12.12.24

Dear Neighbor,

This week we broke ground on the Residences at Government Center II project, a new affordable housing community in front of the main Fairfax County Government Center.

One of the reasons I ran for the Board of Supervisors was my belief that we could make better use of the government center complex, including for affordable housing. That's why I have worked so hard to lead the effort to convert this underutilized parking lot to a place that 279 families will call home. I deeply appreciate the great work of all involved -- my colleagues on the Board, the Planning Commission, county staff, the development team, federal partners including Congressman Connolly, and more -- who helped us get to this point.

In addition to the 279 affordable units, the first-of-its-kind project will include a dedicated childcare facility affordable to low and moderate-income families, indoor and outdoor community space, solar panels, EV charging, and much more.

It will serve as a powerful symbol of our commitment to providing housing for residents of all income levels in every corner of our county and I look forward to welcoming 279 new families to the Braddock District. You can check out more about the groundbreaking from Channel 16.

Toys for Tots

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is participating in the 2024 Toys for Tots Campaign!

Drop off a new, unwrapped toy at any Fairfax County fire station until Sunday, December 15.

Fire departments in or around the Braddock District where toys can be dropped off include:

• Burke - Station 14 (9501 Old Burke Lake Road, Burke)
• Fairfax City South - Station 3 (4081 University Drive, Fairfax)
• Fairfax Center - Station 40 (4621 Legato Road, Fairfax)
• Fire & Rescue Headquarters (12099 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax)
• Springfield - Station 22 (7011 Backlick Road, Springfield)
• West Annandale - Station 23 (8914 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax)
• West Springfield - Station 27 (6140 Rolling Road, Springfield)

Safe Traffic Reminders

This time of the year can be an incredibly busy and stressful time for anyone, but that does not excuse letting up on road safety.

Whether you are walking, biking, or driving, keep in mind that safety is a two-way street - it's everyone's job.

Keep these safety tips in mind whether you're a driver, pedestrian, or biker:

• Stay Alert: Whether you’re behind the wheel or walking on the sidewalk, remain vigilant. Always keep an eye out for pedestrians, especially in busy areas. Do not drive distracted.
• Stay Visible: If you’re walking at night, carry a flashlight or use your phone’s flashlight to increase visibility. Wear bright or reflective clothing to make yourself more noticeable to drivers.
• Take Your Time: Rushing across the street can lead to crashes. Always take your time when crossing, even if it means waiting for a break in traffic or finding a well-lit area to cross safely.
• Mind Your Speed: Stick to the speed limit, particularly in areas with heavy foot traffic such as school zones or residential neighborhoods. Slowing down gives you more time to react to unexpected situations.
• Adapt to Conditions: When driving, exercise extra caution during challenging conditions like nighttime or inclement weather. Reduced visibility can make spotting pedestrians more difficult.
• Give Space: When passing cyclists or pedestrians, leave at least three feet of space to ensure their safety. Be patient and wait for a clear opportunity to pass safely.

It is better to arrive at a holiday event or special occasion a few minutes late – but safely – than to not arrive at all.

Yours in service,

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.

Continue reading below for more information on:

• Reduced Fee Vaccine & Microchip Clinics
• KPWCA Parks Cleanup
• Greater Long Branch Community's Annual Food Drive
• Car Seat Saturday
• Full Moon Nature Hike & Campfire
• Celebrate the Season with Climate-Friendly Gifts
• Keep Porch Pirates at Bay

Reduced Fee Vaccine

& Microchip Clinics

As part of Fairfax County Animal Shelter's (FCAS) Pet Resource Center, Fairfax County residents have an opportunity to vaccinate and microchip their pets without the cost of a veterinary exam.

All clinics are first-come first-served and are cash only. Clinics are held at the Michael R. Frey or the Lorton Campus.

The next clinic is on Friday, December 13, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the Lorton Campus (8875 Lorton Road, Lorton).



For more information on upcoming dates or details, visit the FCAS website.

KPWCA Parks Cleanup

The Kings Park West Civic Association will host a cleanup event on Saturday, December 14, from 9:00 - 9:30 a.m., beginning at the northwest corner of Roberts Road and Commonwealth Boulevard.

Volunteers will pick up trash surrounding Robinson Secondary School. Trash bags and grabbers will be distributed and time spent will count towards volunteer hours.

For more information on volunteering, email Kelley Newsad at parks@kpwca.org.

Greater Long Branch

Community's Annual Food Drive

The Greater Long Branch Community's Annual Food Drive is this Saturday, 14 December, from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Long Branch Swim & Racquet Club (9100 Burnetta Drive, Annandale).

Volunteers will receive donations and drop them off at Food for Others on Monday morning.

Needed items include:

• Oil
• Cereal
• Canned tomato products (crushed, peeled, diced, etc.), 4oz – 1 lb
• Rice, 16oz packages
• Spaghetti sauce, 14oz – 1 lb (ideally in cans instead of glass)
• Canned fruit (packed in fruit juice instead of syrup) 11oz – 20oz
• Dried or canned beans (black, kidney, pinto, etc.)
• Pasta
• Fruit juice (100% juice) 32oz – 64oz
• New or Clean Reusable Grocery Bags 8 ½ x 14 x 15
• Unopened disposable diapers for infants

The drive cannot accept:

• Perishable items
• Items that are more than 3 years expired
• Opened items
• Unlabeled food
• Homemade items
• Cooked food.

Car Seat Saturday

Get your child’s car seat inspected on Saturday, December 14, from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the West Springfield Police District Station (6140 Rolling Road, Springfield). No appointment is needed.

Car seats will be inspected on a first-come, first-served basis. When you arrive, go into the lobby, and you will be given further directions. A Child Passenger Safety technician will conduct all car seat inspections/installations. Be sure to install the safety seat yourself so the inspection can be conducted. The seat will be properly re-installed, if necessary, and you will learn how to install the seat properly in the future.

Contact MPO Tony Capizzi at anthony.capizzi@fairfaxcounty.gov or call (703) 277-2363 or email if you have questions. Car seat inspections are also available, by appointment, every Tuesday from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Call the station at (703) 644-7377, and press zero to make an appointment for those days.

Full Moon Nature Hike & Campfire

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) will host a Full Moon Nature Hike and Campfire this Sunday, December 15, at Lake Accotink Park (7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield).

Enjoy nature's tranquil beauty and the night sky under a full moon. Your naturalist guide points out signs of creatures that glide, fly, and tiptoe through the woods in the dark. Enjoy a campfire after the hike with s'mores provided. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Register today or learn more on FCPA's website.

Celebrate the Season

with Climate-Friendly Gifts

The holiday season is a special time to gather with loved ones, share laughter, and exchange heartfelt gifts. While you're wrapping up presents, you can also wrap your thoughts around how your choices can positively impact the planet and community. 

The Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination is all about going green! Read their blog for thoughtful and sustainable gift ideas to inspire your holiday shopping this year.

Keep Porch Pirates at Bay

As the holiday season kicks into high gear, millions of packages are shipped daily, especially after Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. With more shopping done online our homes are prime targets for porch pirates. The Fairfax County Police Department wants to help you keep your deliveries safe and secure.

Here are some tips to protect your packages:

• Track Your Shipments
• Sign up for delivery alerts to know exactly when your package is expected to arrive.
• Request Safe Delivery Locations
• Choose options like requiring a signature, delivering to a secure locker, or having a trusted neighbor pick them up if you’re not home.
• Install Security Cameras
• Cameras and doorbell systems can deter theft and help law enforcement identify suspects.
• Consider a Package Drop Box
• Lockable drop boxes provide a secure spot for deliveries.

If you become a victim of package theft, report it immediately by calling the Fairfax County Police Department’s non-emergency line at (703) 691-2131.