News and Information for

Dranesville District Residents

A Message from Supervisor John Foust ...

Dear Dranesville Resident,

Welcome to the October issue of the Dranesville Dispatch. Now that school is back in session and fall youth sports programs are in full swing, please remember to drive carefully and watch for students as they walk to school or wait to board their buses. Remember that it is the law to stop for buses loading and unloading students. Pedestrian and bicycle safety is always important, but with the increase in traffic that comes in the fall, we need to be especially vigilant and careful for our children's sake.

In this issue of the Dispatch there is an article on Emergency Preparedness. My office and the McLean Citizens Association hosted a panel of experts to review emergency response to last summer's Derecho weather event. The forum included presentations by representatives from the county and power company on lessons learned from this massive storm and steps that have been taken to improve all facets of emergency response. There is also a section on how residents can be better prepared for future emergencies.

In County-wide news, the Board of Supervisors is studying possible changes to the County's zoning ordinance to allow Residential Studio Units (RSUs). Also under consideration are changes to the Stormwater ordinance to consolidate regulations and add authority to regulate stormwater run-off from development. The County's Library Board of Trustees and staff are looking at proposed policies affecting hiring and reviewing existing policies in place for the discarding of books. Read more about these matters in this issue.

In Dranesville news, the new Wolf Trap fire station is now open for business. The station has been staffed since October 1. The grand opening ceremony is scheduled for November 2 at 11 a.m. The public is invited. In addition, work continues on the new Herndon Fire station with its estimated completion in fall 2015. We are also excited to see the beautiful new Beach Mill Road bridge in Great Falls and a new walkway on Beulah Road in front of the Wolf Trap fire station.

You can see that the format of Dranesville Dispatch and Dranesville Happenings have changed. We hope you find our new formats clear and convenient and, as always, informative. By using features of our new mailing list software, you may now manage communications received from my office by following the links at the bottom of this email. Please feel free to forward this email to a friend or neighbor who may be interested in receiving news and important notices from the Dranesville District office.

As always, I welcome your thoughts on how to best serve the Dranesville community. Please feel free to contact my office with your suggestions and concerns. It is an honor to serve you.

John Foust

Dranesville District Supervisor

Supervisor John Foust has appointed Richard "Rip" Sullivan as the new Dranesville representative on the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) Board.  Mr. Sullivan replaces former board member Kevin Fay.   

Mr. Sullivan, a partner at the law firm of Reed Smith, is no stranger to community service having previously served as chair of the Dranesville Budget Task Force for four years and as president of the McLean Community Foundation.   Until recently, he was the Dranesville representative and vice chairman of the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

 "I have worked with Rip for many years.  I know that he will be a great asset to the Park Authority board and act as a strong steward for the County's treasured park lands," said Supervisor Foust.

Board of Supervisors Considering Changes to Zoning Ordinance to Allow Residential Studio Units

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is considering amending the County's zoning ordinance to expand affordable housing options in the County. As currently proposed by County staff, the amendment would allow up to 75 Residential Studio Units (RSUs) of up to 500 square feet in size, in most residential, commercial and industrial districts and in all planned development districts. RSUs would only be allowed by the approval of a special exception or as part of a rezoning.

The Board of Supervisors raised several concerns about the proposal as presented by staff and directed the Fairfax County Planning Commission to conduct public outreach sessions and to consider recommending revisions.  As part of that process, Supervisor Foust has asked staff and the Planning Commission to consider options that would exclude low density residential zoning from the ordinance.  The Planning Commission's public hearing on the RSU amendment is now scheduled for late February 2014.

The Planning Commission conducted work sessions on the residential studio amendment on September 26 and October 2. They have also formed an RSU Committee. The Committee's meetings to gather public input are scheduled for October 28, November 20, December 9, January 6 and January 22. These meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. and are open to the public. The meetings will be held at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax), with the exception of the November 20 meeting that will be in the Herrity Building (12055 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax).

The McLean Citizens Association will also hold a meeting on the proposed RSU amendment on October 30 at 7:30 p.m. at McLean High School (1633 Davidson Road, McLean). County staff will be present.

Please attend one or more of the meetings to give the Planning Commission an understanding of any community concerns and to discuss options to staff's proposal. This will help them as they re-work the amendment.

Please visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpz/zoningordinance/proposed for more information.

For more information please contact Benjamin Wiles in the office of Supervisor Foust at Benjamin.Wiles@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

Expert Panel Discussion on Emergency Preparedness Held September 26

Sponsored by Supervisor Foust and the McLean Citizens Association

On September 26, in recognition of September as "National Preparedness Month", Dranesville Supervisor John Foust and the McLean Citizens Association (MCA) sponsored a program titled "The 2012 Derecho Storm: Lessons Learned and Improvements Made".  The event included an in-depth discussion by high level County officials and Dominion Virginia Power experts, focusing on what was learned from the massive storm and what steps have been taken to make improvements across all facets of emergency preparedness and response.  Also included was a discussion on how residents can be better prepared for emergencies.  Participating in the panel were David Rohrer, Deputy County Executive for Public Safety; Steve Souder, Director of Public Safety Communications for Fairfax County; Roy Shrout, Deputy Coordinator, Fairfax County Emergency Management Department; Steve Willey, Lead Instructor for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT); and Tim Sargent, Government Affairs Director, Dominion Virginia Power. MCA President, Sally Horn and Dranesville Supervisor John Foust also addressed the group.

The Derecho hit Fairfax County at approximately 10:00 p.m. on June 29, 2012.  Its fury was felt throughout the area.  After every emergency, the County reviews its performance and prepares an after-action report.  After the Derecho, Supervisor Foust and Mt. Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland introduced a motion that directed staff to address specific issues in the report and to make recommendations for improving response to future disaster events.  Much of the September 26 presentation covered material requested by their motion.

For additional information about emergency preparedness on the County or residential levels, please see the information and resources below.

Meeting organizers and presentors (from left to right) Steve Souder, Director for Public Safety Communications for Fairfax County; Patrick Smaldore, Co-Chair MCA Public Safety Committee; Sally Horn, MCA President; Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust; Dave Rohrer, Deputy County Executive for Public Safety; Tim Sargent, Government Affairs Director, Dominion Virginia Power; Roy Shrout, Deputy Coordinator, Fairfax County Emergency Management Department; and Steve Willey, Lead Instructor for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

During the next disaster, will you be prepared?   To enable first responders and County staff to concentrate on serious incidents and life-saving priorities, residents need to know about disaster and emergency response capabilities so they will be able to take responsibility to prepare themselves and their families.   "Preparedness is a shared responsibility."  - David Rohrer, Deputy Fairfax County Executive for Public Safety   Be trained to help with emergency response in your community  Supervisor Foust welcomes audience.   One way to get involved is by joining the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The CERT program helps train people to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the preparedness and safety of the community. The CERT training addresses disaster preparedness, disaster fire suppression, basic disaster medical operations, light search and rescue operations, and disaster psychology. The CERT training is adjusted to accommodate the physical abilities and limitations of the individual student. Safety is paramount to all CERT activities. All CERT training is overseen by trained instructors and first responders who have completed a CERT Train-the-Trainer course conducted by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. For more information on this program or to register to participate in training, please visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/oem/citizencorps/cert.htm or contact Patti Dinkelmeyer in Supervisor Foust's office at Patricia.Dinkelmeyer@fairfaxcounty.gov.   Prepare your home and family to be self-sufficient for three days at any time.   Follow these steps: Develop an emergency kit for your home, business and car.  For details on essential kit supplies visit Ready Virginia at http://www.ReadyVirginia.gov. Establish a family communication and emergency plan. Get your neighbors and work associates to do the same. Understand your emergency plan at work and school: Find out where it is located. If none exists, encourage your office to establish an emergency plan. Take emergency response training. Establish relationships and partnerships with key organizations. Sign up for an emergency warning notification service. Spread the word in your various communities about being prepared.

Dulles Metrorail Phase I and Phase II Overview

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority continues with final work on Phase I of the Silver Line Metrorail service.  The new line runs from East Falls Church to Wiehle Avenue on the eastern edge of Reston with four stations in Tysons (McLean Station, Tysons Station, Greensboro Station, Spring Hill Station) and one Reston station (Wiehle-Reston East Station).  

Silver Line Phase I is now 96% complete.  Project completion was originally scheduled for December 31, 2013, but has been delayed several weeks.  The Wiehle garage is 99% complete and was recently tested with simulated Connector bus operations.  The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority now projects that service will commence on the Phase I Silver Line in early 2014.

Phase II is projected to be completed in 2018.  This final 11-mile section of the Silver Line includes six stations:  Reston Town Center, Herndon, Innovation Center, Dulles International Airport, Route 606 and Route 772.  In May of this year, the design and construction contract was awarded to Capital Rail Constructors, a joint venture of Clark Construction Group and Kiewit Infrastructure South Co.

For more information about the Metro Silver Line project, please contact Benjamin Wiles in the office of Supervisor John Foust at Benjamin.Wiles@FairfaxCounty.gov.

Metro Launches Silver Line Website

Metro has launched a new website, www.silverlinemetro.com, to provide information on the Silver Line.  The site will be updated frequently with new service details, destinations, and partner information.  If you have additions to suggest or links you would like Metro to include, please email your comments to externalrelations@wmata.com.

For construction-related emergencies including noise, please use the project HOTLINE at 877-585-6789. For further information about the project, please visit the project website at www.dullesmetro.com  or call 703-572-0506.

Town of Herndon Vehicle Decals Must be Displayed by November 15

Town of Herndon residents are reminded that 2014 vehicle decals must be purchased and displayed by November 15, 2013.  Following the deadline, Herndon police will begin checking vehicles for decals and will issue tickets to owners of vehicles not in compliance with the requirement.

Decal applications have been mailed to all Herndon households.  Residents who have not received applications may contact the town's Department of Finance at revenue@herndon-va.gov or (703) 435-6813.  Decal application forms are also available on the town's web site at www.herndon-va.gov (see "taxes and licenses").

Completed decal applications may be mailed with check or money order to: Town of Herndon, Motor Vehicle Decal, P.O. Box 427, Herndon, VA 20172-0427. Decals also may be purchased at the Herndon Municipal Center, 777 Lynn Street, during regular business hours, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.  New this year, decals may also be purchased at the Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Avenue, during the center's hours of operation.

Town of Herndon Appoints Dennis Holste, Jr. as Economic Development Manager

On Trail Use with a Smartphone: Taking the Fairfax Trail Buddy with you on your hike is easy and requires downloading a free mobile application.  For  iPhones and iPad devices, go to the itunes App Store and search for the ArcGIS application and install it to your device. For Android devices go to Google Play Store and search for the ArcGIS application and install it on your device.

For more information visit the Trail Buddy website at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/trails/.

Upcoming Land Use Cases in Dranesville

The following land use applications are under review by Fairfax County. The review process includes public hearings before the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors.

William Weiss (PCA 86-D -108)
9416 Atwood Road, Vienna

The applicant seeks approval of a partial Proffered Condition Amendment application to amend the proffers associated with RZ 86-D-108.  The amendment would permit the removal of the existing dwelling on the property and the construction of a new single family detached dwelling, necessitating the removal of trees and modifications to the limits of clearing and grading. The applicant also requests approval of a special permit for an accessory dwelling unit to be located within the proposed dwelling.  The applicant has been meeting with adjacent property owners and the McLean Citizens Association.

Planning Commission hearing: Held October 3, 2013.  Deferred for decision only.

Board of Supervisors hearing: Date to be announced

TD Bank, N.A. (SE 2013-DR-001)
9901 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls

Proposed Special Exception to allow a drive-through, as part of an allowed bank use. The split-zoned parcel is zoned C6 and C8, and is the former Exxon Gas station. The applicant has been meeting with the Great Falls Citizens Association and adjacent property owners.

Planning Commission hearing: October 17, 2013

Board of Supervisors hearing: Date to be announced

Dulles Rockhill Partners LP and Nugget Joint Venture, LC (RZ 2012-DR-016; FDP 2012-DR-016 )

North of Sayward Blvd. and West of Dulles Station Blvd., Herndon

Construction of a 5-story residential building with parking garage. Application includes a land-swap to allow for location of new Metro garage.

Planning Commission hearing: November 21, 2013

Board of Supervisors hearing: Date to be announced

Washington Real Estate Investment Trust, LP (RZ/FDP 2013-DR-002, PCA-C-220)
1350 Beverly Road, McLean

Applicant proposes to add 253 multifamily units in four buildings, including 14,500 square feet of ground floor retail to the existing Ashby apartment community in the McLean Community Business Center. The applicant has been meeting with the McLean Citizens Association, the McLean Planning Committee and adjacent property owners.

Planning Commission hearing: Date to be announced

Board of Supervisors hearing: Date to be announced

Elm Street Residential, LLP (RZ/FDP 2012-DR-019)
6862 Elm Street, McLean

Proposal to rezone parcel in the Community Business Center from C-3 to Planned Residential Mixed-Use (PRM). Applicant proposes to develop an existing surface parking lot with a 240 multifamily mid-rise and a separate two-story building with up to 8,720 square feet of retail.  The applicant has been meeting with the McLean Citizens Association, the McLean Planning Committee and adjacent property owners.

Planning Commission hearing: Feburary 19, 2014

Board of Supervisors hearing: Date to be announced

For additional Details please visit the Dranesville Land Use website at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dranesville/land_use.htm.  

Look for announcements of future community meetings relating to applications in the monthly Dranesville Happenings publication found at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dranesville/newsletters.htm.

For more information contact Ben Wiles in the office of Supervisor Foust at Benjamin.Wiles@FairfaxCounty.gov  or call 703-356-0551.

Dranesville "Aging in Community" Update

"Aging in Community" is a national movement whereby communities are exploring ways for seniors to stay in their own homes, or "age in community" and more fully enjoy their senior years. Supervisor Foust and his staff continue to work with community groups in Great Falls, Herndon and McLean to explore concepts and ideas to better understand and meet the needs of seniors as they facilitate "aging in community". Here is an update on the ongoing Aging in Community efforts in Dranesville:

 
Great Falls

Herndon

The Herndon Village committee met in September to discuss Herndon's aging in place program.  This group is just getting started and extends a welcome to all who are interested, regardless of age, to come and assist in formulating Herndon's plan.  The group strives to support residents, aged 55 and over, who live within the Town of Herndon. The Herndon Village will help enable seniors to age in place, and will strive to enrich their quality of life as well as the lives of the volunteers who help provide them with support.  For more information about the Herndon Village, please email HerndonVillageNetworkInfo@gmail.com.

McLean

The McLean Community: a Village for All Ages (MCVA) committee has been meeting regularly to discuss the structure and composition of its new Coordinating Council, the McLean Village Exchange (MVE).  The Council will consist of representatives from service-oriented McLean organizations and constituent groups, and will recommend solutions and new programs that respond to needs identified by the McLean Senior Source users and other community members.   The MVE will have its inaugural meeting in October.

The McLean Senior Source (MSS) has been busy providing McLean seniors with phone referrals to County and non-County resources on a wide range of issues, including such topics as daily living assistance and transportation options.   To reach MSS, call 703-300-1751 or visit the McLean Community Center lobby (1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean) Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

For more information about Aging in Community activities, please contact Jenny Phipps in the Herndon office of Supervisor Foust at 703-471-5076 or jenny.phipps@fairfaxcounty.gov.

I-495 North Shoulder Lane Extension Project
 
Beginning in summer 2014, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will begin a project to improve travel conditions at the northern end of the I-495 Express Lanes.  The $20 million project allows traffic to travel on the left shoulder of northbound I-495 from the I-495 Express Lanes terminus to the George Washington Parkway -- about 1.5 miles. The existing shoulder will be rebuilt to accommodate traffic.

The new shoulder lane will be open to all traffic during peak travel periods. A lane use management system with green arrows and red "X's", similar to the lane-control system on I-66, will alert travelers when the shoulder is available.

All travelers and buses will benefit from the new capacity and improved merge. There will be no barrier separation between the shoulder lane and the regular Beltway lanes, ensuring easy access for travelers.

For more information please visit the VDOT project website at:  http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/northernvirginia/i-495_north_shoulder_lane.asp.

I-495 Express Lanes Wants Your Ideas for Improvements

The I-495 Express Lanes, the product of a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration and the Transurban-Fluor companies, have been open since last November.   Since completion, the Transurban company has taken over Express Lanes operations. 

Transurban is asking for the public's help in improving the way the Express Lanes operate.  You can fill out a form at the Express Lanes website through October 25 and let Transurban know how they are doing.  They will then review your ideas and see if they can be implemented.

To share your comments or suggestions, or for more information please visit the I-495 Express Lanes "ideas" website at: https://www.495expresslanes.com/ideas.

On June 7, Fairfax County Fire Chief Richard Bowers kicked off the "Safety in Our Community" (SIOC) initiative whereby firefighters will  visit communities to check on and install working smoke alarms and will provide seasonal fire and life safety tips for residents. If residents are not home, firefighters leave behind a door hanger with important smoke alarm and fire and life safety information.

The SIOC initiative will continue every Saturday afternoon throughout the fall and spring, with accompanying seasonal safety messages.

To request the installation of a free smoke alarm or a visual smoke alarm for deaf and hard of hearing persons, please call 703-246-3801, TTY 711, or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fr.

Bids Being Accepted for Construction of New Herndon Fire Station

Construction estimated to be complete in fall 2015 

Work continues on the new Herndon Fire Station, which will replace the existing facility at its current location.  Design of the new station is now complete and bids are being accepted for construction with contract award anticipated for November.  Demolition and construction of the new permanent facility is expected to commence early 2014, with completion by November of 2015.  The temporary station will be in use throughout the construction period.

The new two-story fire station will be approximately 14,500 square-feet and contain one level of underground parking. The station will be able to accommodate a shift of 14 personnel and four pieces of apparatus equipment, including an engine, two transport units, and a rescue unit, if needed in the future. In addition, the new station will provide improved facilities for female firefighters, decontamination areas required by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Code, and will meet ADA requirements.

Funding for construction of the new station is provided by the Public Safety Bond Referendum approved by the Fairfax County voters in November of 2012.

For more information please contact Ben Wiles in the office of Supervisor Foust at 703-356-0551 or email Benjamin.Wiles@FairfaxCounty.gov.

Fairfax County Introduces New Interactive Transparency Application
Public may easily view budget and expenditure data

The Fairfax County Transparency application is an interactive reporting tool that allows the public to view budget and expenditure data and specific vendor payments for the current fiscal year-to-date. The financial data for the current fiscal year is updated on a monthly basis by the end of the following month from the County's financial system.

The new tool can be found at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/transparencyresults/.

The Budget and Actual expenditure data is searchable by fund, expenditure item, department, vendor or by key terms.  Only vendors that have received payments in the current fiscal year are shown.

This tool is part of a larger Fairfax County initiative to enhance the degree and ease of delivering transparency and accountability to its citizens. However, certain federal, state, and local laws do have restrictions on the types of vendors, transactions, and level of transactional details that can be shown. Certain sensitive vendors and payments, like those that fall under the auspices of HIPAA regulations, cannot be shown in this application.

The financial data available on this site is unaudited and therefore not reviewed for accuracy by an outside party. An audited Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for each fiscal year is prepared annually and can be found on the Department of Finance website at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/finance/cafr.htm. 

Amazon Web Services Locates in Herndon 

  

Supervisor John Foust addresses grand opening ceremony.

A grand opening ceremony was held on August 26 to celebrate the expansion of Amazon

Web Services (AWS)  into a new Herndon location.  The new facility will provide cloud computing services to business and government customers and provide jobs to 400-500 new employees in the engineering and IT sector. 

National Night Out 2013 - August 6

Supervisor Foust discusses crime prevention with residents at the Dominion Ridge/Barker Hill potluck National Night Out event in the Town of Herndon on August 6. Herndon Town Council Member, Grace Han Wolf , was also in attendance.

Herndon aide to Supervisor Foust, Jenny Phipps, receives the National Night Out Certificate of Participation on behalf of her neighborhood from Capt. Larry Presgrave of the Herndon Police Department.

Herndon United Methodist Church Preschool "Snuggly Bear" Students Make Their Own Map of Downtown Herndon

  

As part of a lesson on maps, students in the 4-5 year old "Snuggly Bear" class at Herndon United Methodist Church Preschool created a large and colorful map of downtown Herndon, showing places in their community. 

 

This location was selected since it is a familiar spot to children, with the Town Hall, the library and the train depot.   After talking about what makes up a community, the kids were asked to create the buildings.  They included buildings they would like to have  - a movie theater, candy shop, donut shop, Subway.  Hmmm ... maybe some suggestions for future development! 

Beulah Road Sidewalk Completed

New Walkway Leads to Wolf Trap Fire Station

Construction is now complete on a five-foot wide sidewalk along Beulah Road from Leesburg Pike to Bent Creek Lane. The sidewalk was built in conjunction with construction of the new Wolf Trap fire station, located at Leesburg Pike and Beulah Road in Vienna.

Spring Hill and Chesterbrook Elementary Schools Participate in "Walk to School Day 2013"

Dranesville Supervisor John Foust surrounded by Spring Hill students as he distributes event trinkets. (Photo credit:  Alex McVeigh, Connection Newspapers)

Supervisor Foust and McLean District Police Commander Capt. Dan Janickey distribute trinkets to walkers and bikers at Spring Hill Elementary School. (Photo credit: Alex McVeigh, Connection Newspapers)

Chesterbrook Elementary School Principal Bob Fuqua hands out a "Walk to School Day" sticker to a student walker.

Chesterbrook Elementary School Physical Education teacher and event organizer, Bethany Sink, gives a sticker to one of the students.

Shiloh Baptist Church Recognized by Board of Supervisors on 140th Anniversary

Board of Supervisors Recognizes the McLean Little League Majors Softball All-Stars for Participating in World Series Finals

On October 8, the McLean Little League Majors Softball All-Stars and their coaches, team manager and parents were recognized by Dranesville Supervisor John Foust and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for winning the State Championship, the Southeast Regional tournament and for advancing to the finals of the World Series held in Portland, Oregon last month. The World Series semi-finals and finals were broadcast by ESPN.  The McLean Majors program has a significant winning history having won 10 State Championships and, in 2005, capturing the World Series trophy.  

In this year's State Championship, five McLean players had a batting average of .600 or higher and ten hit .400 or higher.  This year's team is made up of 13 middle school girls, six of whom will be eligible to play little league again next year. The team manager is Gerry Megas.  Rob Haas and Colin Sandercock are the team coaches.  Lisa Haas is the team mom and "Chief Operating Officer" for the team.

At the ceremony, the team presented an autographed softball to Supervisor Foust.

Former Dranesville Park Authority Board Member Kevin Fay Honored by County Board of Supervisors

 Kevin Fay, former Dranesville appointee to the Fairfax County Park Authority Board, was honored for his years of service by Dranesville Supervisor John Foust and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors at its September 10 meeting.  

  

McLean's Charity Works GreenHouse Wins Exceptional Design Award

Board of Supervisors Honors Winners on September 24

October 22:  Commonwealth Transportation Board Six-Year Improvement Program Public Meeting for Fiscal Years 2015-2020

Investing in Virginia's Transportation Future

The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) is hosting nine public meetings across the  Commonwealth. These meetings are for the public to discuss projects and programs in the CTB's current Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP) and provide comments for the development of the Fiscal Years 2015 - 2020 SYIP, including multimodal initiatives for highways, rail and transit.

You are invited to participate in a meeting near you or in a "virtual meeting".   Representatives from the Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, the Office Of Intermodal Planning and Investment, and Office of Public-Private Partnerships, along with your local MPO/PDC will be on site to take your questions and comments. If you cannot attend a meeting, you may attend a virtual meeting and view the displays, interactive mapping tools, and provide your comments on line. The virtual meeting will be available at http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/six-year_improvement_program2013.asp on October 22.

Northern Virginia District Meeting Date and Location:

Tuesday, October 22

VDOT Northern Virginia District Office
4975 Alliance Drive
Fairfax

6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. -- Open house displays and general discussion

7:00 p.m. -- Moderated public meeting 

November 2:  STOP HUNGER NOW Packaging Meals to Feed the Hungry

2013 Goal is to package 300,000 meals and raise $75,000

November 6:  VDOT Public Information Meeting on Project to Widen Route 7 between Reston Avenue and Jarrett Valley Drive

 
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is holding a public information meeting to review current design efforts and address questions about the project to widen Route 7 from four to six lanes between Reston Avenue and the west side of the bridge over the Dulles Toll Road (about 6.9 miles). The widening project will increase capacity, decrease congestion and improve safety, in conformance with the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan.

Meeting details:

Wednesday, November 6
6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Colvin Run Elementary School
1400 Trap Road
Vienna

For more details, visit the VDOT project webpage at: http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/northernvirginia/route_7_widening_-_reston_ave_to_dtr.asp.