News and Updates

March 2023

The Board Corner: Perspectives from Penny – Budget season has begun!  Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill presented his proposed FY 2024 county budget on February 21.  The proposed budget plan focuses on support for Fairfax County Public Schools and employee compensation, while addressing inflationary challenges and investments in county priorities.  The primary source of county revenues is real estate, where revenues increased by 6.6 percent, up from last year’s 4.8 percent.  Residential real estate revenues make up more than 75 percent of the total base; non-residential real estate (apartments, office condo, office elevator, retail, industrial, and hotels) rounds out the major sources of revenue.  One bright spot is hotels, where equalization increased 14.46 percent, reflecting a significant rebound from pandemic levels.  The County Executive’s proposal included an unallocated balance of $90 million for the Board’s consideration.  That balance could reduce the real estate tax rate by three cents.  Vehicle values, while still elevated, have begun to decline compared to January 2022 levels.  The Board will consider a 90 percent vehicle assessment ratio for FY 2024 to keep the average flat.  A final assessment ratio will be determined prior to the adoption of the budget in May.  The entire budget plan is available online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/budget.

The annual Mason District Budget Town Meeting will be held on Thursday, March 9, 2023, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale.  My guest presenter will be Chief Financial Officer Christina Jackson; her presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session.  I look forward to seeing you there.

The mild winter weather helped advance some long-planned projects.  Renovation of the pump station at Sleepy Hollow Road and Dearborn Drive will update environmental equipment, security, and landscaping at the site.  Also on Sleepy Hollow Road, the many orange cones and barrels between Seven Corners and Bay Tree Lane denote a long-awaited sidewalk project, first proposed in the mid-1980s.  Nearly a mile of concrete sidewalk, plus retaining walls, curb ramps, and pedestrian signals are components of the approximately $4 million project.  In Annandale, new walkways will be installed along Little River Turnpike from High Place to Pinecrest Parkway, and from Hillbrook Drive to Little River Run Drive, establishing safer pedestrian connections from the Lincolnia area to downtown Annandale.  Walkway projects make our community safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, and more projects are under review throughout Fairfax County.

Land Use News – Land use items of interest include:

• The Planning Commission will review the county-wide Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) nominations during public workshops to determine which to select and prioritize for formal study on the Comprehensive Plan Amendment Work Program.  The workshops will be held at the Fairfax County Government Center Board Auditorium, 12000 Government Center Parkway in Fairfax.  On Thursday, March 9, 2023, beginning at 7:30 p.m., the Planning Commission will review the Mason District nominations: MA-001, 6675 Little River Turnpike LLC; MA-006, Madison Acquisitions, LLC; CPN22-MA-003, Church Street and Payne Street; CPN22-MA-004, 6200 Wilson Boulevard; and CPN22-MA-007, 6320 and 6326 Arlington Boulevard.  Public participation is encouraged, and information about how to participate by phone or pre-recorded video is available on the Planning Commission website (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planningcommission/procedure).  Videos must be submitted by 9 a.m. the day prior to the workshop, and phone speakers must sign-up by 1 p.m. the day of the workshop.  For additional information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/plan-amendments/sspa/countywide/2022-2023/track-nomination.  The SSPA process allows anyone to nominate site-specific land use changes to the Comprehensive Plan - the guiding document for land use and development decisions in Fairfax County.
• A public hearing is scheduled before the Planning Commission on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 7:30 p.m., to consider KIW Skyline 1 LLC, KIW Skyline 2 LLC, KIW Skyline 3 LLC’s application (CSPA-C-052-03) to modify the existing Comprehensive Sign Plan Amendment to allow a variety of signage for the proposed live/work units for Skyline Buildings 1-3.  To register to speak before the Planning Commission, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planningcommission/speaker.  Written testimony may be mailed to: Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 552, Fairfax, 22035, or sent by e-mail at Plancom@fairfaxcounty.gov.  Proposed changes to the Comprehensive Sign Plan Amendment do not require action by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
• The Planning Commission’s February 8 public hearing was rescheduled to Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. to consider the McDonald’s Corporation’s Special Exception Application (SEA-95-M-029-02) to amend SE 95-M-029 previously approved for restaurant with drive through in a highway corridor overlay district to permit additional land area and associated modifications to site design and development conditions.  The restaurant is located at 5613 Leesburg Pike in Falls Church, on approximately 1.13 acres of land zoned C-8, HC, SC, and in a Commercial Revitalization District.  Written testimony may be mailed to: Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 552, Fairfax, 22035, or by e-mail at Plancom@fairfaxcounty.gov.  Information about how to register to speak before the Planning Commission is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planningcommission/speaker.  If approved, it is anticipated the proposal will be scheduled for public hearing before the Board of Supervisors.
• A public hearing before the Board of Supervisors is scheduled for Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 4 p.m. to consider the Affordable Housing Preservation Plan Amendment (PA 2021-CW-1CP), which would establish a goal of preserving the affordability of existing affordable housing units in Fairfax County.  Incentives are proposed to accomplish this goal, such as financing and additional density if redevelopment is proposed. To testify in person, residents may register at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/bosclerk/speakers-form, or by calling 703-324-3151; TTY 711, no later than 12 p.m. the day of the hearing.  Video testimony must be submitted no later than 9 a.m. the day prior to the public hearing.  Written testimony may be sent by first-class mail to Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 552, Fairfax, 22035, or by e-mail at ClerktotheBOS@fairfaxcounty.gov.

What’s the Future of Lake Accotink? – Lake Accotink Park is a 482-acre park that includes managed forests, historic sites, recreational facilities, trails, and a 55-acre lake.  Since its construction, the lake has been dredged three times to preserve it aesthetically.  Sediment accumulation may necessitate dredging; however, recent analysis indicate dredging Lake Accotink would cause significant environmental and social impacts, and would cost approximately $400 million over the next 25 years.  The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services staff and consultants presented the results of the analysis and staff recommendations at two recent public meetings.  No decisions have been made by the Board of Supervisors.  To learn more, or provide your comments to the project team, visit the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services website at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/stormwater/plans-projects/lake-accotink-dredging-ac89-0009, or send an e-mail to Charles.Smith@fairfaxcounty.gov, in the Stormwater Planning Division, or call 703-324-2467; TTY 711.

By Appointment, Senior Citizen Tax Relief Workshops Come to Mason District – If you haven’t done so yet, schedule an appointment to meet with representatives from the Department of Tax Administration (DTA) on either Thursday or Friday, March 2-3, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (both days) to receive assistance with completing the senior citizen tax relief application.  To schedule a time for your appointment, send an e-mail to Mason@FairfaxCounty.gov, or call 703-333-5402 and speak with Chris Delta.  Please bring to the appointment your 2022 total household income, and all asset information as of December 31, 2022.  Questions about the Tax Relief Program may be answered, prior to your appointment, by contacting DTA staff at 703-222-8234; TTY 711, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., or by sending an e-mail to Taxrelief@fairfaxcounty.gov.

EcoSavvy Symposium Focuses on 'Feel-Good Gardening' – The Fairfax County Park Authority will host the 19^th Annual EcoSavvy Symposium, presented by VCE Green Spring Master Gardeners virtually, on Saturday, March 4, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. via Zoom.  Featured speakers, Kathleen Wellington and Laurie Fox, will demonstrate how gardening affects your physical, mental and spiritual health.  Learn about sustainable gardening techniques using green plants to reclaim contaminated soil and groundwater.  Registration is required, and a Zoom link will be sent to registered participants before the symposium.  For more information about upcoming events, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/green-spring, or call 703-642-5173.

New Community Garden Plots Available for Rent at Hogge Park – Gardeners needing a place to plant herbs and vegetables may find a plot at the newly developed Boyd A. and Charlotte M. Hogge Park, located at 3139 Glen Carlyn Road in Falls Church.  The park offers a large, fenced community garden with 34 raised 6-ft.-by-9-ft. garden beds available to rent for one year, from February through November, at an annual cost of $80.  Priority is given to residents living closest to Hogge Park.  The site includes a shared water source and shed, with basic gardening tools for use.  All plots are wheelchair accessible.  Additionally, Master Gardeners will hold monthly Vegetable Plant Garden Clinics between April and September.  Applicants must be Fairfax County residents and only one plot is permitted per household.  For more information and an application, visit the Community Garden Plot Rental Program website at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/green-spring/plots, or send an e-mail to FCPAGardenPlots@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-642-5173.

Participate in National Consumer Protection Week – Join the Fairfax County Office of Consumer Affairs in celebrating National Consumer Protection Week, a national celebration, from March 5-11, 2023, of federal, state, and local agencies and organizations that provide consumer education and resources throughout the year.  The Consumer Affairs Branch will host virtual and in-person presentations, consumer education booths, and workshops throughout the week.  The workshops are free, but registration is requested by calling 703-222-8435; TTY 711 or e-mail Consumer@fairfaxcounty.gov.  The Virginia Department of Treasury Unclaimed Property Division also will offer consumers an opportunity to check for unclaimed stocks, bonds, utility deposits, and more.  Visit the Consumer Affairs website at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cableconsumer/csd/national-consumer-protection-week-2023 for more information.

Native Seedling Sale Opens on March 7, 2023 – The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD) will accept orders for its Annual Native Seedling Sale beginning at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.  This year’s collection includes two packages: a Spring and Summer Berries and Blooms package and a Fall and Winter Fruits and Nuts package.  Each package has six seedlings for $17.  Seedlings must be purchased in advance; no day of sales or extras will be offered.  For detailed information and to place an order, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/soil-water-conservation/native-seedling-sale.  Orders must be picked up on Friday, March 31, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., and on Saturday, April 1, 2023, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., at the Sleepy Hollow Bath and Racquet Club, 3516 Sleepy Hollow Road in Falls Church.  Seedlings that are not collected will be donated to a reforestation project in Fairfax County.  Questions?  Call 703-324-1460 or send an e-mail to conservationdistrict@fairfaxcounty.gov.  For special accommodations, please contact NVSWCD prior to the seedling sale date. 

Mason District’s Budget Town Meeting – On Thursday, March 9, 2023, from 7-8:30 p.m., Supervisor Gross welcomes Chief Financial Officer Christina Jackson, who will present the proposed FY2024 Fairfax County Budget and answer your questions.  The meeting will be held in the Main Community Room at the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale.  Information about the Fairfax County Budget is available online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/budget.

PLUS Webinar Wednesdays Feature Information Searches and Building Inspections – Fairfax County staff will answer questions about the Planning and Land Use System (PLUS) in live, bi-weekly webinars during Webinar Wednesday sessions that are 30 or 45 minutes long.  These free webinars focus on specific PLUS topics.  The next session, on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., will focus on “Searching for Information in PLUS.”  Register here to participate.  On Wednesday, March 22, the session features “Scheduling Building Inspections in PLUS,” so that customers can schedule inspections for their projects.  Register here for this webinar.  Questions?  Send an e-mail to plustraining@fairfaxcounty.gov.

March 2023 Winter Leadership Series for Civic and HOA Leaders Concludes with Department of Tax Administration Personnel – Supervisor Penny Gross concludes her in-person Winter 2023 Leadership Series for Mason District Civic and Homeowners Association leaders on Saturday, March 18, 2023, by welcoming staff from the Department of Tax Administration, who will present an overview of their services.  The meeting will be held at the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale, from 10 a.m. to noon.  If you can't attend this meeting, please invite another member of your board.  Please RSVP by Monday, March 13, 2023, via e-mail at Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov, or call 703-256-7717.  Please note that topics and presenters may be subject to change based on staff availability.

Register Now for the In-Person, Fourth Annual Fairfax County Housing Symposium – The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority, in partnership with the George Mason School of Business, will host the fourth annual Fairfax County Housing Symposium on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the George Mason University campus – Alan and Sally Merten Hall, 4400 University Drive in Fairfax.  This year’s theme is “Innovate to Accelerate.”  The 2023 Symposium will feature topics such as exploring collaboration and regional approaches to increasing affordable housing; accelerating equitable homeownership; and leveraging resources to create affordable housing in challenging markets.  For this year’s agenda, updates, and to register, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/housing/2023housingsymposium, or send an e-mail to RHA@fairfaxcounty.gov.

AARP Tax Preparation Services Available in Mason District; Walk-Ins Welcome – AARP volunteers are available in the Large Conference Room at the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale, to provide free tax assistance to clients of all ages through Tuesday, April 18, 2023 (federal tax returns).  Hours of operation: Mondays and Thursdays from 1 to 8 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.; Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.  Note: Virginia tax returns are due by Monday, May 1, 2023.

Walk-ins are welcome and most tax returns are completed in one visit with the client present.  Clients will be interviewed, and their returns prepared and reviewed by IRS-certified counselors. Clients will review and sign their returns and receive a copy of the completed tax return.  All tax returns will be filed electronically.  Masks are recommended; only clients may enter the Tax-Aide area (no children).

A limited number of appointments are available.  Call at 703-249-9961 at least two days in advance and leave a message.  Your call will be returned within one business day.

For efficiency, all clients are urged to obtain and complete a Tax Preparation Intake Packet prior to arrival.  Packets are available in one of two ways:

• At the Mason District Governmental Center inside the first entry doors to the right (under the bulletin board); or
• Visit www.novataxaide.org/home/sites/mason-district-government-center to download, print, and complete the packet.

What to Bring: All tax documents, photo ID, all Social Security cards, and (if possible) last year's tax return.  For information about AARP Tax-Aide, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide, send an e-mail to taxaide@aarp.org, or call 1-888-687-2277; TTY 877-434-7598.

Inova Hospitals Urgently Need Blood Donations – Recent increases in trauma cases are depleting blood supplies at Inova hospitals.  The most-needed blood is Type-O for which currently there is less than a two-day supply.  To make a blood donation, schedule an appointment online at www.inovablood.org, or call 866-256-6372.  Donors also may walk-in to one of Inova’s local donor centers.  For a donor center near you, visit www.inovablood.org/donate-blood/where-can-i-donate/.  Your blood donation may save someone’s life.

Snowstorm or Rainstorm, VDOT is Ready for Both – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the state agency that controls and maintains the roads in Fairfax County, is ready to mobilize its resources for snow removal, or the aftereffects of rainstorms during the transition from winter to spring.  VDOT offers residents online resources to get information from home, work, and on mobile devices.

VDOT’s Seasonal and Year-Round Resources include:

• One-Stop Resource: www.virginiadot.org/novaemergency has links to news releases, Twitter feed, status updates, VDOT Plows, customer service, Frequently Asked Questions, and other resources;

• Follow @VaDOTNOVA on Twitter for real-time conditions and safety messaging;
• For road conditions and traffic cameras: www.511virginia.org;

• Report unplowed roads, or other hazardous conditions to https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/, or call 1-800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623) 24/7;
• For National Weather Service forecasts: www.weather.gov/washington/winter;

• 9-1-1, for police, fire, and rescue (life-threatening emergencies only, please)

If it snows and your road is not plowed, and you have an emergency, VDOT will coordinate with emergency personnel.

NOTE: For Fairfax County operation status, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/status.  Status operations for the Fairfax County Public Schools, courts, and other county services also are available on the website.

Fairfax County Hypothermia Prevention Program Concludes on March 31, 2023 – The Bailey’s Shelter and Supportive Housing’s Hypothermia Program continues until the season ends on Friday, March 31, 2023.  On April 1, BSSH staff will begin to transition to spring/summer assistance, and donations of new and gently used wash clothes, bath towels, and shower shoes (foam pedicure slippers/disposable flip flops) continue to be needed.  Volunteer opportunities also are available.  To learn more about what is needed and to sign up to volunteer, contact Michelle Hook at mhook@newhopehousing.org.  Information about hypothermia prevention is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/homeless/hypothermia-prevention-program.  For information about shelters for families with children, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/homeless/emergency-shelters.  If you see someone who is unsheltered and may be at risk for hypothermia, call 703-691-2131 so a police officer may conduct a wellness check.  If you see an individual in distress, please call 911.

Don’t Miss the Fun at NCS Spring Break Camps – Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services is pleased to offer camp programs during Spring Break, beginning Monday, April 3 - Friday, April 7, 2023, for students ages 5 to 18 through programs at School Age Child Care (SACC) centers, community centers and teen centers throughout Fairfax County.  Registration is ongoing for these supervised recreation and learning opportunities.  For more information and to register, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/register-now-ncs-spring-break-camps.  Questions?  Contact Cristin Bratt by e-mail at Cristin.Bratt@fairfaxcounty.gov.  Information about all upcoming NCS camps is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/camps.

Police Stations Serving the Mason District

Mason District Station Hosts In-Person CAC Meeting – Join the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at 7 p.m., and meet PFC Vella, from the Special Operations Division-Bomb Squad, and his K9 companion Presley.  CAC meetings are open to ALL residents in the Mason Police District to enhance communication between the police officers at the Mason District Station, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale, and the residents they serve.  For more information, contact PFC Evan Dicker or MPO Tawny Wright at fcpdmasoncpo@fairfaxcounty.gov.

• Introduction to Neighborhood Watch – Would you like to know how to start a Neighborhood Watch in your community, or would like a refresher about the program?  Join us for an Introduction to Neighborhood Watch presentation on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. in the conference room at the Mason District Station.  Learn how the Neighborhood Watch program works, how it benefits your community, and how to get your community ready to volunteer.  If you have any questions, contact PFC Evan Dicker at Evan.Dicker@fairfaxcounty.gov.
• Child Car Seat Safety Inspections Available – A NHTSA-certified Child Passenger Safety Technician can inspect your child’s car seat to ensure it is installed correctly on Saturday, March 18, 2023, from 1-3:30 p.m., at the Mason District Station; no appointment is necessary.  Child car seats are inspected on a first-come, first-served basis, with the last car seat inspections beginning at 3:30 p.m.  For more information, call 703-256-8035, press zero for the front desk.

McLean District Station Hosts In-Person Community Engagement Meeting – The next in-person Community Engagement Meeting will be held on Thursday, March 9, 2023, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the station’s Community Room, 1437 Balls Hill Road in McLean.  Community Engagement Meetings are held the second Thursday of the month for residents in the McLean District Police service area so they may discuss their concerns with command staff and learn about crime trends and statistics.  For more information, call the station at 703-556-7750.

• Child Car Seat Safety Inspections – The McLean District Station hosts child safety seat inspections twice a month on a first-come, first-served basis.  The next child safety seat inspection is scheduled for Saturday, March 18 and 25, 2023, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Women’s Self Defense Program – The McLean District Station offers a monthly Women’s Self Defense class.  Participants will learn about crime prevention and personal safety techniques, followed by hands-on self-defense practices at the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy, 14601 Lee Road, in Chantilly.  For more information about this FREE four-night program, contact MPO Carolyn Beyer at Carolyn.Beyer@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Franconia District Station Hosts In-Person Community Engagement Meeting – The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) has an in-person meeting on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 7 p.m., in the Community Room of the Franconia District Station, 6121 Franconia Road in Alexandria.  The meeting will feature Abby Dunner, from the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness, who will discuss homelessness in our community.  Station commanders will provide crime updates and residents are welcome to ask questions and share their concerns.

• Child Car Seat Inspections – The Franconia District Station offers child safety seat inspections twice a month on a first-come, first-served basis.  The next child safety seat inspections will be held on Saturday, March 4, and Saturday, March 18, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  Parents will learn how to install the seat properly.  Questions?  Call the station at 703-922-0889.
• Subscribe to Newsletter – The Franconia Community Report is an e-mail newsletter with information for Franconia District community members, and includes crime statistics, tips to stay safe, community events, crime prevention programs, and more!  To subscribe visit https://form.jotform.com/FCPD/newsletter-registration-nextdoor.

West Springfield District Station Hosts In-Person Neighborhood Watch Training – The West Springfield District Station will be hosting a Neighborhood Watch training on Monday, March 6, 2023, at 6:30 p.m., at the station’s Community Room, 6140 Rolling Road in Springfield.  This training is required before participating in the Neighborhood Watch Program.  It is required that this training be taken only once, unless a refresher is requested, or residents have questions.  If you have any questions, contact MPO Tony Capizzi at 703-277-2363 or Anthony.Capizzi@fairfaxcoounty.gov.  

• In-Person CAC Meeting – The West Springfield District Community Advisory Committee (CAC) will host an in-person meeting on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 7 p.m., at the station.  The guest speaker will be Battalion Chief Jeff Lewis from the Fire and Rescue Department, who will be discussing the Urban Search and Rescue Team.  Weather-related cancellations for this event will be followed in accordance with the Fairfax County Public Schools.  Participants may sign up for the West Springfield CAC newsletter at wscacmailbox@gmail.com.  Questions?  Contact MPO Tony Capizzi at 703-277-2363.
• Scout Night – Officers from the West Springfield District Station will host a Scout Night on Tuesday, March 14, 2023.  A presentation to the scouts will be held in the station’s community room, a video tour of the station, and a hands-on tour of a police car outdoors.  One den/troop every half hour, and current available times are 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7 p.m.  If older scouts need specific requirements for a merit badge, please contact PFC Liam May at 703-277-2357 or MPO Tony Capizzi at 703-277-2363 to discuss arrangements and scheduling.
• Car Seat Saturday – Child car seat inspections/installations will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023, between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the station, 6140 Rolling Road in Springfield.  No appointment needed, and car seats will be inspected on a first-come, first-served basis.  Upon arrival, enter the lobby for further instructions.  Be sure to install the child car seat prior to inspection.  The child car seat will be re-installed properly if necessary, and parents will learn how to install the car seat properly in the future.  Questions?  Please contact MPO Tony Capizzi at 703-277-2363 or by e-mail at Anthony.Capizzi@fairfaxcounty.gov.  Note: Child car seat inspections also are available by appointment every Tuesday from 5-8 p.m.  Call the station at 703-644-7377 and press zero to make an appointment.
• Steering Wheel Locks for Hyundai Vehicle Owners – In response to increasing thefts targeting Hyundai vehicles, the West Springfield District Station has partnered with Hyundai Motor America to distribute free steering wheel locks to residents who own or lease affected Hyundais (2010-2022 models with ‘steel turnkey’ ignition).  Vehicles with push-button start are not affected.  Bring the current Hyundai vehicle registration to the front desk anytime to receive a free steering wheel lock – while supplies last.  Wheel locks are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.  Questions?  Contact MPO Tony Capizzi at 703-277-2363 or by e-mail  Anthony.Capizzi@fairfaxcounty.gov.  NOTE: Kia Owners – Police officers contacted the Kia vehicle manufacturer and are waiting for Kia to supply wheel locks, which will be distributed at a Kia event when they are received.

Improvisational Textile Art Featured at Mason District Governmental Center – Abstract designs in fabric by Cindy Grisdela are featured at the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale.  Grisdela creates abstract designs in fabric focusing on color and line.  The designs are improvisational, a bit like jazz music, where each decision about color and shape influences the next.  Grisdela earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art History from the College of William and Mary, and a Master of Business Administration from George Washington University.  She is a Juried Artist member of Studio Art Quilt Associates, and a member of the Art League of Alexandria, Virginia.  Information about Grisdela’s work is available at www.cindygrisdela.com.  The artwork is on display in the Supervisor’s Office through Friday, March 31, 2023.

Mason E-Newsletter and Updates – To receive the monthly E-Newsletter and periodic updates about Fairfax County services and events in Mason District, send an e-mail to Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov to subscribe.  If you wish to unsubscribe, send an e-mail, and include unsubscribe in the subject line to remove your e-mail address from the subscription list.

Mason Matters! The Television Show – On February 21, County Executive Bryan Hill presented his proposed county budget to the Board of Supervisors for Fiscal Year 2024.  As in the past, Fairfax County continues to sustain county programs and optimize efficiencies in county-wide operations, while preserving its Triple A Bond rating.  Fairfax County’s financial stewardship was evident during the unanticipated COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, during natural and human-caused events that affect national and global economic forecasts.  Fairfax County has weathered a pandemic, natural disasters, workforce losses, and a rebounding job market.  Through it all, the county’s budget must be balanced because Virginia law prohibits localities from operating at a deficit.  Unlike the federal government that can approve continuing resolutions in lieu of a balanced budget, there is no local substitution for a balanced budget.  The Board of Supervisors now begins its review and will make changes and adjustments to it through April, before adopting a balanced budget in May, for the new fiscal year that begins July 1, 2023.  The March edition of Mason Matters!, the television show that brings you news and information about our Mason District community, hosted by Supervisor Penny Gross, features Fairfax County Chief Financial Officer Christina Jackson.  Mason Matters! airs on Cable Channel 16 every Thursday at 7 p.m., and every Friday and Sunday at 6:30 p.m., and daily online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/mason.

The Quick 411 – I am interested in learning about sustainable gardens in Fairfax County.  Is information available?  Yes.  Each year, the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District highlights sustainable gardens and watershed-friendly projects in Fairfax County through their Sustainable Garden Tour.  Local residents open their gardens and share their experiences landscaping with natural resources in mind.  Homes on the garden tour have voluntarily installed conservation practices such as rain gardens, porous pavers, pollinator gardens, and other practices that help conserve soil and water, and are environmentally friendly.  The 2023 Sustainable Garden Tour is being planned for June 2023.  For this year's Sustainable Garden Tour, NVSWCD is featuring never-before-seen gardens, and tour favorites from across Fairfax County.  You'll also see garden tour classics like rain gardens, native plant landscaping, rain barrels, backyard wildlife habitat, composting and more.  More information coming soon.  In the meantime, explore garden tours from past years!  To learn more, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/soil-water-conservation/sustainable-garden-tour.

By requesting e-mails from Fairfax County, please know that your contact information is protected from release under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA) unless you specifically tell us otherwise.  Should you wish for your contact information to be released in response to a FOIA request for the same, then please email FOIA@fairfaxcounty.gov.