Coraggio Consulting
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Date: Tuesday, June 11, 2024
Place: Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Virginia
Length: 5h 4m (video)
Official meeting video (Fairfax County): https://video.fairfaxcounty.gov/player/clip/3403
Official Board of Supervisors page (Fairfax County): https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/boardofsupervisors/

Machine transcript (speech-to-text) produced by Coraggio Consulting. Not an official county record. Names and numbers may be misspelled; check the video at the timestamp before quoting.
Speech-to-text: whisper.cpp, model large-v3-turbo. Produced 2026-11-01. Timestamps are [HH:MM:SS] into the meeting video.

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[00:00:04] good morning everyone and welcome to our board meeting of june 11 2024 and this morning we have a number of presentations that i know you all are here for but before we do presentations we always pause for a moment of silence to be followed by the pledge of allegiance and in a moment i will ask all those who are able to rise for that moment of silence in the pledge of allegiance but before that i'm going to ask my colleagues if they have anyone that they would like to keep in our thoughts and prayers, anyone that they would like to remember. And I'm going to start just by mentioning a few and then invite my colleagues to share their thoughts as well. And I want to begin

[00:00:44] by recognizing Diego Ariaza, 28-year-old of Annandale, and Yeraldin Pardo, 28-year-old of Linconia, and their eight-year-old child who were unfortunately fatally struck by a train in Springfield on the evening of Wednesday June 5th and all three were on the northbound elevated train tracks and encountered a traveling freight train and I know our police are still investigating this incident but most importantly if we could keep these individuals this family in our thoughts

[00:01:20] and prayers that would be appreciated. Secondly I want to mention Lois McClellan who doesn't have any direct ties to Fairfax County, but Lois McClellan is the mother of Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, who is a longtime friend of mine all the way back from our college days. Her mom passed away on October 22nd, 19, I'm sorry, her mom passed away on May 28th, and she was originally born on October 22nd, 1932, was the first in her family to attend and graduate from high school,

[00:01:57] And Lois McClellan earned a degree in home economics from Jackson State University in 1957, a master's degree from the University of Kentucky, and was the only woman and African-American in her class at the time.

[00:02:14] Most remarkably, she nearly finished her Ph.D. from Virginia Tech. She was continuing to study. She spent most of her career in higher education, retiring as Director of Educational Services at Virginia State University. She was a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., holding several leadership positions and was involved in the Petersburg chapter of Jack and Jill of America, the Chesterfield County Democratic Committee, and served as a Girl Scout troop leader and civil rights leader in her community.

[00:02:46] If we could keep Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan and certainly her mom, Lois McClellan, in our thoughts and prayers. Next, I'm sad to announce the passing of William David Dolan III, better known to many of us as Bill Dolan.

[00:03:03] He passed away on May 28th in Arlington, Virginia, after a brief illness. And Bill was twice the Democratic nominee for Virginia Attorney General and served in both the United States Army and the United States Navy. and perhaps the longest-lasting impact of Bill's many endeavors was through the law profession.

[00:03:26] Bill was a giant in the legal community, and his impact on the profession was immediate and long-lasting. He was often referred to as the lawyer's lawyer, and he was trailblazing in many of his contributions to the legal profession and to public service and served as the president of Virginia State Bar and established the Lawyers Helping Lawyers Program, which is the Standing Committee on Women and Minorities in the Legal System, the Virginia State Bar's Mandatory Professionalism Course for New Lawyers, and the Virginia Mandatory Community Continuing Legal

[00:04:04] Education System. And Bill was a member of the Advisory Committee on the Rules of the Court of the Virginia Supreme Court. And if we could keep Bill Dolan in our thoughts and prayers. And then lastly, I want us to remember Andrew McGuckin, and this one is personal for me because Andrew was my brother-in-law who passed away last week suddenly of cardiac arrest at the age of 51 at Mount Vernon Hospital.

[00:04:32] And I mention this because Andrew got bit by the civic bug, and he served for many years on the Grofton Civic Association, including most recently as president of the Grofton Civic Association, which of course encompasses both Franconia and Mount Vernon districts.

[00:04:51] But his life passion was coaching, and he coached on many youth groups, many different baseball, softball teams throughout the years. And most recently was a coach with the Thunderbirds Girls Travel Softball League.

[00:05:07] And so obviously his passing has meant a lot to a lot of people and is hard for me personally at the age of 51 to lose my brother-in-law. So if we could keep my sister, Jennifer, and her two teenage kids in our thoughts and prayers.

[00:05:23] Andrew was a great dad, but his son, Joshua, is a student at West Potomac High School. And his daughter, Ashley, is just now leaving Carl Sandburg and going to West Potomac High School. Next year, my mom, I mean, I'm sorry, my sister is a public school teacher in the city of Alexandria.

[00:05:42] And so if we could keep them in our thoughts and prayers, I would also personally appreciate that. Others who would like to be recognized? Yes, Supervisor Walkinshaw. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for sharing about your brother-in-law.

[00:05:57] I know all of us will be thinking of you and your family and your sister and her kids, especially during this time. And also thank you for mentioning the three folks who were tragically killed on the train tracks in or above, rather, Lake Akatink Park last week.

[00:06:17] And as you said, still under investigation, but I think it's always appropriate to remind the community that it is never safe to be walking on or across train tracks outside of an approved crossing.

[00:06:33] And I know at VRE, we spend a lot of time and energy trying to communicate that. And obviously, we need to continue to do that. But we will be thinking of their loved ones and friends during this very difficult time as well.

[00:06:49] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Supervisor Wilkinshaw. Supervisor Jimenez. Mr. Chairman, I want to take a moment to recognize the passing of a longtime well-known Mason District resident Robert Thomas Mansker passed away in may and was a staple of civic engagement here locally bob and his husband randy were both deeply involved in our community bob served as chief election officer for the fairfax county office of elections and for 17 years he served on the fairfax county board of equalization our thoughts and prayers are with bob's family and his husband randy thank you very

[00:07:24] much uh supervisor jumenez uh supervisor alcorn thank you mr chairman i'm sad to report long longtime Reston resident Lloyd Kinzer passed away recently. He was very active and a well-loved member of the community. He's going to be remembered for many of his wide-ranging contributions. He was an ordained minister. He studied at Princeton Theological Seminary, and he was the parish associate at the United Christian Parish for the past 52 years. Outside of church, he was deeply involved in the Reston Chorale, where he sang bass, served on their board, and performed as Santa

[00:08:00] Claus at the group's December concerts. Notably, this year Lloyd earned his induction as the choir's inaugural gold member, a distinction given to choristers who sing for 50 or more seasons with the chorale. So he's also a substitute teacher, Fairfax County for 13 years in Fairfax County Public Schools, and he was chaplain to the Boy Scout troop 1970 in Reston for many years. So he's originally from Illinois, but he lived in Reston for 54 years. And for many people who knew him through all these activities, he will be deeply missed. And we offer our thoughts and prayers to

[00:08:40] his family. Thank you very much, Supervisor Alcorn. Is there anyone else who would like to be recognized, seeing and hearing no one? If all who were able could rise for a moment of silence to

[00:08:51] be followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Face the flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America into the republic for which it stands, one nation under God's will.

[00:09:36] And this morning, we have five presentations, and for each presentation, I will announce the proclamation and invite our speaker down to the podium in front of me. We will then read the proclamation, and after our speaker's remarks, we will pose for a picture from the dais.

[00:09:56] And first up, today we have a resolution to recognize Bob Carlson for his years of service as the chair of the Fairfax County Employees Retirement System, and this was requested by myself, and of course, our speaker today is Bob Carlson, former chair of the Fairfax County Employees Retirement System. If you could come on down. And while Bob is making his way down, I'm going to hand the gavel to Vice Chairman Smith so that I can read the following resolution.

[00:10:29] Whereas Bob Carlson was appointed to the Fairfax County Employees Retirement System Board of trustees in March of 1993 and served as trustee for 31 years, including as chairman of the board since January of 1995. And whereas during Bob Carlson's tenure, the employee's retirement system's assets have grown from $850 million in 2003 to $4.6 billion today. And whereas also during Bob Carlson's tenure, the number of active retired members served increased from 14,800 in

[00:11:05] 1993 to $24,700 today. And whereas the Board of Trustees and staff adopted and perfected the innovative risk-based asset allocation methodology under Bob Carlson's leadership, a method that is still in use today. And whereas over Bob Carlson's 31 years on the Board of Trustees, the employee's retirement system portfolio had an impressive average annual investment return of 7.7 percent. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all Fairfax County residents, does hereby congratulate and thank

[00:11:44] Bob Carlson for his 31 years of service, 29 as chairman, to the Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees, and wishes him well in his future endeavors. I'll second that a motion along with Supervisor Herity and Palchek, any discussion?

[00:12:01] - Very briefly, I wanted to recognize Bob because this is an incredible legacy. I mean, just the period of time, Bob was a teenager when he started, but it is hard to believe that he has served as a trustee for 31 years.

[00:12:17] And as the chairman of this board, it's impossible for me to comprehend 29 years of chairing anything. And so, Bob, we are really appreciative what you've done i know you've you've written numerous uh books and reports uh that you know are helpful to so many people that read them um i know you're heavily involved in the community and um i i learned recently that you were a private that you are a private pilot as well so um i think that's just an impressive hobby but most importantly want to thank you for your years

[00:12:50] of service i think most people in their day-to-day work don't understand how important the retirement system is to our county employees and how important it is that it be well managed and that the returns that are needed to be able to support the pensions of so many hardworking county employees are on the line. And so what an impressive number of years you've served and I can't thank you enough. And then finally, I want to thank your family because serving in any capacity is a personal sacrifice. And the number of years you've done it and just thinking about

[00:13:26] the number of hours you spent working on behalf of our Fairfax County employees that you did not spend with your other loved ones. We certainly are grateful for that and for your legacy. So congratulations. Thank you. Seeing no further discussion, all those in favor of the motion say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed? Any abstentions? That motion passes. Very well. So thank you all for your support. The motion carries, as the vice chairman said, and the floor is yours. Welcome.

[00:13:55] Well, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'd like to thank the board and its predecessors for allowing me to serve for this long and for my fellow trustees for electing the chairman for so long. It's been my privilege to be on the board and witness a period of excellence and innovation.

[00:14:13] And it's a group effort, involved a number of people. I can't name all the trustees who served with me, but the chairman of HR for the county over the years were very instrumental in making sure we had the resources we need, going back to Paul Baldino and Peter Schroth, Sue Woodruff, Kathy Schifrick.

[00:14:33] They were all very supportive of what we were doing and very important to us. Our past executive directors, Larry Swartz and Bob Mears, very important to us. And, of course, our chief investment officials over the years, Tom Weaver and Andy Speller, really did a lot of innovations in the investment process that have been helpful to us.

[00:14:54] And the key is we got rid of our outside investment consultants and brought all that in-house. And that turned about saved a lot of money and also improved our investment returns and reduced our risk. So I think it's important that the county continue doing that, investing in the internal investment staff and not trying to farm it out.

[00:15:17] That's made us one of the premier local investment or retirement funds over the years, and it's important to keep going forward. So that would be when I took over, one of my predecessors as chairman said, I hope someone doesn't come along and decide to just change everything we're doing and overhaul it.

[00:15:35] So I give that advice to you going forward. Thank you very much, Bob, and thank you for that advice and for all your years. And as the resolution says, this retirement group is overseeing a massive portfolio of a value of $4.6 billion.

[00:15:56] I mean, that's just amazing, and I think something that we don't often put in context, but you've been there along for the entire journey, and we certainly appreciate that. With that, I think we're ready for a photo.

[00:16:14] And so, Bob, if you could come forward. If anyone is here with you that would like to be in the photo, they're welcome to join us. And I would ask Supervisor Jimenez, the chair of our personnel committee, to join me as well, and if the board could rise.

[00:17:06] And our next proclamation is to designate June 19th, 2024, as Juneteenth.

[00:17:38] And this was requested by myself. Our speaker today is Dr. Wendy Manuel Scott, Professor of Integrative Studies and History, and also George Oberle from the Center for Mason Legacies.

[00:17:53] If you could come on down, I am going to hand the gavel to Vice Chair Smith so that I can read the following proclamation. Whereas the Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, declared persons held as slaves in Confederate territory free and led to the ratification of the 13th Amendment on December 6th, 1865, which abolished slavery in the United States.

[00:18:25] And whereas word of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation did not reach authorities and African Americans in the South and Southwestern United States for nearly two and a half more years until June 19th, 1865.

[00:18:41] And whereas June 19th, Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Liberation Day, has been celebrated by the African-American community for over 150 years. And whereas while we celebrate this date, we know there is much work to be done to eradicate the systemic racism that results in exclusion, discriminatory treatment, inequitable policies, and disadvantages for black Americans and other people of color.

[00:19:13] And whereas through one Fairfax, our county and our community are committed to promoting fairness and justice in the formation of public policy that results in equity for all residents. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all residents of Fairfax County, does hereby proclaim June 19th, 2024, as Juneteenth, and urges all residents to celebrate this day, to honor the tremendous contributions African Americans have made for our country, and to reflect on equity in lifting up our entire community.

[00:19:53] Second. I'll second that with Supervisor Luss. I think most of us, Bierman, Palachuk, any discussion? Yeah, very briefly, you know, Juneteenth, as the proclamation acknowledges, has been celebrated by African Americans for a long time.

[00:20:10] But only recently did it come to the attention of our entire community what Juneteenth is and what it stands for. And I think about our young people a lot. I see a lot of our young people here today and how we want them to understand all young people, not just African-Americans, but all young people to understand what Juneteenth means.

[00:20:35] It was not thoroughly taught in history when I was in school. And we want to correct that and make sure that future generations not only understand what it means, but do something about it. And so I know when I brought a board matter forward to add Juneteenth to the list of county holidays, we were the first local government in our region to do that.

[00:21:01] And I think it's important that we recognize Juneteenth as a holiday, not to go out and into a retail store and buy a mattress. This is a holiday we want people to give back to the community, to understand our history, our past, and most importantly, in understanding our history, how we can do better moving forward.

[00:21:27] Because unless you understand our history and the complicated history and imperfect history of our country, it's hard to keep making sure every day that you are doing what you can to do better.

[00:21:39] And to me, that's what makes Juneteenth so important and a day of reflection and action for people in our community, but make sure that action extends not just to that day, but to what we do every day in certainly shaping our policy, celebrating our diversity, understanding inequities, and making sure that we're doing what we can to fix and repair the past damage of some of the darkest times in our history.

[00:22:09] And so I appreciate folks coming out today, and most importantly, I appreciate our young people for coming out today and making sure that this is a part of what you understand, but also making sure it's a part of what future generations will know and be able to continue this effort to make our community more just.

[00:22:31] So thank you particularly to you all for your involvement. Supervisor Palchuk and then Lusk. Thank you so much, Madam Chair. it's I just wanted that it's so good to see so many familiar faces a few new faces our young faces those who've been doing this for a long time I also want to make sure we thank neighborhood and community services that are here today and that have been working with and empowering our youth some of them from our local schools here and I just want to mention many of you were with us it It was a week ago now, I believe.

[00:23:10] Yes, on June 1st, where we placed the first marker of the now, I think, two- to three-year project of the Black African American Historical Markers Project. And there are a few things that I learned after this, but that first marker for Lillian Blackwell is now placed at Oakton High School.

[00:23:34] And one of the reasons that's so important is because that is where her family lived. They lived before there was an Oakton High School. The Blackwell family lived right there. Preston, one of her three children, told us about how they used to walk through the woods to get to the grandparents' house.

[00:23:53] Like the song, but a different house. And as we met for that, and I was so excited that our students would be able to see that first marker of the six that will be placed this year through that contest. Just two days ago, I was in conversation with someone I grew up with, the mom of someone I went to school with, who also grew up here and came back to the county.

[00:24:19] And she said, oh, my goodness, I wish I'd known. My mom worked with Lillian. They created the Horizons Day Camp in order for the kids to socialize and be together before desegregating our schools. They work together, and there are so many more stories that keep coming out.

[00:24:38] And as was said that day and by our congressmen, we need to know the good, the bad, and the ugly of our history in order to not just not repeat it, but to keep fighting for the inequities that continue to exist today. So thank you all for being here. Thank you to the chairman for making us the first and thankfully not the last county to be honoring Juneteenth.

[00:25:01] But most importantly, thank you for ensuring that we continue to study and learn our history and find a better, even better path forward for our community. So very excited to see all the youth here today. Supervisor Lusk. Okay, thank you very much.

[00:25:16] For me personally, when I think about Juneteenth, I think about perseverance, about the perseverance of our ancestors. Now stop for a moment and imagine that you've spent many, many years, perhaps your entire life, in the waking nightmare of slavery.

[00:25:34] Now imagine that you've learned that that nightmare has come to an end, that you have been emancipated, that you can dream a different future, a real future for yourself, your children, and for the generations that will follow. Imagine the hope, relief, and aspirations that would sing out from your heart. And now imagine all of that being ripped away. That was the reality for far too many of our ancestors in Texas and other parts of the South for over two plus years after slavery

[00:26:09] was stricken from our law but not from our land. Imagine having to persevere for those two plus years, seeing the dawn at the end of the long nightmare that you've been living but having it remain just out of reach. Imagine the perseverance that would require. Today as we celebrate the liberation of our ancestors who endured those two plus years, I'm reminded that perseverance that we celebrate on Juneteenth that didn't end with them.

[00:26:44] Much like those who were left behind after emancipation, our history is punctuated with moments of tremendous achievement preceded by a fresh injustice or reimagined form of oppression. For those freed on Juneteenth, they faced the challenges and failed promises of Reconstruction.

[00:27:06] For the generations that persevered through Reconstruction, who won labor equity, property rights, and the vote, who built communities like Gum Springs, they would then go on to face segregation and the ever-present specter of violence and white supremacy.

[00:27:26] For the generations that persevered and marched in the civil rights and shifted the consciousness of our nation, some of whom call this community home, you persevered only to learn through tragedy after tragedy in recent years that the institutional rot left behind by segregation and white supremacy remains deep in the foundation of our democracy and our institutions.

[00:27:54] So today on Juneteenth, we each have a responsibility to honor and emulate those ancestors who persevered so bravely. For me personally, when I think about the perseverance and honoring those legacies, I think about the legacy of my own grandparents.

[00:28:12] I recognize that I stand here or sit here today as the only African-American in our Board of Supervisors. I stand and sit before you as the first African-American male ever elected to the board. And I stand and sit before you as one of the only African-Americans that has ever been elected to represent our county in any capacity.

[00:28:35] But in truth, I really only stand and sit here before you today because of my grandparents and their perseverance and their legacy. which is an extension of the perseverance and legacy of our ancestors that we celebrate here today my grandparents were the embodiment of everything that makes juneteenth worth celebrating and they instilled in me three important values first if you say you're going to do something if you make a commitment then you have to do it if you live in a community you have a responsibility to serve

[00:29:14] that community and finally if you see someone in need if you see someone suffering then you you have a responsibility to help. As we all work together to serve this community, I believe we collectively can bring these three values to everything that we do, that we will honor both the legacies of our ancestors and preserve together and persevere together so that the next time we overcome, it can be the last time. That's what Juneteenth means to me. It's honoring the legacy of those who refuse to be left behind and persevering in honor of their legacy. I'm here

[00:29:53] make this last commitment that is my role in this community i want to help each of you persevere and achieve your dreams we owe that to each other we owe that to the legacy of our ancestors and together i know we can all persevere happy juneteenth i'm so delighted to be here and be a part of this uh recognition here today thank you very much madam vice chairman thank you supervisor stork thank you madam vice chair and and thank you supervisor loss for really connecting

[00:30:28] us all to the legacy of and the impact that that juneteenth has had not only on individuals here but frankly our society and the critical importance of us becoming the country we are today which is still imperfect but we are still working to form that more perfect union and i just deeply appreciate you all being here today. One of my heroes, Abraham Lincoln, was a key part and actually issued the Emancipation Proclamation, but what it didn't do, frankly, is free all the slaves. And that Juneteenth was an important part of that, recognition of that, but it

[00:31:07] really took the 13th Amendment to do that. So there were still, in Maryland and Kentucky and particularly in those states, Delaware, they were still slaves until that 13th Amendment was only ratified on December 18th.

[00:31:23] So we have a legacy that we're still working on. We know that. I definitely view it as our second Independence Day because I think not only and maybe most importantly for African Americans who were slaves at that time, but really for this country to start to work through the legacy of slavery and the stain that it put on our constitution and how we did the constitution was really part of the journey to get us to the Declaration of Independence where we said all men are created equal. So I just appreciate this opportunity to discuss

[00:31:59] something so important in our history. And finally, I want to welcome everybody to the Gumsprings Community. They have Gumsprings Community Day is this Saturday. It's an annual tradition, please feel free to come. It's at Martin Luther King Park, and it's from 11 a.m.

[00:32:17] to 4 p.m. There'll be music, food, rides, games, vendors, and really a lot of other folks here to kind of really be a key part of that amazing community. So please join us. Regrettably, for my first time, I will not be able to be here because I'll be out of the state, but I wanted to make sure everybody else was welcomed and would be part of that. So thank you. Thank you. Seeing no further discussion all those in favor of the motion please say aye aye anyone opposed any abstentions that motion passes unanimously mr chairman thank you uh vice chairman smith uh and with that uh we have a great uh showing here of folks to support this before us and the floor is

[00:32:56] yours welcome thank you thank you everyone my name is dr wendy manuel scott and i'm dr george oberley and we are the co-directors of george mason university's center for mason legacies and we We are thrilled to participate in this wonderful ceremony and a special thank you to the Board of Supervisors for their acknowledgement of Juneteenth and their recognition of the work of the Center for Mason's Legacies.

[00:33:24] This ongoing partnership between the Center and the county to better understand and address the complex challenges is critical. We also think it is important to recognize the many community members who have shared their stories to enable the completion of this report, especially the residents of places like Gum Springs, Tenor Hill, and Bailey's Cross Road, and the many families that they represent.

[00:33:57] The Center for Mason Legacies is an interdisciplinary center. In 2017, we began a multi-year project that resulted in the creation of a memorial to the enslaved people of George Mason.

[00:34:12] The memorial was dedicated in 2022, but our work was not done. It was, in fact, just the beginning. We launched our Black Lives Next Door project, a research and teaching initiative dedicated to exploring the complex legacies of slavery and racism in the region.

[00:34:32] Our work with Fairfax County is an extension of our Black Lives Next Door research. We believe that black stories have a past because they have a presence in Fairfax. A presence, as many of you have noted today, we know little about.

[00:34:50] So, with students and colleagues and community members, we've begun the careful work of understanding that history. challenging master narratives, finding the silences and making them heard.

[00:35:06] Our Fairfax research exploring the origins of housing inequality in the county has been a collaborative effort, including faculty, students, community members, archivists, and generous support from county administrators. This report reveals that in the years following the Civil War, Black Americans faced significant challenges as they attempted to establish themselves as free citizens.

[00:35:35] As a tangible expression of their newfound freedom, they acquired property. Black property ownership in Fairfax is a story of perseverance in the face of adversity. The black investors who pioneered African American communities contributed to the enduring black presence in the county.

[00:35:58] Throughout the 20th century, black property owners were increasingly met with a barrage of racially discriminatory policies. Federal, state, and local government officials, land developers, lending institutions, and affluent residents constructed an exclusionary housing system.

[00:36:20] But undeterred, black residents protested against the unfair, unsafe, and unaffordable housing conditions in the county. In the 1960s, activists, organizers, and concerned citizens from diverse backgrounds joined in protest marches around the Capitol Beltway.

[00:36:44] Their persistence paid off. In 1972, Fairfax County and Virginia State Highway agreed to invest after decades of neglect in public services for black neighborhoods. This was an important win, but their efforts to ensure that every member of Fairfax County had access to fair and safe housing is not the end of CML's work.

[00:37:11] We'll continue to work with the Fairfax community members and support the goals of One Fairfax. It is our hope that understanding how we arrived at this moment, at the conditions that we see today, that it will lead to more equitable policies and practices now and in the future.

[00:37:34] And the youth that are behind us, the youth that are being recognized today are from the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services Community Center Programs, and many of those communities have been ignored and marginalized for generations.

[00:37:53] Although too often disregarded and discounted, they have persevered. They, the incredible youth behind us, have demonstrated determination and courage.

[00:38:10] These young people have achieved personal and academic aspirations while also impacting the lives of others in their communities. The audacious and bright individuals we are here to recognize as the 2024 Juneteenth Resilience Award recipients.

[00:38:39] They are Arielle Robinson. Arielle, not able to join us today. Arielle has worked with the Gum Springs Community Center. Joshua Green.

[00:38:57] Oh, right here, right here. Congratulations. Kalissa Nichols-Fields, Tyron Walker, Leona Rush, Nicole Akwaya,

[00:39:32] Rashid Austin, Ryan Payne, Trajan Walker, and last but absolutely not least, the Lazara Leadership Team.

[00:40:05] Thank you very much, and congratulations to all of you who have been recognized. Thank you for your work in this space.

[00:40:22] As I mentioned before, we all are part of this, and it's important that we all continue to be part of this. So with that, I think we're ready for a photo. And before you come forward, I also need to thank George Mason University in particular for being a lead on this.

[00:40:37] I can remember it was a couple years ago now when the History Commission recognized students from George Mason University for their work, and we're always proud of what you're doing at George Mason University, so thank you. With that, I think we're ready for a photo, and if all of you could come forward and face the audience, and I would ask Supervisor Lusk to join me, as well as I see Carla Bruce, our Chief Equity Officer, and our County Executive, Brian Hill, as well.

[00:41:06] And next, we have a proclamation to designate June 7th, 2024, as Gun Violence Awareness

[00:43:23] day and this was requested by myself um and our speaker today is uh guy three monarhan community outreach lead of the burke fairfax mom's demand action if you could come on down and i know i see a lot of folks here with you if you all could come on down to the podium and while you are doing that i am going to hand the gavel to vice chair smith so that i can read the following resolution. Whereas every year, on average, more than 1,000 people in Virginia and nearly 49,000

[00:44:03] people nationally die from gun-related injuries. And whereas Americans are 25 times more likely to die by gun homicide than people in other developed countries. And firearms are the leading cause of death for American children and teenagers. And whereas there have been 195 mass shootings across the United States to date in 2024. And whereas support for the Second Amendment rights of law abiding citizens goes hand in hand with keeping guns away from children and people with dangerous

[00:44:42] histories. And whereas we must remain committed to reducing gun violence and pledge to do all we can to keep firearms out of the wrong hands and to encourage responsible gun ownership to keep our children safe. And whereas on National Gun Violence Awareness Day, people across the country wear orange in tribute to victims of gun violence and their loved ones.

[00:45:07] Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all Fairfax County residents, does hereby proclaim June 7th, 2024, as Gun Violence Awareness Day in Fairfax County and urges all residents to take action to prevent the tragic effects of gun violence and to honor and value human life.

[00:45:32] I'll second that motion with Supervisor Palchuk, Herity, I think I heard Alcorn. Men is a whole bunch of us. Mr. Chairman, any discussion? Yes, I'm hopeful it passes now with that. But in all seriousness, and this is a very serious issue, I hate that we have to do this, honestly.

[00:45:53] As I read the numbers, they are heart-wrenching. They're an atrocity. They're a national embarrassment. As was mentioned in this proclamation, this is largely a United States problem. And it is one that is affecting so many layers, affects us on so many layers.

[00:46:14] Mention it being a principal reason for the death of teenagers, young people. And we think about all that our young people have gone through and the emotional weight that they just carry and the stresses that they carry already, and then layer that statistic on top of that.

[00:46:34] It is heart-wrenching. And probably the thing that makes it most heart-wrenching is we all know there are very simple things that can be done to address it. We know that there are increased investments in mental health that are needed.

[00:46:51] We know that there are changes in laws at the United States level, certainly at the Virginia level. We know that when we speak out about this, we can make a difference. Even though we can't control a lot of things that are beyond our control, there are things we can control.

[00:47:07] And I know as being chair of our legislative committee for a lot of years and now under the leadership of Supervisor Walkinshaw, Our board has repeatedly stressed the need for gun violence awareness, prevention, and law enhancement in Virginia to in particular reduce the number of handguns, reduce the tragic effects of weaponry that was meant for warfare, not for sport, not for self-protection.

[00:47:38] And we have fought those battles year after year, including passing a comprehensive list of gun reforms several years ago when the General Assembly held a special session on gun violence. Probably the thing I'm most proud of is our board leading the cause and implementing our red flag law, which we know statistically has taken hundreds of guns out of the hands of violent people and people suffering mental health in Fairfax County, and it has made a difference.

[00:48:10] We may not know all the lives that it has saved, but we know that every time we can take a gun out of the hand of someone who shouldn't have it that we are making our community safer. And so I appreciate all the work that Moms Demand does on this every single day.

[00:48:28] Again, I hate that we have to do this. I look forward to a day where we don't have to do this, but for the time being, we won't stop talking about this. And I also want to recognize and appreciate that Moms Demand has a presence in this boardroom, not just today, but all the time.

[00:48:47] We literally have someone representing you, and we appreciate you being here all the time. She has a red shirt on, like I have. It just shows how long we've been at this, because the color scheme has changed, and unfortunately, we still have to fight this every single day. And as I mentioned before. It is not something I'm going to stop talking about. It is hard to talk about, but if we stop talking about it, then we won't make the progress that we need to make moving forward. And so thank you for all of your advocacy, and it is a privilege to recognize June 7th as Gun Violence

[00:49:23] Awareness Day, but more importantly, a responsibility for this county to continue to lead the charge and reforms that are necessary to make our community safer. Supervisor Palchuk. Thank you. Thank you for being here.

[00:49:40] I know that this group is even larger at times, and one of those members who comes with you was my most inspiring middle school teacher. I think you all know Jim. And I was just looking, since I know he can't be here today, the words hero that still inspire three days ago, as many of you were at Market Square in Old Town.

[00:50:01] And he says the U.S. has the highest firearm ownership and highest firearm death rates of 27 high-income countries. The firearm homicide rate in the U.S. is nearly 25 times higher than other high-income countries.

[00:50:18] And the firearm suicide rate is nearly 10 times that of other high-income countries. That is heart-wrenching. I know that is why you are here every day. All of us here who are parents, some grandparents as well, just can't imagine the atrocities and know that we have to continue to do everything we can.

[00:50:41] I know this past Saturday, Arlington and Falls Church City had a buyback program. They ran out of money, all donated in an hour, and there were still people looking to give back arms. So I know I will be reaching out to our public safety community to see we are a much larger county.

[00:51:02] I think anything we can do to get arms off the streets, off of people who are not using them responsibly, and ensuring that our kids especially are safe as we move forward, especially right now through our mental health crisis.

[00:51:17] So thank you for being here and for being in places where we can't always be and for being that voice and wearing the orange. Thank you. Supervisor Walkinshaw, then Beerman. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you all for being here and for so many advocates who have been at this work for a very, very long time.

[00:51:39] I think of in the Braddock District, Peter Reed and his family, whose daughter was killed at Virginia Tech in 2007, feels like a long time ago. And I know there's so many families who have been at this for many, many years, and it can feel frustrating.

[00:51:58] But as Chairman McKay said, we can make progress, and we have made progress. And, you know, I've said this before over the years as we've considered different gun safety measures here in the county. This is one of those public policy challenges where we have very clear data.

[00:52:20] The states that have strong gun safety laws have lower gun violence rates. The states that have weak gun safety laws have higher rates of gun violence. And it's distorted a little bit by the media, because if you follow the media, you would think that gun violence only occurs in New York City or Washington, D.C. or in Baltimore, Maryland.

[00:52:44] But the place that has the highest rate of gun violence in the United States of America is Mississippi. They also happen to have the weakest gun safety laws. Virginia's right in the middle. We were at the bottom, but thanks to you all, we're now right in the middle, and we're continuing, I hope, we'll continue to make progress.

[00:53:02] chairman mckay mentioned the red flag law one of the things that I'm very proud of is the work that we did on the legislative committee to get the authority to ban guns from sensitive places in the county including our libraries and our rec centers and our parks and then to draft that ordinance and adopt that ordinance and I think about it around this time of year every summer as I know many of us are preparing to host our children's concert series in our parks I host one at Wakefield Park.

[00:53:35] I know Supervisor Herdy has had one at Birk Lake Park. And just a few years ago, it would have been perfectly legal for people to bring their guns into those most sensitive places as children are enjoying a magician or a comedian or a children's rock show.

[00:53:54] That's no longer the case, thanks to your work and actions taken by Fairfax County. And I think we can be really proud of that. we have to continue to make progress because we know this this works and you know I'll finish with this last week there was a young girl in Springfield in the Braddock district who passed away she was five years old from childhood cancer a terrible tragedy she was beloved by her family in the neighborhood and it made me think about the loss of children and as tragic as childhood

[00:54:33] cancer is, and as many families who are impacted by it, we know that childhood cancer is not the number one cause of death for children. Car accidents are not the number one cause of death for children. Gun violence is the number one cause of death for children. And that's something we can do something about. And I know all of us here are committed to continuing to do that alongside you all. So thank you. Thank you. Supervisor Beerman and then Lusk. So the number that really struck me from this past weekend and what happened over in Arlington was 10, 10 assault rifles taken out of

[00:55:12] the community. Check your email, Supervisor Palchik, just sent you an email that we sent yesterday talking about doing a gun buyback program right here in Fairfax County, which is something that we've looked at in the past and we haven't done. It was Supervisor Lusk and supervisor alcorn looked at it several years ago um and and i i went and read some of the reasons why we we didn't do it in the past and and there are reasons to understand that gun buyback programs

[00:55:43] are the tiniest of tiny band-aid onto a massive problem but the number that keeps striking me is 10 10 assault weapons which are no longer in one county over if we can take those off the street Supervisor Walkinshaw is right. We have the data. We know what it takes. We know how to solve this problem. Right now, up here, we've got certain handcuffs on us in terms of what we actually can do. We have a Supreme Court that hasn't bothered to read the first 13 words of the Second Amendment,

[00:56:22] a well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state. Yeah, even us liberals, we read the constitution too um but one thing that is really uh quite great about being a new guy on the board saying up here on the dais with folks here is understanding that the people up here are so committed to putting every single little band-aid on the problem to working hard uh when and that our law enforcement is so committed chairman mckay mentioned uh red flag laws. The threat assessment management unit of our police department is doing an incredible job

[00:57:01] enforcing red flag laws. I remember when I was on the campaign trail, I said, I'd love to see us passing out gun locks at police events. Guess what? We pass out gun locks at police events. We are working really hard in Fairfax County to use every single tool that we have in our toolbox to try and tackle this national problem, this uniquely American problem. And I will only end by saying that we cannot do it, though, without people like the people standing right in front of us today. These Band-Aids, these creative approaches, they came from the community. They

[00:57:41] came from people like you. They came from popular groups coming together and saying enough is enough. So thank you very much for being here today. Thank you for being our partners. And we are going to keep working to end gun violence. Thank you.

[00:57:56] Thank you. Supervisor Lusk. Sometimes it's hard to go last. A bunch of things have been captured. But I just want to reiterate a couple points. Thank you very much, Supervisor Bierman, for your point about this issue as it relates to the buyback program.

[00:58:17] This is something that Supervisor Alcorn and I did approach in 2022, so not too long ago. But I think times have changed, and to the point that you made about the 10 assault weapons coming from Arlington County, that is indicative of what the success can be from having that type of program.

[00:58:35] So thank you for making that point. I also wanted to maybe lift up what the chairman was saying about the red flag orders. We've had 213 of those orders done as a result of our red flag program.

[00:58:52] So what's really neat is that in Fairfax County, we also developed a program through our Office of Public Affairs, you know, prevent a tragedy, speak up. So we've had people actually respond and help us. And I think this is obviously making a difference here in the community.

[00:59:08] And then I also wanted to just lift up this point about the number of folks who commit suicide by guns. It's approximately 62% of gun deaths. It's a pretty significant number. So what we can do to help prevent that tragedy is going to be super important as well.

[00:59:31] So I just want to join the chorus of folks in saying thank you for your advocacy. Thank you for what you're doing. It's making a difference. There's a lot that needs to be done. We're not done, and I think my colleagues have all articulated that, and I think we'll be looking forward to doing something similar to what Arlington has done here in the near future.

[00:59:52] so thank you very much thank you seeing no further discussion all those in favor of the motion say aye aye anyone opposed any abstentions that motion passes with Supervisor Herity away from the table thank you Vice Chairman Smith and as I mentioned many thanks to those who are here before us I know that there's a national conference going on in DC that has has taken a lot of your membership um away and we're okay with that because we we know the good work that's being done there in terms of advocacy but uh guy three welcome the floor is yours thank you first of all excellent

[01:00:32] pronunciation of my name i know that it's not easy and i'm pretty sure sweta must have helped you maybe i don't reveal my sources okay well good morning good morning chairman mckay good morning members of the board of supervisors my name is guy three and i'm supervisor herity's constituent i'm a lawyer turned activist turned fcps a substitute teacher with two children in the school system and i'm honored to be here today speaking on behalf of 10 million volunteers

[01:01:07] and supporters for moms demand action every june we honor the life of hadiah pendleton and all those who died from gun violence by bringing awareness to the epidemic happening here in the united states hadia pendleton was shot and killed on a playground in chicago at the age of 15.

[01:01:29] soon after this tragedy hadia's friends commemorated her life by wearing orange the colors hunters wear in the woods to say stop don't shoot now thousands of people wear orange to bring awareness to honor Hadiyah and the 43,000-plus Americans that are killed with guns, the approximately 76,000 more who are shot and wounded every year, as well as their children, their family, their friends, who will never, ever be the same.

[01:02:02] But gun violence is happening here in Fairfax County. Three weeks ago, two 18-year-old males were in an altercation where both used firearms, leading to one critically wounded and one dead. That was in my OBGYN's parking lot, right down the street from here.

[01:02:21] A drug deal gone bad should not end in a death sentence. That person was someone's child, a human being. We all honor victims of gun, we honor all victims of gun violence and fight to prevent this from happening to anyone else.

[01:02:39] In 2021, our public schools reopened after the pandemic, And the Fairfax County Public School System put out a call that they were in dire need of substitutes. I decided that I needed to do my part and help our teachers. But not a single workday goes by where I am not studying the layout of the room, looking for exits, looking for that black poster paper to cover the window, and imagining different scenarios.

[01:03:11] What if I can't get there in time? If a shooter comes through the front door, is my classroom far enough away? What if the students are in the cafeterias? Will the tables protect them? Not only as a parent am I terrified, I'm terrified that as a teacher that on that day, will I be able to make the right decisions?

[01:03:32] I know in my mind I'll do anything possible to protect my students, but why? I'm not a hero. I'm just a regular person. why should that be what a teacher or anyone has to ever consider to do when my daughter asks me if i will always be there for her that is something that i cannot promise and i'm just a sub i cannot imagine the additional stress on teachers and administrators when this is such a preventable tragedy and a uniquely american culture but together we must and we can change the culture

[01:04:12] and that's why we're all here today we refuse to accept that gun violence is the norm and we wear orange for a future free from it and we cannot do this without you i thank you so i thank you all thank you for the proclamation for raising awareness for the red um red the red flag laws and preventing guns in public places the steps you have taken is building a safer community from everyone for everyone so thank you so much thank you very much

[01:04:48] uh guy three and thank you for your your comments especially from the perspective of of teaching in the classroom uh things you shouldn't have to think of so we we all have work to do as always but thank you for your partnership in this um i think with that we're ready for a photo and if

[01:05:04] you all could come forward and face the audience and next we have a proclamation to designate june

[01:07:05] 24th, I'm sorry, June 2024 as Pride Month. And this was requested by myself and Supervisors Bierman, Alcorn, Jimenez, Lust, Palchuk, Smith, Stork, and Walkinshaw. And our speaker today is no stranger to the boardroom, and that is Brian Reach, President and Executive Director of Nova Pride. Brian, if you could come on down. And at this time, I will recognize Supervisor Bierman to read the proclamation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Whereas June is celebrated throughout the U.S.

[01:07:38] as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Plus Pride Month, and Fairfax County is committed to promoting a culture of openness, inclusiveness, and acceptance for all persons, and whereas the Stonewall Uprising of 1969 was a defining moment for the LGBTQ plus rights in the U.S., with the first Pride March held on its one-year anniversary, evolving into what is now a month-long celebration of the impact that LGBTQ plus individuals have had on society. And whereas, despite changes in laws

[01:08:12] and social attitudes, subtle and overt prejudice continues against LGBTQ plus people and nationwide, nearly 500 bills targeting LGBTQ plus rights have been introduced in state legislatures. And whereas Fairfax County has been recognized for its significant efforts to ensure equality, inclusion, and non-discrimination as outlined in the One Fairfax Policy and has received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index three years in a row,

[01:08:42] Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all residents of Fairfax County, does hereby proclaim June 2024 as Pride Month in Fairfax County and urges all county residents, employees, and elected officials to celebrate our LGBT plus community and to stand up, speak out, and show support for all those who face discrimination, recognizing that our diversity helps make Fairfax County a better community.

[01:09:10] And I'm happy to second that along with, I think, everyone out here at the moment. And discussion on the motion, Supervisor Bierman. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. As many of you know, my predecessor brought the first proclamation in 2013.

[01:09:29] I can't wait until this really, really feels old because we do it every single year for the next 100. But it's great to celebrate our community. It's great to love everyone in our community, and Pride Month is truly a celebration of love.

[01:09:46] It's a celebration of diversity. It's a celebration of individuality. It's a celebration of so much that makes Fairfax County a great place to live. Now, I was getting dressed for today, and luckily I had an orange tie, but I realized I didn't have a pride pin like Supervisor Palchuk, Supervisor Smith, or Supervisor Walkinshaw.

[01:10:08] But I do have this Herndon Pride t-shirt from the first Herndon Pride, which was Saturday. And let me just say, there was a Pride celebration going on in D.C. on Saturday, but we gave them a run for their money in Herndon.

[01:10:24] And one thing that I have to say, having gone to that Pride celebration, that you will notice at every single Pride celebration that you are at is, in some ways, there's almost no more, uh, a diverse place to be than a pride celebration, old, young, middle-aged, uh, still looking fabulous, uh, old, young immigrant, uh, you know, different races, ethnicities, religions, everybody comes out for a pride celebration.

[01:10:54] It is a place where we celebrate everybody. Uh, and that's what I really love, uh, about pride month i love that it's a celebration of people i love that it's a celebration of love and i'm sounding a lot like lin-manuel miranda with his love is love is love is love poem but um i've never been very eloquent so thank you very much and uh thank you to the board uh for supporting this proclamation thank you uh supervisor beerman any other discussion uh supervisor alcorn i'll just say very briefly i'm glad herndon has caught up with reston on pride so so very good that's

[01:11:32] right. We did it on a different day, so you wouldn't have to compete with us. Just throwing that out there. Thank you. I love them both. Supervisor Walkinshaw. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you, Supervisor Behrman, for bringing this to us this year and look forward to at least 100 more years of you doing it. And Brian, thank you for your leadership over many years in this movement. And I read once something that really stuck with me as a historian. I think it an architectural historian vincent scully and he he described the the three great liberation

[01:12:09] movements of the 20th century and 21st century the movement for black liberation for the disability rights movement for liberation for people with disabilities and the movement for liberation for gay lesbian and transgender people and he said that actually those movements have liberated all of us because it liberated us from being confined by our stereotypical mindsets and our old ways of doing and being. And that has always felt so powerful to me. And for those of us who

[01:12:47] were fortunate enough to not have to be liberated from those movements, we owe those who spent decades and sometimes centuries fighting for them, a great debt of gratitude for helping to liberate all of us. So thank you for your work to help to do that and so many in our community who have done the same.

[01:13:07] Thank you, Supervisor Walkinshaw. And I want to thank Brian as well, who's been at this for a long time. But I also want to acknowledge the first word on his t-shirt, protect. It says protect trans youth.

[01:13:22] But to me, what we're doing every day in Fairfax County is protecting people who just want to be themselves, whatever that means. And it's sad that that has to be a public safety issue. But the reality is, is that even here in Fairfax County, there are pockets of hate that exists that somehow people feel offended that other people love each other.

[01:13:49] There's not enough love in this world, and frankly, we should be celebrating that, whatever that means, whatever that means for people who live in this county. And so when I think about our One Fairfax Resolution, I think about helping not only just equity, but helping educate and build up our entire community.

[01:14:09] And I think this county in particular strongly supports the principles of acceptance, of support, and of celebration of people from all different walks of life, whatever that means. And that, you know, life is complicated enough for us to not spend every minute of that just embracing love and diversity for each other.

[01:14:31] It's not that hard to do, honestly. But unfortunately, across the country, there are laws and state houses and in Congress that come forward that are built around a philosophy of just dividing people.

[01:14:46] And it was mentioned in the proclamation that we have a 100 percent score on the index that measures municipalities embrace of diversity and support for the LGBTQ plus community.

[01:15:02] But it was just a few years ago when we were hovering around 50 percent. And so while we've come a long way and Virginia, I have to acknowledge Virginia because Virginia is grade by state is right now at an A minus. And they are number seven in the country in terms of embracing LGBTQ plus community.

[01:15:23] And I salute our members of the General Assembly, particularly our delegation, who strongly support these things. But at the same time, we acknowledge that even here in Virginia, there's a fight that goes on every year in Richmond over whatever the latest attack, whatever the last, you know, most recent hate-filled comment is.

[01:15:46] And there are bills, as was mentioned, nationwide, 500 bills introduced in state legislatures in the last year attacking the LGBTQ community. And so we at a local level obviously have to stand firm, stand our ground.

[01:16:02] But we also know that as long as that's happening in state houses across the country, we do have to make sure that we are doing our part to fight back against that. And so for us, you know, June is Pride Month. And I can remember a time in this county when there were no pride events in Fairfax.

[01:16:21] You had to go downtown if you wanted to celebrate pride. And we know now that there are events that occur all over this county. Every corner of this county has some measure of a Pride event built into the community. And so we have come a long way, but we know that June in Fairfax County may be designated as Pride Month, but every month is a month where we have to continue to build acceptance, love, and support of all people in the county without exception.

[01:16:53] And so thank you, Brian, for all you do on that front. And in the community, it is much appreciated and recognized. And while we have come a long way, we still have a long way to go as we move forward. With that, I think we are ready for a vote. All those in favor of the motion, please say aye.

[01:17:10] Aye. Any opposed? And that passes 9-0, Supervisor Herity being out of the room. And at this time, I recognize you, Brian. Welcome. Thank you, Chairman McKay. Good morning, and thank you to all of our esteemed supervisors.

[01:17:31] My name is Brian Reach. I was born in Fairfax Hospital. My mom was born in Alexandria Hospital. My grandpa was born on the kitchen table in Clifton. I am very much an old Fairfax County boy, and I grew up here knowing that this is a different area than perhaps the rest of the state, at least at the time, that this was a friendlier place.

[01:17:54] But there wasn't a lot of proof of that. And when I started Nova Pride 13, 14 years ago, there had never been a pride festival in Northern Virginia. There wasn't any organization creating a community that was organized that could do stuff.

[01:18:13] Gay marriage was illegal in Virginia, and it was illegal nationwide. When I started this organization, it was because I believed that there was more under the surface supporting us than people could see.

[01:18:30] And I had faith in that. And I think that that has been in the past 10, 11, 12 years really proven correct. And we've seen this huge pendulum swing. We wanted to, when we started Nova Pride, have a Pride Festival finally in Northern Virginia.

[01:18:46] And part of doing that was to bring the community together so that people that had common interests could start new organizations, more local organizations. In a county with well over a million people, there needs to be a little more localization. So we wanted to spawn more, and not just here but across northern Virginia.

[01:19:06] So when I worked with Supervisor Faust to create this proclamation to make it happen for the first time, We then took it a step further, and I wrote every jurisdiction within Virginia, all the way through Prince William County, every small city, city county, all the little things, tried to get everyone to do it.

[01:19:25] And it took a while to get everyone to adopt it, to understand the importance of it, understanding that same-sex marriage, sexuality, gender, this isn't about sex.

[01:19:41] This is about dignity. This is about not losing your job or losing your home because of something that has nothing to do with anybody else. And I will say that it does take the entire community being invested because none of us are sharing our sex lives in our day-to-day lives.

[01:20:00] When everyone goes home, they don't have the same experience. What matters is consent between adults, and that's really all we need to worry about. What does matter that we all do need to enforce as a community is treating each other better, to treat each other with respect and to think when we meet someone first, how are they treating me right now? Not what have I heard about them? It doesn't matter. How we treat each other is all that matters. And this matters.

[01:20:27] It may seem superfluous by some, especially if you're in a liberal area where you feel the support and you think this doesn't matter. It matters to somebody. It matters to somebody in Springfield District that their chair is empty for the 12th year in a row.

[01:20:44] That silence is deafeningly loud. And if it is still an issue of drinking too much Diet Coke, I hope that supervisor will see a urologist. I have. I'm a cancer survivor. I know how important that is, but it is hard after 12 years to maintain that excuse.

[01:21:02] So now we have 10 pride festivals in Northern Virginia. Gay marriage is the law of the land. In the state, 10 years ago, it wasn't 10 years ago, we were just starting this here in the room.

[01:21:18] This paved the way for a whole lot by breaking the silence, by allowing people to speak and to say, I'm here. I've been here the whole time. I've been here working, going to school, being your neighbor. It's not really that scary, is it?

[01:21:36] And people realize it really isn't. And a lot of those things being said about us aren't true and are objectively now proven false by our visibility. So if I have one request of the community, things have changed, but not everything.

[01:21:53] For the past five years, every year, more bills are passed or more bills are introduced across the country attacking primarily kids, trans kids, queer kids that have the highest rates of suicide, depression, anxiety we've ever seen.

[01:22:11] They're the ones being attacked, not society at large by them, by them existing. We've always been here. We've always been here. So thank you for accepting us. If I have one request of the community, it's to not be silent. Even if it's polite discrimination, even if it's quietly leaving the room, don't be silent.

[01:22:36] Stand up for a better community because it's not mean to be actively enforcing better behavior. So thank you very much for this gesture. Thank you for all of you who stayed in the room for this. It is really important.

[01:22:51] I hope that people of Springfield will do better. But regardless, this is a time to celebrate. And for those of you that are still on the fence, most people that were around 20 years ago were not in the same place. Our community, just like a far longer history with the African-American community, where it's been 169 or 159 years since Juneteenth, it's been 10 years here since gay marriage was very much illegal in every layer.

[01:23:23] But what's important is when someone comes around, we celebrate that. We don't attack them for who they used to be. They're usually the most welcoming people to talk about their past selves and say, I was wrong. So we are here.

[01:23:39] The door is always open. The seats are always there for people to sit down and be a part of a better community that includes everyone. So thank you for being a part of that, and I look forward to 100 more years. Thank you very much. Brian. Excellent comments as usual. And if you could come forward and face the audience and

[01:24:07] Supervisor Beerman and I will join you. And finally, we have a proclamation to designate

[01:25:05] June 2024 as Immigrant Heritage Month. And this was requested by myself, Supervisor Palchik, and Supervisor Jimenez. Our speaker today is RuPaul Saran, Executive Director of the English Empowerment Center, if you could come on down. And if anyone else is here with you, they're welcome to join you, and let me recognize Supervisor Palchuk for the proclamation.

[01:25:28] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I know there are quite a few in the audience, so please come down. I will start reading the proclamation. Whereas during, I'll wait, got a big group here. Whereas during Immigrant Heritage Month, we celebrate generations of immigrants from around the globe who have helped shape Fairfax County's history and continue to define its future. And whereas representing the full diversity of Fairbanks County's race, color, nationality,

[01:26:07] sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and income, our immigrant community is truly representative of the richness of our cultures and experiences. And whereas immigrants are major contributors to our county's economic success at all levels, as business owners, workers, taxpayers, consumers, and whereas immigrants in the United States have worked tirelessly to secure their own rights and opportunities while also working to ensure justice and opportunity for

[01:26:45] others. And whereas our immigrant communities and their experiences are woven into the fabric of our past, present, and future, and their incredible contributions have helped us build a better nation. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on behalf of all residents of Fairfax County does hereby proclaim June 2024 as Immigrant Heritage Month in Fairfax County and does recognize and thank our immigrant community members for their contributions to our county, the Commonwealth, and the nation.

[01:27:24] I'm happy to second that motion, along with Supervisor Jimenez. Discussion on the motion, Supervisor Palchuk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And first of all, I am just, I think we all are delightfully overwhelmed and so happy to see such a wonderful representation of our community, of our cultures, of our languages.

[01:27:47] I've known growing up here. One thing that's not mentioned here specifically is the leadership that's shown by so many of our immigrants. It's wonderful that we have that leadership starting to represent the community on this board and on so many boards and commissions, both at the local and at the state level, because we know, as was said, our county truly is a richer and wealthier place because of our people, because of the diversity of those experiences and because we are becoming, as was said in the last proclamation,

[01:28:27] a more inclusive county. To me, it absolutely means ensuring that all of our kids have even better experiences than we have. As was said earlier, that we address prejudices, inequities, and injustices that we know continue to persist, that we address that through the way we do our outreach.

[01:28:49] I know Carol and so many in the county have helped ensure that we do that more thoughtfully and that we ensure that more of our community members have a voice. As you all know very well, the demographics in our county have changed incredibly in the past decades.

[01:29:09] My family moved here a little more than 30 years ago, and in that short time, we know that the county has changed and that our policies and our actions and our values and what we focus on and what we value and what we fund are catching up.

[01:29:30] We know there's still so much work to do and the empowerment of our community, to me, is the number one thing to do. And so I especially want to thank groups like the English Empowerment Center. And I don't even want to try to mention, I have a list of about 20 organizations that are here today.

[01:29:47] I hope Rupaul will mention a few of those for us, but we know that you are doing the work in the community that we can only start to touch from this dais and from the county level. My hope and my dream is that as our children grow the way I was able to, and so many, that they feel that they belong, that they have a voice, and that they have a seat at our table and that whenever we see that is not the case I hope that you will let us know I hope that you will be that voice for them and that you ensure that we are fighting I know so many faces

[01:30:27] here who've done that for so long to ensure that I do want to mention two small things that are happening now I don't know if they're going to be mentioned but the library currently is leading a where we belong art contest.

[01:30:44] Our art is a wonderful way for many to express those thoughts and opinions in ways that words cannot ever reach. That is ongoing. If you have not, please go to the library website. Encourage others to make submissions.

[01:31:01] I believe that is open until the 15th. And I also want to thank our many county agencies, including Celebrate Fairfax, Visit Fairfax, our board offices, for creating Flavors for Fairfax, the first ever collaborative effort to honor the contributions of immigrants and descendants in something that we all love very much in this county, which is our food, our culture, and our community.

[01:31:29] So I just am so grateful that we are here today. Thankful to all of you who have joined us. Muchísimas gracias para estar aquí esta mañana. Y espero que, por favor, vengan y continúen el labor muy difícil, el labor tan importante.

[01:31:47] Please continue the very important work that you do every day, helping us be better leaders in a better county. Thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Palchuk, Supervisor Jimenez. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Well, good morning. Good morning. How's everyone doing?

[01:32:04] What an honor and a pleasure it is for all of us to have you in front of us today. This is so fantastic, coming from Mason District, where we celebrate, just like the rest of Fairfax, the immigrants that make up our community, whether it's the small businesses, the teachers, all the labor that goes on.

[01:32:22] We really appreciate, we honor that through this proclamation. One of the things that Supervisor Paul Cech mentioned is that there is leadership. And wow, that leadership shows every day. It shows right here. And not only do we have to thank you who stand in front of us, but all of the immigrants throughout Fairfax County that couldn't be here today.

[01:32:43] One of the things that I've said for a long time is that it's not enough to have a seat at the table. If you want to bring about change, you have to have a voice. And that's what you do. You will bring a voice to all the immigrants, all the families and all the communities throughout Fairfax County.

[01:32:59] So, again, thank you to all of you who are here. Thank you to those who are making our community stronger and better every single day. I want to take a page out of Supervisor Paul Cech's use of Spanish. Thank you, Supervisor Walkinshaw.

[01:33:19] Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you all for being here. And I want to recognize my new friend, the Consul General of El Salvador. Thank you for being here. We spent some time together at the first Papusa Festival in Annandale this weekend.

[01:33:36] And I definitely enjoyed my fair share of the Papusas there. I invite all of you to join us next year. It was a wonderful, wonderful event. You know, I was thinking about this this morning. My grandfather was an immigrant. He came from Glasgow, Scotland. He was eight years old.

[01:33:52] He was an orphan. And he came on a long boat ride across the Atlantic Ocean at the age of eight with an older cousin. And his success here ultimately allowed my family to thrive, as so many immigrants have.

[01:34:11] You know, he benefited. He was a beneficiary of, frankly, racist immigration policies at the time that allowed immigrants from European countries to come to the United States, but not other countries. But at the same time, that wave of immigration was called an invasion.

[01:34:31] You know, it was it was decried. They said we needed stronger borders. We can't have all of these immigrants coming from Ireland and Scotland and other parts of Western Europe. So history tends to repeat itself, but we know here in Fairfax County and across the country how much immigrants have contributed and will continue to contribute.

[01:34:53] And we are so happy that you all are here today representing so many incredible families and members of our community. So thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Walkinshaw, Supervisor Alcorn. Thank you very much. Unfortunately, I don't have a family story. I think all I could say is, you know, my generation immigrated from Missouri, but I don't think that counts.

[01:35:17] But, you know, this is a great idea. I'm so glad we're doing this today. And it really, for me, it underscores the win-win nature of Fairfax County. For you all, the opportunities that exist here to do things in this country that perhaps you couldn't do and, frankly, to build a better life for you and your families, especially for your children, that's such a special opportunity.

[01:35:48] It's one I know all of us on this board appreciate very much, and we do everything we can to make sure that you're able to have all the opportunities and to be able to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves here. So thank you so much.

[01:36:04] But also just by being here and bringing your traditions, bringing all that you know, not just the work ethic, but everything that you bring here makes Fairfax County such a richer place. So it is such a wonderful example of a win-win situation, and I'm so glad we're doing this today.

[01:36:25] Thank you very much. Thank you, Supervisor Alcorn, Supervisor Stork. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and it is truly amazing to think that almost 30% of the Fairfax County population was born in another country. That alone is a statement, not only a statement about folks who want to be part of our community and the community welcoming those individuals, but also the vibrancy, I think the energy, the economy, the social changes that's produced for all of us.

[01:36:54] All those things are what makes us truly a phenomenal country and a phenomenal community, and I thank you all for being part of that. As a second-generation immigrant, I'm particularly proud of the fact that so many of our immigrants, not only are workers here, but they're also entrepreneurs, they're also small business people, There are also folks who have added so much to the fabric and the vibrancy and really who we are.

[01:37:20] And, again, my deepest thanks for you all to represent those individuals that are clearly almost 30 percent of our population is wonderful. So, again, my deep thanks to all of you. Thank you, Supervisor Stork. And finally, I want to add my appreciation to all of you for coming out.

[01:37:37] Supervisor Alcorn, I think if you dig deeper, you'll find more than Missouri, because so many of us have an immigration heritage. We just have to go back far enough. It's a longer story, but that's right. Another day. But I do want to emphasize one point, because Supervisor Stork was mentioning our diversity in Fairfax County by the numbers.

[01:38:02] And the number that always jumps out at me, and this is just, you know, father of two FCPS students, is that in our school system, 48.4% of our students speak a language other than English at home. And I remind my own kids of one of the most tremendous blessings that we have in Fairfax County is that you don't have to have a lot of money to do international travel.

[01:38:28] You had to have two ears in your classroom to listen because you can literally travel the globe just by walking through really any of our Fairfax County public schools. And what an amazing opportunity for our young people to learn from each other, to learn different cultures, to learn how to celebrate those cultures, to understand people's life stories, to understand, as we talked earlier today, about our history, the good and the bad, and to do better in the way of accepting and celebrating each other.

[01:39:06] And what I love about this display, not is that a lot of people came, but is that if you look around, this is one Fairfax. This is proudly our community, a community built on diversity, on culture, and is what makes this the best place in the country to live.

[01:39:27] And finally, I just want to share one story that I share a lot of places I go because I think it puts into context. And it was mentioned earlier about people coming to the United States to build a better life and how grateful we are to be a welcoming community here.

[01:39:44] But I will never forget my trip to the Chantilly Expo Center at the peak of when Afghan refugees were coming to the United States and coming into Dulles Airport and going to a processing facility in Fairfax County and watching the bravest people you could ever imagine who lost everything in their lives but came to the United States for a better life.

[01:40:15] And what could we do as a community to, at a bare minimum, offer a welcoming place and open arms? And the image that I can't get out of my mind is seeing the very young kids in the asphalt parking lot playing a pickup game of soccer with American flags, tiny American flags in their pockets.

[01:40:38] These are kids who went through probably one of the most traumatic experiences any child could ever go through. And for a moment, they were just allowed to be kids and to have fun. And they were in a community, thankfully, in Fairfax County, where the outpouring of community support for them, what can we do to help you, welcome you to our community with open arms to be part of when Fairfax became so powerful to me as chairman and another, I think, confirmation of why we all are so happy to live in a community like this.

[01:41:16] Now, that being said, we know that we have to continue that resolve and that our policies in Fairfax County have to reflect not just what we say, but they have to reflect what we do in Fairfax County. And that is to always protect and build up our immigrant community and to support and celebrate our vast diversity and to learn from each other and take advantage of that opportunity.

[01:41:40] So, as I said earlier about other causes, this may be designated Immigrant Heritage Month, but we know that it's always Immigrant Heritage Month in Fairfax County. So, thank you all for being here. I think we're ready for a vote. I'm convinced it's going to pass.

[01:41:57] All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? And that motion carries 10 to 0. And as was mentioned, RuPaul is here with us. Welcome. The floor is yours. Mr. Chairman and Fairfax County Supervisors, I am Rupal Saran, the Executive Director of the English Empowerment Center, and on behalf of so many organizations that are working with, led by, and supporting and celebrating immigrants, many of whom are here with me today, and I'm going to list the ones I have.

[01:42:25] Hakan, Progresso Literacy and Citizenship Center, CASA, New Virginia Majority, Second Story, Just Neighbors, Legal Aid Justice Center, Opportunity Neighborhoods Herndon, Latina Muslimas Circle, International Mayan League, Cornerstones, Facets, Women for Afghan Women, Independence Center of Northern Virginia, Northern Virginia Family Services, Centerville Immigration Forum, Loving Hands Touch Ministries, American Turkish Friendship Association, Silver Light Seniors Association, Chinese American Community Health Services, Chinese American Parents Association of Northern Virginia, as well as representatives from Fairfax County

[01:43:05] public schools, the Consul General of El Salvador, Mauricio Chavez, the Consul General of Honduras, Guillermo Matuti, and Jasmine Chavez, presidential appointee from the White House Hispanic Initiative. I want to thank you for this proclamation and recognizing the invaluable contributions of immigrants in Fairfax County, Virginia. This county, known for its diversity and very, very rich cultural tapestry, owes so much of its vibrancy and success to the hardworking and dedicated immigrants who have chosen to call Fairfax County home. The English Empowerment Center helps over

[01:43:41] 2,000 adult learners learn English annually, and our students come from over 90 different countries. Daily, we all see firsthand how immigrants play a crucial role in the vitality of Fairfax County. Economically, they are entrepreneurs, small business owners, and skilled professionals who drive innovation and create jobs. Immigrant-owned businesses employ thousands of residents and contributes significantly to our local economy.

[01:44:08] These businesses range from restaurants to retail stores to tech startups and professional services, reflecting the diverse skills and talents that immigrants bring. Their entrepreneurial spirit not only fuels economic growth, but also fosters a culture of resilience and ingenuity.

[01:44:26] One Fairfax recognizes that economic research shows that counties with greater social and racial inclusion have one, stronger and longer periods of economic growth, two, faster per capita income growth, and three, increased wages as adults for children who grew up in lower and higher income families.

[01:44:47] In addition to economic contributions, immigrants enrich the social and cultural fabric of our community. Fairfax County is a microcosm of the world with residents hailing from literally every corner of the globe. This diversity is reflected in our schools, our neighborhoods, and our community events, where different languages, traditions, and cuisines are celebrated. Such cultural exchange fosters mutual understanding and respect, making our community more inclusive and cohesive. Importantly, the commitment of immigrants to civic engagement and community

[01:45:22] service cannot be overlooked. Many actively participate in volunteer organizations, neighborhood associations, and local governance, for instance, Supervisors Palchuk and Jimenez. They, like so many immigrants, work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for all residents.

[01:45:40] Their involvement ensures that diverse voices are heard and considered in the decision-making processes that shape our county's future. Immigrants are the backbone of Fairfax County's economic success, cultural richness, and social cohesion. Their contributions are evident in every facet of our community life, making it a place of opportunity, diversity, and innovation.

[01:46:03] As we continue to grow and evolve, let us recognize and support the invaluable role that immigrants play in making Fairfax County not just a place to live, but a place to thrive. Thank you. Thank you very much, RuPaul.

[01:46:28] We now know why you were the spokesperson. Very, very well done. And thank you for all of your work at the English Empowerment Center and to all the organizations that you mentioned that do this work every single day. We see you. We appreciate you. With that, I think we're ready for a photo.

[01:46:44] and if Supervisor Palczyk and Supervisor Jimenez can join me.

[01:51:14] All right, next up, I know we're behind here.

[01:54:18] That's partly on me, but we had a lot of important presentations this morning, and we'll try to be more expeditious moving forward, so we're not so far behind schedule. But we do have the presentation of the History Commission Annual Report, and they have been with us for a long time this morning.

[01:54:36] And I know that if you all could come on down, if you're on the History Commission, if you could come on down. And I am told that Cheryl Ann Repetti, the chair of the Fairfax County History Commission, is going to be presenting.

[01:54:52] But I know that can't be the case because I see Lynn Carvey-Hudge at the microphone. So, well, welcome. The floor is yours. Oh, thank you. I have to say, it has been a joy to watch this morning, because history unfolded in this room. It was wonderful, absolutely wonderful.

[01:55:10] All right, good morning. Thank you, Chairman McKay, members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and distinguished guests. Let me please begin with a quote from Martin Luther King, Jr., who said, Life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?

[01:55:30] What are we doing for others? We are all, every single person in this room, doing the very best they can to serve others. And so in that light, it's an honor to stand before all of you as the chairperson of the Fairfax County History Commission.

[01:55:45] I'm Lynn Garvey-Hodge, and I've had the privilege of serving as chair of the commission from the beginning of 2023. With me today are other members of the commission, Sue Kobach-Schumann, Ann Stuntz, Esther McCullough, Cheryl Repetti.

[01:56:01] This is Cheryl Repetti. yes Tammy Manorino and this is a moment of much deserved pride for all of us to be able to present to you our annual report for this past year 2024 please note in the annual report its new format and design we can thank Cheryl Rapetti for that change the very fabric of the land we all share is likely one of the most if not the most historic landscapes in the history of the United

[01:56:38] States of America. So much has occurred on our soil, from Native American lineage to the European colonists and settlers, from the horrific and tragic reality of slavery to the most awful war this country has ever seen fought on her own soil, along with a number of wars that our citizens have fought in but have all come back home to this once all-encompassing, peaceful, and pastoral tranquility of beautiful Fairfax County. Some 55 years ago, it became clear to a small band of

[01:57:17] historians, authors, and preservationists that if they did not bear a significant portion of our history and work towards it and preserve it, it would be lost. And since that brave band of people, often with differing perspectives, first came together, the Fairfax County History Commission has worked together to identify, document, record, and preserve our county's historic past here in Northern Virginia.

[01:57:47] And much of that history has changed just within those 55 years. We are now comprised of 21 members who meet once a month as a full commission, along with a variety of committees meeting between these monthly meetings.

[01:58:03] The number of hours and passionate commitment of each and every one of us is immeasurable. Next slide. In 2023, we carried forward three initiatives that were begun in earlier years. The much-talked-about this morning, Black African American Experience Marker Project, envisioned by Supervisor Palchuk and coordinated with Fairfax County Public Schools, private schools, at-home tutoring programs, and the Fairfax County History Commission.

[01:58:33] Also, an analysis of the names carried at the United States Army Base, Fort Belvoir, and the African American History Inventory Database, known as the AAHI. That is our joint project with George Mason University to electronically document and index the people, places, and events related to Fairfax County's African American history.

[01:58:58] Former commission members, now advisory commission members, Barbara Naif, Phyllis Walker Ford, Mary Lipsy, along with others, the legwork to launch this highly successful award-winning online database accessible from our own History Commission website. Also in 2023, we launched two initiatives. The first was to document and research a community-desired renaming of the Bailey's Community Center in Mason District to possibly become the mini-Payton Community Center. We have recently completed our work on

[01:59:33] that assignment. The commission also launched a collaborative work group internally to work also externally and create guidelines and criteria regarding the preservation and maintenance of historic properties. The first marker of the Black African American Marker Project was just unveiled at Oakton on the 1st of June, just a few days ago. That marker honored a great civil rights activist in Fairfax County, Lillian Blackwell.

[02:00:02] It is one of ultimately five, four more markers. Research denominated by school-aged children throughout the county who collectively submitted names and locations related to Fairfax County's black and African-American experience and history.

[02:00:20] Also, the commission's research with regard to the renaming of Fort Belvoir or its on-base streets was undertaken by an ad hoc committee whose work ultimately laid to rest any need to embark on any renaming that committee was led by commission member tammy mannorino all of these initiatives required community county agency involvement relationship building mutual engagement patient collaboration all to incorporate and ensure our county's history and historic

[02:00:52] properties have been and will continue to be protected 2023 saw the commission spending considerable time and energy advocating preservation and protection through emails, formal letters, testimonies, and meetings in order to preserve sites on our historic inventory.

[02:01:12] We have also advocated for sites that have yet to be placed on the inventory. Some threatened sites like the Bowman Distillery in Reston within the Hunter Mill District are privately owned, but sadly suffering from neglect due to the encroachment of local development, hence the need for a collective work group.

[02:01:31] Several happy preservation successes, though, included our mingled voice with others who have succeeded in protecting the Thompson Cemetery in the Providence District and the inclusion of Drover's Rest in Drainsville District on the National Register of Historic Places.

[02:01:48] Section 106 proceedings and initiatives this year included the Capital One Lounge in the Dulles Airport Historic District, which supported design renovations making more appropriate use of that historic space. Similarly, in Hunter Mill District, the site of the McMillan Dairy Farm, which had graced this land for 177 years, our commission member, Ann Stuntz, has assisted in the creation of interpreted signage to tell the story of this inventory site.

[02:02:22] After a COVID-induced pause of a few years, the commission is pleased to have placed the Randall Estates Historic District onto the historic inventory. Randall Estates was established in 1962 as a middle-class community of 50 homes for and by African-Americans.

[02:02:41] Founded by Jube Shriver Sr., the neighborhood was home to a number of distinguished neighbors, including the namesake for the Pulley Center at West Potomac High School. The Ethnic and Oral History Committee has been conducting oral history interviews with both supervisors and chairmen, including Kate Hanley, Jerry Connolly, Sharon Boulaba, Michael Fry, and most recently Tom Davis.

[02:03:06] They can now be seen on Channel 16's Fairfax Looks Back program. Work was also begun to create and film a documentary describing the four different Julius Rosenwald schools within Fairfax County by interviewing former students of the schools by Commission Member Esther McCullough.

[02:03:24] The targeted completion of this project was the end of spring of 24, and that goal was accomplished. Esther has served the commission as chair of the Ethnic and Oral History Committee for 23 years. The Advocacy Committee has expanded its community outreach activities by setting up and attending to table displays to promote public awareness of both the Fairfax County History Commission and the rich and voluminous history of Fairfax County.

[02:03:55] such events as the chocolate lovers festival viva vienna oak hill open house black history month oakton day in the park and a variety of juneteenth celebrations including gum springs fairfax city and vienna were graced by the presence of our displays as well as historically energetic and eager commission members our advocacy committee chair is ann stanz who has also served as secretary and past president past chairperson for the commission also future projects include focusing on educating young children and internally on our commission we have created our own advocacy

[02:04:32] program of a buddy system to encourage new commissioners to connect with folks that have been on the commission for a while and begin to learn what all is involved to be a history commissioner in the spirit of one fairfax the fairfax county history commission's annual conference has been named planned and execute and has executed a series of four conferences with the theme we are fairfax county the third in this series happened in 2023 and was subtitled a county of nations referencing keynote speaker tom jelton's book primarily focused on mason district

[02:05:09] a nation of nations the 2023 conference focused on the experiences and cultures of first and second generation immigrants primarily from asia the middle east and latin america former congressman Tom Davis was also a keynote speaker who provided further background and history to the Mason District's immigrant and different ethnic experiences through the years. We share a heartfelt thank you to Chairman Jeff McKay, who helped launch the conference and assisted in the distribution of our annual awards, including Lifetime Achievement Awards, to each. To each

[02:05:45] of these two people, Carol Herrick and Nadine Moronchek, a Distinguished Service Award to Bob Beach. The Mayo Stunts Award was presented to videographers Mike Salmon and Ian Eschenberg for their video on historic family Fairfax cemeteries. An Edith Moore Sprouse Award to Josie Bellotto for her monograph describing Fairfax County's first female district supervisor, Edith Rogers, from the Drainsville District who was elected in 1935. In anticipation of the 2024 County History Commission's 20th conference anniversary, this year's conference theme will

[02:06:20] be the series finale of we are fairfax county and the focus will be the power of place home while this slide demonstrates the unveiling of the lillian blackwell historic marker in front of oakton high school just a few weeks ago it also represents the aforementioned black african american experience project envisioned by supervisor palchek the reality of infinite numbers of volunteer hours, doing and being part of, meetings, researching, coordinating

[02:06:56] and working with many, many other Fairfax agencies, all of this work done under the umbrella of one Fairfax. Our budget ask was for $21,013, and it covers a monthly expense for a clerk to take minutes, grants that come up as time unfolds, financial support to the Park Foundation, to the Virginia room to the department of planning and development surveys also for roadside markers the annual history conference advocacy and outreach subscription and professional training

[02:07:31] such as our commission members can attend the national alliance of preservation commission webinars for free which are a wonderful wonderful way for for our members to become immersed in the world of history preservation our commission treasurer for 2022 and 23 was commission member Sue Kovach-Schuman, and our current treasurer is our well-seasoned as a treasurer, Elise Ruff-Murray.

[02:07:57] We definitely appreciate and thank the board for your support. With the additional support staff we now have, we have been able to quickly and efficiently respond to such matters as the Black African American History Marker Project, research the Minnie Payton name for the Mason District's current baileys community center the flyers and even a county seal tablecloth has been purchased to use when we advocate and educate and we advocate and educate at so many community events as i've already mentioned the commission has a broad mission requiring a number of different activities

[02:08:36] all essential for ongoing work to provide fairfax county with current and state-of-the-art historical research and dissemination of same we would like to expand our public outreach with updated website and social media, and this year we ran into an unexpected reality of an overworked county IT department who was sadly not able to meet our required monthly deadlines to put together monthly-oriented calendars. Similar needs include being able to enhance our good work with the Department of Public Affairs to coordinate and fulfill our community education mission. There is

[02:09:14] much work to do. Finally, we are thrilled with the new VFOIA regulations, which will allow remote meeting participants along with in-person participants to qualify for a quorum in order to make essential decisions and to continue to move our work forward. Looking at future preservation needs with the knowledge of the past 2023 realities of threatened historic sites, often resulting in demolitions, we now know we have much work to do.

[02:09:47] As redevelopment continues to grow within our county, we all need to keep the realities of historic preservation on our agenda and also in order to respond swiftly with the best resources we can find. Coordination between the History Commission and other county agencies on so many fronts, especially now with the launch of the work group initiative led by commission member and former city of Fairfax Mayor David Meyer, we must be thinking and acting strategically in order to place the need to preserve and protect as a core agenda item for us all.

[02:10:22] The History Commission has supported surveys of sites in the county, such as African American and mid-century modern architecture, and we can easily anticipate needing additional resources to move from site identification to inventory nomination. We will continue to work towards building relationships and developing incentives and resources to promote preservation and significantly limit demolition by neglect. This moment in time gives both myself and all of us here today an opportunity to share the deepest level of gratitude and thank yous to the 2023 members of the Fairfax County History

[02:10:59] Commission. Their devotion, dedication, passion, diligence, and their energy, intelligence, imagination and love of history have built their and our successes of 2023. Sadly, we bid a fond farewell to Commission members Bob Beach and Carol Herrick, who have retired from the Commission, yet we have kept them on as advisory members. Institutional knowledge and subject matter expertise can sustain our good work. We also have welcomed a new member, Russell Brooks, who has been a lovely addition from the Franconia District to the Commission. Our newest member,

[02:11:37] brian heights from west springfield high school is now serving the braddock district and we are delighted to yet again have a teacher in our midst the county dpd staff liaisons laura and stephanie oh my goodness they have supported all of us with their talent energy and diplomacy thank you ladies as i close i would like to encourage the voter supervisors as new appointments become necessary to consider three things first of all make sure your appointee has an interest and experience in all things history secondly make sure they understand this work is not in title only

[02:12:15] but also requires a new level of humility now as an equal among volunteer members and thirdly with the honoring of special citizens and campaign donors please make sure that they are aware this work requires a willingness to acquire or bring to the table an in-depth awareness of their own magisterial district this all will help people be able to build stronger and more meaningful relationships as Commission members and exercising and in exercising their roles and response abilities. Our work, as I've said, is hard work. And I will begin right where I began this morning.

[02:12:54] What are we doing for others? Our overall goal for each and every one of us is to live out the realities of one Fairfax in every initiative and every task we encounter. Because in fact and in practice we are one fairfax thank you thank you very much uh lynn thank you very much uh lynn for your presentation and thank you to all uh the members of the history commission for the for the great work that you do and um as you ended there uh particularly appreciate uh your understanding

[02:13:31] and appreciation of of one fairfax as a driver in the projects and the research that you decide to do. As you mentioned earlier, you know, the presentations that we had this morning in a lot of ways are, as you eloquently said, our history and the stories that need to be told. And when we think about future generations and particularly in the young people that were here, what will they learn and how will they do better as we move forward? And so much of that can be found in our history. And lastly, I do want to thank you for telling the unique stories of Fairfax

[02:14:08] county history that frankly no one else would be telling if it weren't for the history commission because we know what the traditional curriculum in the classroom looks like but sadly so many of our young people don't learn about the history that might exist right in their own neighborhood and if it weren't for for your research and advocacy those opportunities would be lost and we are rich in history as we all know in every corner of the county the real challenge is capturing that and you all do it so well in so many different ways and so I also appreciate the

[02:14:44] ask that you have on the table and and something that we will certainly review and thank our staff support folks who provide support Laura and Stephanie and and you know I know how useful and helpful they are to the commission and how much that administrative support in particular is necessary so that you all can do the work that you do.

[02:15:06] And so thank you, thank you, thank you. And with that, let me just ask my colleagues if they have any brief questions or comments that they want to share. Supervisor Jimenez. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just a couple of brief comments. Thank you so much. I know all the hard work and hours that it takes, even when you're not meeting, you're still kind of thinking about everything, right?

[02:15:26] People don't know that, so you're kind of on the clock always, or at least your mind's on the clock trying to figure out how to accomplish your goals. And thank you so much for your leadership in this report. I think it's fantastic. I think we've all learned a lot from it. Obviously, in Mason District, we're looking at renaming the Baylor's Community Center, so looking forward to not only hearing more from you, but seeing how that process obviously continues to move forward.

[02:15:51] I really want to quickly just thank Rachel Rifkin, who's no longer on the History Commission, who represented the Mason District for an exceptional job and dedication to her commission. And I appreciate, again, your all's efforts on this front.

[02:16:06] So thank you very much. You're more than welcome. Thank you, Supervisor Jimenez, Supervisor Stork. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to all the History Commission members, but especially for the work in 2023 with Fort Belvoir. I know we were always sure how it would turn out, and I think it's turned out very well.

[02:16:28] And I say, from my perspective, we owe a deep debt of gratitude and debt to Tammy Manarino for her amazing, really, work. And I think that truly, ultimately, along with the history commission members, was a turning point in the whole conversation with the Department of Defense and the military.

[02:16:48] And Van Civella was also a critical part of helping us navigate the challenges that go with that. But I think the outcome is exactly, I think, what we would want, which is we had four streets that needed to be renamed. And we got that started with the dedication again last year.

[02:17:05] And I think the honor that that bestowed not only on the executive order of Harry Truman to desegregate the military, but also on individual members of the Fort Belvoir engineering groups and having some of the roads and streets named after them. So my great appreciation to all of you, but especially I want to thank Tammy, Ann Barnes, and Sally Lyons, the other Mount Vernon district representatives, along with many, many others.

[02:17:30] And I can't say that without also mentioning Glenn Fatzinger, and Glenn has been a critical part of really developing the Mount Vernon Historical Society and their meetings and their efforts to preserve and protect those legacies, both the kind of anthropological, architectural, sociological.

[02:17:53] I mean, those are all parts and parcel to really the work that we now are moving forward with in Gum Springs, and we'll hear a little bit more about that in a few minutes. But those are all together have helped to make a huge difference in preserving and protecting our history. So thank you all very much.

[02:18:09] Thank you. You're more than welcome. And in that light, it really feels like we have a new partner in history with some of the folks over at Fort Belvoir, which is wonderful. Mm-hmm. Yeah, thank you very much, Supervisor Stork, Supervisor Palchek. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[02:18:25] I just want to, again, thank all of you. I know I was able to thank many of you on Saturday. I want to share one thing that pops up at me right now and why this work is so important, both the names but also I think the oral histories, all the projects, to really help understand from our first female supervisor, right, to the stories of the families that really built this county.

[02:18:49] I still remember the one thing I remember having learned about history class locally when I was a student was about Reston and Bob Simon. And I still remember having met him shortly a couple of years before he passed and feeling like here's this legend, right, of Fairfax County that I learned about when I was in elementary school.

[02:19:09] And so my hope and my wish and desire, and I love that you have Jeff Clark from FCPS working on these projects as well, is that we will have more of those stories and bring more of those heroes and those who gave their life and so much time and blood and energy to this county, that we have more of those so that when our students are learning in school and growing up and coming across family members or those who really had a big part in Fairfax County history as did Robert Simon that they too can realize that there were so many important figures to

[02:19:48] celebrate here in the county so I really truly appreciate this work not just for now and names and markers but really as we continue to inspire our next generations thank you all for your work yes I have one other thing I don't And I wonder how many people in this room know that Robert Simon's vision for Lake Anne was Portofino, Italy.

[02:20:14] And so if you stop and think about it, you can kind of put all that together. Yes, I'm sorry. Any other questions? Supervisor Alcorn. Just very quickly, I know they're not here today, but the Reston Historic Trust, also known as the Reston Museum, very active in preserving and promoting those traditions.

[02:20:32] And just a quick plug, their big fundraiser, which is the Cardboard Boat Regatta. It's scheduled for August 10th at Lake Anne. So anyway, get your cardboard boats ready. Thank you, Supervisor Alcorn. And if there's no one else that has questions, again, thank you to the History Commission for all your ongoing work.

[02:20:53] And I know your work is year-round as we see it out in the community and look forward to continuing to work with each and every one of you to tell Fairfax County's whole history. so thank you you're more than welcome it's a pleasure all right um next up uh we have board matters and i am going to hand the gavel to uh supervisor smith and i would encourage all of my colleagues to summarize to the extent you can uh your board matters uh we are quite a bit behind this morning and and just want to be cognizant of that um i do have a board matter uh first to

[02:21:32] recognize the following individuals or groups, either inside or outside of the boardroom, and that is the West Springfield High School Spartan Boys Track and Field Team for their Virginia Class 6 state championship. I recognize the Director of Library, Jessica Hudson, for her eight years, it's hard to believe, eight years service to Fairfax County. To recognize long-term Board of Zoning Appeals BZA members Paul Hammond and Jim Hart for their decades of service to the BZA, a resolution commemorating Channel 16's 40th anniversary, and a resolution commemorating

[02:22:09] Insight Memory Care's 40th anniversary, and I move those without objection. Without objection, so ordered. Thank you, Vice Chair Smith. And I just have two quick announcements. First, on the budget front, my colleagues may be aware that internally, the county executive has asked county agencies to submit 10% agency reductions to the county executive's office, and I want to stress the word asked because this is an ask, as everyone in Fairfax County should know, including all of our employees, that decisions about the budget are made by this board.

[02:22:49] And so I do want to thank the county executive for making that ask. I do know that some of those reductions uh that will be submitted by agency heads are certainly not reductions that we would take but i think it is important for us to know what they bring forward as a part of our budget process and you know just as a reminder in the fy 2025 budget did include reductions of 84 positions that were vacant and 36 million dollars and so while we are struggling with additional revenue sources i just want to make sure that people also understand there's a balance in looking at

[02:23:28] efficiencies and and how the county can be more efficient at the same time but really just as budget chair want to stress the fact that this is an internal exercise much like was done last year and the county executive is following our budget guidance both from last year and this year to look at ongoing efficiencies in county operations and ultimately those will be thoroughly and transparently discussed by the board as part of our budget process next year and so just wanted to put that that context out there and then secondly last night was an exciting night for

[02:24:05] the cappies awards at the kennedy center and i know supervisor beerman joined me last night at the kennedy center to present those some of those cappy awards and just want to acknowledge and congratulate all of the award winners from so many of our Fairfax County high schools who got awards last night in the theater arts arena and went on a big stage at the Kennedy Center to do that.

[02:24:32] And I think a lot of people don't realize that that three hour long, as I was reminded at beginning with no intermission, that three hour long production is run by the students who are involved in theater. And so it's not just what's on stage, but what goes on behind the stage.

[02:24:50] And having done this multiple years, I'm just always so impressed with how the arts are alive and well in Fairfax County. And as I said last night, it's really a celebration, literally, quite literally, of the future of the arts with so many of our young, talented performers last night who got recognized.

[02:25:08] And so I just want to publicly congratulate all of those award winners and wish them another season of success next year. The award I handed out, I thought I was handing it out to a senior, and I was going to congratulate her on graduating, and I learned she's a freshman.

[02:25:24] And so we will see so many of these young people year after year after year at these awards, and just well done, not only to our students, but to the faculty and staff and FCPS who support the theater arts programs, because it is a passion and a cause, and that was clear last night.

[02:25:43] So with that, that is the end of my board matters and announcements. Next up is Vice Chair Smith. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The board has received a request from the National Association of Counties, NACO, regarding designating a voting delegate and alternate voting delegate to represent the county at the NACO Annual Conference and Exposition in Hillsborough County, Florida, on July 12 through 15.

[02:26:08] I move that the board designate Supervisor James Walkinshaw as the voting delegate and chairman jeff mckay and county executive brian hill is the alternate voting delegates it's been moved and seconded uh only discussion i'll make is i want to thank uh supervisor walkenshaw for agreeing to make the pilgrimage um and i will only be on call if needed uh so i appreciate that as our as our legislative chair uh with that all those in favor of the motion please say aye aye any opposed any abstentions and that motion carries supervisor smith mr chairman the applicant pulte

[02:26:47] home company llc requests the rezoning of the subject property from the i-4 district to the pdh 16 district to permit the development of a residential community comprised of multi-family and single-family attached residential units in westfields the applicant proposes a development plan showing new residential units around a large central a new large central park in the southeast corner of westfields consistent with the comprehensive plan which will help facilitate future development of adjacent adjacent properties to the north the planning commission public hearing

[02:27:21] is scheduled for july 24 2024 and this case should move forward as soon as possible i move that the board of supervisors direct staff to expedite the scheduling of the board of supervisors public hearing for rz 2023-su-00017 to a date certain of july 30 2024 at 3 30 pm i further move that the board of supervisors direct staff to expedite the scheduling of the board of supervisors

[02:27:50] public hearing for pca 78-s-063-14 to a date certain of july 30 2024 at 3 30 pm these motions should not be construed as a favorable recommendation by the board of supervisors on the proposed applications and does not relieve the applicant from compliance with the provisions of all applicable ordinances regulations or adopted standards in any way and you've heard the motion it's been multiply seconded any discussion on the motion seeing and hearing none all those in favor please say aye aye any opposed any abstentions that motion carries supervisor smith thank you Thank you, Supervisor Smith.

[02:28:29] Supervisor Walkinshaw. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have two board matters. The first is a joint board matter with you, with Supervisor Stork, and with Supervisor Jimenez. In 2021, we adopted an ambitious CCAP, Community-Wide Energy and Climate Action Plan, which identified strategies to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.

[02:28:50] CCAP set a goal of carbon neutrality for the community as a whole by 2050, and all sectors of the community, residents, businesses, and government have important roles to play in this effort. After thorough analysis by staff and consideration of the immediate needs of residents who want to reduce their carbon footprint, we believe that funds previously appropriated by the Board of Supervisors for the establishment of a green bank can be better and more immediately utilized while staff continues to monitor regional, state, and national green bank developments and funding opportunities. At the Environmental Committee meeting on May 14,

[02:29:26] 2024, staff from the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination proposed an alternative approach focusing on enhanced outreach, education, and technical guidance for residents to support market demand for residential home energy improvements. This approach responds to a number of inquiries from consumers seeking practical guidance for making their homes more energy efficient, installing solar energy systems, identifying reputable contractors, converting appliances from natural gas to electricity, and navigating the many tax credits, rebates, and other incentives now available from the federal government and utilities.

[02:30:06] Specifically, staff proposed a new strategy to use credible third-party services to provide home energy advisory and referral services to residents of Fairfax County with the goal of making it easier, faster, and more affordable for residents to decarbonize their homes, thereby reducing their emissions and saving money. This pilot program will support the CCAP goal of reducing emissions from existing buildings by enabling and accelerating residential home energy improvements in Fairfax County. In FY20 and FY2024, the county appropriated funds for exploration and

[02:30:43] pursuit of a green bank. Some of those funds, $638,955, remain unobligated. Given the change in approach described here, it's recommended that those unobligated funds be reallocated to a new to new residential clean energy programming. Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I move that we direct the county executive and staff to reallocate the balance and fund 30015 project 2g02-039-000

[02:31:17] green bank initiatives to fund 30015 project gf-000057 residential programs so moved i'm happy to second that motion along with Supervisor, who is that? Lusk. Lusk. Just any discussion on the motion? Supervisor Herdy. Yes, Mr. Chairman. We just, as everybody on this dais knows, went through a very difficult budget process, and we've got one that is looking to be even more difficult

[02:31:51] next year. As you stated earlier, we've got the county executives going to staff to look at reductions uh up to 10 and yes we'll be the ones that would implement those while this might be a very very good program there are many needs in the county i think decisions on setting up a new program when we're looking at reductions and other programs should be made in context of the overall budget so i'm not going to be supporting this one at this time any further discussion seeing and And hearing none, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye.

[02:32:30] Aye. Any opposed? Herity, nay. Any abstentions? And that motion carries 9 to 1. Supervisor Walkinshaw. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. One final board matter, and I won't read this one, but it is recognition of some outstanding athletic performances from the students at Lake Braddock Secondary School, namely the outdoor track and field and crew teams.

[02:32:51] And since we'll have an opportunity to describe their exploits alongside the other individuals and teams in the spring, I won't go through them. Mr. Chairman, without objection, I ask the Office of Public Affairs to prepare a certificate of recognition for the Lake Braddock Outdoor Track and Field Team and the Lake Braddock Crew Teams.

[02:33:10] These teams should be recognized alongside other spring sports recognitions. And without objection, that is approved. Supervisor Walkinshaw. That's it. Thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Walkinshaw. Supervisor Bierman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will also abbreviate my board matters.

[02:33:26] The first is the 2024 Class 6 Baseball Championship, which was won by McLean High on Saturday over Walter Alcorn, Southlakes High. He seems to have stepped out of the room. Our rivalry is growing. Unfortunately, I won't read the whole board matter verbatim, so you can't see my Washington Nationals 2019 bumpy roads.

[02:33:50] a beautiful places reference, but I guess you just heard it. Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I ask that the board direct staff to prepare a resolution to recognize the 2024 McLean High School baseball team for their state championship to be presented at the upcoming spring sports recognition.

[02:34:07] Without objection, that is so ordered. Supervisor Beerman. And my second one is for two Langley High School Class 6 tennis championships. Both the Langley High School girls and boys tennis teams uh won the state championship on june 6th 2024 i'll only add my favorite part of the washington post article was claiming that the girls had a rebuilding season in which they went 10 and 0 and won their third straight championship uh the boys won their second straight championship therefore mr chairman i ask that the board direct staff to prepare a resolution to recognize the 2024 langley high school girls team and a resolution to recognize the 2024 langley high

[02:34:45] school boys team for their state championships to be presented at the upcoming spring sports recognition and without objection that is so ordered supervisor beerman uh one brief comment last night was my first cappies gala it was fantastic uh lots of uh kids from all over the county um frankly everybody up on this dais could be bragging about somebody uh it was just really wonderful to be there, and it was such an honor. So thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Beerman.

[02:35:17] Supervisor Lusk. Okay, thank you, Mr. Chairman. September 2024 will mark the 23rd anniversary of 9-11 and National Preparedness Month when Fairfax County will continue its focus on ensuring our residents are equipped for any form of emergency. National Preparedness Month provides an annual opportunity for residents to learn about the various hazards they may face and best practices on how to prepare for an emergency and act in an event of a disaster when it occurs I'll quickly express my gratitude to the exceptional work that's done by the employees of the Department of Emergency Management

[02:35:55] and Security for their continuous efforts to keep our community and residents safe so given that mr. chairman I'll make three quick motions The first, I move that the staff from the Department of Emergency Management and Security and the Office of Public Affairs create a public information package based on the theme of the 2024 National Prepared Month, which will be distributed among county staff and the public.

[02:36:21] Second, I also move that we recognize the exemplary work done by the Department of Emergency Management and Security by declaring September of 2024 as emergency preparedness month here in Fairfax County. And then lastly, I move that a proclamation be prepared in acknowledgement of emergency preparedness month and an appreciation to tireless work done every day by the people serving our county under this Department of Emergency Management and Security to be presented in September of 2024, either inside or outside the board auditorium.

[02:36:52] So moved, Mr. Chair. And I'm happy to second those motions. Any discussion? Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. And is that all, Supervisor Luss? Yes, no other items. Thank you, Supervisor Luss.

[02:37:08] Supervisor Alcorn. Just one comment. I was out of the room for Supervisor Beermans without objection on the McLean High School. But, no, congratulations to McLean. I do want to note that that was the furthest that Southlakes has gotten on their baseball team. So they had a great year as well, but I do look forward to that.

[02:37:27] That's all. Impressive all around. Thank you, Supervisor Alcorn, for that rebuttal. Supervisor Jimenez. Mr. Chairman, I have two board matters this morning. So, Mr. Chairman, Reena Abu-Talib, Zina Shillay, and Annandale Children's Academy LLC have submitted a special exception for a proposed child care center with fewer than 100 children and associated site modifications on a property located at 5116 Columbia Road in Annandale.

[02:38:00] The application is currently scheduled for the Planning Commission public hearing on July 24, 2024, at 7.30 p.m., and this case should move forward as soon as possible. Therefore, Mr. Chairman, in order to facilitate the processing of this application to allow the Child Care Center to operate in the fall, I move that the Board of Supervisors direct staff to expedite the scheduling of the Board of Supervisors public hearing for SC-2023-MA-00014 to July 30th, 2024 at 3.30 p.m.

[02:38:37] This motion should not be construed as a favorable recommendation by the Board of Supervisors on the proposed applications and does not relieve the applicant from compliance with the provisions of all applicable ordinances, regulations, or adopted standards in any way. I'm happy to second that motion.

[02:38:54] Is there any discussion? Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Supervisor Jimenez. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Most Reverend Michael F. Burbage, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington and his successors in office, have submitted a special exemption amendment for a proposed child care center with fewer than 100 children located within an existing place of worship with a private school. No increase in the overall capacity of the place of worship and educational

[02:39:30] facilities is proposed, nor is any new construction associated with the proposal. The applicant also proposes to carry forward all previously approved applicable development conditions and waivers and modifications. The application is currently scheduled for a public hearing before the Planning Commission on July 17, 2024 at 7 30 p.m., and this case should move forward as soon as possible. Therefore, Mr. Chairman, in order to facilitate processing of this application to allow the Children's Child Care Center to operate in the fall, I move that the Board of Supervisors

[02:40:07] direct staff to expedite the scheduling of the Board of Supervisors public hearing for SEA-98-M-009-03 to July 30, 2024 at 3.30 p.m. This motion should not be construed as a favorable recommendation by the Board of Supervisors on the proposed application and does not relieve the applicant from compliance with the provisions of all applicable ordinances, regulations, or adopted standards in any way.

[02:40:37] I've heard the motion. I'm happy to second the motion with others. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Supervisor Jimenez. That is all.

[02:40:54] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That is all. Thank you very much. Supervisor Stork. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have several. The first one is a proclamation recognizing Good Shepherd Housing for 50 years of service in conjunction with yourself and Supervisor Rodney Lesk.

[02:41:12] We founded in 1974, Good Shepherd Housing has helped end homelessness, foster self-sufficiency by providing affordable housing and emergency financial assistance to families and individuals in the county, overseeing 100-plus housing units, helping over 1,000 working families each year.

[02:41:30] GSH has building brighter futures, their innovative programs, and unwavering dedication to ensure that every resident has resources and support needed to achieve long-term stability. GSH's efforts have created lasting impact on our community. They're actually homegrown from the Richmond Highway Corridor for the past 50 years, ensuring that everyone has a place to call home.

[02:41:51] Therefore, without objection, we ask that a proclamation be signed by the sponsors of this board matter to be presented to Good Shepherd Housing for their 50 years of service, building community, one home at a time. Without objection, that is so ordered. Supervisor Stork. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[02:42:08] This next item is also a joint board matter with yourself and Supervisor Rodney Lusk. Over the past 50 years, Wesley Housing has proved to be a vital organization in our community, dedicated to providing affordable housing and supportive services for our most vulnerable residents.

[02:42:24] Since its establishment in 1974, Wesley Housing has provided safe homes and new opportunities for 31 communities in northern virginia and dc supporting over 3 800 residents annually in 2023 wesley housing opened the arden in huntington this beautiful new property features 126 affordable apartment units is less than a block away from the huntington metro station and is also home to the new wesley property management office therefore we ask without objection that a proclamation be signed by the sponsor of this board matter to be presented to wesley housing for their 50 years of

[02:42:59] service to our community by creating affordable quality affordable housing and without objection that is so ordered supervisor stork thank you mr chairman this next one i'm going to i'm going to read in full given um kind of all the different elements that are part of it today as we can this is also in conjunction with uh jim mckay as well as supervisor ronnie leske today we commemorate the juneteenth holiday marking the end of slavery in the united states we celebrate the enduring resilience of black Americans. Fairfax County takes pride in our extensive African-American history as documented by the African-American History Inventory compiled last year by the

[02:43:35] History Commission, highlighting significant sites, landmarks, and stories related to the African-American history. As we delve deeper into the history of the county's black population and communities, we are gaining valuable insights that not only inform our understanding of the past, but also our understanding of many of the challenges we all face today. Through our one Fairfax policy, Fairfax County committed to consider equity in all the counties planning and decision-making to achieve the universal goals we hold for the success of all people and all neighborhoods in Fairfax County. It is paramount that we look at the historical context of inequity as well as the contemporary drivers of inequity and focus our strategy on addressing root causes, not just symptoms.

[02:44:14] Like so many communities around the country that have had complicated relationships with their historically black communities, Fairfax County's development resulted in the reduction of historically black communities across the county and the displacement of longtime black residents. Given George Mason's University's Center for Mason Legacies, which we saw this morning, worked to contextualize their namesake's own complicated history, reckon with the past, and to build, learn, and teach, our chief equity officer and a team of county staff have been working with the research team to gain a deeper understanding of how history

[02:44:51] influences the present day opportunity landscape in fairfax county more broadly with this board matter today we want to formally express the county's continued commitment to community to capturing communicating and preserving the black american black african-american experience throughout fairfax county's history importantly we also want to acknowledge that this that the history is intricately connected to the emergence of neighborhoods and patterns of settlement and property ownership in fairfax county and that many of the barriers to opportunity experienced

[02:45:25] by our low-income elderly immigrant lgbtqia plus and other marginalized neighbors are rooted in structures created during an era where anti-black sentiment and segregation were prevalent and that current barriers to opportunity are the remnants of this history one community that stands an example of the power and resilience of fairfax county's black community is gum springs in the in the Mount Vernon District, and the county's oldest black community.

[02:45:53] Gump Springs community members have repeatedly expressed concerns about development actions that they perceive as threatening to the historic character of the neighborhood, and this has had deleterious impacts on the relationship between the county and Gump Springs residents over the years. We are currently engaging with the Gump Springs community in several activities aimed at demonstrating the county's openness to working through the challenges of the past to not only preserve the culture and history of the neighborhood, but to also affirm a relationship between this community and the county that is focused on ensuring the community's ongoing vitality.

[02:46:27] In addition, I initiated and asked for, over the last year, a leadership group of relevant county agencies convened by our chief equity officer, and they have been working together with the new Gum Springs Civic Association to establish a historical context for the neighborhood through the Gum Springs Heritage Resources Survey, examining the built environment, cultural landscapes, and personal narratives that relate to, support, and exemplify the historic and cultural significance of Gum Springs.

[02:46:54] Identify representative community groups and perspectives to create an environment in which both the county and the community can have clear communications and engagement moving forward, and ensure coordination with the community by all departments and agencies. Recognizing that in addition to Gum Springs, there are other similarly situated historically black communities remaining Fairfax County it is now time to move forward to protect those communities and to ensure their ongoing vitality therefore we move that the board direct staff to continue work with the gum Springs community and to develop a formal framework and process for community engagement neighborhood

[02:47:30] conservation and vision for consideration by the board at a date that is in alignment with the completion of the gum Springs heritage resources survey this should ensure that completion of the survey the county will be positioned to include the findings and the development of a vision and goals for the Gum Springs community that will inform future planning.

[02:47:50] The planning template developed through the engagement with Gum Springs can then be used to ensure other historically black communities in Fairfax County can view the lessons learned. This process will also create opportunities for similarly situated communities across Fairfax County to use the templates as a toolkit to preserve and uplist the black experience in Fairfax County.

[02:48:12] You've heard the motion, and I'm happy to second that motion. Discussion on the motion, Supervisor Stork. I think the motion probably captures the core of really what we've been working on for more than a couple years. This is really a product of, I'd say, more than a decade.

[02:48:27] And I thank our county executive for the creation and the appointment of our chief equity officer, Carla Bruce, her work, and frankly, so many other in the county's work to get us to this point. It is an all-hands-on-deck kind of effort, and I think the product of that effort, We can finally say it's kicked off.

[02:48:49] It's not been easy, but we've kicked it off, and we had a great community meeting just a couple weeks ago, large attendance and a lot of interest on this survey work that's being done. The survey work is more than architectural. It's absolutely sociological, anthropological, and really it's just the history captured as best we can at this point in time in a way that will be preserved long after we're around.

[02:49:18] but most importantly protect and preserve this unique community in fairbanks county as we go through some major revitalization of the richmond highway corridor protecting not only preserving the community but also ensuring that with the the changes that that will happen that we will not leave anyone behind nor any history or any any of the core traditions that are part of our community thank you uh thank you supervisor stork for that context and i too want to thank um the county executive and uh carla bruce our chief equity officer for working on this with you obviously a lot of thought put into this important board matter and i'm happy to support it

[02:49:57] uh with that uh all those in favor of the motion please say aye aye any opposed any abstentions that motion carries supervisor stork thank you mr chairman i i don't know if i want to read all things i'm kind of asking the chairman if uh we talked about this on a committee meeting i'll I'll capture the first part of it and then read the motions.

[02:50:21] That works. That's all right. Okay. This is establishing the Feveris County Council for Economic Opportunity. This is done jointly with Chairman Jeff McKay. Feveris County is a prosperous economy with many assets. To ensure a position of ongoing economic competitiveness, the Board of Supervisors seeks to continue to understand and address our economic challenges and opportunities.

[02:50:43] In 1992, the Economic Advisory Commission, EAC, was established to advise the Board and provided important insight and guidance. We deeply appreciate the time, expertise, and commitment the EAC members have devoted over the past three decades.

[02:50:59] Given our current period of economic transition, we must consider optimum approaches and structures. A very focused advisory council comprised of senior-level executives and experts from the most relevant business sectors would best serve to evaluate, advise, and support the board and the county on current and future economic opportunities.

[02:51:18] The following outlines the purpose and structure of a council for economic opportunity. And I'm going to just skip ahead to the actual motion, which will, I think, summarize the core of what we're doing and would refer people to the document for the details of how the entity would change.

[02:51:39] Therefore, we move that the board dissolve the current Economic Advisory Commission, thereby releasing the body's current members. Secondly, establish a Council for Economic Opportunity, CEO, with the above goals. Third, direct the county executive to work with the Department of Economic Initiatives to develop resolutions, moralizing both actions and developing CEO operating procedures based on the above purpose and structure.

[02:52:06] These documents should be brought forward to the Board of Supervisors at a future meeting. Thank you. You've heard the motion. I'm happy to second it. And I, too, want to acknowledge that, you know, a lot of work went into this board matter. And I thank Supervisor Stork for leading the charge on that.

[02:52:23] And I do think these are reforms that are necessary for those that have participated. And I think this is a good change as we move forward to work on some of our economic strategies. And I want to thank you for taking the lead on this as the chair of the committee.

[02:52:40] Without any further discussion, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Supervisor Stork. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have just one more item, which I wanted to recognize. Diego Rodriguez Cabrera.

[02:52:57] Diego, if you could stand up, please. Thank you. I want to welcome him back to the Mount Vernon District. Diego was on our team about three years ago before moving on to be a paralegal in the District of Columbia. Diego went to Mount Vernon High School before going to the College of William & Mary, where he earned his bachelor's of sociology with a concentration in social problems, policy, and justice. Diego is recently married, and in his spare time, he loves soccer, reading, and ultimate frisbee. He's excited to be back supporting Mount Vernon Residence. We are deeply excited to have him back on our team, as well as supporting our Latina and Latino community. So, Diego, welcome

[02:53:35] again. Welcome. Thank you very much, Supervisor Stork. Supervisor Palchik. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have one written board matter and I will summarize it. It is jointly with Supervisor Stork recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Mosaic Harmony Choir.

[02:53:57] And for those wondering, Supervisor Stork outed himself as a beautiful singer, wonderful singer. But also the 30th anniversary event will happen, I believe, in the city of Alexandria, close to both Mount Vernon and Mason districts.

[02:54:14] So the choir, those of you who have had the opportunity to visit them, is largely black gospel tradition, but they also have diversity in languages, including Japanese, Hebrew, and Spanish. They have 10 to 12 concerts annually, and for those of us who feel that we cannot sing, they really make everyone feel that they can sing, participate, and enjoy, even if you're just swaying along.

[02:54:41] It's okay. So very much appreciate the work that they have done in the community, the concerts that they do, really uplifting, especially the past few years as we've been through some challenging times. I know us, also the library, have had singers to really help us be joyful and enjoy our community again.

[02:55:01] So without objection, I move that we have a proclamation prepared and presented to the Mosaic Harmony Choir outside the boardroom to honor and celebrate 30 years of promoting inclusivity and diversity in Fairfax County and in the larger community.

[02:55:17] And without objection, that is so ordered. Supervisor Palachuk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have two announcements. The first one is our newest member as well in the Providence District. She's behind me. she's a little bit taller than i am uh it's just a little i'd like to introduce the newest member of our board and i think she wins the pride month uh outfit today so um and medford will be serving uh in providence serving our community as a new community outreach aid uh she comes to fairfax county from parks and recreation in prince william county where she promoted health wellness and

[02:55:56] fitness. She does that in our community, in our office as well. And she's specialized with working with women, children, and seniors. Previously, she worked in health care as a patient advocate and systems organization. And we are so excited to have both her experience, her passion, and her ability to get us all to go out and walk together every day. So welcome, and to our team.

[02:56:25] And another one, as we talk about immigrant heritage, food is one way that we come together and celebrate, and another way is through what we call football. So as Supervisor Jimenez and I up here talking about Copa America that's taking place this year, we are, I'm very excited.

[02:56:46] I'm trying to find the Tyson's Community Alliance. We'll be hosting a whole series of watch events for the Copa America. I think they're working with also the Brazilian community, which I can say are definitely, probably the most vibrant of all of our communities that come out with music to game.

[02:57:06] So Tyson's Corner Center Plaza will be hosting it. We will share out all of the dates, but excited for us to have an opportunity to celebrate something that is very dear and near to many of our immigrant communities, for many of us, seen as the only sport that we watch and play.

[02:57:27] But just really excited about all of the work we've done today and continuing to celebrate June, both for immigrant heritage, pride, and so many of our community members. And that is all, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much. Supervisor Herity.

[02:57:43] Yes, Mr. Chairman, as hard as it is to summarize Spartan sports team's success, I will make an attempt, but outstanding work by both the track team and the crew teams. I did want to point out, though, because it's not often we get national-ranked teams, but the men's varsity two team placed fourth, while the women's junior four team placed fifth, both finishing their seasons as nationalists.

[02:58:11] The men's varsity one team gave a historical performance to end up placing 10th in the nation. The women's varsity team had an incredible performance as well. They placed fifth, but they were the fastest public school team in the country. So that was, again, outstanding success by the track team.

[02:58:30] So without objection, I'd ask that all the Washington, I'm sorry, all the Spartan, West Springfield Spartan spring sports teams and their respective coaches be brought before the board at the appropriate date, which I think our next meeting. I believe, is that correct?

[02:58:47] Okay. Without objection, that is so ordered. Supervisor Herdy. I think I'm going to try to summarize this a little bit, but I want to read it, because it really is a pretty truly amazing story of some of our young roads. And it's, fire safety awareness can be the difference between life and death.

[02:59:05] On the night of May 3, 2024, the Ellison family arrived home from a birthday celebration with their three sons and their two friends when they noticed a peculiar smell. Thinking it was a nearby fire pit, the parents went for a short walk while the boys headed to the backyard to play until their friends' parents could pick them up.

[02:59:23] While the boys were in the backyard on the trampoline, a wave of heavy smoke filled the backyard. The boys were afraid that their own home was on fire, so they ran around the house to check. When they reached the front yard, they saw a neighbor's home on fire. Thirteen-year-old Rex and his friend Robbie immediately called 911.

[02:59:43] Then they ran to the front door of the house that was on fire and banged the door to be sure the family was safe and knew that their house was on fire. When there was no answer, they sent the youngest of the group, 10-year-old Abe, to run home to get help from their 18-year-old brother, Mac. Mac sprinted over to the home, banged on the door, opened the front door, and entered the house.

[03:00:02] He found one of the neighbors near the door and let her outside. She quickly realized she didn't know where her husband was. Mac took off to find her husband, reentering the burning, smoke-filled house. They were able to locate the husband on the backside of the house trying to fight the fire with a garden hose.

[03:00:19] Thankfully, both the neighbors were safe, and Mac was cleared by EMTs after vomiting from smoke inhalation. Meanwhile, the younger boys and their friends had been running from house to house to make sure the neighbors were aware of the fire. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue told the Eldersons that the boys' quick thinking saved the home and potentially the neighbor who was in the house.

[03:00:43] It is important that we recognize not only the bravery of these young people, but more importantly, their adherence to the correct fire safety response. The boys did everything right from, number one, they did not ignore the smoke. Two, they called 911 first. Three, they pounded on the door to notify the occupants of the fire.

[03:01:02] Four, the oldest, Mac entered the burning home to rescue occupants before the fire crews had arrived. And five, they notified nearby houses of the potential neighbors. It was Rex, age 13, who called 911 and pounded on the door.

[03:01:19] Robbie Sheep, one of the neighbors, called 911. Brody, pounded on the door. Abe and Mac also participated in the event. Therefore, I ask without objection that we prepare resolutions recognizing their heroic actions for each of these brave young people and highlighting the importance of all to all of our residents of knowing how to safely respond to a fire to be presented on a date coordinated with OPA.

[03:01:49] And without objection, that is so ordered. Supervisor Herity. Thank you. That's all I have. Okay. That takes us to administrative items. And there are six administrative items. Let me ask Supervisor Smith if she has a motion.

[03:02:06] I move approval of admin items 1 through 6. And I'm happy to second that, along with Supervisor Lusk. Are there any admin items board members would like to have discussed or voted on separately, I should say, Supervisor Alcorn?

[03:02:21] I just have a question on admin 1. And admin one is authorization to advertise a public hearing on amendments to the Code of the County of Fairfax, Chapter 82, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Supervisor Alcorn. Yeah, thank you. Buried in this is authorization that came from Danica Rome's bill on speed cameras.

[03:02:44] It's very, very narrow. It authorizes just a little bit more for use of speed cameras. Mr. Chairman, without objection, I'd ask staff to provide the board with any new locations or new places that might be authorized under this legislation.

[03:03:02] I don't think there are very many, but I've got my fingers crossed there are one or two in 100 mil that I know have been an issue. We may be able to get an answer now. We have a lot of county staff who came down. Yeah, if we can answer now, that'd be great. Yeah, so let me ask if there's anyone on county staff that would like to respond to that question.

[03:03:25] Tom Arnold, Deputy County Executive. We're unsure of any locations right now, so we'll look into that and get back to you on that specifically. Great. Thank you. Okay. Thank you very much. Any other discussion or items that folks would like to have voted on separately?

[03:03:41] Supervisor Palchuk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I had an email conversation on action item four. We're on admin. I meant admin. So you have a question on admin 4, so let's just do this right. That is approval for the replacement of yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

[03:04:00] Signage was stopped for pedestrians in the crosswalk signage, and we have different staff responsible for that. So question on admin 4, Supervisor Palachuk.

[03:04:18] Thank you, and I did have an email exchange with Vince Winans and just wanted to ask on the record if I could. I appreciate your work on this. If you could share with us the timing on this and anything, sort of the next steps that we see.

[03:04:35] This is just the initial step for that signage that we've been waiting on for a long time. Anything you could just briefly share about the next steps for pedestrian crossing signage that have been approved? Thank you. Nicole Winans, Fairfax County Department of Transportation, to address your question, Supervisor Project.

[03:04:56] So the next steps for this project is to change out the signage that is currently at unsignalized crossings, including unsignalized crossings at signalized intersections where the right-turn lanes are not signalized.

[03:05:15] So there are 314 locations that will receive a new sign. Currently, it says yield to pedestrians. There's an additional fine. We'll change it to stop for pedestrians per the new Virginia code and county ordinance. code so that will take about a year once the project starts and we will get started on that right away and then any additional signs will be added that are not part of this group of signs there's additional warning signage that we can install at unsignalized crosswalk and that VDOT

[03:05:52] can install at unsignalized crosswalks that says stop for pedestrians instead of yield for pedestrians that do not have that additional fine subtext those will be changed in future projects as well as through routine maintenance work when a sign gets knocked down they can be replaced with different signage most of these signs are maintained by VDOT though I should mention so if Fairfax County would like to maintain or change out those signs that would be capital project that would require additional funding thank you very much okay any

[03:06:31] additional discussion seeing and hearing none all those in favor of admin items 1 through 6 please say aye aye any opposed any abstentions those motions carry and that motion carries and that takes us to action 1 approval of the FY 2024 year-end processing Supervisor Smith I move approval of the county executive's recommendation for the motion i'm happy to second that um is there a discussion on the motion discussion on action one seeing and hearing none all those in favor of the motion

[03:07:06] please say aye aye any opposed any abstentions that motion carries action item number two is approval of the one-year action plan for the use of community development block grant cdbg home Investment Partnerships Program and Emergency Solutions Grant ESG funds in FY 2025, Supervisor Palchuk.

[03:07:31] Yes, I move approval of the county executive's recommendation. I'm happy to second that, along with Supervisor Lusk. Discussion on the motion? Any discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor of action two, please say aye.

[03:07:46] Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Thank you very much. Action item number three is endorsement of the Virginia Department of Transportation's secondary six-year program for fiscal years 2025 to 2030.

[03:08:03] Supervisor Beerman. I move approval of action item number three, consistent with the county executive's recommendation. Heard the motion. I'm happy to second that with a lot of other folks. Any discussion on action item number three? Seeing and hearing none.

[03:08:18] All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. any opposed any abstentions and that motion carries as well we have one consideration item today and it is adoption of bylaws for the fairfax county airports advisory committee do we have a motion supervisor smith i move approval of the bylaws for the fairfax county airports advisory committee you've heard the motion it's been seconded by supervisor palchick any discussion on the motion seeing and hearing none all those in favor of consideration item one

[03:08:54] please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. And that brings us to closed session. First, let me just make sure that there are no items that board members intend to defer this afternoon. Seeing and hearing none, let me ask the county attorney how long we need for closed session. Mr. Chairman, I estimate approximately one hour. One hour. That puts us at 2 30 and so i am going to turn in a moment to a motion for uh supervisor smith if that motion is

[03:09:29] approved uh the board will recess briefly for lunch uh we'll report to closed session promptly at 2 30 so that we can start our 3 30 public hearing on time supervisor smith thank you mr chairman i move that the board of supervisors recess and go into closed session for discussion and consideration of matters enumerated in virginia code section 2.2-3711 and listed in the attached agenda for this meeting in addition number one is permitted by virginia code section

[03:10:01] 2.2-3711 a seven and eight legal analysis regarding lafayette versus fairfax county case number one colon 23-cv-1605 u.s district court for the eastern district of virginia number two is permitted by virginia code section 2.2-37118 legal analysis regarding the following sea 2015-mv-003 request for virginia journal excuse me request for virginia attorney general

[03:10:36] opinion interpreting virginia code section 15.2-1747 and legislative updates to the virginia Freedom of Information Act. You've heard the motion. I'm happy to second that along with was that Supervisor Lusk. Discussion on the motion. Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? And that motion carries.

[03:11:03] We will briefly recess for lunch and report back to the closed session room no later than 2 30 p.m.

[03:11:14] Welcome back, everyone. The board is coming out of closed session. At this time, I will turn to Supervisor Smith for a motion.

[03:19:31] Mr. Chairman, I move that the Board of Supervisors certify that, to the best of each member's knowledge, only public business matters lawfully exempted from the open meeting requirements by virtue of Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711, and only such public business matters as were identified in the motion by which closed session was convened, Were heard, discussed, or considered by the Board of Supervisors during the closed session?

[03:19:55] Second. Heard the motion. It's been seconded by Supervisor Palchuk. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? And that motion carries, and I don't recall us having any items, any other action items coming out of closed session, so we'll begin our public hearings.

[03:20:18] We only have five public hearings today, but before we start, I just want to share a few of our standards here. Individuals wishing to provide testimony have had and will have a number of ways to testify. They can testify here in person or they can provide testimony by phone or by YouTube video.

[03:20:37] At the designated point in the public hearing, I will call for any speakers from the speakers list and they will either come forward or their video will be shown or they will be connected by telephone. There will then be an opportunity for anyone else present who would like to speak to the application to come down to the podium and anyone who would like to call in to call in to 703-324-1020.

[03:21:02] Speakers testifying via video must have signed up and submitted their video no later than 9 a.m. on the day prior to the hearing. And for all testimony, you're given three minutes to speak as an individual. If you're a spokesperson for a group, you are given five minutes. And with that being said, I'm going to call our first public hearing, which is a public hearing on PCA 80-L-070-02, RZPA 2023-MV-00062, Milestone Properties in Lorton, LLC, in the Mount Vernon District.

[03:21:39] And could we please have the affidavit reaffirmed? Good evening, Mr. Chairman, members of the board. My name is Brony Suchocito. I'm a land juice planner with Wash Colucci, and on behalf of the applicants, I reaffirmed the affidavit dated May 21, 2024.

[03:21:59] Thank you. Thank you very much. Disclosures from board members. Out of an abundance of caution, I will disclose that myself and spouse and others attended a dinner with Rapprazan Gurunathan and his spouse with the cost of the dinner totaling a face value of less than $100 per person.

[03:22:20] but I will disclose that out of an abundance of caution. Are there any other disclosures from board members? Seeing and hearing none, I will now recognize staff for a staff presentation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the Board of Supervisors.

[03:22:36] My name is Curtis Roulette with the Department of Planning and Development. The subject property is located at 9420 Gunston Cove Road. This 2.71-acre property is located approximately 1,600 feet south of Lorton Road. The site is currently vacant with a 20-foot-tall retaining wall and concrete platform.

[03:22:56] The application proposes to amend the approved proffers and generalized development plan to permit the development of either a recycling center or building materials and a sales facility. The proposed site design features a 15,750-square-foot building with two truck scales, three loading and unloading spaces, and 21 parking spaces.

[03:23:21] The site will contain four covered storage containers that will be covered with a weather-resistant tarp. The site entrance will be relocated to a more centrally located location. The applicant has provided sample architectural elevations for the proposed building and is proffered to build with materials such as brick, stone, and or masonry, material, glass, cementous material, and metal panels.

[03:23:50] In order to enhance the proposed development, the existing trees will be preserved along the western property line abutting I-95, and the supplemental interior parking lot plantings will be provided within the planting area, within the parking area, excuse me.

[03:24:06] Further, along the frontage of the site, the applicant will preserve and supplement the existing trees along the Guston Cove frontage. The applicant has additionally proffered to provide $20,000 towards aesthetic improvements along Guston Cove Road, and in the Lord area in coordination with the Mountain Vernon Supervisors District, Azuriz's office, excuse me.

[03:24:30] Finally, the applicant has committed to green building construction and provision of conduits for future EV charging stations. This concludes my presentation. Thank you so much. Thank you very much. This time we'd welcome a presentation by the applicant.

[03:24:48] Good afternoon again, Mr. Chairman, members of the board. Mr. Rowlett did a wonderful job summarizing the application, so I'll keep my remarks brief. Today, we are seeking the Board's approval of this PCI application for 9420 Gunston Cove Road as presented before you.

[03:25:07] Next slide, please. Waiting for the presentation to come up on your screen.

[03:25:30] Thank you. How about the Nationals lately?

[03:25:53] Second slide, please. Okay. Thank you so much. Appreciate that. With this application, we're proposing to amend the proffered uses for the I-6 district, provide or propose a recycling center or a building materials storage and sales use for the property staff noted that is over 14 15 000 square feet built to up to a 0.14 far on 2.72 acres there will be one vehicle access for this property and the site circulation will be one direction

[03:26:32] we're also proposing the extension of the existing sidewalk to make sure that it connect to both ends of the property north and south to the adjacent properties and as the staff also noted we are also going to be implementing a rather robust landscaping screening elements which will be put in place prior to the issuance of a non-rub next slide please recently we amended the application by deleting a storage yard from the proffered uses as staff noted we are also contributing $20,000 for aesthetic improvements to the Gunston Cove Road and Lorton Road areas.

[03:27:10] This will be determined and coordinated with the Mount Vernon District Supervisor's Office. We also strengthened the proffers to ensure that materials will be sourced separated prior to arriving to the property and that no hazardous materials will be accepted on the property and that there will be signage on the property that will indicate as such.

[03:27:35] And we will not accept any junk cars for scrap metal on this property. Next slide. During the course of the review of this process, we worked diligently to address concerns by the community to revise the application to the best of our ability.

[03:27:54] We worked very closely with the South County Federation staff, both from Mount Vernon District and with zoning. what you're seeing now is a conceptual building rendering that will address proffer five the architecture proffer as staff noted in their presentation this is the general direction of the architecture we intend to build here on this property and we believe that with this new building it will improve the aesthetics and quality of the gunston cove road corridor next

[03:28:26] slide please here's another view of the proposed building we have received no comments from the adjacent industrial property owners and at this point we would like to thank staff the south county federation and the mount vernon district planning commissioner and mount vernon district staff we believe that with their combined input this application is now to the best that it can be as staff noted the planning commission recommended approval on or they will note

[03:28:59] um april 24th 2024 and with that i conclude my presentation and i'm available to answer any questions you may have thank you so much thank you very much are there any questions of staff or the applicant supervisor stork thank you mr chairman i guess i have a few now or and i'll have them later but i'll just to maybe establish a couple things first and foremost the uh you could address there's been a lot of conversation I think some proffers that have been made to be clear about that but clarify the function of the outdoor storage containers and what's being done

[03:29:37] to ensure that they aren't hazardous or don't create a negative impact sure so if you could move the slide back to the site plan that one thank you so what the applicant is doing is proposing four metal containers in the rear of the property they are approximately 30 foot long by eight foot wide outdoor metal storage containers with a height of eight feet and again they'll be located behind the building and the building will act as additional screening elements

[03:30:12] to gunston cove road and properties to the east any materials stored within these outdoor metal storage containers will not exceed two feet above the top of these containers. The applicant will also provide a cover for these outdoor metal containers daily with a heavy duty tarp prior to the operations close-up business each day. The tarp will be of a heavy duty material and will be maintained and replaced whenever they're damaged or not looking to the best of their ability. The

[03:30:46] applicant has also proffered to designate a community liaison to address any concerns from the community should there be any issues with unsightliness or other complaints or other issues that may arise during the operation of the business. For the customer who would be coming and visiting to the property, if this is developed as a metal recycling center, a step-by-step process for that would be that the scrap metal is delivered by a truck, van, or occasionally a car

[03:31:20] pulls up around the back of the property to the containers you see here on the screen. Site circulation, as I mentioned earlier, will be one direction to limit vehicular conflicts. Materials are reviewed by an employee to confirm that they are acceptable. If the materials are determined to be unacceptable, the customer is instructed to remove them from the property. It is the responsibility of that customer to figure out what to do with those materials. As mentioned previously, the hazardous materials such as refrigerant, coolant, fuel, and oil are not accepted on this property.

[03:31:57] The customer's ID is checked. The customer places the scrap metal on a scale. A photo is taken of the scrap metal and of the car's license plate. The customer receives a receipt of the transaction with the description of the material the customer then goes to an atm on the subject property inputs the receipt and receives payments an employee then transfers the scrap metal to a hopper containing container for further sorting within the building itself and the customer leaves at that point

[03:32:31] and that's the process okay and and so the screening of actually the the the sight line to the work that you've just discussed from the road would be what do you anticipate it to be of the description of the process you've so as you can see on the screen before you we have gunston cove road staff had a better photo earlier of the landscape plan there is additional trees screening

[03:33:05] bushes along gunston cove road you will then see a wide building originally we had a slightly narrow building but through the review process we widened the building footprints still the same far but just made it wider so what any visitor to gunston cove road will see is a architecturally pleasing building modern building landscaping and some surface parking lot in front of the building they would have to crane their neck or visit the adjacent neighbor's

[03:33:39] property to look beyond what's behind the property of the metal containers we believe will be effectively screened from public view okay that's from gunston cove road and then from from i-95 there is a rather tall uh landscape berm about 70 feet 75 feet wide with quite a bit of existing tree canopy then there is a 16 existing 16 foot tall retaining wall dropping the property down to

[03:34:14] our building site essentially i believe that no one on i-95 will see the groundwork of the property they may they maybe maybe maybe see the top of the building in the winter but they won't see the site activity from i-95 and from gunston road gunston cove road the same gunston road on the other side of the railroad tracks oh yes same situation from the lorton side of the community the lorton market side of community you'll see the road you'll see some trees you'll see the

[03:34:50] railroad tracks there's also a very dense canopy of trees right now then again you'll see guns and cove road our landscaping in our building again we do not believe that the site operation especially the back of property operation will be visible from adjacent from the nearby communities. Yes during the winter when the trees and the leaves are gone you'll see the building but you'll see a building. So what you're saying is that the containers that have the initial recycling that

[03:35:26] get covered in the evening those you don't believe there's no evidence that that would be seen even the winter time? Correct with the other elements that I've described as well as the building itself and the location of those outdoor metal containers, they will be effectively screened from public view.

[03:35:45] Even in the wintertime? Even in the wintertime. Again, I believe if you go to the side or visit the neighbor's property. I understand. But from public right away, we don't believe that it will be visible. And the building itself, you said you used the word exist general.

[03:36:04] Sorry, it was a general description. Do you know how close you anticipate this design to be what's? Well, we've worked, the applicant has worked closely with an architect, reviewing the proffer language and what you see on the screen and then the renderings that you saw in my presentation.

[03:36:26] That is a very strong indication and direction that the applicant intends to go with the construction of this property. Okay, and then the monitoring of the site itself. One of the challenges I think we all have is we approve something, it seems like it's going to work well, but over time the monitoring and the follow-through fails.

[03:36:51] You identified a liaison, which I strongly support, I think it's a good idea, and there will be some formal way that that gets changed when that liaison changes. And then the liaison's responsibility not only to advise the community when something happens that is unexpected or contrary to the proffered conditions or there's an issue with inside the operation itself and the liaison isn't performing their duty or isn't ensuring that the compliance is occurring, what are the options or how would the community go about addressing those?

[03:37:28] Well, again, as we're proffered, the main enforcement mechanism is the proffers and using the community liaison. If there is a situation by chance that the community liaison may be falling short, they would contact the Mount Vernon District Office, and then your staff will then communicate with zoning and with the property owner.

[03:37:53] But the intent is proffers state that the community liaison will be available and will be their job to listen, to collect, and address concerns from the community. And one of the reasons I've spent so much time, and I know the community spent so much time on this, is that there's issues at the existing property that Milestone operates from.

[03:38:19] Do you want to describe that and the steps that are being taken to address that? Sure. The property you're talking about is located over in the Merrifield area in Providence District off of Lee Highway. It is an older building, essentially the same type of operation, but a much older, tighter, smaller property.

[03:38:41] The building is about between 60 to 70 years old. There was some violations cited on the property for site violations, and then with the inspection of the property, there were some building issues that came up.

[03:38:56] The applicant has worked very diligently to clean up almost immediately any of the site violations, improving the cleanliness of the property, installing better quality tarps over their metal containers over there, and has worked very hard on addressing and attaining building permits to rebuild and reconstruct elements of the building itself to make it more structurally sound.

[03:39:27] And in accordance to the county's regulations, they received their final building permit very recently and will be working to improve and repair the building. And part of it is including new siding, exterior siding for the building, which has been the existing ones have been damaged over the decades.

[03:39:46] And we believe that will then address the county's notices, citations, and will then be removed from record once the building construction has been completed. I mean, that's a lot of what's driven our, I think, the caution, and I'll get to that in my remarks a little bit later.

[03:40:07] And then last item, traffic, what do you anticipate the traffic impact to be? We believe it will be not all that noticeable. What the applicant is anticipating for the property in terms of vehicle trips is anywhere between 10 to 15 vehicle trips per business day.

[03:40:30] And those are the customers and the aforementioned small trucks, vans, cars, bringing materials to the property site. The applicant also anticipates anywhere between one or two times a week where the consolidated scrap metal materials will be then sold and picked up by an end user with a semi-truck and delivered to their customer's end user site.

[03:40:55] So we don't believe there will be a significant increase to the vehicle trips from onto Gunston Grove Road and the neighboring properties. And the hours of operation? The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

[03:41:18] And operation outside of those hours is, don't anticipate any, and that would include both the semi, the hauling out of that as well as the bringing in items. Correct. Those are the hours of operation for the actual work on the site, transferring materials, truck movement, all of that was previously described.

[03:41:40] Thank you. Thank you. This is a public hearing, and I have no one who has signed up in advance to testify on this matter. Is there anyone here present who would like to speak? This is a public hearing. Anyone who would like to testify on this matter?

[03:41:57] Seeing and hearing no one, let me ask if we have anyone who has called in. There are no callers. There are no callers. Assume the applicant waives rebuttal. Closing comments and a recommendation from county staff. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[03:42:13] On April 24, 2024, the Planning Commission recommended approval for the requested profit condition amendment application. Subject to the executed profit is now dated June 7, 2024. Staff incurs with this recommendation.

[03:42:30] Thank you so much. Thank you very much. Are there any questions from board members? Any questions of staff or the applicant from board members? Seeing and hearing none, I will now close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Stork for a motion. thank you mr chair uh just one question for staff um were there hours of operation that were proffered or identified in their materials can you repeat the question one more time uh

[03:43:00] were there hours of operation that were specified and if so what were they um the hours of operation were proffered and they yes uh proffer 12b i'm sorry i could not hear that the they were

[03:43:21] of profit and they're located in profit 12b hours of operation okay thank you i'm going to i'll go ahead and make my motion i'm going to speak to it mr chairman i move the board of supervisors

[03:43:51] approve of pca 80-l-070-02 subject to the executed proffers dated june 7 2024. i also move that the board approve the waivers and modifications listed in the handout dated june 7 2024. second heard the motion and the second discussion on the motion supervisor stored thank you mr.

[03:44:14] chair this has been a tough one and it's tough because I'll start with it's tough because the operation the existing operation has not really met even county standards to the point that there's been a number of violations and that's really what got the community particularly focused on it to begin with and community members went by they saw an operation that frankly did not meet the standards for what we expect in Lorton whether it's an industrial property or not and and that really started the whole internal conversation

[03:44:50] of the Lorton and actually the South County Federation Federation not and frankly opposing this application I think there are comments and their concerns are genuine and real I share them I absolutely believe that the comments of the applicant today I think show at least and there's been some genuine movement towards addressing those those are essential to having a quality long-term relationship and frankly not creating far more problems

[03:45:24] for that operation whenever they were to get established we have a larger vision in Lorton I know my colleagues have heard this and seen this we have alert envisioning process going on even as we speak that sees a lot of changes in this area we understand this is industrial property we understand that that operations industrial type operations are part of that but we also recognize that we are moving in a different direction from its historic industrial

[03:45:57] past there's some specific issues here legal issues here which have compounded the challenge that that I face is as a board member whether I support or deny this and as a result given the numbers of proffers that the applicant has made I think to address the core issues that have been consistently raised by me my office and the community I believe it's we will be able to get an operation that can operate similar to what the applicant has described today it my

[03:46:34] number one concern has been obviously the noise and the ability or how that's visualized or how that's seen from other parts of the community I think the steps that are in taken the building itself and the quality of the building which has been represented here the screen that would reduce that impact from frankly wherever you are other than maybe an adjacent property which I understand but it's an industrial area and and that's part of what is I think part of what's an industrial area but those are all the factors that have really made this a

[03:47:07] difficult one. And I know that it's not often that I go against the Federation in this case. I think the circumstances here, particularly the unusual circumstances here, warrant that. And I will look forward to addressing those issues with the community actually later this evening. But more importantly, we'll expect that the applicant will follow through on the commitments and promises that have been made in the proper agreement as well as the ones that have been made today in our conversation. Thank you Mr. Chairman. Thank you Supervisor Stork. You've heard the motion

[03:47:45] it's been seconded. Is there any further discussion? Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor of the motion please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? And that motion carries. Thank you very much. Mr. Chairman I just want to thank Curtis Roulette and Kathy Lewis for their great work. We spent a lot of time on this as well as my staff and just want to make sure we call them out and appreciate their support their activity thank you supervisor stork uh next we have a public hearing on rz 2021-le-019 towns at villa park llc in the franconia district and could we

[03:48:24] please have the applicant reaffirm the affidavit good afternoon mr chairman members of the board i'm brian winterhalter with dla piper and on behalf of the applicant i reaffirm the affidavit dated April 26, 2024. Thank you. Thank you very much. Disclosures from board members. Supervisor Jimenez. Mr. Chairman, a donation in excess of $100 was made by Saipal Dean D. Rahman to the Friends of Andres for Supervisor. Thank you, Supervisor Jimenez. Supervisor Stork. I want to

[03:49:01] disclose that the party, I'm sorry, I can't find my piece of paper here that has that on it. I got donation in excess of $100 to the Stork for Dan Stork for Supervisor Fund. Why don't we give you a minute to find it precisely? Thank you, Beth. I just had it. That's it. Okay. Thank you, Beth. I want

[03:49:34] to disclose a donation in excess of $100 was made by Safaldin D. Rahman to Supervisor Dan Stork on October 12, 2023. Thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Stork. Any other disclosures? Seeing and hearing none. I would now recognize staff for a staff presentation. Thank you Mr. Chairman. I'm Kathy Lewis with the Department of Planning and Development. I am joined by Sophia Fisher and Joe Gorney as well as Mark Dreyfus to answer any other questions you might have about this application.

[03:50:06] The applicant Towns at Villa Park LLC seeks to rezone the 5.8 acres from the R1 to the R8 district to develop 40 single family attached dwelling units the site consists of two forested parcels located south of villa park road and west of the franconia springfield parkway the proposed front loaded units will be accessed from a new private street which will connect wesley road and villa park road parktown street will include a five foot wide sidewalk on both sides of this

[03:50:41] street a small amenity area in the center of the site will include a playground seating and a bike rack approximately half of the site is open space which includes three stern water management facilities that are shown in purple tree preservation areas are located in the southwest corner of the site and along the southern property line new plantings are proposed along the periphery and around the amenity area as stated in the staff report tree preservation was a critical issue throughout the review of this application though the applicant had initially contended

[03:51:19] that the tree preservation target could not be achieved on this site the proposal now exceeds this target this concludes my presentation thank you mr chairman uh thank you much uh thank you very much staff uh now welcome the applicant's presentation thank you mr chairman again brian

[03:51:57] winterhalter with the la piper on behalf of the applicant this application involved uh would work better if i turned it on excuse me um uh thank you again mr chairman brian winterhalter with the la piper on behalf of the applicant this application involves a lot of competing interests and efforts and frankly the site was more challenging than i think anyone had anticipated at the outset in balancing the need for additional housing in the county tree preservation open space

[03:52:34] environmental considerations noise considerations it became a bit of a jigsaw puzzle to put this all together but we worked really hard in a collaborative effort with the county staff over an extensive period of time to coordinate on what we think is really striking the right balance for the site and and turned into a really nice development project again you can see here the overall site layout with significant tree preservation open space and the townhouses arranged along Parktown Street with respect to some of the requirements that Ms. Lewis had noted just to note some of those in additional detail here.

[03:53:06] We significantly exceed the open space requirement for the site. Approximately 50% of the site is open space. With respect to tree preservation, the requirement is a little under 45,000 square feet and we are preserving over 58,000 square feet of tree canopy area. With respect to the overall amount of tree canopy area, including the additional tree plantings, we are far in excess of the 20 percent expectation with over 91 000 square feet of tree preservation which is about 36 percent of the overall site we also have significantly more parking spaces than would be required by the ordinance you see on the left at the bottom of this chart the development would

[03:53:43] require 108 parking spaces and in deference to the community and the community's concerns about parking we have additional surface parking spaces on site in a total including those surface parking spaces of 174 spaces here's a shot of the open space again 50 percent of the site on an overall basis we have a playground area in the center of the property with some benches picnic areas a central open space play area as you heard already landscape buffers surrounding the property and we have dog areas as well one of the things that we incorporated relatively far into this process to both increase open space and also increase usable open space for the benefit of

[03:54:21] the community is an underground stormwater management system an ads system it's structurally not strong enough to support tree planting but it will have a multi-purpose lawn above it so it'll be a grassy area we have a proper commitment that we will incorporate this ads system regardless of any other shifts in the stormwater management plan at the time of site plan and we also have a separate proffer that regardless of what what final engineering determines that site plan we will not encroach into any of the tree preservation areas with our stormwater management facilities again with respect to tree preservation the requirement is 18 percent we're providing five

[03:54:59] percent over that at 23 percent an additional 13 percent of the site will be additional tree plantings which we've coordinated extensively with urban forestry as part of the application review for a total tree canopy of 36 percent of the site area with respect to amenities we have again the open play field in the center of the site we have bike racks we have a walking trail to the adjacent franklin commons community landscape buffer surrounding the property and some additional playground features this is the playground at the center of the site you see the types of facilities that we will have in the playground here the play area behind that sort to the left

[03:55:36] in the background is the open space multi-purpose lawn area that is above the underground stormwater management detention system so you will see in this image how that all fits together nicely for a nice larger consolidated usable open space area at the center of the property with respect to connectivity of course we will have the connection to villa park road and the connection to wesley road on the western portion of the site we have proffered to provide sidewalks on both sides of parktown street to make the connection to include sidewalks in the vdot right-of-way subject to vdot approval. We have a pedestrian trail connection to the Franklin Commons

[03:56:13] community to the south and we've redesigned the streetscape during the processing of this application to really enhance the street trees, the walkability of the site, and the overall pedestrian environment. Again to touch on parking, we have 174 parking spaces significantly in excess of the zoning ordinance requirements for the property. We have 20 surface visitor parking spaces which you can see sort of near the central portion of the site. We have a commitment out of concern for the adjacent community along wesley road we have a commitment to provide no parking signs along wesley in coordination with the county and with vdot

[03:56:50] we also have more recently added a new proper commitment to install removable bollards a gate or some other similar measure to be coordinated again with the county and with vdot as necessary to enable the essentially blocking of that connection if it would be deemed appropriate that that would be at the county's discretion so there's something that we have proffered to do and to provide those removable bollards or a gate at the request of of the community or in deference to the community's concerns about overflow parking and just to be clear that that is something that we are willing to do as part of our application but it would be controlled by the county not by

[03:57:29] the applicant and we also have the typical covenant requirements and the proffers to ensure that residents of the development do not use their garages for anything other than parking of automobiles another part of this project is a significant sanitary sewer upgrade we are one percent of the capacity need for that but we are just barely tripping over the threshold to require a significant sewer upgrade of course with the county's reimbursement policies the applicant will end up being reimbursed for that nevertheless given the the substance and the expense of that

[03:58:06] process and that project the applicant is going to be essentially forwarding 4.2 million dollars of sewer upgrades for the benefit of the overall area here you can see the overall illustrative site plan with a lot of nice green space and the configuration here we've worked very hard on the architectural design the development will ultimately be constructed by van meter so the applicant has an agreement with van meter in order to develop the project and this architecture is is directly from van meter and we've been coordinating with them on the architectural design but we've adjusted the design over time to variation vary the colors have additional

[03:58:44] variation in the front facades of the townhouses and you can see it's a nice high quality design here here's the real rear elevations with some variation in color the decks on the back of the townhouse units here's a view from park town street looking in toward the development here's a view of one of the nice rows of townhouses in within the development you can see really nicely here in this picture one of the things that we've done during the processing of the application was to incorporate additional street trees the street trees sort of on the end of each row of townhouses are the bigger street trees and then we have some smaller street trees in the middle that we were

[03:59:19] able to add based on some creative work that we were able to do with the urban forestry folks here's a last view you know within the neighborhood you can see the walkability of the site here and that concludes my presentation and i'd be happy to answer any questions thank you very much are there any questions of staff or of the applicant supervisor lusk thank you mr chairman let me start with the applicant's representative and i'll say thank you very much mr winterhalter for making the changes to the proffers in accordance to the conversations that we had but let me maybe

[03:59:56] be drilled down on just a few of them appreciate you showing the landscaping the trees in the front of the houses I wanted to just make sure that in one of your proffers you've committed that those will be maintained by the HOA the homeowners association that will be associated with this development I just want you to maybe speak to that a little bit in terms of how that will be specifically done sure of course so we were able to incorporate those street trees by realigning the driveways of the townhouse units so that the grass strip in essence if you

[04:00:35] had two lots you have the driveways on the outside of each lot so that you have the grass strip on the same side so that instead of having just four feet you would have an eight foot wide grass strip space which will allow the planting of those street trees because they will those street trees will be essentially on the lot line the the commitment included in the proffers is that the homeowners association would maintain those street trees that is perfect and then I just wanted to reference that the community has sent all of us a letter that talks about a request that there be two provisions including the proffers and I think we've done that but I just want to be clear

[04:01:14] that we walk through that here very quickly the first request that they've asked is that we ensure that there is only an emergency access point at the end of wesley going into the new development can you speak to how that's been articulated and how that will be done in the proffers sure of course so the the modifications to the proffers include a commitment for the applicant to coordinate with the county vdot and the fire marshal's office to

[04:01:50] install removable bollards a gate or some similar type of measure the concept is that the county would ultimately have the discretion to control whether the gate is open or closed whether the removable bollards are in or out but regardless of of that we wanted to make sure that there would be emergency access at all times so that is written into the proffers that regardless of which measure is ultimately implemented there would be emergency access okay thank you for that and then the second issue was with regard to no parking specifically along wesley and then parts

[04:02:27] of ben franklin can we have you speak to that as well and how you will approach working with the county and the state for that yes so we have proffered to coordinate with the county and with vdot there's vdot right of way on wesley wesley road is a vdot maintained road so it is ultimately up to vdot but we have committed as the applicant that we would coordinate with both county dot and with vdot to seek approval to install no parking signs along wesley road we had previously offered that commitment we had also added a commitment to provide funding for maintenance

[04:03:03] of those signs and that's part of our proffers as well and more recently we had expanded the scope of the area of where the where the no parking signs could be but also limit them in a way because we understand that the community is not interested in no parking on certain portions of the neighborhood so we've i think we've tried to tailor that the right way to identify where no parking signs should be located okay i'll say i appreciate uh both of those um points specifically on the community's uh concerns and um i will conclude my questions to you thank you thank you

[04:03:37] if i can um ask a couple questions to the staff um just out of curiosity we've heard this issue on parking is kind of foundationally a concern can you help me understand from the standpoint of what's required in the parking for this development and then what they're effectively doing and how that compares to the two developments uh north and south uh one villa damar and then the second second grand view looking at their kind of requirement and what they're effectively parked at um the

[04:04:16] applicant is parking at a ratio of a staggering 4.45 spaces per unit um and grandview there are 294 spaces out there for 128 townhomes i'm not counting the parking the on-street parking along villa park road that's 2.29 spaces per dwelling unit yes and at villa del rey it is 192 spaces for 77 townhomes which is 2.49 spaces per dwelling unit the zoning ordinance requires 2.7

[04:04:55] spaces per dwelling unit but both of those those developments were built prior to the 78 zoning ordinance maybe not fellow delray but certainly grand view when the parking requirement would have been two per dwelling unit so we're not exactly almost twice what the effective parking is for the two developments when we look at the applicants parking a little bit less than that

[04:05:30] sorry it's a little bit less than two times what was the correct and neither of those neighborhoods have um garages so that's that's part of it yeah right just making sure and then um let's see was or i think i'll move to the public hearing at this point thank you mr chairman uh thank you uh supervisor lusk are there any other questions of staff or the applicant supervisor walkinshaw um thank you mr chairman just just a question on the um connectivity so the the plan the

[04:06:08] comprehensive plan recommends and envisions that villa park road and wesley road b be connected and i presume uh we're talking about a private street here uh but it it means presumably that in the future vdot would not accept this new private street into the secondary road system if that were ever an interest in the community due to the lack of the connection well we knew that parktown street was not going to be a public street because of the driveways onto it

[04:06:45] And if you look at the development plan up on your screen, you'll see next to Wesley Road a cul-de-sac. Wesley Road right now just ends. There isn't a turnaround. And VDOT had noted that if you are going to connect this private street, we need a turnaround for our maintenance vehicles.

[04:07:08] So that is what that is there for. Okay, but the potential placement of bollards or a gate would be inconsistent with the comprehensive plan, private or public street.

[04:07:24] Not envisioned in the plan, rather. It was not envisioned. Okay, thank you. Okay, any other questions for staff or the applicant? Seeing and hearing none, this is a public hearing. I do have four speakers who have signed up in advance to testify on this matter.

[04:07:44] If you're here present and you have not signed in and would like to testify, please make sure you come down here to the clerk and sign in, and please be ready when it's your turn to testify. Speaker number one is Mike St. Thomas. Is Mr. St. Thomas here? Mike St. Thomas.

[04:08:02] Philip Maroney. Philip Maroney. Okay. Well, is that Steve Levinson or Burrell Pudliner? Okay.

[04:08:18] Steve Levinson will be, he is speaker number three now, will be speaker number one, president of the Springvale Civic Association. Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and District Supervisors. I am not Steve Levinson. Steve, the president of the Springvale Civic Association, was to lead off the testimony by members of our community, but he had an unanticipated cardiac emergency yesterday, and I was just informed this afternoon that he's still undergoing medical treatment, so he asked me to apologize for his absence.

[04:08:54] Springvale, we are the community immediately to the west of the proposed applicant's property. My name is Lou Brodsky. I've been a resident of Springvale since 1975, living in the same house on Ridgeway Drive for nearly 49 years.

[04:09:13] I guarantee you I've seen many changes over that period of time. But what has not changed is that Springvale remains a unique community with narrow roads that would not meet current VDOT standards, by the way, no sidewalks or curbs, lots of trees, half acre lots, a diversity of housing styles, and relative peace and quiet except for the cut-through traffic, which is increasing every day.

[04:09:45] Now, my neighbors and I love Springvale. We love its charm and character, and we seek to preserve it. With me today are at least two members of our longstanding community who will speak, and others who are present for moral support.

[04:10:02] We are most grateful to Supervisor Lusk and Planning Commissioner Chris Landgraf and his predecessor, Dan Lagana, for visiting our community and having several meetings with Steve and other association members about this project. We know Mr. Lusk understands our worries and will continue to do whatever is doable to mitigate adverse impacts on our neighborhood.

[04:10:27] In fact, we understand there have been the recent proffers that were described, modifications, to help ease traffic and parking problems. Today, before you act on this application, I'd like two of our neighbors to speak to you about our concerns.

[04:10:45] uh bud pudliner burl pudliner rather and phil marone i don't know which which order they're in but they can have the mic thank you very much uh lou thank you for uh stepping in and uh for those of us who know steve well we're wishing him well so thank you um at this time um i have philip marone uh is is speaker listed as speaker number two and burl pudliner if you could testify in that order, that would be helpful. And welcome, Philip. And following him will be Pearl Pudliner. And if you would like to testify and haven't signed up, there's still an opportunity to sign up with the

[04:11:23] clerk. Welcome. The floor is yours. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And thank you for the chance to speak with the board today. Lou did a fantastic job of opening up for the community. And I just want to let you know my name is Philip Marone. My wife, Katie, and I are residents of Wesley Road. We're going to be impacted by this development. My hope today is just to lend a voice in my community and let you know what we are thinking. I want to thank First Supervisor Lusk. He's come out personally.

[04:11:49] He's met with me and the community. The Civic Association appreciated his time. I think he got a good sense of what our concerns were. I know he's done a lot to make sure that the current proposal has some of those things in mind. But I do want to let you know of two outstanding concerns that we have, some of which have been touched upon today. The two concerns fundamentally come down to the opening and the egress from park down street onto wesley road i think if we have an idea here to have emergency access only the community would be appreciative of that they did not want to have the opening at all to be honest but i do know that things need to happen

[04:12:26] and things are in motion and i think that's a good solution if they can put that forth the other one that was parking and what i want to express about the parking is it's not just to ben franklin avenue and frankly we really would like parking through the breadth of wesley i would like to point out that on wesley road some of the average distances of the street are 21 feet and that's fundamentally because there's an easement that has a woodaway access that affects and pierces two of the properties on wesley road and with that easement there's more than a four foot drop on either side now following v.code there are guard rails that are installed there so it makes the expansion of that road very traumatic for the community at large and it'd be very expensive

[04:13:05] for the county to try to take on so i just want you to consider that when you're thinking about what needs to occur with this proposal outside of that i understand that the order of operations in terms of the planning commission the land use committee and this committee at large this board at large happened a little bit out of the norm the land use committee i think listened to what we had to say if you had a chance to hear them our concerns very much resonated with them in fact five members of the land use committee were still not really on board with the idea of this proposal as it stood and they did not vote for it or did not approve it. The remaining approvals came with

[04:13:41] a large contingency and that was the access to Wesley Road. So as you think about this and as you bring this forward I would just appreciate if you can take those considerations to heart and I want to thank you again for the time to speak with you today. Thank you very much Mr. Marone and next is Burrell Pudliner and is there anyone else wishing to testify who's present here after Mr. Pudliner? Okay welcome the floor is yours. Good afternoon I'd like to thank the board for this opportunity to speak. My name is Burl Pudliner and I've been, my wife and I, Carla, have been a

[04:14:20] resident of Springvale and living on Wesley Road for over 36 years. And I'd also like to thank everybody including Supervisor Lusk and the speakers who covered a lot of the things I was going to talk about. So now what I'd like to get to is the presentation that gives some visuals to what we're talking about. So if you could bring up the presentation please.

[04:14:42] Okay, let me move it over here so I can see. As we spoke of, there's three roads that are primarily affected. Villa Park, Ben Franklin, and Wesley Road. This is the current condition on Villa Park with a townhome development that had inadequate parking.

[04:15:01] So the street is parked full 24-7, so there's really no room for any more cars. This is looking, as you leave Springvale down Ben Franklin, into another development. And as you can see there, that street is parked full also.

[04:15:17] from their overflow parking. And this is Wesley Road. As you can see, very narrow. You can see that the culverts and the drop-off that Phil alluded to there. And as he said, the average is only 21 feet wide. And that's why there's no, I did not stage this picture. There is normally no cars parked on Wesley Road. Here's some details I'm not going to bore you with on the distances and how we arrived at why it would be hazardous to park on Wesley Road. So what would happen if car started to park. So we staged this picture and this is one of the more wider areas of Wesley

[04:15:57] Road. As a matter of fact right as you would be going into the development and as you can see with the car parked on either side there's not even enough room for safely for one lane traffic and one person to walk through. So basically you would create a hazardous situation especially for there buses that go on wesley road and children walking on wesley road and with emergency vehicles would have even less room than a car so i think that's all i have to say because the other things i was going to say are all covered so thank you again for your time and i appreciate it thank you uh

[04:16:35] very much sir and thank you for bringing your your photos that was helpful uh is there anyone else who would like to testify if no one else signed up uh let me ask the clerk if anyone has called in. There are no callers. There are no callers. So in light of that, I will now ask the applicant if they would like to provide any rebuttal. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I wouldn't necessarily call it rebuttal, but I would just add that a few things. One, the applicant has had many meetings with the community, and we will continue to have meetings with the community

[04:17:10] during the development of the project. So we don't think or expect that there will be a significant parking problem based on the number of parking spaces that we're providing as part of the proposed development. Nevertheless, we sympathize with the folks in the community. We understand their concerns. And I think, frankly, we're caught a bit between a road that's recommended in the comp plan, a road connection that's recommended in the comp plan, and what the community would like us to do. And I think the benefit and the real merit to the additional proffers that have been added in coordination with further requests from the community and from

[04:17:45] supervisor lusk's office is to essentially provide some flexibility we can you know try it out see how it works and see what real world conditions are and adjust as need be and i think that's the best solution to to try to address this in a way that hopefully will work for uh for everyone involved but we we understand the the concerns and we're we're happy to continue to work with everyone about it thank you thank you very much uh closing comments and a recommendation from County staff thank you mr. chairman on April 24th 2024 the Planning Commission recommended approval of the requested rezoning applications subject to the

[04:18:24] executed proffers now dated June 11 2024 based on the proffer language that is put forth in there staff does concur with this recommendation thank you mr. chairman thank you very much questions from board members let me just verify that the proffers that we have in front of us that were handed out today revised June 11 2024 is the most recent copy that's correct okay all right thank you very much questions Supervisor Palchuk thank you I'm trying to open the newest

[04:18:57] proffer but regarding the parking in the R TAP program if I'm reading it correctly the one I'm reading said it has to be approved by VDOT have we do we an analysis of whether it would be eligible i know we generally do that once uh the buildings has happened or if fcdot could just clarify that certainly supervisor palachuk nina amat with fcdot the neighborhood actually went through an rtap program and had designs engineered with fcdot approximately 2018 and it was presented to a task force from my understanding i hadn't really moved

[04:19:36] forward past that point I think initially or resultantly from funding issues so they do have an initial plan it may need to be modified due to the introduction of the intersection of parktown road to villa to the new roadway so that may take some accommodation to redo but they did have an initial plan in so if I understand correctly it is initially eligible for going through the program correct okay thank you okay any other questions Supervisor Alcorn yeah this is really more of a comment but I think this is a great example of coming at this

[04:20:14] from an ideological perspective doesn't work when it comes to parking and I want to thank the applicant for responding to the community and in the supervisor and planning commissioner to to overpark the site because clearly that's what the community needs thank you Supervisor Alcorn Supervisor Beerman well of Of course, I have to say, if you care about cut-through traffic, you should see what's happening at next week's Transportation Committee meeting.

[04:20:41] But I actually just wanted to make a comment to make sure I have this right. I think it was what Mr. Winterhalter said at the very end, which is that there's actually a disconnect here with respect to Wesley, with respect to what the comp plan would call for and what the community would want.

[04:21:01] And this seems to me like the perfect example of working with the community and working with staff to try and find some level of balance there. So while, you know, it's actually really always very helpful to have the community come in and tell us what matters to you, especially, and granted, this isn't my district.

[04:21:23] I'm an outsider here. So thank you for coming in, but it's really nice to hear that this is a good example of community and county working together to come to a compromise that seems to fit. So thank you.

[04:21:38] Thank you, Mr. Beerman. Are there any other questions from board members? Seeing and hearing none, I will now close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Lusk for a motion. Okay, thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to my colleagues for the questions and comments that they made.

[04:21:56] I'll say this has been an iterative process, and I'll say to the applicant and their representative, appreciate the iterations that we've done over time. The application has improved dramatically. What I'll say is that this is an infill development that, again, through coordination with the county staff, my office, and the community, we've been able to effectuate a very sensitive and quality site design.

[04:22:26] I'll note a few benefits. The first that we heard, which I think is really important, is that 50% of this site will be in open space. We also heard a bit about the pedestrian and vehicular connections that will be made, and they will be in accordance with the functional work of both VDOT and FCDOT.

[04:22:48] We also heard, which I think is important, about the parking and being able to effectively park the site in excess of the zoning ordinance requirement. I also want to note to the community again, hearing and seeing your particular concerns, it was clear to me that we had to try to come to a compromise.

[04:23:10] There was no way that we would be able to move forward without doing that. And I want to also thank the applicant here for that because we had to talk about revisions to the proffers and to his credit and to his team, they were able to agree to that.

[04:23:28] What I'll also say is that looking at some of the calming measures and appreciate the staff from our Department of Transportation articulating that this is something that had been looked at before, but this is also something that they're committing to continue to work with the community on because this is a pre-existing condition, even before this application is even built.

[04:23:50] I'll also note, which I think is important, is that this application is in conformance with the comprehensive plan. And as we've heard, it has approval recommendations from the staff and also has an approval recommendation from the Planning Commission.

[04:24:05] So with that, Mr. Chairman, I'd like to make my motion. The first motion I'll make of two is I move that the Board of Supervisors approve RZ 2021-LE-019 subject to the executed proffers dated June 11th, 2024.

[04:24:27] And then second, Mr. Chairman, I move the Board of Supervisors waive the 600-foot maximum length of private streets. So moved. Rep. Behrman, discussion on the motion.

[04:24:44] Any discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? And that motion carries. And Mr. Chairman, if I could. Yes, Supervisor Lewis. I want to thank all the community members who came out and took the time to let us know what your concerns were and are.

[04:25:05] And I hope you can see that we're going to have a pathway to ensuring that we work on the issues that you've identified. I also want to thank the staff. I know Kathy just left, but she in particular, as well as Sophie Fisher, thank you very much for the work that you've done here.

[04:25:22] And then to the applicant, thank you as well as to the applicant's representative for your work on this project. With that, I'll conclude, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much, Supervisor Lusk. And our next public hearing is a public hearing on AF2023-SP-00006, Ma Properties in the Springfield District.

[04:25:49] And there is no affidavit for this type of application. So as soon as staff is ready, we would welcome a staff presentation. Hi, Mr. Chairman. Kelly Atkinson, Planning Division, Planning and Development. I wanted to let you know that the applicant is connected by phone. So just as a heads up, they're not here with us in person.

[04:26:06] and I also wanted to introduce Natalie DeGraff, who is the staff coordinator. This is her first time presenting before the Board of Supervisors, so I just wanted to formally introduce her. Thank you.

[04:26:21] - Thank you, Kelly, and thank you, Mr. Chairman. My name is Natalie DeGraff from the Department of Planning and Development. This application requests establishment of the Maw Properties Local Agricultural and Forestry District for an eight-year term.

[04:26:39] The 68-acre property is in the Springfield District. The property is zoned residential conservation and is in the Water Supply Protection Overlay District. It is planned for a low-density residential and private open space. The property is primarily forested. Residential uses comprise approximately two acres.

[04:27:00] This site contains environmentally sensitive features on the eastern and western portions of the property. A soil and water quality conservation plan is not required since no agricultural uses are being conducted on the property. The area forester recommended invasive species mitigation and deer management.

[04:27:19] The application satisfies all applicable Group A criteria and three Group B criteria. That concludes my presentation, and I would be happy to answer any questions. Thank you. Thank you very much. Are there any questions of staff?

[04:27:36] Any questions of staff? Seeing and hearing none, at this time I will begin the public hearing. I have no speakers who have signed up in advance to testify on this matter. Is there anyone present who would like to speak on this subject?

[04:27:53] Anyone present who would like to testify on this matter? This is a public hearing. Seeing and hearing no one, let me ask if we have anyone who has called in. There are no callers. No callers, no need for rebuttal. Any additional closing comments or recommendations from staff? Mr. Chairman, we do have the applicant on the line if they want to say anything.

[04:28:13] Let me ask the applicant if they do want to say anything. not required but if the applicant would like to comment you're welcome to thank you mr chairman my name is joan pierre i am the managing partner i just want to say on behalf of a partnership we would like to acknowledge the excellent support we have received from department staff in particular kelly atkinson and natalie de gratt thank you mr chairman thank you very much I appreciate that comment, and obviously no need for rebuttal.

[04:28:50] Any additional closing comments from staff before we close the public hearing? Okay. We'll now close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Herity for a motion. Yes, Mr. Chairman. I request the applicant state on the record their acceptance of the ordinance provisions dated May 1, 2024.

[04:29:09] We accept. Thank you very much. Mr. Chairman, I move the Board of Supervisors to approve AF-2023-SP-00006 and amend Appendix F of the County Code to establish the Maugh Properties Local Agricultural and Forestal District subject to ordinance provisions dated May 1st, 2024, which were contained in the staff report.

[04:29:35] So moved. Second. Chair, we'll second that along with Vice Chair Supervisor Smith. Any discussion on the motion? no seeing and hearing none all those in favor of the motion please say aye aye any opposed any abstentions and that motion carries thank you thank you very much uh next we have a public hearing on proposed plan amendment 2022-3-fc1 cornerstones in the fairfax center area suburban center subunit c2 located northwest of the interchange of route 50 and west ox road in

[04:30:14] the sully district and at this time i would recognize county staff for a staff presentation hello mr chairman and members of the board i'm leah nebar with the with the department of planning and development and i'm accompanied by graham owen also with the department of planning and development as well as tom burke from the department of transportation this is a site

[04:30:53] specific plan amendment and the nominator is here to talk about the proposal um so this is uh the 1.12 acre subject site is located within the sully supervisor district it's along the northwest intersection of route 50 and the west ox road ramp parcel 8 is under a conservation easement therefore all of the development will be occurring on parcel 9b the site is currently undeveloped forested land these images here show the existing conditions of the subject site the top images are from the view shed along route 50 and coming off the west oxford ramp the bottom

[04:31:32] left image is the budding medical building and the bottom right image is from the budding medical building parking lot and this is where the proposed entrance to the site will be located this map shows the comprehensive plan recommendations for land unit c which is highlighted in purple which is broken up into subunits c1 and c2 the surrounding area is predominantly developed with non-residential uses including office hotel and public facilities there have been two residential uses that have been developed within land unit c and that's highlighted in red the subject site is about half a mile from the harris teeter shopping center

[04:32:12] and 0.6 miles from the fairfax town center which has a safe way as well the board authorized authorization directed staff to consider an option for affordable housing at a density of up to 35 dwelling units per acre on land that is owned by fairfax county redevelopment and housing authority given the location a noise impact study should be a key component of the review which the applicants did submit already and i would note that the site does have concurrent rezoning application associated with it but the planning commission hearing for the rezoning cases have

[04:32:47] been deferred so this hearing is only on the plan amendment the proposed plan amendment would introduce an option for affordable housing at 35 dwelling units per acre and the proposal is for 33 residential units each unit around 450 square feet the building is proposed to be three stories and 27 000 square feet and there would be a patio to the north along with surface parking it is it is also proposing a pedestrian access connection point to route 50 along the south of the site

[04:33:23] the proposed plan amendment leverages county land for development of affordable housing to increase opportunities for diverse populations at all income levels which are key components of the policy plan and the community-wide housing strategic plan and then development on the site is constrained by the small parcel size slope topography site access and the adjacent interchange that surrounds the east and south of the site which does raise safety and noise issues and would need to be mitigated for residential use the site is within walking distance of several services including the harris teeter safeway bus services however there are several spot

[04:34:02] improvements that would improve comfort and create consistent pedestrian and bike connection so a parking demand study should be submitted with the rezoning in order to determine the necessary amount of parking for the use which may also provide opportunities for additional tree preservation landscaping usable open space and setback a noise study was completed and indicated that the site development does adhere to county noise policies for residential use and outdoor amenity areas given the current building orientation buffers and fencing will play an important role to provide privacy and safety for the residents given the adjacent arterials and

[04:34:42] then other site considerations include development of usable open space such as landscape plazas or courtyards for future residents um thank you that concludes the staff presentation thank you very much are there any questions of staff seeing and hearing none this is a public hearing i did have one speaker who signed up in advance to testify and that was jill norcross but i've since been told that she no longer wishes to provide testimony so let me ask if oh i did not i skipped lynn's

[04:35:15] presentation because it's not necessary but if the applicant would like to give a presentation we can do that good afternoon board of supervisors i'm carrie wilson the ceo of cornerstones and it is a privilege to be here to present this amendment for your consideration and just wanted to say that what we are looking to do here of course is to provide housing for the most vulnerable individuals in our community to meet a need that has been a strong strongly

[04:35:52] advocated position of this board for people who are medically vulnerable who are chronically homeless and who face disabilities and so with that opportunity we have also enjoyed the opportunity to work with planning staff and to be present at five or six public community meetings in both Sully district and springfield district so with that i will turn it over to lynn strobel to speak to any of the other issues okay miss strobel welcome thank you mr chairman and members of the board my name is lynn strobel i represent cornerstones and i'll be very brief i do want to recognize

[04:36:30] paul brown who's our affordable housing consultant that has been working with us on this as was mentioned this property is about an acre at zone c8 and r1 so in order to implement the plan amendment cornerstones will need to process a rezoning application and just to clarify as was mentioned a rezoning application has been submitted it's been accepted it's on pause right now for a design issue but we're hoping that that will be resolved soon and that we'll be back in front of you with the rezoning before too long the plan amendment and the subsequent rezoning are needed

[04:37:08] to ensure the provision of supportive affordable housing which i know is a priority for this board this permanent supportive housing as was mentioned by ms wilson is a best practice housing solution for those who are medically vulnerable chronically homeless and it will improve health outcomes and also i think foster community well-being cornerstones has the experience and the skills to provide this type of housing what you will be seeing in the rezoning as was mentioned

[04:37:44] that would follow this plan amendment is the provision of a high quality building with up to 33 residential units that are primarily designed for one person households which are often underserved it's an underserved part of the population there will be open space on the property there will also be common open common spaces within the building and also areas for management and services there will be 24 7 front desk coverage on-site property management care management to ensure access to

[04:38:23] services and partner services access such as home health health aids substance abuse counseling and benefits specialists so hopefully if this can go forward it really will be a great opportunity for this underserved portion of the fairfax county population so i look forward to presenting more details to you with the future rezoning and i would ask for a favorable consideration today so thank you for your time thank you very much for that presentation as i mentioned before this is a public hearing I have Jill Norcross who has signed up to testify who has

[04:39:02] indicated she is no longer wishing to testify however this is a public hearing is there anyone present who would like to speak on this case anyone present who would like to speak on this case seeing and hearing no one let me ask if anyone has called in there are no callers there are no callers on the line closing comments and a recommendation from County staff on May 1st 2024 the Planning Commission recommended adoption of a plan amendment for an option of affordable housing up to 35 dwelling units per acre with on-site supportive services totaling 33 units. The

[04:39:40] site-specific plan recommendations seek to reduce exposure to noise and enhance safety for future residents and maintain a landscape viewshed along Route 50. This includes recommendations for building orientation, low fencing, landscaping, and where feasible, preservation of trees and other vegetation. A parking demand study should be submitted to determine the actual needs for the use given the tree preservation and open space needs on the site. The site would also include outdoor amenities such as plaza, courtyard, or other usable open space for residents to enhance the residential nature and provide on-site recreational space. And then to

[04:40:20] address the deficiencies within the pedestrian and bicycle networks within the area, staff recommends the land unit transportation bullet to encourage the development and enhancement of crosswalks, sidewalks, and trails. Over the past couple of months, three missing crosswalks and pedestrian signals have been installed, which is highlighted in green, which connect future residents to services including nearby bus stops and commercial uses. And then the areas in red are still missing crosswalks. However, they're not significant for consideration of residential use for this site.

[04:40:51] Thank you. That concludes staff presentation. Thank you very much. Let me ask if there are any questions from board members. Supervisor Herity. I had one earlier that you missed, but I think Lynn already answered it for me.

[04:41:08] So the access issues haven't been resolved as of this point? I have no. Thank you. Any additional questions? Did you want to respond? Sure. That is still being worked on. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Droble. Any other questions from board members?

[04:41:26] Seeing and hearing none, I will now close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Smith for a motion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the Board of Supervisors adopt the Planning Commission recommendation for plan amendment 2022-Roman numeral 3-FC1 as shown in the board item.

[04:41:45] And the chair will second that motion along with Supervisor Lusk. Any discussion on the motion? Supervisor Smith. Just briefly, I think this is a great place to put the support of housing, especially with the grocery store close by.

[04:42:01] I do want to thank Leah and Graham and the applicant. We had numerous public meetings, and there were a lot of questions, and I think you all did a great job answering those questions from the public. So thank you very much. Thank you, Supervisor Smith. Any other discussion?

[04:42:17] Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? Herity abstained. And that motion carries 9 to 0 with Supervisor Herity abstaining. Thank you very much. Our final public hearing of the day is a public hearing on proposed plan amendment 2022-2-F1 judicial complex in the Providence District.

[04:42:43] And as soon as staff is ready, we would welcome a staff presentation.

[04:43:00] Thank you, Mr. Chairman and board members.

[04:43:15] my name is david stenson and i'm accompanied by salem bush and we're both with the department of planning and development also with us this afternoon is kim callahan from the department of public works and environmental services abby may and sarah gary from the community services board tom burke from the department of transportation and marwin mahmoud from the housing from housing and community development this is the staff presentation for the judicial complex plan amendment so on october 11 2022 the board of supervisors authorized staff to evaluate a plan amendment for the judicial complex which directed staff to evaluate the expansion of the existing

[04:43:55] public facility uses at the complex along with the evaluation of new land uses these these new land uses included a diversion and community re-entry center space for county agencies not currently located at the complex and affordable workforce housing the board also authorized this plan amendment to be processed concurrently with a rezoning application um so the catalyst for this plan amendment was the judicial complex master plan which um establishes the framework for the redevelopment of the judicial complex over a 20-year time frame on the master planning process began

[04:44:31] in 2018 and was coordinated by the capital facilities section of the department of public works and environmental services on the master planning process lasted two and a half years and was completed in 2021 um this process engaged engaged stakeholders users of the judicial complex and the surrounding community through a series of 22 meetings um during these meetings a conference a comprehensive vision for the future of the complex was developed so the subject property is located at the southwest corner of chambers road and main street in the providence district and is completely surrounded by fairfax city this site is comprised of two parcels totaling 48 acres

[04:45:09] and developed approximately 1.4 million square feet of public facilities uses this includes the county courthouse adult and juvenile detention centers on the police evidence storage facility and historic courthouse jail and legato school on the subject property is completely surrounded by fairfax city and surrounding area is comprised of a mix of low and mid-rise office buildings and retail uses old town fairfax is located to the east and the u.s postal facility is located to the north of the subject property um there are also residential uses to the west and northwest consisting of townhouses and single detached housing units the existing recommendations for

[04:45:48] the judicial complex can be found in area two of the comprehensive plan in the fairfax planning district within the f6 county government center community planning sector the plan map the plan map designates the area's public facilities governmental and institutional uses this is a summary of staffs of staff's recommendation which is shown on page 22 through 33 the staff report this plan amendment proposes approximately 2 million square feet of public facility uses which includes up to 1.3 million square feet of existing public facilities and approximately 700 000 square feet of new public facilities to accommodate the expansion of the judicial complex

[04:46:27] this expansion will include additional space for the existing courthouse facilities space for additional county agencies not currently located at the complex and space for non-profits and volunteer agencies that support the operations of the court system this expanded judicial complex may also include retail space for convenient markets and food services that will be targeted for visitors and employees this plan amendment also recommends a network of open space urban design guidelines and the present and the preservation of historic structures it also introduces residential uses with recommendations for up to 300 affordable and or workforce housing

[04:47:04] units with supporting child care the proposed plan amendment supports a network of open space that will be comprised of essential green a gateway promenade and public lawns and plazas this will provide space for events as well as gathering spaces for residents employees and visitors the network of open space will also be designed support movement between facilities throughout the complex and better integrated graded with the surrounding community this plan also includes urban design guidelines providing guidance for building forms materials besides treatment and visual impacts of parking facilities it addresses streetscapes and pedestrian

[04:47:43] facilities these recommendations strive to create inviting spaces that will enhance the visitors experience and foster a sense of community within the judicial complex this plan amendment supports the preservation of historic structures on the site which includes the historic courthouse jail and logato school with the goal of establishing a historic core this will also feature open space with a large and welcoming public green provide a gateway between the judicial complex and old town fairfax on this plan amendment introduces new public facilities to the judicial complex as well notably the diversion and community re-entry center

[04:48:23] which will house an innovative program that will provide services and support to individuals re-entering the community after incarceration on the center will provide resources for employment health care and behavioral health treatment as well as resources for housing including on-site housing options the burkholder site which is highlighted in red on the map has been identified as a potential site for the affordable and workforce housing the maximum units allowed by this by the proposed plan text are 300. this site is adjacent to residential uses that are located to the north and west the rep the recommendations for this site allow for a maximum building height

[04:49:02] of 80 feet with structures tapering down to 40 feet or less along the northern and western boundaries to provide a transition to the adjacent residential neighborhoods it also recommends a continuous landscape buffer to provide year-round screening for the adjacent uses as stated previously there is also a proposed concurrent rezoning application that is under staff review which consists of a proper condition amendment and conceptual development plan it also includes a final development plan for building one the planning commission and board hearing for the

[04:49:36] zoning application will occur this fall this concludes the staff presentation thank you mr chairman thank you very much are there any questions of staff any questions of staff supervisor harry yeah what what are the plans for the expansion of either the court facilities or the jail where will they go um kim callahan from dpws is here and i think she can probably answer that question okay hello my name is kim callahan i'm from the department of public works and

[04:50:12] environmental services and during during the um the master plan process that started in 2018 until 2021 we did not actually contemplate expansion of the adc the adult detention center or the juvenile detention center expansion of the courts will be part of the development of the whole site because some of the users that are currently in the courthouse the current courthouse will be moving to building one and mostly the commonwealth's attorney's office so that will create additional opportunities to to expand the the needs within the current courthouse

[04:50:47] but no no expansion to the courthouse the current courthouse itself hey do we know it what what time period the courthouse is going to need expansion space we have not been given any information on when they would need expansion we it was our understanding that the commonwealth's attorney's office did would need to expand and we're also trying to get them out of lease space which is why we're moving them into building one and i believe they're looking into options for what to do with that additional space once the uh commonwealth's attorney moves out in 2028.

[04:51:23] so we didn't talk to anybody at the courthouse about when they were going to need to expand no i i the courts were part of the discussions uh during the whole master plan process the chief judge was a member of the advisory committee and so if any additional space and expansion was needed for the courthouse they would have brought that up during the master plan process the deputy clerk of court was also part of that um development team that was part of the master plan discussion supervisor palchig thank you um so i'd love to follow up on that because this has been

[04:52:02] i believe six years in progress now and i know that there has been a lot of uh work both with internal stakeholders as well as with the community and at this point internal stakeholders have also shifted uh because we've had at least one election since then do you have uh with you could someone share with us a list of who was involved in that process and who was part of the decision-making internally those who are at the courthouse now during the master plan process yes I can I know it's a long one

[04:52:41] I think it's just important if you have it in front of you because I realize it's not I don't think it's here in the certainly certainly it's in the presentation I want to clarify that there has been quite a bit of work collaboration, not just with all the agencies that are in front of us, but also with all of the agencies and stakeholders that are currently at the judicial complex.

[04:53:05] For many years, too. So if you want to take a moment to look that up, if you don't have it in front of you. Yes, I'm just bringing up the list. I want to make sure. Okay, I just think it's important. And if you have, while you're looking at that, I used to have the number of public meetings that have also been held since 2018.

[04:53:25] That was 22 public meetings. Thank you. Plus, there's two additional meetings to discuss the plan amendment. And remind me, have you, I know I've had many conversations with you. Could you let me know, have Steph reached out both to the current board and the past board to offer individual updates or presentations?

[04:53:50] Yes, Steph has reached out to the board for prison to provide information about the plan amendment. Do you happen to remember how many have accepted and taken the time to have that conversation with you? We had one meeting with Supervisor Smith.

[04:54:11] But previously you've had with others? I can answer that. Previously, immediately after the master plan was completed, I did reach out to every single supervisor that was in office at that time to offer a briefing, a handful accepted.

[04:54:32] Some were just asked to be sent the presentation and others did not respond at all. Thank you. Supervisor Jimenez. Just a super quick follow-up. Because, obviously, me and Supervisor Bierman are new.

[04:54:51] When did you offer to send that to supervisors? Was this prior to us arriving? Because I haven't heard of this or been contacted. I think this is Samuel Bush from the Department of Planning Development.

[04:55:08] I think those meetings were sent from DPWS initially before, like, the plan amendment actually started. So it may have been before you were there. Yes, it was immediately after the master plan was completed in 2021. but david stinton i believe um offered to present uh this past last week okay any additional questions of staff at this time okay uh this is a public hearing um and i have no speakers who

[04:55:45] have signed up in advance uh to testify is there anyone present in the auditorium that would like to speak on this matter anyone present who would like to testify seeing and hearing no one let me ask if the clerk has anyone who has called in there are no callers no one has called in uh Closing comments and a recommendation from staff.

[04:56:03] On May 2024, the Planning Commission recommended to the Board of Supervisors the adoption of staff's recommendation for Plan Amendment 2022-2-F1 as shown in the board item and found on pages 22-33 of the staff report dated April 17, 2024.

[04:56:27] Staff concurs with this recommendation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much. And for some reason, I'm having a connection problem. can you can you verify that the planning commission recommended approval do you have what their vote was i know it was unanimous i don't remember what the exact number was i think there was a couple members missing so it was you know i see that now 11 to zero okay thank you um i will now uh close

[04:57:07] the public hearing and recognize supervisor palchik for a motion thank you very much uh mr chairman uh before i speak i definitely want to thank uh many staff who have worked on this uh definitely Salem and David for your work on the master planning which has been over six years now to Kim and to all the staff current former future who continue to work on this and definitely to the list of stakeholders which I know in the past Kim has that well I'll have you share that in a moment which has included the judges who have been very instrumental in ensuring that we include the

[04:57:46] division first programming with CSB knowing that building one is to come online sooner is the only one that is planned to come forward for rezoning later this year as well as the other improvements that are proposed here I think I just want to share out a couple of key things we've heard a lot of history today and as we all know this is truly a historic site we don't have many with this much history in Fairfax County definitely in the northern part of the county as I looked at Supervisor Stork but this is one that known as the

[04:58:25] original town of Providence and I think it might be the first time in over 200 years that there's been a comprehensive plan and guide for the revitalization but on the historic part if you have a chance I recommend I know some of you have been out recently to tour the the clerk's office to see the history of the way back to the very first election of the board of supervisors there were a lot less hopefully the meetings were shorter um but to really see that the historic part of the historic

[04:58:57] courthouse is starting to really shine as the more modern wings are being taken off so much of what is currently developed on that judicial complex was built in the mid-20th century really to accommodate a lot of the growth that the former board of supervisors as well as most of the county services were once housed there and there's also a lot of parking lot right now I think it's very exciting that there is the necessary flexibility that there are many

[04:59:33] stakeholders involved that there will be the ability to both not just preserve but improve the historic components and the community and our residents access to those historic parts hopefully for some weddings and other activities to make new history as well as improvements to things such as the police evidence storage the non-profits that support the courthouse the csb and especially our re-entry our crisis and supportive housing and our diversion housing components that are there

[05:00:07] I think what's also pretty nice to see here is that as it's surrounded by the city of Fairfax, that the improvements in the master planning and in the first phase to the accessibility to the pedestrian bike and car access and multimodal are all being improved.

[05:00:26] I think we all know how frustrating it can be to get into and around and out of the courthouse complex, judicial complex. So hopefully this becomes a more welcoming Historic and continue to be safe space for the judicial services So to that I did want to just point out here as was mentioned. This is a 20 year ish plus or minus plan dependent on funding and we will Have before as was mentioned the both the Planning Commission and then the Board of Supervisors rezoning

[05:01:02] Just for building one that's the only one that is planned to come forward at this time other components such as the affordable workforce housing and additional support will continue to be Evaluated as funding and services are available, especially after the as was mentioned the the moving dominoes of moving things Out of into building one and being able to free up spaces that are really need much repair or Redoing at Burkholder and other portions

[05:01:39] So to that again, so much work has gone into this it started before this board Before the board before this board And we'll continue up for hopefully several boards after us And really think that there's a lot of opportunity here to do Appropriate place making with improved historical access and facilities for the community as well as for those who work At the Judicial Center. So to that mr. Chairman, I move that the Board of Supervisors adopt the Planning Commission's recommendation for plan amendment

[05:02:15] 2022 - - f1 as shown in the board item now will second that motion along with Supervisor Bierman, any further discussion on the motion? Let me just say thank the staff for their work on this. This has been being worked on for a long time.

[05:02:33] I know there's been some joint meetings with the city council and the board where we've discussed this. This has gone through two board of supervisors, chairs, two mayors of the city of Fairfax in this process, actually three.

[05:02:48] And so we've been at this for a long time. Appreciate all the work that's gone into this. It's important to get this right, so thank you. Mr. Chairman, sorry, Kim, if you could just send us that list later of all the engagement, I think for some of the new members would especially be helpful. I have, it's in the staff report, too.

[05:03:05] It is. I can tell you real quick if you'd like to know. That's okay. Okay, it's on page six in there, and then it's way more detailed in the master plan, too. I was struggling to find it again. I appreciate you saying that, because I knew it was in the staff report. I didn't know on what page. And frankly, staff was modest in what I consider to be greatly underselling the amount of work and coordination that's going on in this application.

[05:03:29] So I appreciate that. Thank you. With that being said, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Harity nay. Any abstentions? And that motion is approved 9-1, Supervisor Harity voting no.

[05:03:45] If there's no further discussion, that brings us to the end of our board meeting of June 11, 2024, and the board is adjourned.

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