Friday, January 31, 2025

Dear Friend,

To begin, I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the passengers and crew members who lost their lives in the aviation collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Please read Fairfax County Board of Supervisor Chairman Jeff McKay's statement from Thursday:

"Throughout the day, we have learned more about the victims of last night’s tragic accident at Reagan National Airport, including some members of our Fairfax County Public Schools community. As we continue to receive updates, our hearts are with their families, friends, and colleagues as they endure this unimaginable grief.

In the wake of this tragedy, we remain committed to supporting the victims' families, our first responders, and all in our community who have been affected. As a Board, we will continue working closely with our regional partners, school leaders, and public safety officials to ensure that counseling and other necessary resources are available during this difficult time.

We are deeply grateful for the tireless efforts of our emergency responders, who have been working around the clock to assist during this crisis. This is a very traumatic event, and we recognize the emotional toll this experience may have on them. We will ensure that they receive all of the support they need and deserve.

Now, more than ever, we must stand together as a community. I ask that you join me in keeping the victims and their families in your thoughts and prayers. In these difficult days ahead, let’s continue to support one another. Fairfax County stands ready to provide additional assistance as needed."

I also released a statement as Board Chair of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments:

Our Fairfax County first responders, their counterparts throughout the region and many others continue to support a collaborative response to this tragedy. Fairfax County leadership remain in close contact with regional partners and will continue to provide support as recovery efforts continue.

This week, I attended the meetings of the Health and Human Services Committee and the Land Use Committee. During the Health and Human Services Committee meeting, the Board heard updates on early childhood programs and the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) Equity Implementation Plan.

Early childhood is one of five initiatives of the Successful Children and Youth Policy Team (SCYPT). Providence Supervisor Palchik and I are the Board representatives to SCYPT. The objective is to increase access to early childhood programs that effectively address the needs of families, whether that is a childcare center, FCPS program, in-home provider, or family member/neighbor. I'm excited to see the progress in increasing access to early childhood programs.

Early Childhood Capital Improvement Projects:

The first new Fairfax County childcare center to open will be located in the new Franconia District Governmental Center with an anticipated capacity of 78 children. The childcare center in the Hybla Valley Community Center is projected to open in Winter 2028 with an anticipated capacity of 86 children. View the presentation.

The FCPA presentation was an update on the Equity Implementation Plan that was first presented in October 2024. In 2023, a sliding fee scale program was piloted at the Sully Community Center in additional to free transportation, resulting in higher participation by non-white youth. The FCPA recommendation is to begin a sliding fee scale in Rec Centers. View the presentation.

In the meeting of the Land Use Committee, the Board heard a presentation on the connection between public health and land use policy. Effective land use planning and decision-making presents a significant opportunity to strengthen public health by promoting accessible recreational spaces, safe and healthy housing, active transportation, a sense of community and social connectedness, food security, and ensuring clean air and water quality. The County has been addressing these issues through a health and human services lens. By adding Healthy Communities to the Comprehensive Plan, we can also look at addressing these issues through a land use lens. View the presentation.

It is both an honor and a privilege for me to serve as your representative on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Rodney L. Lusk

Franconia District Supervisor

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In the Community

Stoneybrooke Citizens Association Meeting

Speaking with the Stoneybrooke Citizens Association

Thank you to the Stoneybrooke Citizens Association for inviting me to speak with you. If there is a community association meeting or event you would like me to attend, please contact my office.

Browne Academy We the People Competition

We the People practice competition

I was a judge at the Browne Academy "We the People" practice competition before they compete officially this weekend. Teams of students responded to different questions relating to the First Amendment to the Constitution. The panel of judges then asked questions and gave feedback on the teams' presentation skills and strength of arguments.

Lee Komich Proclamation Presentation

Lee Komich

With members of the North Franconia Civic Association

Leland “Lee” C. Komich, a retired CW4 of the United States Army, served for 23 years as a helicopter pilot and received numerous military awards, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Distinguished Flying Cross. Following his military career, Lee served for 23 years as Chief Pilot for the Nuclear Emergency Search Team, earning the FAA Orville Wright Plaque for approximately 50 years of safe flying. Lee revitalized the North Franconia Civic Association in the 1980s, serving as its President for 17 years and working tirelessly to improve neighborhood code compliance and established Adopt-a-Highway program to enhance safety by closing a dumping-prone section of Tilbury Road.

His active involvement in local land use decisions, including the Oak Tree Plaza development, kept the community informed and engaged in important matters affecting Franconia. Even still, as a graduate of Fairfax County Civilian Police Academy, Lee established a Neighborhood Watch program, successfully deterring criminal activities and promoting a safer environment for all residents. I was honored to present Lee with a proclamation recognizing his decades of extraordinary dedication and service to his community. This was a joint Board Matter with Chairman McKay. I wish Lee the best on his well-deserved retirement.

Electrifying the Future: Strategies for Climate Pollution Reduction

Electrifying the Future panel (Photo courtesy of COG)

This event with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments brought together the region’s experts and practitioners from across both the public and private sectors to discuss the role electric vehicles play in achieving the region’s climate goals.

One of the best parts of my job as Supervisor is getting to know you in your community. I would like to attend your next homeowner, civic, or citizen association meeting to share information and hear what's important to you. If there is a community association meeting or event you would like me to attend, please contact my office at 703-971-6262.

Department of Economic Initiatives

Celebrating 5 Years of Innovation and Investment

Learn more about Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives programs as the department celebrates five years of operation. Read the year in review.

Over 120 people attended the Accelerate Breakfast on January 24. Photo courtesy of George Mason University.

Accelerate Breakfast Series

Fairfax County launched the Accelerate Breakfast Series in April 2024, inspired by the Grubstake Breakfast, which was held in partnership with George Mason University (GMU) from 1988 to 2012. In May 2023, I presented a Board Matter advocating for the reconstitution of the Grubstake Breakfast. I was pleased that the Board of Supervisors approved $450,000 in funding over a three-year period to support the Accelerate Breakfast Series.

Each quarterly event features presentations from five carefully selected high-growth companies. These curated sessions provide a unique platform for startups to showcase their ventures to a distinguished audience, cultivating valuable connections and propelling investment opportunities for regional businesses. Learn more about Accelerate.

Fairfax Founders Fund

The Fairfax Founders Fund (FFF) directly supports local tech startups. By providing flexible funding to early-stage, high-growth firms, FFF empowers these companies to navigate critical business phases and successfully attract subsequent rounds of institutional investment. In 2024, the program received 63 applications for the second cohort across a broad array of high-growth sectors like cybersecurity, life sciences, and energy; eight exceptional companies were selected. Notably, a majority came from female-founded, veteran-owned, or minority-led businesses, reflecting the program’s commitment to inclusivity. Learn more about the Fairfax Founders Fund.

Fairfax CORE (Connecting Opportunities and Resources for Entrepreneurs)

Fairfax CORE was launched in March 2024 in response to significant challenges faced by entrepreneurs, including minority-owned founders, in finding the resources they need at the right time. CORE provides access to free and low-cost learning and networking opportunities, direct connection to more than 150 business support professionals and resources, and helpful business start-up and growth guides. Through addressing the critical need to easily find and navigate the right business support and resources, Fairfax CORE empowers local entrepreneurs to take the next step on their journey. Learn more about Fairfax CORE.

Land Development

Franconia Volunteer Fire Station #5 Information

Total Land Area (2 parcels): 117,374 SF or approximately 2.69 acres Tax Map Parcel 81-3 ((5)) 20= 103,435 SF Tax Map Parcel 81-3 ((5)) 20A= 13,939 SF

Ownership: Franconia Volunteer Inc. The property is not owned by Fairfax County.

Current Use: 5-Bay Fire Sation and Bingo Hall within a 25,796 square foot structure.

Franconia Fire Station #5 is cooperatively operated by volunteer fire personnel and Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department personnel. Land Development Decisions Require Approval by the Volunteer Fire Organization.

Land Swap and Station Expansion Discussions

Initial Conversations – In calendar year 2020 through early 2021 staff from the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) initiated joint development discussions with the Volunteer Fire Organization. At that time the Volunteer Fire Organization expressed interest in a site design that relocated the station to provide direct access onto Franconia Road. However, the site constraints of a Franconia Road location proved problematic to the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. The constraints identified were operational safety hazards associated with fire apparatus entering directly onto heavily travelled six lane roadway such as Franconia Road and the reduced site width along Franconia Road. HCD staff discussed alternative design options with the Volunteer Fire Organization. Discussions concluded when the Volunteer Fire Organization representatives expressed no interest in exploring a joint development design that retained its direct access onto Beulah St.

Annual County Outreach to the Volunteer Fire Organization – Each year Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department personnel formally coordinate with the Franconia Station #5 Volunteer Fire Organization to inquire about its ability to maintain the station and plans for the future. In early May 2024, Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk convened a meeting between both organizations to revisit the land swap concept and future station expansion needs. The operational safety concerns associated with direct access onto Franconia Road remain a barrier prohibiting a land swap. In addition, as recently as September 2024, the Volunteer Fire Organization communicated to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department personnel that it is able to maintain the Franconia Station #5 over the next 10 years and do not anticipate the need to turnover the property to be included in the Fairfax County Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

Note – At such time as the Volunteer Fire Organization identifies a maintenance or building expansion need that it cannot finance, the Volunteer Fire Organization may then convey the property to Fairfax County for inclusion in the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department 5- year Capital Improvement Planning process.

Site Capacity – Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department personnel have determined that the existing 2.69-acre site is large enough to accommodate either a building expansion or replacement station when needed in the future. There are several existing larger stations on less land area. Further, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department personnel continue to reiterate that the current site location, property width and access configuration onto Beulah Street meets the needs for safe fire and rescue station operations today and into the future.

Franconia Triangle Study

SSPA 2023-IV-2S

Franconia District Land Use Committee meeting: February 3 at 7:00 p.m. (Zoom)

Planning Commission public hearing: February 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Board of Supervisors public hearing: March 18 at 4:00 p.m.

Read the staff report

Burgundy Farm Country Day School, Inc.

RZ 2024-FR-00007 Concurrent with SE 2024-FR-00017

Planning Commission public hearing: February 5 at 7:30 p.m. (Read the staff report)

What do you see for the future of Fairfax?

The county’s new Plan Forward project is an important opportunity for residents to ensure updated Comprehensive Plan policies such as land use, housing, sustainability, and transportation enhance the quality of life for everyone in Fairfax.

Join an upcoming in-person or virtual meeting to learn more about Plan Forward and help shape the future of Fairfax. You can also share what you see for the future of Fairfax County along with other important feedback by answering the Plan Forward community survey.

Get meeting details and learn more about how you can Plan Forward for Fairfax: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/plan-amendments/countywide-policy-plan-update.

Residents are encouraged to meet in-person at the Franconia District Governmental Center to participate in the upcoming virtual community meetings. Staff from the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development (DPD) will be in attendance on both dates to address questions and receive comments from those who attend in-person. Plan to arrive early.

Franconia District Community Virtual Meetings:

Monday 2/10 12-1PM

Join the meeting now

Call-in Number: 571-429-5982

Conference ID: 961 053 309#

Thursday 2/13 7-8PM

Join the meeting now

Call-in Number: 571-429-5982

Conference ID: 224 253 588#

Items of Note at the Board

Looking ahead to the upcoming Board of Supervisors meeting next week on February 4th, the Board of Supervisors will be considering a few items of note for Franconia residents. For full details of the Board agenda and information on all items, view the Board package.

Administrative - 1 Authorization to Advertise a Public Hearing on the Acquisition of Certain Land Rights Necessary for the Construction of Cinder Bed Road Bikeway (from Newington Road to Barry Road)

This item will authorize a future public hearing on March 4^th at the Board of Supervisors meeting regarding land rights needed for three properties on Cinder Bed Road. Per the item, “This project is to provide a bikeway (shared use path/trail) between Newington Road and the Franconia - Springfield Metro Station. It will install a shared use path on Cinder Bed Road, starting at Newington Road, connecting with the existing trail through the Fairfax County Park Authority property, and ending the existing trail at the Metro station at the end of Berry Road. The project includes two pedestrian bridges along the bikeway path.”

Administrative - 5 Authorization for the Fairfax County Department of Transportation to Apply for Grant Funding from the United States Department of Transportation’s FY 2025 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Discretionary Grant Program

This item will authorize the Fairfax County Department of Transportation to apply for $68.2 million in grant funding for three projects from the US Department of Transportation through their BUILD Discretionary Grant Program. One of the three projects is the Richmond Highway BRT project where we have requested $25 million.

Public Hearing on a Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment Re: Special Events and Food Trucks

The proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments would institute several changes to regulations of special events and food trucks. You can read the full proposed changes on the Board Package starting on page 49. If you wish to testify, you can find information on how to do so here.

February is Black History Month

Click on the image to view the flyer.

February is Black History Month. Every week, the Lusk Report will include Black History Month events around Fairfax County.

World Wetlands Day 50th Anniversary Walk

February 2nd, 1 to 3 p.m. Celebrate Huntley Meadows Park's 50th anniversary with a presentation about the history of environmentalism and a naturalist-guided walk through the forested trails and wetland boardwalk. Registration is $9. Register.

Stuff the Bus

Click on the image to view the flyer.

Stuff the Bus began in 2011 in response to a critical need to help restock the shelves of local food pantries after the holidays. This collaborative program is a partnership between Fairfax County Government and local nonprofits.

Springfield: February 1

Giant (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.) 6364A Springfield Plaza, Springfield, VA 22150

To benefit Koinonia

Hybla Valley: February 8

Giant (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) 6800 Richmond Highway, Alexandria VA 22306

To benefit United Community

Healthy Habits to Help Protect Against Respiratory Viruses

Respiratory illness levels have increased to moderate in the Fairfax Health District. The Respiratory Illness Dashboard displays trends in respiratory illnesses in the Fairfax Health District, including COVID-19, flu (influenza), and RSV. Data from emergency departments (ED) and urgent care (UC) centers is being used to track how many people are visiting these providers for respiratory illnesses. These data help us see how respiratory illnesses are affecting our community over time.

Stay up to date with the immunizations that are recommended for you to lower your risk of getting sick or very sick.

Panhandling in Fairfax County

Lately, my office has been receiving phone calls and emails from residents who are concerned about panhandling in the area. Many residents I have spoken to ask if the Board can simply ban panhandling on medians in Fairfax County. In 2022, the Board of Supervisors received a report from County staff which evaluated the Board’s authority to regulate panhandling. They stated in that report back to the Board:

“[Several Court decisions determined that] local ordinances regulating activities on medians for public safety reasons must be backed by some sort of empirical evidence documenting the public safety problems, such as traffic studies and accident statistics, and be limited in scope to those areas where the problems exist. Local and state governments have experienced great difficulty meeting these burdens in court. Although panhandling may appear to be dangerous to pedestrians and motorists, actual traffic data does not necessarily support that view.”

Residents who reach out to us often report that the act of panhandling itself is not the immediate concern but instead relates to other behavior, such as blocking traffic or showing aggressive behavior. Please report these instances as soon as possible to the non-emergency police line at (703) 691-2131, or, if you feel there is an immediate public safety emergency, please call 911. Officers will address the public safety issue at hand and will refer panhandlers to county services but cannot force them to accept those services.

Many people who panhandle need a variety of essential materials and assistance. This can include food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, behavioral health care and medical care.

You should also know that Fairfax County advises against offering money or supplies directly to panhandlers. If you wish to provide assistance, the county has developed a Human Services Handout that you can provide to panhandlers with information on how they can get help: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/topics/panhandling.

With my support, the Board of Supervisors has approved funding for a survey of panhandlers in Fairfax County to be conducted by an experienced contracted firm. Once completed, that survey will help us better understand who is panhandling in our county and why. That information will help guide us toward innovative and data-driven solutions. Learn more about panhandling in Fairfax County.

2025 General Assembly Legislative Session Town Hall

Join Senator Scott Surovell and Delegate Mark Sickles for a Town Hall on the 2025 General Assembly Legislative Session.

Reading Opens the World Book Drive and Family Literacy Fair

Click on the image to view the flyer.

Free Income Tax Preparation

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program is a national program sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to help families maximize their tax returns and avoid the fees businesses charge to prepare taxes. If you or your family earned less than $67,000 in 2024, you may qualify for this free service. In-person VITA services are available at several sites in Northern Virginia. Walk-ins are welcome, no appointments are needed. Learn more.

Boards, Authorities, and Commissions

Vacancies – Volunteer Your Time and Knowledge

Consider serving your community as a representative on a Board, Authority or Commission. I encourage you to send a statement of interest and your resume to franconia@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The following opportunities exist to serve the Franconia Community: