The Board of Supervisors met yesterday, July 11. You can review the Board Package here and watch the meeting here. Highlights included:

• The Board recognized the James Madison High School Varsity Baseball Team for winning the state championship. (pictured)
• The Board approved my Board Matter related to 1800 Creek Crossing Rd.
• I introduced this summer's intern for my office, Hannah Allen. Hannah is a 2023 graduate of South Lakes High School in Reston. This fall she will attend UVA majoring in computer science and global studies. Hannah aspires to attend law school after college.
• The Board accepted the Fairfax County Master Arts Plan: Facilities.

Fairfax County Real Estate tax bills are mailed twice a year – for the installments due July 28 and Dec. 5. You do not receive a bill if you have a mortgage with an escrow account, your bank pays the tax directly to the county. The county's Department of Tax Administration (DTA) has noted that many residents are paying off their mortgages but have not set up automatic real estate tax payments, which may result in late payments. DTA can assist you with setting up an automatic payment plan option including monthly, quarterly, or full lump sum annual payment. Learn more. You can also call DTA at 703-222-8234. 

From the Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination

There are many reasons to convert your home to solar energy:

• Reduce your monthly electric bill
• Avoid rising energy costs
• Increase your home’s value
• Benefit the environment by reducing your environmental impact

Thanks to the power of solar group purchasing programs, it can be easier and less expensive for homeowners to make the switch. Two solar group purchasing programs operating in our region — Solarize Virginia and Capital Area Solar Switch – offer:

• A free assessment to find out whether your home is a good candidate for solar installation
• Bulk discounts on solar systems, ranging from 10 to 15 percent off
• Access to a qualified solar installer
• Discounted opportunities to bundle your solar system with electric vehicle charging stations and solar battery storage

2023 is also a great year for homeowners to make the switch because Congress increased the federal investment tax credit (ITC), sometimes referred to as the solar tax credit, from 26 percent to 30 percent as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. The ITC allows homeowners to deduct a percentage of a solar energy system’s installation cost from their federal taxes with no cap on the value.

Fairfax County also offers resources and benefits for homeowners looking to go solar, such as waived permit fees and tax exemptions on solar equipment. Learn more.

Closures on Reston Parkway

From VDOT: The left lane of southbound Reston Parkway at the Dulles Toll Road is closed after truck hit the bridge. Southbound Reston Parkway exit onto the Dulles Toll Road is also closed. According to VDOT, this will likely be an extended closure. I have asked for additional information and will share when available.

Change in Fairfax Connector Route 599 Fare

Beginning Aug. 1, Route 599 will return to the regular fare of $7.50 per trip. Fairfax Connector had been able to offer Route 599 passengers a discounted rate of $4.25 per trip with Commuter Choice grant funding, which is ending at the end of this month. Route 599 is the Reston North Pentagon Express rush hour service.

Reston Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Virtual Meeting: Monday, July 17, 7:30 p.m.

The Reston Planning and Zoning (P&Z) virtual meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 17 at 7:30 p.m. Use this link to attend. You may also call in and listen to the meeting, dial 571-429-5982 and use conference call ID: 134 962 975#. For more information, email Shruti Nallappa or call 703-478-5123.

Hunter Mill Land Use Committee Virtual Meeting: Tuesday, July 18, 7:30 p.m.

The Hunter Mill District Land Use Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, July 18 at 7:30 p.m. Use this link to attend. You may also call in and listen to the meeting, dial 571-429-5982 and use conference call ID: 894 530 063#. For information, email Shruti Nallappa or call 703-478-5123.

Lake Anne Economic Visioning Project

Leash Reminder from Reston District Police Station

Dogs in Fairfax County are required to be on a leash at all times in public areas unless in a designated off-leash area. This ensures fewer lost/runaway dogs and unwelcome interactions. Dial 9-1-1 for emergencies or 703-691-2131 to make a report. Learn more.

This Week for Liberty Amendments Month

A new highlight for Liberty Amendments Month is the Town's Multicultural Festival taking place this Saturday, July 15 at the Vienna Town Green, 3 to 8:30 p.m. The festival includes food trucks, craft vendors and artisans, kids activities and more. Stop by and say hello at the Hunter Mill District booth! Learn more.

Town of Vienna Real Estate Tax Bill

If you’re a property owner and pay real estate taxes directly to the Town, your first installment bill should arrive in your mailbox soon. Payments can be made online at www.viennava.gov/cssportal via credit card or E-check. For more information contact the Town of Vienna's Real Estate Office: 703-255-6325.

New Report Attributes Dramatic Differences in Life Expectancies to Race, Ethnicity and Address

Commissioned by the Northern Virginia Health Foundation (NVHF) and conducted by the Center on Society and Health at Virginia Commonwealth University, the Fairfax County section of the “Dying Too Soon” report found disparities across the county in the rates at which people die before the age of 75. Learn more. Media coverage.

Affordable Housing Waiting List Opening for Older Adults

The Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development announced it is opening up waiting lists for four affordable housing properties, including the Lake Anne House in Reston. Learn more.

Mental Health Resources

Mental Health Matters--Resources, Trainings and Videos 

Volunteers and Donations Needed

How to Help Your Neighbors in Hunter Mill District

Virtual Center for Active Older Adults

Connect with your peers, engage in a variety of activities, and discover useful resources through the Virtual Center for Active Adults. This week's activities include No Heat Summer Meals, Music Lovers Unite, Zumba Gold and much more!

• Check out the full schedule
• To join classes on a computer, smartphone, tablet

Cornerstones: Summer Resources

Cornerstones has a number of resources this summer for neighbors in need of legal services, citizenship classes, childcare and homebuyer support, to name just a few. Learn more and please share this information to anyone who may need it.

Serve your County and Hunter Mill District

My office is seeking applicants for positions on the Boards, Authorities and Commissions (BAC). Please contact Gwenn Minton if you are interested or need more information.

• Small Business Commission: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/small-business-commission
• Criminal Justice Advisory Board: To receive and coordinate all phases of planning for the Criminal Justice System in the County of Fairfax and to furnish its advice and recommendations to the County Executive and, as appropriate, to the Board of Supervisors. Reestablished to continue in an advisory capacity though no longer required by Federal Law.
• Board of Building and Fire Prevention Code Appeals: Comprised of architects, engineers, builders and contractors (professionals familiar with building design, construction, operation), this Board hears appeals pertaining to violations identified by the county of the Virginia uniform statewide Building and Fire Prevention Code.