Sunday, March 3, 2024

Fun Fact About Loudoun County According to recent data, Loudoun County has the lowest real property tax rate in Northern Virginia. Fiscal Year 2024 Real Property Tax Rates show that Loudoun County's rate is 0.875 per 100 of property value. This places Loudoun County in a favorable position compared to neighboring counties such as Fairfax, Alexandria, Arlington, and Prince William, who have tax rates ranging from 0.977 to 1.11 per 100 of property value. This data highlights Loudoun County's commitment to providing affordable living for its residents while maintaining high-quality services and infrastructure.

Featured in the Ashburn District Flyer Proposed Transmission Line Projects Proposed Transmission Line Project: Aspen to Golden (Scroll down for more information) Upcoming Election Six Things to Know about the March 5, 2024, Primary Election in Loudoun County Facilities Update Loudoun PRCS Announces Temporary Closure of Bles Park for Tree Maintenance Playground Replacement Project at Potomack Lakes Sportsplex to Begin in March Loudoun County News Christopher Quintyne is New Assistant Loudoun County Administrator Loudoun PRCS Releases 2023 Annual Report Loudoun County Seeks Comments on Child Care Needs from Families and Providers Loudoun County Employee Energy Challenge Recognized as Innovative Initiative LCSO Graduates Five Incarcerated Participants From the C.H.A.N.C.E. Program 2024 Real Estate Assessments Available Online Renewal Forms for Loudoun County’s Tax Relief Program for the Elderly and Disabled Mailed Upcoming Events & Engagement Opportunities Loudoun County begins Foster Youth to Independence Initiative Art Advisory Committee Presents About Earth and Nature Call for Art for Our Planet, Our Future Art Exhibition at Loudoun County Government Center LCSO and LC-CFRS Announce dates for 36th Annual McGruff Safety Camp Comprehensive Plan Amendments & Zoning Ordinance Amendments in the Ashburn District (Scroll down for more information) Comprehensive Plan Amendment to Remove the planned Gloucester Parkway Extension from the Countywide Transportation Plan (CTP) Legislative Applications for Development in the Ashburn District (Scroll down for more information) Arcola Farms Residential | LEGI-2023-0034 Goose Creek Village West | LEGI-2023-0038 Belmont Innovation Campus | LEGI-2023-0048 * Luck Stone Leesburg Plant | LEGI-2023-0084 Goose Creek Retail LLC | LEGI-2023-0067 * Belmont Cove Rezoning | LEGI-2023-0074 Trailside Park | LEGI-2023-0083 ** Century Corner at Goose Creek Village | LEGI-2023-0102 PMTG-2023-0143 (Potential Application from Belmont Greene Commercial LLC) Significant By-Right Developments in the Ashburn District (Scroll down for more information) Vantage VA 3 | STMP-2022-0016 CyrusOne Broadlands Data Center | STPL-2023-0041 Baker-Beam DC Yard-Luck Property | STPL-2022-0021 21819 Ashburn Road Property | BLDR-2023-001655 Weller’s Corner Commercial Building | EPLAN-2024-0001 Belmont Landbay KK Data Center | STPL-2023-0025 * This application is coming to the March 13th, Board of Supervisors Public Hearing. Learn more about providing public input here.  ** This application is coming to the March 26th Planning Commission Public Hearing. Learn more about providing public input here.

Previous Edition of the Ashburn-Lansdowne Flyer (Link)

Current Edition of the Ashburn-Lansdowne Flyer (Link)

From the Office of the Ashburn Supervisor

Greetings Ashburn/Lansdowne,   As many of you know, on Friday, Feb 16th, we lost Sterling Volunteer Firefighter Trevor Brown in a home explosion just a short distance from the fire station in Cascades. This was a devastating loss for the Loudoun community. In the past two weeks, support has poured in to Firefighter Brown’s family, not just from our county, but from across the country. Words cannot express our most profound and humble thanks to Firefighter Brown and his entire family for their service to our community. They remain in our prayers and ever present in our hearts as we embrace them as our own. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Cornerstone Chapel on Monday, March 4th. Be advised fire equipment will line the route Firefighter Brown will follow enroute to the service, and many roads in the Leesburg vicinity will be congested or blocked periodically during the day.   I’d like to offer a quick note as we enter into budget season. Monday night, the Board of Supervisors will begin our twice weekly budget sessions occurring through March and finalized in April. We will be reviewing the Loudoun County Public School’s budget request (though we have no authority over how the funding given to the schools is spent), and the budget requests of each county department as well as the overall real and personal property tax rates. Our current real property tax rate is $0.875 per $100 dollars of real property appraised value. This is about 25% lower than other jurisdictions in the NOVA region.   You will hear a lot about the “equalized tax rate” as these discussions unfold. As a reminder, the equalized tax rate is the tax rate that will generate the same level of real property revenue that was generated in the prior tax year. This year, the equalized residential tax rate is $0.84 per $100 of property value. This lower rate is due to the increase in property values for most citizens. Higher home values at the same tax rate means higher actual taxes. Thus, if we hold the tax rate flat at $0.875 per $100 of value, many taxpayers will pay higher taxes. At the current rate, the average taxpayer will see an increase of just over $300 a year in their real property taxes.   The other thing to consider is that, at the equalized tax rate, the county brings in no more revenue, despite population growth, inflation, increasing construction costs, facilities maintenance and planned salary increases to keep the county competitive with our surrounding counties.   My approach to the budget each year is to examine every expense and every justification for more department expenditures, vote for savings where they make the most sense and fund greater expenses when necessary to provide county services we are expected or mandated to provide. Stated more directly, I do not start with a tax rate then cut expenses to meet that rate, I start with what is needed to efficiently and effectively run the county and find savings wherever I can. I consider that a fiscally sound approach.   All our work on the budget is reported between now and early April in the local press. You can also watch our budget work sessions on government access TV, and recordings of the sessions can be viewed here.   Planning a $5 billion balanced budget each year is enormously complex but also a fascinating look into how government works. I encourage you all to watch.   Cheers! Mike Turner Ashburn District Supervisor

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Proposed Transmission Line Projects

Proposed Transmission Line Project: Aspen to Golden

We will continue to provide updates about this proposal as we become aware of new information. Here are the latest details:   Background: Dominion Energy has developed proposals for a project named “Aspen to Golden,” a potential transmission route that calls for the construction of new transmission lines that will run from a future Leesburg substation (Aspen) to a future Ashburn substation, near Loudoun County Parkway (Golden). During their virtual and in-person meetings on January 9th and January 11th, Dominion announced updated proposed routes along Route 7 and Loudoun County Parkway. To view a picture of the proposed routes for Aspen to Golden, click here. For an interactive map of the proposed routes, click here, scroll down and click "Continue as guest". Update: Routing decision: Dominion chose the south side of Route 7 for most of the corridor. In part this decision was made because there are two applications for data centers on the south side of Route 7 and it is more practical to keep the lines on the same side rather than cross back and forth from the north side. There is one small section where they have given an alternate route near Belmont Chase shopping center. Please click the link above to see the complete routing recommendations by Dominion. Active State Legislation: Currently there is legislation (SB 708) that requests that a portion of the transmission Line running along Route 7 be undergrounded as a pilot project. This bill was continued to the next legislative session in 2025. Loudoun County sent a letter to the committee strongly supporting this legislation.  Timeline: Dominion's estimated project timeline for Aspen to Golden:   March 2024: Application for Aspen to Golden submitted to the SCC. December 2024: SCC issues the Final Order/Application Approval. August 2025: Construction begins. December 2027: Construction concludes.   The information above reflects Dominion's current estimated timeline and might be modified. A complete list of estimated timelines for all of Dominion's NOVA Reliability Projects can be found here.   Next Steps:   Dominion Energy is required by law to provide electricity to its customers and is responsible for submitting potential transmission routes to the SCC, as well as engaging with the community for feedback on their proposals. The State Corporation Commission (SCC) is the legal authority in Virginia that makes the final routing decisions for all transmission routes. In addition, the SCC will hold public hearings for those proposals, during which county officials, local organizations and members of the public will be able to offer comments.   While the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has no formal role in the approval process, the county will serve as a “referral agency” for any proposals within the county. This includes a review by Loudoun County to evaluate proposals for conformance with the land use, environmental and heritage resources policies of the Loudoun County 2019 Comprehensive Plan.   Supervisor Turner continues to encourage his constituents to speak out against powerlines on Route 7 at public input sessions during BOS Business Meetings. For BOS meeting schedules and information about signing up to speak at BOS Business Meetings, please click here. Additionally, Supervisor Turner encourages residents who are opposed to this project to consider signing this petition from the Lansdowne Conservancy to oppose towers on Route 7. Stay Informed We understand that our community is going to have a lot of questions, especially as this process moves forward. We encourage you to stay informed about the progress of this project. General information landing page for Dominion’s NOVA projects: dominionenergy.com/nova “GeoVoice,” an interactive mapping tool that gives members of the public the ability to review and provide feedback on Dominion’s proposed project routes: geovoice.com/dominion/LoudounCounty “NOVA Virtual Open House,” an interactive website that includes information about all of Dominion’s transmission route plans for Loudoun County: engage.com/novareliability Contact Dominion Energy: Dominion Energy has provided the following contact information for questions and to provide feedback about this project: Email: powerline@dominionenergy.com Electric Transmission Project Team | 888-291-0190 Hours of Operation | 8am - 5pm, Monday - Friday

Upcoming Election

Six Things to Know about the March 5, 2024, Primary Election in Loudoun

A presidential primary election will be held in Loudoun County Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Election officials remind voters of six key things to know ahead of the election. 1. Know When to Vote Polls in Loudoun County will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 5, 2024.  The last day to vote early in person is Saturday, March 2. Locations and hours for early voting are online at loudoun.gov/VoteEarly. Completed absentee ballots may be returned by mail (postmarked no later than March 5) or dropped off at the 24/7 drop box at the Office of Elections and Voter Registration, 750 Miller Drive SE, Leesburg, or at early voting sites.   Voters may also drop off their ballots at any polling place up to 7:00 p.m. on March 5. 2. Know Where to Vote Anyone who is not sure about where to vote may check their voter registration card or look up their polling place and related information online at vote.elections.virginia.gov.  A list of polling places in Loudoun is available at loudoun.gov/polls.  Curbside voting is available at all polling places for individuals who have mobility issues.  3. Bring Identification Voters will be asked to show an acceptable form of identification, such as a Virginia DMV-issued driver’s license. Voters who do not have an acceptable form of ID can sign an ID statement affirming their identity and they will be able to vote a regular ballot.  4. Know Who is on the Ballot The only candidates on the ballot are Democratic and Republican candidates for president seeking the nomination of their respective party.  5. Know Who Can Vote All registered voters in Loudoun County are eligible to vote in the primary election as Virginia does not register by party affiliation. At the polls, voters will indicate which ballot they would like to receive – Democratic or Republican.  Although the deadline to register to vote in the March 5 election or to update current voter registration information was February 12, voters may register up to and including on Election Day and vote a provisional ballot. Information about Same-Day Voter Registration is available from the Virginia Department of Elections.    6. Stay Informed  Text LCVOTES to 888777 to receive text alerts from the Loudoun County Office of Elections and Voter Registration or sign up for the Election Update category through Alert Loudoun, the county’s email and text notification system.  Follow the Office of Elections and Voter Registration on Facebook and Twitter. Loudoun County Government also posts general information on Facebook and Twitter. Get election results: Preliminary results of voting in Loudoun County in Tuesday’s election will be available following the closing of the polls on election night at loudoun.gov/ElectionResults. More information about voting in Loudoun County is online at loudoun.gov/vote.

County Facilities Update

Loudoun PRCS Announces Temporary Closure of Bles Park for Tree Maintenance

Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services announces an approximately three-week closure of Bles Park for tree clearing and maintenance activities on the park property.    Area residents will notice contractors and their equipment conducting this work on the Bles Park property during daytime hours beginning Tuesday, February 27, 2024, through Friday, March 15, 2024, weather permitting. For safety purposes, the entire park property, including fields, trails, and the playground, will be closed to the public during this time.  About the Bles Park Improvements Project    Area residents will notice more activity in the spring when the Bles Park improvements project is currently scheduled to begin, following the selection of a contractor through the county’s procurement process. Improvements planned for the park include adding adequate and safe parking for the use of the existing sports fields, along with pavilions, a canoe/kayak launch and a multi-generation playground.    Bles Park is a 132-acre park located north of Route 7 and is adjacent to the Potomac River. It includes a portion of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. The Eastern Loudoun Adult Day Center is also located on the property, which also currently includes four sports fields, paved and natural trails, wetlands/natural areas, a playground and limited parking.    For more information about the Bles Park Improvements project, visit the project page.

Playground Replacement Project at Potomack Lakes Sportsplex to Begin in March

The Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services announces the upcoming closure of the playground at the Potomack Lakes Sportsplex for a planned replacement project.    To ensure the safety of patrons and access to equipment, the playground will be closed beginning Friday, March 1, 2024. The public is asked to heed any construction fencing and signs placed on the property. The new playground is anticipated to be completed by winter 2024, weather permitting. The Potomack Lakes Sportsplex will remain open to the public throughout the playground replacement project.  Once installed, the new playground will feature play elements for children of all ages and will emphasize greater accessibility including an Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible surface, accessible entrances and inclusive playground equipment. Some of the unique features include a dual-track ride offering children of various abilities the opportunity to play together and feel the thrill of a zipline-type experience, a sensory maze, and a viper swing. The viper swing offers a large rope swing for multiple users and is not found in any surrounding Virginia counties.   The Potomack Lakes Sportsplex is located at 20280 Cascades Parkway in Sterling, VA, and consists of over 40 acres for active use. For more information, visit loudoun.gov/prcs.

Loudoun County News

Christopher Quintyne is New Assistant Loudoun County Administrator

Christopher Quintyne has been appointed as an Assistant Loudoun County Administrator effective February 15, 2024, Loudoun County Administrator Tim Hemstreet announced today. Quintyne, who was selected for the position after a nationwide search, comes to Loudoun from the city of Baltimore, where he most recently served as chief of staff to the Mayor’s Office of Children and Family Success.  “We had a very competitive pool of applicants for this position and Chris stood out as an exceptional leader with a wide range of relevant experience not only in local government, but at the state and national level as well,” Hemstreet said.     Prior to his position in the Baltimore Mayor’s Office, Quintyne served as a budget/management analyst in the city’s Bureau of the Budget and Management Research. Quintyne’s prior experience also includes working in the U.S. Congress, where he served as legislative counsel in the office of U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries and, prior to that, as a clerk in the U.S. Senate Office of the Parliamentarian. He also served as associate director of legislative affairs in the Washington, D.C. Mayor’s Office of Policy and Legislative Affairs and as assistant town manager in Chevy Chase and Capitol Heights, Maryland. Quintyne has a Bachelor of Arts degree from American University’s School of Public Affairs and a dual law degree and master’s in public administration from the Southern University Law Center.  In his new position in Loudoun, Quintyne will join the other members of the Office of the County Administrator in directing and supervising the day-to-day operations, with a focus on supporting the Board of Supervisors’ meeting process and strategic initiatives, special project management, and the county’s Legislative Program.  The Office of the County Administrator is the highest-level management office of the Loudoun County government and also serves as the Board of Supervisors’ official liaison to the constitutional officers, the judiciary, and state and regional agencies.

Loudoun PRCS Releases 2023 Annual Report

The Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) released its 2023 Annual Report that details the department's milestones, accomplishments and innovative programs. The Annual Report focuses on PRCS’s mission to connect all communities through exceptional people, parks and programs. “There was much to celebrate in 2023, including recognition of our national award-winning Hanson Park, significant program milestones and the opening of a one-of-a-kind destination playground at the Douglass Community Center,” said Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Steve Torpy. “We would like to thank all of Loudoun County for helping make this past year a successful and memorable one, and we look forward to our continued journey to innovate recreational experiences for everyone,” added Torpy. The information presented in the report unites the four initiatives of the PRCS Strategic Plan to better fulfill the department’s vision to continue to make Loudoun County the “community of choice through outstanding experiences.” The four initiatives are the framework of the strategic plan and include exceptional experiences for all, the stewardship of departmental resources, optimized operations and comprehensive team development. You can find the 2023 PRCS Annual Report here. About Loudoun PRCS:  Since 1966, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services has worked to meet Loudoun County’s needs for recreation and leisure opportunities and supportive community services. Loudoun PRCS operations include 50 parks, seven community centers, five senior centers, three recreation centers (Ashburn Recreation and Community Center Opening Summer 2025), three adult day centers, five indoor pools, and two outdoor pools. 2023 Loudoun PRCS by the Numbers:  2,136,192 people visiting county community, recreation and senior centers. $427,592 in discounted fees through the PRCS CARES (Childcare Assistance & Resources for Enrichment Support) program. 80,174 home-delivered meals served. 49,182 children participating in sports. 1,781 online pavilion rentals. 191 Adaptive Recreation programs with 2,551 enrollments.  Find out more about the services and programs offered by PRCS at loudoun.gov/prcs.

Loudoun County Seeks Comments on Child Care Needs from Families and Providers

Loudoun County families with young children and child care providers are encouraged to participate in a survey and/or focus groups intended to help better inform the county’s efforts to support the child care needs of the community. The survey and focus groups are part of the county’s Child Care Needs Assessment, which is exploring issues related to affordable, high-quality child care in Loudoun County.  Child Care Needs Assessment Survey The Child Care Needs Assessment Survey, which will be open through March 14, 2024, is designed to find out: The biggest challenges for families in identifying, accessing and paying for child care services in Loudoun County.  The biggest challenges child care providers face in supplying affordable, high-quality services for children from birth to five years old, including gaps in local coordination and services among early care and education providers.  Focus Groups Loudoun child care providers and families with children five years old and younger may also choose to participate in focus groups scheduled for March. There will be in-person and virtual options. Details about the focus groups, including exact dates and times, as well as links to sign-up forms will be posted at loudoun.gov/childcareneeds. Child Care Needs Assessment  The Board of Supervisors approved using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to conduct the Child Care Needs Assessment as part of the county’s effort to address the impacts of the economic challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic that residents continue to face. Access to high-quality, affordable child care is a key factor in creating a community of healthy children and families. The Board of Supervisors also approved ARPA funds for future programs which address barriers identified in this needs assessment. Prior to the needs assessment results, the Board allocated $1,000,000 in ARPA funding to the nonprofit Northern Virginia Family Service to help create a child care supplementary reimbursement program to support families who are experiencing hardship as an ongoing result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  More information about the Child Care Needs Assessment, including links to the survey, may be found at loudoun.gov/childcareneeds.

Loudoun County Employee Energy Challenge Recognized as Innovative Initiative

Loudoun County’s Employee Energy Challenge has been recognized by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) as the 2023 Innovative Energy Project of the Year in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast region of the United States.   Every month, Loudoun County employees have the opportunity to pledge to take action to help save energy. The actions are simple, such as turning off lights and computers when not in use, setting printers to double-sided printing, recycling recyclable materials and more. Three employees are selected at random each month and receive energy-efficient LED light bulbs as a prize.  Since 2013, when the program began, more than 2,700 Loudoun County employees have made more than 20,000 pledges and more than 6,400 energy-efficient light bulbs have been distributed. The employees’ individual actions have resulted in an energy reduction of more than 750,000 kilowatt-hours and a carbon dioxide emissions reduction of 532 metric tons, which is equivalent to the electricity use of about 100 average homes over a year’s time.  The AEE is a nonprofit organization representing more than 28,000 professionals in 105 countries. The AEE’s awards program recognizes individuals, organizations and projects in energy management, energy efficiency, sustainability and related fields.  The internal monthly energy pledge illustrates one of the three main goals of Loudoun County’s 2023 Energy Strategy, which is “leading by example in county government operations.” As part of the Energy Strategy, a new Employee Energy and Conservation Committee has been launched to develop additional recommendations to save energy and resources from county operations. The energy strategy, approved by the Board of Supervisors, also calls for supporting clean energy development in the county and stimulating communitywide action. More information about the county’s energy initiatives is online at loudoun.gov/energy.

LCSO Graduates Five Incarcerated Participants From the C.H.A.N.C.E. Program

Yesterday, five incarcerated participants graduated from the third class of the Changing Habits and Nurturing Community Engagements (C.H.A.N.C.E.) Program at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center. C.H.A.N.C.E. is a therapeutic re-entry program introduced by Sheriff Mike Chapman in 2022 that works in conjunction with Loudoun County Mental Health and Opportunities, Alternatives, and Resources (OAR). The purpose of the C.H.A.N.C.E. program is to reduce the recidivism rate by inspiring inmates of the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center to become better citizens upon their release. This is accomplished by offering intense group sessions encompassing all aspects of decarcerated life in a therapeutic community. These graduates have completed ten re-entry classes including Anger Management, Family Ties, Money Smarts, Responsible Thinking, Social Values, Fatherhood, Self-control, Peer Relationships, Impact of Crime, and Seeking Employment. They have also completed five mental health classes that included Sober Fun, Phases, Moral Reconation Therapy, Seeking Safety, and Mindfulness. The graduates attended classes five days a week for 16 weeks to complete all the required classes. In addition, they have earned multiple certifications (ServSafe Food Handler, ServSafe Food Protection Manager, VDOT Flagger, CPR/AED/First Aid, and Adult Mental Health First Aid). “Successfully reintegrating incarcerated participants from our Adult Detention Center into our community is a priority, and the C.H.A.N.C.E. program helps develop skill sets to assist with that success,” said Sheriff Mike Chapman. “I commend today’s five graduates for their initiative, along with the members of our professional team who manage this excellent program.”  These C.H.A.N.C.E. graduates also performed duties working throughout the facility by preparing meals in the kitchen, cleaning the hallways, and cleaning cells in intake. In addition to attending classes and working, these five graduates have also been the handlers caring for and training future service dogs through the Service Puppy Program.

2024 Real Estate Assessments Available Online

Loudoun Commissioner of the Revenue Robert S. Wertz Jr. announces that Loudoun County real estate assessments for tax year 2024 are now available online at loudoun.gov/parceldatabase. Printed assessment notices were recently mailed and property owners should begin receiving them this week.  These assessment notices, which are not tax bills, communicate to property owners the value of their real property as of January 1, 2024, and are reflective of real estate market activity that occurred during 2023. The assessed value in conjunction with the tax rate to be set by the Board of Supervisors in April provides the basis for real estate tax bills that will be due on June 5 and December 5. Property owners who believe their assessments are incorrect may file an Application for Review with the Commissioner online at loudoun.gov/reaa by March 18, 2024. After that date, appeals may be made to the Board of Equalization until June 3.  The county’s total taxable real estate is $144.1 billion, an overall increase of 12.9%. The typical existing single-family detached property saw a year-over-year increase in value of 4.7% and the average attached townhouse was up 5.0%. Commissioner Wertz stated, “Sales prices of residential real estate climbed in the county again last year mainly due to limited supply.” He continued, “Regarding commercial real estate, data centers saw the largest increase in values of all types of commercial property.” The total value of taxable commercial property in the county is $39.5 billion, an increase of 22.6% compared to 2023. These figures are averages and property owners may experience assessment changes that are more or less than the average.   Property owners may communicate with their respective appraiser whose name and contact information is listed on the assessment notice. More information is online at loudoun.gov/cor or by calling the Commissioner of the Revenue’s office at 703-777-0260 weekdays during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., or by sending an email.

Renewal Forms for Loudoun County’s Tax Relief Program for the Elderly and Disabled Mailed

Loudoun Commissioner of the Revenue Robert S. Wertz Jr. announces that participants in the county’s tax relief program for residents who are 65 years of age or older and/or permanently and totally disabled should soon begin receiving their renewal forms. Applications and certifications for tax year 2024 were recently mailed to applicants who are already in the program and to residents who have requested an application for the Loudoun County Tax Relief Program for the Elderly and/or Disabled.  The filing deadline for participants already in the program is April 1, 2024. The filing deadline for first-time applicants for Vehicle Personal Property Tax Relief is September 3, 2024. The filing deadline for first-time applicants for Real Property Tax Relief is December 31, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to mail in their forms in the pre-addressed envelope included with their renewal forms. Applications for first-time applicants may be obtained online at loudoun.gov/taxrelief. Residents may also call 703-737-8557 to have a form mailed to them.  Additional information about the program is available online at loudoun.gov/taxrelief.

Upcoming Events & Engagement Opportunities

Loudoun County begins Foster Youth to Independence Initiative

Loudoun County is scheduled to launch the Foster Youth to Independence Initiative Friday, March 1, 2024, with the opening of a targeted waitlist for the county’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program strictly serving eligible young adults who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.  The Foster Youth to Independence Initiative is a special purpose voucher funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to expand the availability of housing assistance to young adults with a history of foster care. The program pays a portion of participants’ monthly rent based on household income for a period of up to 36 months. After this time period, the participant may receive continued assistance under the general Housing Choice Voucher program, depending on budget availability and continued participant eligibility.  The Foster Youth to Independence Initiative is a collaborative effort of the Loudoun County Department of Family Services – to assess eligibility of applicants, and the Loudoun County Department of Housing & Community Development – to allocate vouchers to eligible applicants.  Waitlist Eligibility All applicants for HCV vouchers under the Foster Youth to Independence Initiative must work with the Loudoun County Department of Family Services to determine their eligibility for the HCV waitlist. The population eligible for assistance under this program are young adults meeting the following conditions: Are between the ages of 18 and 24. Have left foster care, or will leave foster care within 90 days, in accordance with a transition plan described in section 475(5)(H) of the Social Security Act. Are homeless or is at risk of becoming homeless at age 16 or older as these terms are defined in the Code of Federal Regulations at 24 CFR 578.3 and 24 CFR 576.2. Meet general HCV eligibility criteria as outlined in the HCV Administrative Plan found at loudoun.gov/hcv.  Eligibility is not limited to single persons. For example, young adults who are parents are eligible to receive assistance if they otherwise meet eligibility requirements. Vouchers are Limited  All eligible applicants will be placed on the HCV waitlist in order of date and time the referral and application are received. Vouchers are limited by federal funding (HUD allows a public housing agency to issue no more than 25 vouchers within a federal fiscal year); being added to the waitlist does not guarantee receipt of a voucher.  How to Apply Individuals interested in participating in the Foster Youth to Independence Initiative must begin by contacting the Loudoun County Department of Family Services at 703-737-8824.  Anyone who requires a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability or needs language assistance in order to participate in this process, may call 703-737-8323/TTY-711. Advance notice is requested. For More Information For more information about the Foster Youth to Independence Initiative and the Housing Choice Voucher Program, call 703-737-8213, send an email or visit loudoun.gov/hcv.

Art Advisory Committee Presents About Earth and Nature

The Loudoun County Art Advisory Committee will present a solo exhibition by María Alejandra Brito, titled About Earth and Nature, from March 1, 2024 through March 29, 2024. The artwork will be displayed in Gallery One, located in the lobby of the Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street SE in Leesburg.  About Earth and Nature focuses on environmental awareness and humanity’s relationship with nature. Maria Alejandra Brito expresses these ideas through colorful acrylic paintings and mixed-media collages of creations in nature. The artwork is available for public viewing during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) Gallery One exhibits are coordinated by the Loudoun County Art Advisory Committee, appointed by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. The committee is responsible for exhibiting work by Loudoun artists and maintaining and exhibiting the county's permanent art collection. For more information about the committee, visit loudoun.gov/advisory-art.

Call for Art for Our Planet, Our Future Art Exhibition at Loudoun County Government Center

All artists who live in Loudoun County are eligible to enter an exhibition in honor of Earth Day titled Our Planet, Our Future. Local artists are asked to submit artwork that depicts a visualization that embodies optimism for an Earth-friendly planet. The exhibit will take place in the Loudoun County Government Center at Gallery One at 1 Harrison St. SE in Leesburg and will be available for public viewing from April 1 through May 3, 2024.  Each artist may submit one entry and must submit a digital photo of their submission here by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 15, 2024. 2D artwork is limited to a maximum size of 36 x 36 inches and must adhere to the framing standards delineated here. All 2D and 3D mediums will be considered. Acceptance notices for submissions will be provided by Friday, March 22, 2024.  Gallery One exhibits are coordinated by the Loudoun County Art Advisory Committee, which is appointed by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. The committee is responsible for exhibiting work by Loudoun artists and maintaining and exhibiting the county's permanent art collection. For more information about the committee, visit loudoun.gov/advisory-art. If you have any questions about submitting artwork, call 571-367-8594 or by email.

LCSO and LC-CFRS Announce dates for 36th Annual McGruff Safety Camp

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) and the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System (LC-CFRS) are proud to announce the 36th Annual McGruff Safety Camp for the upcoming summer. This year the McGruff Safety Camp will be held on three dates: June 24 – 27  Countryside Elementary School, Sterling July 8 – 11   Evergreen Mill Elementary School, Leesburg July 15 – 18  Evergreen Mill Elementary School, Leesburg The camp continues to offer morning and afternoon sessions. All camps run Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., or 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. A graduation event for all campers will be held on July 19, 2024, at Bolen Park in Leesburg. Applications for the 36th Annual McGruff Safety Camps will begin on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 8 a.m. The application is available by clicking here. The McGruff Safety Camp was started in 1988 and has continued every year through a joint effort between the LCSO and LC-CFRS. The camps allow children who are entering kindergarten or first grade to learn fire safety, bicycle safety, 911 emergencies, and other safety topics. Throughout the week, campers have the opportunity to meet law enforcement officers and firefighters, and to see law enforcement and fire/rescue vehicles firsthand.

Comprehensive Plan Amendments & Zoning Ordinance Amendments in the Ashburn District

The Loudoun County Board has the authority to make changes to the 2019 Comprehensive Plan and the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance through a Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPAM) and a Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOAM) process. The Zoning Ordinance regulates land use throughout the county and is the primary implementation tool for the 2019 Comprehensive Plan, a policy document that provides a flexible framework and implementation strategy to meet the county’s future land use and transportation needs. Although CPAMs and ZOAMs are frequently undertaken together, not every project requires both. The priority for this section is to provide our constituents with up-to-date information about any Board initiated CPAMs and ZOAMs that will impact the Ashburn District.

Comprehensive Plan Amendment to Remove the Planned Gloucester Parkway Extension from the Countywide Transportation Plan (CTP)

Description: During the January 10th, 2024 Board of Supervisors Public Hearing, a motion was made by Supervisor Turner, and supported by the Board of Supervisors, that directed county staff to initiate and prepare a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to remove the planned Gloucester Parkway extension from the Countywide Transportation Plan (CTP). This planned extension would have required construction of a bridge over the Goose Creek to connect Belmont Ridge Road to Crosstrail Boulevard.   Update: The proposed amendment will be referred to the Planning Commission for a future public hearing.

LandMARC Progress Updates

On August 14, 2023, Loudoun County launched LandMARC (Land Management, Applications, Research, Coordination). LandMARC is the county's online land management system. More information about LandMARC can be found here.   Stay Informed   Beginning September 26, 2023 there will continue to be twice-weekly updates to share the progress in processing permits. These updates will be posted online at Loudoun.gov/bdpermits. The link to this information is also posted in the LandMARC self-service portal. Loudoun.gov/LandMARC remains the landing page for all industry to get information about the system, including system status, help and how-to guides, and read important updates on the LandMARC blog.

Legislative Applications for Development in the Ashburn District

Reminder: All items appearing on the agenda of a BOS Public Hearing will be placed into one of the following sections: “Hearing of New Items,” “Hearing of Returning Items Ready for Action,” and “Adoption of the Consolidated Agenda.”   Hearing of New Items: Unless the Board sends an item from this section to a standing committee, or votes to suspend its rules, the default “next step” for these items is to be forwarded to a future BOS Public Hearing for action. Hearing of Returning Items Ready for Action: Items that have appeared on the agenda of a previous BOS Public Hearing will be placed in the section of the agenda titled “Hearing of Returning Items Ready for Action.” Approval of Consolidated Agenda: At the beginning of the consolidated public hearing, the Chair will announce the individual items proposed for the consolidated agenda. After a call for public speakers has been made, the BOS may act on each item, without voting to suspend its rules. If there are speakers for an item on the consolidated agenda, the item will be removed from the consolidated agenda and placed on the standard public hearing agenda. To qualify for placement on the consolidated agenda, an item must have unanimous support from the BOS, as well as a recommendation of approval from county staff and the planning commission. “New” or “returning” items may be added to the consolidated agenda if the above criteria are met.

Arcola Farms Residential Application Number: LEGI-2023-0034

Description: “Arcola Farms Residential” is a proposed application in Ashburn and Little River Districts to rezone 80.8 acres to allow the construction of three hundred and seven (307) single-family detached residential units. The residents are currently zoned to Sycolin Creek Elementary School, Brambleton Middle School, and Independence High School.   New Update: This application is scheduled to come to the April 10th Board of Supervisors Public Hearing. Previous Update: At the February 8th, Planning Commission Work Session, the Planning Commission voted to send this application to a future Board of Supervisors Public Hearing. Previous Update: At the December 18th, Planning Commission Public Hearing, the Planning Commission voted to send this application to the February 8th, Planning Commission Work Session Previous Update: This application is scheduled to come to the December 18th, Planning Commission Public Hearing. Previous Update: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant.   For more information on this application, click here. To review the application documents, scroll down to the middle of the page and click the “Attachments” tab. To leave a public comment for county staff, click here. Supervisor Turner also invites you to share your thoughts and opinions about this application with him via email at mike.turner@loudoun.gov.

Goose Creek Village West Application Number: LEGI-2023-0038

Description: “Goose Creek Village West” is a proposed application to rezone 20 acres (revised from 25 acres) to allow for the construction of an additional 222 residential units. These include 104 single-family attached units, and 46 multi-family stacked units, and 72 multi-family attached units. The residents are currently zoned to Belmont Station Elementary School, Trailside Middle School, and Stone Bridge High School. Status remains the same since the 02/16/2024 Newsletter: This application is now scheduled to come to the April 23rd, Planning Commission Public Hearing. Previous Update: This application is scheduled to come to the March 26th, Planning Commission Public Hearing. Previous Update: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant. For more information on this application, click here. To review the application documents, scroll down to the middle of the page and click the “Attachments” tab. To leave a public comment for county staff, click here. Supervisor Turner also invites you to share your thoughts and opinions about this application with via email at mike.turner@loudoun.gov.

Belmont Innovation Campus Application Number: LEGI-2023-0048

Description: “Belmont Innovation Campus” is an application to rezone 84.52 acres to allow for the construction of a data center. Status remains the same since the 01/12/2024 Newsletter: At the January 10th, Board of Supervisors Public Hearing, the Board of Supervisors voted to send this application to the March 13th Board of Supervisors Public Hearing for action. This application will be voted on by the BOS at this meeting. Previous Update: At the September 26th, Planning Commission Public Hearing, the Planning Commission voted to send this application to the January 10th (2024) Board of Supervisors Public Hearing. Previous Update: The application for the Belmont Innovation Campus (LEGI-2023-0048) is scheduled to come to the September 26th, Planning Commission Public Hearing. Previous Update: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant.   For more information on this application, click here. To review the application documents, scroll down to the middle of the page and click the “Attachments” tab. To leave a public comment for county staff, click here. Supervisor Turner also invites you to share your thoughts and opinions about this application with him via email at mike.turner@loudoun.gov.

Luck Stone Leesburg Plant Application Number LEGI-2023-0084

Description: Luck Stone Leesburg Plant is a Zoning Concept Plan Amendment (ZCPA) Application to amend proffers and development conditions to allow for expansion of mining operation in quarry B, on the east side of Goose Creek, underneath the current processing plant, resulting in the processing plant and point of sale to move to the west side of the property. On the west side of Goose Creek, the application is amending the development conditions to allow for Stonewater Lane to be used for shipping mined materials off-site and to rezone a portion of Luck Stone’s property to allow for data center uses. According to Luck Stone, if this application is approved, the timing of the relocation of the point of sale to Stonewater Lane and the expansion of mining operations in quarry B is subject to several variables but is not currently anticipated for approximately 25 years.   Status remains the same since the 05/23/2023 Newsletter: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant.   For more information on this application, click here. To review the application documents, scroll down to the middle of the page and click the “Attachments” tab. To leave a public comment for county staff, click here. Supervisor Turner also invites you to share your thoughts and opinions about this application with him via email at mike.turner@loudoun.gov.

Goose Creek Retail LLC Application Number: LEGI-2023-0067

Description: “Goose Creek Retail LLC” is a Special Exception application to permit a restaurant with a drive-thru use on approximately 0.51 acres of the property. Status remains the same since the 02/16/2024 Newsletter: At the February 14th, Board of Supervisors Public Hearing, the Board of Supervisors voted to forward this application to the March 13th Board of Supervisors Public Hearing for action. This application will be voted on by the BOS at this meeting. Previous Update: At the December 14th, 2023 Planning Commission Work Session, the Planning Commission voted to send this to the February 14th, Board of Supervisors Public Hearing. Previous Update: At the October 24th, Planning Commission Public Hearing, the Planning Commission voted to send this application to a future Planning Commission Work Session. The date of this work session is December 14th, 2023. Previous Update: This application is scheduled to come to the October 24th Planning Commission Public Hearing. Previous Update: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant. For more information on this application, click here. To review the application documents, scroll down to the middle of the page and click the “Attachments” tab. To leave a public comment for county staff, click here. Supervisor Turner also invites you to share your thoughts and opinions about this application with him via email at mike.turner@loudoun.gov.

Belmont Cove Rezoning Application Number: LEGI-2023-0074

Description: “Belmont Cove” is a Zoning Map Amendment application to rezone 8 acres to allow for the construction of 80 multifamily residential units. The residents are currently zoned to Newton-Lee Elementary School, Belmont Ridge Middle School, and Riverside High School.  Status remains the same since the 08/11/2023 Newsletter: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant. For more information on this application, click here. To review the application documents, scroll down to the middle of the page and click the “Attachments” tab. To leave a public comment for county staff, click here. Supervisor Turner also invites you to share your thoughts and opinions about this application with him via email at mike.turner@loudoun.gov.

Trailside Park Application Number: LEGI-2023-0083

Description: “Trailside Park” is an application to establish a 150-foot-tall monopole telecommunications tower, as well as a supporting equipment compound, that will be located separately from the tower, in a secure fenced area. Status remains the same since the 01/26/2024 Newsletter: This application is scheduled to come to the March 26th Planning Commission Public Hearing. Previous Update: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant. For more information on this application, click here. To review the application documents, scroll down to the middle of the page and click the “Attachments” tab. To leave a public comment for county staff, click here. Supervisor Turner also invites you to share your thoughts and opinions about this application with him via email at mike.turner@loudoun.gov.

Century Corner at Goose Creek Village Application Number: LEGI-2023-0102

Description: Century Corner at Goose Creek Village is an application to amend the concept plan and proffers from a previously approved application (ZMAP-2015-0008) to increase the maximum number of Independent Living (IL) units permitted to be developed from 80 to 120 units (40 additional units) on the Property.  Status remains the same since the 01/12/2024 Newsletter: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant. For more information on this application, click here. To review the application documents, scroll down to the middle of the page and click the “Attachments” tab. To leave a public comment for county staff, click here. Supervisor Turner also invites you to share your thoughts and opinions about this application with him via email at mike.turner@loudoun.gov.

PMTG-2023-0143 (Potential Application from Belmont Greene Commercial LLC)

Disclaimer: As of February 28th, 2024, our office has confirmed that an official application has not been submitted to the county. The information about this potential application comes from a pre-application conference, which is a standard meeting between applicants and staff from multiple county departments for an initial review of development concepts. Due to the nature of this initial review, it is common for applicants to modify details of a proposed development before submitting an official application. To eliminate confusion, our office prefers to share application details only once an official application has been submitted. However, many constituents have contacted our office to inquire about this potential development and have asked us to keep them informed. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.   Description: Belmont Greene Commercial LLC has proposed submitting an application for a Zoning Concept Plan Amendment (ZCPA) to allow for development of approximately 360 residential units and 11,000 square feet of commercial floor space on approximately 26 acres of land.   Status remains the same since the 12/29/2023 Newsletter: A “formal application” for this proposed development concept does not currently exist. The details in the description are subject to change. For more information, click here. Supervisor Turner invites you to share your thoughts and opinions about this application with him via email at mike.turner@loudoun.gov.

Significant By-Right Developments in the Ashburn District

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

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

This picture is from page 9 of the approved site plan.

Description: “Vantage VA 3” is a by-right application which plans to build four data center buildings on 89 acres. The underlying zoning is Planned-Development Office Park (PDOP) and Planned-Development Industrial Park (PD-IP). Data Centers are allowed by-right on PD-OP and PD-IP zoned land. An additional application is anticipated for two substations. Status remains the same since the 01/26/2024 Newsletter: The site plan for this application was approved administratively on May 15th, 2023. For more information on this application, click here. To review the application documents, scroll down to the middle of the page and click the “Attachments” tab.

CyrusOne Broadlands Data Center Application Number: STPL-2023-0041 (By-right Application)

Description: “CyrusOne Broadlands Data Center” is a by-right application which plans to build a 41,000sf data center on 58 acres. The underlying zoning in Planned-Development Industrial Park (PD-OP). Data Centers are allowed by-right on PD-OP zoned land. Status remains the same since the 01/26/2024 Newsletter: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant. For more information on this application, click here. To review the application documents, scroll down to the middle of the page and click the “Attachments” tab.

Baker-Beam DC Yard-Luck Property Application Number: STPL-2022-0021 (By-right Application)

Description: “Baker-Beam DC Yard-Luck Property” is a Site Plan application (STPL-2022-0021) to build a two story “shop” building for contractor services, a three story office building, underground utility infrastructure that is associated with the two buildings and a parking lot. This parcel is 11.1 acres and is zoned MRHI (Mineral Resources/Heavy Industry). Status remains the same since the 01/26/2024 Newsletter: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant.  For more information on this application, click here. To review the application documents, scroll down to the middle of the page and click the “Attachments” tab.

21819 Ashburn Road Property Application Number: BLDR-2023-001655 (By-right Application)

Description: "21819 Ashburn Road" is a building residential demolition application (BLDR-2023-001655) which plans to demolish the Single Family Home on the property. The house at this address was built in the 1920's and has been vacant for some time. The owner wishes to demolish the home as quickly as possible due to safety concerns. Status remains the same since the 01/26/2024 Newsletter: This application was approved administratively on December 18th, 2023. For more information on this application, click here. To review the application documents, scroll down to the middle of the page and click the “Attachments” tab.

Weller’s Corner Commercial Building Application Number: EPLAN-2024-0001 (By-right Application)

Description: “Weller’s Corner Commercial Building” is a by-right site plan amendment to change the second-floor usage, of the existing building, from Commercial to Residential. A site plan amendment will need to show how the minimum parking requirements will be met for all proposed uses on the property, as well as FAR requirements and residential density requirements. This is an administrative modification of the previously approved application: REST-2014-0001. Status remains the same since the 01/26/2024 Newsletter: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant. For more information on this application, click here. At the time of publication for this newsletter (01/26/2024), no publicly available documents are associated with this application. Check the previous hyperlink for updates.

Belmont Landbay KK Data Center Application Number: STPL-2023-0025 (By-right Application)

Description: “Belmont Landbay KK Data Center” is a by-right site plan approval request to develop data centers on approximately 51 acres that is zoned for Planned Development Office Park (PD-OP). The applicant proposes developing two data center buildings, one substation and one office building.  Status remains the same since the 01/26/2024 Newsletter: County staff from multiple departments are reviewing this application with the applicant. For more information on this application, click here. To review the application documents, scroll down to the middle of the page and click the “Attachments” tab.

Resources

VDOT 511 511 provides users with real-time, accurate traffic information from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) about road conditions, traffic congestion, and highway construction anywhere you are, anytime you need it.  More information on VDOT 511 can be found here.

Online Process for Building Permits, Land Development Applications  Homeowners and residential contractors can submit their completed application form and supporting documentation, including drawings and plats, in PDF format for most residential construction projects to the Department of Building and Development online. More information about the online submission process and requirements is available here.

Residential Traffic Calming Guide Loudoun County’s Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure (DTCI) manages an eight-phase process to address traffic calming, which considers residents’ concerns regarding speeding, safety and overall quality of life on publicly-maintained residential streets. Learn more here.

Who Maintains my Street? To identify which entity responsible for maintaining your road/street, Loudoun County made an online color coded mapping system which helps residents determine who to contact when work needs to be done. View this map here.

Report a road problem VDOT created an easy to use online form to report unsafe and hazardous road conditions. Similarly, work requests for state-maintained roads can also be made here.

Paving Schedule VDOT reports what roads will be paved during the fiscal year and updates their website with progress updates. Find VDOT's Paving Schedule here.

Contact my Office

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

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

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

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

Follow Supervisor Mike Turner on Facebook. @MikeTurnerAshburn