Monday, August 14th, 2023

Dear Friend,

It's been a busy summer here and I've been able to attend many community events from National Night Out to the Lego Discovery Center Grand Opening! I wanted to make sure you saw my statement on the Rose Hill Plaza development proposal. There is also an opportunity to provide feedback on Fairfax County's proposed outdoor dining regulations and the upcoming public input meeting for projects to be submitted for FY25 Transportation Alternatives (TA) grant funding.

We only have two more Franconia Nights left, so if you haven't made it out yet, I hope you can join me Wednesday 8/16 for performances from the Nighthawks or 8/23 for the Dave Kline Band from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Leonadus K. Plenty Amphitheater in Franconia District Park. For those of you with school-aged children, I hope you enjoy the final week of summer break!

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office.

Email: Franconia@fairfaxcounty.gov

Phone 703-971-6262

View as Webpage

Table of Contents

Statement on Rose Hill Plaza Development Proposal
Franconia Nights Summer Entertainment Series
Virtual Public Meeting 8/16 on Projects Proposed for Transportation Alternatives Funding
Community Meetings on Proposed Outdoor Dining Regulations 8/15
Teen Summer Jam at the WISH 8/19
FCPS Late Summer Meal Program 8/7-8/18

Out and About in Franconia

Lego Discovery Center Grand Opening at Springfield Town Center
National Night Out
Sequoyah Resource Fair
Big Blue Swim School Ribbon Cutting

In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

Normal Library Operating Hours Resume August 28th
Vacuum Leaf Service Survey
Elections Officers Needed
Public Safety Open House August 26th
2023 Hurricane Season Outlook: What You Need to Know
Kingstowne Farmers Market
Metro Wants Your Feedback - Capacity & Reliability Study
Free Immunization Clinics for Children
Summer Safety Tips for Families
Three Great Reasons to Go Solar in Fairfax County in 2023
Fairfax County Public Library Summer Reading Challenge
Capital Area Food Bank Summer Meals
Senior Cool Care Program
Summer Heat Safety Tips
Your Guide to Summer

Statement on Rose Hill Plaza Development Proposal

I have received some recent requests for the latest on the Rose Hill Plaza proposal. I have prepared the attached statement with the most recent information I have including a plan for the upcoming months. Please share with anyone you know who may be interested in this redevelopment proposal.

The Rose Hill Plaza, also known as the Rose Hill Shopping Center, Redevelopment proposal continues to remain in Tier 3 of the 2023 Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan Amendment Work Program. Tier 3 Plan Amendments are defined as “deferred studies, with the timing of the review to begin following completion of other studies, planning efforts, or other actions that would influence the policy context.” This means that the plan amendment will remain deferred until the Board of Supervisors votes to move the plan into a higher tier for additional review by staff.

I have met with Combined Properties twice since the deferral of their proposal in April of this year. Once on Zoom and another by phone for a brief call. I will again be meeting with Combined Properties in coordination with County staff to discuss the proposal once more. My message to them will be the same as it has been in the previous two meetings. My expectation, based on community feedback, is that the next version of their proposal should significantly lower the amount of proposed residential units and significantly increase the proposed amount of retail space. They have confirmed that they understand these expectations for the next iteration of their proposal. Should the proposal not meet these expectations, it will remain deferred until we have a proposal that I believe is ready for public consideration.

I know that there is great interest in what the next steps of this process will include. In general, we anticipate the new proposal, the subsequent staff review, and the public meeting to all occur this fall or early winter. Here is the general expected order of events barring any major changes:

1. I will receive the newest proposal by Combined Properties this fall. I will then review it in coordination with county staff to determine if it significantly increases the proposed retail space and significantly lowers the amount of proposed residential units as requested by the community.

2. Should the proposal be ready for public review, per the Site-Specific Plan Amendment process I will need to propose a Board Matter asking that the Board of Supervisors approve a review by Fairfax County staff to evaluate the revised proposal. This will move the plan amendment up and out of Tier 3 so it can be formally studied by Fairfax County staff. This evaluation will allow us to identify the differences of various potential impacts to the neighborhood, like stormwater or transportation, in this revised proposal versus the previous version of the proposal.

3. Once we have an idea from staff on when the results of the review of the proposal will be ready, we will coordinate with our local community organizations to develop a public meeting process in order for the public to see what changes have been made to the proposal, what the difference in neighborhood impacts are, and to provide feedback on the newest revised proposal.

4. The public meeting(s) will be held and will include presentations from County staff and from the developer. We will open a public comment period after the public meeting(s) to allow residents time to review the proposal and send in comments.

5. After the public meeting(s), I will gauge the feedback from the community and decide next steps. These next steps could include a number of options, including recommending to the Board that we move the new proposal forward in the process, continue to defer the proposal pending additional revisions, or deny the proposal.

I want to note that I appreciate the feedback we have received on this proposal. I strongly believe government works best when all stakeholders work together with open minds and clear goals. I have heard loud and clear that the shopping center, and specifically the local businesses located there, are important to the surrounding community. I believe that we all share the same vision and goal which is the long-term success and economic stability of the Rose Hill Shopping Center. This center is a vital piece of the community, and we must find pathways to ensure it remains viable for current and future generations to use and enjoy. My goal is for all of us to continue working together until we come to a consensus on a plan that the community and the property owner can agree sustains the Rose Hill Shopping Center for decades to come.

Sincerely, Rodney L. Lusk

Franconia District Supervisor

Franconia Nights Summer Entertainment Series

I invite you to join me at Franconia Nights! This past Wednesday, we enjoyed the performance from The Alexandria Harmonizers! On August 16th, we welcome the The Nighthawks (Blues).

Supervisor Rodney Lusk and the Fairfax County Park Authority present the Franconia District Summer Entertainment Series' Franconia Nights at Leonadus K. Plenty Amphitheater 2023 schedule:

• August 16 – The Nighthawks (Blues)

• August 23 – Dave Kline Band (World Jazz Fusion)

Franconia Nights at Leonadus K. Plenty Amphitheater are held at Franconia District Park at 6601 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria every Wednesday from 7:30-8:30pm.

Performances are held outdoors, bring lawn chairs. In case of inclement weather, call the concert hotline at (703) 324-7469 before leaving home. Cancellations are posted one hour prior to show time. This is the perfect occasion to bring your loved ones, dance, or just sit back and enjoy the night! I hope to see you there!

Virtual Public Meeting on Projects Proposed for Transportation Alternatives Funding Set for August 16, 2023

Fairfax County Department of Transportation will hold a virtual public input meeting on projects to be submitted for FY25 Transportation Alternatives (TA) grant funding. This program invests in community-based projects that expand non-motorized travel choices and enhance the transportation experience by improving the cultural, historical and environmental aspect of the transportation infrastructure. The virtual meeting will be held Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. At the meeting, county staff will give a presentation about the program, followed by a question-and-answer session.

Bush Hill ES SRTS (Ninian Ave. to Larno Dr.)

This project will complete approximately 850 feet of sidewalk between Ninian Avenue and Larno Avenue. Completing this missing sidewalk link will improve safety and accessibility for children walking and bicycling to school.

To attend the meeting, Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at 6:00 pm, you may join online or call in by phone.

Join the meeting online
Join by phone: 571-429-5982 Access Code: 726415250#

Community Meeting on Proposed Outdoor Dining Regulations 8/15

Are you interested in learning more about the County's proposed outdoor dining regulations?

Join County staff at an upcoming virtual community meeting to learn more. The meetings is scheduled for Tuesday, August 15 at 3:00 p.m. and will be held on Microsoft Teams. Agenda items include an overview of the proposed regulations, along with discussion and time for questions and comments to be addressed. Links to join the meetings are included on the Outdoor Dining website under "Upcoming Meetings." A cover memo and draft text have been released and are available for public review.

The proposed draft includes the following:

Definition: Add a new definition classifying outdoor dining as an accessory use and prohibiting permanent structures associated with the use.
Permitted Zoning Districts: Permit outdoor dining in all zoning districts as an accessory use, unless expressly prohibited by any applicable proffered condition, development condition, or special permit or special exception approval.
Size: Continue allowing outdoor dining located on impervious areas, such as existing patios or sidewalks of a private property by right, provided any single outdoor dining area does not exceed 50 percent of the indoor dining floor area of the establishment. An advertised range from 25 to 75 percent will be included for consideration.
Access: The outdoor dining area, including any furniture, enclosure, or tent, must not obstruct any fire equipment, building entrance or exit or any other area marked or designated for emergency egress or ADA accessibility, or pedestrian passage on any trail or sidewalk.
Permit Requirement: Any outdoor dining located in a parking lot will be permitted only with the issuance of an Administrative Permit by the Zoning Administrator, subject to a one-time application fee of $205.
Hours of Operation: In order to mitigate potential noise issues related to activities in outdoor dining areas, the hours of operation must generally conform to the business hours of the principal use, but in no event may the outdoor dining occur before 7:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m. when the outdoor dining area itself is located directly adjacent to single-family development or as otherwise approved by the Board in conjunction with a rezoning or other action before the Board.
Parking: No additional parking will be required for outdoor dining, regardless of its size or location (consistent with the proposal in the Parking Reimagined Project).

Please contact Lily Yegazu at 703-324-1314 or lily.yegazu@fairfaxcounty.gov with any questions or comments.

More information is also available at: Outdoor Dining – Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment | Planning Development (fairfaxcounty.gov)

Teen Summer Jam at the WISH 8/19

Teen Summer Jam hosted by LAZERA MINISTRIES Youth Leadership Team, will take place on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at the WISH Center, 7950 Audubon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, from 2 pm to 7 pm. The event includes a teen summit for ages 12-18 to address teen suicide, mental health, civic engagement, and safe spaces. A DJ-hosted family community day with food, tournaments, and activities follows, ending with an award ceremony recognizing the leadership team's achievements in various fields. Free admission! See attached flyer for more information.

Fairfax County Public Schools - Late Summer Meal Program 8/7-8/18

Hunger doesn’t take a vacation and neither do we! The Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) will be hosting the Summer 2023 Summer Meal Service at schools throughout FCPS. The closest late summer site to Franconia District is Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School.

8/7 - 8/18

9-10am

12-1pm

Outside - Door 5

FNS will offer no-cost breakfast and lunch to all children 18 years of age and younger. There is no registration involved and everyone is welcome! Meals must be consumed on site. Click here for more info and to find a site near you.

Out and About in Franconia District

Lego Discovery Center Grand Opening

I was thrilled to attend the LEGO Discovery Center Washington DC grand opening at the Springfield Town Center. It was a wonder to experience the 32,000 sq ft center with over 70 employees. I’d like to thank PREIT for their efforts which made this possible for our community. I enjoyed the tour of the facility and the performances by the Herndon High School Drum Line and the Dance Academy of Loudoun.

Did you know that 1/3 of Springfield Town Center is dedicated to dining and entertainment? Lego Discovery center is special because their entertainment is education based. Kids will be able to learn engineering concepts and collaboration by building together.

During my tour, I learned that they used 1.5 million Lego bricks to build the Mini-World, complete with local landmarks, and even our very own Franconia-Springfield Metro station. It took them 470 hours to build the U.S. Capitol replica and 4,064 to construct the entire Mini-World.

For those of you who are kids at heart, be on the lookout for upcoming adult nights, as this center is geared for children 12 and under.

National Night Out

I had a great time meeting with our local communities in celebration of National Night Out at Hayfield Farm, Rose Hill HOA, Rose Hill Apts, Creekside, Jefferson Manor, Daventry, Landsdowne and Island Creek. If I missed you this year, I'll see you next year!

This annual community-building campaign promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. I'd like to thank the Franconia, Mount Vernon, and West Springfield District Stations of the Fairfax County Police Department for their willingness to participate and help in the National Night out event. Thank you to everyone that attended!

Thank you to the Big Blue Swim School for inviting me to your ribbon cutting in Springfield Plaza. I am excited to welcome them to our community! Everyone had a great time and stayed cool with a treat from the Kona Ice Truck.

I was honored to speak at the Sequoyah Resource Fair this weekend. Thank you to Opportunity Neighborhood of Mount Vernon for hosting this important resource fair and thank you to Medical Care for Children Partnership Foundation for providing resources and dental care education for children.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT (ICYMI)

Normal Library Operating Hours Resume August 28th

Fairfax County Public Library To Resume Normal Operating Hours on August 28

Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) will resume normal operating hours effective Monday, Aug. 28. With this change, the library will be open longer, offering library visitors more time to check out books, attend programs and utilize the many resources available at each of their 23 branches.

Under the updated hours, regional branches will now be open:

· 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, and

· 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday

While community branches will be open:

· 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday,

· 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and

· Closed on Sunday.

The Access Services branch, located at the Fairfax County Government Center, will remain open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In addition to the extended branches hours, the library is always available online through its many digital offerings. Cardholders can search the digital collection on Overdrive and its mobile application Libby, stream tv shows, movies and documentaries on Kanopy and access a vast array of research databases.

FCPL would like to thank the people of Fairfax County for their patience and understanding as it navigated the effects of the pandemic and staffing difficulties. FCPL is excited to once again be able to offer everyone a greater opportunity to visit its branches and enjoy its array of services.

Vacuum Leaf Service Survey

Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is proposing to discontinue vacuum leaf service after the upcoming winter season. A final decision will be made by the Board of Supervisors this fall.

A survey is now open through Aug. 18. Input also can be left via voicemail at: 703-890-5898, Project Code: 2159; or by texting “leaf collection” to 703-890-5898.

Elections Officers Needed for the General Election November 7th

Fairfax County Office needs election officers for the November 7^th General Election and the 2024 elections. Compensation begins at $250 and training is provided online and in-person for new officers. More information on serving as a Fairfax County election officer can be found here. Apply today.

There is also a need for bilingual Virginia voters who speak Vietnamese and English or Korean and English to serve in the Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, and Falls Church areas. To serve as a designated bilingual election officer, you must also complete a short oral language skills assessment. More information on serving as a language election officer can be found here.

Public Safety Open House - August 26, 10 AM--2 PM

Join first responders on August 26^th for a fun-filled Public Safety Day in the back parking lot of the McConnell Public Safety and Transportation Operations Center (4890 Alliance Dr, Fairfax)! This open house style event is designed to strengthen community ties and recruit future heroes for Fairfax County 9-1-1, Department of Emergency Management and Security, Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, Virginia Department of Transportation, Fairfax County Police – including Animal Protection, and the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.

Event location: 4890 Alliance Drive Fairfax, VA 22030

Event time: 10 AM – 2 PM

Parking location: 4975 Alliance Drive Fairfax, VA 22030

2023 Hurricane Season Outlook: What You Need to Know

Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, and several factors contribute to the formation and development of tropical storms and hurricanes. These include warm ocean waters, an unstable atmosphere, and low vertical wind shear. It’s interesting to note that disturbances called easterly waves typically develop away from the equator.

For more information please visit: 2023 Hurricane Season Outlook: What You Need to Know | Fairfax County Emergency Information (wpcomstaging.com)

Kingstowne Farmers Market

The Franconia District farmers market takes place at Kingstowne Farmers Market Open until October 27th from 3 to 7 pm on Fridays.

The address for the Farmers Market is:

5844-5862 Kingstowne Center

Alexandria, VA, 22315

Metro Wants Your Feedback - Capacity & Reliability Study

Metro wants your feedback on proposals to improve service and reliability on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines.

Metro has opened its public engagement and feedback period on six options to address future capacity, reliability, and customer needs on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. The proposed alternatives, part of the Blue/Orange/Silver Capacity and Reliability Study (BOS Study) launched in 2019, include a set of potential infrastructure and operational improvements that will ensure quality service while meeting the needs of the growing region. 

Beginning July 17, Metro has begun to conduct a series of virtual and in-person engagement activities to provide information about the proposed alternatives and receive public input that will help Metro’s Board of Directors select a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA). Visit wmata.com/BOSstudy for full details about the proposals and how to weigh in.

The Board’s selection of an LPA is only the first step in a long process. The type of large project needed to address the needs and opportunities on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines will require federal funding as well as support and investment from Metro’s regional partners. Recognizing this, the BOS Study is structured according to federal guidelines and requirements to qualify for federal grants. Projects of this scale can take ten to twenty years or more to plan, design, fund, and build. Metro and the region need to be planning now for our growing region.

Engagement Opportunities:

Website: Members of the public are encouraged to review materials on the BOS study website, wmata.com/BOSstudy, and provide feedback on the proposed alternatives by responding to an online survey.

Online Survey: The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed alternatives through an online survey. The survey, available in English and Spanish, will be open until September 30, 2023, at wmata.com/BOSstudy.

VISA Gift Card Giveaway: By responding to the survey, respondents may enter for a chance to win a $50 VISA gift card in a drawing to be held once the survey closes. 

Hybrid Public Meetings: In addition, the public is encouraged to register for and attend one of three upcoming hybrid public meetings, either in-person or virtually (online). These hybrid meetings include a live presentation by project staff, followed by a question-and-answer session. 

Saturday, August 26 | 10:30 AM -12:00 PM - St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church Omega Room (408 Addison Rd S, Capitol Heights MD 20743) 
Tuesday, September 12 | 6:30-8 PM - Metro L'Enfant Plaza HQ Board Room (300 7th Street SW, Washington DC 20024)

To register for an upcoming meeting, visit: wmata.com/BOSstudy

About the Study

Metro launched the Blue/Orange/Silver Capacity & Reliability Study (BOS Study) in early 2019 to identify the best and most cost-effective solutions to address ridership, service, and reliability needs on these Metrorail lines. After conducting an analysis of the key issues and trends, Metro developed a broad range of potential options for addressing the study goals. Following two rounds of public engagement and extensive feedback, Metro worked with community stakeholders and local jurisdictions to evaluate and narrow these options to six potential alternatives addressing capacity, reliability, and customer needs on the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines.

Click here to view the proposed alternatives.

The BOS Study is a type of study known as an Alternatives Analysis (AA). The AA complies with best-practices guidelines from the Federal Transit Administration and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This will allow Metro to move forward with the study recommendation(s) and compete for federal funding, while reducing the length and cost of any future environmental review process. The study recommendations will be based on data analysis, with input from regional stakeholders and the public to define the problems and determine the preferred solution. 

For More Information

To learn more about the project, upcoming engagement activities, and complete the online survey, visit the project website at wmata.com/BOSstudy

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, gender, religion, disability, or family status. If you require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or translation services (free of charge), contact the project team at 703-683-7447, ext. 115 (TTY: 711) at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date.

FREE Immunization Clinics for Children

Fairfax County Health Department is offering FREE immunization clinics for children. This program began August 1.

For more information and appointments visit here.

Summer Safety Tips for Families

Most parents and caregivers are aware that children’s natural curiosity, innocence, and determination are a combination that can get them into trouble in the blink of an eye. Sadly, too often in the summer, the news includes reports of families forever changed by preventable accidents that led to the injury or death of a child.

The Parenting Education Programs is sharing this reminder about some seasonal dangers, and offering tips from safety experts to help you keep your children safe for many summers to come. These tips include information on:

Preventing Falls from Open Windows
Preventing Hot Car Deaths
Promoting Water Safety

For more information please visit: Summer Safety Tips for Families | Family Services (fairfaxcounty.gov)

3 Great Reasons to Go Solar in Fairfax County

Making the switch to solar power is easier and more affordable than ever, thanks to Solarize Virginia and Capital Area Solar Switch, two programs that reduce the cost and complexity of going solar. For more information, see 3 Great Reasons to Go Solar in Fairfax County in 2023.

Through end of August, homeowners can sign up to receive a free assessment and quote from a qualified solar installer, and a guaranteed discounted rate. There are even opportunities to bundle your solar system with electric vehicle charging stations and solar battery storage.

Learn more at upcoming webinars for Fairfax County. In the sessions, you will

Learn about solar energy,
Learn more about the co-op purchasing programs and how they work, with no cost to join or obligation to purchase solar panels,
Hear from solar-power installers.

Fairfax County Public Library Summer Reading Challenge

June 16-August 18

School's out for summer!

The Fairfax County Summer Reading Adventure is for YOUTH and ADULTS and participating is as easy as 1-2-3! Participate from June 16th to August 18th.

Go to fairfaxcounty.beanstack.org and register for the Summer Reading Adventure appropriate for you or your children.
Depending on your age, earn ten or fifteen virtual badges by reading or listening to books, reading for 20 or 30 minutes, completing activities or a combination of all three.
Once you have earned your badges, visit your local library branch and receive prizes.

For more information, visit Youth Summer Reading 2023 and Adult Summer Reading 2023. Watch the Learn About Summer Reading Adventure: All Together Now video.

Capital Area Food Bank Summer Meals at Audubon Estates

Capital Area Food Bank is providing summer meals throughout the region. If you are near Audubon Estates, you can get supper Monday to Friday from 6 to 7 pm. More information about locations and meal times can be found here.

Senior Cool Care Program

Are you in need of additional cooling during the summer?

The Senior Cool Care Program is a public-private partnership sponsored by Dominion Energy and administered by the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services through the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging that helps low-income older citizens in our jurisdiction keep cool during summer months.

The program runs May 1 through October 31, 2023. This program does not provide financial assistance, but it provides additional cooling at home, such as fans, for eligible older adults, age 60 and older.

If you are interested in learning more about the program, please contact the Aging, Disability & Caregiver Resource Line: 703-324-7948.

Summer Heat Safety Tips

Summer is a time for enjoying the outdoors, but it’s important to be aware of the dangers of excessive heat. Summer heat can be a dangerous thing if you aren’t careful. Heat-related illnesses can range from mild conditions like heat rash and cramps to more serious conditions like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Visit Summer Heat Safety Tips for some tips to help you stay safe and healthy during the hot summer months ahead.

Your Guide to Summer

It’s summertime and there are plenty of things to do here in the area. Here’s a quick guide to summer in Fairfax County:

Explore water! Pools, splash parks, lakes and more (but note health advisory about local streams).
Summer Entertainment Series features 180+ performances at 18 venues.
Keep reading with the Summer Reading Adventure.
Make southern Fairfax County a staycation -- check out Potomac Banks.
Hunger doesn't take a vacation - learn about summer meals for kids.
Learn about using FCPS school grounds this summer.

You can find more information here: Your Guide to Summer 2023 in Fairfax County | News Center