Dear Neighbor,

This month is Jewish American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the contributions and achievements of Jewish Americans and to stand up against antisemitism. This week is also Police Week, a national celebration started by President John F. Kennedy to honor the service and sacrifice of America's peace officers. This week, I hope we can all take a moment to thank our Fairfax County Police and Sheriffs, as well as the Virginia State Police Northern Virginia Division for their service to our community.

Earlier this week, the Board of Supervisors adopted the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget. This is a balanced budget, both literally and figuratively. It addresses skyrocketing real estate assessments by reducing the real estate tax rate by three cents and addresses skyrocketing used car values by establishing an 85% assessment ratio.

The budget also invests in high-quality services, raising pay for county employees, including public safety personnel, and establishing new incentives to improve retention. It maintains our commitment to creating new affordable housing and funds a pilot program to improve access to parks programs and recreational centers.

The Fairfax County Health Department continues to warn that COVID-19 infections are rising. Thankfully, hospitalizations continue to remain low due to the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines.

If you have not already, please get vaccinated for COVID-19, or get your first booster if eligible. A second COVID-19 booster is also available for some individuals. Please use the links below to determine your eligibility.

For information on vaccines and availability, please visit the Fairfax County Health Department and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' COVID-19 resource websites. If you have lost your vaccination record for COVID-19, you can find you record online, here.

Supervisor James Walkinshaw

The objective of the STARS (Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions) Program is to develop comprehensive, innovative transportation solutions to relieve congestion bottlenecks and solve critical traffic and safety challenges throughout the Commonwealth.

The Virginia Department of Transportation will be holding a virtual public information meeting on the Route 236 (Little River Turnpike) STARS Study tonight at 7:00 p.m. The study is focused on reviewing non-motorized safety conditions, transit, and access management. The potential projects are not currently funded. Fairfax County and VDOT will consider the future improvements and pursue funding.

The study has been assessing existing traffic and safety conditions along Route 236 and congestion that occurs during morning and evening peak periods. The study team solicited public input regarding corridor priorities during virtual public involvement from June to July last year. This feedback was used to help develop potential operational, safety and accessibility alternatives that will be evaluated and presented at a virtual public information meeting tonight. The public can complete the survey through May 31, 2022 to help develop potential operational, safety and accessibility alternatives.

If you have not already registered for this virtual meeting, you may do so at the following link: Virtual Public Information Meeting Registration.

VDOT is hosting public information meetings to provide information about the I-495 Southside Express Lanes study, and to seek public input.

Virtual Public Information Meeting

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (presentation at 7:00 p.m.)

Meeting number: 2429 565 9815

Password: 7TftMBpSr72

VDOT, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and other federal, state and local agencies in Virginia and Maryland, is conducting an environmental study to potentially extend the express lanes system on the southern section of I-95/I-495 (Capital Beltway), by 11 miles from the Springfield interchange (I-95/I-395/I-495) in Fairfax County, Virginia, across the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge, to the MD 210 interchange in Prince George’s County, Maryland. This location was identified in the Commonwealth Transportation Board’s adopted I-95 Corridor Improvement Plan as an area for additional study.

To learn more, visit the VDOT Webpage.

To help vehicle owners, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved 15% tax relief for personal property taxes as part of their FY 2023 budget mark-up Tuesday. This action provides for almost $98 million in tax relief in total for vehicle owners. Vehicle owners will see the 15% assessment reduction automatically incorporated into their personal property tax bills that will be mailed in July. As this relief will already be applied, taxpayers won’t see a separate line on their bill that shows the reduction.

In addition to the approved 15% assessment reduction, seniors and people with disabilities may also apply for personal property tax relief. To qualify, residents must meet income and net worth limits with a $75,000 cap on total net assets as of Dec. 31, 2021.

Vehicle owners may appeal their car’s assessment if it has high mileage, body damage or serious mechanical defects as of Jan 1. Learn more about how to file an appeal. While vehicle owners wait for the results of an appeal, they should still pay their tax bill by the Oct. 5 due date to avoid penalties and interest charges.

Norfolk Southern will perform extensive rail work between Broad Run and Alexandria. VRE has stated that the work could cause delays even with the adjusted schedule as modified service could be slower. The following lines will be affected and will cease operation for three weeks, starting on May 2:

Trains 321, 336 and 338;

Train 322 in the morning;

Train 325 midday;

Train 337 in the afternoon.

These trains will instead be replaced with five northbound trains in the morning and five southbound trains in the evening.

If you are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19, effective treatment is now available that can prevent illness from becoming worse leading to hospitalization and death. People who are more likely to get very sick include older adults, people with chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system, those who are overweight, and women who are pregnant.

An expert panel of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) identified Paxlovid (ritonavir boosted nirmatrelvir) as the preferred therapy with strong evidence supporting its use. In a randomized clinical trial, Paxlovid was 88% effective in preventing hospitalization or death from COVID-19 among high-risk patients. In that trial, there were no deaths among people who received Paxlovid compared with 12 deaths among those who received placebo.

Getting vaccinated and boosted are still the best ways to prevent a COVID-19 infection, but if you are not vaccinated, these treatments can help abate the symptoms of COVID-19. To learn more about effective COVID-19 treatments, please visit the Fairfax County Emergency Blog.

Please be sure to check the Fairfax County Health Department’s vaccine page and the Emergency Information Blog frequently, as information will be updated there regularly.

For more COVID-19 Information:

Contact the Health Department COVID-19 Call Center during business hours Monday-Friday at 703-267-3511.

Text FFXCOVID to 888777 to receive updates from Fairfax County about COVID-19; text FFXCOVIDESP to 888777 for updates in Spanish.

Email questions or concerns to ffxcovid@fairfaxcounty.gov. This email account will be staffed Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Currently, OLLI Mason membership is available to new members at an incredible value. They are offering a $300 special promotion rate for those who purchase an annual membership during their summer 2022 term, 6/21—7/29, so act now! Priority registration runs from 5/23—6/1. Curious about OLLI class offerings or want more information about the organization? At no cost to you, please visit the OLLI George Mason University YouTube channel. You can view a sample of their recent, fantastic class offerings. You can find more information about OLLI Mason on their website or by emailing the administrator at olli@gmu.edu.

Registration: Register Online

Registration: Register Online

Want to participate in rewarding work this summer? Therapeutic Recreation Services is now filling openings for our 2022 Summer Camp programs that provide fun and support for school-aged children and teens with varying disabilities. Join Neighborhood Community Services via Zoom on May 16 from 4:00- 6:00 p.m. by registering here.

This year Supervisor Walkinshaw will be hosting a new event! The inaugural Braddock Bark will take place on June 12 at Lake Accotink Park.

This will be a first-of-its-kind opportunity for Braddock residents with – or in search of – a furry friend to get information and giveaways from local vendors, pet organizations, and County services. It will also feature activities, presentations, and contests. Additional details on this event will be released in the Braddock Beacon and on social media.

Following two recent armed robberies related to online marketplace purchases, the Fairfax County Police Department would like the public to know that resources are available for in-person exchanges of goods purchased online. The Sully District, Mount Vernon District, Reston District, and West Springfield District Police Stations offer exchange zones for the sale of online merchandise in their parking lots. If you are unable to conduct an exchange there, follow the safety tips below: 

As Fairfax County enters mosquito season, the Board of Supervisors has recognized May as Fight the Bite Awareness Month. Check the County News Center for a Field Guide to Battle Mosquitoes.

Work will begin under the Fairfax County Department of Health to mitigate mosquito overpopulation. This work will be done in a way adherent to EPA standards and will make an effort to maintain a vibrant pollinating population. Check the Health Department website for a list of Frequently Asked Questions about their approach to mosquito control.

If you need any mosquito removal tools for your personal use, consider coming to the Braddock District Office for free mosquito dunks that are non-toxic to humans and pets, but will help control your residential mosquito problem.

Did you know the West Springfield District Station covers over 66 square miles, has over 200,000 community members, 40 public schools, 70 houses of worship, around 110 police officers, and ten different patrol areas? If you would like to know more about the district, crime prevention, or just have questions, join MPO Tony Capizzi on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. for a community meeting. If you have any questions before the meeting, contact MPO Tony Capizzi at 703-277-2363.

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