous assignment as a Battalion Chief. In addition to working in Operations, Chief Collins has been assigned to the Fire and Rescue Academy in the Fire Training Section and Administration in Human Resources. Chief Collins has a degree in Fire Science Administration, is a Hazardous Materials Technician, and has completed numerous leadership and incident command courses at the National Fire Academy. Currently, Chief Collins was assigned to Battalion 603 and serves on the Northern Virginia (NOVA) Fire Operations Board.
Battalion Chief Justin Green was promoted to Deputy Chief of Communications and Support Services. Chief Green’s position is responsible for overseeing the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center (ECC), supporting the Computer Aided Dispatch System (CAD) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Loudoun’s Public Safety Technology Group, Uniformed Fire Officers program and communications and technology support services for the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System. He began his career with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue in July of 1999 as a member of Recruit Class 1, served at every rank in the field up to Captain, implemented the Data Analytics section, and most recently served as the Battalion Chief of Special Operations. Chief Green has a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from The University of Virginia and has graduated from the Northern Virginia Fire and Rescue Leadership Development Institute Company Officer Leadership Program and the Virginia Chief Officer Academy. Chief Green is currently a member of the Northern Virginia Fire and Rescue Leadership Development Institute Advisory Board, Northern Virginia Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) Working Group, International Association of Fire Chiefs Wildland Fire Policy Committee, Cohesive Strategy - Northeast Regional Strategy Committee, Wildfire Learning Portal Governance Board, and Department of Homeland Security First Responder Resource Group.
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LCFR Assistant Chief Accepted to Fire Service Executive Development Institute |
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Loudoun County Fire and Rescue (LCFR) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) are pleased to announce that Assistant Chief of Support Services and Volunteer Administration Travis Preau has been accepted into the Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI).
Assistant Chief Preau has worked for Loudoun County Fire and Rescue since May of 2021. Chief Preau began his fire service career in 1996 as a volunteer firefighter in the City of Franklin, Virginia where he was trained as a Firefighter/EMT-Intermediate. After moving to Richmond to attend Virginia Commonwealth University, he joined the Henry Volunteer Fire Department in Hanover County where he rose to the rank of Assistant District Chief during his 16-year tenure before being hired by the City of Richmond Fire Department in 2002.
Chief Preau holds an undergraduate degree from Virginia Commonwealth University with a concentration in Homeland Security and Emergency Planning as well as a graduate certificate in Local Government Management from Virginia Tech. He will graduate in the fall with a Master’s in Public Administration from Virginia Tech University.
The Fire Service Executive Development Institute is a year-long leadership-development program, created and implemented by the IAFC, to provide new and aspiring chiefs with the tools they need to have successful and productive tenures. The members of the cohort will meet three times during the year. They also will be attending the Fire-Rescue International conference in Kansas City, Missouri, as part of the program. The group will communicate, share information between sessions, and continue their learning process using an on-line community on the IAFC website. Their on-site sessions are scheduled at the National Conference Center in Leesburg, Virginia, with the first meeting scheduled for the week of March 11 – 17, 2023.
“Assistant Chief Preau prioritizes the value of professional development for himself and also for our many System members” says System Chief Keith Johnson. “His participation in this elite leadership program will directly benefit his fellow first responders as well as the citizens and visitors of Loudoun County.”
The Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI) FSEDI is a program developed by the IAFC and funded by a grant from Motorola Solutions Foundation to provide new and aspiring chiefs with the tools they need to have a successful and productive tenure. After individuals complete their yearlong program, they remain active members of FSEDI as part of an alumni. Learn more.
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LCSO Graduates One Member from Professional Executive Leadership School |
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Loudoun County, VA (March 17, 2023) -The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office graduated one member of the agency’s leadership staff from the 52nd session of the Virginia Police Chiefs Foundation Professional Executive Leadership School (PELS).
First Lieutenant Joshua Brumbaugh, a 13-year veteran of the agency, graduated yesterday, March 16, 2023, from the intensive three-week leadership education program. Lt. Brumbaugh serves as the Assistant Station Commander for the Dulles Station of the Field Operations Division.
The PELS program is conducted in cooperation with the University of Richmond. This program is designed for individuals who currently serve in command/executive-level
positions within their agencies. The curriculum is liberal arts/humanities-based and focused on the study of leadership at an advanced level. The objective of this program is to acquaint participants with best practices in leadership, challenge them to reflect upon their own leadership competency, and examine ways of achieving both personal and professional growth.
The classes are held on the campus of the University of Richmond, and faculty members from the University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia, teach the classes. They are drawn from the Robins School of Business, the Management Institute, the Jepson School of Leadership Studies, and several other schools within the university.
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Statement of Commonwealth's Attorney Buta Biberaj on the Veterans Treatment Docket |
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The Loudoun County Veterans Treatment Docket Program held its first court hearing on March 7, 2023. The Veterans Treatment Docket Program is a hybrid drug and mental health docket that integrates and incorporates a coordinated treatment response for justice-involved veterans with substance abuse and/or mental health issues with the goal of returning productive, law-abiding citizens to the community, thereby reducing recidivism and criminal justice costs.
“I am excited to be part of the cross-agency treatment team that dedicated the last two years to training, planning and developing a program that focuses on providing treatment and resources to our justice-involved veterans. The program incorporates intense supervision with personalized treatment plans. Studies show that providing appropriate treatment and resources aids in the recovery and reduces future involvement in the criminal justice system. This is a public safety win-win, both for the participants and our community,” said Loudoun County’s Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj.
The Veterans Treatment Docket is the third specialty court approved by the Virginia Supreme Court, along with the Circuit Court’s Drug Court and the General District Court’s Mental Health Docket. The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, The Office of the Public Defender, the Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services, the Community Corrections Program, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services are all part of the treatment team. Judge Debbie Welsh, Judge Lorrie Sinclair Taylor and Judge William Fitzpatrick will preside over the Veterans Treatment Docket. Through a special agreement, veterans facing charges in Loudoun’s Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court also are eligible for the program.
Biberaj stated: “We are grateful to have individuals and agencies dedicated to serving those veterans who have served us, and support them in their journey to stability and healthier lives.”
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Loudoun County Accepting Applications from Nonprofits for Property Tax Exemptions |
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Loudoun County Commissioner of the Revenue Robert S. Wertz Jr. is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations seeking an exemption from Loudoun County real and/or personal property taxes for the 2024 tax year. The deadline to apply for the exemption is Monday, April 3, 2023.
Most charitable nonprofit organizations are not automatically exempt from local property taxes in the Commonwealth of Virginia, even those that may be exempt from federal income taxes. The filing of an application with the Commissioner of the Revenue is the necessary first step to obtain a local real estate or personal property tax exemption.
Completed applications should be returned to the Commissioner of the Revenue postmarked no later than April 3, 2023, for consideration this year. Any exemption, if granted, would be effective January 1, 2024.
Nonprofit organizations that have already been provided an exemption from Loudoun County property taxes need not file an application.
Organizations that are unsure of their status may contact the Exemptions and Deferrals Division of the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue at 703-737-8557 or by email for more information.
More information, including a link to the application for property tax exemption, is available at loudoun.gov/taxrelief.
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The Loudoun County Department of Building and Development will be closed to the public on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, for staff training. As a result, in-person services —with the exception of drop-off and pickup services —will temporarily be suspended for one business day. Anything that is submitted online or dropped off on April 26 will not be processed until Thursday, April 27, when the department will reopen for normal operations.
Online Services
Online services will continue to be available, including:
In-Person Drop-Off
The secure drop boxes for the public will continue to be available during the Department of Building and Development’s one-day closure. Use the drop box to leave items such as permit and land development applications, which staff will process when the department reopens on Thursday, April 27. The drop boxes are located in lobby of the Government Center.
In-Person Pickup
Members of the public also may continue to pick up items in person through the Department of Building and Development’s pickup station, which is located in the Purcellville Room on the first floor of the Government Center. Following notice and receipt of instructions by county staff, the public may pick up items, such as permits and other documents provided by the county to residents, through this convenient, self-service system.
More Information
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Loudoun Offers Housing Choice Voucher Landlord Workshop March 29 |
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Loudoun County will host a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Landlord Workshop on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the administrative offices of the Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, 742 Miller Drive SE in Leesburg (Note new location). The workshop is being held in collaboration with the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development District of Columbia/National Capital Area Office.
Current and prospective landlords and property managers are encouraged to attend to:
- Understand the basics of the HCV Program.
- Learn about the benefits of renting to voucher holders, including regular rent payments and inspections by the local government.
- Review recent and upcoming changes in the Loudoun HCV Program, including payment standards, utility allowance, and inspections.
- Meet HCV staff and listen to the experience of a landlord working with the program.
For more information on housing programs offered by the Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development, visit loudoun.gov/housing or send an email.
Anyone who requires a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability or needs language assistance in order to participate may call 703-737-8323/ TTY-711. Three business days’ notice is requested.
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Guinea Pig-nic and Bunny Hop |
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Join us on Saturday, March 25th for a fun day celebrating all things guinea pig and rabbit! We will have activities, learning opportunities for current and future small animal pet owners, giveaways and more! Start designing - our costume contest will be back again this year! Free nail trims will be offered for rabbits and guinea pigs.
The event will take place at the Loudoun Animal Services Office at 42225 Adoption Dr, Leesburg, VA 20175.
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Loudoun County Hosts Northern Virginia Housing Expo April 1 |
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Loudoun County is hosting the 13th annual Northern Virginia Housing Expo on Saturday, April 1, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Dominion High School, 21326 Augusta Drive in Sterling.
Anyone looking for an affordable place to live in Northern Virginia is encouraged to visit the expo, which will showcase both homeownership and rental opportunities and resources throughout the region.
The event will feature workshops, an exhibit hall and free one-on-one financial coaching sessions. Staff from the Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development will participate in two panels to share information on Loudoun County programs for renters and homebuyers. Other workshop topics include credit scores, fair housing, household budgeting and a home sale market overview.
The expo is a cooperative effort of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties; the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church and Manassas Park; Virginia Housing; the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (District of Columbia/National Capital Area Office); Northern Virginia Association of Realtors®; and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.
Details about the event as well as a year-round virtual exhibit hall are available at novahousingexpo.org. Additional resources for homebuyers and renters in Loudoun County are available at loudoun.gov/housing.
Anyone who needs to request language interpretation or accommodations for any type of disability in order to participate in this event should contact the Department of Housing and Community Development at 703-737-8323 or by email. Five days’ notice is requested.
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VCE Loudoun Offers Reduced Cost Water Testing for Wells, Cisterns, Springs |
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Do you have a well, cistern, or spring? Did you know that it is your responsibility to test your water to ensure that it is safe to drink for your family?
Registration for VCE Loudoun’s reduced cost water testing program is open this spring. The number of sample kits available is limited, so the earlier you sign up, the better.
The Virginia Household Water Quality Testing program provides water testing for wells, cisterns, or springs, and it aids with understanding test results and information about addressing problems.
Our program tests for the following 14 water quality parameters: Iron, manganese, nitrate, lead, arsenic, fluoride, sulfate, pH, total dissolved solids, hardness, sodium, copper, total coliform bacteria and E. coli bacteria.
A water testing kit costs $65. A comparable analysis at a private commercial lab would cost more than $300.
Please note that financial support is available for individuals/families who may need assistance covering this cost. Please e-mail us if you are interested in a need-based scholarship.
How Does the Program Work?
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Register and pay for your sample kit(s) here.
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Monday, April 3, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Pick up your sample kit at the VCE Loudoun office, 750 Miller Drive SE, Suite F3, Leesburg.
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Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.: Collect samples at your home and drop them off outside our office located at 750 Miller Dr. SE, Suite F3, Leesburg, VA 20175 (Drive-thru drop- off).
Samples are then analyzed at Virginia Tech’s Research Lab. You will receive your confidential results, an explanation of what they mean, and information about addressing any problems via email about six weeks after the sample drop off.
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‘Fair Housing for People with Disabilities’ Training Offered April 11 |
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In recognition of April as Fair Housing Month, the Loudoun County Disability Services Board will sponsor a virtual training, “Fair Housing for People with Disabilities,” Tuesday, April 11, 2023, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. The training may be of particular interest to developers, builders, real estate agents, leasing agents, landlords, mortgage companies, homeowners’ associations, housing providers, nonprofit organizations and government employees.
The training will be conducted by a Fair Housing training specialist from the Virginia Fair Housing Office. The session meets the requirements for real estate continuing education and fair housing certification.
Topics to be covered include:
- Accessibility in Construction.
- Exemptions in the Virginia Fair Housing Law.
- Group Homes.
- History of the Virginia Fair Housing Law.
- Protected Classes.
- Restrictive Covenants and Retaliation.
- Unlawful Discriminatory Housing Practices.
- Updates on Fair Housing.
Virginia's Fair Housing law makes it illegal to discriminate in residential housing on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, family status or disability.
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Next Session of Online Initiative to Develop Fatherhood Skills Begins April 11 |
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The next session of the program sponsored by Loudoun County to help fathers build skills to become even stronger dads begins Tuesday, April 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 April 11, 2023, 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.
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.
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VCE Loudoun Master Gardeners Present: The ‘Awesome’ Health Benefits of Gardening |
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The physical health benefits of gardening are well known: exercise, strength building, and fresh air. What about the impact of nature and gardening on our emotional and mental health? How can plant care be ‘self-care’? How does the experience of ‘awe’ help us re-energize and counter the negative effects of screen time and social media? Join us and learn how gardening can help us cultivate and reap a multitude of health benefits. We’ll explore evidence-based strategies to incorporate ‘awe’ into our time in the garden.
The ‘Awesome’ Health Benefits of Gardening
Part of VCE Loudoun Master Gardener's Free Virtual Lecture Series
Event Details:
Speaker Bio:
A lifelong gardener, Jan Lane became a registered horticultural therapist in 2016. She works with patients recovering from spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and strokes during inpatient rehabilitation. She serves on the board of the MidAtlantic Horticultural Therapy Network and is a member of the Loudoun County Master Gardeners.
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Enter the 2023 Loudoun Arbor Day Photo Contest |
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The annual Loudoun County Arbor Day tree photo contest is underway. This year's theme is “Trees of Character.” Photos will be accepted through Wednesday, April 12, in advance of the virtual Loudoun County Arbor Day Celebration. Winning photos and honorable mentions are scheduled to be posted on the county’s website at loudoun.gov/trees on April 28.
Entries must be:
- A photo of a single tree or group of trees located in Loudoun County.
- Original photos taken by the entrant.
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Digital and submitted through this online form. High resolution photos are encouraged. Only two entries allowed per person or group.
Entrants are asked to provide a brief explanation of why they think the tree they photographed has a unique character. For example, does the tree (or trees) have a unique size, prominence, age, shape, trunk, cavity or other feature that makes it a great “tree of character?”
Awards will be distributed to the top three photos. Only the winning and honorable mention entrants will be notified. Photos will not be returned and will become the property of the Loudoun County Arbor Day committee.
For more information about the photo contest, including a link to the online entry form, visit loudoun.gov/trees.
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Legislative Applications for Development in the Ashburn District |
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Belmont Innovation Campus
Application Number: ZMAP-2022-0021
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Description: “Belmont Innovation Campus” is an application to rezone 84.52 acres to allow for the construction of a data center.
Update: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant.
For more information and/or to leave a comment on this application, click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “ZMAP-2022-0021” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review the application documents.
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Northstar Square
Application Number: ZMAP-2021-0017
(Formerly known as "Mercer Crossing")
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Description: "Northstar Square” is a proposed application to rezone 110.86 acres to allow the construction of one-thousand two-hundred forty-five dwelling units. These include two-hundred ninety-seven single-family attached units, three-hundred fifty-six multi-family stacked units, and five-hundred ninety-two multi-family attached units. The residents are currently zoned to Newton-Lee Elementary School, Belmont Ridge Middle School, and Riverside High School.
Update: At the February 9th, 2023, Planning Commission Work Session, the Planning Commission voted to send this application to future work session on April 13th.
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Previous Update: This application is scheduled to come to the February 9th, 2023 Planning Commission Work Session.
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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.
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Lansdowne Blvd Rezoning
Application Number: ZMAP-2021-0024
(Formerly known as "Lansdown Blvd Rezoning")
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Description: “Lansdowne Blvd Rezoning” is a proposed application to rezone 9.22 acres to allow the construction of an additional one-hundred thirty dwelling units. These include seventy-two single-family attached units and fifty-eight multi-family stacked units. The residents are currently zoned to Steuart W. Weller Elementary School, Belmont Ridge Middle School, and Riverside High School.
Update: This application is scheduled to come to the April 25th, 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.
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Broadlands Section 104
Application Number: ZCPA-2021-0011
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Description: “Broadlands Section 104” is a proposed application to rezone 10.19 acres to allow the construction of one-hundred sixty-three dwelling units. These include forty-five single-family attached units, thirty multi-family stacked units, and thirty-one multi-family attached units. The residents are currently zoned to Cedar Lane Elementary School, Trailside Middle School, and Stonebridge High School.
Update: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant.
For more information and/or to leave a comment on this application, click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “ZCPA-2021-0011” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review the application documents.
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Belmont Chase II Commercial
(Located in the Broad Run District)
Application Numbers:
SPEX-2022-0012 & SPEX-2022-0013
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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: 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).
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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.
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Goose Creek West
Application Number: ZMAP-2022-0013
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Description: “Goose Creek Village West” is a proposed application to rezone 20 acres (revised from 25 acres) to allow the construction of an additional two-hundred twenty-two residential units. These include one-hundred and four single-family attached units, and forty-six multi-family stacked units, and seventy-two multi-family attached units. The residents are currently zoned to Belmont Station Elementary School, Trailside Middle School, and Stone Bridge High School.
Update: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant.
For more information and/or to leave a comment on this application, click here, then click the blue embedded hyperlink titled "Searchable List”, and type the application number “ZMAP-2022-0013” into the “Application Number” bar. Click “Select” and scroll down to comment and/or to review the application documents.
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Significant By-Right Developments in the Ashburn District |
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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.
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Cyrus One
Application Number: No Application Submitted Yet
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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.
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Vantage VA 3
Application Number: STMP-2022-0016
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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). PD-OP and PD-IP allows for data centers to be constructed without approval from the Board of Supervisors.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Because your voice plays such a vital role in the decision-making process, a critical responsibility for me as your county representative is to provide you with the necessary facts to keep you informed about any and all issues affecting you or your family’s quality of life. Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly or my staff or click the "Take My Survey" button to leave a comment. |
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Mike Turner
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Supervisor
703-777-0205
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Rachael Mai
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Chief of Staff
703-737-8180
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Joel Gicker
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Legislative Aide
571-440-1947
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