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Dear Neighbor,

She vetoed the casino bill! Hooray! If you missed my earlier email, please check out my statement below the fold.

Back to my regularly scheduled newsletter: on Tuesday, I chaired the Board Transportation Committee where we heard an overview and analysis of Fairfax County Department of Transportation’s timelines on pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure (“active transportation”) projects and an update on the active transportation projects that were funded by the Board’s goal of $100 million over six years. You may know that I have been extremely frustrated by the pace of these projects which are so important to Dranesville residents so I was eager to hear these presentations and the views of my Board colleagues. You can watch the meeting here and find the slide decks for the meeting here.  

The purpose of this meeting was to identify some of the reasons why projects are taking so long and discuss proposed solutions amongst our Board, in advance of a soon-to-be-completed audit of active transportation projects where we hope to formalize certain action steps and changes. So, this was step one, and step two will be presented and discussed by the Board Auditor and FCDOT staff at the May 12 meeting of the Board’s Audit Committee, on which I also sit.

At Tuesday’s meeting, we heard about the many steps that take place in each active transportation project and the challenges that frequently arise including regulatory requirements, coordination with external agencies such as VDOT and utility companies (don’t get me started on utility companies!), property rights, and staffing. But we also heard some ideas for how to speed these projects along so we can deliver these sought-after improvements to the community more quickly and save money – the key point was that even though there are certainly a lot of external factors involved, we are going to find ways to cut down on our internal processes. I really appreciated hearing the themes brought up by my colleagues. For instance, among other things, Supervisor Alcorn noted the limitations of the monthly reports put out by the Transportation Design Division; Supervisor Herrity stressed that staff should work on necessary steps in parallel rather than wait until one is done to begin the next; Vice Chair Smith and Supervisor Storck expressed the willingness of Board members to be involved to assist with challenges posed by external partners; Supervisor Palchik recognized the importance of tracking the effectiveness of any changes that are made; and Chairman McKay kicked off our discussion by noting that he more or less supported trying to tackle nearly all of the “Opportunities for Enhancement” identified by FCDOT in their slides. We all emphasized earlier community engagement, more transparency, clearer timelines, concrete planning, and sticking to goals – or knowing when to reengage with Supervisors and the community when something gets in the way.  

As I said, this discussion was step one, the key thing is to operationalize these ideas – and do it fast! – and that’s what comes next. Stay tuned and I’ll update you again when the Board Auditor’s report is complete. 

Shifting gears, I also want to remind you all that budget season is still underway. My two Budget Town Halls have passed but you can watch the recordings. I encourage you to review the Advertised Budget Plan and share your feedback, including participating in public hearings on April 14, 15 and 16.

Finally, speaking of “active transportation,” please join me for a walk this Sunday at noon! I will be walking the Dranesville loop of the Walk and Win Challenge – it is a 1.75 mile loop and we will begin at the Spring Hill Rec Center this Sunday, April 11, at noon! Walk, share and have a chance to win a prize. The more you walk, the more chances you have to win. And we are also walking for district bragging rights! The Dranesville District is in last place so far and we can’t let that stand! So come walk with me on Sunday and walk again on your own!

All the best,

Please share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors. If this email was forwarded to you, consider subscribing to receive Dranesville District news and updates.

Make sure you’re following us on Social Media for daily and real-time updates:

Jimmy in the Community

Family Walk at Riverbend Park

Meeting with Students from Youth Leadership Program

McLean Station HOA Meeting

Three voting sites are open for early voting for the April 21 Proposed Constitutional Amendment Special Election. This is a statewide special election to consider whether to amend the Constitution of Virginia as proposed by the question designated in House Bill 1384.

Thirteen additional early voting sites, including the McLean Governmental Center, will be open for early voting from April 11-18. 

Unlike election day voting, when voters must vote in their precinct, during early voting, any Fairfax County voter may vote at any Fairfax County early voting location. For more information, please visit this webpage. 

• Explanation for Proposed Constitutional Amendment 
• Sample ballot for April 21, 2026 Special Election 
• Deadline to register: April 14 
• Deadline to apply for an absentee by-mail ballot: April 10  

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) is considering a proposal to create a Community Parking District in Dranesville District, which calls for parking restrictions within the following boundary area:

• South of Route 7, running along the Fairfax County boundary with Loudoun County to the west;
• Along the Dranesville District Boundary with Hunter Mill District to the east; and
• The Dranesville District boundary with Sully District to the south
• The district appears in two segments on the map around the Town of Herndon; boundaries are highlighted in red on the map below:

Community Parking Districts are established under Section 82-5B of Fairfax County Code, and prohibit parking of the following vehicles on public streets in residential areas:  

• Watercraft, boat trailer, motor home, camping trailer, or any other trailer or semi-trailer, regardless of whether such trailer or semi-trailer is attached to another vehicle;
• Any vehicle with three or more axles;
• Any vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating of 12,000 or more pounds except school buses used on a current and regular basis to transport students;
• Any vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, except school buses used on a current and regular basis to transport students; and
• Any vehicle of any size that is being used in the transportation of hazardous materials as defined in Virginia Code § 46.2-341.4.

Community Parking District restrictions prohibit parking of these vehicles at all times; however, restricted vehicles may park while performing work at a residence within the district, or for a maximum of 48 hours while loading, unloading or preparing for a trip. 

A public meeting was held on April 7. A recording of this meeting may be accessed at this webpage.

Feedback will be accepted through April 30 via survey or recorded voicemail at 703-890-5898, Project Code 2283. For additional information about the proposal, please visit Dranesville Large Area Community Parking District Proposal.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Sexual violence is a major public health, human rights and social justice issue that impacts every person in Fairfax County. The purpose of Sexual Assault Awareness Month is to raise public awareness about sexual violence, educate our community on how to prevent it and share resources available to those impacted by sexual assault. Visit this webpage to learn more.

March is National Nutrition Month. In observance of this month, Health Department Nutritionists answer questions they frequently receive from their patients. 

• Do you know what ultra-processed foods are and their link to negative health outcomes?
• Protein is a hot topic, but how much protein do you really need? What happens to your body if you consume too much protein?
• Why is fiber so important, and how can you increase your intake?

Visit this webpage for nutrition tips.

The Fairfax County Police Department’s Road Shark initiative returns in 2026, continuing a long-standing enforcement effort aimed at reducing speeding and aggressive driving across Fairfax County.

Road Shark Wave 1 will run April 20 through April 26, with officers conducting focused enforcement efforts in areas where speeding and aggressive driving are known concerns.

For more than two decades, speeding has remained a significant factor in serious and fatal crashes nationwide. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to hazards and increases the severity of crashes. It can also make everyday driving conditions more dangerous, including traveling at night, during poor weather, or through work zones.

Visit this webpage for additional information about the latest enforcement and education efforts officers are making on distracted driving, impaired driving and speeding.

We celebrate Earth Day each year on April 22, but the truth is that it’s always Earth Day. Every action we take to care for the Earth also cares for ourselves, our families, our communities, and our future. Every choice we make, from cutting down on waste to cleaning up our neighborhoods, helps create healthier conditions for humans and wildlife.

Please visit Clean Fairfax’s Earth Month+ webpage to find Earth Month events happening in our community, as well as other links and resources. If you’d like to organize a community cleanup, or start your plogging habit (picking up litter while jogging), visit Clean Fairfax's free cleanup supplies request page. 

Virginia’s Emergency Substantial Risk Order (ESRO) law, commonly known as a Red Flag law, prevents individuals who show signs of being a threat to themselves or others from purchasing, possessing or transporting any kind of firearm. 

By educating residents about this law, Fairfax County has processed 481 cases since 2020 and temporarily seized 947 firearms during that same period. These results reflect the County’s experience and responsible use of the law and our commitment to preventing harm before it happens. 

Learn more by visiting this webpage.

With increased wildlife activity occurring throughout spring, Fairfax County Animal Services is advising residents on how to respond when they encounter young wildlife. The agency annually sees a seasonal rise in calls from residents who believe they have encountered orphaned or abandoned wildlife. In many cases, these animals are healthy and displaying normal behavior for their species.

Residents are urged not to pick up or feed wildlife. Young animals require specialized care, and handling or feeding them can cause serious harm. Handling wild mammals without gloves also increases the risk of potential disease exposure. Visit this webpage for additional details and resources about dealing with wildlife during the spring season.

The McLean Citizens Association is again sponsoring Teen Character Awards to recognize teens with exceptional ethical and compassionate character. Teens who have, on their own and without compensation or formal recognition, cared for elderly relatives or younger siblings, or who have helped out in the neighborhood or anywhere in the greater DC area, deserve to be recognized not only for themselves but as examples to others.

The award consists of a certificate, which will be presented on the outdoor stage at McLean Day at 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Names of award winners will be provided to the local newspapers to highlight recognition of the teens' achievements.

Nominations must be submitted via email to e-y_committee@mcleancitizens.org no later than Friday, April 24. Access the nomination application form by visiting this webpage. 

McLean Restaurant Week

The McLean Revitalization Corporation presents their inaugural McLean Restaurant Week, which will be held from April 12-19. Downtown McLean will welcome Spring by celebrating McLean’s tremendous variety of high-quality restaurant offerings, featuring cuisines from every part of the world.

During Restaurant Week, participating restaurants will offer limited time prix fixe menus, bundled meal deals, and other exciting promotions. This event will support our local businesses and showcase the tremendous range of culinary talent the McLean business community has to offer.

Visit this webpage for further information, including a list of participating restaurants.

The Virginia Department of Education and the Secretary of Education are hosting a series of Listening Sessions across the Commonwealth to hear from Virginians about how we can highlight successes and work together to strengthen public education by supporting educators and students.

These sessions are an opportunity for division leaders, educators, parents, students, and community members to share what is working well and to contribute to the conversation about how state leaders should be thinking about ensuring every child has access to a high-quality education and the supports they need to succeed. 

Visit this webpage for details about upcoming Listening Sessions. If you cannot attend a listening session, submit public comment by April 10, 2026.

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) is planning for a new roadway connecting Old Meadow Road to Magarity Road in Tysons. The proposed Lincoln Street will provide alternative access from Old Meadow Road to I-66 and the McLean area, 

bypassing portions of Route 123. It is part of the Tysons grid of streets, a street network to accommodate anticipated growth, for a well-connected and more livable urban community. 

For more information on the grid of streets, please visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/tysons/transportation.

The Lincoln Street project will construct a two-lane roadway with sidewalks on both sides 

and a bridge over Scott’s Run. Additionally, the project includes dual mini roundabouts on Magarity Road at the intersection of Peabody Drive and Violet Ridge Place. 

Funding for the project includes local tax, proffer and state grant.

Information related to the project is available for review at the Fairfax County Department of 

Transportation, 4050 Legato Road, Suite 400, Fairfax VA 22033. Please call 703-877-5733 for an appointment. Information is also available online, visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/

transportation/projects/lincoln-street. 

If your concerns cannot be satisfied, FCDOT is willing to hold a public hearing. You may request that a public hearing be held by sending a written letter to Ms. Sonia Shahnaj, Project Manager, Fairfax County Department of Transportation, 4050 Legato Road, Suite 400, Fairfax VA 22033 on or prior to April 10, 2026. If upon receiving public comments it is deemed necessary to hold a public hearing, notice of date, time and place of hearing will be posted.

This drive-through environmental action event is designed to provide McLean residents with an opportunity to divert items from landfills and create a healthier planet through shredding, reusing, recycling and replenishing. The event includes document shredding (up to five file boxes—no clips please), bike donations, bulk and household item donations and more. Don’t leave without your free gifts! Admission is free. This program is intended for MCC district residents only. Registration is required. Visit this webpage for more information.

Saturday, April 11

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Avenue

McLean

Join NextStop Theatre’s Director of Education, Jessi Shull, for a joyful, imagination-filled hour of storytelling and play! Each class begins with a delightful picture book that becomes the springboard into beginner acting skills—using bodies, voices, and big ideas to bring stories to life. Little ones will explore creativity through movement, pretend play, and simple drama activities, all in a warm, encouraging environment. A free snack is included, and adults are required to stay and participate, making this a wonderful, shared experience for both kids and their grown-ups. This program is intended for ages three to five. Please visit Tot Ensemble | NextStop Theatre for additional details.

Saturday, April 11

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

NextStop Theatre

269 Sunset Park Drive

Herndon

Join guided wildflower walks and explore the iconic bluebell blooms. Meet live animals and learn about local wildlife. Discover nature exhibits from local partners and experts. Enjoy live music along the riverbank. Create kid-friendly crafts and hands-on nature activities. Savor delicious bites from local food offerings. Delight in kids’ games and a lively puppet show. Register for $10 online or $15 at the door.

Saturday, April 11

10:00 a.m.

Riverbend Park

8700 Potomac Hills Street

Great Falls

Celebrate Langley’s 60th Anniversary! There will be an Open House with refreshments, time capsule, slide show, speakers from the decades, tours, booster wear sales, PTSA fundraising and much more.  

RSVP by visiting this webpage. For additional updates, visit Langley's webpage.

Saturday, April 11

11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Langley High School

6520 Georgetown Pike

McLean

The Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department cordially invites community members and their families to the upcoming blood drive on Sunday, April 12. This event is the second annual Lilly Joy Kishore Memorial Blood Drive, held in partnership with Inova Blood Donor Services, in memory of a lifelong and beloved Great Falls resident. Lilly suffered a sudden cardiac arrest in May 2021 despite being a healthy college athlete. She was placed on advanced life support but passed away a month later at the age of 21. The Kishore family—longtime pillars of the Great Falls community for more than 25 years—has contributed through PTA and athletic boards, coaching, scouting, and sponsoring local events and awards. Lilly shared the same positive, giving spirit, and her friends and family continue to honor her by embracing the “Live Like Lilly” philosophy, supporting meaningful causes like replenishing the local blood supply.

Blood donors will receive giveaways including coupons for a free pint of ice cream from the Great Falls Creamery and a free specialty coffee from Katie’s Coffee. Sparky the Fire Dog and the Creamery Cow will also be onsite to cheer on participants and encourage everyone to learn hands‑only CPR with guidance from the department’s EMTs. Register for a slot by visiting this webpage.

Sunday, April 12

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department

9916 Georgetown Pike

Great Falls

Do you need tech help? The Tysons-Pimmit Library Tech Help Desk volunteers are ready to help. Consultations run for about 15-20 minutes, or longer when time allows. Walk-ins are welcome, no appointment is needed.

Sunday, April 12

10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library

7584 Leesburg Pike

Falls Church

Join Supervisor Bierman at the Spring Hill Rec Center for a community walk along the Dranesville Loop for the Walk & Win Challenge. All ages and fitness levels are welcome to attend.

Sunday, April 12

12:00 p.m.

Spring Hill Rec Center

1239 Spring Hill Road

McLean

The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) is seeking a student member to join the council for the July 2026 through June 2027 term. EQAC is an advisory group appointed by the Board of Supervisors to provide advice on environmental matters. Interested high school sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply by April 12, 2026. Visit this webpage for more information and to access the application materials.

April 13: Mandarin Bilingual Storytime at Dolley Madison Library

April 14: Read to Jackson the Therapy Dog at Great Falls Library

Join Senator Jennifer Boysko to discuss the important issues worked on this past General Assembly session.

Wednesday, April 15

6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Great Falls Grange

9818 Georgetown Pike

Great Falls

Hear from professionals in Health and Human Services as they discuss transitioning into local government careers.

Discover how your federal government and contracting experience can open doors in local government. This webinar brings together local government leaders and professionals—along with former federal employees who have successfully transitioned into local roles—to share practical insights and highlight the advantages of making local government your next career move.

Visit this webpage for more details and to register.

Thursday, April 16

10:00 a.m.

April 17: Spring 2026 Business Pulse Survey Deadline

The Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives has just launched their Spring 2026 Business Survey for local business owners and entrepreneurs to share their insights.

Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or a large corporation, your feedback on the current economic climate helps shape the County’s support programs and future strategies. It’s quick and completely confidential (all data is grouped together for reporting).

Click here to share your perspective before the survey closes on April 17.

The Fairfax County Tree Commission will be conducting a free tree seedling giveaway this spring to help our community restore and protect our environment and natural resources. 

Join your neighbors Saturday, April 18 at the opening of the Burke Farmer’s Market and pick up a free tree. The bare-root seedlings are small and easy to plant and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. A variety of trees will be available choose from - Black Gum, Red Oak, Willow Oak, Sweetbay Magnolia, and Eastern Redbud. The Tree Commission will have experts on hand to provide planting guidance and answer questions. For more information about the Tree Commission, please visit Tree Commission.

Saturday, April 18

8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (or until supplies run out)

Burke Farmer's Market

5671 Roberts Parkway

Burke

April 18: Fairfax County History Commission Conference

Join historians, scholars, educators and community members for a day of exploration, discovery and reflection on the future. As Fairfax marks #Fairfax250, this conference explores how the County shaped—and was shaped by—the American Revolution. From famous figures to everyday people, uncover the ideas, struggles and lasting impacts that helped change the course of history. For additional information and to register, please visit this webpage.

Saturday, April 18

8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Fairfax County Government Center

12000 Government Center Parkway

Fairfax

Herndon residents are invited to attend Shredathon, a free paper shredding event. Bring your old bills, tax returns, and more. Please refrain from bringing cardboard, large binders, or large metal clips.

Saturday, April 18

11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

ArtSpace Parking Lot

750 Center Street

Herndon

Celebrate Earth Day with Supervisor Jimmy Bierman, his team, and the McLean Trees Foundation by weeding and mulching recently planted trees and planting native tree saplings in Lewinsville Park. Attendees (ages 12+) must register to volunteer at this event.

Saturday, April 25

10:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Lewinsville Park

1659 Chain Bridge Road

McLean

VDOT: 495 NEXT Updates

NIGHTLY CLOSURES AND DETOURS AT DULLES TOLL ROAD AND I-495 INTERCHANGE IN MCLEAN SCHEDULED THIS WEEKEND, APRIL 10-12

Beginning on or about Friday night, April 10, and continuing nightly through Sunday night, April 12, all lanes of eastbound Dulles Toll Road (Route 267) will be closed and detoured between Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) and the I-495 (Capital Beltway) interchange in McLean. Closures will be in place starting at 10 p.m. each night through 5 a.m. the following morning. These closures are to accommodate overhead sign work as part of the 495 NEXT project.

During these overnight closures, drivers should follow the signed detour to eastbound Route 7 to northbound Route 123 to access north- or southbound I-495, or continue eastbound on Dulles Toll Road. Additionally, a shoulder closure will be in place during daytime hours on Saturday, April 11 on eastbound Dulles Toll Road between Route 7 and the Beltway.

Upcoming nightly ramp closure and detour at eastbound Dulles Toll Road to northbound 495 Express Lanes

Additionally, the Exit 18B ramp from eastbound Dulles Toll Road to the northbound 495 Express Lanes will be closed and detoured nightly starting Monday, April 13, through Wednesday night, April 15. This work will take place between 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and is for noise wall work along I-495.

Motorists should follow the posted detour for this work:

• Take Exit 18A to southbound I-495
• Take southbound I-495 to Exit 46B for northbound Route 123/Chain Bridge Road
• Continue on northbound Route 123 then turn left onto Scotts Crossing Road
• From Scotts Crossing Road, turn right to access the northbound 495 Express Lanes

All work is weather dependent and may be rescheduled if necessary. Drivers are urged to use caution and expect potential delays if traveling through this area.

Final Construction Activities on New Georgetown Pike Bridge

Following the traffic shift to the Georgetown Pike Bridge over I-495, crews will construct the bridge’s center median, a new sidewalk on the north side of the bridge, and the new I-495 bicycle and pedestrian shared-use trail on the south side of the bridge. Final bridge work will include paving and installation of lane markings, permanent traffic and pedestrian signals, and roadway signs. This work will require periodic day and nighttime lane closures on the bridge. All work on the new bridge is anticipated to be completed by late spring.

Once work is complete, the new Georgetown Pike Bridge will consist of six travel lanes (three lanes eastbound and three lanes westbound) for drivers, as well as improved access and connections for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Remaining Project Construction

Beyond work on and near the Georgetown Pike Bridge, final work to complete the 495 NEXT project includes:

• Constructing a 25-spot parking lot at the southeast corner of the Georgetown Pike Bridge and I-495 interchange, adjacent to Balls Hill Road and across from Cooper Middle School, for visitors to Scott’s Run Nature Preserve and users of the new shared-use trail.
• Completing the shared-use trail, which will extend from Lewinsville Road to Live Oak Drive.
• Final paving along Balls Hill Road and Georgetown Pike, and rehabilitation of the existing I-495 overpasses that connect I-495 with the George Washington Memorial Parkway. 
• Revegetation throughout the project corridor.

Lane Closures & Traffic Changes Report for the upcoming week will be posted tomorrow at the 495 NEXT Lane Closures webpage. Sign up to get updates and alerts here.

Check out the 495 NEXT interactive map, project background and more information by visiting 495NEXT.org. If you have any questions or concerns about the 495 NEXT project, please feel free to contact the project team at 495NorthernExtension@vdot.virginia.gov or 703-592-6430.

Travelers should stay informed and prepared by:

• Checking VA 511 by using 511virginia.org or via the mobile 511Virginia app
• Following VDOT on social media at:
• X (formerly Twitter): @VaDOTNOVA and @VaDOT
• Facebook: VDOT NOVA District
• Nextdoor: Virginia Department of Transportation
• Signing up for construction updates and alerts
• Calling the Construction Information Lane at 703-592-6430

The National Park Service has reached substantial completion of the north parkway rehabilitation project on the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Some finishing work will continue into spring 2026 during off-peak travel hours. Motorists can expect travel impacts once crews begin rehabilitation efforts on the Route 123 Interchange bridge. Visit this webpage for more information.

Learn More & Stay Connected:

• To opt in to receive email updates about traffic, meeting notices and information about major milestones, please click here.
• To contact the project team, please e-mail the National Park Service.
• View recordings of informational public meetings on the public meeting webpage.

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dranesville

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