From Supervisor Foust: Dranesville Dispatch

On July 8, our community experienced an extreme rain event that washed out two bridges in McLean and flooded homes and neighborhoods, leaving roads closed and personal property destroyed. More information on the impacts of the storm and the work being done to reopen the roads is included below. In addition, there is also information about the loan assistance offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration to help homeowners, business owners, and renters recover from the storm.

In more general news, this issue includes information about new state laws that went into effect this summer, new zoning rules for signs, and information about the County's new Office of Environment and Energy Coordination. In addition, you will find photos of recently completed projects and events throughout the district.

With back-to-school season in full swing, it is important to be aware of school buses on the road, active school zones, and crossing guards. New this year is a free school bus tracking app called Here Comes the Bus, developed by Fairfax County Public Schools. More information about this new app 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,

John

DRANESVILLE AND COUNTY NEWS

Here Comes the Bus

New this year, Here Comes the Bus, a free school bus tracking app from Fairfax County Public Schools, will allow parents to track bus arrivals for the 2019-2020 school year.

The app provides real-time bus locations through text or email alerts. It uses GPS data and a customizable map to notify users when the bus will arrive for both morning and afternoon stops. The app tracks the bus route rather than the student, and bus substitutions can affect the accuracy of the app.

Here Comes the Bus became available for use on the first day of school, August 26. It can work on multiple devices such as smartphones, tablets, or desktop computers. The other tool currently available is the school district's bus delay notification system.

For more information and instructions on downloading and using the app, visit https://www.fcps.edu/resources/safety-and-transportation/transportation-services/here-comes-bus-mobile-app.

July 8 Storm

Loan Assistance and Kirby Road and Swinks Mill Road Closures

An epic rainstorm hit the area on July 8 with rainfall rates of four to six inches per hour. The McLean area received over 5 inches during that time. As a result, in addition to the extensive private property damages that were sustained, including homes and cars, public infrastructure was severely impacted as well.

At the urging of Supervisor Foust and others on the Board of Supervisors, the County declared an emergency and joined with other localities in asking that the Commonwealth request a Federal Disaster Declaration, which was approved. As a result, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest loans for residents and business owners in Fairfax and Arlington counties and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church who were affected by flooding during the July 8 storm.

The application deadline for all types of physical disaster loans is October 7, 2019. This covers businesses, non-profits, homeowners, and renters for un-insured or under-insured physical damages, including personal property, real estate, and vehicles. For more information, visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/, call 800-659-2955 (800-877-8399 for the deaf and hard of hearing), or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Segments of both Kirby Road and Swinks Mill Road in McLean have been closed for permanent repairs since the day of the storm. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has been working to repair the bridges and reopen the roads. VDOT is working on both roads concurrently and has committed to aggressive schedules for completing the repairs on each road.

Photo of Kirby Road following the July 8 storm.

Kirby Road has been cleared of debris, and temporary repairs to the bridge and roadway have been completed to make travel safe for local residents until the permanent repairs can be completed. However, the road is not open to through traffic. Safety and structural assessments have been completed, as have boundary and topographic surveys, which are being used to plan the repairs. Identification of types and locations of utilities have been completed, and utility repairs are planned. The design has been finalized for a contractor bid, with the contract expected to be awarded by mid-September. Completion of the roadway and bridge repairs is expected by late November, with the roadway being completed first in order to maintain access to homes, and the bridge repairs being completed after.

Swinks Mill Road has been cleared of debris and been made safe for travel for local residents and emergency responders, but the Swinks Mill bridge was and remains closed. Safety and structural assessments, as well as boundary and topographic surveys, are being used to develop plans for the repairs. The bridge design has been finalized. VDOT state crews began making the permanent repairs on August 9. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of September.

Follow VDOT on Twitter @VaDOTNOVA for updates.

Balls Hill Road/Georgetown Pike Improvements

Work was recently completed on a project to improve the intersection of Georgetown Pike and Balls Hill Road in McLean, one of the most congested areas in the Dranesville District due to its close proximity to the entrance to the Beltway.

Following requests from community members and intersection neighbors, as well as advocacy from local and state officials, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) began work this summer to add a left-turn lane to northbound Balls Hill Road at its intersection with Georgetown Pike. Adding the left-turn lane allows residents traveling north across Georgetown Pike to do so in their own through lane.

Although not expected to resolve all congestion at this intersection, the improvement gives residents to the north and east of the intersection a way to their homes without mixing with the Beltway-bound traffic turning left at the intersection. The VDOT project included pavement widening and minor signal, striping, drainage, and signage changes.

The McLean Traffic Advisory Group, formed by Supervisor Foust with input from Senator Barbara Favola and Delegate Kathleen Murphy, played an important role in getting this project started. Members of the group who represent neighborhoods impacted by cut-through traffic and congestion weighed in on alternatives and supported this option.

Supervisor Foust worked with County staff to allocate funding for the design of this project and the work was completed by VDOT crews.

From left: Don Moyer, Fairfax County Department of Transportation; Allison Richter, VDOT; Helen Cuervo, VDOT; State Senator Barbara Favola, Supervisor John Foust; Delegate Kathleen Murphy; Captain Alan Hanson, McLean Police District Station; Steve Welch, VDOT; John Schell, McLean Traffic Advisory Group Chairman.

"This improvement provides some much-needed relief for residents who live near the intersection," said Supervisor Foust. "Thank you to the community members who provided input and the staff that understood the urgency to get this done."

Route 7 Widening Update

On June 13, Supervisor Foust joined community members, elected officials, and other transportation leaders to break ground on the Route 7 Corridor Improvements Project. This project will widen the road from four to six lanes between Reston Avenue and Jarrett Valley Drive, add pathways for cyclists and pedestrians, and make intersection and other improvements along the corridor. The improvements are designed to increase capacity, improve safety and traffic flow, and enhance mobility for cyclists and pedestrians along the corridor.

This project has been a priority for Supervisor Foust for several years. The widening will encourage traffic to stay on Route 7 rather than overwhelming neighborhood roads as often happens today with cut-through traffic. The project will also provide shared-use paths connecting the east and west ends of the Dranesville District for cyclists and pedestrians.

From left to right: VDOT NOVA Construction Engineer Bill Cutler, State Senator Jennifer Boysko, Delegate Kathleen Murphy, State Senator Janet Howell, Chairman Sharon Bulova, Supervisor John Foust, Supervisor Cathy Hudgins, State Senator Barbara Favola, Prince William County Supervisor and Chairman of the Transportation Planning Board Martin Nohe, VDOT NOVA District Engineer Helen Cuervo, Honorable Randy Minchew.

The $313.9 million project is expected to be completed in summer 2024, and will save road users 24 million hours of time by 2040. During construction, drivers should expect some lane closures during off-peak travel hours.

Several areas are currently under construction. On westbound Route 7 between the Colvin Run Mill area and Reston Avenue, work is ongoing to widen the shoulders of the road. Once complete, westbound lanes will shift slightly to the right to give crews room to work in the median to construct temporary eastbound lanes. Drivers should watch for signs indicating minor changes to the familiar traffic pattern through this area. Pipe installation, median excavation, utility and temporary signal work are underway in the median of Route 7 between the Colvin Run Mill area and Reston Avenue. Construction of the third left turn lane from westbound Route 7 to southbound Baron Cameron Avenue was completed and operational by the end of August.

The speed limit on Route 7 has been reduced to 45 miles per hour in the project's active work zones. Additional fines may apply to speeding violations in active work zones.

For updates on the project and details on periodic public meetings as the project progresses, visit http://connectroute7.org/.

Scotts Run Tributary at Windy Hill Road Stream Stabilization

The Scotts Run Tributary at Windy Hill Road Stream Stabilization Project was completed this summer. Located within the Scotts Run Watershed near 1348 Windy Hill Road in McLean, the project restored 600 feet of intermittent stream using natural channel design. The work also included installation of a new drop inlet, 32 linear feet of 36-inch diameter reinforced concrete pipe, an endwall at Box Elder Court, and instream structures including rock weir, imbricated toe protection, step pools, and reinforced bed material.

Scotts Run Tributary Stream before and after stabilization.

Water quality benefits of the project include removal of 47 pounds of total phosphorus, removal of 238 pounds of total nitrogen, and removal of 15,132 pounds of total suspended solids per year.

New Office of Environment and Energy Coordination and CECAP

The Board of Supervisors approved funding for the new Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination as part of its FY 2020 budget in May, and the OEEC officially launched on July 1. The organization is responsible for cross-organizational development and implementation of effective environmental and energy policies, goals, programs and projects, and engaging County departments, authorities, businesses, and residents to advance environmental and energy priorities.

The new office will lead existing environmental and energy initiatives, including the Operational Energy Strategy to cut energy consumption in County facilities by 20% per square foot over 10 years; Energy Action Fairfax, a public education and outreach program to help residents lower their utility bills, save energy, and reduce their carbon footprint; the Green Business Partners Program that recognizes local businesses for their sustainable practices; and the Fairfax Employees for Environmental Excellence, which helps County employees work and live more sustainably.

In addition to continuing these programs, the OEEC also plans to develop and implement a Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan, or CECAP. CECAP will be a community-driven plan that provides pathways for all residents, workers, organizations, and businesses to reduce their energy use and decrease community-wide greenhouse gas emissions. Its timeline and structure were accepted by the Board of Supervisors at its June 18 Environmental Committee meeting. Staff is currently setting up an internal Coordinating Team, a stakeholder Energy and Climate Task Force, and district-level Focus Groups. Pending Board approval of FY 2020 Carryover funding, staff expects to procure consulting services and begin community outreach later this fall.

For more information about the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/environment-energy-coordination/about-us.

Glass Recycling Update

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. County staff is currently reviewing possible locations in Dranesville. Once one has been selected, Supervisor Foust will share this information with the community.

Curbside recycling of glass is still permitted in recognition that several regional recycling plants are working towards improving their sorting processes.

For more information, visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/recycling-trash/glass.

Autonomous Electric Vehicle Shuttle Pilot Program in Merrifield

Fairfax County and Dominion Energy are partnering on an autonomous electric shuttle pilot program tentatively planned for the Merrifield area. The pilot will be one of the first tests of driverless technology in public transportation in Virginia.

The goal of the pilot is for Fairfax County and Dominion Energy to learn about the various aspects of deploying autonomous vehicles as part of a large public transportation system. Autonomous and electric vehicle technology will play a major role in a lower-emissions transportation future in the Commonwealth of Virginia and across the nation. Dominion Energy will lease or buy the vehicles for the pilot and Fairfax County will oversee the operations.

Safety is key in the pilot program, and the Virginia Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will perform safety reviews of the program. The shuttles will undergo extensive testing before passenger service can begin and a safety steward will be on board to monitor operations.

Supervisor Foust said, "This exciting program is an example of how Fairfax County continues to encourage innovation and testing of smart technologies as part of its strategic plan to grow and diversify the economy."

For more information about the project, visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/transportation/autonomous-shuttle-pilot.

$360 Million School Bond Referendum

A $360 million school bond referendum has been approved to be on the November 5, 2019 general election ballot. If approved by voters, Fairfax County Public Schools plan to sell bonds to pay for the planning and/or building of two new elementary schools (locations to be determined); renovation of 10 elementary schools and two middle schools; building additions at three existing high schools; and relocation of a modular building. Bond money is planned to be used to build a new elementary school for the Fairfax/Oakton area; however, a location has not been chosen yet for this future school.

The projects will increase the capacity of school buildings Countywide by more than 4,400 students and are expected to reduce the number of temporary or portable classrooms by approximately 100.

For more information on the projects the schools plan to fund, visit https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/facilities-planning-future/2019-school-bond-referendum/school-improvement-projects.

For additional information on the bond referendum and the planned construction, visit https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/pdf/2019-bond-facts-booklet.pdf.

OP3 STEM Opportunities for Youth

STEM Opportunities for Youth is a Fairfax County-sponsored website for kids of all ages to find programs offered by County parks, libraries, community centers, nonprofit organizations, and local organizations relating to STEM.

The website is an easy-to-navigate portal that includes a searchable map and calendar with links to programs offering opportunities to learn new skills and get hands-on experience with STEM. Such experiences keep youth connected to the math, science, and technology they learn in school and may inspire interest in future educational or career choices. Most programs require registration and about half of the programs are free.

The site is updated frequently with new events, organizations, and resources, and can be found at https://research.fairfaxcounty.gov/stem.

Other questions and inquiries can be sent to STEMFairfax@fairfaxcounty.gov.

New Zoning Rules for Signs

On March 19, the Board of Supervisors adopted a rewrite to its zoning ordinance to put in place content-neutral language for signs. The overhaul was needed in response to a U.S. Supreme Court decision that said local governments cannot limit signs based on their content or message. While the County retained many of its previous sign policies and regulations, the revised ordinance includes new regulations and sign categories in addition to the content-neutral language. It also reorganizes some of the rules to make them more user friendly as part of the County's project to modernize its zoning ordinance (zMOD).

The following are the changes to sign zoning rules:

Electronic Display Sign Rules

For the first time, the zoning rules explicitly regulate freestanding, electronic display signs like those often seen at schools and churches. The rules address the size for these signs, their brightness, and how frequently the text on them changes.

Under the new rules, the display screen must be limited to 50 percent of the total size of the overall sign, whereas previously they often made up 100 percent of a sign's face. The regulations also dictate that the copy on these signs may not change more than once every eight seconds, and the change must be instantaneous without rolling, fading, flashing, varying in brightness, or giving the illusion of movement. Digital signs cannot have exclusively white, off-white, or yellow backgrounds, and the display boards must include a photo cell to automatically dim them after sunset.

Yard Signs Added as a New Category

Wholesale revisions were made to what zoning rules previously called "temporary signs." Now called "minor signs," these moveable signs include sandwich-board signs and banners. The new rules also added "yard signs" as a new category for residential property.

On residential properties, there are no restrictions on the number of yard signs allowed or how long they may be displayed. However, homeowners are limited to posting a maximum of 12 square feet of total yard signage, with no single sign exceeding 4 square feet in area and a height of 4 feet.

Signs on Non-Residential Properties

For non-residential properties, the new rules allow minor signs for businesses and non-profits. These regulations differ depending on the type of road on which the property is located. For properties on a major thoroughfare, up to 32 square feet of minor signage can be displayed on each lot. For all other properties, up to 24 square feet can be displayed. There are no restrictions on display time, but only two signs are allowed per lot with a height of 4 feet.

The new ordinance also puts in place limits for what are called "off-premises" commercial signs, like signs pointing the way to open houses. Such signs can only be posted from noon on Friday through noon on Monday and are restricted to the same rules as yard signs.

Prohibited Signs

The new ordinance also identifies several prohibited sign types, most of which were carried over from old regulations:

Moving or windblown signs, such as feather signs or inflatable signs.
Signs that have flashing or intermittent lights that do not conform to the regulations for electronic display signs.
Roof signs.
Any sign that obstructs visibility at a corner or intersection.

For more information or questions about the new zoning rules for signs, contact the Department of Planning and Zoning's Zoning Administration Division at 703-324-1314, TTY 711, or by email at dpzzmodcomments@fairfaxcounty.gov.

11 Notable New State Laws Effective July 1, 2019

Several new laws became effective in Virginia on July 1. Below are a few for you to be aware of (with Virginia House or Senate bill numbers in parentheses if you want to look up more details).

1. Special Permits for Restricted Turns While Driving

To reach a middle ground that allows jurisdictions to control cut-through traffic in neighborhoods without making it difficult for residents in those areas to get to their homes, this new law allows the County to create a program providing stickers or other appropriate vehicle designations that permit residents to make turns into or out of a designated area during the times of the day when those turns would otherwise be restricted. The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) is currently working on creating a permit program as allowed by this legislation. ( HB 2033)

2. Regulation of Motorized Skateboards or Scooters

New rules for use of motorized skateboards and scooters include a maximum speed limit of 20 mph and require localities to keep consistent regulations for all similar devices including motorized skateboards, scooters, and bicycles. FCDOT is drafting a proposal for review and approval by the Board of Supervisors later this year. ( HB 2752)

3. Driving Near Stationary Vehicles Displaying Warning Lights

Drivers can now be fined for failing to move into a nonadjacent lane on a highway when approaching a stationary vehicle displaying flashing, blinking, or alternating lights. If changing lanes would be unreasonable or unsafe, the driver is expected to proceed with due caution and maintain a safe speed. Under current law, a first offense is punishable by a fine of not more than $250 and a second such offense is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor. ( HB 1911)

4. Rear-Facing Car Seats Until Age 2

Children are now required to be in rear-facing car seats until they are 2 years old or reach an appropriate weight to face forward. The bill, which was passed in 2018 but did not go into effect until this year, expands the reasons that a physician may adjust the use of a child restrain system to include the child's height. ( HB 708)

5. Handheld Cellphone Use in Work Zones

This new law prohibits anyone from holding a handheld personal communications device in their hand while driving a motor vehicle in a highway work zone (with certain exceptions). A violation is punishable by a mandatory fine of $250. The current law still makes it illegal to text or email while driving at any time statewide, with the same exceptions. ( SB 1768)

6. Repeal of Driver's License Suspension for Unpaid Court Fines

Driver's licenses will no longer be suspended for nonpayment of court fines. This change also reinstates licenses for more than 627,000 residents who lost their license because of nonpayment. ( Budget Amendment)

7. Car Inspection Cost

The price of getting a car's yearly safety inspection has changed from $16 to $20.

8. Start of School Year Rules

This change allows schools to set their first day as early as 14 days before Labor Day (unless waived by the Board of Education). The bill does state that schools that open earlier should still close on Labor Day, in observance of the national holiday. ( HB 1652/SB 1005)

9. Tobacco and Vape Use on School Property

School boards are now required to develop and implement policies prohibiting the use and distribution of tobacco and/or nicotine vapor products on any school property, on school buses, or at on-site or off-site school sponsored activities. These policies must also prohibit possession of such products at the same school locations and functions. The bill requires policies to include information and resources to help staff and students overcome tobacco addiction. ( HB 2384/SB 1295)

10. Legal Age for Tobacco Use

The minimum age required to purchase tobacco products in Virginia is now 21 (the bill provides an exception for active duty military personnel). Penalties will apply to those under 21 who attempt to purchase tobacco, nicotine vapor or alternative nicotine products, and to individuals who sell or distribute to, purchase for, or knowingly permit the purchase of, such products by anyone under 21. ( HB 2748/SB 1727)

11. No-Excuse In-Person Absentee Voting in 2020

A new bill affecting the 2020 elections allows any registered voter to vote by absentee ballot in person beginning on the second Saturday immediately preceding any election in which they are qualified to vote, without providing a reason or making prior application for an absentee ballot. This option will first be available for the November 3, 2020 election. Current provisions for voting with an absentee ballot by mail or in person prior to the second Saturday immediately preceding the election remain the same, including the application requirement. ( HB 2790/SB 1026)

For an overview of all new state laws, visit http://dls.virginia.gov/pubs/idc/idc19.pdf.

Made in Fairfax Network for Small-Scale Producers

Are you looking to build your business and promote your product? Fairfax County is launching the "Made in Fairfax" Network for Small-Scale Producers, including textiles, hardware, woodworking, metalworking, breweries, and local food production. Goals of the network include helping build connections between peer makers, creating events to promote local businesses and products, providing educational opportunities for makers to grow their businesses, gathering input on ways the County can support business growth, establishing a logo and branding campaign for products Made in Fairfax, and creating a directory to promote these products. There is no cost to participate in this group.

Interested? Fill out the registration form at https://bit.ly/2XkGwgc or email MadeinFairfax@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Land Use Cases in Dranesville

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

At its June 25 meeting, the Board of Supervisors approved an application 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 development will consist of 335 single-family attached dwellings and 184 stacked, multi-family dwellings.

Access to the property will be provided via a newly constructed extension of River Birch Road, which will connect to Sunrise Valley Drive and Frying Pan Road. The new River Birch Road will be designed as a four-lane, undivided street. In the interim, River Birch Road will contain two travel lanes on the east side and one travel lane and parallel street parking on the west side. The applicant will also widen and make improvements to Frying Pan Road and Sunrise Valley Drive along the frontage of the property. These critical transportation improvements fulfill Comprehensive Plan recommendations for the area.

To address school capacity needs in the area, the applicant will dedicate six acres of land for a future elementary school. The site will accommodate a 135,000 square foot elementary school, a rectangular field, and a play area. The applicant worked closely with Fairfax County Public Schools on the site design to ensure that adequate parking, bus circulation, and recreation space can be provided for the 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

At its June 25 meeting, the Board of Supervisors approved an application to rezone a 39.43 acre parcel from the I-5 and R-1 districts 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.

Vehicular access to the site will be provided via Frying Pan Road and Sunrise Valley Drive. The applicant will construct a 10-foot wide shared use path and widen Frying Pan Road along the property's frontage to three lanes. Additionally, the applicant will contribute $6.3 million to the Innovation Station South Transportation Fund for road improvements in the area.

The applicant will dedicate $12,262 per expected new student based on the current student generation rate, as well as $1,250 per new residential dwelling towards the construction of a new elementary school in the area.

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 (Planned Development Housing)-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 .

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.

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.

May Properties IV LLC
AF 2019-DR-001
820 Utterback Store Road, Great Falls

Application to establish an Agricultural and Forestal District on approximately 68 acres of land zoned R-E (Residential Estate). The applicant proposes to continue to use the property as a farm.

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

Milestone Tower Limited Partnership and Fairfax County School Board
SE 2019-DR-012; PCA 89-D-007-02
700 Bennet Street, Herndon

A concurrent Special Exception and Proffered Condition Amendment to construct a 124-foot tall monopole and compound to be located on the north side of the Herndon High School football field in an open area just west of the northside visitor's bleachers.

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

Charles J. Dibona
AF 2019-DR-002
9306 Georgetown Pike and 644 Riverbend Road, Great Falls

Application to establish an Agricultural and Forestal District on approximately 50 acres of land zoned R-E. The property consists of approximately 46 acres of forested or undeveloped uses and four acres of residential use. No tree harvesting is planned.

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.

CONGRATULATIONS

FCPS Outstanding New Principal: Teresa Fennessey, Herndon Elementary School

Teresa Fennessy has created a sense of synergy at Herndon Elementary, where she is principal. She has shepherded Herndon Elementary School to become a "learning school" where adults and students are engaged in a collaborative effort to be the best they can possibly be. Her positivity and dedication to working with parents, students, staff, and the community has made Herndon Elementary a great place to learn.

Ms. Fennessy believes strongly in teacher leadership and provides many opportunities that spark creativity. During her tenure, Herndon has seen improved academic achievement, established a strong responsive classroom culture, and benefitted from an enhanced the relationship between the school and the community.

FCPS Outstanding Principal: Jesse Kraft, Coates Elementary School

Jesse Kraft has served as principal at Coates Elementary School since 2016. Mr. Kraft is revered by students and respected by the community, which he has worked with by connecting with churches, businesses, and the Coates family to encourage involvement at the school, including mentoring students. He is a frequent visitor to classrooms, teaches positivity project lessons in grade-level assemblies, and is helping older students improve their public speaking skills through a series of lessons called "Talk Like a Boss."

Under Mr. Kraft's leadership, Coates Elementary has seen gains in test scores across the board. In addition, the school staff and students have high morale and a sense of mission. It is a place where students are empowered to thrive and be successful in their pursuits.

FPCS Students Earn Design Award at VEX IQ Robotics World Championship

From left: Samantha Li of Spring Hill Elementary; Daniel Wu of Churchill Road Elementary; Cynthia Wu, David Han, and Sophia Lee of Cooper Middle; and Pranav Anumandla of Longfellow Middle.

For the second time, the Rising Phoenix 999A team captured the Design Award at the 12th annual VEX IQ Robotics World Championship in Louisville, Kentucky, competing against 418 middle school teams from 40 nations. The team also made it to the finals for the Teamwork competition in the Science division. The Design Award is presented to the team that demonstrates the ability to implement the most effective and efficient robot design process. Rising Phoenix has won the Virginia State Championship title three times.

McLean, Langley High School Students Win Cappies Awards

Students from McLean and Langley High Schools participated in and won awards at the 2019 National Capital Area Cappies Awards Gala at the Kennedy Center, which brought together 60 high schools from Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

Langley High School's "Biloxi Blues" won the Cappies Awards for Best Play and Ensemble in a Play. Langley student Cole Sitilides won as Lead Actor in a Play, and Mark Bosset won as Supporting Actor in a Play.

Langley High School's "Biloxi Blues" won the Cappies Awards for Best Play and Ensemble in a Play.

McLean High School won the Props Category. McLean student Kristen Waagner won as Lead Actress in a Play for her role as Jack in "Lord of the Flies." McLean also took home the arts journalism award for Best Critics Team. Team members include Mary Kate Ganley, Kristen Waagner, Helen Ganley, Kara Murri, Syd Kirk, Alannah Rivera, Katherine Kelly, Rachel Kulp, and Sophie Camus. Kristen Waagner won the Bill Strauss Graduating Critic Cappies Award.

PHOTO GALLERY

Ribbon Cutting for Trail Improvement Project in Sugarland Run Stream Valley Park in Herndon

This summer, Supervisor Foust joined the Fairfax County Park Authority to celebrate the completion of a trail maintenance and improvement project in Sugarland Run Stream Valley Park in Herndon. The project addressed general wear and tear and trail damage due to stream flooding on the trail section south of Wiehle Avenue to Woodvale Court and north of Wiehle Avenue, following the Folly Lick Branch tributary of Sugarland Run, to Dranesville Road. Work included the milling and repaving of more than 12,000 linear feet of trail, installation of new culverts, and the addition of riprap.

Track Completed at Franklin Sherman Elementary School

From left: Principal Kathleen Quigley; Eddie Mansius and Ayisha Swann, representatives from JBG Smith; students; Matthew Nielsen, Franklin Sherman PE Teacher; Jock Owens, FCPS Field Supervisor; Supervisor John Foust; students.

Supervisor Foust joined Franklin Sherman Elementary School Principal Kathy Quigley, other FCPS officials, students, PTA members, and representatives from JBG Smith to celebrate the completion of Franklin Sherman Elementary School's new track on August 22. JBG Smith, developer of The Signet condominiums in downtown McLean, provided the funding for the track.

Vinson Hall 50th Anniversary Party

Supervisor Foust joined the Vinson Hall Retirement Community as it celebrated its 50th anniversary. The community hosted a block-style party complete with a barbecue lunch, games, speakers, and entertainment to commemorate 50 years of service. Vinson Hall is home to nearly 400 retired military officers, civil servants, and their families, and employs almost 250 people.

2019-2020 McLean Community Center Governing Board Sworn In

Supervisor Foust swore in the 2019-2020 McLean Community Center (MCC) Governing Board on June 5. Carla Post, Suzanne LeMenestrel, and Maria Foderaro-Guertin joined the Board as newly elected adult representatives, while Megan Markwart was re-elected to the Board as a teen representative and Xavier Jimenez was newly elected as a teen representative.

Dolley Madison Boulevard Corridor Study Community Meeting

In coordination with Supervisor Foust, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) held a community meeting on June 13 to discuss alternatives for improving the Dolley Madison Boulevard corridor in McLean. The focus of the study is on Dolley Madison Boulevard between Tysons and the downtown McLean area. The intersections of Great Falls Street/Lewinsville Road and Dolley Madison Boulevard, nearby Balls Hill and Lewinsville Roads, and Dolley Madison Boulevard and Old Dominion Drive are also being analyzed.

Since the meeting, FCDOT has been receiving comments from community members and groups and is reviewing and condensing that information. The study includes short- and long-term options and community feedback will be instrumental in determining how the County proceeds.

July 4 Celebrations in McLean

Supervisor Foust and other elected officials and community members participated in a flag for heroes ceremony in McLean with members of American Legion 270. This event preceded the annual MCC fireworks show, which returned to Langley High School this year.

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.

If you would like your community announcement included in Dranesville Happenings please send an email to Dranesville@FairfaxCounty.gov.