Coraggio Consulting
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Meeting, Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Place: Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Virginia
Length: 8h 56m (video)
Official meeting video (Fairfax County): https://video.fairfaxcounty.gov/player/clip/3962
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 2026-10-28. Timestamps are [HH:MM:SS] into the meeting video.

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[00:00:04] Good morning, everyone, and welcome to our board meeting of November 18th, 2025. And we are going to begin our meeting this morning the way we always do, which is in a moment, I am going to ask everyone who is able to rise for a moment of silence to be followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

[00:00:20] Before we do that, however, we always recognize folks that we would like to keep in our thoughts and prayers as we move about through our day. And I'm going to begin, and I ask for people's patience. And it's going to be a really long morning, so I think if we can all keep that in mind, that would be appreciated.

[00:00:39] But we have sadly lost a lot of folks since we last met, and I want to mention some of those. And then, of course, I will recognize my colleagues to do the same. And these are in no particular order because all of these folks, big losses for Fairfax County.

[00:00:56] And I want to start by reminding everyone that on November 3rd, former Vice President Dick Cheney passed away, and Dick Cheney was a longtime Fairfax County resident. He spent decades in public service dating back to the Nixon and Ford administrations, multiple terms as a congressman from Wyoming, Secretary of Defense in George H.W. Bush's administration, and of course, George W. Bush's vice president for eight years.

[00:01:26] And again, a longtime contributor and resident of Fairfax County, if we could keep Vice President Cheney's friends and family in our thoughts and prayers. Secondly, and this one hits close to home, I think for all of us on November 6th, was notified of a house fire that occurred in Herndon where two individuals lost their lives.

[00:01:49] Tony Woods, a Fairfax County urban forester with the Fairfax County Urban Forest Conservation Branch of Land Development Services, was one of the individuals who passed away along with her husband. Tony's lifelong passion for trees, nature, and environment shaped her career and made a lasting difference throughout Fairfax County. Tony helped preserve countless trees and strengthen the county's commitment to environmental stewardship. Her work and example inspired her colleagues and elevated the standards of tree preservation across our entire region.

[00:02:24] Toni was known for her warmth, humor, and compassion, and I know all of my colleagues joined me in offering our thoughts and prayers to the Woods family as they navigate this process and this tragic event. And again, when we make these announcements and they involve county employees, particularly tough for all of our county workforce, and if we could keep that in mind next and i had an opportunity to attend a celebration of life for this individual was a giant in fairfax county and that was jay hamilton lambert who passed away on november 3rd

[00:03:01] jay served 10 years as the fairfax county executive here his career began in fairfax county in 1959 where throughout his time in the county he held 22 different job titles starting as a very entry-level county employee, moving his way through the county workforce all the way up to becoming the county executive.

[00:03:24] In fact, the government center we find ourselves in here today was one of Jay's greatest and lasting achievements as he oversaw its development, funding, and completion. Following his service, Jay became involved with Dr. Claude Moore and others who ultimately supported and created the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, where he would eventually become its executive director.

[00:03:45] As executive director, Jay helped to develop and finance a program to train young people in medical technologies. To date, 35,000 young men and women from 56 school districts across Virginia have graduated from the program. Jay's commitment to Fairfax County and his community could not be understated.

[00:04:06] As I said before, Fairfax County's reputation and our continued success are due in large part to those who have come before us and whose work we continue to build on, and Jay was absolutely one of those individuals. I can tell you from his celebration of life that I attended in Leesburg last week, it was like a family reunion of a lot of folks who made a huge difference in Fairfax County and just about every department in this county, and it was great to see so many of our county retirees and current employees and listen to some of them talk about their experiences with Jay.

[00:04:43] And so his picture is hanging right out here in our conference center that's named after him, but there are few people who can ever claim to have made as big a difference in the Fairfax County that we appreciate today than Jay Lambert could.

[00:04:59] And we are grateful for all of his service, commitment to Fairfax County, and just a huge loss, but whose legacy continues to live throughout this community each and every day. And then finally, another giant that we lost, and certainly those of us in South County know this to be true, and that is the passing of Maddie Palmore.

[00:05:21] Maddie Palmore passed away on October 30th, lived a life of purpose and service, and dedicated many years to Fairfax County as a magistrate, serving her community with wisdom, fairness, and compassion. And beyond her professional service, which we acknowledge, I think a lot of us understood and worked with her in so many other dimensions.

[00:05:45] She was, I think, the loudest and most effective champion for survivors of domestic violence that I have ever met in my life and was a trailblazer organizing events, raising awareness, offering encouragement and helping people rebuilding their lives very early on.

[00:06:04] This was not just a recent passion of hers, but a life's passion. She truly embodied what it means to have a servant's heart. I saw Maddie everywhere I went, especially in South County, and she was always happy, but she was always quick to offer advice to many of us on this board and in the county of things we could do better.

[00:06:29] But she spent her life fighting for anyone who had a vulnerability, whether that was domestic violence or poverty, our young people, our children. She cared passionately about, and her loss leaves a giant hole of compassion that will take an army to fill.

[00:06:51] And as I said before, especially to those of us in South County where she lived, her daughter still lives in the Mount Vernon District. But if we could keep Maddie Palmore, a dear friend, steadfast advisor to many of us in our thoughts and prayers, and I know others will want to add to that, I would appreciate it.

[00:07:10] And with that, at this time, I will recognize others to be recognized. And let me start with Supervisor Palchuk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I will start just by sharing the love and the news to Maddie's family.

[00:07:28] The Coalition to End Domestic Violence feels that loss greatly. I know that her 30-plus years of dedication, leadership, and leading with compassion made a huge, huge impact on that work.

[00:07:46] So I know that she'll be greatly, greatly missed, both in her community around South County, but also the work she's impacted county-wide. I appreciate your sharing that. Here in Providence District, we have lost one beloved resident and one leader and county employee that has truly shaken our neighborhood and community services community.

[00:08:12] I think the first day I started in this job with my office over at what was the Providence Community Center, now Jim Scott Community Center, I had the privilege of getting to know and working with Rob Webster III, who unfortunately passed on November 3rd.

[00:08:30] Rob was a county employee with 14 years of service, and in those 14 years, he had a tremendous level of impact on the county and on Providence District. He was a Human Development Specialist 5, a cherished member of the Region 3 leadership team. He had worked as an Assistant Director at Huntington Community Center, at Gum Springs Community Center, and the South County Teen Center.

[00:08:54] He was the first Center Director of the Providence Community Center in 2016. And I see former Supervisor Smith is here, so I know she probably knew Rob very well as well. He became the Region 3 Service Area Manager. He truly was one of the most caring, compassionate, passionate people I've seen when it came to supporting our youth.

[00:09:16] He was truly a trailblazer committed to the betterment of teens. He started the original street team in Region 1, an initiative that promoted youth leadership through workforce development, service learning, and community building. To date, much of the youth leadership programs, many of them have elements of Rob's original work with the street team.

[00:09:38] I still remember the day he started sharing some of his ideas for growth for our teens years ago, and I knew that he cared so deeply for helping improve the future of our teens. He led the VIP Summer Program, the Road Dog, and was part of several key work groups over the years, including the RET group during the creation of the countywide strategic plan.

[00:10:01] He was currently serving as a key member of the Adults Work Group, Project Horizon, and he was the lead on several NIP initiatives and supports in Region 3. My thoughts, and I know everyone in our community, everyone who's had the opportunity to work with Rob, our thoughts are with his children, with Brendan, Isaiah, Elena, Zahira, and the entire Webster family, as well as the many colleagues and friends who have worked alongside him.

[00:10:28] And I know many were able to go to the service recently, and those of us in the community Center, continued to have fond memories of Rob and his family, and his sudden passing was truly a blow. The other is one of our neighbors and community members, and really someone who created he and his wife, incredible leaders in the community. Philemon Marmel also passed away suddenly on November 8th. He was a valued community member, father of incredible children,

[00:11:06] including Jackie Marmel, the Northern Virginia Regional Director for Senator Warner. A longtime resident of Providence District, after immigrating from the Philippines, his life was marked by hard work, generosity, and a love of cooking, famously his chicken adobo.

[00:11:24] My thoughts and those of the Providence District are with his wife, Edita, his children, Dolores, Bengay, Joy, Franco, Mary Ligaya, and Jacqueline, as well as his grandchildren, Jed, Abby, Gwen, Samantha, Casey, and Pia, his sons-in-law, Raymond, Arnold, and John, and very, very importantly, his beloved pets, Aiko, Yuki, Milo, and Nalu.

[00:11:46] So to the Marmol family, the Providence District and the county's thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you. Supervisor Palchuk, Supervisor Stork. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I thank you very much for your words about Patty, and I know the two of us together spent a great deal of time with her and many other members of the community making a difference.

[00:12:10] And we know that she was truly a leader in that, if you will, the unofficial matriarch of South County as well as Gump Springs. I first met Maddie when I was appointed to the board of Good Shepherd Housing, and she was the director of housing.

[00:12:33] Her role then was to help families of homeless to transition into the housing. And at that point in time, particularly Good Shepherd Housing was mostly a community-driven organization. It was driven by donations, and they super leased housing and then in turn turned around and leased it or rented it to other folks who didn't have as much and think it paid the difference.

[00:12:55] So it was one of those really grassroots kind of organizations that had really made a difference, and she was a key part of helping those families. I think she deeply believed that helping people help themselves was the way to go about making that difference.

[00:13:11] And we showed that in a lot of different ways. I know we've talked and you shared particularly about her work with women who were in relationships that were abusive. She co-founded the Women's Group of Mount Vernon, which particularly was focused on creating safe havens and vital resources for survivors of abuse.

[00:13:31] And then, Mr. Chairman, when you were Supervisor Franconian and I was Supervisor of Mount Vernon District in 2017, we identified a need that had been longstanding, that there was no domestic violence shelter in, frankly, the South County area at all.

[00:13:49] And frankly, there's only one in Favros County that was in the Ruston area. And we worked together with, Chairman and I, worked together with not only Maddie Palmore, who was a huge part of that, but also others in the community, in particular Lisa Sales and Karen Stone, by 2019 to get Artemis House created.

[00:14:12] And that was actually located in the Franconi District, but right on, if you will, on the line. but it effectively served really all of the Mount Vernon and Franconia areas along the Richmond Highway Corridor. And I still want to thank Tom Fleetwood for his work and efforts to bring that about.

[00:14:32] I think as a final note for her, she was a dear friend, somebody who called me on the phone fairly regularly, and we talked fairly regularly. and what you knew you got when she called you is about some other family that needed some other help it was not about her ever it was about somebody in the community that really needed an extra hand up if you will and and even when over the last particularly last couple years her health had suffered pretty greatly even then she's calling you from the hospital bed and urging you

[00:15:09] to take care of something that she felt was really critical to the community and to making a difference in people's lives, so she will always be with me, and I know there's a service for her this Saturday for anyone who would like to be part of it. I have one other individual. I wanted to recognize Burnett Ramo, who's a longtime Mason Neck resident. She passed on November 5th after a courageous battle with cancer. People in the community knew her very well, not only for enjoying caring for birds. She's a big environmentalist, garden and boating. I would

[00:15:43] reader, but her walks in the community were particularly what I heard from person after person. And I just wanted to really share that, that she will be absolutely remembered for her kindness, generosity, humility, for being a great friend, a loving wife, mother, meme to her three grandchildren. And I want to recognize and thank her for her life and Mason Neck. Thank you.

[00:16:10] Thank you, Supervisor Stork. And you mentioned the services for Maddie. If people are watching and I'm sure there are people watching this that know Maddie Palmore. Her services are 9 to 12, as you mentioned, on Saturday at Harvest Assembly Baptist Church, of course, on Fordsman Road in the heart of Gum Springs, and I know I'll see you and others there, but for folks who are looking to pay tribute, that's the details of her service.

[00:16:35] Sure. Supervisor Herity. Yeah, Mr. Chairman, thank you for all four of your recognitions, And you didn't have to be in Mount Vernon or Franconia District to understand the impact Maddie Palmer had. Just a couple of quick words on Jay, because he was a family friend.

[00:16:54] And you look at his journey, his highest degree of education was high school. That's right. And all the way through everything he's done in his life with the high school, he was a lifelong learner, read a lot, did a lot, but absolutely incredible.

[00:17:11] And I don't know if people realize the real impact he had because he was the county force behind my dad and the Board of Supervisors that created the EDA and drove Fairfax County's growth. So much so that that group got together and funded a book called Jay's Journey, which is a very, very good read about not just Jay, but about how you can go from that level of education and make it all the way through.

[00:17:41] And the last thing I'll add about Jay is, you know, two things. One, one of my fondest memories from the early on were listening to my dad and Jay Lambert yell at the top of their lungs on the top floor of the Massey building about something either my dad wanted to do or Jay wanted to do and how.

[00:18:02] But that was one of the first places I learned that Open Honest Discussion gets you to better answers. And they would duke it out to get to better answers for Fairfax County. the other the other thing that was was great about jay that i don't think was mentioned was just his his humor and his wit absolutely incredible so in 1982 fresh out of college i had to stand up in front of the chamber 350 people and roast my dad and i was feeling pretty good until they called jay lambert up right before me and uh i did all right but jay knocked it out i mean it was he was

[00:18:41] a funny man. His wit was there. He always had something that would bring things down and move things forward. But Jay truly will be missed, so thank you. I was not able to make it out, but he's quite a man.

[00:18:58] Well, actually, Supervisor Herity, I've been meaning to do this. I think we need to reach out to the family, see if that was streamed somewhere because some of the, to the point about his character and wit, There were some great stories told as a part of the service that I think we would all enjoy listening to.

[00:19:16] So we'll try to find out if that happened. I hope that it did. Supervisor Lusk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'll start with Mr. Lambert, and I'll say Walter will remember this story.

[00:19:31] I was at the time working in Supervisor Kate Hanley's office, and she had asked me to go meet behind the board dais at the Massey building, so a different facility than we're in right now.

[00:19:49] So I get there. This is my very first time ever going into this space, and I walk into the back area, and what I see is there's a gentleman that's seated right in the middle of the room. He has his head looking at the ceiling, and he's just got his legs extended out, and he's telling jokes, one after the other, after the other, after the other.

[00:20:14] And everyone that's around is laughing hysterically. And I'm like, wow, who is this guy? And all of a sudden, I hear Kate Hanley, Supervisor Hanley, ask, Mr. Lambert, can you come and answer a question on, and it was some subfund, and I don't remember the number, 780 or whatever.

[00:20:35] He runs out, gets to the podium, and he starts describing in great detail that subfund. He says how much money is in it, what it's been used for, answers the question, comes back, stretches his legs back out, puts his head back towards the ceiling, starts telling more jokes.

[00:20:53] That's Jay Lambert. He was just an amazing person. And the way that he led, so he would walk through the government center, and I guess I got to witness this, where he would be talking almost to every staff person as they went by.

[00:21:12] Margaret, how is your son Willie? He knew such great details about each person that worked in this building, and it just showed his commitment, his commitment to his job, and the point that Supervisor Harry made going from draftsman at 19 to county executive at 51.

[00:21:34] He spent pretty much all of his life in service to this county, which is just amazing. So I just want to recognize and thank his family for allowing him to be a part of this Fairfax County family.

[00:21:50] And then for Maddie Palmore, I won't repeat, just an amazing person committed to service as well. And I really appreciate the point that Supervisor Stork made, and that is she didn't fight for herself.

[00:22:08] She fought for everyone else, and she saw the importance of service to others. And this is maybe an old-school thing. I just remember growing up with my own grandparents. They always said, you know, the importance in life is to be of service to others, to make a difference in the lives of others.

[00:22:29] If you see someone in need, if you see someone suffering, you have a responsibility to help. And Maddie just exemplified that in every single thing she did. And I just appreciated having the opportunity to spend time with her and to also be on the receiving end when she wanted something done.

[00:22:48] She was a strong proponent and advocate for the things that she cared about. And our county has benefited from both she and Jay Lambert. So thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Supervisor Lusk. Anyone else who would? Okay.

[00:23:03] Seeing and hearing no one at this time, if all are able, could rise. And we will then follow that with a moment of silence to be followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Face the flag.

[00:23:42] 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. And this morning we do have a lot of presentations, so I appreciate everyone's patience, and we're going to start with another one that is really close and personal to us, and that is honoring

[00:24:16] Congressman Walkinshaw for his service to Fairfax County residents in his capacity as Braddock District Supervisor. And we put this first because I know James has to run off and has duties on Capitol Hill to attend to. And obviously, we're recognizing James for his service to the county, but also for a lot of us, his longtime friendship and contributions to everything that we do here in Fairfax County. And I got to tell you, having that empty seat

[00:24:47] uh there has been tough uh for us over this as always thank you jimmy uh i think that happened within three minutes of james leaving uh the board um this is the first time maybe it's happened on camera but uh but but we do uh we do want to uh honor james and and to do that right and we're going to do a couple of things here um first um i'm gonna in a moment ask Channel 16 to play a video that we have of James' work here in Braddock District.

[00:25:25] I'm then going to read a resolution that the board can vote on, and then I'm going to open up to my colleagues for any comments that they want to make. And so at this time, if Congressman Walkinshaw could come on down, and I know that his Braddock District staff is here as well, they're welcome to come down and join Congressman Walkinshaw as well. And obviously, if not at this time, we certainly want them in the photo that we take.

[00:25:54] And so first thing is we have a tribute video that Channel 16 has worked on, and I would ask them to go ahead and play that. Hi, I'm Jeff McKay, chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. I want to take a moment to congratulate my friend and colleague, James Walkinshaw, on his election to the United States Congress, representing the 11th District.

[00:26:23] This is an extraordinary achievement, one that reflects his deep commitment to public service, his integrity, and his unwavering dedication to the people of Fairfax County. As Supervisor of the Braddock District, of the Board of Supervisors, of the Board of Supervisors, of Fairfax County, Virginia, of Fairfax County, Virginia, according to the best of my ability, according to the best of my ability, so help me God, so help me God.

[00:26:49] It has been a true pleasure and privilege serving alongside James on the board. From day one, he brought energy, new ideas, and a thoughtful, steady approach to solving problems. He's the kind of colleague who listens carefully, works collaboratively, and always keeps people, not politics, at the center of every decision.

[00:27:16] James and I have shared not only a commitment to policy, but a friendship built on mutual respect and a shared love for this community. I've seen firsthand his tireless drive to make Fairfax County a better place, whether it was transforming an unused parking lot at the government center into affordable housing for working families, or championing policies that protect our environment and promote equity.

[00:27:43] Symbols can inspire us to action. Symbols can unite us around our shared ideals. And my hope for this site and this project is that it will do just that, that it will continue to inspire us to action.

[00:27:58] In the words of Chairman McKay, that we build affordable housing in every corner of the county, including right here in our own front yard. As chair of our legislative committee, James strengthened our partnerships in Richmond and ensured Fairfax County's voice was heard loud and clear.

[00:28:17] His leadership helped move forward policies that directly improve people's lives. And the project labor agreement means that the workers who will be working on this project will be guaranteed fair wages, fair benefits. And from the taxpayer's perspective, it's going to ensure that we can complete this project on time and under budget.

[00:28:40] And just as importantly, James' time in local government has given him a deep understanding of how policies affect real people. That perspective, knowing how decisions in Washington impact neighborhoods, schools, and families right here at home, is invaluable.

[00:28:59] We've seen how that experience serves leaders well. Just look at former Congressman Jerry Connolly, who brought the same Fairfax County know-how to the national level and delivered real results. James follows proudly in that tradition.

[00:29:16] He understands the challenges our residents face because he's been in the trenches solving them. That makes him not only a strong legislator, but the right kind of representative for this moment. While I'll certainly miss having him as a colleague on the board, I'm proud to call him a friend and even prouder to know that he'll continue serving our community on the national stage.

[00:29:40] Fairfax County is gaining a powerful ally in Washington, someone who knows our values and will fight for them every single day. Congratulations, Congressman Walkinshaw. Thank you for your leadership, your partnership, and your incredible service to Fairfax County.

[00:29:59] We're all cheering you on as you begin this next exciting chapter.

[00:30:13] First, obviously, that video speaks volumes of, you know, all the work that James has done on behalf of Fairfax County. But I also want to thank and congratulate Channel 16 because they do an amazing job capturing these videos.

[00:30:35] Not easy work. It's not easy work to go through thousands of clips and photos and try to pick the best ones that capture someone. And so I definitely appreciate all the work that they did to make sure that video is something that many people can view over a long period of time and understand the contribution that you've made, Congressman.

[00:30:59] And with that – and I will say the swearing-in photo, we wanted to make sure that one was there when James got sworn in because we're going to do a before and after shot of how much these jobs age people. But in all seriousness, and certainly give my colleagues a moment as well to comment on this.

[00:31:20] But before I do that, I'm going to hand the gavel to Supervisor Smith so that I can read the following resolution. Whereas Congressman James Walkinshaw has dedicated his career to public service, demonstrating results-driven leadership marked by integrity, dedication, inclusivity, and unwavering commitment to collaborative governance that improves the quality of life for residents of Fairfax County, and Virginia's 11th Congressional District, and whereas a Northern Virginia native and graduate of New York University, Congressman Walkinshaw spent more than a decade as chief of staff to Congressman Jerry Connolly, advising on federal policy, constituent services, federal workforce

[00:32:00] protections, and advancing funding priorities for Fairfax County, and whereas Congressman Walkinshaw served with distinction on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors representing the Braddock District from 2020 to 2025, where he secured funding to renovate the Audrey Moore Rec Center, shepherded the Braddock Road Multimodal Improvement Project, and advanced efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of Lake Akatink while addressing challenges great and small in the Braddock District.

[00:32:29] And whereas as chair of the Environmental Committee, he led implementation of the Community Wide Energy and Climate Action Plan, initiated a plastic bag fee resulting in measurable reductions in waste in local streams and advance numerous countywide sustainability initiatives.

[00:32:46] And whereas his leadership spanned major legislative and regional priorities, including guiding the legislative committee's legislative program and advancing the red flag law, leading the Virginia Railway Express Operations Board to launch Saturday service, advancing collective bargaining for county employees, introducing tax relief for spouses of fallen service members, and helping enact the county's firearm ban on public property.

[00:33:14] And he represented Fairfax County on key regional bodies, including the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Transportation Planning Board, the Virginia Association of Counties Board of Directors, and the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, among others. Whereas the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is deeply appreciative of Congressman Walkinshaw's years of dedicated service and partnership, now therefore be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on behalf of all residents, does hereby recognize and honor Congressman James Walkinshaw for his exemplary service, leadership, integrity, and lasting contributions to Fairfax County,

[00:33:52] and extends its gratitude and best wishes for his continued success. I'll second that with most of the board. A discussion on the motion, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Vice Chair Smith, and I know others will want to weigh in. First, it is interesting to see James on this side of the podium.

[00:34:10] And we don't have time limits on our speakers, but I'm glad he has other things to get to after this because we could be here all day talking about what a wonderful colleague you have been, what a friend you've been, and the long-term relationship you had with Congressman Connolly that got you started and certainly guides you, I know, in the daily work that you do and the work that we have come accustomed to from our members of Congress.

[00:34:37] and serving the 11th Congressional District, which is entirely in Fairfax County now, I can tell you it gives me great comfort to know you're there. We said before we wish every member of Congress had to serve in local government. We'd get a lot done. We'd have balanced budgets.

[00:34:53] We'd have cooperation. We'd have operations that work. The government would be open. And unfortunately, that's not always the way things work in Washington, D.C., but we know with you there and your experience in local government that local government will center the decisions that you make and that we have a strong partner for a long time here in Fairfax County on Capitol Hill and something that we've gotten used to, accustomed to, and know that is an asset that we'll continue to have for a lot of years.

[00:35:22] And that makes me rest easy at night. I know James will always do the right thing on behalf of our Fairfax County residents. And so we're going to miss you a lot, But the best thing is, is you're still serving our constituents in a way.

[00:35:38] And I know our relationship will continue to be focused on that for many years to come. And so many times we play these videos of our colleagues and it's a real sad moment when we lose a colleague and we do a tribute video to them or when they're retiring from the board and leaving public service.

[00:35:55] But in this particular case, this is a celebration of all the things you did for Braddock District, but also a celebration. I know for all of us that you're continuing to service in a new capacity. So, James, thank you very much, and thank you to Yvette and Mateo, your wife and son, because I say this all the time for people in these offices, it takes a lot from family.

[00:36:19] A lot of nights, a lot of weekends. Living in an aquarium is not always the easiest thing on family members, especially our young kids. And so we thank Yvette, Mateo, and then finally, the amazing Braddock District team that's here. I know you'll say something about them, too, but doing amazing work on your behalf and continuing to do amazing work on behalf of the residents of Braddock District.

[00:36:43] We are grateful for them as well. So thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you. Supervisor Pelczyk? Thank you, Madam Chair. And I think the chairman shared a lot of what I was feeling. But as I'm sitting here, and I know, James, I've forgotten half of the things that you were able to help us move here in the last six years.

[00:37:02] And as hard as it is to shift such a large ship that is Fairfax County with over a million residents, I was moved to see that I think he got close to moving you to tears, which is something I don't often expect from Supervisor Walkinshaw.

[00:37:20] Sorry, Congressman Walkinshaw, and your unwavering work. But I think to me the most important thing is, number one, that Mateo and Yvette are your two most important constituents, and I know they will ensure that you continue to focus on protecting our most vulnerable, understanding from our little ones all the way to our aging adults the importance of everything that happens in Congress that sometimes it's hard to remember, the impact that it has every single day, and making sure our kids have great schools,

[00:37:53] Our environment is protected, the safety of our children in those schools, the importance of a workforce that's respected and paid enough to be able to afford homes and good jobs and the affordability in our community and just how much that impacts.

[00:38:12] Well, I know it's tough to imagine anyone enjoying that job more than they do this one. I know that you've done so much there, and the reason I know I and so many of us here are excited to have you in Congress is if anyone can get it to be more functional, it's you.

[00:38:31] And anyone knows how important it is and hit the ground running, not just here in the county, but we'll do it in Congress now that you're back in session. We're excited for you, and we've got your back, and thank you for continuing your life of service to the community.

[00:38:48] Supervisor Alcorn. Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. So, yeah, James, I just want to build on thanking you for the choices that you've made, really to dedicate your career to public service. You know, we all make choices in our lives, and it's not always obvious, I think, to folks that aren't in the elected business how much of a sacrifice, not just on the elected side,

[00:39:18] but long before being elected, you know, all the incredible hours, all the dedication that you did, and you truly did answer the call to public service. And I do hope and I know that you will continue the tradition of appreciating and understanding local government and the role local government plays in our systems.

[00:39:49] And for that, we will ever be grateful. Thank you, James. Supervisor Stork. Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. And James, really to tie on to that, the passion and tenacity that you bring, I mean, that's part of what we've seen and what I remember seeing almost two decades ago when I first saw you representing Jerry Connolly at a South County Federation meeting at the South County High School Library, when we did in-person meetings.

[00:40:18] I'd forgotten that. Yeah, well, you know, and what you brought to that was a different energy, a different, you know, experience, and how that's tempered and how that's been, I think, more sophisticated in how you go about in getting things done, not only all the environmental things that you and I have collaborated on that I think have been huge, but for me in particular has been, and I think for you in particular, the successes that we've had with VRE. Virginia Railway Express has been a huge we've seen huge changes and we've gone through some incredibly difficult times with COVID. Your leadership as

[00:40:55] chair of that as well as your support and our really work together to bring to create a regional rail authority which is we see it growing and developing and obviously with the completion of the Long Bridge and and some other things that are happening we will see that further blossom and transform not only the Braddock District, which I know is a key part of your passion, but also the ability to frankly grow Saturday service and many other things that will truly enable this to be a core part of our future of transportation.

[00:41:27] So again, my great thanks and appreciation and pleasure of having worked with you on all those things. Thank you. Thank you. Supervisor Jimenez. Thank you so much, and good morning, Congressman. I hope you're doing well.

[00:41:42] Good morning. It's nice to see you in person. I feel like I see you all the time on the videos that you post, and it's always a joy to see that. But thank you for your service, your leadership. James, you're someone who puts actual words into action, and that's so important.

[00:41:58] You don't just talk about doing something, you do it. And that was shown through your time here on the board, whether it was environmental issues or labor issues, but most importantly, your dedication to your community and your constituents won't be forgotten. And we are all excited, as mentioned, to see how you're doing.

[00:42:16] We are rooting for you, as mentioned previously. We want to see you do well, because when you do well, Fairfax does well. When you do well, our residents strive. So thank you so much for your service. Supervisor Lusk. Thank you, Madam Vice Chairman. I'll say I feel a kinship to James in a way that is specific to having worked with Jerry Conley.

[00:42:43] And I see the lessons that you've learned from working with him directly, and I can see your values and your dedication and really just appreciate all that you've done and all that you will do, James.

[00:43:05] You are a person who will also call and check in with someone who might be having a difficult time, and I appreciate times when you've done that. And acknowledge that your leadership on affordable housing, your leadership on environmental issues, legislative issues, it is very much appreciated.

[00:43:30] And I think about your family. I know this is probably tough for them because they're going to probably see you less. I know I see you out pretty much everywhere I almost go. So that means you're going to all the places I'm going, plus all the places that these other folks are going as well.

[00:43:50] So I just want to acknowledge that I see your passion and commitment already in your service and just want you to know I appreciate you for the person that you are and for the things that you've done and will do in the future.

[00:44:07] Thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Bierman. Well, it's easy for him to be everywhere when he gets to Congress and gets an eight-week vacation. Just throw that out there. This wasn't enough of a roast, guys. I'm just kidding. I've told people a lot of times something that James told me in January when I was first running for office. This was January of 2023. We sat down for lunch, and it sticks with me in pretty much everything I do, and he was talking about constituent services. He was talking about being a public servant and representing your constituents, but what he said to me,

[00:44:46] which always stuck with me was that sometimes the people who need my help the most are the least likely to call. Now, keep in mind, this was, I was still in a campaign. They're not only are they the least likely to call, they're probably in some ways the least likely to even go vote. And they're definitely the least likely to send a campaign contribution. But they are a part of your community and they are people who you need to care about when you're in public service. And James gets that. James has gotten that. He's gotten that you need to be reaching out to everybody. He's gotten that you need to be going everywhere, being visible, trying to

[00:45:26] let people know that you can help them and can do things for them. And he just picked up a whole lot more constituents, so it's gotten a little harder. But I know that he will always take that commitment to everything that he does in Congress. It's really inspiring.

[00:45:43] There's another thing he said early on. He said, if you want to win a campaign, you should knock on 10,000 doors. Uh, I, I didn't quite get there. They're a little farther apart in Great Falls. Uh, but it's also a testament to the fact that James did knock on 10,000 doors, uh, and, and did get around his community. And I know he will continue to do so. We're, we're, it's, you know, and we're very happy with what you're doing, not just the videos though. They are very funny.

[00:46:08] Um, uh, especially the one about, uh, finding Antifa to no Kings rally. If you haven't seen it, You really got to check that one out. But, you know, and thank you for giving me a little bit more space here for a few months. I'm a little messy back here, kind of like my speeches.

[00:46:24] But thank you so much, James, for all you do. Thank you. Okay. It's hard to go after Mr. Bierman. You're the one who set the order, Kathy. I was not thinking. James, it has really been an honor to get to know you, to work with you.

[00:46:44] I've been doing this type of work for a long time, and for me personally, to have somebody to serve with that could help me do my job better, to teach me how to do the job better. You just have, at your core, service to our public.

[00:47:02] You do your homework, you care about people, and you're fun to be around. You know, and it's like the full package. I personally am so thankful that you're my congressman, that you are representing the community, and I know how important that service is to you, so thank you so much for everything you do.

[00:47:23] Okay. So I'm going to call for a vote. Are you... Yes, we're good? Yeah. Okay. All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Vice Chairman Smith, and I'm glad we ended with your comments, because I think They were succinct and right on the mark, and I want everyone to know James did not ask for this to happen here.

[00:47:46] I did because I wanted to make sure that we could pay tribute to all that he's done for Braddock District and will continue to do for us. And so I know he doesn't love being here for this, but we wanted to make sure we paid proper tribute to him, and we want to make sure that our funding requests continue to happen when we submit them to our congressman.

[00:48:08] So with that, I am going to turn the floor over to Congressman Walkinshaw. Welcome. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This is my first time over here, actually. But it's an incredible honor to be here before you all and to receive this recognition.

[00:48:25] It's been just over two months since I left the Board of Supervisors, and I'm just now recovering from the secondhand caffeine withdrawal that I had from sitting next to Supervisor Beerman for so long.

[00:48:44] But, you know, when I ran for the Board of Supervisors in 2019, I said that my priority would be solving everyday problems for the people in neighborhoods that I hope to represent. And as you all know, and as the Braddock District staff knows, the good news is every day somebody has a problem in local government. And another reason that I ran was I felt like probably many of us that there had been a breakdown in trust between people and institutions, people and

[00:49:20] government, maybe most specifically. And I think that's one of the drivers in the challenges our country's facing now. And I felt like as a district supervisor, I would be in a position in my small corner of the world to try to repair some of that trust in the way that I went about the work. And I hope that we were able to accomplish that in the Braddock District. I know that each and every one of you and your respective districts and you, Mr. Chairman, across the county

[00:49:54] do that every day. And most importantly, all of the incredible staff here in Fairfax County do that each and every day. We went through some significant challenges. You know, I can remember the day that I was sworn in, as we saw in the video, I can remember the first day that I saw my name at that dais, which is now a strange blank space. I can remember when I saw my name on the front door of the Braddock District Office and the pride and humility I felt in having that

[00:50:32] responsibility to represent my community. We endured and I think emerged stronger from the COVID pandemic. We made incredible progress toward our affordable housing goals. We maintained our status as the safest large jurisdiction in the United States of America. We kept our foot on the gas on our environmental initiatives and agenda and addressing climate change and making our local environment even cleaner, just real progress. In the Braddock District, I'm proud of the work that we

[00:51:12] did, much of it thanks to the incredible team behind me and others who came before them, serving our constituents, solving thousands and thousands and thousands of those everyday problems that our neighbors and neighborhoods faced, as was noted in the video, securing funding for the Audrey Moore Rec Center renovation, and I'll definitely be watching that to make

[00:51:36] So we get that across the finish line, the Braddock Road multimodal project, and all of you have dealt with big transportation projects and know how difficult it is to get those across the finish line and get those designs finalized and work with the community and try to bring the community together around a shared vision.

[00:51:58] And we've done that, and a challenge that I knew I would face when I was elected, but it turned out to be a more significant challenge than I anticipated in Lake Akatink. And I'm so pleased that I think we're on a good trajectory and path to preserve Lake Akatink for the long term.

[00:52:21] And, Mr. Chairman, I thank you for your commitment to that, and Supervisor Lusk and all of you who have supported that. it's really important to our community and our county. And, you know, I'll close just by saying and noting the obvious that we're in a difficult moment right now, not just for our country, but for our region and for Fairfax County. Supervisor Alcorn and I this weekend had dinner at First Baptist Church in Vienna with dozens of federal workers who have lost their jobs over the last

[00:52:52] year, veterans, single moms, members of our community. I just learned yesterday that Virginia's 11th district, which includes much of Fairfax County, is the number one district in the country where veteran-owned small businesses have had their contracts canceled.

[00:53:14] So our neighbors, our friends, our constituents, our small businesses are under assault right now. And I'm going to do everything in my power to fight for them. But I'm an optimist.

[00:53:32] I wouldn't have run for Congress if I wasn't an optimist about our country's future. I'm even more optimistic about Fairfax County's future because of the work that all of you do and the incredible staff and the great communities and residents that we have here.

[00:53:49] Just as we emerge stronger from the COVID pandemic, I'm very confident we'll emerge stronger from the challenge that we're facing now. And I'll close just with thank yous and I'll start and appreciate folks for mentioning Yvette and Mateo.

[00:54:07] And, you know, they have stood by me through this journey that has been challenging at times. And you all know the day-to-day reality of it. It has meant a lot of missed bath times and bedtimes, and they have stuck with me because they believe in the service that we provide together in a lot of ways for our community.

[00:54:33] I want to thank the incredible Braddock District staff who are behind me and those who came before them. I have not worked with a more dedicated group of folks, and if you had any question about their abilities and their effectiveness, You have seen over the last two months that everything in the Braddock District has continued full speed ahead in my absence.

[00:54:58] So it turns out I was superfluous to the great work that they do in serving our constituents. To the senior management, the county executive and county attorney and all of the incredible county staff, Just an amazing, amazing group of public servants who do incredible work for our community and my constituents now. I'm deeply appreciative of all of you and the friendships that I've built with so many of you.

[00:55:31] My constituents in the Braddock District, almost all of whom I still represent now in Congress for allowing me to become part of their communities in so many ways.

[00:55:47] And all of you know how special it is to be a district supervisor. All of you, like me, I'm sure, have neighborhoods. And for me, there's one not too far from here where every year for five years I was in Johnny's living room.

[00:56:06] Really, his name is Johnny. Johnny's living room for the HOA meeting with, you know, 10 or 11 people talking about their challenges and their hopes for the future of their community. And those are just very, very special relationships. In the Braddock District, you know, folks who met Mateo when I was carrying him in the baby carrier and now see him almost as tall as me.

[00:56:31] So they've been just a special part of my life and my family's life, and I'm deeply appreciative of them. And then finally, all of you, I have so much respect for the work that you do. I'm jealous of the work that you get to continue to do because it is so important and so special.

[00:56:49] But each of you have played an important role in my life, in my journey, in my growth. And I deeply, deeply value our friendships and relationships and will do everything in my power to continue that.

[00:57:07] And I couldn't end without giving you some sort of a little bit pretentious pseudo-intellectual reference here. I figure you probably missed that, but I'm a fan of a David Foster Wallace fan, and he wrote Infinite Jest.

[00:57:30] I can picture Supervisor Luskin Alcorn maybe walking around UVA carrying a thick copy of it. But he wrote a lesser known work called The Pale King. And there's a line that has always stuck with me.

[00:57:49] And he said that true heroism is minutes, hours, weeks, year upon year of the quiet, precise, judicious exercise of probity or care with no one there to see or cheer. And that line always reminds me of each of you and all of the staff here in Fairfax County who are involved in this government and making it work and making this community better.

[00:58:17] Your work is, for the most part, behind the scenes. Your work usually won't get you on cable news, but your work is really, really important, and it's heroic work that each of you here are doing.

[00:58:34] So thank you so much for the honor, and thank you for the work that you all do. Thank you very much, James.

[00:58:52] And this is not goodbye. This is celebrating this next chapter, and you are welcome back. You're comfortable there at that podium now. Welcome to come back any time. We love seeing you here, and you're a part of our board family, as hopefully everyone can clearly see.

[00:59:10] With that, I think we're ready for a photo. And if you could come on forward, all of you could come on forward and face the audience, and the board would rise.

[00:59:46] Feel good about our federal funding prospects after that.

[01:00:49] Next up, we have a presentation, and we actually have five more to go, so we'll be more expeditious here, I promise. We have a presentation to recognize the 50th anniversary of Fairfax County's 1975 comprehensive plan.

[01:01:06] And this was requested by myself and Vice Chair Smith. Our speaker is Phil Nijelski-Eichner, the chair of the Fairfax County Planning Commission. And I know a lot of folks are here with him. They are welcome to come on down and join him at the podium. And while they are doing that, I am going to turn to Vice Chair Smith for a motion.

[01:01:26] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Whereas in 1975, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors adopted the first comprehensive plan, establishing a unified vision and framework to guide the county's growth land use transportation housing public facilities and environmental stewardship and whereas this landmark plan represented a transformative transformative milestone in fairfax county's history moving the county from rapid uncoordinated suburban expansion toward a model of strategic sustainable and balanced development and whereas the plan's foundational principles which focus on growth in

[01:02:05] designated centers, preserving open space and fostering vibrant, inclusive communities, have shaped Fairfax County's planning philosophy for five decades, and whereas the comprehensive plan has guided the development of thriving mixed-use centers such as Tyson's, Reston, and Merrifield, and supported major infrastructure improvements including MetroRail's SilverLine and expanded pedestrian and bicycle networks, and whereas through regular updates and broad community engagement, the plan continues to reflect the shared values of residents while promoting economic strength, environmental protection, and a high quality of life.

[01:02:43] And whereas the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Comprehensive Plan provides an opportunity to honor its lasting vision and generations of leaders, planners, and residents who advanced its goals, now therefore be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all residents, does hereby commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Comprehensive Plan and expresses its deep appreciation for its enduring role in sharing a prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive Fairfax County.

[01:03:18] I'm happy to second that motion, along with what sounded like half the board. Discussion on the motion, Supervisor Smith. Just briefly, it is not always easy work, right? People like the way things are, and our job is to talk with the community and move us forward.

[01:03:36] And I think we've done an exceptional job of that over the last 50 years. I feel so lucky to be in this county. It is a great place because of leadership like the people that we see in front of us. So thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Supervisor Smith. Supervisor Jimenez.

[01:03:52] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I just want to say it's so great to see so many familiar faces. And I know that hard work that everyone does, including all the staff, the late nights, obviously the Planning Commission has many, many, many late nights. So thank you so much for all your hard work to our current chairman and to our past chairman, Mr. Murphy, for all the hard work and the years and the guidance and the leadership that you've had.

[01:04:14] And again, just thank you so much for all you do. Thank you, Supervisor Lusk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I was going to make the very same point. As I'm thinking about this honor for the work of the Planning Commission, I can only think about Pete Murphy and the service that he provided for so many years and the dedicated work that he undertook on behalf of all the residents here in Fairfax County.

[01:04:44] And just the style and demeanor in which he did his work, also like Jay, humorous, funny, easy to connect to. And I'll say the work that all of you do certainly makes a difference in our community.

[01:05:02] Sometimes it takes time. As a former planning commissioner, I'm now seeing, even on plan amendments that I was involved with back in 2007 and 2008, now they're finally getting to a place where they're being constructed. I think about Supervisor Alcorn chairing the Tysons Committee and bringing forth the planned revisions and the language for Tysons and spending extraordinary amounts of time to get it right and then looking at what we see on the ground today.

[01:05:37] It's a reflection of that effort, and I think that is extraordinarily special. That is something that each of you has a hand in. And I'll say thank you to my planning commissioner for his jumping into the fire.

[01:05:53] And I know that we've got a few cases that are difficult, but acknowledge the work that you're doing as well. So thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Supervisor Luss, Supervisor Palchuk. First of all, I know we're not competitive. I'm counting three current or former Providence supervisors.

[01:06:10] I'm going to say that I hope we're winning this morning. But honestly, and as Supervisor Lusk said, you know, 50 years is a long time. It goes by very quickly, as many people know. But especially, I would say, for the heart of the county, the movement that we have in the county, the economic engine of the county and the state, between the work that was done to make Tyson's what it is and will continue to develop into over the next two decades in Merrifield and the Mosaic District, which both are seen across the globe

[01:06:50] as examples of how to look at redevelopment, how to create communities, how to think about what we build and what that means for the people, the businesses, the downtowns, the main streets, and just ensuring that a community has the amenities, that it needs to be safe, vibrant, walkable, connected.

[01:07:11] I think there's no better example for those across the country who now have 50-year-old plans and are looking at how to update for the needs of emergent needs for our young families, for those who want to age in place, and for those of us in the sandwich generation who want to ensure both our parents and our children have vibrant, healthy communities to live in-- diverse, connected, and inclusive.

[01:07:40] So none of that can happen without the not so glamorous work, but really, truly critical work that all of you do. And as my little daughter said this morning, I tell her that my meetings are boring, so she won't want to come.

[01:07:56] So she thinks boring and board meetings are a really exciting thing to do and much more fun than school. But I think you all know, and those of us here, if you enjoy those meetings, if you find that work meaningful, it is fulfilling not just for yourselves and for our community, but for the 50 years ahead.

[01:08:14] So thank you for your many, many hours of dedication, and thank you, Phil, both for your work for Providence and now leading and chairing the whole Planning Commission. Supervisor Alcorn. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I want to thank you, Mr. Chairman and Vice Chair, for calling this forward and bringing this forward because I think, you know, we can all talk about and we all understand all the work that's gone in and all the folks standing here and many others that's been done over the years.

[01:08:47] But there's something else about the comprehensive plan that I think is worth noting. A couple things. First of all, it's in the statute. It's one of the few areas where, frankly, the state calls for local governments to proactively do something about the future of your community.

[01:09:09] And it actually provides some very helpful guidelines that I know have been followed extremely well in Fairfax County, and it's really been the focus of so many of your efforts over the years. The other thing that the comprehensive plan does is it evolves.

[01:09:29] You know, it's not a static document, and, you know, Supervisor Lusk mentioned the Tyson's plan. And, you know, there have been a number of big changes to our comprehensive plan over the last 50 years. So it does evolve.

[01:09:45] But what it also does is it provides, I think, a really, really important sense of continuity for our residents, for our businesses, for our landowners, And provides a direction that, even though it can change, provides a longer-term view that allows for decisions to be made on where to live, on where to invest.

[01:10:09] All those things that really are so important to our community. And I want to just end and appreciate Supervisor Palchuk mentioning the three Providence commissioners. And there are a couple of others that I think are not here, but are, you know, real super, Ken Lawrence and Pat Hanlon.

[01:10:31] So, you know, and I know I'm missing a lot of folks, but I appreciate you bringing that up. And it's true, you know, Providence has been the focus of so much of our growth and activity over the years. And obviously that really comes through in the comprehensive plan.

[01:10:47] So thank you, Mr. Chairman. Supervisor Stork. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And thank you, Chairman. Nigel Skakner and really your service in so many ways for so long, not only the Park Authority, but also the school board and the Planning Commission and just your dedication.

[01:11:04] We spent a lot of time talking earlier about folks who have devoted their lives to public service, and I think you're a great example of that. And I know many of you, in fact, maybe I would say all of you that I look at here that I know, I've seen that as part of your lives and the difference that you've made.

[01:11:20] I'm deeply thankful for that. I particularly wanted to thank Tim Sargent for his leadership with Lorton and the Lorton plan that truly has been realized. For those of you who want to look at Tyson's and what's coming, you can look at Lorton and see what we've done from 25 years ago and what has happened and how it's evolved.

[01:11:39] And essentially the last pieces of that are being completed now because of the farsighted, dedicated, persistent work of so many people here. And then I look at Richmond Highway, and I see the earlier side of that, if you will, Embark Richmond Highway and the work, the difference that those plans are making because it is absolutely a work in progress.

[01:11:58] But again, you're tens of thousands of hours, and maybe it's hundreds of thousands of hours of dedication and difference to listening and hearing and hopefully changing and modifying things to truly create a Fairfax vision that I think you have done that, and we are, I think, all trying to honor.

[01:12:18] So, again, my appreciation. Supervisor Herdy. Yeah, I'll try to be real brief. I want to thank Supervisor Lux for bringing up Pete Murphy. He sends his best. I'm sure he's watching so everybody can wave hello to Pete. And I'm not going to be able to win the competition in number of supervisors.

[01:12:36] But if Pete were here, since he's watching, I'm going to count him and James Thomas, I probably have more years. But anyway, Pete was at it for most of those 50 years. Anyway, I want to thank all of you for what you do because it is and what you have done for the formers because it is so important.

[01:12:58] And people know about the meetings that they see on TV, but so often they don't know about all the meetings with the community, all the meetings with the supervisor, with staff. And then your committee meetings, the stuff that you do before you get to the board, it's an incredible amount of time and dedication, and I'll go to that.

[01:13:21] You've got to thank your families, too, because they put up with it. I know I heard from Charlene many times because Pete had to drive Pete here and back. But anyway, it is an awful big sacrifice for you all and for your families, and it's very, very much appreciated.

[01:13:39] Thank you, Supervisor Herity, and let me wrap up. First, this is not a roast of the Planning Commission. It is the 50th anniversary of the comp plan, but there would be no comp plan if it weren't for the good work of our Planning Commission, and so I want to join the chorus of those thanking current and former commissioners, including a number of those commissioners who also survived on the Board of Supervisors, Linda Smith, But also, you know, Supervisor Palchuk said 50 years is a long time.

[01:14:12] It was our purpose. Yeah, I know. As someone who, in the same year as the comp plan, also received an ARP card, just like the comp plan got its ARP card this year. 50 years is not that long. But I'm glad to share this anniversary with the comp plan.

[01:14:31] As a local government nerd, I couldn't ask for anything better. But I do want to say the comp plan is so important as a guide to future development. It was mentioned before about its flexibility. It is a living document. And so much of what has happened in Fairfax County has happened under the right comp plan language.

[01:14:52] And a lot of times that comp plan language has to change and evolve as the community evolves. And that is very hard work because someone said it earlier, people don't like change in general. And I think we've all experienced that with applications, with comp plan changes, but doing what is right for the overall community and acknowledging the importance of the comprehensive plan as a guide, but also as a living document as the county has evolved, has made us the economic powerhouse of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

[01:15:25] But it also has made us the proper protector of communities and the concerns that communities have. And most importantly, providing a venue, as the Planning Commission does and as the board does, for those continued conversations. And as some have acknowledged, those are not always short.

[01:15:42] Many times those are long conversations. But at the end of the day, because of that involvement, we end up with a better product. And what we are celebrating here is 50 years of guidance for a comprehensive plan, 50 years of amendments to the comprehensive plan that have supported the proper level of growth in Fairfax County with the proper amenities and protections in place that our residents deserve and expect.

[01:16:09] And so wouldn't let a 50-year anniversary go by without acknowledging it. It can be a long time, but not really that long. But most importantly, for future generations to understand and look back at the important role, not just as a legal requirement, as Supervisor Alcorn mentioned, but the proper role that the comprehensive plan has played in building the Fairfax County that we know and love today and for future generations to understand it will continue to be that beacon of guidance as we move forward and tackle future challenges.

[01:16:42] And so, thank all of you for being here, and as everyone else has said, for the work you do. The Planning Commission is many times a thankless job. It is always a time-consuming job, and we appreciate your commitment to making this county always on the leading edge and better.

[01:17:00] So, thank you for that. With that, I think we're ready for a vote. All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? And that motion carries, and we have the great chairman of the Planning Commission, Phil Nijelski-Eichner, here with us.

[01:17:15] Welcome. The floor is yours. Thank you. The 50-year thing I'm still struggling with. I've been married 50-plus years now, and it's like it flew by, right? So it doesn't seem like it was very long ago. Good morning. Thank you, Chairman McKay and board members, for the honor of representing the literally hundreds of individuals who have participated in the planning the evolution of Fairfax County's high-quality built environment.

[01:17:42] As noted in your proclamation, the first comprehensive plan established a unified vision and framework to guide the county's growth, land use, transportation, housing, public facilities, and environmental stewardship. The plan's scale and scope continue to this day 50 years later.

[01:18:00] The public portion of a land use process in Fairfax can be described as a four-legged stool, this is to remind us that it's not just obviously the Planning Commission but many others who have contributed to the the comprehensive plan so that four legged stool consisting of the Board of Supervisors the Planning Commission the professional planning and development staff who I wish had come down and been with us because they're integral essential they're the core of how the planning the comprehensive plan gets developed and implemented and the fourth is the plan is the community community contributors to the comprehensive plan

[01:18:39] most often serve on district land use committees others represent the interests of their neighborhoods and still others speak on behalf of groups with specific interests all legs of the stool are represented here were represented here this morning at least in the reception including current and former board members current and former planning commissioners indeed three current board members are former planning commissioners current and former Fairfax County staff directors, planners, and analysts, and community representatives.

[01:19:10] While he couldn't be here this morning, of all of us who have contributed to the comp plan over the years, I would be remiss if I didn't specifically call out Pete Murphy. Pete, calling you out, man, who served on the commission for 42 of the 50 years of this comprehensive plan, including 33 years as commission chairman.

[01:19:32] Of course, development plans mean nothing without private sector investment in building the single-family homes, multi-family units, and mixed-use residential, office, and retail activity centers as called for in the Comprehensive Plan. Over the past 50 years, Fairfax County's population has doubled in size and grown both ethnically, racially, more ethnically, racially, culturally, and economically diverse.

[01:19:57] During this period of burgeoning population growth, the built environment evolved to meet the demand within the structure and guidance of the Comprehensive Plan. So to the Chairman's point. 1975 policies and set expectations called for suburban single-family housing and gave priority to auto-centric highway expansion.

[01:20:21] Later comp plans gave rise to more urban and denser mixed-use and vertical activity centers built around transit nodes. Rest in as an example, as one of the country's first planned suburban communities has now also become fully mixed-use urban center.

[01:20:38] This was not by accident, but as part of a plan. On behalf of all that have contributed to the comprehensive planning over the last 50 years, we thank the board for recognizing its importance. We are dramatically different and even better county than 50 years ago.

[01:20:54] And with continuing updating and refreshing our vision for the future, the county will be an even better community in the years ahead. So let's honor the past, but also keep focused on the future. Thank you. Thank you very much, Phil.

[01:21:17] Excellent comments. And you mentioned something that I was going to bring up in addition, which is the staff. And so I know there are some staff here specifically for this. I do want you to come down for the photo. Don't be shy doing that. I'm looking at you, Fred Seldon, among others that I haven't seen in a while.

[01:21:36] Please, if you're here for this and you're on the staff, as Phil mentioned, you are integral in making sure that our comp plan is successful. Please come on down and join us for the photo. And while you're doing that, if you all could come forward and the board would rise.

[01:24:03] All right, next we have a resolution to recognize Pathway Homes in honor of its 45th anniversary and its impact to the region.

[01:24:46] This was requested by myself. Our speaker is Dr. Salissa Lambert Woodard, president and CEO of Pathway Homes, and a team of hers coming on down, which is great. With that, I am going to turn the gavel over to Supervisor Smith so that I can read the following resolution.

[01:25:04] Whereas Pathway Homes was founded in 1980 by families and mental health professionals united in the belief that safe, decent housing and tailored support are essential for recovery from mental illness. And whereas for 45 years, Pathway Homes has been dedicated to recovery through permanent supportive housing and compassionate services for individuals with mental health and co-occurring disabilities.

[01:25:28] And whereas through innovative problem solving and collaborative partnerships, Pathway Homes now owns 135 housing units acquired through family donations, estate gifts, and federal and state programs such as community development block grants and the neighborhood stabilization program, helping to strengthen communities and preserve neighborhood integrity.

[01:25:51] And whereas the organization also leases and manages additional homes and apartments, ensuring that individuals experiencing homelessness can live with dignity through programs administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. And whereas Pathway Homes promotes education and advocacy efforts that foster understanding, reduce stigma, and influence public policy to improve access to supportive housing and mental health services at the local, state, and federal levels, Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all residents,

[01:26:27] does hereby commend Pathway Homes on its 45th anniversary, recognizing its leadership, staff, volunteers, and supporters for their enduring compassion and transformative impact on countless lives, along with their ongoing commitment to hope, recovery, and community well-being.

[01:26:45] Second. Supervisor Palachuk second that motion. Discussion on the motion. Yes, very briefly, Madam Chair, it is an honor to have Pathway here, 45 years. And the statistics that you hear in this resolution, I think, speak volumes to the difference that they're making in our community.

[01:27:06] The thousands of people who have benefited from the programming of Pathway Homes is really why we do this. And I know why Pathway Homes does it. It's not these numbers and statistics. It's the people, the real people behind the support services that help them achieve in our community.

[01:27:24] And I want to thank Dr. Lambert Woodard in particular because I can remember very vividly after I worked with Supervisor Hudgens and we fostered the One Fairfax initiative through the county, there were community groups out there that were quick to embrace.

[01:27:44] And then there were others that were slower to understand, and some that do not embrace the theory of equity and the importance of making sure that we help out those who are most vulnerable in our community. And Pathway Homes got that because that was their passion well before we passed our resolution, but they live that every single day in the work that they do.

[01:28:08] And I can't tell you how much I appreciate that, but I know all of my colleagues on the board appreciate that as well as we always struggle to provide enough resources especially during difficult times to our communities it is our community-based nonprofits that are spry and are doing the work and doing it more effectively and our partners of ours to make sure that we're taking limited resources and serving the most people that we possibly can and we could not have near the reach as a county that Pathway Homes does with the work they do.

[01:28:44] And then finally, having attended a lot of their breakfasts, I can tell you the thing that sticks with me most is the Resident Council and the individuals who are being served by Pathway Homes and their passion and appreciation for what you do.

[01:29:00] And I know that's why, as I said earlier, it's the people is the reason why we do this. And what I love about Pathway Homes is they put their people in front and make sure that they're telling their story and telling us how important services are to their lives. And that is very, very strong and something that sticks with me and is always a takeaway as I meet the residents of so many of the units that Pathway Homes has and think about their lives now versus where they would be without that support. And so this organization is changing lives, has been doing that for 45 years, and we appreciate it.

[01:29:40] Supervisor Stork, then Pelchuk. Thank you, Madam Vice Chair, and I absolutely appreciate what Pathways Homes does. And in the Bucknell community, it's a critical part of how we provide mental health services as folks who have multiple handicapping and really challenging conditions, we would say.

[01:30:00] And I recognize that at times that can be difficult not only to provide those services, but even the communities around there, but we know the alternative is far, far, far, far worse. And we've seen that. You don't have to go back too far in our history to see where folks who have those challenges have had nothing.

[01:30:20] And even now we know that there's insufficient support at times for the folks who need that help. That's not an issue with Pathway Homes. That's an issue really for all of us as a community and society to continue to work harder and do more to make that difference.

[01:30:36] But, again, I greatly value the work that you all do, and we'll keep working as a community and as an office to make that difference with folks who need that help. It's not going away, for sure, and that means we just have to work even harder to make that difference, and I appreciate your work over the 45 years.

[01:30:56] Thank you. Thank you. Supervisor Palczyk, then Lusk. Thank you. I'll try to be brief. I know we have a long morning, and I really, truly want to thank you in the work. It was before I was even contemplating joining this board that I had a good friend who was working as a nurse in New York City and talked to me about the importance of Housing First and what an impact that makes on the community, why she saw the benefit as a physician, as someone working with some of the most impacted patients, and what a huge difference housing made.

[01:31:31] I had come to it more from the affordable housing and community building and to really see the importance and why it really takes that whole village, the whole community, and wrapping around. And I think, as we know, the struggle of trying to raise a family or live in a community where housing has grown and continues to grow as a challenge and the impact of that on the work we try to do to support also the the rise we've seen over the years hopefully slowing down a little bit in mental health needs and efforts in our community so i love that the way the chairman said it you put the people first and when the people need housing how do we ensure that that happens because the

[01:32:11] other work can't happen unless you have that baseline and that support and impact so thank you for an incredible long or short 45 years uh someone who's raising a little one the days are long and the years are short right so I know it's the same in the work you do but again the county would not be where it is without the incredible work and support and the extra fundraising and impact that you bring to the community so just thank you on behalf of all of our residents over the past 45 years and hopefully 45 more to come. Thank you Supervisor Lusk. Thank you Madam Vice

[01:32:46] Chairman I'll start by saying congratulations to Pathway Homes on the 45th anniversary celebrating dedication and support to those who are experiencing mental health challenges. I had the privilege of working with Dr. Celissa Lambert-Witter, not going to embarrass you, over 30 years ago when we both worked in the Department of Human Development, now Department of Family Services.

[01:33:14] And knowing her, knowing her, I am certain her leadership and vision have been instrumental in Pathway Homes' continued success. It's critical and crucial to acknowledge the impacts of stable housing as a foundation for mental health recovery and reducing the risk of poor outcomes such as unemployment, further health deterioration, and involvement in the criminal justice system.

[01:33:37] I'm aware of the numerous properties that you manage through Pathway Homes in the Franconia District and those along the Richmond Highway Corridor. These homes address the urgent need for stable housing, for individuals with mental health challenges, in an area where it is so sorely needed.

[01:33:58] Your work helps reduce homelessness. It helps stabilize lives and support recovery for vulnerable individuals. Pathway Homes contributes to us in so many other ways, such as alleviating the strain on our local emergency services, including shelters, psychiatric hospitals, and law enforcement.

[01:34:18] Your organization plays a vital role in the Franconia District, as well as in Fairfax County, and you and your residents are valued members of our community. Congratulations again on your 45 years of compassionate service and unwavering dedication to transforming their lives and ensuring safe, stable housing and hopeful recovery remain accessible to all.

[01:34:42] Thank you so very much. Thank you. I just want to, the chairman made the great comment that the people you serve have voice in your organization, and that is so powerful. And I can't let this go without talking about the art show.

[01:34:58] The art show is just such a wonderful event, so I appreciate all that you do. With that, I'm going to call for a vote. All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed? Any abstention? That motion carries. Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Madam Chairman.

[01:35:14] And speaking of voice, we have with us a force to be reckoned with, and you will know why Pathway Homes is so successful, because we have with us Dr. Lambert Woodard, of course, the president and CEO and some of her team here. But welcome. The floor is yours. Thank you. Good morning. And I'm going unscripted.

[01:35:32] First off, in standing here, how relational it is to have each of you touch Pathway Homes personally with your own experience and your recognition that the most important voice in the room is the voice of the individual served.

[01:35:49] Thank you for that. Chairman McKay, Board of Supervisors, County Executive and others in the room, on behalf of Pathway Homes, our Board of Directors, our staff, our wicked smart staff that some are here and others working in the field, which, of course, Pathways could not operate without.

[01:36:10] We thank you very much for your acknowledgement. We thank you for commemorating Pathway Homes for 45 years in our community. Pathway Homes thinks of ourselves as a taproot in this community, and this nonprofit could not be what it is without the nourishment of good governance, collaborative governance, which manifest in ways such as your economic investment in terms of workforce investment, your environmental stewardship, your transportation, the commitment to access,

[01:36:49] your commitment to affordable housing, and not the least of the things that you are committed to, but your unwavering commitment to inclusivity. And one, Fairfax, which allows everybody in Fairfax County to be somebody in Fairfax County, the least of us, of which we have the privilege and pleasure of serving those individuals with serious mental illnesses, co-occurring disabilities, individuals who are our unhoused neighbors, our children and families in our communities, which we are committed to being able to serve.

[01:37:26] Your commitment aligns with our values of pride, respect, integrity, dedication to social justice, and empowerment of the individuals that we serve. We cannot do this work without you. We would not want to do this work without you.

[01:37:42] We feel that we are positioned here in the greatest county to be able to thrive as a nonprofit organization. And we want to thank you sincerely for your continued commitment and our hope that we'll be able to come back at our half-century mark as well. to thank you again for pouring into the community and being able to help each one of us be able to realize our dreams, and most importantly, again, those that we serve.

[01:38:04] Thank you very much. Excellent comments, as always, and I think we're ready for a photo. If you all could come forward, Supervisor Palczyk will join me as Chair of Health and Human Services, Housing and Human Services, I'm sure, I'm sorry, and the board could rise.

[01:38:59] All right, next we have another special resolution, and that is to honor Paul Gilbert

[01:39:37] for his retirement after years of service as the Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. And Paul is here. Come on down. If anyone else is here to join Paul, they are welcome to come down as well. I don't want to have to start calling names out, but we see some of the folks. Come on down. And while they are doing that, I am going to hand the gavel to Vice Chair Smith again, and I will read the following resolution. Whereas Paul Gilbert, a lifelong resident of Northern Virginia has made remarkable contributions to the region's

[01:40:11] environmental preservation, historical enrichment, and economic growth, and will retire as Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, NOVA, at the end of the year after 20 years of distinguished service. Whereas since assuming the role of Executive Director of NOVA Parks in 2005, Mr. Gilbert has led the creation of 18 new parks, the acquisition of more than 2,500 acres of parkland and the development of innovative sustainable revenue streams that have strengthened the regional park system. And whereas under his leadership, Nova Parks has become a

[01:40:48] recognized leader in conservation and recreation, pioneering natural resource banking programs, protecting rare and endangered habitats, and engaging communities in stewardship of public lands. And whereas Mr. Gilbert's dedication to education and leadership development is evident through his service as executive-in-residence at George Mason University, mentoring future leaders in strategic management, and through his authorship of two books and numerous publications on organizational growth and public leadership. And whereas his longstanding civic involvement

[01:41:22] includes serving on the Fairfax County Economic Advisory Commission, chairing the Visit Fairfax Board, and supporting philanthropic efforts that enhance quality of life throughout Northern Virginia. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all residents, does hereby commend Paul Gilbert for his visionary leadership, distinguished public service, and lasting contributions to Fairfax County and the entire Northern Virginia region, and extends best wishes for his retirement and continued success. I'll second that along with

[01:41:57] Harrity, Alcorn, and others. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Vice Chair Smith. I don't think we're going for a close vote here when it comes time to vote based on that second response but I do want to take a moment and thank Paul for what this resolution says. I mean it speaks volumes to all the things that Nova Parks has been able to accomplish under your leadership but I also know there's so many more things that are not mentioned in here and there's just some things that stick out at you. I mean Nova Parks is such a critical partner for us and I think

[01:42:33] most people when they go to Nova Parks facilities in Fairfax County have no idea if they're in a Nova Parks facility or a park authority facility. They're just grateful that people are out there protecting and growing these resources for our community and we are grateful that you have done that and done that in such an effective way and I know from your years before Nova Parks even you were making this contribution, and we appreciate that. One of the things that really sticks out at me, and I didn't mention it in the resolution, but I'll mention it here, is that Paul received

[01:43:10] the Freedom Fund Community Advocate Award from our Fairfax NAACP, and that was for his commitment to inclusive history and the work that you've done. I know going out to see some of the work that's been done at Bull Run and the recognition that Nova Parks has made certain that our complete community and our complete community history is told and preserved and recognized and stood up.

[01:43:37] And, you know, many people might not think that that's a traditional role for a parks organization, but it is. I mean, most, not most, a lot of what Nova Parks does is about history and protecting natural resources and you do it so well and we're so blessed to have Nova Parks of course headquartered here in Fairfax County but most importantly today we are blessed because of the work that you've done Paul and you you know one of the great things about leaving this position first of all he looks way too young to be retiring but second of all one of the best things about

[01:44:13] leaving behind a legacy like Paul does is as a northern Virginia resident for your entire life, you can drive around and see things that you have made a real difference in that will be there for future generations. And so that must bring you great satisfaction to be able to do that.

[01:44:33] And we are so grateful for your years, but also know you'll continue to be involved in the community in many ways and look forward to continuing to support you in doing that. So thank you, Paul. Thank you. Supervisor Herity? Yes, speaking of cultural, the Korean community gave you a nice recognition on, and I know Supervisor Gross was here.

[01:44:57] She would tell the story about how our park authority couldn't get it done, but you got it done with the Korean Bell Garden. Just one of so many accomplishments, and you look at Bull Run Festival of Lights, the Meadowlark, all these things happened under Paul's tenure.

[01:45:16] You've worked closely with our office on everything from Paradise Springs Winery and Hemlock. That was a difficult situation that you were able to step in and do the right thing for a Fairfax County business as well as solve a problem. Working with the town of Clifton, always there for our crew teams at Fountainhead Regional Park.

[01:45:37] You were a great addition to the Sports Tourism Task Force and contributed in so many ways. It's open to looking at everything from a surf park at Occoquan Regional Park to mountain biking tournaments. So I look forward to hopefully you not going anywhere and working with you as we move Fairfax County forward.

[01:46:00] And, Mr. Wilson, you've got big shoes to fill. I'll leave it at that. So thank you all. Thank you so much for everything you've done, and I look forward to seeing you around town. Thank you, Pat. Thank you. Supervisor Stork, then Alcuin. Thank you, Madam Vice Chair, and I'm going to add my accolades to a long list of things that we've all, I think, experienced, not only the operational experience and competency that you've brought, because I've seen it time and time and time again, but also your, I would say, your preservation growth mindset.

[01:46:33] The tutos don't always go together, but in your case, they fit like a glove, and we've seen that time and time again. Obviously, Aquaclan is a great example of that, Pohick, and all the acquisition of the property and how you've really made that into a whole where you had bits and parts before that's really come together.

[01:46:53] And then one of my personal favorites is the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial. Huge. This board was very involved, but we clearly had a leader who made it all happen because I know at times none of us were really sure it was going to happen because it was, I think, a lot bigger challenge than we ever thought it would be because you'd think honoring the 100th anniversary of a woman getting the right to vote would be one that we all would just jump on.

[01:47:19] But it took a lot of leadership on your part to make that happen. And then the one that maybe didn't quite happen, but the one that your leadership was instrumental, I believe, in ultimately getting American Horticultural Society, the River Farm Board, if you will, To the the boards that were trying to sell the property to finally abdicate and turn it back over to the people who wanted to truly preserve that park our work together and I know and many other people was I think essential in providing The current board an opportunity to see that there is other ways to

[01:47:53] Develop and preserve and protect without having to sell it to who knows who so again all those are my Deepest thanks to you. And then even the project as you're heading out the door, of course, there's always going to be one with the Occoquan Trail and how do we tie better the town of Occoquan and Occoquan Regional Park and the whole area down there to truly create a trail that runs from Occoquan all the way to Bull Run and make it truly part of a connected county.

[01:48:20] So, again, Paul, my deep thanks and appreciation. Thank you, Dan. Thank you. Supervisor Alcorn. Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. You know what I'm going to talk about. It still continues, but, you know, your stewardship, the model, your persistence on behalf of the W&OD and efforts by one large utility to maybe not be good stewards of the area, of the local flora and habitat.

[01:49:01] Thank you for that. It is truly making a difference. I know we still have more work to do. But earlier it was also mentioned a number of the things you've done relating to history so we can better understand our history. And I just want to point one thing out. You know, it's not just history of people that lived 100 years ago or longer.

[01:49:26] And I remember last year with the 50th anniversary of the W&OD Trail and bringing Barbara Hildreth to that event and learning that the W&OD Trail was created over the opposition of one of my predecessors who wanted it to be a commuter route from Reston into the Corps.

[01:49:49] I'm glad that didn't happen. But your focus on inclusive history and really providing the context and the support that the park system has needed over these last few years has been exemplary.

[01:50:08] So thank you very much, Paul. Thank you, and I do need to talk about the work out at Bull Run, finding those unmarked graves in the Juneteenth celebration. It really is an exceptional experience for the community, so thank you, Paul. Okay, seeing no further discussion, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye.

[01:50:26] Aye. Anyone opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much, Vice Chair Smith. And before we turn it over to Paul, I'm remiss to not mention one other thing. This is one of these rare cases where the retiring executive director looks younger than the new executive director.

[01:50:46] I'm going to say that because people who know former Alexandria Mayor Wilson and I know we have had a 35-plus year friendship, and we always have to do something like this.

[01:51:01] So, Justin, you do have big shoes to fill, but in all seriousness, we know you're going to do an amazing job carrying on Paul's legacy because I know you well enough to know how hard you work, and Nova Parks is in good hands. So with that, Paul, the floor is yours.

[01:51:20] Thank you so much. I want to introduce some of my friends that are here. So Stella Cook and Pat Harrison are your representatives on the Nova Parks Board.

[01:51:37] And honestly, you couldn't ask for better representatives. These two bring so much knowledge of Fairfax County and commitment to public service. It has been a true honor and pleasure to work with them and the other board members on the Nova Parks board.

[01:51:55] And Fawn is back here. She is our manager of community affairs and doing an amazing job. And then Justin Wilson, who is the new executive director of Nova Parks.

[01:52:10] And I don't want to thank the board of directors for attracting and hiring a really outstanding person who is going to lead Nova Parks on into the future. Justin brings, you know, great knowledge.

[01:52:27] I'm always struck by, you know, whenever I go in the room, like he's the smartest guy in the room. It's amazing. And his dedication to public service. So Nova Parks is in amazing, amazing hands going forward. And I'm thrilled with all that will come.

[01:52:47] But I also want to just acknowledge you all. You have been here this morning acknowledging others. But the County Board of Supervisors is a very, very big job. And Fairfax County is probably the best managed local government in the world.

[01:53:09] Sorry. But I'll stand by that. You know, many, you know, all of Northern Virginia is really, you know, an outstanding place with great local governments.

[01:53:25] But Fairfax County is the core of it and the heart of it. And it is because you all contribute so much. And, you know, Supervisor Alcorn hinted at the sacrifice that goes in to being a county supervisor and go into all the meetings and giving all your time and expertise.

[01:53:45] But you do it so well, and the county government is managed impeccably. So what that does is it builds community. That's the important piece. You always have to ask the why question. The why question is it builds community.

[01:54:02] Community is the bond that holds us all together. So thank you all for what you do to build community. I have been honored over the last 20 years to have this remarkable opportunity at Novo Parks, and I like to think that I have contributed some to community building as well, and in a couple of ways, three ways.

[01:54:24] One is management. I think the people's trust in local government is something that is earned every single day through action. And it is not easy, particularly in today's world where we are very fractured. So you all do an amazing job of earning the public's trust. I think Nova Parks has also done a good job. We're not perfect, but we work really hard every day to offer amazing parks and programs that enhance the community. And people value that. People value parks and honor them and

[01:55:03] are passionate about them. So that has been a great honor to help with building trust in local government through management of parks. Another area is conservation. I think at the core of parks is public lands, and public lands is natural resources. I've been really honored to be able to expand our park system, add new parks, add park land that will serve the public for generations, enhance our environment, that has been a true honor and a real passion of mine. As some of you

[01:55:40] know, I came from the land conservation community before this, so it's something that I just absolutely love. And then third, I think, is belonging. It's a pillar of the strategic plan of Nova Parks. I think in Fairfax speak, it's one Fairfax, but it's that we have a very diverse community we we have it's pretty remarkable all the all the languages all the cultures all of the all of the the history that makes um that makes fairfax county that makes northern virginia we are

[01:56:14] we are so fortunate to live here and at nova parks we want to make sure that anyone visiting our parks feels a sense of belonging a sense of ownership um some of you were were at the korean bell garden event pat you you mentioned it uh last thursday uh the korean bell garden is a is a remarkable success story that i was thrilled to be involved with um i think another element that i've been really uh thrilled to be with and uh chairman mckay you mentioned it was the

[01:56:51] telling more diverse history um so we have worked really hard at at really finding some remarkable stories of black history, highlighting more Native American history through our parks, and doing many other things to try to make people feel welcome and a part of it.

[01:57:11] And some of the stories we found are of national significance. Supervisor Smith knows very well the story we have at Bull Run, the largest emancipation of enslaved people prior to the Civil War.

[01:57:27] Happened right here in Fairfax County. It was a story that was really pretty unknown just a few years ago, remarkable, and so many others. So I want to thank you all for what you do every day to build community because community is essential.

[01:57:43] It is the glue that holds us together in society, and you guys are on the front lines of making that important and happen. And we are all fortunate to live in an area that has that community and has good government and all the things that come with that.

[01:58:00] So thank you. Thank you very much, Paul. Thank you for all your dedicated service. And we know we will continue to see you and that Nova Parks will continue to thrive. And with that, I think we're ready for a photo.

[01:58:17] And if you all could come forward, the board could rise.

[01:58:19] All right.

[01:59:36] Next, we have a proclamation to designate November 17th through the 21st, 2025, as Crash Responder Safety Week in Fairfax County. And this was requested by myself and our public safety chair, Supervisor Lusk, our speaker, who is on his way down, is Robert Blakely, Assistant Chief of Police, Fairfax County Police Department, and others who are here for this presentation.

[02:00:00] If you're here for this presentation, come on down. And while you are doing that, I am going to recognize Supervisor Lusk for a proclamation. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. The proclamation reads, whereas thousands of public safety professionals, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, public works employees, towing and recovery operators, safety patrols respond to traffic incidents on roadways each year, and whereas crash responders work tirelessly on the roadside to protect the public, clear incidents,

[02:00:38] and restore the safe flow of traffic, often putting themselves in harm's way to help others. And each year, many responders are injured or killed by motorists who fail to slow down or move over when approaching an incident scene.

[02:00:55] And whereas every year, Crash Responders Safety Week, observed during the second full week of November, promotes the safety of traffic incident responders by focusing on educating the public about roadway safety and encouraging drivers to slow down and move over near active road incidents.

[02:01:21] And whereas the 2025 theme, Responders Ahead, Reduce Your Speed As You Proceed, encourages all motorists to stay alert and exercise extra caution whenever they are seeing flashing lights or responders at work.

[02:01:37] And whereas Fairfax County is dedicated to protecting the lives of everyone who lives, works, and travels within the county and honors the dedication and sacrifice of every crash responder.

[02:01:50] Now, therefore, be it resolved that Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all residents, does hereby proclaim November 17th through 21, 2025, as Crash Responder Safety Week in Fairfax County, and encourage all residents to observe this week by driving attentively, slowing down, and moving over whenever responders are ahead, because every responder deserves to return home safely.

[02:02:20] Signed by Chairman C. McKay, Jeffrey C. McKay, Rodney Lusk, November 18, 2025. Second. That motion was seconded by Supervisor Palchek and Supervisor Behrman. Discussion on the motion? Yes. Thank you, Madam Vice Chairman. I'll just say very quickly, recognizing kind of the issue here, whenever you're pulling up and you see public safety personnel, police, firemen, see tow operators or others at a critical incident, You want to kind of move over.

[02:02:52] You don't want to put those people at risk. They're doing their work to help someone else that's in distress. So we want to ensure that we're not causing any harm to them. So it's important for all of our residents to acknowledge and remember that when they see those types of activities on the roadway.

[02:03:11] And I just want to acknowledge the great work of all the folks that are standing here before us, acknowledging the risk that you put yourself at in every single day and how important that is in protecting our residents. So thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

[02:03:27] Thank you. Supervisor Palczyk. Just very briefly, got to see some of you this morning, and many of you on our very, very windy day on Sunday at Mosaic. I really appreciate that my daughter didn't love the horns at the tow truck, but I really appreciate the work between the VDOT team, the state troopers, RFCPD and, very importantly, our towing companies that help us respond to crashes.

[02:03:53] I know I got a chance when I first came on board with your predecessors to go and visit those sites to try to understand how they were, how they happened, what we can do, but I know that you all respond, keep the site safe, keep us all safe, and I know I definitely appreciate when I'm on the road, highways, and see the VDOT team out there.

[02:04:16] You guys, as I told my sister, are the first to respond. You're often faster than the towing companies, as we call them. And so we appreciate having you out there. And as our crashes continue to be a concern, definitely the education piece, the enforcement piece, and the support when anything does happen.

[02:04:35] We know we're in great hands because of this incredible team and everyone that's out there. So just a huge thank you to all of you who support us every day in the community. Supervisor Herdy. Yeah, and I just want to echo the thanks, and it's incredible whether it's a little side-of-the-road incident or a major interstate.

[02:04:53] You guys are putting your lives to risk every day in cold and in heat and rain and snow and everything else. And I'm really glad our private tow companies are here because they put their lives out there, too. Certainly our police department, state police, thank you for being here, and our fire department, too.

[02:05:14] They respond to these crashes on interstates. I was dumb enough, for lack of a better word, to run out of gas on 29 and heading south to Culpeper right over a hill. And there was no median to pull off of.

[02:05:33] And without the assistance of a state police trooper and then a tow truck driver, I would have been hit several times because cars were flying over the hills. You save our residents' lives, you help our residents, but while putting your own lives at risk.

[02:05:52] And that's one small incident for me, but I see many when I'm driving by, and I want to thank you again for everything you all do because it's important. Thank you, Supervisor Herdy. Supervisor Bierman. So a couple years back, my father was in an accident on Georgetown Pike.

[02:06:09] A car came around the curve right near Scott's Run and spun out, and there was a police officer who was at Scott's Run who responded within probably like 30 seconds. My dad, dazed, was getting out of the car and said, should we call 911?

[02:06:27] And he said, I am 911, which was a really good line, and you all were so helpful to him in that moment. Brought a lot of comfort to my family with your quick response, so thank you for everything that you do. I think there are a lot of families around the county who have similar positive experiences in the midst of what is otherwise a horribly negative experience.

[02:06:52] So thank you for what you do. Thank you, Supervisor Beerman. And I, too, want to thank all of you for being here. These are our first responders. These are the folks that you see on the highways. And, you know, one of the big pet peeves I always have is, I mean, I was always taught when you see lights or you see workers out there, you move over a lane.

[02:07:11] And I know in Northern Virginia sometimes that's really hard to do because the lane next to you is jammed with traffic too. But at a minimum, slowing down and recognizing, putting yourself in the shoes of the people who are out there and doing the hard work. The other thing is there was a video I was shown a couple years ago, and Bob will remember this well, of an officer who had a vehicle stopped on the shoulder of the Fairfax County Parkway.

[02:07:37] And in that video, a car skid from the opposite direction across the median into the vehicle that this officer had stopped. And I keep that video in my phone all the time because if you saw this video, you would say it is impossible that that officer survived.

[02:07:55] But for the grace of God, that officer did. It was a very high-speed collision. I wish when I had gone through the academy myself, this was one of the videos we showed to all the recruits of just how fast something like that can happen.

[02:08:11] And in that particular instant, we had blessings from above to protect that officer, but it is improbable when you look at that video that that person survived. And all of our goals and every motorist's goal should be to make sure every person here and all the folks in your agencies, our towing companies, our VDOT employees, our troopers, our officers, go home alive at the end of their shift.

[02:08:36] And that's the very basic we should expect from our community. So this education awareness is so important to do that. And thank you all for what you do. entering a roadway or entering a shoulder or median is is dangerous work and we see that we understand it we need to make sure we amplify that for the rest of our community so thank you with that I think we're ready for a vote all those in favor of the motion please say aye aye any opposed any abstentions that motion carries as I mentioned we have Bob Blakely

[02:09:12] assistant chief of police Fairfax County here with us welcome good morning Mr. Chairman and Thank you, Supervisor Lusk and members of the board. Thank you for taking the time to recognize Crash Responder Safety Week and the courageous professionals who keep our roadways safe.

[02:09:27] The community expects us to clear crash scenes quickly, so I'll do the same in my remarks. Standing with me today are the representatives of this community, the FCPD, our Virginia State Police, personnel from VDOT Safety Service Patrol, our fire and rescue department was here, to our tow truck operators.

[02:09:50] All of these folks are a community that we depend on to keep each other safe when we're thrown into these often unpredictable environments as Supervisor Herity explained. Nationwide, first responders handle more than six million crashes every year and they all represent a unique set of dangers that each of us view differently.

[02:10:12] Crashes involving first responders over the last five years have increased and, in fact, surged over 113% with over 17 fatalities being reported to first responders being attributed to drivers who failed to move over. Tragically, we've seen these dangers close to home. In June, three Prince William County police officers were struck by a motorist who crashed into them on the side of the road during a traffic stop. And, of course, in September, VDOT Safety Patroller Michael Freeland was killed on Interstate 95 in Prince William County while assisting a disabled vehicle.

[02:10:48] Virginia strengthened our move over laws in 2023 to protect all stopped emergency and service for emergency vehicles and service personnel with flashing lights. Thanks to that law and other proactive enforcement measures like our own Roadshark program, in Fairfax County we've reduced traffic fatalities by more than 50% this year.

[02:11:10] these measures are life-saving but we can all do more so as we stand here before you today and I'm proud to represent this group these are our colleagues our neighbors our protectors and this week I'm asking on behalf of all of these fine professionals all of our drivers to take a simple pledge when they get in their vehicles slow down and move over when you see flashing lights on the side of the road and to the members of the board thank you for bringing attention to this matter and for taking the time to recognize these professionals. And thank you very much. Thank you very much.

[02:11:48] We appreciate all of you. And recognize all of the ones who are not in the auditorium right now. They're actually out doing that work as well. And so with that, I think we're ready for a photo. And if you all could come forward, Supervisor Luskin and I will join you and the board will rise.

[02:12:06] One, two, four. Last one.

[02:12:45] Our final proclamation this morning is a proclamation to honor and designate November

[02:13:42] 2025 as Veterans and Military Families Month in Fairfax County, and this was requested by myself and Supervisor Lusk. Our speaker is Fort Belvoir Garrison Commander Colonel David Stewart. If you could come on down, and if anyone who is here with you for this particular proclamation is welcome to join you.

[02:14:02] And this proclamation was requested by myself and, I believe, Supervisor Lusk. And so I do have a proclamation. I'm going to hand the gavel over to Supervisor Smith again. Fairfax County, whereas Fairfax County is home to tens of thousands of veterans, active duty service members, members of the National Guard and Reserve, and their families who have selflessly answered the call to serve our nation.

[02:14:30] And whereas these brave individuals have made significant sacrifices defending the freedoms and values we cherish, often enduring long separations, frequent relocations, and the difficulties of military life with dignity and strength.

[02:14:45] And whereas military families give vital support to their loved ones in uniform and contribute greatly to the fabric of our communities through volunteerism, civic engagement, and leadership. Whereas Fairfax County acknowledges the valuable contributions of our veterans and military families to our workforce, schools, neighborhoods, and local economy, and remains committed to ensuring that those who have served and the families who stand beside them have access to the services, resources, and opportunities they have earned.

[02:15:17] And whereas during the month of November, we come together as a community to honor, celebrate, and express our deepest gratitude to our veterans, service members, and military families for their courage, resilience, and devotion to our nation.

[02:15:33] Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all residents, does hereby proclaim November 2025 as Veterans and Military Families Month in Fairfax County and calls upon all residents to recognize and honor the service, sacrifice, commitment, and contributions of those who defend our freedoms and the families who support them.

[02:15:58] Second. That motion is seconded by Supervisor Herity and other members. Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much, Vice Chair Smith. And I will be brief. I know we have another presentation after this from the Veterans and Military Families Commission that was recently stood up by then-Supervisor Walkinshaw and myself with support of this board.

[02:16:20] But this particular proclamation is powerful, not just in the sense of what it is honoring, but also powerful in the sense of how important our military-connected personnel and retirees and veterans are to our community here in Fairfax County.

[02:16:37] And I was commenting to someone earlier that, you know, when I go west of Braddock Road and ask folks who our largest employer is, they never get it right. It is always Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County, and I think people are really surprised to hear that.

[02:16:53] I mean, we know that we have a lot of military personnel and veterans, that we are blessed to have as neighbors, friends, community members. But I think the magnitude is not really understood, even by people who live in Fairfax County.

[02:17:08] What is understood, and this we are very proud of in our community, is the honor that our residents put in those who serve and those who have served. and the desire to support them in every way possible and their families. And that was evident with the commission that we stood up, but it's evident everywhere you go throughout Fairfax County.

[02:17:29] And we are so grateful to all of our military personnel. The other thing I'll share that I mentioned earlier is probably the best endorsement we as a community could ever receive is when I talk to veterans who have spent their careers in military service being told where they have to live and finally get a chance to choose where they want to live when they choose to live in Fairfax County.

[02:17:56] And almost every case of that is a family who at some point in time during their deployment called Fairfax County home. And they have been all over the globe in some cases and said, hey, this community is where I want to live when it comes time for me to retire and choose where I want to live.

[02:18:13] And there is no stronger endorsement for our county, I think, than that. And we are blessed to have so many of them in our community, as the proclamation says, not just for their military service, but for all the contributions they make to our fabric and our culture here in Fairfax County in so many ways.

[02:18:32] And so while we are proclaiming November 2025 as Veterans and Military Families Month, We know that veterans and military families are celebrated every day of the year, not just during the month of November, and we appreciate you. Supervisor Herity.

[02:18:50] And I'll try to be brief, and thank you, Colonel, for such a great partnership. And, you know, people that work on base are our residents. But it's not just Fort Belvoir. It's the Pentagon. It's Fort Myer. Virginia, and Fairfax County specifically, is a favorite place for military families to locate.

[02:19:12] You look at Orange Hunt, majority military, you look at the whole West Springfield area, they're just military families everywhere. But I want to thank you for your partnership working with us, and look forward to continued times. Thank you. Supervisor Stork, then Lusk.

[02:19:29] I want to thank you as well, Colonel, not only for your patience in sitting through all the different meetings and presentations before this, I know you're probably used to that at some level because that's the nature of really what we do, right, is we're public servants.

[02:19:45] You're the ultimate public servant, putting your life on the line, as well as the community making a difference for all of us, as well as the almost 50,000 military folks and uniform folks in our community. But even more importantly, because you and I work a lot on these issues, which is the family's needs and supports, the schools, obviously the social welfare issues.

[02:20:07] All those are key parts of that. Your support and appreciation for the Economic Development Authority and our providing really opportunities for military folks who are retiring as well as families, military family spouses, to find other opportunities and jobs and, frankly, hopefully to stay a very, very, very long time here.

[02:20:28] So, again, my great appreciation, support, thanks, your contributions and their contributions to our sports teams and our volunteers, all the different opponents of our community that make this truly a community. So, again, my thanks to both of you.

[02:20:44] Thank you. Supervisor Lusk. Thank you very much, Madam Vice Chair. I'll say thank you to the chairman for bringing this matter forward. I want to thank all the many veterans, active duty service members, National Guard members, reservists and their families who selflessly serve this nation. There's a deep legacy of military service that is woven into many aspects here in Fairfax County, and we are privileged. We are privileged to have over 79,000 veterans and thousands of military families in Fairfax County who enrich our communities and our schools each and every day. I'm proud to serve as the co-chair

[02:21:22] of the Northern Virginia Regional Commission. And this is something that was previously worked on by Supervisor Penny Gross when she was here. So we have taken the baton and continue it. And I've seen the region's commitment to veterans and their families through the work of that regional commission.

[02:21:42] I'm also very proud of the work that we do in the Franconia District and honored to strengthen the bonds between the military community and the residents that we serve. We have partnerships with our American Legion Post 176. We have many opportunities, including a bridge walk that we conduct once a year over Veterans Bridge.

[02:22:05] And it's a great celebration, brings out many in the community, both on the service side as well as the civilian side in the Springfield area. And I'm also really proud that we have in the Franconia District many Purple Star designations for our schools.

[02:22:21] and they're engaged in the community and have been able to achieve that Purple Star designation. So again, just want to acknowledge the work of all on the base and just appreciate Colonel Stewart for your leadership and partnership in so many different ways, including the work that you have done with the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, which I think is very, very helpful in terms of providing the Army Museum for events, job fairs, and other activities.

[02:22:56] So with that, thank you very much. Thank you. I have no idea if there's any Marines in the room, but I would be remiss if I didn't congratulate the Marines on their 250th birthday, which was November 10th. Ask me how I know that.

[02:23:11] My dad was a Marine in the Korean War, and I was born on that day, and he was always very proud, so hoorah. With that, I'm going to call for a vote. All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed? Any abstentions?

[02:23:26] That motion carries. Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much, Vice Chair Smith. And I mentioned earlier we are blessed to have with us this afternoon, almost this afternoon, our Fort Belvoir Garrison Commander, Colonel David Stewart. Welcome. The floor is yours. Well, good morning.

[02:23:42] Good morning, Chairman McKay, supervisors, everybody that's here this morning. First, I just wanted to say it's an honor to be here representing Fort Belvoir and all the military service members and families on Fort Belvoir, which represent all services, by the way, not just Army.

[02:23:59] I mean, this is a tremendous acknowledgement of all the sacrifices that service members and their families go through on a daily basis. So first, I just want to special thanks to Chairman McKay for this proclamation. The month of November obviously already acknowledges service members' service with Veterans Day.

[02:24:21] So this accompanies that acknowledgement and all the sacrifices and services that service members make on a day-to-day basis. So thank you. I think we all can appreciate the sacrifices that service members and their families make, whether that's the deployments and time away that parents are from their families or whether that's the constant moves that happen from year to year into new environments as well as children that have to break friendships and establish new ones at new classrooms and new environments to spouses that have to get new employment because of those moves.

[02:25:01] So a lot of unique challenges with service members across the board that we are charged to be able to help with and support as they go through those transitions. And Fairfax County is critical in helping bridge that gap.

[02:25:19] And I appreciate the friendships, the partnerships from Fairfax County, the supervisors, and everybody that works in support of helping and assisting and supporting family members in the military that are making those transitions and just trying to live life in an extremely dynamic environment in today's environment.

[02:25:40] You know, we mentioned some of the, a few of those initiatives, whether that's job fairs that help spouses achieve employment, whether that's the strong partnership that Fort Belvoir has with Dr. Reed and the Fairfax County school system, or that's all the other services that just help families in need when they, when they're working through these challenges.

[02:26:01] And as Congressman Walkinshaw said earlier, you know, you have 10 different families, well, you have 10 different problems. And it's all inherent on all of us as leaders to be able to come together and get creative solutions and resources to address those sorts of problems that affect all our residents, not just military, but all the residents here in Fairfax County.

[02:26:23] So I appreciate those partnerships, and I look forward to continuing them and strengthening them. And then, like this morning, it's very inspirational, just hearing the stories, the personal accounts that we have recognized individuals past and present here today, that just shows the dedication and commitment of servant leadership from you all and your staffs and your workers that support all of these different initiatives that, again, forward-facing in an effort to improve community, improve the lives of all of

[02:26:59] our families that live here in Northern Virginia. So I want to thank you all for all you do. I know as the cameras face and face you all and the duck seems like it's moving calmly across the top of the water surface, there's a lot of folks that work on your staffs and in your programs that help make it all happen and Those feet are peddling 100 miles per hour.

[02:27:25] So I just want to acknowledge all of those people as well that are helping support military-connected families in everything that we do. So just, again, thank you for this proclamation, and I'm looking forward to the future and working with Fairfax County.

[02:27:40] Thank you. Thank you very much, Colonel. And before we take a picture, I do want to also point out the obvious, which is your job is so tough. I don't think people understand how hard it is to be the garrison commander and balance all the things that you do.

[02:28:02] I've likened it to being the mayor of a town in a lot of ways, but even more intense. And as someone who grew up on Fort Belvoir and look at it through the lens that I had as a kid versus what Fort Belvoir has become today, your job has gotten enormously more complicated.

[02:28:20] And we also want to acknowledge how tough the work you do is. how proud we are of the work that you do and how proud we are to have you as a partner. So thank you. Thank you, sir. With that, I think we're ready for a photo, and Supervisor Lusk and I will come on down if the board could rise.

[02:29:51] We are now going to move on to our presentation of the Veterans and Military Families Commission. And what a great transition from the last presentation to this one. Just a few things. We're going to have folks come on down who are associated with this, But while they are, just a reminder about the commission.

[02:30:13] The board created this on a motion Supervisor Walkinshaw and I made in March 2024. And the board has subsequently appointed 20 members representing the community and county agencies. And, you know, they meet bimonthly.

[02:30:29] Their inaugural meeting was held on July 2024. And we're going to hear a presentation of their first annual report to us, which I think will be a lot of things that we instinctively knew about, but maybe this is drawing extra attention to them.

[02:30:49] And for that reason, we are very grateful. And I was talking to some folks earlier this morning from other jurisdictions wishing that all the jurisdictions in Virginia would have such a commission to make sure that the welfare and issues of our military families are considered.

[02:31:06] And having said all that, it is my honor to welcome to the podium, again, someone that's uncomfortable on this side of the podium. You know, it has to get used to, but former Board of Supervisors, Supervisor for Mason District, but also Vice Chair of the Board of Supervisor, Penny Gross, who is now Chair of the Commission and no stranger to this room.

[02:31:28] Welcome, Supervisor Gross. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the Board. I am pleased and privileged to present the inaugural report of the Veterans and Military Families Commission. I'm joined by members of the Commission and guests, and I'd like them to stand, those who are still here.

[02:31:44] As an aside, and I think I've told you this, Mr. Chairman, I know I told Supervisor Walkinshaw this, you created this commission about three months after I left the board, and I keep thinking, why didn't I think of this at the time?

[02:32:07] Because it was a great idea. Fairfax County has a long history as home to veterans, members of the armed forces, and military families. Indeed, Fairfax County resident George Washington was appointed First Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army on June 15, 1775, and his strong belief in honor, dignity, and duty inspired respect and confidence from those around him then and now.

[02:32:37] Additionally, as you noted, Fairfax County is home to Fort Belvoir, the county's largest employer, and also to an estimated 65,000 veterans. I suspect that number actually may be a little higher. Fairfax County also hosts the Defense Logistics Agency, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, and the National Museum of the United States Army, although some of those names may have been changed by the Secretary of Defense.

[02:33:09] I did not look that up. The board created the commission in March 2024, and we spent the last 16 months identifying the unique issues facing veterans and military families in Fairfax County. We began by adopting some underlying principles for our work, including a commitment to dignity and security and being strategic in our research and recommendations.

[02:33:36] We identified and highlighted five buckets, economics, education, family, health, and housing. Each bucket contains multiple items, and as you can probably guess, most items have interconnections that will require collaboration as we move forward.

[02:33:55] This report covers some initial recommendations and plans for the coming year. A major effort in 2026 will be an online needs assessment survey to be launched in early January. The Commission is especially appreciative of our partnership with George Mason University that helped develop the survey and will assist with data analysis once the survey is completed.

[02:34:23] Our report contains an executive summary as well as greater detail about our work. But briefly, the Commission presents these short-term recommendations. The military presence in Fairfax County and Northern Virginia contributes about 20 percent of the county's economy, although it will take some time to measure and analyze the overall negative effect of recent federal budget cuts and the 43-day government shutdown on Fairfax County, Northern Virginia, and the Commonwealth.

[02:34:54] But keeping skilled military personnel who are transitioning to civilian status is an opportunity for the county to provide career transition support and help in translating military experience into civilian credentialed certifications and jobs locally.

[02:35:13] Working with the Department of Human Resources to expand veteran hiring for county positions and holding periodic military assistance and benefits information sessions also would help keep these skilled workers in the county.

[02:35:29] That was recommendation number one. There are an estimated 12,000 to 14,000 military-connected students in Fairfax County public schools. The school system has committed, as Supervisor Lusk said, to achieving Purple Star designation for all of its schools by the end of the 2026-27 school year.

[02:35:51] It is important for them to meet that deadline. Also, recommendation number two, although I know this is a school issue, delays in transfers of school records can impact appropriate placement in AP and special education programs for children in military families, so extra work to expedite those transfers is imperative.

[02:36:16] Third, child care and spousal employment are additional challenges for military families. Throughout commission discussions, one item arose repeatedly, the need for a county webpage that makes Fairfax County even more welcoming to veterans and military families and ensures that no military family will get lost in Fairfax County.

[02:36:43] The Commission recommends the development of a central information hub located on the county's website designed specifically for active-duty military, veterans, and military families to access pertinent information about county services.

[02:37:02] The Commission looks forward to working with the board and county staff to design, populate, and test such a webpage. I've already referenced the needs assessment survey that will launch in January. The results of that survey likely will form the basis for additional recommendations by the Commission in the coming year.

[02:37:24] But I'd like to offer some comments on a national and local issue that you are all very aware of. As with communities across the nation, affordable housing for veterans and military families is a challenge. Taking a larger percentage of wages, since the basic allowance for housing often does not cover rent and utilities.

[02:37:48] As you know, Fairfax County is an active participant in Built for Zero, a national movement aimed at ending homelessness in communities across the country. Since 2019, Fairfax County has reduced veteran homelessness by more than 40% as part of Built for Zero.

[02:38:06] In FY 2025 alone, Fairfax County ended homelessness for 44 veteran households through the HUD-VASH, Housing Choice Vouchers, SFVF Rapid Rehousing, and other funded housing opportunities. The Commission anticipates that our survey will provide additional insights into housing issues for our veterans and military families.

[02:38:31] Thank you for the confidence you have placed in the Commission as we navigate and explore the unique challenges facing veterans and military families in Fairfax County. Commission members and I are happy to take questions or directions from the board.

[02:38:47] Thank you. Thank you very much, Penny, for chairing this commission. I couldn't be in better hands, and we appreciate that in understanding all of these issues. I do want to thank you for putting together a report.

[02:39:02] You have proven that an inaugural report can be nine pages, which is easy to understand, easy to digest. But most importantly, for me at least, are pages 10 through 14 at the end, through 13, which are the biographies of the people who were on this commission.

[02:39:21] And what a remarkable group of dedicated individuals who, you know, are volunteering to serve on this role. Some retired, some active, but with the same goal, which is to improve the lives of our military-connected families in Fairfax County.

[02:39:39] And just as a reminder, when the board created this commission in 2024, we asked for a clear strategic assessment of the challenges that face our military community, are unique to them. And this report does exactly that.

[02:39:55] I'm struck by some of the things that are challenges all of our community face, but particularly the ones that are acute in our military population. And as I mentioned in the last presentation, growing up near Fort Belvoir and going to school, always with a majority of classmates who are military connected, you can see a lot of the things that Penny just described and the stresses that are unique to that population of public servants.

[02:40:23] And so what we need to be doing and what we want to be doing in Fairfax County is always making sure that we continue to be a place that is a community of choice for our military families and that we are continuing to do. And I think a major theme in this report is streamlining access to services, making it easy for military-connected families to understand how to access certain things.

[02:40:47] And you can imagine, you know, if you're not in a military family that hasn't been transferred somewhere, just imagine how hard it is when any family decides to move from one location to another just to get acclimated. And what we need to be doing is making sure that we have a handout to help them navigate this new community that they're living in here and that we are so proud to have them here in Fairfax County.

[02:41:13] You mentioned the economic impact, defense spending. we know, accounts for 23 percent of the county's economy. And I think that's a huge underestimate because that percent is measured in largely dollars. But what the military community gives to our community here in Fairfax is so much beyond just the economic dollars piece.

[02:41:36] They're coaches of our teams. They're volunteers in our schools. They're involved in our community boards, authorities, and commissions. They're contributing so much to the quality of life that we have here, and I think a lot of times that gets forgotten.

[02:41:52] And so this report highlights some areas we know that are a challenge, certainly continuing to work with FCPS and their partners on making sure that our school-aged kids who are coming into or leaving our system are getting the resources that they need.

[02:42:08] Clearly some things at the federal level that we can look at incorporating into our legislative package to be pushing for on Capitol Hill. And then, of course, the affordable housing piece. And, you know, oftentimes affordable housing is a buzzword.

[02:42:24] That's not the case here in Fairfax County. We are producing units. We are making sure that they're going in every corner of the county, and we're making sure that people understand that affordable housing is not just a moral imperative. Maybe in the past it was looked at as something nice or charitable you would do.

[02:42:41] It's quite the contrary now. It's an economic imperative. And it's felt and experienced by too many of our veterans and too many of our active duty personnel. And so that's an area that, as a community, we must continue to work on together. And so a lot to digest in a short report.

[02:42:59] But I think the takeaway for me is a big, huge thank you to the members who served on this commission, who have made a difference, and who will continue to lean to to get good advice on things we can do to improve the lives of military families. And thank you, Supervisor Gross, for your leadership on this.

[02:43:16] It is appreciated. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Remember, these were your appointees. You chose them, and you chose very, very well. Absolutely. And with a pool of talent that we have in Fairfax, you would expect them to be remarkable individuals. But when you read their biographies, I think it's stunning.

[02:43:35] So thank you. With that, brief comments from the board. Supervisor Palcic. I just want to thank you so much. I can't call you Penny here. Former Vice Chair, good to see you. And I especially really appreciate, I think, page two and three, the executive summary with the recommendations.

[02:43:54] Because just yesterday, I got a chance to hear Anne Kress talk about the NOVA Next and what NOVA Community College is doing for health and human services in our region. And just every time she shares, and Stephen and her team, how much more they're doing and how impactful their programming is and the work that they and George Mason are doing.

[02:44:15] So I think when it comes to the economics piece, perhaps there's an opportunity for, I know there's already a good connection there, but to expand that with our partners at NOVA and Mason in addition to the schools. And then absolutely for health care, it's helpful to understand that.

[02:44:35] I think there's things for us to look at as we go back to Health and Human Services. And of course, the impact on housing is not just for everyone, but for our military families. And so thank you for sharing that. I know when I moved here as a young immigrant, and it was hard to adapt, and my best friend I made was a military kid and had to leave right away.

[02:44:58] And so the impact of so much displacement in our community. We know about migration and don't always think that that impact is with our military families and kiddos as well. So thank you for the entire commission and for sharing that.

[02:45:13] We always talk about our kids are so resilient, but sometimes they're not. And especially when they have to pull up roots every couple of years, move back and forth. I knew that myself because I was an Army brat. Although I grew up in Oregon, my father was stationed at Fort Belvoir three times.

[02:45:31] In fact, when I was in the sixth grade, I went to my first integrated school. During massive resistance in Virginia, the only integrated school was on Fort Belvoir. Very good.

[02:45:48] Well, again, thank you. Thank you. I will say, Penny. Penny for... I'm just kidding. I'm sorry. Pat, did you want to be recognized? Just real briefly, and I think Penny just hit on it. Colonel mentioned it earlier. First of all, thank you for this work.

[02:46:05] It's a lot of really good stuff and a really good thought. But what I was coming to is how do we, and I know there's a bunch of informal networks out there that is military, you know, families coming to the area. They can reach out and get help. But are there areas we can provide a more welcoming resource or website or lack, you know, everything from.

[02:46:29] It's actually in the report. It is, okay. The youth sports to, you name it, schools with veteran percentages, that sort of thing. We have some members here already doing some of the nonprofit networks, and they are also on our commission.

[02:46:48] But one of the things we're looking at was one of the very first things suggested when we first met was having sports activities with the parks and the veterans. And so we're going to be exploring that a little bit more. But the survey will give us a lot more information.

[02:47:06] I don't anticipate that our next report will be as formal as this one. But when we have the survey results, we will circulate that. Yeah, that's appreciated. And there is some low-hanging fruit in here that, you know, we can be working on immediately. And then there's some other larger issues that, you know, are going to take some time to address.

[02:47:26] But what we will do is continue to partner with you and the commission on the good work you do and advance the recommendations of the report. Thank you. All right. I think before we leave, before Penny escapes, I think it would be good. This is the inaugural report for us to get a group photo.

[02:47:44] For those who are here, the commission members, if you could come on down, I'll join you. If the board could rise, I would appreciate that.

[02:48:00] Okay, we are now going to move on to our next agenda item, which is appointments to boards, authorities, commissions, and advisory groups.

[02:49:38] And let me recognize Supervisor Smith if she has a motion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move approval of the appointments to boards, authorities, and commissions in the document dated November 18, 2025. And the chair will second that motion. Are there any appointments board members would like to pull for a separate vote or any questions?

[02:49:56] 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 board matters. And as we always do, we will go alphabetically by district order.

[02:50:13] And let me just point out, these have all been circulated digitally to all board offices in advance. And I am going to hand the gavel to Vice Chair Smith so that I can read my board matter.

[02:50:30] First, I move to approve without objection the proclamation requests listed in this document to be presented inside or outside of the boardroom as appropriate, and those are a proclamation to recognize Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month, to recognize Korean American Day, a proclamation jointly with Supervisor Smith to recognize Teen Cancer Awareness Week, a resolution to recognize the 45th anniversary of Ronald McDonald House, and a proclamation jointly with Supervisor Herity to recognize January 2026 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

[02:51:01] Without objection, it is so ordered. Thank you, and I have one announcement. This is unwritten, but I believe board members are aware of this, and I would like to acknowledge and thank Chief Davis and Deputy Chief Gregory Freed, who I believe is in attendance today.

[02:51:19] Yes, he is in attendance today. Last week, we received notice that our Fairfax County Police Department has been selected by the National Policing Institute, NPI, as the first knowledge and innovation K&I site for the National Law Enforcement Knowledge Lab.

[02:51:37] This designation exemplifies the Fairfax County Police Department's commitment to advancing evidence-based practices in law enforcement, specifically in use of force review, analysis, and accountability. The FCPD was selected as a K&I site for its record of excellence in this core practice area.

[02:51:57] The designation of a K&I site highlights FCPD's innovative strategies in establishing these evidence-based practices. NPI conducted an in-depth analysis of our department and included a review of policies, interviews with personnel and participation in scenario-based forums.

[02:52:16] As part of the K&I site selection process, the results of this assessment were evaluated against research-based best practices, feedback from NPI subject matter experts, and discussions with NPI fellows. Through the National Law Enforcement Knowledge Lab, FCPD will serve as a national model in the establishment of best practices of use of force that prioritize accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.

[02:52:44] The department's review processes, which focus on officer training and commitment to community collaboration, will provide a blueprint for law enforcement agencies nationwide to follow. And this is huge. This was kind of just sent out as a blip, a lot of times maybe not picked up by folks, but in terms of newsworthiness, I hope this gets people's attention because this is a big pat on the back for our police department and a lot of the good work that so many of them have done to receive this acknowledgement.

[02:53:16] And I'd like to thank Chief Davis, you know, as I mentioned, Deputy Chief Freed, who's here as well, and, of course, the officers within our department who continue to demonstrate Fairfax County's commitment to our residents and for maintaining our status as national leaders in so many areas when it comes to public safety.

[02:53:35] And so I wanted to make that announcement, make sure everybody had an opportunity to hear the good news, and to thank, in particular, Deputy Chief Freed, who's here, but the entire department for this achievement. Congratulations. And that is the end of my board matters.

[02:53:56] And at this time, I will recognize Vice Chair Smith. Thank you. I have a motion for concurrent site plan processing. Mr. Chairman, pending applications RZFDP 2024-SU-0003 and PCA78-S-063-15 are request to rezone approximately 1.8 acres of land in the Westfields Business Park to the PDH-16 District and to retain and rezone additional land area approximately 9.47 acres to the I-4 District to retain the existing office use.

[02:54:33] The applicant has worked diligently with staff, and all issues have been resolved. The application is scheduled for public hearing before the Planning Commission on November 19, 2025. Given the absence of any significant concerns, I move that the Board of Supervisors authorize concurrent site plan processing for the applications.

[02:54:51] This motion should not be construed as a favorable recommendation by the Board and does not relieve the applicant for compliance with the provisions of any applicable ordinances, regulations, or adopted standards. This action in no way prejudices the substantive review of the application. And the chair will second that motion.

[02:55:06] Discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Thank you, Supervisor Smith. Next up, Supervisor Beerman.

[02:55:22] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. No board matters, but since it's our last full board meeting before the break, happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Thanks. Thank you, Supervisor Behrman. Supervisor Lusk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On April 11, 2023, the Board authorized consideration of a study of the Franconia-Springfield Transit Station Area, TSA, and the Springfield Community Business Center, CBC, as part of the 2023 Comprehensive Work Plan Program.

[02:55:52] The study is currently underway with a visiting effort and associated community outreach. Given the opportunity presented by the current study, I propose that the Fleet Industrial Park tax map parcels 91-1, double circle 1, parcels 32A, 33, 34, 35, 36, 36B, 39, 47A, 47B, and 98, as shown on the attached map, be included in the study area and considered for incorporation into the TSA.

[02:56:26] The industrial park located south of Fleet Drive, west of Beulah Street, and north of Walker Lane along Gravel Avenue is adjacent to the TSA boundary. With the new Frank Hunter Springfield Inova Hospital under construction and the evolving land use patterns in the area, now is an appropriate time to reevaluate the long-term future of this area.

[02:56:48] Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I move that the Board of Supervisors revise the comprehensive plan amendment work plan authorization for the Springfield-Franconia, pardon, Franconia-Springfield transit station area and the Springfield Community Business Center study, SSPA-2023-Roman numeral 4-1S, to allow consideration of the Fleet Industrial Park as part of the study for possible inclusion in the Franconia-Springfield TSA.

[02:57:18] 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 provisions of any applicable ordinances, regulations, or adoptive standards. This action in no way prejudices the substantive review of these applications.

[02:57:37] So moved. You've heard the motion. I'm happy to second that. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstention? That motion carries. Supervisor Lusk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It's a joint board matter with you. On July 24, 2013, Special Exception Amendment SPA 2004-LE-053 was approved for Lighthouse Baptist Church located at 5901 Wilton Road for the proposed expanded vestibule addition to include the pastor's office and reception area with an elevator.

[02:58:14] Since that time, the Church has been working on processing its site plan and building plans. It took considerable time to resolve the issue with VDOT, which held up site plan approval. Unfortunately, the special permit amendment expired in July without the applicant requesting additional time.

[02:58:31] As a result, the Church will need to apply for a new special permit, which is expected to be identical to the previously approved special permit amendment. the approval, which form the basis for the site and building plans. For these reasons, I believe there is good cause for the Board to waive the application fee for the new special permit application.

[02:58:54] Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I move the Board of Supervisors waive the application fee for the new special permit application, authorize staff to expeditiously process the application and direct land development services to concurrently and simultaneously process the site and building plans during review of the special permit application.

[02:59:15] This motion does not construe as a favorable recommendation by the Board or the Board of Zoning Appeals on the proposed application and does not relieve the applicant from compliance with all applicable ordinances, regulations, and adopted standards. So moved. And the Chair will second that motion. Any discussion on the motion?

[02:59:33] 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. this is my last item. Today I would like to recognize two dedicated members of our public safety family, Master Police Officer Kevin Liberty and Police Civilian Aid Christy Liberty, both of whom retired from the Fairfax County Police Department and specifically from the Franconia District Police Station this past Friday, November 14th. NPO Kevin Liberty has served Fairfax County for 31 years, beginning with 10 years as a dispatcher before joining the police

[03:00:12] department as an officer. For the past 21 years, he has been a steady and reliable presence on the Midnight Squad at the Franconia Station, providing calm professionalism and exceptional service to our community during the hours when it is needed most. Christine Liberty has served the county for 22 years, with four years as a dispatcher and the remaining 18 at the Franconia District Station.

[03:00:39] Her work as a police civilian aide has supported residents and officers alike, and she's been an integral part of the station's daily operations. The married couple both effectively retired together on Friday, November 14th, marking the end of many years of shared commitment to public safety and well-being of our residents. This transition also marks an important moment for their family and for our station, and I believe it should be honored.

[03:01:07] Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I move that the Board direct the County Executive to assign the appropriate staff to prepare a resolution honoring the career service of Master Police Officer Kevin Liberty and Police Civilian Aid Christine Liberty to be presented either inside or outside the boardroom. So moved. You've heard the motion. I'm happy to second that motion. Is there discussion on this? I jointly second that with Supervisor Herity. 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 Lusk. Okay, Mr. Chairman, if I could

[03:01:44] just make one last quick announcement. That announcement is we are continuing to collect non-perishable food items at the Franconia District Office, which will be used to provide for families during this holiday season. Thank you so very much. Thank you very much for that announcement.

[03:02:01] And next up is Supervisor Alcorn. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just have one board matter that I will summarize. It's a no objection. But we're doing coats for kids in Hunter Mill this year. Previous years we had been doing coats for everybody.

[03:02:17] Our focus this year is on kids. So we're doing this in partnership with the Heritage Fellowship Church in Reston. Donations may be made now through February 2026 and dropped off at the North County Government Center Wednesdays from 1 to 5 p.m. or by appointment.

[03:02:37] So this builds on work we've done. Last year, we distributed more than 1,000 coats. We are asking just for coats this year. And, Mr. Chairman, without objection, I would ask that the Office of Public Affairs and Channel 16 promote and publicize the Hunter Mill District winter coats for kids' drive through their communications channels.

[03:02:58] Without objection, that is so ordered. Thank you. Supervisor Alcorn. And that's it. Okay, thank you. Supervisor Jimenez. Mr. Chairman, I have no board matters. Thank you, Supervisor Jimenez. Supervisor Stork. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have just two verbal matters I wanted to mention.

[03:03:15] One is, which you are very aware of, we had a wonderful and amazing, really, celebration, grand opening of the Mount Vernon Rec Center. We had over 1,500 visits. It was, frankly, a madhouse. It was. It was. It was really kind of a crazy, crazy time.

[03:03:32] And if you weren't sure what you wanted to do, you could have climbed a wall, literally, or you could have been tossed in the pool, or you could be thrown out on the ice or take a jog around the track or exercise. You do the stair steps or stair climbing or classes.

[03:03:49] I mean, there just were really so many different ways you could have celebrated. And this is such a long, long overdue. The center was closed for two and a half years, recognizing that we had to find a way to do this more economically. And frankly, the most economical way was to close it for two and a half years.

[03:04:05] The community, as you might imagine, was incredibly excited. It's been open on a kind of a general basis, but this was truly the celebration, the beginning of really an amazing, I think, opportunity for this part of the county to have just really a wonderful facility.

[03:04:22] Linwood Gorham, the Park Authority representative from the Mount Vernon District, was the emcee, but there were many, many others there, including our West Potomac cheerleaders. And we maybe had the most distinguished guest that was there. He had a very, very big head. I'm not talking about either of our supervisors, our chairman, or our supervisor Alcorn was there, but George Washington was there to make sure that we celebrated his namesake, obviously, facility.

[03:04:51] The racing president, George Washington. Of course. He was racing president from the Nationalist Park. But I guess if you want to see the real George Washington, you can see a version of that if you want to watch Ken Burns' special that's going on right now, which is truly an amazing special.

[03:05:06] But, again, just a wonderful time. Thank you, J. Cole, for her work and really all the work of the Park Authority staff to get us to that point. But I just urge everybody to come down and experience it because it truly is a state-of-the-art facility that we can all be deeply proud of.

[03:05:23] And, Supervisor Historic, I'd be remiss if I didn't repeat something I said that day, which is the work of your office, keeping the community informed. This was a massive renovation of a heavily used facility that had a lot of moving parts being done during COVID with delays, with issues, with contractors, all the things that the park authority had to overcome, but also the community who was without their rec center for that period of time.

[03:05:50] And I think one of the reasons they came out and enjoyed it so much is because they were just so grateful at the high quality and high caliber of the facility. Adding an additional whole sheet of ice I know is huge as somebody who, you know, this was the rec center I went to as a kid.

[03:06:05] And I remember, as I mentioned that day, this was where the Washington Capitals used to practice when I was growing up, which is pretty remarkable. But it was a circus is right. I mean, there were people everywhere, people were happy, loving the new facility, and I know it's going to be successful for a long time, but excellent work by you and your office kind of navigating the community through a tough patch to get to what ultimately is what we all envisioned, which was a first-class rec center, and I know that's how the community felt, so well done.

[03:06:38] I couldn't have said it better, and I tried to say it as good as that, but you really You captured it very, very well. Thank you, Chairman McKay, for your work and even your comments at the meeting, at the kickoff as well. One more item I want to mention, which maybe is not so positive news, but I wanted to recognize, I know you all are getting the economic update from DEI, the Department of Economic Initiatives, and Rebecca Madre.

[03:07:03] And I know we are, you know, we have a lot of federal employees that are struggling. I know the recent decisions to reopen government have made a big difference. but regardless, our federal and non-federal unemployment claims are increasing. Virginia saw 187% increase in initial federal civilian unemployment claims from September to October, and initial non-federal unemployment claims in Virginia increased by 25%.

[03:07:26] We're sealing and experiencing similar kinds of impacts, and we all recognize that our economy is a key part of what keeps Virginia so vibrant, and we know that we're the engine of Virginia. northern virginia is uh we're going to have a presentation in about uh 10 days or i guess it's almost two it'll be almost a week from now i guess it will be on on really how northern virginia what kind of engine it truly is to fairfax county is truly is to the state overall so i just urge everybody to take a look at uh rebecca moderate director moderate's uh comments that she sends

[03:08:03] to us on a regular basis just to keep us um is really understanding how that's affecting not only Fairfax County but the overall DMV. Thank you. Thank you very much. Supervisor Stork, Supervisor Palachuk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Well, I have no written board matters. Just a couple of quick announcements. First of all, I have with me a familiar face, Malena. So Malena Janos is a longtime Northern Virginian and a familiar face from the Braddock District Office. We are delighted.

[03:08:37] Clearly, she was in a great company and well-trained to serve our community. She has been with the county since early 2023. She served as communications aide in the Braddock District Office, where she worked to increase the office's presence on social media and modernize her communications.

[03:08:57] Before going local, though, she worked in the State Senate for three years, and she's a dual alumna of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership. I believe she's also currently president of Virginia Young Dems, which I believe the chairman and former mayor were part of in their youth, their earlier youth.

[03:09:19] And we're delighted to see her. I think that's where I first saw Malena's work. She truly has a desire for working with our local residents, especially our people of color, young people and renters and meeting residents where they are by bringing representatives to them.

[03:09:35] and demystifying the image of government and helping our community know that we're here to support them. She looks forward to learning about and helping Providence District, especially in outreach and transportation, and we are thrilled. It was her first day yesterday, and she already had excellent ideas for our work. So a warm welcome to Providence for Melina.

[03:09:58] I know so two other quick announcements you may have heard that Hilton, which is headquartered in Tyson's district, has once again named the world's number one best workplace by Fortune and a great place to work.

[03:10:19] Ninety three percent of Hilton employees say they believe that company is a great place to work. Consumers care about how companies treat their employees, and Hilton's commitment to their team members reflects in the quality of their service and the way they treat their guests. I know we're looking forward to their beautiful headquarters officially opening early next year in the Tysons area.

[03:10:42] And just a huge congratulations to Hilton, and we're so excited that you continue to grow your presence here in Fairbanks County. And then, last but not least, just a little teaser. I know that there are many in our community suffering, and many also who want to lend a helping hand.

[03:11:01] I know that we have just completed a very successful food drive, just picking up all the materials, the hundreds of food items that we've received from many partners, and we'll be distributing them to our high school pantries and food for others early next week.

[03:11:21] And like Supervisor Alcorn, our coat drive will kick off on December 1st. We'll have more information on our December 9th meeting. But if any of our supervisors would like to help create a pickup point, we're happy to partner with you as well.

[03:11:39] We know that especially having a place where people can easily drop off coats, gently use coats for children and adults is very much appreciated it, and making it easier for people to have those drop-offs truly helps. It helps us help everyone who's trying to support our families during what's expected to be a very cold winter.

[03:12:00] So I think those are all my announcements. And second, a warm, safe, and joyful Thanksgiving break for all in our community. Thank you. Supervisor Herity. Yes, Mr. Chairman, I've got one written Board matter and one unwritten Board matter the first one is done jointly with Supervisor Kathy Smith and Supervisor Stork and it's to start a review of our height looming standards to be added to the zoning ordinance work program this has been a point of concern for residential

[03:12:35] communities in Fairfax County for many years as we've seen recently in my district and many others redevelopment of residential lots that result in new homes or additions that loom over adjacent properties. Many jurisdictions, including the city of Alamo Heights, Texas, have very clear ratio systems to address looming that take into account side setbacks for determining the maximum height. During Supervisor Hyland's tenure on the board, the board approved his motion to include a revision addressing building height, but rejected the bulk plane changes is too complicated however problems persist as

[03:13:14] shown in the photo that I've attached which is basically a 30 feet high by 60 feet long wall in this case less than eight feet from the from the property line now seems like an appropriate time to consider what additional changes can be made based on how the problem has been addressed in other jurisdictions therefore mr. chairman I move without objection the board direct the ordinance administration section of the Department of Planning and Development to bring this topic to a land use policy committee for further discussion and

[03:13:49] consideration during the next annual review of the zoning work program you've heard the motion seconded by the chair of our land use process committee discussion on the motion yeah I I'm gonna go with a pictures worth a thousand and what we'll leave it there I will provide just the board a quick update as to where this is that our setbacks require eight feet this building is seven feet three inches four inches from the property line so it is in violation of the ordinance but only if it been built a foot back it would it would be there so

[03:14:27] there is a stop work order there's going to be some meetings to see how that is address my guess it ends up at the BZA but because a variance will be needed because it it's not back the 8 feet but we really do need to to address it it really is a 30 foot high 60 foot long wall that I don't think any of our residents would ever want that close to their their residents especially when the neighbor is so close so with that I hope we can can take action to prevent

[03:15:01] this from happening elsewhere in Fairfax County. Okay. Supervisor Smith, and then Supervisor Palchuk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This has obviously gotten a lot of notice in the press. My daughter texted me today because she heard Elliot in the morning on the radio talk about it. And so we have a lot of these older houses, and people want to stay put, and they want to live with their families. And as Supervisor Herity said, this had been looked at in the past.

[03:15:28] And I think the difficulty for the board and the decision-making we make is we also need to respect property rights, right? And so this has been difficult to deal with. I know that neighborhoods are going to change, right?

[03:15:44] There's locations where people knock down the smaller house and put up a bigger one. I think this bothers people because the aesthetics and how it looks and the wall it creates. And we all know that we can't legislate aesthetics. And so Supervisor Stork, with his infill development, we have something on the Zoning Ordinance Work Program right now to look at how we classify the definition of building height.

[03:16:12] So I think we need to have staff look at that, and as they look at that issue, to see what else we can do. Because it is really a fine balance, right? Nobody wants to see a wall next to their house, But we don't want to prohibit people from expanding houses.

[03:16:29] So I think this is going to be complicated for staff. It will be a complicated issue to look and see what the answer is. But I think we need to look at those parts of it and see how we move forward. So I appreciate Supervisor Herity bringing this forward. Thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Smith.

[03:16:45] Supervisor Palchuk. I just want to add to that. I appreciate the Board of Matters with Supervisor Smith sharing the complexity of this, right? There are different lot sizes. My next-door neighbor just knocked down their house. We have very small lots, right? And so there's not a lot of space for people who, like they, want to remain in the community.

[03:17:05] Their kids want to stay in their schools, but they know they need a little bit more room. So, you know, this is where I call we've made it legal to build McMansions, and it's harder to build homes that can fit the needs of our family. So I appreciate that there will be a balanced look at this.

[03:17:21] I would also say, I know we heard Texas, but just our surrounding jurisdictions, if we could start there. I believe some of them, including the cities around us, have their own ways that they've tried to address this. And so hopefully we, I assume we'll be looking at that as well.

[03:17:38] Our staff is good. I assume that, but I just want to make sure, because I know Texas was brought up, and that's one point, that's one data point. But as long as we continue to look regionally, I know that that's an area where we can perhaps find a better balance for this.

[03:17:56] Thank you, Supervisor Palchek. Any further discussion? Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Was that all, Supervisor Herity? Just real quickly on human trafficking, and I know we've got the massage parlor ordinance or massage ordinance coming up later today, which is a big step forward.

[03:18:21] The human trafficking proclamation will be done out of the office. So I wanted a couple of public safety words on human trafficking. And I've got to start with thanking our county and nonprofit partners for their tireless work to support victims and bring traffickers to justice.

[03:18:39] But residents can also play a role. Our domestic and sexual violence services team suggests that residents focus on helping those around them who are vulnerable. Traffickers target the most vulnerable residents, can help prevent trafficking by helping others who have recently been displaced, experiencing family turmoil, or have had financial insecurity.

[03:19:04] And if you know anybody who might be in danger, just have them call 911 and make sure. Because it does exist in our community, unfortunately, and it happens to our kids. It happens in our schools. And we just need to be aware of it and address it.

[03:19:21] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That's it. Thank you. With that, we're going to move to our administrative items. And let me ask Supervisor Smith, do you have a motion for administrative items 1 through 8? Yes, Mr. Chairman, I move approval of administrative items 1 through 8.

[03:19:37] Madam Chair, we'll second that, along with Supervisor Palczyk. Are there any items board members would like pulled for special consideration or for questions or comments? Supervisor Stork. I just wanted to thank Delegate Roja Henson for his work on behalf of the Lorton Community and Lorton Community Action Center and the additional funds that he got to support rental assistance for LCAC clients, And, frankly, the requirement that it didn't include any pass-through money from the county as well to be able to do that and make a difference for that committee.

[03:20:15] So, again, Delegate Henson, again, my appreciation. Thank you. And our appreciation. Yep, good point. Thank you, Supervisor Stork. Anyone else? Seeing and hearing the question item there.

[03:20:36] First action, Central Park.

[03:20:52] I move county executive recommendation to approve a proposed replacement signage and existing sign-in.

[03:21:14] Clean Central Park, as shown in Attachment 1. I will second that item along with Discussion on the motion. Any discussion on the motion? Supervisor Behrman. Just thank you to Betsy May Salazar and the audience here for your work on this. This sign's going to look great, and thank you for putting up with our meeting.

[03:21:33] Thank you. On behalf of all of us, thank you, Supervisor Behrman. If there's no further discussion, all those in favor of action item 1, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Action item number two is approval to establish the dead-run residential cut-through permit zone.

[03:21:53] Also in the Drainesville District, Supervisor Beerman. I move the county executive's recommendation with respect to action item number two. Thank you for that. I'm happy to second that.

[03:22:10] I heard someone else seconds with Supervisor Lusk. 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? That motion carries. That brings us in a very late way to, let me ask the county attorney, before we break, how long we need for closed session.

[03:22:38] - All of the mics are out. - Oh, I'm sorry. - Just gonna have to be loud. - I apologize, didn't realize they were all out. - Oh, they're on now, they're on now. - I don't have a light, forgive me. So I estimate one hour, 15 minutes. um okay we're going to try to do it in an hour um just it's not your issue it's ours i'm looking at my colleagues we're going to try to do this in an hour because we have a lot of public hearings today which will mean we are going to report to closed session at two o'clock and that is if this

[03:23:11] motion is approved that i'm going to turn to supervisor smith to make no still not working 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.

[03:23:34] And in addition, one, as permitted by Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711A, 3 and 29, potential acquisition for a public purpose of real property in the Providence District and related expenditure of public funds where open discussion would adversely affect bargaining position or negotiating strategy.

[03:23:54] And two, as permitted by Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711A, annual evaluation of the county executive. You've heard the motion. I'm happy to second that. Is there discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor of the motion, please say aye.

[03:24:11] Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Before we break, let me make sure there are no deferrals. I haven't heard of any this afternoon. Again, you can announce that if you want at this time.

[03:24:28] But if there's any entire deferrals, that's what I'm looking for at this point. So we're planning to have the public hearing this afternoon for the policy plan. But since we got the recommendation from the Planning Commission so late, my intention is to defer a decision.

[03:24:46] And so we will go through with the public hearing, and the intention is to defer a decision. Okay, and if there are no deferrals, again, a lot of public hearings. So let's be very prompt. Report to closed session at 2. We will compress that down to an hour so that we can begin public meetings at 3 o'clock.

[03:25:04] And with that, the board will have lunch and report to closed session at 2 o'clock.

[03:29:28] The board is back from our closed session, and at this time I'm going to recognize Supervisor Smith to bring us out of closed session.

[03:36:04] Mr. Chairman, I move that the Board of Supervisors certify that to the best of each member's knowledge, only public business matters lawfully exempted from the open meeting requirements by virtue of Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711. And only such public business matters as were identified in the motion by which closed session was convened were heard, discussed, or considered by the Board of Supervisors during the closed session.

[03:36:26] Chair, we'll second that motion along with Supervisor Beerman. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? Motions coming out of closed session. Let me start with Supervisor Lusk. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[03:36:41] Mr. Chairman, I move that the Board of Supervisors deny the settlement demand of Kathleen Stanley according to the terms and conditions outlined by the county attorney in closed session. Second. Chair, we'll second that along with a lot of folks, Supervisor Herity and Supervisor Palachuk.

[03:36:57] Discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Supervisor Palachuk. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Board of Supervisors authorize the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority to expend up to $15 million from the Affordable Housing Development and Investment Fund and the Housing Trust Fund to acquire certain real property for a public purpose located in the Providence District, consistent with the terms discussed by the Board in closed session on November 18, 2025.

[03:37:31] Second. And Chair will second that along with Supervisor Alcorn. Discussion on the motion? Any discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Parity, nay. Any abstentions? And that motion carries 8 to 1. And I believe those were our only actions from closed session. So having done that, we are now going to move on to our afternoon public hearings of which there are a lot. So we'll just be mindful of that.

[03:37:59] Just as a few reminders about 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 will call for any speakers from the speakers list, and they will either come forward or their video will be shown, or they will be connected by telephone.

[03:38:20] There will then be an opportunity for anyone else present who would like to speak to the matter to come down to the podium or for those watching at home to call in at 703-324-1020. Speakers testifying via video must have signed up and submitted their video no later than 9 a.m. on the day prior to the public hearing.

[03:38:40] And for public hearing testimony, you're given three minutes as an individual to speak. If you're a spokesperson for a group, you were given five minutes. If you are here and would like to speak on a matter that is on our agenda this afternoon and you have not already signed in, please come down and see the clerk over here and make sure that you are signed in. When I call your names to come down closer to the podium, please do that so that we can make sure nobody gets hurt here and we can make sure that we are respectful of everyone's time. Having said that, I'm going to call our first public hearing, which is a public hearing to receive comment from residents on the proposed legislative program to be presented

[03:39:19] to the 2026 General Assembly. And before I turn to staff for a brief update, I'm going to turn to our Legislative Committee Chairman Supervisor Jimenez for some brief comments. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I'd like to first thank our county legislative team for all the hard work that they've done, led by Jennifer Van E.

[03:39:39] I'd also like to thank all of our residents who have come out, taken time out of their day to testify on issues pertaining to Fairfax County. Let me remind you that today is a day for public comment only. We will not be voting on this legislative package today.

[03:39:54] So as a reminder, this is a day for public comment only. Mr. Chairman, I'd like to briefly walk through several key items in our program for the upcoming 2020-2026 General Assembly. When the program is officially adopted in December, I will have more to share.

[03:40:12] But today I would like to highlight the board's priorities, including changes since the last Legislative Committee, meeting on October 7th in response to the direction the board provided to staff on that date. As we have emphasized throughout the committee process, this year's program includes a renewed focus on efficiency and communication, both with our residents and with our state delegation. These improvements help ensure our priorities are clear. Clearly understood, our local needs are well represented in Richmond, and our community's voices remain

[03:40:47] strong. And I believe we can all agree, when Fairfax succeeds, so does the rest of the Commonwealth. As detailed in the overarching funding priorities, and additionally on page 17 of the draft legislative program, I would like to highlight our priorities to increase dedicated funding for transportation and transit infrastructure. This priority underscores the need to restore and expand regional and state transportation funding to support the road, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian projects that are essential for mobility, safety, economic growth,

[03:41:26] and congestion reduction. We continue to emphasize that dedicated and sustainable funding is critical for both our region transit network and WAMOT. Similarly, as outlined in our funding priorities, the county continues to emphasize the need to strengthen state funding for K-12 public schools.

[03:41:50] We are urging legislative and budget actions that closes the long-standing gap between state education funding and actual needs, particularly in the areas of teacher pay, cost of living adjustments, and school operations.

[03:42:07] Ensuring strong, high-quality schools in every community requires sustained and adequate state investment. Additionally, because this is a re-benchmarking year, it is imperative that the Commonwealth fully fund the adjustments needed through this regular process to properly support local school divisions. Next, the need for sustainable and affordable housing remains a key priority for Fairfax County. Our program emphasizes the importance of prioritizing affordable housing investment and preservation, as well as creating housing that is affordable for the entire

[03:42:46] community. This includes expanding state tools and increasing financial support to building and preserving affordable housing options, as well as strengthening the partnership necessary to help Fairfax County meet its long-term housing goals. More details can be found on page 14.

[03:43:06] Our program underscores the need to grow workforce development and the local economic strength. We are supporting state investments and workforce pipelines that train and connect job seekers to in-demand careers, particularly in the trades, health care, education, child care, and behavioral health, in addition to renewed emphasis on local economy in Fairfax County, particularly around artificial intelligence. This priority is especially critical as Fairfax continues to feel the impacts of federal-level changes. We are urging the state to provide the resources

[03:43:43] needed to help localities address these shifts, including support for workforce development efforts, and for residents navigating SNAP and Medicaid changes, both of which will be significant issues this session. Finally, the program highlights the importance of advancing climate and environmental action. This includes continued progress toward our coordinated climate goals, strengthening infrastructure resilience, improving stormwater management, expanding energy efficiency

[03:44:17] efforts and reducing emissions. These actions are essential to ensuring an environmentally sustainable and equitable future for all Fairfax County residents. I would like to mention that our last legislative committee meeting for this year will be December 2nd. We will be finalizing the state legislative program in preparation for board adoption on December 9th, in addition to discussing our federal legislative program and other relevant issues. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[03:44:46] Thank you very much, Supervisor Jimenez, and at this time, I'd recognize our staff of our legislative team if they'd like to provide any comments. Mr. Chairman, Jennifer Van E., Legislative Director, just want to say thank you for all your work and the work of all the county staff as we've prepared this over the last several months.

[03:45:08] Thank you very much, and as was mentioned earlier, again today, this is a public hearing for us to receive comments on our legislative package. We will not be adopting our package today, as was mentioned. And just as a further reminder, we are receiving testimony here, not providing back and forth.

[03:45:28] I know there are times where people can provide testimony, get frustrated that they're not getting an immediate response from the board. But this is the public's time to tell us what you think and to tell us what your concerns or your support are for what it is that is the subject of the public hearing.

[03:45:44] Particularly important because we have time to take the testimony that we are provided to heart as well as all the other input from the community between now and adoption. So with that being said, this is a public hearing. I do have now 10 speakers who have signed up in advance to testify on this matter.

[03:46:04] And I'm going to call our first speaker, Linda Colbert, the mayor of the town of Vienna. And she will be followed by Chuck Anderson, Irv Katz, and Camille White-Partain. If I called your name, please make sure there are some seats right down here in the front that are open to you to take as you're waiting to testify.

[03:46:23] With that being said, welcome, Mayor Colbert. Well, good afternoon, everyone. Chair McKay and all supervisors and, of course, our county executive. I was here last year also speaking on this matter, and I'm here speaking, of course, as the mayor of Vienna for our council and for our entire town.

[03:46:46] I'm actually also, well, I'll leave it at that. So this is my second year speaking to you all. It's a third year that we have been fighting this idea of a casino in Tysons. It's taken a lot of time, a lot of effort for our council members, a lot of worry, a lot of time and effort for different groups, and also for many of you, when we could be working on so many other good things.

[03:47:14] So, we work together, the town and the county, so well, and I really appreciate that. A lot of us serve on different commissions together. We serve to help with traffic in the community, affordable housing.

[03:47:31] We have worked really well together on one major project that's coming up, and that's the Patrick Henry Library that's going to be renamed the Vienna Carter Library with a parking garage. And we work so well on so many other things. So I'm asking you for one more thing that we could work together on, and that is to end the notion of a casino in Tyson's.

[03:47:55] obviously it's going to bring it would bring in money I'm sure it would but we know the data shows that there are a lot of other issues that you would have to deal with that we all would have to deal with and that would take our time and energy and I don't think it would be good for our community and of course some of those things are probably a higher crime rate risk to national security and for sure the quality of life for our residents both in Vienna and the county and surrounding areas would definitely be affected negatively.

[03:48:29] So I am asking you, the Town of Vienna has, for their number one legislative agenda, we have no casino. And so I'm asking you all to please put it on your legislative agenda. And I know that Walter Alcorn, our 100-mil supervisor, has worked so well with the Town of Vienna.

[03:48:49] You have been staunchly against the casino from the start, and I appreciate that. And so I am confident that you all can come up with some legislation, something that we can together go to Richmond and be one, one community against a Tyson's casino.

[03:49:09] Thank you. Thank you, Mayor Colbert. Appreciate your testimony. Speaker number two is Chuck Anderson, to be followed by Irv Katz, Camille White, Partain, and Arthur Purvis. If I called your name, please come on down close. Welcome. Welcome and good afternoon, Chair and Supervisors. As a member of the Vienna Town Council, I second the mayor's statements, but I'm here today speaking on behalf of the No Fairfax Casino Coalition.

[03:49:34] Collectively on this issue, the coalition speaks for well over 200,000 residents from all over the county. But based on a recent poll, we represent the wishes of many, many more people than that. Today, we're asking the board to include a No Fairfax Casino Statement in its Legislative Priorities Package, as well as a call for the establishment of a gaming commission.

[03:50:00] We believe that the two measures are linked. Anyone who has read the news recently has seen articles about the explosion of gaming in all of its forms. iGaming and online sports gambling now make it possible for any cell phone to serve as a virtual casino anywhere and anytime.

[03:50:21] Given the vulnerability of the critical segments of our society, including children and the less fortunate, to gambling addiction, we have to ask ourselves if this unregulated growth in gaming is good for our communities. Moreover, the lines between forms of gamings are increasingly blurred.

[03:50:41] At a recent hearing in Richmond on casinos before the Joint Subcommittee on the Gaming Commission, At least two casino operators expressed their support for a gaming commission to rein in iGaming. In reply, Senator Eben pointed out that brick-and-mortar casinos also have iGaming operations.

[03:51:01] So, how should the state factor in the electronic outreach of brick-and-mortar casinos? We need to ask Richmond to take a pause and get a gaming commission up and running before authorizing any new more casinos, gray machines, or other gaming forms.

[03:51:19] Last but not least, we implore this board to clearly say to our state legislatures that the Fairfax County does not want a casino. Not just a statement that you haven't asked for it, but that you don't want it.

[03:51:35] You've seen the recent Freedom Virginia poll. The opposition in the county is overwhelming and growing. It crosses ethnic, income level, party gender, and locational lines. On this issue, the people speak with one voice. And it's not just nimbyism that's behind these results.

[03:51:55] We believe that the people intuitively recognize what those of us who have studied the issue more closely understand. That the social and economic damage that a casino could do in a highly populated and economically vibrant community like Tyson's or elsewhere in Fairfax County could far exceed the modest local tax benefits.

[03:52:15] And the people deeply resent the attempts by one developer and his gaming cronies to bypass local land use control by buying votes in Richmond. If you say no, it's likely that the next session will spend little time on the inevitable Fairfax Casino proposal and concentrate its efforts on more pressing matters that affect Fairfax County, like transportation revenue sharing and adequate schooling funding for Northern Virginia, legislation that is needed now.

[03:52:46] It's time to say no. Thank you for this opportunity. Thank you very much, Mr. Anderson. Speaker number three is Irv Katz, to be followed by Camille White-Partain, Arthur Purvis, and Paula Martino. Welcome.

[03:53:03] My name is Camille White-Partain, president of the McLean Citizens Association, MCA. Thank you, Chairman McKay and Supervisor Jimenez. Hold on one second. Hold on one second. We had Irv Katz first as speaker number three.

[03:53:19] you're following him. That's okay. Stand by. You're going to be next. We are on speaker number three, Irv Katz. Sorry about that. Welcome. Thank you. Thank you so much. Good afternoon, Chairman McKay, members of the Board of Supervisors. So nice to see so many of you again, and County Executive Hill. My name is Irv Katz. I chair the Fairfax Area Commission on Aging, and I address you on behalf of my colleagues, the representatives from your districts to the Commission on Aging, and plus the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church.

[03:53:58] We want to thank you for considering the Commission on Aging statement on protections for older adults from scammers. Very much appreciate your support for that, which includes, you've included that language in the proposed legislative program, and we're grateful for that.

[03:54:20] The proposal, as you know, calls for funding and programs that help stop remedy financial scams, particularly to vulnerable populations and particularly to older adults. In Virginia, in fiscal year 2024, there were over 2,600 cases of financial exploitation of older adults investigated by the Adult Protective Services, resulting in over $92 million in losses,

[03:54:53] only 8% of which were recouped. Additionally, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, the losses from scans for Virginians aged 60 and older increased from approximately $25 million in 2020 to $107 billion in 2024. So this issue is escalating. It's important to note, as we did in our recommendation, that financial institutions can play a significant role in this. And they are often the front line in connecting with people and able to detect if people are being scammed.

[03:55:31] We know that training is critical. It's not all that's needed, but it's very critical. And that training of financial professionals about scam leads to less monetary loss for scam victims as well as for the financial institutions, banks, and so forth themselves.

[03:55:50] And we note that the benefits of preventing financial scams through the financial institutions benefit all residents and consumers of our county. We have another issue that we'd like for you to consider.

[03:56:07] more of a I heard Supervisor Jimenez alluded to the major focus on housing and it is an issue of housing concern for older adults and we would like at this point or in the near future the inclusion of the words older adults in the affordable housing platform to indicate a special focus because specific housing recommendations for older adults are often omitted or really not part of the plans.

[03:56:43] In current practice in Virginia and nationally, affordable housing for older adults is primarily addressed in the concept of senior housing, developments that are exclusively for older people, which is not the ideal for all older people.

[03:57:01] Older adults may live in family affordable housing developments, but we suggest that they be included with intentionality in developments that are genuinely intergenerational, where older people help younger people and vice versa.

[03:57:18] The connections between generations need to be strengthened. We would also expect and hope that the concept of aging in place be given more serious attention. It is what the majority of older adults want.

[03:57:36] Surveys by AARP and others indicate that upwards of 70% of older adults say they want to age in place, but it's difficult to do that. Our focus in this area is beyond building construction of housing. It is also about protection and preservation of housing, also referred to in your platform.

[03:57:59] Investments in a current residence and allowing for in-home assistance by an older person not only retains some existing housing stock, but it does so at lower cost to the county, to the community, and to the individual.

[03:58:17] Much more cost-effective than residential care. For now, we propose the inclusion of the words older adult in the housing platform. But we hope to be coming back to you with further recommendations on the subject.

[03:58:36] Thank you so much. Thank you, Mr. Katz, and thank you for your service to the commission. We now are on Camille White-Partain, take two. And following her will be Arthur Purvis and Paula Martino. Welcome. I apologize. I assume you'll now remember my name, Camille White-Partain, president of the McLean Citizens Association, MCA.

[03:58:59] Thank you, Chairman McKay, Supervisor Jimenez, and the rest of the board providing me this opportunity to comment on the draft 2026 FACFAC County's legislative program. MCA is a well-established organization which has been in supporting our community for over 110 years.

[03:59:21] So we're not a fly-by-night organization. We have people, thousands of people over the years that have supported and worked with the county in making our community better. We're nonpartisan, non-profit, 501, a volunteer association, noting this as I am speaking for, to coin a familiar phrase, we the people.

[03:59:46] We the people of Fairfax County and MCA. Over the last three years, representatives of MCA have appeared numerous times asking you to oppose the casino in Fairfax County, specifically in Tyson's, which lies within MCA's membership boundaries.

[04:00:10] Over 25,000 households are within those boundaries. The MCA board is comprised of representatives from homeowners associations, civic associations, and individuals. MCA has been involved and invested in development and implementation of the Tyson's comprehensive plan from the very beginning we are proud of our involvement in shaping the plan Tyson's is the economic engine of Fairfax County generating over 70% of Fairfax County's tax revenues and you know this

[04:00:50] we are not alone in our opposition to a Tyson's casino resident polls show that seventy-five percent of Fairfax County voters are against casino development in this area opposition spans all political parties income brackets and ethnic groups some of you have expressed concerns related to union support for a casino it is important for you to know that the poll respondents affiliated with unions were 66 percent opposed to a casino the bottom line Fairfax County

[04:01:26] voters believe a casino will be harmful to our communities. In response to community opposition MCA urges the Board of Supervisors to include an explicit statement within the legislative program opposing the development of any casino in Fairfax County. Additionally MCA recommends any relevant legislation that only local governments possesses the authority to requests designation as an approved casino location. All Virginians are

[04:02:05] impacted by the rapid expansion of gaming. Fairfax County residents do not need to drive to a casino. As it was pointed out earlier, anyone can play sports bets from anywhere. They can pick up their phone just a few clicks to place a bet. To protect Fairfax residents from unfair gaming practices, MCA recommends the legislative program support the formation of Virginia Gaming Commission

[04:02:37] and stipulates that a moratorium should be put in place halting expansion of new gaming venues and online platforms until the commission is fully operational. Thank you for considering the views and priorities of Fairfax County residents.

[04:02:57] We, the people, in preparing the 2026 legislative program, MCA appreciates the opportunity to provide input and hope that our recommendations will be reflected in the final program to safeguard our community future.

[04:03:18] We, the people, are happy to stand with Supervisor Beerman, who openly opposes the casino in Fairfax, and any other supervisors who declare their opposition. I have some additional notes if I have time. A gambling casino should not be placed in a vibrant residential, commercial, and professional office, retail, and small business areas.

[04:03:42] They should be a destination location. Daily life of families and children should not be impacted by a casino. Tyson's already has quality entertainment options, such as Capital One, Wolf Trap, the Olden Theater, McLean Community Players, and other local theaters.

[04:04:01] Local restaurants and bars cannot compete with a casino that gives free drinks for gambling. Retail workers cannot afford to gamble. The house always wins. I have so much more to say, but I'm going to.

[04:04:19] Therefore, when you vote, when you vote, please remember, we, the voting people, reiterate no casino in Fairfax County. The only winner is the casino investors, who most likely will not live in our community.

[04:04:38] Thank you. Thank you very much. Speaker number five is Arthur Purvis, to be followed by Paula Martino and Sally Horn, in that order. Welcome, Arthur. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, members of the board, thank you for holding this hearing.

[04:04:56] I'm Arthur Purvis, president of the Fairfax County Taxpayers Alliance. We recognize the responsibility you shoulder for employees and for the taxpayers who pay you and the schools $7 billion a year. We'd like to comment on three aspects of the legislative program, taxation, money for schools, and Medicaid.

[04:05:15] Regarding taxation, the statement, quote, Virginia's outdated and regressive tax structure, which requires those with lower incomes to pay a greater share of their income taxes, must be reformed, end quote, There's a veiled plea for higher income taxes.

[04:05:31] Given that the county only gets back 25 cents for every dollar sent to Richmond, higher state taxes means exporting more money out of the county. Why do that when you say Richmond is underfunding us? One of the few things with which we agreed on with Jerry Connolly was that we're better off paying taxes to the county than to the state.

[04:05:53] It would be even better if we paid less taxes. Second, the legislative program refers to a General Assembly 2023 JLARC report which says that Virginia's school funding is less than West Virginia's. On a recent flight from Utah, I sat next to a college freshman studying aerospace engineering.

[04:06:13] He had attended West Virginia public schools and said that they were terrible. We taught calculus and it was apparent he had not mastered the multiplication tables nor quadratics. He was failing his exams. More money does not necessarily improve schools. It can make them worse by subsidizing bad curricula and lax management.

[04:06:32] For example, between 2018 and 2025, Fairfax County Public Schools' average SAT score fell an unprecedented 29 points, while per-student spending increased 37%. The FCPS carryover balance included $173 million, whose spending was justified by one sentence.

[04:06:57] In contrast, the county took 25 pages to justify spending a $124 million carryover balance. The school board just spent $150 million to buy a new building for a western high school. The school capital improvement program provides no justification for a new high school, especially given declining enrollment.

[04:07:20] The purchase looks like impulse shopping. Remember, to get $500 million more from Richmond, as the JLARC report recommends, requires sending $2 billion more to Richmond. Do a better job of managing the $7 billion you already have.

[04:07:38] Third, state Medicaid spending is projected to increase $1 billion a year. This is a problem with a long-term solution and a short-term solution. Our declining birth rate is creating an aging society. No wonder when the emphasis is on abortion instead of marriage.

[04:07:57] Even if you keep abortion legal, always encourage marriage. Self-sufficient families are the only alternative to big government. It is now thought that marriage is an unrealistic ideal and God exists only to punish. Ideals are difficult, but they are necessary for peace and prosperity.

[04:08:18] God exists not to punish but to give strength, to live those ideals, and to give forgiveness and second chances. Encourage the county's interfaith coordinator to promote marriage as an alternative to abortion. Also, the CDC says that 90% of medical spending is for chronic disease, including mental illness.

[04:08:39] Chronic diseases, including mental illness, are caused by the chemicals, including the seed oils or so-called vegetable oils, in our food. Every health department's webpage, every health teacher should warn the public to stop eating foods with seed oils and chemicals. Health would improve and county, state, and federal spending would decrease, perhaps rapidly.

[04:09:03] A good start would be to remove your vending machines with their highly processed snacks and encourage your employees to use the deserted cafeteria. It seems that the supervisors feel that the solution to all their problems is simply higher taxes and more money.

[04:09:20] We suggest that you take a closer look at your policies and tend to lax management. it seems to exist. Thank you. Thank you, Arthur. Speaker number six is Paula Martino to be followed by Sally Horn and Radhika Marari. Welcome. Thank you. Good afternoon, Chairman McKay and members of the board. Thank you for the opportunity to speak today. Please forgive my voice. I'm fighting a cold. My name is Paula Martino. I'm the president of the Tyson Stakeholders Alliance, a coalition

[04:10:00] of residents, employees, and community leaders from across greater Tysons. And I'm here today to urge you to include two essential positions in the county's 2026 legislative priorities agenda. One, support for the establishment of a Virginia Gaming Commission with a moratorium on any expansion of gaming until the commission is fully operational. Two, clear opposition to any legislation granting Fairfax County the authority to hold a casino referendum or allowing Richmond to predetermine a casino location within our borders.

[04:10:39] Virginia's gaming landscape is significantly under-regulated, supervisors. The Tyson Stakeholder Alliance strongly supports forming a Virginia Gaming Commission, one that can responsibly oversee sports wagering, skill games, fantasy sports, casinos on your phone, and brick-and-mortar casinos as well.

[04:11:00] As we stated in our October testimony before the Joint Subcommittee studying this issue in Richmond, no further gaming expansion should occur until such a commission is established and equipped to do its job. A gaming commission would help protect communities, especially Tyson's, from consequences like poorly planned or politically driven expansion.

[04:11:23] Residents of Fairfax County overwhelmingly oppose a casino, yet proposals continue to service in Richmond driven by the Reston-based developer Comstock Holdings, which has not engaged in good faith with this board or members in the greater Tysons community who would bear the greatest impact of a casino.

[04:11:44] In the last two General Assembly sessions, legislators introduced bills designating Tyson's as a potential site, even though Fairfax County never requested such authority. Similar legislation will appear again in 2026.

[04:12:00] It is crucial that county leadership make clear to lawmakers in Richmond that Fairfax did not ask for and does not support casino legislation or any attempt to override the county's established land use processes. Local land use authority exists because local leaders understand the needs and priorities of their communities.

[04:12:23] And for decades, Fairfax County has implemented a thoughtful, community-driven vision for Tysons, one centered on livability, economic strength, and high-quality transit-oriented development. A 24-7 casino is fundamentally inconsistent with that vision.

[04:12:42] A casino would worsen already severe congestion there, bringing thousands of additional daily car trips to an area that is already stretched to its infrastructure limits. It would divert customers from local businesses, introduce new public safety challenges, and put at risk the progress that Fairfax County has worked so hard to achieve.

[04:13:05] We have known for a year that opposition to a casino is significant and countywide. Our survey last January found that 64% of voters countywide oppose a casino. Freedom Virginia's survey, released in October, reveals that opposition has now grown to a supermajority.

[04:13:23] Now, 75% of county residents do not want a casino in Tysons, and 76% believe this board should do more to oppose casino legislation. And importantly, this opposition is across the board. Folks with incomes under 150,000 reject the casino at the same levels as those above 150,000.

[04:13:46] Folks aged 18 to 44 reject the casino at the same level as folks over 45 and over, and non-white voters reject the casino at about the same level as white voters. And I hope you will keep this in mind the next time you hear the fact-free claim that opposition to the casino comes from only one specific demographic.

[04:14:08] In closing, we ask that the county's 2026 legislative priorities agenda call for the creation of a robust Virginia Gaming Commission with a moratorium on gaming expansion and clearly opposing any casino-related legislation, including a referendum bill or any attempt by Richmond to cite a casino in Fairfax County without local consent.

[04:14:36] The future of Tysons and Fairfax County should be determined by the communities who live and work here, not by Richmond or private developers. Thank you for your time. Thank you very much. Speaker number seven is Sally Horn, to be followed by Radhika Marari.

[04:14:57] Welcome. Thank you. Good afternoon, Chairman McKay and members of the Board of Supervisors. My name is Sally Horn, and I am the chair of the Greater Tyson Citizens Coalition, or GTCC. The GTCC was established in 2008 as the focal point for citizen participation in Fairfax County's planned urbanization of Tyson's.

[04:15:20] It is comprised of concerned citizens, including from Tysons, and representatives from and members of the McLean Citizens Association, the Vienna Town Council, and other organizations and communities in the area.

[04:15:37] And we appreciate this opportunity to speak with you today. On October 23rd, we wrote to the Virginia General Assembly's Joint Subcommittee to consider the feasibility of establishing a Virginia Gaming Commission. Our letter conveyed our support for establishing a commission and a pause on consideration of additional gambling options, including brick-and-mortar casinos, such as the one proposed for Tyson's, until the commission were established, staffed, and able to effectively regulate gambling in the Commonwealth.

[04:16:10] We also asked the Joint Committee to increase funding for gambling addiction treatment and research. Finally, we ask the Joint Committee to set three prerequisites for the introduction of any legislative proposals for new brick-and-mortar casinos.

[04:16:27] These are evidence of community consultation and support, a local government request to be an eligible casino location with the authority to hold a referendum, and a thorough and fully objective cost-benefit study commissioned by the General Assembly's Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, or JLARC. While some of our recommendations may be more specific than you ordinarily would include in your legislative package, we urge that you incorporate them or their underlying principles in the legislative package this year. We note that

[04:17:07] this year's draft legislative package reiterates prior year's calls for preserving local control of land use decisions, which is a core tenant behind our more specific proposals. Unfortunately, your prior calls have not been enough to convince the casino advocates in the Virginia Senate of your opposition to casino bills that would affect your land use authorities.

[04:17:33] Some of them have even gone so far as to say that the fact that you have not explicitly stated your opposition to a casino means that you are really okay with the legislation they are championing. The GTCC urges you to be more explicit in your 2026 legislative package and clearly state that you oppose legislation to authorize a referendum for Tyson's or a Fairfax casino absent a specific request from you, which we understand would not be forthcoming since you have repeatedly noted to the leaders of the Virginia General Assembly that you see better

[04:18:12] uses for the land in Tyson's. As you have heard from me and other speakers today and previously, casinos do not build or grow local economies, but rather they can suck the vitality out of them and they create new problems, most notably increases in gambling addiction, traffic, and crime that local governments must spend local dollars to address. Moreover, projections of tax revenues most often do not meet reality. In the case of Norfolk, for example, tax revenue

[04:18:47] projections have plummeted by more than 50 percent. That's more than 50 percent. And Norfolk's casino is not yet operational. As one Norfolk city councilman wrote, and I quote, the casino revenue is not the safety net that it has been portrayed to be. Casinos in Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere have lived experience of plummeting or volatile tax revenues and increasing local and community costs. We urge you to be explicit that Fairfax County does not want a similar

[04:19:23] lived experience. Thank you. Thank you. Speaker number eight is Radhika Murari. Welcome. Good afternoon. My name is Radhika Murari. I'm here as an individual citizen.

[04:19:40] I've lived in Fairfax County for three and a half decades. I'm very grateful that Supervisor Alcorn is our representative on the board. He is a staunch advocate for the people and not for corporations. I just want to make two very simple points.

[04:19:55] We all know that gambling and casinos hurt the most vulnerable amongst us. They hurt low-income people. They hurt people who are stressed out. And gambling is an addiction. It increases bankruptcies, and it ultimately increases suicide. It does not help our community in any way.

[04:20:13] The second point that I want to make is an economic one, in case the humanitarian point is not valid in Fairfax County. Even optimistic projections show that we would get about 1% of the revenue. As stated earlier, most of our state taxes go to Richmond, never to see by our residents again.

[04:20:33] The casino would be the exact same thing. So as I see it, on one hand, we have Fairfax County residents who overwhelmingly oppose this casino. On the other hand, we have a goliath of a corporation that is putting its outsized thumb on the scale and trying to force its will on the Fairfax County residents.

[04:20:54] As a woman and as responsible members of the Board of Supervisors, you know that no means no. When we say no casino, the corporation has to accept that. We are one of the wealthiest counties in the country.

[04:21:10] We cannot enrich one corporation on the backs of our residents, especially the most vulnerable amongst us. There are far more ethical and stable ways to boost our revenue. And I'd like to end with one thing. When I was in college in William & Mary, my best friend, Derek, was from the Bahamas.

[04:21:32] And he told me back then, and I checked recently, and it's still true, The Bahamian government has had casinos on their soil since the beginning of time. They understand how good it is for their economy, but they also safeguard their residents from the addictions of gambling.

[04:21:50] Bahamian residents and Bahamian citizens are not allowed to set foot in their casinos. So let's be professional about this. Let's raise the money that we think we might raise, and let's do it safeguarding our residents.

[04:22:06] Thank you very much. Thank you. Speaker number nine is Lynn Malston, to be followed by speaker number 10, Ryan O'Toole. Both of them have submitted video testimony. If we could play those. Good evening, Chairman McKay, Supervisor Alcorn, and members of the board.

[04:22:24] My name is Lynn Malston, and I'm here today on behalf of the Reston Citizens Association, representing over 60,000 Restonians. Right now, Virginia's gaming environment is expanding quickly, but there's a major problem. The state doesn't yet have a dedicated regulatory body to oversee it.

[04:22:44] Instead, responsibility is scattered across several different agencies, which leads to gaps in enforcement, inconsistent standards, and uneven consumer protections. A gaming commission would solve that problem. It would centralize oversight, ensure fair and consistent regulation, and create a single point of accountability for both the communities and the gaming industry.

[04:23:08] Without that structure in place, expanding gaming further, especially into newer, more complex forms like online gaming, creates unnecessary risk for our residents and for local governments that will have to deal with the consequences.

[04:23:24] While RCA stands firm in our opposition to a casino in Fairfax County, we do support the formation of a statewide gaming commission that would bring oversight to an otherwise uncontrolled industry. We are asking this board to support a moratorium on any new casinos or iGaming operations in Fairfax County until the Commonwealth of Virginia establishes a unified gaming commission to properly regulate this growing industry.

[04:23:55] Let's look at a few benefits a moratorium would deliver to Fairfax County. When regulation is fragmented, consumers and communities lose confidence. It becomes harder to protect people from predatory practices, to provide adequate resources for problem gambling, or to hold operators accountable when issues arise.

[04:24:18] A moratorium gives us time to build a system that Virginians can trust. With the Gaming Commission, Virginia could adopt a consistent statewide approach to consumer protection and problem gambling programs modeled on successful systems in other states.

[04:24:36] This pause isn't about opposing gaming. It's about ensuring that when gaming expands, it does so responsibly. A moratorium would give lawmakers, regulators, and localities the breathing room to design evidence-based policies, develop oversight infrastructure, and make sure support systems like addiction services and tax reporting mechanisms are ready before new licenses are approved.

[04:25:07] Introducing new forms of gambling without these safeguards would be like building a house before pouring a foundation. We need to make sure the framework is solid before we add more to it. It's also worth noting that Virginia's Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, or JLARC, has already recommended creating a single-state body to regulate gaming, recognizing that it's the best practice nationwide.

[04:25:37] Local officials and community groups across Virginia are calling for the same thing, a temporary pause until this structure is in place. The Reston Citizens Association stands firmly with them. Some might argue that expanding legal gaming helps reduce illegal gambling.

[04:25:58] That's true, but only when the legal market is strongly regulated and transparent. Expanding too quickly before that regulatory framework exists risks making the problem worse, fueling addiction, crime, and community instability, rather than preventing it.

[04:26:16] A gaming commission would help ensure that any future gaming in Virginia is safe, accountable, and beneficial, not harmful or exploitive. In closing, I want to emphasize that this request is about balance and good governance.

[04:26:33] Until Virginia establishes a fully empowered gaming commission with the authority to enforce rules, protect customers, and provide clear oversight, our locality should freeze any new casinos and iGaming approvals. Only then can we ensure that the pursuit of economic opportunity does not come at the expense of community stability, public safety, and public trust.

[04:26:57] Thank you for your time and consideration. Thank you. And I mentioned we had a second video, if we could play that. Good afternoon. My name is Ryan O'Toole, and I'm co-executive director of Freedom Virginia, a statewide advocacy organization focused on economic security and affordability issues.

[04:27:22] Our organization has worked for several years on making Virginia's tax code more fair by supporting measures that would treat the ultra-wealthy and corporations the same as the middle class, ensuring that taxation is proportionately spread out across all income levels, as opposed to our current system, where millionaires are in the same tax bracket as a school janitor.

[04:27:43] We've supported targeted measures to cut taxes for regular people so that Virginians can keep more of what they earn during challenging economic times. We've also supported measures that invest in specific state programs that give regular people the tools they need to thrive, whether that's access to quality and affordable child care, the ability to send their kids to strong schools, or more housing options so that regular people can afford to stay in Virginia, planting and growing their roots.

[04:28:11] We're encouraged that in recent years, a growing number of state legislators recognize that in order to deliver those tangible results for Virginians, we need more state revenues. But at a time when reckless federal cuts are straining state and local budgets more than usual, if we're going to generate new revenues that can support hardworking people, we need to adopt fair, sustainable solutions that generate enough revenue to actually solve problems.

[04:28:37] We commend the board for including language in your 2026 legislative agenda, supporting reforms to our regressive and outdated tax structure at the state level, and agree that state-level revenue reforms should fund core services with sustainable revenue streams that support locality's ability to diversify your revenue streams for today's economy.

[04:28:59] Some examples of state solutions we've supported that achieve exactly that goal include a new income tax bracket for income earned over a million dollars annually, modernizing our sales tax to cover digital sales, and closing corporate tax loopholes through measures like worldwide combined reporting so companies can't hide income overseas and reduce their tax liability.

[04:29:21] On the flip side of this discussion are state proposals that would generate revenue in an unfair and unsustainable way, like the proposed Tyson's Casino. Our organization opposed this legislation in the 2025 session, and we will do so again in the 2026 session, because we believe it's a bad way to address both the state and the county's revenue challenges.

[04:29:44] Last month, we conducted a poll across all of Fairfax County and found that 75% of voters oppose a casino, including 50% who strongly oppose it. Instead of using the casino as a way to create jobs or revenue, 76% of voters countywide support revenue diversification that places more tax burden on the wealthy and corporations.

[04:30:07] An identical 76% of voters want the Board of Supervisors to do more to push back against the proposed casino. At a moment when Fairfax County needs sustainable and fast solutions to revenue, workforce, and economic development challenges, we encourage you to formally oppose the proposed casino so that this unwanted issue can be put to rest and both the state and local governments can move on to addressing those real challenges in better ways that match the desires of county residents.

[04:30:40] Thank you for your time. Thank you. Let me ask if there's anyone else here present who would like to testify. I do understand we have, okay, did you sign in? Okay. Let me take this testimony. Is there anyone else here present who has not signed in? We've had the sign-in opportunity out for a long time. We'll hear from this testimony, and then I know we have two callers on the line. And if you, I don't have the sheet, so if you could just state your name and address for the record.

[04:31:17] Good morning. It's good to see you again. Julie Strandley, 4566 Shetland Green Road, Alexandria. I was here this morning for the Planning Commission recognition. I was on the Planning Commission for eight years, so it's good to see you again. I am here to follow up on the testimony that we just heard from the Fairfax Commission on Aging.

[04:31:37] For the past several years, I have been working pro bono to change the laws to protect vulnerable people from cybercrime, And I have recently been partnering with the Commission on Aging. As many of you know, my mother lost her life savings to cyber criminals in 2019.

[04:31:55] She spent $36,000 at Best Buy at Bailey's Crossroads. She lost $80,000 in total. And even after Wells Fargo reported her to Adult Protective Services, she lost another $18,000 because nothing was done.

[04:32:12] I'm very happy to see that there is language in the legislative agenda. on this issue but i urge you to take aggressive and concerted action because we definitely need funding for adult protective services and training to address cybercrime because cybercrime is much different than someone taking small amounts of money out of a trust fund in cybercrime the money's gone like that and my friend mark viani is here whose mother also was a victim and he can tell you how that impacted him. The money ended up with Binance, who the president

[04:32:48] recently pardoned their CEO. I would urge you to advocate for legislation that mandates training. Had the banks, had the United States Senate Federal Credit Union staff been trained, my mom would not have lost a lot of her money.

[04:33:04] She appeared in person and had all the signs that she was a crime victim. She asked for money to pay my daughter's college tuition and cash. That does not pass the LAP test. We also need mandatory reporting. Virginia is one of the few states that does allow transaction holds, but that's not working because banks are not doing mandatory reporting. The Virginia Elder Lawyer, Academy of Elder Lawyers, reports that the banks are not doing the reporting and our citizens are being treated very differently than states that you have mandatory reporting. Again, I encourage you to work on this. One of the last

[04:33:41] things. Mike Perel from the Aging Commission and I met with now Congressman Walkinshaw before he left for this new office. Congress is now focused on this in a bipartisan way. Senator Grassley and Senator Durbin are working together. The House Financial Services Committee is working together. They have realized that this is a national emergency. Countries such as the UK and Australia have mandatory liability. We're not there yet, but they have a significantly less impact. My mom lost everything. It wasn't much, but it was everything. And thankfully, I attended

[04:34:18] the scam jam two years ago, and the consumer CFPB attorneys were here. They listened to my story. They asked me to be the speaker on the National Town Hall. I did that. I then presented to the Elder Justice Working Group for the federal government. I am late for an ABA meeting right now to present, so I really appreciate your support. Thank you. Thank you very much.

[04:34:40] I understand we have two callers on the line. We have three callers right now. The first is Marianella Funes speaking on behalf of the Tenants and Workers United. She will have five minutes. Okay. Welcome. The floor is yours. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and all board members.

[04:34:59] Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on the 2026 County Legislative Agenda. My name is Marianella Funes, Community Organizer with Tenants and Workers United, Our organization has been in the city for almost 40 years, working with low-income and communities of color.

[04:35:22] We would like to make two petitions. Number one is we would like support in establishing protections for residents of manufactured housing, including efforts of preservation, also increasing assistance with relocation.

[04:35:42] We know the current lab state level said only $5,000 for relocation moving costs, but we understand that's not enough. Also, expanded notification requirements by property owners to both tenants and localities with longer timelines.

[04:36:02] Also, more protections in rent increase, limitations, and right of refusal for residents or localities. Also, under the housing, we would like to have more rental assistance programs, also support on the anti-rent gouging program, and we also are presenting a local voucher program.

[04:36:31] So we really need more efforts in deeply affordable housing in the county. And also I want to take this time to thank Supervisor Lask because he has been a really great support for mobile home communities.

[04:36:48] And I hope this recommendation, you take this recommendation to the General Assembly because we really need lift our mobile home communities in the area. Thank you. Thank you. Speaker number two. Speaker number two is Renee Grebe speaking on behalf of Nature Forward, who will have five minutes as well.

[04:37:08] Renee, welcome. Hi. Good evening, everyone on the Board of Supervisors. This is Renee Grady from Nature Forward. I just had a hopefully simple ask. We asked that specific language be included in the draft legislative program to support invasive species management.

[04:37:25] And I know that we understand that staff has put forth that support for addressing invasive species is a historical position that can be addressed during the General Assembly without inclusion in the legislative program. And while we appreciate that perspective, perspective a short mention would further strengthen the support for this important issue just as there are other issues that have been included which also have had historic support so i hope you'll consider including that important language in uh in the legislative program i have sent over to supervisor jimenez some recommended locations where that could possibly go thank you thank you renee uh speaker number three speaker number three is rob whitfield speaking on his

[04:38:03] on behalf. Okay. Welcome, Rob. Thank you, Chair McKay. Hopefully this phone's working better than my old one. I am living in a nursing home for the last two years, and one of the challenges that I face is that the, under a Medicaid personal needs allowance, has not been increased since 2007, and I've been dealing with the certain members of the General Assembly and Governor Youngkin, and six months has gone by, Delegate Sickles had put in the budget for 2024 an increase to reflect

[04:38:42] inflation since 2007, but nothing has happened. And so $40 a month is a paltry amount on which to try and live. So I would urge that your section on the seniors and disabled includes request to the General Assembly and the Governor to consider an increase reflecting inflation.

[04:39:08] Second issue is the recently adopted bike and trail plan recommendation made by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority last Thursday, the total cost of which could be as much as $30 billion. Now, I was not at the meeting, and I haven't seen the assumptions, but whereas there is a role for bike and pedestrian trails i don't think that most of us are willing to consider even i i know the the fairfax county active fairfax plan they're talking a billion plus but

[04:39:44] 30 billion who the heck's going to pay that and so i would ask that some amendment be made to we have to have a balanced transportation plan reflecting highways transit and other forms of commuting and recreational use.

[04:40:04] One of the major issues facing us in the next few years is that Dulles Airport is projected to grow air passenger traffic by 30%. Jack Potter told a Loudoun Chamber meeting after Labor Day that because of air traffic control restrictions in the New York terminal area, that they project a 30% increase in passengers in the next five years at Dulles Airport.

[04:40:30] and apparently he spoke at the committee for dallas banquet last friday mentioning that whereas they have 400 flights a day from newark presently he expects that that number will not increase in the next 20 years and that most much of the growth will occur at dallas as of two weeks ago when i met uh at a joint school board board meeting in in government center one local supervisor was totally unaware of it, and the Office of Management and Budget Director, Phil Hagen, was also not

[04:41:07] aware. So what I would ask is that we put in language requesting, oh, and this is the biggest issue, is that the airport authority has not discussed funding of any infrastructure improvements needed outside the airport fence, and that will include Route 28 and its connection to the Dallas Toll Road and Access Road. And the Airport Authority got approval in 2012 for an inclusion of an additional lane from Tyson's to the airport and has not explained what impact, if any, that

[04:41:45] will have to the Dulles Toll Road. So what I would ask for is certainly money for planning studies for the Dulles Airport vicinity for the external infrastructure improvement needs and a study to be done in the next nine months so I will try and put some information you in writing shortly but thank you for having this hearing and I look forward to reading the final report thank you thank you Rob let me ask if we have any other callers there are no additional call no other callers and no one else present who would like to testify on this matter is there anyone else present who would like to speak on this matter this is a public hearing seeing and hearing no one

[04:42:26] I will now turn to staff. Do they have any closing comments? No, sir. Okay. Supervisor Jimenez, our Legislative Committee Chair. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman. And again, I just want to thank all of our residents for coming out and talking about the matters that are important to them as we move forward with this process.

[04:42:49] As I have mentioned and you, the Chairman, have also mentioned, as a reminder, the Legislative committee will meet again on December 2nd with a vote to finalize the package on December 9th. And thank you again to our hardworking staff and Jennifer Vanney and the entire amazing leg team. Thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Jimenez. And of course, we will keep the record open to receive any additional testimony between now and when the board adopts its legislative package. And thank everyone for their participation. With that, we're going to move on to our next

[04:43:20] public hearing, which is a public hearing on RZ2019-PR-004, which will be heard concurrently with SC2019-PR-008, Tyson's MK LLC, and Tyson's MK2 LLC in the Providence District, and if we could please have the applicant reaffirm the affidavit. Welcome. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and

[04:43:57] members of the board, for the record, my name is Michelle Rosati, zoning attorney with the firm of Altmill and Melnick, Demers, Steele, and Rosati. I hereby reaffirm the affidavit dated September 2, 2025. Thank you very much. Are there any disclosures from board members? Any disclosures from board members? Seeing and hearing none, I will... Yes. I think I've got a first or second. Never mind. Okay. I jumped ahead. No worries. At this time, I'd recognize county staff for a staff presentation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm Katie Quinn with the Department of Planning and

[04:44:33] Development. This is a rezoning application for a new mixed-use development in Tysons and a special exception for higher office FAR. The site is located within an eighth of a mile of the Spring Hill Metro Station. The property is currently developed with a gas station, commercial retail, and parking lots, which would all be demolished. The applicant proposes to rezone the property to the PTC district, and the concurrent special exception would increase the office FAR from 2.5 to 3.64. The new development would include four buildings with

[04:45:10] about 2,600 residential units and approximately 800,000 square feet of new office. The buildings would surround a partially elevated piazza and would include three vertical tiers. The vehicular access level would be the first vertical tier and would be the main vehicle and service portion of the site. It would include parking and loading garage entrances, indoor pickleball courts, and a public facility. The upper piazza level would include most of the site's park and amenity spaces. The main focal park space would be the piazza centrale, which

[04:45:45] would be inspired by European piazzas. It would include a hardscape plaza approximately a half acre in size and would be programmed with open air markets, festivals, and other events. The roof level would include one publicly accessible park and several private amenity spaces. That concludes my presentation. Thank you very much. At this time we'd welcome an applicant's presentation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the board. Again, my name is Michelle Rosati. I'm very excited to be

[04:46:24] here this evening presenting the Piazza Tysons. It's been a long process. We've worked for a long time with staff and I'm very happy to report that we have worked through all the issues and have no outstanding issues. It's not clicking forward. There we go. There we go. Can you advance it? It's not advancing. So just to talk a little

[04:47:00] bit about context and connection, as I think most of you probably know, this site is very close to the Spring Hill Metro, but it's almost completely surrounded with other applications that have been rezoned to the PTC district. So it's a little bit of a hole in a donut. And the challenge here was really how do you create a real connected pedestrian welcoming neighborhood, not just filling a gap in a map, but really creating a heart that will make this Tyson's West area really function as a true community neighborhood. Next slide. So as staff pointed out, this is a

[04:47:36] transit-oriented mixed-use development, three main buildings, office closest to the metro, transitioning down to residential from a massing standpoint and intensity standpoint away from the Metro. Supported with retail. Modern, graceful design. I think WDG did a really wonderful job on these buildings. It's completely plan compliant as to streetscape and massing and its design.

[04:48:02] Next slide, please. But, you know, people are what makes a community. And we're very proud that there will be a substantial workforce housing component to the residential development that will be on this site. Next slide. A vibrant mix of uses. Accessible from sidewalk level on all four sides of this block. And I think that really makes this application special. And Tyson's next slide, please. This is unusual from a massing and development standpoint in that it's not built on a multi-level podium that separates the uses from the sidewalk realm.

[04:48:37] It's alive all the way down to the sidewalk, all the way around the site. Next slide. Over two acres of consolidated urban park with a lot of different environments and flavors that all relate to each other. And this is all, you can walk right on to this from all four sides of this project. It's very pedestrian accessible, pedestrian present. Next slide.

[04:49:03] This just gives you an idea of this consolidated open space and the different environments there, play park for kids, sort of a fancy hotel adjacent lounge area, the Piazza Centrale, which will be flexible in all four seasons for programming.

[04:49:22] Next slide. But, of course, the heart of it is the classic Italian piazza concept, which really sort of animates with people and with activity, which is, I think, the heart of what we want to do here. Next slide, please. This is the Piazza Grande Allee, which draws people not only to the site but through the site.

[04:49:39] Next slide. And this just kind of shows some of the other park activation that happens adjacent to the sidewalk realm, Really bringing people in from other parts of the neighborhood, games and activities, and just a lot of fun things. Next slide, please. So in its broad strokes, this proposed development is really just what the Tyson's plan envisions.

[04:49:59] We've hit all of our marks on Tyson's policy, which I think is a threshold expectation. But really more than that, we wanted to make this something that really created, brought everything together that's been done and envisioned around us into one community.

[04:50:15] Next slide, please. As great as this quality is with respect to Urban Park, we also meet all the quantity expectations. It's about half the site in Urban Park, which I think is pretty extraordinary. Next slide, please.

[04:50:31] You can see here not only pedestrian accessible elevators, ramps, and staircases really bring everybody in and through. That was given a lot of very mindful thought. Next slide. And I also do want to point out, Supervisor Palczyk, we want to thank especially really leaning in on not just the pedestrian experience inside the site, but also what's happening and how people are coming in and out of it.

[04:50:55] We worked for months to figure out how to put a pedestrian refuge in the middle of Spring Hill, which was not easy, and we got it done. And I'm proud to say that we have made modifications to the way that that corner works so that the crossing both on 7 and on Spring Hill will be safer for pedestrians, which is not an easy thing to do in Tyson's in the existing developed context.

[04:51:20] Next slide, please. We also have proffered an option, a county option for a public facility on site. Next slide, please. We are very happy that staff is recommending approval and has said that we've addressed all the issues. The Planning Commission has also recommended approval.

[04:51:37] This application has a 2019 handle. We've been at this a long time, but we're very happy with the way that it turned out. And it has been a very collaborative process with staff. And I want to especially thank Ms. Quinn that we are finally landing this in 2025. And so, Mr. Chairman, members of the board, I would respectfully request approval of RZ29PR004 and SE2019PR008 subject to the proffers dated October 27th, 2025 and the special exception conditions in Appendix 3 of the staff report.

[04:52:12] I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you very much. Let me see if there are any questions of staff or the applicant. Any questions? Not seeing or hearing anyone. Thank you very much. This is a public hearing, and I have no speakers who have signed up in advance to testify on this matter.

[04:52:29] Is there anyone here present who would like to speak on this subject? This is a public hearing. Anyone who would like to speak on this subject? Seeing and hearing no one. Let me see if we have any callers. There are no callers. There are no callers. I assume the applicant waives rebuttal.

[04:52:46] Closing comments and a recommendation from county staff. Thank you. On October 22nd, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the applications and the requested waivers and modifications, and staff concurs. Thank you very much. Any questions from board members? Last check.

[04:53:03] Seeing and hearing none, I will now close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Palczyk for a motion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you so much to Katie Quinn and the staff and to the applicants. It has been a long time. There was a pause in the middle. It's good to see that you've come forward.

[04:53:20] Before I read my motion, just want to give a few high-level points. I know quite a bit was discussed in the planning commission. First of all, you know, it's fully consistent, as was mentioned, with the Tysons Comprehensive Plan and helps implement our vision for a vibrant, walkable, and downtown Tysons community.

[04:53:39] We are transforming aging commercial asphalt into a metrofront urban neighborhood. This site is uniquely primed for high-density transit-oriented development. The future of Tyson's is vertical, walkable, and connected to the Silver Line, to future bus rapid transit, and to other areas within the community.

[04:53:59] For me, most notable in this application is the exciting mix of a piazza, European style, with some walkways and the ability to bring in the community to create spaces and to make them extremely accessible, which not all European piazzas are.

[04:54:18] with staircases surrounded by retail, and including all of the exciting urban park amenities, including the play park, the art walks, water features, and an outdoor living room with cabanas. Specifically, the focal point, the Piazza Centrale, will be a perfect space for outdoor activities in all four seasons, ice skating concerts, festivals, and exercise classes.

[04:54:42] This application contributes to our grid of streets, an essential component of turning Tysons into a walkable community, and include streetscape improvements along Leesbrook Bikes, Spring Hill Road, and Broad Street that make sure that we are putting people and pedestrians first.

[04:54:59] It's also important to note that while this is a very exciting application, it is only a CDP. This is a comprehensive development plan. There will still be more work to be done in the future should or when an FTP should come forward. And I am hopeful that we are in a tough market, that we will begin sooner rather than later to see the final phases of this proposal.

[04:55:24] So to that, Mr. Chairman, I have two motions. Let me start with that. I requested the applicant confirm for the record their agreement to the development conditions dated October 8, 2025. Thank you, Supervisor Palchuk.

[04:55:39] We agree. Thank you. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Board of Supervisors, and I have three sections for this, approve RZ-2019-PR-004, subject to the executed proffer, stated October 27, 2025, approve SE-2019-PR-008, subject to the development conditions, stated October 8, 2025, and approve the modifications and waivers listed in the handout dated October 22nd, 2025.

[04:56:14] You've heard the motion. It's been seconded by Supervisor Bierman. Any discussion, further discussion on the motion? Let me just thank, sorry, my planning commissioner, current informer who have worked quite hard in the whole planning commission who really brought this to, I think, an even better place than it was. Thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Pouchek. And let me just say, this is a big case that has been around for a long time, as was acknowledged. And the fact that there are no speakers here today, I think is a testament to the work that you all have done to improve this application, work with the community and Supervisor Palchik's office, and that is

[04:56:48] appreciated. With that, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? And that motion carries. Thank you very much. Next, we have a public hearing on RZ 2024-PR-00008, which will be heard concurrently with PCA 78-P-137-06 Flint Hill Propco LLC in the Providence District. And as soon as they are ready, if we could please have the applicant reaffirm the

[04:57:23] affidavit. Thank you, Chairman McKay. My name is David Gill here on behalf of the applicant, and I reaffirmed the affidavit date on October 2nd, 2025. Thank you very much. For that, are there any disclosures from board members? Any disclosures from board members? Seeing and hearing none. I will now recognize county staff for a presentation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Kathy Lewis with the Department of Planning and Development. I'm here because the previous coordinator has moved on to another jurisdiction, Daniel Creed, but I will say he did a fabulous job

[04:57:59] with this particular application. The request seeks to rezone 7.03 acres from the PDC to the PDH 16 district to permit residential development with a mix of stacked townhomes and single-family attached units. The current property is Zone PDC located in the Flint Hill Suburban Center within the Providence Magisterial District. It is part of a larger office park development bounded by Germantown Road, Rosehaven Street, and Arrowhead Drive. The site is developed with an eight-story

[04:58:35] office building and associated surface parking. Two properties to the south were recently approved for residential development to include triplex and single-family attached units. The subject site would represent the third application converting the Flint Hill office park to residential use. The application proposes to replace the existing office building with up to 34 stacked townhomes, shown in yellow, and up to 77 single-family attached units, shown in white.

[04:59:07] With 111 total units, the overall density would be 15.77 dwelling units per acre. The proposed development would retain its existing entrance along Germantown Road as well as the existing drive aisle, which would create a continuous spine road from Germantown Road through the proposed developments to the south.

[04:59:29] Along the site's Germantown frontage, the applicant proposes to construct an 8-foot-wide sidewalk, which will connect to the previously proposed and approved 8-foot-wide sidewalks proposed with the developments to the west. The applicant also proposes a mid-block pedestrian crossing across Germantown Road, as well as the provision of a bike-share facility.

[04:59:54] The application would provide 1.17 acres of urban park space among the five separate spaces. While not a piazza, they will feature facilities such as a play structure, seating areas, a grill station, and a picnic pavilion.

[05:00:10] This concludes my presentation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much, Ms. Lewis, and I appreciate the presentation. At this time, we'd welcome an applicant's presentation. Thank you again, Mr. Chairman. And again, I'm David Gill with WireGill here on behalf of the applicant. And I'll keep my presentation relatively brief because this really is the third and final piece of a puzzle that you guys previously approved the first two pieces of earlier this year.

[05:00:35] All three owners, even though they are different ownership, cooperated and coordinated on this application to make sure the sidewalks lined up. You heard a little bit about staff hitting on those highlights throughout this application. This also represents the first chance to link the I-66 bike trail to the cross-county trail with publicly accessible trails through the site.

[05:00:54] All of the parks on all three pieces are going to be publicly accessible from day one. And they're all open to the public as large, as well as the individual communities themselves. We have worked hard to bring forward a variety of different unit types here. And we're excited to finally begin this transformation of what has largely been an underutilized office park, consistent with the current comprehensive plan.

[05:01:16] With that, I'm happy to answer any questions because I know it's been a long evening so far and want to be able to move this one forward. Thank you. Thank you very much. Are there any questions of staff or the applicant? Supervisor Balchick. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you. My question, and I know you've worked on all three, but on this application, remind me, how many affordable workforce units are we going to have?

[05:01:38] So nominally under the ordinance, it would not have required any, but we are doing four full ADUs as ownership ADUs with this application. Exactly, so four ownership ADUs. Correct. Thank you. Are there any additional questions of staff or the applicant?

[05:01:57] Okay. Seeing and hearing none, this is a public hearing, and I have no one signed up in advance to testify on this matter. Is there anyone here present who would like to speak on this subject? This is a public hearing. Anyone who would like to testify on this matter? Seeing and hearing none, no one.

[05:02:15] Let me ask if we have any callers. There are no callers. I'm assuming the applicant waives rebuttal. Ah, yes, Mr. Gill. Just real briefly, I do want to thank both staff and both planning commissioners, Hancock and Phil McGill, Eichner, who really helped bring this project forward. I want to make sure that was on the record. Thank you. Thank you very much. Closing comments and a recommendation from county staff.

[05:02:34] On October 22, 2025, the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of both the rezoning and proffered condition amendment, as well the requested waivers and modifications included in the handout dated November 18, 2025. Staff concurs with those recommendations. Thank you.

[05:02:52] Thank you very much. Last check, questions from board members? Seeing and hearing none, I will now close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Palczyk for a motion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you much to Kathy. We miss Daniel. You did an excellent job stepping in.

[05:03:09] We wish him all the best. And very much want to thank, again here, the Gil Wire group that did end up representing all three owners did, I think, an excellent job helping them communicate, which is often the toughest piece, and collaborate with our office and with staff to help create this community amenity.

[05:03:31] Especially though they're not here today, the FCDOT team that has reviewed these three applications has been instrumental in helping us ensure those multi-use trails, the connectivity as mentioned, to the new 66 trail and the cross-county trail, to the existing Oakmont Park, as well as future developments, and just bringing that to this community.

[05:03:56] This is the third and final piece of the Flint Hill Office Park transformation, and every application is different, right? This is Oakton, the heart of Oakton. They are replacing outdated office spaces with modern walkable housing, with vibrant community parks, including some really beautiful connected linear parks, really bringing some smart growth to the community, and some housing at different levels, and I believe almost 20 affordable workforce units overall over the three developments. And so it really represents a lot of years of work across three coordinated applications, and here the final one bringing

[05:04:35] an integrated walkable neighborhood that addresses our housing challenges by putting new homes near transit, jobs, schools, and recreation. It fits into Oakton's character by emphasizing, and I call it a green forward space with tree preservation, with really beautiful public parks, trails, public access, and many benefits that do not exist today for the existing residents, not to mention the new residents who will be able to live here in the wider community. We have heard, and I have heard and I know firsthand that pedestrian safety is one of the top concerns

[05:05:14] in the greater Octon community, and I believe this application responds with a new high-visibility crosswalk across Germantown Road connecting directly to Oakmont Rec Center and the Jerry Connolly Cross County Trail, where some of us learn to ride our bikes. These improvements also tie into those from the southern Flint Hill phases, continuing the momentum for safer streets.

[05:05:39] but transportation cannot rest solely on the shoulders of individual developments, and it must be continuous countywide efforts. When it does occur, we really appreciate that it is brought forward for improvements, and as you may be aware, we are working in a wider Greater Oakton transportation study with excellent kickoff meeting with FCDOT.

[05:06:05] But here, I believe this development is bringing safer streets, better connections, and a more walkable neighborhood. Just a few key facts, not just on this one, but all three. 581 new homes, 15 public parks totaling four and a half acres, including linear parks and play equipment, picnic areas, and walking trails designed for all ages and all abilities and consistent with Oakden scale.

[05:06:29] A 10-foot wide shared-use path along Arrowhead, which took many, many hours of negotiation. We appreciate the outcome. Three new bus shelters, high visibility crosswalks, and one of my favorites, the Capital Bikeshare Station with the new e-bikes.

[05:06:47] These applications show how we can grow smarter and turns outdated office buildings into housing parks and safer streets. So now that being said, I have three motions. First, I move that the Board of Supervisors approve PCA-78-P-137-06.

[05:07:07] I move that the Board of Supervisors approve RZ-2024-PR-00008 and its associated CDP subject to the executed proffers dated October 29th, 2025.

[05:07:23] And finally, I move the Board approve the waivers and modifications listed in the handout dated November 18th, 2025. You've heard the motion. The Chair will second that. Discussion on the motion? Any discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor, please say aye.

[05:07:40] Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? And that motion carries. Thank you very much. Next, we have a public hearing on SEA 2009-DR-008-008-002 Oak Crest School in the Hunter Mill District.

[05:08:04] And as soon as they are ready, if we can please reaffirm the affidavit. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good afternoon. I'm Greg Riegel on behalf of the applicant reaffirming an affidavit having a date of August 19, 2025. Thank you. Thank you very much. Are there any disclosures? Any disclosures?

[05:08:20] Seeing and hearing none. At this time, I'd recognize county staff for a staff presentation. Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman, members of the board. I'm Marianne Tye with the Department of Planning and Development. This is an application that our summer intern was working on, and I'm just finishing up. It's a very simple application. The Oak Crest School just wants to add grades K through 5 to their current enrollment.

[05:08:43] The school is located in the Hunter Mill District. It's on 22 acres of land, zone residential estate. It was approved in 2010 for a special exception approval that allows the school to operate in a residential district. The school is located off of Crowell Road. It's just north of the Dulles Toll Road and east of Hunter Mill Road.

[05:09:05] So again, the Ocrest School, it currently operates a school for grades 6 through 12. They are under-enrolled at 75 to 80 percent of their capacity. And so they'd like to add grades K through 5 to the enrollment. They are capped at a maximum daily enrollment of 450 students, and they're not at that capacity.

[05:09:25] And so with that, they have available capacity and is not anticipated to have transportation impacts. There's no new building addition. There's no changes to the site layout. And with that, they are just proposing to add grades K through 5.

[05:09:42] Thank you. Thank you very much. At this time, I'd recognize the applicant for an applicant's presentation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I actually don't have much to add, which is not always my nature, but I will reiterate what staff said. This is simply about some operational flexibility to use the space more efficiently.

[05:10:00] I will acknowledge staff's good effort to move this through efficiently. The process matched the scope, which is always good to see. And I'll close by noting or affirming Oak Crest being very proud of its now multi-decade history of serving this community. And if it helps, I'll also note for the record that we are in agreement with the development conditions dated September 24th of this year and attached to Appendix 1 of the staff report.

[05:10:23] Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Are there any questions of staff or the applicant at this time? Seeing and hearing none, this is a public hearing. I have no speakers who signed up in advance. Is there anyone here present in the auditorium that would like to speak on this matter?

[05:10:39] This is a public hearing. Anyone present who would like to speak on this matter? Seeing and hearing no one, let me ask if we have any callers. No callers. No callers. Assume the applicant waives rebuttal. Closing comments and a recommendation from staff. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[05:10:55] On October 8, 2025, the Planning Commission recommended approval, along with the reaffirmation of the previously approved modifications for the transitional screening and vary requirements, and staff concurs. Thank you very much. Last call, questions from board members.

[05:11:11] Seeing and hearing none, I will now close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Alcorn for a motion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Glad to move forward with this successful internship project. Mr. Chairman, I request that the applicant confirm for the record their agreement to the development conditions dated September 24, 2025.

[05:11:29] Yes, sir, we agree. Thank you very much. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Board of Supervisors approve SCA 2009-DR-008-002, subject to the development conditions dated September 24, 2025, and I move that the Board of Supervisors reaffirm the previously approved modifications for the transitional screening requirements on the east and south in favor of existing vegetation and as shown on the SEA plat and the required barrier along the eastern and southern boundaries in favor of that shown on the SEA plat and would so move.

[05:12:04] And the Chair will second that with a lot of folks. Discussion on the motion. Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries.

[05:12:18] Thank you. And next, we have a public hearing on PCA-86-C-119-09, PRCA-86-C-119-03, DPA-86-C-119-05, Boston Properties Limited Partnership in the Hunter Mill District, and could we please have the applicant reaffirm the affidavit?

[05:12:45] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mark Looney with the law firm of Cooley. On behalf of the applicant, we reaffirm the affidavit dated October 24, 2025. Thank you very much. Are there any disclosures from board members? Disclosures from board members. Supervisor Herity. Yes, Mr. Chairman. I disclosed Mike Lincoln contributed in excess of $100 to my campaign.

[05:13:04] Thank you, Supervisor Herity. Are there any other disclosures? Seeing and hearing none at this time, I'd recognize county staff for a staff presentation. Good afternoon, and thank you again. I'm Katie Quinn with the Department of Planning and Development. This application proposes to implement the second phase of a previously approved mixed-use development in Reston.

[05:13:26] The site is located within a quarter mile of the Reston Town Center Metro Station. The property is zoned PRC and is currently a part of the previously approved RTC Next Development. Phase 1, shown here on the left, has already been constructed.

[05:13:42] This application proposes to implement Phase 2, shown here in blue. Phase 2 is currently developed with four office buildings and a parking garage. The two central office buildings and garage would be demolished, and buildings K and L would remain. An initial concept plan for Phase 2 has already been approved.

[05:14:02] The proposed applications would modify the approved layout and refine site details. Modifications include separation of Block G into two separate blocks. Block G1 would be developed with an office tower, and Block G2 would be developed with a performing arts center.

[05:14:17] The performing arts center was previously approved on Block J, but Block J would now be developed with an office tower. In total, the Phase 2 development would include about 1,400 new residential units, about 1.3 million square feet of office, and a 60,000 square foot performing arts center.

[05:14:37] There are no changes to the location of the previously approved urban park spaces. This slide shows a rendering of the proposed architecture, and this slide shows a rendering of the park spaces. That concludes my presentation. Thank you very much.

[05:14:52] At this time, we'd recognize the applicant for an applicant's presentation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Again, Mark Looney with Cooley on behalf of the applicant. If we could put the slide presentation up for a second, there's a couple of board members who weren't here back in 2018 when we went through this the first time around, but this This is really an extension of the existing urban core of the Reston Town Center down towards the south, towards the Reston Town Center metro station.

[05:15:24] The first phase, as staff indicated, was approved back in 2018. It has been constructed. It is now the headquarters for Volkswagen of America, as well as what I'll call the headquarters of the Fannie Mae Corporation, because there's a lot more employees at this facility than at their downtown location.

[05:15:40] There also were several improvements constructed with that phase one to better link the existing town center urban core to the metro station. I'll talk about that in just a second. The way this entire project is set up is to try to establish a grid of streets and a grid of pedestrian connections between the urban core, the town center, and the metro station.

[05:16:02] So you'll see on the screen the blue arrows largely are vehicular connections. The lighter blue connection is a pedestrian connection, And then the white is a proposed new connection down to an existing street coming out of the town center down towards Sunset Hills Road.

[05:16:19] And this is an extension, as I said, of plans that were really set up back in the late 1980s and early 1990s for the town center. As staff indicated, there are several big moves with this application. I say big somewhat facifishly because what we did was we took block G, which was one large super block, split it in half, extended a road in between the two halves of the building, and then relocated an approved performing arts center from Block J, which was along Sunset Hills Road, to Block G2,

[05:16:52] which now fronts it on the major central park that runs north-south from the metro station at the bottom to the W&OD Trail at the top. That relocation of the performing arts center places the arts center more into the community space within the development, as opposed to fronting out on the main road of Sunset Hills Road.

[05:17:10] So it's a more private and more nuanced location and allows for the integration of the Performing Arts Center with the park facilities. In doing so, we needed to backfill Block J where the Performing Arts Center was proposed to be. That is now a new office building on that location.

[05:17:27] Overall, there is a reduction in square footage, a slight reduction in square footage on the totality of the development, But I think unique to this project and what speaks to the success of this project is the fact that we're adding about 200,000 square feet of office to the overall development, which is a unique thing in Fairfax County in today's world.

[05:17:47] And really, as I said, speaks to the fact that there's a flight to quality, a very significant Class A project here that has the ability to take employees that were maybe not transit-oriented and put them into a transit-oriented position. So in that respect, your comprehensive plan and all your planning around the metro stations is successful.

[05:18:06] The other thing that we did with this project, and I'm going to skip ahead, at Supervisor Alcorn's request, Boston Properties, BXP, hired a consultant to help plan out what the Performing Arts Center could look like on Block G2.

[05:18:22] And you'll see on this slide, and they're in the development plan as well, some of the renderings of what the facility could look like as well as the internal layout. What we wanted to do with this was establish a proof of concept that the block could be used for its intended purpose as a performing arts center, as well as to give the county some marketing materials to go out and help fundraise and generate excitement and interest in the facility by demonstrating that it could be a quality facility that the county could be proud of.

[05:18:51] So that's one benefit that's coming out of this project in addition to the other things. The last thing I'll touch on is we're making some improvements to how pedestrians and bicyclists can access the metro station. One is we're taking the constructed on-road bike lanes in Sunset Hills Road, moving them off out of the road onto a 14-foot wide shared use path to try to make sure that the bikers who are more casual in nature aren't out competing with traffic that's going 35, 40, 45 miles an hour through the metro station areas.

[05:19:25] The second thing that's part of this project is we're intending to or proposing to construct an above-grade connection from the metro station over top of Sunset Hills Road and plop it down into the middle of the southern portion of the park.

[05:19:41] So if you see where the metro station is at the bottom of this screen, there would be an elevated pedestrian connection coming across Sunset Hills Road to create a more safe connection for folks coming out of the metro station or going to the metro station from this development and the urban core overall.

[05:19:58] Very similar to those of you who have been in Tyson's, where the connection that goes over to the Tyson's 1 mall. So with that, I'll stop and answer any questions that you all have. Thank you very much. Are there any questions of staff or the applicant?

[05:20:15] I'm not seeing or hearing any. This is a public hearing, and I have one speaker signed up to testify as a caller, and that is Connor Tabarrok. Is he on the line? Can you hear me okay, Connor? Hi, I'm here.

[05:20:30] Welcome. The floor is yours. Yeah, so good afternoon. My name is Connor Tabarrok, and I'm a civil engineer and master planner. I just earned my professional engineering license working out of Austin, Texas, but I have recently relocated to Reston, Virginia.

[05:20:49] My whole career thus far has been dedicated to building better cities. And as I'm sure everyone knows, Austin is a great example of what can be possible when folks truly commit to growth. So thanks to the hard work of developers and the courage of Austin council members who parallel yourselves, residents in that city enjoyed an average of a 15% drop in rent prices between August of 2022 and October of last year.

[05:21:22] That increase in housing supply that their council allowed for played a large part in making the city a more affordable destination for young families, creative, and entrepreneurs. The neighborhoods feel alive, the parks are full of friendly people, and commerce is booming, allowing for an expected city revenue growth of 7%.

[05:21:44] But this is not just a story about how Austin is special. It's a formula for a better future that we can put into practice today. Building housing projects like this one can trigger a virtuous cycle of growth, and proposals like this will allow us to trigger a rest in renaissance of our own.

[05:22:06] So I'd like to commend the Planning Commission, who I think unanimously voted 11 to 0, for their sensible recommendation for approval of the Reston Town Center project, the next Phase II development. And I'd just like to say that it makes me proud to return to my hometown and see that it is in good hands.

[05:22:29] So I urge the board to approve this motion. Thank you very much for that testimony. Let me ask if there are any other callers. Is there anyone present here in the auditorium that would like to speak on this matter? This is a public hearing.

[05:22:44] Anyone present who would like to testify? Seeing or hearing anyone, I assume the applicant waives rebuttal. Sounded like that for you. Closing comments and a recommendation from county staff. On September 17th, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the applications and the requested modification.

[05:23:06] Staff concurs. Thank you very much. Last call, questions from board members. Seeing and hearing none, I will now close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Alcorn for a motion. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Unlike the previous case, this was not an internship project.

[05:23:24] I do, though, want to thank staff and the applicant for working through a lot of issues relating to this. I think Mark did a great job describing it. It sounds simple, but when you actually work through the details, it's not simple.

[05:23:41] And I think we're getting a good result. The site layout here, particularly now that we have this phase coming online, or at least in view of coming online, is really going to be extraordinary. It is, I think, going to be a landmark, not just for Reston, but for all of Fairfax County.

[05:24:06] And its high visibility next to the toll road with the Metro Silver Line going past is really going to be a remarkable view for folks coming past and looking up into Reston Town Center.

[05:24:22] So I do want to congratulate everyone who's worked on this and also just underscore one thing. One of the few changes on this is relocation and a slight increase in office.

[05:24:37] And I think it underscores the success that this applicant has had in the office market and really underscores, I think, the long-term value of this area for high-end office tenants.

[05:24:56] And it's certainly something that's good for the county, it's good for Reston, and frankly, it's important that we continue down this path. So with all that said, Mr. Chairman, I would move that the Board of Supervisors approve PCA 86-C-119-09, DPA 86-C-119-05, and PRCA 86-C-119-03, subject to the executed proffers dated October 16, 2025, and approve a modification of Zoning

[05:25:33] Ordinance Subsection 5100.2.d4c for the site distance requirements on a corner lot as shown on the DPA PRCA for Block J. I would so move. Chair, we'll second that. I heard several people. Supervisor Lusk, Supervisor Palchek, Discussion on the motion?

[05:25:56] Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Thank you very much. Now we're going to call our next public hearing, which is a public hearing on AF 2025-SU-00003, Dean Local Agricultural and Forestry District in the Sully District.

[05:26:27] And there is no affidavit for this type of application. So as soon as they're ready, I would recognize county staff for a staff presentation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My name is Salem Bush from the Department of Planning and Development. This application requests to establish the Dean Local Agricultural and Forestry District.

[05:26:46] The 31.66-acre property is located on Bull Run Post Office Road. The property is zoned residential conservation. It is in the Water Supply Protection Overlay District. The site is located in the Cub Run Watershed. A soil and water quality conservation plan was prepared by the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District.

[05:27:09] The critical recommendations include nutrient and pest management and erosion control. Other recommended items include record keeping and pond management. The area forester inspected the property, determined that a forest plan is not necessary for the property due to the limited forest resources on the site.

[05:27:26] The forester did offer recommendations on invasive species management on the property. And the proposed district renewal satisfies all of the applicable Group A and four of the criteria in Group B, farm and forest products sold, aesthetic quality, potential heritage resources, and being zoned in the RC District.

[05:27:47] This meets the minimum district acreage and other requirements of the code. Should it be approved, it would be expected to meet all other ordinance provisions. That concludes my presentation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much. At this time, it's not required, but if the applicant would like to provide any comments, he is welcome to do so.

[05:28:10] Good evening, Mr. Chairman, members of the board. My name is Tom Colucci of the law firm of Walsh Colucci, Lou Blaine Walsh, and I'm representing the applicant. Staff has done an amazing job actually helping with this application and has done an amazing job of reporting on the application.

[05:28:31] And I don't want to either waste your time or your going through all the detail and all the various calculations for the conservation plans and whatnot. But in any event, we would welcome the board adopting this ordinance to add the dean or establish the dean A&F district.

[05:28:57] So in any event, on that note, I have Mrs. Dean here. So if you have any questions, feel free to ask them. Otherwise, thank you very much. Thank you very much. Any questions of the applicant or 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.

[05:29:19] Is there anyone present here 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 we have any callers. No callers. No callers. applicant waives, rebuttal, closing comments, and a recommendation from county staff.

[05:29:37] Yes, thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Agricultural and Forestry District Advisory Committee voted to recommend approval of the new district on September 17, 2025. The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the new district on October 29, 2025. Based on the information provided by the applicant and staff's analysis, staff recommends approval of the application subject to the draft ordinance.

[05:29:58] And that concludes our recommendation. Thank you. Thank you very much. Let me ask last chance questions from board members. Seeing and hearing none, I will now close the public hearing and recognize Vice Chair Smith for a motion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I request the applicant state on the record their acceptance of the provisions contained in the proposed ordinance dated October 15, 2025.

[05:30:22] Of the ordinance. Thank you. I move that the Board of Supervisors adopt a district ordinance establishing the dean, local, agricultural, and forestal district to be codified in Appendix F of the County Code as proposed in AF 2025-SU-00003 pursuant to Chapter 44 of Title 15.2 of the Code of Virginia and Chapter 115 of the Fairfax County Code as set forth in the staff report dated October 15, 2025.

[05:30:56] The Chair will second that, along with Supervisor Herity. Discussion on the motion? Just thank you to staff for all their work and the applicant for doing this. Any further discussion on the motion? Seeing and hearing none, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed?

[05:31:12] Any abstentions? And that motion carries. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Okay. We now have a public hearing on proposed plan amendment 2023-3-20 UP Rock Hill Road in Land Unit L of the Dulles Suburban Center in the Drainsville District, and at this time I would recognize county staff for a staff presentation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and board members. My name is Heather Springs. I am here with Clara Johnson, and we are with the Department of Planning and Development, along with staff from Fairfax County Department of Transportation. On April 11, 2023,

[05:31:51] the board authorized consideration of a plan amendment for Land Unit L of the Dulles Suburban Center. This is the northern portion of the Innovation Center metro station. This study included three nominations. The subject of this hearing is Land Unit L3, the Rock Hill Road plan amendment. The subject site is located at 2140 Rock Hill Road along the western side of Rock Hill Road and adjoins the Loudoun County boundary. The subject site is largely undeveloped. The comprehensive plan for this area is office retail research and development uses at an intensity of

[05:32:30] 0.25 FAR. The plan includes an option for a mix of residential and non-residential uses up to a 1.6 FAR within the half mile of the metro. Beyond the half mile, the plan recommends 16 to 20 dwelling units per acre at an overall intensity of 0.5 FAR. These development options include additional plan guidance for parcel consolidation of environmentally constrained lands, enhanced pedestrian access to the metro station, and parks and open space.

[05:33:03] The Rock Hill Road plan amendment considers predominantly residential uses with some ground floor non-residential uses. The concept plan provided with the nomination includes a centralized park space, sidewalks along Rock Hill Road, and a stub out for a future Davis Drive connection.

[05:33:21] Considerations through the study of this plan amendment included analysis of housing opportunity proximate to metro, pedestrian and bike connections to the metro station, the inclusion of required parks and open space, and the provisions for parcel consolidation of environmentally sensitive lands. The area around the subject site is largely encumbered by resource protection area.

[05:33:44] The plan guidance includes language which encourages and incentivizes the consolidation of environmentally constrained lands in the development proposals. The staff recommended amendment to the plan tax provides additional flexibility, but continues to encourage some parcel consolidation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for that presentation. Are there any questions of staff? Okay, seeing none, I'll now recognize Mark Vianney from Bean, Kinney, and Corman PC, the agent for the nominator, to provide brief remarks. Thank you, Supervisor Smith, members of the board. I think you've, staff has done a pretty good job with their

[05:34:23] presentations. I don't know if I could really add too much to it. I want to first start off by thanking Heather and Clara very much for all their work on this. This has been a long, as Supervisor Beerman and Ben Wells knows, this has been a long time coming. This is about 20 years in terms of slow assemblage, a lot of listening to the community. The goal here basically being to come in with a residential project that reflects the current situation that we need there, you know, and also reflects what the community wants on that portion of Rockwell Road north of Innovation Drive. The one change that the nominal plan you see right before you, and we think we're we're going to get this locked in, is the property to the south.

[05:35:00] We'll be finalizing a contract with the property to the south, which has, because right now uses kind of a junkyard, and that's in the RPA. Buy that, include that, clean that up, and then if we're able to do that, we may configure the proposed apartments, and town has a slight different way to add, you know, basically a lot bigger parkland to the property there.

[05:35:22] So that'll be coming forward with the rezoning. Rezoning will probably be coming forth the first half of next year, But we've got to go do the RPA delineations. We've got to do some of the technical things like that. But it is underway. We're excited to move forward. Again, we're pleased to have staff support. We're pleased to have community support.

[05:35:37] And more importantly, we're pleased to have the unanimous recommendation of the Planning Commission. I want to thank the Planning Commission and Bachelorette Causey for all her good work as we went through that process, too. With that, I'll be happy to take any questions you may have or sit down and let you guys get caught up on schedule. Thank you very much for that presentation.

[05:35:58] Let me ask if there are any questions of the applicant or staff. Not seeing or hearing any. Thank you. This is a public hearing, and I have no speakers who have signed up in advance to testify on this matter. Is there anyone here present who would like to speak on this specific subject?

[05:36:14] Anyone who would like to speak on this matter? This is a public hearing. Seeing and hearing no one, let me ask if we have any speakers who have called in. No callers. No speaker. I'm sorry, no callers. Closing comments and a recommendation from staff. On October 22nd, 2025, the Planning Commission voted to recommend adoption of the staff recommendation with the modification to retain the words, at a minimum, to describe parcel consolidation.

[05:36:41] Staff concurs with the Planning Commission recommendation. Thank you. Thank you very much. Any questions from board members? Seeing and hearing none, I will now close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Bierman for a motion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the Board of Supervisors adopt the Planning Commission recommendation dated October 22, 2025 for Plan Amendment 2023-III-20UP as found in Attachment 1 of the board item.

[05:37:09] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Second. I heard the motion. It's been quickly and multiply seconded by Supervisor Smith and Supervisor Palchuk. Is there any discussion on the motion? Yes, Supervisor Behrman. I know it's been a long day, but I did want to say that I'm very happy to see this coming forward.

[05:37:29] If you could go back to one of the last slides that shows that there's RPA that goes on both sides of this plan amendment. So getting something into this location would be a really great thing to do.

[05:37:45] It does fit in with the residential across the street. As was noted by our Department of Transportation on page 12 of the staff report, which I read and so did everybody else up here, of page 12 of the staff report, this plan amendment would actually have a decrease in trip generation in the area, so making the area even more livable.

[05:38:07] It would include up to 432 residential units and more housing within walking distance of the metro. I love the fact that you're talking also about potentially more parkland in this area as well, using the land that you have.

[05:38:26] There's a mix of residential unit types in here, and the plan's residential intensity would increase the potential for affordable housing as intensity increases as well. That's also in the staff report. I want to thank the nominators, Rick Stout and Neil Teague, who very smartly, like Simon and Garfunkel before them, named their company Stout and Teague.

[05:38:49] And I want to thank Mark Vianney for all of his work on this. And, of course, thank you to Heather Springs and Claire Johnson for your work. I'm very happy to see this moving forward, and I hope to have the support of my colleagues. Thank you very much, Supervisor Beerman.

[05:39:05] Is there any further discussion? Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That motion carries. Thank you very much. Thank you. Next, we have a public hearing on proposed plan amendments 2023-3-2FC Fair Oaks Business Park and 2023-3-3...

[05:39:30] Let's hold it down over here. And 2023-3-3 FC Fairfax Ridge Road in Land Unit K of the Fairfax Center area in the Springfield District. And as soon as they are ready, we would welcome a staff presentation.

[05:39:52] Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the board. My name is Sahar Hamdat. I'm joined tonight by Graham Owen from the Department of Planning and Development, as well as Tom Burke and Ashley Dinner from FCDUT and Shara Dragmi from DPWES. On April 11, 2023, the Board of Supervisors authorized the consideration of Fair Rocks Business Park and Fairfax Ridge Road plan amendments, both of which are located within Land Unit K of the Fairfax Center area and the Springfield Supervisor District.

[05:40:22] During the review of the two site-specific amendments, critical infrastructure needs for the sites and broader area were identified, including a sewer capacity issue. Therefore, on June 25, 2024, the Board authorized a planning study for the entirety of Land Unit K to allow for a comprehensive planning analysis for the broader area, while also allowing the two SSPAs to proceed as individual proposals subject to commitment for upgrading the sewer pump stations.

[05:40:57] The staff report cumulatively analyzes the impact of the two SSPE sites and constitutes an initial phase of the land unit study. The broader phase 2 study, which will evaluate the balance of the land unit's land use, transportation, and park is under review.

[05:41:16] And it is expected to be scheduled for public hearing in spring or summer 2026. Fairfax Center area, Land Unit K, is located north of Route 50, south of Interstate 66, and to the east is City of Fairfax.

[05:41:33] Land Unit K is developed with office uses, light industrial, hotel uses, and residential uses. The area is surrounded by residential detached homes to the north and west across Interstate I-66. Commercial uses and townhouse residential uses to the south across Route 50.

[05:41:53] and multifamily and townhouse residential uses and commercial uses to the east in the city of Fairfax. The adopted plan for Land Unit K of the Fairfax Center area recommends office use at 0.25 FAR at the baseline and 0.5 FAR at the overlay level.

[05:42:13] Areas west of Applesmel Road have been planned and developed under the site-specific residential options at 16 to 20 dueling units per acre and 20 to 25 dueling units per acre. The Fairfax Ridge Road site proposes a metrised residential mixed use for up to 400 multifamily units at 1.52 a fair and 75 feet in height with 5,500 square feet of ground floor retail.

[05:42:40] The Fairox Business Park site proposes an option for residential mixed use for up to 420 multifamily residential units, 286 stacked townhouses, 77,000 square feet of medical office, and 20,000 square feet retail uses with a total intensity of 1.2 FAR.

[05:43:03] Staff evaluated the plan amendment considering the potential impacts on land use, public facilities such as sewer capacity, transportation, schools, environment, parks and housing. The area is served by the Pender and High Ridge Sanitary Sewer Pump station, which currently have capacity only for existing uses.

[05:43:26] In August 2025, draft professors submitted as part of the concurrent zoning applications for each of the SSPA sites committed to upgrading the sewer pump stations to accommodate the full build-out of the service area of the two pump stations as envisioned in the broader Land Unit K study.

[05:43:48] For transportation, Waples Mill Road is planned and built as a four-lane artillery roadway and it is functioning as a four-lane. As the area is now transitioning to residential mixed-use development, the shift in land use has lead to change in trip generation and travel patterns primarily due to the reduction in planned office space. Therefore, Waples Mill Road is proposed to be evaluated from the Pender Drive intersection to I-66 as indicated by the blue dashed line, reducing it from four lanes to two lanes.

[05:44:25] Waples Mill Road and Pender Drive intersection as shown in the red circle at the map includes a right lane turn that could impact the high visibility crosswalk safe intersections and accessibility for safe and secure pedestrian connectivity within the area. So intersection improvements need to be evaluated and considered.

[05:44:46] The study also evaluated the street grade in the area. The City of Fairfax-Comp-Washington Small Area Plan envisions a secondary street or alley along east side of the study area at the city and county boundary, as well as a connection to Germantown Road.

[05:45:04] During the review, staff coordinated with city planner and dominator to identify potential locations for a corresponding multimodal link from Germantown Road to either Waples Mill Road or Pinder Drive across the site.

[05:45:20] Two locations were identified for an alternative inter-jurisdictional connection and are shown on the proposed transportation plan map. Here is the summary of the staff recommendations for the area-wide consideration, and the actual recommendations is indicated in the staff report dated September 25, 2025.

[05:45:42] Land Unit K area-wide recommendation includes recommendations related to sewer enhancement, transportation improvements, and redevelopment options. Also, there is a specific recommendation for both plan amendments that both sites may be redeveloped with residential mixed use with specific conditions related to high quality of site design, provision of open space, street escape design, building height, and compatibility.

[05:46:09] This concludes the staff presentation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much. Are there any questions of staff at this time? Seeing and hearing none, I do know there are two agents for two different pieces of this, 2FC and 3FC.

[05:46:25] So at this time, I would welcome a presentation or comments from the representative of 2FC. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the board. My name is David Schneider with Holland & Knight and represent the nominator of Fair Oaks Business Park.

[05:46:44] I want to start off by thanking staff. A lot of work went into this. I want to thank the planning staff, but also FCDOT and wastewater here. There was a lot of infrastructure analysis and also our fellow nominator. There was a lot of coordination that needed to happen to figure out how to bring the next evolution of this land unit.

[05:47:03] And I'll be brief. Staff did a great job. This is an exciting opportunity because we think our nomination is crucial to unlocking the potential. As staff said, we're going to upgrade the Pender pump station to not only accommodate our increased flow, but all of the planned intensity of the future Land Unit K plan amendment that will follow us.

[05:47:24] We're going to provide 5.5 acres of community open space when there really is no area to congregate in this land unit right now. The site generates 36 ADUs, and we have a proffer that would allow us to provide 140 ADUs and a similar model to what Somos did in Tyson's.

[05:47:44] So we've had numerous community meetings, no negative feedback. the support of the Springfield District Land Use Committee and the Planning Commission. We're happy to answer any questions and ask for your favorable approval of the plan amendment. Thank you very much for that.

[05:47:59] And at this time, we'd hear from the agent for 2FC. I'm sorry, 3FC. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the board. I am a representative of the owner nominator of this property that's before you this afternoon, and I appreciate the opportunity to be here. I'm just going to provide a little bit of background as to the property that's part of this nomination process. The property that is located on the west side of Waples Mill Road is about six acres and it was part of a much larger development that was

[05:48:39] rezoned in the early 1980s. It was rezoned to C3 for office development and an office building was built on this property in 1982 with an above grade structured parking garage and has been there since. And the surrounding parcels did not develop as office. Things evolved. And so what happened is that the properties that are on the opposite side of Fairfax Ridge Road into the south of the nomination property became developed with multifamily housing. And so what we had left was what I've called kind of the hole in the donut. You know, one piece that maybe is not like the that could be a higher and better use.

[05:49:17] We all know, I think, the status of the current office market. This particular set of buildings is primarily vacant, and it could be something much better and provide better utility for Fairfax County. So the owner nominator did file an SSPA. It's been a couple years ago now, and it took some time because we were folded into a study of Land Unit K.

[05:49:39] We had to work on, as was described, some issues regarding sewer. And went through a lot of design processes with Fairfax County planning staff to really create, I think, a better proposal. We started off with the building and retaining the existing parking garage, which was probably not the best idea.

[05:49:57] And then we ended up with a single multifamily building over podium parking that is surrounded by open space. We're going to end up having over an acre of active and passive recreation that's going to surround kind of an oddly shaped triangular parcel that has some topography challenges, but we have made it work, and we look forward to coming back to the board in the next several months with a rezoning application.

[05:50:22] As was mentioned, this does enjoy the recommendation of the Planning Commission. We did present to the Springfield Land Use Committee, and they had no objection, and we would ask for your favorable consideration this afternoon. I'd be happy to answer any questions for you. Thank you very much for that presentation.

[05:50:39] Are there any questions of the applicants for the nominators or the representatives of the nominators? Okay. This is a public hearing. I do have no speakers who have signed up to testify in advance on this matter. Is there anyone present here who would like to speak?

[05:50:54] Okay. If you can come on down and sign in with the clerk. And please, if you're here for any other public hearings today and you have not signed in, come down and sign in with the clerk at this time for any other public hearings if you are not signed in.

[05:51:10] and actually yeah why don't we okay if there are others here to testify for this matter come down now and sign in with the clerk any any if you are here for any public hearing for the remainder of the day and you are not already signed up please come down to the clerk to my right and sign in it will save everyone time trust me with that if you could please introduce yourself and state your address for the record. Welcome. The floor is yours. Yes. Good afternoon. My name is Isabel

[05:51:44] Ramos Toral. I'm the board treasurer of Fairfax Ridge Condominium. Our community at Fairfax is comprised of 420 units plus amenities such as clubhouse, playground for children, pool areas, etc. Many of our residents are senior residents, and we also have a lot of And we as a board member and resident, we are very much concerned of their well-being.

[05:52:19] We recognize that the proposed development in Fairfax Ridge Road, 3FC, as presented, is a very attractive and beautiful development. It's very promising. But we have several points of concerns.

[05:52:37] The first one being the parking issues. Currently, there is a very limited amount of spaces at Fairfax Ridge Road, both for residents and visitors. It's very congested. It's during the day and during the night.

[05:52:55] And we must ascertain that the construction vehicles and employees must park elsewhere. And really, we are anticipating a nightmare with the parking situation.

[05:53:11] Also, we are very much concerned that noise, dust, and other inconveniences to our residents that live precisely in front of the Fairfax Ridge Road will be having a very tough time, especially the senior people, during the demolition process up to the final construction.

[05:53:36] Many of our residents will be impacted with this situation throughout all these years. But really, nothing can be done about it. Security measures during the construction process, especially for the surroundings of the vicinity.

[05:53:57] We have not-- excuse me-- we have not heard anything about security or how can that be managed. Working hours during the constructions. There's a commitment from the developers that they will be applying a reduced time schedule of hours.

[05:54:14] They are proposing from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but we don't have a specific plan of how this is going to be handled. Although we have a draft of a proffer that was provided to us, to the association, We need specific plans and actions on how this is going to be enforced.

[05:54:37] Our main requests really are a further reduction of construction hours, further options and restrictions regarding the parking of construction vehicles and employees, and specific plans to enforce the commitments.

[05:54:54] Thank you. Thank you very much. And if we could hear from the next speaker, if you could introduce yourself and state your address, your name and address. Hello. My name is Josh Smith. I live at 11397 Aristotle Drive in Fairfax, Virginia, in the Fairfax Ridge community as well.

[05:55:14] I was a previous board member, stepped away. I have a little daughter. She's about nine months. So, you know, I just wanted to piggyback off of Isabel's point that their parking is fairly congested on Fairfax Ridge Road already.

[05:55:31] this is before construction. Obviously, there will be construction vehicles coming in for however long the process takes. There's, you know, obviously future residents that are going to be living there once the construction is done. You know, they have adequate parking for their residents. But what we've already found is that there's a building that was constructed by, I believe, Mill Creek, and then Modera bought it and then resold it to Radiant Fairfax Ridge.

[05:56:01] They have a lot of residents coming and going, but most of their residents don't park in their parking deck because they charge extra money. So it caused a problem with congestion on the street. We can't build more parking. It's not possible for our community, and we have a lot of residents because it's unaffordable in this area where they park on the front street on Fairfax Ridge Road.

[05:56:24] So parking is a big problem. The other thing is the construction vehicles, dust, debris. Where do I have to walk my daughter? there's no park nearby they claim they're going to build a park i haven't seen it yet it seems like a very nice community and great people that are uh putting things together but these are some of the big concerns that i have for this community it's getting very congested and i have i think the fair oaks uh park makes a lot more sense to build over there than it does to build over in land unit k off of fairfax ridge road because it's just going to be extremely congested but you know uh I'm open to different ideas.

[05:57:01] I just want to address those concerns and emphasize and piggyback off of Isabel's point because it is a big concern. I've lived there for 12 years. I lived there before Mill Creek built that Radian building. And I regretted not coming to the board meetings back then and saying something.

[05:57:18] I was a student at George Mason at the time. And, you know, I'm graduated. I have a job and a career now. But I think it's very important. I don't want to be too long-winded, but I think it's very important that we consider all this before making a final decision. Thank you for your time.

[05:57:35] Thank you very much. And if we could have our next speaker again, same thing. Please state your name and address for the record. Hi, good evening. You are the chairman, esteemed board members. My name is Tolkien Beakab de Gouloff.

[05:57:51] I am a resident of 11353 Aristotle Drive, Fairfax. So I just want to stress on a few issues. I am a vice president of our board at Fairfair Ridge.

[05:58:08] We discussed the coming construction very heavily among our neighbors. That's why we were asked as board members to participate in almost all meetings which were conducted about this construction. As my colleague mentioned, we have more than 420 apartments and this is a very conjected area.

[05:58:32] So Aristotle Drive, this small road separates future construction site and our complex. And our complex, it's 11 buildings standing alongside of Aristotle Drive.

[05:58:48] And out of 11 buildings, 8 buildings would be directly affected with coming construction. And as our resident asked, I need to say about three things. First, this is parking. The loss of available parking spaces will directly affect our residents, creating inconvenience and frustration.

[05:59:12] Because previously we were sad that like a county requires 1.3 coefficient and the builder offers 1.8. But it was very difficult to explain to our neighbors that 1.3, how many cars per unit is it?

[05:59:31] So we have 420 units, two cars, we have around 1,000 cars in our complex. So the biggest issue would be parking. Second, the construction impact. We are concerned about the noise, dust and destruction that will inevitably come with construction activities as well as the working hours that could impact the quality of life of our neighbors.

[06:00:00] And last point is about serverage system. So we learned during the discussions that current serverage system cannot accommodate the new constructions, but we were assured that it will be taken care during the construction.

[06:00:19] But still, our resident asked me to mention these things, that we have serious concerns that if the construction is going on and how it will impact our community.

[06:00:35] We appreciate your attention to these matters and hope for the collaborative approach to address our concerns efficiently. 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 testify?

[06:00:53] We'll see anyone else. Let me ask if we have any callers. No callers. There are no callers. Closing comments and a recommendation from county staff. On November 12, 2025, the Planning Commission voted 10 to 0 to recommend the Board of Supervisors the adoption of Plan Amendment 2023-Rumen 3-2FC as found in the Planning Commission alternative dated November 12, 2025, which includes transportation plan map, revisions, and site-specific guidance for the Fair Rocks Business Park site.

[06:01:29] On October 16, 2025, the Planning Commission voted 12 to 0 to recommend the Board of Supervisors the adoption of the Planning Commission alternative, which includes the area-wide recommendations and site-specific guidance for the FFX Ridge Road site.

[06:01:47] The combined Planning Commission recommendations for both sides are shown in Attachment 1C. Staff concourse with the Planning Commission's recommendations. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much. Questions from board members.

[06:02:03] Supervisor Alcorn. Yeah, just a quick comment, actually, and we'll see what Supervisor Herity wants to do with this. But the parking issues that were raised during the public hearing, I've heard, I've got a couple of places in Hunter Mill District where it's an apartment building.

[06:02:18] They charge for parking, and frankly, people are pouring out onto the public streets and affecting their neighbors. So perhaps at rezoning, this is something Supervisor Herity could look at. I know certainly for 100 mil cases, we're going to try to get a handle on that going forward because we're creating some problems allowing for that kind of thing.

[06:02:40] So thank you. Okay. Further questions from board members? Supervisor Palcic. Actually, my question was listening to a few of the concerns that came up. And this is where I think there can be a challenge when you're going through an SSPA for a future rezoning. And I know some of those proffers and development conditions can't be addressed or even sometimes spoken to.

[06:03:00] So most of the ones I heard it seems like could be addressed in the rezoning. I don't know if there's anything else outstanding or if the supervisor had seen anything in that. But I guess that's what I wanted to know. If there are any issues that were brought up today that can't be addressed or aren't looking to be addressed in the future rezoning.

[06:03:19] No, I mean, these can all be addressed in rezoning. And the applicant has committed to over-parking this. So I hope we're not going to have an issue with parking. Unfortunately, the one that is charging for parking has already been approved and was approved by a previous supervisor and a previous board.

[06:03:41] Not me. It used to be mine. It was your district. But not this one. So, but we're going to address the part. We've been in conversations with the applicant, and I don't know if you all want to, did you want to say anything, Lynn?

[06:03:56] And if you could address, I think some of it is just the construction conditions, right? Some of it we heard was parking. We can't do that. I understand. I want to make sure that it's clear. This is where it gets confusing that most of what I heard was asked for is not for the SSPA.

[06:04:13] Sure. Again, Lynn Strywell, I represent the owner and the nominator. And you're absolutely right, Supervisor Palchak. These are issues that will be addressed during the rezoning application. In fact, you know, we have met with the board and others at Fairfax Ridge. We did actually create some proffers that we have submitted to address these items.

[06:04:32] I won't go into detail on that unless you'd like for me to, but it did include a construction plan and making sure that there's a good line of communication during construction. I'm not going to say that there won't be construction vehicles and dust, but they will be dealt with as they are during the construction process, and we will be backed up by proffers.

[06:04:51] And Supervisor Herity is absolutely right. We will be providing parking in excess of zoning ordinance requirements, and we actually, our residents, and I won't go again into the details, but has an opportunity to use spaces in that radiant garage. So I do believe that we are not going to exacerbate an existing condition.

[06:05:11] I can't fix what has already happened, but we can totally agree that we're not going to exacerbate that condition. So I thank you. And just to be clear, I know it was referenced. This was one of the challenges with SSPAs, but reality is this is a challenge.

[06:05:27] Anytime we have plan amendment applications come forward, and I get it. Unless you do this all the time, you don't understand necessarily the difference between a plan amendment and a rezoning. And getting a commitment here that the community will continue to be worked with, which I know they will on these granular issues, they can be memorialized in proffers, as you mentioned, which become legally binding.

[06:05:51] And so that process has yet to be completed, but will be completed. And I just want to make sure folks understand that here. Thank you. Okay. 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 Herity for a motion.

[06:06:11] Yeah, just a little background, and thank you for that, because those concerns will be dealt with. We've met before. We're going to meet again, and we will address them to the extent that they can be addressed. You can't completely eliminate construction dust, but you certainly don't want to do that.

[06:06:28] It's a comprehensive plan amendment. The Fairfax Business Park and Fairfax Ridge Road plan amendments constitute the initial phase of the review of Fairfax Center Areas Land Unit K. Proposed updates bring a residential mixed-use option for both sites, including recommendations for area-wide and site-specific considerations related to multimodal transportation improvements, a future grid of streets that will be coordinated with the City of Fairfax, a network of open space and parks, a high-quality streetscape and design elements.

[06:07:04] Two amendments would build upon an evolving residential character in this area while ensuring critical infrastructure, including the sewer pump station enhancements, which were some of the bigger challenges here because there were about three or four options as to where we pump it and how we pump it, are right-sized to allow the broader area to evolve into truly mixed-use node.

[06:07:27] The second phase, land unit K, is reviewing the balance of the area, and that will be scheduled for hearings in the first half of 2026. We wanted to bring these here now because they're ready to go. The Planning Commission reviewed SSPAs on separate nights, recommended adoption of each with the language contained in Attachment 1A for Fair Oaks Business Park, Attachment 1B for Fairfax Ridge. The combined recommendation, which I'll be moving, is Attachment 1C. I certainly appreciate the residents coming out, making sure your concerns continue to be held, and they will continue to be heard. So we will

[06:08:07] be working with you. Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I move the Board to supervise, adopt plan amendments, S.S.P.A. 2023-R.3-2FC and S.S.P.A. 2023-R.3-3FC per the Planning Commission's recommendations as shown in attachment 1c of the board items so moved you heard the motion it's been seconded by Supervisor Palchik discussion on the motion just just real quickly mr. chairman just want to thank staff for being flexible and working with us and the applicants to work through these plan amendments I know we

[06:08:45] still have some transportation items to get through and a few other items great work was done to address the sewer and we've prepped the area to for for for the second phase of this study there's still work to be done on the rezoning but I look forward to continuing these talks because it is going to be an amazing project expanded I've already mentioned most of this but but what I guess I would like to say is is this was a commercial area that's not going to be a commercial area I 66 and the improvements on I 66 has opened this up to

[06:09:25] residential so that people can get to and from our work our core work areas Tyson's Corner the urban core of DC in a in a reliable manner so I this is the first we'll be seeing in this and I look forward to seeing you all in March hopefully not in August so with that that's my comments thank you Supervisor Herity and let me just add I think what you said I agree with me this area has huge potential and huge opportunity for reinvestment and the neighbors had

[06:10:02] mentioned you know this is potential to be something really great and I think we all agree with that and I know you'll continue to work with them on the issues that were that were raised that very much can be addressed through this application and very much improve this area so for those reasons I will support it. And at this time, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Anyone against?

[06:10:28] And any abstentions? That motion carries. Thank you very much. Next, we have a public hearing to consider a proposed ordinance to amend the Fairfax County Code by repealing Chapter 28.1 relating to massage therapy, establishments, and services, and adding a new Chapter 28.2 relating to massage establishments, and as soon as they are ready, we will welcome a staff presentation.

[06:11:23] Folks, we're in a board meeting here.

[06:11:55] Staff, welcome. We'd welcome a staff presentation. Chairman McKay, members of the board, my name is Jessica Werder, and I am the Deputy Director of Public Health Operations at the Fairfax County Health Department.

[06:12:11] I am joined here today by Dr. Gloria Adoayensu, who I believe is making her way down, Director of Health, Deputy County Executive Tom Arnold, Peter Sheehan, Division Director for Environmental Health within the Health Department, and John Burton of the County Attorney's Office. As the board is aware, in March of 2020, Supervisors Haraday, Lusk, and Alcorn jointly introduced a board matter related to illicit massage businesses. This board matter directed the county executive to, among other things, conduct a review of possible changes to coordinated revision of the county ordinance regulating massage businesses and relevant county code requirements. The county executive followed up on this request with a memorandum to the board in

[06:12:50] February of 2022 that cited a series of recommendations. These recommendations included strengthening Fairfax County's Massage Ordinance, Chapter 28.1, and a recommendation for the ordinance to reside in an agency with inspection authority, noting that given massage was an allied health profession, oversight of the ordinance should probably reside with the Health Department. We are here today for a public hearing on a new proposed ordinance, Chapter 28.2, known as the Massage Establishments Code. Three versions of this code can be found in the board package as attachments to the board item for this public hearing. Initial work on revisions to the

[06:13:26] county's existing ordinance was informed by inputs from staff in various departments, including the Health Department, the Department of Cable and Consumer Services, the Police Department, Fire and Rescue, the County Attorney's Office, and others. Staff also conducted extensive review of existing massage ordinances in other jurisdictions within Virginia and other states. Staff presented initial concepts for a new revised ordinance in the Board's Public Safety and Security Committee meeting in May of 2025. Following that meeting, staff engaged various stakeholders, including community and industry representatives, for their perspectives on the draft ordinance. In the summer

[06:14:01] of 2025, Health Department hosted six engagement sessions, both in person and virtually, and collected feedback on the draft ordinance from emails, phone calls, and an online form. Staff reviewed over 220 comments on the draft and made several substantive edits to the draft as a result of this input. Presentations were also made to the Consumer Protection Commission and the Healthcare Advisory Board. The result of this process is a recommendation to repeal the existing ordinance chapter 28.1 and as stated previously to adopt a new proposed ordinance 28.2 the massage establishments code revisions are in keeping with the health department's mission to protect promote

[06:14:37] and improve health and well-being for all in our community and in keeping with the interest in strengthening the code in an effort to deter illicit elements within the industry key provisions to note include the elimination of a local permitting requirement for massage therapists transfer of full regulatory authority and oversight from the Department of Cable and Consumer Services to the Health Department, changes to the appeals process for permit revocation, suspension, and denial, introduction of plan review for new and remodeled facilities, introduction of a variance process, updates to the health and sanitation standards, and prohibitions on sleeping quarters, employee use of alcohol or controlled substances, and on sexually

[06:15:14] suggestive advertising. The proposed ordinance maintains the need for an annual permitting of massage establishments and also maintains the requirement for inspection by the Health Department. There is a proposed annual permitting fee of $200 for new establishments and $150 for renewal applications, in addition to a supplemental fee schedule. The board has in front of you today three versions of the draft code, found as attachments one through three to the board item associated with this public hearing. All versions include the provisions I have cited, and all are identical with one exception. Each version takes a different approach to the concept of locked doors

[06:15:48] and controlled entry, which refers to remotely operated unlocking devices or entry systems. These items are hallmarks of the illicit business models the board is interested in deterring. In addition, locked doors and controlled entry systems make inspections challenging and reduce transparency for county staff charged with regulating these establishments.

[06:16:08] Staff's original draft code included prohibitions on controlled entry. That said, this provision has proven to be a particularly challenging provision in conversation with industry representatives, particularly small establishments and sole proprietors, for whom a prohibition on controlled entry and locked doors represents a potential safety risk for their staff and clients. Recognizing this, the three versions attempt to give the board maximum flexibility on this issue. Attachment 1, version 1, prohibits controlled entry outright for all massage establishments, requiring doors to be unlocked during regular business hours, and prohibiting remotely controlled locking devices and entry

[06:16:46] systems attachment two version two is silent on the issue of controlled entry there are no prohibitions and in attachment three version three staff have attempted to strike a balance version three maintains a prohibition a prohibition on controlled entry but grants exemptions to this prohibition for sole proprietors and massage establishments with an unobstructed view into the reception area or waiting area through glass or windows and allows for locked front doors whenever the establishment is occupied by a single employee or independent contractor.

[06:17:20] This is staff's attempt to maintain the intent of prohibiting business models that facilitate illicit activity, while also acknowledging the real concern and feedback from industry partners about safety, primarily with smaller establishments. It should be noted that in all three versions of the ordinance, the option for a variance exists in the code. Finally, I would note a few details found in the enactment clauses of the ordinance. If adopted as written, the board would be authorizing the health department to immediately begin the administrative processes needed to ensure that establishments are permitted by the health department come January 1st,

[06:17:56] 2026, and the board would be authorizing the department to waive permit application fees for applications received prior to January 1st, 2026. This is an attempt to minimize financial burden on establishments that are currently permitted by the Department of Cable and Consumer Services as the proposed ordinance shifts permitting from a rolling cycle to a once-per-calendar year permitting cycle, and we want to eliminate the possibility that any establishment would have to pay twice in the first year of the transition to the health department. Thank you. We're available for questions. Thank you very much. We're going to open up to questions. The one

[06:18:35] question I have is in the third option that you mentioned with doors that can be locked, you then further mentioned that all three allow a variance for locking the entrance doors. And I guess if you were evaluating the third, the conditions that you mentioned, I presume that you would be measuring a variance against an applicant's ability or inability to meet one of those conditions? Is that what's envisioned? What I would say is that in the third option, those exemptions are by right. So individuals do not need to go through a variance process.

[06:19:11] The variance process exists to ensure there's an option if there are conditions that we have not envisioned that might still warrant an exemption. Does that make sense? It does. But what I'm asking is, would the variance also allow an applicant to come in who cannot meet the by right conditions to be able to come in and explain, hey, I can't meet one of these conditions, therefore I'm filing a variance, and so you would review that under that same framework?

[06:19:37] Correct. Okay. Other questions? Supervisor Palchuk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you so much, Ms. Warder. I have two questions. One follow-up to that is we're using the word variance here, but could you clarify that this is not a variance in the land use process, but what a variance means under the health department?

[06:19:59] Yes, this is a process that is an administrative review. Within this code, the authority to grant a variance to any code condition rests with the Division Director of Environmental Health, Mr. Peter Sheehan. And, of course, the health director, by extension, has that authority.

[06:20:17] It is not as burdensome as a zoning process or a land-use process. Okay, thank you. And then the second question. So, again, I have page 254, the controlled entry prohibition under version 3, section A, which has, I think you mentioned one of the exceptions, the first exception for the sole proprietor.

[06:20:45] My question for this is because I used to go to a massage therapist who, she was the sole proprietor of her business, right, but shared the space with other, you know, health practitioners. You know, they didn't hire staff. It was a small space.

[06:21:02] Some of the others probably did, I don't know, acupuncture, things like that. So how would that fit into this? The question, if I understand it, is would she meet the definition in the code? And I think we would evaluate that on the unique circumstances she presents.

[06:21:20] But I think we're looking at the intent of the code, which is to preserve health and safety in circumstances where there may be a single individual. And so it is possible that she would meet the intent of the code. I think we would have to look at the layout, and we would have to evaluate that. Okay, and I appreciate that, because I think we're all concerned with how to balance safety, right, with, you know, the small business owners and the burden of having to hire additional staff to take care of this.

[06:21:47] Thank you. Any other questions? Yes. First, let me go with Supervisor Beerman, then Supervisor Smith. I have one quick question, which is about Section 28.2-3-1, which is general provisions, and it's Part B, which says that business hours must be posted on all public entryways into the massage establishment.

[06:22:18] Is a business that is open by appointment only, that posts by appointment only, in compliance with business hours being posted on public entryways? Yes, sir, they are. Thank you. Okay, Supervisor Smith. Thank you.

[06:22:35] A couple of questions on attachment three. What is the definition of a sole proprietor? I'm looking to see if the county attorney would like to assist with the definition.

[06:22:51] That's where I was looking to. John Burton from the county attorney's office. We did not define that term, but the intent is an establishment where there's one person that owns it and operates it with no employees, no other people working there, which we believe was the intent behind the concerns.

[06:23:10] I just wanted to clarify that. That could also be an owner that's not present, but one employee that is running the operation on the site? That would fall into the exception where there's only one employee on duty.

[06:23:26] which I believe is the second or third exception in the controlled injury provision. If there's one person in the establishment, you can lock the door. Okay, great. Thank you for that. Supervisor Smith? Okay, and that was the piece I'm looking. Yes, so in Section C, it says massage establishments may have front doors locked while the establishment is occupied by a single employee or independent contractor.

[06:23:54] So, if this is a space where there might be two employees giving massages at the same time, they would have to come and get a variance to be able to have the door locked? Under the existing exemptions, yes, that is correct. Okay. And I think this is going to be the question for the board where we go with this, but thank you for those answers.

[06:24:17] I appreciate that. Okay. Other questions? Supervisor Lusk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My own personal preference here is I'm sort of leaning to number three as an option, but I'll say, are there any other businesses that have controlled entry bans in the health code, or is this actually a precedent-setting opportunity?

[06:24:44] I'm going to ask John Burton to correct me if I'm wrong, but I do not believe that we have found any instances of prohibitions on controlled entry in existing county ordinances. We have found several examples of this in many other massage ordinances across the country, but none locally. It is precedent-setting in some respects.

[06:25:03] I believe that's correct. Okay. Thank you. Okay. And just to be clear on that, when you're saying correct, it's precedent-setting for Fairfax County, but not precedent-setting for this particular use in the research that you've done. Yes. Thank you for that clarification. That is correct.

[06:25:20] Okay. Thank you. Other questions at this stage? We're going to get another shot at questions. We have to hear from the public here in a moment. Supervisor Palcic. Sorry, if you could clarify that. I heard whether it's just in Fairfax County as President's Senate or Northern Virginia as President's Senate.

[06:25:38] Go ahead, John. Yeah, John Burton again from the county attorney's office. I was unable to find a controlled entry provision in the code, and I may have used the wrong search terms. I'm not personally familiar. I have not worked with another industry where this is an idea.

[06:25:54] But as Jess said, this is a relatively common feature of massage ordinances. The closest locally would be Winchester, the city of Winchester, which is actually what we modeled our provision on. So that's not quite northern Virginia, but it's within the Commonwealth.

[06:26:11] Depends on who you ask. All right. Any other questions before we begin the public hearing? Okay. This is a public hearing, and I do have quite a few speakers who have signed up.

[06:26:29] There are eight who have signed up in advance. If you are here and have not signed up and wish to testify on this matter, please come down and sign in with the clerk to my far right at this time. And I'm going to call a couple names. If you could come down close, there's some seats here right in the front so that when I call your name, you're ready to testify.

[06:26:48] Our first speaker, of course, is Marlene Blum, Chairman of the Health Care Advisory Board, to be followed by Esser Daniel and Casey White. If I called your name, please come down and have a seat right down here in the front row. And with that, we welcome our first speaker, Marlene Blum.

[06:27:05] Thank you. Good evening, Chairman McKay, members of the board. I'm Marlene Blum, Chairman of the Health Care Advisory Board. Our complete statement with additional details has been sent to you and is also attached to this testimony. The HCAB recommends that the Board repeal Chapter 28.1 of the Fairfax County Code and adopt the proposed Chapter 28.2, both relating to massage establishments.

[06:27:31] Because providing advice to the Board on health and health-related issues is one of our responsibilities, the Health Care Advisory Board has focused on the important health care and public health components of this new chapter for the County Code. As the Board knows, massage establishments are currently permitted and regulated by the Department of Cable and Consumer Services, but inspected by the Health Department to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

[06:27:57] The proposed new provisions would transfer full regulatory authority and oversight from DCCS to the Health Department. Adopting this change and the other provisions in the new chapter would demonstrate the Board's recognition of massage therapy as an important allied health profession and would also strengthen community confidence in the safety and professionalism of the county's massage establishments.

[06:28:24] The proposed Chapter 28.2 would eliminate the local permitting requirement for massage therapists because state regulations now require that all practicing massage therapists in Virginia be licensed by the Virginia Board of Nursing.

[06:28:39] It makes sense to remove this provision and instead rely on state licensing, which, according to the American Massage Therapy Association, protects the public through establishing a consistent standard of practice which is enforceable by a professional code of ethics.

[06:28:56] The new chapter requires that those who administer massages in massage establishments be currently licensed by the Virginia Board of Nursing. Turning now to public health, which focuses on preventing problems from happening or recurring, the Health Care Advisory Board feels strongly that health department regulation of massage therapy centers is necessary to protect the public by ensuring a safe, sanitary environment.

[06:29:23] The regulations help prevent the spread of communicable diseases, require that practitioners be properly licensed, trained, and qualified, and help ensure a consistent level of care across different establishments. We not only support these regulations, but we also believe that the responsibility for implementing them should be placed with those who have the necessary expertise, capacity, and experience to do this well.

[06:29:51] In our view, that means the trained professionals in the health department, as proposed. To sum up, the Health Care Advisory Board supports the new regulations because they will help protect and promote the health and safety of the community and because they will help to build trust in the massage therapy profession and confidence in the massage establishments in Fairfax County.

[06:30:13] We recommend that the board repeal Chapter 28.1 and adopt Chapter 28.2. Thank you. Thank you very much, Marlene. Speaker number two is Esther Daniel to be followed by Casey White. And Esther is Executive Director of Reset 180.

[06:30:29] Welcome. Good evening, Chairman McKay and members of the board. I'm Esther Daniel, and I serve as the Executive Director of Reset 180. Over the past year, I have met with many of you to discuss how Reset 180 can partner with Fairfax County in the fight against human trafficking.

[06:30:52] Tonight, I want to thank you for considering amendments to Chapter 28.1 of the County Code, especially as they relate to illicit massage businesses, or IMBs, which are central to our mission to eradicate.

[06:31:09] IMBs are storefronts where traffickers use fraud, force, and coercion to compel women to provide sexual services under the guise of massage. Many victims are recruited from China, Korea, Vietnam, promise legitimate work only to incur massive debt, debt bondage that becomes the trafficker's leverage of control.

[06:31:33] Here in Fairfax County, Reset 180 has identified 169 suspected illicit massage businesses. This is data based on research, online reviewing, all reviews, but also verified in person by our team.

[06:31:53] Our team has documented consistent indicators of trafficking, including sexually suggestive online advertising, obstructed visibility into the business, heightened exterior security including remote control locks, late night operations far outside legitimate massage hours. Women in these businesses are forced to perform sexual acts six to ten times a day or more. These are not just remote statistics. These are human beings in our community who we need to protect. I want to share

[06:32:30] one story that represents many like her. Zhao Ling, a woman from China, came to our attention last year when Virginia State Police contacted us. She had been arrested while trying to re-enter the illicit massage business where she had been exploited. The landlord had locked her out for unpaid rent. She was held without bond, terrified and alone. But, like our law enforcement officers do such a great job, the arresting officer recognized the indicators of trafficking.

[06:33:01] He contacted Virginia State Police who reached out to us. That one decision changed the course of her life. When we first met her, she was frail, ashamed, overwhelmed. She feared deportation, retaliation, and everyone around her.

[06:33:18] Trust was impossible. Everyone in her life, including her family back in China, and everyone she had known here in the United States, had exploited her. Weeks later, her charges were dropped thanks to a sensitive judge who recognized that she was a victim of trafficking.

[06:33:35] That night, she called our hotline. We met her at 9 p.m., placed her in safe housing. For 15 days, my team provided food, transportation, legal support, clothing, and a Mandarin-speaking volunteer who stayed with her. She told us, No one in my life has ever shown me this much dignity and kindness.

[06:34:00] She now lives safely near her family and is working in a restaurant, free. Not every story ends this way. Earlier this year, we witnessed another woman trafficked out of Virginia, Northern Virginia, violently assaulted, desperately ill, discarded by her traffickers.

[06:34:19] Many victims do not even know what state they are in. This is why tonight matters. You matter. The amendments before you will close critical loopholes traffickers exploit, including hiding behind victims' names on business permits, advertising commercial sex online, moving locations quickly to avoid detection, rotating women in and out with no documentation they were ever there.

[06:34:51] As you consider the three draft options, we strongly urge you to include the prohibition on controlled entry. Controlled entry, locked doors, buzzing systems, cameras, and concealed access is a hallmark of illicit massage businesses and shields illegal activity from public view and impromptu inspections. Removing this prohibition will create a significant gap in enforcement. We absolutely recognize that there are many legitimate ethical massage businesses in the county. For them,

[06:35:29] we support reasonable variances. But restrictive entry was a core part of Zowling's exploitation. On behalf of Reset 180 and the survivors we serve, thank you for your leadership, your courage, your willingness to confront exploitation.

[06:35:45] Fairfax County is the first jurisdiction to take bold steps towards revising its massage code. This ordinance is a significant milestone in the fight to end human trafficking. Thank you, sir, for your time, and ma'am, for your time and public service. Thank you very much.

[06:36:01] Our next speaker is Casey White, to be followed by Laura Moreira, who will be calling in. Kim Luckenbaugh, and Kelly Rollins. If I called your name, please come on down close so that you're ready when it's your turn. We are on speaker three, Casey White. Welcome.

[06:36:17] Good evening, supervisors. I do want to tell you Kelly is not here. She had to step out. My name is Casey White, and I'm a board-side certified and licensed massage therapist here in Fairfax County, and the order of White Heart Massage has operated here in Fairfax County for over 10 years. First, I want to thank the health department, especially Jess Werder and Peter Sheehan, for their open collaboration and communication with us during this process, as well as the majority of the board supervisors who have met with us multiple times regarding all of this, and we appreciate you listening to your constituents and the massage therapy business owners during this process.

[06:36:52] I would like to encourage you to support the first-year fee waiver for the massage therapists so we don't overburden the small business owners. Secondly, I would like to urge you to go for the version 2, which does not control entry. One of the reasons in this is a safety and security concern for the small business owners, the women who are massage therapists, the men who are massage therapists, and our clients in the community.

[06:37:18] 84% of massage therapists are women, and 71% own their own business. Most of them work alone or in small batches, and this opens them up also to issues of safety and security, and it is important that they have the right and their clients have the right to that safety.

[06:37:35] We have heard stories within our community of clients who have had trauma and PTSD and the only reason they feel safe is a door can be locked so nobody can enter during their session. We feel that this is important and imperative for our clients as well as our staff. We have made great progress in this process since our first vision that we saw back in the beginning of July to what we have before us today and we appreciate that.

[06:37:59] We do still see that there's some areas of improvement. I won't go into high detail because you've all heard it from me before, but training requirements that are open-ended and cause potential financial and time commitment strains, signage requirements that encourages walk-in appointments, which most of us do not want, can also cause some unintentional stigmatization to our industry, and reduces the ability of places where massage therapists may be able to practice due to signage requirements and lease issues.

[06:38:29] We also would like to look into all the subjective and open-ended requirements that leaves uncertainty around staying compliant. And also requirements that do not allow for our professional judgment and do not align with our current professional standards. As a whole, we urge you to treat licensed massage therapists and the establishments that employ them the same as other businesses with similar standards and impress upon in those neighboring fields.

[06:38:54] We are licensed by the Board of Nursing and should be treated as businesses of a similar ilk. We appreciate the board's concern over the issue of human trafficking, as no person should be treated as a slave, forced into labor, and have their health and human rights denied. What we would like to see is a proactive and proven approach.

[06:39:13] Regulation of massage establishments has been proven to have little to no effect across the country, and as close to home as Richmond, Virginia. But landlord engagement programs have been successful. In New Hampshire, law enforcement partnered with landlords and closed more than 40% of locations within eight months.

[06:39:28] And in Kentucky, more than 50% of landlords notified of illicit activity or taught how to detect ended or declined leases. We urge the board to pilot a landlord engagement program with measurable metrics prior to imposing regulation that would unintentionally harm the small license massage therapist.

[06:39:47] We also encourage you in the formation of a human task force, human trafficking task force, to focus on all human trafficking, as 77% is in the labor field. Thank you. We think that is important that we focus on all. Thank you so much. Thank you very much, Casey. Our next speaker is Laura Moreira. Is she on the phone?

[06:40:04] Can you hear me okay? Yes, I can. Welcome. The floor is yours. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, everyone present in the hearing. I believe that everyone in this room agrees that human trafficking should not be happening in our neighborhood. And while not everyone feels called to personally engage in human trafficking words, turning a blind eye cannot be the alternative.

[06:40:27] So for those who stepped into this work and are walking alongside the victims of this horrific crime, hidden in plain sight, we see in practice that meaningful change happens when we come together in strength, ordinance, and legislation related to the massage establishment.

[06:40:46] And this is why I strongly urge the Board of Supervisors to adopt a draft language in Attachment 1, which prohibits controlled entry at massage establishment with reasonable variants granted by the health department and not automatic variances.

[06:41:03] As we mentioned before, many people mentioned before, controlled entry during business hours is a well-known hallmark of the massage industry and is used to conceal illegal activity from the public view and hinder unannounced inspections.

[06:41:20] And removing the prohibition of controlled entry would significantly weaken our ability to regulate establishments and also undermine every other tool in this code, especially when we're addressing IMBs. At the same time, we fully support the Health Department's recommendation to allow variances because we do believe in the legitimate business. They operate in good faith and they have genuine safety concerns about unlocked doors. So because of that, we are urging

[06:41:52] the board, this board, to adopt the attachment 1, and also with the conditional support for attachment 3. Thank you so much. Thank you. Speaker number five is Kim Luckabaugh. I understand Kelly Rollins is not here to be followed by Matt Borowski, and our last caller is a phone-in caller. So welcome, Kim. Thank you so much. It's an honor to be here with you all this evening, Chairman McKay, and members of the board.

[06:42:24] I appreciate the attention that you are giving to this critical and important issue. It's something that I've spoken with several of you about over the years, so thank you for bringing us to this point tonight. I'm also someone that cares so much about our business community, so I recognize the concerns that our massage therapists have regarding the ordinance proposal in front of you tonight.

[06:42:44] I was super excited to hear the speaker prior to the other one speak about landlord engagement programs, which is actually what I wanted to bring before you this evening. That is a strong, proven, effective opportunity to curb the presence of human trafficking in the illicit massage industry in this region.

[06:43:06] It also engages, it could engage your health department. As far as how you do engage the landlords, this is something that is, Their mortgages prohibit the illegal activity that is going on within their businesses, within their enterprises.

[06:43:23] So that is something that is at your fingertips and without even having to place controls upon others that could impact their business. That's something that you have at your fingertips that could relieve the burden on some of these other independent business owners and curtail human trafficking in our community.

[06:43:43] We know this is a big issue. we know that Fairfax County possesses approximately 30% of the illicit massage businesses in the entire Commonwealth of Virginia. In all of Northern Virginia, it is over one half, probably about 60% of the illicit massage industry is in Northern Virginia alone. In all of Virginia, there are approximately 550, probably closer to 600 of these establishments. So the fact that Fairfax County is so strongly represented is a very deeply concerning issue. And so I appreciate the efforts that you all are taking on this matter um i know that through previous

[06:44:21] opportunities to visit some of these establishments speaking to the women who work in them they are coerced they will tell you they are a legitimate entity because they are coerced to say so and that is such a strike against their human dignity when a gentleman comes up to them and says he's looking for something special at the end. And that is just degrading their humanity. And it strikes at the core of who we are created to be. So I appreciate the time and attention you are taking to this grievous issue before you tonight. So thank you for serving the community well. And I

[06:45:01] am praying for you as you make your decision on which proposal to enact. But thank you for taking a step in the right direction tonight. Thank you. Thank you very much, Kim. And I'm just going to verify since he's on the speaker's list. Speaker number six, Kelly Rollins, is not here. We will go to speaker number seven, Matthew Borowski. Welcome.

[06:45:21] Good evening. Thank you for the opportunity to speak. My name is Matthew Borowski. I'm an immigration attorney, and I am at 7005 Backlit Court in Springfield. As an immigration lawyer, I work with vulnerable communities of all types, which include people that have been human trafficked. And I can say with certainty that human trafficking occurs across the board in multiple different industries of all types. Personally, I've run into human trafficking in the restaurant industry, in the construction industry. I have never personally run across it

[06:45:57] in the massage therapy industry. I don't doubt that it exists, but I also think that this is a red herring issue. I'm not downplaying at all the significance of the human trafficking problem and the fact that it does need to be addressed. But I think that it is a red herring here.

[06:46:14] And personally, my view is that massage therapy is a health care proficient. And as the massage therapist testified to, this controlled entry idea is not a good one. They are vulnerable to robbery.

[06:46:31] They're vulnerable to violent crime if they are unable to control entry to their premises. I have a law office. I leave my door locked. I don't trust anyone to just walk in off the street. Oftentimes, these are small businesses, small owners.

[06:46:48] I actually have a family member who studied massage therapy, and he wouldn't be comfortable leaving the door unlocked while he's in a session. These concerns about, quote unquote, illicit massage. Well, you know what? The Code of Virginia has prohibitions on prostitution.

[06:47:07] The police agencies can enforce that law if they wish. I personally do not agree with those laws. I think that sex work should be legalized. But that is an entirely separate issue from the regulation of massage therapy businesses. The human traffickers and the prostitution will move to different locations.

[06:47:27] They'll move to hotels. They'll move to apartments, wherever the case may be. You're just shifting the problem and you're unduly burdening legitimate businesses. I personally suffer from back pain quite frequently, and I found a wonderful massage therapist, and there's two of them that work in an office suite inside a building.

[06:47:49] It actually happens to be in the city of Fairfax, so it wouldn't be affected by this ordinance. But, you know, that being said, I'm sure there are situations like this throughout the county. They wouldn't be able to modify the front entrance door of their office suite to make it visible inside the lobby.

[06:48:10] So they would have to ask for a variance. That's a burden. So I would ask the board to look at that language and consider the version that does not include the controlled entry provision. Does that mean my time's up? Yes, but you can tell them out.

[06:48:26] I just have one other thing. The ordinance is poorly written. It defines erogenous zone to include the areola and the nipples and requires that they be covered at all times. I'm a man. Never thought to cover my nipples. I would ask the board to look at that.

[06:48:44] Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate that. Our next speaker is speaker number eight, Alcinda Hatfield. Is she here? Yes, I'm here. Ah, you were on the phone. Welcome. The floor is yours.

[06:49:00] Thank you for the opportunity to speak. I encourage passage of this ordinance. As of February 14th of this year, Valentine's Day, I am a divorced woman. This is never what I had imagined for my life, my marriage, or my family.

[06:49:16] We often talk about the victims of human trafficking, but we rarely discuss the buyers or the families destroyed due to the excruciatingly painful reality of infidelity. Specifically, the illicit massage industry encourages and allows for individuals, men in particular, to go beyond the bounds of marriage and secretly commit various forms of infidelity.

[06:49:40] Cloaked in a deceptive veil of health services, this industry is like giving sugary sweets to a diabetic, knowing that those sweets are harmful, even deadly. Those with sex addiction are often targeted, further fueling the illicit massage industry.

[06:49:58] Members of this board and those listening who are wives, how would you feel if you discovered your husband engaged in sex acts at a massage salon? Members who are husbands, how do you think your wife would react if she found out you were spending marital money to purchase sexual services?

[06:50:15] Illicit massage businesses make it very easy for such reckless transactions to occur. Please consider that illicit massage businesses are harmful, not only to those who are often forced to work in such places, but also harmful to the soul, mind, and body of those who purchase sex and that they ultimately lead to the destruction of marriages and families.

[06:50:39] We are all vulnerable to the harms from illicit massage businesses because they operate on a model that is morally, socially, and legally in violation to the norms of a healthy functioning society. As such, please consider including a provision to prohibit controlled entry of all massage establishments as a means to maintaining higher standards of operation and accountability. As human beings made in the image of God, we all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Allowing illicit massage businesses to operate, grow, and thrive in our

[06:51:15] community is ultimately a death sentence to society at large. It is a rotting from within. By voting for this amendment, you are voting for the true health and well-being of individuals, marriages, and families in Fairfax County. Thank you. Thank you. Speaker number nine I have is Sophia Kadlubowski, to be followed by Rob Grimms. If I call your name, please be ready to testify.

[06:51:42] That is the end of the speakers that I have who have signed up. If anyone else is here wishing to testify on this matter, please come on down and sign in with the clerk. Welcome. Hello. I'd like to speak about what was, I believe, previously called 3-10, the sexually suggestive advertising.

[06:52:04] I share a space. I am a massage therapist in the Dranesville District. I am located at 1313 Dolly Madison Boulevard. It is an office building. I share my suite with a pelvic floor physical therapist. And physical therapists really, really love their medical charts. So there are lots of medical charting that contains genitalia because that is important for a physical therapist who works on the pelvic floor to be able to access. You may come into my suite and see a medical chart

[06:52:40] of genitalia. That has nothing to do with my practice and up until this point it was never going to be an issue because they are another medical field. The other problem with making sexually suggestive prohibited is that at some point that vague language is going to target legitimate allied health care professionals such as myself and especially ones displaying these evidence-based massage techniques with proper draping and any techniques that involve

[06:53:20] manual lymphatic drainage, especially after breast cancer. There's also a large risk of racial, cultural, sexual bias in enforcement. Who's doing the enforcing? Who gets to decide what sexually suggestive means? I'd like to remind you that I am also a human being, and patrons of sex work have the gift of self-control and free will. I have run out of fingers for the number of times that I have been mislabeled or in danger while I have been working with a client.

[06:54:00] Making it more difficult to distinguish sex work from massage therapy by prohibiting sexually suggestive images will immediately increase inappropriate inquiries and propositions towards myself and other therapists. I'd like to read part of an email that I've sent to two different massage students in the past six months, and this is very, very brief. This last part about becoming massage therapist is difficult, and I don't want to scare anyone out of the career. People still

[06:54:36] confuse our field with sex work, and you will get people who are terrible. Practice ending a session early with your friends. Practice telling your clients that their behavior was inappropriate, and they are not welcome back. It will make it easier when you have to do it for real. Thank you.

[06:54:55] Thank you very much. Speaker number 10 is Rob Grims. I'm reading this right. I think I am. Welcome. Thanks, sir. So I'm a county resident. I live near Oakton High School. Just going to share a few observations through my career and also what I'm now doing.

[06:55:19] So I was a detective sergeant for Montgomery County Police for 31 years, just over the bridge. I supervised for a large period of that time our robbery section, robbery homicide, and we would overlap with Fairfax County. I can tell you, in all that time, I never knew of any robberies of massage parlors.

[06:55:39] I now part-time teach at a local school nearby at the college level to law classes. When I retired, I actually got involved with Reset 180 with Esther Daniel. I'm the intelligence investigative officer. And in June, I was asked to assist with a survey nationwide where this group out of New York called The Network asked us to go into these businesses and try to make connections with the Mandarin-speaking list and massage businesses.

[06:56:07] We targeted eight IMBs in the area, all close, as a matter of fact, to Oakton High School. We went to four of the locations, and they were all within the same little area right there across the IHOP at Blake and Lee Highway.

[06:56:26] One of the places we went into, we actually had women go in, and when the women went in, they tried to get to the point where they could talk to someone, and a woman slammed a window down and yelled, get out, to the two women, and they had to retreat or they'd been hit by the window.

[06:56:42] So clearly to me, having a little better ability to try to have an open door would definitely help with accessibility. The last story is almost comical. We went to a place called, and this was on July 20th is when we went to this place for the first time.

[06:57:02] It was called Smooth Water, very close to the Fairfax County Courthouse, and it's in a 10-story high-rise at 10-530 Warwick Avenue. On four occasions over a four-month period, these two women would attempt to go into the business every time they were not allowed.

[06:57:21] It just so happened the two floors above them was another illicit IMB, again, part of our eight business survey. And we went there first, but we kept surveillance on that last, the place I just talked about. On the fourth time we were there, a gentleman actually goes into the business that we're watching and is admitted in, no problems at all, gets through the door, goes in, does whatever he's doing, comes out.

[06:57:47] They say, hey, there's a guy coming out. He's probably going to the one on the second floor where you guys are. Sure enough, he comes up the elevator, second floor, goes right in where we actually had two women that were let in talking to these, what I call victims of exploitation. And the last part I'll say is we then, after he went in to that second business, goes back down. We go then to try to get into that business on the bottom level. And we are again, denied entry, even though the man was able to go in, but the women were never allowed in to that first floor. Thank you for your time. Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. And let me verify that there's nobody else here

[06:58:24] present who would like to testify on this matter. This is a public hearing. Let me ask if we have any additional callers. No callers. No additional callers. Closing comments and a recommendation from county staff. Staff would recommend adoption of version three of the code and repeal of existing 28.1. Thank you very much for that. Questions from board members. Supervisor Smith. Thank you.

[06:58:53] The issue of the sexually suggestive came up, and medical posters were referenced. Could you give some insight into Section 28.2-3-10, advertising prohibitions?

[06:59:11] Yes, this is John Burton again from the county attorney's office. We modeled that provision on other ordinances that have survived court challenges for that very reason, for being overbroad and vague, and they survived. The court will read that paragraph as a whole, and it's clear that our intent is sexually suggestive advertising for services that may not be legally provided at the establishment.

[06:59:34] It's not about medical charts or anything like that. And that's, again, we modeled it on something that has survived challenges for that very reason. Thank you. Other questions from board members, Supervisor Herity, and then Supervisor Palchik.

[06:59:49] No. Just to be safe, could that person with the medical posters apply for a variance for those posters? Is that something that's variance-able? Not that we would want that to happen, but out of an abundance of caution.

[07:00:06] I will say anyone is allowed to apply to a variance on any section in the code. What we would probably observe if we received that variance is that we would not consider that advertising, and so we would not burden the person by going through the variance process. we would clarify for them that what we are talking about is advertising material.

[07:00:25] Thank you. I appreciate that answer very much. Supervisor Pouchik. Thank you. Going back to the question, I think the main difference between the three versions that we're considering is the locked entry. And because, again, I want to make sure that we are keeping everyone safe, including clients of legitimate businesses.

[07:00:47] I'm trying to do a little bit of my own research of the surrounding jurisdiction, including the cities and all the NOVA ones. Do you have a sense of which ones of those include the locked entry provisions that we're looking at? The only Virginia jurisdiction I know of is the city of Winchester.

[07:01:07] It's the only one in all Virginia. I admit I have not looked at every single massage code across the Commonwealth, though. But I do know that there is one example in Virginia. And there are several examples elsewhere in the country. But as far as Virginia, because that's the only one I can confidently say now.

[07:01:23] I specifically looked up Falls Ridge City because I believe they have one of the oldest ones, but I did not see it there. So you haven't seen it anywhere else. Excuse me, what was the jurisdiction? Falls Ridge City. I don't think so, no. Okay, thank you. Okay, further questions from board members, Supervisor Stork.

[07:01:40] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Maybe I'm unique up here. I've actually been involved with running health care businesses for 30 years, and their group practices, so they don't really have some of the same issues that are being raised here. But a key part of that has been massage therapy and a therapy that's frankly essential to lots of folks in their health care.

[07:02:04] I know for me it's been a key part of how I stay fit and hopefully address some of the health care needs I have. I just want to get an idea of whether or not this is an issue for licensed massage therapists or this is an issue for unlicensed massage therapists?

[07:02:20] I know that the core issue is illicit massage. I don't think anybody here, I don't hear anybody supporting that. But is this truly a licensing issue versus a non-licensing issue? And then is that a way of approaching this or looking at this or addressing this differently?

[07:02:39] Supervisor Stroke, I will answer the question to the best of my ability. I will admit that today the health department does not regulate the entire industry. So I am relying to some extent on conversations that we have had locally. I would say that it is likely that there is a mix of sex work going on under the guise of massage in establishments where individuals are licensed and maybe today permitted locally and establishments where there are individuals that have no formal engagement with the government regulatory process.

[07:03:13] I believe that our thinking, having had many conversations, is that the focus of regulation really should be on the business entity. And hence our suggestion to do away with local permitting of massage therapists and to lean into the licensing requirements at a state level for those therapists.

[07:03:37] We believe that the illicit business models that exist are not necessarily driven by individual therapists, but are driven by business owners with the intent of exploiting a demand and an interest in the community for these services.

[07:03:53] And so the interest in bringing this into the department would be in trying to firm up regulation at the business entity level. And I do believe that there is an openness to some of the ideas that certain members of the public brought forward today.

[07:04:11] They're outside of the regulatory portfolio as well. You know, landlord engagement and those kinds of things are things that we can entertain. And so I don't know if I am entirely answering your question. I'm trying to give you some insight into our thinking. But I do not believe that additional permitting and tighter regulation of individual therapists is the answer to the problem that we're talking about.

[07:04:33] it is a state license or is it we know it's a state license process and the state may or may not be very diligent about enforcing or reviewing that do we have any sense of the number of complaints and I mean we heard earlier I don't know if this is something that our staff believes is true or not but the number the percentage of incidents are in Fairfax County 50% of the Northern Virginia area, and that Northern Virginia represents 30% of the state illicit massage issues.

[07:05:08] Any sense of if those numbers have any bearing in what you have heard or anybody else represents? And so do we know if any sense of is that a licensing issue or a licensing enforcement issue? That's kind of where I'm trying to go with this, because from my perspective, again, I've worked with massage therapists for 30-plus years, and they're very, very careful about who their, frankly, their clients are.

[07:05:34] And we use the word client, not patient. There's a lot of reasons for that, not our medical reasons. And they're very careful about that because obviously they can become victims, unintentional victims of this process. And so I just want to try to get a sense of whether or not we know it is widespread among licensed therapists.

[07:05:55] And then the issue becomes, is it really about unlicensed therapists and people that are offering, quote-unquote, massage therapy services in an unlicensed venue and staff? Yeah, but my answer is not going to be very satisfying to you.

[07:06:10] I do not think we know. At least the information that I have would not help me answer that question. And do we have any other staff that have any other data or any other thing that support that issue one way or the other? Tom Harrell, Deputy County Executive.

[07:06:27] I don't have specific data, I think, and I don't know that it's not anecdotal either. I mean, the police department has obviously taken great effort over the course of probably the last 18 months to engage and partner with Cable Consumer Services as well as the fire department to go out and conduct enforcement operations based off locations that we're able to utilize a crime analyst to try and determine through various open source materials where we suspect that illicit activities are occurring, both at licensed and unlicensed businesses.

[07:06:54] And, of course, there have been dozens of potential targets that we believe where illicit activity is occurring. And through the enforcement inspection operations conducted by the police department, they routinely would come across therapists and establishments that were unlicensed. And that's by far been the biggest opportunity we've been able to utilize to be able to get a summons through the court proceedings and be able to take action and some of the great work that Cable Consumer has done throughout this transition.

[07:07:21] So I certainly think I can't verify the data that was provided cited by the speakers. We certainly think that there are many locations out there where this does occur. And by far, I think the most important toll that we have had to be able to stem some of this has been through the summons for the unlicensed business or therapist.

[07:07:44] And I think that gaining access to these locations is what has been the biggest challenge. As the police department goes out and what we find are locked locations with cameras, they have got covers up over the windows. And so those locations, by virtue of right of entry, the police department can't just go in.

[07:08:03] And I think that's where, certainly from a law enforcement standpoint and the enforcement operations, the ability to enter these locations is vitally important for us to be able to really make it worth the police department's time to go out and continue enforcement. I absolutely understand the challenges.

[07:08:18] and frankly, I want to do everything I can to end those practices because they do misrepresent, I think, what is an incredible health care benefit for most of us. The last point I question is that the definition, obviously self-proprietary that was asked earlier, and single employee operations, again, as a business owner, you can have 1099, quote-unquote, staff members, associates, not employees,

[07:08:48] And are these strictly, you can have a 1099 small business that could be part and actually rent space within a larger office that may be open many, many hours, but of which that massage therapist is only there a certain part, which, again, my business, that's the reality is that they're only there a few hours a day and other practices, other health care procedures are provided.

[07:09:12] So it's an unlocked facility, but in this case, you may have a smaller practice with just two or three people running space in an office that they may not be there the whole time. So you still end up with an individual who may be there by themselves, even if it is, you know, they are a single practitioner.

[07:09:30] That would qualify as an ability to get a variance. But if there's other people in that facility, does that mean that they wouldn't be able to get that variance? That's kind of a long question, but I'm trying to get to what the… And some of the nub is the core of this is, I think, particularly for massage therapists.

[07:09:48] Yeah, and I think we had a similar question earlier. My answer may not have been clear, and so that may be why you're asking again, sir. I believe it is going to depend on the circumstances of the facility. And so we will need to have a conversation with that business owner. We will need to take a look at what the entry looks like.

[07:10:05] We will need to take a look at whether they're embedded within an existing facility, whether they have their own entry. The intent of the code is to focus on safety. So the idea is that if there's a single individual occupying a space that could create the conditions for them to be unsafe, we would exempt them from it.

[07:10:23] So the intent remains. It's going to depend on the conditions. Okay. Thank you. And I strongly support the effort to go after and work with landlord, have a landlord engagement program. I think that's the core issue, frankly. And working with those could, I think, address a lot of this issue.

[07:10:40] So thank you very much. So let me, because we're on that point, and you answered this question earlier, but I want to get clarity on it again. The variance process, what is the time expectation that a business establishment would have for getting a variance approved?

[07:10:57] And I know some of that may be case by case, but what is your perspective on how long it would take to get that approved? We think two to four weeks. It will depend on the individual case, but that is what our aim would be. Okay. And the fee, what would be the fee structure for that?

[07:11:15] I know what is being proposed in terms of through January 1 of 2026, but after that, what is the financial burden we might be placing on someone who's coming forward to get a variance? There is no fee associated with the variance process. Okay. I just wanted to make that clear because I think that's an important part of this, and I wanted to get that on the record because I do believe there's going to be a lot of legitimate cases of individuals who will want to get a variance approved.

[07:11:43] And we want to make that as simple and as easy as possible, not skipping any steps, but making sure that that's not a too intrusive a challenge for many of these small individual sole proprietors or very small businesses. I had a number of people who wanted to be recognized.

[07:11:59] We'll try to do this quickly. Supervisor Herity to be followed by Supervisor Palczyk and Vice Chair Smith. And I'm going to stay on that same line that you were on, Mr. Chairman. And that is the only ones that have to get the variants are the ones that don't fall into the exception. If you move to adopt version 3, that is correct.

[07:12:17] Okay. So then I guess if we adopt 2, I'm sorry, if we adopt 1, then everybody has to. Do we have a feel, and this might not be a fair question, but certainly when I start, do you have a feel, how many people are going to need a variance or how many are sold?

[07:12:38] How many, is this a big part of our licensed massage businesses, or do most of them work in a, you know, a massage envy, for lack of a better chain to pick on? It's a fair question.

[07:12:54] I do not have the answer. We have spoken about this with the Department of Cable and Consumer Services, and the way we collect data today just doesn't allow us to ascertain that. We'll have a much better idea after we've gone through the first year. That's something we will pay close attention to. I'm sorry that we just don't have that information.

[07:13:09] And I think that's something we need to look at, maybe even revisit this in a year or 15 months after we've been through this, if we get to option three. That's absolutely something that we can pay attention to for the first year, and we're happy to report back to the board on that. Okay, I appreciate that.

[07:13:25] Thank you. Supervisor Pouchik. Thank you. First of all, thank you all for your work on this, especially Jess. you know, this is my one question. I think it's been asked a little bit is, right, my assumption, but you won't have the answer, is, you know, how many of these are women-owned businesses? How many are they going to be sole or just women? I know my old massage shoppers would only massage women, right? And so when we talk about the safety, right, I also want to make sure that we're focused on the safety on these small businesses, right, and the women working there, the patients going there. So

[07:14:04] I think that's where many of us have, you know, some pause. You know, I think we're in agreement on a lot of this. But this year where we have a gap of information, right, a gap right now currently of having health department oversight and massage therapy establishment oversight is where I'm, you know, I think there's some concern. Absolutely, I would say I think we should review whatever we end up passing in a year when we have more data and understand where we are and also agree that land order and I would say realtor engagement

[07:14:44] of those realtors who often are working with these small landlords or larger ones just to clarify though as I look at this for me but also for the public currently do we have permitting for entire massage establishments yes the existing code requires permits for both massage therapists to practice locally and for massage establishments our recommendation under the proposed ordinance would be to do away with permitting for local massage therapists

[07:15:22] but retain the need to permit establishments and what is the major change that you're proposing from an existing one beyond getting rid of the local sorry the single massage therapist requirement major changes overall throughout the ordinance so in addition to those those provisions that would change it to eliminate the local massage therapist permits we have looked at some wholesale structural changes to the ordinance and so we are changing the way that the appeals, denials, revocations process happens.

[07:15:58] We're making that consistent with the way that the health department does those processes in other codes. We have also introduced a number of prohibitions. We spoke about those. In addition to the sexually suggestive advertising, there are prohibitions on employee use of alcohol and drugs.

[07:16:16] There are also prohibitions on sleeping quarters within the establishments. Currently, the regulatory authority is split between the Department of Cable and Consumer Services and the Health Department, so we're shifting full regulatory authority to the Health Department. We are introducing plan review, which is something that has not existed historically.

[07:16:33] That is for new facilities and facilities that will go through renovation that allows us to look from a health and sanitation perspective at the layout of the facility that somebody is having permitted. We're introducing a variance process, which does not exist locally, and we're updating several health and sanitation standards.

[07:16:49] So I don't know if I got everything. Thank you. I was going to ask one by one, but it was easier for you to summarize those. I guess my main question is, I know we heard earlier, whatever we decide, there's not a big difference between the three. A lot of that is a change, but they're all, I believe, going in a step in the right direction.

[07:17:05] So it is, you feel, and I think we feel, under the health department, and many of this will be a move in that direction. I think we're mostly stuck on the entry, the locked versus non-locked entry. Is that correct? That is correct.

[07:17:20] The ordinances are identical, all three, with the exception of the prohibition on controlled entry and locked doors. Thank you. I think it's just helpful to restate that. Yep, no problem. Supervisor Smith. So, Jess, this might be another one you don't have an answer to, but it's a concern.

[07:17:37] So when we vote, this would take effect November 19th. The new permitting year starts January 1st. And so you've got a short time frame to go through this variance process, if you have it.

[07:17:56] Do you have any expectation? I mean, we don't sit here and we want somebody not to be able to be open because they're waiting for a variance. How are you going to address that issue, if you can answer that? We are going to grant a lot of grace in the first year to both ourselves and the establishments that we are trying to permit.

[07:18:13] Our aim is to try to get folks through the administrative processes. For the establishments that are already existing and permitted with the Department of Cable and Consumer Services, I see Rebecca out of the corner of my eye, so I'm going to point to her. You know, her staff have been extremely helpful in working through this.

[07:18:28] We have the information that we need on the existing businesses. If you adopt this ordinance, staff are ready to turn around, you know, at the latter part of this week into next week and begin contacting those individuals and helping them come into the administrative process that would be needed to get them through both permitting processes and variance processes as needed by January 1st.

[07:18:49] We are not going to move into an aggressive regulatory stance immediately on January 1st. We have internally talked operationally. We hope to have everybody kind of where they need to be through the first quarter of next year. We recognize that this is a transition, and it's not a transition that we're going to try to use in a punitive way for anyone.

[07:19:09] Thank you. Okay. Any other questions at this time? Okay. Seeing and hearing none, I am now going to close the public hearing and recognize Vice Chair Smith for a motion. So you know that in my job as Land Use Policy Chair, I call each of you individually, and I typically have the true picture of where we need to go. This has been the most difficult thing I have done with this board. So I am going to pick a number. It might not be my favorite number, but I'm going to pick a number and do this motion, and then I'm sure we'll have

[07:19:47] a discussion. I move that the Board adopt the ordinance amending the Fairfax County Code set forth in Attachment 3 to the Board agenda item for this public hearing with the following changes. First, Section 28.2-2-7b is changed to read. B, the permit holder must ensure that all employees complete any training specific to their job function, which has been mandated due to, one, a community health event, or two, compliance issues arising from a complaint or inspection, or three, an emergent issue that may impact establishment, therapist, and or client health

[07:20:27] and safety. Second, Section 28.2-3-1, C, is changed to read, every massage establishment shall display without obstruction in a conspicuous place and supplied and designed by the department notice stickers that inform the public that the massage establishment is subject to inspection by the department. Such notice stickers shall be displayed at or near each public entrance.

[07:20:55] I further move that the board directs staff to report back in 18 months with data about the effect of these amendments. Second. There's a lot of us seconding. I'm not even going to call out everyone who seconded that, but that was multiply seconded. Discussion on the motion, Supervisor Smith. I really have to thank Jess and her department and John and Tom and Peter. This has really been a wonderful process to listen to concerns, to make changes. I can't thank staff enough for all the work they've done. I think it's great that the massage industry

[07:21:32] has come to us. I personally, it's very hard when you try to do an ordinance based on the illicit, the bad players, because there are so many businesses that are doing things the right way, and we don't want to put them through more hoops. So as much as my preference was probably to do two, I'm willing to say let's do three right now, but I do want to find out the effect of this as we move forward, right? Because there's a lot of businesses doing the right thing. So thank you.

[07:22:07] Thank you very much, Supervisor Smith. And I couldn't agree more with what you just said. And I'm happy we're at three, because I think it's the right place to be. I'm happy with the flexibility that staff has offered, and the explanations on the variance process, and the ability to work with these individuals in a non-punitive way. But I do think, and I don't want it lost on anyone. That regardless of the number, and I think there's validity behind some of the numbers that we've heard that are extraordinary, I think we all can agree that the vast majority of these establishments are operating ethically and properly. And the last

[07:22:45] thing we want to do is cause people that are providing and needed community service to go through and jump through a lot of hoops that are unnecessary. And so I think the balance that we've reached here is the right balance and respecting those businesses, not putting everyone in the same place and saying, you know, that this is a -- as some of the speakers have said, an unfortunate stigma attached somehow to a profession that's medically necessary and important.

[07:23:14] And that being said, we need to deal with the issue that is at hand here, which is that there is sex trafficking occurring at some of these. We know that. We know that from our own intel. We know that from our own police department. And anything we can do to help deal with that is a major step in the right direction.

[07:23:32] And because this is a change not unprecedented compared to some other jurisdictions who have tackled this, but unprecedented by Fairfax County standards, as was mentioned, I do think this is the type of thing that has to be monitored. We're going to need data. We're going to need to understand if we have resources that are struggling to keep up with this, Because the last thing I want to do is cause a backlog that causes legitimate businesses doing the right thing in our community to have to go through a laborious, long process and be stuck in a cycle of bureaucratic applications and variances.

[07:24:09] And I know that's not what's going to happen because the people here do amazing work, but we need to make sure of that. And we need to make sure if we're running into that challenge that the board is made aware of that so that we can help with the resources necessary to deal with this. But I think this has striked the right balance.

[07:24:26] I appreciate all the work that Supervisor Smith has done on this because it has been significant. You know, a lot of times people, they get a quote in the paper or they are out there out front doing interviews. And in the background, somebody is doing a whole lot of work. And that has been Supervisor Smith on this issue.

[07:24:44] And so I want to respect that and respect the work that she's done and look forward to voting for this. Other discussion, I'm just going to go down this way, and we're going to try to get through this quickly. We've still got a lot of public hearings to go. Supervisor Pouching. That will be very brief. Again, thank you. And I very much appreciate both the fact that this is being looked at not as a punitive way, not as an impact.

[07:25:05] But having spent the past almost year trying to use the enforcement arm in a non-legitimate business with a very elderly landlord, I appreciate and hope that this gives us the enforcement arm we need, but that at the same time brings it under the health department, the auspices of health and public health, but also the ability to continue to monitor, to have that open door, I expect, for all of our massage therapists as they go through this process.

[07:25:36] So very much, again, appreciate your work and Vice Chair Smith's work on this. Supervisor Alcorn. Thank you. A question for Supervisor Smith. Will there be a follow-on motion? That was there. Okay, that was there.

[07:25:51] So I guess one thing that was not part of the follow-on motion, but I would hope we would somehow explore there seemed to be consensus around landlord engagement so hopefully we can see something come back to the board on that that would be great and the other thing and this is just if we go with option three I would call on all legitimate massage therapists if you get into this process and you have problems call your supervisor call your supervisor because frankly it's going to be up to us. You know, if you're basically restricted from doing the

[07:26:31] legitimate business, the important business that you do for our community, we need to know. Thank you. Supervisor Stort. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I think Supervisor Alcorn just said really what I was going to say, and I would echo and ditto that. But the other thing I would say is I hope if nothing else comes out of this, people recognize the power of massage and health. And And we all, I recognize, and anybody who does any kind of hard activity recognizes the value and benefit of that.

[07:27:00] And so hopefully some of our massage therapists can get some kind of a positive bounce out of this because it does make a huge difference in your own health care. And, again, my great appreciation and thanks to the vast majority of massage therapists out there that make a difference in people's lives.

[07:27:17] So thank you. Supervisor Herity. Yeah, and I'm going to try to be brief. I mean, to go to your point, one of the more poignant moments of this, I've met with a lot of the massage therapists. I've got a sister who's a physical therapist, and we heard it tonight from one of our speakers, the impact of the illicit business on them where they get clients coming in expecting something that they're not delivering.

[07:27:42] And that's been one of the more unfortunate things that I've uncovered during this process, Because if I had thought about it, I might have known it, but it's a shame because they do great stuff. I used to be a rugby player.

[07:27:58] I'm an ice hockey player now, and I need my share of physical therapy. Anyway, it's been a long process since the board matter with Supervisor Lusk and Supervisor Alcorn. We stated a goal then that strengthening the ordinance, increasing enforcement of other county policies and requirements, present an opportunity to close the loopholes that IMBs are taking advantage of while making sure we don't put an unnecessary burden on the many legitimate massage businesses that also operate in Fairfax County.

[07:28:29] And Jess, you've done an absolute, and Tom and the whole team have done an absolute incredible job of threading that needle, in my opinion. And it's a tough needle to thread. So I appreciate all the massage therapists that have come out, The nonprofits that have come out to talk about IMBs and the danger in your willingness, and I've met with a ton of them.

[07:28:53] I know the board's met with a ton of them, but you did a great job pulling this through and getting us something that works, and we'll check on it in 18 months. I think that is an absolute critical piece of that. Passage of this ordinance is long overdue, and it's an important next step in addressing the horrors of human trafficking and ending the existence of the illicit massage businesses we currently have operating here in Fairfax County.

[07:29:20] So, again, thank you, staff. Thank you to the speakers and my colleagues for getting this through. Any other discussion? Okay. Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed?

[07:29:36] Any abstentions? And that motion carries 9 to 0. Thank you all very much, and again, thank you to our incredible staff. This has been a journey, not just an assignment, but a journey, and we appreciate that. Our next is not a public hearing.

[07:29:55] It's decision only on the contraction of Ehlers Overlook HOA to remove refuse and vacuum leaf collection services. And again, we already held a public hearing on this. We already had a staff presentation. So at this time, I'm going to turn to Supervisor Paucic for a motion.

[07:30:13] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It's been such a long day and evening that I will try to be very brief. For those who may recall our public hearing, the concern here is a community, one, Unified Sanitary portion of the Ehlers Overlook HOA, which is part of the Unified Sanitary District established in 1968.

[07:30:34] And this specific HOA created in 2022, Ehlers-Overlook, over the last three years, the Ehlers-Overlook HOA, which has, I believe, 16 properties, had paid for private trash service while unbeknownst to them also being charged by the county for uncompleted services.

[07:30:54] While the HOA was paying for private services, the Department of Tax Administration automatically charged the new homes for county services, which appeared on their twice-annual real estate taxes, and it was in June of 18th of this year when a committee member realized this was happening, created the petition for removal.

[07:31:16] All 15 property owners were in favor. One was non-responsive of the 16 properties, and because the USDs and their goal is to lower emissions, reduce traffic congestion, expedite services, and have been following the county's policy, it was recommended for denial.

[07:31:40] However, we've had many conversations. We know that our departments are working, and I expect we'll continue to make improvements to their processes, so we do not come across this type of situation in the future. And that's what this really highlighted, was the need for our public works department to review and hopefully update some of the sanitary district processes at minimum to make it more clear in their communications how that works, especially the petition process and what that involves.

[07:32:14] So I'll do all that to say my vote today is not against our solid waste program. We have an incredible program. I love being a member, a resident of that program. It really is to ensure the fairness, efficiency, and listening to our residents, especially when we have very unique cases like this one, where it's a new community that was built in an established USD and just lack of communication and looking at how our agencies manage that.

[07:32:46] So to that, I will now read the motion, and this is only for Ehlers Overlook HOA. The first two were approved in the last meeting where we discussed this.

[07:33:04] And this is, my motion is for Ehlers Overlook HOA Sanitary District. I move to reject the county executive's recommendation to deny the proposed petition and instead that the board contract the Ehlers Overlook HOA Sanitary District for removal of refuse recycling and vacuum leaf collection services in the Providence District.

[07:33:29] And the chair will second that motion. I believe any additional discussion, it was very well covered. I think this is a one-off. But I do, as I reflect back on the public hearing, it is a concern of mine.

[07:33:45] The notification piece continues to be a concern of mine, and I hope we get better on that. Any further discussion? Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions?

[07:34:01] And that motion carries. Supervisor Lusk being absent. Thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Palczyk. And our next public hearing is a public hearing on the acquisition of certain land rights necessary for the construction of Columbia Pike Complete Streets, Phase 1, Grant 1400159-2021 in the Mason District.

[07:34:24] And as soon as they are ready, we would welcome a staff presentation.

[07:34:53] Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the board.

[07:35:56] My name is Scott Heritor, Senior Right-of-Way Agent in the Land Acquisition Division of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services. i'll be presenting today this project is located in annandale central business and community revitalization overlay district the purpose of this project is to improve the pedestrian safety and access along the corridor the county is planning to construct approximately 600

[07:36:33] linear feet of new sidewalk along the south side of columbia pike between backlick road and tom Davis Drive. The new sidewalk will enhance pedestrian accessibility and safety, providing a seamless connection to existing pathways in the area. The project also includes driveway modifications to improve connections with the new sidewalk and a new pedestrian crossing at Columbia Pike and Tom Davis Drive. This is the proposed pedestrian crossing at Columbia

[07:37:09] Pike and Tom Davis Drive. As shown in this image, connecting sidewalk is needed. Connecting sidewalk is needed here as well. Here is another location where connecting sidewalk is needed.

[07:37:31] Land rights for these improvements are required on six parcels, five of which have already been acquired by the Land Acquisition Division. We are in contact with an attorney representing the remaining property owners that have thus far been unable to come to an agreement. We will continue to reach out and negotiate. However, to keep this project on schedule, it is necessary for the board to utilize quick-take eminent domain powers.

[07:38:03] 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. Thank you. Staff is here to answer any questions you may have. Thank you very much. Are there any questions of staff?

[07:38:21] Not seeing any at this point. This is a public hearing. I have no speakers who have signed up in advance to testify on this matter. Is there anyone present who would like to speak on this subject? This is a public hearing. Anyone who would like to testify on this matter? Seeing and hearing no one, let me ask if we have any callers.

[07:38:39] No one has called in. Staff has already provided their recommendation that we move forward. Questions from board members? Seeing any questions from board members, I will now close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Jimenez for a motion.

[07:38:55] Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to staff. Many of you can see sometimes a picture tells the whole story, And I think those pictures really tell a story of what's needed here. So thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the Board of Supervisors approve the acquisition of certain land rights necessary for the construction of the Columbia Pike Complete Streets Phase I, a.k.a. Columbia Pike Streetscapes Phase I project in accordance with the resolution included in the board package as Amendment B.

[07:39:23] I'm happy to second that, along with Supervisor Lusk. Discussion on the motion? let me just say i had a reason to walk this uh just the other day and it not only is this a necessary project but the properties that are in the public interest around this everything from aka to a fire station to a lot of pedestrian activity in this corridor is is absolutely a public safety issue and it is absolutely in the public interest to move forward hopefully we can get agreement with the property owners and and this will induce that to occur uh with that

[07:40:03] all those in favor of the motion please say aye aye any opposed any abstentions and that motion carries uh supervisor herity being out of the room thank you very much thank you our next public hearings public hearing on a proposed zoning ordinance amendment regarding planned residential Community PRC Plan Exceptions and Minor Modifications.

[07:40:25] And as soon as staff is ready, we would welcome a staff presentation. Thank you, William Mayland, Department of Planning and Zoning.

[07:40:46] I'm joined today with Kathy Belden, Zoning Evaluation Division, Leslie Johnson, the Zoning Administrator, and Laura Gore from the County Attorney's Office. With the readoption of the Zoning Ordinance in 2023, the Board directed staff to review the exceptions for when a PRC plan is required and consider expanding or further clarifying the types of minor revisions that would not require a PRC plan, particularly as it relates to open space and community recreation facilities. Staff's proposal is to revise

[07:41:22] the PRC plan exceptions to establish a new exception to community recreation uses and common open space. The proposal will permit one new structure up to 2,500 square feet and a one-time addition to an existing structure up to 2,500 square feet. There are options for consideration of the board, but the 2,500 square feet is based on one, what could be approved, and another district administratively.

[07:41:46] Other changes include requiring additions or changes to multifamily and non-residential uses to use the minor modification provisions in the zoning that's consistent with other districts. The amendment proposes a new fee for HOA when requested a minor modification and lowers the PRC plan fee for community recreation uses in open space, and that fee would be consistent with a fee for community centers and community swim clubs.

[07:42:11] Now, this particular PRC plan fee would only be applicable if it did not meet the exceptions we just talked about. Finally, staff is proposing to add a new minor modification provision to request minor changes to recreation facilities to allow replacement of active recreation facilities with those of similar opportunities and impacts.

[07:42:34] That proposed modification would be countywide. Thank you. Thank you very much. Are there any questions of staff? Any questions of staff? Seeing and hearing none. This is a public hearing. I have no speakers who have signed up in advance to testify on this matter. Is there anyone present who would like to speak on this subject? This is a public hearing. Anyone present who would like to testify? Seeing and hearing none. Let me ask if we have any callers. No callers. No callers. Any closing comments or recommendation from staff?

[07:43:05] Yes. On October 22nd, the Planned Purchasing Anniversary Recommended Approval. Staff concurs. Thank you. Thank you very much. Last check, questions from board members. Supervisor Alcorn? Well, just a quick comment. Just want to thank staff. This took a little while, but thank you very much.

[07:43:26] Bill especially just did amazing work. Thank you. Thank you very much. If there's no further questions from board members, I will now close the public hearing and recognize Vice Chair Smith for a motion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the Board of Supervisors adopt the proposed zoning ordinance amendment for PRC plan exceptions and minor modifications, that the staff recommended options is set forth in the staff report dated September 9, 2025, and that the amendment become effective at 12.01 a.m. on November 19, 2025.

[07:43:55] I'm happy to second that, along with 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. And thank you very much to staff. And with that, we are going to move on to our next public hearing, which is a public hearing on a proposed plan amendment 2023-I-3J Prosperity Business Campus and Land Unit D, part of the Merrifield Suburban Center in the

[07:44:31] Providence District. And at this time, I would recognize county staff for a staff presentation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and good evening members of the board.

[07:44:48] I'm Steve Waller with the county's Department of Planning and Development, and I'm joined by Graham Owen, who's also with DPD, and Tom Burke, representing the Department of Transportation for Prosperity Business Campus Plan Amendment. The 41-acre site of Prosperity Business Campus, which is outlined in red, is a commercial complex developed between 1980 and 1985.

[07:45:10] There are 13 parcels within the subject site that comprise the largest portion of Land Unit D in the Merrifield Suburban Center. Low and mid-rise buildings of the business campus contain 1.5 million square feet of gross floor area serving a variety of office and industrial flex uses.

[07:45:27] A 5.5-acre tract is preserved as private open space in the Long Branch Stream Valley on the western edge of the site, and it provides a vegetative buffer between the subject site and suburban neighborhoods with single-family detached townhomes to the west.

[07:45:47] At the baseline, the adopted plan recommends the subject site for office and industrial uses at currently developed intensities with private open space along its western edge. Subunit D2 is comprised of the only four parcels that currently have two alternative plan options for redevelopment with a mix of office and retail uses or as residential mixed uses within the business campus.

[07:46:12] On April 11th of 2023, the Board of Supervisors authorized the evaluation of a site-specific plan amendment for redevelopment of the remaining sites in subunit D1 as residential mixed uses up to 1.35 FAR.

[07:46:29] The nominator submitted illustrative concepts showing two scenarios in which the subject site could be consolidated and redeveloped under the proposed plan amendment. In both scenarios, most of the dwelling units would be in mid-rise multifamily buildings with ground floor activated commercial service and amenity uses.

[07:46:49] Traditional townhomes, stacked townhomes, and or triplex units would make up the balance of the site. The Merrifield Suburban Center land use concept recommends that development be established at the highest intensities within two mixed-use core areas of the Dunloring-Merrifield Transit Station area and the Mosaic District Town Center.

[07:47:12] The subject site is just west of the transit station area, and it's split between three zones of the adjacent to core areas, non-core areas, and the suburban center edges, which are planned to be maintained as a buffer between Merrifield and the adjacent suburban neighborhoods.

[07:47:31] Staff's evaluation prioritized the consideration of area-wide recommendations, which touch on a range of topics. Staff finds that the revitalization of this aging business complex has the potential to establish greater compatibility with lower density residential uses outside of the suburban center, while also supporting the goals for the Merrifield Suburban Center to transform as a pedestrian-friendly mixed-use activity center.

[07:47:58] This concludes the presentation, and staff is available to answer any questions. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much. Are there any questions of staff at this time? Seeing and hearing none, I understand Bob Brandt of Walsh Colucci is here, agent for the nominator, and is welcome to provide brief remarks.

[07:48:15] Yes, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, members of the board. Bob Brandt with the law firm of Walsh Colucci here this evening on behalf of the nominators, which is a partnership, a collaboration between the property owner, Link Logistics, and also EYA. I want to start first by thanking staff, Mr. Waller, Mr. Owen, everybody at DPD, FCDOT, everybody who's been working with us over the last couple of years on this plan amendment.

[07:48:37] It's been a very collaborative and iterative process, and I think the product has only gotten better as we've gone through that. So thanks and kudos to everybody at the county who has touched this plan amendment. I'm going to dispense with a full-blown presentation and instead just focus on highlighting some of the things that we've already worked through in the context of this SSPA.

[07:48:57] First and foremost, I think this plan amendment represents a unique opportunity not only to replan and comprehensively look at 41 acres on the western edge of the Merrifield Suburban Center, but also to set the tone for future redevelopment in Merrifield. With this SSPA, we've talked extensively about the importance of vehicular and pedestrian connections, not only within the 41 acres but also extending out to properties to the east of us and properties to the south of us as this area transitions from what it is today a commercial light industrial park it's going to

[07:49:34] be important for the new street grid to reflect the new residential use and that's something that i think eya does just about as good as anybody else we've talked a lot about transitions this area is currently industrial there are existing industrial uses to the east that will remain probably for the foreseeable future, and so we've talked about and worked with staff through a site design and an orientation of the uses on the site that facilitates a transition between those existing industrial uses and the higher intensity near the metro station at the east of us and to the single-family attached residential homes to the west. We've talked about the provision of

[07:50:11] parks, open space, including a very significant centrally located open space that we're very excited to be bringing forward here in Merrifield because parks and open space is something that frankly is lacking today in the suburban center and then finally we've talked about preserving the environmentally sensitive areas along the western edge of the site the long branch stream valley trail and so there's been a lot of work done already there's frankly a lot more work yet to be done we're very excited that our rezoning application was just recently accepted and we're We're very much looking forward to rolling up our sleeves, working with staff on the details as we go through the rezoning process.

[07:50:51] We've already done some extensive community outreach meeting with the adjacent single-family attached homes on the west side. We've had a number of meetings with the board of directors for the Dunloring Village HOA. We actually had a meeting on site with their president just a couple of weeks ago, and so we'll certainly be working with them moving forward.

[07:51:10] We've presented this proposal to the Greater Merrifield Business Association, which I think is very enthusiastic about this moving forward. So, again, there's been a lot of work done already. I'm very pleased to have the support of staff, recommendation of approval from the Planning Commission, and hopefully from the Board of Supervisors today.

[07:51:27] So, with that, I'll pause here and happy to answer any questions that the Board has. Thank you very much. Are there any questions of the nominator? Seeing and hearing none, this is a public hearing, and I have no speakers who have signed up in advance to testify in this matter. Is there anyone here present who would like to testify? Oh, I do. Oh, you're right. I do. I have Carolyn Lynch, speaker number one. This must be Carolyn Lynch. All right. Sorry about that. I do have a speaker. Welcome, Carolyn Lynch.

[07:52:03] Okay. I'm Carolyn Lynch. I'm here today with my husband, Joseph Lynch. We live at 8701 Hilltop Road, Vienna, Virginia, adjacent to the proposed project. We have lived there for 46 years. We wish that these comments be made of record. First, in the staff report we find minimum reference to stormwater runoff from the current business campus, let alone any projected stormwater anticipated from this new proposed project. Currently, the Long Branch Stream Valley takes

[07:52:38] any and all stormwater. The water flows down and connects to the Accutane Creek and then to the Potomac River and then into the Chesapeake Bay. In the past, both Route 50 and a major east-west artery south of the proposed project and Hilltap Road and adjacent east-west artery were closed because of intense flooding from Long Branch. This involves only the current campus footprint.

[07:53:03] You must seriously address stormwater from any new proposed project. Second, the staff report refers to the Long Branch Stream Valley as follows. A 5.5 acre wooded parcel situated along the western bowder of the site contains the Long Branch Stream Valley and is planned and preserved as private open space. The Stream Valley is an environmental quality corridor and contains resource protection area and floodplain. We strongly urge that the board in any orders or approvals of any proposed comprehensive plan amendments of this area continue to incorporate

[07:53:43] and adopt this specific language regarding Long Branch Stream Valley so that it will continue to provide a buffer between the residential housing on Hilltop Road and any proposed projects. Third, the plan design of the project set forth in this proposed comprehensive plan amendment is ill-timed.

[07:54:03] The nomination states that the project is to be affordable to a wide range of income levels. Really? Is a person with no job and zero salary going to come to this area to rent or buy a residence?

[07:54:20] Is a person with no job and zero salary going to come to this area to buy any goods from any retailer in this project? Will any retailer even open a business with no anticipated customers? Get real, people. Although Fairfax County is known for expansion under the current economic conditions where thousands of people in this area have lost their jobs and livelihoods, this project's expansion is neither feasible nor viable.

[07:54:52] This project is not the answer now. The only thing that Fairfax County can do is to tighten its belt, really tight, and hope that in five years it'll get better. We ask that you vote no on this proposed comprehensive plan amendment, but whatever the outcome of the vote, state and keep the specific language of the Long Branch, Green Valley, as in Staff Report, page 5.

[07:55:16] Thank you. Thank you very much for your testimony, and let me ask if there's anyone else here who would like to testify on this matter. Anyone else who would like to testify on this matter? Seeing and hearing no one, let me ask if we have any callers. Yes, there's a caller.

[07:55:31] Her name is Angela Batini. Okay. Angela, can you hear me okay? Yes, I can. Welcome. The floor is yours. Well, thank you very much for taking my call. I just had a couple questions mainly on the updated timing of this project.

[07:55:50] We are a business owner that runs property at 2741 Prosperity, and we are looking in the area, wanting to stay in the area, and we weren't sure what the timing is and whether the building at 2750 Prosperity is part of this plan.

[07:56:12] Okay. Thank you for that testimony. We'll ask the applicant to answer that here in a moment. Let me ask if there's any more callers who have called in. Yes, there's one more caller, Laura Harrington. Okay, Laura, can you hear me?

[07:56:29] Yes, I can. Welcome. Okay, tell me what to do. It's your turn to testify. Please provide your testimony to us. Hello, my name is Laura Harrington. My name is Laura Harrington. I live at 8619 Hilltop Road.

[07:56:56] Yes. Yes. Yes, I can. Thank you. I was at the Planning Commission hearing. I am speaking to you right now. I live at 8619 Hilltop Road. Ma'am, I'm being asked if you could turn down your tv in the background because you're you're live here at the board of supervisors meeting and

[07:57:28] i think that's what the confusion is yes i i will i will turn it down i was at the planning commission hearing that was previously held regarding this issue yeah we i think we need you to turn off the background noise of the board meeting so that you can provide your testimony

[07:57:56] i am i'm trying to turn it off i'm trying to i'm trying to look for mute here to mute it uh i am calling for the same reason that I came to the Planning Commission hearing meeting held previously.

[07:58:25] I've walked to a different room in my house. I hope this is helpful. Yes, please proceed. Okay. I was planning on being there tonight. I put together a petition, which Carrie and Joe Lynch know about. I've got about 200 signatures. Did not come to the meeting tonight because of a family illness. Now, I want to say what I said in the planning commission meeting. My purpose for being

[07:58:59] there was to protect the green area at the bottom of Hilltop Road, Long Branch Stream Valley. Protect that green area, number one. And number two, it's very important that people understand that Hilltop Road is known as a major cut-through for commuting traffic during the morning and during the afternoon. It is incredibly almost impossible to cross the street without waiting

[07:59:35] for at least five minutes to go across the street. So any increase in traffic and congestion in this area is going to make it really very difficult for people who live here and have lived here like myself for 32 years to live in this neighborhood. I know the Lynches have lived in this neighborhood longer than I have, but I totally echo and ditto exactly what Carrie Lynch had to say, and I would like you to take that into consideration. I have lived here a very long

[08:00:12] time i love this area and i hate to see it be overrun any more than it already is and i totally am in favor of protection of the valley stream area because i know there are great horned owls that live in there there are we've seen bear there we know deer live in there we know fox live in there we know raccoons live in there we know every kind of wildlife that could live in there lives in there. That is the reason that I came to the Planning Commission meeting to discuss

[08:00:50] that. But I have to add, the traffic issue is very, very, very important. And that's what I have to say. And I'm sorry I'm not there in person. Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it. Thank you very much. Thank you, Supervisors. Thank you. Does the applicant want to weigh in on those comments, please? Absolutely. And I appreciate the Speaker's comments. So I'll try to touch on just about everything that they raised oh wait I forgot to ask were there any other callers no more callers I'm saved go ahead sure no thank you very much and so I'll start with Miss Harrington Miss Harrington did we spoke with her after

[08:01:30] the Planning Commission hearing a couple of months ago and I know that she and also Miss Lynch are keenly interested in the preservation of that of that green space that stream valley along the western side of the site that is very much the plan here we've already talked about that with staff in connection with the site specific plan amendment on the rezoning materials that we filed the conceptual development plan that we filed we do show the preservation of that stream valley trail and the stream valley buffer in its entirety so make no mistake about it that will that will absolutely be preserved with respect to ms harrington's comments about uh help traffic on hilltop road we've heard that as

[08:02:07] well in our discussions with the community we've already done a traffic analysis in connection with the site specific plan amendment another one is is being evaluated right now that we've done with the rezoning and so happy to report that our analysis shows that the conversion of this space from office and industrial today to residential will not result in a degradation of the level of service in any of the i think 19 intersections within the study area pretty much everything between this site all the way to gallows road so we have a very good story to tell i think with with respect to the traffic and the transportation impacts and concerns.

[08:02:44] Ms. Lynch also asked about stormwater management. Make no mistake about it, the proposed design, the proposed plans that we have here will comply with all of the counties, all of the state's requirements for stormwater management, both in terms of water quality and water quantity, detention, things like that.

[08:03:00] And so we've heard very directly from the community that they're concerned about that. That's something that we're very much paying attention to will very much be addressing as we go through the rezoning and then finally the first caller i didn't catch her last name asked about the timing of all of this and i think she said she was in the building located at 2741 prosperity avenue that's one of the building that's on the east side of prosperity avenue so the east side of this assemblage this is a development that will be done in phases over time it's a large project 41 acres as you saw in the plans and so it will occur in phases

[08:03:35] over time that building will likely be included in the first phase of the redevelopment but we have to go through a rezoning we have to go through a site plan and so it's still probably several years away before we're realistically looking at breaking around on that first phase of the development so i think that addresses all of the questions all the concerns that the three speakers had raised but happy to answer any further questions as well thank you are there there any questions from board members? Okay, seeing no questions, I will now close the public hearing and recognize Supervisor Palczyk for a motion. Thank

[08:04:11] you, Madam Chair, and first of all, knowing that this is the site-specific plan amendment, very much want to thank Steve and Graham for their work on this, for their staff on looking at what is currently a lot of concrete and some outdated office buildings and trying to see how to focus on that while having, again, a focus on the pedestrian access, on the Long Branch stream.

[08:04:41] And actually, let me pause for a minute because I realize it may not have come up here, but I have one question for you, if that's all right, regarding the bridge. It didn't come up today, but could you share for us? I meant to ask you earlier. And it didn't come out with the residents today.

[08:04:57] I think it's more the residents in the HOA community have asked about the pedestrian access and the existing bridge, and I believe you spoke to that at the Planning Commission meeting. Absolutely. So for those who aren't that familiar with the site, as you are, Supervisor Palchik, there is an existing bridge, a footbridge, that crosses the Long Branch Stream along the northwest portion of the site, and it provides a connection today between those townhouses on the west side of the site and the Dunloring Metro.

[08:05:25] That's something that's a strong interest of the community to retain that pedestrian connection. And in fact, we are proposing hopefully to improve it through coordination with them. The bridge itself is located on the HOA's property. I mentioned earlier we had a recent meeting with one of the representatives from the Homeowners Association.

[08:05:42] And we've begun conversations about partnering with them to replace that bridge and improve that connection. And so that's something that was very, very important in our discussions with the community. And thankfully, we are addressing that. going to continue to maintain that pedestrian connection and again hopefully improve upon it in the future thank you supervisor palach i just wanted to mention um i don't believe that the hearing's actually technically been closed yet so i did closed yeah i did close the hearing we can provide the planning commission recommendation if you'd like us to yes

[08:06:15] i forgot to ask that thank you thank you thank you on september 17 2025 the planning commission voted to recommend adoption in concurrence with the staff recommendation on pages 46 to 62 of the staff report dated August 27, 2025.

[08:06:34] And that's the PC recommendation. Thank you so much. Now I'm going to ask Supervisor Pelchik for a motion. Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. And before I share that motion, first of all, I very much want to thank Mr. and Mrs. Lynch for their presentation today, for their engagement.

[08:06:52] I know, though it may feel late for the site-specific plan amendment process or silly rezoning process in the future work. And I hope that you will continue to stay engaged through that should this motion pass. I also want to thank, I believe her name was Ms. Bettini on the phone, as well as Ms. Harrington for calling in today.

[08:07:12] And I know that during the Planning Commission and during a lot of the outreach we have had and you have had with the community, we have heard from the Dunloring Association next door that I believe has shared their support for this process to move forward.

[08:07:29] But again, share the concerns and double down on your concerns about Long Branch, Hilltop Road. Not related to this project, but I know that we continue to work with FCDOT, with the police, with VDOT, to look for ways to help enhance the safety, that three-way, very, very tricky intersection there.

[08:07:52] I know you live right there, I believe, has been a concern for many years. So that is something we will continue to look at, both through impacts that may come from this development, as well as continue to work with VDOT in our county on improvements there. Because it's been a long evening, I will try to cut my comments short, knowing that this is just the SSPA portion of this.

[08:08:15] I do want to say, those of you who know the Merrifield Suburban Center and Prosperity business campus which is hard to tell as a business campus sometimes but it's very close to Dunloring Metro I know it well I grew up at Dunloring Metro grew up down the street from prosperity I know that as the community has continued to grow and as businesses have come to Dunloring and to the Metro and expansion of the Metro there that there was a pretty big opportunity for an improved mixed-use development here, close to metro with improved protections for our

[08:08:50] environmental quality of the Stream Valley and for continued engagement. I know there's been a lot of engagement. Sometimes people still don't hear until we're going through the process, so I welcome those of you who were here today or maybe have not been as engaged with this process to continue as we move forward. I do believe that what the staff has recommended, what the Planning Commission recommended and what the applicants continue to work through will be compatible transitions to residential uses, to the adjacent sites, and opportunities to improve and implement

[08:09:27] the Merrifield grid of streets in this area. They do prioritize concentrating the higher densities closer to the metro, improving the safety and convenience of pedestrians and cyclists, As well as significant increase in the amount of publicly accessible parks, open space with the new signature park, and improvements, knowing that most likely there will be some phasing of this as we get to the rezoning.

[08:09:54] So with that, I have one motion. Therefore, Madam Vice Chairman, I move that the Board of Supervisors adopt the Planning Commission and Staff Recommendation for Plan Amendment SSPA 2023-I-3J as found on pages 46 to 62 of the staff report dated August 27, 2025.

[08:10:19] I'll second that motion. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed? Any abstention? That motion carries with the Chairman and Supervisor Herity away from the table. Thank you.

[08:10:41] Comp plan now? Yeah. All right.

[08:10:54] Okay, our final public hearing is a public hearing on proposed plan amendment 2022-CW-2CP, Comprehensive Plan Policy Plan Amendment Phase 1. And as staff is getting ready, I did announce this morning in the first half of the day that we are going to have the public hearing, but we will have a motion to defer decision so the board has time to react.

[08:11:26] So when you are ready. Good evening, members of the board. Thank you. I'm Corrine Bebeck with the Department of Planning and Development. I'm joined by my team here, which includes Kelly Atkinson and Tracy Strunk, also from the Department of Planning and Development, and then our topic leads team, which includes Carly Aubrey, Salem Bush, William Nance, Leah Niebauer, Katrina Knutson, Michael Burton, and Michelle Stahlhut, also from DPD, Anna Ricklin from the Health Department, Bob Pecora and Taylor Wehmeyer from FCDOT, and Ben Zeng from LDS.

[08:12:01] The Board of Supervisors authorized the consideration of a comprehensive plan amendment to update the countywide policy plan. The goals of this update are to streamline the current plan, align with the strategic plan, one Fairfax, and other recently adopted plans, to update policies, and to add new policies.

[08:12:17] Due to the magnitude of the policy plan, the project was divided into two phases, with Phase 1 focusing on the elements most frequently used as part of the development review process. Phase 2 will commence upon the adoption of Phase 1. Beginning in the spring of 2024 and culminating in the spring of 2025, staff conducted extensive outreach through in-person and virtual community meetings, pop-up events, and industry group collaboration, as well as collaborating closely with multiple county agencies and boards.

[08:12:45] The feedback was factored into the initial draft plan text published in the spring of 2025 and refined in the changes published in the staff report. Further collaboration was reflected in the most current draft plan text dated November 7, 2025. The policy plan has strong policies that have provided staff the flexibility to respond to changing conditions and technology over the years.

[08:13:07] As such, the overall changes to the policy plan include streamlining the elements, modernizing language used, alignment with county plans, and incorporation of equity throughout the document. In addition to removing outdated information, we've also added new objectives and policies and incorporated the community feedback we've received.

[08:13:26] The rebranded comprehensive plan overview strengthens connections between the policy plan and the area plans while providing broader context for the county's land use goals. It introduces a contextual land use planning narrative outlining Fairfax County's social and land use evolution, highlighting how population growth and suburbanization have shaped current challenges.

[08:13:47] These challenges serve as the basis for the land use vision and goals, which are closely aligned with the countywide strategic plan to guide strategic planning around housing, the economy, transportation, the environment, equity, and healthy communities. The remainder of the comprehensive plan overview has been updated, but has not changed substantially.

[08:14:05] One notable update was to emphasize a modern, inclusive approach to community engagement, aligning with the countywide strategic plan. While the board direction was to consider a standalone equity element, staff determined that each element plays a role in contributing to equity and equitable development.

[08:14:21] Therefore, an equity objective and associated policies have been provided with each individual element. The new healthy communities element focuses on health priorities related to land use. The element recognizes the role the built environment plays in shaping community health through promoting accessible recreational spaces, safe and healthy housing, active transportation, a sense of community and social connectedness, food security, and ensuring clean air and water quality.

[08:14:49] The policy plan currently contains a human services element that has objectives and policies that are related to health. However, these policies focus on services and service delivery models, many of which are outdated and do not meet current best practices. Relevant objectives and policies from the human services element have been repositioned to this newly created healthy communities element.

[08:15:12] The updated land use element now has a streamlined structure that better reflects the goals of the comprehensive plan overview. Former appendices have been folded into the element, either as policies, use-specific guidance, or for larger topics as dedicated criteria sections.

[08:15:28] This approach simplifies references, improves consistency with broader land use goals, and creates a framework that can more easily adapt to future policy needs and development trends. A number of new and expanded policy areas have been introduced. A new placemaking objective highlights the role of high-quality urban design and community identity in shaping growth.

[08:15:49] The visual and performing arts element is folded into land use, making arts and culture part of the core development review process. Suburban village centers are a new planning concept meant to give more flexibility to commercial areas within suburban neighborhoods and may be well-suited for mixed-use development, including medium-density housing.

[08:16:09] The updated element strengthens the county's commitment to equity and displacement issues. Two new objectives address cultural and economic displacement, calling for thoughtful planning that connects residents to opportunities, enhances community identity, and ensures equitable access to resources.

[08:16:26] Flexibility is added in mixed-use centers, allowing shifts between employment and residential uses without increasing overall density. Policies also reinforce the importance of maintaining a diverse economy, especially by protecting limited industrial land and encouraging commercial uses that provide jobs and services. The plan includes new criteria for office repurposing, offering flexibility to convert older office buildings into housing, permit limited expansions, and repurpose surface parking areas for added residential development. Revised data center criteria builds upon the staff work conducted as

[08:16:59] part of the 2024 data center report and adopted zoning ordinance amendments. The transportation element has been streamlined to reduce and eliminate redundancies, but also to retain the emphasis areas. New policies have been introduced to continually take transportation forward to enhance a multimodal network that will serve the community, offering mobility choices and the services needed to support transportation. Within the existing environment element, it was recognized that there were some redundancies and outdated information, so a big goal of the update was to streamline the existing policies while retaining the existing

[08:17:38] structure. Some notable changes include aligning policies with CCAP, Resilient Fairfax, the operational energy strategy and other documents to better link the importance of these policies to the goals of greenhouse gas emission reduction and creating a more resilient natural and built environment. We've formalized policies that have been successfully implemented through development projects such as the 50% undisturbed open space in the RC zoning district associated with special exception requests and incorporated bird-friendly design and natural landscaping policies. We've enhanced policies to better support site design and emphasize the environment within developments and have drafted countywide stormwater management guidance.

[08:18:19] Some of the rationale that went into the new stormwater guidance was to provide predictability across the county as we currently have over 50 individual stormwater management recommendations within different parts of the comprehensive plan, making it difficult to know what to predict for new development. The guidance is set up in order to provide flexibility and is similar to guidance in other parts of the comprehensive plan, such as Ruston and the Dulles Suburban Center.

[08:18:42] The guidance has generally been included in various SSPAs over the years, so we've formalize the expectation across the county rather than developing it with each individual SSPA nomination or site. The policy guidance is intended to capture projects with higher intensities or densities and impervious coverage where existing county code does not require a substantial improvement and will be most applicable to projects proposed in activity centers where a higher level of intensity or density is planned and where similar language already exists if it recently went through an SSPA process. Lower density developments where existing county code would

[08:19:18] provide sufficient water quantity or quality controls will basically be able to meet the plan guidance simply by meeting code. The purpose of this guidance is to improve watershed and stream health and reduce erosion and flood risk potential. Finally, the goal for phase one of the parks and recreation element has been to incorporate the Fairfax County Park Authority's Parks, Recreation, and Open Space and Access strategy, also referred to as PROSA. PROSA was adopted by the Park Authority Board in fall of 2023 after an extensive two-phase community outreach process. With the four PROSA components in mind, we updated existing policy texts to

[08:19:57] recognize equitable access to parks and recreation services, and we added a new Objective 7, which spells out the PROSA strategy's four components. Additional opportunities to streamline and update the element will be identified and brought forward during Phase 2, and some of this work will be informed by the Park Authority Needs Assessment. Finally, staff recommends that the policy plan be amended to replace the existing preface introduction, land use, transportation, environment, and parks and recreation elements, add a new healthy communities element, remove the existing

[08:20:33] human services and visual and performing arts elements, and update the glossary as shown in the staff revised text dated November 7th, 2025, which supplements the September 10th, 2025 staff report and recommendation. Oh, my mic's not on.

[08:20:52] Thank you very much for that presentation. And at this time, let me ask if there are any questions of staff. Any questions of staff? Seeing and hearing none, this is a public hearing. I do have five speakers who have signed up in advance to testify on this matter, and I'm going to call them in the order I have them. If you are here to testify on this matter and you have not signed up, please sign up with the clerk to my right. And our first speaker is Renee Grebe, who I see is coming on down to be followed by Larry Zaragoza and Ann Bennett. If I called your name, there's seats right down here

[08:21:28] in the front. If you could come on down so that when it's your turn to testify, you are ready. Come on down, Renee. Renee will be speaker number one. Welcome. Thank you, Chairman McKay. Good evening, Chairman McKay and Board of Supervisors. I'm Renee Grebe. I'm a Fairfax County resident and Nature Forward's Northern Virginia Conservation Advocate. Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback tonight for the policy plan. We appreciate that the board is leaving the record open thank you for that for that that highlight there's been a lot of opportunity for feedback over the past few months we've taken advantage of that

[08:22:05] but every time there's been an opportunity for feedback it's been a very fast turnaround and it's been very hard to keep up with the constant changes so we appreciate the extra time for the record I think it was you know just on four business days ago that we got a non redlined version from the Planning Commission it's hard to keep up so thank you tonight we'll provide feedback on a a few higher priority items that Nature Forward is focused on and that are included in the written comments that we sent over yesterday to you. Fairfax County has state authority to include comprehensive plan language that goes over and above what our zoning ordinances do and as DPD director Strunk

[08:22:42] said at the May 20th board land use committee meeting quote if someone is coming in and asking for something additional through the special exception process or potentially the rezoning process then maybe there are additional things because they are doing more than by right. And that's generally the way we work. If we're doing more, then you might be asked to do more, end quote. This is particularly important for the policy plan language regarding both data centers and energy-related topics. In the criteria for data centers section in the land use element, we ask that the board retain the original language from the May 2025 draft. We support that original language. It demonstrated the seriousness of the

[08:23:22] issues surrounding data centers and address some of the challenges highlighted in the JLARC report. Thank you to staff for that stronger original draft. The proposed draft from September strips away key language which results in a weakened policy. We've included specific asks in our written comments within the recommendation or with the recommendation to quote achieve a power usage effectiveness PUE of 1.12 or lower to promote energy efficiency as the most important point of all. For an industry which is literally draining all existing power generation right now,

[08:23:57] efficiency is a must, and we must have that in our policy plan. We ask that the environmental element guidance be strengthened to recommend LEED gold, not just LEED silver. That's something that's been happening for a very long time. We can do better in our policy plan. And that to both residential and non-residential developments install solar for things like rooftop and parking lot. We see woefully little of that in Fairfax County. Recommending this type of energy efficiency will have direct benefits to residents, both by reducing emissions and pollution of energy generation in support of Fairfax County's CCAP goals, and particularly, too, for residential

[08:24:36] buildings, energy efficiency will bring down ongoing affordability costs for those living here through lower monthly utility bills. The link between these policies and affordability cannot be overlooked in the transportation element guidance for planning and designing multimodal transportation facilities in objective 8 policy B fails to protect our most environmentally sensitive areas from impacts in conflict with the policy plan goals in the environment element we ask the board to retain guidance to both quote avoid environmentally sensitive areas and resources and also provide a plan to restore disturbed areas without

[08:25:15] Without this language, the board is clearly making it possible for another cinderbed road bikeway proposal to move forward and globally rare habitat and other sensitive areas to be paved over. And lastly, from my comments, in the environment element, we ask that you ensure the stormwater recommendations in the policy plan are strong enough to produce positive outcomes for decades to come.

[08:25:36] One-inch retention, as mentioned in the policy plan language, is good. It had been cutting edge in Tyson's when it was introduced 10 years ago. but we are facing stronger and wetter storms leading to more intense rainfall. Precipitation models are outdated based on historical averages that are likely to underestimate current and future risks.

[08:25:56] We must recommend the strongest language possible here. I know it's expensive, but we're paying at some point for those impacts. Objective 2, Policy C. We had addressed tree canopy requirements in the framing of low-impact development, and that's been moved to Objective 10, Policy B.

[08:26:13] But we recommend moving it back, or at least cross-referencing it, to avoid trees from being largely left out of low-impact development discussions. In conclusion, we appreciate the significant effort that staff has taken to produce these drafts. We know how important the policy plan is in guiding some of our most important redevelopments, such as rezonings.

[08:26:31] We ask that the areas mentioned tonight and in our written comment be strengthened to better support a resilient and healthy environment for decades to come. This is the time to get the language right. Thank you. Thank you, Renee. Okay. Speaker number two is Larry Zaragoza, who I know is here. Welcome, Larry.

[08:26:49] Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the board. First of all, I'd like to begin by saying that I'm chairman of EQAC. I'd like to begin by saying that we greatly appreciate the process that we had this time working with the Planning Commission. The chairman of the Planning Commission in particular, members of the Planning Commission, it was an informative process, and I think it They helped to build a common understanding of things that we all wanted to work towards.

[08:27:21] I also want to note that I think we were very grateful for the fact that the information on smart growth and many of the water elements that was in the existing comprehensive plan were retained.

[08:27:37] They may have been reformatted and adjusted and some were improved upon, but one of the things that we wanted to do is make sure that those were not lost. Also, I wanted to note that there was a significant contribution from other departments, in particular DPWES, LDS, OEEC.

[08:27:58] It was evident that their participation and comments really made a difference in terms of the product that you have before you today. And I was, we were very impressed by that. I also wanted to spend a little bit of time talking about data centers.

[08:28:16] And the reason I want to do that is because, and this is also in the comments that we sent you, is because I think there are some things about data centers that provide an opportunity to reduce conflicts, and I don't think we want unnecessary conflicts.

[08:28:33] In particular, I think it's important to highlight, and I think staff is moving in this direction, to use best available technology when it comes to on-site power generation, such as diesel. Using today's best available technology, I think generally will be regarded as Tier 4 generators.

[08:28:51] They are much, much better in terms of both pollution and noise, and I think they're widely accepted as the thing to use. And the noise reduction is really significant, and it makes a difference. So the other thing I wanted to highlight is a number of jurisdictions are now considering and incorporating data center campuses or a technology campus.

[08:29:19] The idea here is you have the data centers all together. You have infrastructure, substations, as well as having all the cabling necessary to transmit the data. There's a lot of infrastructure that goes into these, and so the data centers can take advantage of bringing that infrastructure together.

[08:29:43] There's an efficiency in that. There's also a benefit in that you could put the noise generating equipment on the side of the buildings that's opposite any residential properties or any commercial properties that might be sensitive to noise.

[08:29:58] So the issue you have in Fairfax County is so much the county has already been developed and getting a large swath of land is not easy. But other jurisdictions in Virginia also face that same challenge, and yet they are still doing that or trying to do it.

[08:30:19] So I think that's worth some more attention. I mean, I recently visited one in Culpeper. I understand there's a fair amount of effort going on in Stafford as well, as well as other jurisdictions. I also want to note that despite the great progress that's been made, there are still some rough areas in the plan.

[08:30:45] It would be desirable to see a final version with all the comments incorporated, I think, and we're not quite there yet. There was one technical example I have of where the plan talked about us not being in compliance with the ozone standard.

[08:31:06] And, in fact, we were in compliance with the ozone standard. That's a minor thing, but if we're going to talk about it, at least let's be correct. And so those are my comments. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to speak to you tonight, and thank you for spending these long hours for this effort.

[08:31:27] Thank you very much, Larry. Our next speaker is Ann Bennett, and following Ann will be Anika Rahman by phone. We have video testimony, and I have Bob Brandt signed up as speaker number six. If you would like to testify and you're not signed up, please be sure to sign off off to my right.

[08:31:43] Welcome, Ann. Hi, thank you. It's good to be here. I appreciate your resiliency getting through this long day. The Sierra Club Great Falls Group appreciates the huge amount of work that went into this update. We appreciate the idea of the suburban village centers, the placemaking, and the focus on housing.

[08:32:02] But when it comes to green buildings policies, this update fails to motivate the change that is required to accelerate investments in green buildings and renewable energy. Given the focus on increasing housing, which we support, this policy plan should more intentionally prioritize progressive green building policies and tie it directly to this new housing.

[08:32:27] Keeping the policy essentially the same as it has been for years is a missed opportunity to ensure that developers deliver higher levels of efficiency and solar power. Further, LEED Silver for new construction is inadequate and is essentially yesterday's baseline.

[08:32:46] As I recently mentioned to Supervisor Lusk, when you walk into a NOVA Fairfax, it proudly displays a plaque that reads, lead silver 2013 maybe that was fine then but lead gold or better should be the new baseline and should be encouraged throughout the county and not just in major economic zones your work your work on greening county operations has been inspiring and we've certainly supported your efforts your and accomplishments but we ask you to be equally visionary when it comes to the

[08:33:25] 95% of the county which makes up the private sector. Imagine if solar and building efficiency were non-negotiables, the top priority, we would have far better outcomes. In terms of solar, one measure of success, or not, is that less than 1% of the county's housing units have solar.

[08:33:47] I'm also not sure we have one parking lot solar project in the county. How will this policy plan and move us past this meager baseline. Solar is even more important now for two reasons. One, affordability.

[08:34:04] Given rising energy costs that are just beginning to accelerate the pressures of inflation, Fairfax County residents will find it easier to afford a home if their energy costs are a negligible part of their household budget from the day they move in.

[08:34:21] Solar is cheaper over the lifetime of a home, and of course cleaner, helping us to meet or exceed our CCAP goals. Second, data centers. As you know, we are in the midst of an energy crisis where neither our grid operator nor our state produces enough power to meet the immense energy demand of the new hyperscalers going up all around us.

[08:34:48] Why does it matter? Since the board seems to be encouraging data center development in the county, the policy plan should reflect how the county is going to deal with the energy crisis associated with new data centers. Proposals now circulating suggest that residential solar will be part of demand response for data centers. That seems like a policy we should be facilitating.

[08:35:14] I really want to commend staff for its work to submit a very strong set of data center policies in its May draft. We are dismayed to see it extremely weakened in the staff report and the PC version and ask that you reinstate the proposed language.

[08:35:31] The power usage effectiveness metric should be restored as LEED for data centers will not ensure a specific level of energy efficiency. Of note, Google's is 1.1 and Meta's is 1.09, already meeting the May threshold.

[08:35:50] The language related to energy demand, water quality, air quality, repurposing, and noise are far weaker. We also didn't see language included for decommissioning, fuel trucks, or battery storage. What happened? We suggest a more future-forward, yes, visionary approach for the building sector to address affordability and carbon emissions and requests that you strengthen these vital aspects of the plan.

[08:36:20] Residents of the county do not want the plan to be out of date, out of the gate. How do we prepare for the future climate and energy challenges? Fairfax residents and businesses can participate in building grid capacity and lowering their long-term energy costs at the same time, and we hope the policy plan will facilitate that.

[08:36:42] We transmitted a long memo to you about proposed changes we'd love to see and, of course, are always here as a resource. Thank you so much. Thank you very much, Anne. Our next speaker is Anika Rahman. Are you on the line? Thank you, Chairman McKay.

[08:36:59] Welcome. There you are. Welcome. The floor is yours. Thank you. Good evening, and thank you for bringing the plan forward to the public hearing. As mentioned, my name is Anika Rahman, and I am the Fairfax Director for Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance, also known as Navaha. We want to express our appreciation for the thoughtful work and education that I've gone into revising this plan.

[08:37:18] This is an important step towards shaping future Fairfax County that balances growth with care for the community that already makes our county so vibrant. We're especially grateful that the board, which continues to create space for residents and advocates to share their ideas and perspectives. As the discussion moves forward, we hope to keep a strong focus on preserving what we already have, our neighborhoods and affordable homes and communities that give fair-fax identity and to prevent from more displacement.

[08:37:44] It is also essential that community members, especially immigrants, long-term residents, and underrepresented groups are included in the early planning process. Many residents may not be aware of how and when they can participate, providing clear and accessible education materials, outreach on how to engage the community meetings, translated materials, and local partnerships would really ensure that all voices are included to allow the diversity to continue in Fairfax.

[08:38:06] We also encourage exploring ways that new development can directly benefit existing communities, such as creating local jobs, investing in neighborhood improvements, preserving affordable housing, and supporting community services while being mindful of density. We also see opportunities to partner with philanthropic capital, social impact investors, and community development financial institutions to help fund these efforts in ways that support long-term residents will allow for thoughtful growth. We appreciate the attention that Prime gives to thoughtful development, and we encourage continued exposure to strategies that uplift existing residents and strengthen the community that make Fairfax unique. Thank you again for leadership and for advancing our vision of Fairfax that we all value and want to make

[08:38:43] home. Thank you. Thank you very much. And speaker number five is Elaine Anderegg, who submitted video testimony. I am Elaine Anderegg, a concerned voter in Fairfax County. My issue tonight is the lack of guidance in this policy plan update to address local air quality health risks. The county has adopted a mixed-use policy that moves residences into commercial and industrial areas. There is no guidance on considering local sources of air contamination present. I participated in all the individual sessions of this policy update.

[08:39:19] In particular, I gave comment during the environmental, land use, and healthy community sessions. I submitted written comments highlighting my concerns about this mixed-use policy and the potential health risks due to localized areas of poor air quality. I have included those comments with my testimony tonight. Your own white paper speaks to the need for clean air. It states human services needs to look beyond traditional human service functions and understand the built environment plays a key role in creating healthy communities. Your paper pulls from the American

[08:39:55] Planning Association Healthy Communities Policy Guide, which offers a broad definition of healthy communities as places where all individuals have access to healthy built natural environments that give them the opportunity to live their fullest. The APA Guide recommends adopting policies that provide all people a healthy environment, especially clean air. It has a domain for environmental that includes air quality as a subdomain. The APA's metrics for planning healthy communities you cite has five specific measures for tracking success in developing healthy

[08:40:33] communities. Environmental is one of them. The objectives of the county's proposed policy plan has eliminated the element of environmental. The most glaring example of poor air quality locally comes from gas stations. EPA has required air capture controls at gas stations, but the controls are to address ozone levels in the atmosphere and not to address local health risks. 10% and more of the fumes escape into the atmosphere as you can smell when filling your tank or when tanker trucks fill the underground tanks. Many others across the country have setbacks to isolate gas stations

[08:41:12] from areas of sensitive use like residential parks and schools. I have raised this health issue risk with the county many times over the last couple of years. The county health officer has been asked to give a written opinion as to the safety of putting people in housing next to gas stations. So far there has been no response and projects continue to move forward. I have included information on the dangers of living near gas stations in my written testimony.

[08:41:42] I first raised this concern when you decided to put a 120-unit apartment building next to a gas station and in a cluster of five gas stations in Franconia. Staff said there were no regulation or policy guidelines to consider the proximity of gas stations and any impacts on health of future residents.

[08:42:01] The county needs to adopt setbacks around gas stations. Considering this issue now would be a good start and give staff guidance. But as I've said, as of today, there is nothing, not under the policy updates for healthy communities, environmental, or land use.

[08:42:19] Right now, by rights in a commercial district, you can put in a child care facility. Not long ago, one was built on Grovedale Drive within this same cluster of five gas stations. Currently, another is going in down the street by three other gas stations.

[08:42:35] I remind you, across the country, there are setbacks for residential parks, community gathering places, and schools. This has got to stop for the future well-being of our citizens. Affordable housing is currently considered a crisis, and the solution seems to be build, build, build.

[08:42:53] Converting office space may make sense much of the time. Adding housing on top of retail may also make sense, but it can't be done with eyes blind to what is already located nearby. I ask you to include language and a metric for air quality in the Healthy Communities update.

[08:43:11] We need to be sure we don't continue to propagate this bad policy of placing people, especially small children, near gas stations. Living in an environment where you daily breathe in chemicals for hours on end is not good for anyone. With this testimony, I know I've done my part to elevate this potential health risk to the citizens across our county.

[08:43:32] I have made sure it has been documented in the public hearings of the Housing Authority, the Planning Commission, and this Board of Supervisors. When future residents get sick, they will be able to prove that you knew of the risk and you approved the housing anyway.

[08:43:48] Thank you for this opportunity to speak. Thank you very much for your testimony. And speaker number six is Bob Brandt, who I know is here. If anyone else would like to speak on this matter, please come on down and sign up. If not, Bob will be our last present speaker.

[08:44:04] Welcome. Good evening again, Mr. Chairman and members of the board. Bob Brandt with the law firm of Walsh Colucci. I'm very mindful of the fact that I'm probably the last thing standing between everybody in this room and a very late dinner this evening, so I'm going to be very quick. I'm here at the request of my colleague, Lynn Strobel, who was here earlier.

[08:44:22] Unfortunately, she had a conflict this evening and was unable to stay to testify herself, but she asked me to be here to pass along some testimonies, some remarks, and I do have a couple of letters that I'll hand to the clerk. We do want to go on record by, first of all, thanking staff for all of the work and all of the hours and all of the time that has gone into the adoption and the creation of this policy plan text.

[08:44:46] As a Fairfax County resident myself and as someone who has elected to call this place his home and raise a family here, I'm very mindful that the work that staff does, particularly on the comprehensive plan, shapes the future of our county. So personally, I'm very thankful for that.

[08:45:03] But as a representative of the development community, we do have some concerns about the text that's been proposed. to sum it up, at a high level, the comprehensive plan is supposed to be a guide. This is something we talk about with every one of our clients, anyone who approaches our firm or any of us with a land use proposal or a concept plan. We talk about the comprehensive plan and the function that it serves. Increasingly, and with this latest text that's being proposed, the comprehensive plan is becoming more of a regulatory instrument. Language that was previously in the plan about

[08:45:41] encouraging is now being proposed as should. Development should provide this or that. And so that's kind of a high level concern that we have looking at this new plan text is the increasingly regulatory nature of what is supposed to be a guiding document.

[08:45:59] Several elements of the plan that has been proposed will result in increased costs at a time when the cost of living, the cost of housing, the cost of virtually everything is becoming increasingly part of the discussions we're having. While a lot of these proposed changes are commendable, increased green building expectations, increased stormwater management expectations, they all have costs that are ultimately going to be passed through to the end user, the future residents of a residential community, the future occupants of an office building or a retail building.

[08:46:36] And so as the board considers these proposed changes, I think it's incumbent upon the board to be mindful of the additional costs that some of these could have. So with that, again, I said I'd be quick. I'm usually not as quick as I am tonight, but I do want to thank once again staff for all of the work that they have poured into this.

[08:46:56] I thank all of you. I thank the Planning Commission for the consideration that's been given. There has been an opportunity. It has been a continuous dialogue as this process has unfolded. and I appreciate the opportunity on behalf of myself and the development industry to provide this feedback. So thank you. Thank you very much, Bob.

[08:47:12] And that completes our list of speakers. Let me just verify no one else is present who would like to testify, and we have no additional callers. Is that correct? No additional callers? Okay. At this point, I'd ask for any closing comments and a recommendation from county staff.

[08:47:30] Thank you. On November 12, 2025, the Planning Commission recommended approval of this plan amendment with the Planning Commission alternative text dated November 12, 2025. Thank you very much. Questions from board members? I know we're going to be deferring this, but if you have questions, there is some time here to be able to ask questions.

[08:47:50] Supervisor Alcorn. I just had a question of Supervisor Smith. So if we have suggested changes, when should we get those to you? I like those little letters, ASAP. Tomorrow. Supervisor Alcorn. Hi, Kelly Atkinson.

[08:48:07] Ms. Bebeck actually has an email drafted to all of you. We're going to be reaching out individually to offer one-on-one meetings with you to see if you want to meet with us, to go through some of the texts, to hear your feedback. So we will be offering that opportunity to provide some direct feedback to us.

[08:48:23] Wonderful. Thank you. And, again, I think it is important we do those quickly because Supervisor Smith, of course, We'll be doing the hard work that I mentioned earlier of calling around in advance of when we are to vote on this, and I know we'll be coordinating with staff.

[08:48:40] If there are no other questions at this time, I'm going to close the public hearing and recognize Vice Chairman Smith for a motion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the Board of Supervisors defer the decision only for Plan Amendment 2022-CW-2CP to a date certain of December 9, 2025, at 4 p.m., with the record remaining open for written testimony.

[08:49:05] Heard the motion. It's been multiply seconded. Any further discussion on the motion? Everyone knows the instructions. Seeing and hearing no further conversation. All those in favor of the motion, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions?

[08:49:22] That motion carries, and I know we're going to see him again, but thank you. We needed that. You deserve to do that. What a process this has been. We're not completely finished yet, but appreciate all the work of all the staff, all of you who are here late into the evening, and we will see you next time, but well done. Thank you. With that, I am going to go to our final item on the agenda today, which is public comment, and I'm going to remind some folks of the rules of public comment before we start public comment and turn to our speakers

[08:49:58] i do want to remind people that we accept public comment on any issue issue except issues under litigation issues that have been scheduled for public hearing before the board and personnel matters and or comments regarding specific individuals speakers must have registered in advance and each speaker is given three minutes for his or her remarks a maximum of 10 speakers may address the board during any public comment period and speakers may address the board once during a six-month period of time. I have three speakers who have signed up in advance.

[08:50:31] I understand the first speaker has had to cancel and can't be here, but I'm going to verify that. Zaid Jawan Mard. Is Zaid Jawan Mard here? Not seeing them. And I know they called to announce that they were going to reschedule, and we have two videos, a video from Paul Rothstein and Anna Mesh Gupta, if we can go ahead and play those.

[08:50:57] Thank you for the opportunity to speak to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. A copy of today's comments can be found at tinyurl.com backslash notonefairfaxforjews. That's one word, notonefairfaxforjews. That statement, unfortunately, reflects the current situation.

[08:51:16] I sent a copy of these comments to Chairman McKay and Supervisors Bierman and Jimenez and the rest of the board and asked you if you had or have any public comment. You didn't. Supervisor Jimenez represents Thomas Jefferson High School, which has students from all your districts, and Supervisor Bierman represents Langley High School.

[08:51:37] Recently, at both high schools, promotional videos for a student organization consisted of reenactments of violent kidnappings, including in one case throwing a person into the trunk of a car. Fairfax County Public Schools referred to the videos as traumatizing to Jews because of the similarity to the October 7th massacres.

[08:51:58] An unknown number of students were suspended, but there is no detail about the extent or terms of the suspensions or if any remedial actions were taken for the clubs at the two schools. We also have heard nothing from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

[08:52:14] In the last six months, Chairman McKay sponsored resolutions for Volunteer Fest 2025 Day and International Find the Good Day. All of you supported those days, as well as Supervisor Herity's Greatest American Cleanup Kickoff Day.

[08:52:32] In 2021, Chairman McKay sponsored a resolution against anti-Asian hate, which passed. And in 2022, the Board passed a resolution against women's discrimination. Those resolutions are all praiseworthy. Yet, at the same time, not one of you has had any public comment about the traumatizing reenactment of terrorism.

[08:52:54] Today, you are sitting less than 20 miles from the Capitol Jewish Museum, where two people were murdered after leaving an event for the American Jewish Committee six months ago. After the Langley-Thomas Jefferson skits, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington said that Fairfax County Public Schools, quote, has a long history of struggling with school-based anti-Semitism. And in August, the FBI stated that 69 percent of religion-based crimes targeted Jews.

[08:53:27] Yet in spite of all these facts, the board found time to designate International Find the Good Day without recognizing a good reason to publicly address the hate affecting Jewish children whom you all represent. Chairman McKay, Supervisor Beerman, Supervisor Jimenez, and the rest of the board, can you explain your silence, please? Good evening, Chairman Harrity, members of the Board of Supervisors. My name is Animesh Gupta. I am a Fairfax County taxpayer testifying about documented corruption and fraud in Fairfax County public schools, falsification of public records

[08:54:07] by FCPS officials, and the promotion of the official responsible. This is about systematic corruption and fraud at multiple levels of FCPS. On April 38, 2025, Dr. Gawani Pons, chief of schools, made a false statement claiming I declined a due process appeal meeting that was never offered. When I requested the proof through FOIA, FCPS invented a phone call that never happened. On May 21, 2025, FCPS' own FOIA office admitted zero potentially responsive records.

[08:54:38] Their own office proved it was false. Internal documents show FCPS IT confirmed no calls, yet they continued to rely on the lie. Despite the documented falsification and pending investigations, Ellen Riley was promoted from principal to assistant superintendent.

[08:54:59] Falsify records and get promoted. But here are the critical questions. How many other taxpayers have been falsified? How many students and teachers at McLean High School have been wrongfully dismissed? How many have been racially targeted?

[08:55:15] If FZP's investigative department, employee relations, approves fraud and falsification with no consequences, the entire system is corrupt. If the investigators are corrupt, all the outcomes are corrupted. Corruption and fraud exist at multiple levels.

[08:55:32] Chief of Schools Office made false statements. Region 2 leadership refuses accountability. Employee relations found falsification did nothing. Every level covers up corruption and fraud instead of cleaning it up. I'm asking the Board of Supervisors to investigate this promotion.

[08:55:49] Other qualified candidates were denied this position. They deserve a fair process. I don't know if equal and fair opportunity law was violated. That's for you to decide. Clean up Region 2 and the Chief of Schools Office fix the investigative department. If they approve fraud and corruption, they must be held accountable.

[08:56:08] similar to fraud and corruption. If the water is salted, the taste is present in every drink and every food. Corruption and fraud are the same. They spread through the entire system. Please clean up the water and make it pure. Taxpayers fund FCPS $3.5 billion. We deserve an honest government. Thank you. Thank you very much for your testimony. And that brings us to the end of our public comment speakers. Also brings us to the end of our board meeting of Tuesday, November 18, 2025. And with that, the board is adjourned.

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