From Supervisor Foust: Dranesville Dispatch

Now that school is in session and area commuters are back from vacation, traffic volumes have increased. Please be extra cautious of children walking to schools and at bus stops during school arrival and departure hours, and remember that it is against the law to pass a school bus when its stop sign is extended.

This issue of the Dispatch includes information about the County referendums that will be included on the November 8 General Election ballot (the proposed Meals Tax and the bonds for parks, transportation and community development), absentee voting information, recent ground breakings, information on several land use cases in the Dranesville District, and other news and events from throughout the community.

The Photo Gallery section includes pictures of activities involving several projects and events including the recently completed pedestrian improvement project at the intersection of Elm Street and Dolley Madison in McLean, Walk to School Day at Haycock Elementary School, and the re-dedication ceremony for the Battle of Dranesville Historic Marker.

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

John

John Foust

Dranesville District Supervisor

DRANESVILLE AND COUNTY NEWS

Absentee Voting Information

General and Special Elections including Town of Herndon

The deadline to register to vote in the November 8 General Election is October 17, 2016. Online registration must be completed by 11:59 p.m.; registration by mail must be postmarked no later than October 17, 2016.

ABSENTEE VOTING BY MAIL

Absentee Ballot Applications must be received by the Office of Elections by 5:00 p.m., November 1, 2016.
Absentee Ballots must be received by the Office of Elections by 7:00 p.m., November 8, 2016.

IN-PERSON ABSENTEE VOTING

Fairfax County Government Center

12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax

Conference Center Rooms 2 and 3

September 23 to October 14

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Closed Columbus Day, Monday, October 10

October 17 to November 4

8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturdays: October 1 to November 5

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

SATELLITE LOCATIONS AND TIMES
Saturdays: October 1 to November 5

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Weekdays: October 17 to November 4

2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Dranesville Satellite Voting Location

McLean Governmental Center

1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean

For more information about absentee voting and for a complete list of Fairfax County satellite voting locations, visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/absentee.htm.

A valid photo ID is required for voting. For a list of acceptable forms of ID, to register to vote, update your voter registration, and to find your polling location, visit http://www.elections.virginia.gov/voter-outreach/.

Absentee ballot applications and voter registration forms are also available at Supervisor Foust's office in the McLean Governmental Center, 1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean.

Fairfax County Residents to Vote on 2016 Parks, Human Services, Transportation Bond Referendums

In the November 8 General Election, Fairfax County voters will be asked to vote YES or NO on three individual bond questions totaling $312 million, allocated as follows:

Parks and Park Facilities: $107 million
Human Services and Community Development: $85 million
Transportation: $120 million

If a majority votes yes on a referendum, the Board of Supervisors will be authorized to sell bonds for the purpose described in the ballot questions.

Parks and Park Facilities

The $107 million includes $94.7 million intended to fund the Fairfax County Park Authority's capital needs and $12.3 million to sustain the County's capital contribution to the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA). Proceeds from the bonds would be used to fund:

Land acquisition and open space preservation to ensure adequate parkland for future generations
New park development
Park renovation and upgrades for aging facilities
Natural and cultural resource stewardship
Restoration, renovation, and modernization of existing NVRPA facilities, many of which were developed or constructed more than 20 years ago

Human Services and Community Development

The $85 million is intended to:

Replace the Sully Senior Center and build a new Lorton Community Center
Renovate, expand or replace four emergency shelters for people who are homeless

Transportation

The $120 million is intended to fund for the next four years the County's share of Metro's capital improvement program that includes:

Safety and system maintenance projects
New rail cars and power upgrades for running eight-car trains
Additional buses for operating Priority Corridor Networks
Rail station improvements to increase the capacity of the rail system infrastructure

Fairfax County has a triple-A credit rating, the highest credit rating possible for any government entity. As of January 2016, Fairfax County is one of only 11 states, 46 counties and 33 cities to hold a triple-A bond rating from all three rating agencies, Moody's Investors Service Inc., Standard & Poor's Corporation, and Fitch Ratings.

For this reason, Fairfax County's bonds sell at relatively low interest rates compared to other tax-free bonds.

For more information on the 2016 parks, human services, and transportation bond referendums visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/bond/.

Fairfax County Residents to Vote on Meals Tax Referendum

On the November 8 General Election ballot, Fairfax County voters will be asked to vote YES or NO on a 4 percent meals tax. The tax would apply to beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, that are served with a meal. It would not apply to groceries. Grocery and convenience stores would only collect the tax on ready-to-eat foods, like foods from the delicatessen. Many jurisdictions in Northern Virginia, including Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, Fairfax City, Herndon, and Vienna, already have a meals tax.

Fairfax County has very limited authority to diversify its revenues. Many potential revenue streams for local government are prohibited by the state or require General Assembly action to be adjusted. As a result, the County's budget is heavily reliant on real estate and personal property taxes. Real estate taxes account for almost sixty-five percent (65%) of the County's General Fund revenues. Nearly eighty percent (80%) of the County's total real estate tax revenues are paid by residential property owners.

The Board of Supervisors has long supported revenue diversification but does not have the authority to implement a meals tax unless approved by the voters. The Board's action to place it on the ballot gives that choice to Fairfax County residents. The Fairfax County Department of Management and Budget estimates that approximately $100 million in revenue would be generated from a 4 percent meals tax in the first year. That is equivalent to more than 4 cents on the real estate tax rate. The Board of Supervisors has committed that seventy percent (70%) of the net revenue generated from the meals tax would go to Fairfax County Public Schools, and the remaining thirty percent (30%) would go to Fairfax County services, capital improvements, and property tax relief. A small portion of the gross revenue would go to reimburse restaurants for administrative costs they will incur to collect and process the tax receipts to the County.

If a meals tax is approved by voters, it would apply to tourists, commuters and travelers, as well as residents who choose to dine out. It is estimated that non-County residents eating in Fairfax County would generate nearly thirty percent (30%) of total meals tax revenue annually for Fairfax County.

For more information on the proposed meals tax and referendum, visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/mealstax/ .

Office of Independent Police Auditor Established

Unanimously Approved by Board of Supervisors

At its September 20 meeting, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the recommendation of the Independent Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission to establish the Office of Independent Police Auditor, appointed by and reporting to the Board of Supervisors, for the purpose of building and maintaining public trust and police legitimacy. As stated by Ed Roessler, Chief of the Fairfax County Police Department, "We fully support the establishment of the Office of Police Auditor to increase our transparency to the community we proudly serve."

The Office of Independent Police Auditor will:

Monitor and review internal investigations of Fairfax County Police Department officer-involved shootings, in-custody deaths and use of force cases in which an individual is killed or seriously injured.
Request further investigation if the auditor determines that an internal investigation was deficient or conclusions were not supported by the evidence.
Issue a public report for each reviewed internal investigation.
Review all resident complaint investigations of alleged excessive or unnecessary force by officers.
Produce annual reports analyzing trends and recommending improvements.

The Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission was created by Chairman Sharon Bulova and endorsed by the Board on March 3, 2015 for the purpose of engaging the community in an open and transparent process to recommend changes to help the Board and the Police Department achieve the goals of maintaining a safe community, building public trust, and resolving and reviewing police-involved incidents and responses. The establishment of the Office of Independent Police Officer was included in the recommendations put forth in the Commission's final report, submitted on October 20, 2015. On November 17, 2015, the Board approved a process for assigning, prioritizing, tracking, and considering the 202 recommendations by the Commission. Implementation of many of the recommendations are in progress and many have already been achieved.

For more information, visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/policecommission/.

New Online Experience for Viewing Police-Related Events

The Fairfax County Police Department Public Affairs Bureau is partnering with CrimeReports.com, a website devoted to increasing community awareness of police-related events occurring in the community.

CrimeReports.com provides a convenient, web-based platform which allows residents to proactively share local, police-related information with the community. Events reported to the Fairfax County Police Department and stored in the I/LEADS records management system are automatically published in an interactive map, free and accessible to the public on a desktop or mobile device.

For more than 10 years, the police department has published calls-for-service data through the " My Neighborhood" application available on the Fairfax County website. The new CrimeReports.com experience now provides residents with the opportunity to view police activity at their leisure, sign up for updates, and instantly send secure, anonymous tips to the Fairfax County Crime Solvers network. Functions currently accessed on Fairfax County's My Neighborhood site will remain available to the public, but will now include a redirect to CrimeReports.com.

For more information, view the FAQ PDF or contact the Fairfax County Police Department Public Affairs Bureau, at 703-246-2253, or by e-mail at: fcpd-pio@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Lewinsville Community Campus Ground Breaking

Elected Officials, County staff, and Community Members Joined to Celebrate

Pictured from left to right: Richard "Rip" Sullivan, Virginia House of Delegates; C. Melissa Jonas, Dranesville District Commissioner to the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority; Chris Leonard, Director of the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services; John Foust, Dranesville District Supervisor; Robert Schwaninger, Chairman of the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority; Shelley Murphy, President and CEO of Wesley Housing; Tom Fleetwood, Director of the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development; Chris Scales, Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. Also pictured: Child Day Care Center attendees.

County and State officials, County staff, and developer representatives broke ground on September 8 for the Lewinsville Community Campus, located at 1609 Great Falls Street in McLean.

The 8.66 acre site of the Lewinsville Senior Center Campus at one time housed an elementary school, originally constructed in 1961. In 1994, the County approved a Special Exception Permit 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 the existing uses and added an 82-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. During this time, it became apparent that the cost to construct and operate an assisted living facility would be prohibitive. As a result, in 2012, the County elected to pursue an independent living senior residential model under a public-private partnership that could be constructed and operated under a ground lease at no cost to the County.

On July 29, 2014, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved an interim agreement with Wesley Hamel Lewinsville LLC (Wesley Housing Development Corporation and Hamel Builders) to redevelop the residential facility, representing a public-private partnership between Fairfax County and Wesley-Hamel. Wesley-Hamel will build the residential facility and Fairfax County will build the public facility, which includes the Adult Day Care Center, the Senior Center and the two child day care centers.

On March 3, 2015, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Special Exception application for the new facility. When completed, the Lewinsville Center Campus will include 82 independent living residences, all of which will be provided as affordable units. Seventy-three (73) of the units will be available to people 62 years and older whose income is at 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The remaining nine units will be affordable at 30% AMI. The Senior Center will be expanded so that it will be able to increase the number of participants served from 50 to 80. The Adult Day Center will be expanded so that its capacity will double from 40 to 80 participants. The two child day care centers will continue to serve 210 children but in larger space. The youth playing field will be increased to a regulation size U13 field.

Wesley-Hamel Lewinsville LLC, the developer of the residential facility, has engaged in robust public outreach to users of the facility, adjacent neighbors and homeowner associations, and the McLean Citizens Association. Throughout this process, there were several well-attended public meetings in addition to individual meetings with neighbors and homeowner associations. Most recently, a "Pardon Our Dust" community meeting was held on June 23, 2016 to provide updates on the project.

As the project advanced, concerns were raised about stormwater management, traffic, and parking. To alleviate these concerns, the plans include stormwater management features that will reduce the current site's outflow into Saucy Branch Creek by 54% and an additional left-hand turn lane into the facility from Great Falls Street and planned restriction of left-hand turns out of the facility at one of its entrances. The developer is also providing more parking spaces than required by zoning regulations.

"There is a tremendous need in our County for housing for the elderly, particularly those who live on low incomes. This is a project that will help fill that need and that has taken community input into account at every stage of the process. The expanded space for the Senior Center and the Adult and the Child Day Care Centers is wonderful. This is an awesome public-private project." said Supervisor Foust.

The residents of the 22 existing units have been relocated to other County facilities, and those who wish to move back to the facility following completion will be given first priority. The Adult Day Center has been temporarily moved to 7700 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church; and the Senior Center is now housed temporarily at the Lewinsville Retirement Residence, located at 1515 Great Falls Street. The two child day care centers will be moved to learning cottages on the athletic field late this year or early in 2017. The residential building is expected to be completed in spring 2018; the public buildings are expected to be completed by fall 2018.

For more information, please contact Jane Edmondson in the office of Supervisor Foust at 703-356-0551 or email Jane.Edmondson@FairfaxCounty.gov.

Brooks Farm Development Approved

At its June 26 meeting, the Board of Supervisors approved Basheer/Edgemoore-Brooks, LLC's rezoning application for a 52-acre property located near Springvale Road and Parkerhouse Drive in Great Falls. The rezoning from Residential- Agriculture to Residential- Estate will permit a cluster subdivision of 19 single-family detached homes.

The site is comprised of two parcels with two single family dwellings, one constructed in 1935 and the other in 1970. Over three-quarters of the site is grass pasture, with the remainder being covered in forest, scattered trees, a farm pond and a stream. A horse stable operated on the site until 2012.

The site is located within the Springvale Community Planning Sector of Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan, which calls for low density, single-family residential uses at .2 to .5 dwellings per acre and at least 30 percent open-space.

Of particular concern to nearby residents during the two-year review process was the potential impact the project would have on the receiving waters, downstream properties, off-site trees, and cut-through traffic.

The approved plan has a density of .38 dwellings per acre and provides 42 percent open space. It also contains significant stormwater controls, including using bio-retention facilities to remove pollutants and nutrients before they can enter nearby streams. The applicant is required to monitor and restore, if needed, downstream portions of a stream and community lake. In addition, the applicant agreed to place 7-acres of the site's forestland into a conservation easement and to restore a stream that flows through the property.

In order to reduce impacts on off-site trees, the applicant amended its plans to reduce clearing within 50 feet of the property line and to maintain as much of the natural drainage patterns on the property. The applicant also deleted a plunge pool on the property that would have required the removal of a specimen tree.

Many residents raised concerns as late as early June regarding a possible street connection through the community that would serve as a cut-through from Springvale Avenue to Walker Road. "I shared the community's concern, especially because VDOT made it clear that they would require this connection if the property was subdivided byright project," said Supervisor Foust about the case. "The approval of this project closes that possibility," he added.

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

Mt. Daniel Elementary School Expansion

Receives Planning Commission Approval

On September 14, the Fairfax County Planning Commission approved a 2232 application by the School Board of the City of Falls Church to expand and renovate Mt. Daniel Elementary School, located at 2328 North Oak Street in Falls Church.

The approved plan includes a three-story 35,720 square feet addition to replace a portion of the original school building, resulting in a gross floor area of 79,491 square feet. The build-out will accommodate an additional 252 students for a maximum of up to 660 students.

The school will be limited to a maximum height of 41 feet and will provide 105 parking spaces in the redesigned and expanded parking area. The project also includes an enlarged paved play area, which will remain open for community use. Modular classrooms will be prohibited from being placed on the property.

The Fairfax County Planning Commission is charged with reviewing 2232 applications to determine the compatibility of proposed public facilities with the guidelines established in the Comprehensive Plan. These cases are not reviewed by the Board of Supervisors.

"In my view, the applicant has materially improved its proposal, said John Ulfelder, the Dranesville Planning Commissioner, in his motion to support the application. The reduction from its [originally] proposed capacity of 792 students in last year's application to 660 students was significant."

To address traffic impact concerns, the applicant agreed to accommodate all bus and vehicle queues onsite and to begin classes later than 8:50 a.m. and end classes earlier than 4:00 p.m. In addition, the applicant agreed to promote carpooling, to hold fewer than ten evening special events per year at the school, and to provide shuttle service from an off-site location in the City of Falls Church.

Expansion and renovation of the school is expected to begin in June 2017.

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

Land Use Cases in Dranesville

Gulick Group, Inc.

RZ 2015-DR-009

South of the terminus of Challendon Road, Great Falls

Proposal to rezone an 11-acre parcel from R-A to R-1 Cluster. The rezoning would permit the construction of 10 homes.

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

Sunrise Development Inc.
SE 2016-DR-001
1988 Kirby Road, McLean

Applicant proposes to construct a 73-unit assisted living facility on a 3.7 acre parcel zoned R-3.

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

Seneca Corner Associates

SE 2016-DR-009

1020 Seneca Road, Great Falls

A proposed Special Exception on approximately 2.23 acres (split-zoned R-1 and C-8) to allow for an 11,945 square foot retail sales establishment with drive-through pharmacy and a 5,760 square foot building for retail or other permitted uses in the C-8 district.

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

H&M of Virginia, LLC

SE 2016-DR-011

7072 Idylwood Road, Falls Church

Applicant proposes a Special Exception to modify minimum lot width requirements to allow for the subdivision of 7072 Idylwood Road into two residential lots.

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

NVR, Inc.

SE 2016-DR-001 / FDP 2016-DR-001

East side of Centreville Road and north side of Woodland Park Road, Herndon

Application to rezone a portion of the Woodland Park Waterview development from Planned Development Commercial to Planned Development Housing (PDH-30) to allow a five-story multi-family building with up to 298 residential units, 56 two-over-two multi-family units, and 32 urban style townhomes.

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

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 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.

I-66 Inside and Outside the Beltway

Updates from the Virginia Department of Transportation

I-66 Inside the Beltway

Installation of tolling equipment for the Transform 66 Inside the Beltway project, which began earlier this summer, is now in high gear. The contractor will install approximately 125 signs on I-66 and local roads approaching the interstate, as well as eight overhead toll collection gantries on I-66. Scheduled for completion next year, the project is designed to deliver more reliable trips for transit riders and carpoolers, as well as a new travel choice for solo drivers.

In addition to these improvements, a four-mile segment of eastbound I-66 from the Dulles Connector Road to Fairfax Drive will be widened to provide further congestion relief.

Construction workers install electrical conduit for the rush-hour tolling system that will go into effect next year. Photo credit: VDOT.

While construction is not expected to create major impacts, the contractor will be working in as many as 12 locations at the same time in order to complete the job next year. While the project will include lane, shoulder, and ramp closures on I-66 and local roads, work that could affect traffic will occur only during overnight and mid-day periods.

I-66 Outside the Beltway

The Virginia Department of Transportation's October 4 deadline for proposals to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the I-66 Express Lanes from University Boulevard in Gainesville to I-495 (the Capital Beltway) is fast approaching. After selecting a private-sector partner this fall, VDOT will hold public meetings and a design public hearing next year prior to the start of construction.

When completed, I-66 Outside the Beltway will feature three regular lanes and two express lanes in each direction, upgraded interchanges and other improvements. These enhancements, in combination with high-frequency bus service, additional park-and-ride lots and other initiatives to increase ride-sharing, are focused on moving more people and helping travelers experience faster, safer and more reliable trips.

To request a briefing for your homeowners association or community group, email Transform66@VDOT.Virginia.gov. For more information, visit www.Transform66.org.

Saucy Branch Park

Fairfax County Park Authority Renames and Reclassifies McLean High Park

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved the McLean Citizens Association's request to change the name of McLean High Park to Saucy Branch Park and to reclassify it from a local park to a resource-based park.

Local parks primarily provide opportunities for active and passive recreation and social activities. Resource-based parks are selected for inclusion in the park system based on their natural or cultural resources and are managed primarily for protection, preservation, and restoration. Reclassifying the park was considered appropriate given its environmentally-sensitive Resource Protection Area and natural setting, and it is consistent with how the park is currently managed.

For more information, visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/press/html/ir082-16.htm.

Fairfax County Deer Management Program

Each year, deer management is conducted in select Fairfax County parks as part of a program managed by the Fairfax County Police Department with the Fairfax County Park Authority and NOVA Parks. The Fairfax County Deer Management Program uses the safest, most effective, and most sustainable deer management methods as permitted by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

The deer population in Fairfax County has grown to a level that poses safety and health hazards to the community and is not sustainable for the environment over time. Archery will be conducted from September 10, 2016 to February 25, 2017. For a list of approved park locations where archery is permitted, times, and details, visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/living/wildlife/archery/archery-program.htm.

For more information about the Fairfax County Deer Management Program, visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/living/wildlife/archery/archery-program.htm or contact Sergeant Earit Powell at 703-324-0280 or Earit.Powell@fairfaxcounty.gov or Dr. Katherine Edwards, Wildlife Management Specialist, at 703-324-0224 or Katherine.Edwards@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Ed Pickens, Full-Time McLean Area Outdoor Volunteer

Jacob Sensiba (front with rakes) with Eagle Scout mentors, friends, and community members. Photo credit: Sensiba Family.

Left: Ed Pickens and Jacob examining trail and bridge. Right: Ed Pickens and Jacob Sensiba.

For the last 12 years, McLean resident, Ed Pickens, has worked with Eagle Scout candidates on over 40 trail projects throughout the McLean community.

Mr. Pickens has extensive knowledge of the trails in McLean and is an active member of Fairfax Trails and Streams. He works with the Eagle Scout candidates as well as area trail organizations to determine projects and arrange for necessary supplies, including materials and tools, and funding, often contributing funds himself. Mr. Pickens serves as a consultant to the scout on the work day and as an on-site supervisor for the Boy Scout Area Office.

Recently, Mr. Pickens worked with McLean resident, Jacob Sensiba (pictured), who completed his Eagle Scout project on August 27. Jacob worked with Mr. Pickens, friends and family to relocate a bridge and make other improvements to a portion of the Scotts Run Trail where the trail had eroded significantly in a number of places, making the bridge dangerous to cross.

In addition to Jacob's project, Mr. Pickens has participated in several other trail improvement projects in McLean this year, including:

Installing boardwalk, stepping stones and water bars along the Pimmit Run Trail at the Dulles Access overpass;
Two projects to build 3/8 mile of new trail on the Potomac Heritage Trail near Live Oak Drive in McLean;
Designing and installing dual culvert system on Pimmit Run Trail in Kent Gardens Park;
Two projects planned for this fall on the Potomac Heritage Trail near Live Oak Drive.

"Mr. Pickens has enriched the McLean community by inspiring young people and encouraging civic engagement, said Supervisor Foust, "many trails throughout Dranesville have been improved thanks to his commitment."

Fairfax County Health Department Zika Information

The Fairfax County Health Department's Disease Carrying Insects Program works to minimize the threat of mosquito-borne diseases through active mosquito surveillance, control activities, and community education. Zika, a virus that has been spreading throughout Central and South America, Mexico, the Caribbean and parts of the Pacific and is linked to severe birth defects in children born to infected mothers, has been a major concern. Florida's Miami-Dade County is the only place in the continental United States to report local transmission of the virus by mosquitoes.

The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), a possible vector for this disease, is common in northern Virginia. Because mosquito season will not end until the first hard frost of the year, it is important that residents remain vigilant about preventing mosquitoes around their homes and protecting themselves from bites for the remainder of the summer and fall.

Control mosquitoes in your yard:

Eliminate standing water. The most effective way to control the Asian tiger mosquito is to tip and toss standing water from artificial containers like tires, buckets, flower pots, corrugated drain pipes, tarps, toys, etc. Discard containers or place indoors.
Treat standing water with a larvicide if it cannot be eliminated.
Organize a neighborhood clean-up. Remove litter and debris, discard old tires and manage vegetation that mosquitoes may be using as hiding places.

Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites:

Wear an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535.
Dress to protect. Cover exposed skin by wearing loose-fitting, light-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants.

More information can be found on our website at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hd.

If you would like to have a representative from the Health Department attend your homeowners association meeting to give a brief overview of Zika and mosquito control, contact the Health Department at 703-246-8931 or HDLiaison@fairfaxcounty.gov.

PHOTO GALLERY

Elm Street at Dolley Madison Boulevard

Pedestrian Improvements Completed

Photos of the pedestrian improvement project at the intersection of Elm Street and Dolley Madison Boulevard in McLean. Photo credit: Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services.

The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services and the Department of Transportation substantially completed the Elm Street at Dolley Madison Boulevard Pedestrian Improvements project on July 22, 2016.

The project included the construction of four curb ramps and one median ramp, grade improvements to the brick walkway, and the addition of 35 feet of handrail. Selective clearing was done to improve sight distance; new signage, asphalt paving, and pavement markings were also included as part of this project.

Walk to School Day at Haycock Elementary School

Pictured from left to right: Principal Jereme Donnelly, Cougar, FCPD PFC Paul Flugrad, Supervisor John Foust, and Assistant Principal Tim Brown.

FCPD Officer Lipartiani with Haycock Elementary School student crossing guards and the Haycock Cougar. Photo Credit: Haycock Elementary School.

On October 5, thousands of Fairfax County Public School students participated in International Walk to School Day. This global event involves communities from more than 40 countries walking and biking to school on the same day.

Haycock Elementary School students were greeted by Supervisor Foust, Principal Jereme Donnelly, Assistant Principal Tim Brown, local Fairfax County Police officers, and the Haycock Cougar as they arrived.

"It's great to see so many students and families taking advantage of the network of sidewalks in our community," Supervisor Foust said, "I will continue to work to build more infrastructure, like sidewalks and trails, so pedestrians and bicyclists can commute safely throughout Dranesville."

Battle of Dranesville Historic Marker Re-Dedication

Supervisor Foust joined community leaders, Boy Scouts, and representatives from VDOT to unveil the new marker on September 24. Photo credit: Linda Lund.

Supervisor Foust joined several community leaders at a ceremony to re-dedicate the historic marker commemorating the 1861 Battle of Dranesville at its new location on Georgetown Pike in Great Falls. The event was organized by Bill Canis, Great Falls Citizens Association President and local historians, Karen Washburn and John Waggoner. Reverend Roland Smith, Salem Baptist Church; Pastor Doug Wantz, Dranesville Church of the Brethren; Mike Gleasman, VDOT; and Boy Scouts from local Troops 673 and 55 also participated in the ceremony.

Great Falls residents worked with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to move the marker onto Georgetown Pike, at the site of the historic Civil War battle. Supervisor Foust thanked community members for "leading the charge to move the Battle of Dranesville Historic Marker to its rightful place on the Pike," and said "Efforts such as these serve to keep the historic significance of the Pike in plain sight."

New Roll-Top Observatory Celebrated at Turner Farm Park

Pictured from left to right: Mary Cortina, At-Large Member, Park Authority Board (PAB); Ken Quincy, Vice Chairman, PAB; Alan Figgatt, Analemma Society member; Cecil Hardee, Project Manager, Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA); David Bowden, Director, Planning and Development Division, FCPA; Roberta Longworth, Executive Director, Fairfax County Park Foundation (FCPF); Steve McKeon, Diamond Bay Construction; Tim Eakin Walsh, FCPF Board; Jean and Ric Edelman; David Bierlein, Brown and Root Services (behind the Edelmans); Charles Olin, Founding President, Analemma Society; Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust; Ace Walsh; Jacque Olin; Tim Hackman, Dranesville District Rep, PAB; Kirk Kincannon, Director, FCPA; Kathleen Murphy, Virginia Delegate, 34th District; Steve Thormahlen, Chairman, FCPF; Evelyn and Gale Alls, Northern Virginia Power and Sail Squadron. Photo credit: Fairfax County Park Authority.

Supervisor Foust addresses the crowd at the ribbon-cutting for the new roll-top observatory at Turner Farm Park in Great Falls.

Pictured from left to right: Ric and Jean Edelman, event attendee, Alan Figgatt, Charles Olin, Jaque Olin, Supervisor Foust, and Tim Hackman.

Supervisor Foust joined local officials, community leaders, donors, staff and members of the public in Great Falls on Saturday, October 1 to celebrate the opening of the new roll-top observatory at Observatory Park at Turner Farm. A ribbon-cutting was held outside the new facility, which will offer the public a chance to explore the night sky through permanently mounted telescopes.

Initiated in 2007 in collaboration with the Analemma Society, the million-dollar facility was funded in part by the 2008 and 2012 Park Bonds, telecommunications funds, Mastenbrook grant money and a generous donation provided by Jean and Ric Edelman through the Fairfax County Park Foundation. The facility was designed by Shaffer Wilson Sarver & Gray of Herndon and constructed by Brown and Root of Arlington.

TD Bank Breaks Ground in Great Falls

Pictured from left to right: Mark Viani, Bean, Kinney & Korman Law Offices; John Ashkar, TD Bank Retail Market Manager for Virginia; Susie Adams, TD Bank Regional Operations Manager for Virginia; Lauren Keenan Rote, Bean, Kinney & Korman Law Offices; Mike Powell, TD Bank Project Manager; Jane Edmondson, Chief of Staff, Supervisor Foust's Office; John Ford, President, PCI Construction; and Brian Monday, TD Bank Regional President.

The new TD Bank will be built on the former site of a gas station near the intersection of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike in Great Falls. Construction is expected to be completed by early 2017, with the bank set to open soon after.

CONGRATULATIONS

Election Officers Recognized

Election officers who had served in 20 elections as of March 1, 2016, including three from Dranesville, were recognized by the Board of Supervisors at the July 12 meeting. A special congratulations to the Dranesville election officers: Sharone Lathrop and Dudley Tademy, who have each served in 21 elections, and Connie Church, who has served in 20 elections.

Fairfax County Exceptional Design Award

McLean Police Station and Governmental Center Recognized

McLean Police Station and Governmental Center. Photo credit: Fairfax County.

The McLean Police Station and Governmental Center was recognized with a Fairfax County Exceptional Design Award honorable mention.

The Center's expansion and renovation was managed by the Capital Facilities Business Area of Fairfax County's Department of Public Works and Environmental Services. The facility was expanded to accommodate the McLean Police Station personnel through 2030. The renovation included a new main entrance and central lobby, new windows and roof, upgraded mechanical, lighting, and plumbing systems, improved infrastructure to support technology needs, and reconfigured access to parking. A second community room was added, and the community soccer field was enhanced with artificial turf and lights. The project was completed in late 2015 and is USGBC LEED Gold Certified.

The Fairfax County Exceptional Design Awards program is sponsored by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and is administered by the County's Department of Planning and Zoning in cooperation with the County Architectural Review Board and the Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The purpose of the awards program is to recognize outstanding achievement in the total design of a building and the site and to create an awareness of superior planning and design projects.

For more information, visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpz/designawards/2016/mcleangov.htm.

Spring Hill RECenter Receives 2016 NACPRO Award

Awarded Best New Park and Recreation Facility

Spring Hill RECenter. Photo credit: Fairfax County.

The Spring Hill RECenter Expansion and Renovation is a recipient of the 2016 National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) Award in the Park and Recreation Facility Class II category.

Spring Hill's $10 million renovation increased the size of the facility, adding a two-story fitness center, a 12,500 square foot gymnasium with an elevated running track, and new office space. Last year, the project received an Award of Merit from the Northern Virginia Chapter of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties.

For more information, visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/press/html/ir058-16.htm.

2016 Elly Doyle Park Service Award Winners

Friends of Riverbend Park and Spring Hill Au Pairs Recognized

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) named two Dranesville organizations as recipients of the 2016 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards. These awards recognize outstanding volunteer service to the Park Authority and are the agency's top honor for volunteer service.

Supervisor Foust nominated the Friends of Riverbend Park (FORB), a non-profit citizens group dedicated to the support of the park and to the safeguarding, preservation, and responsible stewardship of the park's natural beauty. Donations to the park include field trip scholarships, a snow-plow, canoes, a telescope, new exhibit cases, and office furniture. Since 2007, FORB has provided more than $150,000 in support of the park.

In 2016, for the first time, FORB's funding of the highly successful Riverbend Park summer programs permitted Riverbend to fill six college level summer-intern positions. (As recently as 2008, there was only one paid summer intern at Riverbend Park.) These summer programs are very well received, provide local employment for local students, and bring in substantial program revenue for the park.

Until his appointment as Dranesville representative to the Park Authority Board, Tim Hackman served a number of terms as president of FORB.

During the 2015-16 season, 28 Spring Hill Au Pairs from 11 countries contributed 3,336 volunteer hours to FCPA, which is the equivalent of $87,036 in terms of savings for the agency. The group was praised for helping to maintain the Spring Hill RECenter, serving as translators, providing administrative support, removing litter and invasive species from the grounds, and helping with special events.

The Elly Doyle Park Service Award program was established by the FCPA in 1988 in recognition of the years of outstanding service by former board member and Chair Ellamae Doyle.

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.