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Dear Neighbor, 

I try to keep the Dranesville Dispatch hyper-focused on the County and the Dranesville District, but sometimes it is impossible to do so. Early Saturday evening, I took the stage at Arrowbrook Centre Park intending simply to welcome folks to the first of our Fairfax County Park Authority Summer Concert series concerts, but obviously there were far weightier things on my mind. As I told the crowd, political violence is anathema to democracy, and we must, and I do unequivocally reject it in all forms. Thank goodness former President Trump appears to have fully recovered and that law enforcement acted quickly to prevent more bloodshed, but a family is grieving their father. In America, we’re supposed to deal with our political disagreements through ballots, not bullets, and that can never be emphasized enough. We must do everything in our power to continue to ensure that that is our future and that days like Saturday are horrible aberrations. 

There is no smooth segue from that discussion to our work here in Fairfax County, but nevertheless, I’ll try. On Tuesday, July 16 the Board held a public hearing on proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance concerning Data Centers. More than sixty people testified with a wide range of views about the proposed ordinance amendment, and at the conclusion of the meeting, rather than voting on an ordinance change, we deferred decision to the July 30 meeting. I was struck by one particular speaker who closed his remarks simply by thanking us for listening and for affording him and others the opportunity to speak out regarding their government. Having heard his testimony at other Board meetings and taken questions from him at one of my Budget Town Halls, I doubt that gentleman and I see eye-to-eye on much, nor do I really think the credit that he gave the Board was entirely due—it’s our job to listen. But it did crystallize what makes our country unique, and the importance of making sure that it remains that way. 

For a detailed overview of the issues around the proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment and data centers, please read the article below. The record for the hearing is still open for public comment and you can submit written testimony until July 30 to ClerktotheBOS@fairfaxcounty.gov. I value the feedback of our passionate and well-informed residents! 

Thanks for reading, thank you for sharing your opinions, and have a terrific weekend. 

All the best, 

Jimmy 

James N. Bierman, Jr. 

Dranesville District Supervisor

McLean Governmental Center 

1437 Balls Hill Road

McLean, VA 22101

PH: 703-356-0551

Dranesville@fairfaxcounty.gov

Opening Night for Music at Arrowbrook Centre Park

Groundbreaking for Somos Housing Development

Why Are We Considering a Data Center Zoning Ordinance Amendment? 

Data centers have a long history in Fairfax County, not just from the early years of the internet, but dating back to the 1950s at a certain “Company” in the “Langley” neighborhood of McLean. In recent years, especially with the proliferation of cloud computing, smartphone technology, and artificial intelligence, demand for physical hardware spaces through which data freely flows has exploded. The data centers we see today are far larger and more complex than their predecessors, carrying strengths and weaknesses unheard of in earlier times. Northern Virginia itself is the largest data center market in the world, with the vast majority of data center construction taking place in neighboring Loudoun and Prince William counties, both of which have far more available undeveloped and underdeveloped land than Fairfax.  

Cognizant of the ways in which data centers were literally and figuratively changing the Northern Virginia landscape—business and otherwise—in May of 2023, a Board Matter brought by Chairman Jeff McKay and Supervisors Kathy Smith and Dan Storck initiated a process to review various land use policies, including both the Zoning Ordinance and the Comprehensive Plan, and consider new regulations aimed at protecting our environment and residential neighborhoods while balancing economic development considerations. The first product of that effort was the January 9, 2024 Data Center Report and Recommendations, which was discussed in full at the March 12, 2024 Land Use Policy Committee Meeting. The Report and Recommendations was produced with input from a wide array of stakeholders ranging from the Sierra Club to the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association to Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions to Amazon to the Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Committee (EQAC) and many other groups. 

The Report and Recommendations does a good job of laying out some of the major considerations and concerns involving data centers. On the one hand, they attract tech businesses to our County, their construction and maintenance bring jobs with good wages, they have fewer impacts on transportation or schools than many other office or industrial uses, and they provide significant tax revenues. On the other hand, data centers consume enormous quantities of energy, significantly more water than a typical building of their size, need diesel backup generators that affect air quality, have unique noise impacts, and, as anyone who has driven Route 28 recently knows, are not very attractive. Their staggering energy consumption arguably stands out above all else, with a single large data center (i.e. 400,000 square feet) using as much energy as fifteen hospitals. Finding a balance is challenging, especially where we know that regardless of what we do in Fairfax County, more data centers will be built somewhere (and will still consume that energy). 

Following this report, a first step toward creating a better regulatory framework for data centers was a March 19, 2024 joint Board Matter from Chairman McKay and Supervisors Kathy Smith and Andres Jimenez requesting that staff prepare a recommended Zoning Ordinance amendment concerning data centers. The Board Matter also requested that staff consider what new guidelines, if any, should be added to the Comprehensive Plan. Of particular interest was ensuring that data centers are properly placed in the County and limiting (or eliminating) the locations in the County where data centers are allowed “by right,” i.e. without full Board of Supervisors approval but subject to certain restrictions already outlined by the ordinance itself, as opposed to requiring a “special exception,” where the Board of Supervisors could put in place additional “development conditions” consistent with the Zoning Administrator’s powers to mitigate localized negative effects. (While this Board Matter did not concern the Comprehensive Plan, such considerations are still under way per the May 2023 Board Matter.)  

The Zoning Ordinance Amendment and the Planning Commission



On May 17, 2024, following four community meetings to gather more input, the Zoning Administration Division released a Staff Report including recommendations for a proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment. The report is worth reading in full, but I recommend paying particularly close attention to Tables 1 and 2.   

The current Zoning Ordinance without amendment provides for large “by right” data centers in I-4, I-5, and I-6 (medium, general, and heavy intensity industrial) districts; allows for “by right” data centers up to 80,000 square feet or larger if repurposing an existing building in I-3 and I-2 (light and low intensity industrial) districts; and allows for “by right” data centers up to 40,000 square feet or larger if repurposing an existing building in C-3 and C-4 (office and high intensity office) districts. Staff’s proposed amendment would essentially shrink the opportunities to build large “by right” data centers to only the most intense industrial districts, I-5 and I-6, while requiring special exceptions in other districts for any data center exceeding 80,000 square feet. Notably, some of the particularly “intense” uses in the I-5 and I-6 districts that are currently allowed “by right” include, among other things, crematoriums, heavy utility facilities, heavy vehicle repair and maintenance facilities, freight distribution hubs, recycling centers, and, in I-6, junkyards and solid waste disposal facilities. 

Staff also recommended that the proposed amendment add additional requirements regarding setbacks of data center buildings from residential areas, require that data centers be located a set distance away from Metro stops, require noise studies as a part of site planning, and adopt new building design standards to improve the visual appeal of data centers. 

Notably, the staff report also discussed some of the data center concerns that a proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment could not solve for, either in creating a requirement tied to “by right” development or as a development condition for a “special exception.” For instance, while the Report and Recommendations identified the quality of backup generators as an area of particular concern, the County cannot, under state law, condition either directly in the Zoning Ordinance or as a requirement for a special exception that a data center use a certain type of backup generator where such emissions standards are exclusively the province of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. (Note: it would be and has been possible to obtain a proffer to use a certain type of generator in the context of a rezoning application, but that is different than a special exception process.) 

The Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend adoption of “Option 1” in the Staff Report (which is what I have been describing), with a few key amendments. First, the Planning Commission agreed to the 200-foot setback for the data center building itself from residential properties but put in place a 500-foot setback for cooling, ventilating, or generator equipment, unless it was located on the opposite side of the building from residential properties. Second, the Planning Commission recommended that the Board impose a one-mile distance from any by right data center to the Metro. Third, the Planning Commission would not grandfather any currently submitted but not yet accepted applications for by right development. (You can see the entire package for consideration of the proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment that was before the Board starting at page 146 here.) 

What We Heard

Many thanks to those who testified on Tuesday (starting at the 3:37:00 mark) and who have contacted our office and others to share their thoughts and concerns regarding data centers. One thing that cannot be overstated is the diversity of opinion on display, from some people dead set against any regulation that could limit data centers to others seeking far more stringent requirements to industry representatives promising that certain regulations weren’t needed to residents requesting more input and balance in the process.  

One theme was that many residents who felt that the Zoning Ordinance amendment needed to regulate data centers more strictly nevertheless also acknowledged a place for data centers in the County. One resident implored the Board to show our governing skills through compromise, while another who wanted to strengthen the Ordinance spoke of how the Board should avoid seeing data centers as “a binary choice.” Another resident who himself had experience working in the tech sector pointed out that he was not against data centers, but rather against putting them close to residential properties without more stringent restrictions. Still another resident offered an astute—and accurate—observation that “zoning exists explicitly for the purpose of separating industry from residents.”   

Another important theme from concerned residents was that there is “a lot that is unknown” about the real, complete environmental impacts of data centers, and that there was concern that any relinquishing of control in the process could not just harm next door neighbors but have broader implications, including the full financial burden of accelerated climate change. Some residents, emphasizing these unknowns, implored the Board not to trust industry but to demand more from it. Such residents also expressed skepticism that such requirements would, in fact, slow data center development at all. 

Furthermore, a lot of residents saw the special exception process as necessary to preserving their voice though, as I explain below, sometimes their expectations for the special exception process were inconsistent with what it can achieve. 

On the opposite side of the issue, however, were residents and industry representatives who had concerns about the proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment being too restrictive. One resident who spoke in favor of data centers said, “I’m somewhat concerned about these regulations because they seem to be designed to limit data centers or to place heavy burdens on them or designed to make them more difficult to establish.” Industry representatives offered some concerns about various rules and regulations, especially considering where they say the industry is going, and pushed back against energy regulation and requirements on the types of generators used or water consumption. Still others warned that making data centers go through a special exception process was akin to closing the door on data centers altogether (and losing valuable tax revenue), as they will be more feasibly built in other less-restrictive locations. There were also concerns raised about changing the rules midstream on plans already in place, and the broader implications that could have on all types of developments if it’s known that the County can turn on a dime in such a way.  

One particularly astute observation came from a former Congresswoman, speaking on behalf of the data center industry, who was touting the effect that the data center industry on the tax coffers of nearby Loudoun County and noted, “Loudoun County obviously has far more data centers than Fairfax County could ever build, and no doubt would want to build.” This is true. 

What I’m Thinking

In the end, as you can probably tell given how I’ve written this article, I agreed with a lot of what I was hearing across the spectrum—and I had certain disagreements across the spectrum as well! As an initial matter, in my view, the proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment is, in truth, a limiting compromise. By shrinking the number of districts where a data center can be built by right to only those districts already planned for the heaviest industrial uses and placing more rules on setbacks and location, fewer locations in the County will be viable for a data center. Moreover, to the degree that certain locations do retain “by right” opportunities, that will, I suspect, further shrink the number of special exceptions requested elsewhere. In addition, the one mile from a Metro provision is important to keep the County on track with its plans to emphasize transit-oriented development and more walkable communities, neither of which fits neatly with data centers.  

At the same time, I both share residents’ skepticism of the promises of industry and largely reject industry’s veiled threat that stringent standards will lead to flight, while further not really believing that zoning law is itself all that well equipped with all these concerns. One person testifying on behalf of industry, for instance, asserted that concerns about water usage were overblown because data centers are “air cooled facilities. Period.” And yet, research has shown that data centers do use significantly more water. Other industry folks testified that concerns about energy consumption are overblown because the data center industry is the world’s leading investor in and user of renewable energy. But that’s not the flex they think it is—what else could we be powering with renewable energy? Industry promises to build the most sustainable data centers, but that does not mean we should not be using appropriate levers to make sure that they are doing so! 

By the same token, when it comes to mitigating the core environmental concerns brought up by so many of the residents, both generalized zoning law dealing with nuisance issues and specifically the special exception process itself are ill-equipped to deal with their concerns. For instance, many speakers referenced a process earlier this year by which the Board of Supervisors was able to get a developer to commit to utilizing Tier IV backup generators. These speakers erroneously suggested that the developer concession was the result of a special exception process, but the concession was actually part of a proffer in a rezoning. State law is explicit that we can neither require a certain generator to meet emission standards in creating the by right guidelines nor could we require it as a development condition for a special exception. Just as we cannot, at the local level, set all building codes, there are barriers to using zoning powers to limit energy and water consumption.  

Further, even some of the localized neighborhood concerns are not those typically dealt with via the special exception process. Zoning does exist to separate residents from industry, but that is why certain rules about setbacks, transitional screening, and other lines are drawn into the ordinance itself, rather than bargained for on an ad hoc basis. This is, to be sure, an imperfect system, and yet it is the one we have that allows for all kinds of industrial developments, many of which carry at least as much nuisance factor as a data center. For instance, it seems clear that an Amazon fulfillment center (or freight hub), which can be built by right in an I-4, I-5, and I-6 district, might have just as big or bigger a neighborhood impact as an Amazon Web Services data center. This is, of course, why the proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment strengthens setback rules. 

In the end, the Board still has twelve days to decide what final action it will take. What I intend to do during that time is to think critically about what is before us, what isn’t before us, and what could be before us. I see the Zoning Ordinance amendment as only one part of this County’s story when it comes to data centers. First, I want to ensure that we are getting as many protections as possible from the Zoning Ordinance as we can. But second, as repeatedly alluded to above, the plan to tackle the data center issue involved both revisions to the Zoning Ordinance and refinements to the County’s Comprehensive Plan, so I only see this as one piece of the puzzle and am ready to start tackling the Comp Plan next. In addition, as discussed above, the very Board Matter that led to this proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment also suggested that we should study rules around substations in the near future. Third, I think we should be thinking critically about what information we need to gather next to move us in the right direction, to test our own assumptions about how the Zoning Ordinance will operate, and to allow us to test the assertions of industry about the direction in which they are going. Finally, I think we should be considering not just what we can do right now but what we might want to do in the future, and thinking about what we may want to support as enabling legislation in a future legislative package regarding smart, environmentally sound regulation of data centers. 

Fairfax County Awarded Over $50 Million in Funding from FTA

Last week, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) announced that the County has received over $50 million dollars from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to buy new low emission, diesel-electric hybrid buses to replace older buses as part of its fleet replacement plan.This funding is part of FTA's larger approximately $1.5 billion in awards to support 117 projects that will improve public transportation in 47 states. This investment in sustainable transportation not only reduces emissions but also enhances the County's commitment to a greener future.

To read more about this plan, visit the FTA website.

Did you know that you can get a birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificates at a Health Department clinic in the County? Before visiting one of their offices, view some important details below.

Fairfax County Office of Vital Records issues certified copies of vital records (or “certificates”) for these events that occurred in Virginia:

• Births: June 1912 +
• Marriages: 1936 +
• Divorces: 1918 +
• Deaths: June 1912 +

Birth records become public information after 100 years while death, marriage and divorce records after 25 years.

Office of Vital Records Hours and Locations

Annandale District Office

7611 Little River Turnpike

Annandale

Herndon-Reston District Office

1850 Cameron Glen Drive, Suite 100

Reston

Hyland South County Government Center

8350 Richmond Highway, Suit 233

Alexandria

Joseph Willard Health Center

3750 Blenheim Boulevard

Fairfax

Vital records are provided by walk-in service only. Appointments are not available. Services are offered Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Offices can be reached at 703-246-7100.

Know Before You Go

• Vital Records are available for oneself or immediate family members only.
• View ID requirements prior to your visit.
• The fee for a vital record is $12 for each certificate and/or search of a vital record.
• See more important details for each record type.

Emergencies like natural disasters, power outages and extreme weather events can happen at any time. As a pet owner, being prepared for emergencies is crucial to keeping your pets safe.

The Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management and Security has put together different ways you can makes sure your pets are ready for anything.

Have an Emergency Kit for Your Pets

Your emergency kit should include:

• Food and water
• First aid kit
• Collar with an ID tag, harness, and leash
• Crate or pet carrier
• Litter box and litter
• Pet sanitation supplies

Plan for Pet Friendly Accommodations

• Identify pet-friendly hotels outside of your immediate area.
• Ask friends or relatives if they can shelter your pets in an emergency.
• Look into boarding facilities that are available for emergency stays.

Learn more about how you can best prepare by visiting here.

About 29 percent of Fairfax County Public School Students receive free/reduced price meals during the school year. When the school year ends, so does the opportunity for consistent meals.

Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all children without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), age or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. Meals will be provided at the sites and times listed below. Children must remain onsite while consuming their meals.

Meals will be provided to children enrolled in the following programs: 

Camp Fairfax - Rising 1st-7th Grade Children

• Community Centers: Weekly Sessions through Friday, Aug. 16, 2024
• FCPS Sites: Weekly Sessions through Friday, Aug. 2, 202
• Operational Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Teens In Action - Rising 7th-12th Grade Children

• Community Centers: Weekly Sessions through Friday, Aug. 16, 2024
• Operational Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. *Hours may vary based on site.

Hours may vary based on site.

Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks are provided. A weekly menu will be available. For locations and more information, please visit the SFSP webpage.

The average household has more than a dozen appliances. Broken household appliances fall under the category of "e-waste" or "e-scrap". So, what should we do about these broken appliances? The County's Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination shared four ways for responsibly dealing with the unwanted or outdated appliances.

1. Reuse: If you are upgrading to more energy-efficient models, consider donating your older, working appliances to community organizations, or selling them independently, rather than trashing them. This will ensure that they are reused until they are no longer in working order, maximizing their potential.
2. Repair: If you have an appliance that seems to have some life left in it but isn't functioning properly, figuring out how to repair it can save you money and extend its usability. 
3. Repurpose: If you’re a creative type and want to make the most of your older appliances, consider repurposing certain elements yourself before recycling the rest. 
4. Recycle: Is your dishwasher or microwave at the end of its lifecycle? Appliances (and electronics!) that cannot be repaired or reused should be recycled. Most are made primarily of metal and can go into the scrap metal piles at Fairfax County disposal facilities. 

Read the article to learn more. Visit the Climate Matters blog to view stories, insights, and information related to climate change.

July 20: Music at Arrowbrook Park- Steven Bundick

As part of the Fairfax County Park Authority's Summer Entertainment Series, musical concerts will be held at Arrowbrook Park every Saturday night through August 31. This summer’s schedule includes a diverse lineup of performances from classical to bluegrass and everything in between, as well as children’s performances, music and dance from around the world and drive-in movies.

This Saturday's concert will be performed by Steven Bundick, an R&B artist. You don't want to miss it!

Saturday, July 20 at 7:30 p.m.

Arrowbrook Centre Park

2351 Field Point Rd, Herndon

For more locations and concerts, visit the Summer Entertainment Series website.

This year marks the final edition of The Closet’s Off-Site Toy Sale! It will be held Saturday, July 20. Shop the sale to find a tremendous selection of quality toys, and volunteer to help make the sale a success. Profits go to support local community service organizations as well as post-secondary education scholarships for students from local high schools.

Saturday, July 20 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Herndon Mason Lodge

779 Center St, Herndon

Visit The Closet's webpage for future events and more information.

July 22: Free Microchip Clinic

July is National Lost Prevention Month and to celebrate, the Fairfax County Animal Shelter is offering free microchips for County residents' pets at their July Vaccine and Microchip Clinics. Microchipping your pet is one of the most effective ways to keep them safe and ensure a quick reunion if they ever get lost.

Monday, July 22 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Michael R. Frey Campus

4500 West Ox Rd, Fairfax

All clinics are first come, first served and open to County residents. Microchips are free during the July clinics; other vaccines are cash only.

Learn more about Vaccine and Microchip Clinics.

Haven't decided on a career path? Come and explore careers in law enforcement for women. Learn first hand about core police functions such as patrol, helicopter, and crime scene investigation. Meet today's women leaders in law enforcement in Fairfax County. Explore what it takes to become a police officer and skills you will learn in the police academy. Discover your potential to become a future woman leader in law enforcement. Applications are due July 22, 2024.

You will learn about:

• Patrol
• Crime scene investigation
• Women in law enforcement
• Recruiting process
• Law enforcement career opportunities
• Leadership skills
• Helicopter division
• And more!

For more information, please call (703) 246-3332 or e-mail us CPA@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Details:

Classes will be held July 29 - August 2, 2024 at the Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters (12099 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA). Participants are expected to attend all classes.

Eligibility:

This program is offered free of charge and is open to all Northern Virginia high school-age girls (public, private, or home-schooled) entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grades during the 2024-2025 school year.

The Building Permits 101 class teaches community members about permit requirements and the permitting process at Fairfax County. Get tips about hiring a contractor, avoiding scams and whether your project requires a permit. Sign up today.

Tuesday, July 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

North County Governmental Center

1801 Cameron Glen Dr, Reston

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.

Want to explore Tysons? The Tysons Community Alliance invites you to participate in the Tysons Get Around Guide, a fun and rewarding way to discover the best routes and hidden gems throughout the community. Learn more about how you can get involved.

You can Supervisor Bierman on a Community Walk on Wednesday, July 24 for a chance to explore the Capital One/Tysons East Loop (Red Route). I would love to see you there!

Wednesday, July 24 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Meet at Westgate Elementary School Parking Lot

7500 Magarity Rd, Falls Church

Deadline July 26: National Night Out 2024 Community Registration

It's time to register your community for National Night Out! Help make this a memorable event by connecting with officers of the McLean District Station.

Whether it’s a simple ice cream party or an all-out festival, National Night Out is an opportunity to gather with your neighbors, get better acquainted, and talk about issues of common concern. You also get the chance to:

• Have fun, enjoy food, and create connections in your community
• Meet your Police and Public Safety Team
• Heighten crime prevention awareness
• Send the message that your neighborhood is taking a stand against crime

Complete the form to get registered for the event. If you registered directly with the NNO organization, you still need to register with this form.

Deadline to sign up is July 26. More information on National Night Out 2024 here.

Are you a Fairfax County job seeker looking to enhance your skillset and enter a good job? Join the virtual Talent Up Information Session on Friday, July 26th at 11 a.m. to learn about the Talent Up paid internship program and the application process. Whether you're an adult seeking work, a career switcher, a recent graduate, or new to the area, this session is for you! Register today and unlock your full professional potential.

The Fairfax County Tree Commission announces nominations for its 2023-2024 Friends of Trees Awards opened on June 14 and will close on July 31. Individuals, organizations and developers may be nominated (or self-nominated) for various tree related projects or programs that have demonstrated outstanding conservation-based actions to preserve, protect or plant trees. Winners will be announced in fall 2024 with a celebration to follow. Please use the nomination form online.

For inquiries about the awards, email treecommission@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Leadership Fairfax is now accepting applications for their premier professional leadership development programs – Leadership Fairfax Institute, Emerging Leaders Institute and Inclusive Leadership Institute. Applications are due Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Programs begin in the fall of 2024. The programs build participant knowledge of community issues, legislative processes, leadership skills, presentation skills and strategic interactions to accomplish positive change.

Classes meet monthly and participants work outside of class with a cohort to plan and implement community service projects or community issue research that has a lasting impact on Fairfax County and Northern Virginia. Graduates join a connected network of over 2,500 graduates who have contributed over 400,000 hours of volunteer service to the community.

For more information and to apply, visit leadershipfairfax.org.

July 31 & Aug. 2: 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 Fairfax County residents with disabilities face.

Two virtual community forums will be held and will focus on various 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.

Community Forum for Family Caregivers

• Wednesday, July 31, 2024
• 7–8:30 p.m.
• Virtual via Zoom

Community Forum for Adults with Disabilities Age 50 and Older

• Friday, August 2, 2024
• 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Virtual via Zoom

Register to attend and receive an email with access instructions. Space is limited. 

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.

Aug. 7 & Aug. 14: Free School Physicals for Uninsured Children

HealthWorks for Northern Virginia is hosting two free school physical 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. Sports physicals will not be available.

Wednesday, August 7 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

HealthWorks Leesburg

163 Fort Evans Rd NE, Leesburg

Wednesday, August 14 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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.

Deadline Aug. 16: McLean Community Center Seeks Artists

The McLean Community Center (MCC) is accepting qualifications from artists or artist teams for two public art projects it is commissioning in McLean. The two public art projects are part of the Center’s 50th Anniversary celebration, which will take place in 2025. The first project is a mural to be created for the rear wall of the Old Firehouse Center (OFC), located at 1440 Chain Bridge Rd. The second project is a typographical sculpture to be placed on the rear plaza of MCC, which is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave.

The application period closes on August 16, 2024 with finalists being notified in mid-September.

All interested artists should submit an application with the preliminary submission materials: a statement of interest, resume, images of past work and professional references. Applications must be submitted through the CaFÉ portal by August 16, 2024.

Visit the announcement webpage for mural and sculpture specifications and budget. For more information, call MCC at 703-790-0123, TTY: 711.

VDOT: 495 NEXT Updates

Lane Closures & Traffic Changes Report for the upcoming week will be posted at the 495 NEXT Lane Closures webpage. Sign up to get news and updates on 495 NEXT lane closures and project updates, here.

Check out the 495 NEXT interactive map, project background and more information by visiting 495NEXT.org. If you have any questions or concerns about the 495 NEXT project, please feel free to contact the project team at 495NorthernExtension@vdot.virginia.gov or 703-592-6430.

Public Hours

VDOT and its 495 NEXT project partners will hold drop-in public hours this summer to provide the public opportunities to interact with project staff individually to learn more and ask questions about the 495 NEXT project. These sessions will be held at the McLean Governmental Center’s Community Room and no appointment is necessary. A virtual option will be available as well. Please visit the project’s website to access the links. 

2024 Public Hours Dates and Times:

• Thursday, July 25 | 1-3 p.m.
• Thursday, August 15 | 4-6 p.m.
• Thursday, August 22 | 1-3 p.m.
• Thursday, September 19 | 4-6 p.m.
• Thursday, September 26 | 1-3 p.m. 

Email 495NorthernExtension@vdot.virginia.gov or call 703-691-6715 with any questions.

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dranesville

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