Hello!
It is hard to believe we are already into May. Time is flying by as the Board works on numerous items, including our budget. As the weather heats up so does our Board's busy season.
In addition to finalizing the FY2020 Budget, our Board has also approved several notable items including major investments in our priorities, such as the environment and affordable housing, as well as ensure we'll continue making progress on body-worn cameras for police and early childhood education.
More on all this is below, including information about the FY 2020 Budget, upcoming Metro closures, new businesses moving into our area, information on environmentally-friendly programs, how the County is working to keep drivers and pedestrians safe, and lastly, upcoming events and opportunities in Lee District and Fairfax County.
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Scroll Inside this issue
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Board of Supervisors Recap
FY2020 Budget Update
Metro Closures
New Businesses
Green County Programs
Pedestrian Safety
Events and Public Meetings
Help Wanted
Community Spotlight
Constituent Services
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Board of Supervisors Recap
As we get deeper into Spring, the Board is working hard to accomplish everything on our agenda. Below is a summary of what the Board has been up to this past month. If you'd like to access full summaries of all Board Meetings, click
here
.
- The Board approved my Board Matter on funding for Energy and Climate Planning. This asked the board to consider $276,749 and two positions for Energy and Climate Planning be added as a Consideration Item for the FY 2020 Budget. I further moved that a consideration item for contractual support for the development of a Community-Wide Energy and Climate Act Plan be prepared for the FY 2019 Carryover Review, which was also approved.
- The Board adopted a new ordinance for the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program, a private loan program to assist commercial, industrial and nonprofit property owners to make energy-efficient, renewable energy, water-saving and climate resiliency improvements to their properties.
- The Board approved a request to the Virginia Department of Transportation that all current and future VDOT projects located in Fairfax County meet the county’s local storm water management regulations. This is significant because in order for VDOT to acquire any system (like a road or stormwater pond) it must be up to VDOT standards before it is acquired. In the past, the County and VDOT have held varying stormwater management regulations.
- The Board approved my Board Matter recommending the adoption of the recommended principles contained in the Report of the Embark Housing Advisory Group, which was presented to the Board in February of this year. According to the report, the group found no net loss of affordable units along the Route One Corridor and recommended numerous preservation and expansion strategies. They include: Using County-owned land/facilities for affordable housing and working with local Public-Private Partnerships to offer density bonuses and parking incentives among other things.
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It’s hard to believe that it’s time for the FY2020 budget adoption already! As Chairman of our Board’s Budget Committee, I’ve spent much of the last few months working with my colleagues and our residents to create a budget that works for everyone. Through many discussions, public hearings, and meeting, I believe we have made good on that work!
The FY2020 budget holds the line of the real estate tax rate, maintaining the existing rate of $1.15 per $100 of assessed value.
The County increased its transfer to its top priority, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), by $86 million (or 3.82%), adding to the over $2 billion in funds allocated to our school system. This is the second consecutive year FCPS has been fully funded. This transfer allows the schools to increase teacher pay on average by 6.23% on top of last year’s increase of an average of 6.38%.
Changes to the County Executive’s proposed FY2020 budget included an additional position for affordable housing, two positions for energy and climate planning, and an increase in the Market Rate Adjustment (MRA) for County employees from the proposed 1% to 2.1%. The increased MRA also sets the living wage for County employees at $15.14.
Additionally, the Board approved language to continue to make progress this year on affordable housing, police body-worn cameras, and early childhood education.
I’m very proud to have brought forward a budget that speaks strongly to our priorities. It funds our critical human services programming such as Diversion First, protects our environment, bolsters our affordable housing, rewards our world-class employees, and continues the positive momentum we’ve established here in South County by investing in our community.
Putting together budgets is never an easy process but this is a solid one I’m pleased to present.
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Metro Closure Update
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has informed us they'll begin reconstructing platforms and making necessary updates to metro facilities at both the Springfield-Franconia and Huntington Metro Stations among others. Closures will take place from May 25 through September 8 for both locations.
As we prepare for the closures, I have been working closely with WMATA to ensure this process goes as smooth as possible; this includes making sure there will be enough shuttles and buses running to accommodate those who still wish to ride, ensuring the noise levels are not a disruption to surrounding neighborhoods and allowing free parking for riders at all affected locations.
Just last week, I sent a letter to the
WMATA
Board urging them to allow free parking at all affected metro stations during the closures. I’m proud to say that they will officially offer free parking at all closed metro stations including the Springfield-Franconia and Huntington Metro Station. I will continue to work with WMATA throughout the duration of the closure to make sure that ease of access for our community and all riders of public transit is a top priority. For the most up-to-date information on closures, check out the WMATA site
here.
Summer 2019 Travel Alternatives
Franconia- Pentagon Express
- Express shuttle between Franconia-Springfield and Pentagon Stations
Blue Line Shuttle
- Shuttle between Franconia-Springfield, Van Dorn St, King St-Old Town, and Ronald Regan Washington National Airport Stations (No stop at Braddock Rd)
Huntington- Pentagon Express
- Express shuttle between Huntington and Pentagon Stations
Yellow Line Shuttle
- Shuttle between Huntington, Eisenhower Ave, King St-Old Town, Braddock Rd, and Crystal City stations (no stop at National Airport Station).
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Businesses Moving to our Area!
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I'm happy to say we are continuing to build upon our momentum in Lee District. There are several new businesses coming to our area that I thought may be of interest to the community! As a reminder, these are all private leasing decisions and while the Board of Supervisors does handle land use cases and zoning ordinances, it does not get involved in individual leasing decisions or by-right cases. With that being said, I'm thrilled to have Planet Fitness, a new Dunkin Donuts, a new Wendy's, and a new Animal Hospital come to our area!
I have recently received great news about the Hayfield Shopping Center! I received word that Beatty, the manager of the space, signed
Planet Fitness
to occupy a portion of the former Giant site. I think it’s important that at least a portion of the empty site is now being occupied. More importantly, the arrival of Planet Fitness will also launch a multi-million dollar private investment refresh of the shopping center, to include repainting, new plants, and façade upgrades.
I'm proud to say that
Dunkin Donuts
has arrived to the Hayfield community as well! The Grand Opening will be in early May (although its doors are already open!). This new Dunkin Donuts is located right next to Hayfield Secondary School on Telegraph Road.
Additionally, a new
Wendy's
will be coming to Route One! At our Board meeting on April 9,
The Board voted unanimously to approve the 67-seat drive-through restaurant, which will be built on an open pad site fronting Richmond Highway between Famous Dave’s and TGI Friday’s. This new arrival will provide an interim home for Wendy's which was displaced by another development while filling a vacant pad site that has never been developed over the years by the Beacon Center. Construction is expected to begin this year.
Lastly,
A new animal hospital is coming to the Shops at Telegraph Village Shopping Center!
The Harmony Animal Hospital
will be located on the upper level of the shopping center. Renovations are underway and the hospital is expected to open in July of this year.
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Environmentally Friendly Programs
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As the Board works to implement policies and programs to combat climate change, there are several county programs you can take advantage of to help out our environment as well!
Energy Action Fairfax: LED Lightbulb Exchange
gives away up to five LED Lightbulbs for free per household! Stop by a local library to trade in your old CFL bulbs. If you're interested, click
here
for all details!
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Recently, I've seen and heard a lot about pedestrians being struck by vehicles, especially along Route One. My heart goes out to all those affected by these incidents and I believe its important for us as local elected officials to do more. In Fairfax County so far this year, there have been 43 pedestrian crashes, eight pedestrian fatalities and more than 40 pedestrian injuries. Since December 2018, there have been three fatalities from hit and run crashes. Any number of incidents is far too many. I along with Fairfax County's Department of Transportation, and Fairfax County Police Department are working to keep our community safe.
Last week, I joined local law enforcement and transportation partners at a kickoff event along the Richmond Highway for the Street Smart Campaign.
This initiative is aimed at reducing
pedestrian and cyclist injuries and deaths. Fairfax County Police Department is monitoring crosswalks and intersections, providing information and when necessary, giving warnings and tickets to drivers and pedestrians who break traffic safety laws. The campaign runs through May 13 in an effort to raise awareness of this issue.
To combat these incidents, here are some things we are currently doing:
- All eight of our district police stations participate in regular pedestrian/driver education and enforcement outreach efforts to remind residents about the importance of pedestrian safety.
- Fairfax County has invested more than $300 million in bicycle and bus stop infrastructure projects since 2002. This includes thousands of crosswalks on 4,500 miles of sidewalks and trails in Fairfax County.
- Thanks in part to Embark, we are rethinking the way our roads, sidewalks, and crosswalks are designed. We are moving away from suburban, car-centric plans and opting for activity centers that feature other modes of transportation: transit, bicycling and walking.
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Upcoming Events and Opportunities
Take part in upcoming events in our community! See the list and links below for all events and information.
May 9
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Open House
3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Merrifield Center
8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax
May 10 & May 11
Big Book Sale
12 p.m. - 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. (respectively)
Kingstowne Public Library
6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria
May 24
Wreath Laying Ceremony
- Honoring our
fallen service members and recognize veterans in the Greater Springfield area.
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
American Legion Post 176
6520 Amherst Ave, Springfield
Ongoing Events:
Come out to your local Farmer's Markets!
Kingstowne Farmers Market & Springfield Town Center Farmers Market
Surveys:
Interested in the
Richmond Highway Corridor Improvements
? Provide comments by taking a survey
here.
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Help Wanted!
Boards, Authorities, and Commissions
Local government is the form of government that's closest to the people. It's where we make important decisions that impact our everyday lives and where resident input is vital to its success. That is why citizen participation is critical.
My office is currently looking to fill vacancies for several groups. If you're interested in serving, please contact Brittany Choi in my office at
Brittany.Choi@fairfaxcounty.gov
.
Also, you can learn more about BAC's
here.
Animal Services Advisory Commission
Purpose:
The Commission will serve to enhance the existing mission and goals of the agency, i.e., to promote responsible pet ownership, to reduce euthanasia and pet overpopulation, and to continue to maintain certification for Shelter Standards of Excellence.
Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Citizens Advisory Council
Purpose: T
o advise and cooperate with the court upon all matters affecting the working of the law and other laws relating to children, their care and protection and to domestic relations.
Athletic Council (Alternate)
Purpose: The Council assists the County on the allocation, use, and management and future planning of County athletic resources.
Police Civilian Review Panel
Purpose: The Panel works to build, maintain, and enhance public trust and transparency between the Police Department, the Board of Supervisors, and the community.
Health Care Advisory Board
Purpose: The Board assists
in the development of health policy and advises on health and health related issues that may impact the county’s health.
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Community Spotlight
Meet Officer Jordan Griffin,
of the Franconia Police Station. Officer Griffin was off duty one evening and on his way home when he noticed a bad house fire. He immediately stopped to help Fortunately, the family had made it out safely, but their pets had not. In a quick decision- Officer Griffin displayed a great act of heroism and bravery and climbed into the burning home to look for their pets. He managed to find two of the family's dogs, and save them.
It is these moments that show the best in our world-class public safety officials, and I couldn't be prouder of Officer Griffin. Thank you, Mr. Griffin, for your act of bravery. You managed to make a very difficult situation for this family a little more bearable and we can't thank you enough for your service. (Photo courtesy of Covering the Corridor)
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Thank you for subscribing to my monthly e-newsletter. I hope these updates will keep you in the loop with some of the major events in our District and throughout the County.
If you'd like to learn more about something in the newsletter or have an idea for a future edition, please don't hesitate to contact me or my staff.
Sincerely,
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Jeffrey C. McKay
Lee District Supervisor
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
703-971-6262
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