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You may or may not have heard about undergrounding, but I bet you are in support of removing the ugly electrical lines from our roadways and placing them underground. That’s it – undergrounding! The undergrounding of utilities (electric, fiber, cable, phone) becomes a more important topic every year, as our climate warms and storms become more damaging. As Resilient Fairfax puts it, “Our weather is becoming warmer, wetter and weirder.” We all know this leads to more power outages, traffic disruptions, fires, injuries and even death, particularly in our most vulnerable neighborhoods. I believe that undergrounding of utilities needs to be part of every major County roadway or revitalization improvement discussion. Along with Chairman Jeff McKay and Supervisor Rodney Lusk, we have been supporting funding to include utility undergrounding as part of the more than $1 billion, 7-mile Richmond Highway widening and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.

The future is clear, utilities will be undergrounded for our security, reliability, resilience, revitalization, property values and aesthetics, much like we have been requiring for new developments and in our comprehensive plans for years. It is not an “if”, but a how and when. We have watched our neighboring jurisdictions make this commitment and it is time to act for Mount Vernon’s main street NOW. As such, I have shared with my Board colleagues several options to create a funding pool that could be used not only for Richmond Highway, but in future years, for additional areas throughout the County along our major roadways and revitalization areas.

Undergrounding for Richmond Highway is currently supported by the Fairfax County Council of Civic Associations, the Mount Vernon Council of Civic Associations, other area civic associations, Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce, Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation, the Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC), the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) and many other area organizations.

I will be bringing this important topic to the Board for consideration at a meeting of the Economic Initiatives Committee on July 26. If you support undergrounding of utilities on Richmond Highway, I urge you to send a letter of support to the Board of Supervisors at ClerktotheBOS@fairfaxcounty.gov and share it with our office. I also ask that you talk to your friends, neighbors and others you know throughout the County to share this information and the opportunity to advocate for this important environmental, economic, quality of life issue. To assist you with this, we have posted talking points and background information to our website in our “Advocating for Undergrounding Utilities” at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/mountvernon.

Tragically and sadly, we have seen two violent attacks in our neighborhoods in the last few weeks. One was the brutal attack on Michelle Huntley, a 63-year-old homeless woman who lives in our community, and the other the shooting of a 19-year-old man in his car. The police believe these are targeted, isolated incidents, with an arrest already made in the woman’s case and a reward being offered for information on the shooting. Detectives are asking anyone who may have information about this shooting to contact them at 703-246-7800, option 2. You can read more about these incidents in “In the News” below.

Dan Storck 

Para subscribirse para nuestro boletín en español o si conoce a alguien quien quiera subscribirse, o para hablar con un hispanohablante, comuníquese con Madeleine Carcamo Reyes a su preferencia, por teléfono al (703) 780-7518 o por correo electrónico: Madeleine.CarcamoReyes@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Thank you to everyone who joined us on June 24 as we broke ground on the refurbishment of two buildings, streetscape improvements and landscaping of the courtyard on the Workhouse Campus in Lorton. The interior renovations of Buildings W-13 and W-15 are for future tenant use as a restaurant, craft beverage production or tasting room, or other approved use that supports the art and cultural center goals of the campus and assists in the activation of the project site. An RFI is currently open for businesses who may be interested in this space. Learn more...

WOW! The community turned out in force to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Lorton Fire Station! Hundreds of you joined us throughout the day for the ceremony, tours of the new station and kids activities. It was a joy to see so many residents, and particularly children, come welcome our hardworking firefighters into their new space and to see the new community room now ready for you to enjoy!

Work is being performed at the Huntington Levee I-Wall in support of long-term infrastructure and maintenance efforts to increase the life expectancy and enhance the visual character of the wall. Fairfax County will install a protection and coating system to provide additional weather resistance to protect the wall from environmental related deterioration. The work began at the end of June and will continue over a six-month period. During that time, sections of the walking paths along the wall will be detoured around work zones for safety.

Do you have a vision for the future of the Workhouse Arts Center Campus? We want to hear from you!

By 2023, our mission is to create a roadmap to transform the Workhouse Arts Center Campus into a vibrant, arts-focused, multi-use campus that realizes its development potential while maintaining, protecting and leveraging the site’s historic character, assets and resources. To take the next steps in this mission, we need to hear what the greater Workhouse Arts Center Community has to say. Through this survey, tell us what activities and amenities you would like to experience on the Workhouse Arts Center Campus, how best to serve Fairfax County residents, and how to best integrate the Campus into the growing Lorton area. Take the survey...

A public hearing for recommendations to the Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) process is scheduled for Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. in the Fairfax County Government Center. The SSPA process allows anyone to propose site-specific land use changes to the Comprehensive Plan, the County’s guiding document for land use and development decisions. An evaluation of the SSPA process took place from Fall 2021 to Spring 2022, and the recommended changes were published in a detailed report in May. Learn how to view the public hearing and submit public hearing testimony...

View the full list of recommended changes to the SSPA process and learn more about the evaluation process on the SSPA website. 

PUBLIC COMMENT DEADLINE EXTENDED to July 31. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments are working together on the Metropolitan Washington District of Columbia Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Feasibility Study. The purpose of the study is to investigate coastal flooding in Northern Virginia and evaluate potential measures to reduce coastal flood risk to vulnerable populations, properties, infrastructure and resources to support resilient communities. The study includes flood mitigation measures for the Belle Haven watershed. That project is being considered as part of the study for further design.

The Draft Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Assessment for the study were released for public review on May 27, 2022. The report is available online on the project website. Public comments will be compiled, shared and evaluated by the entire USACE team. The comments and suggestions from residents are greatly valued and are an integral part of the process. I have shared my views that substantial community engagement must occur, the George Washington Memorial Parkway must have a role and this proposal needs to be changed.

Community engagement opportunities for the Parking Reimagined project are coming up this summer, as the project team continues to review an in-depth analysis of the County’s off-street parking and loading rates and regulations, located in Article 6 of the Zoning Ordinance. The first event is a Lunch and Learn on Wednesday, July 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and three virtual Open Houses are scheduled for July 20, August 10 and August 27. During these meetings, staff will provide an update on the Parking Reimagined project, including a presentation highlighting a revised regulatory framework, and proposed minimum parking requirements. Learn more...

To stay informed about the Parking Reimagined project, subscribe to email updates by selecting ‘Off-Street Parking and Loading ZOA’ on the county’s email subscriptions page.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) EBT cards can be used at select Fairfax County Farmers Markets. We match SNAP benefits so you can purchase fruits and vegetables for free! Thanks to partnerships with Virginia Fresh Match, FRESHFARM, Cornerstones, Arcadia and Britepaths, you can use your EBT card at both the McCutcheon/Mount Vernon and Lorton Farmers Markets. Learn more...

Community Housing Partners (CHP) Energy Solutions helps income and age qualifying households reduce energy costs by improving the energy efficiency and health of their homes – all at no cost to the homeowner, renter or landlord. Using the federal Weatherization Assistance Program, and in collaboration with gas and electric utility partners, CHP Energy Solutions has served 10,000 homes in Northern Virginia over the past decade. Improving the energy efficiency of our houses, apartments, manufactured homes, and multi-family properties will be an essential piece in addressing the climate and housing challenges facing Northern Virginians. Households interested in applying for weatherization programs can fill out a brief screening form on the CHP Energy Solutions website, or give them a call at 888-229-3714.

We had an outstanding group of residents participate in our first ever Neighborhood College! Participants learned about County government, the Mount Vernon District office and how to engage more effectively with local leaders and the County. Graduates wrapped up the 8-week session with presentations on an issue they are advocating for and a celebration. Thank you to everyone who participated: Elizabeth Villatoro, Cathy Hosek, Juana Cruz, Shirley Short, Heidi Hernandez, Patricia Murer, Milka Tedla, Emebet Assefa, Theresa Whitting, Otis Langford, Alicia Doe, Patricia Ramirez, Debra Graves Sanders, Yonnie Palmore, Helen Momon, Suzanne Dash, Dave Simon, Larry Green, Bindu Mathur, Bryan Jacobs and Mattie Palmore! We will be sure to let you know when registration opens for the next program.

Affordable Housing. We all hear the term, but, especially in today’s market, what does that mean? To me, it means having a broad spectrum of new and existing housing options that provide opportunity for all who want to live, work or stay in Fairfax County to do so. This applies to many more individuals and families than you might expect - first time homebuyers, seniors aging in place, students, and of course, middle class families and folks with lower incomes, including custodians, clerks, new teachers and police officers, service workers, the list goes on. Read the rest of my article published in the Mount Vernon Gazette...

The second virtual public information meeting to present recommendations will be held Wednesday, July 20 (in case an alternate date is needed, the meeting will be held Wednesday, Sept. 21) at 7 p.m. This study is assessing the 45 MPH speed limit on about eight miles of Richmond Highway (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. Richmond Highway averages about 55,000 vehicles a day within the study limits based on 2019 data. Learn more...

Effective July 1, 2022, Virginia law requires owners and drivers to operate their vehicles with an exhaust system in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual levels of noise. For motor vehicles, such exhaust systems shall be of a type installed as standard factory equipment or a comparable design. A police officer can stop and enforce this law as a primary offense. Learn more..

Students can sign up for the Free Student Bus Pass Program at all FCPS middle and high schools. Learn more...

The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) is excited to announce that National Night Out is back!!!! This will be an in-person event on August 2. FCPD officers are looking forward to meeting with everyone again, and maybe some new people too! Whether a simple ice cream party or an all-out festival, National Night Out is an opportunity to gather with your neighbors, get better acquainted, and talk about issues of common concern.

It’s an opportunity:

Get registered for the event (if you registered with the NNO organization directly, you still need to register with this local form. They do not provide FCPD with your information). If there are any questions, feel free to reach out to the Crime Prevention Officer of your local police station. Learn more and register...

You may have noticed trees with vines wrapped around their trunks. Unfortunately, these non-native, invasive vines are a direct threat to the life of the tree. It is estimated that as many as three million trees in Northern Virginia are at risk. More than 130 people from neighborhoods across Northern Virginia have already volunteered with Tree Rescuers, a new campaign sponsored by Plant NOVA Trees, to preserve our area’s mature trees. The Tree Rescuers don’t remove any vines themselves, but they warn landowners by dropping off a brochure explaining the problem and ways to fix it. More information and how to volunteer...

The Fairfax County Park Authority has began construction of North Hill Park at the North Hill Development at the intersection of Richmond Highway and Dart Drive. The contractor, Avon Corporation, has mobilized at the site with active construction activities anticipated to begin in early July. This $1.45 million County project includes clearing and grading and the construction of trails, a pavilion, pickleball courts, a half basketball court, playground and fitness areas, an open lawn area, picnic tables and benches. Construction is anticipated to be completed in spring 2023. Residents should expect occasional construction traffic on Popkins Lane entering and exiting the park through a temporary construction entrance located on the Bryant High School property. Learn more...

A Friends of Trees award recognizes efforts made for exceptional, outstanding, and innovative conservation-based tree actions in Fairfax County that do one or more of the following criteria:

Nominations are open until July 31. Learn more...

Officers were called at 8:12 p.m. to the 8000 block of Seaton Street for a man who had been shot while sitting inside a vehicle. Officers found Darren Davis, 19, of Alexandria, inside a white Dodge Challenger suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Davis was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Detectives are asking anyone who may have information about this shooting to contact them at 703-246-7800, option 2. Read more from FCPD...

Police arrested a suspect in connection with the death of a 63-year-old woman who was found at a bus stop in the Mount Vernon area, with serious injuries from an assault, authorities say. Chante Antonio Jones, 32, is charged with aggravated malicious wounding and held without bond, police said. Michelle Huntley of Alexandria died more than a week after she was found wounded June 17, Fairfax County police said. Read more on NBC4...

Fairfax County’s Board of Supervisors last week renamed the County’s Lee magisterial district, part of an ongoing reckoning over Virginia’s Confederate history that has caused monuments to be toppled and dozens of streets to be given new names. In a unanimous vote, the 10-member County board approved a measure to change the name of the district honoring Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee to Franconia, reflecting the Franconia neighborhood that makes up a large portion of the area. Read more in the Washington Post...

You will soon be receiving your Personal Property (car) Tax bill in the mail. During the budget process earlier this year, I was pleased to work with my Board colleagues to approve 15% in tax relief to offset an unprecedented spike in vehicle assessments. Vehicle values have soared as a result of the pandemic that caused a worldwide shortage of computer chips needed for today’s cars and trucks. As a result, new cars are in short supply, and fewer people are selling their old cars. High consumer demand for vehicles combined with low supply have driven prices up sharply. 

The15% in tax relief was automatically applied to your tax amount, so you won’t see the reduction listed. Fairfax County’s tax relief is in addition to the state relief that is listed separately on your bill. If you have questions about your bill or vehicle assessment, contact the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration by email or at 703-222-8234, TTY 711. Learn more...

Several new laws are in effect in Virginia and in Fairfax County beginning July 1. This year's laws impact school safety, the environment, vehicles, parking, taxes and community engagement.

The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) is offering new passengers a free roundtrip ticket, as part of its 30th anniversary celebration. While VRE is known for its safe, reliable, comfortable, and convenient commuter rail service, there are some who have yet to avail themselves of this high-quality travel option. So, VRE has devised a way for commuters to try its service without charge. To get a free ticket...

Fairfax Founders Fund will provide early capital to startup companies in Fairfax County.  The fund will target early-stage technology companies with technical assistance grants of up to $50,000 to help them prepare for later stage investments.

Fairfax County expects the fund will bolster economic development by growing local innovation-based businesses. It will also foster the startup ecosystem by connecting young businesses with funding, local programs, and partners. Recipients will be able to use the resources for commercialization and market entry, including but not limited to prototype development, market intelligence, or technology validation. The county will allocate $1,000,000 from its Economic Opportunity Reserve Fund to capitalize the pilot program.

Potential funding recipients include companies located in Fairfax County who market an early stage, high growth product or service that has potential for future institutional investment. Applicants must provide a 50% match, which can be in capital or ‘sweat equity’, and provide progress reports over a 5-year timeframe. Learn more...

Applications are currently open for the next Fairfax Poet Laureate. This position is a high honor and an opportunity for a Fairfax County poet to actively engage their community in poetry. Applications due July 30. Visit ArtsFairfax.org/Poetry.

Do you enjoy sports? Arts and Crafts? The outdoors? Inspiring children? Are you a good leader? Dedicated individual? If you are 18 years or older and answered yes to any of these questions, we might have the perfect summer job for you! The Fairfax County Park Authority is hiring Rec-PAC leaders for our summer Rec-PAC program at 26 elementary schools across Fairfax County.

It's the 80's again, and all of the big names are here for a big concert. Tensions run rampant as backstage secrets spill out into the spotlight with like, totally tragic results! This isn't an episode of Miami Vice! This is like...murder. It's up to you to bust it like a ghost, for sure! Peg your jeans, slouch your socks, flash some neon, put on way too much eyeliner and get that hair up! You are going to solve this crime in style. No time to be Too Shy! You are a Smooth Operator, and you know to listen to those Careless Whispers. It's time to put on your Sunglasses at Night and Relax. Time after time...You will solve the case - July 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Sherwood Library! Learn more...

Did you know that a car’s temperature can rise over 20 degrees in ten minutes? Or that the temperature inside your car can reach 110 degrees even at an outside temperature of 60 degrees? Needless to say, leaving a child (or animal) unattended in a vehicle for even a minute is not acceptable. Unfortunately, every year, young children are left alone in a vehicle that quickly heats up with the end result being injury or even death. Some cases involve kids getting into unlocked vehicles, unbeknownst to parents, and quickly succumb to the heat. Make sure your car is locked when you are not in it so kids are not able to gain access. Learn more...

Mount Vernon District Staff (clockwise): Christine Morin, Volunteer Shirley Short, Maddie Carcamo Reyes, Supervisor Dan Storck, Alex Kramer (no longer with our office), Nick Rinehart, Peyton Smith and Camela Speer.

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!

Stay Connected: 

mtvernon@fairfaxcounty.gov 

MV District Office: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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.

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.

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.

There are several At-Large positions available as of December 2021 on County 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.