May 31, 2023

Neighbors,

With the warmer weather and sunny skies also come a slew of infrastructure projects that will make our community better, but first we have to deal with some inconveniences that may be frustrating. Planning ahead can help so I wanted to highlight a few that will be impacting Hunter Mill District residents:

Dominion Energy Vesper Trail Closure Scheduled June 2-6

As part of the Spring Hill-Tysons 230 kV Underground Electric Transmission Project, this weekend Dominion Energy is installing a manhole located near their future Spring Hill Substation and the Vesper Trail (it was originally scheduled to be installed in late April). Dominion plans begin work on Friday morning, June 2 with completion expected June 6. Crews will work continuously during the day and night until complete. During this time, the Vesper Trail will be closed around the work area. Map  Learn more.

Metro Silver Line Impacted During Orange Line Construction Shutdown, June 3-23

If you take the Silver or Orange lines into Arlington or D.C., please note that from June 3 to 25 there will be no Metrorail service at or through these Metro stations: Vienna, Dunn Loring, West Falls Church and East Falls Church. During these weeks there will be no Metrorail service between McLean and Ballston on the Silver Line, and no Orange line service west of Ballston. Metro is providing free shuttle service for both Silver and Orange line commuters, but plan for increased travel time. Metro is replacing the original 40-year-old steel rail between Ballston-MU and Vienna stations and installing fiber-optic cable to modernize communications.  Learn more.

Tysons Wastewater Project Ongoing

The county's Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) is moving forward with the Tysons Wastewater Conveyance Systems Modifications project (see my newsletter May 4, 2022). This infrastructure project will increase the size of the sewer system to accommodate the planned growth in Tysons and to ensure that the system continues to provide continuous reliable service to all customers. The pipeline route will primarily be placed under state-owned roads outside the Town of Vienna, and it is estimated that construction impacts will last for only a few days in any one location as the work progresses quickly along the 5.5-mile route scheduled to begin in 2025/26. DPWES sent notification cards to all 390 property owners whose property directly abuts the selected Tysons West sanitary sewer project route prior to the May 10, 2022 community meeting, and more meetings at the neighborhood level will be during the coming year as preliminary engineering design work continues. Directly impacted stakeholders will be notified in advance of construction activities. I am working with DPWES and concerned community members to ensure that every effort is made to protect sensitive environmental features like streams, stream valleys, and trees and to minimize any impacts on affected residents and property owners. Click on map for more info and a bigger view of affected area. Learn more.

Regards,

Walter

Community Meeting on Reston Comprehensive Plan June 6

Prior to the formal public hearing before the Planning Commission this summer, Hunter Mill District Planning Commissioner John Carter is hosting a community meeting for input on draft updates to the Reston Comprehensive Plan, June 6, 6:30 p.m., South Lakes High School Lecture Hall, 11400 South Lakes Dr., Reston. There will be a presentation followed by a discussion. Staff from the Department of Planning and Development will also be on hand to provide information. For more information or questions, contact Shruti Nallappa at Shruti.Nallappa@fairfaxcounty.gov. More information on the Reston Comprehensive Plan.

Reston Town Center North Task Force Meeting June 13

The next Reston Town Center North Task Force Meeting is Tuesday, June 13, 7 p.m. in the North County Health and Human Services Building, located at 1850 Cameron Glen Dr., Reston, Meeting Room 600/600A. Presentations will be made from the Department of Public Works, the Department of Budget and Management's Economic, Demographic and Statistical Research Unit; Cornerstones, and INOVA Hospital System. For more information, contact Shruti Nallappa 

June is Pride Month, celebrated each year to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City. Fairfax County and the Hunter Mill District are inclusive communities that proudly support Pride Month. Below are just a few of this month's activities.

Saturday, June 3, Noon to 6 p.m.

Reston Pride Festival, Lake Anne Plaza, Reston

Learn more.

Tuesday, June 6, 9:30 a.m.

Board of Supervisors Proclamation designating the month of June 2023 as Pride Month.

Learn more

Thursday, June 15, 7 p.m.

Fairfax County School Board Pride Month Proclamation

Learn more.

Saturday, June 24, 3 to 5 p.m.

Arts Fairfax Pride Month Poetry Reading, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 5040 Walney Rd, Fairfax

Learn more.

Viva! Vienna!

Thank you, Town of Vienna, for another great Viva! Vienna! weekend. It was a privilege to speak at the Memorial Day event and always a pleasure to see so many friends, including Congressman Gerry Connolly and Mayor Linda Colbert

Lights, Camera, Town on TV

Fox 5 DC is headed to the Town Green this Friday, June 2, for the Zip Trip series, which will feature our special town. Watch in person at the Green or at home from 6 to 11 a.m.

What You Need to Know About the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan

Last month the Board of Supervisors adopted the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan 2023-2028. Over the next five years, this plan will guide Fairfax County, along with the City of Fairfax and the City of Falls Church, and community-based organizations in meeting the needs of older residents now and in future years. Read more.



Mental Health Resources

Mental Health Matters--Resources, Trainings and Videos 

Volunteers and Donations Needed

How to Help Your Neighbors in Hunter Mill District

Gun Violence Awareness Day Friday, June 2

June 2 is National Gun Violence Awareness Day. The county has a number of resources to help prevent gun violence, including mental health support and the Lock and Talk program, among others. Wear orange on Friday, June 2 and learn more about what you can do.

Park Authority Celebrates Juneteenth

The Fairfax County Park Authority has many activities planned for Juneteenth, including tours, programs and blog posts. Learn more. There are many other Juneteenth activities planned in Hunter Mill District. Look for more information in next week’s newsletter!

Explore the Great Outdoors this Month

The Fairfax County Park Authority owns and manages 420 parks on more than 25,000 acres of land and more than 335 miles of trails. During National Great Outdoors Month, you are invited to enjoy some of the many amenities available at our county parks, including biking, fishing, boating, hiking and many more. Learn more.