With a difficult FY 2026 budget forecast on the horizon, the Board voted 9 to 1 to purchase a former hotel property as a potential shelter for 20 percent ($2.5M) over its appraised value and 300 percent ($9.5M) over its assessed value. To make matters worse, the County intends to reduce the capacity of the existing 94 hotel extended stay suites to approximately 40. The reasoning behind the reduction in capacity and more importantly, the estimated cost of these renovations was also unknown at Tuesday’s meeting. The conversion requires a public review process which is being rushed and has a public information meeting scheduled in the middle of the holidays on December 19th. While the County undoubtedly needs shelter housing, the ends shouldn’t justify the means when it comes to a public input process or the spending of taxpayer dollars.
As the weather turns colder, the need for shelter housing for residents and families experiencing homelessness and or domestic violence can be a life-or-death issue. The County runs a Hypothermia Prevention Program at its shelters and faith-based sites for anyone who needs sheltering and basic needs assistance (see more information below). While the County’s existing shelters are oversubscribed and securing additional space is important, it does not eliminate the need for the County to be fiscally prudent with taxpayers’ dollars and respect the public input process while addressing the need.
In August, the County purchased the former Extended Stay America building near Route 50 and West Ox Road for $14.5 million to be converted into the Fair Ridge Supportive Family Shelter. The Board approved an even higher purchase price, but staff was able to reduce it. The building had several appraisals, the highest of which was roughly $12 million. The property was assessed at $3.7 million in 2023 and most recently had an assessed value of $5.06 million. Prior to its purchase of the shelter property or any public process related to it, the County somehow requested a federal earmark for $4.1 million to operate a shelter at the site. Since the earmark was publicized when awarded, it is probable the seller had knowledge of the award, weakening the County’s bargaining position and prematurely committing the County to the project, despite its many fiscal challenges and lack of public input. Further, the Board has yet to be briefed on the planned renovations, and their cost was not available at Tuesday’s meeting.
At Tuesday’s meeting I requested data regarding the number of homeless individuals and families currently on our wait list and those that are currently being put up in hotel rooms; unfortunately, this information was not readily available, but staff will be getting this answer for the Board shortly. I have since asked a budget question to also get the fiscal impact of these numbers.
On December 19th from 7-8pm, there will be a virtual community meeting on the Fair Ridge Supportive Family Shelter to finally get public feedback on the project.
Last week the Board of Supervisors received an update on the FY 2026 budget forecast, which is looking like a very difficult budget. The County Executive has already asked agency directors to identify where each agency could potentially cut 10 percent of its budget. While these proposed reductions are only potential reductions, he made it clear that they will impact current programs.
Purchasing a building for $2.5M over its appraised value and $9.5M in excess of its assessed value, reducing its capacity by 50 percent, not knowing the general cost of the proposed renovations prior to acquisition and with all of this taking place prior to any public process is not the way the County should be conducting itself. This is another example of how I believe the County is pursuing affordable housing the wrong way. Earlier this year I shared with you what I think are better approaches(see my housing newsletter).
Two Transportation Meetings Set for December: Lee Chapel Road Improvement Project Update and Proposed Turn Restriction from Bauer Drive to Rolling Road
Lee Chapel Road Improvements: VIRTUAL Town Hall Set for December 10, 2024
The Fairfax County Dept. of Transportation is ready to present two alternatives for improving the hilled section of Lee Chapel Road between the Fairfax County Parkway and Route 123. As shared in previous updates, FCDOT was directed to provide design options based on the road remaining open during construction and with the road being closed to through traffic with a detour in place and to share the associated timelines associated with each. The road closure option would reduce the timeline, cost and the impact on the adjacent park. This will be an important meeting to hear residents’ thoughts on the two proposals and will be virtual to allow more people to participate.
The virtual meeting is set for Tuesday, December 10 at 7 p.m. Login credentials will be available at:
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/springfield/LeeChapel
Community Meeting for Proposed Turn Restriction from Bauer Drive to Rolling Road
In response to a high number of crashes at the intersection of Bauer Drive and Rolling Road, VDOT has proposed to prohibit left turns from Bauer Drive onto northbound Rolling Road. Turns would still be permitted from Rolling Road onto Bauer Drive; however, VDOT will install flex-posts (and ultimately concrete) to prevent vehicles from turning left from Bauer Drive onto Rolling Road. Personally, I have concerns about restricting this left hand turn movement but want to hear from you. VDOT and I will be hosting a meeting to present the plan to the community and obtain your feedback regarding the proposal.
The meeting is set for:
Wednesday, December 11, 7 p.m.
West Springfield Government Center Community Room (located off the Police Station Lobby)
6140 Rolling Road, Springfield
Visit the meeting webpage for more information on the proposal at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/springfield/RollingBauer
Church Heritage Recognition Day
Presented a Springfield District proclamation to Burke Community Church to recognize November 21st as Church Heritage Recognition Day and the importance of our Christian churches to the community and our history.
Commission on Aging Meeting
Shared remarks at the Commission on Aging’s (COA’s) monthly meeting to thank them for their continuing work developing affordable, actionable and achievable initiatives for the implementation of the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan.
Chicken Salad Chick Ribbon-Cutting
Welcomed Chicken Salad Chick, a fast casual chicken salad restaurant that began in the Southern US, to the Greenbriar Shopping Center. I highly recommend giving one of their many dishes a try featuring twelve versions of chicken salad. The Cranberry Kelli is great for this time of year.
Tower of Dulles Awards Dinner
Joined community leaders at the Committee for Dulles’ Tower of Dulles Awards Dinner at the Belmont Country Club in congratulating Barry Biggar, the CEO of Visit Fairfax – who received the Tower of Dulles award for his work in promoting tourism in Fairfax County.
Habitat for Humanity’s Home Preservation and Repair Program
Habitat DC-NOVA provides home repair support to families in Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia. They have a pool of funding to complete home repairs in the Springfield District. Habitat DC-NOVA staff will complete the repairs or a contractor that Habitat DC-NOVA will manage, will complete them. Habitat will prioritize projects based on capacity, availability of sub-contractors, and project scope. Your household may be charged a program fee of up to $500 based on your monthly household income. The eligibility requirements include the following:
They are currently accepting applications and will continue until the funding has been depleted. You can learn more here.
For additional information, contact Tori Steele, Preservation & Repair Program Manager, at tori.stelle@habitatdcnova.org.
Traffic Alert for the 495 NEXT Big Beam Weekend in January
As part of the 495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (495 NEXT) project, crews will install five steel bridge girders spanning 295 feet in length over northbound I-495 (Capital Beltway Inner Loop) at the Dulles Corridor Interchange for a new 495 Express Lanes ramp. This work is scheduled to occur over the weekend of January 24-27, 2025, and will require major traffic impacts on northbound I-495 near Tysons and at the Dulles Corridor Interchange.
During the weekend-long operation, traffic on northbound I-495 will be reduced from six lanes (four general purpose and two express) to two lanes and shifted to the 495 Express Lanes for about a one-mile stretch near Tysons. Traffic shifts and lane reductions will be in place for approximately three miles beginning at the Route 7 interchange until just past Lewinsville Road.
Additionally, the ramp from eastbound Dulles Toll Road/Dulles Airport Access Highway to northbound I-495 and westbound Dulles Toll Road under I-495 will be closed and detoured. Work and traffic impacts will begin at 9 p.m., Friday, January 24, with all lanes and ramps reopened by 5 a.m., Monday, January 27. Work is weather dependent and will be rescheduled if necessary.
How Drivers Can Prepare:
Travelers are urged to stay away from northbound I-495 near Tysons the entire weekend of January 24-27. If travel is necessary, please choose an alternate route or plan additional time and expect delays. As always, drivers are urged to slow down, use caution and follow signed directions and detours. Enhanced police presence will be in place throughout the construction area.
To plan ahead and stay informed, travelers should:
West Springfield Police Station’s Holiday Toy and Food Drive this Saturday, December 7th
This Saturday, December 7th from 10am to 2pm, officers from the West Springfield Police Station and community volunteers will be located outside of Giant Food (8320 Old Keene Mill Road in Springfield) to collect toys and food.
They are asking for NEW unwrapped toys to be donated. These toys will be sent to our Motor Squad for their Santa’s Ride event. The Motors Squad will be delivering these toys to kids who are housed in area hospitals, including Inova Children’s Hospital and the Georgetown Hospital Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The food will benefit ECHO. ECHO is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) charity that provides food and financial help to people with short-term emergencies. ECHO also provides clothes and household items to people with low incomes.
Officers and community volunteers will be located just outside the store to assist anyone that stops by.
The Ella Baker Youth Leadership Program Applications Due December 13th
The Ella Baker Youth Leadership Program will allow eight exceptional high school juniors and seniors to travel to Richmond during the General Assembly Session in January 2025. Students will engage with political leadership from across the Commonwealth and gain practical knowledge about Virginia’s legislative process. Students from Prince William County and Fairfax County are invited to apply.
Students will depart for Richmond on Sunday, January 19, 2025 and return on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. This opportunity comes at no cost to the students. All transportation, lodging, and meals will be provided. A letter excusing the school absence on Tuesday, January 21st will be shared with each of the students. Applications are due by Friday, December 13th at 11:59 PM EST.
Ella Baker Youth Leadership Program 2025 Application
EC-Foundation Scholarship Applications Due December 30th
The Educational Charitable Foundation is offering Collegiate Scholarships for high school seniors in a variety of subjects, including STEM. See the flyer for more details or go to their website.
Meet Hawkins! This resilient kitty has overcome a tough start and is ready to find a loving home. Found as a stray and under the weather, Hawkins has made a remarkable recovery and is now healthy, happy, and full of love to give! With his striking grey coat and sweet demeanor, Hawkins is sure to win your heart. He’s ready to leave his past behind and enjoy all the comforts of a caring home.
If you’d like to schedule a visit to meet Hawkins, visit here for more information.
