November 20, 2025

Massive Homes in Quaint Neighborhoods - As many of you have seen, there is a property addition causing quite a stir and receiving national media attention in the Greenbriar neighborhood of the Springfield District. This area is known for its quaint but small 1 and 2 story homes located on relatively small lots built in the 1960s and 1970s. While I am a supporter of property rights and homeowner desires for additions, multigenerational housing and affordable housing options, I also believe that we ought to be good neighbors and not take actions that would negatively impact their quality of life. Building an addition that is approximately 60 feet long and 30 feet tall right on the property line that infringes on the enjoyment and value of the neighboring properties fails the common sense test. Below I will explain what is going on with the current addition and what I am proposing to prevent it from happening in our other suburban neighborhoods. 

Update on the Greenbriar addition. When the building permits for this addition were approved by Land Development Services (LDS), they showed that the addition complied with our current zoning ordinance and would be 8.5 feet away from the adjacent property line. This conforms with the 8-foot minimum and LDS determined that there was nothing that they could do to stop the addition from being built. At my urging, the County’s Zoning Administration Division performed a check of the property and found that the side of the addition was actually being constructed too close to the adjacent property by about 5-inches (before the addition of siding or any shutters or gutters that would move it closer). As a result, there is currently a stop-work order. At this time, the property owner has been encouraged to hire an independent contractor to resurvey the property and confirm or dispute County staff’s findings. If the addition is too close, it will need to be corrected or the homeowner will need to apply for a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Looking to the Future. If this addition had been built one foot further back from the property line it would have been in compliance with our current Zoning Ordinance. That is why at the November 18th Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board approved my motion to have county staff begin looking at options to update the Zoning Ordinance as it relates to the looming heights and lengths of new developments and additions. Other jurisdictions throughout the country have begun to adopt or already have ordinances that look to limit the bulk of additions or new developments within certain distances of other residential properties. We will have to carefully thread a needle to make sure we protect both our established neighborhoods and protect our homeowners’ rights and abilities to have multigenerational and affordable housing options as we consider modifications to the Zoning Ordinance.

I will keep you updated on both of these issues.

Milestone Progress in Addressing Illicit Massage Businesses

At our November 18th meeting, the Board voted unanimously to approve revisions to the Fairfax County massage ordinance concluding a five-year long process to address the over 100 illicit massage businesses (IMBs) operating in plain sight in Fairfax County.

IMBs are one of the most prevalent forms of human trafficking in the country. In 2020, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved my motion to begin a revision of the County Code to address IMBs while minimizing any impact on the many legitimate massage therapists operating in the County (see my 2020 newsletter). Passage of this ordinance is long overdue and an important next step in addressing the horrors of human trafficking and ending the existence of the over 100 illicit massage business that are currently operating in Fairfax County.

Over the past several months, I have met with many massage therapists and anti-trafficking groups to discuss ideal outcomes for this ordinance. Finding a balance between addressing the illicit industry and not burdening legitimate businesses was part of my original motion: “The possible strengthening of this ordinance and increasing enforcement of other County policies and requirements present an opportunity to close the loopholes IMBs are taking advantage of while making sure we do not put an unnecessary burden on the many legitimate massage businesses that also operate in Fairfax County.”

The amended massage ordinance moves massage establishment regulatory authority from the Department of Code Compliance to the Department of Health. The approved language includes many best practices used across the country to address IMBs including prohibiting sleeping quarters, prohibiting sexually suggestive advertising, and requiring a history of any past violations in other states or jurisdictions. 

In addition, it included a prohibition on controlled entry, such as remote-controlled front door locks. This is a trademark of the illicit massage industry and a key tool for the County to be able to stop bad actors. Several massage therapists who are sole proprietors expressed concern about the safety of themselves and their clients if they are unable to lock their doors while alone. To address this concern, I was happy to support certain exemptions to this provision for sole proprietors, when a single employee is in an establishment, and when the front lobby is clearly viewable from outside of the establishment.

Revising this ordinance is a significant milestone in the County’s fight to end human trafficking. While the ordinance goes into full effect in 2026, I will be working with staff to ensure that the spirit of the code – to crack down on bad actors while not over burdening good actors – is implemented effectively. 

West Springfield Girls Volleyball



Congratulations to the West Springfield High School girls’ volleyball team for reaching the state finals! The title match will be held this Saturday, November 22 at 1:30 at Virginia State University. Go Spartans!

High School Football



Congratulations to the five Springfield District schools that made it into the class 6 Region Semifinals – West Springfield, Centerville, South County, Lake Braddock, and Fairfax.

Reset180 Gala

Amazing turnout at the Reset180 Gala recognizing Reset180’s eleven years of fighting against human trafficking and helping victims. 

Greenbriar Pickleball Courts

The five new pickleball courts in Greenbriar Park are officially open and now available for use. There is plenty of parking and restrooms available. 

Korean Bell Garden Groundbreaking Anniversary



Fantastic celebration of Korean Culture at Meadowland Park where we celebrated the 15-year anniversary since the Korean Bell Garden broke ground.

Old Glory Rugby



Joined community leaders and Old Glory fans to welcome them to their new home at George Mason Stadium. Excited to have them in Fairfax.

Other News and Information



• Braddock District Early Voting Information
• Conserve Rolling Forest Park
• ECHO's Holiday Programs
• Holiday Gift Card Drive
• 495 NEXT Project
• Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights
• Noman Cole Open House (December 6)
• Buke Volunteer Fire Pancakes with Santa (December 13)

Braddock District Early Voting Information

Braddock District residents can vote early in the special election for the Braddock District Supervisor’s race at two early voting locations - Fairfax County Government Center and Burke Centre Library. 

Fairfax County Government Center: Friday, Oct. 24 - Saturday, Dec. 6

•            Weekdays: 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (Including Nov. 4 General Election Day)

                      Closed for holidays: Nov.11, 27 & 28

•            Saturdays, Oct. 25, Nov. 1, Nov. 29 & Dec. 6: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

•            Sunday, Oct. 26: 1- 5 p.m.

Burke Centre Library: Saturday, Nov 29 - Saturday, Dec. 6

•            Weekdays: 1 - 7 p.m.

•            Saturdays, Nov. 29 & Dec. 6: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Help Scouting America Troop 1176 Conserve Rolling Forest Park

On July 12th, Scouting America Troop 1176 officially adopted Rolling Forest Park as part of a vital, long-term conservation project. This initiative was sparked after two trees fell on nearby homes, prompting the park's owners, users, and impacted residents to collaborate with Troop 1176. Their goal is to conserve this beautiful park, enhance safety for both park users and residents, and improve the park's overall health.

In the first year, Troop 1176 will lead efforts to remove fallen branches and leaves. This crucial step will reduce year-round saturation at the base of trees, a factor that contributes to their instability. Following this, the Troop and community will focus on invasive species removal, trail clean-up, and eventually, the construction of an outdoor classroom pavilion for both Scout and community use.



The next cleanup is scheduled for December 21--please see the flyer below for more details and join them to help conserve Rolling Forest Park

ECHO's Holiday Programs

To provide cheer at Thanksgiving, ECHO will connect donors with local families who would be grateful to receive the gift of groceries for a festive holiday meal. Donors may deliver food that they purchase themselves or may mail a food store gift card to the family(ies) assigned to them. Groceries should be delivered, or cards should be mailed to arrive by November 22. If you’re interested in finding out more, email Fran Eck at franalaneck@msn.com. 

The ECHO elves are busily planning the Holiday Gift Shop. ECHO needs donations no later than December 5th of new toys (not gift-wrapped, please) for children ages 0-15. Donors may bring toys to ECHO’s Donation Door during their hours of operation. As an alternative, gifts may be chosen from ECHO’s Amazon Gift Wish List to be shipped directly to ECHO. The wish list link can also be found on their website, www.echo-inc.org, by clicking on Seasonal Programs under the Donate tab. Popular gifts include baby dolls, scooters with helmets, soccer balls (sizes 3,4,5), riding toys, and family board games. See a complete list of suggestions on the website.

ECHO is looking for a volunteer who understands sewing and knitting. The job includes sorting donated sewing materials, pricing things that are appropriate for the Yard Sale, assembling small sewing kits with donated items, and possibly checking donated sewing machines to make sure they work (though this is not required.) This work can be done at home or at ECHO. They would also like to have one or more volunteers who would enjoy gathering information and writing stories about ECHO. There are a few volunteer openings in Clothing on Wednesday mornings and Tuesday evenings, in Food on Thursday evenings; in Housewares on Tuesday evenings. They need a counselor on Friday mornings and a Spanish speaking counselor on Tuesday mornings. If you want to find out more about these or other opportunities, email volunteercoordinator@echo-inc.org

Holiday Gift Card Drive

To date in 2025, the Victim Services Division has worked with 456 child victims and witnesses, each navigating the aftermath of trauma with the help of compassionate advocates dedicated to restoring safety, stability, and hope. In the true spirit of the season, the Victim Services Division asks you to please join us in brightening the holidays for these courageous children by participating in their Annual Gift Card Drive.

Now through December 19th the FCPD is hosting its 12th Annual Victim Services Division Holiday Gift Card Drive to support child victims. They are asking for donations of gift cards to places like Giant, Amazon, Safeway, Walmart, TJ Maxx, Target, Kohl’s local restaurants, and clothing stores. Gift cards will allow parents/guardians to purchase gifts for their children for the holiday season and purchase practical items the need but would normally go without.



Gift cards can be dropped off to the Victim Services Division at 12099 Government Center Parkway. Please email saly.fayez@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-246-2465 if you have any questions.

495 NEXT Project

VDOT and its partner, Transurban, recently announced that the northern extension of the 495 express lanes are scheduled to open November 22nd, just in time for holiday travel. The extension includes two new express lanes in each direction of I-495 between the Dulles Corridor Interchange and the George Washington Memorial Parkway Interchange, as well as new express lanes access at both interchanges. This extension provides more capacity, more connections and more travel options for people who face daily traffic on the Beltway and is the latest connection to the existing 94 mile network of express lanes.

The 495 NEXT Project also includes numerous improvements along the corridor, including:

•    New bridges with sidewalks across the Beltway at Live Oak Drive, Old Dominion Drive and Georgetown Pike

•    Rehabilitation of four other bridges including the Lewinsville Road Bridge

•    New, upgraded noise walls to protect nearby neighborhoods

•    New stormwater management systems and environmental commitments to improve Scott’s Run Stream

•    Four miles of new bicycle and pedestrian connections including a shared-use path parallel to I-495 from Lewinsville Road to near Live Oak Drive

Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights

The Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights is now open everyday from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm until January 4th. The half-mile walk through Meadowlark Botanical Gardens features lighted nature themes and animated displays along a paved wheelchair and stroller-accessible trail. Tickets are on sale now for $18 online and $22 at the door. For more information on the Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights and to buy tickets please see here. 

Noman Cole Open House (December 6)

The Noman M. Cole Jr. Water Recycling Facility will be holding an open house on December 6th from 10 am until 2 pm. This open house will give you an opportunity to tour the water recycling facility as well as providing activities and food. For more information, please see the flyer below. 

Burke Volunteer Fire Pancakes with Santa (December 13)

Join me in supporting the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department at their annual Pancakes with Santa event on December 13th from 8 until 11:30 am at the Burke Volunteer Fire Department (9501 Old Burke Lake Rd Burke, VA 22015). Tickets for children under 12 are $6 and adult tickets are $12, these tickets get you a breakfast of homemade pancakes, sausage, fruit, coffee, hot chocolate and juice as well as pictures with Santa and Sparky the Fire Dog. Reservations are required. For more information and to purchase your tickets please see here.