Dear Neighbors,
Join us for our Annual Holiday Open House tonight, Thursday, December 8 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Mount Vernon Governmental Center.
This week we held the last Board of Supervisors meeting of the year and it was a busy one! I am excited to announce that the Board approved bringing the Bunnyman Brewery Company to the Workhouse Campus to provide food and additional beverage options. The County continues to seek a restaurant to lease the second building and in the spring we will see the completion of $4.5M in campus improvements.
Based on new state enabling legislation, the Board approved conducting a speed camera pilot program for school and work zones. I strongly support the use of speed cameras to protect our children from the many drivers who speed through our school zones, risking children's lives.
The Board received the annual report from the Electoral Board, delivered by Secretary Kate Hanley. Normally this would have been an “easier” year for elections in the County given only one Congressional office and town races on the ballot, but the Office of Elections faced numerous hurdles including decennial redistricting and multiple errors from the Virginia State Board of Elections that resulted in tens of thousands of Fairfax County residents being provided inaccurate information that our Office of Elections had to correct. Fortunately, we are served by an incredible staff in the Office of Elections led by registrar Eric Spicer. Voter turnout was 55%, comparable to other similar years, with 16 different early voting locations, tens of thousands of mail-in votes and over 3,800 residents taking advantage of same-day registration for the first time.
Other meeting highlights:
- Approved a plan amendment for approximately 29 acres of land to redevelop the Huntington Metro Station.
- Accepted nine new land use planning locations in the Mount Vernon District into the 2022-2023 Countywide Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) Work Program for initial consideration.
- Approved the renaming of the Lee District to Franconia District.
- Approved a new "Watch for Children" sign on Adams Chase Circle in Lorton.
- Announced the Environmental Excellence Award Winners, to include West Potomac Student Will Friedman and Mount Vernon Resident Elisabeth Lardner. We will recognize all the winners at the January 24 Board meeting.
At the beginning of the meeting, I recognized the passing of longtime South County resident and advocate, Robert Robertory. Bob was active in the South County Federation, helped lead efforts to close the Lorton Landfill and was the Commodore and an advocate for the Fairfax Yacht Club. He had a sharp, keen mind and booming mediation voice that many knew well. Bob left a legacy of community engagement and he will be missed.
On a final note, my December Advisor announced the grand opening of Panera in Lorton for December 14. Unfortunately, the opening date has been pushed back due to delays. We will let you know when the opening is rescheduled.
Respectfully yours in public service,
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Dan Storck
Supervisor, Mount Vernon District
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
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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.
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To view the December 6, 2022 Board Package click here.
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Item 7: Approved a new "Watch for Children" sign on Adams Chase Circle in Lorton, as requested by the residents through the RTAP Program. The full item can be read on pages 196 - 197 of the Board Package.
Item 10: Approved an extension to the license agreement between the County and the Workhouse Arts Foundation for an additional five years until 2027. The full item can be read on pages 204 - 212 of the Board Package.
Item 13: Authorized the Fairfax County Police Department to apply for and accept grant funding in the amount of $150,000 from the Department of Criminal Justice Services, FY 2023 Combating Hate Crime Grant Program. The full item can be read on pages 244 - 247 of the Board Package.
Authorized Public Hearings for:
- Amendments to County Code regarding changing the model-year age and the mileage requirements for taxicab vehicles. The public hearing will be held January 24 at 3:30 p.m. The full item can be read on pages 64 - 74 of the Board Package.
- Consider approval of the upper Occoquan Sewage Authority 2022 Restated and Amended Service Agreement to (1) authorize and establish funding obligations for expansion of the plant capacity from 54 million gallons-per-day (MGD) to 60 MGD and (2) modify the compliance determination for jurisdictional hydraulic and load capacity allocations. The public hearing will be held January 24 at 4:30 p.m. The full item can be read on pages 83 - 190 of the Board Package.
- Consider an ordinance establishing a property classification and tax rate for real property owned by certain surviving spouses of members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty. The public hearing will be held January 24 at 3:30 p.m. The full item can be read on pages 191 - 195 of the Board Package.
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Item 1: Approved a parking reduction for Phase 1 of the Huntington Club redevelopment. Phase 1 includes the construction of 200 stacked townhome units on Blocks A, C and D and a single multi-family building on Block B with 302 dwelling units and 17,400 square feet (SF) of ground-floor retail. The requested reduction is for 96 of the stacked townhome units, which have only one-car garages, and the 302 multi-family residential units. The other 104 stacked townhome units have two-car garages (tandem spaces) and do not need a reduction. The full item can be read on pages 259 - 330 of the Board Package.
Item 4: Authorized the sale of $350 million in bonds to finance multiple infrastructure projects in the County. Of this amount, $205M will go to the Fairfax County Public Schools for new school construction and renovation. The County’s $145 million will fund significant projects including $22M for our on-going transportation improvement initiative for roadways and pedestrian and bike/trail construction projects, $30M for the County’s share of Metro’s FY 2023 Capital Improvement Program, $48M for courtroom renovations and the final costs for multiple fire and police station facility construction and renovations, $25M for the Fairfax County Park Authority, $3M for NOVA Parks, and $17 million will be provided for human services and community development facilities that include four shelters and two community centers. The full item can be read on pages 359 - 515 of the Board Package.
Item 6: Accepted nine new land use planning locations in the Mount Vernon District into the 2022-2023 Countywide Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) Work Program for initial consideration. Acceptance of these nominations does not indicate endorsement or support of any application, just merely moving it to the next step in the process to allow for robust community engagement. The full item can be read on pages 597 - 619 of the Board Package.
Item 7: Amended the Fairfax County Statement of Policy Regarding Sewage Disposal, to include reimbursing developers for the cost of constructing an enlarged sewage facility based on the County’s share of existing and future wastewater flow. The full item can be read on pages 620 - 644 of the Board Package.
Item 9: Endorsed projects to be submitted for FY 2029 Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) federal funding through the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. Projects in the Mount Vernon District include:
- $15M for Richmond Highway widening
- $20M for Richmond Highway The One Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
- $10M for Mason Neck Trail (northern segment)
The full item can be read on pages 650 - 655 of the Board Package.
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Plan Amendment 2021-IV-3MV Huntington Metro Station
Approved a plan amendment for approximately 29 acres of land [2501 Huntington Avenue; 5801 and 5745 North Kings Highway] for the Huntington Metro Station mixed-use redevelopment. The amendment considers and supports a revision to the Plan option for transit-oriented mixed-use development to include public facilities, 1,500 residential units, 382,000 square feet of nonresidential use, and a community center, subject to conditions related to transit infrastructure, urban design, the provision of parks and open spaces, affordable housing and other recommendations. The full item can be read on pages 828 - 835 of the Board Package.
Emergency Taxicab Fuel Surcharge
Approved a temporary uncodified ordinance that will provide for up to a one dollar per trip emergency fuel surcharge from December 30, 2022, through June 30, 2023. The full item can be read on pages 863 - 879 of the Board Package.
Amendments to County Code for Taxation and Finance
Amendmented County Code regarding personal property tax filing options for motor vehicles, including an alternative method of filing the personal property tax returns for motor vehicles, trailers, and semitrailers, for newly registered vehicles. Starting January 1, 2023, when you register your vehicle with the Virginia DMV, your Fairfax County car registration will automatically be filed. Previously this was done separately and as a result over half of vehicles moved into the County were registered late. The full item can be read on pages 880 - 898 of the Board Package.
Lease of 9514 Workhouse Way to Bunnyman Brewery Company, LLC
Approved the lease of one of the historic Workhouse Arts Center buildings to Bunnyman Brewery for the construction of the newest craft brewery in the County. By fall of 2023 you should be able to enjoy a cold beverage of your choice on-site, further enhancing the extraordinary offerings of one of the truly remarkable transformations in the country, from a prison facility to a vibrant regional cultural hub. The full item can be read on pages 899 - 938 of the Board Package.
School and Work Zone Speed Camera Pilot Program
Approved a pilot program to place speed cameras at selected school and construction zones around the County. Pedestrian injuries and fatalities are increasing. As a County we have committed $100M in new, additional funding over six years to improve pedestrian and bicycle access and safety, but we also recognize it the obligation of drivers to pay attention to their surroundings, put down their phones, and slow down. Over the next several months the County will gather data and feedback, and then determine if it this initiative should be rolled out to additional locations. The full item can be read on pages 899 - 938 of the Board Package.
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Adoption of Auditor of the Board’s November 2022 Quarterly Report
As Audit Committee Chairman, I presented the Audit Committee's recommendation for full Board approval of the Auditor of the Board’s Quarterly Report for November 2022. The report included study areas, recommendations, and managements’ concurrence.
Action
Adopted the Auditor of the Board’s November 2022 Quarterly Report.
Fairfax County Environmental Excellence Awards - Joint with Chairman Jeff McKay
Each year, the Fairfax County Environmental Excellence Awards honor individual residents, organizations or businesses and County employees who advance or support the County’s environmental goals and policies. The honorees dedicate personal time and expertise beyond their normal civic, fiscal or professional responsibilities and they consistently demonstrate leadership as role models for others.
In 2022, five awardees were named by the Environmental Quality Advisory Council on behalf of the Board of Supervisors. Together, these honorees have devoted countless hours to the improvement of the natural environment in the County through public advocacy, volunteerism, the implementation of programs and sustainability strategies, and mentorship.
Therefore, we would like to recognize the five winners of the 2022 Fairfax County Environmental Excellence Awards.
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Dr. Katherine Edwards, who serves as a Wildlife Management Specialist for the Fairfax County Police Department.
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Brandy Mueller, Environmental Compliance Coordinator for Land Development Services.
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Charles Smith, a Project Coordinator with Department of Public Works and Environmental Services.
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Will Friedman, a rising senior at West Potomac High School, who is being recognized for his exceptional achievements and leadership efforts to better the environment.
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Elisabeth Lardner, the volunteer Chair of the Civic Association of the Hollin Hills Parks Committee since 2016.
Action
Directed the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination to recognize and publicize the winners.
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Board Appointments
Mount Vernon residents were appointed or reappointed to the following:
- History Commission – Tammy Mannarino
- Information Technology Policy Advisory Committee – Richard Kostro
- Park Authority – Linwood Gorham
- Wetlands Board – Kimberly Larkin
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Planning Commission
December 8
January 11
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FDPA-2012-MV-008-02: Liberty Heights LC. Final Development Plan Amendment to Permit Child Care Center at Liberty Development, Northwest Quadrant of Powerhouse Road and Sallyport Street.
Board of Zoning Appeals
January 25
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SP-2022-MV-00152: Joseph and Jennifer Fienup, 1603 Revere Drive, Alexandria. Reduction in setback requirements to permit a roofed deck (covered porch) 22.2 feet from the front lot line.
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SP-2022-MV-00173: Eleni Shiferaw and Teshome Weldmichael, 8305 Covington Woods Ct, Springfield. Reduction in setback requirements to permit an addition 23.6 feet from the rear lot line.
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District Information & Upcoming Events
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Five Tips to Help Stay Clear of Holiday Scams
The holiday shopping season is in full swing and scammers are shopping, too. According to a recent AARP survey, three out of four U.S. consumers have experienced or been targeted by at least one form of fraud that can be tied to the holidays, including end-of-year charitable donation requests (39%), purchasing an item through an online ad (35%) and receiving fake notifications about shipping issues (29%). Don’t be caught unaware; follow these tips to keep your financial information safe and outsmart would-be criminals.
- Be smart when shopping online.
- Use gift cards as gifts, not as payments.
- Research and verify before you act.
- Report suspected scams.
- Assist those around you.
FREE Small Animal Pet Services Event
December 10 at 9 a.m.
The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is holding its first ever Small Animal Pet Services Event! This free event will be held on Saturday, December 10 in the Training Room at the shelter. The event is first come, first served, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. If you have a rabbit, guinea pig, ferret, hamster, rat, or mouse, plan on attending - with your pet(s)! Wellness exams, nail trims, grooming, microchips for rabbits and ferrets, supplies, habitat and bonding information, and more, will be offered! All supplies and opportunities are first come, first served, and limited to the first 60 pets to attend. All pets must be in carriers, and please bring any prior medical records for your pets if you have them. (This event is for individuals who are not otherwise able to access veterinary care, and the Shelter greatly appreciate folks reserving these services for those who need them!) Learn more...
Family Holiday Craft Night
December 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Please join Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS), friends and neighborhors for Festive Holiday Family Fun at the Lorton Community Center!
2022 Friends Holiday Online Silent Auction through December 11
Plenty of gifts that your friends and family are sure to love! Your purchase from Friends Holiday Online Silent Auction will help pets at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter get off to a good start in the new year. Learn more...
2022 Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards December 12 at 6:30 p.m.
The Fairfax Area – Disability Services Board’s Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards are presented annually to recognize people, businesses, nonprofits, government agencies and other organizations that excel in demonstrating a commitment to promoting equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in the Fairfax area and how people with disabilities have significantly benefitted from their efforts. Join the Disability Services Board on Monday, December 12 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. as they recognize Stephanie Davidson and Marian Homes, Inc. for their commitment to promoting equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax and the City of Falls Church. Learn more and register...
Fairfax Water - Water Rates and Budget Public Hearing
December 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Fairfax Water will conduct a public hearing on its Proposed Schedule of Rates, Fees, and Charges. The hearing will be held in Fairfax Water’s office located at 8570 Executive Park Avenue, Fairfax. Learn more...
For additional information:
- Click here to view the Proposed Schedule of Rates, Fees, and Charges.
- Click here to view the Proposed Budget.
- Click here to view the Public Hearing Notice.
Community Resources Recommended as County Sunsets COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Sites
As previously announced, after Dec. 17, Fairfax County COVID-19 clinics at the Government Center and Gerry Hyland (formerly South County) Center will no longer be operational. Vaccines are widely available throughout our community and residents can seek COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters at pharmacies, providers offices, groceries, urgent care centers, or other sites throughout the community. Learn more...
EQAC Annual Public Comment Meeting
January 11 at 7:15 p.m.
The Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) will hold its annual public comment meeting on January 11 at 7:15 p.m. in Conference Room 9/10 of the Fairfax County Government Center. The EQAC has released its Annual Report on the Environment. EQAC is appointed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to advise on environmental matters. The public is encouraged to attend EQAC’s public comment meeting to share views on the state of the environment and to identify environmental issues of concern applicable to Fairfax County. Learn more...
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Mount Vernon District Office | 703-780-7518
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