Hello!
It is hard to believe we are on the cusp of summer! With warmer weather, more fun in the sun, and summer break for our kids on the horizon -let us enjoy this time of year. With that being said, the Board is steady at work, working hard to accomplish our agenda before the summer break. The same can be said for Lee District, where we're continuing to see progress.
The Board has approved several notable items including enhancing our Emergency and Public Safety services, approving the
Consolidated One-Year Action Plan
for FY 2020, creating more affordable housing,
and establishing a school readiness panel.
More on all this is below, including information on the upcoming primary election, big wins for our region, updates on private trash services, Metro closures, and what the County is doing to combat the opioid crisis. You'll also find information on upcoming events and opportunities in Lee District and Fairfax County.
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Scroll Inside this issue
:
Primary Election
Board of Supervisors Recap
Big Wins
Private Trash Service Issue
Metro Closure Update
Opioid Crisis
Lee District Nights
Events and Opportunities
Help Wanted
Community Spotlight
Constituent Services
:
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Vote in the Primary Election June 11th!
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Did you know there is a local primary election on June 11, 2019? See below for details about the upcoming election or
for more detailed information on the June 11 primary, click
here
!
Who you're voting for:
Fairfax County will be having contested primaries for Board of Supervisors, House of Delegates, State Senate, and the Commonwealth's Attorney.
When to vote:
Exercise your civic duty and get out to vote on Tuesday, June 11 for the primary election! If you can’t make it then, come out on Saturday, June 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Franconia Governmental Center or head to the local government center nearest you. You can learn more about absentee voting, locations, dates, and times
here
.
Where to vote:
You can vote in person at your normal polling place. Your polling place is determined by your home address.
Registration:
Voters should also confirm they are registered by checking on the Virginia Department of Elections website
here
.
(To vote in the June 11 primary, the last day to register or update your information was May 20).
Who can vote:
Virginia does not register by party for primary voting like other states. All you need is a photo ID!
How your local government operates:
If you'd like to learn more about how your local government operates, and who represents you, watch the "Fast Facts" video below.
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Board of Supervisors Recap
As we approach Summer, the Board is working hard to accomplish everything on our agenda. Below is a summary of what the Board has been up to this past month. If you'd like to access full summaries of all Board Meetings, click
here
.
- The Board approved an Emergency Operations Plan, which is a multi-discipline all-hazards plan that establishes a single comprehensive framework of major emergencies and disasters within the County.
- The Board approved the development and implementation of a Public Safety Unmanned Aircraft System Program (UAS). The county’s UAS program will provide an enhanced level of operational capability, safety and situational awareness for the Office of Emergency Management, Fire and Rescue, Police and Sheriff by delivering relevant high-quality imagery, data and customized geospatial solutions using unmanned aircraft.
- The Board approved the Consolidated Plan One-Year Action Plan for FY 2020 with funding allocations going towards some of our most important issues in the County such as ending and preventing homelessness and progressing on our affordable housing preservation projects like Murraygate.
- The Board approved my Board Matter requesting the convening of a School Readiness Resource Panel to help identify Pre-K expansion goals and long-term funding strategies. This group will help in engaging community stakeholders, County departments and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and collectively approach the work of creatively and systemically planning for the funding and other resourcing of early childhood services and school readiness supports in the coming years.
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There is lots going on in Lee District and Fairfax County, and recently we've seen a few significant wins! At our most recent Board Meeting on June 4, we were awarded $3 million in funding for an intersection transportation improvement project. Hopefully we will have more detailed plans soon but the project should help ease some congestion at the intersection and will be designed to take no land and minimize impacts on schools and homes in the area. Additionally, The Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) recently announced the availability of nearly $15 million in local funds for the development of affordable housing in Fairfax County. (Picture courtesy of Covering the Corridor)
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Folks in our area and across the County have been experiencing issues with their private trash pickup services for some time now; staff and I continue to monitor the situation.
Earlier last month, the County Executive, County officials, and staff from our Solid Waste Department met with officials from American Disposal to discuss possible solutions. At this meeting, the County decided to bring this subject to the Board for discussion and guidance.
At our Board Meeting on May 21, the Board announced our intention to seek information and business records from the Company's private trash haulers to determine whether their recent conduct violated the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. Additionally, the Board also directed staff to set a deadline for receipt of all requested information and business records no later than Friday, June 14, 2019. The Board directed the County Attorney to report her findings and recommendations in closed session on June 25, 2019, and lastly, the Board directed staff to continue pursuing available administrative remedies under the Code of the County of Fairfax, Chapter 109.1
Additionally, American Disposal is sending daily status reports on their collections to our Solid Waste Department. Our residents deserve a responsible and reliable trash service. That is why in the coming weeks, I, along with County staff and my colleagues on the Board, will continue working diligently to combat this issue.
In the meantime, if you are still experiencing these issues, you can register a complaint with the County at [email protected]. As I receive more information, staff and I will continue to keep you updated. Please do not hesitate to call my office or email us should any further trash pickup issues arise.
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Metro Construction and Closures Officially Begin
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Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has officially began reconstructing platforms and making necessary updates to metro facilities at both the Franconia-Springfield and Huntington Metro Stations among others. Consequently, closures of these stations have started as well, which began on May 25.
Closures will take be in effect until September 8 for both locations. As we enter into this summer, we are working to ensure
there will be enough shuttles and buses running to accommodate those who still wish to ride, ensuring the noise levels are not a disruption to surrounding neighborhoods and allowing free parking for riders at all affected locations.
This week, Metro began adjusting the Huntington-Pentagon Express shuttle times to improve commutes and reduce travel time and crowding. During peak service hours, the Huntington-Pentagon Express will depart directly for Pentagon Station from both the south and north sides of Huntington Station. Additionally, there are several bus stop relocations to help improve performance and traffic flow.
Additionally, the Huntington-Pentagon Express stop on the north side of the station will move to bus stop G/H on Huntington Avenue and Fairfax Connector 171 will move to Bus Bay E. With these changes in place, Metro expects improved traffic flow in the bus loop and faster service for the Express shuttle. See the location changes and updates below:
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I will continue to work with WMATA throughout the duration of the closure to make sure that ease of access for our community and all riders of public transit is a top priority. For the most up-to-date information on closures, check out the WMATA site
here.
Summer 2019 Travel Alternatives
Franconia- Pentagon Express
- Express shuttle between Franconia-Springfield and Pentagon Stations
Blue Line Shuttle
- Shuttle between Franconia-Springfield, Van Dorn St, King St-Old Town, and Ronald Regan Washington National Airport Stations (No stop at Braddock Rd)
Huntington- Pentagon Express
- Express shuttle between Huntington and Pentagon Stations
Yellow Line Shuttle
- Shuttle between Huntington, Eisenhower Ave, King St-Old Town, Braddock Rd, and Crystal City stations (no stop at National Airport Station).
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County Sues Opioid Manufactures
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The opioid epidemic is affecting families across our nation and unfortunately, Fairfax County is not immune to this awful crisis. Opioids are the number one cause of unnatural death here in the County. With the death toll on the rise, and opioid abuse at an all-time high, community members and Board members alike are demanding action to help prevent this crisis from getting worse.
In response to our communities’ call to action, the Board filed a lawsuit in Virginia state court on Tuesday, April 30. The County is suing over 50 known defendants, including opioid manufacturers and distributor and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), for their role and responsibility in creating and subsequently aiding in this public health emergency.
In this lawsuit, the County argues that defendants are responsible for the opioid epidemic and have profited tremendously from their respective roles in manufacturing and moving opioid products throughout the county. We believe these manufacturers have also engaged in misrepresenting and understating the addictive nature of these drugs.
In addition to the lawsuit, Fairfax County is taking several steps to address this crisis even further. County staff is now offering REVIVE training courses which help educate the community on what to during a suspected opioid overdose. We also launched an Opioid Task Force all while creating safe drug disposal opportunities with “Drug Take-Back Day”. Further, the County now offers drug disposal stations at each district government center for the public to safely dispose of their medications at any time.
In the months and years to come, I’ll be working with my colleagues on the Board, County staff, and the lawyers representing us, to ensure we help all those affected.
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Lee District Nights Returns!
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I am glad to announce that the Lee District concert series will be returning to Lee District Park again this summer, showcasing a wide variety of musical acts from the area. Starting on June 26, there will be a free concert every Wednesday until the end of August. I encourage all residents to come out and enjoy the music with your friends and families. For all information and updates, click on the flyer below!
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Upcoming Events and Opportunities
Take part in upcoming events in our community! See the list and links below for all events and information.
Events:
Fairfax County Government Center
Come out to this family-friendly event, complete with live entertainment, great food, games, and fun for everyone!
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Springfield Plaza Giant
6426 Springfield Plaza, Springfield
Come out and help those in our community fight hunger by donating food items! Proceeds will benefit the Koinonia Foundation.
Fairfax County Government Center
Come out to discuss inclusivity in the workplace, in housing opportunities, and much more.
Public Comments:
Interested in the Hooes Road Park Lighting Project? Tell us what you think! Click
here
to leave a comment and for more information.
Ongoing Events:
Come out to your local Farmer's Markets!
Kingstowne Farmers Market & Springfield Town Center Farmers Market
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Help Wanted!
Boards, Authorities, and Commissions
Local government is the form of government that's closest to the people. It's where we make important decisions that impact our everyday lives and where resident input is vital to its success. That is why citizen participation is critical.
My office is currently looking to fill vacancies for several groups. If you're interested in serving, please contact Brittany Choi in my office at
[email protected]
.
Also, you can learn more about BAC's
here.
Barbara Varon Volunteer Award Selection Committee
Purpose: To review nominee applications and select recipient of the Barbara Varon Volunteer Award.
Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Citizens Advisory Council
Purpose: T
o advise and cooperate with the court upon all matters affecting the working of the law and other laws relating to children, their care and protection and to domestic relations.
Athletic Council (Alternate)
Purpose: The Council assists the County on the allocation, use, and management and future planning of County athletic resources.
Police Civilian Review Panel
Purpose: The Panel works to build, maintain, and enhance public trust and transparency between the Police Department, the Board of Supervisors, and the community.
Health Care Advisory Board
Purpose: The Board assists
in the development of health policy and advises on health and health related issues that may impact the county’s health.
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Meet you new 2019 Lee District Lord and Lady Fairfax:
Mr. Joe Blackwell and Mrs. Phyllis Walker-Ford!
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Joe has lived in Lee District for 30+ years. In 1989, he retired from the US Army as a lieutenant colonel after 28 years of active commissioned service. During that time, he served in Germany, Thailand, and several locations in the U.S. as well as one year in Vietnam as a logistics officer in 1966-67. After retiring from the Army, he worked for Fairfax County government for 16 years before retiring as the Director of the Personal Property and Business License Division, DTA. Upon retirement from the County, he was appointed to the Board of Equalization of Real Estate Assessments, serving for the last 13 years as its Chairman. Despite a “second retirement” Joe continues to volunteer at Lee District Recreation Center, working the front desk. He also is the Lee District member of the A. Heath Onthank Awards Committee.
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Phyllis's ties to Lee District span over a century. Her great grandfather (William Jasper) purchased 13 acres of land in Franconia in 1860 after he was freed in 1846. He and his wife deeded 1/2 acre in 1881 to build the Laurel Grove School. Phyllis is also a direct descendent of Dick and Charity Jasper, both of whom were owned by George Washington. Phyllis served as the President of the Franconia Museum Board of Directors, and still currently serves on the Board. Additionally, she serves as the President of the Laurel Grove School Association and has worked to preserve the history of a school who served African American children in the community until 1932 as the Laurel Grove Colored School. The school survives as the only remaining African American schoolhouse in Northern Virginia thanks in part to Phyllis’s efforts. Phyllis volunteers her time as on Fairfax County’s History Commission. She also worked to introduce the “Lee District Guide to Historic Sites”. Through her work, she ensures that Lee District’s history is not forgotten.
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Thank you for subscribing to my monthly e-newsletter. I hope these updates will keep you in the loop with some of the major events in our District and throughout the County.
If you'd like to learn more about something in the newsletter or have an idea for a future edition, please don't hesitate to contact me or my staff.
Sincerely,
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Jeffrey C. McKay
Lee District Supervisor
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
703-971-6262
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