The Board designated January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. | |
At Tuesday's meeting, the Board designated January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month and January 14-20, 2024 as Teen Cancer Awareness Week in Fairfax County.
I presented the following Board Matters:
The Board also took the following actions:
Providence District
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Held a public hearing and approved RZ 2023-PR-00009 to rezone the site to permit one of the three scenarios: Maintain the existing building in its current state; Expand the current building by adding up to two floors on top; Permit the complete redevelopment of the property which would permit an office, hotel, financial institution, and/or a college/university.
- Held a public hearing and approved RZ 2023-PR-00002 to allow the rezoning of the existing parcels for the development of three single-family detached lots. This would preserve the existing historical structure and provide for two new, single-family affordable housing units.
Countywide
- Approved the Fairfax Connector Spring 2024 Service Changes that include routes along the I-66 corridor from Centreville, Chantilly, Vienna to Tysons (CCVT) and routes to the Franconia Springfield area. This plan creates a transit network that preserves the best of the existing system while improving linkages and creating new connections based on travel patterns, growth, and service demand in the CCVT and Franconia Springfield areas. The service changes will go into effect in Spring 2024.
- Held a public hearing and approved the proposed zoning ordinance amendment related to landscaping and screening.
|  | The Board designated January 14-20 as Teen Cancer Awareness Week. | |
Health and Human Services Updates | |
Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center
The Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center is nearly complete. This innovative project in the heart of Fairfax City will bring health, wellness, and recreation together in one campus. Fairfax City and Fairfax County are jointly redeveloping the campus, with a City-operated community center and a County-operated health and human services center.
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Are you considering going solar at your home or small business? If so, Solar Switch can help. This program from Solar United Neighbors (SUN) makes it more affordable for homeowners to install solar panels and battery storage systems.
By signing up for the program, you can access a group discount that will help you save on a turnkey solar and battery installation. Registering comes at no cost, and you're under no obligation to buy solar panels.
Fairfax County residents can take advantage of this opportunity by registering by February 13th. Have questions but not ready to take action? SUN also offers a Solar Help Desk, a free resource that supports people who are considering rooftop solar.
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National Battery Day is February 18th. Batteries play a vital role in our daily lives, fueling everything from remote controls to smartphones. Yet, when these power sources reach the end of their life cycle, improper disposal can lead to severe environmental consequences. Remember, never toss batteries into curbside collection carts, as they can overheat, explode, and cause fires. Instead, opt for responsible disposal by dropping them off at designated locations such as I-95 and I-66 for proper recycling. Additionally, check with your local big-box stores to see if they accept batteries.
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Unearth the secrets of gardening at Green Spring Gardens’ captivating winter lecture series and join experts to discover a world of tips and insights to cultivate your gardens at home. Distinguished horticulturists, landscape designers, and Master Gardeners will take the stage, sharing a wealth of gardening wisdom. | | | |
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The Fairfax County Park Authority is gearing up for another Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 20th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Sully Historic Site. Applications are now being accepted for vendors and exhibitors to participate in the largest Earth Day celebration in Fairfax County. | | | |
What's New in Providence? | |
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Free Tax Preparation
IRS-certified volunteers will be available at the Jim Scott Community Center to help prepare taxes through the AARP Tax-Aide program starting January 30th. Scheduling an appointment is encouraged, however, walk-ins will also be accepted subject to availability.
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Paint It, Fairfax!
Talented artists are encouraged to join the "Paint It, Fairfax!" program to create a pool of creative individuals ready to contribute to mural opportunities within designated magisterial districts.
This debut mural program is geared toward artists eager to participate in transforming commercial revitalization districts and areas. Additionally, this initiative emphasizes a community-focused approach, ensuring that the selected artists engage in a comprehensive community engagement process.
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Calling all high school artists: The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) is having its annual regional art contest and this year’s theme — "One Water” — focuses on how stormwater, wastewater, and drinking water are all connected. Local student artists, grades 9 – 12, can submit their art or short video that captures the importance of protecting our local water sources for a chance to win a prize. The deadline to submit is January 31st at 11:59 p.m.
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Through wide-ranging grants, ArtsFairfax strengthens Fairfax County organizations, supports and honors Fairfax artists, cultivates creativity, encourages equitable access to county-wide artistic experiences and mobilizes the arts as tools for ensuring a creative economy. Each year ArtsFairfax awards over $750,000 in grants for activities in Fairfax County as well as the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church. Organizations are eligible to apply for all three grant programs.
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Land Use and Transportation Updates | |
Mobility & Transportation Data Dashboard
The Mobility & Transportation data dashboard is now available as part of the Countywide Strategic Plan to present information about key indicators in our community including efficient and varied transportation options, infrastructure conditions, sustainability, and environmental impact, traveler safety, and increased accessibility, affordability, and equity.
This dashboard is designed to inform residents and stakeholders, monitor progress over time, identify any demographic or geographic disparities among residents, and guide community leaders, practitioners, and advocates in making data-driven decisions.
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Free Senior SmartTrip Cards
As part of Metro’s ongoing commitment to expand access and affordability on public transit, the Senior SmarTrip® program will join all other Metro reduced fare programs in providing SmarTrip cards at no additional cost. SmarTrip cards ordinarily cost $2. Eligible seniors aged 65 and over qualify for the program.
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Zero-Emission Buses
Northern Virginia’s regional transportation entities are undertaking important work regarding the decarbonization of public transportation. With 36% of the region’s greenhouse gas emissions generated by transportation sources, addressing this issue is of critical importance to the region meeting its greenhouse gas emission targets. The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) has been working to support the transition to zero-emission buses.
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Richmond Highway BRT Open House
Join County staff to review a summary of work completed and decisions made related to the Richmond Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project at the Open House on Wednesday, January 31st from 6:30-9:00 pm at Bryant High School. This project is funded in part by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. Free childcare and transportation to the meeting are available.
Please note that the Richmond Highway BRT is a different project than the Route 7 BRT project.
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Land Development Services Customer Service
The Land Development Services (LDS) offers many customer service opportunities, both in-person and virtually. If you prefer face-to-face interactions with staff, you are welcome to request customer support at the Herrity Building.
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Cowabunga
Hi, I'm Cowabunga! I've been with my friends at the shelter since December 2023 and they think I am about 10 months old. I'm just a baby!
If you're looking for a new jogging partner, my high energy will have you saying "cowabunga, dude!" I'm your new best friend who is enthusiastic about everything from play time to learning new tricks.
If you are patient, dedicated, and prepared to give me training, exercise, and socialization to become a fine canine citizen, you're the one for me. I'm pretty mouthy and jumpy, so a home with small children would not be a fit. I greet every human with wiggles and tail wags, and I'm really hoping to find my forever home.
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