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Dear Neighbors,
It is with a sad heart that I begin this month’s message to you. In just over a week in late February, we lost four lives on Richmond Highway. Two were pedestrian deaths and two were a result of vehicular crashes, but all involved a striking vehicle and someone not paying full time and attention, whether driving or crossing the street. I have asked our Public Safety officials to review these incidents and our history of deaths on the highway and identify solutions and recommendations. It’s easy to be distracted, whether by mobile phone, another driver or music; we all know it happens. Please, Everyone, Take a Moment, whether you are walking, biking or driving on our roadways, to keep safety first. Learn more about what you can do with the County’s “Take a Moment” campaign.
I know many of you have been affected by the Fairfax Connector union employees’ midmorning unannounced strike that started on February 22. While I strongly support workers right to strike, I too am frustrated and disappointed by the lack of notice that severely impacted our neediest residents, who rely on public transportation and were left stranded. The Fairfax Connector is operated by a private employer, Transdev, and the County is not involved in the labor negotiations. While negotiations are ongoing, Metrobus, Metrorail, ridesharing and the Virginia Railway Express are available. Service operations will be posted on the Fairfax Connector webpage daily or sign up for text or email service alerts through the Fairfax Connector BusTracker.
On a lighter note, I invite you to grab your furry friends and join me at the 7th Annual Ides of Bark Dog Festival, Sunday, March 24 from 1-4 p.m. at Grist Mill Park. The day features local canine businesses, playtime in the dog park, pet care, pet CPR from pet technicians and delicious food from a local Mount Vernon District business, Chalkboard Wings & BBQ. The Festival is a paw-sitively wonderful way to connect with our community.
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In this Newsletter:
Budget
Upcoming Events
Land Use
Transportation
Health, Housing & Human Services
Public Safety
Parks & Environment
In the News
Community Information
Community Links
Pet Adoption Corner
Important Safety Information
Team MVD
Boards, Authorities & Commissions
| Photo from Ides of Bark 2023 - Come out on March 24 for a fur-tastic day in the park! | |
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March is also Women’s History Month where we reflect on the many contributions women have and continue to make on our society. There are many places you can visit, including the Lucy Burns Museum at the Workhouse Arts Center, the Turning Point Suffragists Memorial at Occoquan Regional Park and learn about the Mount Vernon Ladies Association at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. As you may imagine, we have significant women’s history and leadership in the District. In honor of Women’s month, our office is conducting a feminine supplies drive to support our local Artemis House Domestic Violence Shelter through the end of March. Learn more.
Respectfully yours in public service,
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Dan Storck
Supervisor, Mount Vernon District
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
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This will be my 20th year working on the budget both on the Board of Supervisors and School Board. It has always been my priority to do what is best for our students and make sure schools receive proper funding. Our schools need funding but we have to make some tough budget decisions this year. Earlier this year, Virginia's Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) conducted a comprehensive study to assess the costs of education in our state. The findings were stark: Virginia school divisions receive almost $2,000 less K-12 funding per student compared to the 50-state average, regional averages and comes in 48th out of 50 states. This chronic state underfunding of our schools cannot be ignored any longer especially with the Richmond Highway corridor having a higher number of needy students. Virginia must step up and provide the adequate funding that our students need. I am looking hard for ways to reduce the County Executive's recommendation of a 4-cent increase without compromising the quality of our education and County services for you. For additional information, watch my comments below from the Joint County and School Board Budget Committee meeting held on Tuesday, February 27.
I also encourage you to join me, Mount Vernon District School Board Member Mateo Dunne and the Mount Vernon Council of Citizens' Associations on Wednesday, March 13 from 7-8:30 p.m. over Zoom for my Virtual Budget Town Meeting to learn more about the County's fiscal outlook and to share your budget concerns and priorities!
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Upcoming In-Person & Virtual Events
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Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment: Regulations Regarding Contractors Office & Construction Vehicles
The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) will be holding two community meetings regarding a potential Zoning Ordinance Amendment impacting Contractor's Offices and Shops, related storage areas and the parking of construction vehicles. Topics that will be discussed during these meetings include:
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Possible updates to current use specific standards for Contractor's Offices and Shops.
- Options to permit increased outdoor storage related to Contractor's Offices and Shops in the C-8 District;
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Defining construction vehicles and equipment; and
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Standards regulating where construction vehicles and equipment may be stored.
Community Lunch and Learn
Community Meeting
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Accessible Parking Survey
The mission of Fairfax County's Land Development Services (LDS) focuses on the safe and sustainable building of our communities, which includes the regulation of off-street parking areas. LDS is conducting a survey to determine the nature and extent of available and accessible off-street parking within Fairfax County. Your survey response will help to provide a more informed view of accessible parking as we consider and evaluate future options. The survey is available until April 15. Learn more.
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For-Sale Workforce Dwelling Unit (WDU) Plan Amendment Community Meetings
The DPD is seeking feedback on a proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment regarding regulations on for-sale WDUs. The purpose of the potential amendment is to maximize the potential for the for-sale WDU program to serve low-moderate income families, maintain project feasibility and increase predictability in the development process. Consistency between the for-sale and the rental programs should be considered. The amendment should:
- Examine shifting the affordability level of the program from a range of up to 80% to 120% AMI to a range of up to 70% to 100% AMI.
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Expand guidance on the proportionality of the bedroom mix of WDUs and that of market-rate units, with flexibility for family-sized WDUs.
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Extend the geographic applicability to certain properties outside of the development centers.
There are two upcoming open houses where you can provide your input and feedback to Fairfax County:
WDU For-Sale Plan Amendment Open House
WDU For-Sale Plan Amendment Open House
Meeting Agenda & Presentation.
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Metro Enhances Safety With Increased Police Patrols on Trains and Buses, More Than 30,000 Cameras in Use Systemwide
To ensure the safety and comfort of customers and employees, Metro is increasing the visibility of Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) officers in stations and incorporating more frequent patrols throughout the system. Customers will see special police officers walking trains and buses to provide a sense of security and address illegal activity in real time. Announcements made over train intercoms will alert customers that officers are on board and actively patrolling. Learn more.
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Metro Asks for Public Input on FY25 Budget
Facing an unprecedented $750 million budget shortfall in the coming year, Metro is asking the public to provide feedback on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Budget which includes drastic service cuts, fare increases, layoffs and other severe cost cutting measures. The public is encouraged to review the proposed FY25 budget and provide comments through an online survey tool. All comments should be submitted no later than Tuesday, March 5, at 5 p.m. Learn more.
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Health, Housing & Human Services | |
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Advisory Social Services Board's 2023 Annual Report
The Advisory Social Services Board (ASSB) has released its 2023 Annual Report on the services provided and outcomes achieved by the Fairfax County Department of Family Services (DFS). Over the past year, the ASSB focused on the intersection of DFS services with other human services agencies, especially with respect to the needs of children and youth. The ASSB takes note with satisfaction of what DFS has been able to accomplish and wishes to thank the Board of Supervisors for its ongoing support of critical human services, and particularly those provided by DFS. Learn more.
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Community Fire & Rescue Academy
Designed for adults to learn more about how the fire department is organized and operates. The Community Fire & Rescue Academy (CFRA) is open to persons 18 and older who live in Fairfax County. Classes meet Thursday evenings for eight consecutive weeks, from 6 - 9 p.m. beginning March 21, and ending May 9. Each session, participants learn about a different aspect of the fire department, ranging from fire suppression, emergency medical services, hiring and training firefighters to special rescue operations. For more information, please contact Willie F. Bailey, 571-641-0036 or via email at [email protected]. Applications are due March 4. Learn more.
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Design & Environmental Achievement Awards
On Wednesday, February 27 the County recognized the 2023 recipients of the Friends of Tree Awards, the Environmental Excellence Awards and the James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards.
Congratulations to the Montebello Condominium Unit Owners Association Grounds Committee who won the Environmental Excellence Award this year in the Organization and Business Category! Also, congratulations to the Lorton Community Center and Library for receiving an Honorable Mention for the James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards! Learn more.
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College Scholarships for Conservation and the Environment
The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD) is accepting college scholarship applications now through April 1 for graduating high school seniors or college freshman. NVSWCD offers one $1,000 Future Conservation Leaders Scholarship to eligible applicants from Fairfax County. Learn more.
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Native Plants of Tidal Freshwater Communities
Sunday, March 3, 3 p.m.
Friends of Huntley Meadows Park Visitor Center, 3701 Lockheed Blvd.
The Friends of Dyke Marsh are sponsoring a FREE presentation entitled "Native Plants of Tidal Freshwater Communities," by Nelson DeBarros, Vegetation Ecologist for Fairfax County Park Authority, at the Friends of Huntley Meadows Park Visitor Center. Some of his research and survey work was done in Little Hunting Creek, in preparation for the new creek overlook trail to be constructed in Martin Luther King Park. Learn about rare wetland plants newly discovered in Little Hunting Creek! Learn more.
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Electrify Your Home with Rebates and Incentives: A Carbon-Free Fairfax Webinar
Thursday, March 7, 6 p.m.
Tune in to “Electrify Your Home with Rebates and Incentives: A Carbon-Free Fairfax Webinar” to learn about the tax credits and rebates as well as Residential Energy Conservation Programs available through Dominion Energy. The livestream event is being hosted by the Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy and Honeywell Smart Energy. Learn more.
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Local Experts Propose Strategies for Turning Richmond Highway Into a Vibrant Community Hub
Public art and social spaces will be key to transforming southern Richmond Highway into a community, a panel of local land use experts says. Early February, the consulting nonprofit Urban Land Institute (ULI) presented recommendations at the Hybla Valley Community Center for how to foster economic growth in the corridor, while preserving its cultural identity through “placemaking.” Read more from FFX Now.
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Rapid Bus System Central to U.S. 1 Revitalization
U.S. 1 in southeastern Fairfax County, largely a hodge-podge of strip malls, fast food joints and gas stations today, will be transformed, according to the County’s redevelopment plan called “EMBARK Richmond Highway” and a new bus rapid transit system is key. Planners envision a 7.5-mile section as an urbanized “Main Street,” a series of gleaming high-rise condominiums, apartments and commercial buildings centered around six mixed-use business centers. Read more from the Mount Vernon Gazette.
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Thank You Mount Vernon and Lorton!
The 37th Annual Town Meeting at Mount Vernon High School was another wonderful celebration of community! Residents were excited to visit our crowded Exhibit Hall, meet the KidBiz Young Entrepreneurs, get their flu vaccines, listen and ask questions of local leaders and watch the virtual “helicopter” tour of all that is happening in the Mount Vernon District from Lorton to Huntington. Read more from my article in the Mount Vernon Gazette.
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Freshly Renovated Restaurant Reopens in Woodlawn
The Wendy’s restaurant located at Woodlawn Shopping Center reopened for business February 21 following a four-month long renovation. The restaurant has been fully updated inside and out, a manager told On the MoVe, with brand-new kitchen machinery and equipment, dining room furnishings and external signage. Read more from On the Move.
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Early In-Person Voting for the Presidential Primary Election
The final day for early voting is Saturday, March 2 for the Presidential Primary Election. Early voting is available from 1-7 p.m. on Saturday at the Mount Vernon Governmental Center (2511 Parkers Lane) and the Lorton Community Center (9520 Richmond Highway). This is a primary for both the Republican and Democratic candidates for president. In Virginia, voters do not register by political party, and you may only cast a ballot in one of the presidential primary elections. Learn more and other early voting locations.
Every polling place will be open on Tuesday, March 5 from 6 a.m. - 7 p.m. If you are in line by 7 p.m., you will be able to vote. Before you vote, double-check your registration status and polling place. You can look up this information on the state’s online portal, or call the Office of Elections at 703-222-0776, TTY 711.
If you are not registered to vote yet, you may complete a same day voter registration on Election Day, but you must go to the polling place for the precinct where you live. To find your precinct and polling place, enter your address in the County's My Neighborhood application or call the Office of Elections at 703-222-0776, TTY 711.
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Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Day
Thursday, March 7, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Fairfax County Government Center Board Auditorium, 12000 Government Center Pkwy.
Televised live on Channel 16 (Cox/Verizon/Comcast)
Streamed live on Channel 16
Join Fairfax County Consumer Affairs in celebrating National Consumer Protection Week March 3 - 9 with events happening throughout the week. National Consumer Protection Week is a national celebration of federal, state and local agencies, and organizations who provide consumer education and resources throughout the year. Consumer Affairs is committed to ensuring that Fairfax County consumers have the tools and resources they need to understand their consumer rights, navigate the marketplace and make informed decisions. Consumer Affairs Day will include an exhibit hall and seminars in the Government Center Board Auditorium. If you have any questions, please contact the Consumer Affairs Branch at 703-222-8435, TTY 711 or by email at [email protected]. Learn more.
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Gains, Gaps & Goals: The Status of Women & Girls in Fairfax County
Friday, March 22, 2-5 p.m.
Government Center Board Auditorium, 12000 Government Center Pkwy.
Streamed live on Channel 16
Join the Department of Family Services for a presentation from the University of Virginia on the status of women and girls in Fairfax County. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion, audience Q&A and networking with light refreshments after the event. Learn more.
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FCRHA to Award Up to $50,000 in Academic Scholarships
People who live in affordable housing supported by the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) have the opportunity to apply for academic scholarships through April 30. Up to ten applicants will receive a $5,000 scholarship for postsecondary education including technical training. Learn more.
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Park Authority Launches Equity Survey to Help Improve Park Access
The Fairfax County Park Authority is reaching out to the countywide community seeking a better understanding of residents’ experience with the park system and to identify potential barriers that may be limiting their ability to fully take advantage of the programs and amenities offered. The survey is offered in nine languages through the County’s community engagement platform Public Input, and will be open through Monday, April 1. Learn more.
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Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce Business Scholarship
Are you pursuing a career in business, whether it's in the trades or professional services? The Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce Business Scholarship is now accepting applications! This $2,000 scholarship is available for students who reside in Mount Vernon, Braddock, Franconia or Springfield magisterial districts, or attend high schools within these districts. Applications are due by April 29. Learn more.
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Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District 2024 Annual Native Seedling Sale Program
On March 14, the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District will begin accepting orders for the 2024 Annual Native Seedling Sale Program, through which NVSWCD provide native trees and shrubs to Fairfax County residents at low cost. All seedlings are native to Northern Virginia and were selected with advice from the Fairfax County Urban Forestry Management Division and Virginia Department of Forestry. Learn more.
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Liberty Tree Scholarship Sponsored by the Colonial Mount Vernon Republican Women
The Liberty Tree Scholarship sponsored by the Colonial Mount Vernon Republican Women is a great opportunity for high school seniors in the Mount Vernon District. The $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to a 2024 graduating senior with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who has been accepted at a four-year accredited academic institution and is a resident of either the Mount Vernon or Franconia magisterial districts. Learn more.
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Collect 2024 - Workhouse Wonderland
Saturday, March 23, 7:30 p.m.
Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton
“Every adventure requires a first step” says the Cheshire Cat. Collect 2024 - Workhouse Wonderland, will feature original creations by the acclaimed community of artists at the Workhouse Arts Center. The collection of 60+ artworks includes paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry and more. Collect 2024 artwork will be on view in the gallery through March 23. Learn more.
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Below are community links to local groups, organizations, school news and more. Click the links to learn more and sign up for their newsletters.
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Meet Texas
If you are looking for a dog whose heart couldn't be bigger, look no further than Texas! This sweet and gentle 60 lb boy wants nothing more than to be your one and only, to go for long walks in the park, jogging on the beach or summiting mountaintops in the wilderness. He is looking for a high energy bestie to go all day long, then wind down on the sofa in the evening. As part of your new dynamic duo, Texas really isn't interested in sharing your affection or attention with any other dogs, and he should be the only dog in the home. If your trail running routine could use a new pal, come on down and meet Texas today!
Texas is currently available at the Lorton Campus, if you would like to meet him 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.
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Code Compliance - Animals and Pets
Many people love sharing their home with an animal, but few may know the Zoning Ordinance regulates the types, numbers and ways that animals can be kept. Below are some of the most common zoning considerations for the keeping of animals. Additional and more specific information is available on the animals and pets website.
- You can have up to two dogs on any lot. If you want more than two, it will depend on the size of your lot. Dogs must be licensed in Fairfax County.
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Roosters are only permitted as part of an agricultural operation, like a farm.
- You need at least two acres for keeping of chickens and other poultry, and livestock, such as horses, goats and llamas.
- Structures, such as barns, beehives, cages and pens, must meet location requirements so that they are setback from property lines to minimize impacts on other lots.
- There are no zoning limits on cats but residents are encouraged to consider options, such as microchipping, spaying or neutering to prevent growth of community cat populations.
Since many limits depend on the size of your lot, you may be wondering how large your lot is. Information on how to access this information and more about your property can be found on the County’s map website. Pet owners should also know about the Animal Shelter’s Pet Resource Center which provides information about vaccinations, help with supplies and finding veterinary care.
If you have questions, want to make a report or if you are the subject of enforcement and need to contact DCC, you can report problems online, reach them via email, phone (703-324-1300/ TTY 711) or visit in person at 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 1016, Fairfax. Learn more.
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Mount Vernon District Staff (top row left to right): Nick Rinehart, Supervisor Dan Storck, Volunteer Shirley Short, Peyton Smith (bottom row left to right) Cassidy Donaghy, Christine Morin, Maddie Alvarado, Camela Speer | |
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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!
Stop by and visit the information tables outside my office for everything happening in the District. From flyers for upcoming events, bike route maps, newspapers and much more, this center is free and available 24/7!
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February 2024 Activities:
- Phone calls: 957
- Meetings: 209
Stay Connected:
Mount Vernon Governmental Center
2511 Parkers Lane
Mount Vernon, VA 22306
703-780-7518 (TTY 711) 703-780-1491 (fax)
[email protected]
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Office Hours
Monday - Wednesday, Friday:
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Second Saturday Each Month (Except August)
MV District Office: 12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Walk-ins and by appointment
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Update from Mount Vernon School Board Member Mateo Dunne
Please read my partner on the corridor School Board Member Mateo Dunne's latest newsletter for an update on Fairfax County Public Schools.
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Upcoming Spring and Summer Break Camps
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Boards, Authorities and Commissions | |
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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. Open Mount Vernon District positions:
Fairfax Area Disability Services Board
In accordance with Va. Code Sec. 51.5-47 to provide input to state and local agencies on service needs and priorities of persons with physical and sensory disabilities, to provide information and resource referral to local governments regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act, and to provide such other assistance and advice to local governments as may be requested.
Commission for Women
To promote the full equality of women and girls in Fairfax County.
Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board
To ensure and oversee the establishment and operation of local mental health, intellectual disabilities, and substance abuse programs.
Board of Building and Fire Prevention Code Appeals (At-Large Members Needed)
Pursuant to County Code Section 61-2-1, to act on applications for appeals from Building Official, Fire Official or Property maintenance Code Official decisions based on the VUSBC, the VSFPC, the Virginia Amusement Device Regulations (VADR) and Chapters 61, 64, 65, and 66 of the County Code as specified.
Civil Service Commission
To represent public interest in improvement of personnel administration; to advise the Board of Supervisors, County Executive and Personnel Director in formulation of Policies. County Code Sections 3-1-7 through 3-1-10.
Small Business Commission
The purpose of the Fairfax County Small Business Commission is to: (a) study, report and make recommendations on issues of concern to small businesses in Fairfax County; (b) advise and assist the Board of Supervisors, County Executive and County employees on any matter that will enhance the capability of small businesses to succeed in Fairfax County; and (c) promote and assist small businesses generally, but especially with respect to minority-owned and emerging businesses, to establish themselves, develop and succeed in their pursuits of commercial opportunities and in their vendor relations with Fairfax County. Such matters are the formulation of policies or procedures which may affect the management, operation or financial stability of these businesses to better position them to do work in or for Fairfax County.
There are several At-Large positions available as of February 2024 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 [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.
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Para subscribirse para nuestro boletín en español o si conoce a alguien quien quiera subscribirse, o para hablar con un hispanohablante, comuníquese con Madeleine Alvarado a su preferencia, por teléfono al (703) 780-7518 o por correo electrónico: [email protected]. | |
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Adult Protective Services
(703) 324-7450, TTY 703-449-1186
Aging, Disability & Caregiver Resource Line
(703) 324-7948, TTY 711
Child Protective Services (24/7)
(703) 324-7400, TTY 703-222-9452
Domestic & Sexual Violence (24/7)
(703) 360-7273, TTY 711
Emergency & Basic Needs
(703) 222-0880, TTY 711
Emergency Mental Health (24/7)
(703) 573-5679, TTY 711
Fairfax County Emergency Information Line
(703) 817-7771, TTY 711
Fairfax Water Emergency Line
(703) 698-5613
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Fire Code-Related Questions
(703) 246-4849, TTY 711
Fraud Hotline
(703) 787-3243
Police Non-Emergency Line
(703) 691-2131
Roads: VDOT (Virginia Department of Transportation)
1 (800) FOR-ROAD or 1 (800) 367-7623, TTY 711
Suicide Prevention (24/7)
Call: (703) 527-4077
Text: "CONNECT" to 85511
Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board 24/7 Lines
Emergency Services: (703) 573-5679
Fairfax Detoxification Center: (703) 502-7000
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