Dear Neighbor,
It has been especially warm outside these past few days. National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory in effect until 8pm today, July 21, accompanied by possible isolated severe thunderstorm with damaging winds. Heat index values of near 105 degrees are also possible during Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Make sure you are staying hydrated, spending time in the shade, and aware of heat-related illnesses. As a reminder, all public buildings (such as homeless shelters and drop-in centers, libraries, REC Centers, government centers, and community centers) are open to the public (during normal operating hours) for the purposes of getting in out of the heat in extreme weather.
Tomorrow, July 22 from 3:30pm to 6pm, my team and the Providence Community Center staff are hosting our second Fam-mingle event at the Providence Community Center (3001 Vaden Drive). We have fun family-friendly activities lined up, food, snow cones, art and what I'm most excited about - a magic show by Drew Blue Shoes from 4-5pm. Tell your family and friends, and let’s make magical memories together!
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You can find the Providence District updates below in this newsletter:
- Board Meeting Highlights
- Health and Human Services Updates
- Providence Spotlight
- Fam-mingle Friday
- Latino Conservation Week
- Boards, Authorities, and Commissions
- Older Adults Roundtable
- Get To Know Your Local Government Survey
- Green Corner
- Library Operating Hours Changes
- Transportation & Land Use Updates
- Upcoming Events
With gratitude,
Supervisor Dalia Palchik
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The Board recognized Second Story for their 50th anniversary. |
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At Tuesday's meeting, the Board recognized Second Story for their 50th anniversary of service to young people in the community, the members of the McLean High School “It’s Academic” team for their championship victory, Cathy Ledec for her service in support of Fairfax County environmental initiatives, and Virginia Railway Express for their 30th anniversary and service to the community.
Board Matters:
The Board approved the following Administrative and Action items:
- The Head Start/Early Head Start Policy Council bylaws, Self-Assessment Report and Memorandum of Understanding between Policy Council and Board of Supervisors.
- An agreement of Perpetual Maintenance with the Virginia Department of Transportation for the Joint Operation and Maintenance of the Shared-Use Path at the intersection of Provincial Drive and Old Meadow Road.
- Endorsement of Vienna Metro Station Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Project.
Following public hearing, the Board approved:
- Acquisition of certain land rights necessary for construction of Scotts Run Station North.
- A proposal to vacate a portion of Westbranch Drive.
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The Board recognized the Virginia Railway Express for their 30th anniversary. |
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Health and Human Services Updates |
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Stay Up to Date with Your COVID-19 Vaccine |
People 6 months and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Everyone 5 years and older is eligible for a booster dose, some people are eligible for a second booster dose. Vaccines are available at Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) clinics and other locations throughout the Fairfax Health District.
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At this time, the FCHD continues to provide monkeypox vaccinations for individuals who have a known exposure to a confirmed case and is now providing screening to other individuals to assess risk. If you believe you have, or were exposed to the Monkeypox virus, please call 703-267-3511 or email [email protected] to conduct a screening with a public health staff member. The Health Department has received a small amount of vaccine from VDH. Further updates will be provided on FCHD's website as additional vaccine supplies become available.
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Reproductive Healthcare Information |
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9-8-8 Crisis and Support Hotline |
In 2020, Congress designated a new 9-8-8 dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network (NSPL), which comprises over 200 locally operated and funded crisis lines across the country. PRS, Inc. operates the local network in our area. Dialing either 9-8-8 or the existing NSPL number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), will connect you to behavioral health care and support 24 hours a day.
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I am excited to invite you to our next Fam-mingle this Friday, July 22 from 3:30pm to 6pm. Come out and mingle with my team and the Providence Community Center staff at the Providence Community Center (3001 Vaden Drive).
We have fun family-friendly activities lined up such as face painting, food, hula hoop contest, snow cones, slime making, and one I’m most excited about, a magic show by Drew Blue Shoes from 4-5pm that you don’t want to miss! Tell your family and friends, and let’s make magical memories together!
We will also collect school supply donations for Second Story. If you are able, please bring your donations to the Providence Community Center until August 12.
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Capstone Event at Justice Park |
Latino Conservation Week is from July 16-24, 2022. Fairfax County will be celebrating the Latino community’s love of nature. Modeled after the Hispanic Access Foundation’s Latino Conservation Week, the Fairfax County Park Authority together with Supervisor Palchik, Defensores de la Cuenca, Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, and other community partners will provide free bilingual (English/Spanish) conservation-themed programs, nature activities and recreational opportunities at parks around the county throughout the week.
As part of the capstone event at Justice Park on July 24, we’ll be pulling invasive plants from 2:30pm to 3:30pm. This will be an hour long so that people can also enjoy the displays. Other Fairfax County Park Authority parks and partners will also offer programs that embrace Latino Conservation Week themes while working with the Latino community. More information can be found here.
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Boards, Authorities, and Commissions |
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The Providence District has a new opening for the Human Services Council. The Human Services Council is comprised of twenty citizens who are appointed by the Board of Supervisors, representing each of the magisterial districts in Fairfax County (two of the Council members are appointed at-large by the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors).
The Council's charge from the Board of Supervisors directed the Council to serve several distinct roles in the human services system:
- Analyzing needs and the effectiveness of the human services system;
- Advising the system on annual and strategic goals, objectives, and priorities, with consideration for the requirements of non-county funding sources;
- Enhancing the coordination of services among human service providers, both public and private, and overseeing key aspects of change in the system; and
- Serving as a liaison to governing and advisory boards of existing human services organizations, and to the community on human services issues.
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Older Adults Roundtable With Supervisor Palchik |
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On July 28 from 7pm to 8:30pm, I will be hosting a virtual Older Adults Roundtable. This open discussion is focused on aging in Fairfax County; discussing the importance of caregiving and touching on the challenges faced and resources available. It may be viewed on Channel 16 and Facebook Live. Language translation will be available in Mandarin, and closed caption in Spanish.
For more information, please email [email protected] or call my office at (703) 560-9646.
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Get to Know Your Local Government Survey |
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In an joint effort with Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, I am excited to announce that I will be hosting a "Know Your Local Government" Program in the coming months. This is a program that is designed to allow members of the Providence Community to learn about the wide variety of work that local government does here in Fairfax County. These workshops will be geared towards all ages and any level of expertise! So whether you are a local government expert or new to the entire process, this workshop is for you!
In order to design a program that best fits the interests of our community, we are asking you to fill out a survey, offered in seven different languages, that will ask you about which topics within local government you are most interested in learning more about. Please take a minute to fill out this short survey so we can get insight as to what our community is most interested in learning about.
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We request homeowners to keep your bushes, grass, trees trimmed so pedestrians can safely walk the sidewalks! |
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This update briefly covers the status of the following separate and
independent projects:
- Dredging and restoration of Nutley Pond under the project management of the County.
- Dredging is proceeding.
- The base for an aquatic safety bench, discussed below, is being put in place.
- VDOT work to construct a shared use (bike and pedestrian) path along Nutley is proceeding rapidly.
- In addition to the tunnel under Nutley, a tunnel under the interchange ramp can now be clearly seen.
- A large retaining wall is approaching completion.
Important: The work on both projects is underway. Please make sure you and your pets respect the signage and fencing.
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Friends of Trees Awards
The Friend of Trees Awards, sponsored by the Fairfax County Tree Commission, are open for nominations until July 31! Individuals, not for profit and for-profit organizations, and the development community may be nominated for various tree-related projects or programs. The individuals or organizations must have demonstrated outstanding conservation-based actions in preserving, protecting or planting trees. The following types of projects or programs may be nominated:
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Preservation: projects or programs for land or easement donations, or appropriate tree care
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Education: projects or programs that create publications, interpretive trail development, tree marking with identification tags, or presentations to the public about preservation, protection or tree planting
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Planting: projects or programs that conduct seedling plantings, riparian restoration plantings or heritage species plantings
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Maintenance: innovative tree care projects or programs without traditional funding sources
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The document shredding service is open only to residents of Fairfax County, Clifton, Herndon, the Town of Vienna, and the Cities of Fairfax and Falls Church only. Shredding is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
The shredding event will be on Saturday, July 30 from 7am to 11am, unless the trucks fill up prior to the end time, at Kilmer Middle School (8100 Wolf Trap Road). All participants must be in line by 11am to be served. There is a four (4) box limit, based on standard banker/copy box size (12.5” W x 15.5” L x 10.5” H). If you bring documents in plastic bags, please do not tie them. All boxes, plastic/paper bags, or other containers will be returned to you after emptying.
Due to traffic and safety concerns, you may not exit your vehicle or stay in the area to watch shredding. The contractor guarantees all documents will be shredded on-site. You can find more information here.
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On January 1, 2023, an ordinance regulating running bamboo will go in effect in Fairfax County. Learn more.
Things to know about bamboo enforcement:
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Running bamboo will be enforced by DCC on a complaint driven basis. Starting January 1, 2023, complaints about potential running bamboo violations can be made on the DCC website or by calling 703-324-1300.
- Any property owners who have running bamboo, or allow running bamboo to grow, on their property, are considered to be bamboo owners.
- The ordinance does not prohibit planting or having running bamboo on your property, but it will be a violation if the running bamboo spreads to another person’s property or to a public right-of-way.
- Property owners found to be in violation of the ordinance will be directed to take measures to contain the running bamboo to their property so that it does not spread onto any public right of way or adjoining property not owned by them.
- After the issuance of a Notice of Violation, each day that running bamboo remains uncontained may result in a fine of $50, up to a maximum of $2,000 in a 12-month period.
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Rear Setback Coverage
Many residents use their rear yard for accessory structures such as patios, play equipment, pools, and sheds. For lots developed with single family detached dwellings, the Zoning Ordinance limits how much of the rear setback can be covered with accessory structures. The rear setback is the part of the rear yard that abuts the rear lot line, and the depth of the rear setback depends on the zoning district.
In Residential (R) districts, no more than 30% of the minimum rear setback can be covered, with the option of filing for a special permit to request approval for up to 60% coverage.
In Planned (P) Districts, no more than 75% of the minimum rear setback on lots that are 5,000 square feet or less can be covered, and no more than 50% of the minimum rear setback on lots containing more than 5,000 square feet of area can be covered, with the option of filing for a final development plan amendment to request approval for an increase in permitted rear setback coverage.
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Library Operating Hours Changes |
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The Fairfax County Public Library system will be adjusting its operating status due to ongoing staff recruitment challenges. Effective the week of Sunday August 14, all library branches will move to a modified schedule requiring only one shift of staff per day. These hours will be in effect indefinitely. More information.
Regional branches:
- Monday-Tuesday 1pm to 9pm
- Wednesday-Sunday 10am to 6pm
Community branches:
- Monday 1pm to 9pm
- Tuesday-Saturday 10am to 6pm
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Transportation & Land Use Updates |
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Car Tax Relief
The Board of Supervisors approved 15% tax relief for personal property taxes on cars, trucks and other vehicles. This relief is provided by assessing vehicles at 85% of their fair market value rather than the normal 100%. This is the first time that the County has ever taken this step to change the assessment ratio. This relief was automatically applied to your tax amount, so you won’t see the reduction listed. Fairfax County’s tax relief is in addition to the state relief that is listed separately on your bill. Read more.
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Metro Seeks Public Input
Metro is seeking public input on the proposed bus loop expansion and pedestrian improvements at East Falls Church Station.
The station currently has four bus bays that are operating at maximum capacity. In coordination with Metro, Arlington County seeks to expand the footprint of the existing bus loop, upgrade the existing bus shelters, and add three bus bays with shelters at the station. The project also aims to improve sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting, and landscaping within and around the station, including improving the crosswalks between the station entrance and the existing bus loop on North Sycamore Street.
Bus capacity and pedestrian access improvements are necessary to accommodate projected transit ridership growth at the station. East Falls Church Station is the first eastbound station that connects the Silver Line with the Orange Line, making it an important transfer point for rail and bus riders. Feedback from the public on these proposed changes is essential as this project moves forward. Take the survey.
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FCPD PSA: Lock It Or Lose It
Leaving your car unlocked is more serious than you think. Watch this short video as Fairfax County Police Department shares some tips to help keep you from becoming a victim.
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James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards
James Scott Awards aim to raise awareness of outstanding planning and design projects among design professionals and the general public. The design awards program is sponsored by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and administered by the County's Department of Planning and Development in cooperation with the County Architectural Review Board and the Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
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PLUS Update
On October 31, 2022, the Planning and Land Use System (PLUS) will be the central Fairfax County platform for customers doing business with the following:
- Environmental Health (Department of Health)
- Department of Code Compliance
- Department of Planning and Development
- Land Development Services
- Office of the Fire Marshal (Fire and Rescue Department)
Land development-related processes, including creating and submitting applications, scheduling inspections, paying fees, tracking application status and submitting complaints to the Department of Code Compliance will be performed in PLUS. Learn more.
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Community Engagement Forums
The Department of Neighborhood & Community Services will host Community Engagement Sessions regarding the new two-level NCS Community Center that will be built in Tysons in 2024. Residents will have to opportunity to learn about the history of this unique development, view floor plans, and most importantly share what type of programs and services they would like to see offered at this site.
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July 21 from 6:30pm to 8:30 pm - virtual
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July 28, 6:30pm to 8:30pm - in-person at The PARC at Tysons (Childcare, light refreshments and limited transportation will be provided)
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Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention
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July 31 and August 28 at Merrifield Craftsman Auto: Register.
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August 21 at McLean Craftsman Auto: Register.
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Parking Reimagined
Community engagement opportunities for the Parking Reimagined project are coming up this summer as the project team continues to review an in-depth analysis of the County’s off-street parking and loading rates and regulations, located in Article 6 of the Zoning Ordinance. Virtual Open Houses are scheduled for August 10 and August 27 from 11:30am to 12:30pm. During these meetings, staff will provide an update on the Parking Reimagined project, including a presentation highlighting a revised regulatory framework, and proposed minimum parking requirements. Read about further explanation of the proposed regulatory framework. Event details can be found on the Parking Reimagined webpage.
To stay informed about the Parking Reimagined project, subscribe to email updates by selecting ‘Off-Street Parking and Loading ZOA’ on the county’s email subscriptions page.
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Oakton Day sa Park
Join the Greater Oakton Community Association (GOCA) on the second annual Oakton Day in the Park on Sunday, August 14 to 4pm at Oakton Community Park on Hunter Mill Road. New this year, they will have local vendors like Settle Down Easy Brewing Company (opening soon at Hunter Mill Plaza) and Luciano's Italian Restaurant & pizzeria, selling pizza and other goodies. Last year's favorite, Scoops2U, was back with ice cream treats from his vintage Good Humor truck.
Chris Devine is also returning this year with his wide range of songs. Feel free to take a chair or blanket so you can sit in the shade under oak trees and relax. You can choose to tour the historic school where the Friends of the Oakton Library will have a "pop-up" book sale with individual books, bundles and grab bags. Local residents who invasive plant management specialists will guide you on a walk through the woods. Plus, there will be face-painting and games for children and adults. And more!
Parking is limited at Oakton Community Park so it will be easier if you park your car at Unity Church of Fairfax or Oakton Library, then follow the sidewalk along Hunter Mill Road to the Park.
To make this event successful, GOCA needs 50 volunteers. Volunteer shifts are 1.5 hours, so you will still have time to enjoy the festivities. Please sign up here to volunteer. As you know, this was a lot of fun last year and volunteering is a great way to meet neighbors!
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Beat the Chief: FCPD Crossfit Challenge |
Join the Fairfax County Police Department at CrossFit Fairfax (2831 Dorr Avenue) on Saturday, August 20 at 9am to support Special Olympics Virginia. Sixty teams of three will compete at a CrossFit challenge which is a one workout event, to see who can beat the Fairfax County Police Chief’s Team! Up for the challenge? The workout can be scaled or modified to any fitness level, so sign up quickly before the spots are gone! Participants will receive event t-shirts and other fun items from our event sponsors. 100% of the proceeds will support Special Olympics Virginia.
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FCPD's McLean Station will conduct car seat inspection on a first come first serve basis on August 20 and 27 from 9am to 1pm at the McLean Station (1437 Balls Hill Rd.). Please have your car seat already installed, so that the inspection can be done.
Future car seats inspections at McLean Station will be held the last two Saturdays of the month. If you have any questions, contact the McLean Station at 703-556-7750 ext. 0.
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We want to hear from you! Please reach out to us with questions, comments or just to say hello. Please feel free to email us with events you would like to be included in my newsletter.
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