From Supervisor Foust: Dranesville Dispatch

This issue contains information about many countywide issues, including an introduction to Fairfax County's new County Executive, Bryan Hill, a look ahead at the FY 2019 budget, information about the Fairfax County Police Department's pilot body camera program, how to request a refund if you prepaid your taxes, and more. Updates on local items, such as the Turner Farm Master Plan revision process, McLean area traffic concerns, and land use cases are included as well.

To help you contend with the cold weather we have been experiencing, this issue includes information from VDOT, FCDOT, Fairfax Water, and Dominion Energy to help you stay safe during inclement weather. There is also information about the County's Hypothermia Prevention Program and how to help those in need.

In addition to the Dranesville Dispatch and monthly Happenings newsletters, I regularly share information online via social media. Follow me on Twitter (johnfoustva) and on Facebook (dranesvillesupervisor) to stay up to date on what's going on in Dranesville and Fairfax County.

As always, I appreciate your thoughts on how to best serve you and all residents of the Dranesville community, and I welcome the opportunity to speak with your civic group or homeowners association. Please contact my office if you have questions, concerns, or to set up a meeting. It is my honor to serve you.

John

DRANESVILLE AND COUNTY NEWS

Introducing Bryan Hill, Fairfax County's New County Executive

Bryan Hill began his job as County Executive

on January 2, having been appointed by the Board of Supervisors on November 2, 2017. Mr. Hill comes to Fairfax County from James City County, Virginia, where he was Administrator and Clerk to its Board of Supervisors.

Prior to his work for James City County, Mr. Hill spent seven years with Beaufort County, South Carolina, as deputy county administrator. At James City County, Hill was responsible for oversight of staff, major infrastructure projects, economic development, transportation initiatives and the development and implementation of the county's first strategic plan. He recently led the realignment of the county's debt portfolio, which resulted in AAA ratings from each of the three major bond rating agencies.

One of Mr. Hill's first major undertakings will be proposing the FY 2019 advertised budget. Mr. Hill will present his first advertised budget to the Board on February 20.

Supervisor Foust said, "I look forward to working with Bryan. His experience and forward thinking make him a great asset to our team."

Mr. Hill succeeds Ed Long who retired on September 15, 2017 after 40 years of service with Fairfax County.

Fairfax County FY 2019 Budget Insight from Supervisor Foust

Adopting a budget that adequately funds essential services and is sensitive to the burden on taxpayers is never easy. Continuing impacts from sequestration, slow job growth, weak commercial real estate markets and uncertainty about U.S. fiscal policy and tax reform will make the Board's job challenging once again this year.

The County Executive will release his Advertised Budget to Board members, County staff, and the public on February 20, 2018. The Board will authorize the proposed tax rate on March 6, 2018, hold public hearings on the advertised budget from April 8 through 10, 2018, and will adopt the tax rate and FY 2019 budget on May 1, 2018.

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Superintendent Scott Brabrand released his proposed budget on January 11, 2018. It includes a 4.9% increase, or $96 million, over what the County provided to the schools last year. Even after the investments made in teacher pay in recent budgets, Fairfax County Public Schools teachers are still paid below the market average. Closing that pay gap is key to recruiting and retaining great teachers, and it will again be a major budget priority for the Board of Supervisors and the School Board.

For an overview of how the County develops and approves the annual budget, watch the short video, How Our Budget is Built.

As I have done each year, I will again join citizen groups to host public meetings in Dranesville to discuss the Advertised Budget. Details for the meetings are included below:

Dranesville District Budget Public Meetings

McLean Area with the McLean Citizens Association

Monday, March 5, 7:30 p.m.

McLean High School, Cafeteria

1633 Davidson Road, McLean

Great Falls Area with the Great Falls Citizens Association

Monday, March 12, 7:30 p.m.

Great Falls Library

9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls

For more information on the County budget, visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dmb/.

Northern Virginia in the Running for Amazon's Second Headquarters

Amazon has announced that Northern Virginia is on the short list as a potential location for its second headquarters (HQ2). There were 238 proposals submitted to Amazon last year. Amazon's top 20 picks include Toronto, Columbus, Indianapolis, Chicago, Denver, Nashville, Los Angeles, Dallas, Austin, Boston, New York City, Newark, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Montgomery County, Washington D.C., Northern Virginia, Raleigh, Atlanta, and Miami.

Supervisor Foust said, "Northern Virginia's inclusion on Amazon's short list of potential locations for HQ2 is great news for the entire region. I look forward to working with County staff and our regional partners to highlight the strengths of our location as Amazon makes its decision."

Amazon expects to invest over $5 billion in construction and to bring as many as 50,000 high-paying jobs to its new headquarters. In addition to Amazon's direct hiring and investment, construction and ongoing operation of HQ2 is expected to create tens of thousands of additional jobs and tens of billions of dollars in additional investment in the surrounding community.

Police Auditor Report

The Independent Police Auditor released the first public incident report on December 29, 2017. The complete report is available online at http://bit.ly/2FGRLTF.

The mission of the Independent Police Auditor, appointed by the Board of Supervisors in February 2017, is to bolster trust between the citizens of Fairfax County and the Fairfax County Police Department by providing accountability, fairness, transparency and trust in the complaint system and investigative process. The Independent Police Auditor also provides an accessible, safe, impartial, and responsive intake venue for complaints against the Fairfax County Police Department and its employees.

More information about the Independent Police Auditor is available online at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/policeauditor/ and in the following video: http://bit.ly/2mi2mLW.

Fairfax County Police Department Body Camera Program

The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) will launch a pilot body worn camera program this spring, following unanimous approval from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on November 21, 2017. This pilot program will be conducted with all operational uniformed patrol officers from two district stations, Mount Vernon and Mason. The program will last for three months, with the option to extend it to six months.

The use of body worn cameras was one of the recommendations from the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission Final Report published in 2015. The pilot body worn camera program is designed to provide the Department with the opportunity to review police-community member encounters as they occur, as well as provide an additional degree of safety for officers as they patrol the streets.

Cameras will be worn on the outside of the officer's uniform or ballistic vest on a full-time basis to evaluate the technical merits of the software and equipment. The 230 cameras that will be tested offer various features and mounts to capture the details of police-community member encounters without compromising the officer's job tasks or safety. Prior to being issued the equipment, all officers will receive training.

In addition to the technical evaluation of the equipment, FCPD is partnering with researchers to evaluate the effects of the pilot body worn camera program on use of force statistics, the number of community member complaints, changes in policing activities and the community members' assessment of police legitimacy. The analysis is expected to cover statistics and community member feedback over a 270-day span in order to assess the impacts prior to, during, and following the pilot program window.

There are several circumstances and locations where FCPD officers will not record, including when in courthouses and medical facilities. In both of those instances, the camera should only be turned on if use of force is anticipated or initiated. In addition, officers will not record if community members are reporting a crime and request anonymity, or if they are giving a statement in an alleged rape or sexual assault.

All requests for body worn camera footage should be referred to the Media Relations Bureau's Virginia Freedom of Information (FOIA) Compliance Section ( FCPDFOIA@fairfaxcounty.gov) for proper processing.

More information is available online at http://bit.ly/2jNMxPD.

Need a Refund for Prepaid County Taxes?

Did you prepay your 2018 County real estate and/or personal property taxes? Do you need a refund? The Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration (DTA) needs to hear from you to process a refund. Send an email request to DTA at Refunds@fairfaxcounty.gov and provide the following information:

Date paid
Amount paid
Payment method (i.e., wire transfer, check, cash, etc.)
Taxpayer name
Taxes prepaid (i.e., real estate, personal property)
Parcel ID or personal property number

DTA is handling a large volume of refund requests and is working to refund requests in the order in which they are received. DTA expects to provide refunds in an average of three weeks.

McLean Area Regional Traffic Concerns Update

In response to the concerns of residents throughout the McLean area, Supervisor Foust has been working with Delegate Kathleen Murphy, Senator Barbara Favola, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT), and Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) on options for addressing the backups and cut-through traffic caused by the lack of sufficient capacity on the American Legion Bridge.


	Completed shoulder pull-off area.

Community members submitted numerous recommendations for addressing the traffic challenges in McLean, specifically near the intersection of Georgetown Pike and Balls Hill Road. VDOT and FCDOT are reviewing each suggestion and several have been implemented since the September community meeting about these issues was held. VDOT has completed the construction of a pull-off area on the north side of Georgetown Pike between Balls Hill Road and the Beltway ramp so that police can safely enforce traffic violations, such as "blocking the box" and illegal u-turns. The police have issued approximately 200 tickets since enforcement began in early December 2017.

Other recommendations will continue to be evaluated with help and input from the community. An Advisory Group, comprised of residents living in impacted areas, has been formed to work closely with Supervisor Foust's office, VDOT, and FCDOT staff, act as representatives of the community, and review staff recommendations and share updates with their neighbors. In addition, the Advisory Group will consider how making traffic changes or transportation improvements on specific streets might have unintended consequences on other streets in the area. The Advisory Group is tasked with looking at the issues through a regional lens, with a goal of finding ways to mitigate the traffic concerns while minimizing negative impacts on the entire regional area. The first meeting of the Advisory Group was held on January 17. The group will continue to meet monthly.

The ultimate long term solution to the area's traffic problems will require support and leadership from Maryland. Last year, Governor Hogan revealed that building a new American Legion Bridge is one of his top transportation priorities. In addition, he proposed a $9 billion project to ease traffic congestion that includes adding four new lanes to the Maryland side of the Capital Beltway, Interstate 270, and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. The plan also calls for the addition of new express toll lanes on all three of the routes. Though this is a promising step in the right direction, this type of project will require public and private cooperation and extensive analysis and public input.

Updates about this effort are available online at http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/northernvirginia/mclean_traffic_analysis.asp.

Community Service Minded Residents Encouraged to Run for Seats on
the McLean Community Center's 2018-2019 Governing Board

Nominating Petitions Available Now

The McLean Community Center (MCC) is seeking candidates to run for seats on its 2018-2019 Governing Board. The board provides oversight and guidance for MCC programs and facilities, which include the Robert Ames Alden Theatre and The Old Firehouse Center. The MCC is an agency of Fairfax County Government. While the MCC's Ingleside Avenue facility is closed for renovation, the temporary administrative office is located at 6631 Old Dominion Drive.

To run for a seat on the 11-member board, a candidate must reside in the MCC's tax district (Small District 1A-Dranesville). To have their names placed on election ballots, candidates are required to obtain the signatures of 10 McLean tax district residents in their respective categories (either adult or youth). Petition packets are available at the temporary administrative office.

Three adult positions and two youth positions are open this year. The three adult candidates who receive the three highest vote counts will serve three-year terms. Youth members will serve one-year terms. Adult candidates must be at least 18 years of age as of McLean Day (Saturday, May 19). Youth candidates must be 15 to 17 years of age as of McLean Day. One youth member will be elected from the McLean High School boundary area and one will be elected from the Langley High School boundary area. Youth candidates are not required to attend either school, but they must reside in the boundary areas served by one of the schools as defined by Fairfax County Public Schools.

Residents can cast their votes via absentee ballot or in person on McLean Day, May 19, 2018.

For more information on the MCC Governing Board Elections, call the Center at 703-790-0123, TTY: 711, or visit the Center's website: http://bit.ly/2ix7qc1.

Turner Farm Park Master Plan Update

Great Falls

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is currently working to update the master plan for Turner Farm Park. Classified as a Countywide Park, Turner Farm Park
provides a unique opportunity for County residents to understand the County's agrarian past and Cold War history, to observe the night sky, and enjoy equestrian facilities. The main purpose of the master plan revision is to incorporate the three parcels added to the park since the previous master plan was approved and to allow for the Resident Curator Program use, which will provide a tenant to care for the historic Turner Farm House. The revision also includes improvements to the unique astronomy and equestrian services at Turner Farm Park.

A public comment meeting was held in October 2017 to present the draft conceptual plan to the community and garner feedback. On January 24, 2018, the Park Authority Board approved the Turner Farm Park Master Plan Revision, with minor edits based on comments received during the open comment period that followed the October meeting. The approved master plan is available for viewing online at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/planning-development/turnerfarm.

With approval of the master plan, the necessary next steps for implementation of the Resident Curator Program can move forward. Updates will continue to be available online at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/planning-development/turnerfarm.

Park Authority Board Approves Park System Master Plan

Countywide

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved its first-ever Parks and Recreation System Master Plan at its meeting on December 13, 2017.

With a 10-year time horizon, the Great Parks, Great Communities Parks and Recreation System Master Plan will guide the agency to meet growing and changing community needs. This long-range, comprehensive park system master planning effort builds on the findings of the Parks Count! Needs Assessment that was completed in spring 2016.

The master plan is also an essential part of ensuring that the Park Authority achieves world class standards as required for re-accreditation by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA).

To read the final master plan, visit the Great Parks, Great Communities Parks and Recreation System Master Plan website at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/planning-development/fcpa-masterplan.

For more information, contact Project Manager Samantha Hudson at samantha.hudson@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-8726.

In Case of Snow

Tips from VDOT, Dominion Energy, Fairfax Water, Fairfax County, Town of Herndon

Though Fairfax County has not experienced any major snow events this year, the following are tips from several agencies to help you stay prepared in the future. Incorporate the information below into your routines during inclement weather to stay safe.

From the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT):

During a storm:

VDOT asks drivers to:

Adjust commutes to avoid driving during a storm and factor in additional travel time.
Continue to check weather forecasts, as storm timing and intensity can change. Pavement temperatures may drop below freezing, so drivers should exercise caution.
Reduce speeds and use headlights.
Be patient; remember that many fellow drivers are not comfortable driving in adverse weather conditions.
Take it slow on bridges, ramps, and overpasses, and other known trouble spots.
Ensure gas tanks and windshield wiper fluid tanks are full.

After a storm:

VDOT will begin to plow roadways after there is at least 2 inches of snow on the ground.
Crews will plow and treat interstates, major roads and neighborhoods concurrently.
Residents can enter their address at http://vdotplows.org to see the status of plowing in their neighborhood.
Snowplows cannot clear some residential streets when cars are parked on both sides. When snow is in the forecast, park your car in the driveway or work with your neighbors to park all vehicles along one side of the street.
Shovel your driveway after a snowplow passes and leave the last few feet at the curb until the street is plowed, as the truck will push some snow back. If you cannot wait, always shovel to your right when facing the street.
Chemicals are not used in subdivisions, but crews sand hills, curves and intersections to provide traction. For most storms, one snowplow pass, about eight to ten feet wide, is made.

Resources:

Check http://www.511virginia.org/ or the mobile app for traffic conditions and closures.
Follow @VaDOTNOVA on Twitter.
Report road problems: 1-800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623) or novainfo@vdot.virginia.gov.

From Dominion Energy:

In the event of power outages, Dominion customers are urged to contact the company using any mobile device at https://www.dom.com/ or by calling Dominion's toll free number, 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357).

Dominion also reminds its customers to stay away from downed wires. While some wires may not be electric lines, it is best to stay at least 30 feet back from downed wires and report these locations by calling (1-866-DOM-HELP).

From Fairfax Water:

If your water pipes or meter freezes, never try to thaw it with an open flame, torch, hair dryer or electrical equipment. Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water. Please contact Fairfax Water for assistance at 703-698-5800 during normal business hours or 703-698-5613 after-hours or during an emergency.

Resources:

Winter tips: http://www.fairfaxwater.org/current/winter_tips.htm.
Check for recent main breaks in their area: http://fwnotifications.org/public/.
Channel 16/FW video on preparing for winter: http://bit.ly/2r8Cnfm

From Fairfax County:

Neither VDOT nor the County clears snow and ice from public walkways (sidewalks and trails). While not legally obligated, residents and businesses are asked to help keep sidewalks safe, when possible, by clearing snow off the sidewalks in front of their property so that all pedestrians, especially school children, those with disabilities, and the elderly, may walk securely.

Homeowner associations may require members of their communities to clear the private walkways abutting their property. Residents should contact their association or property manager for further information.

Sign up to receive Fairfax Alerts at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/alerts/ for weather updates, traffic reports, and emergency alerts.

From the Town of Herndon:

The Town of Herndon's Department of Public Works (TOH DPW) is responsible for snow removal in the Town.

TOH DPW asks residents to:

Move cars off of streets so plows can get through. Vehicles parked on snow emergency routes or other streets as marked may be towed.
Bookmark the town's website, www.herndon-va.gov, as well as the Facebook page. Information on snow removal, including updates on where plows have been, will be posted. DPW's phone line at 703-435-6860 will provide recorded message updates (outgoing messages only). In an emergency, call 911.
Prepare to shovel sidewalks. The Town does not remove snow from residential or business sidewalks, except to facilitate pedestrian travel on select major routes and near schools.

For more information on Town of Herndon snow removal, visit http://www.herndon-va.gov/town-services/streets-snow-removal.

Hypothermia Prevention Program

The Hypothermia Prevention Program is an integral part of Fairfax County's efforts to prevent and end homelessness. By uniting the work of area faith communities, civic organizations, businesses, and individual volunteers, the program represents an example of collaborative effectiveness in serving the critical needs of those experiencing homelessness when they are in most danger of exposure to cold weather.

Each year, all three Fairfax County emergency shelters that serve single adults activate a "no-turn-away" policy from December 1 through March 31. "No-turn-away" is also implemented outside of that timeframe based on temperature and weather conditions. The Hypothermia Prevention Program operates in coordination with the regular emergency shelter programs and function in partnership with nonprofit agencies, faith communities, and various community groups and individuals. For general questions, contact Abby Dunner in the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness at abigail.dunner@fairfaxcounty.gov.

More information is available online at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/homeless/hypothermia-prevention-program.

Panhandling

Countywide

In 2017, the Fairfax County Police Department received over 2,000 calls related to panhandlers in the County. The calls range from traffic issues to concerns about the panhandler to fears about a suspicious person at an intersection.

Panhandling can be found in most areas of the County, generating many questions and complaints from residents. While we may get a good feeling by providing money to a panhandler, the reality is that panhandlers who are truly in need require more resources than small amounts of money.

What Are the Laws?

Asking for money is a protected act under the First Amendment.
Asking for money in public areas, including roadway medians, is not a violation of law.
The County monitors legal developments related to panhandling.

What About Public Safety?

Police officers will intervene when panhandlers commit traffic offenses or engage in criminal activity.
If you witness a panhandler breaking the law, contact the Fairfax County Police Department. The emergency number is 9-1-1 and the non-emergency number is 703-691-2131.

Who Are Panhandlers?

Not all panhandlers are homeless, but may be in need of food and other critical services.
Some panhandlers come from outside the County or even outside Virginia.
Some panhandlers operate as part of organized, professional panhandling rings.

What Can You Do?

Refer panhandlers - or anyone you see who may be in need - to the County's social services programs. There are a wide-range of services and housing resources. Provide them with this human services hotline phone number: 703-222-0880.
Consider making a donation or volunteering for one of the County's nonprofit community partners dedicated to assisting our residents in need.

This information is available online at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news2/what-you-need-to-know-about-panhandling-in-fairfax-county/.

Land Use Cases in Dranesville

Sunoco Retail LLC
SEA 86-D -056-03
11516 Leesburg Pike, Herndon

On October 21, 2017 the Board of Supervisors approved a request to eliminate a development condition restricting the sale of groceries, food preparation, and alcoholic beverages imposed on the Sunoco service station and quick service food store, located at 11516 Leesburg Pike. This restriction was commonplace in the County at the time of original approval in order to distinguish full-service convenience stores from service-oriented establishments. In 1997, the Zoning Ordinance was amended to create the service station/mini-mart classification and to revise the definition of quick-service food store, in order to provide a clearer distinction between these types of establishments. Service stations/mini marts are restricted from selling alcoholic beverages and/or retail sales of food, while quick-service food stores are allowed to sell food, as well as alcohol. The deletion of this condition brings the approved use in line with the current definition of quick-service food store.

Information including a map of the site, staff report, and revised development conditions can be found here.

Makers Rise (Houston Office Partners, L.P. and DSVO Dulles L.P.)
PCA-C-696-011, CDPA-C-696-02, FDPA-C-696-04
East and west side of and part of Dulles Station Boulevard, approximately 245 feet south of its intersection with Sunrise Valley Drive, Herndon

On December 5, 2017, the Board of Supervisors voted to approve an application for a Partial Proffer Condition Amendment (PCA) and Conceptual Development Plan Amendment (CDPA) application on 7.33 acres of the original 63-acre Dulles Station development to permit the replacement of two unbuilt 12-story office buildings with two 7-story residential buildings, containing up to 866-residentail units and a minimum of 5,000 square feet of ground floor retail and/or potential office uses.

The project, located within ¼ mile of the Innovation Station Metro Station, will include 20-23% open space (exceeding the 15% requirement in a PDC zoning district), provided through a pocket park, courtyard, sidewalks, a central plaza within the realigned traffic circle area, and .8 acres of new tree canopy. In order to integrate the site with the surrounding area, the applicant will use matching streetlights, brick pavers, trash receptacles, bike racks, and benches.

In addition to contributions to the Innovation Transportation Fund for transportation projects in the area, the applicant has proffered to contribute $12,262 per expected new student, as well as $1,250 per dwelling unit to be utilized by Fairfax County Public Schools for acquisition of property and construction of new schools in the area.

Information including a map of the site, staff report, and proffers can be found here.

Arrowbrook Centre, LLC

PCA 2002-HM-043-03, FDPA 2002-HM-043-04, CDPA 2002-HM-043-02, FDPA 2002-HM-043-05

West side of Centreville Road, north of Arrowbrook Drive, south of the Dulles Airport Access and Toll Road, Herndon

On January 23, 2018, the Board of Supervisors voted to approve an amendment to a previously approved application for one 85-foot tall multi-family building in Land Bay C2 with 104 dwellings and 3,600 square feet of ground floor retail to allow the construction of three smaller buildings up to 65-feet tall with approximately 96 total dwelling units. The approval does not include any change in uses, number of units, density, or gross square feet.

Information including a map of the site and staff report can be found here.

Plan Amendment 2017-II-M1

McLean CBC, Subarea 12, 6707 Old Dominion Drive, McLean

On July 11, 2017 the Board of Supervisors authorized the consideration of a Comprehensive Plan amendment for 6707 Old Dominion Drive. The property is located in Subarea 12 of the McLean Community Business Center in the McLean Planning District. The adopted Plan for this area recommends office over retail uses at an intensity up to .70 FAR (Floor Area Ratio). The Board requested that staff consider the addition of a multi-family building comprised of approximately 50 residential units on a portion of the subject property. The Plan amendment is being considered concurrently with rezoning application RZ 2017-DR-026 (Benchmark Associates, L.P.).

Information regarding the proposed amendment, including a map of the site, public hearing dates, and staff report can be found here.

Benchmark Associates, L.P.
RZ 2017-DR-026, FDP 2017-DR-026
6707 Old Dominion Drive, McLean

Applicant requests a rezoning from the C-8 Zoning District to the Planned Residential Mixed-Use (PRM) Zoning District to add a residential condominium building with 44 dwelling units. The proposed 96,800 square foot residential building would occupy the area of the property that is currently a surface parking lot. The existing office/retail building on the site would remain.