Working to Address Grass Overgrowth on Sidewalks and Medians with VDOT

In response to resident concerns caused by grass and weed overgrowth on VDOT-owned public spaces, such as medians and sidewalks, I am working together with Braddock District Supervisor Cook to fix the problem. VDOT decreased their mowing cycles per year from six to three in response to the 2008 recession and has not changed them back, even with increased state funding. Residents across the County have complained that the tall grass and vegetation is a traffic and public health hazard, both obstructing line of sight and providing an area for ticks and other disease-carrying pests to flourish. Supervisor Cook and I sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne and VDOT leadership in response to these concerns, asking that the unused funds set aside for plowing for last winter be instead used for mowing, rather than sit in a rainy day fund. I recently spoke with ABC 7 News about the issue and plan to continue working until it's solved. The interview is available here.