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Dear Neighbor,

As Chair of the Board’s Transportation Committee, I wanted to give you all a heads up about an important topic on the agenda for next Tuesday’s Committee Meeting. Our office hears from constituents about their transportation concerns on nearly a daily basis, with important themes emerging. One constant refrain is the need for better pedestrian and bicycle options (my office had three meetings on this topic in just one day last week!), while others also want to find ways to alleviate our traffic and congestion problems. So, I am looking forward to Tuesday’s Transportation Committee meeting where one of the agenda topics will be “Additional Measures of Effectiveness.” This might not sound that exciting but it gets to the heart of the tradeoff I have seen over and over again. The traditional measures of effectiveness in traffic studies focus primarily on impacts to vehicle traffic. This often results in recommendations such as wider roads that negatively impact other ways to get around, including walking and cycling. For instance, I spent one morning this week considering a corridor where turn lanes arguably make it more difficult for kids to walk to school. At the same time, improving conditions for pedestrians and cyclists can negatively impact the time and experience for people in cars (the turn lanes mentioned in the prior sentence likely reduce overall travel times). The County has begun an investigation into how and when (and where) to introduce other measures of effectiveness when engaging in comprehensive planning and corridor studies (and more) but more conversations are needed. The important thing is trying to figure out how we balance these considerations while continuing to move our County and our neighborhoods forward (on foot, on a bike, or in a car!). Tune in on Tuesday!  

If Board Committee meetings are not your idea of fun (though, how could they not be?), we have a lot of great events coming up in Dranesville this weekend! On Saturday morning I will be stopping by the McLean Community Center’s parking lot sale and the Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center’s Community Health and Wellness Fair. In the afternoon, I look forward to kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month at the first annual ¿Qué Pasa? Festival of Herndon. I will also be attending the Native American Festival this Saturday at Riverbend Park. See below for details about all of these events, and I really hope to see you out there!  

And, knowing how busy your weekends are, I want to give you advance notice of two Dranesville District Office events. First, I am proud to co-sponsor Salsa in the Park on September 20. This event is an opportunity to celebrate nature and conservation with the Herndon Latino community with salsa dancing and salsa making (and to learn how to live a healthy, eco-friendly life in the process). It will be a fun event for the whole family! 

The second save-the-date is for our first annual Dranesville Celebration of Trees on October 20 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Lewinsville Park. This free event will allow us to come together to appreciate the vital role trees play in our environment and will feature a tree planting demonstration, a guided nature walk, educational resources from local tree organizations, and more! Stay tuned for more information. 

I look forward to seeing you at our Dranesville events! 

All the best, 

Jimmy 

James N. Bierman, Jr. 

Dranesville District Supervisor

McLean Governmental Center 

1437 Balls Hill Road

McLean, VA 22101

PH: 703-356-0551

Dranesville@fairfaxcounty.gov

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:

Meeting with Oliver from Boy Scout Troop 128

Herndon versus Langley High School Football Game

Northern Virginia Transportation Commission's 60th Anniversary Celebration

Kirby Road Pedestrian Safety Site Visit

ActiveFairfax Oprn House at MCC

9-11 Remembrance at the McLean District Fire Station

On September 10, the Board of Supervisors approved a data center-specific zoning ordinance amendment and follow-on motion to address concerns about noise, building design, proximity to residential areas, and environmental impacts.  

The previous zoning ordinance permitted data centers in various commercial and industrial districts, with specific standards for equipment enclosure and building size, and with by-right options for large data centers in the I-4, I-5, and I-6 districts. The zoning ordinance amendment limits large by-right data centers to only our most intense industrial districts, I-5 and I-6, reducing the available by-right locations in the County, while adding a number of other restrictions including: 

• Residential Setback: Data center buildings must be at least 200 feet from the lot line of an adjacent or abutting residential district or property.  
• Outdoor Equipment and Back-up Generators: Must be 300 feet from the lot line of residential property or separated from the lot line of a residential district or residential property by the data center building. Lesser distances may be allowed with special exception approval. 
• Distance from Metro Stations: Data centers must be at least one mile from a Metro station. 
• Noise Studies: Pre- and post-construction noise studies must be submitted to ensure compliance with the Noise Ordinance. 
• Building Design: Main entrance features, façade variations, and other architectural elements are required to enhance the visual appeal of these industrial buildings.

The Board also approved a follow-on motion to consider new data center guidance as part of a Countywide update to Comprehensive Plan, currently underway. The update will be informed, in part, by studies by the state’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission related to energy demand and by the Upper Occoquan Service Authority regarding water quality and concentrated solids and salts from evaporative cooling systems. Additional guidelines for data center applications subject to rezoning or special exceptions will also be considered and there will also be a review of the measures that the data center industry is implementing to address energy demand and other environmental issues. Staff anticipate public hearings for the plan amendment in the Fall of 2025. View upcoming meetings and sign up for email updates here.  

As I said in my prior newsletter, I see the approved data center zoning ordinance amendment as a worthy compromise trying to balance competing interests concerning data centers, recognizing their economic value and potential, while trying to make sure that they are put in areas that are more ideal for industrial opportunities rather than residential or commercial opportunities (which is one reason that the mile from Metro restriction makes sense to me, as those areas are most ripe for transit-oriented development). But perhaps more important to me is the follow-on motion, which not only makes clear that this is not the end of the conversation, but also requires staff to continue studying the issue and testing our various assumptions concerning industry standards and the effects of by-right development opportunities. Further, the follow-on motion allows us to request more information regarding environmental impacts and more information to inform any further action, especially where I think the zoning ordinance does not provide us with the power that some people think it does. In other words, stay tuned, and for now know that we have taken a step in the direction of a far more balanced and measured approach to data center development than the prior status quo. 

Are you interested in learning more about the County's proposed changes to the existing special events regulations? 

Join County staff at one of two upcoming virtual community meetings to learn more. The meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, September 17 at 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday, September 25 at 12:00 p.m. and will be held on Microsoft Teams. Links to join the meetings are available on the Special Events – Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment website under "Upcoming Meetings." 

This proposal includes recommended changes to increase flexibility and remove unnecessary impediments and time limits for temporary special events. In addition, potential changes to the existing Food Truck standards will also be discussed. 

For more information about the upcoming amendment, and for links to scheduled virtual meetings, please visit the Special Event – Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment website. Please contact Lily Yegazu at 703-324-1314 or lily.yegazu@fairfaxcounty.gov with any questions or comments. 

September 2024 has been proclaimed as Hunger Action Month in Fairfax County and individuals and community groups can make monetary donations directly to local non-profit organizations that provide food assistance in Fairfax County.

The county added the virtual Stuff the Bus program in November 2023. The physical Stuff the Bus program will return in early 2025; the virtual food drive will help prepare Fairfax County’s non-profit food access partners for the busy holiday season.

Information on the community partners and the virtual drive is available at Stuff the Bus Virtual Food Drive. The virtual Stuff the Bus campaign runs through September 30. Learn more about ways to fight hunger and homelessness on this Fairfax County resource page. For more information, visit the Stuff the Bus page.

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will implement significant service changes for more than a dozen Fairfax Connector routes throughout the county on September 14, 2024. These service changes will increase frequency, realign service to better accommodate residents, and includes the addition of two new routes (Route 559 and Express Route 798).

• Route 558 will split into northern and southern portions of Reston. The southern portion will become new Route 559.
• Route 494 realigns to serve the Springfield Community Business Center (CBC) Commuter Parking Garage and improves frequency.
• Route 371 from Lorton to Springfield improves frequency and will replace Routes 372 and 373. 

Effective September 16, the Fairfax Connector will launch its first ever Express Route 798 to Bethesda, Maryland. Route 798 will provide regional connectivity between Tysons West Park and Tysons Metrorail Station in Virginia, and Bethesda, Maryland. This new connection will serve major employment centers such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and Downtown Bethesda. In addition, Route 798 aims to facilitate access to key destinations, including shopping and business hubs, and residential communities across the American Legion Bridge.

For more information about all of the September service changes, visit FairfaxConnector.com. 

The Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives (DEI) announced the selection of eight innovative startups for the second cohort of the Fairfax Founders Fund (FFF). This competitive grant program, established by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is a significant component of the county's economic development strategy and Countywide Strategic Plan. The eight grant awardees were chosen because of the potential of their innovative technology solutions and demonstrated business growth opportunities.

The FFF is a grant and technical assistance program that provides critical early-stage funding of up to $50,000 to high-growth startups based in Fairfax County.

For more information, including program details, eligibility criteria, and future cohort information visit the Founders Fund page.

Join Supervisor Jimmy Bierman and Dranesville residents for the first annual Dranesville Celebrates Trees event! Spend the day surrounded by nature to promote awareness and protection of the Dranesville District tree canopy. This free and open to the public event will feature a tree planting, guided nature walks, educational resources from local tree organizations, and more!

Sunday, October 20 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Lewinsville Park

1659 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean

Stay tuned for more information on our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X), webpage, and newsletter.

The Fairfax County Police Department has introduced the new Fairfax County Police Open Data site. Here, you'll find a wealth of information and insights into law enforcement activities in Fairfax County. This platform offers transparent access to various datasets, including incident statistics and demographic analyses. Explore trends, patterns and community safety metrics to better understand FCPD's efforts in ensuring public security and fostering trust within the community. Visit fcpd.org for more information.

Want to improve the security of your home free of charge? FCPD is offering free home security assessments where they will walk your property together and provide feedback for improvements. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please email Daniel Goldman at daniel.goldman@fairfaxcounty.gov.

September is Suicide Prevention Month, but it's always time to raise awareness, strengthen the dialogue and remind individuals, friends and families about resources that are available to help prevent suicide. Suicide is preventable, and there are resources and support services available throughout the year to promote positive mental health and increase resilience.

If you or someone you care about may be at risk of suicide, don't hesitate to reach out for help right away. These resources are available 24/7:

• Call or text 9-8-8, the 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Hotline 
• Call the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.
• Text "CONNECT" to 855-11 to contact PRS CrisisLink.
• Lifeline Chat: SuicidePreventionLifeline.org/chat.
• Call PRS CrisisLink at 703-527-4077.
• In an immediate, life-threatening situation, call 911.
• If you are concerned, the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia (SPAN) offers a Confidential Online Screening.

You can also go directly to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board’s Emergency Services office, Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health, 8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, 703-573-5679, TTY 711 which is open 24/7.

Deciding when to help someone who may be at risk for suicide can be scary, but taking one step to reach out for support could save a life. For more information, visit the County's resource page.

September is Hunger Action Month and the Department of Family Services wants to spotlight food assistance programs in Fairfax County, why some households experience periods of hunger, and why the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is so important for increasing access to affordable, nutritious food for individuals, children and families, and older adults. 

About 5% of the County’s population, or over 60,000 people, currently participate in SNAP benefits. The issue of hunger is even more widespread, as more people are eligible for SNAP than are receiving benefits. SNAP provides households with a monthly amount of money to purchase eligible food items from local stores and farmers markets. 

During September, the Department of Family Services will share important information about how to apply for and use SNAP benefits, what to do if you don’t qualify for SNAP, and where to go if you’d like to donate or access food in Fairfax County. 

Join us as we learn about SNAP and other food resources during Hunger Action Month. You can help fight hunger in our community by using our Community Engagement Toolkit to share information on social media (#HungerActionMonth #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices) and donating food. 

Follow along during Hunger Action Month:

• Facebook: @FairfaxCountyFamilyServices
• Online: Hunger Action Month 

How to apply for SNAP: Visit CommonHelp.Virginia.gov or call 1-833-522-5582.

In-person early voting will be available from September 20 through November 2 for the November 5 General and Special Elections at the below locations and times. 13 additional in-person early voting locations will open on October 17 (including the McLean Governmental Center). Here is what you need to know:

• Only Fairfax County registered voters may vote at any Fairfax County early voting location. 
• Voters must present an acceptable ID or may sign an ID Confirmation Statement.
• Curbside voting is available for eligible voters.
• Absentee by mail voters may vote early in person if they choose. If you received a ballot in the mail, you must bring it with you and surrender it to vote in person. If you received a ballot but do not bring it with you, you may vote a provisional ballot. Mail ballot drop-boxes are available during early voting location operating hours.
• Same-day registration is available between October 16 and November 2 at early voting locations. Voters submitting a same-day registration will vote a provisional ballot.
• Questions? Email earlyvoting@fairfaxcounty.gov or check the FAQs.

For more information, please visit fairfaxcounty.gov/elections.

The Dead Run Drive and Carper Street Cut-Through Traffic Program Task Force and the Fairfax County Department of Transportation will host a meeting to discuss the implementation of a Time-of-Day Turn Restriction. Task Force members from the community have worked with the Virginia Department of Transportation and Fairfax County to develop this solution to reduce the volume of traffic on Dead Run Drive and Carper Street. The proposal would restrict left hand turns onto Georgetown Pike from Dead Run Drive during 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. If the proposal is implemented, traffic would be diverted to other routes when the restriction is in effect.

The purpose of this meeting is to explain the proposal, receive feedback, and answer any questions or concerns that citizens may have. Representatives of the Dranesville District Supervisor’s Office and FCDOT will attend and answer any questions during the Q&A Session.

Thursday, September 12 at 6:30 p.m.

Virtual Meeting via Microsoft Teams

Meeting ID: 231 145 124 572; Passcode: WSDn5E

Phone Conference Number: +1 571-429-5982; ID: 238 736 477#

If you are unable to attend the meeting, but have questions, please call FCDOT at 703-877-5600 or email DOTinfo@FairfaxCounty.gov (Subject: Dead Run Drive and Carper Street Cut-Through Traffic Program).

The McLean District Station Community Advisory Committee (CAC) will be hosting an in-person meeting as part of their Community Engagement Program. The purpose of these meetings are for the community to discuss issues and concerns with the Commanders of the McLean District Station. The Commanders will share current crime trends and statistics.

Thursday, September 12 at 7 p.m.

Jim Scott (Providence) Community Center

3001 Vaden Dr, Fairfax

Kick-off Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating at the first annual ¿Qué Pasa? Festival of Herndon! This festival will feature a diverse array of activities, including live music and performances, authentic Latin/Hispanic cuisine, artisanal crafts, interactive workshops, and much more. Attendees can expect to be immersed in the vibrant Latin/Hispanic culture, experiencing the sights, rhythmic sounds, and incredible flavors that make it so unique.

Saturday, September 14 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

750 Center St, Herndon

Visit vahcc.com/quepasaherndon for more information.

Join Cornerstones and the Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services for a Community Health and Wellness Fair. Discover a wealth of community and health services and programs available in your neighborhood. There will be family-friendly games and raffle prizes.

Saturday, September 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center

1086 Elden St, Herndon

The McLean Community Center will be holding a Fall Community Parking Lot Sale on Saturday, September 14. Choose from an array of items including household goods, clothing, jewelry, and more!

Saturday, September 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean

Interested in being a vendor? Register here.

Sept. 14: Virginia Native American Festival

Experience the spirit of Virginia at the Native American Festival! There will be a performance by the Rappahannock Native American Dancers and Drum group, hands-on demonstrations, including bow and arrow use, and much more. Tickets are $12.

Saturday, September 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Riverbend Park

8700 Potomac Hills St, Great Falls

Register Now

Join the Willow Foundation, a non-profit organization that funds metastatic cancer researchers, for their largest fundraiser, OktoberBreast. This year, they taking over The Casual Pint in Dunn Loring for their annual Bavarian-themed day-party. The fundraiser will include:

• A live Oompa band
• Beverage of choice and a food item (included with ticket)
• Traditional Oktoberfest competitions for both kids and adults including a prize for best dressed
• And more!

This is a family-friendly event; kids under 5 are admitted free and dogs are welcome, too. Full ticket including alcoholic beverage and food item is $42. Non-alcoholic ticket is $39.

Sunday, September 15 at from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The Casual Pint

2676 Avenir Pl, Vienna

Tickets

Visit willow.foundation/events for more information.

The Inova Blood Donor Services Bloodmobile will be in the parking lot of the Reston District Police Station on Monday, September 16. Book your appointment today!

Monday, September 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

North County Government Center

1801 Cameron Glen Dr, Reston

The Green Business Partners Program is having a networking event on September 19, and they are excited for you to join them!

The theme of the Green Business Social is “Be Green, See Green” and will feature County business leaders sharing insights on the monetary benefits of incorporating sustainability practices into their operations. Green Business Leader Groundswell, in partnership with the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination.

The goal of the Green Business Social is for leaders to network and to encourage peer-to-peer learning on how green business practices can lower operational costs, increase profits, and contribute to a healthier community. 

The event is free, and food and drinks will be provided. Space is limited so be sure to register for the event in advance. 

Thursday, September 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Groundswell

8401 Greensboro Dr, Tysons

Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/GBPSocial2024. For questions about this event, please email greenbusiness@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Sept. 20: Movie Under the Stars

The McLean Revitalization Corporation, a nonprofit organization with a mission to revitalize and re-invigorate downtown McLean, will be facilitating a free outdoor movie night for all of McLean to enjoy! Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, carry-out, and family to the Franklin Sherman Elementary School field to watch Despicable Me 3. Don’t miss out on this exciting community event; it will be a night to remember! Follow McLean Revitalization Corporation on Facebook for more exciting updates and upcoming events in downtown McLean!

Friday, September 20 at 6 p.m.

Franklin Sherman Elementary School

6633 Brawner St, McLean

Reserve a spot

Join us in celebrating Latino Conservation Week! Groove to the rhythm with Fairfax County Park Authority, Defensores de la Cuenca, and Opportunity Neighborhoods with salsa dancing and making. Celebrate nature and conservation with the Herndon Latino community. Dive into fun with green actions and learn how to live a healthy, eco-friendly life. Enjoy a family-filled afternoon with great company and exciting educational opportunities.

Friday, September 20 at 4:30 p.m.

Alabama Drive Park

1100 Alabama Dr, Herndon

Visit the event page for more information.

Sept. 23: Celebrate Car Free Day 2024

Car Free Day 2024 for the Washington, DC metropolitan area will be celebrated on Monday, September 23. Car Free Day is a worldwide event that encourages greener methods of travel; meaning ways to get around other than driving alone by car. 

The purpose of Car Free Day is to bring awareness to the benefits of travel options such as transit, bicycling and walking; and also telework for people who can work from home. Carpooling and vanpooling count too, since they are both lighter on the wallet and the environment than driving alone in a car. Take the pledge today!

Visit carfreemtrodc.org for more information.

VDOT and its consultant will hold a second virtual community meeting for the Walker Road Safety Assessment Study from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. You may join the meeting via this link. The purpose of this meeting will be for the consultant team to present its findings from the safety review of the corridor and discuss next steps. Following the presentation, the public will be afforded the opportunity to comment and ask questions. To learn more about the study, please visit the study webpage.

VDOT: 495 NEXT Updates

Lane Closures & Traffic Changes Report for the upcoming week will be posted tomorrow at the 495 NEXT Lane Closures webpage. Sign up to get news and updates on 495 NEXT lane closures and project updates, 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

Public Hours

VDOT and its 495 NEXT project partners will hold drop-in public hours this summer to provide the public opportunities to interact with project staff individually to learn more and ask questions about the 495 NEXT project. These sessions will be held at the McLean Governmental Center’s Community Room and no appointment is necessary. A virtual option will be available as well. Please visit the project’s website to access the links. 

2024 Public Hours Dates and Times:

• Thursday, September 19 | 4-6 p.m.
• Thursday, September 26 | 1-3 p.m. 

Email 495NorthernExtension@vdot.virginia.gov or call 703-691-6715 with any questions.

Construction efforts to rehabilitate the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) are underway between I-495 and Spout Run Parkway. Construction activities will impact drivers and park visitors for the duration of the rehabilitation.

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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