Last week we all witnessed our outstanding, well-trained police in action as a mental health crisis unfolded on the Richmond Highway corridor, our main street. After a 34-hour standoff and thanks to the tireless dedication of our officers, mental health clinicians and many others, a life was saved and the woman was safely taken into custody. From the very beginning, I made it clear with our public safety team that we needed to do our very best to resolve this issue peacefully. I know this created many challenges for residents and businesses, but the value of life is greater than our inconvenience. I thank you all for your patience and understanding. A special thank you to the Mount Vernon Police Department and all who supported their efforts throughout this situation! You can read more on the Police Department News webpage.

In other public safety news, we are hearing more about train derailments throughout the country. We currently have two rail lines, carrying passenger, auto and freight trains through our area, with a third line and several bridge improvements on the way. You can read more about that here.  The County takes rail safety very seriously and so do I, as your representative and a VRE Board Member. The Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management and Security (DEMS) is responsible for the mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery planning that deals with both natural and man-made disasters.

In this Newsletter:

Environment Expo

Ides of Bark

Upcoming Events

Land Use

Health, Housing & Human Services

Transportation

Public Safety

Parks & Environment

In the News

Community Information

Supporting Our Students

Pet Adoption Corner

Important Safety Information

Team MVD

Boards, Authorities, Commissions

Thank you to our Mount Vernon Police Station officers for their outstanding work during last week's barricade.

The County’s Fire and Rescue Department’s Hazardous Materials Response Team (HMRT) consistently conducts training specific to railway incidents. In coordination with our railway partners and the Northern Virginia Regional Intelligence Community, the team gathers information about the hazardous materials that are transported through our communities in order to develop effective and realistic emergency response plans. HMRT also plans and trains with the other jurisdictions in Northern Virginia and the National Capital Region, including freight, passenger and rapid transit rail incidents. The Regional Fire Chiefs Committee, working in cooperation with the rail carriers, created the Railroad Emergency Response Manual. This manual ensures all fire and rescue departments and private corporations train and respond to incidents the same way.

April is Earth Month and we have much to celebrate! Come to my 5th Annual Environment Expo on April 22, to engage in environmental efforts all around us, learn about the County’s new CECAP Action Plan and the County’s leadership in reducing our carbon footprint to protect Mother Earth. This fun, free, family-friendly event features live music by the Anthony James Band, live animal demonstrations, hands-on-activities, nature and bird walks, an electric vehicle showcase, giveaways and more! Learn more. You can also join us for Senator Scott Surovell, Delegate Paul Krizek and the Friends of Little Hunting Creek’s stream cleanups on April 15 (read more below). And, participate in the Park Authority’s Take Back the Forest campaign from April 1 to May 31. However, you choose to participate in Earth Month, I hope you will get out and enjoy the beautiful natural environments we have all around us in the Mount Vernon District!

Finally, check out my Women’s History article in the Mount Vernon Gazette, featuring amazing leaders in our community making a difference every day!

Respectfully yours in public service,

You're Invited!

Learn more.

Celebrating Our Community

Ides of Bark

Thank you to everyone who attended the 6th Annual Ides of Bark Dog Festival on March 26. It was a beautiful day at Grist Mill Park with several hundreds of dogs and their owners from all over the County. Thank you to the Fairfax County Park Authority for being a great long-standing partner on this event! Watch the Channel 16 video.

Key Contacts

Upcoming In-Person & Virtual Events

• Things to do this April in Fairfax County
• Sherwood Regional Library April Events
• Farmers Markets
• Apr 8: Spring Eggstravaganza - 10:30 a.m.
• Apr 9: VIC Easter Sunrise Service - 7 a.m.
• Apr 11: Free Steering Wheel Lock Distribution - 4 p.m.
• Apr 11: Revive! Spanish Speaking Presentation - 6:30 p.m.
• Apr 11: South County Federation Monthly Meeting - 7 p.m.
• Apr 12: Mount Vernon District Tax Relief Workshop - 10 a.m.
• Apr 13: Economic Outlook 2023 - 8 a.m.
• Apr 13: DMV Connect at Mount Vernon Governmental Center - 9:30 a.m.
• Apr 13: NCS Open Hire - 5 p.m.
• Apr 14-15: American Horticultural Society 2023 Spring Garden Market - 10 a.m.
• Apr 15: Little Hunting Creek Cleanup Opportunities - 9 a.m.
• Apr 15: Neighborhood & Community Services Open Hire - 10 a.m.
• Apr 15: Seven Types of Senior Communities - 10:30 a.m.
• Apr 15: Kids & Family Expo - 11 a.m.
• Apr 15: FANtastic Times Program, New Sensory Room Event - 2 p.m.
• Apr 17: QPR: Suicide Prevention training for Spanish Speakers - 11 a.m.
• Apr 18: BRT Executive Committee Meeting - 10 a.m.
• Apr 18: MVGS: An Introduction to Jewish Genealogy - 1 p.m.
• Apr 19: Webinar Wednesday: Pool Training for Pool Management Companies - 11:30 a.m.
• Apr 19: VDOT Paving and Restriping Public Meeting - 7 p.m.
• Apr 22: Environment Expo: Get Outdoors! Learn and Do! - 10 a.m.
• Apr 24: Memory Depot Orientation at Sherwood Regional Library - 7 p.m.
• Apr 26: MVCCA General Council Meeting- 7 p.m.
• Apr 27: Talk. They Hear You Spanish Speaking Presentation - 10 a.m.
• Apr 29: Public Safety Day - 11 a.m.

Fairfax County's zMOD Zoning Ordinance

On March 23, the Supreme Court of Virginia issued an opinion declaring the County’s zMOD Zoning Ordinance as void. While we’re disappointed by this decision, we respect the Supreme Court’s authority and are operating under the Zoning Ordinance that preceded zMOD. The Board of Supervisors is pursuing various parallel courses to change the decision or mitigate its effects. Please contact Suzanne Wright (Department of Planning and Development), Suzanne.wright@fairfaxcounty.gov with any questions about pending applications or a previous approval.

Parking Reimagined Public Hearings Postponed

Due to the Supreme Court's opinion, the public hearings before the Planning Commission on April 19 and the Board of Supervisors on June 6 to consider Parking Reimagined are postponed. Information about the project and future updates is available at the Department of Planning and Development project website.

5 Things to Know When Planning a Spring/Summer Home Improvement Project

The volume of building permit applications increases every spring for “we love to be outside” home improvement projects, such as decks, porches, swimming pools and more. Keep these five things in mind as you consider your new project. Read more.

Pool Training for Pool Management Companies

Wednesday, April 19, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Join County staff for a free webinar to see a demonstration of the new Planning and Land Use System (also known as PLUS). This demonstration will be focused on the Environmental Health module and will provide an overview of pool applications for pool management companies. Register.

Health, Housing & Human Services

New Sensory Room at the Lorton Community Center

Saturday, April 15, 2-4 p.m.

Lorton Community Center, 9520 Richmond Hwy., Lorton

Lorton Community Center will debut the opening of their New Sensory Room in partnership with Therapeutic Recreation and their FANtastic Times Program. Check out the new sensory spaces, try hands-on sensory activities, learn about upcoming programs, activities, photobooth and more. Email NCS-Tracers@fairfaxcounty.gov or call (703) 324-5532 for more information.

Upcoming Community Services Board Wellness, Health Promotion & Prevention Presentations for Spanish Speakers

REVIVE!: Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education presentation

• Tuesday, April 11, 6:30 p.m.
• Register

QPR: Suicide Prevention training

• Monday, April 17, 11 a.m.
• Register

Talk. They Hear You: Underage Drinking Prevention presentation

• Thursday, April 27, 10 a.m.
• Register

Learn more.

Recovery Program Solutions of Virginia's Good Hygiene is Dignifying Undergarment Drive for the Homeless

Please join Recovery Program Solutions of Virginia (RPSV) in helping provide new, clean underclothing (underwear, boxers, panties and bras, adult sizes S-3x) for homeless adults. Most of us take for granted that we can change into clean, fresh undergarments whenever we want. That’s not the case for those without a home. To participate in this year-round drive, you can deliver your donations to one of the four Recovery Centers across Fairfax County during the facility’s open hours. If you’d prefer to order online and have your donation delivered directly to a center, email mtaylor@recoveryprograms.us for the shipping address. Learn more.

Transportation

Paving Season is Here!

VDOT’s 2023 interactive repaving map for Northern Virginia is now available! Instructions to use the map are on the sidebar when you click the link. As part of the repaving process, VDOT reviews opportunities for restriping roads at the same time. The Mount Vernon virtual public meeting where you can provide striping-related feedback is scheduled for Wednesday, April 19 at 7 p.m. Learn more.

VDOT is not accepting new restriping projects for this year, but you can submit a request to have roads reviewed for future repaving cycles. Contact VDOT 1-800-FOR-ROAD or use the online reporter tool Report a Road Problem.

Yellow Line to Reopen May 7

Metro is welcoming customers back to the Yellow Line on Sunday, May 7, beginning with the start of rail service at 7 a.m. The reopening will mark the completion of extensive rehabilitation work on the Yellow Line tunnel and bridge between Pentagon and L'Enfant Plaza stations. Learn more.

Belle View Boulevard Water Main Replacement

Fairfax Water is replacing a water main under Belle View Boulevard from Fort Hunt Road to Boulevard View (including a section of Boulevard View at the intersection). Construction will require lane closures through early summer. Residents and businesses have been notified and will receive further notifications two days in advance of any planned water service disruptions. Questions can be directed to the Manager of Construction, Jerry Scott, at 703-289-6351 or jscott@fairfaxwater.org.

VDOT Richmond Highway Corridor Improvements Newsletter

Chief's Spotlight

Learn how Fairfax County Police Helicopter Division, Fairfax 1 provides tactical police aviation support to keep us all safe.

Security Surveys Assess House of Worship Safety

The Fairfax County Police Department encourages faith leaders to request a security survey for their houses of worship. These surveys, which have been offered for years, assess a house of worship’s security level to verify its current level, modify policies if needed and offer ways to improve security. Learn more.

Metro's New Body-Worn Camera Program

The Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) announced the launch of its Body-Worn Camera Program, which will train and equip all MTPD officers, sergeants and lieutenants to begin carrying body-worn cameras in the coming months. The body-worn cameras will supplement the more than 20,000 cameras Metro has throughout the rail, bus and paratransit system to further strengthen public safety and security efforts. Learn more.

Little Hunting Creek Cleanup Opportunities

Saturday, April 15 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Please join me, volunteers and neighbors at the following sites to help clean up our community:

• Colonel John Byers Park, 2213 Collingwood Rd. Meet at the playground area of the park and proceed along the creek to the beaver dam and beyond. Contact: Greg Crider, gregdcrider@aol.com.

• Gum Springs, meet at the Shaw Park Court cul-de-sac (nearest address: 3200 Shaw Park Court) to help clean up wooded parkland and marsh along the creek, and at Napper Road and Richmond Highway. Contact: Bryan Birch, 571-201-2802.

• First River Farms, in addition to picking up trash, volunteers at this site will be cutting and removing English Ivy and other invasive vines that overwhelm the trees along the shoreline. Bring clippers, if you have them. Note: this event is scheduled from 8 to 10 a.m. Contact: Will Friedman, willfriedman04@gmail.com and sign up here.

Join Senator Scott Surovell and Delegate Paul Krizek to help clean up Little Hunting Creek! RSVP.

Meet at any of these locations:

• Janna Lee Ave. Little Hunting Creek Bridge
• Mount Vernon Shopping Plaza North End near Sherwin-Williams
• Grackle Court, Audubon Park

Learn more.

Design, Environmental Excellence and Tree Preservation Awards

On March 28, the Board of Supervisors celebrated leaders in design and environmental excellence and tree preservation who are helping to create a sustainable and well-designed County that is welcoming to the diverse needs of residents. It is extraorginary that Mount Vernon recipients received 7 of these 22 awards, and a testiment to the commitment of our residents to protect our environment.

Mount Vernon District Recipients

2022 James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards Recipients

• Robert E. Beach Architects, LLC: Turning Point Suffragist Memorial and Gardens
• Maginniss + del Ninno Architects: Waynewood Elementary School Modernization & Additions

Environmental Excellence Awards

• Will Friedman
• Elisabeth Lardner

Friends of Trees Awards

• Cathy Ledec, Friends of Huntley Meadows Park, former Tree Commissioner, Northern Virginia Audubon Society and Mount Vernon District Environmental Advisory Committee
• Megan McCullough and Dan Malone of Stantec Consulting for the Hollin Hills Stream restoration
• Fairfax County Public Schools and Fairfax County's Urban Forest Management Division for joint projects at: Fort Hunt Elementary School and Walt Whitman Middle School

‘My Landlord Didn’t Even Tell Me:’ Richmond Highway Expansion Spells The End For Some Small Businesses

The nearly half-billion-dollar project will widen the road from four to six lanes between Jeff Todd Way and Sherwood Hall Lane. It will also add bike lanes and sidewalks, realign sections and improve the safety of several intersections. Plus, it will begin adding infrastructure for Richmond Highway’s BRT system that’s set to start in 2030. Supervisor Dan Storck acknowledges one of the hardest parts of the road’s expansion has been communicating with all the businesses that it could impact. He and his staff helped set up town halls, sent notices and even personally knocked on doors to make sure everyone knew what was happening. Read more from the DCist.

Fairfax County Board Approves Plan to Lure Developers into Replacing Lost Affordable Housing

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a new policy last week that could offer incentives to developers to replace the affordable housing lost to new development. “This is a good next step for us,” Supervisor Dan Storck said. Storck said the policy is part of the County’s commitment to ensure residents can afford to stay in the County even as overall housing prices continue to rise. “I have a statement that I say often and my staff will probably roll their eyes when I say this again: we need to make sure we leave no one behind,” Storck said. Read more from FFXNow.

Reservoir Planned for Current Quarry Site in Lorton

In an effort to prepare for a possible future water shortage, Fairfax Water is planning to add a reservoir in southern Fairfax County in a Vulcan Materials Company space currently in use. Vulcan Materials is currently under operation at the site so the new reservoir is still a few years away from being filled and used. Water will start flowing into the space in 2040 for Phase I, and Phase II won’t be filled until the end of 2085. Read more from The Connection.

Park Authority Burns New Ground

A 25-acre meadow in Lorton’s Laurel Hill Park was burned for the first time, on purpose, on March 9. Prescribed fires, or controlled burns, are important tools in the County’s resource management tool belt to help eradicate invasive plant species and ensure long-term regeneration of plant life native to Virginia’s habitat. Read more from The Connection.

Tax Help

Tax Relief Workshop

On Wednesday, April 12 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Mount Vernon Governmental Center, 2511 Parkers Ln., staff from the Department of Tax Administration (DTA) will be available to assist with filling out the 2023 tax relief application form, as well as answering questions. To ensure that DTA is assisting individuals in a timely manner, all workshops will be utilizing appointment scheduling. Please contact 703-324-2550 to schedule an appointment. Learn more.

NVACASH Tax Preparation Site

The Gerry Hyland Center, 8350 Richmond Hwy. is a NVACASH tax preparation site and provides help on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, no appointments are needed. Learn more.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program has a location at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Ln. on Mondays and Tuesdays, 1:15-4 p.m. and 5-8:30 p.m. and Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10:15 a.m.-2 p.m. Same day appointments are made on site. Learn more.

NCS South County Open Hire Events

Thursday, April 13, 5-7 p.m.

Saturday, April 15, 10 a.m.-noon

Gerry Hyland Government Center, 8350 Richmond Hwy., Room 505

Apply and interview on the spot for various positions. Qualified applicants may fill positions at other locations. Please bring multiple copies of your resume. Learn more.

• Community-based Programs and Services, Activity Facilitator, Recreation Leader II and Recreation Leader III
• School Age Child Care Program* (SACC), Day Care Center Teacher 1 and Day Care Center Assistant Teacher 

Lorton Lidl Update

Lidl is looking forward to opening its Lorton store and offering the community a destination for high quality, fresh groceries and low prices. The Lidl team is working to put the final touches on the store and it is currently planned to open by fall 2023. Stay tuned to Lidl’s Grand Openings page to find out as soon as store openings are announced. For any general Lidl questions, you can reach out to Lidl’s Customer Care, (844) 747-5435 from Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Learn more about Lidl.

Wine, Whiskers and Wags Gala

Friday, May 5, 7-10 p.m.

Westfields Golf & Country Club, 13940 Balmoral Greens Ave.

Put on your best outfit and join the Friends of Fairfax County Animal Shelter for the first ever Wine, Whiskers and Wags Gala. This black tie optional fundraising event supports pets at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. Tickets for the Gala are $115 before April 10, and $125 thereafter. Learn more.

Comment Period Extended for the Draft Environmental Assessment for the Multipurpose Pavilion

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has extended the comment period for the Draft Environmental Assessment for the Multipurpose Pavilion Parking Lot and Utilities at Meadowood SRMA through April 10. Draft and comment link.

Help Address Increased Hunger in Fairfax County

Throughout the month of April, Fairfax County Public Libraries (FCPL) will be collecting donations of food for donation to Food for Others (FFO) and other local partners. During the food drive, community members can drop off unexpired, commercially produced food items, new and clean reusable grocery bags and simple kitchen tools, like can openers, to any FCPL branch during regular hours. Donors will receive reusable food tote bags. Learn more.

Supporting Our Students

Scholarship Opportunities

Chamber Business Scholarship

Chamber Business Scholarships are intended for students planning to pursue an education in business whether in the trades or professional services. Applications must be received by Monday, May 1. To be eligible, students must live in Mount Vernon, Franconia, Springfield or Braddock Districts or go to school at one of the high schools in these Districts. Students must complete a written or online application and all information must be provided for the application to be considered. Learn more.

The Liberty Tree

One of the goals of The Liberty Tree is to empower students to seek higher education. To support students, The Liberty Tree is offering a $2,500 scholarship to a high school senior. The scholarship award will be based on the best essay submission, on the topic of “How do the checks and balances of the three branches of the U.S. federal government protect our freedom?” The submissions are due on April 16. Learn more.

Fairfax County Park Authority Summer Rec-PAC

The Fairfax County Park Authority is now accepting online applications for Summer Rec-PAC scholarships! Rec-PAC is an affordable, structured six-week summer program for children in grades 1-6 featuring a different theme each week. Fees are based on household income, with $120 the maximum amount charged per week. Scholarships are available to qualifying households. Learn more.

John Hudson Internship Program



Do you know a college student, law student, graduate student, or recent graduate who self-identifies as an individual with a disability? The Fairfax Area Disability Services Board established the John Hudson Internship Program for college students and recent graduates with disabilities. The internship program provides participants with on-the-job experience, professional development and training opportunities. Applications are due April 14. Learn more.

Pet Adoption Corner

Meet Lucy

Lovely Lucy is a long-haired beauty! Her soft white and gray coat is just irresistible for petting. Lucy is a very affectionate lady who loves attention from her human companions. She does NOT like her belly touched---seriously, don't do it! Lucy is about 13 years old and weighs about 15 pounds. She found herself needing a new home when her previous family could no longer care for her. Lucy is a calmer cat who would be happy in a quiet home. She does not like other animals or kids, so she will need to be the solo pet in an adult only home.

If you'd like to meet Lucy, or any of the adoptable pets at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, visit during open hours! For more info on the adoption process, including requirements and fees, click here.

Vaccination Information

• CDC Vaccine Updates: Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters
• Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Now Available as Booster Dose for Certain Children 6 Months – 4 Years Old 
• Stay Up to Date with Your COVID-19 Vaccines
• Community Vaccine Story 
• Health Department Community Stories 
• Monkeypox Information
• Flu Vaccines
• Video: Ask A Nurse - How to Protect Your Family From Respiratory Viruses

Code Compliance - Exterior Building Protective Treatment

Maintaining protective treatment can provide defense against deterioration of a structure, especially from the impacts of weather. The Virginia Maintenance Code (VMC) requires:

1. Exterior wood surfaces, other than decay resistant woods, to be painted or have other protective covering. 
2. Siding, masonry joints and the perimeter of windows, doors and skylights to be weather resistant and water tight.
3. Metal surfaces to be coated to prevent or stabilize corrosion. 

Springtime is a good opportunity for residents to evaluate the condition of protective treatment to see if there has been any winter damage, and to arrange for any necessary repairs before the hot summer sun arrives. For more information about protective treatment and other VMC requirements for a structure’s exterior, please see the Department of Code Compliance (DCC) Exterior Property Maintenance flyer.

DCC accepts complaints and concerns about potential violations on the DCC website, or by telephone during regular business hours, at 703-324-1300.

April Emergency Preparedness Newsletter

Mount Vernon District Staff (top row left to right): Christine Morin, Cassidy Donaghy, Camela Speer, Maddie Carcamo Reyes (bottom row left to right) Peyton Smith, Volunteer Shirley Short, Nick Rinehart and Supervisor Dan Storck.

Whether you need a free notary, a "Slow Down" yard sign, Mosquito Dunks or you would like to reserve meeting space in the Mount Vernon Governmental Center -- my office offers all this at no cost to you. Have road maintenance requests, zoning questions or environmental concerns? Stop by the Mount Vernon District Office anytime during our office hours, call or email us. We are here to help!

Want to Join Team MVD? We Are Hiring! 

Team MVD is looking for a Staff Aide. This is an opportunity to engage, support and interact with people of all ages, backgrounds and experiences. Includes community and relationship building and provides an opportunity to grow and learn about local government. Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter outlining education, experience, and availability to Mtvernon@fairfaxcounty.gov. Include "Staff Aide/Community Liaison" in the subject line. Know someone who might be interested? Please help us spread the word!

March 2023 Activities:

• Phone calls: 937
• Meetings: 306

Stay Connected: 

Mount Vernon Governmental Center

2511 Parkers Lane 

Mount Vernon, VA 22306

703-780-7518 (TTY 711) 703-780-1491 (fax)

mtvernon@fairfaxcounty.gov 

Office Hours

Monday - Wednesday, Friday:

8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Second Saturday Each Month

Lorton Library: 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

MV District Office: 12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Walk-ins and by appointment

Help serve your community by serving on a Fairfax County Board, Authority or Commission (BAC). Please ask your friends, neighbors and community members if they are willing to help serve Fairfax County.

Criminal Justice Advisory Board

To receive and coordinate all phases of planning for the Criminal Justice System in the County of Fairfax and to furnish its advice and recommendations to the County Executive and, as appropriate, to the Board of Supervisors. Reestablished to continue in an advisory capacity though no longer required by Federal Law.

There are several At-Large positions available as of March 2023 on County BACs.

• Affordable Dwelling Unit Advisory Board (Lending Institution Representative)
• Board of Building and Fire Prevention Code Appeals (Alternate & Design Professional)
• Board of Equalization of Real Estate (Professional)
• Consumer Protection Commission
• Engineering Standard Review Committee
• Health Systems Agency Board
• History Commission
• Police Civilian Review Panel
• Tenant-Landlord Commission (Citizen, Condo Owner, Landlord, Tenant
• Trespass Towing Advisory Board
• Uniformed Retirement System Board of Trustees

Learn more about any of these BACs...

Volunteering on these committees increases citizen participation in our District. If you are interested in serving on a county board, authority, commission, or committee (BAC), please provide a current résumé to mtvernon@fairfaxcounty.gov. For more information, please download the brochure for a brief guide to BACs, or learn more on the County website. You can also check out the County's Volunteer Management System for information on these and other volunteer opportunities near you.

Mount Vernon District Office | 703-780-7518

MTVernon@fairfaxcounty.gov | FairfaxCounty.gov/MountVernon

STAY CONNECTED