July 29, 2020
Dear Neighbors,
As our community and world have suffered through this year of COVID-19, I have dealt with my own unexpected health issues as I underwent triple bypass surgery earlier this month. The outpouring of well wishes has meant so much to me and my family!
Thanks to all for your patience as I recover during the coming weeks, and I look forward to being fully back in September. I want to give a special shout-out to the Hunter Mill District staff for continuing to provide assistance to Hunter Mill residents while I have been incapacitated – thank you Amanda, Shyamali, Paul, Jose, Gwenn, and Lisa! And to our summer intern Matt! Please be assured that my staff continues to be available to assist you with questions and concerns as needed. You can send an email to HunterMill@Fairfaxcounty.gov or contact them directly here. In addition, there has been a lot of news coming from Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and the School Board. Foremost was the decision to approve the revised recommendation of Superintendent Scott Brabrand to begin the school year on Sept. 8 with virtual learning for all students. I understand how difficult this and other decisions are for everyone involved with FCPS. Given the changing landscape within the commonwealth and our community, I respect the School Board’s decision and commit to supporting FCPS with the resources necessary to get through this most challenging time for our public schools in the modern era. With the school year now starting all-virtual this fall, child care becomes the most critical service for thousands of Fairfax County families whose livelihoods are now at stake.
In anticipation of this need, Dranesville Supervisor John Foust and I authored a board matter at the July 14 meeting calling for the county to cooperate and provide support as necessary to finding child care solutions for FCPS parents. It is critically important that we provide support for students and parents in all our communities and the Board of Supervisors is committed to assisting our School Board as they plan the FCPS path forward. Even with all these challenges it is wonderful to be back in touch with you via these newsletters as I resume my public service. Stay safe as we continue to make our way through the pandemic, and when around others outside your household please wear a mask!
Respectfully, Walter |
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Today's COVID-19 Updates (July 29) |
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Current Number of Cases in the Fairfax Health District - Daily reported case information for the Fairfax Health District: here and scroll down to get to ZIP Code data.
- Daily reported case information throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia: here and ZIP Code data look for Data Download bar.
COVID-19 Case Information Chart (as of publication on July 29) |
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Board of Supervisors Update |
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Highlights of the Board of Supervisors July 28 Meeting
Authorized Public Hearings: - Amending Chapter 11 of the County Code, including anti-discrimination and fair housing statutes and the Fairfax County Fair Housing Act.
- The county and schools’ FY 2020 Carryover Review to amend the appropriation level in the FY 2021 Revised Budget Plan.
- An ordinance to establish an Economic Incentive Program in certain areas of the county.
- Amendments to Chapter 6 of the Fairfax County Code relating to weapons.
Approved: - Plain language explanations for the 2020 bond referendums for transportation, parks and park facilities, libraries, and community health and human services facilities.
- Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority issuing tax-exempt bonds related to Ovation at Arrowbrook apartments.
- The Board of Supervisors' draft regular meeting schedule for calendar year 2021.
- A Memorandum of Agreement between Fairfax County and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) for the free student bus pass program.
- A Memorandum of Agreement Between the Central Intelligence Agency and Fairfax County to provide Fairfax Connector bus service to the agency’s facility in Langley.
- Fairfax Connector Aug. 29 service changes.
- Endorsing Fairfax County and City of Falls Church projects for consideration in the Commonwealth Transportation Board’s (CTB) FY 2022 to FY 2027 Smart Scale Program.
- The Master Agreement between the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and Fairfax County for use of Commonwealth Transportation funds.
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County and Town of Vienna Police News |
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New Police Reform Webpage The Board of Supervisors Public Safety Committee has launched a central webpage for police reform efforts. Available data is provided for review and will be updated as new data is reported. In addition, residents can provide suggestions on reform. Learn more.
Listening Session Tonight Tonight, Wednesday, July 29 at 6:30 p.m., Public Safety Committee Chair and Lee District Supervisor Rodney Lusk is hosting a listening session with the county's Civilian Review Panel and the Independent Police Auditor. The event will be held live on Crowdcast, register and join here.
Community Conversation on Policing in Vienna and Use of Force Vienna Town Manager Mercury Payton will lead a community conversation with Police Chief Jim Morrison on policing in Vienna, use of force, and finding a path forward at his monthly On Deck with Mercury event from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug.11. The meeting will take place in the Vienna Community Center gymnasium. Learn more.
Lock Up Your Car There has been an uptick in items stolen from vehicles. Fairfax County Police Department is asking everyone to get in the routine of establishing a time every night, for instance 9 p.m., to close and lock doors on your home (including garage) and vehicles, bring in valuables such as bicycles, turn on outside lights, and make sure valuables are brought inside or are out of site in your locked car.
Cold Case Webpage The Fairfax County Police Department Major Crimes Bureau announced a new webpage to help Cold Case Squad detectives bring justice to victims of unresolved homicides in Fairfax County. Detectives continue to review files in order to provide details of cold cases spanning six decades and would like to hear from you if you have any information, no matter how small, that could help to identify the person(s) responsible and to seek closure for the victims involved in these important cases. Learn more. |
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Reston Comprehensive Plan Study Task Force Meetings to Continue in September Task Force meetings will resume on Sept. 14. Residents are encouraged to review the presentations, videos and other information from the four meetings held in May and June here.
Wiehle Pedestrian Crossing Study Group virtual meeting is Thursday, July 30, 7 to 9 p.m. The meeting is hosted on the Webex platform - use this link to attend and participate in the meeting. You will be prompted to register with your email address and ZIP code before logging into meeting. If you prefer to only listen to the meeting, you may call 1-408-418-9388 and use Access Code:129 420 2559. This is also the number to use if accessing TTY 711. You can watch the June 18 meeting here.
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Fairfax County Parkway/Franconia-Springfield Parkway Alternatives Analysis and Long Term Planning Study Virtual Meetings, July 30 and Aug. 4 The county's Department of Transportation (FCDOT) is holding its third and final round of community meetings for the Fairfax County and Franconia-Springfield Parkways Alternatives Analysis and Long-Term Planning Study this summer. Learn more
Reminder: Silver Line Service Will Return Aug.16, Along With Reopening of Six Stations in Fairfax County Metro will reopen six Fairfax County stations and restore Silver Line service on Aug.16; weeks earlier than originally planned. The six stations reopening are McLean, Tysons Corner, Greensboro, Spring Hill, and Wiehle-Reston East, plus one Orange Line station, West Falls Church. Learn more.
Metro Restores More Metrobus Service Starting Sunday, Aug. 23 Metro will restore approximately 75% of Metrobus service throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia as COV19 restrictions are lifted and Metro increases capacity to prepare for the return of customers. These changes will provide enhanced weekday service, restore most service on weekends and maintain all-day frequent service on key corridors. Learn more. |
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Still Time to Fill Out Your 2020 Census; Census Takers to Begin Home Visits |
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County households that have not yet filled out the 2020 Census may be visited by census takers over the next few weeks as the U.S. Census Bureau begins enumeration activities nationwide. The county has already received responses from more than 76% of its residents, but hopes to be near a 100% response rate before the Oct. 31 deadline. The enumerators will be vising households that have not yet responded to help collect Census information in a fast, safe and confidential way. Residents in low-response areas may also receive emails asking them to complete the 2020 Census. If you respond online or by phone today, a census taker is less likely to have to visit your home to collect your response. Households can still complete the 2020 Census online, by phone at 844-330-2020 (TTY 711) or by completing the paper survey received in the mail. Learn more. Watch video on what to expect from a census taker visit. |
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Five Things to Know Today |
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Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan Task Force Meeting Tonight
Cleaning Supplies and Children’s Face Coverings Donations Still Needed The Office for Children is seeking donations to support childcare programs countywide in providing essential services to children and families. Donated supplies will support healthy hygiene practices and help childcare centers and family childcare programs maintain a clean and healthy environment. Learn more.
The county's Health Department is offering nine additional community childhood vaccination clinics and has expanded district office hours to provide Tdap vaccine at three clinics in Fairfax County. Vaccines are still required to enroll into Fairfax County Public Schools even though all students will start the year with virtual learning. Learn more.
Election Officers Needed For November The Fairfax County Office of Elections needs election officers to assist voters on election day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. New election officer training classes will begin online in September for the November General election. Fairfax County is the largest voting jurisdiction in Virginia with 243 precincts countywide. It takes thousands of enthusiastic and trained election officers to ensure that we have efficient and well-run elections. Compensation begins at $175. If you are a registered Virginia voter, consider applying today. Learn more.
The tax counter at the Fairfax County Government Center is now open for walk-in service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Virtual assistance for all tax needs (either by phone or online) is still recommended - use the website, send an email or call 703-222-8234 (TTY 711) weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for help. |
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Solarize Vienna Returns Through Aug. 31 Free, remote solar energy assessments are available through the Solarize Vienna program to Town residents and business owners interested in utilizing clean energy and saving money. Learn more.
Development Activity Map The Town of Vienna's Development Activity Map provides information about current and recently completed planning and zoning applications. Take a look. |
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Stay Informed and In Touch |
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Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn 703-478-0283, TTY 711 |
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