Having trouble viewing this email? View as Webpage
December 2021
Neighbors,

In 2015, Fairfax County voters approved a Public Safety Bond Referendum for the renovation and expansion of five County fire stations, including the Penn Daw Fire Station. The current station was built in 1967 as a volunteer station and is one of the oldest and busiest in the County. A new, modern, eco-friendly facility will provide improved space and a healthy environment for our Fire and Rescue personnel. Community support for a new fire station has been unequivocal.
In 2016, Fairfax County voters approved funding to renovate or replace four emergency housing facilities through a Human Services and Community Development Bond Referendum. The existing Eleanor Kennedy Shelter was one of these facilities, as it operates from a 103-year-old converted pump house leased from Fort Belvoir with no options for additional supportive housing. 

Fairfax County is committed to best practices in all services, including that emergency housing be a part of a crisis response system that provides safety, access to services, and connections to permanent affordable housing. This new facility will serve as part of the crisis response system and a housing continuum that connects individuals experiencing homelessness to opportunities to chart their course toward housing stability in a new home.
Since these bonds were approved, County staff have been looking for a new location on the Corridor for the replacement Penn Daw Fire Station. Simultaneously, they were also looking for a new location to provide modernized services for our unsheltered residents.
In this Newsletter:
Upcoming Events
COVID-19
Ribbon Cutting MLK Playground
Land Use
Transportation
Health, Housing & Human Services
Public Safety
Parks & Environment
In the News
Community Champions
Community Information
Important Safety Information
Pet Adoption
Team MVD
Boards, Authorities, Commissions
Last year, County staff presented me with their preferred location near the Richmond Highway/Beacon Hill intersection at the Hybla Valley Garden Nursery site, 2801 Beacon Hill Road. While I challenged them to find additional potential sites, I recognized that the community needed to be brought into the conversation. So, last November, I convened the Penn Daw Fire Station and Supportive Housing Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee is comprised of members from nearby communities, the faith community, affordable/emergency housing providers, public safety representatives, civic and business leaders, Fort Belvoir and County staff. In addition to meeting monthly, members have received in-depth project information, toured other co-located facilities in the DMV, participated in community-wide meetings, and submitted substantive questions for the County to answer. These have been difficult conversations which have helped us all understand the complexity of these issues and the importance of addressing these needs in our community. 

As part of their initial review, County staff identified 12 potential sites. An additional 9 sites were identified by the community, and all were considered with the Advisory Committee. After a year of considerable analysis that included community input, site considerations of size, zoning, parking, and community impacts, and with significant community outreach, County staff recommended the Beacon Hill site for co-location of a new fire station and emergency and supportive housing. Other available sites could not provide the same level of services that Fairfax County residents expect and need.

After very careful consideration, and in consultation with and the support of Fairfax County Chairman Jeff McKay and Lee District Supervisor Rodney Lusk, I have accepted staff’s recommendation. County staff will now proceed with planning and design work. I will be asking many members of the current Advisory Committee to continue in their critical role to provide design and community feedback throughout this process. Chairman Jeff McKay shared, “I appreciate all the work of County staff and the community to get us to this point. It is vital that we work together to make sure this facility is state of the art, addresses community concerns, and provides help for our vulnerable neighbors. While I know this isn’t the outcome some had hoped for, we will work closely with the Fire and Rescue Department and surrounding neighbors to be sure this co-location is carefully designed to meet multiple County and community needs.”

Benefits of the Beacon Hill site include:
  • Co-location of the fire station, emergency and affordable housing in alignment with the County’s One Fairfax and Diversion First Objectives; and provide considerable cost savings;
  • Easy access to public transportation and job opportunities for housing residents; and
  • Locating affordable housing with emergency and supportive housing provides residents with an opportunity to move through the continuum of housing options.

I am committed to working with the Advisory Committee and surrounding neighborhoods to make this a safe, state-of-the-art facility of which we can all be proud. Formal public hearings will be held by the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors in 2022. Visit the project website for more information.
Respectfully yours in public service, 




Dan Storck 
Supervisor, Mount Vernon District
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
Team MVD decorating Hulvey Terrace Home for the holidays on Giving Tuesday.
Quick Links
Para subscribirse para nuestro boletín en español o si conoce a alguien quien quiera subscribirse, o para hablar con un hispanohablante, comuníquese con Nick Rinehart a su preferencia, por teléfono al (703) 780-7518 o por correo electrónico: nicholas.rinehart@fairfaxcounty.gov.
COVID-19



Health Department Urges Boosters and Prevention Strategies to Reduce Spread of COVID-19 and Emerging Variants 

The Fairfax County Health Department joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in strengthening their recommendation on booster doses for individuals who are 18 years and older. Everyone aged 18 and older should get a booster shot either six months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna series or two months after their initial J&J vaccine. Getting vaccinated reduces your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death; it also helps reduce the spread of the virus in the communities.
The recent emergence of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19. Omicron has been designated as a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization as well as the CDC. Learn more...

COVID-19 At Home Test Kits Available at 21 Library Branches 

In a unique collaboration with public health, Fairfax County Public Library branches will become distribution sites for free COVID-19 rapid antigen at-home test kits as part of a pilot program beginning December 3. BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Card Home Test kits will be available at each of Fairfax County Public Library’s 13 open community branches and 8 regional branches. The program has already been very popular and kits have run out. More will be available next week. Call your branch for availability.
*NOTE: This is the County Health Department Office located at the Gerry Hyland Governmental Center.
Ribbon Cutting on New Playground at Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the November 20 Ribbon Cutting! The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) – in collaboration with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Neighborhood and Community Services, New Gum Springs Civic Association, Gum Springs Advisory Board and the Fairfax County Park Foundation – cut the ribbon on a new playground at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. The $212,000 playground replacement project included demolition of the existing playground, design and installation of a new playground that meets all current safety standards, installation of new safety surfacing, drainage, benches and fencing, plus the creation of an accessible route to the playground from the parking lot. The playground features two modular structures for children ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12, swing sets including two expression swings, one ADA swing and three belt swings, free-standing units, including a balance beam, interactive panels, a wrinkle wall, beat club, single tower, surfboard and music ball.
Land Use
“Parking Re-Imagined” Community Meeting

Please join me for a Mount Vernon District Community Meeting on December 16 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. to kick off this new initiative from the Department of Planning & Development: “Parking Re-Imagined. Fairfax County is beginning a review of its off-street vehicle parking and loading requirements in the new Zoning Ordinance. While updates to the County’s off-street parking and loading requirements have occurred over the years to address specific needs, a full review has not occurred since the late 1980s. It is recognized that driving a car will continue to be a common activity and that parking will still be necessary. It is also known that there are some parking supply concerns in the County that we must address. However, providing parking must be considered with other community values. These include equity, affordability, the environment, land-use site design, and economics, all reflected in the goals of One Fairfax and our Strategic Plan Initiatives. For more information and for meeting log-in, please visit the project website.

SSPA Retrospective Survey - Share your Thoughts!
 
The County is evaluating potential changes to the Site-Specific Plan Amendment Process (SSPA) process and wants to hear from you! A community survey is open now through Friday, December 10, and is an important way to share your thoughts and priorities for future long range planning studies. The SSPA is the public’s opportunity to participate in Fairfax County’s land use planning by submitting and reviewing proposed land use changes for individual sites. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Korean and many other languages. Take the survey now...
Transportation
Richmond Highway Speed Study

In response to the community's concerns about the speed on Richmond Highway - our Main Street - I, along with other local officials, requested that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) conduct a speed study to determine if the speed limit on this roadway is appropriate, or if it should be decreased. While I am supportive of reducing the speed limit on our Main Street, I am very interested in the study findings and hearing from each of you about this important safety issue. The lowering of the speed limit may also prevent the need for sound walls along the corridor that are currently proposed with the Richmond Highway widening project.
 
About this Study
This study is assessing the existing 45 mph speed limit on approximately eight (8) miles of Richmond Highway (US Route 1) between Belvoir Road/Meade Road and I-95/I-495 Capital Beltway to improve safety for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers and transit users.
 
A public meeting was held on November 30 to discuss the study. If you missed the meeting, you can review the meeting presentation and watch the video of the meeting on the project website.
Health, Housing & Human Services
Victim Services Division: 8th Annual Holiday Gift Card Drive

In 2021, the Victim Services Division worked over 350 cases involving child victims and witnesses of domestic & sexual violence as well as children who lost a loved one to homicide. Many of these children will not to get to celebrate holidays this year due to the financial burden that comes with being a victim of crime. In the true spirit of the season, we ask you to please join the Fairfax County Police Victim Services Division in brightening the holidays for our courageous children.

Your generous donation of gift cards will help those families most impacted by crime bring a smile to the faces of their children who have had a tough road due to the violence they have witnessed or been a victim of themselves. Each child victim selected for the holiday gift card drive has been affected by crime and has been vetted by their assigned Victim Specialist. All of the families we select are truly those in need. For some, the gift cards can be used to purchase toys and other gifts. For others, the gift cards will be used to purchase winter clothing for the children or to purchase food for their holiday meal.

Now through Friday, December 17 we are seeking gift cards for our child victims (both young and teenagers) to places like Giant, Safeway, Walmart, TJ Maxx, Target, Kohl’s, local restaurants and clothing stores. Gift cards, will allow parents to be active participants in purchasing gifts for each child and practical needed items that they would normally go without. Your generosity will brighten the eyes and hearts of our child victims, will bring so much joy, and most importantly will make an impact this holiday season. More information and where to send gift cards...

For other opportunities to give locally this holiday season, see the Connection Newspaper article below.
Public Safety
Parks & Environment
HomeWise Call for Volunteers 2021
 
Come one, come all! Applications for the second class of HomeWise volunteers are now being accepted! Apply by December 10, 2021 to join a dynamic group of people dedicated to helping low- and moderate-income County residents save money on their utility bills by making energy and water-saving improvements to their homes. These volunteers also work with residents to create habits that will support energy and water conservation over time. The HomeWise program offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. There is something for everyone, regardless of skill level or past experience. Volunteers receive 10 weeks of virtual training, culminating in a hands-on demonstration, before they are deployed into the community. Learn more and apply to volunteer today...
Plastic Bag Tax Goes into Effect January 1 - What You Need to Know!

Fairfax County is implementing a new five-cent plastic bag tax starting on January 1. This tax will apply to disposable plastic bags provided to consumers at grocery stores, convenience stores and drug stores. The purpose of the tax is to curb our collective use of disposable plastic bags, to reduce the amount of plastic waste in our local waterways and the damage it causes.

Revenue from this tax will be collected by the Virginia Department of Taxation and will be disbursed to Fairfax County monthly. Tax revenue may be used to support environmental cleanup programs, pollution and litter mitigation programs, educational programs on environmental waste reduction, and the provision of reusable bags to recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program benefits. Be the solution to plastic pollution. Bring a reusable bag every time you shop in Fairfax County. Learn more...
In the News
Where to Give Locally in Mount Vernon

Many nonprofits in our community need your help to continue to rise to the need during the dual health and economic crisis of the pandemic, plus helping families for the holidays. There are literally hundreds, probably thousands of ways to give locally, financially, food and other goods, volunteer time. Read page 8-9 of the Connection to see how...
Fairfax Firefighters Gearing Up for Toys for Tots Campaign

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will be participating in the Annual National Capital Region Fire and EMS Departments’ 2021 “Toys for Tots” campaign, which aims to “bring holiday joy and deliver a message of hope to children,” officials said. The department’s fire stations will accept donations through Sunday, December 12. Read more in Inside NOVA...
Female Officer Recruitment Initiative

The future of policing is changing, and the future is female. Several police departments in the region are pledging to make it happen by signing the 30x30 pledge. The 30x30 initiative aims to advance women in policing by setting a goal to have 30% of police recruits be women by 2030. Currently, women only make up 12% of sworn officers nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. In Fairfax County, women make up about 17% of sworn officers. The DOJ found only 3% of local police chiefs in the country are female. The Fairfax County Police Department is one of the agencies that has signed the pledge to increase its number of sworn female officers. Read and watch more on WUSA9...
South County Water Now Treated by UV Lights

Millions of gallons of waste water go through the Noman M. Cole Jr. Pollution Control Plant in Lorton, and it now gets treated with ultraviolet lights, saving money, wastewater and wildlife in Pohick Bay. The UV process is a physical disinfection system that generates photons that penetrate microbial DNA to deactivate bacteria and leave it unable to reproduce. This is an improved process from the old chemical (sodium hypochlorite) disinfection system. Read more in the Connection...
Community Champions
Senator Scott Surovell was chosen as one of this year's Environmental Excellence Award Winners. For everyone who knows him, Scott has a deep commitment to the health of our environment, impacting it with everything from annual stream clean ups to passing legislative protections. In the 2020 legislative session, Senator Surovell was involved with or responsible for several key pieces of environmental legislation, including a bill to ban fracking for natural gas anywhere east of Interstate 95 in the Commonwealth of Virginia and legislation that will ensure Virginia builds out critical energy storage infrastructure by adding 2,700 megawatts of storage by 2030. Senator Surovell was recognized as a 2020 Legislative Hero by the Virginia League of Conservation Voters and was named state legislator of the year by the Virginia State Parks Association. Read about the other winners...
Community Information
Expanding the Real Estate Tax Relief Program

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on December 7 to consider expanding the real estate tax relief program for seniors and people with disabilities. If ultimately approved, the expanded program would allow people with higher incomes and net worth to qualify, add a new 75% tax relief bracket and offer an option to defer tax payments. The proposed changes are the first to the program’s qualifications since FY 2006. These changes would be adopted in two phases during the next two years if approved in December. I have heard from many of you and have been advocating for this tax relief for years. I hope to hear from you on December 7! Learn more... Sign up to speak...
Hypothermia Prevention Program Opened December 1 

For 15 years, the Hypothermia Prevention Program has provided shelter for our most vulnerable residents during the winter months. Each, year the program serves over 1,000 individuals who are experiencing homelessness and are exposed to harsh and dangerously cold weather. This year’s Hypothermia Prevention Program will operate from December 1 through March 31.

If you see someone who is unsheltered and at risk of hypothermia, please contact our non-emergency public safety phone number at 703-691-2131. For additional information, please visit the Hypothermia Prevention Program website or contact the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness at 703-324-9492, TTY 711, or OPEHGeneralMail@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Shop Small and Local this Holiday Season!

The County is home to dozens of small manufacturers making everything from custom furniture to baked goods, jewelry and much more. The Made in Fairfax entrepreneurs are here to help make the holiday season bright! If you’re looking for a creative or custom-made gift with the added joy of knowing your supporting a small local business, be sure to check out the 2021 Made in Fairfax Holiday Gift Guide.
Elly Doyle Park Service Awards

Congratulations to this year's Fairfax County Park Authority Elly Doyle award winners! Winners in our area include:
  • Mark Maslyn - Laurel Hill Golf Club
  • Liz Promen - Green Spring Gardens
  • Judy Dority - Huntley Meadows Park
  • Brynn Walley - Mount Vernon & Lee RECenters

Watch the ceremony:
Health & Care Job Fair

There are critical staff shortages at organizations and facilities serving older adults and adults with disabilities. To help fill these jobs, the COVID-19 Impact & Response Committee of the Long Term Care Coordinating Council (LTCCC) Long Term Care Coordinating Council has partnered with the Economic Development Authority (EDA), DFS and others to host a virtual free Job Fair to help organizations serving older adults and adults with disabilities fill critical staff shortages. Many of the jobs are entry level positionsLearn more...

For those with limited internet or access to computers, there are three locations where they can use computers with assistance to participate in the Job Fair. In our area:
The Virginia Career Works - Fairfax Alexandria Center (8530 Richmond Highway, Suite 327) 
Inova Health System to Expand Post-Acute Care at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital

Inova Health System is expanding its services with the addition of a Critical Illness Recovery Hospital (CIRH) at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital (IMVH). A CIRH, also known as a Long-Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH), is a new Inova service for patients who require an extended stay with specialized clinical attention and support, but no longer need the intensive care provided in an acute care hospital.

The CIRH will care for patients with complex medical conditions such as heart failure, wound or burn care, severe brain injuries, respiratory therapy or ventilator weaning. The new program will be staffed by a highly trained physician-led specialty care team. Learn more...
Visit Fairfax's 31 Days of Holiday Happiness
Important Safety Information
STEP Into Safety This Holiday Season and Can Your Fireplace/Fire Pit Ashes!

Celebrating the upcoming holiday season with a fire in your fireplace or outside in your fire pit? Please make sure you do so safely! While a joyous time of year, it is also a time that we traditionally experience home fires that are caused by improperly discarded fireplace/fire pit ashes. The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department would like to remind all residents to be cautious and keep safety in mind when handling fireplace/fire pit ashes. Following a few simple safety tips can help keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday season. Learn more...
Code Compliance Corner

Vehicles under Tarp – Any vehicle covered by a tarp is considered outdoor storage under the Zoning Ordinance. In a residential district, the Zoning Ordinance limits outdoor storage to no more than 100 square feet, and prohibits outdoor storage in any front yard. As a result, vehicles under a tarp are not permitted in any front yard, and lots with other items stored outdoors may quickly exceed the 100 square foot limit. In addition, some vehicles may exceed the 100 square foot limit wherein they will not be permitted in any yard on a residential lot. Vehicles covered with a fitted vehicle cover are not considered outdoor storage and are regulated differently under the Zoning Ordinance. For more information, visit the Department of Code Compliance (DCC) website; the DCC Vehicle Storage flyer; and/or the DCC Outdoor Storage flyer.

Pet Adoption Corner
Meet Leo the cat! Ok folks, we're not going to lie to you. Leo is A LOT. We love him, don't get us wrong, we really do, but sometimes he also makes us say "AHHH WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS!??!" Leo is 15, but he acts like a 15 year old cat in just one way and one way only: he wants what he wants and nothing will stop him. Leo is very athletic, and happy to jump to the highest spot in any room so he can glare down at you when you're ignoring him because you are trying to do work and have a job. Read more about Leo, other available pets and steps to adoption.
Team MVD
Mount Vernon District Staff (L to R): Camela Speer, Volunteer Shirley Short, Christine Morin, Carmen Alfaro-Morawski, Supervisor Dan Storck, Peyton Smith, Alex Kramer and Nick Rinehart.
Whether you need a notary, a "Slow Down" 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, environmental concerns, or need COVID-19 vaccine information? Stop by the Mount Vernon District Office anytime during our office hours, call or email us. We are here to help!
November 2021 Activities:
  • Phone calls: 787
  • Meetings: 209

Stay Connected: 
Mount Vernon Governmental Center
2511 Parkers Lane 
Mount Vernon, VA 22306
703-780-7518 (TTY 711) 703-780-1491 (fax)
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 (except August)
MV District Office: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Walk-ins and by appointment
Boards, Authorities and Commissions
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.

A. Heath Onthank Award Selection Committee
To grant recognition for accomplishment of outstanding worth in advancing and improving public service in County by merit system employees.

Commission for Women
To promote the full equality of women and girls in Fairfax County.

Wetlands Board (Lorton/Mason Neck area resident needed)
The board shall preserve and prevent the despoliation and destruction of wetlands within its jurisdiction while accommodating necessary economic development in a manner consistent with wetlands preservation. The objectives and procedures of the Fairfax County Wetlands Board (the Board or the Wetlands Board) are those set forth in Title 28.2, Chapter 13 of the Code of Virginia, (Virginia State Wetlands Act) and in Chapter 116 of the Code of Fairfax County (Wetlands Zoning Ordinance).

There are several At-Large positions available as of October 2021 on County BACs.
  • Affordable Dwelling Unit Advisory Board (Lending Institution Rep)
  • Alcohol Safety Action Program Local Policy Board
  • Board of Building and Fire Prevention Code Appeals (Design Professional)
  • Board of Equalization of Real Estate
  • Civil Service Commission
  • Consumer Protection Commission (4 openings)
  • Engineering Standard Review Committee
  • Health Systems Agency Board (Consumer)
  • History Commission (Historian)
  • Police Civilian Review Panel
  • Road Viewer Board
  • Tenant Landlord Commission (2 openings - Citizen Member & Landlord Member)
  • Tysons Transportation Service District Advisory Board (Commercial or Retail Ownership)


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