Seven Corners Visioning Task Force

Quality of Life Committee

In attendance:
Kay Cooper
Carol Turner
Nancy Vorona

Staff:
Mike Congleton
Jay Rauschenbach
Susan Epstein

Guest representatives from VDOT:
Lauren Mollerup
Andy Beacher

First topic: Update on VDOT-Fairfax County agreement about illegal signs and litter.

Lauren provided details about the ongoing discussions to establish and agreement between VDOT and Fairfax County; details included current and future respective responsibilities, timetable for implementation, and anticipated results.
Emphasized that litter is not a major priority for VDOT – in regards to policy and available resources – so the agreement would allow Fairfax County to address the issue more efficiently and proactively. The few cases that VDOT does respond to come from the Governor’s Office.
Mike further explained that Fairfax County would work with the Sheriff’s Office to enforce the new agreement, though there will be a lengthy administrative process to figure out internal operations to get the program up and running.Committee cited the significant amount of litter on the sides of Route 50 – road and hillsides, especially under and just east of the Route 7 overpass.

Committee asked for clarification between illegal signs and litter.

Illegal signs – subject to fines; volunteers can remove when in VDOT right of way and the volunteer(s) have an Adopt-a-Highway permit for that stretch of road; volunteers are not permitted to help remove when not in VDOT right-of-way
Litter – best addressed through volunteered-based adopt-a-highway programs.

Kay suggested that education is a large component to solving the illegal sign/litter problem.

Mike agreed, but unfortunately there isn’t a strong contingency in Seven Corners to provide outreach and education – like a Chamber of Commerce or the like. There may be some opportunities however, such as through the Baileys Crossroads Revitalization Corp. and/or the local Rotary Club.
Lauren indicated that she is seeking updates to the VDOT flyer about signage.
Once the new agreement goes into effect with VDOT, Fairfax County will regulate the major streets that VDOT used to manage; however, to improve local streets, adopt-a-highway programs may be the most efficient.
Distinguished that signs become illegal when they are advertising.
Mike indicated that sign spinners in the VDOT right of way are not legal and may be reported via non-emergency police. Committee stated they are often at the intersection of Patrick Henry Drive and Route 50.

Next topic: infrastructure.

VDOT works on a 6-year plan with limited funding.
The 6-year plan is a rolling plan and is addressed every year; includes public hearing.
The 6-year plan mostly includes large/major site- and corridor-specific projects; smaller-scale projects are difficult to achieve funding.
There are no projects currently listed for Seven Corners.

Committee asked how VDOT prioritizes projects.

Lauren explained the newly developed VDOT rating system based on a 0-100 point scale.
Primary roads are rated every year, whereas only 20% of secondary roads are rated every year; this coming year will complete ratings for all secondary roads.
Mike suggested the committee recommend that the county provide additional funds for secondary road maintenance; committee agreed.

Next topic: panhandlers.

Committee discussed with VDOT and staff about panhandler issues and possible remedies.
Mike suggested that the committee make a formal recommendation to the task force that police step up patrol for panhandlers; committee agreed.

Next topic: pedestrian bridge

VDOT is responsible for bridge maintenance; acknowledged that the lights often don’t work and there’s usually litter and defacement, and the ramps freeze over.
Currently looking at short- and long-term solutions, particularly partnerships between VDOT and Fairfax County.
Have fixed the fencing and have worked with police department to increase patrol.

Bus stops/shelters

Bus stops/shelters are often in VDOT right-of-way, but are maintained by Fairfax County; related back to panhandlers, who enforces?
VDOT and Fairfax County are working on an agreement to reconcile responsibilities.

Other

Committee asked about numbers and positioning of signs for reasons of clarity and aesthetics. Nancy to send Lauren photos of Patrick Henry Dr. / Route 7 intersection and possibly other areas relating to this topic.
Lauren indicated that she would review issues and report / return after investigating with VDOT associates.

VDOT representatives left and the committee moved to more general discussions.

Committee and staff discussed future plans for Willston Center; no formal commitments have been made yet. A Committee member had heard it may be converted to a school; Mike will investigate and report at the next meeting.
Exxon Station is illegally renting U-Haul equipment; Susan is working on case.
For next month’s meeting, Mike will prepare draft recommendations for the committee to review.
Mike committed to having a Sign Enforcement 101 class