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Feb. 15, 2023
Neighbors,
Maybe it's because it is a short month, but February has been busy in the Hunter Mill District! Here are several highlights (and more to come).
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Earlier today, my office held a thank you reception for the Hunter Mill District BAC (Boards, Authorities and Commissions) representatives. We are grateful to these community members who support all aspects of our county government. It is no secret that Fairfax County runs on the power of our volunteers. If you would like to be considered for a BAC position, contact Gwenn Minton.
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Yesterday, Feb. 14, I was delighted to participate in the ribbon cutting for the Free Little Art Gallery at the Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate. This project was the brainchild of Public Art Reston and the community center's former director Christine Hodgson (shown in photo). The premise is similar to the little libraries that have also sprouted up in the community (including about 50 feet from this new little art gallery) – people are encouraged to take a piece of art and leave a piece of art.
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Pastor Vernon C. Walton (center in photo) and the First Baptist Church of Vienna hosted the annual Legislative & Justice Sunday on Feb. 12. On such a dreary day, it provided a boost of inspiration and faith for me and many of my elected colleagues including Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk (on right in photo) and Chairman Jeff McKay.
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Last Thursday, Feb. 9, Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik (fourth from left in photo) and I participated in the ribbon cutting for the grand opening of Food for Others expanded facility. This vital food bank added 10,391 square feet of warehouse and office space to better serve our food insecure residents. The expanded space includes the new “My Market,” offering Food for Others’ clients a grocery store-like shopping experience. All clients eligible for emergency food assistance through USDA support or with a referral have the opportunity to “shop” for the food that they will receive. Learn more. (Photo: Maddy White)
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Also last Thursday, I attended the annual Vienna Business Association lunch meeting, which included the 2023 Board Installation, officiated by Mayor Linda Colbert, followed by the VBA State of the Union presented by 2023 Chairman, Greg Kunstbeck, VBA committee chairs and Peggy James, Executive Director. It is always exciting to hear the success stories of the merchants, especially the small businesses that are thriving in the Town of Vienna. (Pictured with Mayor Colbert and out-going VBA Chairman Jeff Bollettino. Photo: Peggy James)
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Board of Supervisors Update | |
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The Board of Supervisors held three committee meetings yesterday. You can review the meeting materials and watch the meetings below:
The next Board of Supervisors meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 21. The county executive is scheduled to present his proposed FY 2024 Budget.
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Land Use and Transportation Updates | |
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Zoning Complaints
My office occasionally receives questions/concerns from residents about zoning issues in their neighborhood. The process for filing a complaint begins with the county's Department of Code Compliance, which you can find here. You can also email Code Compliance at DCCCodeComplianceE-mail@fairfaxcounty.gov for questions and other assistance.
Reston Comprehensive Plan
Reston Comprehensive Plan Study webpage and podcast.
Hunter Mill Land Use Committee Virtual Meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m.
The Hunter Mill District Land Use Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m. Use this link to attend. You may also call in and listen to the meeting, dial 571-429-5982 and use conference call ID: 813 290 85#. For information, contact Shruti Nallappa.
Reston Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Virtual Meeting, Monday, Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m.
The Reston P&Z meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 27 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: 233 397 540#. For more information contact Shruti Nallappa.
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Speed Camera Pilot Program Goes into Effect in Eight School Zones
Slowing down drivers and improving traffic safety are the objectives of a new Speed Camera Pilot Program with photo monitoring devices (speed cameras) in eight school zones. The pilot location in Hunter Mill is along Soapstone Road in the Terraset Elementary School zone – please slow down! The speed cameras will help protect pedestrians, especially in congested and vulnerable locations. For the first 30 days, motorists will receive a warning if the speed camera captures them speeding. The pilot program is a result of my December 2021 Board Matter co-sponsored with Supervisor Rodney Lusk and Supervisor John Foust. Learn more.
Reston District Community Advisory Committee Meeting Feb. 22 at 7 p.m.
The Reston District CAC will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. in the community room at the North County Governmental Center, 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston. You may also attend virtually vis Zoom at this link. The agenda includes updates from Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis and Reston District Station Commander Captain Mohammed Oluwa, as well as a presentation on homelessness from the county's Office to Prevent and End Homelessness. For more information, contact Bob Sledzaus at RestonCACchair@gmail.com.
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Business License Renewals Due March 1
Town of Vienna business license renewals are due Monday, March 1. Submit your payment along with a signed, completed renewal form including a list of renters and a contractor’s certificate of workers’ compensation insurance if applicable. For more information and business license documents, visit www.viennava.gov/businesslicense or call the business license office at 703-255-6321.
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Health and Human Services Updates | |
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COVID-19 Resources
From County's Health Department: Wave of Seasonal Stomach Bugs Now Underway
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there has been an uptick in positive tests for norovirus since late January. Viral gastrointestinal illnesses (such as norovirus), can include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain, which are uncomfortable and can be easily spread to others. Learn more.
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Changes to SNAP Benefits Begin in March
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government passed a law to temporarily increase SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits to support families. The law has recently changed, and the benefits will end Feb.16. Effective in March, SNAP benefits will return to normal, without the added supplement.
Learn more.
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Fairfax County Holiday Schedule, Monday, Feb. 20
Fairfax County Government offices are closed Monday, Feb. 20, for the George Washington’s Day/Presidents Day holiday. However, some facilities are open and schedules vary. Learn more.
Donations for Turkey and Syria Earthquake Victims
Information on nonprofits assisting the Feb. 6 earthquake victims can be found here.
Diva Central Dress Giveaway
Tuesday, Feb. 28 is the last day to donate to Reston Community Center's (RCC) annual prom and middle school formal dress giveaway. Donations are tax-deductible and may be dropped off at RCC Hunters Woods or RCC Lake Anne from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday – Saturday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. Learn more.
College Scholarships for Conservation and Environment
The Educational Foundation of the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts annually offers several $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors or college freshmen for college study. The scholarships support studies related to natural resource conservation. Application deadline is April 1, 2023. Learn more.
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Stay Informed and In Touch | |
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn
703-478-0283, TTY 711
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