The McKay Messenger

  

 

I had a great time at our recent ribbon cutting for turf fields at Edison High School on April 10.  Thanks to all who attended.  I worked hard to get proffer dollars (developer donations to offset impacts of growth) allocated towards paying for the fields. It took a lot of coordination with the School Board, the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, Edison High School staff, and the Edison Booster Club to make this dream a reality. But the work is not done. There are still high schools in South County that need their facilities upgraded to turf fields. We are currently working to turf the fields at Hayfield, Mount Vernon, and West Potomac High Schools, as well. The work has been a long time coming and is critical to ensure all of our high schools in Lee District are on a level playing field with the rest of the County.

 

The first is the Route One Multimodal Alternatives Analysis, a year-long study with a goal of enhancing mobility along a 15-mile segment of Route One between Route 123 in Woodbridge and the Huntington Metro Station. Based on staff evaluation and community input, the study team will recommend improvements that could include bus rapid transit (BRT), light rail transit (LRT), extended Metrorail service, roadway widening, and restructured pedestrian/bicycle pathways and facilities.

 

I hope the study reaches a conclusion that can be incorporated quickly in the corridor. It is crucial that we make changes today to improve congestion immediately. A sole recommendation that will take 30-plus years is a non-starter for me. We need at least a temporary fix to relieve the amount of cars and improve safety on Route One as soon as possible.

 

You can learn more about the study and weigh in on your hopes for the future of the corridor here. The recommended alternative will be presented at the final public meeting this summer. 

 

I am also pleased to report that after 20 years of planning, the long awaited Route One widening improvement project is finally getting underway. The project will widen the 3.5 mile stretch of Route One from Telegraph Road to Mount Vernon Memorial Highway from four to six lanes. Construction is expected to be completed in June 2016 and will include bike, pedestrian, and future transit accommodations.

 

There may be some growing pains to go through while the roadway is under construction, but once completed, it will be well worth it. Click here for more information on the widening project.

Whether it's a suspicious person trolling the neighborhood, a mailbox that's been vandalized, or a stolen bicycle, all crimes matter to the Fairfax County Police Department.

 

For that reason, the Fairfax County Police Department recently unveiled a newly updated online reporting system so residents can document non-emergency crimes in their communities. 

 

Although the police department has had online reporting capacity for almost a decade, a new, more user-friendly system is now ready for use. It is important to remember that no crime is too insignificant to report and that, often, these figures and incidents are used by crime analysts to detect trends and implement proactive, preventive measures.

 

Residents may use the system to report crimes at any time. They will be given a report number and may use it for insurance purposes. If appropriate, an officer will notify and or respond to the complainant.

 

Use the online reporting system to report the following non-emergency crimes/incidents: 

• Bicycle theft
• Larceny/theft under $5,000
• Telephone harassment/threats
• Trespassing
• Lost property
• Civil disputes
• Unoccupied hit & run crashes
• Solicitor violations
• Destruction of private property/vandalism
• Larceny/theft from motor vehicles or parts
• Suspicious persons/vehicles

 You can view the new online reporting system here.

 

Spring is here and with its arrival comes the most active grass-growing season of the year. Uncut grass cannot be higher than 12 inches on developed residential properties that are half an acre or less. (Other rules apply to undeveloped and commercial properties). 

 

Based on complaints, the county may have tall grass at a home cut at the homeowner's expense, and this may take 30 days or more once a complaint is received. From now until mid-October, you can report grass that needs attention to the Department of Code Compliance through this link, by calling them at 703-324-1300, or by contacting my office.

Thank you for subscribing to my monthly e-newsletter. I hope these updates will keep you in the loop with some of the major events in our District.

If you'd like to learn more about something in the newsletter or have an idea for a future edition, please don't hesitate to contact me or my staff.

  

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