At Tuesday's Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board designated September 17-23, 2024 as Constitution Week; September 2024 as Suicide Awareness Month; and recognized the 40th anniversary of Channel 16. The Board also recognized Cox Charities and the recipients of its 2024 community grants including Wonder Wagon, Food for Neighbors, Bringing Resources to Aid Women's Shelters (BRAWS), Computer CORE, Hopecam, Empowerhouse, Kids R First, and BetterALife.
I presented the below Board Matter:
The Board also took the following actions:
Providence District
- Approved traffic calming measures on Southwick Street as part of the Residential Traffic Administration Program. Sixty-six households out of 129 voted in favor of the installation of two speed humps along the corridor.
Countywide Public Hearings:
- Following a public hearing, we approved the proposed amendments to the Fairfax County Code to increase taxicab rates;
- We adopted the proposed plan amendment related to the For-Sale Workforce Dwelling Unit Policy and Program and we
- We approved a Data Center Zoning Ordinance amendment to increase regulations of data center placement in Fairfax County. This vote followed a second public hearing with over 120 testimonials. in addition to written testimony received since the first public hearing.
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Learn about key changes here.
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Read the approval and follow-on motions here.
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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!
Call for artists:
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, my office is partnering with mosaicARTs to invite local Hispanic artists interested in showcasing their 2D or 3D artwork at the Providence District Office (3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax) on Thursday, September 26th. Artists are encouraged to use traditional and contemporary techniques to create captivating artworks.
Application Deadline: September 15th
Artists can submit up to 4 images of their artwork directly to mosaicARTs gallery at gallery@mosaicarts.site.
**The artwork can be available for sale or designated as not for sale.
All are invited to our Art Opening Reception and Exhibit:
Art Opening Reception: Thursday, September 26th, from 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Exhibit: The exhibit will be on display at the Providence District Office (3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax), Monday through Thursday, from 9 am to 5 pm during our regular in-person office hours until late November. For more information, email Providence@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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New Express Bus from Tysons to Bethesda
Starting September 16, the Fairfax Connector will operate a new express bus line between Tysons and Bethesda. This inaugural service will be the only existing direct transit connection between the two localities and will operate weekday rush hour service only, with a total of five stops, funded by a grant from Transurban via the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT).
The two Tysons stops will be at the: Tysons West*Park Transit Station and Tysons Metro Station. In Bethesda, the three stops will be near Westfield Montgomery Mall, Medical Center Metro Station, and Downtown Bethesda.
Please note that due to the location of the stops, Route 798 will operate as a "drop and go" service. Buses will drop off passengers, pick more up, and immediately travel to the next stop to minimize traffic and service disruptions. Customers are advised to arrive a few minutes early and to use BusTracker to find the real-time location of the next bus.
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Providence District Winter Gear Drive
With the cold weather settling in, there are many in our community in need of warm winter gear. My office is collecting new or gently used winter gear of all sizes beginning Monday, September 23rd. Donations can be dropped off at the Jim Scott Community Center (3001 Vaden Drive) from Monday to Saturday, 9am to 10pm.
As we prepare for the upcoming winter season, we invite you to be a part of this heartwarming effort. If you or your HOA/organization is interested in helping collect donations, please email Providence@fairfaxcounty.gov and we will be happy to coordinate with you.
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Department of Family Services Donation Drive
Volunteer and Partner Services now has an Amazon Wish List which will stay updated throughout the year with items that are needed to help support the children and families in our community.
Donations can be dropped off between the hours 8AM - 4:30PM at the Pennino Building (12011 Government Center Parkway 6th Floor Reception Desk).
Thank you for your continued support to ensure the children and families in Fairfax County have access to the essential items they need.
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Worm Bin Workshop
Come build your worm composting bin and learn how to get started at an upcoming workshop at Walker Nature Center in Reston on Saturday, September 14th at 2PM. This workshop is hosted by Clean Fairfax, Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD), Pollinative Sustainable Land Management, and Reston Association. The cost to participate is $40 per household (to make one bin).
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Charge Up Fairfax
Charge Up Fairfax is a program to help residents of community associations access charging for electric vehicles (EVs). Most EV owners prefer to charge at home; community associations that offer EV charging stations as an amenity are attractive to home buyers and renters. Charge Up Fairfax supports community associations in identifying and overcoming challenges.
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Solar Switch
Interested in solar energy? The Solar Switch program is back for a new round! This group buying initiative allows residents to buy a rooftop solar system at a significant discount, with optional electric vehicle chargers and/or battery storage.
In collaboration with nonprofit Solar United Neighbors, the program guarantees high-quality solar installations for residents and small businesses.
Registration is free and there is no obligation to proceed with solar installation.
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Traveling Players Fall Classes
Summer may be over, but Fall Classes and Plays are the best way to stay connected with old friends & make new ones while building on the skills you learned at camp! Traveling Players offers both class and performance opportunities options, tailor-made to enhance your growth as an actor.
Sign up before Saturday, September 14th at midnight to claim your back-to-school Early Bird Discount!
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Land Use and Transportation | |
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Speed Camera Program Ready to Expand
Slowing down drivers and improving traffic safety are the objectives of the Speed Camera program. There are currently nine cameras operational throughout the county. Following the pilot’s success, countywide photo speed enforcement will move forward in two phases. Phase 1, which will begin over the next few months, will include 50 additional photo speed enforcement cameras distributed between school and work zones.
The remaining 40 cameras will be installed throughout the rest of the year. Updates on camera locations will be posted online as they are available.
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Upcoming Fairfax Connector Service Changes
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will implement significant service changes for more than a dozen Fairfax Connector routes throughout the county starting September 14th. These service changes will increase frequency, realign service to better accommodate residents, and include the addition of two new routes (Route 559 and Express Route 798).
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495 NEXT Project: Drop-in Public Hours
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and its 495 NEXT project partners continue to hold drop-in public hours to provide opportunities for the public to interact with project staff individually to learn more and ask questions about the 495 NEXT project. No appointment is necessary. All sessions will have an in-person and virtual option.
Additional summer hours:
*In-Person Location: McLean Governmental Center: Community Room
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Proposed Changes to Special Events Regulations
Are you interested in learning more about the County's proposed changes to the existing special events regulations? Join County staff at one of two upcoming virtual community meetings to learn more.
The virtual meetings are scheduled for:
- Tuesday, September 17th at 7:00 pm
- Wednesday, September 25th at 12:00 pm
This proposal includes recommended changes to increase flexibility and remove unnecessary impediments and time limits for temporary special events. In addition, potential changes to the existing Food Truck standards will also be discussed.
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Health and Human Services | |
September is Hunger Action Month
Experiencing hunger or food insecurity can look different across households.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps thousands of households afford nutritious food at various retailers and farmers markets across the county. We know there are even more individuals and families who could benefit from SNAP, but we need your help reaching them! You can help fight hunger by raising awareness about SNAP in Fairfax County.
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Tysons Corner Fall Festival
Sip & Celebrate Autumn at Tysons Corner's 3rd annual Fall Festival on Saturday, September 14th from 12PM to 4PM on the Plaza. With general admission enjoy live music from the 9th gear trio, craft beer sampling courtesy of Barrel & Bushel, pumpkin painting, Giving Garden guided tours, a vendor market featuring 12 local makers, face painting, photobooth, and much more. General admission is free and open to the public. Upgrade your experience with the purchase of a VIP ticket to enjoy tasting from 10 Virginia wineries, lounge seating, complimentary lite bites, and more! Proceeds benefit Food for Others.
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Perchfest Fall: A (Shrektastic!) Music & Mini Golf Festival
Capital One Center's weekend festival returns in partnership with Broadway in Tysons' Shrek the Musical. Guests can enjoy putt putt, live music, craft beer from Starr Hill Biergarten, fitness classes, and Made in Fairfax's pop-up shop presented by Celebrate Fairfax - a new Shrek twist! the Perch Putt Open will kick off the weekend festivities on Friday, September 20th.
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Providence Day and Back to School Celebration
I'm thrilled to invite you to the inaugural Providence Community Day and Back to School Celebration on Saturday, October 5th from 11AM to 3PM at George C. Marshall High School! Please join us for a fun-filled day with delicious food, exciting games, crafts, contests, and entertainment for all ages. This is a great opportunity to connect with your community and learn about local organizations. More information can be found on my website.
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