Dec. 7, 2022

Neighbors, 

Fairfax County received a total of 75 nominations to amend the Comprehensive Plan as a part of the 2022-2023 Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) nomination process held during October. The Hunter Mill District had the highest number of nominations at 15. You can review the list here.

At yesterday's Board of Supervisors meeting a motion was approved for the majority of the nominations to move forward into a screening process to be reviewed by county staff and the Planning Commission for consistency with county policy and priorities relative to other long-range planning activities. We are in the very early stages of the SSPA process, which will also include significant community engagement. More information on the process.

A handful of nominations were not approved to move forward into the screening process including two in the Hunter Mill District. These were the two golf courses in Reston – Reston National and Hidden Creek Country Club.

I have consistently stated (Reston National and Hidden Creek statements) that, to earn my support, any proposal to change the comprehensive plan for properties from their current respective “golf course” designations would need support from surrounding communities. Even after considerable community engagement and outreach by the owners of the golf courses, nearby residents – by a large majority – and their cluster association leaders contacted my office and clearly stated that they did not support changing the zoning comprehensive plan designation of the two golf courses.

My commitment to community-based comprehensive planning is unchanged.  

Regards,

Walter

The next distribution date for the Winter Coat Closet is Saturday, Dec. 17 and donations are needed, especially in children's sizes. My office and Cornerstones partner every year on the Winter Coat Closet to collect and distribute new or gently used and clean heavy winter coats, as well as new hats, scarves and gloves for neighbors in need. 

Drop off your donations:

• My office in the North County Governmental Center, 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston, weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• You can also drop off donations at the North County Governmental Center on Saturday, Dec. 17 and Saturday, Jan. 14 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Please donate if you can, no one should be without a warm coat this winter.

The Board of Supervisors had a full agenda yesterday for our last regular meeting of 2022! You can review the meeting materials here and watch the meeting here. In addition to the SSPA action, which I noted at the top of the newsletter, here are several highlights:

Barbara Naef Recognition

During community presentations I was honored to recognize Hunter Mill District resident Barbare Naef (pictured) for her many contributions to the county, including 20 years serving on the History Commission. You can watch the presentation here.

Vantage Hill

The Board approved the addition of 28 single family attached dwellings to an existing multi-family development with associated modifications to site design along Vantage Hill Road, East Side of Wainwright Drive and South Side of Baron Cameron Avenue. The owners of the Vantage Hill property are using the proceeds from the sale of land to make much needed updates to the current property. Kudos to the Vantage Hill condo association folks for working through the process and using this very creative approach to keep your community going strong for decades to come. Learn more.

Personal Property (Car) Tax Update

The Board approved changes to make personal property tax return filing easier for residents who buy a new car or move one into the county. Learn more

Temporary Suspension of Disposal Fees for Haulin' Trash Customers

The Board authorized a temporary suspension of disposal fees at the I-95 Landfill Complex and the I-66 Transfer Station for former Haulin' Trash residential customers. Learn more.

Speed Camera Pilot Program Approved; Improving Safety is Focus

The Board approved a new pilot program for photo speed monitoring devices (speed cameras) to be installed in nine school zones and one construction zone in the county in early 2023. Learn more.

Reston Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Virtual Meeting, Monday, Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.

The Reston P&Z meeting is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Use this link to attend and participate. You may also call in and listen to the meeting, dial 571-429-5982 and use conference call ID: 158 218 517#. For more information contact Shruti Nallappa.

Reston Comprehensive Plan Information

Reston Comprehensive Plan Study webpage and podcast.

Friday Deadline to Vote for Holiday Display

Voting for this year's holiday decorating contest wraps up at noon this Friday, Dec. 9. Winners will be announced at the Holiday Reception on

Friday, Dec. 9, at the Vienna Community Center from 4 to 6 p.m. Cast your vote.

Drafty House? Thermal Cameras Available on Loan

Thermal cameras are available on loan for Town of Vienna residents. If you're feeling a draft in a room or have high heating bills, you can borrow a thermal camera from the Town to see where your home is losing heat and why. Learn more.

Volunteer Opportunity: Reston Citizens Advisory Committee Leadership Positions

The Fairfax County Police Department Reston Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) is holding elections for Reston CAC leadership positions. CACs provide an avenue through which the Chief of Police and District Station Commanders may receive community input relative to the department’s mission and commitment to community policing. The actions of the CAC help to foster good communication and transparency. The Reston Station Commander regularly meets with residents to update them on any significant safety issues in the neighborhoods, and residents can also share any concerns they have. The meetings are usually the 4th Wednesday of the month. Learn more. Anyone interested in serving in Reston CAC leadership should contact officer Brandi Horita. 

Holiday Safety Tips

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department encourages everyone decorating for the holidays to take a few minutes to watch this video from their partners at the National Fire Protection Association. Follow the simple safety tips to help keep yourself, your family and friends safe from fire.

Holiday Card Exchange Tomorrow

The Reston Regional Library is hosting a holiday card exchange. You can bring in your unused holiday cards for new designs. The event is tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 8,10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 11925 Bowman Towne Dr., Reston.

Holiday Giving Season

The holiday giving season is underway and there are many opportunities to help our neighbors in need, especially during the month of December. Upcoming events include the Winter Coat Closet, Elf Store and more, find details here.

Reston Community Center Events and Programs

The Reston Community Centers at Lake Anne and Hunters Woods have a full calendar of events and programs for every age and interest this winter. Find out what's coming up here.

Fairfax County COVID-19 Data Dashboard

Start Your Personal COVID-19 Plan:Tools, information and action steps to share with your family, friends, and healthcare provider.