April 12, 2023

Neighbors,

In the last issue of the newsletter, my staff noted that the How to Help Your Neighbors in Hunter Mill District was the second most clicked on link. This made my heart happy – as well as my staff – to see this metric (among many) showing the generosity and enthusiasm of our residents to help our neighbors in need. Unfortunately, the need continues and grows. Many in our community have been impacted by food insecurity due to the recent federal reduction in SNAP benefits (COVID-19 supplement ended) and increase in the cost of groceries due to inflation.

There is a way to help this month that is as close as your nearest Fairfax County Library Branch. In partnership with Food for Others, the library branches are collecting food donations during their regular hours through a program called Read and Feed. If you can, please take a look at the needed items and consider dropping off a few at Reston Regional Library, Patrick Henry Library or whatever branch is convenient for you. Please note that Read and Feed is only for the month of April.

The Department of Family Services also has requested donations of much-needed baby supplies for the families that they serve, including infant car seats, convertible car seats, booster car seats, diapers and pull-ups in various sizes, and grocery gift cards for short-term food assistance. For more information, email or call 571-536-8192. Learn more.

Thank you again for your amazing generosity and for making me very proud to serve this community!

Regards,

Walter

The Board of Supervisors met yesterday, April 11. You can review the Board package and watch the meeting. Please note that the meeting also included public hearings on the FY 2024 Proposed Budget and Real Estate Tax. Those meetings continue today, April 12 and tomorrow, April 13. The video on demand of the public hearings can be found here.

Several highlights of yesterday's meeting include:

• The Board set public hearings to consider readopting the Modernized Zoning Ordinance (zMOD), originally adopted in 2021, and subsequent amendments. This action follows a Virginia Supreme Court ruling last month that the virtual meeting method used when zMOD was adopted in 2021 was invalid. 
• Authorization was approved to advertise a public hearing to adopt an ordinance requesting an increase in frequency and/or duration of events of specified designated outdoor refreshment area licenses, as requested by Reston Town Center Association. This will allow for more “Sip and Stroll” events organized by RTCA under Virginia’s arcane ABC laws.  
• We approved a Fairfax Connector fare policy change allowing children age 12 and younger to ride for free when accompanied by a paying adult. The policy change is effective May 1.

My April 11 Board Matters:

• Recognition of Reston Community Players Winning 13 Washington Area Theatre Community Honors Awards
• Recognition of South Lakes High School JROTC Winning 1st Place in the Armed Division at the Army’s JROTC Regional Best of the Best Drill Competition
• Bike to Work Day May 19
• Support of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Grant Applications for the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission Grant Program and Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Grant Program

Announcement:

This Saturday, April 15 is Founders Day in Reston, which celebrates the life and legacy of Robert E. Simon Jr. As many of you know, Bob Simon was the visionary who founded Reston in the early 60s and lived there for many years until his passing in 2015 at age 101.The celebration takes place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake Anne Plaza. 

Are you registered to participate in the Tour de Hunter Mill on Sunday, May 7? There are three routes that all begin and end at Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Rd. The routes take you through some of our more scenic areas in Hunter Mill. The short and long rides include a pitstop at the beautiful Frying Pan Farm Park. Three routes: 

• Family Ride: 5.9 miles
• Short Ride: 15.5 miles
• Long Ride: 29 miles

The fee is $30, which includes a donation to our Tour de Hunter Mill partner, Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling and the popular Tour de Hunter Mill socks. Learn more and register.

2023 Paving and Restriping Virtual Public Meeting, Monday, April 17, 7 p.m.

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is hosting a virtual public meeting on the 2023 paving and restriping for Hunter Mill and Providence districts on Monday, April 17 at 7 p.m. Learn about the proposed projects and provide your feedback. Join Online or Dial 571-429-5982 and use Phone Conf ID: 893 826 247#. Learn more.

Reston Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Virtual Meeting, Monday, April 17, 7:30 p.m.

The Reston P&Z meeting is scheduled for Monday, April. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Use this link to attend and participate. You may also call in and listen to the meeting, dial 571-429-5982 and use conference call ID: 924 743 675# For more information email Shruti Nallappa or call 703-478-5123

Hunter Mill Land Use Committee Virtual Meeting: Tuesday, April 18, 7:30 p.m.

The Hunter Mill District Land Use Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, April. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Use this link to attend. You may also call in and listen to the meeting, dial 571-429-5982 and use conference call ID: 302 004 091#. For information, email Shruti Nallappa or call 703-478-5123

Reston Comprehensive Plan

Reston Comprehensive Plan Study webpage

Draft staff recommendations for the Reston Comprehensive Plan (March 2023)

*Note: This draft document is not a formal release for public comment. Additional edits and modifications will be reflected in the published Staff Report expected to be published later this spring. 

• Jan. 24 Board Matter: Reauthorization of Reston Comprehensive Plan Study
• Watch Jan. 24 Board of Supervisors Discussion
• Watch Jan. 26 Planning Commission Workshop Discussion
• Watch March 30 Planning Commission Workshop Discussion

From the Fairfax County Department of Transportation: Do the Dutch Reach

More bicyclists are hitting the road with the warmer weather. And did you know cyclists are often injured by dooring? Dooring is when a bicyclist is struck by someone opening their vehicle door. To help prevent this, motorists should practice the Dutch Reach by reaching across to open the door with the hand furthest from the door. This turns your body towards the window, allowing you to spot approaching cyclists. Watch the video below.

Video credit: MassDOT

Mark Your Calendar for National Drug Take Back Day April 22

Saturday, April 22 is National Drug Take Back Day. Safely dispose of your unused or expired medications at several locations countywide,10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drop off sites include Reston Hospital, 1850 Town Center Parkway, Reston (Rear entrance of Pavilion 1) and Tysons Emergency, 8240 Leesburg Pike, Vienna. Contact your district station to learn more:

• Reston
• McLean
• Fair Oaks

Nine Best Things to Do in Vienna

Visit Fairfax has put together nine highlights of fun things to do in Vienna. Whether it's your hometown or you live elsewhere in Hunter Mill District, I encourage you to enjoy some of these great amenities, including some of the flattest segments of the W&OD trail. Read here.

Green Expo is April 20

Vienna is hosting its annual Green Expo on Thursday, April 20, 7 to 9 pm at the Vienna Community Center. Dozens of local exhibitors will provide information on energy efficiency, green landscaping and zero waste. Learn more.

Juneteenth Resiliency Award Nominations Deadline is May 5

Nominations are open until May 5 for the 2023 Juneteenth Resiliency Award for residents ages 13-21. This award recognizes the incredible resiliency shown by young people in Fairfax County who have made meaningful contributions in their lives and in the lives of others. Juneteenth is an important holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It is a time to reflect on the history, celebrate freedom, appreciate Black culture and encourage continuous self-development. Learn more

COVID-19 Resources

Updates from the Fairfax County Health Department

Horse Expo at Frying Pan Farm Park April 15

Frying Pan Farm Park is hosting its 2023 Horse Expo on Saturday, April 15. This event is for everyone – experienced riders, new beginners and anyone who loves horses. You can visit with several horses, learn about different clubs and equestrian sports, sign up for a pony ride experience and more. This is a free event but registration is required. Learn more.

Dark Sky Week, April 15 to 22

International Dark Sky Week raises awareness of light pollution and provides solutions to protect dark skies while enjoying safe outdoor lighting. International Dark Sky Week events will be celebrated across the globe to help raise awareness of the benefits of community friendly lighting and our heritage of dark skies. Last year I presented a Board Matter on Dark Sky Week and Town of Vienna Mayor Linda Colbert recently presented a proclamation to Dark Sky International president Tom Reinert at a Town Council meeting. Learn more about the importance of dark skies.

Climate Action Dashboard Now Available

The county's Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination recently released the Climate Action Dashboard, a single site for explaining and sharing progress with residents on the county’s ambitious climate action goals. Visit the Climate Action Dashboard.