Holiday Schedule Notes:

• There is no newsletter on Dec. 27, it will return on Wednesday, Jan. 3.
• My office is closed both Dec. 22 and Dec. 25. Fairfax County Government's holiday hours begin this Friday, Dec. 22. Please check here for schedule information through Jan. 1, 2024.

Updated Zoning Code Effective Jan. 1

The Vienna Town Council adopted an update to the zoning and subdivision code that will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024. The new Chapter 18 will replace the existing Chapters 17 and 18. Applications that wish to be reviewed using the updated regulations should wait until Jan. 1 to apply. If you submitted an application prior to Jan. 1 that is still under review on or after that date, you may request to withdraw and resubmit your application at no extra review cost.  If you have questions, email dpz@viennava.gov or call 703-255-6341. Learn more.

I joined several local leaders in government, nonprofit and the private sector yesterday to celebrate the groundbreaking for the Exchange at Spring Hill Station in Tysons. This 516-unit transit-oriented development is part of a multi-faceted effort to construct quality affordable housing in high-opportunity areas.

I am very pleased that Tysons is now getting its first fully dedicated affordable housing community. It will provide needed housing for hundreds of working families, as well as a large 30,000 square foot Fairfax County community center – another first for Tysons that will be an amenity for future residents at the Exchange and also for the broader Tysons community. Learn more.

Provide Input on Piney Run Tributary at Lamplighter Way Stream Restoration Project

Fairfax County is holding two public meetings to review design progress on the Piney Run Tributary at Lamplighter Way Stream Restoration Project (click on map for larger view). Information about the project can be found here. There are two upcoming meetings for resident input:

• Virtual Meeting – Thursday, Jan. 4, 7 p.m. The virtual meeting can be accessed via this link.
• Onsite Meeting – Saturday, Jan. 6, 10 a.m. Meet at the Pink Trail entrance at Center Harbor Road.

For more information email Project Manager Aaron George, Stormwater Planning Division, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, or call 703-324-5802, TTY 711.

From the Golden Gazette:

The Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (NVLTCOP) can assist you and your family in resolving care concerns and provide information about community based long-term care services such as home health, hospice, and adult day health care. Consumers can also search for information about these services at Medicare.gov. For more information about long-term care services in the community, or nursing facility and assisted living concerns, call the NVLTCOP at 703-324-5861, TTY 711, or contact the Ombudsman Program by email at NVLTCOP@fairfaxcounty.gov.

How to Help Your Neighbors in Hunter Mill

A summary of local nonprofits in Hunter Mill District with links to needs, events and resources.

Updated Climate Action Dashboard Tracks Fairfax County’s Progress in Reducing Emissions and Building Resilience

The Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination has updated the public-facing Climate Action Dashboard to show the progress made toward the county’s climate action goals. Learn more.

Park Authority Board Approves Fee Adjustments Effective Jan. 1 

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved the proposed adjustments to the 2024 Park Authority Fee Schedule at its Dec. 13 meeting. All fee adjustments are scheduled to take effect on Jan.1, 2024. Learn more.

Popular First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest Returns In 2024

Join hundreds of residents on Jan. 1 and head to a county trail to participate in the First Hike Photo Contest. Sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Authority and Park Foundation, the contest is open to amateur and professional photographers. Photo submissions are accepted in four categories – Scenery/Landscapes, People, Wildlife and Pets. Learn more.