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2.27.25
Dear Neighbor,
February is Black History Month and I wanted to share the story of a community leader who made a tremendous impact on the Braddock District and Fairfax County, James Goins.
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James Milton "Jim" Goins was a resident of the historic Sideburn community, an African American settlement that developed along Zion Drive after the Civil War. Goins founded the Sideburn Civic Association and successfully fought to bring water and sewer infrastructure to the community. He organized the development of the David R. Pinn Community Center and acquired funding to build affordable housing for minorities in the Sideburn area. Goins’ activism earned him numerous awards and the nickname “Godfather of Zion Drive.”
Goins was born on September 4, 1918, in the Sideburn section of Fairfax County. His father died when he was three. Goins’ mother, a cook for a wealthy white family, purchased the land at 10133 Zion Drive where he lived most of his adult life. He attended school in Washington, D.C., leaving after graduation from junior high school in favor of work. Goins married Annie Jeffrey and they had four children.
He worked several different jobs during his career and served in the Navy during World War II, earning the American Theater Ribbon and the Victory Medal before being honorably discharged in 1946. He remained in the Navy Reserves until 1954 and worked for two more decades upon his return home.
His career as a community activist began in the 1960s when the Fairfax County Health Department was condemning houses as "unsanitary" to force Black residents to sell their land. None of the homes had water or sewer lines and used either wells, septic tanks, or outside toilets. In an interview, Goins said, “I was born next door to this house and when I saw these developers coming in here making Blacks sell their land and forcing us out, I got mad. We’ve been in this Sideburn area for over 100 years.” This was the beginning of several decades of lobbying by Goins and the Sideburn Civic Association, of which he was president, for infrastructure improvements for their community. The threat of a lawsuit claiming racial discrimination brought their first success, with the County eventually providing full water and sewer hookups for the community.
Many of the homes in the area were little more than “shacks,” so Goins set about fixing the problem. He worked to find funds for remodeling and indoor construction through gifts, loans, and public funds. He found pre-fab houses at Fort Belvoir that the Army no longer wanted and moved them onto the land owned by neighbors. He believed the community had to take action to get what they needed.
His next goal was the establishment of a Sideburn recreation center for the children. He persuaded the local Black aid organization to deed 15 acres they owned to the Sideburn Civic Association and then lobbied the Board of Supervisors for months until they came up with the funds to construct what was named the David R. Pinn Memorial Center, named for a formerly enslaved person.
In 1977, Goins set out to create a new category of subsidized housing for minorities. At Goins’ repeated urging, the Fairfax County Housing Authority gave the Sideburn Civic Association $360,500 in federal block grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to purchase 11 acres of land between Sideburn and Guinea Roads, near Zion Road. His goal was to create opportunities for people who had grown up in the community to buy their own homes. Regrettably, nearly all of the members of the local Black community were unable to qualify for the loans or meet the downpayment. The Virginia Housing Authority set aside ten of the 37 units for African Americans and 27 for other minorities, with all buyers chosen in a lottery. Although the housing development didn’t meet Goins’ personal goal, Goins Manor was still a success in creating affordable housing for minorities.
For his work, Jim Goins was recognized with numerous awards:
- 1978 Fairfax County Citizen of the Year
- 1978 United Black Fund Award for outstanding leadership in the community
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1980 The Washington Star newspaper annual trophy for County Citizen of the Year
- Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations’ Citizen of the Year
- 1988 Outstanding Volunteer of Northern Virginia
- 1988 Governor’s Award for Volunteering Excellence
By the time he died on July 19, 1990, Jim Goins had spent several decades fighting for improvements for his community earning the nickname “Godfather of Zion Drive” with the younger residents of the area and “Mayor of Zion Drive” with the adults.
This article was based on a variety of historical articles and records, including recent research conducted by the Commonwealth Preservation Group. A historical marker commemorating Jim Goins and recognizing his contributions to the community will be installed on Zion Drive in early 2026.
Real Estate Assessments
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2025 real estate assessments are now available.
Homeowners will receive a copy in the mail, or you can find your assessment online. The Department of Tax Administration has developed a useful tool for residents to see how their neighborhoods’ home values have changed from last year to this year. Click here to view the map.
It's important to note that Virginia law requires homes to be assessed at fair market value, which is not set by the Board. Assessments are based on sales that took place throughout calendar year 2024. On the County website, you can view comparable home sales in your neighborhood. Due to the significant increase in housing prices from 2023 to 2024, and relatively high mortgage rates holding at just under 7 percent, the number of homes sold in 2024 only increased marginally, despite a greater number of homes available on the market.
On average, countywide residential real estate assessments are up by an average of 6.65%, with the average assessment for all homes at $794,235. In the Braddock District, median home values were up by 7.02%. Some neighborhoods saw increases of 10% or more.
If you'd like to learn more about how the assessments are calculated, you can visit the Department of Tax Administration (DTA)'s page.
If you believe that your real estate is incorrectly assessed, you can file an appeal through DTA. Real estate assessment administrative appeals must be submitted by April 1. Real estate appeals can also be filed with the Board of Equalization, due on June 2.
Community Meetings
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Are you a member of a homeowners association (HOA), civic association (CA), parent teacher association (PTA), parent teacher organization (PTO), community organization, or a leader of a scout troop/den leader in the Braddock District? Many neighborhoods and organizations are beginning to plan for their annual meetings. I’d welcome the opportunity to provide an update on important local issues, hear any concerns your community might have, and answer your questions. I also meet frequently with scout troops and dens to talk about local government and civic engagement!
Contact us at braddock@fairfaxcounty.gov if you’d like me to attend an upcoming meeting of your organization.
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Supervisor James R. Walkinshaw | |
Please share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors. If this email was forwarded to you, consider subscribing to receive Braddock District news and updates. | |
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Continue reading below for more information on:
- Braddock District Budget Town Hall
- LLI March Forum
- Consumer Affairs Day
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Walk for Awareness
- Resources for Federal Employees
- Animal Shelter Needs Your Towels!
- Statewide Spring Burn Ban is Active
- Scam Tracking Site Launched
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Braddock District Budget Town Hall | |
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Share your thoughts, ideas, questions, and concerns about the County budget before it is adopted in May.
The Braddock District Budget Town Hall is on Tuesday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m. with Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw and County Executive Bryan Hill.
You can watch the town hall three different ways:
Do you have a question to submit for the town hall?
The Board will also be hosting a series of Budget Public Hearings from April 22-24 at the Government Center. We want to hear from residents and encourage you to sign up to speak in person, by video, or by phone at one of the three meetings.
The County has expanded the methods for residents to offer feedback on the Budget, you can share your comments using these methods:
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The Lifetime Learning Institute (LLI) invites you to their virtual March forum to hear Dr. Richard Forno, Assistant Director at the Center for Cybersecurity at the University of Maryland. Dr. Forno will talk about best practices to keep yourself safe online.
Dr. Forno has a strong interest in the influence of technology on national security, individuals, and global society.
The virtual program will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 5, and is open to the public. Register for the link or read more on LLI's website.
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Consumer Protection week is March 2-8.
Visit tables from various organizations including the Virginia Department of Unclaimed Property, AARP and several county agencies at Consumer Affairs Day on Thursday, March 6, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. in the lobby of the Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax).
See the full schedule for Consumer Protection Week.
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Leukemia & Lymphoma
Society Walk for Awareness
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Join the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) for the LLS Walk for Awareness on Saturday, March 8, at 10:00 a.m. at the Ravensworth Farm Swim Club (5210 Inverchapel Road, Springfield).
Team Kick Cancer and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society invite you to Walk for Awareness and help raise $50,000 to support blood cancer research and patient care.
The route is 3 miles along the Cross County Trail. Show your support and make a difference in the fight against cancer! Visit LLS's website or email Chris Lee for more information.
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Resources for Federal Employees | |
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Fairfax Launches Resource and Service Site
Thousands of County residents and their families will likely be affected by the federal government’s plan to significantly downsize the federal workforce and budget. The County has a variety of resources and services that can help former federal employees, contractors and anyone else affected by job loss.
Fairfax County Economic Development Authority
As the employment landscape is shifting in the Greater Washington region, there is a job for everyone in Northern Virginia – your skills and experience are valuable, and companies are looking to hire YOU.
Actions to Take to Find a Job and Get Hired:
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Browse 90,000+ open positions with companies currently looking to hire YOU in Northern Virginia.
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Visit your local Virginia Career Works Career Center or make a virtual appointment.
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Connect with Fairfax County’s One-stop Employment Resources Center services.
Join a Weekly Webinar to Stay Informed
Fairfax County Economic Development Authority will host a free, weekly webinar designed to connect job seekers with the resources they need to find a job in Northern Virginia. Whether you are looking for a job or supporting displaced staff, these sessions are packed with valuable insights on actions to take to get re-employed. View how to register here.
Federal Representatives
Each member of Fairfax County's Congressional Delegation has provided access to resources, including the opportunity for federal employees to anonymously report abuses of power, review employment rights/civil service law, and understand whistleblower protections. If you or someone you know is a federal employee, review and share these resources, and subscribe to your federal representatives’ newsletters to stay informed.
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Senator Mark Warner
Senator Tim Kaine
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Congressman Don Beyer
Congressman Gerry Connolly
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Animal Shelter Needs Your Towels! | |
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The Fairfax County Animal Shelter (FCAS) needs towel donations, especially hand towels, which are used daily to help keep pets cozy and cared for.
If you have any towels to spare, donations can be dropped off at either shelter location:
- Lorton Campus (8875 Lorton Road, Lorton)
- Michael R. Frey Campus (4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax)
Read more about donating on FCAS' website.
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Statewide Spring Burn Ban is Active | |
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The Virginia Department of Forestry's statewide burning law, which prohibits outdoor burning between midnight and 4:00 p.m., is in effect until April 30.
Violation of the burning law is a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable with a fine of up to $500. Those who allow a fire to escape may be liable for suppression costs and any resulting property damage.
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Scam Tracking Site Launched | |
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It is impossible to list all of the known scams in one place, but being aware of current scams, and well-known warning signs, can help keep you, your information, and your money safe.
Fairfax County has launched a website to keep track of scams reported locally.
The best way to defend yourself from scams is by being alert. Stay aware of current scams and know the common warning signs. Experts recommend you pause and verify the situation if you encounter any of the following:
- Anyone looking for payment in gift cards or money cards
- Cashier’s checks in exchange for you sending payment elsewhere
- Sending money by wire transfer
- Anyone asking for your credit card number, login information, or other personal details
- Direct links and phone numbers in emails, letters or texts
- Pressure to respond immediately
Sometimes just taking an extra five minutes to verify the situation can save the day. When in doubt, disconnect and go to the source directly. If you suspect something may be a scam, you can visit Fairfax's new website or call the police non-emergency number at (703) 691-2131.
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Slam the Scam Day is March 6
On National Slam the Scam Day and throughout the year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) gives you the tools to recognize Social Security-related scams and stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information.
Help protect your loved ones and people in your community this Slam the Scam Day by:
- Learning about the latest scams. Information can empower you to recognize a scam. Signs of a scam include:
- An unexpected problem or offer of a prize or benefit increase,
- Pressure to act immediately, and
- A request for an unusual payment like cryptocurrency, gift cards, gold bars, and wire transfers, even with the promise of keeping your money “safe.”
- Reporting scams as soon as possible. Victims shouldn’t be embarrassed if they shared personal information or suffered a financial loss. We are all vulnerable.
- Sharing SSA’s Scam Alert factsheet and helping educate others about how to protect themselves.
Report Social Security-related scams to the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
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