Fairfax County Mt. Vernon District

County Addresses Affordable Housing Concerns Amid Planning for Embark Revitalization and Amazon HQ2

Supervisors Dan Storck and Jeff McKay Lead New Initiatives to Preserve and Enhance Affordable Housing in the Richmond Highway Corridor

On Tuesday, March 5, 2019, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors announced the completion of work by two affordable housing advisory groups, the Affordable Housing Resources Panel (AHRP) and the Embark Housing Advisory Group. The recommendations of these groups are helping to aggressively and deliberately drive the County’s affordable housing agenda. This is by far the most comprehensive effort the County has undertaken to date. These recommendations speak to the entirety of housing needs – those with disabilities, seniors and those most vulnerable – in our community.

In June 2018, the Board approved Phase 1 of the County’s first-ever housing strategic plan, called the Communitywide Housing Strategic Plan. This first phase led to the creation of 25 short-term strategies to be implemented over the next two years. Phase 2 of the Plan includes longer-term strategies for developing new tools, policies and resources to support the production, preservation and access to housing that is affordable to all who live and work here. To accomplish Phase 2, the AHRP, composed of housing experts, was created to provide recommendations on the number of additional affordable housing units the County should work toward developing and preserving over the next 15 years; and the funding sources and mechanisms by which these units should be developed. On February 26, the AHRP concluded its work and these recommendations will inform the Board’s FY 2021 Budget Guidance, as the County looks to increase County resources to support affordable housing and add to the current inventory.

On February 21, the Embark Housing Advisory Group, comprised of housing advocates, affordable housing users and builders, and land use attorneys, concluded its work. The Embark group was created to ensure the preservation of affordable housing in the Richmond Highway Corridor as part of the Embark Comprehensive Plan Amendment. The findings of the group include guidelines to preserve affordable housing in the Corridor by ensuring there is no net loss of existing units. The group’s recommendations will inform the Strategic Economic Development Team, created by Supervisors Storck and McKay, and will be incorporated into the Communitywide Housing Strategic Plan.

Both Supervisors Storck and McKay applaud the work done by these groups, while continuing to express the need to do more.

Supervisor Storck statement: “While these efforts are commendable, the County needs more tools to help keep current residents from being priced out of the Corridor. These needs are not only in the rental market, but we must strive to support homeownership as well. Providing enhanced opportunities for residents to own their own homes is one of the best paths to financial and community stability, and something the County must further embrace.”

Supervisor McKay statement: “Affordable housing must continue to be a top County priority. As Embark comes to fruition and Amazon HQ2 arrives, we know we need to continue creating and preserving affordable housing for all.”

References:

Affordable Housing Resources Panel Recommendations: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/housing/affordable-housing-resources-panel?link_id=2&can_id=81024a4f50a7a859acbb732aeccf2e04&source=email-fairfax-countys-bold-housing-agenda&email_referrer=email_504458&email_subject=fairfax-countys-bold-housing-agenda

Embark Housing Advisory Group Recommendations: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/housing/embark

Fairfax County Mt. Vernon District

Fairfax County steps up environmental initiatives

Fairfax County took at least a symbolic step toward making protecting the environment and addressing climate change a priority when the Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a board matter recommending possible actions that the county can take to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

“Based on recent scientific reports, I believe it is crucial that we act expeditiously and urgently if we are to begin to stem the growth of greenhouse gases which are dramatically altering our environment…and the people, places and property in our communities,” Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck said.

Stock presented the joint board matter with Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay and Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust.

A report released by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in October found that humans’ global carbon dioxide emissions would have to fall 45 percent from 2010 levels by 2030 and reach net zero around 2050 in order to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

With their “Fairfax Green Initiatives” board matter, Storck, McKay, and Foust recommended that Fairfax County develop a communitywide energy and climate action plan as well as a county-specific climate resiliency and adaptation plan.

Read full article…

Fairfax County Mt. Vernon District

Mount Vernon By Bike Fosters Exploring

Even with the temperatures hovering around freezing, bicyclists came out for the third annual Tour de Mount Vernon ride, exploring the district’s trails and developing camaraderie that brings together the community.

“We look for ways to bring people together,” said Supervisor Dan Storck (D-Mount Vernon) who organized the ride around his district “to show off Mount Vernon,” he added. Read the full story by Mike Salmon with the Mount Vernon Gazette…

Environment, Fairfax County Mt. Vernon District

Saving People, Places and Property! The Time is Now!

By Supervisor Dan Storck

Climate change is happening and it has real impacts.  I recently participated with Senator Tim Kaine and Prince William County Chairman Corey Stewart in the Climate Crisis Forum sponsored by the Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions.  With over 400 attendees, the forum looked at climate change from the perspective of impacts on our communities, shorelines, health, national security and government action.  As I have stated previously, climate change is effecting us all and while the County has put some policies and plans in place, we need to do more to lead the way.  This is about saving people, places and property now!

A few examples of climate change impact we are already seeing are:

  • Sea level rise has increased 10 inches over the last 80 years.
  • This year, we experienced 44 days where temperatures reached or exceeded 90 degrees F. That’s one more than last year’s total and 8 more than the average we typically see each year.
  • More extreme weather events from snowmaggedon to recent and regular torrential rains.

These impacts are important to us in the Mount Vernon District, and Virginia in general, for many reasons.  Here are a few:

  • While 29% of Virginia land is coastal, 60% of population lives on coast.
  • A recent study showed more than 9,000 Virginia homes are at risk of tidal flooding by 2045 due to sea level rise.
  • Low lying areas, like New Alexandria and Belle View, will increasingly be at risk of flooding just from high tides and onshore winds.
  • Extreme heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States and it puts strain on our energy grid.
  • Heavy downpours in our area have increased 30% over the last 50 years.
  • Experts have determined that a category 3 hurricane through our area would submerge the Belle Haven Marina through Belle Haven Shopping Center with three-plus feet of standing water.

While the County has taken steps to be good environmental stewards, like signing the Cool Counties Climate Stabilization Declaration, adopting a Countywide Energy Policy, Environmental Vision and Operational Energy Strategy, it is not proportional to the challenge we face.  I did not support the recently adopted Operational Energy Strategy because the plan as presented does not go far enough to ensure the County’s role as a regional leader or to advance cost savings, real climate change initiatives or resiliency planning.   I strongly believe the County needs to move forward quickly to adopt a Community Climate Action Plan and a Resiliency Plan.  As a County, we can do far more, and adopting more aggressive goals will result in significant cost savings and a faster return on our investment for both our environment and our budget.

If you would like to learn how you, your family, neighbors and community can help our environment, join us on Saturday, November 10 for the District’s first ever Environment Expo: Saving the Earth One Person at a Time.  For more information, visit our website .

Environment, Fairfax County Mt. Vernon District

County Advances Natural Landscaping Plan

By Supervisor Dan Storck

One of my core goals as Supervisor is to engage our community in being better stewards of our environment.  I have spoken out several times in the past months on what the County can and should be doing to save people, places and property.  From letters to the editor, to speaking at a recent Climate Crisis Forum and hosting my first Environment Expo, I believe strongly that the County can and should do more, including adopting a Community Climate Action Plan and a Resiliency Plan.  I also believe we need to do more to educate the public about what each individual and business can do to help Mother Earth.

One area of particular interest to our constituents is natural landscaping.  Natural landscaping can mean a variety of things from planting native plants in organized plantings, to allowing fields of wildflowers to grow instead of mowing grass.  Natural landscaping practices and materials help to protect and enhance existing natural resources, including soil and water; mitigate climate change, improve and preserve air quality; and contribute to resource conservation.  The Mount Vernon Governmental Center is one example of the use of natural landscaping to improve County properties.  Lead by volunteer and Tree Commissioner, Cathy Ledec, the office grounds were re-envisioned this past summer to include native plant species that improve both the look and the sustainability of the site.

I recently requested a review and update of the County’s natural landscaping plan.  In 2007, the County adopted natural landscaping guidelines and an implementation plan for County owned properties.  While these guidelines and the plan were implemented throughout the County, we heard very little about what was being done.  As a result of my April 2018 Board Matter, the Board of Supervisors directed the Park Authority, the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, the Urban Forestry Division and the Facilities Management Department to come to a future Environmental Committee meeting to provide a progress report on the implementation of natural landscaping techniques on county and public school properties.  Tuesday, we received that briefing.

To date, the County has achieved some of its goals of the 2007 Implementation Plan:

  • Updated the County Policy Plan to be supportive of natural landscaping.
  • Piloted dozens of projects Countywide to demonstrate natural landscaping techniques.
  • Included natural landscaping principles as an integral part of design for new facilities and major renovations.
  • Monitors sites and facilities to ensure proper construction and installation of natural landscaping practices and measures performance over time.

Based on Tuesday’s review, we now know of the many sites that have been improved through natural landscaping efforts.  Additional examples in the District include Grist Mill, Bucknell Manor and Laurel Hill Parks, Fort Hunt ES, Sandburg MS, West Potomac HS, and the Mount Vernon Health Center.  Natural landscaping practices are also incorporated into new facilities projects and we can watch for them as construction begins on the Lorton Community Center and the South County Police Station & Animal Shelter.

However, the review also revealed that there are many elements of the plan that have only partially been implemented, or have not been implemented at all.  Next steps include:

  • A Comprehensive Plan Amendment to the Policy Plan.
  • Budgetary support for cost-effective natural landscaping retrofit projects.
  • Formation of a core team of professional staff to promote and review natural landscaping and related practices.

I see this as a positive step forward for County landscaping projects and encourage County staff to share their experiences and successes with the community as these plans are implemented.  To read more about natural landscaping, visit: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/sites/publicworks/files/assets/documents/natural-landscaping-manual.pdf.

Thank you to the many environmental activists in our District who strive to improve our community every day, especially, Glenda Booth, Cathy Ledec and Betsy Martin.  Join us on Saturday, November 10 from 8 a.m. – noon for the Environment Expo: Saving the Earth One Person at a Time to learn how you can engage and act now to be a good steward of the environment.

Fairfax County Mt. Vernon District

3rd Annual Tour de Mount Vernon

Join us Saturday, October 27 for the 3rd Annual Tour de Mount Vernon.

Beginning and ending at Fort Hunt Park, we will take a scenic tour of the Mount Vernon District.  Riders will have the option of riding the full 32 mile route, or just joining us for the first 17 miles for a shorter route.

Ride highlights include:

  • Mount Vernon Estate
  • River Farm
  • Gum Springs
  • The Grist Mill
  • The Pope-Leighey House
  • And many of our unique communities in between

The ride will begin at 8:30am and will conclude with food, beverages, music and prizes!

Read more and register…

Fairfax County Mt. Vernon District

2nd Annual Tour de Mount Vernon 36-Mile Bike Ride

Saturday 11/04 at 8:30 am – Workhouse Arts Center to Mt. Vernon

Supervisor Storck is hosting a 36 mile bike ride in and around Lorton. Please take a look at the link below and sign up to join the ride!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tour-de-mount-vernon-tickets-37870732380?aff=affiliate

2nd Annual Tour de Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck invites you to join him for a community bike ride on Saturday November 4, 2017, at 8:30 am- starting and ending at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton.

The Mount Vernon District is home to many cultural and environmental resources and the ride will provide an opportunity to visit some of its hidden treasures. Here is a link to the route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/25850969

  • Route Highlights:
  • Workhouse Arts Center (ride starts and end here by Bldg. 11)
  • Woodlawn and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House
  • Pohick Bay Regional Park
  • George Mason’s Gunston Hall
  • Mason Neck State Park – The country’s first bald eagle preservation refuge
  • Liberty Crest at Laurel Hill – Adaptive re-use of the former Lorton Prison

The Tour de Mount Vernon will bring cyclists on a 35-mile ride on paved trails, and in a few areas, the ride will be on the road, with safety monitors along the route. This will be a fun ride with some challenging sections on the route. And, to add to the fun, you can collect “poker cards” at specific locations that will qualify you for prize drawings at the end.

Grab your bike friends and family to ride this scenic route, enjoy the outdoors, and the find the hidden treasures of the Mount Vernon District.

Registration:

Fee is $20.00 per rider. You must pre-register by Oct 30.
No walk-up registrations are permitted.
We require a first name and last name for each ticket.
Event is rain or shine, see policies below.
Registration includes Mt. Vernon Socks and a $5 donation to Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling

Volunteers:

Volunteers are needed the day before and day of the ride! Log on to sign up here:
If you plan to volunteer you do not need to complete a registration via Eventbrite.

Policies:

  1. NO REFUNDS due to event cancellation or if the purchaser cannot attend the event. Event is rain or shine.
  2. NO TRANSFERS of registration to other riders
  3. Children 15 and older welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Experienced riders only, please.
  4. Helmets are required for the ride, no exceptions
  5. SAG support courtesy of SPOKES. Mobile Maintenance and flat repair courtesy of Wheel Nuts.
  6. You’ll be required to sign a liability waiver on the day of the ride.

Agenda on Ride Day:

* 7.45 – 8.30 am Packet pick-up at (includes rider #, Map, Socks)
* 8.30 – 9.00 am Riders roll for group start
* 11:30 am – 1:30 pm – Ride complete. Food, Fun, and Prizes at Workhouse Arts Center

Contact: Sue Bernstein Susan.conway@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-780-7518 at Mt. Vernon District.

Fairfax County Mt. Vernon District

Mount Vernon: Crowd Fills Candidate Forum

Mount Vernon Gazette

Tim Peterson

Without an incumbent running for Mount Vernon District supervisor, the candidates meet and greet event at the Sherwood Regional Library was understandably crowded. Republican Jane Gandee is running against Democratic primary winner Dan Storck to replace longtime supervisor Gerry Hyland (D-Mount Vernon), who announced he would not seek re-election last year.

The League of Women Voters hosted the debate on Sept. 16; it’s one of numerous such events taking place across the Fairfax County leading up to the November election.

Each candidate was given several minutes for opening statements, then each had about a minute to respond to questions submitted by the audience. Some questions were directed at specific candidates, not giving their opponent a chance to respond, while others elicited a response from both candidates.

On the supervisor side, Gandee touted her business acumen as owner of a ServiceMaster National Capital Restoration franchise, as well as her community leadership: serving on the Rising Hope Mission Church board and as vice president of the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce.

Storck has served several terms as Mount Vernon School Board representative, but also highlighted his own medical service business.

To replace Storck on the School Board, Karen Corbett Sanders, a former vice president at Verizon and Parent-Teacher Student Association president for West Potomac High School, is facing W. Anthony Stacy, who works for Booz Allen Hamilton and served as chief of staff for The Nature Conservancy’s philanthropy department.

In light of the meeting two days earlier of the Fairfax County ad hoc commission to review police policies, several of the questions for the supervisor candidates dealt with the death of Natasha McKenna and whether there should be independent civilian oversight for the police and sheriff’s departments.

“I think we have to make significant changes,” Storck said. “I’m committed to whatever the task force recommends, but I haven’t decided about an oversight board yet. I have no objection, but I want to see the task force response first.”

Gandee and Storck both attended the commission’s public forum at Walt Whitman Middle School, where protesters demanded justice for McKenna, the 37-year-old woman who died in February after she was forced into shackles and tasered four times by Sheriff’s deputies in an attempt to transport her to Alexandria police.

“It was probably three of the most difficult hours of my life,” Gandee said, referring to the forum. “It was distressing, there was some confusion and blame placed on the Board of Supervisors, while she was with the Sheriff’s department.”

The School Board candidates each fielded a number of questions about the $100 million projected budget shortfall the school system is facing, the recent addition of gender identity to school nondiscrimination policy and changes to the Family Life Education curriculum.

“Reading, writing and arithmetic should always be at the core of what children learn,” Stacy said. He added he doesn’t think there is “social engineering” at the core of Family Life Education and “parents should have the option to opt out.”

Corbett Sanders responded that the Family Life Education curriculum is “very full and there’s an opportunity for parents to read it before it’s taught — if they’re not comfortable then they can opt out.” Sanders commented on her Catholic faith, saying that it doesn’t compel her to “dictate to others.”

For both alleviating the financial crisis with Fairfax County Public Schools and improving transit along the Route 1 corridor, all four candidates agreed on the need to bring more businesses to the area, develop private partnerships with the schools and seek more money from the state of Virginia.

After the question-and-answer session was over, residents had a chance to meet with candidates one on one.

“I thought they did very well,” said John Tolleris of Mount Vernon. “I was impressed with all the candidates.”

Allyson Carter is president of the Walt Whitman Middle School parent teacher association and recently moved to the Mount Vernon area. “I enjoyed the opportunity to hear them speak, it was very beneficial,” she said. “My impressions were they were very well prepared, with a lot of knowledge and experience.”