From Supervisor Foust: Dranesville Dispatch

Big news in McLean this fall was the grand opening of The Fallstead at the Lewinsville Center. The Fallstead will provide 82 units of affordable housing for seniors in our community. There is a significant need for affordable senior housing in Fairfax County and I am excited that the residents of the Fallstead will benefit from the great environment there and the nearby amenities.

In Great Falls, Sarah Kirk, principal of the Turner Farmhouse Foundation, signed a lease to live in, rehabilitate, preserve, and improve the Turner Farmhouse and other buildings on the property, as the Dranesville District's first Resident Curator. The Turner Farmhouse is a special place in the community and this program, with Ms. Kirk as Resident Curator, will ensure that many generations are able to experience it.

Updates about projects that are underway or were recently completed in the Dranesville District are included in this issue. In addition, Countywide news, such as the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission Implementation Report and how to find out about infill development in your neighborhood is included below.

'Tis the season to think about ways to give back to our community. I'd like to highlight an organization with a new outpost in Great Falls, the Shepherd's Center, which will help provide rides to seniors. In addition, again this year, my office is helping the NOVA Relief Center collect blankets and coats for refugees of the Syrian Civil War. More information on the donation drive is included below.

As always, I appreciate your thoughts on how to best serve you and all residents of the Dranesville community. Please contact my office if you have questions, suggestions, or concerns.

Wishing you and your family the best as we enter into the holiday season.

John

DRANESVILLE AND COUNTY NEWS

The Fallstead at the Lewinsville Center

Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening

On October 18, Fairfax County and Wesley Hamel Lewinsville LLC held a ribbon cutting for The Fallstead, an 82-unit independent senior living residence, located at 1609 Great Falls Street in McLean.

The 8.66-acre site of the Lewinsville Senior Center Campus at one time housed an elementary school that was constructed in 1961. In 1994, the County approved a Special Exception that permitted a 22-bed independent living facility, a senior center providing activities for up to 50 adults, an adult day care center for up to 40 adults, child care for up to 210 children, and an athletic area with a rectangular field and a diamond. In 2004, the County approved a Special Exception Amendment (SEA) which would have maintained those uses and added a 60-unit assisted living facility.

Before Supervisor Foust took office in 2008, the project to renovate and expand the facility had stalled. Supervisor Foust asked Department of Housing and Community Development staff to restart efforts to implement the project. However, it became apparent that the cost to construct and operate an affordable assisted living facility would be prohibitive. As a result, in 2012, Supervisor Foust asked County staff to determine whether a public-private partnership could be used to construct and operate an affordable independent living facility at the site.

In March 2015, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a comprehensive agreement to demolish the existing building and redevelop the facility through a private-public partnership with Wesley Hamel Lewinsville LLC. The Fallstead is the first phase of the County's efforts to create a multi-generational community at the Lewinsville site. Early in 2019, a second building on the site will open. It will include an expanded adult day care center, a senior center and two child day care centers. That building is being constructed and will be operated by Fairfax County.

"In Fairfax County, and especially in the McLean area of the County, it is a real challenge to provide quality housing where low-income seniors can afford to live. That is why I am so excited about The Fallstead at Lewinsville Center," said Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust. "Through a creative private-public partnership, we are delivering 82 units of housing that low income seniors can afford. I am also pleased that those units will be part of a community with many amenities that will make it a great place for the seniors to live," Foust said.

View a video from the event online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY5MYubjOrM.

Top row from left to right: Terry Kenny, Market President, TD Bank Mid-South Region; Fairfax County Executive, Bryan Hill; Janet Tysse, president of Mclean Community Foundation; Paul Kohlenberger, president of the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce.

Middle row from left to right: Jeff McKay, Lee District Supervisor; Susan Dewey, Executive Director of Virginia Housing Development Authority; Virginia State Senator, Barbara Favola.

Bottom row from left to right: Melissa Jonas, Dranesville District Commissioner to the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority; Virginia State Delegate, Richard "Rip" Sullivan; John Foust, Dranesville District Supervisor; Shelley Murphy, President and CEO of Wesley Housing; Cathy Hudgins, Hunter Mill District Supervisor.

For more information about the private-public partnership to redevelop the Lewinsville Center, visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/housing/communitydevelopment/lewinsville.

Turner Farmhouse Lease Signing

Fairfax County Resident Curator Program

On November 1, Fairfax County held a lease signing event at Turner Farm Park in Great Falls. Two leases were executed. The first leases the Turner Farmhouse and associated outbuildings from the Fairfax County Park Authority to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The second leases the property from the Board of Supervisors to the Turner Farmhouse Foundation with Sarah Kirk, acting as its principal. Ms. Kirk will be the Resident Curator for the farmhouse.

The Turner Farmhouse has occupied a prominent place along the historic Georgetown Pike since 1905, and its builder, Mark Turner, was one of Great Falls' most prominent citizens. Among his many accomplishments was the establishment of the Grange Hall, another historic building on the Pike. Jo Turner, who lived in the farmhouse with her late husband Mark, following in the footsteps of generations of the Turner family, attended the event. Also in the audience were five current and past presidents of the Great Falls Historical Society and other community members.

In January 2011, the Virginia General Assembly gave local jurisdictions the authority to develop resident curator programs. Taking advantage of that authority, in September 2011, Supervisor Foust, along with Chairman Bulova and Supervisor Herrity, asked the Board to evaluate the costs and benefits that might result from adoption of a Resident Curator ordinance in Fairfax County.

In November 2014, the Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance that would allow people to live in unused, publicly-owned historic properties in exchange for rehabbing them. Various County agencies, including the Park Authority, began working to determine how a Resident Curator program would operate in the County. In early 2017, the Park Authority was ready to accept applications for the Turner Farmhouse.

Three applications were received and Sarah Kirk's quickly stood out. Ms. Kirk, principal of the Turner Farm Foundation, planned to renovate the house and create a pony farm on three acres of land. In addition, she proposed converting the existing garage structure into a bereavement retreat center for youth who have a lost a parent or sibling.

The review of Ms. Kirk's application was thorough and included public meetings. Her proposal received overwhelming support. On July 26, 2017, the Park Authority Board approved the staff recommendation of moving Sarah Kirk's application forward to the leasing process, and in October, the Board of Supervisors authorized the execution of a lease between the County and Ms. Kirk.

Under the care of the lease, the Turner Farmhouse Foundation will rehabilitate the property. It will serve as a residence for the Kirk family, with its equine farm on the leased property. It will also repair the property's milk house, restore and preserve its historic corn crib, and renovate an existing garage to serve as a retreat center.

"The Turner Farmhouse holds a special place in the hearts of many in the Great Falls community. It was a great candidate for the County's Resident Curator Program. I can think of no better person to be the resident curator, to preserve the house and to expand the uses of the other buildings on the property for future generations, than Sarah Kirk," said Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust. "The community support for both the Resident Curator Program and Ms. Kirk speaks to the high esteem in which she is held and the excitement about the project she is undertaking," he said.

From left: Reverend Jerry Pokorsky; Reverend Hank Langknecht; Bill Canis, President, Great Falls Citizens Association; Tim Hackman, Dranesville District Representative, Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA); Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust; Stephanie Langton, Resident Curator Program Manager, FCPA; David Buchta, Heritage Conservation Branch Manager, FCPA; and Jo Turner, former occupant of the house.
Front: Kirk Kincannon, Executive Director, FCPA; Sarah Kirk, Resident Curator.

For more information about the County's Resident Curator Program, visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resident-curator-program.

Amazon HQ Coming to Northern Virginia

On November 13, Amazon announced that it will open major new outposts in Northern Virginia's Crystal City and in New York City, splitting its much-sought investment between the two sites. Both locations will receive a $2.5 billion investment from Amazon, and each are expected to be staffed by 25,000 employees, with hiring beginning next year.

The announcement ends a high-profile, 14-month competitive search process that resulted in bids from 238 locations across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Northern Virginia and New York City were among 20 finalists that Amazon toured. The Northern Virginia site chosen by Amazon is called National Landing, which is centered on the Crystal City area of Arlington County.

Supervisor Foust, chair of the County's Economic Advisory Commission, said, "Having HQ2 in Northern Virginia will bring important jobs, business diversity, and more innovative technology to the area. Northern Virginia is a particularly strong location for technology companies, and Amazon's choice further cements the region's reputation as a magnet for business."

Downtown McLean Planning Study Underway

In cooperation with Supervisor Foust's office, Fairfax County's Department of Planning and Zoning has been working on a study of the McLean Commercial Business Center (CBC), more commonly known as downtown McLean. The community-driven study will be used to update the Comprehensive Plan, which will guide future planning and development, including land uses, development intensities, transportation, public facilities, and design standards.

The study began in June with three well-attended community workshops conducted by Streetsense, the consultant hired by the County. Streetsense presented a draft vision plan on September 27. It included a map developed using resident input from Workshop 3 showing suitable areas in downtown McLean for development and desired locations for public spaces. Streetsense also presented areas in downtown where residents felt pedestrian and road improvements were needed. An open house was held on November 8 during which a refined draft of the vision plan and including an illustrative site plan of downtown McLean was presented.

In addition to the visioning process, the County solicited suggestions for land use changes to the Comprehensive Plan for the McLean CBC. Proposed suggestions included site-specific recommendations and area wide guidance for further consideration.

A task force of McLean area residents and civic group representatives has begun working with County staff to translate community input into recommendations for changes to the Comprehensive Plan. Task force meetings are open to the public. Recommendations will be based on the community's vision and will consider the submitted suggestions for land use change. Additional information about the project, task force, and future meetings, is available on the project website, https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-zoning/mclean-cbc-study.

For more information, contact Ben Wiles in Supervisor Foust's office at Benjamin.Wiles@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-356-0551.

Balls Hill Road/Old Dominion Drive Intersection Improvements

Public Meeting Scheduled for November 28

Following an initial community meeting held on June 28, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) and Supervisor Foust will hold a second public meeting on November 28 to provide a project update and discuss comments received on the alternatives for improving the intersection of Balls Hill Road and Old Dominion Drive.

For more information about the project, visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/transportation/projects/balls-hill-road.

Sidewalk installed along 123 near downtown McLean

This past October, Fairfax County completed construction on a new sidewalk along Dolley Madison Blvd. between Beverly Road and Kurtz Road. This segment completes an important missing link and provides improved pedestrian access to the bus stop near Kurtz Road, which was also upgraded as part of the project.

Left: Looking towards Old Dominion Drive from Kurtz Road. Right: New sidewalk and improved bus stop.

Sidewalks will also be installed in two sections of Dolley Madison between Old Dominion Drive and Beverly Road to expand the sidewalk network in the area. Construction is expected to be completed on those segments in early summer 2019.

Looking into the future, scoping for a significant sidewalk project that will extend from Kurtz Road to Georgetown Pike along Dolley Madison is underway. This project will provide safe pedestrian access from several McLean neighborhoods to the downtown area. It is expected to go to construction in late 2021.

McLean Area Traffic Concerns Update

Supervisor Foust has continued to work with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) on ways to address congestion and cut-through traffic in the McLean area, much of which stems from insufficient capacity on the American Legion Bridge.

A group of residents was appointed by Supervisor Foust, Delegate Murphy, and Senator Favola in early 2018 to serve on a task force to look at problems through a regional lens. The McLean Traffic Advisory Group (MTAG) meets monthly to help VDOT and FCDOT identify and evaluate recommendations for short-term and intermediate-term solutions and possible improvements for specific streets.

The intersection of Balls Hill Road and Georgetown Pike is a significant choke point. VDOT has proposed a capital project that could improve the intersection by adding an additional north bound lane on Balls Hill Road (there would then be dedicated left, through, and right lanes). Supervisor Foust worked with FCDOT and VDOT staff to find funding to complete the design work for the improvement. That work is currently underway.

In addition to beginning design for this capital improvement, VDOT has been able to implement several shorter-term improvements near the intersection of Georgetownn Pike and Balls Hill Road. A pull-off area on the north side of Georgetown Pike between Balls Hill Road and the Beltway ramp was constructed so that police can safely enforce traffic violations, such as "blocking the box" and illegal u-turns. Additional signage and pavement markings to delineate the intersection and provide visual cues for where drivers should stop before entering the intersection were added so that it does not become blocked.

Garrett Moore, VDOT Chief Engineer, presents VDOT's pilot proposal to the crowd.

Several public meetings have now been held to discuss these topics and resident concerns. Most recently, VDOT hosted meetings on August 2 and October 18 to update the community on efforts to identify potential congestion solutions for neighborhoods near the Beltway and specifically to discuss a proposed pilot project. If implemented, the pilot project would restrict access from Georgetown Pike onto northbound I-495 (the Beltway) on Monday through Friday, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Hundreds of residents attended the meetings and many shared opinions on the proposal. Information on the proposal is available online at http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/northernvirginia/mclean_traffic_analysis.asp.

VDOT emphasized that strong community support is necessary for the pilot project to proceed. A comment period remained open until November 13. Once all comments have been received and reviewed, VDOT will meet with elected officials and County staff to determine if the proposal should be pursued, modified, or shelved.

I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension Study

Recently, Maryland officials prioritized widening I-270 and the Beltway in Maryland. The Maryland Department of Transportation has begun the environmental study process that will be required for the project. Within two years, the state expects to have a detailed plan for widening the highways.

To dovetail with that effort, Virginia's Commonwealth Transportation Board approved $6 million for VDOT to conduct an environmental study of a plan to extend the I-495 Express Lanes by approximately three miles from the I-495 and Dulles Toll Road interchange to the vicinity of the American Legion Bridge and Maryland line.

Virginia's I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension study, also referred to as 495 NEXT, will be developed as an independent, stand-alone project that will be closely coordinated and made compatible with plans for the I-495 Capital Beltway in Maryland. The full scope of improvements will be refined over the coming months.

The environmental study, which will be completed according to the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), will evaluate site-specific conditions and potential effects the proposed improvements may have on air quality, noise, neighborhoods, parks, recreation areas, historic properties, wetlands and streams, and other resources. The study began in April 2018, and a community meeting was held in June. A public hearing will be held in early spring 2019, and the study is expected to be completed in late spring 2019.

More information on the study is available online at http://www.virginiadot.org/495next/.

Route 7 Westbound over Sugarland Run

Virginia Department of Transportation

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will rehabilitate and widen the westbound Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) bridge over Sugarland Run, which was built in 1947, to improve safety and extend the overall life of the bridge. The project is currently in the design phase. Construction is expected to begin in 2021.

Click the image to view displays from the October 23 Design Public Hearing.

Planned improvements include:

A new, wider concrete bridge deck
Widening and repairing of the bridge pier and abutments
Extending the acceleration lane from the Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286) on-ramp to westbound Route 7 to improve operations; the lane would be extended to Dranesville Road (Route 228) from its current terminus just before the bridge
Guardrail upgrades and new curb and gutter in the area of the bridge

The project is being financed with state and federal State of Good Repair funds used for maintenance of structures and bridges.

A design public hearing was held on October 23. For more information on the project and to review materials from that meeting, visit http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/northernvirginia/rt_7_wb_sugarland_run.asp.

Reston-Herndon Bus Operating Facility Renovations Completed

The project to renovate the Fairfax Connector Reston-Herndon Bus Operating Facility, located at 268 Spring Street in Herndon, was substantially completed in July. The project was undertaken to improve the efficiency of the facility where 80 Fairfax Connector buses are maintained and repaired. Staff now have a working environment that is safer, more efficient, and more comfortable than before.

Supervisor Foust joined other elected officials and County staff on September 19 to celebrate the ribbon cutting for the improved facility.

The renovation project was funded by the Northern Virginia Transit Committee State Aid and the voter-approved 2007 transportation bond referendum.

Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission Implementation Report

The Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission was created by Chairman Sharon Bulova and endorsed by the Board of Supervisors on March 3, 2015 for the purpose of engaging the community in an open and transparent process to recommend changes to help the Board and the Police Department achieve the goals of maintaining a safe community, building public trust, and resolving and reviewing police-involved incidents and responses. The Commission's final report included 202 recommendations.

In October 2018, the Commission released a report summarizing the progress made by the County and including further recommendations. To date, Fairfax County has implemented 179 of the 202 (88 percent) recommended actions. A review by seven former members of the Commission, informally known as the Implementation Group, highlights the significant progress made by the Fairfax County Police Department, but notes that more is both possible and necessary.

According to the Implementation Group, the numerous reforms discussed in the report will increase police accountability, divert those who suffer from mental illness into treatment rather than incarceration, reduce use of force injuries and death, open public access to incident information, and maintain public confidence in the Police Department.

For more information on the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission and to read the report from the Implementation Group, visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/policecommission/.

Additional Parking and Loop Trail Network Completed at Clemyjontri Park

Clemyjontri Park in McLean is one of the region's most popular parks. Each year, more than 80,000 visitors come to enjoy an enormous playground, carousel, and swings. Everything is designed to enable children of all abilities to play side-by-side. Earlier this year, the County and community celebrated the addition of a trackless train and picnic pavilion to the park.

In October, the Fairfax County Park Authority completed its project to add additional parking spaces, a loop trail network, fencing, and a stormwater management facility. Supervisor Foust said, "Parking can be challenging for visitors; the additional spaces are greatly appreciated and will allow even more families and individuals to take advantage of this great community resource for years to come."

Photos of the new trail.

Left: New parking lot. Right: Stormwater management facility.

For more information about Clemyjontri, visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/clemyjontri.

Ribbon Cut on New Playground at Griffith Park

On September 29, Supervisor Foust joined the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) staff and members of the community to celebrate the opening of the Griffith Park playground in Falls Church.

The $80,000 project (funded by the 2016 Park Bond) replaced outdated equipment with new play elements, interactive panels and swings for children ages 2 to 12. Safety surfacing and playground borders were also replaced and a new drainage system and fence installed. The project was part of a larger effort by the Park Authority to identify and replace playground equipment throughout Fairfax County that has exceeded its useful life.

Pictured left to right are Isabel Villarroel, Project Manager, Park Authority; Tim Hackman, Dranesville Rep, Park Authority Board; Finn Niemira, age 11; Ian Niemira, age 12; Delegate Marcus Simon, Virginia House of Delegates; John Foust, Dranesville Rep, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; Dave Bowden, Director of Park Planning and Development, Fairfax County Park Authority; and Bob Heilen, Vice President, Pimmit Hills Citizens Association.

Tim Hackman, Dranesville Rep, Park Authority Board, checks out the new playground equipment.

This information is available online at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/cutlines/2018/ctl023.

Foley Family Installs Upgrades at Freedom Memorial

Since 2004, the Great Falls Freedom Memorial behind the Great Falls Library, has served as the community's gathering place for events commemorating Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and September 11.

Kyle, Shawn and Ryan Foley pose with their father, Wayne Foley, while making site improvements in early October at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial. Photo credit: Sun Gazette Newspapers.

The memorial's seating areas had become inadequate for increasing crowds and the ground had begun to settle under the existing areas, forcing spectators to stand far away from speakers and strain to hear.

Great Falls native, Wayne Foley and his sons took it upon themselves to improve the site. The family owns several construction firms and played a central role in preparing the memorial's grounds 14 years ago. Wayne, who does design and consulting work with W.M. Foley Construction Corp., produced plans to bring desired upgrades at the site to fruition.

In early October, Wayne and his sons Shawn, Ryan, and Kyle, leveled the site's slopes and berms, put down new sod, repaired the site's sign on Georgetown Pike and added electric lighting to it, maintained the memorial's trees, and did other landscaping. The project added room for between 75 and 100 more seats and additional standing space.

Supervisor Foust said, "Wayne has been a great resource in the Dranesville District, from spearheading projects like this, to weighing in on transportation and land use issues. Great Falls is lucky to have him and his family."

Park Authority Earns Third National Accreditation

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) upheld its national standing among park and recreation agencies across the country by earning re-accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). This distinguished accomplishment was awarded during the 2018 NRPA Annual Conference held in Indianapolis in September.

CAPRA accreditation is the only national accreditation for park and recreation agencies, and is a measure of an agency's overall quality of operation, management and service to the community. This mark of distinction indicates that an agency has met rigorous standards related to the management and administration of lands, facilities, resources, programs, safety, and services.

For more information about CAPRA accreditation, visit www.nrpa.org/CAPRA. For more information about the Fairfax County Park Authority, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks.

Shepherd's Center of Great Falls

Great Falls senior citizens have a new service available to them. Often the elderly who have lost the ability to drive - whether temporarily or permanently - become isolated socially and physically, and the cost and difficulties of getting transportation to critical appointments become obstacles to proper care and good health. The Shepherd's Center of Great Falls (SCGF) will help fill this need by offering free rides to non-driving seniors, transporting them to medical and other critical appointments.

For more information on SCGF, volunteering, riding, or making donations, visit SCGF's website at https://thescgf.org/ or call 703-586-9696. SCGF can be reached by mail at PO Box 64, Great Falls VA 22066.

Hypothermia Prevention Program

The Hypothermia Prevention Program is an integral part of Fairfax County's effort to prevent and end homelessness.

Each year, the three Fairfax County emergency shelters that serve single adults activate a "no-turn-away" policy from December 1 through March 31, known as the Winter Seasonal program. "No-turn-away" is also implemented outside of that timeframe based on temperature and weather conditions. The Hypothermia Prevention Program operates in coordination with regular emergency shelter programs and functions in partnership with nonprofit agencies, faith communities, and various community groups and individuals.

For more information, visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/homeless/hypothermia-prevention-program or contact Abby Dunner in the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness at abby.dunner@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Consolidated Community Funding Pool Priorities Feedback Survey

The County's Consolidated Community Funding Pool (CCFP) is a competitive funding process for human services programs developed and administered by nonprofits and community-based organizations. The funding allocated to organizations through the CCFP serves as an investment and catalyst for strengthening the human services network of programs available for Fairfax County residents. In preparation for the next funding cycle of the CCFP (FY 2021 - 2022), Fairfax County staff are conducting a community feedback survey to gather community insight and comments regarding the current CCFP priority areas:

Housing
Literacy/Educational Development/Attainment
Financial Stability
Health
Support/Community/Social Networks
Positive Behaviors and Healthy Relationships

For more information and to complete the survey, visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/news/funding-pool-community-engagement/. The survey will be available through Saturday, December 15.

Coat and Blanket Drive for Refugees

Again this year, Supervisor Foust's office is participating in a coat and blanket drive to help collect donations for Syrian refugees. Blankets and coats can be dropped off at the Dranesville District office in the McLean Governmental Center, located at 1437 Balls Hill Road, through December 8.

For more information about the drive and other donation locations, visit http://novareliefcenter.org/.

What We Can Do to Prevent Pedestrian Crashes and Fatalities

Speeding is an all-too frequent problem in areas of Fairfax County. Drivers need to pay attention to their speed for their safety and that of others. Many pedestrian fatalities are on roadways with 40 or 45 miles-per-hour speed limits. A study by AAA showed that there was a 50 percent chance of a pedestrian suffering a fatal injury when struck at 42 miles-per-hour. That increased to a 75 percent chance when the speed of the striking vehicle increased to 50 miles-per-hour.

Keep these tips in mind while you are on the road:

What can pedestrians do?

It is important for pedestrians to remember that they do not have the right-of-way even when they are on the curb. VA Code §46.2-924 states, "No pedestrian shall enter or cross an intersection in disregard of approaching traffic." Once in the crosswalk, drivers are required to yield right-of-way to the pedestrian. However, the pedestrian needs to ensure the roadway is clear before stepping into the crosswalk.

Steps that pedestrians can take to be safer:

This information is available online at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news2/what-we-can-do-to-prevent-pedestrian-crashes-and-fatalities/.

Panhandling in Fairfax County

Panhandling can be found in most areas of the County, generating many questions and complaints from residents. While we may get a good feeling by providing money to a panhandler, the reality is that panhandlers who are truly in need require more resources than small amounts of money.

What Are the Laws?

Asking for money is a protected act under the First Amendment.
Asking for money in public areas, including roadway medians, is not a violation of law.
The County monitors legal developments related to panhandling.

What About Public Safety?

Police officers will intervene when panhandlers commit traffic offenses or engage in criminal activity.
If you witness a panhandler breaking the law, contact the Fairfax County Police Department. The emergency number is 9-1-1 and the non-emergency number is 703-691-2131.

Who Are Panhandlers?

Not all panhandlers are homeless, but may be in need of food and other critical services.
Some panhandlers come from outside the County or even outside Virginia.
Some panhandlers operate as part of organized, professional panhandling rings.

What Can You Do?

Refer panhandlers - or anyone you see who may be in need - to the County's social services programs. There are a wide-range of services and housing resources. Provide them with this human services hotline phone number: 703-222-0880.
Consider making a donation or volunteering for one of the County's nonprofit community partners dedicated to assisting those in need.

You're Making Me Read What?!

A Podcast from Fairfax County Public Library

"You're Making Me Read What?!" is a new podcast series from Fairfax County Public Library Director Jessica Hudson and Assistant Director Christine Jones. Jessica prefers books that build up new worlds and invite magic and mystery into readers' lives, while Christine enjoys books that are grounded in reality.

Each month they alternate selecting books to read and discuss. Will Christine follow the magic in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, or Terrier by Tamora Pierce? Will Jessica stay awake reading The Straight Man by Richard Russo, Before You Know Kindness by Chris Bohjalian, or The Likeness by Tana French? Tune in every month to find out and discover a book you may (or may not) want to read yourself.

For more information and to listen, visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/podcast-making-me-read-what.

Evermay Underground Facility Replacement

The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services substantially completed the Evermay Sec. 7B (0418UG) Underground Detention Facility Replacement project in July. The site is located within the Pimmit Run Watershed. The project improvements replaced the failed underground gravel detention facility constructed in the 1970s with a new detention system. Improvements were also made to the existing storm drainage system with the installation of four new manholes and one inlet structure.

Photos of Project Progression

For more information, visit https://www.slideshare.net/fairfaxcounty/evermay-sec-7b-underground-detention-facility-replacement-project.

Scotts Run and Carderock Sluice Gate Rehabilitation and Odor Control Project Completed

The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services completed the Scotts Run and Carderock Sluice Gate Rehabilitation and Odor Control Project in September. The project included replacing existing equipment at the Scotts Run Diversion Chamber and the Carderock Terminal Chamber, rehabilitation of the interior chamber lining, and installation of a passive odor control system at the Scotts Run Diversion Chamber.

Scotts Run Chamber Rehabilitation and Safety Ladder Replacement.

For more information, visit https://www.slideshare.net/fairfaxcounty/scotts-run-and-carderock-sluice-gate-rehabilitation-and-odor-control-project.

Infill Lot Grading Plan Information Available through My Neighborhood Online Search Tool

Fairfax County Land Development Services has updated the My Neighborhood online search tool to include information regarding proposed and approved infill lot grading plans. Enter an address into the search bar and then select "view nearby land development (LDS)," to retrieve information about single-family homes being constructed within a quarter mile of the search address. In addition to approved plans, the search results include plans that are currently under review by Fairfax County, and plans that were disapproved and returned for changes. These in-progress plans are available for neighbors to see and provide comments to County staff before they are approved.

The results do not include any infill lot grading plans that are more than five years old, or plans that have been resubmitted, superseded, voided, or withdrawn.

Copies of the proposed infill lot grading plans may be viewed at the Herrity Building office, 12055 Government Center Parkway, 5th floor, Monday through Thursday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and on Fridays from 9:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Approved plans are available by contacting Records and Information Management at 703-324-1895 and DPWES-LDSFOIA@fairfaxcounty.gov.

West Falls Church Transit Station Study

Fairfax County is embarking on a planning study for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)'s West Falls Church Metro Station and adjacent Virginia Tech and University of Virginia Northern Virginia Center (VT/UVA Center). The study will consider changes nominated by the property owners as part of the County's 2018 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Work Program.

Current Plan guidance for the WMATA property includes a residential development option up to 30 dwelling units per acre and recommendations for maximum height limits ranging from 45 to 65 feet. Current Plan guidance for the VT/UVA Northern Virginia Center recommends a maximum of 130 dwelling units and 43,800 square feet of retail/office space with an option for 240,000 square feet of institutional use.
Consideration of a Plan amendment is requested to allow a mix of uses including office, multi-family units and townhomes, and some retail, with increased height limits up to 65 and 85 feet on the WMATA property and institutional, office, retail and residential uses for the VT/UVA Northern Virginia Center property.

A task force comprised of stakeholder groups including the nearby homeowner association, civic association, and the McLean Citizens Association will help review the proposed amendment. A community-wide meeting will take place in early January. Information about the Plan Amendment process, proposals, and meeting schedule is available on the project page, https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-zoning/plan-amendments/west-falls-church-tsa-study.

For more information, contact Ben Wiles in Supervisor Foust's office at Benjamin.Wiles@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-356-0551.

New Regional Agreement Lights the Way for LED Streetlights in Fairfax County

Fairfax County helped to lead the effort to create a new regional agreement with Dominion Energy that lights the way for converting existing streetlights to more energy- efficient LEDs. The agreement makes transitioning to LEDs less expensive for local governments and offers more options in the future.

Dominion Energy installs, owns, operates, and maintains most of the nearly 58,000 streetlights in Fairfax County. The new agreement presents an opportunity to begin converting these lights to LEDs. The County would be responsible for paying to replace existing high-pressure sodium, metal halide, and mercury vapor streetlights with LEDs.

As the negotiations with Dominion were ongoing, the County hired a consultant to consider the best ways to utilize streetlight infrastructure in the future. This study is expected to be completed this year, and County staff will develop an associated budget proposal.

Benefits of this new agreement include energy savings, lower costs for converting existing streetlights to LEDs, lower monthly costs to operate the LEDs, greater choice in the type and style of LED streetlights, and access to smart technology.

Cities across the nation have begun making the switch to LED streetlights, a move saves governments money in the long run with lower utility bills, and also helps the environment through reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The County's move toward LEDs outside, complements its efforts inside its buildings. More than 2,277 LED bulbs have been installed in County facilities since July 2017, resulting in $544,546 in lifetime savings on electricity costs and more than 6.8 million kilowatt hours saved in lifetime energy use. This is equivalent to avoiding the release of 50,607 metric tons in planet-warming, greenhouse gases.

For more information about this agreement, visit https://bit.ly/2zocMQJ.

Land Use Cases in Dranesville

Benchmark Associates, L.P.
RZ 2017-DR-026, FDP 2017-DR-026
6707 Old Dominion Drive, McLean

At its October 16 meeting, the Board of Supervisors approved a rezoning from the C-8 Zoning District to the Planned Residential Mixed-Use (PRM) Zoning District for the subject property to allow the construction of a 44-unit multi-family building. The existing office/retail building on the site will remain and parking for all uses will be provided in a 3-level parking garage under the residential building.

Approximately 30% of the site will be set aside as open space, including two parks totaling 6,000 square feet. The parks will have specialized paving, seating areas, landscaping, and public art. In addition to proffering $450,000 for the undergrounding of utilities in the area, the applicant will dedicate 12% of the units as work force dwelling units.