February 26, 2025

Neighbors,

Yesterday, the Board of Supervisors received an update on several transportation issues, including the ActiveFairfax Transportation and Trails Network Plan which is finally moving forward.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with this initiative, the county is creating a consolidated plan of improvements for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other active transportation users.

As readers of this newsletter may remember, during the past five months and back in 2021, the county sought your input on this plan. Community feedback emphasized a desire for better pedestrian and bicycle safety infrastructure, such as separated bike lanes, more dedicated bike lanes and wider sidewalks. Residents also want to fill in gaps in existing trail, sidewalk and bike networks.

Related to this plan, the Board of Supervisors previously set a goal to invest $100 million in specific pedestrian and bicycle improvements across the county. Many of these projects are in the Hunter Mill District, and they include building missing sidewalks, upgrading crosswalks and building new trails.

We’re already seeing some of the benefits of this kind of connected and multimodal transportation network. As the Board learned yesterday, single-occupancy car commuter trips are significantly lower than projected in our emerging transit-oriented neighborhoods, including those near the Silver Line Metro stations. During the rezoning process, the county’s Transportation Demand (TDM) Program requires new developments to proffer to reduce car trips by a set goal. On average, countywide such new developments approved since 2013 have achieved a 61% reduction in these trips from the traffic estimates calculated during the rezoning process. Developments with proffered TDM programs are exceeding their trip reduction goals by 29% on average. That is good news, and it also means it is time to raise the TDM goals.

Next steps in the ActiveFairfax Plan include staff preparation of the final draft network of improvements, drafting of Comprehensive Plan text, additional public engagement on the overall proposed plan, followed by formal public hearings at the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors in early 2026.

Regards,

Walter

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Last week, I was honored to join the Mountain View High School graduation, along with members of the Fairfax County School Board and Principal Erin Whatley. Congratulations to the amazing class of 2025.

This past Saturday, I helped to sow a native wildflower meadow beside the W&OD Trail in Vienna. We planted a mix of more than 30 different natives, including black-eyed Susans, milkweed, goldenrod, mountainmint and more. This project is a collaboration by the nonprofit Sustainability Matters and NOVA Parks to eliminate invasive species and introduce native plants along the trail.

And finally I want to wish centenarian Ed Biggar a happy 106th birthday! He recently celebrated with his extended family, and as reported twice previously in the newsletter, Ed continues to work out three days a week at the Reston YMCA. He’s an inspiration for all of us!

Avian influenza or bird flu has been detected in wild birds, commercial poultry and backyard chicken flocks in Virginia.

Why it Matters: While bird flu has been spreading in the U.S., county, state and federal public health officials say the risk to the public remains low.

• There is no known human-to-human spread of bird flu at this time.
• Human infections usually happen after a person has had close, lengthy and unprotected contact with infected birds or other animals.
• To date, there have been no reports of bird flu infections among people or cows in Virginia. There have been no reported cases among wild birds or poultry in Fairfax County since the current outbreak began in March 2024, according to the USDA’s regular surveillance program.
• Most common birds found in your yard — like cardinals, robins, sparrows, blue jays, crows or pigeons — do not get infected with the bird flu viruses, according to the CDC. However, waterbirds including ducks, geese, swans, and shorebirds can be infected.

Most at Risk: People who have job or recreation-related exposure to infected birds or livestock may be at greater risk, especially poultry and dairy farm workers, backyard or hobbyist flock owners and hunters. Of the 70 people nationwide who have contracted bird flu since last March, almost all of them worked with poultry or dairy cows.

Precautions: Although human infections are rare, you can take precautions, especially if you are among the groups who may be at higher risk:

• Avoid direct contact with sick or dead wild birds and poultry.
• Do not consume raw or unpasteurized animal products like milk.
• Following these guidelines, report dead wild birds to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources at 855-571-9003 or by email.
• Report any unusual poultry illnesses or deaths in backyard flocks to the State Veterinarian’s Office at 804-692-0601 or by email.

Fairfax County Public School Board Member Kyle McDaniel recently stopped by to drop off donations for Food for Neighbors. My office is participating in a food drive for this nonprofit that focuses on feeding middle and high school students with individual meals and snacks when they might otherwise go hungry. I invite you to drop off student-specific non-perishable food and toiletries at the North County Governmental Center by Friday, March 7. Your donations will benefit the South Lakes Food Pantry and Herndon Middle and High Schools, as well as other area schools.

Due to the removal of a construction crane, Reston Station Boulevard will operate as a one-way road from Friday Feb. 28 to Sunday, March 2. Drivers will be directed eastbound toward Wiehle Avenue. Please follow the detour arrows when entering and exiting the Transit Center.

Provide feedback on the county’s Workforce Dwelling Unit Administrative Guidelines during a public hearing at the March 18 Board of Supervisors meeting. These guidelines govern how the WDU Policy is administered and implemented. Last September, the Board updated this policy to lower income qualifications, expanded the geographic area covered by the policy and adjusted the mix of bedroom and room sizes.

Check out the Town of Vienna's Parks and Recreation Spring Program and Events Guide with lots of activities, including classes, arts, exercise programs, trips and lecture. Spring registration is now open for town residents.

👩🏽‍🔬Attend the Women in Technology’s March 6 Job Fair to meet companies with openings for technology and STEM-based roles.

❗ Learn your rights and how to avoid scams during Consumer Affairs Day on March 6 at the Fairfax County Government Center.

🎼Listen to band Alash perform traditional Tuvan instruments and the ancient art of throat singing at RCC on Saturday, March 8.

🔭Take in the stars and enjoy free hot chocolate at the Turner Farm Park Observatory on Saturday, March 8.

🎵 Relive the magic of Neil Diamond’s greatest hits with tribute band Neil Forever’s performance on March 15.

👗Donate prom and formal dresses, shoes and accessories to RCC’s Diva Central Dress Drive for middle and high school students.