Dear Neighbors,
Welcome to the September edition of the Broad Run District newsletter. The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors had a very busy and productive start to our fall. Below are updates on the Greenway investigation, road projects, a recent residential rezoning vote, FY 2015 budgetary fiscal guidance and Belmont Ridge Road. I hope you enjoy this newsletter and would appreciate any feedback.
It is my honor to represent you on the Board of Supervisors and I consider it my highest priority to be responsive to any constituent issues. As always, feel free to call me at 703-771-5088 or email me at shawn.williams@loudoun.gov with any questions or comments. You can read regular updates about what I’m doing to represent our community on my Facebook page.
Find out what's happening in Ashburnfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Thanks,
Shawn
Find out what's happening in Ashburnfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Greenway Investigation Update
The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) ruled in favor of Loudoun County participating as a respondent in the case investigating the Greenway. As a reminder, the SCC is investigating whether the high tolls on the Greenway are ‘materially discouraging’ traffic from that roadway. Virginia Code specifies that toll rates on the Greenway ‘shall be set at a level which is reasonable to the user in relationship to the benefit obtained; which will not materially discourage use of the roadway to the public; and which will provide the operator no more than a reasonable return as determined by the Commission.’ Loudoun County will be able to participate in the upcoming hearings and make the case the Greenway diversion traffic is severely congesting alternate routes. I will continue to fight for lower tolls on the Greenway and support any efforts to address this issue.
Missing Roadway Links
As one of our first actions last January, the Board began a comprehensive study on missing roadway links and bottlenecks in our transportation network in Eastern Loudoun. The study’s goal is to identify network deficiencies, missing roadway links, cost estimates for construction, development proffers, right of way availability, and potential funding sources for non-proffered projects. The first two phases of the study are complete and the third phase is underway. An interactive map has been created showing each missing link of bottleneck with information on each project.
This Board has aggressively funded solutions to fix the identified missing links and bottlenecks. In the Broad Run District, this includes projects such as linking Gloucester Parkway between Loudoun County Parkway and Route 28, widening Belmont Ridge Road, connecting Claiborne Parkway between Croson Lane and Ryan Road, widening Waxpool Road, connecting Russell Branch Parkway between Ashburn Village Boulevard and Ashburn Road and linking Pacific Boulevard with Russell Branch Parkway. All these projects and others will soon be under construction. Earlier this month, the Washington Post highlighted the Board’s effort to implement transportation solutions to solve missing links. I was excited to see two Broad Run District residents interviewed for this story.
Residential Development
At our September 4th meeting, the Board voted 5-3-1 to approve rezoning commercial property to allow approximately 100 new townhomes in the University Center neighborhood of Ashburn. I cast one of the three dissenting votes in this rezoning case because I am concerned about losing Loudoun’s commercial land to residential development. I also have concerns about the budgetary impacts of new residential development, especially on the school system. The Ashburn area has grown very fast without the necessary infrastructure or roads to support the development. In the upcoming months, the Board will be considering numerous applications for new residential development. Leesburg Today wrote an article earlier this month outlining some of the upcoming cases. I agree with the article that residential development rezoning applications will probably be the largest issue during the next two years of this Board’s term. I am committed to carefully weighing the impacts of each development proposal on Broad Run District residents.
Belmont Ridge Road Update
In July, I updated you about the Belmont Ridge Road widening project between Broadlands Boulevard and Truro Parish Drive scheduled to begin this fall. During the summer, I met with residents along the road who will be impacted by the construction project and promised to look into funding additional screening and buffering. I am pleased to report the overall construction project has come in under budget, allowing approximately $150,000 to be spent on additional tree screening. Blue Ridge District Supervisor Janet Clarke and I will be working with homeowners on both sides of Belmont Ridge to determine the best placement of the additional screening for maximum impact.
Preliminary FY 2015 Fiscal Guidance
At our September 18th business meeting the Board of Supervisors approved preliminary fiscal guidance for the County Administrator in preparation for the FY 2015 budget. The Board directed the County Administrator to prepare a budget at the equalized tax rate, which would keep tax bills flat when taking into account property value increases. The preliminary projection for the equalized property tax rate is $1.16 compared with FY 2014’s $1.205. The Board also requested a budget option two cents below the equalized rate, allowing for potential reductions if necessary.
I voted to support this fiscal guidance because I think it provides the Board with the right range of options heading into next year’s budget. Given the spending reductions over the past two years, I probably will not support major spending reductions and especially want to ensure we are providing a proper level of funding to the Loudoun County Public Schools. However, I am always looking for ways for Loudoun’s government to operate more efficiently to provide savings to the taxpayers and therefore supporting exploring potential options to lower the tax rate. Finally, with the continuing uncertainty surrounding the federal government spending and the local economy, I am not currently inclined to support a property tax increase and did not support preparing a budget based on a tax increase. The Board unanimously approved this budget direction.
Transportation Project Spotlight: Russell Branch Parkway
One of the ‘missing link’ projects the county has been working to connect is Russell Branch Parkway between Ashburn Village Boulevard and Ashburn Road. This connection will help with congestion on Route 7 by giving local traffic an alternate route. It will also help eliminate cut-through traffic on neighborhood streets like Louisa Drive and Courtland Drive. At our September 11th Public Hearing, the Board unanimously voted in favor of a proffer amendment for Ashburn Village Center allowing a cash contribution towards the completion of this section. This proffer funding change allows the county to move forward with this connection now instead waiting for the trigger on Ashburn Village Center’s previous proffer commitment for construction of their roadway section. I am currently working with impacted landowners on right-of-way acquisition and construction is scheduled to begin next spring.
Community Events and Information
The Patriot Project: In light of the recent commemoration of Constitution Week, I would like to remind everyone about the Patriot Project which is working to construct a statue honoring the veterans of the American Revolutionary War who fought to make the constitution a reality.
I recently received an update on the project from Mr. Gary Clemens, head of the Patriot Project’s Advisory Board. Mr. Clemens states, “Loudoun County provided the most patriots who fought in our American Revolutionary War. Unlike the patriots who have been honored in other wars by virtue of their service, and the presence of memorials and statues that have been erected in the court house lawn to recognize their service, there is nothing present in Loudoun County to memorialize and honor the veterans of the Revolutionary who war who served from Loudoun County. That in essence was the purpose of the Patriot Project.”
To complete that mission, the Patriot Project board of directors is planning to construct a memorial statue on the courthouse grounds in downtown Leesburg. The cost to construct this statue will be financed by private donations.
As a member of the Patriot Project’s advisory committee, I am excited to see the Veterans of Loudoun County honored. To learn more and find out how you can contribute to honoring our American Revolutionary War veterans, please visit www.thepatriotproject.org.
Volunteer Fire and Rescue Companies: October is recognized each year as Fire Prevention Month. Loudoun County's Volunteer Fire and Rescue Companies host open houses to welcome the public into their stations, teach fire safety to schools and community organizations, and use this opportunity to conduct their annual fundraising efforts. Take advantage of the hospitality of the fire departments in your district and bring out the whole family to enjoy an afternoon of learning and fun.
The Sterling Volunteer Fire Company will be holding their annual open house on Saturday, October 12th at Fire Station 611 (104 Commerce Street in Sterling Park). The Open house events are scheduled from 10:30 am until 3:30 pm. The Sterling Fire company will conduct a stove fire demonstration, firefighter gear demonstration, “Two Minute Drill” competition, Ladder Truck climb, Bomb squad demonstration, and much more.
The Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue annual fall open house will be held October 6th, Noon until 3:45 at Station 22 (19485 Sandridge Way, Lansdowne). The open house activities will include ambulance and fire engine tours, kitchen safety, water hose demonstrations, arson dog demonstration, face painting, stop-drop-roll education, balloon artistry, and much more.
For more information on how you can support your local volunteer fire and rescue company please visit their web sites:
www.ashburnfirerescue.org- Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue
www.sterlingfire.org- Sterling Volunteer Fire Company
www.sterlingrescue.org- Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad
Loudoun County Sherriff’s Office Community Services: The Loudoun County Sherriff’s Department serves the Loudoun community by offering a variety of services. Take a moment to read through the community services and learn how you and your family can take advantage of the services offered right in your Loudoun County community.
The Auxiliary Unit is a volunteer unit made up of people ages 21 and older. Auxiliary personnel provide services during public service events and assist law enforcement personnel in the performance of their duties. They may be assigned to conduct foot and vehicle patrols, traffic control, driver’s license and sobriety check points, child ID events, and other public or ceremonial events at festivals, shopping centers, parades, safety fairs, and community events. To learn more or to volunteer, please visit their website.
The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office Adult Crime Prevention Unit regularly teaches classes to the general public on a number of crime prevention based topics. These classes are intended to help citizens make safe choices and better recognize crime when they observer it taking place. These classes cover issues of identity theft, burglary prevention, child safety, home security, and more. The Crime Prevention unit also provides CPTED surveys to help citizens identify environmental crime factors and provide suggestions to correct criminal behavior. To learn more about the Crime Prevention education available, visit their website or contact Major John Fragaat via his email john.fraga@loudoun.gov for more information.
The sheriff’s department offers other community services including Security Survey Services, Funeral Escorts, Seniors Crime Prevention, Business Watch, Project Lifesaver, and more. To view the entire list of the community services offered by the Loudoun County Sherriff’s Department office or to donate, please visit their website.
The Fun Run, Walk, and Roll: In recognition of Red Ribbon Week, the Young Marines will hold The Fun Run, Walk, and Roll event for all levels of physical activity. The purpose of this event is “to learn how to live a drug free and healthy lifestyle, and to have fun!”
The Fun Run, Walk, and Roll will be held at the Riverbend Middle School (46240 Algonkian Pkwy, Sterling, VA 20165) October 26th; 9:30am to 1pm. Every participant has a chance to win a prize . Enjoy the entertainment booths, demonstrations, food, and more!
The Young Marines is a youth development program which aims to “promote a healthy and drug-free lifestyle in youth ages 8 through 12 grade.” The program works to develop leadership, discipline, and teamwork abilities of all their members. The Young Marines are excited to commemorate Red Ribbon Week which remembers DEA agent, Kiki Camarena, tortured and killed while fighting to stop a drug cartel between the United States and Mexico.
For more information about the Young Marines, contact cwfyoungmarines@gmail.com or call 703-725-3707. You can also visit their website.
