Dear Residents,
Happy December! On Tuesday, we had the final Board of Supervisors meeting of 2021. I presented several board matters including Lambda Kappa Omega's 45th Anniversary, Recognizing Oakton High School Cross-Country Team's State Championship, Recognizing Sol Glasner's years of hard work and service to the Tysons community, and a Motion for Pan Am Shopping Center. I also wanted to share the board matter brought forward by Supervisor Foust and co-sponsored by myself and Chairman McKay directing staff to develop implementation for the Affordable Homeownership Pilot Program for consideration at the next Housing Committee meeting on Feb. 1, 2022. The Board adopted an ordinance to amend the County Code to redistrict and reapportion the County's election districts. You can read more on what was discussed at the board meeting below.
With the holidays nearing, there are many fun events and volunteer opportunities taking place in the district these coming weeks. If you are looking to give back this holiday season, check out the Holiday Volunteer Guide below created by Volunteer Fairfax that lists the volunteer opportunities available.
Providence Community Center and James Lee Community Center are currently collecting coats until Jan. 21, 2022. Please bring new or lightly used coat donations to either location. Collection boxes can be found inside the facilities.
You can find the following Providence District updates below in this newsletter:
- Board Meeting Highlights
- COVID-19 Updates and Travel Guidelines
- Nutley Pond Dredging - Pardon Our Dust Meeting
- EQAC Annual Report
- Transportation Updates
- Santa’s Ride 2021
- Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities
With gratitude,
Supervisor Dalia Palchik
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Recognition of Akshita Balaji: The Board acknowledged Akshita for reaching the semifinals in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. She tied for 21st place out of 209 national qualifiers.
- Board Matters:
- Recognizing Oakton High School Cross-Country Team - with Supervisors Smith and Alcorn
- Recognizing Sol Glasner - with Chairman McKay, Supervisor Alcorn, and Supervisor Foust
- Lambda Kappa Omega's 45th Anniversary - with Chairman McKay and Supervisor Lusk
- Motion for Pan Am Shopping Center
- Joint with Chairman McKay and Supervisor Foust - Affordable Homeownership Pilot Program
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FY 2022 Mid-Year Review: The Board authorized the advertisement of a public hearing on Jan. 25, 2022 at 10AM to adjust the FY 2022 appropriation level. You may access the full FY 2022 Mid-Year Review Package here. Below are a couple of investments I would like to highlight.
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Bicycle and Pedestrian Access: A limited number of adjustments were included in the mid-year review to address FY 2022 spending and reserve requirements. One of the adjustments included was the initial step toward meeting the Board’s directive to identify new funding for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. $5.00 million is included to expedite efforts to make one-time investments that will have long-term, meaningful impacts on accessibility and safety in the community. The increase is to begin supporting additional bicycle and pedestrian access throughout the County. The Board of Supervisors has consistently emphasized the importance of providing safe access for pedestrians and bicycles, especially near schools, parks, activity centers, transit station areas, and revitalization areas. During the COVID-19 pandemic, pedestrian and bicycle activity increased throughout the County and this increased usage highlighted the inadequacies of the existing infrastructure.
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Response to Behavioral Health Crisis Calls - Co-Responder Model: In the spring of 2021, the CSB, PD and the Department of Public Safety Communications (DPSC) collaborated to implement an exploratory “micropilot” to learn about logistical and operational considerations for launching a primary response Co-Responder program in Fairfax County. During this micropilot, a CSB Crisis Intervention Specialist and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trained police officer were paired to respond to 911 calls that were related to behavioral health issues. This initial effort demonstrated that this approach was effective in responding to and de-escalating behavioral health crises. Based on the success of the program, and the discussion at the September 28, 2021, Public Safety Committee Meeting, the County will move forward with establishing a permanent response model.
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Payment of Prevailing Wage: The Board authorized advertisement of a public hearing on Jan. 25, 2022 at 4:30PM to amend the County Code by adding Article 3, Payment of Prevailing Wage for Work Performed Performed on County Construction Contracts.
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Sale of General Obligation Public Improvement Bonds and Public Improvement and Refunding Bonds: The Board approved the sale of of General Obligation Public Improvements Bonds that will generate $300 million to fund construction of capital facilities and infrastructure. Of that amount:
- the Fairfax County Public Schools will receive $180 million.
- $41 million will be allocated to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) as the County’s share of WMATA’s FY 2022 Adopted Capital Improvement Program.
- $8 million will fund on-going Board of Supervisors’ approved transportation projects such as roadway, pedestrian, and bike/trail improvement projects.
- Public Safety funding will total $40 million to provide for courtroom renovations, and closeout and ongoing construction costs for fire and police station facilities.
- Funding of $15 million will be provided for the Fairfax County Park Authority.
- Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority will receive $3 million to cover the County’s annual capital contribution.
- Funding of $8 million will provide for design costs for the four libraries approved from the November 2020 referendum.
- Lastly, funding of $5 million will be provided for human services and community development facilities that include four shelters and two community centers.
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Tysons Corner Holdings LLC Public Hearing: The Board voted to approve PCA-2004-PR-044-02 for retail mixed-use, to add vehicles sales and rental services as a permitted use.
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Expanded Low-Income Real Estate Tax Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities: The Board approved expanding the real estate tax relief program for seniors and people with disabilities to offer more relief and allow more people to qualify. The changes include allowing people with higher incomes and net worth to qualify, adding a new 75% tax relief bracket, and offering an option to defer tax payments. These changes will be phased in during the next two years starting in January. More information here.
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Redistricting and Reapportionment of the Election Districts of the Board of Supervisors: The Board has adopted a local redistricting plan that maintains nine magisterial districts and shifts seven precincts into different districts, moving them in whole or in part. Redistricting is a process that is done every ten years as a result of Census data and ensures proportional representation on the Board of Supervisors. The 2020 Census numbers showed that Providence District saw the largest growth, while Mason District, followed by Springfield District, saw the smallest growth. This meant that we had to move the largest number of precincts and constituents from Providence into those two neighboring districts. The chart below outlines the changes.
- My staff and I will be working with the impacted communities to ensure that there is a smooth transition and community needs will continue to be addressed by the new Supervisor. As always, we are available for any questions you may have.
- The adopted map, which was originally submitted by a member of the public (see below), will be submitted to the Virginia Attorney General for certification. Once reviewed, the district changes will go into effect immediately.
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The Board also voted on Nov. 7 to extend the charter of the Redistricting Advisory Committee to take on the task of considering new names for the districts with a focus on racial and social equity. More information here.
You may access the full Board package here.
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COVID-19 Updates and Travel Guidelines |
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As we all get ready to enjoy the holiday season, we need to consider how we can best ensure that the time we spend with families and friends keeps everyone safe and healthy. With holiday travel being planned by many, it is important to be aware of new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance regarding travel and COVID-19 testing and actions you can take to stay safe.
This is also the time to get your COVID vaccine or your booster if you haven’t done so yet. Sign up for a vaccine before you start meeting with family and friends. There is still time to get two vaccines in before the end of the year. Even after taking all these important prevention steps, it is most important to remember that if you have any respiratory symptoms of illness, no matter how mild they may seem, to stay home, even if it means skipping some holiday gatherings this year, to avoid potentially exposing others to the virus.
International Travel Requirements
International travel requirements have recently changed. As of Dec. 6, all air passengers, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 1 day (24 hours) before travel to the United States. Travel guidance, for both international and domestic travel, is available from the CDC.
Testing Before Gathering
Testing is widely available across Fairfax County from retail pharmacies, grocery stores, health care providers and the Fairfax County Health Department. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) offers an online search tool to help you find testing opportunities near you.
VDH and the Fairfax County Library system received a shipment of 10,000 Binax test kits this week and are disseminating them, upon request, to residents who need to be tested. For more information about what to do after you’ve taken a test and additional guidance, please visit the VDH website.
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Nutley Pond Dredging and Restoration -
Pardon Our Dust Meeting
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The Pardon Our Dust meeting for the Nutley Pond Dredging will be taking place on December 13 at 6:30pm. The meeting will be providing an overview of the project scope, construction timeline, safety related to construction, and what to expect during the construction. You can access the meeting here or scan the QR code.
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The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC), an advisory group appointed by the Board of Supervisors, announces an upcoming public comment meeting on January 12, 2022 at 7:15 PM. This meeting offers members of the public an opportunity to provide written, verbal, or video testimony on environmental topics of their choosing. The meeting will be held in conference room 9/10 of the Government Center and is open to the public for participation and observation. Pre-recorded video or written testimony is due to the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination by 5:00 PM on January 3, 2022. More information on the public comment and how to submit testimony is available online.
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West Falls Church Active Transportation Advisory Group Meeting
The West Falls Church Active Transportation Plan is a new study that aims to improve the active transportation network within and surrounding the West Falls Church Transit Station Area (TSA). The study will perform an existing conditions and gap analysis that will identify gaps in the pedestrian and bike network, including barriers to access, inadequate facilities, and other areas for improvement. Learn more about the project here.
FCDOT will hold its first virtual Advisory Group meeting on the West Falls Church Active Transportation Plan Study on Monday, December 13 at 7pm.
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Learn About Agency Projects, Programs at Northern Virginia Joint Transportation Meeting
The public is invited to a joint virtual meeting on Wednesday, December 15 with representatives from the Commonwealth Transportation Board, Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment, Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, Northern Virginia Transportation Commission and Virginia Railway Express, to learn more about the regional collaboration required to keep travelers in Northern Virginia moving.
For more information about this meeting, click here.
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Overnight Lane and Ramp Closures
I-495 North and I-66 East this weekend, December 10-12, for Continued Overhead Bridge Work at the I-66/I-495 Interchange.
I-495 North traffic detoured nightly to 495 Express Lanes North approaching I-66; Nightly closure of ramp from I-66 East to I-495 North. Drivers will not be charged for using the Express Lanes for detours.
You can find more information here.
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Donate new unwrapped toys, games, books and gifts to be distributed to children at Fairfax Hospital, Georgetown Lombardi Cancer Center and to other children in the community who might not otherwise have a cheerful holiday season. New toy and gift donations can be brought the following locations now through 9AM Monday, December 13.
- Sully District Station – 4900 Stonecroft Boulevard, Chantilly
- Mount Vernon District Station – 2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria
- McLean District Station – 1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean
- Mason District Station – 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale
- Reston District Station – 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston
- Franconia District Station – 6121 Franconia Road, Alexandria
- West Springfield District Station – 6140 Rolling Road, Springfield
- Fair Oaks District Station – 12300 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax
- Fairfax County Government Center – 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax
- Pennino Building - 12011 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax
- Herrity Building - 12055 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax
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Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities |
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Difficult Run Stream Valley Park Habitat Restoration- Oakton
From 2-4pm on Sunday, December 12, The Invasive Management Area Program will be removing invasive plants & vines. Come out and help to restore natural habitats for wildlife in Fairfax County while spending time outdoors and meeting new people. To get more information or sign up as a volunteer, click here.
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Fairfax County Police Department's "Meet the Commander" Night
The Police Department is holding a “Meet the Commander” night on December 13, 6PM-8PM. Every patrol commander will be doing this at the same night. See below for details.
Fair Oaks District Station
Commander: Captain Camille Stewart
Providence Community Center, 3001 Vaden Drive
Mason District Station
Commander: Captain Shawn Adcock
The Pozez JCC Auditorium, 8900 Little River Turnpike
McLean District Station
Commander: Captain Wilson Lee
Mosaic Community Space, 2985 District Avenue, Suite 100
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Holiday Market and Winter Village at The PARC at Tysons
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – celebrate the holiday season with local vendors from the Fairfax area! Visit The PARC at Tysons on December 11th and 18th, 12PM-5PM, for a pop-up shop of local artisans and small businesses offering their unique holiday-inspired goods and gifts.
On Saturday, December 18, The PARC will be transformed into a festive winter village, featuring a local holiday market, an iceless skating rink, and other snowtastic activities for the whole family to enjoy!
The Holiday Market will be located indoors. Everyone – regardless of vaccination status – will be required to wear a mask while inside all Fairfax County facilities to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This event is free and open to the public. Additional items, such as food, beverages, and merchandise have a cost. The full list of vendors can be found on Celebrate Fairfax's website.
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31 Days of Holiday Happiness
2021 is almost over and and right about now everyone deserves a little extra happiness in their lives. Visit Fairfax has curated a helpful list of events, gift ideas, activities and more that you can explore each day in December to experience the best of the holiday season here in Fairfax County. They'll be unveiling one item each day throughout the month so bookmark this page and check back daily to see each new suggestion. Happy Holidays everyone! Click here to visit the page.
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Holiday Volunteering Guide
Looking for ways to give back this Holiday Season? Volunteer Fairfax has created a guide to highlight the many ways that you can offer your support for the community as it gets colder. Click here to access the guide and see the many different opportunities out there.
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We want to hear from you! Please reach out to us with questions, comments or just to say hello.
Office Phone: (703) 560-6946
Email us HERE if you would like events included in our newsletter or you would like a member of our team to join your HOA meeting.
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