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Dear Neighbor,

I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend with my daughter, Emma, now almost nine months old, during the Board’s August recess. With parental leave and the Board recess behind us, I am looking forward to getting back to the regular pace of Board meetings and other Board work. The Board will be meeting this Tuesday, September 10. Among the items on a full agenda is the rescheduled public hearing on the Zoning Ordinance amendment on data centers. This is a matter of significant community interest, and I appreciate the time of the residents who have already provided their feedback to the Board and those who will be speaking at the September 10 public hearing. If you want to see my thoughts on this issue, please take a look at the July 18 edition of The Dranesville Dispatch.  

Another issue of significant community interest is the County budget. While it seems that last year’s budget just wrapped up, the Board will soon begin its work on next year’s budget. Part of that work is hearing the presentation on ways the County can diversify its revenue so that the burden of funding our wonderful County services and supports doesn’t fall solely on real estate taxes. As you may know, the County has extremely limited options for raising revenue. The Board asked staff to explore these options and present their findings at the September 17 Budget Committee meeting. I look forward to hearing the information so that we can make good choices about how to fund County priorities. Of course, this exploration goes hand in hand with the County Executive’s task of identifying efficiencies and making fiscally sound expenditure cuts as a part of next year’s budget.  

If you want to learn more and follow along, remember that you can view the Board meeting schedule and watch Board meetings live or on demand.  

I hope you are enjoying back to school and other community events. I look forward to seeing you out and about, and under the lights! Hopefully I’ll see some of you in Herndon on Friday night for an intra-Dranesville football contest between the Herndon Hornets and Langley Saxons! 

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

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Due to a staff error related to new public hearing advertisement requirements effective July 1, 2024, all public hearings scheduled for the July 30 Board of Supervisors meeting were postponed and have been rescheduled to September 10.

In addition, the public hearings that were held at the July 16 Board of Supervisors meeting will also be reheard on September 10. This includes the public hearing on the Zoning Ordinance amendment on data centers, which was scheduled for final decision on July 30. For more information about this schedule change, please visit this page.

In 2015, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) created the Reagan National Airport Community Working Group (“Working Group”) in response to community concerns regarding aircraft noise affecting residential areas in the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland along the Potomac River and Anacostia River flight corridors. 

The Working Group meets quarterly and is designed to elevate broad-based community input into noise-related discussions and to identify recommendations to share with MWAA for submission to the Federal Aviation Administration or other applicable entities. To learn more about the Working Group, visit their webpage. 

If you would like to serve, please send an email expressing your interest to DranesvilleBOS@fairfaxcounty.gov.  

ArtsFairfax, a nonprofit designated as Fairfax County’s local arts agency, has announced the recipients of its FY25 Operating Support Grants that provide funds to support arts experiences in Fairfax. ArtsFairfax awarded over $590,000 to fund 58 local arts and culture organizations that provide programs, performances, arts education and services to residents of Northern Virginia. Congratulations to the 13 Dranesville organizations that received an Operating Support Grant!

• Alchemy Ballet
• Cappies of the National Capital Area
• Greater Washington Chinese Dance
• McLean Project for the Arts
• New Dominion Chorale
• NextStop Theatre Company
• Reston Community Players
• Shakespeare Opera Theatre
• Traveling Players Ensemble, Inc.
• Vietnamese Literary and Artistic Club
• Virginia Chamber Orchestra
• We Rock Cancer

For more details, visit https://artsfairfax.org/operating-support-grants/.  

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is working to combine the Fairfax County Bicycle Master Plan and the Countywide Trails Plan, and is seeking comments to ensure a safe, comfortable and convenient network of active transportation options and trails. Twelve open houses will be held around Fairfax County along with four virtual meetings offered mid-day, evening and in Spanish. 

Learn More:

• Watch the ActiveFairfax Video English • Spanish
• View the draft Active Transportation and Trail Network Map 
• Learn more about the proposed Active Transportation Plan

Way to Submit Feedback:

• Take a brief community survey; or
• Leave a comment using the Interactive Network Map; or
• Call 703-890-5898, Project Code 7268 to leave a recorded message with your comments

Survey feedback and comments will be accepted through December 20, 2024.

There will be an open house at the McLean Community Center at 6 p.m. on Monday, September 9. For the full list of open house, committee meeting, and virtual meeting dates, times and location, please visit here.

Fairfax County recently ranked No. 2 in the 2024 Digital Counties Survey by The Center for Digital Government, in partnership with the National Association of Counties. The survey identifies the best technology practices among U.S. counties, including initiatives that streamline delivery of government services, encourage open data, collaboration and shared services, enhance cybersecurity and contribute to disaster recovery efforts.

This year’s ranking celebrated several technological innovations, including the county’s incorporation of AI technologies, advanced data analytics, and web infrastructure modernization through cloud migration, which serve as a model for local governance. The County’s refreshed website, alongside its Planning and Land Use System (PLUS) and Tax and Business System (TABS), incorporates integrated AI initiatives. Fairfax County has also invested in a comprehensive multichannel engagement strategy, focusing on inclusive community involvement, while also tackling digital equity issues.

In the coming years, Fairfax County plans to further advance its AI systems and focus on additional innovative cybersecurity and business optimization strategies to enhance data-driven decision-making objectives. This will involve implementing machine learning algorithms for public services, predictive analytics for resource allocation, and even more advanced threat detection systems to further protect sensitive information.

Learn more about the County's initiatives here.

A recent presentation about the Speed Camera Pilot Program to the Board of Supervisors Safety and Security Committee revealed a bevy of successes, and a plan for expansion to take place soon. The pilot, which initially launched in February 2023, reduced the average speed in nearly every test location, thus improving safety in each of the impacted school zones.

Slowing down drivers and improving traffic safety are the objectives of the Speed Camera program, which includes the installation of photo monitoring devices (speed cameras) in school zones. There are currently nine cameras operational throughout the County. View the locations online. 

Following the pilot’s success, countywide photo speed enforcement will move forward in two phases. Phase 1, which will begin over the next few months, will include 50 additional photo speed enforcement cameras distributed between school and work zones. The location of the first 10 cameras are:

• Belvedere Elementary School  
• Cardinal Forest Elementary School
• Chantilly High School 
• Edison High School
• Flint Hill Elementary School/Madison High School (Shared)
• Marshall High School 
• McLean High School 
• Mount Vernon HS/Riverside Elementary School (Shared) 
• Robinson SS/Oak View Elementary School (Shared)
• Stone Middle School

The remaining 40 cameras will be installed throughout the rest of year. Updates on camera locations will be posted online as they are available. 

Phase 2 in FY 2027 anticipates an additional 30 speed cameras.

Visit fairfaxcounty.gov/topics/speed-cameras for more information.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for organizations to request Continuum of Care (CoC) Builds funding to add new permanent supportive housing units through new construction, acquisition, or rehabilitation for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The NOFO outlines additional CoC Program eligible activities and costs, such as supportive services, that may be included in the application for funding. 

Applications are to be completed by the organization that will administer the funds and must be sent to the CoC’s Collaborative Applicant, which, for Fairfax County, is the County’s Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH), for review and submission. Eligible applicants include nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education) and County, City, or township governments. 

OPEH is encouraging eligible organizations to submit applications for projects that meet the criteria outlined in the NOFO. In accordance with the NOFO, only one application will be selected and submitted by OPEH to HUD, and the maximum amount that can be requested is $7,500,000. Interested applicants are encouraged to go to Grants.gov, create an account, and download the NOFO. Completed applications must be submitted electronically to Stephen Knippler, CoC Manager, at stephen.knippler@fairfaxcounty.gov, by Wednesday, October 2, 2024. Applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee using the same criteria that HUD will use, as presented in the NOFO. See the slides from the information session.

If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact Stephen Knippler at 703-246-5161 (phone) or stephen.knippler@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

The Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management and Security (DEMS) put together some steps for older adults to get ready for emergencies.

Create an Emergency Kit

• Include water, non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries, and a radio
• Pack extra medications and copies of prescriptions
• Add important documents like ID and insurance information

Make a Communication Plan

• Write down important phone numbers
• Choose an out-of-town contact person
• Learn how to use text messaging

Prepare Your Home

• Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms
• Keep walkways clear to prevent falls
• Have backup power for medical equipment

Stay Informed

• Sign up for local emergency alerts
• Learn about community evacuation plans
• Know where nearby shelters are located

Practice Your Plan

• Go through your emergency procedures regularly
• Update your kit and plan as needed

School is in session and the Fairfax County Public Libraries (FCPL) have put together seven tips for students to maximize their learning this school year with services and resources that are available for free from FCPL.

1. Get support and guidance from library staff.
2. Take advantage of free tutoring sessions.
3. Access 24/7 homework help online.
4. Find books, magazines and newspapers.
5. Check out library items with just your name - and no fines!
6. Use library resources to prep for fall SATs and ACTs.
7. Access free Wi-Fi and computers.

For more information, visit FCPL's webpage.

Residents of Dranesville Small District 1A are invited to attend a public hearing on September 25 on the McLean Community Center (MCC) FY2026 budget. The FY2026 budget year begins July 1, 2025, and ends June 30, 2026. The preliminary consolidated budget will be posted on MCC’s website, mcleancenter.org and will be available at the center’s front desk beginning on Thursday, September 12. 

The FY2026 Budget Public Hearing will be held in person at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25. This hearing gives residents another opportunity to review the proposed budget. They can also prepare and provide verbal and/or written comments at the hearing. Residents of Small District 1A-Dranesville who wish to speak at the “Public Comment” portion of the hearing are asked to call 703-790-0123, TTY:711, to have their names placed on a speakers’ list; however, signing up is not required. 

District residents who cannot attend the public hearing can submit written comments to the MCC Governing Board by mail (address to: McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean VA 22101), or email them to feedback@mcleancenter.org. 

Residents may continue to submit written comments after the public hearing through Monday, October 14. The MCC Governing Board will approve the FY2026 budget at its October meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23. The final draft budget proposal will be reviewed and approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in spring 2025. 

For more information, call MCC at 703-790-0123, TTY: 711 or visit the center’s website, mcleancenter.org. 

The Friends of Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library will be hosting their quarterly book and media sale September 5 to September 8. Browse the large selection of books and media for all ages and interests.

Today through Sunday, September 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library

7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church

*Sunday Bag Sale: $10 for a full grocery sack or half price if less.

Proceeds benefit the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library and related activities. Donations of books and media are appreciated. Volunteers are welcome. For more information, visit the Library Events webpage, or contact TysonsLibraryFriends@gmail.com or 703-338-3307. 

The Fairfax County Circuit Court is opening its first satellite location in Reston, offering select services monthly at the Cathy Hudgins Community Center. Services will be available the second Tuesday of every month. The next one will be held on Tuesday, September 10.

Tuesday, September 10 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Cathy Hudgins Community Center

12125 Pinecrest Rd, Reston

Services offered include:

• Marriage license application processing
• Access to certified copies of court records
• Free notary services

For more information on Fairfax Circuit Court and its services please visit Circuit Court | Circuit Court (fairfaxcounty.gov).

The Dead Run Drive and Carper Street Cut-Through Traffic Program Task Force and the Fairfax County Department of Transportation will host a meeting to discuss the implementation of a Time-of-Day Turn Restriction. Task Force members from the community have worked with the Virginia Department of Transportation and Fairfax County to develop this solution to reduce the volume of traffic on Dead Run Drive and Carper Street. The proposal would restrict left hand turns onto Georgetown Pike from Dead Run Drive during 4:00PM-7:00PM Monday-Friday. If the proposal is implemented, traffic would be diverted to other routes when the restriction is in effect.

The purpose of this meeting is to explain the proposal, receive feedback, and answer any questions or concerns that citizens may have. Representatives of the Dranesville District Supervisor’s Office and FCDOT will attend and answer any questions during the Q&A Session.

Thursday, September 12 at 6:30 p.m.

Virtual Meeting via Microsoft Teams

Meeting ID: 231 145 124 572; Passcode: WSDn5E

Phone Conference Number: +1 571-429-5982; ID: 238 736 477#

If you are unable to attend the meeting, but have questions, please call FCDOT at 703-877-5600 or email DOTinfo@FairfaxCounty.gov (Subject: Dead Run Drive and Carper Street Cut-Through Traffic Program).

The McLean District Station Community Advisory Committee (CAC) will be hosting an in-person meeting as part of their Community Engagement Program. The purpose of these meetings are for the community to discuss issues and concerns with the Commanders of the McLean District Station. The Commanders will share current crime trends and statistics.

Thursday, September 12 at 7 p.m.

Jim Scott (Providence) Community Center

3001 Vaden Dr, Fairfax

Join Cornerstones and the Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services for a Community Health and Wellness Fair. Discover a wealth of community and health services and programs available in your neighborhood. There will be family-friendly games and raffle prizes.

Saturday, September 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center

1086 Elden St, Herndon

The McLean Community Center will be holding a Fall Community Parking Lot Sale on Saturday, September 14. Choose from an array of items including household goods, clothing, jewelry, and more!

Saturday, September 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean

Interested in being a vendor? Register here.

Sept. 14: Virginia Native American Festival

Experience the spirit of Virginia at the Native American Festival! There will be a performance by the Rappahannock Native American Dancers and Drum group, hands-on demonstrations, including bow and arrow use, and much more. Tickets are $12.

Saturday, September 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Riverbend Park

8700 Potomac Hills St, Great Falls

Register Now

Did you know you can compost your food scraps at home using the power of worms? Join a composting workshop hosted by Clean Fairfax, Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD), Pollinative Sustainable Land Management, and Reston Association where you can build your own worm composting bin. Cost to participate is $40 per household (to make one bin). Register at tinyurl.com/wormsrule. Space is limited, so sign up early!

Saturday, September 14 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Walker Nature Center

11450 Glade Center Dr, Reston

Register

The Inova Blood Donor Services Bloodmobile will be in the parking lot of the Reston District Police Station on Monday, September 16. Book your appointment today!

Monday, September 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

North County Government Center

1801 Cameron Glen Dr, Reston

Join the Shepherd's Center of Northern Virginia (SCNOVA) on Thursday, September 17th, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm for their annual Pickleball Fundraiser and support SCNOVA. All levels of play welcome.

Tuesday, September 17 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Worldgate Athletic Club & Spa

13037 Worldgate Dr, Herndon

Register

For more information, visit the event page.

The Green Business Partners Program is having a networking event on September 19, and they are excited for you to join them!

The theme of the Green Business Social is “Be Green, See Green” and will feature County business leaders sharing insights on the monetary benefits of incorporating sustainability practices into their operations. Green Business Leader Groundswell, in partnership with the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination.

The goal of the Green Business Social is for leaders to network and to encourage peer-to-peer learning on how green business practices can lower operational costs, increase profits, and contribute to a healthier community. 

The event is free, and food and drinks will be provided. Space is limited so be sure to register for the event in advance. 

Thursday, September 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Groundswell

8401 Greensboro Dr, Tysons

Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/GBPSocial2024. For questions about this event, please email greenbusiness@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Sept. 20: Movie Under the Stars

The McLean Revitalization Corporation, a nonprofit organization with a mission to revitalize and re-invigorate downtown McLean, will be facilitating a free outdoor movie night for all of McLean to enjoy! Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, carry-out, and family to the Franklin Sherman Elementary School field to watch a movie that will be suitable for kids aged 9 through 14; movie selection poll is here. Don’t miss out on this exciting community event; it will be a night to remember! Follow McLean Revitalization Corporation on Facebook for more exciting updates and upcoming events in downtown McLean!

Friday, September 20 at 6 p.m.

Franklin Sherman Elementary School

6633 Brawner St, McLean

Reserve a spot

VDOT: 495 NEXT Updates

Lane Closures & Traffic Changes Report for the upcoming week will be posted tomorrow 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.

Travelers should stay informed and prepared by:

• Checking VA 511 by using 511virginia.org or via the mobile 511Virginia app
• Following VDOT on social media at:
• X (formerly Twitter): @VaDOTNOVA and @VaDOT
• Facebook: VDOT NOVA District
• Nextdoor: Virginia Department of Transportation
• Signing up for construction updates and alerts
• Calling the Construction Information Lane at 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, 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.

Construction efforts to rehabilitate the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) are underway between I-495 and Spout Run Parkway. Construction activities will impact drivers and park visitors for the duration of the rehabilitation.

Learn More & Stay Connected:

• To opt in to receive email updates about traffic, meeting notices and information about major milestones, please click here.
• To contact the project team, please e-mail the National Park Service.
• View recordings of informational public meetings on the public meeting webpage.

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dranesville

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