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| Dranesville Dispatch June 2019: Issue 45 |
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News and Information for
Dranesville District Residents
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John Foust
Dranesville District Supervisor
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Contact us at:
Dranesville District Supervisor
McLean Governmental Center
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Message from Supervisor John Foust
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Dear Dranesville Resident,
Welcome to the June issue of the Dranesville Dispatch.
As always, this has been a busy year in Fairfax County. Last month, the Board of Supervisors approved the FY 2020 budget. This is a responsible and balanced budget. It keeps the real estate tax rate the same while fully funding the Fairfax County Public School's budget request. This budget also includes an increase in the employee market rate adjustment, which adjusts the minimum wage for County employees. More details about the budget are included
below.
This year, the County has cut the ribbon on several great projects in Dranesville, ranging from pedestrian and stormwater improvements to a major senior center renovation. Information about a recently
rehabilitated pedestrian bridge and
trail,
new sidewalks, and
stream restoration are included below. Construction is beginning on several other projects this summer, and I look forward to sharing news about them in future newsletters.
At the end of last year, we wrapped up the visioning process for downtown McLean at a community meeting held in December. Information about the vision plan and what's been happening since then is included below.
In Falls Church, Fairfax County is embarking on a planning study for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)'s West Falls Church Metro Station and adjacent Virginia Tech and University of Virginia Northern Virginia Center (VT/UVA Center). More details about the proposals and the study is included in this issue.
As always, I appreciate your thoughts on how to best serve you and all residents of the Dranesville community. Please contact my office if you have questions, suggestions, or concerns.
Sincerely,
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DRANESVILLE AND COUNTY NEWS
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 FY 2020 Budget
Insight from Supervisor Foust
On May 7, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to adopt the FY 2020 Budget. The $4.4 billion General Fund Budget keeps the real estate tax rate the same at $1.15 per $100 of assessed value.
Some highlights of the FY 2020 budget include:
- Fully funding the Fairfax County Public Schools budget request, which will help increase teacher salaries; increase of 3.8% or $86.5 million over FY 2019
- Increasing the employee market rate adjustment (MRA) from 1% to 2.1%, resulting in a minimum wage increase from $14.83 to $15.14 for County employees
- Addressing the opioid crisis
- Funding the fourth year of Diversion First
- Funding for two new staff positions for the new Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, as well as a Housing Coordinator position for the Department of Housing
As part of Third Quarter Review for FY 2019, $5 million will be added to accelerate affordable housing initiatives in Fairfax County. This is in addition to the $10 million already allocated in the FY 2020 Advertised Budget, and the more than $140 million from all sources including state and federal funds for housing initiatives.
Looking ahead, the FY 2021 budget will pose new challenges and new opportunities, including:
- Implementing the new Countywide Strategic Plan;
- Considering a funding plan that moves recommendations forward from the Affordable Housing Resources Panel;
- Reviewing the results of the Police Body Worn Camera Pilot Program;
- Tackling energy and environment issues through the Energy and Climate Action Plan and, in collaboration with our schools, through The Joint Environmental Task Force (The JET).
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Lewinsville Center Grand Opening
On June 1, Supervisor Foust joined other elected officials, County staff, and community members for the grand opening of the new Lewinsville Center, an intergenerational facility that houses the Lewinsville Senior Center, Adult Day Health Care, and two child day care centers: Westgate Child Center and Lewinsville Montessori School. The Lewinsville Center is located at 1613 Great Falls Street in McLean.
The 8.66-acre site of the Lewinsville Senior Center Campus has a long history. It once housed an elementary school that was constructed in 1961. In 1994, the County approved a Special Exception that permitted a 22-bed independent living facility, a senior center providing activities for up to 50 adults, an adult day care center for up to 40 adults, child care for up to 210 children, and an athletic area with a rectangular field and a diamond. In 2004, the County approved a Special Exception Amendment (SEA) which would have maintained those uses and added a 60-unit assisted living facility.
Before Supervisor Foust took office in 2008, the project to renovate and expand the facility had stalled. Supervisor Foust asked the Department of Housing and Community Development staff to restart efforts to implement the project. However, it became apparent that the cost to construct and operate an affordable assisted living facility would be prohibitive. As a result, in 2012, Supervisor Foust asked County staff to determine whether a public-private partnership could be used to construct and operate an affordable independent living facility at the site.
In March 2015, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a comprehensive agreement to demolish the existing building and redevelop the facility through a creative private-public partnership with Wesley Hamel Lewinsville LLC. The project included the complete demolition of the old building and the construction of two separate buildings in its place - The Fallstead, a privately-operated 82-unit independent housing residence for seniors with low incomes, and a building to house the Lewinsville Senior Center, Adult Day Health Care and childcare centers.
The new 7,500 square-foot senior center is more than twice the size of the original Lewinsville Senior Center. It features a fitness room, technology access, and spacious gathering places for adults 50 and over to pursue fitness goals, learn new things, take up new hobbies, and socialize. Lewinsville Adult Day Health Care has specially designed features for memory care, including a gated, outdoor garden with a fountain, an indoor walking path, library, health clinic, and art room. Lewinsville Montessori School and Westgate Child Care Center now offer larger spaces for children to play and learn, all catered to their unique needs.
Supervisor Foust said, "This is a great day for people of all ages in McLean and Fairfax County. Together with the neighboring Fallstead apartments, the Lewinsville Center offers young and old a safe and attractive environment in which to learn, live, recreate and enjoy a variety of activities."
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McLean CBC Vision Plan
Though Downtown McLean has seen some revitalization in recent years (the undergrounding of utilities, landscape and streetscape improvements, construction of some development projects), the last significant review of the Comprehensive Plan recommendations for the area occurred over 20 years ago. In 2018, the County initiated a study of the McLean Community Business Center (CBC) to look at revitalization opportunities, gather community input, and review recommendations for future land uses, development intensities, transportation, public facilities, and urban design within the CBC.
As part of this process, the County and its consultant, Streetsense, hosted several community workshops and open houses during the second half of 2018 in an effort to better define the vision for a revitalized downtown McLean based in economic realities and community priorities. On December 17, a final vision plan, which incorporated public input, was presented to the community. The final vision plan divides the CBC into three zones: center, general, and edge.
Center Zone
The Center Zone has the greatest building heights and the highest intensity of land uses of the three zones. Development in this zone should take on an urban form with buildings close to the street and parking in structured or underground parking garages. This zone has larger blocks to support larger development and redevelopment activity. Additionally, the Center Zone is where a large central park/plaza space for public gatherings and community activities should be provided.
General Zone
The General Zone is suitable for more moderate intensity that may include a variety of uses. This zone is typified by smaller block sizes. Thoroughfares have regular street plantings, continuous sidewalks, and buildings are placed near street frontages to shape the public realm. This zone transitions between the more suburban, lower density Edge Zone and the more urban, higher intensity Center Zone.
Edge Zone
The Edge Zone currently contains a predominance of townhouse and single-family residential uses. The Edge Zone represents the lowest density in the CBC. Thoroughfares have some street plantings, continuous sidewalks, and buildings are placed further back from street frontages.
This illustrative plan reflects the ability for the Center Zone to accommodate the projected 10-year demand for residential, office, retail, and hospitality uses in the CBC. This plan is one potential way that development demand could be satisfied - following the guidelines of the Framework Plan.
Last year, Supervisor Foust formed a task force of McLean area residents and civic group representatives to work with County staff to translate community input into recommendations for changes to the Comprehensive Plan. The task force has been meeting monthly to discuss a variety of topics, including transportation, the environment, and public facilities. Recommendations will be based on the community's vision and will consider the submitted suggestions for land use change.
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West Falls Church Transit Station Study
Fairfax County is embarking on a planning study for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)'s West Falls Church Metro Station and adjacent Virginia Tech and University of Virginia Northern Virginia Center (VT/UVA Center). The study will consider changes nominated by the property owners as part of the County's 2018 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Work Program.
Current Plan guidance for the WMATA property includes a residential development option up to 30 dwelling units per acre and recommendations for maximum height limits ranging from 45 to 65 feet. Current Plan guidance for the VT/UVA Northern Virginia Center recommends a maximum of 130 dwelling units and 43,800 square feet of retail/office space with an option for 240,000 square feet of institutional use.
Consideration of a Plan amendment is requested to allow a mix of uses including office, multi-family units and townhomes, and some retail, with increased height limits up to 65 and 85 feet on the WMATA property and institutional, office, retail and residential uses for the VT/UVA Northern Virginia Center property.
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January 15 community meeting. |
The proximity of the Northern Virginia Center property to the WMATA site presents an opportunity to plan the area in a more holistic manner. This approach will allow consideration of their joint land use, transportation, and public facility impacts. A community meeting was held on January 15 to provide residents with an opportunity to learn about the proposals from WMATA and Virginia Tech.
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Dead Run Stream Restoration
The Dead Run Stream Restoration in McLean is part of Fairfax County's ongoing effort to manage
stormwater run-off and limit non-point source pollution. The first phase, which was completed in early 2018, restored approximately 2,000 linear feet of stream that drains directly into the Potomac River, used natural channel design to provide long-term bank stability, reduce sediment and nutrient loads, and restore vegetated stream buffers to meet Clean Water Act and Environmental Protection Agency water quality standards for the Chesapeake Bay.
The second phase, which was recently completed and celebrated at a June 1 ribbon cutting, involved restoration of approximately 3,000 linear feet of stream and three unnamed tributaries through McLean Central Park. Three existing pedestrian bridges were replaced, and the stream valley was restored and enhanced with native plant species to promote natural reforestation.
Phase 1 before and after.
Supervisor Foust joined members of the community and County staff to celebrate the completion of the Dead Run Stream Restoration on June 1.
Understanding both the necessity of the work and the potential impacts to nearby residents and park users, Supervisor Foust convened a task force of nearby residents and stakeholders before work on the second phase began. This group, known as the Stream Team, included representatives from the McLean Citizens Association Environmental and Parks Committee, McLean Trees Foundation, the Potowmack Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society, and various County agencies. The Stream Team developed a plan that balanced the need to restore the stream with concerns about tree loss and park access.
Supervisor Foust said, "
One of the key factors of living in Fairfax County is that you have a voice and you can be heard. That is so important, particularly when there is an impact on things you love, like McLean Central Park and your backyard. I believe the Stream Team's efforts set a precedent for early community input and cooperation with staff that will be followed on other stream restoration projects in the County."
The need to restore the stream was determined in 2008 when County staff completed the Middle Potomac Watershed Plan, which includes Dead Run. A number of Dranesville residents were members of the Middle Potomac Watershed Steering Committee and several public workshops were held to receive input from the community regarding watershed issues and possible solutions.
Channel 16 produced a short video on the project and the extensive community involvement which is available to watch online at
https://bit.ly/2FTEAkJ.
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Old Dominion Drive Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation
Work to replace the aging pedestrian bridge along Old Dominion Drive between Linway Terrace and McLean Drive within the Pimmit Run Trail system was completed in early 2019. The project involved the removal of an aging steel bridge and replacement with a new fiberglass bridge.
Top: Before. Bottom: After.
Supervisor Foust said, "This bridge is part of an awesome trail network in the McLean area. This rehabilitation project will ensure that the bridge is safe to use for many years to come."
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Sugarland Run Trail Completion
The Fairfax County Park Authority has completed maintenance on the Sugarland Run Stream Valley Trail, which spans three miles from Sugarland Road to the Town of Herndon line.
Before (left) and after (right) photos of the trail.
 
A ribbon cutting was held on June 13 to celebrate completion of the project.
The Sugarland Run Stream Valley Maintenance Project that began in September 2018 was designed to repair and reconstruct approximately 12,000 linear feet of trail from the bridge near Kingstream Circle to Wiehle Avenue and from Wiehle Avenue to Dranesville Road. The scope of the project included culvert replacement, steam bank stabilization, at-risk tree removal, and the installation of GeoCel technology to mitigate the impacts of asphalt milling and paving.
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Baron Road Walkway Completion
On Wednesday, May 1, Fairfax County celebrated the completion of a segment of walkway along Baron Road from the Dead Run trailhead to Douglass Drive in McLean. The event was attended by Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust, Delegate Kathleen Murphy, Fairfax County Department of Transportation staff, and several Churchill Road Elementary School students, as well as other civic leaders, neighbors, and trail users.
Students from Churchill Road Elementary School helped Supervisor John Foust and Delegate Kathleen Murphy cut the ribbon on the new walkway.
Left: From Douglass Drive looking towards the Dead Run Trailhead. Right: From the Trailhead looking towards Douglass Drive.
The project installed approximately 430 linear feet of 5-foot wide sidewalk and included curb and gutter, curb ramps, new pavement and lane markings, an improved drainage system, and additional signage. The entrance to the Dead Run trail was also repaved. This project had been a priority for several years. It began with a request for trail to be constructed in Dead Run Stream Valley Park to connect to existing trail in McLean Central Park. Supervisor Foust worked with the Park Authority to construct a trail through the park, which was completed in 2013.
This left a gap between the park trail and the residential neighborhoods. The stretch of road, between the trailhead and Douglass Drive, had been dangerous for pedestrians due to the curve, slope, and vegetation in the area. Despite these conditions, it was a very popular area for walkers.
Ultimately, Supervisor Foust was able to have the project funded as part of the County's 6-Year Transportation Plan. Community members and stakeholders were involved in the design of the project. For the neighborhoods around the project, this walkway provides a safe connection to downtown McLean, McLean Central Park, Dolley Madison Regional Library, the McLean Community Center, and Churchill Elementary School.
Audrey Stover, a Churchill Road Elementary School student who lives near the
 project, also saw the need for a sidewalk in this area. When she saw it being built, she made an appointment with Supervisor Foust to discuss the project details and to explain how she would use it when it was completed. Supervisor Foust appreciated her enthusiasm for a much-needed pedestrian improvement and invited her to the project ribbon cutting. Audrey invited her classmates to attend the ribbon cutting as well. She also read a letter addressed to Supervisor Foust thanking him for his efforts and emphasizing the importance of safe sidewalks and their benefits to the community. Supervisor Foust complimented Audrey on her civic mindedness and invited Audrey and her classmates to continue to bring issues to him or other elected officials.
Supervisor Foust said, "The new walkway provides a safe connection in an area that had been very dangerous for pedestrians. It's been a joy to see so many community members, neighbors, and students taking advantage of it."
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Two Sidewalk Missing Links Completed
Within the last year, Fairfax County installed two segments of sidewalk along the south side of Dolley Madison Blvd. near downtown McLean, completing important missing links in the pedestrian network in the area.
The first segment, between Beverly Road and Kurtz Road, was completed in October 2018. This segment provides improved pedestrian access to the bus stop near Kurtz Road, which was also upgraded as part of the project.
The second segment, between Old Dominion Drive and Beverly Road, was completed in February 2019. This project helps further expand the walkway network in the area, improving pedestrian access to local businesses and neighborhoods.
Looking into the future, scoping for a significant sidewalk project that will extend from Kurtz Road to Georgetown Pike along Dolley Madison is underway. This project will provide safe pedestrian access from several McLean neighborhoods to the downtown area. It is expected to go to construction in late 2021.
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495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (495 NEXT)
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), Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD), and the community on options for addressing the backups and cut-through traffic caused by the lack of sufficient capacity on the American Legion Bridge, the majority of which is owned by Maryland.
Over the last two years, some progress has been made, but to fully address these issues, the insufficient capacity of the American Legion Bridge must be addressed. Though Maryland Governor Hogan has indicated that increasing capacity on the American Legion Bridge is one of his top transportation priorities, in a change to his initial proposal, the Maryland Board of Public Works recently voted 2 to 1 to allow the state to solicit private companies to build and operate toll lanes on Interstate 270 and the Capital Beltway, meaning that the I-270 lanes will be built first. Adding toll lanes to the American Legion Bridge and Interstate 495 in Montgomery and Prince George's counties will be phases 2 and 3.
In Virginia, to dovetail with Maryland's initial proposal, the Commonwealth Transportation Board approved $6 million for VDOT to conduct an environmental study of a plan to extend the I-495 Express Lanes by approximately three miles from the I-495 and Dulles Toll Road interchange to the vicinity of the American Legion Bridge and Maryland line. The environmental study, which is being conducted according to the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), is evaluating site-specific conditions and potential effects the proposed improvements may have on air quality, noise, neighborhoods, parks, recreation areas, historic properties, wetlands and streams, and other resources.
In January 2019, VDOT signed a Development Framework Agreement with Transurban to extend the 495 Express Lanes as a concessionaire's enhancement under the current 495 Express Lanes agreement. VDOT is responsible for planning, environmental approvals, and federal, state, and local agency coordination. Transurban's responsibilities include preliminary engineering and design, development of the finance plan, and management of a competitive design-build contractor procurement process.
Known as 495 NEXT, Virginia's I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension study, is being developed as an independent, stand-alone project that is being closely coordinated and made compatible with plans for the I-495 Capital Beltway in Maryland. The full scope of improvements will be refined over the coming months. Preliminary designs show the addition of trail along the corridor and replacement of three bridges at Old Dominion Drive, Georgetown Pike, and Live Oak Drive.
VDOT staff have indicated that they believe their analysis will show that extending the 495 Express Lanes will be effective even as a stand-alone project. Now that Maryland's plans have changed, it is imperative that VDOT show the community the benefits of proceeding with the project at this time. Supervisor Foust has continued to advocate that VDOT solicit community input. The McLean Traffic Advisory Group (MTAG), convened by Supervisor Foust in early 2018, comprised of representatives from McLean neighborhoods and tasked with looking at traffic concerns through a regional lens, has continued to take an active role in providing input.
VDOT held a community meeting on May 20 to provide residents with the opportunity to learn more about the project and discuss questions or concerns with VDOT staff. Over 200 community members attended the meeting. Materials from the meeting are available online. Additional community meetings will be held to share VDOT's findings and more detailed plans.
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Glass Recycling in Fairfax County: A Regional Approach
On April 10, Fairfax County, the City of Alexandria, Prince William County, and Arlington County announced a new strategic partnership to recover and recycle glass.
In Northern Virginia, glass collected in curbside recycling bins is sent to recycling facilities where it eventually ends up in landfills. During the transportation process to the facility glass is broken and becomes mixed with recycling residue (small bits of plastic and paper) as part of the sorting process, making it unrecoverable. To tackle this challenge, the jurisdictions have committed to collecting glass via purple glass-only drop-off containers and bringing it to Fairfax County's "Big Blue" processing plant, where it will be recycled for use in a variety of projects, including paving, construction and landscaping, and in filtration and stormwater control.
All colors of emptied glass bottles and jars are acceptable for glass drop-off. Food residue should be rinsed out prior to placing the materials in the bins. Items not accepted in the purple drop-off containers include food, plastic bags, lights or lightbulbs, ceramics, porcelain, mirrors, windows, and glass sheets. Residents of Fairfax County can find the purple drop-off containers at the I-66 transfer station and the I-95 landfill complex. The County recognizes that these locations are inconvenient for many residents and will continue to target suitable locations for the placement of glass-only containers.
Curbside recycling of glass is still permitted in recognition that several regional recycling plants are working towards improving their sorting processes.
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Drones in Fairfax County
On May 21, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a Public Safety Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program. The County's UAS program allows the Office of Emergency Management, Fire and Rescue, and the Police and Sheriff's Departments to use unmanned aircraft, or drones, to enhance public safety. These drones can operate in environments hazardous to first responders, and can be used for search and rescue, damage assessment, fire incident and scene management and investigations, hazardous material responses, and geospatial data acquisition. The unmanned aircraft will not be used to conduct unauthorized surveillance, harass individuals, or perform other unauthorized activities.
Now that the program has been approved, staff will apply for a Federal Aviation Association (FAA) Certificate of Authority to comply with federal guidelines on unmanned aircraft and create a steering committee to conduct oversight. Agencies approved for drone usage will begin buying equipment and conducting training. Drone operators will need to receive a remote pilot certificate from the FAA before the aircraft can be used in the County, and usage will likely begin in late August or early September. Notifications will be created for unmanned aircraft missions or training flights through
Fairfax Alerts.
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FCPD Drug Take Back Program
 Drug take-back boxes are now located at all eight Fairfax County Police stations. Bring unused or unneeded medications to any district station for a safe, convenient, and responsible way of disposing of drugs. Accepted items include prescription medication (schedule II-V controlled and non-controlled), prescription ointments, over-the-counter medications, and medications for pets. Prohibited items include needles (sharps), liquids of any kind, illegal drugs, non-prescription ointments and lotions, aerosol cans, and inhalers. The district stations are open and boxes available to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Land Use Cases
VIP Walker Road, LLC
SE 2018-DR-010
East side of Walker Road, north of its intersection with Colvin Run Road, Great Falls
At its May 7 meeting, the Board of Supervisors approved an application to permit a 62-unit assisted living facility on a 2.79-acre property split-zoned C-8 and R-1. The facility will be constructed in the Craftsman style with building materials to include stone, clapboard cementitious siding, and wood in muted colors. 49 surface parking spaces will be provided in front of and on the north side of the building and a circular, covered drop off will be provided on the west side of the building. Based on feedback from nearby residents and the Great Falls Citizens Association, the applicant has committed to preserve additional trees and to exceed County stormwater management requirements.
Information including a map of the site and staff report can be found
here.
Pomeroy/Clark LLC
PCA-C-637-04, RZ 2016-DR-027, FDP 2016-DR-027
Northwest Quadrant of the intersection of Sunrise Valley Drive and Frying Pan Road, Herndon
Applicant requests to rezone approximately 43 acres of land from the I-5 zoning district to the Planned Residential Mixed-Use (PRM) zoning district. The site is located in Area III, Dulles Suburban Center and is planned for mixed use development, which may include residential, office, hotel, and community-serving retail. The proposed development would consist of 335 single-family attached dwellings and 184 stacked, multi-family dwellings, as well as six acres of land reserved for a future elementary school.
Information including a map of the site, public hearing dates, and staff report can be found
here.
Aurora Station at Dulles (Pomeroy Companies, Inc. / Pomeroy Investments Inc., TR)
RZ 2017-DR-012, PCA-C-637-05, FDP 2017-DR-012
Northeast Quadrant of the intersection of Sunrise Valley Drive and Frying Pan Road, Herndon
Application to rezone 39.43 acre parcel from the I-5 and R-1 district to the Planned Residential Mixed-Use (PRM) district, to permit a maximum of 1,013 residential units, between 80,000 and 130,000 square feet of medical care or independent living, and a mixed-used development consisting of multi-family, hotel, retail, and office up to 310,000 square feet.
Information including a map of the site, public hearing dates, and staff report can be found
here.
Fair Light, LLC
SE 2018-DR-020
8514 Lewinsville Road, McLean
Special Exception application requesting a modification of the minimum lot width requirement of 150 feet in the R-1 district. The modification would allow the construction of a two-lot subdivision consisting of one lot with a width of 82 feet and a second lot with a width of 88.85 feet.
Information including a map of the site, public hearing dates, and staff report can be found here.
L&F Frying Pan, LLC
RZ/FDP 2018-DR-018 &
DSC-D1-2
Southeast of Frying Pan Road and Sunrise Valley Drive, Herndon
Rezoning application with concurrent Comprehensive Plan Amendment (
Dulles Suburban Center - DSC-D1-2)
to rezone 7.35 acres from the R-1 zoning district to PDH-5 to allow the construction of 35 single family attached dwellings.
Information including a map of the site, public hearing dates, and staff report can be found
here
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Sunrise Development, Inc.
SE 2019-DR-009
1515 Chain Bridge Road, McLean
Special Exception application to construct a 140-bed assisted living facility on 2.23 acres zoned C-3.
Information including a map of the site, public hearing dates, and staff report can be found
here.
For more information on land use cases in Dranesville contact Ben Wiles in the office of Supervisor Foust at Benjamin.Wiles@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-356-0551.
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New Sign Ordinance Regulations
On March 19, the Board of Supervisors approved new regulations for a sign ordinance, which were made effective the following day. The ordinance regulates all types of signs on private property within the County. For homeowners, the new regulations establish rules for "yard signs," allowing homeowners to display small signs on their lots for a variety of purposes. For businesses and other non-residential uses, the new regulations allow for certain types and sizes of permanent signs, as well as a number of different "minor sign" types (formerly referred to as "temporary signs"). Types of minor signs permitted include banners, A-frame signs, and window displays.
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McLean History Portal
The McLean History Portal serves as a guide to the McLean, Virginia historical collections found within Fairfax County Public Library's Virginia Room. The Virginia Room, which maintains a collection rich in regional history and genealogy, as well as local and state government information and legal resources, can be found on the second floor of The City of Fairfax Regional Library.
In May 2019, the McLean History Portal went live to serve as a virtual resource to aid researchers interested in McLean's history. The McLean History Portal includes manuscripts, photographs, oral histories, newspapers, school yearbooks, and more.
Supervisor Foust said, "Special thank you to the McLean residents, particularly Merrily Pierce, and local historians who have advocated for this resource for years and contributed to the growing collection of materials. As we consider the future of downtown McLean through ongoing revitalization efforts, this Portal is a reminder of our community's history and achievements."
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Wayne Sharp and Melissa Jonas Recognized by Supervisor Foust as Dranesville District's Lord and Lady Fairfax
Left: Chairman Bulova joined Melissa Jonas and Supervisor Foust for a photo. Right: Wayne Sharp and Supervisor Foust strike a pose at the dais.
Annually since 1984, two individuals from each of the nine Fairfax County magisterial districts, as well as two at-large, are honored for service to their communities or for particular acts of heroism. For their dedication, these community caretakers are recognized as Lord and Lady Fairfax for the year.
This year Supervisor Foust selected Wayne Sharp and Melissa Jonas as Lord and Lady Fairfax for the Dranesville District.
Adopted at birth, Dr. Sharp has served the National Council For Adoption in several capacities, including Treasurer, Vice Chairman and now Chairman of the Board of Directors. A distinguished US Diplomat (Ret.), he twice received the "President's Meritorious Foreign Service Award." He served as President of the Potomac Hills and Chain Bridge Forest citizens associations in McLean where he lived between foreign assignments. Mr. Sharp led the Tysons McLean Orchestra for three terms as President and formed an alliance with the Washington International Piano Arts Council. In 2012, The Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce recognized his contributions by awarding him the "Chairman's Award for Outstanding Leadership."
Melissa Jonas has served the Dranesville District and the Town of Herndon in many capacities, including as Vice Chairman of the Fairfax Country Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Chairman of the Town of Herndon Planning Commission, Co-Chair of the Affordable Housing Resource Panel, Chair of the Innovation Center Station (North) Task Force, member of the Dranesville District Area Plan Review Task Force, and member of the Herndon Town Council. Ms. Jonas has also contributed to local groups, such as the Herndon High School Band, during this time.
Langley High School Ice Hockey Team, Model UN Team, and Saxon Stage Theatre Company Recognized by Board of Supervisors
Members of Langley High School's Ice Hockey and Model UN teams were recognized by the Board of Supervisors at its May 21 meeting.
The ice hockey team won the Northern Virginia Scholastic Hockey League Championship on March 1, becoming the first Fairfax County high school team to take home the title.
The Model United Nations team was recognized for winning multiple awards in several competitions over the past year, including Outstanding Large Delegation at the McLean High School Model United Nations Conference, Best Large Delegation at the University of Virginia, Best Large Delegation at Thomas Edison High School, Best Large Delegation at the Garfield High School Model UN Conference, and Best Delegation at the Old Dominion University Model UN Conference. In addition to the achievements at the high school and college level, the Langley team won the Outstanding Large Delegation at the University of Pennsylvania's Ivy League Model UN Conference, which draws competitors from countries around the globe.
On June 4, Langley's Saxon Stage Theatre Company was recognized by the Board for receiving first place honors at the Virginia High School League Theatre Festival State Championship for its performance of "Pillow Talk." The theatre company also took first place honors at the 2019 Conference and Regional competitions. Sophomore Cole Sitilides and junior Samuel Buroker received top acting awards at the conference, regional, and state competitions. At the state event, the young men were recipients of two of the top four acting awards.
Saxon Stage has been nominated for the esteemed Cappie Award in the category of Best Play or Musical for five years running and received the Best Play award in 2014. Numerous actors, stage technicians and dancers have also taken home the coveted award in their respective categories.
McLean High School Receives 2019 First Amendment Press Freedom Award; Recognized by Board of Supervisors
The Journalism Education Association (JEA) with representatives from the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) and the Quill and Scroll International Honorary Society recently named McLean High School recipient of the 2019 First Amendment Press Freedom Award. McLean is among 12 schools nationwide, and only one of two Virginia schools, receiving this prestigious award. This is the third award for McLean High School.
The award recognizes public high schools that actively support, teach, and protect First Amendment rights and responsibilities of students and teachers, with an emphasis on student-run media where students make all final decisions of content. McLean High School students and staff joined the Board on May 21.
McLean Community Center Governing Board Winners
Three new adult members and two students were elected to the McLean Community Center (MCC) Governing Board. Congratulations to Carla Post, Suzanne LeMenestrel, Maria Foderaro-Guertin, Megan Markwart, and Xavier Jimenez.
From left: Carla Post, Suzanne LeMenestrel, Maria Foderaro-Guertin.
From left: Megan Markwart, and Xavier Jimenez.
The adults will serve three-year terms and the students will serve one-year terms. The results were certified by Supervisor Foust, who presented the successful candidates' names to the Board of Supervisors at its May 21 meeting.
The 11-member board is tasked with setting policies and oversight of MCC facilities and programs of the Center.
McLean AAUW Celebrates its 50th Anniversary
From left: Carol Mournighan, Supervisor John Foust and his wife Marilyn Jerome Foust, and Phyllis Provenzano.
Supervisor Foust joined the McLean Area Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) to celebrate its 50th anniversary. On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, he presented the group with a resolution recognizing the AAUW's 50 years of service to the community.
Throughout its fifty years, the branch has focused on advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. The proceeds from its annual used book sales have gone to AAUW's fellowships and grants programs, local scholarships to women returning to college and awards to local high school girls. Every year, the McLean Area Branch gives an award to the highest-ranking female student in her junior year in math and in science at McLean, Langley and Marshall High Schools as well as an award to the highest ranked female in the engineering category of the Fairfax County Science Fair.
For several years, the McLean Area Branch, along with three other branches, held STEMtastics, a day of hands-on workshops that introduced girls in middle school and their parents to STEM careers. This year, the McLean Branch started a new STEM essay contest for middle schoolers with awards going to four winners of essays on women scientists in history.
ADAMS Center Ramadan and Scout Awards Celebration
Supervisor Foust joined several other elected officials and inter-faith leaders at the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) Center on May 26 to celebrate Ramadan and to recognize two Boy Scouts who earned the rank of Eagle Scout and five Girl Scouts who earned their Gold Award. ADAMS has an enormous Scouting program with over 900 boys and girls participating. Congratulations to new Eagle Scouts Mohammad Saeed Durrani and Umair Syed and congratulations to Girl Scouts Maryam Durrani, Yusrah Ahsanullah, Iliyeen Ahmed, Syeda Saima, and Kashmala Mahmood for earning the Gold Award.
Supervisor Foust said, "Many thanks to the ADAMS community for making the Scouting opportunity available for so many boys and girls and for being such a great resource for families in the community."
McLean AAUW STEM Award Winner
From left to right: Myrtle Hendricks-Corrales, Branch Co-President; Mohamed Abouelenein, Hana's father; Hana Abouelenein; Judy Page, Branch STEM Chair; and Betsy Schroeder, Branch Co-President.
Hana Abouelenein, a sophomore at Langley High School, was selected as the 2019 recipient of the AAUW McLean Area Branch's STEM Excellence Award. The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Excellence Award is given to a female student or team from a high school in the McLean area with an outstanding project in the field of Engineering presented at the Fairfax County Regional Science Fair. Hana received a certificate, a $100 award, and recognition at the Branch's 50th Anniversary Dinner held on May 11.
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Riverbend Outdoor Classroom and Picnic Shelter Ribbon Cutting
From left: Kory Mead; Eleanor Anderson, Friends of Riverbend (FORB) Board Member; Karen Hershey, FORB Board Member; Park Naturalist Rita Peralta; Riverbend Park Manager John Callow; Hugh Morrow, President, FORB; Kirk Kincannon, Executive Director Park Authority; Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust; David Bowden, Director, Park Planning and Development; Heather Lynch, Project Manager; Dranesville District Park Authority Board Member Tim Hackman; Bill Canis, President of the Great Falls Citizens Association. John Hughes-Caley, FORB Board Member.
Supervisor Foust participated in the ribbon cutting for the new outdoor classroom/picnic shelter at Riverbend Park in Great Falls on April 27. The project highlights the efforts of the Park Authority and its close coordination with park neighbors and community groups, including the Friends of Riverbend Park and the Great Falls Citizens Association.
Tysons Walking Tour
Supervisor Foust joined the Tysons Partnership to lead its inaugural walking tour of Tysons. Starting at the Tysons Galleria, Supervisor Foust led the group on a three-mile walk along sidewalks and trails in the area.
Grow with Google
From left: Town of Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel; Darren Ewing, Dranesville District Library Trustee; Jenny Phipps, Herndon Staff Aide, Office of Supervisor John Foust; Jessica Hudson, Fairfax County Public Library Director; Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust.
Supervisor Foust joined business owners, community members, and other elected officials at Herndon Fortnightly Library for the Grow with Google program on March 6. Through this initiative, Google provides free resources to help job seekers, small business owners, nonprofit workers, and other interested individuals learn digital skills. The Fairfax County Public Library partnered with Google to provide this hands-on training.
Board of Supervisors Proclaims June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month
At the request of Supervisor Foust, Chairman Bulova, and Supervisor McKay, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors designated June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month for the seventh consecutive year.
Fifty years ago this month, a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a bar in Greenwich Village, New York, touched off riots and ignited a movement and struggle, that continue to this day, to obtain and guarantee rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens. One year after the riots, supporters of the movement held the first gay rights parade in this country. That one parade evolved into LGBTQ+ Pride Month, celebrated around the world and drawing millions of people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Significant achievements in gay rights have been made in this country since the Stonewall Riots, but there is still a long way to go to achieve full equality for LGTBQ+ citizens. This proclamation is important to demonstrate the Board's support for the LGBTQ+ community. It is also consistent with this Board's repeated affirmation of its commitment to promoting a culture of openness, inclusiveness, and welcoming of all persons in Fairfax County.
McLean High School students joined the Board on June 4 to celebrate the proclamation.
Supervisor Foust speaks to Local Groups
Supervisor Foust joined the McLean Rotary and the McLean Citizens Association this spring to share Fairfax County news and updates on topics of interest to the groups. These groups were interested in hearing about the FY 2020 budget, transportation projects in the area, progress the County is making on climate, environment, and energy issues, land use and development, and more.
Dedication of Historic Marker
Honoring the Colvin Run Mill During the War of 1812
From left: Gregory Wilson, Sally Lyons, Barbara Peters, Dranesville Supervisor John Foust, Carole Herrick, Anne Stuntz, and Lynne-Garvey Hodge.
On May 25, Supervisor Foust joined representatives of the Fairfax County History Commission and community members to celebrate the unveiling of a historic marker at Colvin Run Mill. The marker commemorates an impact of the War of 1812 on an aspect of Fairfax County's history - local mills.
"Operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority and many dedicated volunteers, Colvin Run Mill is one of many excellent sites where tourists and locals can go to experience the rich history of Fairfax County," Supervisor Foust said. "Many thanks to the History Commission for all they do to research, preserve and publicize our history. This marker adds even more to an already special place in the County."
Memorial Day Ceremony at Great Falls Freedom Memorial
Supervisor Foust joined Senator Barbara Favola and Delegate Kathleen Murphy at the Memorial Day ceremony held at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial. The ceremony included patriotic songs, an impressive Boy Scout Color Guard, and a bell ringing ceremony to recognize the Great Falls residents who gave their lives in defense of freedom. Andy Wilson, President of the Friends of the Great Falls Freedom Memorial, and keynote speaker Sandy Pidgeon, a Great Falls resident and retired U.S. Navy SEAL, gave very moving remarks honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Leadership Fairfax Board of Supervisors Breakfast
On April 5, Leadership Fairfax held its popular breakfast event, which brings together Fairfax County and regional leaders for a conversation with the Board of Supervisors on the state of the County. This year's event was baseball themed and put each Board Member's skill to the test when they had to pitch a really-soft softball into the crowd.
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| Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request. For information, call the Dranesville District office at 703-356-0551, TTY 711. |
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| If you would like your community announcement included in Dranesville Happenings please send an email to Dranesville@FairfaxCounty.gov. |
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