Hello!
Happy New Year! As we enter 2019, I am excited to continue the work and momentum we have going from 2018. January is shaping up to be a busy month!
The Board of Supervisors is preparing for the beginning of the budget season, and working with our colleagues in Richmond as the new session of the General Assembly begins to ensure Fairfax County's legislative priorities are heard and accomplished by those in our state's capitol.
I also look forward to continuing our revitalization efforts in and around Springfield and on Route One and continuing my work to make sure everyone in Lee District and Fairfax County has equitable opportunities.
I have provided information below on all this, including what's to come in the year ahead, all things happening in Lee District, and upcoming events and opportunities.
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Scroll Inside this issue
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Lee District 2019 Preview
South Alex Groundbreaking
Annual Toy Distribution
Lee District Town Hall
Lee District Open House
Call to Serve
Hypothermia Prevention
Events and Public Meetings
Community Spotlight
Constituent Services
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Lee District 2019 Preview
As I reflect on our successes of 2018, I am even more excited to build upon them in 2019! As Chairman of the Board of Supervisors' Budget Committee, I am already working on balancing the FY20 budget. I am very mindful of our ability to maintain services, and the ability of our residents to afford them. I am also particularly looking forward to advancements in revitalization, transportation, and education. I am always working with my colleagues in the county and in Richmond as we continue to bring residents world-class services.
This year, we’ll continue to revitalize Springfield and Route One. This includes continued updates in and around Springfield; seeing more retail spaces filled and new “Welcome to Springfield” gateway signs going up. Our work on Route One (via Embark) is also at the forefront of my goals. It’s critical that we continue to see that plan come to fruition, especially the widening of Route One and new dedicated bus lanes for transit and pedestrian improvements, along with the addition of new mixed-use projects (like the most recent South Alex project near Huntington Metro Station).
I’m also looking forward to continuing to strengthen the relationship between the Fairfax County Police Department and community through the implementation of reforms addressed in the Ad Hoc Police Reform Report, such as increased transparency and body-worn cameras.
Ensuring the continued success of One Fairfax and the Successful Children and Youth Policy Team (SCYPT) is also a big goal of 2019. Everyone in Fairfax County should have an equal opportunity to live, work, learn, and play; we can achieve that by measuring all our policy decisions under an intentional equity lens. The zip code you are born into should not dictate your future success.
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South Alex Groundbreaking
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In December, I was pleased to join members of the community at the Groundbreaking of South Alex, at the old Penn Daw Shopping Plaza in the Route 1 Corridor.
This new addition will be a vibrant new mix of transit-oriented shops and residences located along Route One. Construction is expected to be completed in 2020. Our revitalization momentum continues!
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Every year,
professional firefighters and paramedics from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 2068 host an annual toy distribution event at Penn Daw Fire Station 11 for kids throughout our region. This event provides (new) donated toys and books for kids to pick out and also gives them an opportunity to speak with Santa.
This year, I had the privilege of attending the event and helping children
pick out their very own toys and books!
This event is something that's close to my heart. There's nothing like being able to see the faces of all the children when they see all of the toys, books, Santa, and adorable dogs for available for petting.
Thank you to all of those who make this event possible every year. You are making a difference in the lives of so many.
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Lee District Town Hall
Interested in all things happening in Lee District? Interested in what your elected State Officials are up to in Richmond on your behalf? Come out to Lee District's Town Hall Meeting!
On Saturday, January 12, join me, Virginia Delegate
Mark Sickles
, and Virginia Senator
George Barker
for the Lee District Town Hall at the Kingstowne Synder Center in Alexandria from 9 am - 11 am.
Click
here
to access this event page and let us know if you can attend. All are welcome! I hope to see you there!
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Annual Lee District Open House
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My annual Open House will be on January 12, 2019, in the Helen G. Wilson Community Room at the Franconia Governmental Center from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. I invite all residents to join myself and my staff for a chance to talk Lee District for a few hours. The Springfield Art Guild will have their artwork on display and refreshments will be served. All are welcome to attend!
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Boards, Authorities, and Commissions
Local government is the form of government that's closest to the people. It's where we make important decisions that impact our everyday lives and where resident input is vital to its success. That is why citizen participation is critical.
My office is currently looking to fill one vacancy, described first below, and soliciting resumes on the second item for future appointments. If you're interested in serving, please contact Brittany Choi in my office at
Brittany.Choi@fairfaxcounty.gov
.
Athletic Council
Purpose: The Council assists the County on the allocation, use, and management and future planning of County athletic resources.
Police Civilian Review Panel
Purpose: The Panel works to build, maintain, and enhance public trust and transparency between the Police Department, the Board of Supervisors, and the community.
Health Care Advisory Board
Purpose: The Board assists
in the development of health policy and advises on health and health related issues that may impact the county’s health.
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Hypothermia Prevention Program
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As we enter January, cold temperatures are likely to set in. During this time of year its important to remember those who may be subjected to elements. Fairfax County's Hypothermia Prevention Program is a collaborative effort by the Fairfax County Government, faith organizations, businesses, and volunteers to serve the critical needs of those experiencing homelessness when they are subjected to the danger of cold weather. All Fairfax County emergency shelters have a "no-turn-away" policy from December 1-March 31. Click
here
to find out how you can help!
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Giving Back and Lending your Voice!
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This month there are a few opportunities for all of us to give back to the community and lend our voices! See the list and links below for all events and information.
January 19: Stuff the Bus
9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Mount Vernon Plaza Shoppers
7660 Richmond Highway, Alexandria
January 19: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Public Meeting
6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
South County Governmental Center (Room 221C)
8350 Richmond Highway, Alexandria
January 23: Richmond Hwy Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project Public Information Meeting
6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Mt. Vernon High School (Cafeteria)
8515 Old Mt. Vernon Road, Alexandria
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Community Spotlight
Meet Sonja Caison, the new Mt. Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce Chairman for 2019. Sonja has been a member of the Chamber for 15 years and will serve as the Chairman on the Board of Directors for the Chamber for all of 2019. Sonja owns the local The Cleaning Authority franchise located right here in Lee District. She also served as the Secretary for Board of Directors for the National Association of Women Business Owners from 2015- 2017. Sonja's business, The Cleaning Authority, provides commercial and residential cleaning services in Alexandria, Woodbridge, and Arlington, VA. Since November 2003, her business has served more than 900 customers. Thank you, Sonja, for all of your work and efforts in and around our community.
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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.
Sincerely,
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Jeffrey C. McKay
Lee District Supervisor
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
703-971-6262
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