Sully District Council of Citizens Associations

P.O. Box 230042
Sully Station, VA 20120-0042

Agenda for 15 July 2024 Joint Sully District Land Use and Transportation Committee (JSDLU&TC) Meeting
by Jeff Parnes

1. The Joint Sully District Land Use and Transportation Committee (JSDLU&TC) will meet online and in person at 7:00 p.m. on 15 July 2024 at the Sully Government Facility Meeting Room, 4900 Stonecroft Boulevard, Chantilly, VA, 20151. This meeting is conducted with participation by members of both the Land Use and Transportation committees of the SDCCA and WFCCA
2. Time to renew your association's membership in the Sully District Council. Our membership application can now be submitted on line! Please complete it, and then print a copy to enclose with your check.

Has yours made plans to join us for 2024?

3. The JSDLU&TC Meeting will be . The WebEx meeting URL is below.
Meeting Information:
The Sully District Council requires each participant in our online meetings to identify themselves. If your screen name does not provide enough information to identify yourself, or you are a call-in participant, you will be asked to identify yourself and the organization you represent. If after repeated requests, you choose not to do so, you will be disconnected from the meeting.
• Meeting link: https://webmaster2020.my.webex.com/webmaster2020.my/j.php?MTID=mdb5d40d780d8e250d37dbadf84f1e3c3
• Meeting number: 793 996 746
• Password: PSkYb5gEX34
• Join by phone: +1-408-418-9388 United States (Access code: 793 996 746)
4. Sully District Council is Social!
• Sully District Council Tweets! Follow us at @SullyDistrict!
• Sully District Council is on Facebook! Like us at @SullyDistrictCouncil!
• Sully District Council is on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel at Sully District Council!


5. Jim Neighbors, the Sully District Council Secretary, has recently updated the JSDLU&TC Land Use Matrix XLSX PDF.


6. The Sully District Council of Citizens Associations Membership does not meet over the summer months. It's next meeting will meet on 25 September 2024
   • Topic: Congressional Candidates Night
   With the assistance of the LWV-FA, we hope to involve candidates for Virginia's 10th and 11th congressional districts

7. The JSDLU&TC will meet on Monday, 15 July 2024.
   
   • Topics:
     • 7:00 — Centreville Area Task Force
     • County Staff Coordinator Michael Burton, Planner, Fairfax County Planning & Development
     • Task Force Chair Evan Braff
     See the Centreville Study Task Force website
     • 8:00 — Casino in Fairfax County by Sally Horn of the No Casino Coalition Steering Group.
     • Last Month Sally Horn of the No Casino Coalition Steering Group provided us an update of the No Casino Coalition activities
     • The No Fairfax Casino website details:
       • The Problem — Comstock Companies and Clemente Development Company are seeking to build a casino in Fairfax County that is unwelcome and unwanted
       • Why Does It Matter? — A casino will hurt local businesses, increase gridlock and public safety problems, lower property values, and encourage risky behaviors, while forever changing the character of our community
       • What Needs To Happen? — The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and Virginia State legislature should publicly oppose casino development given the overwhelming opposition
       • What Are We Doing? — 'No Casino Coalition' is a grassroots group of Fairfax citizens working to make it known to policymakers, the media, and developers that a casino development is not welcome in Fairfax County
     • See their presentation PDF PPTX

8. Old Business
• Data Centers
• In June the JSDLU&TC sent the BOS a a letter expressing our strong objections and concerns regarding the proposed zoning ordinance amendment on Data Centers. We attached a copy of the Joint Committee's May 20, 2024 resolution. The Joint Committee strongly recommended that all data centers, in all zoning districts, require special exception approval, to allow citizens notice and an opportunity to be heard. The Joint Committee strongly opposes staff's recommendation to allow data centers as a by right use in any zoning district.
• Also sent was the Joint Committee's supplemental resolution, dated June 17, 2024, strongly supporting the Planning Commission recommendation that pending data center site plan applications, not yet approved, be evaluated under the new rules, rather than the weaker development standards currently in place. This condition is particularly important with respect to the controversial site plans for proposed data centers adjacent to the Chantilly Meadows mobile home community, for which the applicant proposes only a minimal 50 foot buffer. The protection of the existing affordable housing community should be far more important to the board than facilitating additional streamlined development approvals.
9. Items of General Interest:
   • Circuit Court Launches New Electronic Service to Provide Free, Online Access to Case Information
   • Fairfax Circuit Court has launched a new online service to revolutionize access to Circuit Court Case information. This innovative platform, eCaseSearch, is designed to offer free and efficient access to non-confidential case information, providing the public with unprecedented transparency and convenience.
   • The proposed online service aims to streamline the process of accessing Circuit Court Case information and seeks to eliminate barriers to information, empowering citizens with easy access to public records. eCaseSearch will allow users to search for public information such as hearing dates and times, a list of charges, and other docket information on criminal and civil cases.
   • This service provides free access to public Circuit Court case information and prioritizes efficient and user-friendly navigation. The program was created in-house, in partnership with Fairfax County Department of Information Technology (DIT), at no additional cost to taxpayers. It is available in the top six languages spoken in Fairfax County other than English. One remarkable feature of the program is that Circuit Court staff worked with IT analysts to translate the application into these six languages themselves. Speakers of all six languages are available in the Clerk’s Office and were excited to contribute to the project.
   • eCaseSearch is available now and can be accessed at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/apps/ECS_Public.
   • Notable New State Laws Effective July 1, 2024
   New state laws will take effect on Monday, July 1, and they will impact speed limits, access to polling places, firearms, and more.
   • HB 1071 will allow localities, including Fairfax County, to reduce speed limits to as low as 15 miles per hour in business or residential districts. 
   • HB 441 / SB 605 clarify that those with a disability (not just a physical disability) can vote curbside. The new law will also require training for poll workers on disability access. 
   • HB 940 requires local registrars to post information at the previous polling place in the event of a location change, including information about how to find the new location.
   • HB 22 / SB 210 ban "auto sears", which can convert a semiautomatic firearm into a fully automatic weapon.
   • SB 363 prohibits the removal or alteration of serial numbers on any firearm outside of antique ones.
   • HB 282 creates a traffic infraction for any moving violation in a highway work zone.
   A summary of other new laws is available via the related NewsCenter article.
    
   • Find Answers to Tax-related Questions in the Latest Tax Facts Guide
   • The Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration's (DTA) latest Tax Facts guide provides a comprehensive overview of information such as tax deadlines, vehicle registration, payment methods, tax relief / exemptions, and more. Please note that the first installment of the real estate tax is due July 28.
   • Those with tax-related questions are encouraged to visit the DTA's Frequently Asked Questions page for additional information. If you require further assistance, please schedule an appointment with DTA staff, call 703-222-8234, or email DTAAdmin@fairfaxcounty.gov.
   • Monument Drive Commuter Parking Garage Now Open
   • The Monument Drive Commuter Parking Garage and Transit Center is a new state-of-the-art facility located at 12113 Government Center Pkwy, near Fairfax Corner and Fair Oaks Mall. The facility is designed to improve daily commutes and reduce traffic congestion by serving as a convenient hub for accessing public transit options. This site and the forthcoming Springfield garage will also support the Fairfax Connector bus service changes that went into effect last Saturday, June 22. The Monument Drive garage is anticipated to eventually link roughly two-thirds of the transit system and streamline travel routes.
   • The Monument Drive garage features over 800 parking spaces, pickup and drop off for ride-sharing (slug lanes), indoor / outdoor bicycle storage, and electric vehicle charging spaces. Roof-mounted solar panels are expected to be installed later this summer to help supply the facility's electrical needs.
   • Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and the Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments (MWCOG or COG) are working to achieve a world class transit system. It’s called DMVMoves. Please consider taking a survey.
   • Northern Virginia Transportation Authority approved funding for five projects in Fairfax County.
   • Frontier Drive Extension and Improvements
   • Braddock Road Multimodal Improvements
   • Route 7 Multimodal Improvements (I-495 to I-66)
   • Seven Corners Ring Road Improvements
   • VRE Backlick Road Station Improvements
   • Fairfax Water's Latest Program Tackles Lead Exposure in Drinking Water
   
   • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted new regulations in 2021 to further protect public drinking water supplies from lead and copper contamination. As part of this effort, the agency will require water utilities to create accurate records of any lead service lines within their systems.
   • Fairfax Water will look to meet all of the EPA's mandates through its "Lead Free Fairfax" initiative.
   • While Fairfax Water has kept an inventory of the materials used for its service lines, some information still remains unknown or unverified. Fairfax Water customers can help identify lead service lines by completing an online survey or by calling 703-698-5800 (TTY 711). This service line inventory update is scheduled to be completed by this October. 
   • The Lead Free Fairfax website also provides instructions for testing your water and educational resources about drinking water safety.
   • Take the Survey

10. Scheduled Meetings/Events
• Free School Physicals for Uninsured Children
  • HealthWorks for Northern Virginia is hosting two free school physicals events for children who do not have health insurance. To qualify, students must attend a Virginia school and be between the ages of 3 to 18 years old. HealthWorks will provide immunizations, tuberculosis screenings and vision and hearing exams. Sport physicals will not be available.
  • Wednesday, August 7 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at HealthWorks Leesburg, 163 Fort Evans Rd NE, Leesburg
  • Wednesday, August 14 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at HealthWorks Herndon, 1141 Elden St, Herndon
  • Schedule an appointment online or by calling 571-840-4714. Visit the HealthWorks Northern Virginia website for more information.
• Community Forum for Family Caregivers — Provide Input on Services for Residents with Disabilities
• The Fairfax Area Commission on Aging (COA) and the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board (FA-DSB) are seeking community input to identify systemic gaps in service and/or barriers faced by residents with disabilities.
• The following virtual community forums will focus on topics such as, Services for Older Adults and Family Caregivers, Housing and Neighborhood Supports, Access to Mobility Options, Personal Well-being, and Economic Stability and Planning (see event flyer):
  • Community Forum for Family Caregivers
  Wednesday, July 31 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Community Forum for Adults with Disabilities Age 50 and Older
  Friday, August 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Spaces are limited, and registration is required. Meeting access information will be provided via email following registration. To request reasonable ADA accommodations, contact Ann Kim at 703-324-7486 (TTY 711) or Ann.Kim@fairfaxcounty.gov. These forums will inform the creation of the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan, a strategic plan to make Fairfax County a better place to age, for older adults to live safely and with dignity.
• Register Today
• FCPL's Cooking Contest and Workshops for Teens
• Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) will hold its Teen Chopped Challenge now through Friday, August 16. Youths ages 12-18 can enter the contest by picking up mystery ingredients from one of six library branches before using them in an original recipe. A photo of the completed dish should be submitted online before August 16, and selected winners will receive gift card prizes. Please note that the mystery ingredient kits are available first-come, first-served in limited quantities. Additional details and the online submission form are available on the Teen Chopped Challenge website.
• FCPL will also hold free cooking basics workshops for rising 7th through 12th grade students:
  • Chantilly Regional Library: Saturday, July 20, 12-2:30 p.m. Register. 
• This workshop will be led by professional chef Beck Waldman.
• Nomination Period Now Open for the Friends of Trees Awards
• The Fairfax County Tree Commission holds the Friends of Trees Awards every year to recognize individuals and groups for their work to preserve or plant trees. The nomination period is open now through Wednesday, July 31, and winners will be announced later this fall.
• The Friends of Trees Awards began in 1999 to celebrate conservation actions that meet one of the following criteria:
  • to protect and preserve existing trees and associated habitats,
  • to increase the urban tree canopy and its related habitats,
  • to educate and inspire people to plant more trees and properly maintain them, and
  • to convey an understanding of the value and benefits of trees.
• The Tree Commission is a 15-member group that advises the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors about matters relating to urban forest conservation and preservation. Tree canopy currently covers about 55% of the County, and the current goal is to reach 60% by 2030.
• Nominate Someone Today
• Aug. 1 - 4: Fairfax County 4-H Fair & Carnival
  • Mark your calendars for the 74th County 4-H Fair and Carnival at Frying Pan Farm Park from August 1 to August 4! Enjoy old-fashioned family fun, carnival games and rides, tractor demos, 4-H exhibit and shows, fair food, live entertainment, live animals, and more.
  • For the full schedule, tickets and fees, visit the 4-H Fair and Carnival website.
• Public Hearing on the Data Centers Zoning Ordinance Amendment
• The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, July 16 at 4 p.m., regarding proposed changes to the county's process for approving new data centers. 
  
• A data center is essentially a warehouse for the internet; it powers digital services like emails, streaming services, navigation, financial transactions, and business applications by supplying the necessary data storage and computing power. During the computer's early stages, individual server rooms provided this function for organizations. However, the advancement of the internet led to an exponential growth in internet-reliant devices and services, which in turn created the need for sufficiently powerful digital infrastructure in the form of data centers. Northern Virginia's robust fiber optic network, relatively stable climate, and proximity to the nation's capital among other factors have historically attracted data center development to the region.
  
• In May 2023, the Board of Supervisors directed staff to conduct research and provide recommendations on how data centers should be reviewed and sited; these findings were presented in the report from January 9, 2024. The Board then asked staff to prepare a Zoning Ordinance amendment to strengthen the county's existing land use provisions pertaining to data centers. A draft amendment was published for review via the staff report on May 17, 2024, and it will be the topic of this coming Tuesday's public hearing. Community members can learn about the various ways to provide comments for this public hearing on the Public Hearing Testimony webpage. Additional information about this topic as well as recordings of past community meetings are available on the Data Centers webpage.
• Fairfax Center Area Planning Study Survey

• Share your input on the future of the Fairfax Center Area! Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts in the online poll
• The Fairfax Center Area Study is evaluating changes to the long-range land use plan for the 5,500-acre area between Route 50 and Route 29. The study will refine recommendations for the Fairfax Center Area’s Core, including the County’s Government Center, Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax Corner, and other commercial and residential developments, and focuses on creating a mixed-use, walkable, and vibrant community. The study will include a transportation analysis and consider updates to accommodate existing and future developments.
• The Government Center visioning process is another critical component of this study. Developed nearly 40 years ago, the Government Center campus’ role and its surrounding area are being re-evaluated. I have consistently argued that this should start with making sure we have taken into account the needs of the County government and its citizens.
• Community feedback is crucial to create a thriving, inclusive, and well-planned Fairfax Center Area. All who live, work, shop, recreate, or do business in the Fairfax Center area are encouraged to share their thoughts through the online poll before it closes on Friday, July 26. The responses will help the study’s Task Force form recommendations for how the area can evolve in the years to come.
• Click here to share your thoughts on the Fairfax Center Area. If you know someone with a connection to the Fairfax Center area, please share the poll with them and help us spread the word!
• Ongoing updates and future engagement opportunities will be available on the project webpage. Updates will continue to be shared to subscriber of this Comprehensive Plan Amendments e-mail list
• Learn About Fairfax County's Building Permit Process
• A Building Permits 101 class will be held at the Community Rooms of North County Governmental Center (1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston) on Tuesday, July 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This free class will share tips about topics such as hiring a contractor, avoiding scams, and assessing if a project requires a permit. Questions about the class can be directed to county staff at 703-222-0801 (TTY 711). 
• Register Today
• July 16: Personal Climate Action- Carbon-Free Fairfax Webinar
• Join Fairfax County's Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination on Tuesday, July 16 at 6:30 p.m. for “Personal Climate Action: A Carbon-Free Fairfax Webinar” to learn about ways you can save money, reduce your carbon footprint and adapt to changing climate conditions. Register to receive a reminder email the day of the livestream.
• The webinar will be livestreamed on Fairfax County's YouTube channel as well as OEEC's Facebook page. Registering will sign you up for reminder emails, but registration is not required to join the livestream. It will also be immediately available on YouTube to watch the replay after the livestream.
• Join the Livestream on OEEC's Facebook Page.
• Deadline July 24: Capital Area Solar Switch Sign Up
  • There are only a few weeks left to join the Capital Area Solar Switch summer 2024 campaign to get a quality rooftop solar installation at a discounted price.
  • Capital Area Solar Switch takes advantage of group-buying power and Solar United Neighbors’ expertise to take the guesswork out of going solar. By signing up, residents can receive a free assessment and quote from a qualified solar installer, and a guaranteed discounted price, with no obligation to move forward with a solar installation. The sign-up period for Solar Switch ends July 24.
• Tax 1ayments Due on Monday, July 29th
  • A reminder that the first installment of real estate tax bills is due on Monday, July 29th, because the 28th falls on a Sunday.
• The Washington Metropolitan Transportation Planning Board is holding aa Regional Curbside Management Forum Friday August 2. Please register if interested
• WMATA Better Bus Network Redesign is seeking public comment upto the end of this week.
• Fairfax Connector Bus Service Changed as of June 22
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) recently announced significant updates to the Fairfax Connector bus service, effective Saturday, June 22, 2024. Residents and visitors will benefit from expanded park and ride options, increased frequency, streamlined bus service routes, and new bus stop locations designed to make traveling throughout Fairfax County and our region more convenient for everyone. Please review the FCDOT announcement for details about all of the upcoming changes.
• Traffic Disruptions Along Route 28 for Dominion Energy Work

There will be temporary traffic disruptions along Route 28 starting this month through September due to Dominion Energy's Loudoun Junction-Dulles Reconductor Project. This work will replace the wires on an electric transmission line and help maintain electric reliability. Dominion Energy will also alert nearby residents of the traffic disruptions via this postcard.  Traffic will be paused or rerouted to detours on Saturday and Sunday mornings from sunrise to 9 a.m. during the following weeks: July 13 — July 28 2024 — Disruptions near Route 28 and Route 50 (see map) August 3 —August 25 2024 — Detours of Route 28 / Air and Space Museum Parkway on and off ramps (see map) September 7 — September 22 2024 — Detours of Route 28 / McLearen Road on and off ramps (see map) Signs and flaggers will be in place to direct travelers during these times. Please call 888-291-0190, email powerline@dominionenergy.com, or visit the project webpage for more information.

11. Next Sully District meetings will take place at the Sully Government Facility unless otherwise indicated:
    • The next Sully District Council meeting will be Wednesday, 25 September 2024.
    Topics:
    • Proposed Congressional Candidates night held with the LWV,FA
    • Next month's Joint Sully Land Use and Transportation Committee is scheduled for Monday, 19 August 2024.
    At this time there are no items to consider

Respectfully submitted,

Jeffrey M. Parnes
Land Use and Transportation Chair
Sully District Council