At Tuesday's Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting, the Board held a public hearing and unanimously approved the County FY 2023 Carryover Review. For the Mount Vernon District, this one-time money will be used to fund increased construction costs on new Park Authority projects, supports environmental initiatives, provides much needed maintenance and support at the Workhouse Arts Center and commits $75,000 to survey people panhandling in the County. The results from the survey will help us better understand potential solutions that conform to court limitations on us. Please view the consideration items here.

The Board recognized Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross, who was honored by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) Community, Military and Federal Facility Partnership, for her 25 years of service in support of Fort Belvoir, especially as the Chair and Co-Chair of the NVRC partnership. Thank you, Supervisor Gross, for your tremendous support of our military families.

I also presented a board matter recognizing Fort Belvoir for 25 years of hosting Oktoberfest, an eagerly anticipated event for Military Service Members, their families, and countless community members throughout the County. Oktoberfest will take place from September 28 – October 1, and will highlight authentic German cuisine, beverages, music, dancing, an exciting carnival and a Volksmarch 5K/10K Walk. Come out and enjoy a weekend of fun. Learn more.

Effective Wednesday, Fort Belvoir changed the Access Control Point (ACP) operating hours. Please take note of the new gate hours, which applies to ALL DoD ID Card Holders and Approved Installation Pass Holders within the specified hours:

               Egress Exit ONLY from 3 – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday.

               Note: Closed on Holidays and Training Holidays.

All Visitors (NON-ID Card Holders) and Commercial traffic will be processed through the Tulley Gate Visitor Control Center (VCC) Monday – Friday from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. Please note that after hours and weekends/holidays, Visitor (NON-ID Card Holders) and Commercial traffic will be processed through Lieber Gate ACP. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact the Fort Belvoir Directorate of Emergency Services Non-Emergency line, (703) 806-4277.

Respectfully yours in public service,

Dan Storck

The following are highlights from the Board of Supervisors September 26, 2023 meeting, including items of particular interest to Mount Vernon residents. For additional information, please go to the County’s Board Agenda and Meeting Schedule. The clerk to the board's official Summary of Board Actions is available the week following each meeting. Information is also available by a video linked to the board agenda and the Board of Supervisors Highlights podcast. 

Para recibir la información de nuestro boletín electrónico en español, 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.

To view the September 26, 2023 Board Package click here. For a complete listing of public hearings held and approved, please see the Clerk to the Board's official Summary of Board Actions, available the week following each meeting.

Item 2: Authorized Bishop Crest Court to be added to the State Secondary System. The full item can be read here.

Item 2: Approved of the grant funding to execute a project admin agreement with VDOT for implementation of transportation alternatives funding for the Mason Neck Trail project. This funding of $1,000,000 will be used for the design and construction of the northern segment of the Mason Neck Trail project. The full item can be read here.

Item 3: Approved the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) to apply for funding and approval of a resolution endorsing projects being submitted for the Virginia Department of Transportation’s FY 2025-2026 Revenue Sharing and Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Programs. FCDOT has requested $40.5 million to help with projects across the County including, the Mason Neck Trail (Pohick Bay Park Entrance to Route 1).

The Revenue Sharing program provides additional funding for use by a county, city or town to construct, reconstruct, improve or maintain the highway systems within such county, city or town; and for eligible rural additions in certain counties of the Commonwealth. The full item can be read here.

Approved the application to expand the uses permitted to operate within Original Mount Vernon High School (OMVHS) to include: early childhood education; a gymnasium; a teen and senior center; non-profit programs; education; culinary incubation; business incubation; visual and performing arts; a commercial kitchen to serve building uses; and for flexible community space. The full item can be read here.

Approved the sewer availability provisions of Section 65-6-6 of the County Code by adding a reference to the Board’s adopted policies that must be considered by designers and developers when considering whether public sewer is available on a site. The full item can be read here.

Approved the proposal for the Affordable Housing Preservation Administration Policy Guidelines which will set forth guidelines and procedures for properties seeking to utilize the Multifamily Affordable Housing Preservation Policy, Appendix 2 of the Housing Element of the Policy Plan within the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan to preserve market and committed affordable multifamily rental units during a rezoning application or comprehensive plan amendment and the administration of any preserved affordable units under the Preservation Policy. The full item can be read here.

Approved the “Parking Re-Imagined” amendment to the Zoning Ordinance for Article 6 parking and loading related changes. This change will establish the first bicycle parking requirements in the Zoning Ordinance and encourage more transit-oriented development. The full item can be read here.

For 25 years, the United States Army Garrison Fort Belvoir has been proudly hosting Oktoberfest, an eagerly anticipated event for Military Service Members, their families, and countless community members throughout the County. Located at Fremont Field on Fort Belvoir, Oktoberfest will take place from September 28 – October 1, and will highlight authentic German cuisine, beverages, music, dancing, an exciting carnival presented by Jolly Shows and a Volksmarch 5K/10K Walk.

Started in 1994, the event creates partnerships between the United States Army and the German Armed Forces Command who annually attend the event. The Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest is open to the public and affords Fort Belvoir the opportunity to invite the surrounding local community on post to celebrate and forge community relationships.

Therefore, Mr. Chairman, without objection, we ask that a proclamation be signed by the sponsors of this board matter to be presented to United States Army Garrison Fort Belvoir, outside of the board room, on September 29, recognizing them for 25 years of Oktoberfest.

Neighborhood Health, a non-profit organization with multiple community health centers in Northern Virginia is celebrating 25 Years of Service this year. Their mission is to improve health and advance health equity in Fairfax County, Alexandria and Arlington by providing high-quality primary health care regardless of someone’s ability to pay. In 1977, Neighborhood Health served 1,500 patients but has now expanded to 35,000 patients in 14 clinics. CEO Dr. Basim Khan has led Neighborhood Health with tireless dedication and a deep commitment to and understanding of our underserved communities.

Neighborhood Health’s patients are predominately low-income, uninsured or underinsured, ethnically and racially diverse and have few other options for accessing high quality care. They provide primary medical care for adults and children, chronic disease care, pediatrics and newborn care, women’s health, prenatal care, dental care, behavioral health, family planning, HIV care and prevention, optometry, pharmacy, lab services, immunizations, nutrition, cancer screenings, family support services, health insurance enrollment and COVID-19 testing and vaccinations.

They have been recognized by the Health Services and Resources Administration (HSRA) for their quality care and played a leading role in the COVID-19 pandemic response, administering more than 70,000 tests, distributing 30,000 self-tests and 13,000 N-95 masks and administering over 90,000 vaccines in underserved communities.

Therefore, Mr. Chairman, without objection, we ask that a proclamation be signed by the sponsors of this board matter to be presented to Neighborhood Health for their 25 years of service.

The restoration of George Mason’s Riverside Garden brings back to life the Gunston Hall that George and Ann Mason and their family knew and loved in the 18th Century. The garden was inspired by traditional English walled gardens and Italian villa design. By incorporating spatial arrangements and views, Mason created a space that was all at once playful, intimate, function and expressed his personality and position as a leading citizen of Virginia. Gunston Hall will be hosting the Grand Opening of Riverside Garden on Thursday, September 28 from 5:30 - 8 p.m.

Oct. 4: SP-2023-MV-00059 David and Caitlin Mayo, 2214 Cavendish Drive, Alexandria. Reduction of setback requirements to permit an addition 9.4 feet from the southeast side lot line and a Reduction of Setback Requirements based on Errors in Building Location to allow an accessory structure (shed) to remain 3.4 feet from the rear lot line and 3.3 feet from the northwest side lot line.

Oct. 11: SP-2023-MV-00057 Kaveh Sari, 8926 Khalsa Court, Lorton. Reduction in setback requirements based on Errors in Building Location to permit an accessory structure (two-story detached garage) to remain 28.8 feet from the front lot line and 17.8 feet from the east side lot line.

Oct. 18: SPA-68-V-888-02 Civic Association of Hollin Hills d/b/a Hollin Hills Pickleball & Tennis Club, 1601 Paul Spring Road, Alexandria. To amend SP 68-V-888 previously approved for a community swim and tennis club to allow site modifications (sport court lighting) and a change in permittee.

Early in-person voting is happening now until November 4 for the November 7 general election. Local and state offices are be on the ballot:

There is also a $435 million public school bond on the ballot. If approved, the public schools’ plans include using this money to plan and design, renovate and build schools. Learn more.

Fairfax County Police Department is excited to announce the launch the new Threat Assessment and Management Unit (TAM). This unit is dedicated to investigating active violence incidents, bomb threats and coordination of Emergency Substantial Risk Orders (ESRO) in Fairfax County. The TAM Unit was formed using national best practices and designed to help us get ahead of real threats to public safety. Utilizing a proactive and multi-disciplinary approach, the TAM Unit works to provide intervention for individuals at risk of mobilizing violence to keep our County safer. Learn more.

Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) has developed a proposed list of projects that will be narrowed down further with input from the community to receive a portion of $100 million funding allocated by the Board of Supervisors (BOS). In an effort to fund safer pedestrian and bicycle facilities, the Board approved $100 million in new funding for one-time investments in pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure through FY 2027. To date, 30.2 million of the dedicated $100 million has been allocated for active transportation improvements and maintenance. Learn more.

FCDOT will hold two virtual community meetings to present how the current list of projects was developed and seek input from the community through an online survey.

Launched the electric buses for Fairfax County Connector Service, On the Road to Zero. This event marked a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance public transportation and promote sustainability within Fairfax County. Learn more.

The Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY) is excited to announce a new round of three-year Tobacco Use Prevention funding (RFP #852P024). There are two funding categories available:

Applicants may apply for either Youth Development or Community Innovation funding, but not both. A total of up to $8,742,000 is available over three years ($2,914,000 annually) to prevent and reduce youth tobacco, nicotine and vaping product use across Virginia. Before submitting a proposal, applicants must read the RFP Instructions and watch a pre-recorded Pre-Proposal Webinar. Online proposals are due by Monday, October 23 at 5 p.m. Learn more.

Sherwood Regional Library Parking Lot, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane

Mount Vernon at Home, in coordination with Safeway's Mobile Vaccine Unit is hosting a vaccination clinic for COVID, flu and RSV vaccines for ages 60+. Appointments required and bring your Medicare card.

At 12 p.m. meet inside the library for a Lunch & Learn program. The guest speaker will be Chad Worz of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists who will provide basic pearls of wisdom on how to manage medications.

The Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC), in partnership with the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition and the Electric Vehicle Association of Greater Washington, DC, is presenting “Electrify Your Ride with Tax Incentives: A Carbon-Free Fairfax Webinar." Together, they will answer common questions about electric vehicles and how drivers can take advantage of federal tax credits and incentive programs.

Electric vehicles, or EVs, are better for the environment and less expensive to fuel and maintain than gas-powered vehicles. Rebate and incentive programs for the purchase of EVs – including federal tax credits of up to $7,500 – are reducing the cost and driving up demand. During the webinar, you will learn about:

Call In Number: 571-429-5982

Conference ID: 679 793 942#

As directed by the Board of Supervisors, County staff are conducting preliminary research on the County’s data centers, which includes related opportunities, environmental concerns and potential resolutions. Community members are encouraged to join the virtual meeting to learn more about this project, share thoughts and ask questions. Learn more.

Your input is needed to help identify housing and human services needs, today and in the future. The Fairfax County Consolidated Community Funding Advisory Committee (CCFAC) invites you to participate, either in-person or virtually in a public hearing. They want to know your thoughts on:

The Congressional App Challenge serves as an opportunity for high school students to be more engaged in coding in their district. Every year, Members of Congress challenge students in their districts to create and submit their original apps for a chance to win the Congressional App Challenge (CAC). Each challenge is district specific. U.S. Representatives publicly recognize their winning teams, and each winning app may be put on display in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year. Learn more.

Fairfax County manages the Consolidated Community Funding Pool, a competitive countywide funding opportunity for programs that fill critical human services needs among the most vulnerable populations. CCFP is seeking community volunteers willing to participate on a Selection Advisory Committee (SAC) to review and evaluate proposals and make recommendations on how to distribute funds to community partners that provide programs to support Fairfax County residents. SAC onboard training will be in-person and proposal review will be held virtually. Learn more.

Keeping unused, unwanted and expired medications in your home can lead to accidental poisoning, overdose and misuse. Getting rid of medications that are no longer needed is especially important now with the opioid epidemic continuing to impact many families throughout the nation and right here in our community. Learn more.