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Friday, August 30th, 2024

Dear Friend, 

I hope all students, teachers, and staff have had an easy transition back to school. As we find ourselves inside more often with the return of school and (hopefully) cooler weather, it is important to note the ways we can keep each other safe.

The Fairfax Health District is experiencing an increase in pertussis illness, which is also known as “whooping cough.” An increase is also occurring across Virginia and nationwide. Pertussis is an illness caused by bacteria and is spread from person to person through the air. When an ill person coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets are released in the air that other people can breathe in. It spreads more easily when people spend a lot of time together or share breathing space. The best way to avoid whooping cough is to get vaccinated. There are two types of vaccines that protect against it: DTaP and Tdap. Learn more about whooping cough and talk to your healthcare provider about vaccines for yourself and your family.

Unfortunately, it looks like COVID-19 is here to stay, at least for the time being. The updated COVID-19 vaccine for the 2024-2025 respiratory season is recommended by the CDC and will be available soon. Getting this vaccine can decrease your chances of getting sick. It also helps protect you from getting very sick and can lower your risk of having long-lasting symptoms. Find a COVID-19 or flu vaccine near you.

FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites families, students, employees, and community members to talk with her and each other about our schools and our future. Dr. Reid will host a series of Community Conversations throughout the school year, where you have the opportunity to share your thoughts and ask questions. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided. On September 30, Dr. Reid will be holding a Community Conversation at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School (4015 Fielding Street) from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Lastly, Inova is facing a pressing need for blood donors, especially donors with O+ blood. Learn more and make an appointment here.

It is both an honor and a privilege for me to serve as your representative on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Rodney L. Lusk

Franconia District Supervisor

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Computer CORE 25th Anniversary - August 24

I was very happy to celebrate Computer CORE's 25th anniversary at the Workforce Innovation Skills Hub (W.I.S.H.). Computer CORE's mission is to prepare underserved adults in Virginia to realize career aspirations with foundational digital and professional skills. AT&T and Human I-T provided Computer CORE with 100 refurbished laptops to distribute to Alexandria residents enrolled in a workforce-development program at the W.I.S.H.

Mason Neck State Park - August 27

I had a lot of fun at Mason Neck State Park with the Second Story Springfield Safe Youth Project. The Springfield Safe Youth Project provides out-of-school time activities for low-income, at-risk children in grades 4-6 who live in the Springfield area. Activities include supervised recreation, homework assistance, enrichment activities, community service opportunities, counseling and workshops. Thank you to the Friends of Mason Neck State Park for providing this opportunity.

Fort Belvoir Community Leaders' Luncheon - August 28

I presented the Community Covenant to Fort Belvoir Garrison Commander Col. David J. Stewart with (from left) Supervisor Dan Storck, Supervisor Pat Herrity, and Command Sgt. Maj. Garth Newell.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has hired a contractor to repave parts of the Franconia District with a slurry seal. Slurry seal is a liquid asphalt resurfacer and is different than typical milling and paving. This slurry seal is cheaper to place and is intended to extend the life of pavement already in fair or good condition rather than replace roads in poor condition. The goal for VDOT is to use a mix of paving technologies to provide residents with well-maintained roads at a cost-effective price to taxpayers.

Some roads in the district have already begun to see slurry seal being placed on their roads, and some residents have reached out with concerns about this unusual repaving process. When slurry seal is first placed, the liquid asphalt can run over onto gutter pans or have discoloration. It also has a rougher texture than normal pavement when first placed and can produce pebbles. These issues, and others, are all resolved by the contractor in the weeks after the pavement is placed or resolve themselves while the sealant rests on the pavement. VDOT conducts inspections of the work in the weeks after and during the process to ensure that residents receive high-quality work.

The contractor has provided the following webpage to share information on the slurry seal paving process and what to expect, including common concerns: Slurry Seal (neighborhoodslurry.com). You can find the VDOT Road Paving Program here to see if your home is included. 

The VDOT project manager for this repaving can be reached at Getahun.Gebre@VDOT.Virginia.gov if you have additional or more specific questions or concerns.

Franconia Rec Center Open House - September 9

Explore everything that your neighborhood Rec Center has to offer at the Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Center Open House event on September 9. At the Franconia Rec Center (6601 Telegraph Road), enjoy free carousel rides, Our Special Harbor spray park, a raffle, and shallow water exercise demonstrations. Click the flyer to learn more.

Public Hearing on a Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment Re: Data Centers

The decision-only on the Zoning Ordinance amendment on data centers did not occur on Tuesday, July 30 due to a legal notice advertisement error. All public hearings scheduled for the July 30 Board of Supervisors meeting were rescheduled to September 10, including the Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment Re: Data Centers. Ways to provide public hearing testimony can be found here.

Franconia Governmental Center Redevelopment

Engagement with the community and Fairfax County staff on the redevelopment of the current Franconia Government Center will continue in September 2024. As the next step in the process, the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) will hold a public hearing on an interim agreement with a potential development partner. The FCRHA public hearing is scheduled for September 12, 2024, at 7 p.m., and will be held in Rooms 9/10 of the Fairfax County Government Center. Please visit www.fcrha.org for more information.

Should the FCRHA approve the interim agreement, my office will convene a citizen advisory group to directly engage with the selected private development partner for the multifamily residential development proposed to serve working families. The advisory group and the selected development partner will participate in two discussion sessions currently scheduled for Friday, October 18, 2024, and Wednesday, October 30, 2024, both from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. The advisory group meeting location will vary and is expected to include an off-site tour as a component of the first meeting.

The sessions are intended to provide an opportunity for a group of approximately 10-12 stakeholders representing diverse perspectives to advise the development partner by sharing opinions, land use concerns and other suggestions about the proposed development that were identified during the community conversations held in Spring 2024. Membership on this advisory group will include existing community residents, adjacent property interests, representatives of future residents and representatives from the Fairfax County Affordable Housing Advisory Council. The advisory group will disband following its second meeting.

During the next phase of the process, the Franconia District Land Use Committee will conduct its land development review role in conjunction with Fairfax County staff and the selected development partner, which will serve as another venue for community engagement. Robust citizen participation throughout the land use planning and development process is encouraged. 

View the Interim Agreement and the public meeting notice here. 

Contractor's Office, Shop, and Construction Vehicles Zoning Ordinance Amendment  

The Department of Planning and Development will be holding two virtual community meetings regarding a potential Zoning Ordinance Amendment impacting Contractor's Offices, Shops, Construction Vehicles, and Storage Yards. The virtual meetings are scheduled for September 5 and September 10. Learn more.

Accessible Parking Zoning Ordinance Amendment

Staff from Land Development Services and the Department of Planning and Development will be hosting two virtual community meetings to discuss a potential Zoning Ordinance Amendment to ensure stability in the supply of accessible parking. These virtual meetings are scheduled for September 4 and September 18. Learn more.

Photo credit Erika Christ, MV on the Move

If you've driven past the Hybla Valley Community Center recently, you may have seen progress on the outdoor mural project. After the public voting process in July, artist Pepe Gaka has begun painting his design on the east-facing wall.

Pepe has an impressive portfolio of murals that span the globe. His Virginia Beach mural, Seashore Cathedral, was recognized by Americans for the Arts Public Art Network (PAN) Year in Review, which annually recognizes outstanding public art projects that represent the most compelling work for the year from across the country. View Pepe's portfolio at https://www.pepegaka.com/.

Seashore Cathedral

Fill the Boot - Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend is here which means Fairfax County Fire and Rescue will once again be conducting its annual Fill the Boot campaign in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). From Friday, August 30, to Monday, September 2, firefighters will be stationed at intersections throughout the county collecting donations.

MDA is a non-profit organization committed to finding treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. The funds raised through the "Fill the Boot" campaign will directly support MDA's critical research efforts, as well as provide resources and support to individuals and families affected by these debilitating diseases.

FCPD Hiring Expo - September 7

Ready to start your career in law enforcement? Attend the FCPD Hiring Expo on September 7. Learn more.

Meet Commander Luik

Mount Vernon Police Station has a new Commander. Major Matthew Luik (pictured) joined the Fairfax County Police Department in 2002, starting as a patrol officer at the McLean District Station. Throughout his career, he has worked in various roles, including detective in the Organized Crime and Narcotics Division, and was later promoted to the rank of Sergeant. As a supervisor, Major Luik served at the Sully District Station, as an assistant team leader on the Street Crimes Unit, as the team leader of the SWAT Team and as the supervisor of the Special Response Unit.

Major Luik graduated from Frostburg State University and has completed several professional development programs, including the IACP’s Leadership in Police Organizations training, the Fairfax County Leadership Track, FCPD’s Commander College, and the NTOA SWAT Command and Decision-Making School.

I am looking forward to working with Major Luik and wish Major Marc Mitchell well in his new role.

Road Shark Wave 4

The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) has successfully wrapped up the fourth wave of its “Road Shark” traffic safety campaign. Working with the Virginia State Police, FCPD officers issued over 7,000 citations and warnings between August 5 and August 11, targeting reckless driving and other dangerous behaviors in traffic-heavy areas. So far in 2024, the Road Shark traffic safety campaign has resulted in over 27,800 citations and warnings. With an additional 5th wave planned later this year, FCPD is ramping up its commitment to making Fairfax County’s roads safer. Wave five of Road Shark will begin on October 14.

FCPD has asked that we remind the public of the importance locking your car to prevent theft of a vehicle or its contents. 

Workforce Skills Innovation Hub (W.I.S.H.) Fall Classes

The W.I.S.H. is offering free skills training for adults and teens this fall. From welding to carpentry to computer skills, these classes can make you more competitive in the job market. View the flyer for more information.

Entrepreneurship 101 - September 4

Are you ready to launch or grow your business in Fairfax County? Fairfax County Economic Development Authority invites you to an Entrepreneurship 101 workshop on September 4th. This interactive session is tailored for start-up entrepreneurs who want to take their business to the next level. The workshop is free however registration is required. Register here.

Green Business Social - September 19

The Green Business Partners Program is having a networking event on September 19. 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. The event is free however registration is required. Register here.

Boards, Authorities, and Commissions (BACs) Vacancies

• Advisory Social Services Board
• Fairfax County 250th Commission
• History Commission 

If you are interested in serving on a BAC, I encourage you to send an email to franconia@fairfaxcounty.gov including a statement of interest and your resume.

• August 30: Virginia SUN Bucks application closes (Learn more)
• August 30: Pike Branch at Wilton Road Stream Stabilization Pardon Our Dust meeting for adjacent residents
• September 7: Active Transportation and Trail Network open house (Learn more)
• September 15: Stephen A. McLaughlin Fairfax County Champions of Character Awards nomination deadline (Learn more)
• September 17: Deadline to provide feedback on the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) (Learn more)
• September 28: Deadline to register for Fairfax County NAACP Boys to Men Symposium (Register)
• September 29: Out of the Darkness Walk (Join the Fairfax Walk)
• September 30: Solid Waste Management Plan survey deadline (Learn more)