Dear Residents,
Over the last few weeks, new groups have become eligible to register for the COVID-19 vaccine: food and agriculture (not including restaurant employees, which will be eligible in phase 1c), manufacturing, grocery workers, public transit workers and mail carriers. To date, the Fairfax Health District has administered over 356,000 doses. If you are eligible to register for the vaccine, you can do so HERE.
At our Board Meeting on Tuesday, we passed an important resolution stating that Fairfax County condemns all bigotry, harassment, and hate violence directed at Asian Americans in our community. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, one-third of Asian Americans nationwide report being the target of racial slurs or scapegoating. This is unacceptable. We must raise awareness of these incidents and protect Fairfax County’s vulnerable residents.
The Board also approved the Fairfax County Zoning Modernization Project (zMOD), a wholesale change to our zoning ordinance for the first time in over 40 years. We also authorized to advertise a public hearing to consider Greenway Downs Residential Permit Parking District (RPPD) and moved the Oak Marr precinct polling location to the Oakton Library. You can see the full Board of Supervisors meeting agenda here.
In this newsletter, you can find the following Providence District updates:
- COVID-19 Updates
- Board Meeting Updates
- FCPS School Calendar
- 2021 Paving Map
- Transportation Updates
- Accelerating Active Transportation Panel
- Yard Waste and Special Pick-up Change
- EQAC Student Representative Application
- Apply for Head Start Program
- Theater Scholarship Opportunity From Providence Players
- Featured Events
I hope this newsletter finds you and your family safe and well. I'm wishing those who celebrate a Happy Passover and Easter, and hoping the kids and teachers enjoy their Spring Break!
With Gratitude,
Supervisor Dalia Palchik
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Visit the links below for articles on recent COVID-19 updates:
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Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance Modernization Project (zMOD)
On Tuesday, the Board approved zMOD, a wholesale change to our zoning ordinance for the first time in over 40 years. This process included over 100 meetings for Board members and the community. It was well past time that our ordinance was updated, modernized, and made more user-friendly.
The goal of zMOD was to create a cleaner and more straightforward document that is more accessible to the general public in understanding the County's zoning ordinance. The overwhelming majority of the updates were universally supported. There was extended discussion on three major items in which modest changes were made:
Accessory Dwelling Units (ALUs): ALUs allow people to house up to two additional residents in their existing home while still adhering to County regulations, as long as no exterior changes to the home are made and parking can be accommodated. The previous ordinance only allowed residents over the age of 55 in an ALU. zMod allows residents the flexibility to make changes within their own home, while protecting neighborhoods, simplifying the process, and lowering the cost. Homeowners take on tenants to offset their mortgage, or help them earn some extra income during hard times. To be approved, a homeowner must reside at the property with an ALU, they may not be distant landlords. ALUs will also be important to meeting our affordable housing goals because increased housing availability helps lower the cost of housing. For more info you can visit the ALU FAQ Page: ALU FAQs (fairfaxcounty.gov).
Home Based Businesses (HBBs): We worked to simplify the process and lower the permitting costs associated with establishing HBBs. HBBs are an important part of the County's economy and in the midst of the pandemic, I'm glad we can find more avenues to empower residents to open a business, but still follow County regulations. For example, the Board did agree to restrict administrative approval to HBBs that generate no customers coming to the home, except for instructional activities. Other HBBs would still need to go through a public hearing process.
The Board supported my follow on motion that our Department of Economic Initiatives and Department of Planning and Development collaborate with the County’s Economic Development Authority to review the current practices and supports offered to our home-based businesses, and to recommend technical or other support that would help them thrive and continue to add value to our diverse economy.
Flags: We listened to the concerns of the community we have reevaluated the original staff recommendations for flags. The primary changes voted on will allow all homes to have 25-foot flag poles and 60-foot flag poles for all other areas. Should residents wish to have taller flagpoles, they can apply for a special permit. The amendment also includes no minimum flag size, and the limit for flagpoles was kept at the current maximum of three flagpoles.
These modest, logical changes are ones that will change the lives of our residents. We know there are concerns, but I believe they are ones we can solve, and that the benefit to our neighbors and our community is important. I support efforts to communicate with the community and continuously improve this process to include more voices to the conversation, and the decision-making framework, in a structured and equitable manner.
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Greenway Downs Residential Permit Parking District (RPPD)
The Board authorized to advertise a public hearing to consider a proposed amendment to Appendix G, of The Code of the County of Fairfax to expand the Greenway Downs Residential Permit Parking District (RPPD), District 13.
The public hearing will be on April 13, 2021, at 2:30 p.m.
The Fairfax County Residential Permit Parking District (RPPD) program was created to reduce traffic in residential areas, protect those areas from the environmental impacts of commuting, and allow access to properties. This is accomplished by creating on-street parking restrictions on public roadways in designated areas.
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Oak Marr Precinct Polling Place Moved to Oakton Library
After receiving public input, the polling place for the Oak Marr precinct from the Oak Marr Recreation Center, located at 3200 Jermantown Road, Oakton, will be moved to the Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. This proposed change will provide a more accessible and convenient facility for the voters in this precinct, starting with the June 8th Primary.
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In an effort to commit to equity and to build a school system that reflects Fairfax County's residents, FCPS leadership has worked closely with a diverse group of faith communities, listening to ways FCPS could be more equitable to religious minorities. The most common recommendations was a school calendar that included more religious holidays off. The Calendar Committee recommended multiple school calendar options that included days off for Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Eid al-Fitr, and Diwali.
Last week, the School Board voted to dismiss those recommendations of the Calendar committee, and chose a calendar that does not address the needs vocalized by the religious communities it engaged. This is a disappointing result of a difficult process. Knowing how it felt to choose between missing school and not participating in high holidays, I helped form the calendar committee and task force to bring the voice of our diverse community to the calendar process. I am glad to see the SB is reconsidering this important issue.
I hope that moving forward, FCPS is able to recognize and listen to the voices of its religious minority community, and recognize the value which our community assigns to its holiest days.
Thank you to those who supported the Calendar proposals that included days off for those holidays, including Providence District School Board Member Karl Frisch. Your commitment to our students and advocacy for our community will continue to be important tools in the fight for religious equity moving forward.
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VDOT's 2021 Paving Status Map is now available on our website: 2021 Paving Status Map. This application provides the status of each paving project scheduled on VDOT maintained roads for this year. Users can zoom to an area to view specific paving projects and their status (to be paved, in progress, completed).
The link to the Northern Virginia Paving Program (VDOT NOVA Paving Program ) provides information on the different treatment types, State of the Pavement report, and other information you may find useful.
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Moving Forward Together
The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) announced that Fairfax County has joined Arlington County, OmniRide, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, and the cities of Falls Church and Fairfax in Metro’s new "Moving Forward Together" campaign.
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Route 7 Bus Rapid Transit Study
The public has until April 14, 2021 to submit comments on the proposed Tysons route for the BRT. A map and more information may be found here.
The Route 7 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Study intends to provide details on how a BRT system would function in Tysons from Spring Hill Metrorail Station to the I-66 interchange. Two public meetings were held this month.
Send your comments to the study team:
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Online via the Route 7 BRT Survey
- Electronically through the red feedback button at the bottom of this page
- Writing to FCDOT, Attn: Route 7 BRT, 4050 Legato Road, Suite 400, Fairfax, VA 22033
- Calling 703-877-5600, TTY 711
Comments on bicycle and pedestrian improvements at the Vienna Metro Station are due by March 29, 2021 and may be submitted in one of several ways, all explained here where a video of this month’s VDOT public meeting is available.
- Improvements include: Constructing shared-use paths along Blake Lane and Sutton Road from the I-66 bridge to Country Creek Road
- Adding a two-way cycle track with adjacent sidewalk along Country Creek Road/Virginia Center Boulevard from Sutton Road to the Metro North Parking Lot entrance
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Implementing a road diet along Country Creek Road/Virginia Center Boulevard from Sutton Road to the Metro North Parking Lot entrance
- Realigning the I-66 westbound ramp to Country Creek Road
- Modifying the traffic signals at the intersections of Sutton Road and Blake Lane, Country Creek Road and the ramp from westbound I-66, and Country Creek Road and Vaden Drive.
- Installing new pavement markings and signs
Some important dates for the project are:
- Design Public Hearing - Summer 2021
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Begin Right of Way Acquisition - Spring 2022
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Begin Construction - Fall 2024
I-66 Construction Updates:
I-66 West Lane Closures Friday Night, March 26,
for Work on New Gallows Road Bridge
Gallows Road over I-66 reduced to two lanes during overnight hours
I-66 West approaching Gallows Road will be reduced to a single lane Friday night, March 26, for crews to pour the second half of the concrete bridge deck for the new Gallows Road Bridge over I-66. This work is part of the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Project.
Northbound Gallows Road will be closed with two-way traffic running in the southbound lanes.
Ramp from 495 Express Lanes North to I-66 West
Friday, March 26: 10:30 p.m. to 5 a.m.
The ramp will be closed. Traffic will be detoured to I-66 East, take the exit for Route 7 (Leesburg Pike), stay to the left and turn left at the light, then follow signs to I-66 West.
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Gallows Road over I-66
- Gallows Road over I-66 will be reduced to a single travel lane in each direction between 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Northbound Gallows Road will be closed with two-way traffic running in the southbound lanes during these hours.
- All lanes will reopen by 7 a.m.
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Traffic stoppages are planned for I-66 East and West near Route 50 in Fairfax on Tuesday, March 30, between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m., so that Dominion Energy can work on overhead lines. Traffic on I-66 will be stopped in both directions simultaneously three times for up to 20 minutes each to accommodate the work, which is needed for the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Project.
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Accelerating Active Transportation Panel |
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Thank you to those who joined live as I spoke on the Accelerating Change Panel discussion during the Accelerating Active Transportation Change in Northern Virginia Summit with Loudon County Ashburn District Supervisor Mike Turner and City of Alexandria's Mayor Justin Wilson moderated by Adam Tuss of NBC4 Washington. I shared my priority in the need to make sure we're focused as much, if not more so, on the pedestrian and the cyclist as we are on the car. The car has been the main focus of attention and transportation funding. Looking to the future, we have to be ready for mobility options. I do hope we continue to activate and elevate voices of those who want funding to go towards safe walking and bicycle riding.
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Yard Waste and Special Pick-Up Change |
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Yard Waste Best Practice for Sanitary District Customers
- Place yard waste in compostable paper yard bags or rigid containers. A cart of the customer’s choice can be purchased from a local store.
- If customer is purchasing a cart, the recommended color is green - different from the trash (grey) or recycle (blue) carts.
- If customer already owns a personal/private cart and the color is grey or blue (same color as the trash/recycle cart), the customer can label the cart “yard waste.”
The Website and yard waste pages have been updated for the Sanitary District Customers – please see links below.
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Earth Day's Great Global Clean Up |
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Volunteer for Earth Day’s Great Global Clean Up, April 2021.
During the month of April 2021, please join the National Clean-up Day and Earth Day Network to clean up green spaces, urban landscapes, and waterways across the U.S. Plus, earn credit hours for your school service-learning projects!
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EQAC Student Representative Application |
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Apply for Head Start Program |
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Kids Give Back Volunteer Opportunities |
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Kids Give Back is a nonprofit organization in Northern Virginia that provides kids, ages 6-12, with meaningful volunteer opportunities.
There are several in-person events planned this Spring/Summer that will take place Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 8922 Little River Turnpike.
April 17 Earth Day Celebration, led by a nature expert from the Winterset community
May 22 Snack Pack PACK-A-THON where we will try to pack 500 snack packs in less than 2 hours
June 14-18 Summer Volunteer Camp
July 12-16 Summer Volunteer Camp
Info for all is available HERE.
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2021 Congressional Art Competition |
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Calling all high school students to participate in the 2021 Congressional Art Competition! This competition is open to all high school students who are residents of the 11th Congressional District regardless of where they attend school. The competition allows students to showcase their artistic creativity and talent. Students do not need to create artwork specifically for this competition – they can submit any piece from their portfolio. The winning piece will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol for one year! Entries are due Friday, April 30, 2021.
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Theater Scholarship Opportunity from Providence Players |
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Providence Players of Fairfax (PPF) offers scholarships to college-bound students from area high schools as a way of nurturing future theater artists and recognizing contributions to the arts community in our region. Up to three $1,500 scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors with a demonstrated commitment to theater arts and who have been accepted to a U.S. accredited college or university or conservatory program.
Eligible graduating seniors must (1) reside within the school boundaries of Annandale, Fairfax, Falls Church, George Mason, Justice, Marshall, Bishop O’Connell, Trinity Meadow View, Woodson or Yorktown high schools OR (2) have been a member of PPF for at least one year.
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Spanish COVID-19 Facts Virtual Session |
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Virtual Run: Be a Hero For Hope |
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This year’s race is being held virtually throughout the month of April, coinciding with Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month.
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Traveling Players Theater Camp |
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Some Theater Family Fun!
- Perform in a World Premiere Play this summer!
- Small by design, Awarded for excellence.
- In residence at Camp Highwood, Middleburg VA
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We want to hear from you! Please reach out to us with questions, comments or just to say hello.
Office Phone: (703) 560-6946
Email us HERE if you would like events included in our newsletter or you would like a member of our team to join your HOA meeting.
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