Happy New Year! As I reflect on 2022 and look forward to new beginnings in 2023, I am inspired, energized and thankful for all that the Mount Vernon community means to me and many of you. Together we have made great progress in connecting our community, revitalizing the Richmond Highway corridor, providing life-long learning opportunities and helping every resident and business owner reach their full potential. There is still much to do and look forward to our continued success!

We’ve been busy! This past year we opened the Lorton Community Center, Senior & Teen Centers, Library and Park, with a new home for the Lorton Community Action Center. This first-of-its-kind in the County co-located facility provides growth opportunities for all ages and abilities in a historically underserved area. The excitement and enthusiasm at the center and in the community is a tremendous affirmation of the critical needs it serves. We also welcomed a host of new businesses from Amazon Fresh in Lorton to a new Ourisman Kia dealership on the highway. Other notable accomplishments include increasing our countywide affordable housing commitment, starting construction for a human development center at Original MVHS, establishing the Hollin Hills Historic Overlay District, continuing to improve our environment and launching the Potomac Banks brand and savings pass to increase tourism spending at our local businesses. 

In this Newsletter:

Lorton Panera Grand Opening

First Hike 2023

MV Rec Center Groundbreaking

Upcoming Events

Land Use

Transportation

Public Safety

Parks & Environment

In the News

Community Information

Supporting Our Students

Pet Adoption Corner

Important Safety Information

Team MVD

Boards, Authorities, Commissions

Team MVD volunteered at the LCAC food pantry on December 21.

One notable goal we did not accomplish in 2022 was securing funding for undergrounding utilities on Richmond Highway. While this remains a high priority for our community and me, the challenges and complexities with securing Federal Transit Administration funding and the support needed from the Board for the tens of millions of County dollars needed makes this not possible at this time. I will continue to make this a funding priority, look for alternatives and expect undergrounding on any new developments.

In 2023, we look forward to launching our Community Ambassador Program to connect our many knowledgeable leaders with even more District residents, completing the Gum Springs heritage resources study and our Lorton 2040 Vision and opening the Mount Vernon Memorial Highway trail to Richmond Highway. The Mount Vernon Rec Center begins its two-year renovation to become a new state-of-the-art facility, several new walkable, livable communities will open and we will welcome Bunnyman Brewery to the Workhouse Campus. Our annual events will continue from the Ides of Bark Dog Festival on March 26 to the Tour de Mount Vernon Community Bike Ride on October 21, which for the first time will ride on a closed George Washington Memorial Parkway. Most importantly, our 36th Annual Town Meeting will take place on Saturday, February 11 at Mount Vernon High School and virtually on Fairfax County Channel 16 and Facebook. The ever-popular exhibit hall will open at 7:4 a.m., followed by a formal program at 9:30 a.m. featuring guest speakers and answers to your questions and a virtual tour of the District.

There is much more to tell you about our 2022 accomplishments and 2023 focus and investments, so keep an eye out for our annual mailer – Supervisor Dan Storck’s Advisor – coming to your mailbox in the coming weeks to learn more!

Wishing each and every one of you a happy, healthy and prosperous new year filled with hope, kindness, learning and compassion!

Respectfully yours in public service,

Celebrating Our Community

Lorton Panera Grand Opening

On December 21, the Lorton Panera, welcomed the community with a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting. This is a wonderful addition to Lorton and is the first drive-thru in Fairfax! Store manager, Ridha Larbi and the Panera team hosted a great celebration. Stop by and give the new store a try.

First Hike 2023

What a glorious sun-filled day for our 2023 Annual First Hike! A huge thank you to the Friends of Dyke Marsh for hosting approximately 75 of us to ring in the new year in nature. The beautiful nature preserve, excellent plant and bird talks, multiple close-up eagle views and many conversations made it one of the best ever, thank you all! I especially appreciated hearing from many of you that it was your first visit to the preserve and how much you enjoyed our shared experience. Read more about our walk in this week's Mount Vernon Gazette.

You're Invited!

Learn more.

Key Contacts

Upcoming In-Person & Virtual Events

• Things to do this January in Fairfax County
• Sherwood Regional Library January Events
• Jan 10: Emergency Preparedness Workshop For Students and Families - 5:30 p.m.
• Jan 10: Entrepreneurship 101: Starting A Business in Fairfax County - 7:30 a.m.
• Jan 10: Affordable Housing & SSPA Nominations Community Meeting Part 1 - 7 p.m.
• Jan 10: South County Federation Meeting - 7 p.m.
• Jan 11: Volunteer Fairfax: Community Conversation - 10 a.m.
• Jan 12: Neighborhood Watch Training - 6:30 p.m.
• Jan 12: Parking Reimagined Virtual Open House - 7 p.m.
• Jan 12: Kindergarten Curriculum Overview - 7 p.m.
• Jan 13: DMV Connect at the Mount Vernon Governmental Center - 9:30 a.m.
• Jan 16: Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Trash Cleanup - 10 a.m.
• Jan 18: Growing Your Career Fair - 10 a.m.
• Jan 19: SSPA Nominations Community Meeting Part 2 - TBD
• Jan 21: Help Save the GWM Parkway's Trees - 10 a.m.
• Jan 25: MVCCA General Council Meeting - 7 p.m.
• Jan 26: COVID-19 Summit - 11 a.m.

2023 SSPA Countywide Process & Affordable Housing Preservation Joint Meetings

Fairfax County is working on two long-range planning projects with the potential to change land use and affordable housing policy, and is hosting two community meetings in the District to discuss the projects and provide a forum for community feedback.

The County is seeking input on a new policy that would seek to preserve existing affordable housing that is being redeveloped. The goal of the policy is to replace existing affordable units within the redevelopment plan in order to reduce displacement of existing residents. For more information on the proposed amendment including the draft policy and background information, as well as a public comment form to provide feedback, please visit the Affordable Housing Preservation plan amendment webpage.

Community Meeting

January, 10 from 7 - 9 p.m.

Walt Whitman Middle School

Meeting Part 1:

The proposed affordable housing preservation policy encourages the preservation of market rate affordable housing units, including through one-for-one replacement when redevelopment occurs.

Meeting Part 2:

The land use changes are being considered through the Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) Process and consist of proposed changes (nominations) to the Comprehensive Plan, the guiding document for land use and development decisions in the County. There are nine total SSPA nominations in the Mount Vernon District, which are currently in the Screening Phase. A community meeting will be held in-person to discuss the four 2022-2023 Countywide SSPA nominations - Cityside Huntington, Days Inn, Moon Inn and West Ford Manor, in the northern Richmond Highway Corridor. This is a great opportunity to get involved in your community and make your voice heard about the future redevelopment along the Richmond Highway Corridor! Meeting agenda and learn more.

Language translation, light snacks, transportation, and school age childcare services for the meeting will be available. To request translated documents, an interpreter, transportation or childcare services or for the community meeting, email Maria Franco-Nativi or call 703-704-6700. For any questions on the nominations, please contact Department of Planning and Development SSPA or call 703-324-2771.

Community Meeting

January, 19

A second meeting is tentatively scheduled to be held virtually via ZOOM to discuss the five SSPA nominations - Lorton Valley Retail, LLC, 7600 & 7375 Boston Blvd, Springfield, L&F Laurel Hill Highlands, LLC (9300, 9304, 9224 Ox Road) and 8850 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, in the southern portion of Richmond Highway and the Lorton/South County area. Stay tuned for more information on this meeting.

To learn about SSPA nominations, visit Track a Nomination.

Parking Reimagined Community Update

The County’s Parking Reimagined project is now in its final phase of community engagement and the Department of Planning and Development wants to hear from you! Recommended changes to the County’s off-street parking and loading requirements have been released for public comment. The recommendations include: 

• Modernized parking rates to incorporate right-sizing for land uses
• A tiered rate framework that is tailored to planned land use density and intensity
• New minimum bicycle parking requirements 
• Updates to off-street loading requirements

Learn more and share your thoughts by January 16.

Virtual Open House Opportunities

• Thursday, January 5 at 7 p.m.
• Virtual Meeting - Zoom
• Password: 537600
• Call-In Number: 888 270 9936
• Conference ID: 928669
• Thursday, January 12 at 7 p.m.
• Virtual Meeting - Zoom
• Password: 011711
• Call-In Number: 888 270 9936
• Conference ID: 928669

Land Development PLUS Record (Permit) Types

Do you know what record/permit you need for your residential, commercial or administrative building? Learn more.

Comment Period Extended: George Washington Memorial Parkway and Mount Vernon Trail Study

The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public comment on a proposed plan and environmental assessment to improve the southern portion of the George Washington Memorial Parkway and the Mount Vernon Trail. The project would improve safety and address maintenance needs along the parkway and the trail.

Online Comments

You can submit comments online and view additional information. The comment period has been extended until January 18. A video and presentation from the public meeting are available via the project website. Learn more, including where to mail comments.

VDOT Snow Facts

This winter stay informed about snow and how to stay safe. These are a few ways you can help:

• Monitor weather closely, as forecasts can improve or worsen quickly.
• Adjust commutes, telework or avoid driving during a storm and after until road conditions improve.
• Park in driveways or on the same side of the street.
• Wait to shovel driveways until plows have come, as they will push some snow back.
• Have enough gas, wiper fluid, proper tires, medication and an emergency car kit.
• Be patient: crews need time and room to work.

Learn more.

Full Neighborhood Watch Training



Thursday, January 12 at 6:30 p.m.

West Springfield District Station Community Room

6140 Rolling Rd., Springfield

The West Springfield District Station will be hosting a Neighborhood Watch training. This training is required before you may participate in the Neighborhood Watch Program. You are only required to take this training once, unless you would like a refresher or have questions. If you have any questions, contact MPO Tony Capizzi.

2021 – 2022 Friends of Trees Awards Announced by Fairfax County Tree Commission

The Fairfax County Tree Commission announced the winners of its 2021-2022 Friends of Trees Awards. Twelve County individuals and groups were recognized as champions of the County’s urban forest at the Tree Commission's virtual meeting on January 5.

2021-2022 Mount Vernon District Winners:

• 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
• Whitman Middle School 

Friends of Dyke Marsh Trash Cleanup

Help collect trash from the Potomac River shoreline and in Dyke Marsh on Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, January 16, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Register today...

There will be two check-in stations: one near the Belle Haven Park south parking lot and one at the Haul Road trail bulletin board. The National Park Service and Friends of Dyke Marsh will provide some gloves, tools, trash bags and hand sanitizer. Wear sturdy shoes, long pants and sleeves, gloves and sun protection. Bring water and no pets.

Solar Panels vs. Trees – How to Choose?

Homeowners can now receive a 30% federal tax credit for installing rooftop solar panels. This is an important opportunity for those who have sunny roofs. But is it worth cutting down trees next to your house to increase sun there? Read the discussion on Plant NOVA Trees.

Lorton Plant Workers Keep Locals “Empowered” During Deep Freeze

At 4:20 a.m. on December 24, staff members at Noman Cole Pollution Control Plant in Lorton received an emergency notification that the electrical power grid was severely overloaded. To prevent widespread blackouts in Northern Virginia and other parts of the Mid-Atlantic, Noman Cole workers immediately took the plant completely off-grid, revving up five large electricity generators and using them to remove 5,700 kilowatts of electricity demand from the grid — the equivalent of the amount of power used by 4,500 households. Read more in On The Move.

Fairfax Police Chief Warns of Holiday Crime Surge, Addresses Officer Shortage

Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis says his department is seeing an increase in shoplifting incidents that have turned into more serious crimes and thefts from automobiles. Davis also addressed the officer shortage and troubling rise in pedestrian fatalities. Read more on WJLA.

Major Fire Takes Out Riverside House in Lorton, but No Injuries Reported

Five people were displaced by a Lorton house fire on Tuesday, December 20, which caused $244,162 in damages, said the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. The cause remains under investigation. The family has a GoFundMe and are currently asking for donations to help rebuild their lives. Read more from FFXNow.

A Longstanding Landmark Along Historic Route 1 Exists No More

The Alexandria Motel at 6411 Richmond Highway was officially demolished in late November to make way for a future stormwater management facility for the Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. During its heyday in the mid-twentieth century, the motel was a 27-room property advertising its private showers, televisions, central heating and cross-ventilation. Read more in On The Move.

Entrepreneurship 101: Starting A Business in Fairfax County

Tuesday, January 10

7:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Fairfax County Economic Development Authority

8300 Boone Boulevard Lobby Conference Center, Tysons

Register

If starting a business is on top of your list for 2023, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) is ready to assist you! Ashley Chen, founder and CEO of Fairfax County-based ActioNet will be the featured guest speaker. The workshop will provide you with informative step-by-step information sessions that will cover registering your business, permitting requirements, business feasibility and business plan basics, business certifications, financing options and government resources.

Volunteer Fairfax will Host Several Community Events as Part of its MLK Jr. Day Weekend of Service Event

Held on the third Monday in January, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a National Day of Service — a “day on, not a day off.” This day of service helps to empower individuals through service and to strengthen communities. 

Volunteer Fairfax will host several ways for the community to get involved, including their Give Together event with hands-on volunteering activities for kids (ages 5-12), the Valentine’s Challenge, for adult volunteers to make hand crafted cards and a new teen only volunteer project opportunity. Plus, Volunteer Fairfax will launch a Community Conversation with guest speaker, Breauna Dorelus, from Connecting the Cause, with a panel discussion on developing engaging and transformational volunteering activities. Register for volunteer opportunities.

COVID-19 Summit

Thursday, January 26

Three Sessions

1. 11 a.m. *12 years and younger
2. 1 p.m. *13 to 17 years
3. 6:15 p.m. *18 years and over

Gum Springs Community Center

8100 Fordson Rd., Alexandria

Register

Young Invincibles; Growth & Healing Hub; Fairfax County Health Department and New Gum Springs Civic Association are holding a COVID-19 Summit at the Gum Springs Community Center. Plan to discuss the after affects of COVID with professionals.

Project Firefighter

South County High School Leadership is organizing care baskets for the Lorton Fire Station #19 in an effort to thank them for their services. They have created an Amazon wishlist to purchase the necessary items for the care baskets and are accepting donations until January 25.

Farmers Market Vendors Sought for 2023 Season

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is beginning the Vendor Application process for the 2023 farmers market season. FCPA operates 10 farmers markets across Fairfax County to provide residents access to locally grown products and create market opportunities for area farmers and food producers. FCPA is seeking producers of food and agricultural products (such as milk, cheese, certified organic produce, prepared foods, meats and seafood). All local farmers and food producers are invited to apply! Learn more.

Supporting Our Students

Kindergarten Curriculum Overview

Thursday, January 12

7:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Register

In partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools, this recorded session provides early childhood educators with information about a day in the life of a kindergartner. This is a repeat of the spring 2022 Kindergarten Curriculum Overview.  Please note: No certificates will be issued for this session.

One Water Regional Art Contest

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) is joining with the Community Engagement Campaign’s regional water utilities to hold its second annual Source Water Protection Art Contest. Local student artists, grades 9 – 12, can submit their art which captures the importance of protecting our local water sources for a chance to win a prize. Art can be submitted through January 22. Learn more.

Summer Theatre Camps

• Day Camps (grades 2-4)
• This one-week acting camp is designed to introduce children to the wonderful world of theatre. Acting, improvisation and stage combat are taught in a fun, relaxed environment. Campers perform scenes and improvs at the Showcase performance on Friday afternoon.
• Sleepaway Camps & Residential Conservatories (grades 4-12)

Emergency Preparedness Workshop For Students and Families

Tuesday, January 10

5:30 - 7 p.m.

James Lee Community Center

Register

Ready Fairfax invites you to join their Emergency Preparedness Workshop as they discuss local emergencies and natural disasters. Participants will learn how to take steps to prepare themselves and those in their care to be resilient and prepared in the event of a crisis. We will also discuss special considerations to keep in mind when creating an emergency plan and kit.

Pet Adoption Corner

Meet Paw-Pourri

Curious giant Paw-Pourri is searching for his forever home! Paw-Pourri is a young adult dog, weighing in at 75 lbs with a stunning black coat. In his time at the shelter, Paw-Pourri is learning that people can be a source of love and fun! Paw-Pourri acts like a puppy trapped in a big dog's body. He simply doesn't realize his size! Paw-Pourri is a little unsure about new people at first. Once he gets to know you, Paw-Pourri will show you just how loving he can be. 

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

Vaccination Information

• Vaccine Updates: CDC Recommends New COVID-19 Bivalent Boosters; Novavax Now an Option for Adolescents
• COVID-19 Testing Options
• COVID-19 “Baby Vaxx” Toolkit page with videos
• COVID-19 Vaccine Up-to-Date / Booster info 
• Community Vaccine Story 
• Health Department Community Stories 
• Monkeypox Vaccine
• Monkeypox Vaccine Interest Form
• Flu Vaccines
• Video: Ask A Nurse - How to Protect Your Family From Respiratory Viruses

Code Compliance - Zoning Districts, Yards and Setbacks

Regulations in the Zoning Ordinance determine the uses you can have on your lot, as 

well as the location, types, sizes and heights of structures. Becoming familiar with zoning districts, yards and setbacks is especially helpful when planning to add an improvement, such as a building addition, driveway expansion, fence, shed or play equipment.

Zoning district can be found by searching an address in the Zoning District Analyzer.

Regulations by zoning district are in Article 2 of the Zoning Ordinance. Residential lots are 

either in a “conventional” or “cluster” subdivision. The latter will likely have a “C” in the zoning district designation and/or note “w/Cluster Dev”. For example, an R-1 cluster 

subdivision will likely be listed as “R-1C” or “R-1 w/Cluster Dev”.

Yards refer to the space between the principal building on a lot (such as a house) and 

the nearest lot line, and will either be a front, rear or side yard. Learn more about depictions of yards on different lot types.

Setbacks are minimum distances structures that must be separated from lot lines. Similar to yards, lots have front, side and rear setbacks. For example, a 10-foot side setback means a structure can be located no closer than 10 feet from side lot lines. The dimension of the setback is based on the zoning district and can be found in Article 2 of the Zoning Ordinance, except for planned districts (start with “P”). Setbacks for residential lots in P-Districts can be requested from the Zoning Permits Section: 703-222-1082, TTY 711.

30 Ways to Resolve to Be Ready in 2023

Given past events, whether they be man-made or caused by nature, it's important to be ready for anything. Taking steps to plan for the unexpected can mean you are more equipped to protect yourself and others if a disaster happens in the new year. Resolve to be ready in 2023 with these tips:

• Create an emergency plan
• Include children and elderly family members in your plan
• Plan for your pet
• Make an emergency kit
• Know your evacuation routes

Read more tips on Fairfax Emergency Information...

January Emergency Preparedness Newsletter...

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

Whether you need a 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, 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!

December 2022 Activities:

• Phone calls: 543
• Meetings: 199

Stay Connected: 

Mount Vernon Governmental Center

2511 Parkers Lane 

Mount Vernon, VA 22306

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

[email protected] 

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

Update from Mount Vernon School Board Member Karen Corbett Sanders

Please read my partner on the corridor School Board Member Karen Corbett Sanders' latest newsletter for an update on Fairfax County Public Schools. 

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.

Citizen Corps Council

To harness the power of every individual through education, training and volunteer service to make communities safer, stronger and better prepared to respond to the threats of terrorism, crime, public health issues and disasters of all kinds. To build on community strengths to develop action plans to involve the whole community, including special needs groups. To focus on public education, training and volunteer opportunities for community and family safety. To promote and oversee Citizen Corps programs. To provide opportunities for special skills and interests. To Identify best practices and report accomplishments.

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.

Human Services Council

To review human services needs and assess the effectiveness of the human services delivery system; to report annually on the conditions and effectiveness of the human services delivery system; to develop a more effective and efficient human services delivery system; to enhance coordination of services among human services providers, both public and private; to recommend annual service delivery goals, objectives, and priorities for human services organization, with consideration of the requirements of non-county funding sources; to develop and oversee a five-year long range comprehensive human services plan which establishes goals, objectives and priorities; to educate the community, in consultation with the Board of Supervisors, on human services; to review and transmit to the Board of Supervisors a program-oriented budget for human services; and to review the annual Capital Improvement Plan and provide appropriate comments to the Board of Supervisors.

Wetlands Board

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 January 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)
• Engineering Standard Review Committee
• Health Systems Agency Board
• History Commission
• Human Rights Commission
• Police Civilian Review Panel
• Tenant-Landlord Commission (Citizen, Condo Owner, Landlord, Tenant
• 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 [email protected]. 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

[email protected] | FairfaxCounty.gov/MountVernon

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