Coraggio Consulting
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Meeting, Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Place: Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Virginia
Length: 6h 0m (video)
Official meeting video (Fairfax County): https://video.fairfaxcounty.gov/player/clip/3599
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 2026-10-31. Timestamps are [HH:MM:SS] into the meeting video.

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[00:00:07] Good morning, everyone, and welcome to our board meeting of November 19th, 2024, and we're going to begin our board meeting as we always do, which is with the Pledge of Allegiance, but before we stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, we're going to ask if anyone would like to be kept in our thoughts and prayers this morning, and I'm going to mention a few folks, and then I'm going to recognize my colleagues if there's anyone they would like mentioned, and I'm going to start with kind of the obvious one, which is our hearts go out to Congressman Connolly right now with his recent announcement of a cancer diagnosis.

[00:00:45] And I've had a chance to talk to Jerry, as I know many of my colleagues have. And he's a really strong Irish guy, as we know. And so he is ready for this fight, is undergoing chemotherapy. And we're going to keep track of his progress and certainly wish him and his family well and his staff who is working double overtime to make sure that the constituents of the 11th district continue to get the services that they expect. And certainly Jerry is close to everything we do here in Fairfax County as a former chairman and strong advocate for us on

[00:01:24] the Hill. And so we will continue to monitor that, but keep Jerry in our thoughts and prayers as we move forward. And then secondly, I want to mention two other individuals. First, Pam Pelto. I must sadly convey the news that our retired assistant county attorney, Pam Pelto, passed away last Tuesday, November 12th, after a brave fight with cancer. And Pam was an undergraduate at the University of Michigan, received her law degree from Catholic University. As her first legal job,

[00:01:57] She served as a legal intern in the county attorney's office under the guidance of now-retired Judge Jan Brody, who I know all my colleagues on the board know well. Following her law school graduation, Pam served for 29 years in the county attorney's office as an assistant county attorney in the land use section.

[00:02:16] Pam was a recognized expert in multiple fields and taught seminars throughout the state. She excelled at finding practical solutions to highly complex land use transactions, which is how many of us at the board intersected with her and her professionalism over many years.

[00:02:33] She was a mentor to her colleagues and always anxious to share her expertise to advance the county's best interest. Of course, with all the years she had in the county, she had many colorful stories of cases she had litigated, demonstrating that the practice of land use law isn't always dry, but can be exciting.

[00:02:52] On a personal level, Pam raised three sons while working in the county attorney's office, and they were familiar faces. I know at many of the county attorney office celebrations, most recently, her sons attended her retirement party, and the ongoing warmth and devotion of their relationship was obvious.

[00:03:11] And I know this has hit the county attorney's office hard, but really all of our county staff members who had an opportunity, like I did and many of you did, to work directly with Pam Pelto over a lot of years. And so if we could keep her family in our thoughts and prayers, that would be appreciated.

[00:03:31] And then lastly, we lost another real hero in our community in Gary Mather. Gary was a philanthropist and ANOVA Health Foundation board member. Over the past two decades, Gary and his wife, Tina, have generously donated to vital ANOVA programs and initiatives transforming health care across our region.

[00:03:53] Gary's journey at ANOVA began as an engaged community member, evolving from a grateful patient to a dedicated partner with a shared vision and commitment to improving patient care and access in advanced cancer treatments. In 2020, the Inova-Shar Cancer Center opened the Mather Proton Therapy Center, Northern Virginia's first proton therapy treatment center, largely funded by Gary and his family.

[00:04:19] They led the gift-making for this cutting-edge therapy accessible for pediatric and adult oncology patients in our community. To date, the Mather Proton Therapy Center has provided treatment for over 18,000 people and counting.

[00:04:34] In addition, the Mathers stepped up without hesitation to strengthen ANOVA's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, something I was very close to, and gave critical support to the ANOVA Behavioral Health Comprehensive Addiction Treatment Services, CATS, ANOVA Neurosciences, and provided significant financial assistance to patients in cancer treatment.

[00:04:58] And Gary is a legend in the ANOVA health system, somebody I had an opportunity to meet on a couple of occasions. And his philanthropy and support for cancer treatment in particular was, again, because of him being a patient, but he never wanted the credit for that.

[00:05:16] And so there's thousands of people in Fairfax County who have benefited from advanced cancer treatments due to the Mather family's commitment and funding of the ANOVA health system. And so if we could keep Gary and his family in our thoughts and prayers this morning, that too would be appreciated.

[00:05:34] And with that, I'm happy to recognize any of my other colleagues. And let me start on this side this time with Supervisor Lusk. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I'd like to share my condolences to the family of Eunice Ali Ellison, who passed away last month.

[00:05:53] She was a native Virginian. She graduated from Jeb Stewart High School, now known as Justice High School in Falls Church. She had a career in secretarial studies. She worked for Fort Myers, the United States Office of Personal Management, and she later entered the private legal field as a professional assistant.

[00:06:15] Outside of her career, she had a passion for event planning, cooking, baking. Her talents were recognized by so many. So my thoughts are with her family, and especially her husband, Leon Ellison, and her sons, Timothy and Travis. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[00:06:31] And I also want to acknowledge and thank you for acknowledging Pam Pelto. I had the opportunity to work with her for so many years. That's an immense loss. I was not aware of it. So thank you. My thoughts and prayers are with her family as well. Thank you, Supervisor Luss.

[00:06:47] Supervisor Walkinshaw. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate your mentioning Congressman Connolly, and he's doing great. I was with him yesterday, and I can't say he really, really appreciates all of the notes and cards and calls. And if you've sent him one and you're wondering whether he read it, I can assure you that he has.

[00:07:06] He was at the Herndon Parade last week. Anyone who's gone through chemo knows, you know, you have some good days and some days where you don't feel so great. But he is doing well and is fighting as he always has and is looking forward to the lame duck session coming up.

[00:07:22] Thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Walkinshaw. Supervisor Beerman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to mention two individuals very deeply tied to the McLean Volunteer Fire Department. Homer Wendell Johns passed away in October at the age of 93.

[00:07:41] I went to his memorial this past Saturday. There were probably 100 people there, many, many firefighters in uniform. Mr. Johns served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1955, where he was awarded three Bronze Stars along with several service medals.

[00:08:01] But his passion after he left the Army was as a volunteer firefighter with Fairfax County, where he dedicated 57 years of his life serving the Great Falls and McLean communities. He was a life member at both McLean and Great Falls, and he was actually the chief at both the McLean Volunteer Fire Department and the Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department.

[00:08:26] He was Supervisor Faust's Volunteer Service Awards Community Champion in 2019, and among his many volunteer efforts was the creation of a kids fire safety trailer, which he worked with manufacturers to develop the designs for the trailer, raised over $30,000 to cover the cost of construction and he trained other volunteers to use the trailer and teach fire safety for the next 20 years. It was used throughout the region at events such as Celebrate Fairfax and McLean Day in Fairfax County and at other locations. Mr. Johns is survived by his wife Barbara, daughter Carol, son David, daughter-in-law Krista and his grandchildren Aaron,

[00:09:02] Addison and Aiden along with numerous nieces and nephews. I also want to recognize Clyde Evans Clark, who was also a stalwart of the McLean Fire Department, who passed away again in October at the age of 82. He was a graduate of McLean High School, class of 1960, and worked as a local educator beginning in 1966. His career spanned 39 years, and he taught at Woodson High School as well as Pimmett Hills Alternative School. Again, he was a passionate fire department volunteer.

[00:09:33] At the age of 14, he washed fire trucks because he was too young to be an official member of the Volunteer Fire Department. At age 16, he was allowed to join the Dunloring Volunteer Fire Department. He transferred to the McLean Volunteer Fire Department four years later, and he remained a steadfast volunteer there for the following years. He served the McLean community for 20-plus years as Volunteer Fire Chief and was on the Fairfax County Fire Commission. He also helped co-author a history of the McLean Volunteer Fire Department, which was published in 2003.

[00:10:05] Mr. Clark is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Amy Catherine Harris Clark, his brother Gordon Lewis Clark, his daughter Kristen Danzenbaker, and Elizabeth Anderson, and his six grandchildren, Cole, Kacen, Walker, Keaton, Taylor, and Carter.

[00:10:25] One last acknowledgement, Robert Bob Rosenbaum passed away Monday, November 4th, at the age of 92. He was another pillar of the McLean community. He was a gifted piano player, and he generously shared his gift with the community, volunteering to entertain our senior citizens at the Lewinsville Adult Daycare Center, Arleigh Burke, Vincent Hall Senior Housing Centers, and Chesterbrook Residences.

[00:10:50] He was also active in the Rotary Club of McLean. He was honored in 2009 with the Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards as the Drainsville Community Champion for entertaining our senior citizens and his efforts to raise funds for important causes such as Children's Hospital.

[00:11:08] I received a message from Supervisor Faust's former Chief of Staff, Jane Edmondson, who said he was a kind and gentle man with a smile that could light up a room. Mr. Rosenbaum is survived by his beloved wife, Judith Allen Rosenbaum, his daughter, Beth, and son, John, and grandchildren, Ivy and Tatum Olson and Benton Rosenbaum.

[00:11:30] Thank you. Thank you very much, Supervisor Bierman. Anyone else who would like to be recognized? Seeing and hearing no one, if all who are able could rise for a moment of silence to be followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Please face the flag.

[00:12:07] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. So this morning we have five presentations that we'll try to get through as efficiently as possible.

[00:12:35] 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 it, and after our speaker's remarks, we will pose for a picture. And first up this morning, we have a proclamation to designate November as Military Family Appreciation Month.

[00:12:53] And this was requested by the entire Board of Supervisors. And our speaker today is Julie Shepard. Is Julie here? Yes. There she is. There she is. Julie Shepard, who is the elected secretary of the Veterans and Military Families Commission, and I understand Supervisor Lusk has the proclamation.

[00:13:14] I do, Mr. Chairman. I will read it. Whereas November marks the 31st anniversary of Military Family Appreciation Month, established in 1993 by the Armed Services YMCA to honor the contributions of military families to our nation, and whereas, regardless of rank, branch, or location, our nation's military families embody the values of service and sacrifice, facing unique challenges and displaying remarkable resilience, and whereas, Fairfax County proudly serves as a top destination

[00:13:49] for military families, hosting over 89,000 veterans, 45,000 active-duty military personnel, reserve members, their families, and more than 6,800 military-connected children. And whereas, in recognition of the unique contributions and challenges of veterans and military families, the Board of Supervisors formed the Veterans and Military Families Commission to address their unique challenges, and whereas Fairfax County has participated in the Community-Military Partnership of Northern Virginia's Regional Commission for over 10 years,

[00:14:23] and whereas military families are highly engaged volunteers in our community, actively participate in civic associations, HOAs, PTAs, coaching sports teams, leading scout troops, and contributing to faith communities.

[00:14:42] Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, On behalf of all residents of Fairfax County, it does hereby proclaim November 2024 as Military Family Appreciation Month in Fairfax County and extends deepest gratitude to the military families in our community, honoring their commitment, sacrifice, and contributions for the strength and resiliency of our nation.

[00:15:09] So moved, Mr. Chairman. Moved and multiply seconded. Let me make one editorial correction. There are more than 16,800 military-connected children, not 6,800. 13,500. Yeah, so it's a lot.

[00:15:26] But with that, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? And that motion carries. Supervisor Lusk. Okay, thank you, Mr. Sherman. I'll just say thank you to all the board members for obviously supporting this motion. I'd like to also personally thank Supervisor Walkinshaw and then former Supervisor Penny Gross, who helped with the wording and crafting of this proclamation.

[00:15:50] I also want to thank Julie Shepard, who worked in my office last year and helped us actually craft the first version of this proclamation and the information that's contained in it, the research and the data. Again, acknowledge that work. I also want to say I know Penny's not here.

[00:16:08] I know she's watching because Penny's either here or watching. So I just want to acknowledge her service as the co-chair of the Community Military Partnership of the Northern Virginia Regional Commission. She served admirably as the co-chair and made so many strides as it relates to working with her military installations, supporting the work of helping our military spouses and veterans and establishing a stronger partnership between the communities and our military installations.

[00:16:44] And thinking about Fort Belvoir, which is the largest facility here in Fairfax County, and how important it is to our economy and to our communities. So I'll say this, Penny, you're watching. I'm honored to follow you as the co-chair of that committee with the Northern Virginia Regional Partnership and we are continuing the legacy that you started and working with Victor Angery from Prince William County on that effort.

[00:17:10] And then last, I'll say this proclamation is a testament to the work that's done by so many military families and servicemen, women, veterans, and we just appreciate all the contributions that they make and that we are here to ensure that they have an amazing quality of life.

[00:17:31] So with that, Mr. Chairman, thank you very much. Thank you, Supervisor Lusk. Any further discussion? Supervisor Stewart. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And we have a huge amount of commitment and engagement by our military community, and that's really what I wanted to make sure I highlighted, is that there's so many things that we could not do in our community without their coaching support, whether it's PTAs and PTOs or our sports teams or a number of associations at the BAC, the Boards of Authorities Commissions that we have,

[00:18:09] clearly have military members and spouses. But I also wanted to acknowledge that Fort Belvoir is the place in the country that I think families, military families, come to because our schools are top-notch. and as a former school board member and clearly the member that that surrounds if you will the for belvoir and got very involved with getting the additional school capacity that we needed that was a huge part we have the number of purple school the purple ribbon schools that we are very involved with the other thing that i wanted to particularly also highlight is the

[00:18:44] fact that our economic development authority fceda has been very involved with the number of military and spousal job fairs that have been held at the National Museum of the U.S. Army.

[00:18:59] So we are deeply engaged. I know we have a committee that's focused on those things. So we're deeply engaged because the military community and families are deeply engaged. And for that, we are all big winners and just wanted to acknowledge that and thank everybody for their involvement and engagement.

[00:19:16] Appreciate it. Thank you, Supervisor Stork. And I, too, want to associate myself with everything that's been said. and especially about Julie, because as long as I've known Julie, she's been passionate about this issue. Even when she was away from Fairfax County for a short period of time, we still heard from Julie about this issue.

[00:19:35] And it's a really important one, and it's frankly one of the reasons why the county commission was set up on this. And Supervisor Walkinshaw and I had an opportunity to meet with that commission to help get it kicked off. and the talent that's on it is amazing, and Supervisor Gross was mentioned.

[00:19:53] She's serving on that committee, and we are up to 96 Purple Star schools in FCPS now, 96. And so that's why I wanted to make sure, you know, we got the number of military-connected children as precise as we can because it's a big population in our FCPS school system.

[00:20:12] When we recognize military families, and many of them, as you have acknowledged, come here or stay here when they retire from service, in part because of our high-quality schools, I do want to recognize the personnel that work in so many of our schools with high concentrations of military kids.

[00:20:32] because military kids, they have different opportunities, different challenges, different needs in our school system, and so many of our schools recognize that on day one and try to make sure that these kids, when they arrive in Fairfax County, no matter how long they're here, get a world-class public education and the support structure and system around them that they deserve and in many cases do need.

[00:20:59] And so it's an important recognition, and everything that was said about Fort Belvoir, as the person up here who grew up on Fort Belvoir and lived right next door to it for the longest time, there's nothing that happens in South County that doesn't have Fort Belvoir somehow associated with it, whether it's the personnel, the veterans, or people who come from all over the region, retirees that come from all over the region to Fort Belvoir for services, and the great relationship that we have with the base commander there and the staff there is phenomenal.

[00:21:34] And so everything we can do to cement our relationship with our military families is important, and many of those things were named in the proclamation. But I particularly want to thank you, Julie, for your service on the group and also all your advocacy over a lot of years. This is the 31st anniversary of Military Family Appreciation Month, but despite all the things we were doing to support military families, it's only the second time we've recognized this at the board, and that's really because Julie brought it to our attention.

[00:22:04] So thank you for that. With that, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? And that motion carries. Julie, welcome. Thank you so much. Mr. Chairman and members of the board, on behalf of the commission, Chair Penny Gross and the entire Commission on Veterans and Military Families, I want to thank you for designating November 2024 as Military Family Appreciation Month in Fairfax County. I am Julie Shepard, Secretary to the Commission. Chairman Gross regrets that she's unable to join us today.

[00:22:38] Fairfax County boasts a rich history of and for military families. Indeed, George Washington was our nation's first commander-in-chief and military members and their families have called Fairfax County home since our nation was founded. Today, there are more than 45,000 active duty military in our community and an estimated 13,500 children of military families in Fairfax County public schools, which, thank you, Chairman, 96 Purple Star schools and the division is on their way to being a Purple Star Division. So look that up if you don't know what that means. And more than 89,000

[00:23:17] veterans who claim Fairfax County as their home. The commission has only been in existence for five months, but we are working hard to identify the issues of the most importance to our veterans and military families to ensure that gaps in county services are addressed in our future recommendations to you, the Board of Supervisors. We will be strategic and disciplined in what we decide to address, always adhering to principles of dignity, security, and fairness. Commission members are honored to have been selected for this work, and we look forward to making a difference for the military families who are honored with this proclamation today. Thank you. Thank you very

[00:23:56] much, Julie, for that. And with that, I think we're ready for a photo. And if anyone else is here with

[00:24:03] you, they're welcome to join you. And Supervisor Lusk and Stork will join me for the photo. And

[00:25:15] Next, we have a proclamation to designate November as Caregiver's Awareness Month, and this was requested by myself, Supervisor Alcorn, Supervisor Palchuk, and Supervisor Herity. Our speaker today, I see her, is Kathy Cole, Chair and At-Large Representative of the Fairfax County Area Commission on Aging.

[00:25:35] And at this time, I recognize Supervisor Alcorn for a motion. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Whereas November is National Family Caregivers Month, an important opportunity to recognize and honor the dedicated contributions of family caregivers and encourage support and gratitude for all the care they provide.

[00:25:54] And, whereas in the Commonwealth of Virginia, more than 980,000 people provide care on a regular basis to a family member or friend. And, whereas family caregivers advocate on behalf of their loved ones for aging in place at home and provide compassionate care without pay, the economic impact of which is valued at an estimated $14.3 billion in Virginia alone.

[00:26:22] And, whereas, as the older adult population grows in the Commonwealth, in Fairfax County, and the complex and challenging nature of family caregiving can significantly impact caregivers' physical, mental, and emotional well-being. And whereas Fairfax County's Adult and Aging Division of the Department of Family Services offers support for family caregivers, including webinars, virtual support calls, consultations, respite and bathing services, alerts and a resource line.

[00:26:54] Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all residents of Fairfax County, does hereby proclaim November 2024 as Caregivers Awareness Month in Fairfax County and urges all residents to honor the service and sacrifice of our many dedicated caregivers.

[00:27:13] I'm happy to second that, along with Supervisor Herity and Supervisor Palchuk. Discussion on the motion, Supervisor Alcorn. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Like you, I want to thank Kathy for being here and all the work that the commission has done on this and many, many other topics.

[00:27:30] But, you know, when I first read the draft of this proclamation, the number $14.3 billion really, really jumped out. And that is a big number. But if you think about it, it probably underestimates the true value of this. You know, we don't really do a good job in our economy of valuing the services provided to family caregivers.

[00:27:52] And I think it's also important to note that most of our family caregivers are women. And I'm not sure if that's related or not, but they're both facts. And I do very much appreciate the opportunity for this board to highlight the value of our family caregivers and recognize them and note that, you know, for so many families, basically these families couldn't function without these family caregivers.

[00:28:24] So thank you for being here on behalf of the commission, and thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Supervisor Alcorn, Supervisor Palchik. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So good to see you, Kathy, and the team. I think many of us here have had conversations recently about being in this sandwich generation and caring for young ones and for our parents, being caregivers, supporting caregivers.

[00:28:53] And as Supervisor Alcorn said, often does come back to the women and the moms and the families as well. And so I very much appreciate here the work that you do in our community where we have a large part of our population aging in place, doing its best to have the choice of aging at home, aging in a community of caregivers, and know that the challenges are there.

[00:29:20] I was trying to find the quote that I couldn't find again from Eleanor Roosevelt that I love so much about everyone either is a caregiver, was a caregiver, will be a caregiver. And so whether we look at it through the economy or through just the realities of how we embrace that work, support that work, and acknowledge that work, I know that your work, the work of our staff who help and try to do more to ensure that a community can age in place and has the support, the emotional, the financial, and the community support to do that very much.

[00:29:58] We could not do what we do without you and your work. So very excited. I'm sorry I forgot my full purple today. I love your scarf. But very much the work you do and raising the awareness every single day of what happens in our community is much appreciated.

[00:30:17] So thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Palchuk, Supervisor Herdy, and then Supervisor Lasky. Yeah, and I'll be as quick as I can to echo everything that's been said. I was just going to say very simply, we all either have been or will be or will need a caregiver.

[00:30:36] And it's just the respite and support you give our caregivers because we couldn't afford to provide all the care that's out there. But the support that you give them, and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes out of the Shape the Future of Aging plan in the area of caregiving because it is so important to our community.

[00:30:57] It's a, if you're in a caregiver situation, it's tough. And without help and support, it becomes overwhelming. But I want to thank you for everything you all do to support our caregivers.

[00:31:13] Thank you. Supervisor Lusk. I'm going to align myself with the comments of Supervisor Herity. I was going to make pretty much the same point, which is respite care is so important. The caregivers have to be able to take care of themselves so they can continue to provide care for those that need it. So I appreciate the acknowledgement to this board matter of all the work that's being done by our caregivers, but then thinking about the services and the supports that are available to help them continue to provide that care in their homes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Supervisor Lusk. And let me also add, Supervisor Pouchik and I have had a

[00:31:51] lot of conversations about this sandwich generation and the attempts we make at providing care for our elderly parents and also trying to manage the young ones in our family. And it is tough having had some experience with that. Nothing near what most caregivers do, but it's a tough situation as Supervisor Herity mentioned. I do want to mention one other thing, which is I recently was at the Inova Health Systems Board of Trustees meeting where I represent the county

[00:32:22] And they were sounding the alarm bells about the drastic shortage of caregivers, nursing, nurse assistants, and the pending demographic changes that are happening across the country, but certainly right here in Fairfax County, too.

[00:32:39] And so one of the other reasons why this is an important proclamation to designate is to show the value of this work, how important it is, and make sure that we are preparing people to go into this line of work with the supports necessary to do it.

[00:32:55] Because the demographics show a tremendous need for this in the years ahead and a current drastic shortage. And that's a challenge, and that's something that I think we as a community need to do a better job talking about because, you know, finding a caregiver is difficult enough.

[00:33:15] Keeping a caregiver in a stressful job and keeping somebody in that line of work is very difficult, and we have to value this work and treasure it because we need more people doing this in the future. So with that, I think we're ready for a vote.

[00:33:31] All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. And as I mentioned earlier, we have Kathy Cole with us, who is the chair and at-large representative of the Fairfax Area Commission on Aging. Welcome.

[00:33:46] Thank you. Thank you, Chairman McKay. Thank you, Supervisor Alcorn, Supervisor Palchuk, Supervisor Herity, and members of the Board of Supervisors. As you know, I'm Kathy Cole, Chair of the Fairfax Area Commission on Aging.

[00:34:03] But today I'm speaking to you on behalf of the Commission and of the thousands of caregivers in our community. We know from the data provided by the CASOA surveys administered in 2019 and in 2021 that caregiving is one of the roles that people have assumed that transcend age, ethnicity, and economic status.

[00:34:24] And as you all have mentioned, we also know that the role of caregiver falls disproportionately on women. Because of the many different circumstances caregivers find themselves, we cannot meet their needs with one neat service package.

[00:34:39] In preparation for taking on the responsibility of Shape the Future of Aging plan and now the development of the initiatives found within it, the commission embarks on an extensive effort to understand what services are currently available to caregivers in our community.

[00:34:58] The list is impressive, all of which align with the countywide strategic plan, empowerment, and support for residents facing vulnerability. You might be interested in a few of these, and you talked about preparing caregivers in a professional way, and I'm going to speak about three programs that prepare family caregivers who are not professionals but are in desperate need of help and support and the knowledge.

[00:35:26] You've experienced embodied labs, which seeks to give the caregivers an understanding of the plight of the person in their care. To date, this program has served 241 caregivers. Another is the monthly family caregiver webinar and trainings designed for the family caregiver of older adults and people with disabilities.

[00:35:47] These webinars are offered throughout the year and cover timely topics, including how to protect a loved one from scams, understanding dementia, financial resources for caregivers, managing chronic diseases, and more. Last year, an estimated monthly average of 440 family caregivers benefited from these webinars.

[00:36:08] And then another is the Fairfax Caregiver Alert Notification Program and the Caregiver Web Letter, both which seek to reach caregivers across the county to share essential resources, information about caregiver programs and services, and provide support.

[00:36:25] The last fiscal year, there was a steady increase in the number of caregivers who received the alerts and the web letters. And by June of 2024, almost 1,600 individuals were receiving the alerts and approximately 29 individuals received the web letter.

[00:36:43] These are but three of the many services available to caregivers in our community through the work of the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. We are proud of the range of programs and services available that meet the criteria of empowerment and support. Our most daunting task is to make sure that our community caregivers know how to access these programs and to determine what service gaps there might be.

[00:37:07] We appreciate and applaud the ongoing investment and support of caregiving that you, the Board of Supervisors, have made in recognition of both the struggles of the caregivers and the benefits given to the county by them. As we have heard today in Virginia alone, there are 980,000, I want to get the number right, caregivers that have been counted, but there are so many more who are quietly performing their role, their important role of caring in every sense of the word.

[00:37:38] These are parents caring for children, children caring for parents or grandparents, neighbors caring for neighbors. It does not matter the relationship. It only matters that one person has taken the responsibility for supporting another in every sense of the word.

[00:37:55] It is my honor to accept this proclamation in recognition of these dedicated caregivers found in every walk of life, and to thank you for your continued interest in and support of their plight. Thank you. Thank you very much, Kathy. So well said. It is always great to see you here. So thank you for your continued work and advocacy. And with that, I think we're ready for a photo, if the board could rise, and Supervisor Alcorn and Supervisor Palchuk will join us for the photo.

[00:38:24] All right. Next, we have a proclamation to designate November as Alzheimer's Awareness Month.

[00:40:47] And this was requested by myself, Supervisor Jimenez, and Supervisor Herity. And our speaker this morning is Jessica Fredrickson, Director of Brain Health at Goodwin Living. If you could come on down. And at this time, I'd recognize Supervisor Jimenez.

[00:41:03] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And if you don't mind, I'd also love to have the representative from Insight Memory Care also come down. definitely thank you while she comes down i will start reading a proclamation mr chairman whereas alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting about seven million americans leading to memory and reading loss and creating significant challenges for individuals and families and whereas more than one-third of seniors in america die from alzheimer's or another form of

[00:41:40] dementia causing more deaths than breast and prostate cancers combined and whereas alzheimer's impacts not only those diagnosed but also family friends and neighbors who provide over 18 billion hours of unpaid care annually valued at nearly 347 billion dollars and we're as recognizing november as alzheimer's awareness month provides an opportunity to educate our community about early signs of the disease of the disease share opportunity to educate our community about early signs of disease share valuable resources and support caregivers in their essential roles

[00:42:18] and whereas Fairfax County is committed to empowering individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's by providing access to community resources and health initiatives that improve life for patients and caregivers. Now therefore be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on behalf of all the residents of Fairfax County does hereby proclaim November 2024 as Alzheimer's Awareness Month in Fairfax County and urges all residents to recognize the challenges Alzheimer's brings to our community, support those affected, and work toward creating a more informed and compassionate community for individuals living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.

[00:42:57] I'm happy to second that, along with Supervisor Herity and Supervisor Palchuk. Discussion on the motion, Supervisor Jimenez. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I'd like to thank you and Supervisor Herity for being a part of this as well as the rest of the support of the board.

[00:43:16] I'd like to welcome our proclamation recipients, Jessica Fredrickson, Director of Brain Health at Goodwin Housing Living, and Anita Irvin, Executive Director at Insight Memory Care Center, as well as those that came with them today. We're fortunate in Mason District to have such a strong, reliable partners in senior care in Goodwin Houses, Alexandria, and Bailey's Crosswood Facilities, and Insight Memory Care's Fairfax Campus, which I've been lucky enough to go to.

[00:43:46] And with great staff and great facilities, as I'm sure we're all aware, they just work so, so hard on those that need it the most. And it's that passion that shines through that you can just see when you go into either facility. And we're very lucky in Fairfax and our community to have such great partners.

[00:44:05] I've been close to these facilities, and it's an understatement to say that Goodwin and Insight are setting the bar for how we want our community partners to conduct elder and memory care in Fairfax County. My colleagues have heard me talk lots of the Goodwin housing programs, like the Citizenship Test Program, and today I'm excited to talk about their Stronger Memory program.

[00:44:27] Stronger Memory is a partnership that pairs compassionate students from around the United States with older adults to help them conduct brain exercises and sharpen their cognitive skills. This is a free program that came out of Goodwin CEO Rob Liebrich's own experiences after his mother was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment.

[00:44:49] Unable to find any standard treatments for his mother's condition, Rob developed his own. I've had the pleasure to get to know Rob, who couldn't be here today, and I want you all to know that this is on brand for Rob. Rob experienced what so many Americans are going through right now, a crisis of declining cognitive health among our senior residents. It's estimated that nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's right now, and more than 11 million Americans are active as caregivers, providing over $18 billion worth of unpaid care. Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging. In fact, we're seeing some changing trends here in the United States.

[00:45:28] The number of Americans living with this disease is expected to grow to 13.8 million by 2060, which is more than 100% increase. Mason District has the highest percentage of residents over the age of 65, which really lends a different kind of diversity to our status as the county's cultural hub.

[00:45:49] Having intergenerational family dynamics adds so much tradition, but also increases the likelihood that our residents are dealing with issues like cognitive decline, Alzheimer's, or another form of dementia. That's why projects and partnerships like those that we're seeing at Goodwin Living and InSight Memory Care are so important for the long-term health and wellness of our residents.

[00:46:11] Jessica and Anita, thank you so much for what you do, for what your staff does, for being here today. And with that, Mr. Chairman, those are my remarks. Thank you, Supervisor Jimenez. Further discussion, Supervisor Palchuk and then Supervisor Herity. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[00:46:28] Thank you both so much for being here, for representing the incredible work that's done by our partners, by our senior centers, by our staff, by the community. As was said, we are a large county, right, and there are so many different ways that we need to continue to approach and support aging, aging well in place, having that support.

[00:46:52] I was trying to look up because I thought there was an Alzheimer's and Dementia Awareness Month, and that's June, and then this is Alzheimer's. But I very much appreciate that all of our organizations, all of the national organizations, are focused on the brain and aging well and how to look for those signs, how to focus on those signs, how to support people going through the different stages of that care.

[00:47:18] I know that we've been fortunate in my family to have support from community members, from Insight Memory Care, from those involved, whether it's through music, through support, through activities, when we talk about respite care, just having a place, right, for our family members to spend a few hours, to spend some time safely, socially, and to know that they're going to be able to interact and do that in a safe location.

[00:47:46] So I very much appreciate the work by Goodwin House. I hope that we continue to work toward being that dementia-friendly community, and that involves all of us, all of our agencies, all of our partners, and the way we support the life cycle from the very young, the little ones, all the way to our parents and grandparents, and for the lucky ones, great-grandparents here aging in place.

[00:48:12] So thank you. Thank you so much to Goodwin, to Insight Memory Care. Cannot say enough good things about you. Also about our staff in Neighborhood and Community Services and our Council for Aging and our staff who work on aging.

[00:48:28] And I know as we have more and more members who age through the community, please help us do more to better communicate where those resources are and how to bring them to our community. I was talking about it just yesterday. Sometimes we don't realize that those community centers that are right there that we've gone past every day have services for seniors and can tie people into additional services.

[00:48:52] So thank you so much. And I know there's a lot more work to do, but you've helped us come a long way. Thank you. Supervisor Herity. I just want to thank, I'll be brief. I want to echo everything that's been said. I want to thank Supervisor Jimenez for bringing this forward. The need is clearly great and growing.

[00:49:08] And, unfortunately, it looks like, well, we're making progress on a cure or early identification. It's still a ways off, so we've got some work to do. I know the Shape the Future of Aging plan has an Alzheimer-friendly community is its goal. And I think the only group that might have been left out of this conversation so far has really been public safety and the great work using flock cameras and other tools by the Sheriff's Department, Department fire department in finding those that that wander off so I would be remiss if I didn't thank them in addition to everybody else that's been

[00:49:45] recognized the great work insight and good one house too so thank you thank you supervisor Herity and let me just wrap up and say you know with a recent family diagnosis not long ago you know I found myself in the unenviable position of looking for services for a relative in a rural part of Virginia.

[00:50:05] And it was one of those moments of gratefulness to be here in Fairfax County because we have, through Goodwin and Insight and our own county agencies, some of which were mentioned here, a network of support and help that is likely, probably, the envy of the nation.

[00:50:23] And even with that, we know there are so many people that aren't getting the supports that they need. But I do think it, you know, really grateful when I compared what was available here compared to what was available in other parts of Virginia, it was nothing in a lot of communities not far from here.

[00:50:44] And so we're really grateful for all the advocacy and our not-for-profit organizations and county staff who work on this every single day to improve the lives of people who have received a diagnosis, and not just their lives, but as was mentioned before, the entire family associated with them and so we are we are very grateful for that. With that all those in favor of the motion please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? And that motion carries and welcome the floor is yours Jessica. Thank you. Well thank you so much chairman and

[00:51:18] thank you supervisors Jimenez, Herity, Kalchak and the rest of the supervisors. Fairfax County like like you all said in your comments really is a leader in dementia awareness inclusion and support and that is due to some of the wonderful non-profits we have and especially due to the Fairfax County leadership I would be remiss if I didn't mention some individuals who are working hard in this field Linda Hernandez-Giblin, Allegra Jaffe, Kathy Cole, Diane Watson among many other

[00:51:53] leaders on programs like our caregiver supports, the SHAPE Commission, and the Commission on Aging. So these women are working to do good for our older adults every day, and they certainly inspire me and I think inspire the community to come around this issue. We do know that older adults, our population of older adults is growing, and with that comes the risk of dementia. And so there are some great things I think that Fairfax County is really serves as this connector to

[00:52:29] resources to link up organizations together like Goodwin Living and IMCC so that we can do great work together. Some of that has been with the Dementia Friendly Fairfax Initiative and the Dementia Friendly Fairfax group is has been a partnership of Fairfax County, IMCC, and Site Memory Care Center and Goodwin Living since, I think, 2019. And we have trained hundreds of community members and businesses and public servants on what is dementia, what are those

[00:53:06] early signs, and more importantly, how can we support those living in our neighborhoods? How can we support those aging in place? And we have some really exciting things coming. We're really seeking to partner closely with the libraries, but that team effort is what lets us do so much advocacy and really help set the standard for dementia-friendly efforts in Northern Virginia and throughout the state. I also want to really praise the work that the SHAPE initiative is doing.

[00:53:42] It's been an honor and a privilege to be part of the SHAPE the Future of Aging plan. I know I serve on one of the committees alongside many others, and I want to highlight the hard work that everyone is doing, but especially the senior centers, Little River Glen and Jim Scott Senior Centers. They are really doing wonderful work. They have a lot of participation and a lot of need, and yet when we asked them if they would be willing to share the Stronger Memory program,

[00:54:17] that's complimentary through Goodwin Living. They raised their hands and said, yes, we'll add one more thing to our list. And they just had a call with them yesterday. One center has about 15 participants. The other has about 25 who are engaging in brain-healthy exercises through Stronger Memory. And that's a program that allows people to take some hope when faced with a diagnosis. You know, our CEO, Rob Lieber, created this program with his mom because she received a

[00:54:52] diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, which is often a precursor to dementia. And there's not a lot out there for that early intervention. So being able to partner with the senior centers to offer this free program is wonderful, along with efforts that really share the resources in our community, such as Insight Memory Care Center, which offers great education, caregiver support, and resources as well. And on November 3rd, or sorry, I think it was November 2nd of this year,

[00:55:24] we held the 38th Annual Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium Conference that was graciously hosted right here at the Fairfax County Government Center with a lot of support from Fairfax County team members, as well as other nonprofits in the Northern Virginia area, we had almost 300 caregivers and volunteers attend. And from our initial feedback, about 60% of those were family caregivers. So I really appreciate this proclamation, the efforts of the county, the

[00:56:01] initiatives that are being pushed through on healthy aging and aging in place. And I think it's more than appropriate that the other proclamation today was around caregiver supports because these two things go hand in hand. So thank you all for designating November as Dementia and Alzheimer's Awareness Month. It is wonderful to work alongside all of the wonderful people in this community in Fairfax and keep being pioneers in the future of aging and dementia of support. Thank you. Thank you very much, Jessica. With that, I think we're ready for a photo. And if

[00:56:41] you all could come forward, Supervisor Jimenez and Supervisor Powcek, our HHS chair, can join me for

[00:56:47] the photo. All right. Next, we have a resolution to honor and recognize Dr. Heesong Lee of the

[00:58:25] Centerville Central Senior Center. And this was requested by myself and Supervisor Smith. And our speaker who's here is Dr. Lee of the Centerville Central Senior Center. If you could come on down and anyone who is here with you is welcome to join you as well. And at this time, I will recognize Supervisor Smith for a motion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Whereas Dr. Haesung Lee emigrated from Korea to the United States in 1971, establishing deep roots in Fairfax County, raising a family and dedicating her life to the well-being of her community.

[00:59:01] And whereas Dr. Lee founded the Central Senior Center in Centerville, Virginia, which has served thousands of Koreans, empowering older adults with new skills and fostering a supportive environment for socialization, learning, and connection.

[00:59:17] And whereas Dr. Lee's dedication as a volunteer and her vision have been instrumental in the growth of CSC, offering diverse classes such as English, fitness, music, and technology training to enrich the lives of older adults in the community.

[00:59:33] And whereas Dr. Lee has demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation by adapting CSC's programming to include virtual classes and technology tutoring during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping seniors stay connected and engaged in a changing world.

[00:59:52] Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all residents of Fairfax County, does hereby honor and recognize Dr. Haesung Lee for her exceptional service to the community through her leadership at the Central Senior Center and expresses heartfelt gratitude for her positive impact on the lives of Korean older adults and her tireless commitment to fostering inclusion and connection.

[01:00:19] I'm happy to second that motion, along with Supervisor Palchik. Discussion? Supervisor Smith. Just briefly, I want to thank Dr. Lee for her commitment to the community. It's really important that we find ways to serve all of our residents in our community, and her commitment to serving people in their language.

[01:00:41] She's invited me to some of their events when they've started the session, And I think that it's really important that the physical activities, like I said, the technology, all of those things were really important. So I really appreciate your commitment to our community, and I know the work that you started will continue.

[01:01:01] So thank you so much. Thank you, Supervisor Smith, and I too want to congratulate Dr. Lee. 30 years is a long time. We're celebrating all those 30 years of remarkable work that you did. And as Supervisor Smith said, culturally appropriate support for so many of our seniors.

[01:01:20] And we know what a large population of Korean Americans we have in Fairfax County and how they've been able to access services as a result of the work that you've done is just remarkable. And so I think probably the thing that's most remarkable is that Dr. Lee accomplished all this as a volunteer, Just someone who stepped up, did the right thing to support our community in ways that are immeasurable, and we thank you for that.

[01:01:47] I also want to take a moment to recognize Dr. Jennifer Lee, who's here as well. Her daughter, who's followed in her great footsteps, is up there. But Dr. Jennifer Lee was the director of the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services under Governor Northam and helped lead Medicaid expansion during COVID.

[01:02:07] And so you've trained her well, and she also has made major contributions to our community. And so I know how proud you are of her, but we are as well. And we're glad she was able to join you today to celebrate 30 years of service for you and for our Korean-American community.

[01:02:27] So congratulations. With that, I think we're ready for a vote. All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? And that motion carries. And we have with us, of course, Dr. Lee. Welcome.

[01:02:43] The floor is yours. Thank you. Good morning, honorable chairman and supervisors. I would like to thank both of the supervisors and especially Sully District Supervisor Kathy Smith for giving me this recognition today.

[01:03:01] I am deeply humbled and honored to receive this recognition, and I'm also thankful to my husband and two daughters, who have always been great supporters of my endeavors.

[01:03:18] In 1999, the Korean Senior Center was established through the support of the Korean Central Presbyterian Church and the AAA of Fairfax County.

[01:03:36] We have been able to provide the Korean American elderly with day activities and congregate nutrition program for all these years. I retired from the Senior Center last June.

[01:03:56] In these last 28 years, volunteering for the Senior Center, I never felt like work was a burden to me. I know being able to help other people in itself is a God's gift.

[01:04:14] I want to share this honor with all the volunteers who have served so many years with me for the Senior Center. Over the years, it was my focus to understand what the needs of the Korean American elderly are and to find the solution to gaps in this community.

[01:04:38] I have been motivated in this work by my own personal experiences and stories of Korean-Americans who needed help. I remember in 1998, the late Mr. Park, who came to me and said he lost his wife five years ago and had not been eating well.

[01:05:06] And he's a diabetic, and he knew he has to eat healthier and better. He was receiving meals on wheels, but he was not eating much because of the unfamiliar taste of the food that is delivered.

[01:05:27] He asked me, is there any way he could get Korean food? I remember reading the professional journals that there was a Jewish Meals on Wheels program in Baltimore.

[01:05:43] So I told him I could ask AAAs. One year later, with the help from AAA, Korean Meals on Wheels started to deliver food to this Mr. Park and other elderly.

[01:05:59] The demand of the Korean food grew very rapidly. At one point, we delivered 35 seniors, delivering meals for two days, three times a week.

[01:06:15] Although this program ended in 2016, hundreds of volunteers and supporters made a very big difference in the lives of frail elderly and homebound elderly.

[01:06:34] In 2004, soon after my father became a widower, he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and the hospice program. I could not find a Korean caregiver in language and cultural barriers with caregivers we could find were very difficult for my father to navigate.

[01:07:00] After he passed away, I started to research why there was not more Korean trained AIDS in the field. I realized there was no program to train this workforce.

[01:07:16] With the help from the Nurse Association in the state, I started the first PCA training program in 2005. Since then, over 1,000 people to date have received their certificate from the center and they are now in the workforce.

[01:07:40] The program has been recognized by the Virginia State Government twice. I want to share today's honor with the STEM nurse at that time at the Fairfax County Public Health Department, Kay Lamar and Shana Sibiron, who helped guide me in setting up the training program to teach basic nursing skills for certification.

[01:08:13] Another benefit for the Senior Center is that it has been providing a place to those who want to volunteer after they retire from the professional jobs.

[01:08:29] They're really enjoying being able to use their professional skill to help others at the center. This program has been a model for Korean churches to provide senior services.

[01:08:46] Now there are many churches in Korean community in the U.S. offering similar services to their congregations. It shows how partnership between the community and local government can make a difference in people's lives.

[01:09:06] and fully leverages the strength of our diversity. Enabling seniors to participate in the activities and offering nutritious food in culturally appropriate way is one way to prevent seniors from getting sick prematurely with chronic diseases like diabetes, dementia, and heart disease.

[01:09:37] I want to express my gratitude, honorable past chairmen, Catherine Henley, Jerry Connolly, and Sharon Bluer, enriching their lives through the supporting the Central Seniors' congregate meals and transportations.

[01:10:00] I am grateful for your partnership. Thank you again for this recognition. I could not have done any of this without help from the Lord, my church, Fairfax County, and all the volunteers who served with me. Thank you.

[01:10:21] Excellent. Thank you very much, Dr. Lee. Great remarks. And I think with that, we're ready for a photo. And if you could come forward and anyone who's here with you that would like to join you

[01:10:32] for the photo, we would welcome that. And Supervisor Smith will join me. Finally, we have a resolution

[01:12:17] to honor and recognize Lisa Wetzel, Executive Director of Bright Paths. And this was requested by myself. I have a copy of the resolution. I'm going to turn the gavel over to Supervisor Smith. And Lisa, if you could come on down, I know there's some other folks here with you.

[01:12:34] They can come on down now or they can wait and join you for the photo. But I have the following resolution, whereas Lisa Wetzel has dedicated nearly 20 years to Bright Pass, serving as executive director for 17 years and leading the organization with a steadfast commitment to social justice, community empowerment, and meaningful service.

[01:12:56] And whereas under her visionary leadership, Bright Pass has grown from a modest team of three staff members and a budget of $100,000 to an impactful organization that significantly enhances the lives of families and individuals in need within the community.

[01:13:14] And whereas Lisa Wetzel's tireless work has helped Bright Pass become a model of compassion and effectiveness, providing essential resources, financial education, and career assistance, inspiring both internal and external partners through her value-driven approach and dedication.

[01:13:32] and whereas Bright Pass was recognized as Nonprofit of the Year in 2019 by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce at the Good Business Awards, an honor that underscores Lisa's leadership and dedication to excellence and community impact. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all residents of Fairfax County, hereby congratulates Lisa Wetzel on her retirement and honors her for her outstanding service and profound contributions to Bright Paths and the community at large. I'll second that motion along with

[01:14:09] Supervisor Pouchek. Discussion? Yes, thank you, Vice Chair Smith. I had an opportunity to be at the Bright Paths recent gala, anniversary gala, and Delegate Bulova had a proclamation to recognize Lisa Wetzel. And I made the comment that I did not have one to recognize Lisa Wetzel. I did have one to recognize Bright Paths that this board supported on their anniversary. But the reason I didn't have one is we wanted to make sure we could bring Lisa here so that all of my colleagues could have an opportunity to honor you for your 20 years of service to Bright Paths. And I know

[01:14:48] that you could tell many stories over that period of time. And I know you'll give a lot of credit to your board and the staff at Bright Pass and all the folks that do the incredible work every single day serving the most vulnerable in our population.

[01:15:03] But that couldn't happen without an executive director and leader like you were and continue to be in our community. And so as this resolution reads, Bright Pass has transformed into a much larger, much more complicated but sophisticated organization.

[01:15:23] And why that's so important to us is that allows you to serve so many people more in our community that need help. And hearing some of the stories of clients from Bright Pass over the years is a testament to the effectiveness not only of you, but of the entire team that serves our community.

[01:15:42] And so I wanted to have this opportunity to not only celebrate those 20 years of service, but also wish you well in the future. And it's my hope and I know my colleagues hope that you'll continue to stay engaged in this important work in some other dimension because we know there's still a lot of people out there that need services and help that we're not reaching.

[01:16:04] But at least for this moment, we're grateful for the thousands of people whose lives have been improved by Bright Paths and your leadership of that organization over a long, long period of time. So thank you, Lisa, and thank you to your family, because I know that this is a family effort to be able to do what you're doing, and we also want an opportunity to thank them.

[01:16:29] Thank you. Supervisor Palchuk. Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. Thank you to the chairman for bringing this forward. Lisa, I thought the chairman was going to say, no, we don't support her retirement. No, we don't. I was looking up. I think you've been there half the time that Bright Pass has been around, 40 years.

[01:16:48] I was thinking she was only here, like, what, 12, 14 years before I met her, but, right, it's been a very long time. And what I love about Lisa and about Bright Pass is that you focus on listening and understanding what's really needed, right, what our families need, both in the moment, whether it's supporting kids, supporting with more of the emergency side of food and supports, but also thinking about how to empower our families, right?

[01:17:19] I love that Bright Paths is so focused on, I heard recently how to both catch the babies but support upstream, right? How do we ensure that we are both addressing the immediate needs but thinking about how to not be as necessary, right?

[01:17:38] how to support and empower families, understand where the most need is, where those barriers are, that our families are just needing that special different kinds of support, whether it's economic empowerment, workforce training.

[01:17:56] And really, for me, it's just the dignity to the work and to our clients and the fact that the county relies so much on our partnership with nonprofits and your leadership at Bright Pass. I had no idea how much you'd grown under your leadership.

[01:18:12] Really has been, I think, successful, not just for the work, but in transforming the lives of so many generations now of our community members. So I'm very, very sad to see you retire. I hope we get to still see you around.

[01:18:31] And I wish you and your team just incredible continued success. And congrats to your family for getting you back a little bit more of the time. So thank you, Lisa. Thank you. Seeing no further discussion, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye.

[01:18:47] Aye. Anyone opposed? That motion carries. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Vice Chair Smith for that. And as I mentioned, Lisa Wetzel is here with us. And welcome. The floor is yours. Honor in receiving this resolution is both humbling and deeply meaningful.

[01:19:08] And just a fun fact, I'm a graduate of Hayfield High School. And I lived on Fort Belvoir in my last two years of high school, so we moved to this area for the schools. We will amend the resolution to include that. How do you feel about the football team? Too soon? Too soon?

[01:19:26] Anyway, so as I prepare to retire after nearly 20 years as Executive Director of Bright Paths, this moment feels bittersweet. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve this community and to witness Fairfax County's extraordinary commitment to human services nonprofits. The county has always seen organizations like Bright Paths as true partners in addressing our community's challenges. Together, we have achieved so much, and Bright Paths is honored to serve as a trusted partner during pivotal moments,

[01:20:01] including distributions of millions of dollars in TANF relief during the 2008 economic crisis and stepping up again to deliver pandemic relief when our community needed it most. We've worked hand-in-hand with the county to adapt to the ever-changing needs of those we serve and ensuring that hope and stability were never out of reach.

[01:20:24] I'm especially proud that Fairfax County recognizes the critical link between human services and a thriving economy. When the community is strong, the economy is strong. And this investment in human services is not just compassionate, it is smart and ensuring opportunity and resilience for all.

[01:20:45] now more than ever nonprofits need continued support to meet new challenges this partnership between the county and organizations like bright paths is vital to building a stronger future for everyone in our community so as i step away i do so with immense pride in what we've accomplished in complete confidence in the team that will carry on this mission forward to my colleagues our supporters and the fairfax county leadership thank you for your trust your collaboration and and the unwavering dedication to this work.

[01:21:18] It has been an honor of my life to serve alongside you. And I also want to thank my family for their support and all my colleagues. So thank you. Thank you very much, Lisa. Thank you for your comments. And I mentioned being at the gala, and the love for you in that room was just tremendous.

[01:21:39] And so I know a lot of people are really grateful for all the things that you've done for them in this community and we're included in that and we say thank you. So with that, I think

[01:21:50] we're ready for a photo and if the board could rise. All right. And with that, we're going to move

[01:23:13] on to board appointments to citizens, to citizen boards, authorities, commissions, and advisory groups. And everyone should have a final copy dated November 19th. And let me ask Supervisor Smith if you have a motion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move approval of board appointments to citizen boards, authorities, commissions, and advisory groups from the final copy dated November 19, 2024. I'm happy to second that. Are there any requests for separate votes on anything in the package? Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor of the final copy dated November 19, 2024,

[01:23:52] please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? And that motion carries and brings us to board matters. And as we always do, these were compiled digitally by the clerk's office. We will go alphabetically by district following myself and Chairman Smith. I am going to hand the gavel over to Vice Chairman Smith. I do have a couple of board matters here. First, I move to approve without objection the proclamation request listed in this document to be presented inside and outside of the boardroom as appropriate, and that is a proclamation to recognize Diwali, a resolution

[01:24:31] jointly with Supervisor Bierman to recognize the McLean Citizens Association on its 110th anniversary, and a resolution to recognize Mark Pembelton for his heroic act of service in saving a fellow citizen from a highway fire. Without objection, it's so ordered.

[01:24:47] Thank you, Vice Chair Smith. My second board matter is Small Business Saturday, is observed annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It's a nationwide movement to highlight the critical role small businesses play in strengthening our local economy and fostering a sense of community.

[01:25:06] Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving job creation, innovation, and local investment. Fairfax County is proud to support small businesses that make up 90% of our business community. From family-owned shops and local artisans to innovative startups, these businesses not only contribute to our economic strength, but also shape the character and success of our neighborhoods.

[01:25:29] This holiday shopping season plays a critical role in supporting the growth of our small business community. This year's Small Business Saturday falls on November 30th, and we would urge all residents to support and promote our Made in Fairfax initiative. Residents can find over 125 Made in Fairfax vendors through the online directory, which the link is here. Lastly, we can all help our local entrepreneurs thrive by shopping, dining, and spending locally. I therefore move that the Office of Public Affairs promote this initiative on the county's social media channels and website and encourage public participation, the Department of Economic Initiatives to

[01:26:09] collaborate with local chambers of commerce and business groups to amplify awareness and participation in small business Saturday events, and finally to celebrate Fairfax, visit Fairfax and my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors to encourage and share this initiative via their social media and newsletter channels. I'll second that motion along with Supervisor Palchuk. Any discussion? All those in favor of the motion say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Vice Chair Smith. And my final board matter is offered jointly with Supervisor Walkinshaw, the chair of our legislative committee. As the board knows,

[01:26:47] this year more than 150 million Americans cast their vote for President of the United States. The results of the election were clear within hours of polls closing. We avoided many of the protracted challenges that were expected and a peaceful transfer of power appears to be underway.

[01:27:04] Locally, we must prepare to address the potential impacts of the new administration. The president-elect has recommitted to his goal of, quote, dismantling government bureaucracy, end quote, and among the many policy changes that he plans to make in service of this goal are several that could have a significant impact on our community. Those include a proposed drastic reduction in the federal workforce, replacement of nonpartisan civil servants with those deemed quote-unquote loyal, large-scale immigration enforcement actions, and a rollback of regulations

[01:27:39] aimed at addressing climate change. First, the federal workforce is under clear threat. The federal workforce is under clear threat from the incoming administration, and I have heard from many of them personally who are my constituents. The president-elect has made it clear both during his campaign and through Executive Order 13957, which he implemented in his first term, he intends to greatly reduce the presence of the federal workforce in our region by potentially locating up to 100,000 workers and reducing the ranks of federal employees through reclassification

[01:28:14] and ultimately termination. In addition to changing the intended apolitical nature of a large portion of the federal government, the president-elect's goals with the federal workforce could have a devastating impact on the regional economy. Fairfax County is home to more than 50,000 federal employees, and businesses located in Fairfax County receive over $38 billion in federal contracts, 5% of all federal procurement contracts, according to the Fairfax County

[01:28:49] Economic Development Authority. Any reduction in federal presence in our county will cause a major impact on the commercial real estate market on which we rely heavily to fund our world-class public schools and other county services. Second, the board has taken numerous steps to address the impact of climate change on our county and our world. The president-elect has stated his intent to roll back federal regulations aimed at curbing climate change and committed once again to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Accord as he did in 2017. This international treaty is

[01:29:25] aimed at limiting global warming and was adopted in 2015 by nearly 200 countries under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Third, Fairfax County has a long history of defending and supporting our most vulnerable residents. These include low-income families, seniors, children, recent immigrants, people with disabilities, members of marginalized communities like LGBTQ individuals. These residents often face barriers to accessing resources and opportunities. A reduction in federal employees would no doubt have a significant impact on their

[01:30:00] ability to get needed services. This is in addition to the broader threats to federal entitlement programs. In particular, the threat of mass deportations will have a detrimental effect on Fairfax County in multiple ways. While immigration enforcement targeting the small number of dangerous criminals is sensible, indiscriminate and widespread enforcement will in fact harm public safety through a reduction in cooperation with local law enforcement.

[01:30:28] Our board recognized this problem and adopted the trust policy, which has increased cooperation and communication with immigrant populations and our Fairfax County Police Department. Mass deportations will have economic and human impacts. Undocumented immigrants in Virginia pay approximately $690 million in state and local taxes, according to a study by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. This population includes working families with children in our schools who are already feeling under threat by the incoming administration. With 85,000 current

[01:31:06] job openings in our region, half of which are in Fairfax County, we cannot afford to lose such an important component of our workforce. Therefore, I move the Board of Supervisors direct the county executive to review any and all options for actions the Board of Supervisors may take to prepare for, respond to, proposed actions by the incoming Trump administration that will have a negative impact on Fairfax County residents. The county executive shall bring these options to the Board of Supervisors Legislative Committee for potential action through the county's annual legislative program. The Board of Supervisors is committed to defending all of our residents

[01:31:45] from harmful impacts of the incoming administration, no matter what form they take or when they occur, and we recommit ourselves to our One Fairfax policy and its goal of advancing equity in all we do. I'll second that motion along with Supervisor Walkinshaw. Discussion on the motion, Mr. Chairman. Yeah, thank you, Madam Chair. I, you know, this is an unusual circumstance. Whenever there's a change in administration, we ask our legislative team and others to begin to assess what that might mean for Fairfax County, but this is obviously rare in the sense that we've seen a four-year administration before. And so we know what some

[01:32:23] of the potential impacts are, and very clearly outlined on the campaign trail were many of the things that I mentioned in my board matter. And this is not meant to be a complete listing of issues, and some that may benefit the county could come as a result of this administration as well. And we will be supportive of those. But when you look back at the things that have been said, the commitments that have been made, we first and foremost have to protect our county. And any attack on our federal workforce is an attack on Fairfax County. It is so central to our economy and to our

[01:33:02] way of life here. And the people that I have been hearing from who are most concerned are federal employees, and equally important, from an economic standpoint, probably more important, all of the contractors who do business with the federal government who are at risk at a time where we cannot afford any further detrimental rollbacks of our commercial real estate.

[01:33:25] And so they are very concerned about widespread transfers of federal officials out of this area. They are very concerned about the impact on contracting and the amount of revenue that They get and their own employees who are providing vital services to our Fairfax County community and to our nation as federal employees and contractors to the federal government.

[01:33:48] And so the immediate economic risk here is significant. And I know there's a lot of people in this county living very concerned right now about the impacts to their lives that have been proposed through this campaign.

[01:34:04] And we have to do everything we can to support the things that benefit our community, but stand up and stand strongly on those things that we think will have a detrimental impact on the livelihood of the people who live, work, and play in Fairfax County.

[01:34:20] And so this is meant to get our legislative team's attention early, to be starting to look at these things, and to be thinking about changes that we likely will have to make to our federal legislative program based on some of these promises that were made during the campaign.

[01:34:36] Thank you. Supervisor Walkinshaw. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. You know, this is timely. Among other things, we'll be discussing the federal legislative program at our legislative committee meeting on Tuesday. So we'll be able to delve into this. a little bit more. I was here on Saturday in this room for Congressman Connolly's annual open season event, which is an opportunity for federal employees and retirees to learn about the different health care and benefits options that they have. And I can tell you in the room with the hundreds of folks who are here, there is palpable fear and concern

[01:35:13] about what we've heard thus far from President-elect Trump. And I think it's safe to say that he has a seriousness of purpose that perhaps he didn't possess in 2017. Unfortunately, that's a seriousness of purpose that would be very injurious to Fairfax County and a lot of our residents.

[01:35:34] I was thinking back to more than a decade ago now when we were dealing with sequestration or the prospect of sequestration in Congress. And I remember then Governor McDonnell speaking out very forcefully to his own party about the dangers of, as he termed them, haphazard federal budget cuts to Virginia's economy. He was very outspoken. He laid out the reduction in

[01:36:09] Virginia's economic output that would come from haphazard budget cuts, and took both parties to task at the time because he recognized his role was defending Virginia. I'm hopeful that moving forward, Governor Youngkin will take a similar approach. To date, his response to the plans to eliminate tens of thousands of federal jobs has been to say they can get other jobs. Kind of a let them eat cake kind of response. What he maybe doesn't know about federal employees

[01:36:47] is that these are patriotic Americans who are dedicated to the jobs they have and the missions they're performing. If they're caring for our veterans at a VA clinic, they're doing that because that's what they believe in. If they're working at HUD to ensure that low-income Americans have access to safe and secure housing, that's what they believe in. And on and on and on, They want to keep their jobs serving the American people.

[01:37:12] They don't necessarily want other jobs, even if they may be available. I'm hopeful that Governor Youngkin will maybe talk to some of them and come to realize that and engage with the administration to try to encourage them to step back from some of these dangerous plans.

[01:37:29] I'll also say, and the board matter and the chairman mentioned contractors. And, you know, I spent a lot of time in my career working with federal contractors on procurement reform and trying to make the federal system work better. And one of the things that contractors will tell you, they need highly qualified federal employees so that they can perform their mission.

[01:37:51] They need contracts to be managed by people with the experience and knowledge to manage them effectively. And one of the biggest challenges they face is agencies who don't currently have the workforce they need to manage complicated programs.

[01:38:08] And this would hurt our federal employees and our contractors. So we need to communicate this year in our federal legislative program to our delegation. I think they're obviously very aware of this, but we can help them to articulate the devastating impact this would have on not just Fairfax County, but Virginia.

[01:38:28] the entire Commonwealth from an economic development standpoint. So I think it's important, it's timely, and I appreciate Chairman McKay's leadership on this. Thank you. Supervisor Alcorn, then Palchuk. Thank you very much, Madam Vice Chair. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for bringing this forward, and thank you, Supervisor Walkinshaw, for your comments just now.

[01:38:50] I think as the county executive looks at options and comes back to the legislative committee, There's one thing that I think could be helpful and builds on the comments both of you just made. I think as there are proposals to dramatically shift or move federal activities, particularly anything that would move out of the region or shut down, we really could benefit, I think all of us, the state, could benefit from rapid analysis of the impacts of those changes.

[01:39:25] You know, we're going to need to stay on top of it, obviously, because it's going to affect our tax base. It's going to affect our economic well-being. But so is the Commonwealth. You know, as you mentioned, you know, the previous governor was very much aware of this.

[01:39:41] And I think if we could somehow maybe collaboratively with other institutions come up with a way to come up with an economic impact, not just on economic impact of federal employees moving, and I know this is trickier, but on the government contractors and the government contract part of our economy, that would be super helpful because these numbers could be big.

[01:40:10] this could be a very significant impact on our county and our region. So my one ask is if there's some way that somebody could develop that kind of rapid analysis.

[01:40:26] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Supervisor Palchuk. Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. And, again, also very much appreciate this border matter. And I think all the comments I'm hearing, I'm seeing it as sort of like two avenues, both 100% agree on the economic impact and understanding that, whether we do that to the Fuller Institute, to Schar or others, to really, you know, there have already been concerns about the office collapse and, you know, having the economic engine to the Commonwealth right here and how much further this could go.

[01:41:00] So to me, that's definitely a very important avenue. In addition, and I think some of the policy areas are addressed here, a lot of fear, right, although we don't always see the direct impact or direct large funding.

[01:41:16] There are funding and impacts on the issues that we care about and work really hard to both support locally to try to get support at the state level and rely on some federal grants, so whether those be education, pre-K to 12 education, whether they be around housing, a lot of concerns over looking at changing the housing tax credits, transportation, looking at Secretaries of Transportation that might greatly push back, pull back the incredible work, the hard work to become a much more connected community.

[01:41:54] And also through all of this and things that I've mentioned, right, we are so focused here at the local level on the safety of everyone in our community. And I think as was mentioned, whether it's our LGBTQ plus community, our immigrant community, our most vulnerable communities who are already fearful and worrying that they will not understand that our trust policy is there and what these new implications mean for the work we're doing to ensure that people do come forward, that victims of crime, especially domestic violence and other crimes, are coming forward.

[01:42:32] So I think to me, making sure when our county comes back, both on the economic impacts, but also on our policy impacts and what we are able to do and perhaps not do, but advocate for as we move forward.

[01:42:48] So thank you for bringing this to us, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Supervisor Luss. Thank you, Madam Vice Chairman. I'll go quickly. I just want to make the point that's connected to what Supervisor Alcorn was saying on having this analysis and... the economic impacts and the thing that I'm kind of focused on here too is when we think about our contractors we've got to also acknowledge that there are so many contractors that are embedded in our agencies and the questions are going to be the impact of those embedded contractors are going to be substantial as it affects the work and the mission of those agencies so we've got to

[01:43:24] really understand kind of on the both sides of this coin you've got those contractors that are outside the work of the agencies and you have those that are actually inside embedded so i hope we can get a sense of what that means and impacts and understand that and i just want to again acknowledge i appreciate the effort that's being undertaken here specifically and acknowledge that you know we might not agree you know always um on kind of the the methods and the things that we do but we all are focused on ensuring that we're making the best decisions for Fairfax County residents and that's what we have to be

[01:44:04] focused on and I just appreciate that we're acknowledging that that is where we're foundationally headed with this effort and again just want to acknowledge the work that's being done by Supervisor Walkinshaw and the chairman thank you Thank you Supervisor stork, I think we all recognize the concerns are real Obviously the action we're taking today is prudent and hopefully can get us at least position to respond effectively I know as the chair and I know

[01:44:39] The chairman of the board as well. We we will obviously put together some economic development committee Reviews of this to understand better what that is and maybe really more importantly Recognize how we need to build coalitions of business and community Representatives to ensure that our voices are as loud and effective as possible. So We've got some real challenges here not because we think that's what should be done But because that's what's been said and all we can do is to do at this point in time

[01:45:16] Take you know seriously the comments that have been made and and do whatever we can to minimize our impact our community. So thank you. Thank you. Seeing no further discussion, all those in favor of the motion say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed? Herity, nay. Any abstentions? That motion passes with Supervisor Herity voting nay. Thank you very much, Vice Chairman Smith, and you are next up.

[01:45:41] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This is a motion to expand the SSPA for Lincoln Park. On April 11, 2023 the board of supervisors authorized the consideration of a plan amendment for tax map parcels 24-4 double circle 1 6e and 6f as part of the 2023 comprehensive plan amendment work program staff was directed to consider residential use at a density of approximately 18 dwelling units per acre the property is developed with an office building and is part of an original development

[01:46:16] area that consists of five approved office buildings on property zoned i-5 this area is located next to an existing residential neighborhood and is near schools parks and community serving retail making a transition to residential use appropriate for study a more logical planning area that adds three additional parcels would expand consideration to adjacent and similarly situated parcels that are zoned for industrial use and could transition to planned residential uses therefore mr chairman i move that the board of supervisors direct staff to expand the study area

[01:46:50] for plan amendment 2023 dash roman numeral 3-5 up to include tax map parcels 24-4 double circle 1 6d3 6d5 6d6 in addition to parcels 6e and 6f this motion should not be construed as a favorable recommendation on these applications by the Board and does not relieve the applicant from compliance with the provisions of any applicable ordinances, regulations, or adopted standards.

[01:47:20] This action in no way prejudices the substantive review of the applications. And the Chair will second that along with Supervisor Paucek. 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.

[01:47:38] And this is for Teen Cancer Awareness Week 2025. Mr. Chairman, teen cancers affect many of our younger residents and their families across the county. Bite Me Cancer is a local organization dedicated to raising awareness surrounding teen cancer. Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I ask without objection that representatives of Bite Me Cancer be brought before the board on January 14, 2025, to receive a resolution recognizing Teen Cancer Awareness Week. Without objection, that is so ordered. Supervisor Smith. And my office staff is growing. I am pleased to introduce two of my

[01:48:13] new employees to you. Caudalie Agwu recently relocated to Fairfax County from Montgomery County, Maryland. She is a recent graduate of Georgetown University where she studied international politics. As a Nigerian-American, she loves the county's embrace of its cultural diversity. Coddly will focus on office administration and human services. Welcome to Coddly.

[01:48:37] And I also have Brian Nolte here. Brian is a lifelong Sully resident and is returning to my team after having interned with me in the summers of 2017 and 2018. Brian has dual bachelor's degrees in history and political science and a master's of international security from George Mason University. Brian will handle communications, the environment, energy, and other related issues.

[01:49:04] So welcome, Brian. So we are up and running in the Sully District. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Excellent. Thank you very much, Supervisor Smith. And next up is Supervisor Walkinshaw. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have two board matters and one announcement. The first is a joint board matter with you, Mr. Chairman, Supervisor Paltrick, Supervisor Alcorn, and Supervisor Lusk, recognizing devotion to children's 30th anniversary. Mr. Chairman, in 1994, Rosemary Tran Lauer established Devotion to Children, a local nonprofit organization

[01:49:41] dedicated to serving children in need. Lauer experienced the hardship of arriving in the United States as a single mother in 1975 with limited support. She was determined to help other families who are going through similar challenges. Today, Devotion to Children implements its mission through the tuition scholarship program angel fund program speech therapy program and their annual children's day program providing financial assistance critical child development support and educational supplies therefore mr chairman without objection i ask that the staff prepare resolution to recognize devotion to children's 30th anniversary and its contributions

[01:50:20] to our community the resolution will be presented outside the boardroom at the organization's red heart and soul gala on november 22nd without objection that is so ordered supervisor walkinshaw thank you mr chairman uh next and i'm excited about this one and i'll read the entire thing because we are announcing the winners of the 2024 fairfax county environmental excellence award this is a joint board matter with you and with supervisor jimenez each year the fairfax county environmental excellence awards honor individual residents organizations or businesses and

[01:50:57] county employees who advance or support the county's environmental goals and policies. The honorees dedicate personal time and expertise beyond their normal civic or professional responsibilities while consistently demonstrating leadership and serving as a role model for others.

[01:51:14] In 2024, six awardees were chosen by the Environmental Quality Advisory Council on behalf of the Board of Supervisors. Together, these honorees devoted countless hours to the improvement of the county's natural environment through public advocacy, volunteerism, mentorship, and the implementation of programs and sustainability strategies. Therefore, today I'd like to announce the six winners of the 2024 Fairfax County Environmental Excellence Awards. The county employee category includes three winners. Kirsten Bushner, a public outreach and engagement specialist with the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services. Kirsten is recognized

[01:51:52] for developing and implementing a bus shelter advertising program for solid waste management that focuses on reaching minority populations along the Richmond Highway Corridor. Posters were developed in English and Spanish and featured nine community leaders with a QR code that linked to the SWMP website. While the posters were displayed, it's estimated that they generated 1.7 million weekly impressions, which resulted in several million impressions over the course of multiple weeks. The posters were so well received that SWMP plans to expand the campaign to

[01:52:28] additional public spaces. Congratulations to Kirsten. Carolyn Hockenberry and Elizabeth or Liza Moore, who probably all of us know and have seen at our farmers markets. Caroline is the coordinator for the Fairfax County Park Authority farmers markets and Liza is the marketing and outreach coordinator. They partnered with Clean Fairfax on messaging and best practices to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags at farmers markets. They created spaces at the markets to educate the public on alternatives to single-use plastic bags and worked with vendors to provide

[01:53:03] baskets and reusable bags to shoppers. Caroline and Liza also enhanced the county sustainability practices by promoting a very successful food scraps composting drop-off program at our farmers markets. And last year, that program collected 120,000 pounds of customer food scraps for composting. Congratulations to Caroline and Liza. The individual resident category includes two winners. The first winner is Eileen Craigie, the founder of Dark Sky Friends and the Northern Virginia chapter of Dark Sky International, who I'm sure we all have heard from. Eileen's been

[01:53:40] very active in raising community awareness about the impacts of light pollution in Fairfax County. She frequently provides light pollution education, outreach, and event support, including support for George Mason University's Space Day event. She's been active in changing local lighting legislation and was successful in getting Virginia to designate the first week in April as Dark Sky Week.

[01:54:04] Eileen coordinated the first ever Firefly and Bat Fest events at Wolf Trap, in addition to providing dark sky education at that venue. She's contributed tens of thousands of dollars to dark sky education and outreach. Congratulations to Eileen.

[01:54:21] The second winner is Arielle Koyumjin, a youth climate activist and senior at the Potomac School. Arielle established a nonprofit organization called Changing Planet Justice Foundation, whose mission is to empower youth to speak out, share their stories, and inspire action within their communities and beyond.

[01:54:41] As the executive director of the foundation, she hosts a monthly podcast and has developed toolkits and activity options for youth between the ages of 5 and 18. Arielle offers workshops on leadership certification to equip young individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to become effective advocates for sustainability and climate justice.

[01:55:03] Congratulations to Arielle. Finally, the organization and business category includes one winner, and as I noted, Equac selected the winners this year. I did not select the winners, but this year's winner is the Hickory Farms Community Association in the Braddock District.

[01:55:21] The association has been active in preserving and enhancing more than 10 acres of wooded riparian habitat along Rabbit Run, as well as more than 10 acres of urban open space within their community. In the past decade, they've developed a management plan and detailed budget to preserve and enhance these common areas.

[01:55:40] Key steps have included the eradication of an extensive grove of invasive bamboo, the planting of two wildflower meadows, removal of invasive species along rabbit run, and the planting of native trees. In addition, the Community Association established a bluebird trail consisting of 10 birdhouses, yielding a significant number of bluebird fledglings, and installed an 18-unit Purple Martin colony. The association has also carried out a program to protect a resource protection area and remediate a local stream. We're fortunate to have these leaders working in our community.

[01:56:20] Their efforts ensure that county residents and visitors can continue to enjoy a healthy, safe, vibrant, and beautiful natural environment. Therefore, I move that the board direct the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination to publicize the names of the 2024 Environmental Excellence Award winners. These winners will be recognized in a joint award ceremony with other environment and building design champions in 2025. So moved. Second. Thank you. I'll second that with a lot of other people. All those in favor of the motion say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed? That motion carries. Anything else? Thank you, Madam Chair. Just one announcement. I'm very excited to share

[01:56:59] that on Wednesday, December 4th at 6.30 p.m. in Braddock Hall, I, along with the Braddock District Council, will be hosting our annual Best Braddock Award Ceremony. The reception that involves free food will be open to the entire community and kick off with hors d'oeuvres and desserts, have a chance to meet folks from across the Braddock District. After that, we'll have the award ceremony to recognize individuals, organizations, and county employees who are working to make their neighborhoods and the Braddock District and Fairfax County an even better place to live, work, and play. That's December 4th at 6.30 p.m. Thank you, Madam Chair.

[01:57:39] Thank you, Supervisor Walkinshaw. And next up is Supervisor Beerman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. No board matters, just one brief announcement, which it's a little far off, but December 16th, Monday, December 16th, we will be hosting a holiday open house for residents of the drainsville district and any members of the board of supervisors who'd like to come by so thank you thank you very much uh supervisor beerman supervisor lusk thank you mr chairman of two items the first is the expediting concurrent processing for kingstown's

[01:58:13] m and n parcels in 2020 the board of supervisors approved zoning applications to permit up to 646 multifamily residential units with ground floor retail, an ice skating rink, and other amenities at the Kingstown Town Center. Recently, the applicants Kingstown M and NLP and Federal Royalty Partners LP filed a profit condition amendment PCA, conceptual development plan amendment CDPA, and final development plan amendment FDPA applications on parcels of

[01:58:47] land identified on Fairfax County tax map as 91-2 double circles 1 parcels 36B and 36G part to modify the residential buildings and to redesign the amenities and the pedestrian plaza.

[01:59:05] There's no change proposed to the number of residential units previously approved and again that's 646 multifamily units. The PCA, the CDPA and FDPA applications have been accepted and are currently scheduled for a planning commission public hearing on may 14th 2025 the applicant has an approved site plan based upon the previously approved site design and will need to be revised to incorporate the changes to the multi-family buildings and pedestrian plaza that are proposed again with these pcas cdpas and ftpa applications to accelerate the delivery of such needed housing

[01:59:44] stock and the long-awaited public plaza improvements the applicants requested concurrent processing of its site plan and building permit applications and expedited processing of the zoning applications given the limited scope of the zoning applications i am comfortable with the request for expedited processing the zoning applications and current processing of the site plan and building permit applications therefore mr chairman i move the board of supervisors direct

[02:00:09] county staff to expedite the processing of PCA 84-L-020-28 CDPA 84-L-020-09 and FDPA 84-L-020-02-17 in parens RZPA-2024-FR-00030 and further authorized staff to concurrently process the

[02:00:44] site plan and building permit applications associated with PCA-84-L-020-28, CDPA-84-L-020-09,

[02:01:02] and FDPA-84-L-020-02-07, also 17, excuse me, in paren, sorry, RZPA-2024-FR-00030, in paren.

[02:01:28] 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. And the Chair will second that motion. Discussion on the motion?

[02:01:46] Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Supervisor Lusk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Apologize. It's a mouthful of acronyms and numbers, so thank you for that. Second board matter is the Franconia District food distributions are scheduled on December 14th and 15th of this year, 2024.

[02:02:08] Mr. Chairman, I'm pleased to announce the Franconia District Office will be launching Franconia District food distributions on the weekend of Saturday, December 14th, and Sunday, December 15th. These food distributions are aimed at assisting food insecure families in the Hyba Valley and Springfield portions of the Franconia District.

[02:02:26] On Saturday, meals will be distributed at the Hyba Valley Community Center and the Jerry Highland Government Center. On Sunday, meals will be distributed at the Springfield Resource Center and the St. Mark's Lutheran Church. The goal for the weekend is to distribute 100 boxes of food.

[02:02:42] Each carefully prepared box can feed a family for two weeks, ensuring access to balanced nutritious meals during the holidays. Each box will have grains, corn, grits, chicken, flour, beans, lentils, yogurt, farina, and rice. Food insecurity impacts approximately 27% of residents here in Fairfax County.

[02:03:02] It is essential to help our undeserved communities, and these food distributions are one part of addressing this problem. We're grateful for our partner, Gaddafi Ishmael, with the Lean Corporation for the assistance provided to make this happen. This is part of the Lean Corporation's Sharing the Love initiative.

[02:03:21] With that, Mr. Chairman, I move, without objection, that the Office of Public Affairs assist my office with publicizing these Franconia District food distributions. So moved. Without objection, it is so ordered. Supervisor Lusk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And that concludes my board matters.

[02:03:39] Thank you, Supervisor Lusk. Supervisor Alcorn. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I have no board matters. I do have one announcement, though. So my office hosted the Hunter Mill District Winter Coat Closet this past Saturday, November 16th.

[02:03:55] And as I think everyone is aware, this event was started by my predecessor, Kathy Hudgens, to help ensure that our neighbors in need have a warm coat. This year, the event was a great success. We distributed nearly 1,400 coats, hats, gloves, and scarves to hundreds of local families.

[02:04:13] As in the past, we partnered with non-profit Cornerstones, which collected and organized many donations. Thank you as well to Supervisor Lusk for helping with that. I believe also helped with the coat closet in the Providence District. And I do want to thank everyone in the community beyond Supervisor Lusk for their tremendous generosity and the many volunteers from across the community, including Reston Strong, Young Men's Service League, Fox Mill and Hunter Mill chapters, as well as the outstanding efforts by my staff, especially Gillian Smith.

[02:04:49] So thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Supervisor Alcorn. Supervisor Jimenez. Mr. Chairman, I do not have any board matters, but I have two brief announcements this morning. First, I'm excited to announce the first episode of Reimagine Mason.

[02:05:11] Reimagine Mason is a podcast highlighting the people who make Masons such a diverse, It's an exciting place to live. Our first guest, Miss Annie Ray from Annandale High School, whom we all remember won the Grammy for Music Educator of the Year, was our first guest yesterday.

[02:05:28] The first episode drops on November 26th, just in time for folks looking for something to listen to on their drive to their parents' friends' house for Thanksgiving. I know Supervisor Palchuk's going to be excited to tune that in as soon as she gets in the car. So, of course, you can sign up for our newsletter if you have not already.

[02:05:47] to get the episode delivered to your inbox as soon as it drops. My second announcement, Mr. Chairman, not as exciting but very important, is that we are hosting a health care fair this Saturday, November 23rd, from 10 until noon at the Mason District Government Center.

[02:06:06] We have worked with 14 different county agencies and community partners to bring services and resources to our residents. Residents will have access to free screenings for hearing, speech, hepatitis, HIV, blood pressure, weight, and body mass, free flu shots, as well as free take-home items such as medication boxes, drug deactivation kits, and reading glasses.

[02:06:31] Residents will also be able to get assistance with Medicaid applications and receive information on mental health, substance abuse, dementia, and caregiving support, the Stronger Memory program mentioned earlier local dental screens and reduced cost clinics so we're really looking forward to partnering both with the county but also nonprofits that make us so strong and make sure that we're delivering the services especially around the winter time that our residents need so thank you very much mr chairman thank you very much uh supervisor menes uh next up is supervisor Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and this is a joint board matter with you.

[02:07:10] Established in 1949, Holland Hill stands as one of the finest examples of mid-century modern architecture in the United States. Most of the homes were designed by renowned architect Charles Goodman, and the community embodies an aesthetic influence by legends like Miles Randeroa and Frank Lloyd Wright, evident in the clean, uncluttered lines of the homes.

[02:07:30] Over the past 75 years, residents have come together to safeguard this legacy, ensuring the community's design and natural landscape remain integral. The efforts of the Holland Hills Design Review Committee, composed of dedicated neighbors, have helped maintain its architectural integrity while embracing the ideals upon which Holland Hills was founded.

[02:07:50] Holland Hills has earned numerous architectural awards and has been celebrated in many newspapers and magazines. In 2013, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized the Virginia Landmark Historic District. More recently, in 2022, Fairfax County designated Holland Hills as an historic overlay district, securing its legacy for future generations.

[02:08:11] This year, the community celebrated its anniversary with a series of events reflecting on the past and looking ahead to the future. As we honor this 75-year journey, we extend our appreciation to the residents and community leaders who have contributed to Holland Hills' presentation and to the vibrant, close-knit neighborhood it is today.

[02:08:30] Therefore, without objection, we ask that the Office of Public Affairs prepare a proclamation to be presented outside the boardroom on December 9th to recognize the 75th anniversary of Holland Hills and the community work in preserving a part of Fairfax County's history. And I'm happy to second that motion.

[02:08:50] 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. Supervisor Stork. That's it. just wanted to recognize the board's engagement with that issue we've had many conversations over a number of years and anybody who's hasn't had the opportunity to drive through Holland Hills it is a truly unique community and one where the homes were built around the trees if you will and and clearly and and the glass that's part of the each of the homes it's just significant part of

[02:09:27] what makes it truly unique so so thank you my colleagues for helping to make that a possibility and to recognize the 75th anniversary. Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much. Supervisor Stork, Supervisor Alcorn. Yeah, just to follow up on that, I know in conversations with my Planning Commissioner at Hunter Mill that Holland Hills has gotten a lot of attention and discussion on the Planning Commission about really some of the site layout and the community design is really exceptional.

[02:09:57] So I know it continues to influence things going forward as well. Yeah, it's a real treasure and And as Supervisor Stork said, if you haven't driven through there, it's worth a drive-through. I mean, it's an amazing community. A member of my staff lives in the community.

[02:10:13] It's very close to it and, yeah, for many decades. And it really is a treasure and has had great leadership over a lot of years to protect it and for it to continue to thrive. I also really need to acknowledge the really wonderful work and the amount of time, energy, and effort that the Architectural Review Board has spent in reviewing.

[02:10:40] Anybody who reads minutes, sees their agenda knows that probably half to two-thirds of those items are typically Mount Vernon District, whether it's the workhouse in the Lorton area. But I would say half of it probably are the reviews for all of those houses.

[02:10:56] And, again, their commitment to preserving and protecting that legacy is a huge part of why we'll be able to do that. So thank you. Absolutely. Thank you, Supervisor Stork. And next up is Supervisor Palczyk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Before I read my board matters, I too just want to commend you.

[02:11:14] I'm glad you mentioned the staff, the number of hours, the Architectural Review Board. As you know, when we started working with one community that's no longer in Providence, it is not an easy process, right? And it's challenging, especially to make sure the community continues to have the engagement, to stay united, and to get through that process.

[02:11:40] I also love that you mentioned the Architectural Review Board. They do incredible work with very little support to do that. So I hope we continue to address any needs that arise through that. With that, I do have three, sorry, two written board matters.

[02:11:59] The first is going to be a joint board matter with all my supervisors. Thank you for signing on. Recognizing the 20th anniversary of the Children's Science Center, members of the board, November marks many things, but also the 20th anniversary of the Children's Science Center of Northern Virginia, a nonprofit organization that began as a dream to make STEM education accessible to all children in our community. Originally envisioned as a museum without walls, this idea gained momentum 10 years ago with the donation of a van that enabled the organization to expand its reach

[02:12:34] and services. Since 2015, they have been housed in a temporary space within Fair Oaks Mall. In 2023 alone, the museum welcomed over 23,000 individuals all within this temporary facility. Thanks to dedicated volunteers, the Children's Science Center has brought exciting STEM activities and educational programming to schools, events, and neighborhoods across the DMV.

[02:13:00] This mobile approach has allowed them to engage directly with children and families while fostering a love for science, technology, engineering, and math, and all that sciences can offer us. Recently, they have expanded their efforts to include programs in Fairfax County, providing even more opportunities for students to explore and develop their skills in STEM fields.

[02:13:22] We are proud of this growth and the impact these programs have on the next generation of innovators. And let me correct to expand their programming in Fairfax County. Through years of diligent work and generous support from donors, The Children's Science Center will soon break ground on a $100 million project for a full-scale, state-of-the-art Northern Virginia Science Center in partnership with the Science Museum of Virginia.

[02:13:47] This milestone will enable the organization to further broaden its impact by expanding the programming and reach of their permanent home while continuing to deliver mobile STEM programs to communities across our region. Knowing that we need to expand our workforce to fill the current and future tech jobs in our region, this expanded facility will help inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators in Northern Virginia and beyond.

[02:14:16] Therefore, I move, I think without objection, that a resolution be prepared to celebrate the Children's Science Center's 20th anniversary and recognize its significant contributions to Fairfax County and the region, comma, inside or outside the boardroom.

[02:14:31] For the board matter, not the region. Without objection, it is so ordered, Supervisor Palachuk. Mr. Chairman? Yes. I could just ask to be notified when that is going to be presented. We'll always make sure that happens. Remember, we talked about this before when we do a proclamation that the whole board be notified.

[02:14:50] And then also, equally important, making sure somebody knows if someone is attending or not, if it's not in your district, so that we can abide by the public meeting notice. It's very important that that part of it happen. They're having an event December 12th that I'm sure the board's aware of, but that would be a good place.

[02:15:09] Thank you. Yes. Supervisor Pouchek. All right. Members of the board, and this is a board matter. I believe it was joining with the chairman. We're seeing too many retirements today.

[02:15:24] Way too many. After 30 years of service with Second Story, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of youth and families in need, Judith Dittman is retiring at the end of the year. Aside from its original initiative, Second Story for Teens in Crisis, every program operated by Second Story was developed and launched under Judith's extraordinary leadership.

[02:15:50] Her vision and commitment have profoundly impacted thousands of young people and families, providing them with critical support, resources, and opportunities for a brighter future. Beyond her work at Second Story, Judith has been a trailblazer in the nonprofit sector, contributing to the advancement of programs and policies at the local and national levels.

[02:16:11] Her year as a Leadership Fellow with the Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater Washington, in partnership with the Aspen Institute and the University of Maryland, resulted in the launch of the Homeless Youth Initiative, addressing a critical need in our community. Locally, Judith has been an integral part of Fairfax County's efforts to address homelessness.

[02:16:31] She played a key role in the county-wide initiative to develop a 10-year plan to prevent and end homelessness. And at the national level, she continues to guide as a member of the Policy Advisory Committee for the National Network for Youth. Judith's expertise has shaped national standards for programs supporting runaway and homeless youth through her contributions as a panelist and a board member for the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act.

[02:16:54] She also served for four years as a board member of the Runaway Homeless Youth Training, Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Center, and the Mid-Atlantic Network for Youth, now Youth Collaboratory, for three years. Judith's unwavering dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable youth and her legacy of leadership will continue to inspire all who work in the field.

[02:17:16] As she retires, we thank Judith for her incredible service and wish her all the best in the next chapter of her life. Therefore, without objection, I move that a proclamation be prepared and presented to Judith Dittman at a future board meeting to honor her many years of dedicated service in Fairfax County.

[02:17:37] And without objection, that is so ordered. Supervisor Palchuk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. No more written board matters, but because I'm so grateful to be part of our community doing coat drives and Winter Drives, just want to thank all my colleagues for their support in this one and also remind the community we have our code drive that has three drop-off locations.

[02:18:02] So you can come to the Jim Scott Community Center or to the Deloring Fire Station until the end of the year, December 31st. You can also bring donations if you're closer to the Tyson's McLean areas to the Park at Tyson's until December 15th.

[02:18:18] And very much want to thank all of our partners for making this happen and for, I believe we have five organizations to which we drop off regular donations. So if you missed any of the other guys, feel free, drop them off. It is certainly a community effort and we appreciate everyone's support.

[02:18:37] Thank you, Supervisor Palczyk. Supervisor Herity. Yes, no board matters, Mr. Chairman. just one announcement I wanted to share that Fairfax County Department of Transportation and I have set the date for the next town hall meeting regarding the improvements on the hill section of Lee Chapel Road we're going to be presenting two options there one that's a little bit unique I don't think we've closed roads in Fairfax to do it but it would save money same time and save impact on the parks and the trees in the park so we're going to presenting be presenting those to the option to close or not close and design options at a

[02:19:16] virtual meeting set for December 10th at 7:00 p.m. and we'll be advertising that in the coming days but it will be interesting to get our community's feedback on that very good thank you supervisor Herity and that is the end of board matters this takes us to our admin items and there are four admin items. Is there a motion? Supervisor Smith. Yes, I move approval of admin items one through four.

[02:19:45] I'm happy to second that motion. Are there any items that board members have questions or comments on or would like to vote on separately? Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor of the admin items, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. We have a few action items. First is action item number one, approval of a memorandum of agreement between the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the City of Fairfax City Council for shared pollution reduction credits for compliance with difficult run in Accutane Creek total maximum daily loads

[02:20:21] TMDLs. And let me ask Supervisor Smith if you have a motion. I move approval of the county executive's recommendation. And the chair will second that motion. Is there any discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor of action one, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed any abstentions and that motion carries action item number two is approval of amended and restated regional smart trip operations funding agreement between the metropolitan or between the washington area metropolitan transit authority and fairfax county and let me ask supervisor

[02:20:57] beerman if you have a motion i move approval of action item number two consistent with county executive's recommendation you've heard the motion uh the chair will second that motion is there any discussion on the motion any discussion seeing and hearing none all those in favor of action two please say aye aye any opposed any abstentions that motion carries action item number three is approval of the 2025 public transportation agency safety plan for the fairfax county connector supervisor beerman i move approval of action item number three consistent with the

[02:21:33] county executive's recommendation chair will second that along with supervisor palchick any Any discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor of action item three, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. And then finally, action item number four is approval of a resolution endorsing projects for submission to the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission for the fiscal year 2026 to 2027, I-395 and I-95 commuter choice program. Supervisor Beerman.

[02:22:05] I move approval of action item number four, consistent with the county executive's recommendation. Second. I'm happy to second that motion along with Supervisor Lusk. Is there any discussion on the motion? Mr. Chairman, I'll just note that there are a couple renewals here for routes in the Franconia District, which are very important.

[02:22:28] Route 396 establishes a connection from the new Springfield CBC garage. Which I think is important giving people the option to get over to the Pentagon. We also have route 371 allowing people connection through Frank County Springfield's Metro and the VRE station all the way and also out to the Lorton VRE and then third which I think is great is there's new funding for The opportunity to increase the frequency for service from 30 minutes for the peak hours to 20 minutes

[02:23:06] between the Metro Rail at Spring Conyers-Springfield to the CBC Commuter Garage and Edsel Road. So lots of people were using these options and just want to acknowledge the importance of them. So thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much.

[02:23:21] If there's no further discussion, all those in favor of Action 4, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? And that motion carries and takes us to consideration items. We have two consideration items today.

[02:23:36] Consideration item number one is approval of bylaws for the Community Action Advisory Board. Supervisor Smith. I move approval of the attached proposed bylaws to restate the purposes, membership, and procedures for the Community Action Advisory Board. Second. I've heard the motion. It's been seconded by Supervisor Palchuk.

[02:23:53] Any discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Consideration item number two is approval of amended bylaws and adoption of a new authorizing resolution for the Tysons Transportation Service District Advisory Board in the Hunter Mill and Providence Districts.

[02:24:14] Supervisor Smith. I move approval of revised bylaws and adoption of the new authorizing resolution for the Tysons Transportation Service District Advisory Board. I've heard the motion. It's been seconded by Supervisor Palczyk. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor of consideration item two, please say aye.

[02:24:33] Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. And that brings us to a closed session. And first, let me ask, oh, I don't have that. Oh, I don't have that in my script. Okay.

[02:24:51] Information item number one. We don't vote on information items, but information item number one is attached, which is the county holiday schedule for calendar year 2025. Does the board have any comments on that? Okay. Seeing and hearing none, as I said, we do not vote on information items unless otherwise directed by the Board of Supervisors.

[02:25:16] The enclosed will be adopted as the holiday schedule for calendar year 2025. And now, before we move to closed session, let me ask the county attorney how much time we need for closed session. Mr. Chairman, I estimate approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

[02:25:32] Okay. Let's call that an hour. So our first public hearing is at 3 o'clock. If a motion is approved to go into closed session, the board will report back to closed session at 2 p.m. Before I turn to Supervisor Smith for a motion, let me ask board members if they have any deferrals that they would like to announce.

[02:25:54] Supervisor Bierman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to announce my intent to defer indefinitely the public hearing on the acquisition of certain land rights necessary for the construction of Tyson's East Pump Station. That is on the docket for 4 p.m., and I intend to move to defer that indefinitely.

[02:26:14] Thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Bierman, and that is the last 4 p.m., advertised 4 p.m. item. Supervisor Palczyk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I intend to defer the public hearing for RZ-2023-PR-00018 to February 4, 2025 at 3.30 p.m.

[02:26:35] Okay. Are there any other deferrals board members anticipate for notification? Seeing and hearing none at this time, we'll turn to Supervisor Smith for a motion. 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.

[02:26:59] And in addition, updates regarding N.S. Reston v. Board of Supervisors, Fairfax County Circuit Court Case No. CL-2019-0015831, and the PFAS litigation as well as legal analysis regarding enforcement of the Fairfax County Fair Housing Act, all as permitted by Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711A, 7 and 8.

[02:27:24] and, as permitted by Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711A8, legal aspects of firearm buyback programs. I've heard the motion. I'm happy to second that. Is there any discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye.

[02:27:42] Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. The Board will recess and report back to closed session at exactly 2 p.m. so that we can begin public hearings on time at 3 p.m.

[02:27:56] Back from closed session. At this time, I'm going to turn to Supervisor Kathy Smith for a motion.

[02:36:38] Thank you, 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.

[02:37:00] Second. You've heard the motion and the second 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 believe we don't have any other motions coming out of closed session, so we are going to move on to our public hearings this afternoon, and I am going to call the first public hearing, which is a public hearing, to receive comment from residents on the proposed legislative program to be presented to the 2025

[02:37:34] General Assembly. And let me ask staff first if they would like to give us a presentation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm Claudia Arco. I'm the county's legislative director. The legislative chairman is going to talk a little bit about our process and kind of give an overview. But we're happy to answer any questions. As you all know, you all have met several times, and this is our draft, and you all will be adopting it next month based on what we hear from the public. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Arco. Supervisor Walkinshaw. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[02:38:08] I just want to welcome everybody to the public hearing on our 2025 draft legislative program, and I wanted to just put the program, what we'll be hearing from the public on today, a little bit of context. The 18-page legislative program is one element of our legislative engagement with the General Assembly. We also, during the session, meet every Friday and take positions on hundreds of bills that are before the General Assembly. And we also, from time to time, communicate with either the governor or members of the General Assembly by letter. I know

[02:38:47] folks will recall. Last year, we communicated with the General Assembly leadership by letter with respect to proposed casino legislation expressing our concern, for example. So not everything is included in the 18-page program that we'll be discussing and hearing about today.

[02:39:06] It primarily includes those issues that have been long-standing perennial issues that we advocate for in the General Assembly. With that, Mr. Chairman, I'll give a brief description of some of the items, some of the highlights in that draft program and look forward to hearing from the public about it today. I'll have more to say in more detail when we adopt the program in December. For the board's information, the language that's highlighted in yellow in the draft program that is on the board's website has been added since the last legislative committee meeting that was held on October 29th in direct response to direction the board provided to staff at that

[02:39:45] meeting. As we've discussed at the legislative committee meeting, much of the program remains the same with respect to our fundamental priorities especially. As my colleagues are well aware, the state's revenues have fluctuated in recent years but are currently described as in quote surplus. However, as we pointed out in our letter to the governor in September, until the state has fully met its funding commitment to core services, including shared state and local services, there is not truly a state surplus because their bills haven't been paid. And this presents an

[02:40:21] opportunity to make critical investments in K-12 education, human services, and other shared state and local programs after years, decades of state underfunding. I'm sure that the state budget will be a major focus in the 2025 session as the General Assembly works on amendments to the 2024-2026 biennium budget. As in previous years, our program features state support for education as an overarching priority. In light of the Watershed Report by the Joint Legislative Audit

[02:40:55] and Review Commission, or JLARC, in 2023, which outlined both the inadequacy of state funding and the substantial flaws in current state funding formulas, we've included language in our program that urges the state to fully meet its responsibility to adequately fund K-12 education, including continued efforts to address state funding formula imbalances and inadequacies, as well as restoration of full funding for cost of competing funds.

[02:41:24] And the board is well aware of what that JLARC study showed. it showed that we're $3.5 billion below the national average for state funding for schools. We're behind all of our neighboring states, including West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Maryland.

[02:41:41] In Fairfax County, we're $540 million short. Each year, we start our budget process with a $540 million hole because of the lack of state funding, the state's failure to meet its commitments to our schools and to our kids. And the people who fund that gap are local taxpayers.

[02:42:01] Our Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, or WMATA, and Regional Transportation Funding Priority Statement encourages the General Assembly to fully restore the $102 million of regional funding to the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority that was previously diverted to WMATA in 2018 to ensure that transportation projects continue to move forward in Northern Virginia.

[02:42:25] Though the General Assembly provided additional funding in last year's budget to address some of WMATA's shortfall in both FY25 and FY26, the Commonwealth must continue working with regional and local partners to provide dedicated and sustainable funding for WMATA, putting the agency on sound financial footing without diverting resources from other transportation needs in northern Virginia and across the Commonwealth.

[02:42:52] We have one initiative currently under consideration this year, and there may be others based on existing language that's already in our program, but I will highlight today one based on the board's discussion at our October 29th legislative committee meeting.

[02:43:07] The IDM we have relates to a growing public safety issue, both nationally and in our area, related to street takeovers and stunt driving. The board is considering legislation to amend the Virginia Code to add street takeovers and stunt driving to reckless driving infractions.

[02:43:27] These activities typically involve careless or uncontrolled behavior on roads and in parking lots. As groups of individuals meet to engage in illegal and dangerous driving maneuvers, including racing and perilous vehicle actions designed to attract attention.

[02:43:43] And unfortunately, a couple weeks ago, we had an incident of street racing in Tyson's that was widely shared on social media, including, unfortunately, shared on social media by Elon Musk. But that kind of activity is unacceptable in Fairfax County. It puts drivers, pedestrians, and the entire community at risk.

[02:44:02] Our initiative would seek to provide localities with additional tools to combat these behaviors, addressing public safety impacts as they occur while working to discourage future events. Transportation safety has long been a county priority, and addressing this growing hazard is critical to those efforts.

[02:44:21] A final decision on this initiative will be made by the board at the November 26th Legislative Committee meeting. I want to mention that our last legislative committee meeting will be on November 26th. We'll finalize the state legislative program in preparation for board adoption on December 3rd.

[02:44:39] And as we discussed earlier this morning, we will also discuss our federal legislative program and issues related to it. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much, Supervisor Walkinshaw, for that overview and for the board members who have been engaged in the legislative committee to help us draft the program that we're having a public hearing on today.

[02:45:00] Before I turn to our speakers, and I do have seven speakers who have signed up in advance to testify on this matter, I'm just going to reiterate the guidelines for public hearings. There are different guidelines for public comment. I know some folks are here for public comment at the end of the agenda today.

[02:45:18] Those are a little bit different than these. But for public hearings, individuals wishing to provide testimony have a number of options. they can testify here in person, or they can provide testimony by phone or by YouTube video. At the designated point in the public hearing, I'll 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 here present who would like to speak to the application to come down to the podium or to call in to 703-324-1020. Speakers testifying

[02:45:53] by a video, must have signed up and submitted their video no later than 9 a.m. on the day prior to the public hearing. For public hearing testimony, you're given three minutes to speak as an individual. If you are a spokesperson for a group, you are given five minutes. With that being said, I'm going to begin the speaker's list for our first agenda item today. And again, I have seven people signed up to speak. If I call your name, please make sure you're down here close to provide testimony. Our first speaker is Sally Horn. Sally, if you could come on down. Speakers number two and three are both video testimonies, so we will play them shortly. Speaker number

[02:46:30] four following those two videos will be Linda Colbert, the mayor of the town of Vienna. And so welcome speaker number one, Sally Horn. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for allowing me to speak before you today.

[02:46:50] Earlier this year, in January, I wrote expressing the Greater Tyson Citizens Coalition concerns regarding possible legislation to authorize a referendum for Casino and Tyson's. That legislation was passed over for the 2024 session, but the door was left open for an alternative to be taken up in the 2025 legislative session.

[02:47:15] The GTCC has read the draft 2025 legislative program for Richmond. We are dismayed that it does not address the casino issue, given Senator Marsden's intention to propose legislation and the overwhelming opposition to a casino among Fairfax County residents and homeowners and civic associations.

[02:47:38] For this reason, we request that you add language to your legislative program to address the very high likelihood that a casino legislation will be proposed. We offer two possible places in your November 14 draft legislative program to address this matter.

[02:47:57] Both options are consistent with your chairman's January letter to the Virginia General Assembly that outline substantive and procedural concerns raised by Senator Marsden's 2024 bill. Our first suggestion is to add language to the section in your draft legislative program related to land use.

[02:48:18] The additional language would focus on protection and promotion of local authority, a matter which you, Chairman McKay, emphasized in your 2024 January letter. Specifically, we would propose an additional bullet on page five of your draft along the following lines.

[02:48:39] Refrain from passing legislation targeting a specific locality that would require that locality to consider a specific local option, such as a casino, for which it did not seek state authority to pursue. Our second suggestion is to modify the language in the last bullet on economic development and diversification to underscore the message in your letter that Tyson's is a thriving community that is, quote, poised for continued success and that will be the economic engine of the Commonwealth for decades to come.

[02:49:17] Our suggestion in this case is to add language to the second-to-last bullet of the section on economic development and diversification that alludes to the very extensive economic research on the impact of casinos on local economies in urban environments.

[02:49:34] That research conclusively demonstrates that casinos hurt existing businesses through economic substitution and that urban casinos depress economic growth. The research includes, most notably, expert-level reports from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, The Urban Institute, scholars Earl Grinholz and David Mustard, who, by the way, will not accept money from either pro or anti-casino interests, and Dr. Jonathan Kratz of Boise State University, who conducted a groundbreaking study of the impact of hosting a casino on local economies.

[02:50:13] The specific language that we propose that you add, I will read right now. Add to the language that says support investment that contributes to vibrant commercial district and communities with amenities, more attainable housing, and connected transportation modes the following.

[02:50:32] Vibrant urban commercial residential districts, such as those in Fairfax County, including Tyson's, are not supported by uses like a casino, which have been proven to hurt existing local businesses through economic substitution and to depress economic growth.

[02:50:49] Fairfax County therefore requests that legislation authorizing a casino not be considered in the 2025 General Assembly Legislative Session. In advance, thank you very much for your consideration of our proposed modifications to the draft language in the legislative program.

[02:51:07] We stand ready to support you in any way that may be helpful to alert the leadership of the General Assembly and our Fairfax County representatives to the General Assembly that a casino is not an acceptable option for our county.

[02:51:23] We believe that incorporation of the above modifications to your draft legislative program will help achieve that end. Again, thank you very much. Thank you very much. Speaker number two is Layla Taymurian, who has submitted video testimony.

[02:51:38] My name is Lala Taymurian. Thank you for allowing me to speak today. I have been a resident of Northern Virginia for 20 years. Ten years of those have been at McLean in Tyson's Corner.

[02:51:59] I love where I live at Rotunda. It's a beautiful community full of diverse population. There are a lot of children at my community. There are about 700 children at the community that I live at. I love where I live.

[02:52:17] I love Northern Virginia. I ask you, officials, our elected politicians, to please listen to your residents. Please listen to the citizens who have elected you. Please kill the bill, the Senate Bill 675.

[02:52:35] We do not want a casino. I don't want a casino. My community doesn't want a casino. Nobody asked the Tysons residents if we wanted this. So please do your job. We elected you.

[02:52:51] We trusted you. Please kill the bill. There are many reasons that a casino does not belong at Tyson's Corner. I am a mother, I'm a wife, and I'm a teacher. I have a passion for children, and children are important. We have to keep them safe. There are three schools around where a casino will be built, the proposed casino. We need to keep them safe. Please help us by rejecting the bill.

[02:53:23] There are other reasons, not just to protect the children from a casino, that will affect our community in a negative way. One other reason is the quality of life issues.

[02:53:39] There will be noise and light pollution and increased activity associated with the casino can negatively affect the overall quality of life for the residents. Another reason is social inequities. Casinos may disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, exasperating social inequalities within the community.

[02:54:01] Loss of community identity is another concern. The introduction of a casino can alter the community's character, potentially eroding its original identity and values. This is particularly harmful to the comprehensive plan for Tysons that has been so successful to date.

[02:54:18] Another reason is permanent disturbance to nearby towns and neighborhoods. Casinos operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The presence of one would exacerbate existing traffic challenges in Tysons and adversely impact the quality of life of thousands of residents in the region.

[02:54:34] Thank you for allowing me to speak. Thank you. Speaker number three is Lynn Molston, who has also submitted video testimony. Good afternoon, Chairman McKay, Supervisor Alcorn, and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

[02:54:54] My name is Lynn Molston, and I serve as president of Reston Citizens Association. RCA is joined with a group of leaders of civic organizations representing the voice of over 12,000 Fairfax County voters. We stand in strong opposition to the proposal to bring a casino to our region.

[02:55:14] As you well know, gambling is not a harmless activity and a casino is not a painless revenue stream. Fairfax County citizens will inevitably bear the costs associated with a casino. We will pay when our property value decreases, which will lower the county's collection and property taxes, its largest revenue source.

[02:55:33] Our neighborhoods will pay for increases in crime, particularly drugs, prostitution, theft of automobiles and car parts, robbery and drunk driving. For a point of reference, let's take a look at the increase in crime at MGM National Harbor during the first three years of operation.

[02:55:50] Growth rates in reported offenses shows a 441 percent growth in offenses from 2016 to 2017, followed by a massive increase of 817 percent after the first full year of operation from 17 to 18, and a 197 percent increase from 2018 to 2019.

[02:56:14] Types of offenses reported also increased with a whopping 200% growth rate from 2016 to 2017, followed by 96% from 17 to 18 and 19% from 18 to 19.

[02:56:31] So as we look at the data for the first three years of operation by MGM's casino at National Harbor, what do we see? An alarming 14,641% increase in the number of offenses and a 600% increase in the variety of offenses reported, from simple assault and sex offenses to DUI, drugs and narcotics, theft, carjackings, prostitution, sexual assault, and weapons violations.

[02:57:03] This is data that sheds serious light on the topic of casino-related crime and deserves your serious consideration. We will have to sustain risks to our personal safety when the 24-7 casino brings unsavory elements to our community.

[02:57:22] Our county, already struggling with record low police hiring and retention, will pay for a surge in law enforcement costs. We started the year at about 175 down from a force of 1,500. There have been three recruiting classes since then of approximately 40, but the unknown factor is the retirements, and there are a lot of them. Yes, the Clinton administration put a massive amount of federal money to support hiring of police in the mid-90s, but all of those recruits are now at the retirement age and are retiring. More importantly, the reduction in force has

[02:57:56] reduced the number of patrol officers. We will also have to pay for road expansion and infrastructure improvements to accommodate cars that could number up to 10,000 daily traveling to get to the casino. The promise of casino tax revenues is often overstated for urban, economically developed areas. Take Chicago, for instance. It's only downtown casino brought in less than a quarter of the projected revenue in its first full year of operation. That money, which was designated for public pensions, has yet to materialize, but Chicagoans are still burdened with the cost of

[02:58:32] increase crime, human trafficking, addiction, and traffic caused by the casino. Urban casinos routinely have failed to generate net positive revenue for their host communities. Fairfax County is a defense industry hub in the United States, attracting skilled professionals with military and tech experience to fill the proliferation of high skilled and high paying jobs. A median income of 145, 164 makes Fairfax County one of the wealthiest and most educated workforces in the United States. Our region will pay for the loss of big and small businesses

[02:59:08] that do not want to co-locate with a casino resort. At the beginning of 2024, companies across Northern Virginia struggled to fill nearly 109,000 vacant jobs. Today, there are still over 90,000 unfilled jobs. Our hospitality industry continues to struggle with the retention and hiring of quality workers. An injection of thousands of low-wage and low-skill casino jobs would be catastrophic to small businesses and the hospitality industry that is already grappling

[02:59:41] to match pre-pandemic labor workforce levels. As district supervisors representing Fairfax County, your policy choices have the power to shape the future of our region. Our citizens have entrusted you to exercise your governmental responsibility to uphold the public trust as you build the 2025 legislative agenda. We ask that you advise the General Assembly in its 2025 legislative program that Fairfax County opposes the introduction of any legislation that would authorize a casino in Fairfax County. Thank you. Thank you, Lynn. Speaker number four is Mayor Linda Colbert

[03:00:19] from the town of Vienna, and following her will be Speaker No. 5, John Eltsroth, if you can be ready to testify. Welcome, Mayor Colbert. Hello. Thank you for having me, Chairman and Board of Supervisors. Good to be here today. So last January, I visited the Virginia General Assembly and for Local Government Day, the ML Local Government Day. I knew there had been a bill introduced to build a casino in Tyson's. And so the night before I left, I put a post on social

[03:00:56] media asking Vienna and the community what they thought about that. Immediately, people started responding. Well, by the next morning, I had over 200, 300 responses. Every single one of them said, no, this is not a good idea. You all have heard a lot of the reasons why we don't think it's a good idea. You've heard about the crime, increased crime and traffic. Actually, our local, our Vienna volunteer fire department thinks it might affect their bingo on Sunday night, which raises money

[03:01:34] for our town. It would be a stress, of course, on police, medical services, not good for the health of our community. So when I went to Richmond, I met with some of the senators, some of the aides.

[03:01:54] I actually got to walk with Senator Marsden, and I let him know all of these things, all the things that our Vienna residents had told me. The only positive was the revenue. The only thing that I could think of, and quite frankly, that he shared with me. As a local elected official, I understand the need to raise funds. I understand the need to raise revenue. We have to do it all the time in Vienna, and we don't have that many options, but we're facing it now. We ask, of course, that you don't raise our real estate taxes. In fact, we'd love for if you would lower them. But building a

[03:02:33] casino in Tyson's just cannot be the answer. There are too many negatives, all negatives. In fact, It's not good for the fabric of our community. It will, in fact, cost our community greatly. And it's addictive.

[03:02:49] It's not good for families and the other reasons that I've mentioned. The town council in Vienna ranked No Casino as our number one legislative priority. And we're sending that to Richmond. And we're asking our senator and our delegate to please represent us.

[03:03:11] So I am here today to ask you to please stand with your constituents in Vienna and join us in saying no to a casino, and please rank this high on your legislative priority list. Thank you.

[03:03:27] Thank you, Mayor Colbert. And speaker number five is John Eltsroth, to be followed by Linda Walsh and Larry Good. If I called your name, please come down here close, so when it's your turn to testify, we are ready.

[03:03:45] Welcome, speaker number five. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My name is John Ellsroth. I am the president of the Dunloring Improvement Association. And I'm here to comment on the 2025 draft Fairfax County Legislative Program.

[03:04:04] My comments are primarily about transportation. And so I'm going to kind of go through your document. So maybe a little bit staccato. Under funding core services, under item number three, transportation funding, bullet point number E, line twos and threes.

[03:04:29] We have concerns about deferred maintenance and safety improvements in active transportation corridors, such as cycling trails and pedestrian facilities. There are systems such as Visualize 2045 that rank spending priorities for new transportation projects.

[03:04:52] And there appears to be a system to provide maintenance for motor vehicle corridors. VDOT has released a statewide inventory of active transportation facilities on August 14, 2024.

[03:05:08] But we have been unable to identify a system including funding for maintenance and safety improvements for active transportation corridors. It's just not there. So we're hoping perhaps that this could be drawn to our legislative group's attention.

[03:05:32] We encourage this body via 2025 General Assembly Program to request an inventory of the current conditions of these facilities, these active transportation facilities, request a proposed schedule of maintenance to correct deficiencies and perform safety upgrades, and to request an identifiable budget allocation for performance of such needed work.

[03:06:01] So that's that part of it. Going further down on bullet point G, you guys talk about river crossings. You talk about the American Legion Bridge. You talk about the tunnel. You shouldn't fix the bridge.

[03:06:19] I know that's counterintuitive. But unless you change the paradigm from just build the road bigger to instead create land use that puts things closer, You're running the Red Queen's race.

[03:06:37] And no one, not the commuter, not the adjacent communities, not the public budget, is any better off and historically worse off. So I know the bridge is a big deal, particularly when you get over to Maryland and the 70 and all that.

[03:06:56] That brings us to the wisdom of the draft section 4, referencing local authority, the land use section, and local flexibility. We say, amen, go for it. We just need more local control.

[03:07:12] And I've got a short list for things I think should be on that. Under environment, our biggest polluter is the automobile. So the bridge is just a contributor to that. But items in this section are prudent, and the biggest polluter is still the automobile.

[03:07:32] And to the transportation section, we in Dunloring, by the way, still have the road service of the beltway above the sound wall barrier. And VDOT doesn't think there's a problem.

[03:07:49] You build the sound wall barrier here, but you put the road up here. Okay. We would like to see you add support for Holly Sebald's speed camera legislation. We know that that didn't get a good start in 2024.

[03:08:09] We've had some discussion about that. It looks like we're going to get some traction in 2025. We'd like to see it on the county's agenda as well. I have the 12 items I promised you that I think should move to local control and transportation.

[03:08:31] Speed limits on all non-interstate highways should be a local decision. The width of travel lanes, local decision. Assign the use of all travel lanes to things such as buses or cyclist only.

[03:08:47] Those decisions, local, not VDOT. I got a couple more. Placement of crosswalks, management of signal timing and intersection signal timing, placement of signage, including stop signs, placement of any electric signals such as stoplights, flashing warning lights, those kinds of things, construction of any bridges designated to carry active transportation modes over roadways, closure of any street or road to motor vehicle traffic,

[03:09:23] placement of all curb cuts, placement of school zones, installation of electronic enforcement. Thank you, John. So those are my comments, a little bit random and scattered, but thank you so much. Thank you for your testimony. Speaker number six is Linda Walsh, who submitted a video.

[03:09:40] I'm Linda Walsh. I reside at 1518 Mintwood Drive, McLean, Virginia. I am providing testimony as president of the McLean Citizens Association, A civic group that has been in continuous service to our community for 110 years.

[03:09:57] Chairman McKay and the board, I thank you for allowing me the time to comment on the draft legislative program. The MCA board approved a letter at our November board meeting that you have all received. The letter thanks the board for the inclusion of increased funding for K-12 as recommended by the 2023 J-LARC report.

[03:10:22] The second point was a request. MCA requests that the legislative program clearly states that the Fairfax County opposes any legislation that would authorize a casino to be operated in Fairfax County. Unfortunately, and despite the board's January 2024 letter stating that the board had not requested a casino, Senator Marsden continues to interpret the letter as an opening for? Let's make a deal. We feel it's important for the board to make a clear statement that can only

[03:11:00] mean one thing. Fairfax County does not want a casino. We and others have come before you numerous times and shared our research and findings that a casino does not fit into the economic goals of Fairfax County. Any touted and promised economic benefits are becoming weaker as the gambling market becomes saturated with the newly opened Rosie's, Dumfries, approved casino in Petersburg, many nearby facilities in both Maryland and West Virginia, and of course the proliferation of convenient online gambling.

[03:11:40] You can make a bet, it's just one click away. This board has a strong vision for Fairfax County. Economic growth driven by diversification of businesses, attracting young, talented individuals with a focus on emerging tech and other industries.

[03:12:00] You want to build strong communities where people can live, work, and play. A casino isn't a catalytic project. It does not grow nearby small and local businesses, and it certainly does not lead to economic innovation.

[03:12:17] We urge you to send a clear and definitive message in the 2025 legislative program. Fairfax County does not support legislation to authorize a casino in Fairfax County.

[03:12:35] Thank you, Linda. And speaker number seven is Larry Good. Welcome. My name is Larry Good. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I'd like to let you know I'm not here to complain about anything in the legislative proposal.

[03:12:52] I am the Traffic and Infrastructure Chair of the Mantua Citizens Association that is located in the Providence District. For 65 years, the MCA has represented the interests of the Mantua community, which has over 7,000 residents.

[03:13:11] I appear before you today to support the Transportation Safety and Coordination section of the draft legislative proposal. Two years ago, a survey of Mantua residents identified safety concerns with children walking to school, pedestrians and bicyclists accessing our county trails, and school buses entering and exiting the neighborhood.

[03:13:40] We have made some progress in signage and parking restrictions, but VDOT has rebuffed our requests for structural changes needed to improve safety. VDOT cites state and or federal regulations or policies or guidelines that do not allow solutions to problems that threaten the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles, including at an intersection that VDOT itself admits is dangerous.

[03:14:13] The attachment to our written statement has three examples. In one especially upsetting instance, VDOT told us that it would not make an existing crosswalk in front of an elementary school into a high-visibility crosswalk.

[03:14:34] Their stated reason was that the crosswalk, which was marked by VDOT and used as a crosswalk by students and parents each day, was not, in fact, a crosswalk. because it did not connect to sidewalks.

[03:14:52] We are gravely concerned that no action will be taken on our hazardous intersections until someone, likely a child, is harmed, unless state law makes allowances for county input for sensible solutions to safety hazards.

[03:15:13] Again, we applaud this section of the draft proposal on transportation safety and coordination, And we are grateful for Supervisor Palchuk's guidance and support on this issue. For our organization, it has become clear that we would be better served by greater local control and coordination of traffic calming measures.

[03:15:36] We strongly recommend that the board support the Transportation Safety and Coordination legislative proposal and that the board will continue to pursue greater local control over roads and intersections in the county.

[03:15:53] In closing, I note that in 2023 in Virginia, there were 1,658 pedestrian injuries from motor vehicles. That's up 19% from 2022, and there were 133 pedestrian deaths from motor vehicles, representing 14.7% of all deaths from motor vehicle accidents.

[03:16:20] Not all of those injuries and deaths could have been prevented, but some of them could be. thank you thank you very much and my speakers list was taken um that is the uh end of our speakers who have signed up in advance to testify uh but this is a public hearing is there anyone else who wishes to testify on this specific matter anyone else who wishes to testify on this subject seeing and hearing no one let me ask the clerk if anyone has called in there are no callers there are no

[03:16:55] callers uh any closing comments from staff um thank you mr chairman as the legislative chairman mentioned, we'll be talking about these issues again next week, and then the board will be adopting the legislative program at the December board meeting. We certainly appreciate hearing from the public, and it helps us as we sort of go through our work at the General Assembly and follow the board's direction on these issues. So, thank you.

[03:17:21] Thank you, Ms. Arco. And let me acknowledge that we have also received letters from the Rotunda Owners Association, Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling, that also will be submitted to you and for the record we are not taking a motion on this because this is a public hearing as you've outlined the dates under which the board will take action on the legislative program okay thank you very much we're going to move on to our next public hearing which is a

[03:17:52] public hearing on sc 2024-mv-00020 maria del palar chavez casolino in the mount vernon district And let me ask the applicant if they can please reaffirm the affidavit for us.

[03:18:25] Hello. Good afternoon. My name is Maria de Pilar Chavez Casalino. I reaffirmed the affidavit May 21st, 2024.

[03:18:43] May 21st, 2024. Okay. Thank you very much. Are there any disclosures from board members? Any disclosures from board members seeing and hearing none? At this time, I would now recognize staff for a staff presentation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My name is Daniel Creed. I'm with the Department of Planning and Development, and I'm sitting in for Kathy Lewis as it is her turn to fly to Europe.

[03:19:07] The subject site is a single-family detached dwelling located in the Laurel Hill neighborhood of the Mount Vernon District. The applicant is currently operating a home daycare facility for seven children at the subject site. Her current license with the state expires in March 2026. The applicant is seeking to increase the home daycare enrollment from 7 to 12 children.

[03:19:31] Pick up and drop off is staggered, with most parents dropping off children between 7 and 8 a.m. and picking up children between 4 and 5 p.m. The applicant will leave the driveway open for parents picking up and dropping off their children. This concludes my presentation.

[03:19:48] I'm happy to answer any questions. Thank you. Thank you very much. At this time, if the applicant would like to give a presentation, they can. It's not required. Okay. Sure. no problem any questions of staff or the applicant seeing and hearing none this is a public hearing i do not have anyone signed up in advance to testify on this matter is there anyone present who would like to speak on this subject anyone present who would like to testify on this subject this is a public hearing seeing and hearing no one let me ask the clerk if we have any callers no callers no callers the applicant waves rebuttal closing comments and a recommendation from county

[03:20:28] staff. On October 9th, 2024, the Planning Commission recommended approval of SC-2024-MV-00020 subject to the development conditions dated September 25th, 2024. Staff concurs with this recommendation. Thank you very much. If there are no further questions, I will now close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Stork for a motion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm pleased that The applicant is in front of us, and it's been submitted, and the Laurel Hill Community Association has not opposed this, and I have not had anyone come forward to specifically express their opposition,

[03:21:08] although I know you have some questions or concerns that you're going to meet with the development conditions that have been identified. And with that, I'm going to move. Actually, first I'll request that the applicant confirm for the record agreement to the development conditions dated September 25, 2024.

[03:21:33] uh i agree with the conditions at date september 25th 2024 thank you you said i'm sorry september 25th 2024 is that okay yes i just wanted to be clear i heard right thank you very much thank you i move that the board of supervisors approve sc 2024 mv 00020 subject to the development conditions dated september 25 2024. you've heard the motion has been multiply seconded any discussion on the motion seeing and hearing none all those in favor of the motion please say

[03:22:11] aye aye any opposed any abstention that motion carries thank you our next public hearing is a public hearing on se 2024-sp-00014 milestone tower limited partnership 4 and northern virginia regional park authority in the springfield district and could we please have the applicant reaffirm the affidavit. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ed Donohue on behalf of the applicant reaffirming

[03:22:45] the affidavit dated October 17, 2024. Pardon me. Thank you very much. Disclosures from board members. Disclosures from board members. Yes, Mr. Chairman. Supervisor Harity. I have two disclosed that Len Forkis contributed in excess of $100 to Friends of Pat Harity and Ed Donohue contributed in excess of $100 to Friends of Pat Harity. Okay. Any other disclosures? Seeing and hearing none, I will now recognize staff for a staff presentation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[03:23:22] Hi, I'm Ciara Downing from the Department of Planning and Development. The applicant Milestone Towers and Verizon Wireless requests approval of a special exception to allow a 147-foot telecommunications facility with a supporting equipment compound at the base of the subject property. The application property is located off Old Yates Ford Road and Kinchela Road. It's also in the Water Supply Protection Overlay District. The proposed location of the monopole will be in the corner of a large parking lot serving Bull Run Marina and the Bull Run Occoquan Trail.

[03:23:57] The area is surrounded by existing mature forest and heavy vegetation with trees ranging between 75 and 85 feet in height. The proposed facility would be located on a 2,400 square foot portion of the existing Bull Run Marina parking lot, which is located in the corner of the site.

[03:24:17] The special exception proposal includes a 147-foot telecommunications facility with a supporting equipment compound at the base. The monopole would be located in a 2,400-square-foot fenced-in equipment compound situated on the existing parking lot.

[03:24:37] It's designed to accommodate a total of four telecommunication carriers, including the co-applicant Verizon. The site will enhance in-building coverage to the residential communities in this area of the county. Thank you. That concludes my presentation. Thank you very much. At this time, we'd welcome an applicant's presentation.

[03:24:58] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Again, Ed Donohue here. With me is Len Forkus, who's president and CEO of Milestone Towers, located in Reston. I don't think we need to do a presentation. We're very satisfied and happy to have staff support. We also have the support of Springfield Land Use Committee, which we're certainly very appreciative of.

[03:25:17] I just want to mention that we've worked very closely, worked hard with NVRPA to find a site that's both remote but critically needed. It's a very difficult, very challenging area down there for the wireless carriers to try to provide coverage. But we found a site that's within a 100-acre parcel, so the distances, the setbacks, and the tree cover down there are really excellent at hiding the site.

[03:25:40] But we do provide much-needed coverage for the hikers, the cyclists, and others that use that part of the county. The carriers have been looking for a number of years to try to find a solution down there. There are no co-location opportunities, thus requiring a monopole.

[03:25:57] But as we saw when we flew the balloon and as we saw when we did the community outreach, the distance and the topography really allow this to be well hidden, which is a little hard to believe with a 145-foot structure. But I think we did it. And I'm very pleased to mention that NVRPA really worked very closely with us to find these sites.

[03:26:17] We wanted to make sure that the board knew about that. And unless there are questions of me, Mr. Chairman, that's our presentation. Thank you very much. Are there any questions of staff or the applicant? Staff or the applicant. Seeing and hearing none, this is a public hearing, and I have no speakers who have signed up in advance to testify on this matter.

[03:26:37] However, if there's anyone present who would like to speak on this matter, this is a public hearing. Anyone present who would like to testify? Seeing and hearing no one, let me ask if we have anyone who has called in. There are no callers. No callers. The applicant waives rebuttal. Closing comments and a recommendation from county staff. On November 13, 2024, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the application subject to the development conditions dated October 30, 2024. The Planning Commission also approved the 2232 application concurrent with this special exception. Staff concurs with those

[03:27:15] recommendations. Thank you very much. If there are no questions from board members, I will now close the public hearing and recognize supervisor Herity for a motion yeah let me just do comments up front real quick this provides Nova Parks with a you know a source of revenue the site is incredible it provides our our citizens with improved cell phone coverage something that's desperately needed in that area of the county really no app opposition to this the site's pretty perfect for a for a cell tower I want to thank the applicant for working through

[03:27:50] the process and working with Nova Parks. With that, Mr. Chairman, I'd request that the applicant confirm for the record their agreement to the development conditions dated October 30th, 2024. Yes, that's correct. We agree. All right. Mr. Chairman, I move the Board of Supervisors approve SE 2024-SP-00014 subject to the development conditions dated October 30th, 2024. So moved.

[03:28:18] Second. You've heard the motion and multiple seconds. Is there discussion on the motion? any further discussion on the motion seeing and hearing none all those in favor please say aye any opposed any abstentions and that motion carries we will now move on to our next uh public hearing which is a public hearing on se 2019-su-018 humane society of fairfax county inc in the sully district and as soon as the applicant is ready if you can please reaffirm the affidavit

[03:28:53] Good afternoon. Louise Zwicker on behalf of the applicant. We're affirming the affidavit dated April 25th, 2024. Thank you.

[03:29:10] Thank you. Are there any disclosures from board members? Any disclosures from board members? Seeing and hearing none, I will now recognize staff for a staff presentation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm William O'Donnell with the Department of Planning and Development. The 10.72-acre site is located at 16001 Route 29 in Centerville, just east of the county boundary with Prince William County.

[03:29:39] The site is zoned to the RC zoning district and is located within the Water Supply Protection Overlay District. The site is currently developed with an existing single-family house built in 1951, a gravel driveway, paved parking, on-site septic, and eight existing dog kennels built in 2017.

[03:29:59] Approximately five acres of undisturbed forested open space is located on the southern portion of the site. Particular access to the site is provided from Route 29 via Paddington Lane, which is a 12-foot-wide privately maintained road. The surrounding area on the south side of Route 29 is also zoned to the RC District and developed with low-density uses, including equestrian center, residential uses, forested open space, and agricultural uses.

[03:30:25] Adjacent to the subject property to the east is the main Humane Society animal shelter approved pursuant to a separate special exception. The comprehensive plan recommends residential at point one to point two dwelling units an acre. The applicant proposes an animal shelter use.

[03:30:43] The existing kennel structures on site are proposed to be used for the quarantine of dogs before relocation to another facility off site. The proposed S.E. Platte includes an existing house, eight kennel structures, a pasture area to allow grazing for four horses, a newly constructed septic field, and formal surface parking area.

[03:31:02] No new construction is proposed. The proposed quarantine area consists of eight separate 200-square-foot, 10-foot-tall woods kennels with heat and air conditioning systems and separated attached fence outside areas for exercise and pet relief.

[03:31:20] The proposed maximum capacity would be for 16 dogs at any time. In case of an emergency, that number may increase to 24. Each individual kennel structure would typically house one to two dogs. However, up to three dogs could be housed in a kennel structure in an emergency, depending on the size and compatibility of the dogs.

[03:31:42] The applicant expects that typically there will be only one dog per kennel, and normal capacity is not expected to reach the proposed maximum. The property would not be open to the public, and two employees on site are proposed.

[03:32:00] Employees, emergency personnel, or contractors would have access to the site 24-7. A staff report addendum was published last week and included an addendum to the applicant's noise study, a revised statement of justification highlighting the daily operations, and revised development conditions.

[03:32:18] Overall, staff finds the proposal to be in harmony with the comprehensive plan in conformance with the zoning ordinance. Thank you very much. At this time, we'd welcome a presentation from the applicant. Good afternoon again.

[03:32:40] Thank you. I don't really have too much to add to the presentation by staff. I would like to reiterate this application has been pending for quite some time. It was originally submitted in September of 2019. There were a few kinks to work out.

[03:32:59] It was abandoned in March of 2023, even though there was a recommendation by staff. It didn't make it to the Planning Commission hearing. Since that time, we picked it up this year. It still has staff support. We've now received approval from the Planning Commission, from the Architectural Review Board, the Sully District Land Use and Transportation Committee, and the Planning Commission, as I said, recommended approval last month.

[03:33:27] I would like to just reiterate, this is not a typical kennel. This is a quarantine facility. The existing kennel does have, I believe, four to five quarantine kennels at the existing facility. This is more rural. It's quieter.

[03:33:42] It's much less traumatic for the dogs when they're first brought in. Make sure they're healthy. Make sure they're fine. Then they go up to the existing shelter for adoption. Dogs, however, that are sick, that need 24-hour care or that just are not thriving, some dogs do not do well in shelters, and they will be able to stay at the quarantine facility for a little bit longer until they're rehabilitated well enough to be adopted.

[03:34:09] Dogs, so, can I just show a picture of the kennel? I think it's slide. Next one, next one. So just the kennels are really nice structures.

[03:34:26] It's, like I said, heat, air conditioning, radios playing. Dogs will never, although they have individual large runs, There will never be outside in the large runs unless there is an employee present. And there will also be a point of contact posted on the property if anyone needs to contact anyone.

[03:34:46] And the caretaker for the main facility will double as the caretaker. He can be at the facility in 5 to 10 minutes. That's on foot. So he's very close by. Other than that, if anyone has any questions for me, that's all I really have.

[03:35:02] Thank you. Thank you very much. Are there any questions of staff or the applicant? seeing or hearing any this is a public hearing and I do have two speakers who signed up in advance and they have both requested to be swapped in order so our first speaker will be David Sanders to be followed by Shannon Peake good afternoon first I want to start off by thanking each and every one of you for

[03:35:39] your service to your community to my community to our county my county my name is David Sanders my wife Kim and I have a horse farm there adjacent to this property that's 131 acres and we've lived there in the house for 41 years been Fairfax County over 50 years so we're proud of the county love it plan to stay here a lot longer and hope to be able to

[03:36:17] passed our place on to our daughters, one of which, they both have lived there their entire lives, which is very unique in this day and age. And we have our 32-year-old daughter, who is here tonight, has lived there her entire life, and is probably our way out, our exit plan.

[03:36:45] But at any rate, I have a huge concern with the noise level associated with the dogs barking in the existing kennel. I never really had the opportunity to have any input when that came down, but I know that on a daily basis, I can sit outside and listen.

[03:37:10] My wife goes out every morning, she listens, and there's quite a bit of barking coming from that look the existing location which now we have a location that's going to move roughly 800 feet closer to my home and it brings about a huge concern you know the advice I get is it's very unlikely that if something goes through the Planning Commission that y'all are gonna to to do anything I

[03:37:43] would like but I hope that and I trust that the mechanism for submitting noise complaints is a fair and just process because that I'm sure is what's going to have to happen there's only one other thing I notice When you put the slides up you first put up in sequence in your presentation, because there's one, that's it right there.

[03:38:14] Do you see where it says, where I look at my orientation, applicant's site, my residence, that open space is my property.

[03:38:30] So it's not owned by the United States of America. Maybe you can make that, look into that if you don't mind and make that correct. but you know our property our property is on the equestrian center i must have that forgive me i've got i think i've got it upside down where is the road coming in billy to to the to the cut the new kennel that's it right there and my house sorry i'm confused oh there's my house

[03:39:09] okay so i stand corrected forgive me i was i was completely reversed on that but at any rate, I thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today. Thank you. Thank you very much. Speaker number two is Shannon Peake. And is there anyone else present after Ms. Peake who would like to testify on this matter? Okay. Welcome. Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Shannon Peake.

[03:39:39] I'm an attorney representing Mr. Dave Sanders, who you just heard from. I'm here today because I don't believe this project should be moving forward today. I believe this should be sent back to the Planning Commission for further consideration. This project seeks to allow the operation of kennels for, as Billy said, 16 dogs and 24 in emergencies. It's at a property less than about a half football field away from my client's actual home. So the Humane Society is already running that larger kennel, which is much farther away, and this will now bring it, like Mr. Sanders

[03:40:13] said, about 800 feet closer. Mr. Sanders already hears the dogs barking throughout the day at his home, and now this is going to be recreated directly next to his home, which is going to be just an equal and larger issue for him. From the outset, county staff has not given a proper analysis for this project. Its original staff report did not even include the Sanders actual home in its consideration, and staff did not correct this until Mr. Sanders spoke up and asked a noise study when the noise study used the wrong county code in the finding that the project would not violate the noise ordinance again it was not corrected until mr sanders spoke up when the county

[03:40:53] staff assured the planning commission that barking was an impulse noise and it would never be a problem for the sanders it was not corrected until mr sanders spoke up since mr sanders has spoken up again and again county staff has now corrected its interpretation of the code stating in its addendum to the board, which is your latest addendum, that the proper consideration of the potential noise ordinance issue is clear. It's whether Mr. Sanders can hear the barking at his property or not, and he can already from the first Humane Society facility. Unfortunately, this realization came too late for the Planning Commission, and they recommended approval of the

[03:41:30] project based on that incorrect information. Our biggest concern with this project moves forward is that the dogs will be allowed outside unattended for the majority of the day, and they'll be unsupervised in their kennels at night. The Humane Society states that they will be remotely monitored for the dogs overnight, but that is not that helpful.

[03:41:48] As anyone living with a dog knows, and mine definitely is the worst, they bark at almost anything they see or hear at night. And at night, you usually shush them or, you know, go see what the issue is. And that's not going to be happening here. And here, the dogs could be barking and would probably set off chain reactions of barking without any employee there to intervene for five to ten minutes, which would be a continuous noise disturbance under the noise ordinance.

[03:42:14] The Humane Society already has an employee on site at their larger facility 24-7, including overnight. So I'm guessing that they think that's a necessity here, too. And that should be incorporated overnight 24-7 supervision into this facility as well. We ask that the board send this application back to the Planning Commission for the proper consideration so that the board can make a truly equitable decision.

[03:42:37] And if this project proceeds, actually effective conditions should be imposed, including requiring 24-7 supervision while the kennels are occupied, and that the project should be subject to a three-year review so that any negative effects that the project creates can be effectively addressed.

[03:42:54] Thank you. Thank you very much. Is there anyone else here who would like to testify on this matter? This is a public hearing. Anyone else who would like to speak on this subject? Seeing and hearing no one, let me ask if we have any callers. no callers no one has called in we'll give the applicant an opportunity for rebuttal thank you with respect to the noise studies there weren't mistakes there were clarifications the noise study has not changed from day one the noise study or that the noise study consultants determined that there would

[03:43:31] not be there would not be sound that exceeded the permissible sound levels of the ordinance. Dogs should not be, pursuant to the noise ordinance, you can't be allowed to hear dogs if you are inside your home with doors and windows closed at night, between 10 at night and 7 in the morning. Mr. Sanders has already confirmed that he hasn't heard anything at night, so that issue, plus the fact that the dogs will be inside, locked inside their kennels at night, we do not see that being a problem and if it is a problem there are mitigation steps that

[03:44:10] can be taken again this is a quarantine facility this is not the same as the facility that is existing and we do not believe there will be a noise problem the noise consultants do not believe there will be a noise problem and if there is we will address it thank you thank you very much let me ask County staff I know you you kind of gave us some closing comments earlier but maybe reiterate those as well as staff recommendation sure thank you this is William O'Donnell from the plant department planning development as far as

[03:44:47] the noise study and the addendums staff did review all three the original noise study and the two addendums that came with that noise study it's clear on the applicants noise study that you would not be able to hear the dogs that's what staff's addendum bases their analysis on, and there's development conditions in place that if there is a situation where there is a noise violation, the applicant is afforded the rights to make any of the necessary amendments to the site that are necessary. They also show on the

[03:45:26] special exception plat the ability to do noise wall, additional landscaping, but that's all in event that if there is an actual issue so considering those commitments and the fact that the applicant agreed to reduce the number of dogs staff continues to find this application in harmony with the comprehensive plan and as far as the the planning commission recommended approval on october 9th and staff concurs with those recommendations thank you very much are there

[03:46:04] any questions from board members any questions from board members supervisor smith um so changes were made we went my planning commissioner went and did a site visit before the planning commission vote and she went with my land use aid i went to the site with my land use aid from my office and mr o'donnell on november 7 and we visited the site and we had a discussion with mr sanders and this peak and through that discussion listening to their concerns there was a change

[03:46:40] to the development conditions with the number of dogs if you could just explain that mr o'donnell please that's correct originally the request was for 24 dogs we at that site visit we all collectively thought well maybe maybe we could entertain a reduction of the number of dogs there's eight kennels it was logical that two dogs per kennel so that would be 16 dogs and then the applicant was concerned that in an in an emergency that if they were to have to receive

[03:47:19] more dogs than 16 but a maximum of 24 they would be able to entertain that so we collectively agreed that reduction to number 16 was needed and then at that site visit the adjacent neighbor had a noise consultant as well who indicated that we had a development condition that required a noise wall to be put in place prior to occupancy of this application and the

[03:47:54] neighbors noise consultant had indicated the noise wall wouldn't wouldn't address any issue so at that point we all agreed to remove that development condition to allow for it to be determined that if there ever is a complaint that that could be put back in place in the future so those are really the two changes that have occurred to development conditions neither of which change staff's position. Thank you. I would like to ask the applicant a question. Sure. So the dogs in, and you know, we went in those kennels. I feel like if my husband annoyed me one night, I might

[03:48:33] just go away to the kennel and stay in there. It was very nice. The dogs. So you have the building of the kennel. You have kind of what I call a porch area. And so can you, and then there's the open yard. Could you just explain again when the dogs have access to the different parts of the kennel? Yes. So the plan is, do you have a picture of the kennel? Overnight, so we'll start with overnight because that's easy, the dogs will be enclosed completely. You won't be able to see the

[03:49:06] dogs. There is a in and out dog flap. You can't really see it. Kind of that dark spot right next to it. There's a dog flap so they can go outside. I mean, they're still within the kennel structure. So the plan is at 7.30 in the morning, whenever the employees get there, they'll let the dogs out, they'll go to the bathroom, they'll feed them, they'll get their exercise, either in the large runs that are outside that kennel area, but they are all individual.

[03:49:35] They get to run around, they'll be taken for walks, stretch the legs, whatever they need to do. When the employees leave around noon, the dogs will be put in the kennel structures, but they will be allowed during the daytime between noon and four. The plan is that the dogs will be able to go inside and outside, but they will be still within that structure.

[03:49:55] So they'll be in the little porch area. Now, if there's a problem, if one sits on the porch howling, it will be addressed and the dog will be brought inside. They will never be outside running around in the grass area unless there are employees monitoring them.

[03:50:12] They can get hurt. It's not something that will be risked. So for the period of noon till 4, say, they'll be able to go in and out. They'll be within their kennel structure, then at 4 o'clock, about that time, employees come back. They'll let them back out into the exercise area.

[03:50:30] Employees will be present. They'll get fed, pick up any waste, and then they'll be allowed to play outside, essentially, until the employees leave for the evening, where they'll be put back. And then at that time, they will be put completely inside the kennel.

[03:50:45] The dog flat will be locked, so they can't get outside onto the porch area. radio goes on the monitors are on um did that answer your question yes thank you very much i appreciate that i don't have any other questions okay uh any other questions from board members seeing and hearing none i will close the public hearing and recognize supervisor smith for a motion thank you mr chairman i request that the applicant confirm for the record agreement to the development conditions dated november 14 2024. captain confirms the development conditions thank

[03:51:21] thank you for november 14. i move that the board of supervisors approve se-2019-su-018 subject to the development conditions dated november 14 2024. i further move that the board of supervisors approve a modification of the zoning ordinance to permit an outdoor facility for keeping of animals less than 100 feet from any lot line to permit the kennel located 77.3 feet from the east lot line as shown on the se plat and a modification of the transitional screening and barrier requirements

[03:51:57] for the north south and west lines to allow existing tree cover and fencing to satisfy screening requirements as shown on the se plant i've heard the motion has been seconded by supervisor paucic discussion on the motion any further 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. I always forget to thank staff. Mr. O'Donnell, thank you for all your work on this.

[03:52:27] Thank you, Supervisor Smith. We are now going to move on to our next public hearing, which I understand is going to be deferred, which is a public hearing on RZ 2023-PR-00018, Fairfax County School Board of Body Corporate in the Providence District. Supervisor Palchuk.

[03:52:49] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move to defer the public hearing for RZ-2023-PR-00018 to February 4th, 2025 at 3.30 p.m. I will second that motion. Is there any discussion on the motion?

[03:53:07] Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries and takes us to a public hearing on RZ2022-DR-00021 concurrent with PCA 80-C-028-08, RZPA 2022-DR-00132,

[03:53:34] And PCA 1999-HM-037-02, RZPA 2022-DR-00134, Pulte Home Company, LLC, in the Drainville District. And could the applicant please reaffirm the affidavit?

[03:53:52] Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman, members of the board. I'm Brian Winterhalter with DLA Piper. On behalf of the applicant, I reaffirmed the affidavit dated April 30th, 2024. Thank you very much. are there any disclosures from board members? Any disclosures from board members? Seeing and hearing none, I will now recognize county staff for a staff presentation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[03:54:14] I'm Katie Quinn with the Department of Planning and Development, and this is a rezoning application to replace surface parking with two new residential buildings. The site is located in the Reston Transit Station area and is between the Herndon and Innovation Metro stations. The property is zoned I-4 and is designated for mixed uses in the comprehensive plan. The site is currently developed with two six-story office buildings and surface parking. The applicant proposes to redevelop the parking in the southeastern corner of the site with two new multifamily residential

[03:54:52] buildings. To facilitate construction of the new residential development, the applicant has proposed two partial proffer condition amendments to delete the site from its prior approvals shown here in green and gray. The property would be rezoned to the PDC district and the two existing office buildings would remain. The two new residential buildings would include up to 72 units. New street trees and sidewalks would be provided along adjacent streets. Wood Oak Drive

[03:55:27] would be reduced in size and obsolete roadway would be abandoned under a separate public process new linear parks would be constructed along wood oak and sunrise valley drives the new buildings would include ground floor parking with four levels of residential units above thank you thank you very much this time we'd welcome an applicant's presentation thank you mr chamron i don't have a detailed presentation but would just like to say that this project involves a lot of

[03:56:04] things that i think are beneficial for the overall mixed-use woodland park area and a lot of things that the county is looking for in terms of development projects such as the road diet for wood oak drive we're reducing the road lanes adding to the streetscape we have an additional residential development in a mixed-use environment furthering more housing opportunities in the county this will also be a for sale development project so there will be for sale workforce dwelling units which I know is always of interest to the county.

[03:56:33] So we're excited about this project. We're very much looking forward to moving forward with the project, and we appreciate the collaborative efforts with Ms. Tai and Ms. Quinn on this project. I'm happy to answer any questions. Thank you. Thank you very much. Are there any questions of staff or the applicant? Seeing any, this is a public hearing.

[03:56:51] I have no one who signed up in advance to testify on this matter. This is a public hearing. Is there anyone present who would like to speak on this subject? Anyone present who would like to testify? this is a public hearing. Seeing and hearing no one, do we have any callers? No callers. No callers. Assume the applicant waives rebuttal. Closing comments and a recommendation from county staff. Thank you. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the applications on November 13th, 2024, and staff concurs. Thank you. Thank you very much. Are there any other questions from board members? Seeing and hearing none, I will now close the public hearing and Recognize Supervisor Bierman for a motion.

[03:57:31] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Excuse me. Before I make the motion, I think that Mr. Winterhalter said it best. This project has a lot of things that the county really cares about. It's located within a transit-oriented development area in between the Herndon Metro Station and the Innovation Station Metro.

[03:57:51] It's a project that replaces surface-level parking with housing, And it also includes an 18% set aside for workforce dwelling units, which is a nice commitment as well. It's something we need more of in the county.

[03:58:08] It's got 34% open space on the project, which is in excess of the 30%. It's got two new highly amenitized linear parks and a central plaza along Wood Oak Drive and Sunrise Valley Drive. Secure bicycle storage, which is great.

[03:58:24] people can bike to the metro and to and from the metro it's got nearly a third acre of new tree canopy is measured at year 10 as a part of this project and something that i always like at the last minute we have now 10 electric vehicle charging stations in this multi-family development with 20 of the spaces that are ev ready and i will continue telling developers to come before me you should continue raising that number higher and the eventually everybody's going to want an EV, even the people who live in apartments. So happy about that and appreciate it. And with that,

[03:59:01] I will approve. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Board of Supervisors approve PCA-80-C-028-08, PCA-199-8HM-037-02, RZ-2022-DR-00021, subject to the executed proffers dated November 15, 2024, and approval of the modifications and waivers for the rezoning that are listed in the handout dated October 16, 2024. You've heard the motion. It's been seconded by

[03:59:40] supervisor alcorn is there any discussion on the motion any discussion on the motion seeing and hearing none all those in favor please say aye aye any opposed any abstentions and that motion carries and with that i'm also going to take a page out of vice chair smith's uh book and and thank planning staff as well for your work on this thank you thank you very much uh next up we have a pair of agricultural districts. Our first one is a public hearing on AF 2024-SP-00004 Hanselot Local Agricultural and Forestial

[04:00:17] District Renewal in the Springfield District. And if we could please, at this time I would recognize staff for a presentation.

[04:00:46] Thank you, Mr. Shannon. My name is Natalie DeGraff with the Department of Planning and Development. This application requests to renew the Hanselot Local Agricultural and Forestry District for an eight-year term. The 25-acre property is located on Newman Road in the Springfield District and was originally established in 1984. The property is zoned residential conservation and a water supply protection overlay district. It is planned for low-density residential uses and private open space. This site is in the Pope's Head Creek Watershed. Contains an associated intermittent stream and sensitive environmental features such

[04:01:26] eqc rpa and floodplain a soil and water quality conservation plan was prepared by the northern virginia soil and water conservation district critical recommendations included nutrient management invasive species rpa and pest management as well as erosion control the area forester inspected the property and noted that substantial invasive species management has taken place recommendations such as site monitoring invasive species removal and deer cages were prescribed The proposed district renewal satisfies the applicable Group A criteria and three of the applicable Group B criteria

[04:02:04] and meets the minimum district acreage and other requirements of the code. Should it be renewed, it would be expected to meet all other ordinance provisions. Thank you. Thank you very much, and it's not required, but I'd ask the applicant if there's anything you would like to add.

[04:02:22] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Gifford Hampshire, with me is my wife, Melissa Hampshire, and with me in spirit are my parents, Gifford Hampshire and Mary Hampshire, who moved to this property in 1955, and when they were asked by their friends in the city where they lived, they said we had a choice of Clifton or Fairfax, and at least Fairfax was on the map at that time, so they chose Fairfax.

[04:02:46] So the postman turns around and goes back towards Fairfax. But anyway, they were very proud to be part of this program from the very beginning, and And we've kept it in the program all these years and have tried to be good storage of the land. And so we appreciate your support.

[04:03:02] Thank you. And we appreciate that. Thank you very much. Are there any questions of staff or the applicant? Seeing and hearing none, this is a public hearing, and I have no one who signed up in advance to testify. Is there anyone here who would like to speak on this matter? Anyone present who would like to testify on this matter?

[04:03:19] Seeing and hearing no one, let me ask if we have anyone who has called in? No callers. callers, the applicant waives rebuttal, closing comments, and a recommendation from county staff. Yes, thank you. The Planning Commission and Agricultural and Fertile District Advisory Committee recommended approval of the application subject to the proposed ordinance provisions, and staff concurs with this recommendation.

[04:03:43] Thank you. Thank you very much. If there are no further questions from board members, I will now close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Herity for a motion. Yes, Mr. Chairman, if I could have the applicant request the applicant state for the record, their acceptance of the ordinance provisions dated October 2nd, 2024.

[04:04:03] We so accept. Okay, with that, Mr. Chairman, I move the Board of Supervisors approve AF-2024-SP-00004 and amend Appendix F of the County Code to renew the Hanselot Local Agricultural and Forestal District subject to ordinance provisions dated October 2nd, 2024, which were contained in the staff report, so moved.

[04:04:30] And the chair will second that, along with Supervisor Smith. Any discussion on the motion? Just very briefly, I want to take the answers for keeping this property in the shape that it's in and keeping it in the A&F program. We truly appreciate it, and thanks, staff, for working the application through.

[04:04:47] Excellent. 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. Our next public hearing is public hearing on AFR 2024-DR-00002, Crop Local Agricultural and Forestry District Renewal in the Drainesville District, and we would welcome a staff presentation.

[04:05:17] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My name is Sophia Fisher with the Department of Planning and Development. The application requests to renew the crop, local, agricultural, and forestal district for an additional eight-year term. The 22-acre property is located on Georgetown Pike, with additional frontage on Utterback Store Road and Blacks Hill Road in the Drainsville District.

[04:05:43] The site includes a farm stand that is accessed from Georgetown Pike. The property is zoned residential estate and is located in the Nichols Run watershed. No environmental features such as EQC or RPA exist on the site.

[04:06:01] Approximately five acres are used for agriculture, and 15 acres are either forested or used for Christmas tree production. A soil and water quality conservation plan was prepared by the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District.

[04:06:18] Critical recommendations include nutrient and pest management and erosion control. The area forester inspected the property and determined that there have not been substantial changes since the last renewal and that the recommendations from the 2008 management plan should continue to be implemented with the addition of a new recommendation that the applicant manage the brush honeysuckle on the site and manage the deer population.

[04:06:45] The proposed district renewal satisfies all of the applicable Group A criteria and two of the applicable criteria in Group B and meets the minimum district acreage and other requirements of the code. Should it be renewed, it would be expected to meet all other ordinance provisions.

[04:07:05] Thank you. This concludes my presentation. Thank you very much. Not required, but if the applicant would like to add anything, you're welcome to. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank the board for your consideration in renewing our district zoning.

[04:07:23] I would just like to add or just like to thank the county staff for their hard work in our application and look forward to another 40 years with this county. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much. Are there any questions of staff or the applicant?

[04:07:40] Seeing and hearing none, this is a public hearing, And I have no one who has signed up in advance to testify on this matter. Is there anyone present who would like to speak on this subject? Anyone present who would like to testify? This is a public hearing. Seeing and hearing no one, let me ask if there are any callers.

[04:07:57] There are no callers. No callers. Assume the applicant waives rebuttal. Closing comments and a recommendation from county staff. Thank you. The Planning Commission and the Agricultural and Forestal District Advisory Committee both voted to recommend renewal of this A&F district.

[04:08:15] Staff concurs with their recommendation, and I'd be happy to answer any questions. Thank you very much. If there are no further questions, I will now close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Behrman for a motion. Thank you very much. Thank you, county staff, for your work on this, and thank you to the owners.

[04:08:32] Mr. Chairman, I request that the applicants state on the record their acceptance of the ordinance provisions dated October 2nd, 2024. Yes, sir. We agree to all ordinance made on October 2nd, 2024.

[04:08:48] Thank you. Thank you, sir. I move that the Board of Supervisors approve AFR-2024-DR-00002. That's four zeros and a two. And I amend appendix F of the county code to renew the crop, local, agricultural, and forestal district subject to the ordinance provisions dated October 2nd, 2024.

[04:09:13] And the chair will second that, along with 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. Thank you.

[04:09:28] And next up, we have a public hearing on proposed plan amendments SSPA-2023-4-6S Springfield Boulevard and SSPA-2023-4-7S, Amherst Avenue, south of Old Keen Mill Road, flanking Backlick Road, and Amherst Avenue in the Franconia District.

[04:09:56] And at this time, we would welcome a staff presentation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm Katrina Knudsen from the Department of Planning and Development, and I'm joined by Graham Owen, also with the Department of Planning and Development, and I'm also joined by Mike Garcia with FCDOT.

[04:10:14] This map shows the two plan amendments under consideration this evening. The Springfield Boulevard plan amendment is shown with the red outline and the Amherst Avenue plan amendment is shown with the green hatching. Both were nominated as part of the 2022-2023 site-specific plan amendment process.

[04:10:34] I will note that the Amherst Avenue plan amendment was nominated by the county to be considered in coordination with the Springfield Boulevard plan amendment. That is why staff included both plan amendments in a single staff report. The board originally authorized the plan amendments to be considered as part of the Springfield CBC, Franconia, Springfield TSA study, but in recognizing the divergent timeline of these plan amendments and the study and the potential of these sites to be catalysts for redevelopment in the area, the board reauthorized the plan amendments to be considered separately on July 25, 2023.

[04:11:07] The Springfield Boulevard plan amendment is located south of Old Key Mill Road between the I-95 on ramps and Amherst Avenue along Backlick Road in the Springfield Community Business Center outlined on the aerial in red. The site is 4.35 acres and contains approximately 14,500 square feet of vacant buildings and 24,000 square feet of retail buildings.

[04:11:29] The Amherst Avenue Plan Amendment is located south of Old Camille Road and north of Springfield Boulevard, flanking Amherst Avenue to the east and west, outlined on the area in green, also located in the Springfield Community Business Center. The two sites are 1.42 acres and contain approximately 25,500 square feet of vacant office building, a 6,200-square-foot vacant retail building, and a parking lot.

[04:11:54] The plan amendments are located in Lanyard's D&E of the Franconia-Springfield area in the Comprehensive Plan. The area within Land Unit D is planned for medium-intensity retail at the base level with options for higher intensity with consolidation. The parcel located in Land Unit E is planned for low-intensity office and retail uses.

[04:12:16] For Land Unit D, the plan amendments propose an option for up to 732 multifamily residential units with approximately 9,000 square feet of ground-level non-residential use subject to conditions to address consolidation or coordination of development, height, site and building design, noise and air quality, streetscape, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and transportation improvements.

[04:12:41] Additionally, the proposed plan amendment adds an option for a publicly accessible open space or a public park in Land Unit E. This plan amendment proposes multifamily residential with ground floor non-residential use in the Springfield Community Business Center.

[04:12:58] The plan amendment represents the potential to revitalize an area that has had vacant buildings for years. This is also an opportunity to introduce residential activity to enliven the area and further support the surrounding businesses. With that said, care needs to be taken with introducing residential as it is a sensitive use with regards to transportation noise.

[04:13:19] The proposed Plantex acknowledges existing noise policies and provides additional considerations related to noise and air quality. and they will need to be further addressed during the rezoning process. The proposed plan text also addresses streetscape and bicycle pedestrian facilities.

[04:13:36] For transportation improvements, the proposed plan text addresses the larger long-term improvements in the plan, such as not precluding the planned Backlick Road Bridge, but also addresses interim improvements for Springfield Boulevard and Backlick Road. The proposed plan text also addresses open space on-site with the potential for open space in Land Unit E.

[04:13:59] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much. Are there any questions of staff? Any questions of staff? Seeing and hearing none, this is a public hearing. I do have three speakers who have signed up in advance to testify, and our first speaker, speaker number one, is Elaine Anderegg.

[04:14:17] Elaine is here, and she will be followed by two callers. Welcome. Thank you. Good afternoon, Supervisor. My name is Elaine Anderegg, and I live in Franconia District. I have two points I want to make today. Our land use committee really struggled to come to a kind of consensus on these amendments.

[04:14:37] Major concerns revolved around the density and the need for road improvements to handle the traffic in this area. There's not support in the community to add people without assuring the needed infrastructure is in place, and to evaluate this, we need to understand the impacts of the changes proposed.

[04:14:54] There's a major disconnect in the way trips generated and impact on road congestion is presented to the community. It happens because the analysis doesn't consider the current on-the-ground conditions. Where we currently have traffic backups and congestion, it makes no sense when staff report says this amendment will improve the situation by adding 732 apartments.

[04:15:20] This defies logic and common sense and builds distrust in the community and frankly with my fellow committee members. This leads to a constant level of agitation focused on traffic, traffic, traffic. We asked for an additional comparison showing the change in trip generation compared to what we have today to better understand the proposal, but we were told this isn't how we do it.

[04:15:44] At the October 23rd public meeting with the Planning Commission, I asked to add such an analysis when evaluating traffic impacts. Commissioner Cortina acknowledged this analysis was something to think about, but wasn't how the planning process works.

[04:16:01] I'm asking you, as the Board, to give direction to the Planning Commission to do more than think about it. Work with the communities to better explain the change from today's condition proposed by site-specific plan amendments. This is especially needed as we are entering a new round of generating more of these piece-by-beast changes to the comprehensive plan. Next, I want to talk about the conversion of commercial and industrial space to include residential and open space. This first came to my attention with the proposal to place housing next door to and across the street from gas stations on Franconia Road.

[04:16:38] So far, I have concluded there are no regulations to prevent this in Fairfax County. In 2015, Maryland increased their setback to 500 feet from gas stations, and in California, Even with all the environmental mitigations they require, they still have a 300-foot setback.

[04:16:56] But it's bigger than just gas stations. Besides gas stations, there could be other businesses like auto body repair, dry cleaners, nail salons, printing shops that may not have regulations on permissible air emissions. But do we really think housing and open space in nearby areas is appropriate?

[04:17:15] What about noise levels from data centers, fire stations, hospitals? There may be no regulations stopping you from placing residences next door, but is this a healthy and quality living space? Just because we can do something doesn't mean we should do it.

[04:17:30] That is not to say that residences and open space can't be put in commercial or industrial areas, but there needs to be a process for evaluation that looks beyond is there a regulation preventing it. If you look at the gas station on Old King Mill Road next to the commuter garage, You can see how currently it is isolated from housing and parking areas.

[04:17:52] However, this amendment includes putting a park across the street from the commuter garage and gas station along a heavily trafficked road. The CDC, in a public health statement, recommends not letting your kids play near gas stations. 28,000 daily trips take place on Amherst Boulevard.

[04:18:09] At Supervisor Walkinshaw's Air Climate Conference, I learned of the dangers of air pollution along heavily traveled corridors. The Planning Commission revised these amendments to include a concession to air quality near I-95 for just this reason.

[04:18:26] But this mindset needs to be applied more broadly. What evaluation was done to decide a park was appropriate at this location? The planners have told me they don't have environmental expertise that lies in the zoning branch.

[04:18:41] I urge you to strike out the verbiage on page 29 of the staff report, allowing for the land in Land Unit E to be used for publicly accessible open land or a public park until a thorough evaluation has been made. Further, I ask that you direct the planning department to document and make public how they evaluate such environmental hazards and nuisances, as I've discussed, to determine the suitability of putting residences and parks in nearby areas.

[04:19:10] is this the best we can do for placemaking and neighborhood livability thank you for your attention thank you very much uh our second speaker uh is joining us by phone joy waller miss waller can you hear me okay um actually it sounds pretty bad can you hear me okay uh we can hear you fine welcome the floor is yours okay great um good afternoon my name is joy waller and i am representing the north franconia civic association our neighborhood is located near these properties, so their use will affect the residents of our neighborhood. We are not opposed to the

[04:19:47] redevelopment of these properties. The derelict buildings are eyesores, and they have been attracting undesirable criminal elements for some time. We will be watching the rezoning closely because we are, of course, going to be concerned about the density and the traffic. We're also concerned, though, about the idea of building residences so close to the Sunoco gas station located near Springfield Boulevard and Old Key Mill, and I just heard the previous speaker reference this. For the record, we are not opposed to the idea of dense housing per se in this area, since we understand that denser housing is preferred in close proximity to the

[04:20:25] shopping center. But we are naturally concerned about the resulting effects of dense housing on those of us who already live here. During a presentation to the Land Use Committee on transportation in general, a member of the county's transportation staff once told us that basically if people are miserable enough in traffic, then they will start walking and biking. And I have to say that simply isn't feasible for many of us. We've been told that the good news is that this proposal will mean reduced traffic compared to what could exist at the site under the current zoning. But the reality is that the resulting traffic will still be an increase compared to

[04:21:04] what exists currently. That's something that should be acknowledged and there should be a plan to improve the traffic before anything is built that is going to make things worse. That was the main point of the Land Use Committee's recommendation on this whole proposal. In addition, quite a few of us on the Land Use Committee have been concerned about this issue of residential proximity to gas stations. It's coming up in multiple places throughout the county and according to our One Fairfax policy, we want everyone to live in environmentally safe housing, but currently we have nothing addressing gas stations near residences. Other jurisdictions do have setbacks

[04:21:44] for gas stations. For example, I think the previous speaker just referenced Montgomery County, where they formerly had a requirement that a large filling station had to be located at least 300 feet from the lot line of a property used for a public or private school or any park or playground, that sort of thing. But in 2015, they not only increased the distance between a large filling station and sensitive land uses from the 300 feet to 500 feet, and they also added dwelling units to the list of sensitive land uses from which a minimum distance would be required.

[04:22:22] So that's just an example of other jurisdictions ensuring environmentally safe housing. And yet, for some reason, we have, we in Fairfax County currently have no setback requirement for gas stations from a residence, and that needs to be addressed. When a jurisdiction wants to build a school on a new site, the EPA screening guidelines say to check whether there is a gas station within 1,000 feet. And, you know, why is that? Well, I think it's a result of what we know about benzene, and I'll read to you some of the relevant statements from the CDC website regarding benzene.

[04:22:59] Gasoline and cigarette smoke are two main sources of human exposure to benzene. Benzene exposure can be reduced by limiting contact with these sources. Benzene is a major component of gasoline and used in many manufacturing processes. Increased levels of benzene can be found at fueling stations.

[04:23:16] Living near fueling stations may increase exposure to benzene, which is obviously people are advised not to have their families play near fueling stations. I think the previous speaker also addressed that. these are direct quotes from the CDC's website profile on benzene. So if the CDC advises that people shouldn't allow their families to play near a gas station, presumably it's even riskier to live near a gas station. And yet we currently do not have any sort of setback requirement to ensure a safe distance from a gas station. So what is a safe distance? I am not a physician,

[04:23:54] I don't know, but I do know that many of these parcels that consist of this proposal right here are within 500 feet of that Sunoco gas station. And again, you know, for example, the EPA recommends screening for schools within 1,000 feet of a gas station.

[04:24:10] So that tells me we should be aware that there is a potential problem. I know this is just the comprehensive plan amendment, but the issue of gas station setbacks from residential uses is something that the county should address before the rezoning. While more housing is needed in Fairfax County, we should be ensuring that any newly built homes are also environmentally safe.

[04:24:30] So I ask you to please ask staff to research what a gas station setback should be in Fairfax County. Thank you very much. Thank you. And speaker number three is Diane Boughton. Can you hear me, Diane? Yes, I can. Welcome. The floor is yours.

[04:24:47] Thank you. I'm speaking today on behalf of the Springfield Civic Association. Regardless of whatever type of development is put on these parcels, the major concern is the impact of generated traffic.

[04:25:02] The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is developing a Franconia-Springfield transportation assessment that will examine the existing transportation network, the baseline comprehensive plan, a new land use vision, and will develop a new or revised transportation recommendation to meet the needs of a new land use vision.

[04:25:28] This study will inform the consideration of the broader comprehensive plan amendment that will address the recommendations of the 2022 Springfield Market Study, known as SSPA 2023-IV-1S.

[04:25:45] These parcels are part of that market study. Consideration of any plan amendment or development is premature without these results. They were described in Supervisor Lesk's September 27th newsletter as determining, quote, the cumulative impacts of recent and future projects in the Springfield CBC and in the Franconia area.

[04:26:14] Why is this proposal being pushed forward before this crucial data can inform a decision on the comprehensive plan? Don't the greater Springfield residents and businesses who will be impacted the most deserve the right to expect that the overall big-picture transportation infrastructure assessment be completed rather than continuing piecemeal planning and hoping that negative transportation issues can be ironed out during the rezoning phase?

[04:26:48] We all know how slowly VDOT makes improvements. Springfield is a crucial transportation and transit hub for northern Virginia and should deserve the best possible outcome using all available smart growth urban planning tools, not just basing housing density and traffic impacts on a developer's open checkbook.

[04:27:13] Traffic flow is a quality of life and property value issue for local and greater Springfield residents and is crucial to the continued success of the businesses in the Springfield revitalization area, as well as to the successful access and use of our new Springfield community commuter garage.

[04:27:35] The future success of Springfield depends on a holistic view of planning, not piecemeal. The elimination of a blighted area in the CBC should not be done at the expense of traffic flow to one of the busiest interchanges on the East Coast.

[04:27:58] The choice does not have to be a blighted area for this proposed project. A third viable option should be a temporary park or a thorough cleanup of the area while responsible due consideration is being conducted.

[04:28:17] Parts of this blighted area could have been cleaned and cleared in preparation years ago for any eventual development, but instead has been allowed to remain dilapidated and is now being held over our heads as one of the primary reasons to move forward on this project.

[04:28:36] Please identify any necessary transportation network modifications or improvements by conducting the Franconia-Springfield Transportation Assessment first first, to ensure that generated traffic from this proposed project and from recent and future projects interact with each other smoothly and do not negatively impact area-wide traffic flow and ultimately the success of Springfield. Thank you for your time and consideration this afternoon.

[04:29:12] Thank you very much, Diane. And speaker number four is Mark Vianney, who represents the applicants. Welcome. Mr. Chairman, members of the board, I appreciate you taking the time to listen to us. I represent Shute Properties, which is the applicant in Case 6S.

[04:29:30] I want to start off, first of all, by thanking staff for all their hard work on this. This is a process two years in the making. I also want to thank all the members of the community who have worked with us. We've had some very frank discussions, including the speakers here, but they've also been very courteous and very pleasant to deal with and continue looking forward to working with folks in good faith and in that spirit.

[04:29:52] if this comprehensive plan amendment is approved, because the next step would be moving forward to rezoning. I just want to provide a little bit of context here. About seven years ago, six years ago, in the fall of 2018, I sat here in front of the board at that time, and we got, for part of this property, approved a brand-new hotel.

[04:30:11] And that brand-new hotel was hailed as going to be the first big green shoots of redevelopment in the area, kind of turning things around, and that hotel got approved in the fall of 2018. We got flight plan approved at the end of 2019, immediately went to construction permits and began environmental demolition, removed the tenants.

[04:30:27] And, you know, February of 2020, the pandemic hit. So after the property had been gutted, you know, the tenants removed, lead paint, lead pipes and stuff removed, asbestos, halfway through removing. It was no longer really occupiable. The pandemic hit.

[04:30:44] At that point, you're in a situation where you can't derive any income from the property. You lose all your financing. And I do want to say some of the untold heroes of this have been the folks at Hilton who really went above and beyond for the period of about three years trying to find another financing source. And we were talking to entities out in Montana and foreign entities, and you could not find financing for a hotel on this site.

[04:31:05] You just could not. And so, and then you look at the occupancy in the area, that reflects the reason why. You know, so the choice was, okay, look at the comprehensive plan. Right now it allows retail. It wasn't really a market for retail. It allows office. There certainly was not a market for office.

[04:31:21] So the only way to solve this situation was to redevelop yourself out of it. That led us to basically a mix of retail and housing, multifamily housing, which was supported by the economic study that was done for the area as well.

[04:31:37] So right now, we're just doing a comprehensive plan amendment. We still have to go through a rezoning. Rezoning is the regulatory process. And I'll remind you, we're going to have to go through all rigorous reviews with regard to parking, with regard to traffic impact, with regard to all that, with regard to some of the comments we've heard about benzene and proximity to gas stations, this project will have to go through all the applicable regulatory reviews, both at the county level and the state level, you know, as they're now in effect.

[04:32:07] You know, so we will have to still go through it. This is not a given. This is just the promise of something new in an area that direly needs it. And those comments were also reflected by many folks at the Land Use Committee as well. There's a history there that this area needs to be fixed. This hopefully provides the beginning of that solution.

[04:32:25] But that solution will be implemented through a rezoning in collaboration and in cooperation with the community members, including the speakers here tonight. Thank you very much for your time. I'm happy to take any questions if you have any. Thank you very much, Mr. Vianney. Before we go to questions, let me just verify no one else wishes to speak on this matter.

[04:32:42] This is a public hearing. And on this matter, okay, if you can come down, please sign in with the clerk over here. And while you're doing that, let me ask if we have any callers. We do. We have one caller, Nicole Miller, who is speaking as an individual. Okay, let's take caller, let's make Nicole Miller speaker number five and take her now.

[04:33:01] Hello, can you hear me? Yes, welcome. Okay, so I just want, thank you. I just want to share that as someone who leads the slug blind community for the Springfield area, I want to be clear that slugging is not thriving. It's growing, but it's baby steps.

[04:33:18] Most of the people who are slugging are working two days a week max in the office. And so this area is not area where it's growing. Many of the people who are slugging into D.C. are actually considering moving elsewhere because they no longer need to live in the proximity of D.C. So some consideration that needs to be done is that are the residents that are going to move in there just being shifted from the other complexes that are in the area, like Springfield Gardens and Renew?

[04:33:42] Some consideration is that many of those places are small units that are really kind of expensive and that multiple people are living in them, more than you guys have in your plan, like four to five or six or more. And so what that's doing is that's driving their cars into our community and their crime. And crime is increasing in both of those places.

[04:33:58] So that's something that needs to be considered. Shifting residents from one complex to another also leads to leaving complex with the economic downturn from the unwanted and unrented units. Maybe they're unable to maintain them, which will leave them financially unable to keep up the minimum that they're currently doing, which will also affect the residents in the area.

[04:34:20] And then I also want to be clear that it's important that those Jamal buildings be included in it. It would be horrible to have such a beautiful complex be built with those two empty buildings in the front. And some consideration needs to be done for the residents or for the retail that's currently in that little square there to include usable retail like dry cleaners and nail splashes and hair salons and whatever else.

[04:34:42] But leaving it empty, it looks like it's an option, shouldn't really be the option. And lastly, I think 732 units is a lot, especially for an area there that has, it's essentially the exit to the highway. And so over here in Crestwood, we can hear the cars, every single one of them that lead that area.

[04:35:01] I can only imagine what it's going to be like to live on the highway, essentially. So I just want to make sure that you guys are aware of those things. And thank you for your time. Thank you very much. We now will go to speaker number six. If you could please come up and introduce yourself, give us your name and address.

[04:35:17] welcome. Thank you, Board of Supervisors. My name is Janet Prawl. I live in Springfield, 5904 Accomack Street. Now, I do appreciate the fact that you were going forward trying to replace what also used to be an adult sex store in that location. Anything's better than what's there right now. But I will throw in the compound problem right now of traffic. I haven't heard anybody introducing the fact that you have the American Legion post right there. It is the largest post post 176 out of the entire state of Virginia and it is growing our

[04:35:55] membership is growing greatly we gave up a significant part of our property for that big garage y'all haven't taken consideration that big traffic that's going to happen with that garage as well that compounds the problem that the first speaker mentioned about traffic and that I'll keep that short and ended right there any questions thank you very much is there anyone else who would like to speak on this matter on this subject and do we have any additional colors no additional colors okay we do not so at this time I would welcome closing

[04:36:33] comments on a recommendation from County staff thank you mr. chairman on November 13 2024 the Planning Commission recommended adoption of staff of the staff recommendation as shown on pages 27 through 30 of the staff report dated October 2nd, 2024, and as modified in the Planning Commission handout dated November 13th, 2024.

[04:36:57] Thank you. Thank you very much. Are there any questions from board members? Any questions from board members? Supervisor Lusk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Let me start with the elephant in the room, which is traffic. And I'll ask if Mr. Garcia can help me with a couple of responses.

[04:37:17] So we recognize that traffic has been raised as one of the major issues associated with this particular plan amendment. What I'd like if you could maybe help us understand what approach that we take as it relates to doing an analysis of traffic as it is connected to this plan amendment.

[04:37:41] And I'd like you to summarize kind of the work that was done around that analysis. It might also be helpful if we could talk about some of the background projects in the area that were a part of the trip generation analysis.

[04:37:59] And then if you can talk a bit about the results, what did we learn from that study? And then I'll have a couple more questions after that. Okay, Mike Garcia, Fairfax County DOT. So first of all, we took a normal kind of approach that we do when we do all sort of plan amendments.

[04:38:15] We look at what the current comprehensive plan allows and then what the proposal is. So when we compared a plan to plan, that's what we do for plan amendments with the understanding that the network that we have in place was meant to support the plan potential that was there. So with this, we also took into account the background.

[04:38:31] So we used our model, which actually looks at the future land use in Springfield at year 2045, and we assumed that to be the background development, that background land use. In addition, we also had other SSPAs in the area, and we took those into consideration as well to create a cumulative effect.

[04:38:49] So from all that, we have a decent background that we can kind of draw on that shows what the plan potential is. So from that standpoint, we take our general analysis and we look kind of at the differential in terms of what would the current plan allow versus what the proposal is. And I'm just going to take an example just to kind of show this.

[04:39:05] So the current plan allows for office and other non-retail type uses, changing over to residential if it's approved. The comparison from the proposal to the current plan would generate 173 fewer trips during the morning peak and 647 fewer trips during the afternoon peak.

[04:39:27] To take that one step further, if we just look at if these buildings were occupied today and just kind of what that is, this proposal would generate an impact of 201 more trips in the morning and 59 more trips in the afternoon.

[04:39:44] To put it in a different perspective, that's about, and Backlick Road is an arterial road, so the capacity of that is about 20% of an additional lane that this site would add in terms of an impact just if the site were occupied with its current uses today.

[04:40:02] And in the afternoon, it would be 6% additional lane of traffic. For this plan amendment, we're actually asking the applicant to add in four cumulative lanes on Backlick Road. So there's only three there today, so we're asking them to add one more. So that's 80% additional capacity that we're actually asking them to add above and beyond what their actual impact is.

[04:40:22] And actually, their impact is less. And with that, we're also asking them to put in, at least for the plan, to recognize shared-use paths along Old Key Mill Road, along Backlick Road, and a shared facility for pedestrians and bicyclists along Springfield Boulevard. So that's a lot of actual transportation infrastructure just immediately around the site.

[04:40:41] And it's a balanced approach, we think, to balancing from our comprehensive transportation analysis, what we're doing now, to put in active pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure that complements street infrastructure. And then I know we heard at the Planning Commission a lot of questions about O'keen Mill Road.

[04:40:58] So what language have we added as it relates to O'keen Mill Road? So for O'keen Mill Road, we've actually put in language that says access to O'keen Mill should be discouraged, recognizing that we should still adhere to what VDOT guidelines are for access. The applicant, at least for one, has access directly to Old Key Mill Road, also has access to Backlick Road, and that's probably preferable where the access should occur.

[04:41:21] Okay. And then we've, I think, also added language that talks about an additional lane from Backlick. Can you refer to that as well? Sure. So right now there are four lanes along Backlick Road from Springfield Boulevard south to Amherst.

[04:41:37] Springfield Boulevard north to Old Key Mill Road, sorry, Backlick from Springfield to Old Key Mill Road has three lanes. So we're asking them to add one more lane there. So that actually adds an additional capacity that supports the potential for the bridge that's currently in our comprehensive plan if that remains.

[04:41:55] And it also allows us, if the bridge were not to be there, to repurpose portions of Backlick Road for active transportation uses in addition to what we're actually recommending in the plan. or to have it be used for other uses such as on-street parking or anything else that's deemed appropriate in the future.

[04:42:10] And then last, all these recommendations are included in this plan amendment. So when we get to the next phase of review at the rezoning, we're going to be looking at this plan language to be instructive for what can be done with the redevelopment of this site.

[04:42:29] That's correct. Okay. Thank you very much. Now, if I could switch. So this discussion was also had at the Planning Commission around the density question and intensity.

[04:42:46] So we had a market analysis report that was done in 2022. HR&A, which is a pretty reputable consultant firm, was hired, and they helped us kind of understand what the market opportunity was for the Springfield area.

[04:43:05] I think it might be helpful if we could maybe have staff, and I guess, Owen, this might be you or Katrina, I'll let you decide. Can you help us understand kind of what was suggested as a part of that market study, and what were the thoughts around residential first?

[04:43:29] And then could you talk about some of the conclusions that came out of the study as it relates to residential as well? Yeah, thank you, Supervisor Les Graham, I'm with Department of Planning and Development. So the HR&A study that the Economic Development Authority conducted for the Springfield area included a number of recommendations with regards to our comprehensive plan.

[04:43:53] So that was kind of one of the focuses of that study was to see, you know, what within county policy would need to change to help bring Springfield and really kind of revitalize the area. So it included a number of very specific recommendations around a couple of different sectors. One of them was residential use.

[04:44:09] So a portion of the study area, only a portion of it, was identified as a potential catalyst for redevelopment from a residential standpoint. That study looked out 10 years into the future. So as with most market studies, they can only look out to the medium term.

[04:44:26] And that's important because what we're looking at with the comprehensive plan is further out. It's 20 years plus out into the future. So basically the findings of those studies, we do look at them. We think that they are useful, but in most instances, we need to plan for more than what the medium term can, you know, is projected to accommodate.

[04:44:45] So the catalyst location that encompasses a portion of the site indicated up to about 300 units over the next 10 years could be projected. We did speak with HRNA after the study was completed to kind of get a sense of how should we understand market analysis projections as opposed to comp plan development potential.

[04:45:06] And they said, definitely would encourage you to plan for more. I think a lot of their projections for the medium term were tempered by the fact that Springfield has had up for the past 20 years or so, has actually had no multifamily developed within it. There's one that's going on right now at the mall.

[04:45:23] But it is something that they had tempered their projections and encouraged us to plan for far more than what that one particular caddis location was currently projected. No, I appreciate that very much, and I'll just stress the point that you made just a second ago, and that is we've had no multifamily development constructed in Springfield in over two decades.

[04:45:47] Okay, and then let me move to the last series of questions. The first is, I guess Mr. Allen, this will probably come back to you as well. Some of these environmental concerns that were raised here, so thinking about noise and thinking about air quality, Can you talk to us about how we address those issues in the plan here?

[04:46:09] And then maybe if you could just elevate up when we get to the rezoning stage, how we will look at some of these issues as well. Okay. As far as, you know, some of the environmental concerns are as far as noise.

[04:46:25] Yes. At the time of rezoning, we will require a noise study be conducted for the development. And they will have to show that they can meet the noise policies that are existing in the comprehensive plan, both for outdoor recreation and also for inside of the actual structures.

[04:46:47] They will have to meet those policies. And those are, you know, when they conduct those noise studies, because this will be a multi-story building, they do them at all the various different levels. So they will have to provide that, and they will have to demonstrate that as well.

[04:47:03] And we also did include a bullet in the text to address the block that is adjacent to the I-95 on ramps to make sure that the residential units would be able to adhere to the noise and air quality standards and to discourage, you know, those residential units being located on that backside of the I-95, on the I-95 ramp.

[04:47:36] And I think what's important here, too, is that we're going to ensure that the noise levels at the interior level are going to be no more than 45 decibels. Yes, yes, 45 and 65 for the exterior, for the exterior recreational purposes.

[04:47:53] Okay, and that's consistent with what we do in all other developments here in Fairfax County. There's no difference. Okay, Mr. Chairman, I will conclude my questions there. Thank you. Thank you very much.

[04:48:10] Let me ask if there are any additional questions. Seeing and hearing none, I will now close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Lusk. Okay, thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I'll just start by saying thank you to you for the work that you've done specifically here in Central Springfield and to acknowledge that the revitalization of Central Springfield has been an important initiative since the area was designated as a commercial revitalization district back in 1988. For over three years, I have been focused on working staff on the initiatives to

[04:48:46] spark the redevelopment of the dilapidated vacant parcels in this area of Springfield. My office has continuously fielded complaints and concerns from residents about the vacant buildings, the blighted conditions, and the illegal activities that these vacancies attract, and I have convened a number of conversations, which includes meetings with the major property owners and their representative, who's here in the room today, to work together to explore options for a consolidated redevelopment,

[04:49:21] which includes the Jamal properties and specifically the old MVC and the vacant office building. In the 21-22 timeframes, again, we engage a consultant to look at this market area and identify Central Springfield as a desirable retail destination with very limited residential development.

[04:49:49] The consultant recognized that this area of Springfield lags its peers in placemaking, given that no multifamily residential has been built in the area in over 20 years. The consultants identified an increase in the mix of uses, activating the area, and improving the long-term viability of its existing commercial uses would be necessary.

[04:50:20] The area of this plan amendment was identified as a catalyst location to add new multifamily units. These plan amendments and its associated traffic analysis are critical milestones and now have the opportunity with this action to guide the redevelopment of vacant blighted properties and provide much-needed housing in the area.

[04:50:42] The proposed site is a block away from the new Springfield CBC commuter garage. The future residents will be able to take advantage of all the transit options available at the facility to commute to work or travel throughout the region.

[04:51:04] Residents will also be able to walk to the many restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses that are located in downtown Springfield. The proposed plan amendments represent another step towards realizing the area-wide principles and the vision for the Springfield CBC.

[04:51:26] As was noted by the Planning Commission, a number of placemaking elements are proposed with this amendment to enhance the Springfield-Franco area's system map and guide future development, including a proposed gateway feature on Old Keen Mill Road, new streetscapes and urban plazas on Springfield Boulevard to reinforce the pedestrian orientation of this street and a focal point central green on a parcel next to the new garage.

[04:52:04] These amendments were discussed by the Franconia District Land Use Committee, as we heard. The committee had concerns, which we also heard this evening, regarding traffic and density. And the proposed amendments include recommendations on an additional lane on Backlick to accommodate greater anticipated traffic volumes on this bottleneck, as well as accommodating adopted road recommendations for Springfield Boulevard.

[04:52:32] Language has been added to note redevelopment should discourage direct vehicular access on Old Key and Mill Road in favor of a more appropriate location further from the Backlick Road intersection.

[04:52:49] Language has also been added to emphasize the importance of developing pedestrian and bicycle facilities along the site frontage that are designed to maximize comfort and safety. Finally, a new bullet is proposed to cross-reference the proposed interim streetscape conditions for Backlick Road, which should accommodate four lanes.

[04:53:13] This was a critical piece of the transportation study's findings and would help alleviate a vehicular queuing problem for people taking Backlick Road to get onto I-95. To address the noise and air quality concerns that have been raised, Poe's language notes the development on the block located closest to the I-95 on ramps should reduce exposure to both noise and air quality impacts, consistent with the policy plan.

[04:53:45] Also, specifically, the recommendation states that the development on these parcels should achieve DBA of 45 or less for interior spaces, DBA of 65 or less for outdoor recreation areas, consistent with the county's countywide policy.

[04:54:03] So, Mr. Chairman, I concur with the county staff and Planning Commission findings that the proposed modifications, in addition to existing comprehensive plan guidance on green building, transportation demand management, and urban design policies, that we have sufficient guidance to move forward with these plan amendments.

[04:54:28] Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I move that the Board of Supervisors adopt the Planning Commission recommendation for Comprehensive Plan Amendment SSPA 2023-Roman Numeral 4-6s and Comprehensive Plan Amendment SSPA 2023-Roman Numeral 4-7s as found in Attachment 1 of the board item.

[04:54:55] The amendments would add an option for multi-family residential use up to seven hundred and thirty two units with ground floor Non-residential use subject to guidelines found in the comprehensive plan text. So move mr. Chairman Chair will second that along with Supervisor Palchuk discussion on the motion any further discussion on the motion Supervisor Harrity Yeah, briefly, I mean, as a long, long-term resident of Springfield, the city, not the district, the district as well, but Springfield is not in the Springfield district.

[04:55:35] Not anymore. I didn't know that, not anymore. District slid west and left Springfield behind. Did. But this has been long overdue, so I want to thank you for your work on it. Yes, sir. I do share some of the residents' concern. I use Backlick Road quite a bit to get to 495.

[04:55:51] Sure. I know it's a mess now, and I have some concerns comparing empty buildings capacity, road capacity with, you know, assuming that they're full and looking at what the new does. But we've got time to deal with that at rezoning, and I would not want to stand in the way of this because it is long overdue.

[04:56:12] But I think we really do need to work on transit. And it's a tough, tough situation because you're right into Old King Mill Road and the mixing bowl and everything else. But I appreciate your hard work on it, and hopefully we can get those buildings demoed as quickly as we can.

[04:56:29] And, again, thank you. Supervisor Palchek. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I, too, just really want to commend Supervisor Lusk and his team and the staff. While I don't live here, I have family, and I've been spending a lot of time on the street, whether it's for going to the river or going to one of the original five guys.

[04:56:49] Right. Not the original, one of the original. Correct. other dealerships, and just clearly, you know, small businesses have struggled to stay here. It has been built for cars. It is not very pedestrian-friendly, and clearly, I think that the use, multiple uses, and the ability so easily to move in and out of this area, whether it's on the highways or on the street network or on multimodal transportation, I, you know, I can think of a better area where bringing some investment and multiple uses, especially some

[04:57:26] pedestrian traffic, some much needed housing. Clearly, we'll come back for the rezonings as this passes. But I just want to commend you. I know this is not an easy process. And I think this is an excellent application and location to bring some much needed improvements. I'm happy to support it. Thank you, Supervisor Palcik, and I too will be supporting this. I appreciate the work Supervisor Lusk and his team have put on with this and the applicant. I appreciate the testimony of folks, too. I, you know, represented this area for a long time, have lived not far

[04:58:03] from here for nearly 50 years, and if there's been a universal complaint, and we go back to when the springfield revitalization district was established uh it's been to get revitalization and investment going in springfield and we have made major strides yes when we were at the parking deck opening i was standing up on the deck looking down on old keen mill road and i remembered when i took office and represented that area in 2008 that every single building on keen mill road was

[04:58:37] boarded up and vacant. Every single one. And we're down nearly to the last of that because of a lot of investment that has happened in Springfield. And folks who don't do this stuff on a daily basis, like we're sentenced to, don't understand how difficult it is to pull together an intense commercial assemblage like this in Springfield that is hogtied by massive lanes of traffic in virtually every direction. And I'll never forget when we did the plan amendment for the

[04:59:15] Springfield Town Center to fix Springfield Mall, and VDOT had suggested that we needed to add several more lanes to Loisdale Road. In sections of Loisdale Road, there are 10 lanes wide. We can't talk about pedestrian safety at the same time as saying the answer is to widen every road. There's an interstate going around Springfield Town Center. And if we had just listened to the advice about concerns of traffic on that application, Springfield Mall would still be sitting as a

[04:59:48] boarded up blighted property in Springfield, literally. And so we have to get real about revitalization and the trade-offs that happen in revitalization areas. And so there's no one application that's going to fix traffic problems in a major area like Springfield that has traffic coming at it from every direction in the county. It is a major transportation hub. The question for the public who lives in that area is, are we okay with just blighted buildings and traffic? Or do we want a revived, revitalized downtown Springfield with amenities and walkability and smart growth

[05:00:28] strategies and green space and some of the things that springfield has never had i think we want the latter at least the people that i talk to want want the latter and so this is an important plan amendment we know that there's a lot of conversations that happen at the time of rezoning i with supervisor lusk and most of the board supported the carryover package that paid for the transportation analysis that's going to be done for central springfield and i think that's really important but i would also add to that there's no area of the county that's had more

[05:01:03] transportation studies done on it than central springfield and so while i expect there to be some good recommendations from that what i do not expect is a recommendation that would steer this plan amendment into a different direction i mean that's just the facts of you know someone who's lived there for a long time and and seen these things go on for a long time and so So I look forward to the rezoning where we can fine-tune the architectural issues, the walkability, the traffic, how the traffic relates, and some of the details that come up at the time of rezoning.

[05:01:38] But this is a plan amendment, and what is it we want in our comprehensive plan that guides future development in this area? I know we need to do something, and it needs to be big, or we're going to be left with blighted, boarded-up buildings. That's just the reality of the situation.

[05:01:53] that would do nothing to help anyone in Springfield or in this particular part of the county. And so I definitely support the application, look forward to the rezoning coming forward this time. And I appreciate Mr. Vianney's explanation as to what happened the last time, because we did have this replanned.

[05:02:14] We had it rezoned. We had it ready to go for a hotel use right across the street and a consolidation that would have kicked off this corner. and then the pandemic hit. So I appreciate the tenacity of staying with it and not giving up on on this part of Springfield. Yes. So with that, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye.

[05:02:34] Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Supervisor Lusk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just want to acknowledge a few folks here, and I just want to start by saying again, thank you for your support and the members here of the board for this project. I'm extremely bullish on Springfield we are at the precipice here and I'm just excited that the things that we're doing are going to set in motion to change that this community so needs I want to acknowledge the work of a number of staff that aren't here that's going to be Victor Hodgkins and Steven Tardidi for the market study that was

[05:03:11] done with HRNA I want to thank Graham Owen and I want to thank Katrina Knudsen here from the planning staff I want to thank Mike Garcia and Tom Burke for the work that they did around the transportation work and I know that was pretty intense and a little different for study of this of this nature I want to thank my Planning Commissioner I want to give Chris Lansgraf a shout out here for the work that he did specifically at the Planning Commission to hear the concerns that were raised by the community and to include I believe that we've included in this plan language answers to each of the concerns that were

[05:03:50] raised I know the answers that we have today are not complete because we're going to have to do the work of the rezoning but we're going to get to that place in the next step and I just want to say to my own staff and Regina Coyle who's behind me has been extraordinary in helping us navigate and work with the applicants and to get to where we are here with this plan amendment so I want to thank her specifically. So with that, Mr. Chairman, I'll conclude my remarks and just look

[05:04:24] forward to the next step. Thank you very much, Supervisor Lusk, and we did vote on that, right? Yes, we did. All right. I just want to make sure before, that'd be a heck of a thing if we went through all this and I forgot to vote. All right. That was a long public hearing. We are going to move on to our next one, which is a public hearing on the acquisition of certain land rights necessary for the construction of improvements to Backlick Road and Industrial Road, Project 2G40-087-010 in the Mason District, and as soon as staff is ready, we would welcome a staff presentation.

[05:06:35] Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the board. My name is Scott Herriter, Senior Right-of-Way Agent in the Land Acquisition Division, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services I'll be presenting today. The purpose of this project is to improve the congestion and safety of the intersection at Backlick and Industrial Roads.

[05:07:01] This can be accomplished by adding an exclusive northbound left turn lane at the corner of Backlick and Industrial Road. Also, constructing the missing links of approximately 1,250 feet of sidewalk on the east side of Backlick Road and south and north side of Industrial Road will enhance pedestrian safety.

[05:07:26] Land rights for these improvements are required on seven properties, five of which have already been acquired by the Land Acquisition Division. One property is publicly owned and is being handled separately. We are in contact with an attorney representing the remaining property owner but have been unable to come to an agreement.

[05:07:49] We will continue to reach out and attempt to negotiate. However, to keep this project on schedule, it is necessary for the Board to utilize quick-take eminent domain powers. The County Executive recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt the resolution authorizing the acquisition of the necessary land rights for this important transportation project.

[05:08:14] Thank you. Staff is here to answer any questions you may have. Thank you very much. Are there any questions of staff? Any questions of staff? Seeing and hearing none. This is a public hearing and I have no speakers who have signed up in advance to testify on this matter.

[05:08:30] Is there anyone present who would like to speak on this subject? This is a public hearing. Anyone who would like to testify? Seeing and hearing no one. Let me ask if anyone has called in. No callers. No callers. Closing comments and a recommendation from county staff. The County Executive recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt the resolution authorizing the acquisition of the necessary land rights for this important transportation project.

[05:08:56] Thank you very much. I'm sorry, were you finished? I want to make sure. I'm done. Okay. Thank you very much. Any questions from Board members? Seeing and hearing none, I will now close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Jimenez. Mr. Chairman, I move the county executive's recommendation that the Board of Supervisors adopt the tax resolution authorizing the acquisition of the necessary land rights.

[05:09:20] And the Chairman and Supervisor Palchuk and Lusk second the motion. 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. Our next public hearing is a public hearing on the creation of Reston Area 1 Sanitary District for Refuse Recycling Collection Services in the Hunter Mill District.

[05:09:47] As soon as staff is ready, we would welcome a staff presentation.

[05:10:26] Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the board. My name is Lainey Cook, and I'm with the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services.

[05:10:44] The Solid Waste Management Program has one petition going forward in the Hunter Mill District. The petition process started on March 18, 2024, regarding the creation of Fairfax County Refuse and Recycling Collection Services in the Reston Area 1. The petition area includes 51 properties and one vacant lot with 46 in favor, zero opposed, and five are unresponsive or unable to be reached.

[05:11:08] Thank you very much. Are there any questions for staff? Any questions? Not seeing any. This is a public hearing. Again, I have no one signed up in advance to speak on this matter. Is there anyone present who would like to testify on this subject? This is a public hearing.

[05:11:24] Anyone that would like to testify? Seeing and hearing no one. Do we have any callers? No callers. No callers. At this time, I will close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Alcorn for a motion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move for approval of the county executive's recommendation for the creation of Reston Area 1 Sanitary District for the purpose of providing county refuse and recycling collection services in Hunter Mill District, DTA, Local District 5A.

[05:11:51] And the chair will second that motion. Is there 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. Our next public hearing, I understand, is going to be deferred, which is a public hearing on the acquisition of certain land rights necessary for the construction of Tyson's East Pump Station in the Drainville District.

[05:12:16] At this time, I would recognize Supervisor Bierman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the Board of Supervisors indefinitely defer the proposed public hearing on the acquisition of certain land rights for the construction of the Tyson's East Pump Station. And the Chair will second that motion. Is there a discussion on the motion?

[05:12:32] Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries, and that brings us to our next public hearing, which is a public hearing, on the acquisition of certain land rights necessary for the construction of Akatink gravity sewer improvements in the Hunter Mill and Providence District, and as soon as staff is ready, we would recognize staff for a staff presentation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the board.

[05:13:10] I am Teixeira DeSena, Senior Right-of-Way Agent with the Land Acquisition Division, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, presented today in person. To show the need for sanitary sewer capacity improvements, I'm providing some background on the Tyson's Urban Comprehensive Amendment. The Tyson's Plan Amendment, which was adopted by the board in 2010 and developed by people of Fairfax County after more than 100 public meetings, the vision for Tyson's is a green urban center supporting 100,000 residents and 200,000 jobs. Realizing this

[05:13:46] population growth is dependent upon the county having adequate capacity in our sanitary sewer system. Wastewater in the northern half of the county is conveyed to DC's Waters Blue Plains wastewater treatment facility via the Potomac Interceptor. There is not adequate capacity in the Potomac Interceptor to support the population growth which envisions by the county's current comprehensive plan. The board's current wastewater capital improvement plan includes a suite of projects to overcome the capacity limitations in the Potomac Interceptor and shift wastewater into

[05:14:23] the Norman Coal Sewer Shed where there is adequate capacity. This figure shows the Tyson's program, which is made up of several projects to address the wastewater needs of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment. We have shown the Akitink Gravity in the red box.

[05:14:44] The Akitink Gravity Sewer Project, for which staff are here today seeking authorization from the Board to acquire the necessary land rights, is a critical component of the suite of projects needed to meet the needs of a growing Fairfax County as envisioned in the county's comprehensive plan. Since the original public hearing was advertised, land rights for sanitary sewer, grading, and temporary construction for an additional three parcels have been acquired.

[05:15:13] Additionally, two parcels have been removed from the resolution following their sale to a new owner. Land rights for sanitary sewer, grading agreement, and temporary construction for six parcels remain to be acquired. Staff is actively in contact with the owners of these properties and is making every effort to reach an agreement. However, to keep the project on schedule, it is necessary for the board to exercise its quick take and amend domain powers. The county executive recommends that the board of supervisors adopt the resolution authorizing the acquisition

[05:15:52] of the necessary land rights for this important wastewater project. Thank you. Staff is here to answer any questions you may have. Thank you. Are there any questions of staff? Okay, this is a public hearing, and I have no speaker signed up. Is there anyone in the auditorium that would like to speak on this subject? Okay, I don't see anyone. No callers. There's no callers. All right, then I will close the public hearing. Oh, sorry. Any closing comments and a recommendation from staff? The county

[05:16:27] executive recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt the resolution authorizing the acquisition of necessary land rights for this important wastewater project. Thank you. Any questions from staff?

[05:16:43] Supervisor Alcorn. Yeah, just very quickly, I've spent more time than I would like to remember on this project, and I concur with staff. This is only one little piece of it, but this is absolutely necessary. It won't be too many years before we need capacity in the other direction as well, but thank you, staff, for all the work you've done on this.

[05:17:05] I will now close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Palchuk for a motion. Thank you, Madam Chair. And before I read the motion, I'll go ahead and really want to thank all the staff and the different agencies who've been working on this. I also want to make sure our community is aware this is a gravity sewer, and I appreciate that the staff have worked to minimize any impact, but keeping in mind this is not being pumped, And so we do have to follow gravity and slopes in order to do that and appreciate the work that has gone into doing this as appropriately as possible.

[05:17:40] But with that, I move that the revised resolution dated November 8, 2024, be adopted for this acquisition of land rights of the Akatink Gravity Sewer Improvements Project.

[05:17:56] Second. Per the motion, it's been seconded by Supervisor Alcorn. 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 thank you next we have a public hearing to consider amendments to the code of the county of fairfax virginia chapter 30 minimum private school and child care facility standards to update the code to reflect statutory and formatting changes and the renaming of the office for children and as soon as staff is situated we

[05:18:33] would welcome a staff presentation. Thank you Mr. Chairman and members of the board. My name is Jean Moore and I'm with the Neighborhood and Community Services Early Childhood Programs and Services. I am joined today by John Dorsey with the Office of the County Attorney and Keisha Dotson with Neighborhood and Community Services. I'm here today to represent proposed amendments to Chapter 30 of the Code of the County of Fairfax which will update the code to reflect the renaming of Office for Children to Early Childhood Programs and Services.

[05:19:11] and provide general updates for formatting and the statutory requirements referenced in the ordinance. Chapter 30 of the County Code provides minimum private school and child care facility standards. Article 1 provides general definitions and enforcement authority.

[05:19:28] Article 2 provides private schools, nursery schools, and child care center requirements. And Article 3 regulates home child care facilities in which a person cares for four or fewer children. In 2019, the Fairfax County Office for Children moved from the Department of Family Services to Neighborhood and Community Services to ensure a continuum of quality, affordable, equitable child and youth development programs and services.

[05:19:55] Part of that transition included a renaming of Office for Children as part of an agency realignment to reflect the full spectrum of services offered by Neighborhood and Community Services. This resulted in a change of name from Office for Children to Early Childhood Programs and Services.

[05:20:13] The amendments also reflect formatting changes and any updates of statutory references in the ordinance. The proposed amendments of Chapter 30 updates the county code accordingly. These proposed amendments to the code will become effective upon adoption and are being presented for your consideration today with staff support.

[05:20:31] This concludes staff presentation and I would be happy to answer any questions that you may have. Thank you very much. Are there any questions of staff? Any questions of staff? Not seeing or hearing any. This is a public hearing, and I have no speakers signed up in advance to testify on this matter.

[05:20:48] Is there anyone here present who would like to speak on this subject? This is a public hearing. Anyone who would like to testify? Seeing and hearing no one. Let me see. Do we have any callers? No callers. No callers. Closing comments and a recommendation from staff. Staff recommends adoption of the proposed amendment to Chapter 30 of the Code of the County of Fairfax.

[05:21:09] Thank you. Thank you. If there are no further questions of the board, I will now close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Smith for a motion. I move approval of the county executive's recommendation for the adoption of the proposed amendments to Chapter 30 of the Code of Fairfax County.

[05:21:29] Second. You've heard the motion. It's been seconded by Supervisor Palchik. Any discussion on the motion? Supervisor Palchik. I just really briefly want to thank the staff, especially Keisha Doxon, who now oversees the Early Childhood Programs and Services. While it's a longer name than Office for Children, conveniently, ECPS is the acronym, not far from FCPS, and very much appreciate the continuum of services and the support to help us better meet the needs of the community.

[05:22:00] So very supportive of this change. Thank you very much. supervisor palchek any further discussion seeing and hearing none all in favor of the motion please say aye aye any opposed any abstentions and that motion carries and that brings us to our final item of the day which is public comment which is a little bit different than the public hearings that we just had so let me read my script before we move to public comment i want to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the rules associated with public comment. The board will hear public comment on any issue except issues under litigation,

[05:22:40] issues that have been scheduled for a public hearing before the board, and personnel matters and/or comments regarding specific individuals. Speakers must register in advance and each speaker is given three minutes for their remarks. A maximum of ten speakers may address the Board of Supervisors during any public comment period, and speakers may address the board once during a six-month period.

[05:23:05] Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. If a disruption occurs, I will call for a recess. The board will exit until the disruption can be cured, which, of course, we don't expect to happen and would be a waste of everyone's time. With that being said, I do have 10 speakers that have signed up, so we have a full slate for public comment this evening. I'm going to call them in the order that they are listed here. If I call your name, please make sure that you're down here close. We have all kinds of seats down here in the front row so that when it's your time to testify, you are ready to deliver your remarks. And our first speaker is Michael Grant. Is Michael Grant here?

[05:23:44] Michael Grant is here to be followed by William Comerford. Mr. Comerford is here. If you could come on down a little bit closer welcome speaker number one Mr. Grant yeah why don't we if we can as speaker number two William Comerfield here if you could come down why don't we let him testify while we get you connected if that's okay yeah we'll see if we can get your presentation up for

[05:24:20] us to view and so we will start instead with speaker number two William Comerford welcome Good evening, everybody. My name is William Comerford. I've been a resident of Vienna, Virginia for the past 47 years and worked for decades in the middle of Tyson's Corner.

[05:24:40] I'd like Vienna to continue to be one of the best places in the country to live, work, and play and enjoy a true sense of community. Placing a casino on Leesburg Pike in Tyson's is a serious impediment to that future. A casino threatens the very essence of Vienna and surrounding communities. The introduction of a casino will forever adversely impact our community. Casino revenues are uncertain at best, and for Vienna, any share of potential tax revenues is small compared to the significant burden that will be placed squarely on our shoulders. For every dollar in casino tax revenues, the costs associated with casinos have been estimated to be between

[05:25:16] $3 and $12, a heavy and unnecessary burden for Vienna and Fairfax County to bear. Casinos and crime go together hand in glove. Overall, 8.6% of property crime, 12.6% of violent crime in counties with casinos are due to the presence of the casino including human trafficking something none of us want to facilitate in our county. Casinos also have a direct and negative impact on home and property values which decrease from four to ten percent depending upon the distance from the casino. In Tysons we have many well-known businesses many that contract with the federal

[05:25:53] government and a casino is a true threat to those businesses. How many of those businesses would have chosen Tyson's as an ideal location if that casino had been operational. How many may leave? How many will not be attracted due to the casino being there? Let's factor those costs into our deliberations.

[05:26:11] Maybe the most serious of all the reasons not to have a casino in Fairfax County are the social costs. Casinos thrive on the backs of addicted gamblers. As low as five percent of addicted gamblers contribute more than 70 percent of casino revenues. Gambling's not just a personal challenge. It's a family and community problem. Gambling disorder is a recognized behavioral addiction. Why would any of us in this room or anywhere think it's a good idea to put a casino in the middle of our community for this reason alone? Fairfax County and Vienna have not asked for a casino. A casino is not needed, and we do not want a casino anywhere in Fairfax County,

[05:26:49] and especially not in the heart of Tyson's. In the end, the only winners coming out of this possible legislation are the casino owners. All the rest of us will be the losers. I request of not to let that happen. Thank you for your time. Thank you. And we're going to go back to speaker number one. Are we okay? Are we connected? Okay, so speaker number one, testifying in slot number two, is Michael Grant. Welcome. Thank you. My name is Michael Grant, and I live in Reston, Virginia, and for nearly 20 years have regularly commuted on the Fairfax Connector bus services.

[05:27:27] I don't know if you can see the slides I have. We can. I am also a transportation consultant, And I know that the county is investing a lot in transit and that bus rapid transit and express bus services are key strategies for enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of our transportation system.

[05:27:44] For over 15 years, probably much longer, but at least as long as I've lived in Reston, buses have used the slip ramp on the Dulles Toll Road to join the airport access road and bypass traffic to provide fast and reliable bus services. But approximately two years ago, the airport's authority stopped buses from using the slip ramp.

[05:28:04] As far as I'm aware, there was no notice or opportunity for the public to comment on this change, and transportation agencies like VDOT were not made aware of this change either. This has created a detriment to bus transit in the Dulles Corridor, with buses having slower trip speeds, sometimes stuck in traffic, and certainly less reliable trips.

[05:28:25] What should be a 30-minute trip to the Pentagon from Reston on some days now takes 40 minutes. This also leads to more traffic on the main toll road with the buses on the main lanes. When I contacted the airport's authority about this, they initially claimed there's no traffic delay on the toll road because of the post-pandemic time and because of their electronic tolling.

[05:28:47] But this is not true. Even on days when there are lower traffic volumes, there are sometimes traffic incidents, there's construction, there's weather conditions, bright sun in the morning or rain, and that occasionally causes slow traffic on the main lanes and less reliable bus trips.

[05:29:03] Now, in the fall in particular, traffic volumes have increased, and even in the HOV lane, you can see on this picture on the left, the bus that I'm on and others, many in the corridor, are facing traffic congestion. You can see on the picture on the right, the bus would have gotten off the main lanes and taken that slip ramp onto the airport access road, but that ramp is now closed.

[05:29:30] After the main toll plaza, there's no HOV lane either, and the buses are now regularly slowed down in the general traffic, particularly when approaching the Beltway, as shown in this image. The airport's authority has literally shut down the ramp and put cones on the ramp, and this is even a Google Map image that it's been there for a long time.

[05:29:51] This has delayed all buses in the Dulles Corridor. It's not efficient for Fairfax County commuters, and you can even see there's a Loudoun County bus next to the Fairfax County bus that's been delayed. The bus slip ramp exists. It was designed to support buses.

[05:30:09] It doesn't cost anything to allow the buses to use the ramp. The infrastructure is already in place and has successfully been used for years, if not decades. Having the buses use the airport road provides faster trips, reduces congestion. wear and tear on buses, and likely saves cost and really costs nothing.

[05:30:28] So I urge you to work with the Airports Authority to reopen the ramp. Thank you very much, Mr. Grant, and thank you for bringing this to our attention and for providing us some of the visuals. And I did include in the, I don't know if it went in the packet, but I had some supplemental emails with the Airports Authority about this.

[05:30:48] Great. Thank you very much. Speaker number three is Paula Martino, who's provided video testimony. resident at 8380 Greensboro Drive, McLean, Virginia. I live in the Rotunda community, less than a half mile from the proposed site of a casino in Tyson's. I'm here to speak tonight on the flaws in the 2019 JLARC study on casino gambling in the Commonwealth, which is inherently

[05:31:24] biased toward a rosy view of the casino gaming industry. Rather than hiring an objective, Economic or public policy expert for its analysis, JLARC instead hired the Innovation Group, which is a leading national gaming consultant.

[05:31:42] So it's not surprising that TIG's analysis found that casinos have a positive impact on local economies in Virginia. It's also not surprising that four of TIG's clients operate 11 casinos and paramutual operations in the Commonwealth today.

[05:32:02] For years, economic and public policy experts have been critical of the methods and conclusions of casino consultant research which do not account for economic substitution and therefore create the impression that projected casino revenue will be a new addition to the economy.

[05:32:22] It is not. In fact, the JLARC study specifically states some of the positive economic impact generated by the casino could be offset by associated declines in revenue from other types of entertainment. Now, to be fair, JLARC could not have known in 2019 about a 15-year study published in 2022, which now provides the conclusive evidence the report stated was not available at the time.

[05:32:52] In comparing the growth rates of retail sales and employment between non-casino and casino, micro and metropolitan areas between 2002 and 2017, the results are unambiguous. Casinos do not attract new money, but instead cannibalize existing businesses, leaving the local economy at best, no better off than before. In fact, across the entire study period, the employment rate grew at a slower rate in casino economies than in non-casino economies.

[05:33:30] Before any consideration of a casino in Fairfax County takes place, the Board of Supervisors should insist on a new JLARC study to take these findings into account. It is incumbent upon you as our elected leaders to have a clear picture of the true economic impact of a casino in our community before moving forward.

[05:33:55] Thank you. Thank you very much. We are now on Speaker No. 4, Sally Horn. And following Sally Horn, we will have video testimony from Speaker No. 5, and then we will hear from Speakers 6 and 7, Purvis Dawson and Vastina DeNovo.

[05:34:14] Welcome. Thank you, and good evening. Thank you for the opportunity to provide personal comments on the casino issue. What I'm here today is to ask you to consider a facet of the casino issue that has not yet been considered.

[05:34:37] That is the needless risk to our national security that would be posed by locating a casino in our county and particularly in Tysons. I'm guessing that some of you are probably scratching your heads about why I would raise national security.

[05:34:52] Let me tell you, I too was skeptical that a casino in Tysons or elsewhere in our county could pose any more of a risk to national security than a casino anywhere else in the United States. Then I began reading up on the national security challenges posed by gambling.

[05:35:10] That's a topic that has been on researchers' minds since a decade or more before the publication of this document on gambling with national security, terrorism, and readiness. And I considered the unique confluence of so many intelligence, defense, and diplomatic facilities, military bases, and contractors in the area.

[05:35:34] I concluded that our area is a prime target for entrapment, compromise, and recruitment of national security and intelligence officials, senior and junior military personnel, and contractors who have access to our nation's secrets. I also concluded that this risk is a facet of the casino issue that warrants your attention.

[05:35:53] I have to ask, how many of you are aware that those who serve in the military are two to three or more times likely to develop a gambling addiction than the general civilian population. Or that directives and reporting from both the intelligence community and defense department have acknowledged that, to quote, gambling to excess is a relatively common failing that may lead to serious security problems, and financial pressures from gambling debts played a significant role in motivating at least seven Americans to sell classified government information to the Soviet Union.

[05:36:28] And how many of you are aware that some 20,000 federal employees who work in the national security field and probably at least as many intelligence and defense contractor personnel are within a 10-minute drive or less of the proposed Tyson's Casino location and that some 13,000 uniformed personnel are stationed around our county?

[05:36:48] Or that Russia, China, and others who would do our country ill send their best and brightest in droves to spy on us and to recruit vulnerable Americans to aid them in their efforts to steal American secrets. Putin knew what he was doing when he criminalized gambling casinos and allowed them to operate legally only in a few designated zones distant from major cities and sensitive Russian sites.

[05:37:13] China knew what it was doing when it restricted gambling to Hong Kong and Macau. Let's be at least as smart and keep a gambling casino out of Tyson's or elsewhere in Fairfax County. Thank you. thank you very much uh our next speaker is sophie zhang who provided video testimony good evening members of the board my name is sophie zhang and i'm here to talk about the urgent need for expanding affordable housing in fairfax county with a focus on live work play communities like that in tyson's corner and mosaic district these areas are high opportunity filled

[05:37:50] with jobs and offer convenience and lively neighborhoods however soaring housing costs are forcing many essential workers out of the very neighborhoods they support. These workers are forced to ride a bus for hours or walk miles just to get to work. Through my volunteer work at Catherine Hanley Family Shelter with the Financial Literacy for Youth organization, I have witnessed firsthand how housing challenges impact families. I'll never forget the time I met a single mother there. She was trembling with fear as she shared her story of her recent job loss

[05:38:26] and eviction. Despite her hard work, she could no longer afford the rent in Fairfax County. Her experience is an important reminder that for so many, affordable housing is not just a financial need, it's a lifeline. This past summer, I conducted research on affordable housing in Fairfax County with a George Mason University professor. Exploring developments like the exchange, Tyson's Corner's first 100% affordable housing project, funded through a partnership involving Amazon and other stakeholders. Likewise, the Mosaic District, made possible by an $8 million county investment, has converted a vacant office building into affordable units, bringing increased

[05:39:06] relief to our community. These efforts are essential steps as Fairfax County works towards its goal of adding 10,000 additional affordable housing units by 2034. To meet Fairfax County's housing goal, we need more incentives for developers to include these affordable units in these high opportunity areas by strategies like expanding floor area ratios expediting permitting processes and fostering these private public partnerships like those seen with the exchange we can increase the feasibility of affordable housing projects improving public

[05:39:43] transit routes and maybe providing transit subsidies can also help make these communities accessible in both location and cost finally developing affordable housing projects in areas like Reston Town Center and Springfield Town Center, where these are strong economic bases and known as high opportunity areas, we would support our county's growth while still preserving accessibility. Fairfax County has a chance to lead by example, ensuring that every resident has a place to call home. Thank you. Thank you very much for your testimony. And speaker number

[05:40:22] six is Purvis Dawson, and following Purvis will be Vostina De Novo. If you're here, if you could please come down closer so that when I call your name, you're ready to testify. Mr. Dawson, welcome. Thank you, sir. Good evening, Mr. Chairman, members of the Board of Supervisors. My name is Purvis Dawson. I'm a lifelong resident of Fairfax County, as well as a deacon at Calvary Road Baptist Church and the chairman of the trustee board. I'm here today to express my disappointment in the board's failure to adopt a proclamation to honor Church Heritage Recognition Day, a day to honor the

[05:40:59] contributions made by Christian churches throughout Fairfax County. I would also like to publicly thank Supervisors Herity and Stork for their support with the proposed proclamation. I listened to the Board's October 22nd comments closely, which included portions of the speech President Reagan gave and the need for the Board to remain neutral. Supervisor Herity noted that the Board has previously issued proclamations specific to other religions and faith communities for their work they so graciously performed in the Betterment of Fairfax County. A proclamation request for the

[05:41:36] Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Supervisor Lusk and Stork. A proclamation requesting designating April 2024 as Seek Awareness and Appreciation Month by the Chairman. I find it ironic and perplexing that there were no discussions and or concerns raised about separation of church and state, and for the board to remain neutral for these proclamations.

[05:42:00] It appears on face value that there is a double standard of application being applied. Recognitions of Christian heritage is not new and unheard of in the Commonwealth of Virginia. For example, the governor's office honors Christian Heritage Week yearly.

[05:42:15] In this year's proclamation, March 10th through the 16th, 2024, one of the whereas statements The founders of our country were great men and women from many religious denominations, races, and cultures who came here from all over the world to establish a country with liberty and justice for all.

[05:42:38] And the Christian faith is an integral part of the rich heritage in Virginia. Regarding the lawsuit Calvary Road Baptist Church was party to, The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Christian churches and organizations throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

[05:42:55] We held that the Virginia Values Act of 2020 infringed upon our religious convictions and beliefs. The government should not be able to dictate how a congregation and or religious organizations must think, what we must believe, who we must hire, and preach or teach in our churches and our Christian schools, as well as what insurance coverage we must have even if it violates our moral and religious conscious and our deeply held religious beliefs.

[05:43:27] One of our deeply held religious convictions at CRBC is God created man and woman and the institution of marriage is between man and woman as it's written in the Holy Bible. We believe in the sanctity of life. Our religious beliefs and convictions are protected rights by both the U.S. and Virginia Constitution.

[05:43:47] And I'll close by thanking you for allowing me to come, but I would ask you to go back and look at the Vlaming v. West Point School Board case because in that language from the Virginia Supreme Court, it says that the government may not substantially burden the exercise of religion unless doing so in the least restrictive means available to prevent overt acts against public safety, peace, and good order.

[05:44:13] And I thank you for your time, and I will close by telling you that there's not a Sunday service, there's not a Wednesday service, there's not a time that our church doors aren't open, that we say a prayer for each and every one of you, that God gives you wisdom to govern with the wisdom of Solomon, and you make the right decisions.

[05:44:33] Thank you for your time. Thank you, Mr. Dawson. I appreciate your testimony. Speaker number seven, speaker number seven is Vastina De Novo. Vastina De Novo, who is here in person. Welcome. We are going to hear video testimony. And then speaker number nine, Upamandas Mohannas, is speaker number nine. And speaker number 10, finally, will be Rob Bradley. If I called your name, if you could please come down close so that we're ready to receive your testimony. And Miss De Novo, welcome.

[05:45:13] Thank you, and good evening. Ladies and gentlemen of the board, thank you for the opportunity for me to come before you and express serious concerns about the potential termination of new generations.

[05:45:32] It is a small CSB residential program for women with substance abuse and mental health disorders, and it is one of the very few gender-specific residential programs in the state of Virginia, and extremely few that serve pregnant women and mothers with infants and toddlers.

[05:45:51] So I'm here today before you because of the current CSB proposal to end new generations and repurpose its positions to staff a new youth program and to execute budget cuts.

[05:46:07] My name, as you know, is Vastina DeNovo. I'm a supervisor at this program, and I'm also an advocate for women. And I'm very concerned about what the CSB's plan would be to meet the needs of this population if our particular program is eliminated. We frequently have transfers of women from co-ed programs who, unfortunately, Although the CSB offers excellent services in its co-ed settings, some women are simply unable to heal in co-ed settings due to their histories of trauma.

[05:46:35] And these programs do not accept pregnant women, nor do they accept women with infants and toddlers. That is our specialty. And that's why I'm here to advocate for continuing the particular program. The nationwide opioid epidemic has taken a tragic toll on mothers and children as well.

[05:46:54] And black mothers confront yet another deadly epidemic. Black women are three times more likely to die during and after pregnancy, and their infants are twice as likely to suffer the same fate. And there are other issues to be considered here, too, in terms of addiction and the direct impact that they have on women, pregnant women and families with young children.

[05:47:18] There is resounding evidence in the fields of medicine, addiction medicine, behavioral health, and public health about the critical need for these services, and this consensus of opinion has resulted in the mobilization of millions of dollars in federal and state resources with the consistent recommendation of substance abuse and mental health treatment services for women who are impacted by addiction and mental health issues. And I'll give you just a couple of examples of what I'm talking about, and I provide a material that has links so that you can actually electronically pop open the links that gives you even more information about what I'm talking about.

[05:47:57] In the state of Virginia, the Virginia Maternal Mortality Review Team, in their 2023 annual report to the governor of Virginia, stated that 80% of pregnancy-associated accidental deaths are from accidental overdose.

[05:48:15] 80% at this point of accidental deaths in pregnant women are due to accidental overdose. And in 2021, under Governor Northam, he committed nearly $22 million in strategies to improve maternal health outcomes in the state of Virginia.

[05:48:32] The Journal of Medical Association is talking about the increase in addiction and overdose in pregnant women. The White House in 2022 implemented a sweeping federal initiative that committed $470 million to looking at maternal morbidity and mortality.

[05:48:53] They asserted that for far too long, we have allowed preventable deaths, life-altering complications, and untreated mental health and substance use disorders to persist, and so on. The American Society of Addiction Medicine in 2022 found that 86% of pregnant people who use substances had unintended pregnancies.

[05:49:19] This is the very population that we serve, and we provide a safe haven for these women to come, to heal, to gain sobriety, to learn how to parent their children and keep their children in their custody. That is what we do. We also work with women who are unfortunately unable to thrive in settings that are co-ed because of their histories of trauma.

[05:49:42] And these transfer admissions are often urgently sought by co-ed programs because there are so few gender-specific programs for women for their clients to go to. Their clients face either discharge or being able to come to our program, which would no longer exist if our program was eliminated due to these budget cuts.

[05:50:06] So I will say, as I said, that our program is a very small program. We operate with 11 and a half staff, 11 full time, one part time. We are run out of two single family homes in Vienna. That's it. But we provide a safe haven for women, for pregnant women, and mothers with infants and children.

[05:50:27] So I beseech you, when this comes before you, if we're still on the chopping block, that you would consider how critical these services are, and that we would hope that you would maintain new generations so that we're able to continue to serve this population, as we have done for more than 30 years in Fairfax County.

[05:50:47] And thank you for your time and attention. Thank you. Thank you very much. Our next speaker is speaker number eight, Douglas Doolittle, who has submitted video testimony. My name is Douglas Doolittle, and I'm the Homeowners Association President at the Rotunda.

[05:51:10] And we are wholeheartedly opposed to the establishment of a gambling casino in Tysons. The Rotunda was built in 1978. It was a 34-acre gated condominium community in the heart of Tysons.

[05:51:28] It comprises five 10-story buildings containing 1,168 condominiums with some 3,200 residents, about 700 of the residents of children. The Rotunda has its own polling precinct, and up to 86% of our registered voters actually cast ballots.

[05:51:53] The people living at the Rotunda pride themselves on being the original residents of Tyson's and we work willingly with the county and developers to resolve issues concerning the Rotunda related to the growth of this new and exciting city.

[05:52:11] The Rotunda recently conducted a survey of its residents on the Casino and Tysons issue, and we found out the following. 86% of our residents oppose the Casino and Tysons.

[05:52:27] 72% believe it will attract undesirable businesses. 89% believe it will require more emergency response resources. 84% believe it will lead to increased crime.

[05:52:44] 70% believe it will negatively impact local businesses, and 92% believe it will increase traffic congestion. During my years with the CIA, I worked on international organized crime issues and have firsthand experience working with the FBI on organized crime inroads into U.S.

[05:53:10] gambling casino operations. I can tell you that virtually all of the gambling casinos in the United States are infiltrated by organized criminals who use the casinos as fronts with money laundering and prostitution and as bases for theft and racketeering. Criminals often choose to have secret ownership or other controlling influences over casino operations where they engage in crooked gambling practices and the skimming of profits in addition to using the

[05:53:49] large flows of funds to launder their revenue from other illegal operations. We already have enough problems in Tyson's with traffic congestion, street racing, new crime waves brought on by easy access from the metro, and struggling new local businesses. We do not need a casino to compound these existing problems. For the residents of Tyson's, there's no upside to the proposal for a casino in our town. Thank you for listening to me. Thank you. And speaker number nine is

[05:54:29] Ipa Menondas Mujanes. I hope I'm close. Welcome. Mr. Chairman and member of the board, my name is Ipa Menondas Mujanes and I live in Annandale. I am a union electrician and being in the union has given me the ability to have the economic security and to afford to live in Fairfax County. Coming from a working class, immigrant family, a union job, and union training lifted me up into the middle class. I'm here to ask for your support for the entertainment district and casino because I want other immigrant workers in Fairfax County to have union jobs so

[05:55:07] they can afford to live here. Union jobs give higher pay, health care, pension, and dignity. The developer of the entertainment district and casino has taken the unprecedented step of signing labor peace and project labor agreements that will cover more than 5,000 jobs.

[05:55:26] This will cover hotel workers, custodians, restaurant workers, casino workers, stagehands, and construction workers. Please stand with the working class and support this historic opportunity for thousands of union jobs. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your testimony.

[05:55:43] Speaker number 10 is Rob Bradley. Mr. Bradley here. Mr. Bradley present? Ah, okay.

[05:55:59] My name is Rob Bradley. I'm here to ask the board to consider passing a ceasefire resolution to call for immediate end of hostilities between the IDF and its allies and all factions of the Hamas-led Palestinian resistance forces and its allies and supporters without preconditions.

[05:56:22] Part of my family is Romani from what's now the Czech Republic, and I had extended relatives to die in the Holocaust. Some were shot by Gestapo, and some died in Auschwitz. Many Europeans to this day say the Romani people deserved what they got during the Holocaust because of the actions of a minority of reactionaries, similar to what I see today lodged at Palestinians because of the actions of a minority led by Hamas.

[05:56:47] Some even claim that there is no genocide at all. These are merely normal levels of civilian deaths to be expected in a war. Claims which eerily echo that of modern-day Holocaust deniers. I know what a human being run over by a bulldozer with only an arm remaining holding him back groceries look like.

[05:57:05] I know what an elementary school-aged boy carrying his dead toddler brother in a blood-soaked Mickey Mouse backpack looks like. I know what a screaming father carrying his dead son with half his legs and missing down the vertical looks like. I know what another father carrying his son's remains in a plastic shopping bag so he can eventually bury something of him looks like.

[05:57:23] And I didn't look away. The board has previously said it has no power to affect foreign policy, and therefore it's meaningless to make such a gesture. However, that brings me to my next point. Virginia is unique among our 50 states in that we have a taxpayer-funded agency which promotes Israeli businesses in Virginia called the Virginia-Israeli Advisory Board.

[05:57:41] To this end, I'd recommend that the board include in its legislative program a complete scrapping of the Virginia-Israel Advisory Board. This is not for pure idealism, as the Virginia-Israeli Advisory Board promotes Israeli military contractors here in Virginia, such as the Israeli Aerospace Industries in Herndon, which manufactures many of the planes which are dropping bombs on civilians in Gaza Including, if you recall, what can only be described as a deliberate idea of a bombing and massacre of a Palestinian-Virginia family, 15, who lived in Gaza.

[05:58:13] Keeping the Virginia-Israel Advisory Board as a taxpayer-funded state bureaucracy is a liability, as we've made our commonwealth accomplices in crimes against humanity, and we are murdering our own people now. Additionally, I'd like to bring attention that 77% of Democratic voters in this country do support a ceasefire.

[05:58:31] If you look at the recent electoral outcome in Virginia, Senator Cain's margin of victory over Hong Kong was about 55% greater than that of Vice President Harris's over President-elect Trump. Virginia remains a swing state, and Northern Virginia is a Democratic voting base in the Commonwealth, which also includes a large working-class Muslim population. Senator Cain differentiated himself from most top National Democrats in that he endorsed a ceasefire early.

[05:58:51] He also worked closely with unions, here at the Nova Labor Federation at least. He embraced two mildly center-left positions and was awarded with a decisive near nine-point margin victory, whereas VP Harris said run to the right with Liz Cheney and chase Republicans who were never going to vote for her anyway, and not showing any backbone about a ceasefire until some mild half-hearted gestures hours before Election Day, left many young people and Muslims rightly disgusted in staying home voting third party, left unions feeling so in love that the Teamsters spoke at the RNC.

[05:59:20] You know, to be clear, I knocked on doors to get people to vote for VP Harris and downtown with Democrats for six weeks in battleground districts. I was able to convince moderate Republicans to vote for her without needing to sell a Palestinians, all sorts of gay people, women, black people, or immigrants. I delivered every one I campaigned for to victory in Virginia.

[05:59:36] So don't listen to these Ivy League Democratic Party consultants who have constantly failed upwards since the Clinton administration, who led constant congressional lawsuits, gave a 50-state strategy, and banned entire counties to fascists, and even now are engaging in anticipated obedience to a president-elect who openly admires Hitler.

[05:59:52] Listen to grassroots organizers who actually engage in their working-class communities. Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. And with that testimony, that brings us to the end of our board meeting, November 19th, 2024. And with that, the board is adjourned.

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