Meetings On Penn Daw Fire Station, Shelter Proposal Coming Up

GROVETON, VA — A proposal to colocate a new Penn Daw Fire Station and a housing facility replacing Eleanor Kennedy Shelter will be discussed at upcoming virtual meetings on April 24 at 10 a.m. and April 26 at 7 p.m.

The two community buildings are proposed to be located together at the former Hybla Valley Nursery site at 2801 Beacon Hill Road in Groveton. Fairfax County purchased the 3.5-acre former Hybla Valley Nursery site in June 2020 as a site for the new Penn Daw Fire Station.

Fairfax County is planning to build a new Penn Daw Fire Station after voters approved a public safety bond referendum for five stations' renovation and expansion. The current station was built as a volunteer station in 1967 and is located less than a half mile from the proposed site.

The county says the current station's apparatus bays are outdated and undersized with low ceilings and are unable to host larger, heavier equipment. The station also lacks adequate living quarters for female personnel. The county also believes the Beacon Hill Road location gives fire and rescuer personnel direct access for emergency response.

The other project planned for the site involves replacing the current Eleanor Kennedy Shelter at 9155 Richmond Highway in Fort Belvoir. The 50 bed homeless shelter can house 38 men and 12 women and is operated by New Hope Housing.

The 103-year-old building was converted from a pump home location on Fort Belvoir and does not provide options for supportive housing. Due to the building's age and design, the county does not believe renovating it is feasible.

The proposed facility colocated with the fire station calls for emergency housing for individuals experiencing homelessness and potential supportive or affordable housing for those who need assistance remaining housed. The facility would also be able to provide meals, training and employment resources.

Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck created a Penn Daw Fire Station and Supportive Housing Advisory Committee to engage the community on the colocation proposal. Members come from nearby communities, and also include public safety representatives, faith community and affordable/emergency housing providers, the Mount Vernon Council of Citizens Association, the Mount Vernon Lee Chamber of Commerce, Fort Belvoir and county staff. The committee has been meeting since November 2020, and members are providing information to their respective community groups to seek feedback.

Residents can learn more about the Penn Daw Fire Station and emergency housing proposal at the April 24 and 26 meetings. The meeting is available through Zoom and by phone.

Here is the meeting information:

• April 24, 2021, 10 a.m.: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85161330746
• April 26, 2021, 7 p.m.: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83208840570
• Or dial in by phone for either meeting: 602-333-0032, 888-270-9936 (U.S. Toll Free), conference code: 711201