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Pg. 10 | n OBITUARIES
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FAMILY OWNED BUSINESSES A SPECIAL FEATURE SECTION INSIDE PAGES 16-22
VOL. 6, NO. 13
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FEBRUARY 25, 2021
Greenway Tolls Bill Passes; Reid Bill Dropped BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk and Business Development and Retention Manager Melanie Scoggins stand by the bar at Black Hoof Brewing Company, which was featured in an episode of Locally Leesburg.
Locally Leesburg Puts Focus on Town Businesses, Recovery
BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com
On any given weekday, one can find Leesburg’s economic development and communications team taking to the streets of the county seat, putting a camera and mic in a local business owners’ face to give them what many have lacked over the past turbulent year—a marketing spotlight. In fact, help with marketing, advertising and promotion of a shop local campaign
was the second most common response of local businesses in a recent survey conducted by the town when asked how best the town could support them this year. The first request? More funding. Economic Development Director Russell Seymour pointed to the town’s recent round of funding grants to local businesses. A mere 72 hours passed from when the applications went live until all of the $500,000 set aside by the Town Council had been spoken for. It was the third round of funding distributed by the town government
since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold last spring, although the first that used local funds, not federal CARES Act funding, to distribute to businesses. “When a locality puts money, whether it’s an incentive, a grant, or something along those lines, when you put it into the business community that’s an investment— an investment that pays pretty good dividends,” Seymour said. “What the town is LOCALLY LEESBURG continues on page 37
After years battling the Dulles Greenway’s powerful lobbying firm—and often some of Loudoun’s own elected representatives— Loudoun’s state legislators have pushed a bill to fight the Greenway’s ever-increasing tolls through the General Assembly and sent it to the governor’s desk. The Virginia Senate on Tuesday voted 33-5 to pass Del. Suhas Subramanyam (D-87)’s House Bill 1832. Its companion bill, Sen. John J. Bell (D-13)’s Senate Bill 1259 had already passed in both chambers. And now that language goes to Governor Ralph Northam to be signed into law. “I think many people in the delegation, including myself, had tried in good faith to find a solution that worked for everybody, including the Greenway, and we just found that that was never going to happen unless we pass legislation to protect Loudoun County commuters first,” Subramanyam said. “The Greenway is still welcome to come to the table and present a proposal that works GREENWAY TOLLS continues on page 39
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AG’s Office Reaches Settlement Following Probe of Racism in Loudoun Schools BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
Attorney General Mark R. Herring on Thursday announced his office secured commitments from Loudoun County Public Schools to reform policies, invest in minority community outreach, and submit to third party monitoring in an effort to improve equitable educational access for minority students. The agreement follows an investigation by Herring’s Office of Civil Rights into allegations that Loudoun schools denied students an equal opportunity to participate in their Academies of Loudoun and elementary gifted and talented programs based on their race. The complaint was filed by the Loudoun County Chapter of the NAACP in May 2019. Loudoun NAACP President Pastor Michelle Thomas hailed the action. “It’s a Black History moment for sure,” she said, adding that the agreement sets the path for “making the changes we were dreaming out, that our ancestors dreamt about.” She said the agreement moves the debate beyond vague goals and ensures there will be “more than just talk” about stamping out racism and discrimination on
school campuses. It also ensures that the NAACP will have a seat at the table as the future policies are enacted. “It’s an incredibly forward-looking document,” Thomas said of the settlement. It was the first investigation ever conducted by the office into allegations of systemic racial discrimination in a Virginia public school division. Under the agreement, Loudoun County Public Schools will be required to: • provide the Office of Civil Rights with its analysis and proposed revisions to its outreach plan for the Academies of Loudoun, and provide the Office of Civil Rights with additional information at its request; • provide the Office of Civil Rights with its analysis and proposed revisions to its recruitment plan for the Academies of Loudoun and provide the Office of Civil Rights with additional information; • provide the Office of Civil Rights with its analysis and proposed revisions to its admissions criteria for the Academies of Loudoun and provide the Office of Civil Rights with additional information; • seek input on any proposed revisions regarding the Academies of Loudoun from the Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee and Equity ComSCHOOL SETTLEMENT continues on page 38
County Surpasses 200 COVID-19 Deaths, 50K Vaccines LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
Loudoun County this week recorded the 200th death attributed to COVID-19. The milestone was reached as the national death toll surpassed 500,000. Last week, the county also reached the threshold of administering more than 50,000 doses of coronavirus vaccines as virus caseloads fell to pre-December levels. According to the Virginia Department of Health, most of the Loudouners who died as a result of the virus—129—were age 80 or older. Another 39 were age 70 or older. Those two age groups account for 84% of the fatal cases. Four people under age 50 have died from the virus. On Tuesday, the death toll reached 205. Overall, the county’s coronavirus trends continue to be positive. The average number of new daily cases, 65, is the lowest since November. That’s down from a peak of 324 on Jan. 29. The PCR test positivity rate has been on the decline since early January when it exceeded 19%. On Tuesday,
the positivity rate was 8.9%. The post-holiday decline in community spread of the virus comes as Loudoun’s middle and high school students are preparing to return to the classroom for the first time in 11 months. The first in-person classes for students who selected the hybrid option will be held March 3, with those students returning to schools two days each week while their counterparts participate in class virtually from home. With the arrival of more contagious variants of the virus now circulating in Virginia, the race to vaccinate the population continues to be viewed as the best way to beat the pandemic. According to data reported by the Virginia Department of Health more than 57,000 doses have been administered to Loudoun residents since two vaccines were approved for use in January. Nearly, 18,000 residents have completed the two-shot treatment to be fully vaccinated. As of last week, all Loudoun County Public Schools employees who wanted a vaccination
had received at least one dose. Speaking at a Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce event Thursday morning, County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) said Loudoun’s main constraint is the supply of the vaccine. “We can, in Loudoun County, easily vaccinate about 7,500 people a day,” Randall said. “We are receiving […] about 4,800 vaccines a week, and so we are not yet receiving the required doses we need to fully vaccinate all that we can. What we believe right now is in about mid-March to early April, we’ll start to see those vaccinations really, really increase.” Loudoun County’s rate of vaccinations per 100,000 in population was reported at 13,992 on Tuesday morning. That lags behind Fairfax County (16,696) and Alexandria (15,601), but ahead of Prince William County (12,746) and Arlington County (13,322) in Northern Virginia. More rural counties generally have higher vaccination rates, including Fauquier (18,049), Clarke (29,0038) and Frederick (14,711). n
Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now
Attorney General Mark Herring has announced a settlement in the NAACP’s lawsuit against Loudoun County Public Schools.
Panelists Separate Fact and Fiction on COVID Vaccines BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ
krodriguez@loudounnow.com
A Zoom town hall Saturday evening sought to dispel some myths surrounding COVID vaccines and their rollout. The town hall was organized by the Psi Rho Omega chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Panelists included Rep. Jennifer T. Wexton (D-VA-10); County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large); Dr. David Goodfriend, director of the Loudoun County Health Department; Dr. Christopher Chiantella, chief medical officer of Inova Loudoun Hospital; Dr. Tara Gonzales, senior director of medical affairs for Sobi North America; and Pastor Michelle C. Thomas, president of the Loudoun NAACP. Dr. Angela Bess, a Loudoun-based OB/GYN, served as moderator. With Loudoun reaching 200 COVID-19 deaths just hours after the town hall wrapped up, Randall shared the latest statistics on the pandemic’s local impact. As of late Saturday, there have been 22,000 cases of COVID in Loudoun, including 830 hospitalizations. The counVACCINES continues on page 38
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Contract Awarded for Leesburg Bypass Interchange Work LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
The Dulles Greenway has awarded a contract for a project aimed at reducing congestion on the Leesburg Bypass at the interchange with South King Street, splitting the cost with Loudoun County. Shirley Contracting Company won the contract, with construction expected to begin early this year and wrap up in early 2022. Toll Road Investors Partnership II, which owns the Dulles Greenway, joined an agreement with Loudoun County and the Town of Leesburg to draw up options to relieve congestion at the western terminus of the Greenway, with guidance and oversight provided throughout design process from the Virginia Department of Transportation. The approved design, by Dewberry Engineers Inc., extends the third westbound entrance ramp on Rt. 7/ Rt. 15 Bypass and ends just before the existing bridge over South King Street. Loudoun County and TRIP II will fund this project equally. TRIP II will manage the construction and design implementation on behalf of Loudoun County. Once the improvement project is completed and accepted according to VDOT’s standards, it will become state property. “After years of planning and design approvals for the Leesburg Bypass project, and following a competitive bid process, we are pleased to move forward with Shirley Contracting on this important roadway improvement project,” stated TRIP II CEO Renée N. Hamilton. “The Leesburg Bypass project is another example of the Dulles Greenway’s continued commitment to our partnerships with Loudoun County and the Town of Leesburg, and to improving the transportation infrastructure in Loudoun County and the Northern Virginia region.” Shirley Contracting estimated a total project cost of $4.41 million. n
FEBRUARY 25, 2021
Loudoun
Supervisors Talk COVID, Budget at Loudoun Chamber Forum BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com
Board of Supervisors leaders had the annual budget talks in the month ahead top of mind during a virtual breakfast meeting with the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Feb. 18. Three county supervisors took part in the Chamber’s annual breakfast meeting with the county board, part of its PolicyMakers series: finance committee Chairman Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles), Transportation and Land Use Committee Chairman Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn), and County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large). They met with the chamber only a few days before the first public hearing on the next annual county budget, scheduled Tuesday afternoon, and in a year when the COVID-19 pandemic has complicated that discussion. “Our folks really have come together, and in a way, as the county administrator says, we’re almost running two different operations: we’re running our normal county government, and then we have a whole separate COVID-19 operation,” Letourneau said. The pandemic has shown the divides in the county’s prosperity. While tourism and hospitality businesses have been hit hard, data centers have flourished even more. While commercial property values have largely sunk, the cost of residential real estate in Loudoun continues to climb. And for the county government, all of that impacts tax revenues. Supervisors pointed to a concern that has been raised in years past, and only become more obvious during the pandemic— the scale of the data center industry’s tax revenues, which this year comprise fully a third of local tax revenues, enough to cover all of the county government’s operational costs other than schools. “That does concern us a little bit because you just don’t want to be that reliant on one particular source of revenue,” Letourneau said. “So obviously, diversifying our economy, continuing to bring in businesses of all stripes, whether that’s aerospace or biomedical or others, is going to be very important. But we also may need to look at some of the ways that our tax policy is set up overall to try to address those issues.” He suggested using some of that windfall for one-time expenses in the county’s Capital Improvement Program, so that if
Zoom Screenshot
Supervisor Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn), County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large), and Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) talk to the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce at their annual PolicyMakers breakfast with supervisors on Feb. 18.
data center tax revenues start to dry up the county doesn’t come up short on continuing expenses like payroll. Supervisors have already in years past used a similar strategy to mitigate that risk. The difference in commercial and residential property values also presents a challenge by putting more of the tax burden on homeowners as their property values climb—even as some have seen their incomes shrink. Supervisors offered different takes on how to decide how much those people should pay. “I’m not sure this is the year to necessarily undertake major new expenditures on things that are going to drive the tax rate higher,” Letourneau said. “I approach every budget cycle as, what do we need to provide effective services to our constituents at the lowest possible tax rate, whatever that tax rate might come out to be,” Randall said. The committee chairs also offered chamber members a glance at what they’re working on in the longer term. Letourneau mentioned the problem of funding large transportation projects on major routes, pointing to plans for Loudoun County Parkway and Rt. 50 interchange. “That particular project is several hundred million dollars, and one of our challenges is, just how does a locality like ours fund something like that that’s just so big?” Letourneau said. “And it’s pretty clear we’re going to need the state’s help with that, but the state system, which is called SMART SCALE, is just not set up to really address those type of issues.” No Virginia system is; while the county is planning the project, which is still more than six years away and estimated to cost
a half-billion dollars, roads are nominally a state responsibility. Transportation projects are the largest category of spending in the county’s capital program as the county board has sought to alleviate traffic in the face in state inaction. And Turner pointed to his committee’s work on a collection of land preservation programs, including Purchase of Development Rights, Transfer of Development Rights. The transfer program, which would see developers in one area buying development rights off of land in other areas, he said, was proven infeasible and expensive. “Additionally, with the rewrite of the 2019 [comprehensive] plan, we largely already gave away our density in the east,” Turner said. However, the PDR program, which would see the government paying landowners for their development rights and retiring those rights, is still under development. It’s also a program that Loudoun County has used before, Turner pointed out, and one that may still have new possibilities. “One of the things we might be able to do with the PDR program is allow small landowners—it usually requires 40 acres to do a PDR and make it cost effective—allow smaller landowners to do conservation easements, and then use PDR funding to pay for the process of obtaining the conservation easement, and possibly also step up their tax benefit from the conservation easement to market value, so that it becomes irrelevant whether they develop or just put their land in a conservation easement using PDR funds,” Turner said. And Randall urged attendees to help get the word out about Loudoun businesses, which have gone to great lengths to weather the pandemic and keep shopping and dining safe. She pointed in particular to retail and dining businesses. “They’re already used to having to follow all those safety guidelines, but we’re not doing a great job putting that out,” Randall said. “And so if I would say one thing to everybody in the Chamber, everybody listening to my voice right now: one, go out and support these businesses right now. Go out, and if you can tip, tip heavy. But also, help us through your social media, through your newsletters, through whatever you might put out to say that our restaurant industry, our hotel industry, our touch industry overall really is doing over and above all that is required.” n
FEBRUARY 25, 2021
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
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Report Highlights Loudoun’s Business Wins in Difficult Year LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
On Wednesday, Loudoun Economic Development released a special report detailing the economic impacts of COVID-19 and how the county responded. The three-page report covers the year 2020 and the services the county stood up to help businesses weather the pandemic. It also highlights the new investment in Loudoun despite the pandemic and job losses, including $6.78 billion in new commercial investment announced, 4.9 million square feet of commercial real estate, 3,515 jobs created or retained, 30 Fast-Track Commercial Incentive Program applications. “I have said for years that Loudoun is the greatest county in the nation, and we showed what that means in 2020. I’m very proud of the county’s overall response, especially our efforts in the business commu-
nity, and it’s clear that these results don’t happen by accident,” stated County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large). “As we move in 2021, our focus remains on a sustainable, equitable recovery for all Loudoun residents and businesses.” The Department of Economic Development reached out to more than 4,000 Loudoun businesses in the opening weeks of the crisis to better understand their needs and the best ways to use county resources. That resulted in the COVID-19 Business Interruption Fund and Outdoor Seating Grants, which combined for more than $12 million of financial support for nearly 2,000 businesses. The department later collaborated with Visit Loudoun and the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce for the Loudoun Is Ready pledge and Take Loudoun Home marketing campaign to drive to bring customers back to Loudoun businesses.
The Loudoun Jobs Portal, another new resource, aggregates employment opportunities at Loudoun businesses from 10,000 public job boards, and was followed up with a more comprehensive suite of workforce services, the Work In Loudoun initiative. The Loudoun Made Loudoun Grown Marketplace, an e-commerce platform provided at no cost to Loudoun farmers and artisans, lets them sell locally, and received $270,000 in grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and state.
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Budget Hearings Open with Calls for Affordable Housing Funding BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com
The first hearings on Loudoun’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget opened with calls from various sectors to put dedicated funding into tackling Loudoun’s housing cost problem. Isabel Landaverde, speaking through an interpreter from New Virginia majority, told supervisors about her own struggles moving to Loudoun as a single mother of two. “I started to work but I always wanted to be around because I didn’t want to leave my kids alone,” Landaverde said through the interpreter. “Because of that, I only got one job, but of course, that wasn’t enough to cover our expenses. After one year we had to look for a room in a house with another family we didn’t know. This lifestyle is complicated, there are a lot of restrictions that come with living in a house that’s not yours, and even more so for the kids.” Now living with her partner and three kids, she said they still struggle to make ends meet, with a two-bedroom apartment and sharing one car. “It would be good if we received some type of assistance from the county in the realm of housing, for more affordable housing so that families wouldn’t need to spend so much time apart, working overtime to be able to afford their expenses,” Landaverde said. “I dream to always be able to give my kids what they deserve,
and I think quality time is a key part of that.” She called on supervisors to establish a dedicated revenue stream for the Housing Trust Fund, which the county uses to help finance affordable housing projects. It was a call echoed moments later by Grafton DeButts, Vice President of Membership & Government Affairs at the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce. “Housing Loudoun’s workforce remains a critical need which continues to receive no dedicated funding in the budget outside of the sale of aging ADUs [Affordable Dwelling Units],” DeButts said. “Significant, sustainable and dedicated funding that is indexed to the growth of the county will be crucial to ensure that Loudoun is able to begin providing a true continuum of housing.” The Chamber also supported the proposed increase to human services nonprofits, which are seeing higher-than ever demand amid the pandemic at the same time that fundraising becomes more difficult than ever. But he also urged against a proposal to allow Loudoun County employees to organize for collective bargaining. “The cost and distraction of pursuing collective bargaining is clearly not in the taxpayers’ best interests, and we ask that you oppose this expense,” DeButts said. The last budget public hearing will be Saturday, Feb. 27 at 9 a.m. Supervisors will begin their annual work on the county’s $3.3 billion budget March 1. n
And the Data Center Task Force gives the more than 350 businesses in Data Center Alley a coordinated point of contact. “The Board of Supervisors and Loudoun Economic Development took swift and decisive action when the COVID-19 pandemic hit to protect and preserve our business community,” stated Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles), who chairs the board’s Finance, Government Operations and Economic Development Committee. To see the report, go to Biz.Loudoun. Gov/AnnualReport. n
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$5,220,000
FEBRUARY 25, 2021
Leesburg
AROUND town Feedback on Cable Franchise Sought
Shor tfall $3,400,000 Expenditure Reductions, $4,220,000
$2,500,000 Revenue Stabilization Reserve, $1,000,000
Expenditure Reductions, $3,400,000 Excess Unassigned Fund Balance, $1,000,000
FY 2020
FY 2021
Excess Unassigned Fund Balance, $1,500,000
FY 2022
$2,000,000 Data Center Revenue Sharing, $1,000,000
$1,000,000
Revenue Stabilization Reserve, $1,000,000
Data Center Revenue Sharing, $1,000,000
FY 2023
FY 2024
Town Urged to Create Stabilization Reserve February 22, 2021
BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ
krodriguez@loudounnow.com
Leesburg’s town staff and financial consultant are encouraging council members to include a new revenue stabilization reserve in the Fiscal Year 2022 budget. The topic of the reserve was a focal point of discussion during the council’s Monday night work session. David Rose, the town’s financial advisor with Davenport & Company, said the council’s approved refunding of general obligation bonds in October, along with debt restructuring, freed up about $3.67 million that the council can use in part to establish the reserve. The council had moved forward on the refunding and
Annual Financial Update Presentation
debt restructuring at the recommendation of Rose and the town staff to take advantage of historically low interest rates. The goal of the revenue stabilization reserve is to create a financial cushion so the town would not have to tap into its Unassigned Fund Balance, a rainy day fund that currently has $11.5 million—enough to fund the town government for three months, Town Manager Kaj Dentler said. The council has adopted a policy to maintain an amount equivalent to 20% of General Fund expenditures in the fund balance to ensure financial stability. For Fiscal Year 2022, the reserve would be established using $2 million from the bond refunding. It would be replenished in
5
following fiscal years using no more than 25% of available Unassigned Fund Balance remaining above the current 20% General Fund expenditure policy requirement in any given year. The total amount in the reserve would be capped at 3% of General Fund revenues from the previous year. Money from the reserve would be used in Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023 to help address revenue shortfalls. Right now, there is approximately $2.5 million in excess Unassigned Fund Balance over the required minimum balance of 20% of expenditures, Management & Budget Officer Jason Cournoyer said. This fiscal year, RESERVE continues on page 8
Downtown Free Parking Ends March 1 BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ
krodriguez@loudounnow.com
It’s been almost a year of free parking in downtown Leesburg, but that will soon change. The town government has announced that paid parking downtown will resume Monday, March 1. Town Manager Kaj Dentler suspended parking fees March 18, 2020, shortly after the Town Council declared a state of local emergency at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The promotion was extended as a courtesy to local
businesses with the goal of encouraging residents and visitors to patronize downtown shops and restaurants, and also to avoid touching parking meters and payment kiosks. Leesburg regularly has a free parking promotion from the Thanksgiving holiday through New Year’s Day. According to Public Information Officer Betsy Arnett, the almost yearlong suspension of parking fees has resulted in a loss of $444,000 in government revenue. That represents almost an entire fiscal year’s worth of parking revenue, as Arnett said a typical fiscal
year—which runs from July 1 to June 30—brings in about $513,000 in parking fees. Parking revenue helps to support many of the services the town provides to support its downtown businesses, Arnett said, including daily curbside trash and recycling collection; holiday decorations; hanging flower baskets; and closing King Street for outdoor dining. “The parking revenue is not directly earmarked for these services. It goes PARKING continues on page 7
As part of the renewal process for Verizon’s non-exclusive franchise with the town, the Technology and Communications Commission, in coordination with the town’s Information Technology Department, is seeking customer feedback on residents’ experience with Verizon’s cable TV service. In particular, the commission wants to hear from anyone who has been told that Verizon cable TV service is not available at their Leesburg address, as well as from any residents with unresolved service issues or comments regarding Verizon’s service. Residents have several opportunities and ways to provide feedback. Residents may complete an online survey at leesburgva.gov/ cabletvsurvey. Residents may submit the survey anonymously, if they wish. The survey will remain open until 5 p.m. March 3. The Technology and Communications Commission will host a virtual public forum during its regular March meeting. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 2. The Webex link and phone numbers are available at leesburgva.gov/TechComm. Residents may also submit comments by calling 703-771-6747 and leaving a voicemail message.
Two Balch Lectures Upcoming Thomas Balch Library has two upcoming virtual lectures, and registration is now open. At 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, historian James R. Morgan III will speak about his debut novel, “The Lost Empire: Black Freemasonry in the Old West (1867-1906).” Morgan’s book tells the history of African American Freemasonry in the Old West as seen through the lens of Captain William D. Matthews and the King Solomon Grand Lodge of Kansas. Advanced registration is available at tinyurl.com/BlackFreemasonryOldWest. AROUND TOWN continues on page 7
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Insurance The Village of Leesburg vices are paid for from the General Fund. helping to offset the services the town • Digital x-rays (reduces radiation by 90%) to providing a comprehensive dental office committed 703-771-9034 Cochran Family Dental are friendly office offering budget wise payment options. Dr. 1503 Dodona Terrace #210 However, without the parking revenue, we government provides to downtown busi• We file all dental benefi t claims withhasa provided caring and gentle style that serve most all of Cochran trusted dental care to thewill citizens committed to providing a comprehensive dental office Leesburg, 20175 Dr. Dentistry Brian(veneers, Cochran and hisVA staff at one would have to find other revenue sources • Cosmetic whitefamily’s fifor llings, Zoom Whitening) of Loudoun 13 and years. your dental needs under roof. Insurance nesses, Dentler said that the program enHOURS: WHITENING SPECIAL withand a caring gentle style that will serve most all of WHITENING 703-771-9034 or make cuts in other areas to continue • Crowns Bridges, Family alland phases of & Implants, Rootoffering Canals and budget Dentures Conveniently located in FREE Teeth Whitening Kit options. Dr. Cochran Dental are friendly office wise payment Mon. Wed.: 8am 6pm courages the turnover of parking spaces. SPECIAL with every scheduled The Village Leesburg facing your family’stherapy dental needs under one roof. Insurance these downtown services,” Arnett said. • We offer periodontal to restore your oral health asUse well as oral cancer screening. Tues. - at Thurs.: - 4pm your benefits before the end to the citizens Cochran has7am provided trusted dental care cleaning or procedure. 7providing between Wegmans andcomprehensive Without the meters, he said, employees 1503committed Dodona Terrace Route to a dental office of the year and receive8/31/16. a FREE Fri.:Fitness 8am - 1pmwise payment Offer Expires She added that the on-street spots that LA friendly office offering budget options. Teeth Whitening Kit with everyDr. Suite 210 Conveniently located in the Village of Leesburg of Loudoun for 13 years. of local businesses and the courthouse Please present coupon to Sat.: 8am 1pm (once/month) Mon & -Wed: 8-6pm HOURS: scheduled cleaning or procedure. WHITENING SPECIAL the town has designated for restaurant with a20175 caring and style that will serve Leesburg, receive the offer. Not to bemost all of Cochran hasTerrace provided trusted dental care the citizens TuesEmergency & Thurs: 7-4pm Service 1503VA Dodona #210 •gentle Leesburg, VA 20175 • to 703-771-9034 WHITENING Expires January 1, 2016. 24hr Conveniently located inOffer FREE Teeth Whitening Kit park in the spaces before 9 a.m. each busiPlease coupon to w/any receive the offer. Mon. &4pm Wed.: 8am -present 6pm combined other Fri: 8-1pm • Sat: 8-1pm (Once/month) Mon. & Wed.: 8am 6pm • Tues. Thurs.: 7am • Fri.: 8am 1pm • 24hr Emergency Service curbside pick-up will remain and conNotfacing to be combined with any other offer. SPECIAL 703-771-9034 with every scheduled The Village at Leesburg 24hr Emergency Service ofyour Loudoun for 13 years. family’s dental needs under oneUseroof. Insurance ness day, leaving very few spaces for visiTues. Thurs.: 7am 4pm your benefits or before the end cleaning procedure. tinue to be free, as long as the requesting Route 7 between Wegmans and WHITENING 1503 Dodona Terrace Visit ourwebsite: website at: TheLeesburgVADentist.com of the year and receive8/31/16. a FREE Visit our TheLeesburgVADentist.com Fri.:Fitness 8am - 1pmwise payment Conveniently located in LA tors and residents to frequent downtown Offer Expires friendly office offering budget options. business continues to offer curbside serTeeth Whitening Kit with everyDr. 210 at Leesburg SPECIAL TheSuite Village Please present coupon to Sat.:facing 8am 1pm (once/month) Mon & -Wed: 8-6pm shops, restaurants, and businesses. scheduled cleaning or procedure. Use your dental benefits before the endthe vice. The town is in the process of installLeesburg, 20175 receive offer. Not to be Cochran has provided trusted care to the citizens Tues & Thurs: 7-4pm Route 7VA between Wegmans and Offer Expires January 1, 2016. 24hr Emergency Service 1503 Dodona Terrace of(Once/month) the year and receive a combined FREE The downtown area has 70 metered Please present coupon to w/any receive the offer. other Fri: 8-1pm • Sat: 8-1pm ing permanent signs for those spaces. LA Fitness every with any other offer. Not towith be combined Suite 210 703-771-9034 24hryears. EmergencyTeeth ServiceWhitening Kit of Loudoun for 13 on-street parking spaces, more than 300 Mon & Wed: 8-6pm Dentler said although the original plan scheduled cleaning or procedure. Leesburg, VA 20175 Tues & Thurs: 7-4pm at: TheLeesburgVADentist.com Offer Expires January 1, 2016. garages, Visit our website was to resume parking fees at the begin- spaces in the Town Hall parking Conveniently located in present coupon to receive the offer. Conveniently located in 8-1pm (Once/month) Please Fri: 8-1pm • Sat: and parking lots on Liberty and Loudoun Not to be combined with any other offer. 703-771-9034 The24hr ning of January, he decided to push the Emergency Service Village at Leesburg facing ThewillVillage facing resume, at Leesburg Use your benefits before the end start date back another two months to streets. While paid parking Route 7 between Wegmans andbenefits Use your before thereceive end a FREE 1503 Dodona Terrace of the year and Route 7 between Wegmans and the traditional two hours free at the provide further assistance to the businessLA Fitness 1503 Dodona Terrace of the year and receive a FREE Teeth Whitening Kit with every Suite 210 Town Hall parking garage will remain. es during the dead of winter. LA Fitness Mon & Wed: 8-6pm scheduled cleaning or procedure. Teeth Whitening Kit with every Suite 210 Leesburg, VA 20175 to leesburgva.gov/parking for more “Based on the long history of parking Go Offer Expires January 1, 2016. Mon & Wed: 8-6pm Tues & Thurs: 7-4pm scheduled cleaning or procedure. Please present coupon to receive the offer. n debates in downtown Leesburg, I certaininformation. Fri: 8-1pm • Sat: 8-1pm (Once/month) Leesburg, VA 20175
Cochran Family Dental Welcoming patients! Dr. all Briannew Cochran and his staff at Welcoming all new patients!
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Dental are Dr.Cochran Brian Family Cochran and his staff at committed to providing a comprehensive dental office Cochran Family arethat will serve most all of with a caring and Dental gentle style committed to dental providing a comprehensive dental office your family’s needs under one roof. Insurance friendly officeand offering budget wisethat payment options.most Dr. all of with a caring gentle style will serve Cochran has provided trustedunder dental care the citizens your family’s dental needs one toroof. Insurance of Loudoun for 13 years. friendly office offering budget WHITENING wise payment options. Dr. WHITENING Visit our website: TheLeesburgVADentist.com SPECIAL Cochran has provided trusted dental careSPECIAL to the citizens Visit our website at: TheLeesburgVADentist.com of Loudoun for 13 years.
WHITENING Conveniently located in Tues & Thurs: 7-4pm 24hr Emergency ServiceOffer ExpiresNotJanuary 1, 2016. to be combined with any other offer. 703-771-9034 SPECIAL to receive the offer. TheFri:Village at8-1pm Leesburg facingPlease present coupon 8-1pm • Sat: (Once/month) combined any otherbefore offer. the end 703-771-9034 yourwith benefits our website Emergency Service at: TheLeesburgVADentist.com Library Offers March 4Visit Route 724hr between Wegmans andNot to beUse AROUND1503 townDodona Terrace of the year and receive a FREE Family History Class LA TheLeesburgVADentist.com Fitness continued from page 6 Visit our website at: Teeth Whitening Kit with every Suite 210 Thomas Balch Library Genealogy As& Wed: 8-6pm On Wednesday, March 3, at 1 p.m., his- sociate Norah Schneider will teachMon scheduled cleaning or procedure. “Write torian Greg May will leadLeesburg, a conversation VA 20175 Tues & Thurs: 7-4pm Offer Expires January 1, 2016. with author David Stewart on his book “George Washington: The Political Rise of America’s Founding Father.” Stewart will share his thoughts on how Washington became the single most dominant force in the creation of the United States. Pre-registration for this lecture is available at tinyurl.com/TBLEvents. For more information on the lectures, call 703-737-7195 or email balchlib@l eesburgva.gov.
Your Family History” at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 4. The two-hour virtual class will go over the different parts to writing your family history and answer questions on the writing process. Pre-registration is required. Call 703737-7195, email balchlib@leesburgva. gov, or register online at leesburgva.gov/ libraryregistration.
703-771-9034
Fri: 8-1pm • Sat: 8-1pm (Once/month) 24hr Emergency Service
Please present coupon to receive the offer. Not to be combined with any other offer. HERNDON
Visit our website at: TheLeesburgVADentist.com
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FEBRUARY 25, 2021
decisions or reductions.” Clark Case, director of the town’s Ficontinued from page 6 nance & Administrative Services Department, said the council needs to find a new $1 million of the fund balance is projected source of revenue that is not dependent on to be used to address current revenue short- consumer or real estate taxes. Economic defalls. The forecasted shortfall for Fiscal Year velopment, he said, is an ideal place to look. “What we’re telling you here is in those 2022 is $2.5 million and excess fund balance of $1.5 million and $1 million of the reve- out years you have a deficit situation of nue stabilization reserve is proposed to be about $1 million in your ongoing revenues,” used to balance that year’s proposed budget. Case said. “We need to find a new source of “Part of the intent of the reserve is to revenue. What we’re looking for is economgive us flexibility,” Dentler said. “If it’s need- ic development to generate new personal ed, we’ll use it. If it’s not needed the council property taxes. Over 30% of [town governhas a choice of how to use it if the economy ment] revenue now is from consumer taxes, which are more volatile. We’re looking for turns back.” The reserve could be used for any num- a new revenue source that doesn’t revolve ber of unplanned expenses, including com- around raising taxes on homeowners. The plinance with a federal wastewater treat- one that we know about that would meet ment mandate or to fill in for lost revenue if the need is data centers.” While the town’s expenditures go up 2% assessments decline. “There’s no way that I see a downside to annually, its revenues do not increase by setting this up,” Rose said. “We’re thinking that same amount, Case said. “Even if we go back to where we were of this as a safety net. It’s there if uncertainties continue. It allows the town to be pre-pandemic it’s not enough to cover in more control, and not tap into the Un- growth and the expenditure budget,” he assigned Fund Balance below the levels you said. Rose echoed a point that Dentler has have. We’re in a very strong position; we made often—the cuts made by town staff want to stay in that position.” Staff emphasized that the current multi- last spring to address the COVID fallout, year financial plan laid out as part of the re- which included freezing staff positions, serve creation is a projection based on cur- postponing maintenance and management rent information and could change along reductions, are not sustainable. Dentler pointed out the very minimal with the economy. The town is working with a $5 million additions to his proposed budget. The only deficit it expects to close by the end of this additions to the General Fund are more fiscal year, June 30. That deficit stems from money for snow removal; funding for an the economic impacts of the COVID-19 expanded outdoor dining program on King pandemic, particularly steep declines in Street; and securing office space for use by consumer taxes, which make up 30% of the the mayor and Town Council. “My proposed budget in [Fiscal Year] town government’s revenues. The staff is looking to fund the revenue 2022 is only designed to get us back to the stabilization reserve with $1 million by full funding that we had. There’s no growth way of a revenue sharing agreement with in the budget. We’re just trying to get back Loudoun County in both Fiscal Years 2023 to where we started this current budget and 2024. Although the details have still not year. Eventually the town is going to have to been finalized, the town and county have address growth matters that are affecting us. been negotiating a boundary line adjust- We’re just trying to get back to square one at ment that would bring the Compass Creek this point,” he said. Monday’s work session discussion also development and potentially a Microsoft data center campus into town limits. That touched on a proposal to rework the funddeal is expected to include a revenue shar- ing of management expenses for capital projects staff. As proposed, all indirect costs ing agreement. Several council members expressed con- of $1.46 million, like staff training and vacern that the staff was including those reve- cation time, would be paid with cash, and direct costs hovering just under $1 million nues in the reserve fund. “We better be very careful with it because would be financed. This change would move it could be gone,” Mayor Kelly Burk said of the town away from its planned practice of the revenue envisioned in the agreement. eventually fully funding all capital man“The county could decide they don’t want to agement costs, but it would free up about do it anymore. If we’re including that as an $335,000 that could pay for an increased ongoing source of money, I think we could snow removal budget and Town Council office space. get ourselves in trouble.” The council is expected to continue its “I don’t know what our decision will be,” Dentler said. “If that deal isn’t worked out, budget discussion at its next work session, we’re going to need to find a new revenue March 8. A public hearing on the budget is source or make some difficult management set for the following night. n
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FEBRUARY 25, 2021
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Education Federal Judge Dismisses Challenge to Academy’s Admission Changes BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
A federal lawsuit challenging new admission procedures for Loudoun’s Academy of Science and Academy of Engineering and Technology has been dismissed. Thirty-seven Loudoun County parents in September brought the lawsuit claiming the changes violated their constitutional rights. The changes were proposed by then-Superintendent Eric Williams as one element of the school division’s anti-racism campaign after the state Attorney General’s Office announced it was investigating complaints about the extremely low number of Black and Hispanic students accepted into the advanced STEM programs. Among the changes were to reduce the number of tests used during the monthslong qualification period and to create mechanisms to require the slots be distributed more equally among students from each Loudoun middle school. The plan’s stated goal was to increase the number of seats awarded to socio-economically disadvantaged students, which could also result in greater racial and ethnic diversity in the STEM programs. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Asian families who claimed the new procedures
moved away from an objective, merit-based selection process, were developed using faulty data, and did promote equal opportunity. Asian students comprise 23% of the overall student population, but occupy 82% of the seats at AOS and 55% at AET. Attorneys for the school division argued that the approach to seek more geographic diversity while reducing entrance qualification barriers were race-neutral. Under the plan, seven middle schools would be allocated fewer slots at the academies and 11 would be allocated more seats. The schools with fewer seats allocated have the largest percentage of Asian students, according to the filings. U.S. District Court Judge Anthony J. Trenga ruled that the parents failed to demonstrate a violation of the Equal Protection Clause. While the changes may result in lower admission numbers for Asian students, he found no indication of discriminatory intent in the policy. The judge also rejected the plaintiff ’s request for an injunction stemming from the claim that the School Board violated the Freedom of Information Act, following an apparent effort to convince a member to change her vote during an off-camera recess in the virtual meeting. Such action was unnecessary given the isolated nature of the alleged violation, he wrote. n
SCHOOL notebook Blue Ridge’s Hortega Lands Space Camp Scholarship Blue Ridge Middle School eighth-grade student Izabella Hortega has been awarded a full scholarship to Space Camp in Huntsville, AL. She worked with her seventh-grade life science teacher, Andrew McClellan, to develop a hypothesis as it applied to measuring the impact of different light forms (white, UV and infrared) on microorganisms found in water as they may apply to sanitation. She collected stream water, set up independent and dependent variables, created multiple trials, gathered and finally analyzed her data. Her summary supported UV light as the factor with the greatest sanitation impact on microorganisms in water, making it safe to consume or use. The work and analysis paid off when she learned about
her scholarship win. The scholarship will cover tuition, room and board and $500 toward travel to attend a six-day Space Camp program this summer from Northrop Grumman Corporation. She will be spending the week participating in the Aviation Challenge at the United States Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, learning and collaborating with other students her age from around the globe. Activities include experiencing the sensation of being three times her normal weight in a one-of-a-kind centrifuge, learning about aeronautics, propulsion and aviation history, flying in a UAV drone simulator, simulating aerial combat, and embarking on a search and rescue mission to bring a downed pilot back from behind enemy lines. For more information about Space Camp scholarships, go to spacecamp.com/scholarships.
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FEBRUARY 25, 2021
Public Safety August Jury Trial Set in Decade-old Missing Woman Case Ronald Roldan, the man charged with murder in the 2011 disappearance of his former live-in girlfriend, is scheduled to appear in Loudoun County Circuit Court for a 28-day jury trial from Aug. 23 to Sept. 30. In December, Roldan, now 40, was indicted for second-degree murder in the presumed death of Ashburn resident Bethany Anne Decker, who disappeared
Arrest Made in Sterling Shooting A 19-year-old man from Sterling has been charged in connection with a shooting in Sterling Saturday afternoon. According to the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office, Antonio Fernandez was taken into custody shortly after a shooting was reported in the area of Commerce Street near East Holly Avenue around 4:45 Fernandez p.m. Feb. 20. A firearm was also recovered. When deputies arrived on scene, they found an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital and reported in stable condition. Fernandez was identified as a suspect after authorities arrived at the scene and established a perimeter. While the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation, investigators said the victim and Fernandez knew each other. There is believed to be no further threat to the community. Fernandez has been charged with aggravated malicious wounding and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He is being held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center. A trial is set for April 5 in Loudoun County District Court. Court records show that authorities had issued a capias for his arrest on April 16, just four days before the shooting for an alleged bond violation. He was previously charged in Loudoun County with assault by mob, with a trial in that case set for April 27. n
at the age of 21 in January 2011 while five months pregnant and in her final semester at George Mason University. Roldan has been a person of interest in the case since Decker’s disappearance 10 years ago but was not charged until last year. In the time since Decker’s disappearance, Roldan was charged with the attempted murder of a different girlfriend
in Pinehurst, NC. He pleaded guilty in 2016 to felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury and felony assault inflicting serious bodily injury. He was sentenced to a minimum of six years in prison. The Loudoun charge was issues as he was set to be released from prison and he was extradited back to Loudoun. n
Roldan
Johnson Appointed President of Virginia Fire Chief’s Association LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System Chief Keith H. Johnson has been appointed President of the Virginia Fire Chief ’s Association. “My road to this personal accomplishment has been built with dedication, passion, personal commitment, and a lifelong journey of learning,” said Johnson, who last year was vice president of the organization. “As president, I remind all fire and EMS leaders in the Commonwealth of Virginia that the VFCA is a vital resource that will allow us to work as a team to tackle challenges we face in our own communities.” From that position, according to the fire-rescue service, Johnson will continue to advocate legislation to benefit career employees, volunteers, and the people that they serve. Each year, the Virginia Fire Chief ’s Association brings together fire and emergency medical services organizations from across the Commonwealth of Virginia to discuss not only their specific Renss Greene/Loudoun Now legislative needs, but the key issues con- Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System Chief Keith H. Johnson has been appointed cerning the organizations and the fire president of the Virginia Fire Chief’s Association. service as a whole. These legislative topics vary from the inclusion of automatic residential fire sprinklers in the Virginia Assistant Chief of Operations for the Community Development. Uniformed State-wide Building Code, Loudoun County Combined Fire and Loudoun’s fire chiefs have a history of to Establishing Workers’ Compensation Rescue System. In May of 2018, Johnson leading on statewide fire safety issues— was promoted to System Chief, where he Johnson’s predecessor in Loudoun, W. Benefits for COVID-19. Johnson is a fourth-generation fire- continues to lead and oversee the 1,300 Keith Brower Jr., was a leading voice on fire code, building standards and other fighter who began his fire service career members of the system. In addition to his role as the President statewide issues during his tenure inin 1982 as a volunteer with the North Merrick Volunteer Fire Department in of the fire chief ’s association, he serves as cluding on the Virginia Fire Chief ’s AsLong Island, NY. After retiring from the Vice Chair of the Governor’s appointed sociation. For more information about the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Depart- Fire Services Board and is a board member of Virginia’s Board of Housing and VFCA, visit https://vfca.us. n ment in 2014, Johnson was hired as the
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
FEBRUARY 25, 2021
PAGE 11
Court Adds Research Computers in Public Space BY PATRICK SZABO pszabo@loudounnow.com
Loudoun’s Circuit Court records are open to the public once again with no appointment necessary. In-person proceedings in the county courthouse ceased entirely for months last spring following Virginia Supreme Court Chief Justice Donald W. Lemons’ March 16, 2020 Declaration of Judicial Emergency, which he extended for a 17th time recently. While the public was kept out of courtrooms for about three months, people have never been restricted from visiting the Circuit Court to conduct business, like obtaining a concealed carry permit or marriage license or to search case files—they’ve just been required to make appointments in advance. But as of this month, those wanting to search case files may once again do so on a walk-in basis. Clerk of the Circuit Court Gary Clemens and his staff recently added two more computers outside the Circuit Court office doors. Clemens said that while he knew
Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now
The Loudoun Courthouse.
making appointments to search case files “wasn’t the best convenience,” the measure was needed to keep people from clustering together in the “really tight” Circuit Court office. He said he had been thinking about adding a set of computers outside the doors of his office for a few months, but became consumed with other work once the Virginia Supreme Court approved Loudoun Circuit Court’s plan to return to jury trials last October. While Clemens originally wanted to add computers in a large room, that option
was taken away when the jury trial plan called for that room to be used as a jury assembly area. “I think it’s something sustainable beyond COVID,” he said. Before Clemens’ office added in those two computers, Ashburn resident and former Loudoun Sheriff candidate Brian Allman threatened to file a lawsuit against Clemens in federal court. Allman emphasized that Circuit Court records belong to the public and that Clemens’ office simply acts as the custodian of those records. “For Clemens to close the court and for the chief judge [Douglas L. Fleming, Jr.] to allow this to happen is atrocious,” Allman said. “He does not have the authority to close the clerk of the court’s office.” Allman noted that in his trips to the courthouses in the City of Richmond, City of Norfolk, Fairfax County, Prince William County and the Virginia Supreme Court, he was able to access case files without making an appointment. “When I walk into the Supreme Court of Virginia [and have access to case files], I better be able to walk into the Loudoun County courthouse,” he said. n
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-9753.
fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov • www. fairhousing.vipnet.org
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Montgomery Promoted to President, CEO of Loudoun Hunger Relief Jennifer Montgomery has been promoted to president and CEO of Loudoun Hunger Relief. She has served as the executive director of the county’s largest food pantry since 2014. “Jennifer’s breadth of knowledge, leadership, and management skills have been instrumental Montgomery in Loudoun Hunger Relief ’s effectiveness in serving our neighbors in need,” LHR board Chairwoman Carol Barbe said. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, she has taken a leading role in coordinating LHR’s response while ensuring the utmost safety for our employees, volunteers, clients, and partners. Jennifer’s overall vision and actions have assured the success of the organization well into the future and will continue to play a key role in navigating our strategic direction.” As a community leader, Montgomery chairs the board of the Loudoun Human Services Network, serves as co-chair for the Loudoun County Human Services Strategic Plan Advisory Committee and is on the board of the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce. “I am honored to receive this recognition and as President and CEO, I will continue our work to ensure that Loudoun Hunger Relief is the safety net for the Loudoun community, alongside so many very capable partners,” Montgomery stated. Established in 1991, LHR supplied perishable and nonperishable food items to more than 15,000 individuals, about half of which are children, through 355,000 visits during 2020. Learn more at loudounhunger.org. n
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
FEBRUARY 25, 2021
Nonprofit Ampersand Pantry Project Surpasses 80K Meals Since April 16, 2020, the Ampersand Pantry Project has distributed more than 80,000 free lunches to COVID-impacted individuals and families. Meals are prepared by area restaurants and include an entree, granola bar, juice pouch and fresh fruit. In addition to lunches, the project has provided more than 500,000 diapers, 14,500 carnations, 2,000 pounds of pet food, dozens of haircuts, numerous hygiene products, and thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables. In addition to flowers, the volunteers also work to lift spirits by providing other special items on holidays, including fully cooked Thanksgiving dinners, an Angel Tree-type toy drive at Christmas, and ice cream and gift cards on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and the Fourth of July. The 501c3 charity was founded by attorney Peter Burnett and began offering the free lunches at the onset of the pandemic. As the project continues to serve hundreds of stressed neighbors, contributions and volunteers have been critical to the project continuing. As long as there remains sufficient support, Burnett and his team of volunteers plan to continue the project until vaccines, warm weather, and employment put recipients in a better financial place. The effort requires the work of approximately 12 unpaid volunteers who distribute food and other essentials in three Leesburg locations for two hours each day at a cost of $40,000 per
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
The Ampersand Pantry Project has distributed more than 80,000 lunches since last spring.
month. Virtually all of the money needed to keep the nonprofit going has come from community donations. For information about volunteer opportunities, contact Gabriela Lamas at gabriela.lamas.2001@gmail.com or 571-919-1382. n
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FEBRUARY 25, 2021
PAGE 13
Business
Get Ready to Crumbl
Cookie Franchise Coming to Leesburg, Ashburn BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com
What’s not to love about a cookie? That was the motivation for two local families to open Loudoun’s first Crumbl cookie stores, in Leesburg and Ashburn. Waterford couple Dovy and Natalie Paukstys are opening their Leesburg store this spring, while Joel Frary’s Ashburn location is set for an early summer debut. The fast-growing cookie franchise is only two-and-a-half years old, but in its relative infancy has already grown to 136 stores nationwide, with 30 more being built now and another 50 planned. The Paukstys family alone is planning to open three locations in Northern Virginia, including their Leesburg flagship store. The Paukstys had the enviable job of serving as taste testers for neighbor and Crumbl CEO Jason McGowan, and soon decided they wanted to open stores of their own. Opening a delicacy business is not much of a fish-out-of-water experiment for the couple, as Natalie Paukstys is a professional, high-end cake baker. But even she admits that some of her friends have told her that they are not fans of cake. “You never hear people say ‘I hate cookies’,” she said. “There are so many different kinds of flavors [at Crumbl], making it relatable to whatever the fad is now. It’s such an old-fashioned sort of dessert that you
Contributed
Crumbl cookies come in more than 120 flavors, with four varieties rotating weekly and keeping its many fans coming back for more.
never hear anyone get upset about.” Crumbl, Dovy Paukstys said, “isn’t really new or different. This is just high-quality, yummy cookies with a little bit of novelty.” It was also love at first sight for Frary and his family after sampling a Crumbl cookie at one of its new locations in Texas last year. Virginia natives, Frary and his wife jumped at the opportunity to move back east to open their own Crumbl shop. Crumbl is known for its expansive cookie portfolio. The franchise boasts around 130 different flavors, with the selection rotating each week. Two staples remain constant on the menu—chocolate chip and chilled sugar cookie. Four other flavors round out the six offered weekly. They range from the traditional, like snickerdoodle, to the unconventional, like strawberry toaster pastry, a warm, buttery cookie stuffed with
strawberry filling and topped with white chocolate and sprinkles. Crumbl’s cookies are a half-inch to inch in thickness, and made fresh daily. The Crumbl store owners have their favorites. For Dovy Paukstys, it’s the carrot cake and churro cookies. Natalie Paukstys enjoys the ultimate peanut butter, a peanut butter cookie stuffed with peanut butter, and the glazed lemon poppyseed cookie, which is stuffed with lemon. She bought an extra box of the latter cookie flavor the last time it was on Crumbl’s weekly rotation, and froze them to enjoy later. For Frary, his favorite by far is the Biscoff lava cookie, a sugar cookie stuffed with Biscoff cookie butter. It’s the “excitement of the unknown” that keeps Crumbl’s fans coming back for more, with the weekly menu set by Crumbl’s cor-
Visit Loudoun Launches Imagery Campaign to Boost Tourism LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
Visit Loudoun announced the launch of a campaign using county images to boost tourism. The Branch Out 2.0 program will debut in drive markets throughout the Mid-Atlantic region over the next month, with the goal to invite visitors to Loudoun through a series of images that connect the county’s urban east corridor with the agritourism Courtesy of Visit Loudoun of the rural west. This ad image from Visit Loudoun’s latest tourism campaign links the niche retail offerings of the Old The campaign was developed in con- Lucketts Store and the outdoor recreational opportunities of the W&OD Trail. junction with the Miles Partnership venues, its outdoor and shopping opportu- said the imagery is “eye-catching and aumarketing agency and aligns with Visit Loudoun’s three-year strategic plan. The nities, its family-friendly attractions, and thentic,” as it blends connection and community with Loudoun’s people, places and imagery is focused on Loudoun’s proximi- its meetings market. Miles Vice President Lauren Bourgoing experiences. ty to Washington, DC, its dining and drink
porate headquarters and unveiled every Monday, Dovy Paukstys said. It also gives fans a reason to check the website weekly to make sure their favorite flavor doesn’t go un-enjoyed, since it is unknown when it will reappear on the menu. Fresh cookies are brought out every two hours at Crumbl stores. The Paukstys’ have vowed that no cookie will go to waste, and are looking for local nonprofit and community organizations to partner with to get leftover cookies to the hungry and food insecure. Customers can pair the cookies with an assortment of the franchise’s ice cream, Crumbl cream, with 11 pre-packaged varieties offered weekly, and wash it down with milk, chocolate milk or Crumbl bottled water. As an added bonus, Crumbl cookies can also be delivered right to your doorstep, and special orders are available for cookies in large quantities. The company has its own drivers and also utilizes the Doordash platform, Frary said. The Leesburg shop will be located at 1008 Edwards Ferry Road, in the Costco/Target shopping center. The Ashburn Crumbl will be located at 44110 Ashburn Shopping Plaza, Suite 180, in the Ashburn Village Shopping Center. More information about Crumbl can be found at crumblcookies.com. n Steadily increasing travel trends influenced the creation of the campaign. According to the State of American Traveler Report, road trips are again surging in popularity and small towns and rural attractions are among the top destinations for 2021. Of the 56% of survey respondents who said they expect to take at least one trip to a small town or rural destination, especially one with scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, history and food experiences. Visit Loudoun President & CEO Beth Erickson said photography is a powerful tool that influences travel. “Tourism is a multi-billion-dollar industry in Loudoun and Branch Out 2.0 will help drive the recovery of this vital part of our economy,” she said. Visit Loudoun Marketing Director Jennifer Christie said the campaign is one of the largest Visit Loudoun has ever launched. n
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LOUDOUNNOW.COM
FEBRUARY 25, 2021
Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now
Leaders from Exclusive Automotive Group broke ground last Wednesday on their $15 million car dealership off Russell Branch Parkway in Ashburn.
Luxury, Performance Car Dealership Breaks Ground in Ashburn BY PATRICK SZABO pszabo@loudounnow.com
By spring next year, Loudouners will have yet another place to purchase luxury and high-performance sports cars. Leaders from the Exclusive Automotive Group broke ground Feb. 17 on their $15 million car dealership off Russell Branch Parkway in Ashburn, where they plan to sell Aston Martins, Bentleys, Karmas and Koenigseggs. The 4-acre campus will feature a 42,000-square-foot building where a 20,000-square-foot, second-story showroom—which will be visible from Rt. 7— will display more than 20 cars at a time. More than 40 people will be employed at the dealership. Founding Partner Bill Shawn said the project has been in the plans for about a decade. The dealership is expected to open in May 2022. The project is expected to generate $3 million of annual tax revenue. At the Feb. 17 groundbreaking ceremony, Loudoun Chamber of Commerce
One Smile At A
President and CEO Tony Howard said the “signature project” was being constructed in an area of Loudoun where county leaders want to see growth. “Thank you for your investment in Loudoun County,” he said. “We don’t ever take that for granted. Loudoun Economic Development Executive Director Buddy Rizer said the project is “very unique” given its location with two entrances, one from Russell Branch Parkway across from the Ashburn North Park & Ride and the other off Rt. 7. Exclusive Automotive Group was incorporated in 2012 and was established by a group of automotive enthusiasts who sought to improve the local Aston Martin dealership. The group is a partnership between Karma Automotive, Koenigsegg, Aston Martin Washington, DC and Bentley Motors. Learn more at exclusiveautomotivegroup.com. Already, Loudoun is home to a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, McLaren and Rolls-Royce dealership. n
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PAGE 15
HELP WANTED AT FAMILY PRACTICE
MAIDS NEEDED
Experienced Lab Tech Or MA – Busy Family Practice office in Lansdowne, VA looking for an experienced lab tech or MA to collect and process Covid 19, Flu & Strep samples. Must be familiar with manual and automated methods. EMR experience preferred. We offer health, dental and vision insurance as well as direct deposit, 401k and many other benefits.
Please send your resume to lgray@lmgdoctors.com or fax to 703-726-0804
No evenings or weekends Pay starts at $12/hr Please call 571-291-9746
Town of Leesburg Employment Opportunities Please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs for more information and to apply online. Resumes may be submitted as supplemental only. EOE/ADA. Regular Full-Time Positions
HELP WANTED AT FAMILY PRACTICE Large family practice in Loudoun County with 6 locations and 28 providers looking for FT LPN’s or MA’s with a dedication to excellence. New LPN graduates welcome to apply. Pediatric and or family practice experience preferred. EHR experience highly recommended. We offer competitive pay rates, health, dental and vision insurance as well as direct deposit, 401K and many other benefits. Please send your resume to: lgray@lmgdoctors.com or fax to 703-726-0804 attention Lisa
Position
Department
Salary Range
Closing Date
Assistant Town Attorney
Town Attorney’s Office
$75,000-$95,000 DOQ
Open until filled
Building Technician I or II
Public Works & Capital Projects
$41,353-$76,882 DOQ
Open until filled
Business Systems Integrator/Administrator
Town Manager’s Office
$70,374-$120,339 DOQ
Open until filled
Capital Projects Manager
Public Works & Capital Projects
$82,999-$141,929 DOQ
Open until filled
Controller
Finance
$79,227-$135,636 DOQ
Open until filled
Police Officer
Police
$53,233-$89,590 DOQ
Open until filled
Senior Engineer (Capital Projects)
Public Works & Capital Projects
$70,374-$120,339 DOQ
Open until filled
Senior Systems Analyst
Information Technology
$70,374-$120,339 DOQ
Open until filled
Utilities Project Manager
Utilities
$76,941-$131,689 DOQ
Open until filled
Utility Plant Operator: Trainee, I, II or Senior
Utilities
$41,353-$89,790 DOQ
Open until filled
Utility Plant Supervisor
Utilities
$61,857-$105,896 DOQ
Open until filled
Flexible Part-Time Position Position
Department
Parking Enforcement Officer
Finance
Hourly Rate $16.86-$28.85 DOQ
Closing Date Open until filled
To review Ida Lee (Parks & Recreation) flexible part-time positions, please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs. Most positions will be filled at or near the minimum of the range. Dependent on qualifications. All Town vacancies may be viewed on Comcast Cable Channel 67 and Verizon FiOS Channel 35.
Sales Coordinator Administrative The successful candidate will possess the following skills: 1. Provides outstanding customer service. 2. Works independently and within a team. 3. Maintains strict attention to detail. 4. Demonstrates interpersonal and communication skills. Candidate must have 2+ years of increasing administrative responsibilities. Preference will be given to applicants with: 1. Experience in scheduling. 2. Experience in marketing campaigns. 3. Knowledge of sales and estimating.
Submit cover letter including salary requirements and resume to: Info@eplinglandscaping.com
NOW HIRING FLAGGERS Full time, to provide traffic control & safety around construction sites. A valid driver license & clean driving record a must. Starting $13/hr & scheduled raises & bonuses. Company-paid medical & dental premiums. Please fill out an application at trafficplan.com or come to our office on Tuesdays or Thursdays (8am-10am) 7855 Progress Ct. Suite 103, Gainesville, VA
See the full job listings at NowHiringLoudoun.com
PAGE 16
FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES
FEBRUARY 25, 2021
Family & Locally OWNED BUSINESSES At the heart of every community are its small businesses. Within that sphere, family-owned businesses play a special role. Perhaps surprisingly, according to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, about 90% of American businesses are family-owned or controlled. They range in size from small partnerships to Fortune 500 firms. And they account for half of the nation’s employment and half of the Gross National Product. Loudoun County certainly has a strong tradition of family-owned businesses over its more than 260-year history. That continues today. In this special section, we invited the founders of some of our local family-owned businesses to share their stories in hopes of shining a light on the special passions that keeps them going—perhaps even to the next generation.
FEBRUARY 25, 2021
FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES
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PAGE 18
FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES
FEBRUARY 25, 2021
RugNet: Emmert Elsea Emmert Elsea founded his Oriental rug import and retail business in 1976 after traveling to the Middle and Far East in 1966 and seeing hand-made rugs being made. He opened Xanadu Oriental Rugs in Leesburg and ran it for more than 20 years. When he retired, Elsea sold that business to his manager. Then he started an online wholesale Oriental rug site, rugnet.com, which he operates today. After 45 years in the business, Elsea still loves rugs. And he still loves the opportunity to travel. “Having a good manager for my store allowed me to spend a lot of time on buying trips, 15 trips to the Middle East and Asia over the years with travels to over 50 countries, always overland,” he said. Among his most memorable experiences was having a private audience with the Dalai Lama at his home in Dharmasala, India. “I spent a lot of time with the Tibetans in India, Nepal, and Tibet—my favorite people,” he said. When it comes time for retirement once again, it is unlikely the business will continue in the family, as his three grown daughters haven’t been involved. “I hope to find someone who would like to take over as I have a unique system with little in the way of work and very profitable,” he said. n
Rouge Boutique & Spa: Anita Henry Anita Henry opened Rouge Boutique & Spa in Leesburg’s historic district in 2002. In addition to a full line of bath and beauty products and spa treatments, Henry’s training as a perfumist allows her to offer custom fragrances. Providing customization for everything from body butter, sugar scrubs, lotions, serums, bath fizzies, shave oils sets Rouge apart from other boutiques and make the business a reginal destination. She said the most rewarding aspect of the business is the close relationship she has built with her clients over the past 18 years. “We have seen the kids grow up, graduate and then come in shop for their parents,” she said. And those long-term relationships play a critical role in Rouge’s success. Henry notes that during good times the business would give out spa gift cards to help community organizations with their fundraisers. “Now come and shop to support us in these times of need—when the business needs any and all support,” she said. Rouge already is a multi-generational family business, with Henry’s daughter, Tanya, involved in running the South King Street store and well positioned to take care of it into the future. n
Clegg Chiropractic: Charles Clegg Dr. Charles Clegg opened Clegg Chiropractic four decades ago. “It is wonderful to look back at where we started in 1978,” Clegg recalled. “I was a small practice in a very small town, and it has been such a joy to watch the office as well as the town of Leesburg grow around us.” Today, the practice has three doctors. “We feel very lucky that we get to help our community. There is nothing more rewarding than hearing how you have changed people’s lives for the better,” he said. He said of the biggest things that has benefited his business was having his son, Dr. Bradley Clegg, join the practice in 2008. “It has been such a blessing to have my son working with me every day and see him flourish as a highly skilled and capable doctor,” Clegg said. “When I started Clegg Chiropractic in the ‘70s I could have only dreamt to have one of my children working alongside me.” And Clegg doesn’t rule out having another generation join the family business, as Brad has three young children. n
FEBRUARY 25, 2021
FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES
PAGE 19
Bramhall Trucking: Mike & PJ Mike and PJ Bramhall started their trucking business in 1995 and have been serving Loudoun County for 26 years. They say the most rewarding aspect about running their own business has been the relationships they have formed with their customers, really getting to know them. “Our family and their families have grown together over the years,” they said. While there have been many memorable experiences over the past quarter century, some of the PJ and Mike Bramhall longest lasting memories occurred during emergencies. PJ recalls the phone call they got from a customer who was worried about Mike when a plow truck driver was hit along the road. “She actually was crying as she was worried about him and our family. It was very touching,” she said. Many times customers have called after their driveway culverts totally washed out and they were trapped at home. “It has been our pleasure to rush to their rescue and quickly get it repaired so they can get in and out. They are so grateful and we feel good to have been able to help them in their time of need,” the couple said. Theirs already is a multi-generational family-owned business. Mike got his start trucking for PJ’s dad, Cliff Bullard. They bought the truck from him in 1995 and now their oldest son, Jake, works full time for them. Their son Jarrett helps out during the winter plowing snow. All the kids have worked for the business over the years, whether it’s labor, filing, answering phones or shoveling snow off trailers. And with Jake’s son joining in, the third generation is in training. n
Rouge Spa & Boutique is located at the heart of Historic Leesburg, Virginia. Rouge Spa, offers personalized facials, massage and body treatments to help clients feel relaxed and renewed. Rouge features a selection of unique, one-of-a-kind beauty and skin care products from around the world.
17 South King Street, Leesburg, VA 20175 (703) 779-3700 | rougespa.com
Visit Our Virtual Showroom Today! RugNet.com
Abbey Design Center: Shiva Etessam Shiva Etessam and her late husband opened the Abbey Design Center on Jan. 10, 1989, with the goal of giving their customers quality products at a fair price while taking care of them as friends. “After 32 years, I can honestly say that owning your business is not the same as any other experience,” Etessam said. “With care and attention, it grows over time and you will worry about your business, struggle with it, and celebrate every achievement.” In addition to the other wonderful feelings that come with owning a business, she noted the great deal of satisfaction that comes with knowing that your business is something your employees can rely on. The turning point for Etessam came with the invitation to join the Abbey group in 1994. “Being member the of Abbey organization positioned us in a different category in our market. It opened so many doors that it was surprising to us,” she said. Aligning with a national chain allowed them to take advantage of Abbey’s buying power to offer better prices to their customers. They also learned of better ways of serving their clients and gaining access to the tools and knowledge that was essential to their success. The next generation already is jumping into this family-owned business. Both of Etessam’s sons are involved and their tremendous energy and education have had a great impact on growing the business, Etessam said. n
Area Rugs • Room Size Rugs • Runners
Persian Oriental Rugs, New and Antique at Wholesale Prices Locally owned and operated business in Leesburg since 1976 contact@rugnet.com • 703.777.1908 • Emmert Elsea
FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES
PAGE 20
The Reynolds Team: Debbie & Sarah
Clegg Chiropractic
We’ve been helping our patients live pain-free and healthier lives for 43 years. Our goal is to help you improve your life by helping your body realize its potential to heal itself through chiropractic adjustment.
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Debbie and Sarah Reynolds are the mother-daughter force behind The Reynolds Team. Debbie founded the business in 1988 and Sarah joined her in 2006, shortly after graduating from Liberty University with a business management degree. Sarah was elected to lead The Reynolds Team in 2009. Most rewarding for the duo is being able to serve their clients during the most stressful time in their lives and impacting their family tree by helping clients and team members build their wealth through owning real estate. Over the years, they helped more than 2,000 families sell their homes, offering several guarantee programs designed to take the risk out of selling or buying a home. Giving back to the community also is important; they contribute a portion of the commission from every referral to worthy causes like The Fisher House Foundation and Children’s National Hospital. The relationship with Children’s National Hospital began after Sarah’s oldest daughter, Olivia, was diagnosed with bilateral enlarged aestibular aqueducts, and could only hear about 50% of the time. “We began searching for the most specialized doctor to treat her on the East Coast and came across Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC. They have been doing a phenomenal job at treating her condition ever since,” Sarah said. “I had wanted to give back to Children’s National Hospital for a long time, because of how much they have put my family at ease, knowing that my Olivia is in great hands. So, a year and a half ago, we decided to add Children’s National Hospital to our list of Worthy Causes we give back a portion of our commission to. This helps families who can’t afford treatment get the best care of their child, which is a peace of mind I think every family deserves.” It’s already a multi-generational family business, and both Debbie and Sarah would love for that to continue for future generations. They are passionate about growing the business so they can increase their impact on the community they serve and say their family shares that passion. n
225 Loudoun St. S.E., Leesburg, VA 20175
Catoctin Creek Distilling: The Harris Family
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Catoctin Creek was founded on Feb. 14, 2009, yes, Valentine’s Day, by the husband-and-wife engineer team of Becky and Scott Harris. Becky was a chemical engineer who worked in manufacturing. Scott was a software engineer who worked in government contracting. Scott likes to say that 20 years of government contracting taught him a great love of whisky. It was his desire to start the distillery, knowing full-well that Becky would make an excellent distiller. Motivated by their shared love of historic Virginia, and delicious tasting rye whisky, which was produced in the commonwealth as early as 1607 in Jamestown, the couple launched Catoctin Creek to bring traditional pot-stilled rye whisky to the public. Today, they sell in more than 27 states and three continents. When people really enjoy what we do, that is the greatest reward, the couple said. “Being distillers is very hard work, and the product is difficult to make, so it brings great joy to our hearts when people tell us that they enjoy our spirits or that they used them in celebrating some life events of their own like weddings, birthdays.” One of the most memorable experiences happened when the business first launched. Scott was the sales and marketing guy, while Becky made the products. Before their first products hit the street, Scott was calling around to local liquor stores to see if they would carry the products once available. One very important store in DC, after Scott’s inquiry, responded, “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard!” and hung up the phone on him. Deflated but undeterred, Scott kept at it, and several years later, that store is one of their top selling accounts. Persistence pays off in the end. Although Scott and Becky are the first in their family to do distillation, but they don’t expect to be the last. Both of their sons, Eddie and Luke, are on payroll and work for the company. Luke, a student at NYU, works bottling when he is home on break. Eddie is the full-time national brand ambassador based in Houston, TX. It’s definitely a family business. See @catoctincreek on Instgram for photos celebrating the distillery’s 12th anniversary. n
FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES
FEBRUARY 25, 2021
PAGE 21
ONE COMPANY • ONE CONTRACT • ONE EXCEPTIONAL RESULT Abbey Design Center is committed to Service, Workmanship and Value. We strive to provide exceptional finished products and customer service at an affordable price!
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PAGE 22
FEBRUARY 25, 2021
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LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 23
TOWN notes
Our Towns
LOVETTSVILLE Town Reinstates Minimum Water Usage Fees
Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now
The Hamilton Planning Commission has approved plans for Carrington Builders to construct a 26-home subdivision off Ivandale Road about a mile north of town.
Hamilton Planning Commission Approves 26-Home Subdivision BY PATRICK SZABO pszabo@loudounnow.com
The Hamilton Planning Commission has approved plans for a 26-home subdivision, which could begin construction by year’s end. The commission last Wednesday night voted to approve Carrington Builders’ Huntwick subdivision, off Ivandale Road about a mile north of town. Although the 131-acre property is located within the county’s Agricultural Rural 1 Zoning District, a small portion of the land is within the town’s extraterritorial subdivision control area, which requires action from the town’s Planning Commission. The Huntwick project includes a proposal to build 20 cluster lots ranging from 1 to 3 acres each and another six rural economy lots ranging from 15 to 18.4 acres. In addition to the homes, Carrington also plans to include a 0.7-acre open space and a new public street on the property. All 26 homes will be served by
Zicht & Associates
A preliminary plat shows 26 homes proposed off Ivandale Road near Hamilton.
well and septic systems. Already in existence on the proper-
ty is a modern single-family home and a mid-19th-century farmhouse and barn. Carrington intends to demolish the farmhouse and barn. According to a note from engineer Eric Zicht to Hamilton Zoning Administrator Martha Semmes in response to a Feb. 9 staff report, the bank barn is “nearly falling over” and is located near a proposed cul-de-sac. While Carrington initially considered using the farmhouse as an accessory residence, that idea has since been dropped because the structure is in poor condition, a new septic and well system would be needed, and because the new home buyers would likely have found the farmhouse to be an “unsightly nuisance and hazard,” according to Zicht’s note to Semmes. Zicht said the county staff has reviewed construction plans once already and they “look to be in pretty good shape.” He said Carrington could begin construction on Huntwick in late 2021. “It’s pretty far along,” he said. n
The Town Council last week voted to reinstate minimum water usage fees beginning in March. The council last spring voted to amend the town’s water billing procedures to charge customers for every 1,000 gallons of water they use, rather than charging a flat rate for all use up to 6,000 gallons. The procedure will revert to the flat-rate model in March, which will reflect on customers’ April bills. The billing change was intended to help businesses shuttered by the pandemic and were using little to no water in each billing cycle. The town staff found that restaurants showed a reduction of water usage between 32% and 69% from April 3-17, with 1836 Kitchen & Tap Room exhibiting one of the greatest reductions: down by 5,580 gallons from March to April 2020. However, removing the 6,000-gallon flat-rate water billing model deprived the town’s Utility Fund of somewhere between $35,000 and $65,000, depending on what the actual water use comes out to be at the end of FY21, according to town staff estimates.
LUCKETTS Ruritans Pledge $4.5K Match in GiveChoose The Lucketts Ruritan Club has pledged a $4,500 dollar-for-dollar match for the first $4,500 received from March 2-15 for this year’s GiveChoose campaign. GiveChoose is a day of giving organized by the Community Foundation of Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties to support local nonprofits. Early giving for the campaign begins March 2. The Ruritans are looking to raise money for the village’s community needs, specifically needs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. They have a goal to raise $20,000 this year. Last year, the Ruritan Club raised nearly $13,000 to help support distance learning at Lucketts TOWN NOTES continues on page 24
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 24
FEBRUARY 25, 2021
Purcellville Resident Plans Event for Low-income Families BY PATRICK SZABO pszabo@loudounnow.com
Years after growing up in a low-income household, Purcellville resident Elizabeth Ford has found a way to help other families get by. Come July, she’ll help more families than she ever has before. Ford founded the nonprofit BetterALife in 2016 after volunteering with organizations that help to improve the lives of children in Loudoun. The nonprofit strives to leave no child hungry. In the past five years, it has provided 4,000 lunches to school-age children and helped dozens of families in times of need. In December, Ford’s nonprofit hosted a Christmas event that saw the donation of more than 300 presents for area chil-
TOWN notes continued from page 23
Elementary School, and to pay for a protein supplement for the Lucketts Food Pantry and emergency assistance for village residents through Loudoun Cares. Learn more about the plan for this year’s campaign, and donate, at givechoose.org/ ChooseLucketts.
Ruritans, Faith Chapel Food Pantry Accept Venison Through the help of the Lucketts Ruritan Club, Faith Chapel’s Lucketts Community Food Pantry is now a distribution point for this year’s Hunters for the Hungry campaign. The chapel accepted the first shipment of about 200 pounds of venison on Feb. 12, which was distributed a day later to 94 families, serving about 450 people. For more information on the pantry, go to faith-chapel.org or call Gary Mears at 703-608-8616. To donate non-perishable food items, drop them off at Faith Chapel any time. Each year, the Lucketts Ruritan Club donates money to support Virginia Hunters for the Hungry to help feed Loudouners in need through Loudoun Hunger Relief. Since 1991, the campaign has distributed more than 28.8 million servings of meat to those hungry in Virginia. Learn more about the campaign at h4hungry.org.
dren, along with ham donations from Costco and nearly four dozen $100 gift cards. On July 31, Ford plans to host the Purcellville Cares and Hope Event, where children will be invited out to eat a free lunch and go home with a new backpack full of school supplies for the 2021-22 school year and a grocery bag full of food. “With my background growing up poor, it’s just always on my heart to make sure that nobody has to grow up without food,” Ford said. The kids’ parents will also have the opportunity to work with resume writers to improve their chances of landing better-paying jobs. Additionally, a photographer will be on hand to take professional family portraits. Mayor Kwasi Fraser, who named the
The Lucketts Community Food Pantry opened in May 2018. It has grown from serving about 35 families each month to up-to 190 families each month.
Walking Club Plans Saturday Event from Community Park The Lucketts Walking Club will meet at the Community Park on Saturday Feb. 27 for a walk from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All ages and abilities are welcome and should bring their own water and a face mask. The walk will be canceled if inclement weather rolls in.
MIDDLEBURG Byrne Gallery’s Winter Landscape Exhibit Ending The Byrne Gallery’s “It’s Snowing!!!” winter landscape painting exhibit will wrap up Sunday, Feb. 28. Throughout February, the gallery exhibited paintings by Yuri Gorbachev, Gerald Hennesy and Robert Thoren. Gorbachev’s work depicts childhood visions of his homeland in Uglovka, Russia with sapphire blue skies and violet shadows on snowy hills. Hennesy’s wooded oil on canvas showcase the beauty the Virginia countryside blanketed in snow. And Thoren’s work depicts sunshine breaking through trees to light a snowy glade near Goose Creek, as well as other scenes in Loudoun and Fauquier Counties.
Contributed
Captain America poses with BetterALife founder Elizabeth Ford during a busy day of delivering donated Christmas gifts to the children of lowincome families.
event, said “it’s about serving and raising others up.” “We are reminded that leadership is
For more information on the exhibit, call the gallery at 540-687-6986 or go to byrnegallery.com. The Byrne Gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 12-5 p.m. Sunday and by appointment on Mondays and Tuesdays. It is located at 7 W. Washington St.
Artists in Middleburg to Host Virtual Artist Event Artists in Middleburg will host a virtual meet-the-artist event from 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27. Author and artist Anita Baarns will be on hand for the Zoom event to answer questions about her work. Baarns is the author of “The Country Life of an Artist,” which presents a collection of 281 works of art with attached stories describing, along with 33 Christmas cards describing Baarns’ personal stories. Purchase her book for $67.80 at dogbranchpublishing. com/shop/book-the-country-life-of-anartist. RSVP to the event by noon on Saturday by emailing sandy@theartistsinmiddleburg.org. To donate to Artists in Middleburg, go to theartistsinmiddleburg.org/ donate.
PURCELLVILLE Officer Camp Promoted to Rank of Sergeant The Purcellville Police Department has
not just left and right, it’s also up and down,” he said. “… We look forward to the first of many Purcellville Cares and Hope Events. I thank Elizabeth Ford for her servant leadership.” Aside from her goals to host the July 31 event, Ford and other volunteers recently provided lunches to the families living in the 44 apartments in Purcellville East. Ford and the volunteers provided those lunches to families in the complex every Saturday for months during the pandemic. Moving forward, Ford said she hopes to host a donor dinner toward the end of the year. Beyond that, she has much more expansive goals for the nonprofit: to reach families in neighboring counties once all of Loudoun is helped. “We just keep moving through the counties,” she said. Learn more at betteralife.org. n
promoted officer David A. Camp, Jr. to the rank of sergeant. Camp graduated from the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy in 2018, when he received the Thomas Shaw Award that is given to one individual who exhibits the most professionalism, dedication and leadership among the entire recruit class. He joined the Purcellville Police Department in June 2018. Since then, he has been recognized for his heroic actions. In June 2019, Camp responded to a domestic violence call in the Catoctin Meadows neighborhood, in which a man was armed with a knife had threatened to harm himself and his family and was pouring gasoline throughout the house and on himself. When Camp arrived on the scene, he ensured the family was at a safe distance from the house before entering the home, which had lit on fire. When the man with the knife ran out of the house engulfed in flames, Camp tried to put the fire out with his hands and a shirt. Off-duty Purcellville Volunteer Firefighter John Carney helped to fully extinguish the flames with a garden hose and keep the man’s airway open. The man remained in the hospital for five months with burns on 95% of his body. Camp received the Bronze Medal of Valor during the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 Valor Awards ceremony in 2020.
FEBRUARY 25, 2021
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Loco Living
THINGS to do
Local Authors Explore Local Legends BY JAN MERCKER jmercker@loudounnow.com
Loudoun has plenty of literary talent— and lots of great stories, told and untold. Now three local authors are exploring some of the region’s most fascinating history and personalities through historical fiction and narrative nonfiction.
LOCO LIVE Live Music: Cary Wimbish
Friday, Feb. 26, 5 p.m. Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg Details: spankyspub.com Richmond-based Wimbish returns with covers of traditional country, bluegrass, classic rock, and blues songs along with crowd-pleasing originals.
Sharon Virts’ “Masque of Honor” Brings a Historic Duel to Life Entrepreneur, noted preservationist, philanthropist. Now Sharon Virts can add best-selling novelist to the list. When Virts and her husband Scott Miller took on the renovation of historic Selma mansion in 2016, she didn’t know the fascinating story of the property’s original owner would inspire her first work of fiction. Virts’s “Masque of Honor,” published earlier this month, tells the story of a real-life 19th century feud between two sons of illustrious Loudoun families. The novel is based on the legendary Mason-McCarty duel, when a dispute over local politics led to an 1819 duel between General Armisted Mason (Selma’s original owner) and his young cousin Jack McCarty. Virts says she’s always wanted to write but thought nonfiction would be her forte. But she became fascinated with the Mason’s story as she and Miller renovated Selma and delved into the house’s history and knew she wanted to share it with the world. “The more I dug into it, the more I found out and the more interesting it became. ... I was intrigued by it,” Virts said. But it took a nudge from a famous screenwriter to really set the process in motion. Virts, who serves on the board of directors for the annual Middleburg Film Festival was having drinks with Anthony McCarten during the 2017 festival, which featured McCarten’s film “The Darkest Hour.” When Virts told McCarten the story of the duel and the larger-than-life characters involved, he convinced her to bring the story to life. “He said, ‘Sharon you’ve got to write it. You’ve always wanted to write. Write it!’” Virts said. Virts, who launched a booming government contracting company in the 1990s, was determined to teach herself to write fiction to do justice to the story. She started writing in early 2018, working with a writing coach to hone her character and plot development skills. Virts delved into
Courtesy Caleb Nei
Live Music: Caleb Nei Jazz Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Sharon Virts sits in her home, historic Selma Mansion, with a copy of her debut novel, ‘Masque of Honor.’
old newspapers from the time period and stacks of correspondence to research the personalities and passions involved in the political dispute that became personal for the two cousins. Mason and McCarty found themselves on opposite sides of a conflict when Mason ran against another notable Loudouner, Charles Fenton Mercer, for the House of Representatives in 1816. The young McCarty sided with Mercer and the conservative Federalist Party, while Mason represented the more liberal Democratic Republican Party. When Mercer won the election, allegations of voter fraud began to fly, and Mason claimed that his young cousin and other Federalist voters didn’t meet the minimum voting age of 21. The conflict simmered for years before coming to a dramatic head at a Maryland dueling field, Virts said. Virts said she initially thought Mason would be her hero but found herself drawn to McCarty’s story. “I thought that Armisted Mason would be the protagonist of the story because that’s the way it’s always been told when you look at the old accounts. He was this big war hero and Jack was the scoundrel, the rogue that challenged him to a duel. ... But when you start unwinding it and peeling it back, you realize that ... at the end of the day, Mason was the aggressor. He could
not let it go.” In her first foray into historical fiction, Virts said she was initially hesitant to change or make up historical details. But one of her writing mentors encouraged her to let go of some of the facts and focus on creating engaging fiction. “It’s got to be a story. It’s got to be fun. It’s got to be something people want to read,” Virts said. “You have to decide what to leave out and what to change to make good fiction.” Virts said creating the characters of McCarty’s mother Sarah Mason McCarty and his love interest and eventual wife Lucinda Lee were her biggest and most fun creative challenges. “The hardest people to unwind are the women. They have such little left behind. ... It’s really hard to get a sense of their personalities,” Virts said. “You had to look at the men in their lives to try to figure out what it was like.” “Masque of Honor” is getting rave reviews and this week was on Amazon’s top 10 list for new releases in historical fiction. Meanwhile, Virts already has completed her second novel, “Veil of Doubt,” slated for release in early 2022. The book is based on the fascinating real-life Leesburg trial of a woman accused of murdering her LEGENDS continues on page 26
Friday, Feb. 26, 6-10 p.m. Lightfoot Restaurant, 11 N. King St., Leesburg Details: lightfootrestaurant.com Nei mixes favorite melodic love songs and jazz standards with a few pop tunes thrown in along the way.
Live Music: Britton James
Friday, Feb. 26, 6-9 p.m. Social House South Riding, 25370 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, Chantilly Details: socialhousesouthriding.com With a repertoire of high-energy covers and originals, James is a regional favorite.
Live Music: Electric Lynne Orchestra
Friday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m. Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com Celebrating the genius of Jeff Lynne and ELO, Electric Lynne Orchestra is a sonic and visual multimedia show that pays tribute to ELO and other Lynne-produced artists. Tickets are $20$30 for this fully seated show.
Live Music: Jed Duvall Performs Johnny Cash
Saturday, Feb. 27, 1 p.m. Two Twisted Posts Winery, 12944 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro Details: twotwistedposts.com Duvall is an award-winning tribute artist, whose recreations of music icons is uncanny. This time, he takes on country legend Johnny Cash.
Live Music: Todd Brooks and Pour Decisions
Saturday, Feb. 27, 1-5 p.m. Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com Brooks and company serve up a heavy helping of classic rock along with favorites from the ’80, ’90s and 2000s.
THINGS TO DO continues on page 28
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Legends continued from page 25
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husband, aunt and four children in 1872. Virts is working on a third book, which takes up the story of the McCarty family down the road, focused on Jack’s brother William McCarty, a Virginia state senator who served as acting territorial governor of Florida in the 1820s. For Virts, Loudoun-centered historical fiction is a new passion that’s not going away. “I love writing about Loudoun. There’s so much history here. It’s wonderful,” she said. “Masque of Honor” is available on Kindle and in hardcover at amazon.com. For more information, go to sharonvirts.com.
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Souders was inspired by her longtime volunteer work as a docent at the Waterford Foundation’s Second Street School living history program. The program invites Loudoun elementary schoolers to experience a day in the life of the village’s one-room schoolhouse for African American students in 1880. Volunteers have researched the biographies of dozens of real-life children as part of that program. But Souders decided creating a fictional composite character of Leven, combining a fictional plot with real historical details, was the best way to tell her tale to young audiences. “I felt that it was a story to tell. I didn’t want to bother actual descendants with made up details. It gave me much more freedom in the plot,” Souders said. “The Thinkin’ Rug” is available at the Waterford Foundation website. All proceeds from sales go to the foundation and the Friends of Thomas Balch Library’s Black History Committee. To order, go to waterfordfoundation.org.
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CROWDED STREETS 03/05 & 03/06/21 DOORS: 7PM | SHOW: 8PM
JOHN KADLECIK SOLO ACOUSTI’LECTRIC 03/12/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
A TRIBUTE TO 70’S ROCK: FOREPLAY 03/13/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
DC IMPROV PRESENTS:
COMEDY NIGHT IN LEESBURG 03/19/21 DOORS: 7PM | SHOW: 8PM
Post-Emancipation Through a Child’s Eyes from Bronwen Souders For Waterford-based historian Bronwen Curtis Souders, historical fiction is a way to bring the post-emancipation lives of Northwest Loudoun’s African American community to young readers. Souders’s young adult novel “The Thinkin’ Rug,” published last year by the Waterford Foundation, tells the story of Leven Thomson, an 11-year-old African American boy growing up in 1880s Waterford. “The Thinkin’ Rug” centers on Leven’s efforts to find an uncle who was given away in a secret adoption to escape enslavement before the Civil War. But Souders’ mission is also to give readers a sense of life in the Quaker village, known for its thriving African American community after the war. The novel follows a year in Leven’s life through monthly events, including an Emancipation Day celebration in Purcellville.
Vicky Moon’s Tale of a BarrierBreaking Horse Trainer Middleburg author and publisher Vicky Moon has a passion for all things equestrian. She’s the author of 10 books—most of them about horses and racing. Moon is best known for her 2001 “The Middleburg Mystique,” a juicy look at the scandals and personalities in heart of hunt country. Moon’s latest nonfiction work explores the fascinating life of pioneering African American horse trainer Sylvia Rideoutt Bishop. Published in December, “Sylvia Rideoutt Bishop Had A Way With Horses” tells the tale of a dynamic woman who broke barriers in a field dominated by white men over seven decades.
FEBRUARY 25, 2021 Moon connected with Bishop while working on another book project in the early 2000s and was captivated by her story and spirit. Moon got to know Bishop through a series of in-person interviews in the months before Bishop’s death in 2004 at age 84 and felt an instant connection with her subject. “It was as if I had known her all my life,” Moon said. “We got along perfectly because I speak horse. I know a normal writer could not go in there and do what I did. You’ve got to speak the same language.” Before becoming the first Black woman licensed to train racehorses in the United States, Bishop grew up in West Virginia as one of 17 children. According to Moon, Bishop’s parents made an informal arrangement for her to live with well-off neighbors who did not have children, giving her access to luxuries her siblings didn’t have— including a life-changing pony ride. “She got to sit on the pony, smell the pony, touch the pony and fall in love,” Moon said. After two of Bishop’s sisters married horse trainers at the Charles Town race track, she got her first job at 14 as a hot walker and groom, working her way up training top horses for wealthy clients, and fighting both racism and sexism along the way. “She definitely ran with it and nobody could get in her way,” Moon said. “She never gave up.” Bishop also went through personal turmoil, including two divorces, single parenthood and financial challenges, which led her to take a job at the former Doubleday printing house in Berryville in the 1970s. In a twist of fate, that printing house, now Berryville Graphics owned by the international publishing group Bertelsmann, printed Moon’s book. Seeing “Sylvia” through to publication was a labor of love for Moon over the past 15 years. She published several other books during that time, but telling Bishop’s story was a personal passion project. Moon’s research included compiling her interviews with Bishop and poring over copies of The Daily Racing Form at the Library of Congress to take a close look at some of Bishop’s most famous horses. She also interviewed numerous family members, including Bishop’s sisters, former husband and grandson, the rising star Charles Town-based trainer Mike Jones Jr. “To finish it drove me forward,” Moon said. “I always felt it was meant to be.” “Sylvia Rideoutt Bishop Had A Way With Horses” is available in paperback and on Kindle at amazon.com. For more information, go to vickymoon.com. n
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Teen Artists Sought for Virtual Concert Event The Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services is seeking local teen artists to perform at a live, virtual concert Saturday, May 8. The county is hosting the event to
provide an opportunity for bands and soloists to experience playing on a professional platform in a safe, socially distanced environment. The performances will be livestreamed on the Franklin Park Arts Center›s YouTube channel.
To foster a concert-like experience for the artists and virtual audience, the number of acts will be limited to 20. Event restrictions will be in place, in accordance with the Forward Virginia COVID-19 guidelines, and no audience
members will be allowed on-site. Acts will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. More details about the event and how to register are available online. Registration closes at 5 p.m. March 16. For additional information, email yac@loudoun.gov. n
Obituaries John E. Bischoff On February 17th, 2021, John E. Bischoff, Jr. passed away in Leesburg, VA surrounded by his family. He was born in Peekskill, NY on July 22nd, 1946 to John “Jack” and Marion Bischoff. He graduated from Peekskill HS in 1964 and served in the United States Marine Corps until 1968. He married his wife of 54 years, Paula Surak, at Sts. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church in 1966. John worked at IBM for 27 years before moving to Northern Virginia in 1995, working at America Online until 2001 where he served as Vice-President. He achieved a BBA from Pace University, an MBA in Finance from Long Island University, an MS in Telecommunications Management from Polytechnic University, and a Doctor of Science in Engineering Management from The George Washington University. John was very involved in his community, as a volunteer firefighter with Centennial Hose in Peekskill NY, and as a founder of the Cortlandt Community Volunteer Ambulance Corps in Montrose, NY. His compassion for helping
people transferred into the classroom, as a professor at Northern Virginia Community College and George Washington University in Virginia. He always shared wisdom and encouragement with everyone he met. John is survived by his wife, Paula of Leesburg, VA, children Christina (Matthew) Marro of Putnam Valley, NY, Victoria (Mark) McCaffrey of Purcellville, VA, John (Danielle) Bischoff III of Sterling, VA, and Patrick (Sarah) Bischoff of Leesburg, VA. Brother Martin (Barbara) Bischoff and sister Kathleen Minnerly. John was preceded in death by his sisters Maryellen Roberts and Denise Gagliardi and granddaughter, Kendall Bischoff. His love for traveling and spending time with his 11 grandchildren will forever be remembered. A memorial service for John will be held at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Leesburg, VA on Monday, February 22nd at 10 am. In place of flowers, donations can be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Vivian Armeda Wine Vivian Armeda Wine, 92, passed into glory on February 14, 2021. She was born in West Virginia on March 19, 1928 to James L. and Florence M. Ruckman and was one of nine children. In December 1950, she married Earl M. Wine, Sr. She was a member of the Bean Settlement Church of the Brethren, Rock Oak, WV. While residing in Loudoun County, she attended Purcellville Baptist Church where she spent many years serving on the Kitchen Committee and attending Lottie Moon Circle meetings. She was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary Post 1177 and served on the Ladies Auxiliary of the Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department. She was also a member of the Hamilton Baptist Church Golden Club.
LoudounNow To place an obituary, contact Susan Styer at 703-770-9723 or email: sstyer@loudounnow.com
She is survived by her three boys, Earl M. Wine, Jr. (Sharon), Kenneth C. Wine (Sharon) and R. Michael Wine; four grandchildren, Jeff Gray, David Gray, William Wine and Amanda Curtis (Ethan); a great grandson, Ryan Gray; and numerous nieces and nephews. Services were held on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at Hamilton Baptist Church in Hamilton, VA. Visitation was at 2 p.m. with the funeral following at 3 p.m. Burial was on Monday, February 22 at 11 a.m. at Marshall Cemetery in Marshall, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hamilton Volunteer Fire Company or the Hamilton Volunteer Rescue Squad. Arrangements by Hall Funeral Home, Purcellville, VA. Please visit www.hallfh. com to express online condolences to the family.
Lives are like rivers: Eventually they go where they must, not where we want them to.
Carl Tony Potts
Age 86, of Falls Church, Virginia Passed away on February 17, 2021 at Inova Alexandria Hospital in Alexandria, VA. Carl was born in Philadelphia, PA, on April 28, 1934 to Theodore DeLyons and Clarise Davis DeLyons. Carl is survived by one brother, William DeLyons of Philadelphia, PA; daughter, Cheryl Sheppard (David) of Falls Church, VA; three sons, Tony Thomas (Patricia) of Bremerton, WA; Michael Tate of Salem, VA; Stephen Miles Tate of Chicago, IL; special friends, Cynthia and Shawana Williams and Deidra Neal, and a host of nieces and nephews, Ricardo Smith (Alma), Jerome Smith, Frank Smith, Unray Smith, Raymond Smith, Vernon Smith (Terry), Vanessa Smith, Benjamin McKinley, Dwayne Pitts (Michelle), Allan
Smith and Gayle Smith. He was preceded in death by his mother, Clarise DeLyons; father, Theodore DeLyons; wife, Janet Gwendolyn Porter Potts; sister, Marie Smith; nephew, Warren Smith and niece, Clarise “Pinky” Smith. Private viewing and visitation will be held on Sunday, February 28, 2021, 1:30 pm at Lyles Funeral Chapel, 630 South 20th Street, Purcellville, VA 20134. Private interment Service will be held on Monday, March 1, 2021, 11:30 am at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery, 1080 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville, MD 21032. Arrangements by: LYLES FUNERAL SERVICE, Serving N. Virginia. Eric S. Lyles, Director. Lic. VA/MD/DC. 800-388-1913.
George Nathaniel Lansdown
Age 60 of Martinsburg, WV; formerly of Aldie, VA. George Nathaniel Lansdown “Granddaddy” to family was born on May 1,1960 to the late George Lansdown, Sr. and Edna Elizabeth Burrell Lansdown. George departed this life on February 18, 2021 at the Hospice of the Panhandle facility in Kearneysville, WV. George was educated and worked in the Loudoun County Public School system. George leaves to cherish his memory, three sisters, Dana Isme and Andrea Shorts of Leesburg, VA and Willa Mae Tracy of Aldie, VA; one brother, Ervin
Lansdown of Leesburg, VA; special friends, Francis Simpson, Maryann and Robby Lowe all of Martinsburg, WV and Gilbert Charite “GEE” of Leesburg, VA; and a host of other relatives and friends. George was preceded in death by brothers, Kenneth Lansdown, Jerome Lansdown, Robert Allen and James Bowman “Bud”. Interment will be privately held. Arrangements by LYLES FUNERAL SERVICE, Serving N. Virginia. Eric S. Lyles, Director. Lic. VA/MD/DC. 800-388-1913.
Christopher Hough Christopher Hough, 44, of Martinsburg passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at home. Born September 9, 1976 in Leesburg, VA, he is the son of James Lynn Hough and Dorren Angle Hardy and stepfather, Donald Hardy.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by a brother, Steven Hough; significant other, David Bakner; an aunt, Barbara Schmidt; and a large extended family. Service and interment are private. Arrangements by Brown Funeral Home. Online condolences may be offered at www.BrownFuneralHomesWV.com.
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THINGS to do
Wenzel returns to Vanish with his roots-rock, countryjazz take on love, learning and life in America.
FEBRUARY 25, 2021
Legal Notices
continued from page 25
LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS FOR:
Live Music: Lost Corner Vagabonds
ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES FOR BUILDING RENOVATIONS, RFP No. 338782 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, March 25, 2021.
Saturday, Feb. 27, 1-4 p.m. The Barns At Hamilton Station, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton Details: thebarnsathamiltonstation.com Great tunes from local favorites Hugh Ghiringhelli, Rob Remington and Kevin O’Neill.
Solicitation forms may be obtained 24 hours a day by visiting our web site at www.loudoun.gov/ procurement. If you do not have access to the Internet, call (703) 777-0403, M - F, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. WHEN CALLING, PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED ANY REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY TYPE OF DISABILITY IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCUREMENT.
Live Music: Shane Gamble
Saturday, Feb. 27, 2 p.m. Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro Details: breauxvineyards.com Rising country music star Shane Gamble has several hit singles under his belt and a new EP on the horizon. Now’s your chance to catch him at a mellow winery show.
Live Music: Greg Ward
Saturday, Feb. 27, 2-5 p.m. Lost Rhino Brewing Company 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn Details: lostrhino.com Solo reggae artist Greg Ward returns to the taproom for an afternoon of great tunes.
Live Music: Torrey B
Saturday, Feb. 27, 5 p.m. Crooked Run Brewing, 22455 Davis Drive #120, Sterling Details: crookedrunbrewing.com Celebrate Saturday with R&B, funk, soul, rock and blues from a Crooked Run favorite.
Live Music: Up All Night Duo
Friday, Feb. 27, 5 p.m. Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg Details: spankyspub.com These fun and creative young musicians take requests from across musical genres for an entertaining evening.
Live Music: Hilary Veltri
Saturday, Feb. 27, 6-9 p.m. Social House South Riding, 25370 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, Chantilly Details: socialhousesouthriding.com Veltri’s repertoire of covers and originals spans generations and genres from Bob Dylan to Beyonce.
Live Music: Kara Davis
Saturday, Feb. 27, 6-9 p.m. Bear Chase Brewing Company, 18294 Blue Ridge Mountain Road, Bluemont Details: bearchasebrew.com Davis serves up great tunes spanning the decades in a gorgeous setting.
Live Music: Melissa Quinn Fox Trio
Saturday, Feb. 27, 7 p.m. Saigon Outcast, 44921 George Washington Blvd., Ashburn Details: saigonoutcastva.com Catch Fox’s high-energy blend of rock and country at this new LoCo hotspot.
Live Music: Rowdy Ace Duo
Sunday, Feb. 28, 1-4 p.m. The Barns At Hamilton Station, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton Details: thebarnsathamiltonstation.com Country, rock, blues, Americana and pop from a local favorite.
Live Music: Ken Wenzel
Sunday, Feb. 28, 1-5 p.m. Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com
02/25/21 Courtesy Tyme and Lace
Live Music: Tyme & Lace
Sunday, Feb. 28, 1:30-4:30 p.m. 50 West Vineyards, 39060 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg Details: facebook.com/50westvineyards This acoustic duo covers James Taylor, Colbie Caillat, Stevie Nicks and other mellow favorites.
Live Music: Mark Cullinane
Sunday, Feb. 28, 2 p.m. Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro Details: harvestgap.com Cullinane brings his signature acoustic classic rock tunes to one of Loudoun’s newest farm breweries.
Live Music: James Gregory
Sunday, Feb. 28, 2 p.m. Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro Details: breauxvineyards.com It’s a mellow winery Sunday with singer/songwriter tunes performed with plenty of heart.
LIBATIONS Foxx on the Rocks Seafood Pop-Up
Friday, Feb. 26 and Saturday, Feb. 27, noon-6 p.m. ChefScape, 1602 Village Market Blvd. # 115, Leesburg Details: facebook.com/thepolishedfoxx Chef Erik Foxx of The Polished Foxx serves up oysters, clams, lobster, shrimp and scallops at ChefScape.
LOCO CULTURE Quentin Walston Trio
Tuesday, March 2, 7 p.m. Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville Details: franklinparkartscenter.org The Quentin Walston Jazz trio kicks off Franklin Park’s new Tuesday evening series with original compositions for piano, bass and percussion featuring songs from Walston’s 2019 album “Play.” released in 2019. In-person audience is limited to 50 people with socially distanced seating. Face coverings will be worn by audience, staff, volunteers and performers during the program. Tickets are $15 per person for the live show or $8 for a virtual ticket.
‘Julius Caesar’
Thursday, March 4-Sunday, March 7, 3 p.m. StageCoach Theatre Company, 20937 Ashburn Road, Suites 115 and 120, Ashburn Details: stagecoachtc.com Infinite Arts presents an intergalactic version of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar--just in time for the Ides of March. Tickets are $20 per person for in-person performances or $20 for a livestream viewing.
Notice of Public Hearing Town of Lovettsville Planning Commission The Lovettsville Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the following item at their meeting at 7:30 pm on March 17, 2021. Pursuant to and in compliance with Town of Lovettsville Ordinance 2020-03-0006 (adopted by the Lovettsville Town Council on March 26, 2020) this meeting will be held electronically. The Planning Commission and staff will be participating remotely. Members of the public may access and participate in this meeting electronically. Written comments regarding this item can be submitted to clerk@lovettsvilleva.gov by 3:00PM on the day of the meeting.
Amendment to the 2011 Comprehensive Plan Adoption of the 2021 Transportation Master Plan Pursuant to Virginia Code §§15.2-2204, 15.2-2225, and 15.2-2229, the Town of Lovettsville Planning Commission hereby gives notice of its intention to consider the adoption of a new Transportation Master Plan to be referred to as the 2021 Lovettsville Transportation Master Plan. The Transportation Master Plan will replace the current transportation policies of the 2011 Comprehensive Plan and establish new goals, objectives, implementation projects, and maps. The Planning Commission is required to prepare a transportation plan as part of the Town’s comprehensive plan for the physical development of the Town. The plan is then recommended to the Town Council for its consideration and adoption. The purpose of this change is to establish new, and update and revise existing, transportation objectives and strategies based on current information and issues. The proposed plan identifies a system of transportation infrastructure needs and planning-level recommendations that support Lovettsville’s land use and development policies and goals. Among other matters, the Plan is intended to promote pedestrian and bicycle safety, improve street infrastructure, and reduce vehicle speeding. The following is a general descriptive summary of each proposed chapter. Chapter 1, Introduction: Establishes a new overreaching vision of developing safe walking, biking and vehicular travel throughout the Town. Introduces goals related to increasing mobility choices, improving safety, preserving infrastructure expanding network sustainability, expand parking options, and cooperating with other governments and agencies. Chapter 2, Regional Context and Demographic Trends: Describes the role of Lovettsville in the larger community. Outlines characteristics of the community and local traffic conditions. Chapter 3, Public Engagement: Outlines the process of public input that contributed to the Plan. Identifies specific community concerns. Traffic speed on certain streets, dangerous intersections at Berlin Turnpike and Broad Way and S. Loudoun Streets, and missing sidewalk connections are among the concerns raised. Chapter 4, Increasing Mobility Choices: Establishes new policies regarding sidewalks, multi-use paths and bicycle facilities. Proposes a path and sidewalk network to connect neighborhoods. Outlines specific improvement projects. Chapter 5, Increasing Safety: Summarizes safety issues and proposes reduced speed limits, traffic calming strategies and managing truck traffic in residential areas. Outlines improvement projects related to pedestrian crosswalks, lighting, and intersection improvements. Chapter 6, Preserving Infrastructure: Addresses improvements to existing substandard streets to improve drainage, replace or upgrade public utilities, and enhance traffic flow and access to adjacent properties. Upgrading the Town’s older streets to meet current street design standards is a central goal for the Town. Chapter 7, Expanding the Transportation Network Sustainably: Work with developers to see that new developments enhance the existing network and that impacts to the network are mitigated. Chapter 8, Providing Parking Options: Provide adequate parking options throughout the Town. Chapter 9, Continued Cooperation: Proposes working with VDOT, Loudoun County and other agencies to secure funding for Town projects and to ensure projects surrounding the Town support Town goals. Outlines the agencies and known projects in the area. Chapter 10, Project List and Implementation: Provides planning-level project descriptions, cost estimates, and funding sources. Projects are prioritized based on feedback from the Planning Commission. The proposed plan amendment is available for review on the Town website www.lovettsvilleva.gov. You may also request a copy be sent to you via email by calling the Town Office at (540) 822-5788 or contacting John Merrithew, Planning Director at jmerrithew@lovettsvilleva.gov. In the event the meeting is postponed, the public hearing will be convened on the next regularly scheduled meeting at the same time and place. 02/25 & 03/04/21
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Legal Notices PUBLIC HEARING The LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, at 6:00 p.m. on WEDNESDAY, March 10, 2021 in order to consider:
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ADOPT THE PUBLIC HOUSING AGENCY (PHA) ANNUAL PLAN FOR LOUDOUN COUNTY HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM Pursuant to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations at 24 CFR Part 903, the Board of Supervisors hereby gives notice that it intends to conduct a public hearing for the purpose of considering and adopting the Public Housing Agency (PHA) Annual Plan (FY22). The PHA Annual Plan provides information on current programs and the resident population served. A copy of the full text of the above-referenced plans are available and may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or call (703) 777-0200. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 209 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Revisions of Polling Places (Affects the Moorefield precinct in the Dulles District, and the Heritage Church precinct in the Ashburn District) Pursuant to Virginia Code §§15.2-1427, 24.2-306 and 24.2-307, et seq., the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for passage amendments to Section 209, Voting Precincts and Polling Places, of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County for the purpose of relocating polling places of certain existing precincts. The proposed revisions are described below. In the Dulles District: 1. The existing Moorefield precinct will be moved to Briar Woods High School. In the Ashburn District: 2. The existing Heritage Church precinct will be moved to Broad Run High School. A complete copy of the full text of the above-referenced proposed amendments to Chapter 209 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County and maps showing precinct boundaries and polling places are on file and available for public inspection at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or call (703) 777-0200. In addition this information is available for inspection at Loudoun County’s Office of Elections website at www.loudoun.gov/vote. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 825 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Changes to C-PACE Program
Pursuant to Virginia Code §§15.2-1427 and 15.2-958.3, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for passage amendments to Sections 825.01, Purpose; 825.02, Definitions; and 825.04, C-PACE Program; Eligible Improvements, of Chapter 825 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. The proposed amendments to the County’s C-PACE Program include adding resiliency (flooding mitigation) and stormwater management improvements to the definition of Eligible Improvements and changing the definition of Eligible Property to include residential properties other than residential properties with fewer than five dwelling units. A complete copy of the full text of the above-referenced proposed amendments to Chapter 825 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County is on file and available for public inspection at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-777-0200. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A NEW CHAPTER OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY RESIDENT CURATOR PROGRAM Pursuant to Virginia Code §§15.2-1427 and 15.2-2306(A)(4) the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for passage an ordinance to establish a new Chapter, Resident Curator Program, of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. The proposed new Chapter would provide the County a tool to preserve and maintain select County owned historic properties by establishing a Resident Curator Program through lease agreements with private entities. Lessee(s) will manage, preserve, maintain, and operate the historic properties or structures for the benefit of Loudoun County in accordance with established treatment standards that promote historic preservation best practices. Each property will be subject to tailored treatment standards suitable to the site, following federal guidelines and standards for preserving, restoring, and rehabilitating historic properties. Treatment standards for each property will promote historic preservation best practices that will help to protect historic properties. A complete copy of the full text of the above-referenced proposed ordinance is on file and available for public inspection at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-777-0200. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www. loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
SIDP-2020-0005 CHICK-FIL-A RYAN PARK SIGN DEVELOPMENT PLAN (Sign Development Plan)
Chick-fil-a, Inc., of Atlanta, Georgia, has submitted an application for a Sign Development Plan to request alternative sign regulations for permitted signs in order to 1) modify the total aggregate sign area of two drive-through menu boards; 2) modify the total aggregate sign area for three window signs; 3) permit a total of three window display signs; and 4) modify the total aggregate area for three free-standing signs; and 5) permit three additional free-standing signs for a Chick-Fil-A. The subject property is being developed pursuant to ZCPA-2004-0012 and SPEX-2004-0023, Ryan Park Center Restaurants, located in the Planned Development – Office Park (PD-OP) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and pursuant to Section 5-1202(E) alternative sign regulations for permitted signs may be requested with the submission of a Sign Development Plan. The subject property is located within the Airport Impact (AI) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 aircraft noise contour. The subject property is approximately 5.61 acres in size and is located on the south side of Ashburn Village Boulevard (Route 2020) and east of Shellhorn Road (Route 643), at 43520 Yukon Drive, Ashburn, Virginia, 20147, in the Broad Run Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 089-45-6487. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Urban Policy Area (Urban Transit Center Place Type)), which designate this area for a wide array of economic, entertainment, and community activities uses at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) between 1.4 and 2.0.
ZCPA-2020-0007 JOHNSON LANDSCAPE BUFFER - POOL (Zoning Concept Plan Amendment)
Mark D. Johnson of Chantilly, Virginia, has submitted an application to amend the existing proffers and concept development plan (“CDP”) approved with ZMAP-1991-0005 and ZCPA-1995-0006, South Riding, in order to modify an existing 25-foot landscape buffer to allow for the construction of an in-ground swimming pool, deck, and patio, with no resulting change in density, in the PD-H4 (Planned Development – Housing 4) zoning district. The subject property is located within the (AI) Airport Impact Overlay District, between the Ldn 60-65 aircraft noise contour. The subject property is approximately 0.36 acres in size and is located on the north side of Priesters Pond Drive (Route 2239) and the west side of Flintonbridge Drive (Route 2238) at 25815 Priesters Pond Drive, Chantilly, Virginia, in the Dulles Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 129-30-1413. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Neighborhood Place Type)), which designate this area for predominantly Residential uses at a recommended density of four dwelling units per acre.
ZCPA-2020-0003 TRUE NORTH DATA
(Zoning Concept Plan Amendment) Compass Data Centers IAD I LLC of Dallas, Texas has submitted an application to amend the existing proffers and Concept Development Plan (“CDP”) approved with ZMAP-2017-0003, True North Data in order to: 1) allow for the option to consolidate three buildings into one building footprint; and 2) increase the maximum building height from 35 feet to 56 feet with no resulting change in density. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance The subject property is partially located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 aircraft noise contour, partially within the QN (Quarry Notification) Overlay District - Luck Note Area, and partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District). The subject property is approximately 97.12 acres in size and is located on the north side of Sycolin Road (Route 625), on the south side of the Dulles Greenway (Route 267), and on the west side of the Goose Creek, on the northwest side Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659), in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 194-10-2562. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 Comprehensive Plan (Transition Policy Area (Transition Light Industrial Place Type)), which designate this area for lowtraffic Industrial and Employment uses at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 0.6.
ZMAP-2018-0014, ZCPA-2018-0013, SPEX-2020-0013, ZRTD-2020-0005, ZMOD-2018-0035, ZMOD-2020-0029 & ZMOD-2020-0032 KINCORA VILLAGE CENTER
(Zoning Map Amendment, Zoning Concept Plan Amendment, Zoning Conversion in the Route 28 Taxing District, Special Exception & Zoning Modifications)
NA Dulles Real Estate Investor LLC of East Setauket, New York, have submitted applications for the following: (1) to rezone approximately 13.14 acre portion of a larger 296.92 parcel from the PD-IP (Planned Development-Industrial Park) zoning district under the 1972 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance (1972 Zoning Ordinance) to the PD-MUB (Planned Development – Mixed Use Business) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance (Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance) in order to permit a 10,000 square foot (SF) civic building and a 100,000 SF central plaza to be located in Land Bay K and to permit additional employment, commercial, and/or residential uses to be located in Land Bays K and L.; (2) an application to amend the existing Proffers and Concept Development Plan (CDP) approved with ZMAP-2008-0021, ZCPA-2012-0014 and ZCPA-2017-0008, Kincora Village Center, in order to a) shift location of the central plaza from Land Bay J to Land Bay K; b) relocate the minimum 55,000 SF Science Museum from Land Bay J to Land Bay A; c) align Roads 8 and 9 to create a street, and
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add Roads 14 and 17 in Land Bays F and L, and rename Roads A, B, and C with numerical labels; d) shift the location of a monument sign/entry feature in Land Bay J; e) revise locations and clarify the number of Public/Civic/Institutional Uses to be provided; f) increase the number of multifamily (MF) dwelling units permitted from 1,400 to 2,600 in the PD-MUB zoning district; g) adding Land Bays B, K, L, and/or R to the list of land bays where residential uses are permitted; h) delete the commitment to provide a center for the performing arts; i) delete the commitment to provide a 35,000 SF plaza in Land Bay F; j) revise language to clarify which buildings along Pacific Boulevard will be a minimum of four stories; k) reduce the percentage of buildings in the PD-MUB zoning district that are to have a vertical mix of two or more uses; l) remove the commitment that would require any newly constructed Affordable Dwelling Units (ADUs) and/or Unmet Housing Needs Units (UHNUs) to be in compliance with the EarthCraft program and universal design principles; m) exclude data center square footage from the trigger for providing shuttle service; n) clarify that the road fund contributions will not apply to the New Residential Units or to non-residential uses beyond the non-residential Gross Floor Area (GFA) originally committed with prior approvals; o) reduce the width of non-asphalt trails from 8 feet to 6 feet; p) allow recently approved sign commitments (ZMOD2017-0017 & ZMOD-2017-0018) to be applied to the entire Kincora Village Center application area;; and q) allow the Owners to use on-site, non-potable wells for irrigation purposes with a resulting increase in density from 0.43 Floor to Area Ratio (FAR) to 0.57 FAR; (3) an application to rezone approximately 70.16 acres portion of a larger 296.92 parcel from the PD-MUB (Planned Development – Mixed Use Business) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance as it existed on July 12, 2010, to the PD-MUB (Planned Development – Mixed Use Business) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance as amended from time to time; and (4) a Special Exception to permit impervious surface in the form of raised boardwalk crossings not to exceed 9,150 linear feet in the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District), Major Floodplain. The Special Exception application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception use under Section 4-1506(E). The applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modification(s): ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION
PROPOSED MODIFICATION
§1-205(A), Interpretation of Ordinance, Limitations and Methods for Measurements of Lots, Yards and Related Terms; Lot Access Requirements.
Allow structures requiring a building permit in the PDMUB Zoning District to be erected upon any lot which has frontage on a Class I, Class II, Class III road, or private access easement.
§4-1354(B) PD-MUB Planned Development-Mixed Use Business District, Development Standards, Public Plaza, Table 4-1354(B), PD-MUB Planned Development Mixed-Use Business Public Plaza, Requirements Table.
Reduce the minimum area of the required public plaza for a PD-MUB district greater than 100 acres in size from 1% of the total land area of the district, or 3.55 acres (154,638 SF) to a minimum of 100,000 SF.
§4-1354(B)(3) PD-MUB Planned Development-Mixed Use Business District, Development Standards, Public Plaza.
Modify the requirement that buildings that adjoin the public plaza shall be a minimum of two stories and have a vertical mix of at least two uses so that buildings adjoining the public plaza may be one story and have one use.
§4-1354(C) PD-MUB Planned Development-Mixed Use Business District, Development Standards, Vertical Mix.
Revise the method to calculate the requirement that at least 50% of the buildings within the Kincora PD-MUB District contain a vertical mix of at least 2 different use classifications by excluding stacked multifamily dwelling unit buildings and other certain buildings from this calculation.
§4-1355(C), PD-MUB Planned Development-Mixed Use Business District, Lot and Building Requirements, Building Height.
Increase the permitted maximum building height from 100 feet to 160 feet in Land Bays B, F, J, and R.
§4-1358(C), PD-MUB Planned Development-Mixed Use Business District, Use Limitations, Street Trees.
Reduce the tree density requirement from one tree per 25 feet along all areas dedicated for vehicular travel, excluding alleys, to one tree per 44 linear feet of block length for streets with on-street parking and to one tree per 35 liner feet of block length for trees with no on-street parking requirement
§5-1303(A)(1), Tree Planting and Replacement, Canopy Requirements, Site Planning.
Allow for site plans for individual buildings not be required to meet 10% canopy coverage for their respective site area, as long as the canopy coverage for the overall Kincora project meets the 10% requirement.
FEBRUARY 25, 2021
The subject property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District, within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 aircraft noise contour, and is also located partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District). The subject property is approximately 312 acres in size and is located in the southwest quadrant of the Harry Byrd Highway (Route 7) and Sully Road (Route 28) interchange, on the west side of Russell Branch Parkway (Route 1036) and north of West Severn Way (Route 1748), in the Broad Run Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as follows: PIN
PROPERTY ADDRESS
041-19-4573
21391 Pacific Boulevard, Ashburn, Virginia
040-19-0276
N/A
040-19-3991
N/A
040-18-8480-001 040-18-8480-002
45170 Kincora Drive, Ashburn, Virginia
040-18-3514
N/A
040-10-2389
N/A
The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (2019 GP) (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Mixed-Use Place Type)) and Route 28 Corridor Plan, which designate this area for compact, pedestrian-oriented environments with opportunities for a mix of Residential, Commercial, Entertainment, Cultural, and Recreational amenities uses, at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.0. Unless otherwise noted in the above notices, copies of the above-referenced amendments, applications, ordinances, and/or plans and related documents may be examined by request at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-7770246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies, or electronically at www.loudoun.gov/lola. This link also provides an additional opportunity for public input on active applications. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”). In addition, for detailed instructions on how to access documents using LOLA, to request that documents be emailed to you, to receive physical copies of documents, or to arrange a time to view the file at the Loudoun County Government Center, please email DPZ@loudoun.gov or call 703-777-0246 (option 5). Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic this public hearing may be conducted as an electronic meeting. Members of the public are encouraged to view the public hearing electronically; however, the Board Room will be open for any members of the public who wish to attend in person with appropriate physical distancing. Board of Supervisors public hearings are available for live viewing on television on Comcast Government Channel 23 and Verizon FiOS Channel 40, and are livestreamed at loudoun.gov/meetings. All members of the public who desire to speak will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. Citizens are encouraged to call in advance to sign up to speak at the public hearing. Instructions for remote participation will be forwarded to all individuals who sign-up in advance and who would like to provide their comments remotely. For this public hearing, advanced sign-up will be taken after 8:30 a.m. on February 26, 2021, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on March 10, 2021. If you wish to sign-up in advance, call the Office of the County Administrator at (703) 777-0200. Citizens will also have the option to sign-up during the public hearing. Citizens may also submit written comments by email sent to bos@loudoun.gov. Any written comments received prior to the public hearing will be distributed to Board members and made part of the minutes for the public hearing. Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory or mental disability to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200. At least one business day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings. BY ORDER OF:
PHYLLIS RANDALL, CHAIR LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
02/18, 02/25, & 03/04/21
ORDER OF PUBLICATION COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
ABC LICENSE
ABC LICENSE
Lost Barrel Brewing LLC, trading as Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 John Mosby Hwy, Middleburg, Loudoun, Virginia 20117-3508
Joshua David Rose, trading as LoCo Beer & Wine, 102 South Harrison Road, Sterling, Loudoun, Virginia 20164-2716
The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Winery license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.
The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Internet Beer Retailer w/ Delivery Permit license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.
Patrick Steffens, member
Joshua David Rose (Owner)
Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.
Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.
02/25 & 03/25/21
02/18 & 02/25/21
Case No.: J044816-01-00 Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Alexander Beers Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v. Cathryn Beers, mother and John Beers, putative father The object of this suit is to hold a status hearing in child in need of services’ matter pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-228 and 16.1-241 for Alexander Beers. It is ORDERED that the defendants Cathryn Beers, mother and John Beers, putative father appear at the above-named Court to protect their interests on or before March 2, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. 02/04, 02/11, 02/18 & 02/25/21
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Legal Notices LOVETTSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL FISCAL YEAR 2022 BUDGET SUMMARY OF FY21 ADOPTED AND FY22 DRAFT BUDGETS FY 21 ADOPTED BUDGET
FY 22 DRAFT BUDGET
GENERAL FUND OPERATIONS REVENUE TOTAL GENERAL GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS REVENUE
1,463,990
1,354,847
TOTALTRANSFER & GRANTS GENERAL FUND OPERATIONS REV
1,150,336
668,000
TOTAL GENERAL GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS REVENUE
2,614,326
2,022,847
4210 (PERSONNEL SERVICES):
$684,614.0
$598,438.0
4220 (CONTRACTUAL SERVICES):
$323,500.0
$325,500.0
4225 (TECHNOLOGY SERVICES):
$53,000.0
$46,870.0
4230 (REPAIR & MAINTENANCE):
$36,200.0
$25,100.0
4240 (PUBLIC WORKS):
$27,700.0
$27,700.0
4245 (PARKS):
$75,100.0
$39,900.0
$9,050.0
$9,100.0
4260 ( INSURANCE):
$13,250.0
$13,250.0
4270 (SUPPLIES & ADVERTISING):
$22,000.0
$17,000.0
4271 (ACTIVITY SUPPORT):
$26,700.0
$29,700.0
$4,200.0
$4,200.0
$14,325.0
$12,600.0
$6,000.0
$3,000.0
$153,406.0
$167,080.0
$-
$35,409.0
TOTAL GENERAL FUND OPERATIONS EXPEND (SUBTOTAL)
$1,449,044.0
$1,354,847.0
TOTAL GENERAL FND CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
$1,165,282.0
$668,000.0
TOTAL GENERAL FND. EXPENDITURES & CAPITAL
$2,614,326.0
$ 2,022,847.0
4272 (DUES): 4273 (TRAVEL & TRAINING): 4274 ( REFUNDS): 4280 (DEBT PAYMENTS): GENERA FUND TRANSFER
UTILITY FUND OPERATIONS REVENUE TOTAL UTILITY FUND OPERATIONS REVENUE TOTAL TRANSFER & GRANT UTILITY FND OPERATIONS REV
$1,537,833.0
$1,519,512.0
$170,000.0
$455,000.0
$1,707,833.0
$1,974,512.0
$424,683.0
$446,550.0
$95,250.0
$112,482.0
6230 (SEWER REPAIR/MAINTENANCE)
$175,750.0
$216,250.0
6235 (WATER REPAIR/MAINTENANCE)
$67,900.0
$62,300.0
6240 (UTILITIES)
$66,750.0
$66,750.0
$7,455.0
$8,800.0
6260 (INSURANCE)
$22,600.0
6270 (VEHICLE AND MISC.) 6280 (SEWER SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT) 6285 (WATER SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT)
TOTAL UTILITY FUND REVENUE
FY 21 ADOPTED BUDGET
6220 (CONTRACTUAL SERVICES)
6250 (COMMUNICATIONS)
6390 (TRANSFERS AND MISC. EXPENSES) TOTAL UTILITY FD OPERATIONAL EXPEND. (SUBTOTAL) TOTAL UTILITY FND. TRANSFER TOTAL UTILITY FUND EXPENDITURES TOTAL UTILITY FUND CAPITAL BUDGET TOTAL UTILITY FUND OPERATION FND. EXPENDITURES & CAPITAL
$500.0
$1,250.0
8100 ( LOVE SUMMER REVENUE
$7,500.0
$7,500.0
8200 ( OKTOBERFEST REVENUE)
$232,500.0
$211,333.0
8300 ( LOVE WINTER REVENUE)
$2,500.0
$2,500.0
8400 ( MAYFEST REVENUE) TOTAL EVENT FUND REVENUE
$25,000.0
$25,000.0
$268,000.0
$247,583.0
$500.0
$1,250.0
EVENT FUND EXPENSES 8010 ( LOVE AMERICA EXPENSES) 8120 ( LOVE SUMMER EXPENSES)
$7,500.0
$7,500.0
8230 ( OKTOBERFEST EXPENSES)
$232,500.0
$211,333.0
8340 ( LOVE WINTER EXPENSES)
$2,500.0
$2,500.0
$25,000.0
$25,000.0
$268,000.0
$247,583.0
$4,590,159.0
$4,244,942.0
8450 ( MAYFEST EXPENSES) TOTAL EVENT FUND EXPENSES GRAND TOTAL GENERAL FUND & UTILITY FUND BUDGET
General Fund Debt
Total Outstanding Loans July 1, 2021
FY 22 Debt Service Payment
Debt Ratio Percent
FISCAL POLICY (not to exceed) Percent
$1,431,327
$168,385
8.32%
15%
Utility Fund Debt
$2,111,380
$321,350
16.27%
15%
Total Debt
$3,542,707
$489,735
12.25%
15%
TOWN COUNCIL APPROVED FY 22 BUDGET NOT TO EXCEED SCHEDULE OF FEES
UTITILITY FUND EXPENSES 6210 (PERSONNEL SERVICES)
FY 22 DRAFT BUDGET
EVENT FUND OPERATIONS REVENUE 8000 ( LOVE AMERICA REVENUE)
GENERAL FUND EXPENSES
4250 (COMMUNICATIONS):
A PUBLIC HEARING on the proposed Operating and Capital Budget for FY22 will be held on Thursday, March 11, at 7:30 p.m., at which time all interested citizens will be heard. Copies of the Proposed FY22 Budget may be reviewed on the Town’s website at www.lovettsvilleva.gov. Pursuant to and in compliance with Town of Lovettsville Ordinance 2020-03-0006 (adopted by the Lovettsville Town Council on March 26, 2020) this meeting will be held electronically. The Town Council and staff will be participating remotely. Members of the public may access and participate in this meeting electronically.
GENERAL FUND Taxes: Real Estate Tax
$0.178/$100 assessment was $0.184/$100 (a decrease of 3.3 %) Elderly/Disabled Real Estate Tax discount is 100% for qualifying residents
Meals Tax
3% on gross receipts
$22,600.0
Cigarette Tax
$34,600.0
$31,600.0
$0.46 per pack was $.40 per pack (15% increase in cigarette tax)
$32,500.0
$33,500.0
Transient Occupancy Tax
5% of gross receipts
$27,330.0
$27,230.0
Vehicle License Tax
$25.00 per car/truck/motorcycle
$593,015.0
$441,350.0
Town Facilities Use Permit
$25.00 In Town Rates $50.00 Out of Town Rates
$1,547,833.0
$1,469,412.0
$-
$50,100.0
$1,547,833.0
$1,519,512.0
$160,000.0
$455,000.0
$1,707,833.0
$1,974,512.0
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 32
FEBRUARY 25, 2021
Legal Notices FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA) REQUESTS
Business Licenses: Type
Fee/Tax
All Businesses Except gross receipts over $20,000.00
Fee of $30.00 for gross receipts up to $20,000.00 and a Tax of $0.17/$100 for Contractors
In-Town Contractors
Fee of $30.00 for gross receipts up to $20,000.00 and a Tax of $0.16/$100 for gross receipts over $20,000.00
Out-of-Town Contractors
No charge for work valued under $25,000.00 annually; Fee of $30.00 plus a Tax of $0.16/$100 for gross receipts over $25,000.00
Other surcharges may include: Photocopies
$0.25 per page (8 ½ x 11)
Documents Printed In-House
$2.00 per page (Black/White 24” x 36”) $3.00 per page (Color 24” x 36”) Documents Sent to Printer Due to Volume or Size Actual Cost
Audio CDs and Flash Drives
$5.00 per copy
For more information, see the Town of Lovettsville Freedom of Information Act Policy, Request Form, and Schedule of Fees.
Application Fees: Type:
Fee:
UTILITY FUND
Zoning Permit – Minor
$75
Zoning Permit – Major
$150
Pool Permit (Fence Included)
$75
Zoning Determination Letter
$75
Demolition Permit
$0
Rezoning/Zoning Map Amend.
$750
Proffer Amendment
$500
Ordinance Amendment
$150
Home Occupancy Permit
$75
Zoning Certificate
$75
Sign Permit – Permanent (UP TO 3 SIGNS)
$75
Sign Permit – Temporary (PER SIGN)
$25
Preliminary Plat
$300
Preliminary Plat Amendment
$250
Final Plat
$500
Final Plat Amendment
$250
Boundary Line Adjustment
$250
Minor Subdivision Plan/Plat
$300
+ $15 PER LOT
Preliminary Site Plan
$1,000
+$50 PER ACRE
Final Site Plan
$1,000
FOR THE FIRST ACRE + $50 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL ACRE
Preliminary/Final Site Plan
$1,000
FOR THE FIRST ACRE + $50 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL ACRE
Conditional Use Permit
$350
*
Subdivision/Site Plan Exception
$100
*PER SECTION VARIED
Comprehensive Plan Amendment
$2,500
Occupancy Permit
$75
Bond Reduction (PER REDUCTION)
$100
Bond Release
$150
VDOT Street Acceptance
$150
Variance/Appeal
$100
Subdivision/Site Plan Engineering & Legal
$3,000
Consultant Review Deposit Fee Comprehensive Plan (Document)
Fees & Charges
* FOR FIRST ACRE + $250 *FOR EACH ADDITIONAL ACRE *
+ $15 PER LOT + $25 PER LOT
In-Town Water User Rate:
$9.41 / 1,000 gal. from $8.96 / 1,000 gallons
In-Town Sewer User Rate:
$14.94 / 1,000 gal. from $14.23 / 1,000 gallons
In-Town Sewer Only Customers:
Fixed rate of $43.68 from $39.53 Monthly
Out-of-Town Water/Sewer Customers Charged:
150% of In-Town rate
Penalty for Late Payment:
$10 or 10% (whichever is greater)
Bulk Water Sales:
$25 / 1,000 gallons, plus $75 transaction fee
Virginia Department of Health Waterworks Technical Assistance Fund:
Set by VDH
Water Cutoff Charge or Turn On Charge:
$30
Fire Sprinkler Fee for facilities with a fire sprinkler system connected to Town Water:
$6.67 / Month
Availability Tap refund processing charge:
$50.00
Fats, Oils and Grease Permit Fee:
$25
Flushing Hydrant Maintenance Fee:
$500 per year
*Town water and sewer user fees have been increased by 5% RATE TABLE A minimum rate applies to all water and sewer accounts after the minimum billed usage and an additional dollar amount is applied per 1000 gallons, and includes a 5% increase in commercial and other size water meter connections. Meter Size (inches)
Minimum Billed $ (Month)
5/8 & 3/4
$48.74 from 46.42 residential $59.24 commercial
1
$69.74
1.5
$80.24
2
$90.74
3
$101.24
4
$111.74
Billed Usage (gallons)
Water-Per 1,000 gallons Over Min.
Sewer Per 1,000 gallons Over Min.
2,000
$9.41 from 8.96
$14.94 from $14.23
*Town water and sewer user fees have been increased by 5% * **
$40
Notes: * Additional charges for advertising and/or adjacent property owner notification will be billed to the applicant. (Applicants are responsible for all base fees as well as any engineering or Town Attorney Review Costs) ** As required by Section 30-37 of the Town Code for subdivision construction drawings and development site plans. If actual costs differ from amount deposited, the excess shall be paid by the applicant to the Town or difference refunded to the applicant, as applicable. • All civic, charitable, and religious organizations having non-profit status are exempt from application fees. •
Cost for staff time to research and respond to FOIA requests will be based on the hourly rate of the appropriate staff member(s) responding to the request and range from approximately $20/hour to $50/hour.
Taxes are authorized by VA Code Title 58.1. Fees are authorized by Code of Virginia §15.22241 and §15.2-2286.
Water and Sewer Inspection Fees Type
Fees
Main Inspection Fee
$1.90 x linear foot of Water Main + $2.15 x linear foot of Sewer Main + $300 for Beneficial Use Inspection + $300 Final Inspection
Lateral Inspection Fee
$150 per connection- charged with Zoning Permit for the building
Line Record Drawing Fee
$1,350 + $1.25/linear foot of Water Main + $1.50/linear foot of Sewer Main
Water Modeling Fee
Engineering Reimbursable- cost to update water model to include new water lines and provide required information to VDH for their review and approval; component of Engineering Deposit.
Hydrant Flow Test Fee
$100 + provide needed testing equipment
Lateral Upgrade Fee
$100 + Cost of meter (when existing connection upgrades to a larger size meter)
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
FEBRUARY 25, 2021
PAGE 33
Legal Notices
TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2021 - JUNE 30, 2022 In accordance with the Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended, § 15.2-2506, the Leesburg Town Council will hold a public hearing on:
Deposit for New Water and Sewer Accounts Type of Connection
Water
Sewer
Residential (within Town limits)
$50
$50
Residential (outside Town limits)
$100
$100
Non-Residential
$100
$100
Water and Sewer Connection Fees
$2,205 from $2,100
$2,205 from $2,100
Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Town Hall 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA
*Water and Sewer connection fees increased by 5%
At which time the public shall have the right to provide written and oral comments on the Town’s proposed budget for fiscal year July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. If the public hearing is canceled for any unforeseen reason, the public hearing will be held during the next Town Council regular meeting. SUMMARY OF EXPENDITURES
Availability Fees, Maximum Allowable Usage and Meter Fee Max. Allowable Usage (GPD)
Water Availability Fee*
Wastewater Avail. Fee*
Meter Fee
5/8”
500
$11,721 from $11,163
$17,220 from $16,400
$250
3/4”
750
$17,581 from $16,744
$25,830 from $24,600
$250
1”
1,250
$29,303 from $27,908
$43,049 from $40,999
Cost of meter + $20
1-1/2”
2,500
$58,605 from $55,814
$86,099 from $81,999
Cost of meter + $20
4,000
$93,768 from $89,303
$137,758 from $131,198
Cost of meter + $20
8,000
$187,535 from $178,605
$275,515 from $262,395
Cost of meter + $20
$293,024 from $279,070
$430,492 from $409,992
Cost of meter + $20
Meter Size
2” 3” 4”
12,500
Failure to Upgrade Meter Fines First Offense
$100
Second Offense
$200
Third Offense
$300
Water Theft Fines First Offense Fine
$500
Second Offense Fine
$1,000
Third/Subsequent Offense Fine
$2,000
Increase
ADOPTED
PROPOSED
(Decrease)
GENERAL FUND
$62,520,513
$65,366,346
$2,845,833
UTILITIES FUND
$33,990,931
$43,598,357
$9,607,426
CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND
$43,236,800
$25,195,100
($18,041,700)
$4,205,900
$3,450,000
($755,900)
$143,954,144
$137,609,803
($6,344,341)
NORTHERN VIRGINIA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY FUND TOTAL EXPENDITURES- ALL FUNDS
FY 2021
FY 2022
Increase
ADOPTED
PROPOSED
(Decrease)
GENERAL FUND
$61,720,156
$61,900,338
$180,182
UTILITIES FUND
$28,170,087
$34,167,357
$5,997,270
CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND
$32,705,800
$25,195,100
($7,510,700)
$4,205,900
$3,450,000
($755,900)
$17,152,201
$12,897,008
($4,255,193)
$143,954,144
$137,609,803
($6,344,341)
NORTHERN VIRGINIA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY FUND USE OF FUND BALANCE ACROSS ALL FUNDS TOTAL REVENUES- ALL FUNDS
This budget is prepared for informative and fiscal planning purposes only. Such preparation, publication, and approval shall not be deemed to be an appropriation. No money shall be paid out or become available to be paid out for any contemplated expenditure unless and until there has first been made an annual, semiannual, quarterly, or monthly appropriation for such contemplated expenditure. Copies of the proposed budget are available on the Town website and for inspection at Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, and at the Thomas Balch Library, 208 West Market Street. Questions should be directed to Clark G. Case, Director, Department of Finance and Administrative Services, at 703-771-2720. Persons requiring reasonable accommodations should contact the Clerk of Council at 703-771-2733, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711. 2/25/2021
TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Reward for Successful Notification and Capture of Water Theft in Progress Town Water and Sewer Account Holders
$100 Credit
Non-account Holders
$50 Check
• Fine for Failure to Follow Water Emergency Rules and Regulations: $500.00 each offense • Frye Court Service District Tax (per VA Code §15.2-2400 et seq.): $0.275 per $100 of assessed value for taxable real estate (exclusive of improvements) • These actions are authorized by the Code of Virginia §15.2-2111 - §15.2-2143 & §15.2-2111 - 15.2-2119 •
FY 2022
SUMMARY OF REVENUES
*Upgrades from a smaller meter size will equal the difference between the new availability fee and the current availability worth of the existing meter size. All fees have been increase by 5% over prior year.
Notes:
FY 2021
$30.00 bank charge for all returned checks 02/25 & 03/04/21
TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO ZONING ORDINANCE ARTICLE 8 TLOA-2020-0005 – FUELING STATION WITH CONVENIENCE STORE Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing on THURSDAY, March 4, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176. The purpose of this text amendment is to create a new by-right accessory use called Fueling Station with Convenience Store. The proposed amendments will add use standards for fueling station with convenience store to the following section of the Zoning Ordinance: 1.
Sec. 8.7 PD-CC-SC, Planned Development-Commercial Center-Small Regional Center
Copies and additional information regarding each of these proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments are available at the Department of Planning and Zoning located on the second floor of the Leesburg Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by calling 703-771-2765 and asking for Michael Watkins, Zoning Administrator. This zoning ordinance amendment application is identified as case number TLOA-2020-0005. At this hearing all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations should contact the Clerk to the Commission at (703) 771-2434, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711. 02/18 & 02/25/21
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 34
ATTENTION LOUDOUN COUNTY BUSINESS OWNERS MARCH 1 DEADLINE
VIRGINIA
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Case No.: CL 21-359
Notification of 2021 business tax filing requirements has been mailed to each business and self-employed person on our tax rolls. The notification contains the account number and owner name necessary to report both business receipts and business equipment online.
BUSINESS LICENSE RENEWAL DUE MARCH 1 Business owners who possess a 2020 Loudoun County Business License must obtain a 2021 license by reporting their calendar year 2020 gross receipts and paying the applicable license tax or fee at www. loudoun.gov/efile. The annual FILING and PAYMENT DEADLINE is midnight, March 1. After reporting the business’ receipts online, filers will be provided with a link to pay online as well. Owners of new businesses must obtain a license within 30 days of beginning business. Owners of businesses located in one of Loudoun’s incorporated towns should contact the respective town regarding business licensing requirements.
BUSINESS EQUIPMENT REPORTING DUE MARCH 1 Owners of business equipment that was located in Loudoun County on January 1, 2021, must report it for taxation at www.loudoun.gov/efile. The reporting of original cost, year of purchase, location, and item description for all business equipment in the county is due by midnight, March 1. Resulting semi-annual tax bills for this equipment must be paid to the Treasurer by the May 5 and October 5 deadlines. The reporting of business equipment is made to the Commissioner of the Revenue for all businesses in the County whether within or outside of an incorporated town. Business owners subject to local business taxes must file annually, even if there is no tax due or property to declare. Address changes and notification of business closure should also be reported at www. loudoun.gov/efile. To protect the safety of taxpayers and staff and slow the spread of COVID-19, we encourage you to connect with us virtually. Most transactions with our office can be done online. For information or filing assistance, please visit www.loudoun.gov/cor or contact my office at btcor@loudoun. gov or 703-777-0260. You may also stop by my offices weekdays, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, however, we recommend you contact our office beforehand as our office hours may be adjusted due to the pandemic.
FEBRUARY 25, 2021
DALJIT KAUR BEESLA, Plaintiff v. HARINDER SINGH SOHI, Defendant
ORDER OF PUBLICATION COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
Case No.:
, Loudoun County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
ORDER OF PUBLICATION The OBJECT of the above-styled suit is to obtain a divorce. IT APPEARING by affidavit filed according to law that the Defendant in the above titled cause does not reside in the Commonwealth of Virginia; it is therefore ORDERED that the said HARINDER SINGH SOHI, appear on or before the 23rd day of April, 2021 at 2 p.m. in the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, located at 18 E. Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 and do what is necessary to protect his interests; and it is further ORDERED that this order be published once a week for four successive weeks in LOUDOUN NOW, a newspaper of general circulation in the County of Loudoun; that a copy of this order be posted pursuant to Virginia Code § 1-211.1, and a copy mailed to the Defendant at his last known address as stated in the affidavit filed herein.
JJ038628-14-00
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Sanay Elliyoun-Yousefabad Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v. Shahnaz Zabihi Khodapasand, mother The object of this suit is to hold a 7th permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Sanay Elliyoun-Yousefabad. It is ORDERED that Shahnaz Zabihi Khodapasand, mother, appear at the above-named Court and protect her interests on or before March 30, 2021 at 2:00 pm. 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11/21
02/25, 03/04, 03/11, & 03/18/21
Robert S. Wertz, Jr. Commissioner of the Revenue Loudoun County
NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLES
Government Center Office 1 Harrison St. SE, 1st Floor, Leesburg
This notice is to inform the owner and any person having a security interest in their right to reclaim the motor vehicle herein described within 15 days after the date of storage charges resulting from placing the vehicle in custody, and the failure of the owner or persons having security interests to exercise their right to reclaim the vehicle within the time provided shall be deemed a waiver by the owner, and all persons having security interests of all right, title and interest in the vehicle, and consent to the sale of the abandoned motor vehicle at a public auction.
Loudoun Tech Center Office 21641 Ridgetop Circle, Ste 100, Sterling MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 8000, Leesburg, VA 20177-9804 Phone: 703-777-0260
This notice shall also advise the owner of record of his or her right to contest the determination by the Sheriff that the motor vehicle was “abandoned”, as provided in Chapter 630.08 of the Loudoun County Ordinance, by requesting a hearing before the County Administrator in writing. Such written request for a hearing must be made within 15 days of the notice.
E-mail: btcor@loudoun.gov Website: www.loudoun.gov/cor 02//04, 02/11, 02/18 & 02/25/21
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
YR.
MAKE
MODEL
VIN
STORAGE
PHONE#
2007 1989 2003 1999
NISSAN FORD LOAD RIGHT INFINITI
SENTRA F150 TRAILER N/A
3N1AB61E27L611983 1FTEF15N6KLA63913 53FBE1225KF048916 JNKCA21A9XT753255
BLAIR’S TOWING BLAIR’S TOWING ASHBURN TOWING ASHBURN TOWING
703-661-8200 703-661-8200 703-585-8770 703-585-8770
02/18 & 02/25/21
BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF HILLSBORO, VIRGINIA Notice is hereby given that the Town Council of the Town of Hillsboro, Virginia (the “Town Council”) will hold a public hearing to receive public comment and to consider the adoption of a proposed Resolution (the “Resolution”) authorizing the issuance by the Town of Hillsboro, Virginia (the “Town”) of (i) a not to exceed $800,000 Tax-Exempt General Obligation Revenue Bond (“Bank-Qualified”), Series 2021A (the “2021A Bond”) and (ii) a not to exceed $350,000 Taxable General Obligation Bond, Series 2021B (the “2021B Bond, and together with the 2021A Bond, the “Bonds”). The Town shall use the proceeds of the 2021A Bond, together with other moneys lawfully available to the Town, to provide funds to pay the capital costs to acquire, construct, rehabilitate, and equip various improvements to the Town’s wastewater system and facilities related thereto, including but not limited to installing a wastewater treatment package plant, and pay costs of issuance related to the financing. The Town shall use the proceeds of the 2021B Bond, together with other moneys lawfully available to the Town to acquire, construct, rehabilitate, and equip various improvements to the Town’s Lawson-Goodrich property, and pay costs of issuance related to the financing (the foregoing purposes are referenced together as the “Project”). The payment of the principal of and the interest on the 2021A Bond will be a general obligation of the Town, secured by a pledge of the Town’s full faith and credit and a pledge of net revenues of the Town’s water and wastewater systems. The payment of the principal of and the interest on the 2021B Bond will be a general obligation of the Town secured by a pledge of the Town’s full faith and credit.
Resource Directory Tax Services ROBERT BEATSON II
Attorney/Accountant,Former IRS Attorney Admitted to DC, MD, VA & NY Bars All types of Federal, State, Local & Foreign Taxes Individual/Business Trusts - Estates - Wills Amended & Late Returns Back Taxes - IRS Audits Civil Litigation Business Law - Contracts
703-798-3590 OR 301-340-2951 www.beatsonlaw.com
The public hearing, which may be continued or adjourned, will be held before the Town Council on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, via Zoom at the link listed on the Town’s website. Any person interested in the Town’s issuance of the Bonds or the Project may appear electronically via Zoom at the public hearing and present his or her views. The Town Council may set time limits on speakers and other rules and procedures for the conduct of this public hearing.
R&D Cleaning Service, LLC
Written comments regarding the Bonds or the Project may be delivered either to the Town Council prior to the public hearing in care of the Mayor at 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro, Virginia 20132, or e-mailed to cmaple@hillsborova.gov. All comments received will be presented to the Town Council during the public hearing.
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LOUDOUNNOW.COM
FEBRUARY 25, 2021
PAGE 35
Resource Directory CONSTRUCTION Construction
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LOUDOUNNOW.COM
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FEBRUARY 25, 2021
Opinion Mixed Messages Much was made of last week’s rollout of the new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that was championed as a road map for the reopening of schools across the nation. Surprisingly, it offered more of a roadblock. At the heart of the recommendations is a mitigation standard requiring six feet of separation between individuals while in school. That’s a policy Loudoun’s schools are following now as part of the hybrid learning program at every level—from elementary through high school. That low-density classroom layout can accommodate having half of the students rotate through their schools two days a week. There’s no return to five days of in-person learning at that spacing level. Prior to the release of the new CDC recommendations, many health agencies were eyeing reduced distancing standards. Even the Virginia Department of Health provided for separations of as little as three feet, although it isn’t clear exactly what circumstances should justify the exceptions. A reduced separation standard is going to be part of any expansion of inperson learning beyond what is being offered today. Right now, Loudoun is one of 70 Virginia school divisions offering at least some in-person learning. Sixty-two others haven’t yet returned to the classroom. For school leaders—especially those falling under heavy criticism from the competing interests of frustrated parents and fearful educators—the unclear and frequently contradicting guidance is an unproductive frustration. It allows both sides to point to reasons children should be back in class and reasons they should not. Under the new federal guidance, even if Loudoun’s caseload and test positivity rate fell to zero, a full return to class would not be possible. School boards, understandably, are hesitant to adopt the liability that comes with operating an in-person learning program that effectively ignores the recommendations of the nation’s top health advisors during a pandemic. If, as stated last week, the revised CDC guidance is intended to get the kids back to school, it falls short. It doesn’t answer the key question: What needs to be done to safely accommodate students to return to the classroom fulltime? n
Norman K. Styer, Publisher and Editor nstyer@loudounnow.com
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LETTERS to the Editor Killing the Goose Editor: Goose Creek is under assault, again. Developers are currently seeking to rezone an environmentally sensitive track and undo protections that have been in place for over four decades. In 1976, Goose Creek was designated as a scenic waterway and was entered into the Virginia Scenic Rivers program. On March 2, the Board of Supervisors will vote whether to rezone a portion of the watershed to allow for the blasting of the slopes and clear-cutting specimen forest for the construction of Goose Creek Overlook, a development of 251 townhomes. To add insult to injury, the proposed rezoning is directly across from the controversial and ill-fated True North data center project that after two years remains stalled in construction with no buyer and generating none of the revenue promised to the county. Located across the creek, the proposed development is not only a death blow to this section of Goose Creek, but everything downstream as storm water and pollution make their way through Leesburg and into the Potomac. Goose Creek is a gem of Loudoun and a rare opportunity to experience the wilderness in Eastern Loudoun. The habitat in this area includes critical wetlands that support diverse waterfowl, endangered turtles, egret rookeries, small and large mouth bass, and bald eagles. On land, the watershed provides a critical
corridor for wildlife to transverse the county. It’s also the source of our drinking water. The applicant’s proposed land purchase is speculative and contingent on successful rezoning. For its part, the developer is promising affordable housing units (“AHUs”) located over 5 miles from the closest metro station and over 3 miles to the closest public transit hub. The applicant concedes the AHUs lack adequate parking, arguing that AHU residents don’t require as many cars. They will need cars. The developer also promises a nature trail in exchange for destroying the very same environment through which the trail will run. No thank you. The county already owns easements suitable to provide public access on both sides of Goose Creek. This is a unique opportunity to provide both protection and a public space for the enjoyment of generations of Loudoun residents as envisioned in the General Plan. Since True North, we have a new Board of Supervisors with promises to better protect Loudoun’s rural and wild areas and promote smart growth over reckless growth. Hopefully, this time will be different, and we’ve learned that we can’t expect to kill the Goose and continue to enjoy the eggs. — Karl Kelley, Leesburg
FEBRUARY 25, 2021
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Readers’ Poll
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:
LAST WEEK'S QUESTION:
Aside from a return to full-time in-class education, what should be the top priority of the next schools superintendent?
What is your priority for this year’s county budget?
Share your views at loudounnow.com/polls
Locally Leesburg continued from page 1 doing is investing in a mechanism, i.e., our local business community. We’re putting it out there so that when that return on investment comes back, that return on investment covers everybody who lives here.” Both Seymour and Mayor Kelly Burk acknowledged in a recent interview that the town’s pockets are not bottomless, with Leesburg staring down a $5 million deficit in the current fiscal year alone. Despite the desire to support local businesses, the town government and the council need to figure out ways to do that without spending more money. Enter Locally Leesburg. It’s an initiative that Seymour said he had been toying around with for a while. “We’re taking an opportunity to reintroduce Leesburg to a lot of people,” he said. “I’ve lived here just over three years, and I was just realizing there was so much I didn’t know you could do in Leesburg. That’s been a large part of where we wanted to go with this idea.” Seymour said he and Business Retention and Development Manager Melanie White started with the idea of “let’s see how this goes.” They set out to record one local business owner a week speaking about their business and posting them to social media. Now, businesses are constantly reaching out to the economic development staff, with more than 30 applications of business owners who want to be featured. Seymour said more than likely the staff will soon have enough footage to be posting online multiple times a week. “It’s really something that has taken off,” he said. Seymour acknowledged that his feedback from local businesses right now has
Contributed
An episode of Locally Leesburg at Clay and Metal Loft.
been their priority to “keep the lights on” every day. Many are not able to put funding toward marketing or advertising their businesses, so the exposure Locally Leesburg provides can be huge. “What I always tell the businesses when we go to meet with them is ‘consider this a three-minute commercial’,” he said. He credited Burk with being a cheerleader for local businesses, and making it out to each ribbon-cutting ceremony. Seymour said many localities have scrapped such events during of COVID, so it means a lot to local businesses that Leesburg is still celebrating them. “If a business is willing to open their doors during the pandemic, I’ll be there,” Burk said. Locally Leesburg is not the only tool in the town’s economic development toolbox, however. Seymour said the staff has issued a Request for Proposals for a new website devoted to Leesburg’s economic development efforts. An online business directory has also been established, and the 11-question survey recently sent out to local businesses has been a great source of data for staff to
work with. More than 190 town businesses have already responded. “The good news is businesses are willing to share ideas and thoughts. They truly see the town is in a position now from the top down trying to find ways to help. By doing these surveys and getting information out it gives them an opportunity to have a sounding board,” Seymour said. One of the survey questions gauged business owners’ interest in forming a business organization. That’s occurred in many forms in Leesburg over the years, from Leesburg Crossroads to the Downtown Improvement Association to the Leesburg Downtown Business Association and later the Historic Downtown Leesburg Association. The council in previous years had also explored starting a Main Street program, although there was never majority support to move that forward. “There’s nothing that’s not on the table right now,” Seymour said of forming a new organization. He said some business owners are already discussing such a move, but reiterated that the focus for the majority now is making it through each week. Seymour said he anticipates that the
business landscape locally, as globally, will look a lot different in the next year. He is particularly concerned about retail businesses’ ability to stay afloat, with the continued rise of internet giant Amazon and other online competitors. The first step toward recovery is getting the majority of the population vaccinated, he said, getting people comfortable with going back out again, and hoping for a return to normalcy, whatever that looks like. “I’m not expecting that there is a new normal,” he said. “We’re going to continue to work and be flexible enough to meet the needs as they rise. I’m not foolish enough to say ‘here’s what’s going to happen,’ and do nothing but focus on this. Things are going to change. The town’s been fortunate to be able to stay up with those changes.” Seymour and Burk also said they are excited that the town is slowly getting back to hosting its popular events, which will serve to draw visitors to town-based shops and restaurants. The Flower & Garden Festival has been moved to Ida Lee Park Recreation Center this year, and the they are anxious for the Virginia Municipal League’s annual conference in October, which will be held in Leesburg for the first time. The event annually draws hundreds of elected officials throughout the state to a locality, and the host city or town usually does events highlighting all the destination has to offer. Economic recovery imminent or not, Seymour said he does not plan to stop his aggressive business outreach approach. “We’re going to continue to do everything we’re doing right now and then some,” he said. “The idea about marketing the destination, working with existing businesses, these are things that were always in the plan. It’s something that we’ve always done in working with them and pulling information from them. I don’t think that’s something that’s going to stop.” n
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School settlement continued from page 3 mittee through a process that will allow the public, including the NAACP Loudoun Branch, to provide input to those committees on any proposed changes or revisions; • seek input on any proposed revisions regarding the Futura and SPECTRUM gifted programs from the Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee and Equity Committee through a process that will allow the public, including the NAACP Loudoun Branch, to provide input to those committees on any proposed changes or revisions; • consider any feedback on any proposed revisions regarding the Academies of Loudoun from the MSAAC, including the NAACP Loudoun Branch; and • provide the Office of Civil Rights with its analysis and proposed revisions to its admissions criteria for the Futura and SPEC-
Vaccines continued from page 3 ty’s 14-day positivity rate was sitting at 8.5%, down from a high of over 19%, but also up from a low of 5.3%. Though 8.5% is the lowest positivity rate since prior to the holidays, “the goal is to keep it under 5% until there is no more community spread,” Randall said. Activity in hospital emergency rooms has increased, Chiantella said, but current numbers are below a peak in the last six weeks when 67 COVID-positive patients were hospitalized. On a good note, good hygiene practices as a result of COVID-19 have resulted in a remarkably quiet flu season, with Chiantella reporting only one or two positive flu tests a week among those visiting the hospital. Goodfriend said the county is now averaging about 60 to 70 COVID-19-positive test results daily. Prior to the second surge in winter, the county was averaging 30 to 50 cases a day. At its peak, Loudoun was registering 300 positive cases daily. More than 58,000 COVID vaccinations have been dispensed in Loudoun County, and almost 16,000 residents have already had both doses of the vaccine, Randall reported. The county currently has two vaccination sites in Sterling, but only one—the former Nordstrom space in Dulles Town Center—is currently active due to a vaccine supply shortage. “We can vaccinate up to 7,500 people a day. We’re receiving 4,800 vaccines a week, which tells you that the limiting factor right now is not having enough vaccines,” Randall said.
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FEBRUARY 25, 2021
TRUM gifted programs and provide OCR with additional information at its request. The announcement noted the school division already has approved a model for addressing equity in student discipline, described in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, and is in the process of revising its nondiscrimination policies and practices, which it will submit to the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for review prior to School Board approval, and has committed to annually review its protocol for responding to racial slurs and hate speech in schools. The School Board also has adopted new admissions criteria and student selection procedures for the Academies of Loudoun. Those changes were challenged in Federal District Court in a lawsuit brought by parent who claim they are discriminatory against Asian students. That lawsuit was dismissed last week. [See story, Page 9] “Discrimination has no place in Virginia, but especially not within our school
systems. Our children deserve equal access to a quality education no matter what they look like or where they live,” Herring stated in the announcement of the settlement. “I hope other school systems throughout the Commonwealth will use this agreement as a lens through which to take a look at their own policies and procedures to make sure they are affording each child an equal opportunity. I want to thank my Office of Civil Rights for their hard work and dedication to this investigation and I would also like to thank the Loudoun NAACP for stepping forward when they perceived an issue.” Following the complaint filed by the NAACP chapter, the Office of Civil Rights initiated a formal investigation that included interviews and review of documentation and information provided by the NAACP Loudoun Branch, the school division, and students, families, and school employees. Investigators concluded last fall that the school division’s policies and practices did, in fact, result in a disparate impact that
harmed Black/African-American and Latinx/Hispanic students. The office then sent a Final Determination to both parties that included reforms and commitments needed to address the “discriminatory disparate impact identified and help ensure equal opportunity for each student.” This agreement between Attorney General Herring’s Office of Civil Rights and Loudoun County Public Schools will be in effect through June 30, 2024. The School Board met in closed session Jan. 28 to be briefed on the agreement. No formal action was taken at its conclusion. The agreement was signed by Interim Superintendent Scott A. Ziegler. Thomas also praised Herring for creating the Office of Civil Rights specifically to review the Loudoun NAACP complaint. On Monday, the General Assembly passed legislation to make the office permanent. “It is not over. This is just the basis for when we start,” Thomas said. “Now the hard work begins.” n
COVID vaccines are also being distributed at the CVS in Lansdowne as part of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. There are also two vaccination sites in Middleburg and Purcellville that are dispensing between 100 to 200 shots weekly, she said. Wexton acknowledged that the slow vaccine rollout has been exceedingly frustrating, and said she has called on the Biden administration to establish a mass vaccination site in Northern Virginia. Such a site would allow the federal government to pick up the tab, and allow a locality to not deplete all of its vaccine supply, she said. Randall, however, said she would prefer the federal government put more vaccines in the hands of Loudoun authorities since the county has already established a fairly efficient distribution system. “We don’t need a FEMA site in Loudoun, we need vaccine,” she said. “A FEMA site would be more complicating. If we get vaccine in here, we got this.” Loudouners who pre-registered for a vaccine have been integrated into the new statewide COVID-19 vaccine system, which launched last week at vaccinate. virginia.gov, Goodfriend said. He said he has been spending a considerable amount of time responding to residents who want to ensure their places in the vaccine queue have been maintained. Chiantella also addressed the concept of herd immunity, as many have wondered when practices like mask-wearing and social distancing can become a thing of the past when a certain portion of the population has been vaccinated. He said the 75% to 80% vaccinated threshold is when herd immunity arises, and “we are nowhere near that number.”
Panelists acknowledged that there still remain some doubters when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine, and this is particularly true for the minority populations. Thomas said that “education is the key to try to increase acceptance.” She said many members of the population feel that the vaccine was developed too quickly, adding to the reluctance. Gonzales addressed this myth. “Messenger RNA technology has been around for a while. It’s been used for vaccine development for Zika, HIV, even some flu vaccines. Production is faster and it is easier. The FDA allowed [the release of the vaccines] for emergency use. That does not mean they could bypass everything. Manufacturers had to prove they had reached several milestones. Part of the FDA approval process has to do with an external advisory body looking at all the data to make sure it’s safe and effective,” she said. “We got used to another way of vaccines being developed which was a much less efficient way,” Gonzales continued. “It didn’t make it any better, just less efficient.” Randall said part of the reason there is distrust regarding the vaccine is the politicization that occurred starting at the federal level when the pandemic took hold last spring. “When you politicize a virus it’s going to cause people to have higher distrust,” she said. Randall said she has been encouraging the use of the #melanatedandvaccinated hash tag to encourage the minority community to get vaccinated. Thomas also pointed out another vaccine myth—that the vaccine requires you to have health insurance, or will cost
money out of pocket. She said part of any successful rollout needs to be messaging or advertisements that communicates that the vaccine is free and requires no proof of insurance. Thomas also said that vaccines need to be better distributed in the community, perhaps with mobile units that can go into neighborhoods where minority populations live. She added that assuming everyone has the ability to go on the Internet to register for a vaccine is flawed thinking. “We’re depending on people to come to us. You have groups that won’t come to you,” she said. “Green cards or not, they’re not coming to you. [They’re thinking] are they going to ask me for ID? What about marginalized people that don’t have ID? If we want to take control and make sure the rollout is equitable we need to drive the bus.” Thomas encouraged the involvement of local faith leaders and places of worship in bringing together groups of people to get vaccinated. Going forward, Goodfriend said medical professionals are looking to see how the vaccines react to the different COVID variants that are circulating. He said it was too soon to tell whether individuals would need to get a booster shot annually, like the flu vaccine, to address new COVID variants. “You can fairly quickly modify what’s in a vaccine to meet the variants that come along,” he said. Goodfried said fewer people getting infected with COVID-19 will mean fewer variants, and encouraged continued masking and social distancing to slow the spread. n
FEBRUARY 25, 2021
Greenway tolls continued from page 1 for everyday commuters and for their business.” The Greenway is the only privately-owned highway in Virginia, and governed by a law that applies to no other road in the state. For roughly a decade it was governed by a temporary law that guaranteed annual toll increases, but limited them—a reaction to years of rapidly-escalating tolls. That legislation expired last year, putting the Greenway back under the it was meant to replace. The Greenway’s owners immediately filed with the state requesting five more years of annual toll increases, increasing rates more quickly than they have in the past decade. The State Corporation Commission, which rules on those requests, has not yet announced a decision in that case, although a hearing examiner’s report questioning some of the Greenway’s arguments informed the language in the new bill, its authors say. The real test for the proposed law, if it is signed, will be if the Greenway’s owners, Australian-based firm Atlas Arteria, continue to ask for higher tolls. Then, Loudoun County’s attorneys will try their luck fighting those tolls under the new law at the SCC. This year’s bill has many elements of bills introduced and killed every year since 2015 by then-Del. David I. Ramadan, Subramanyam’s predecessor. Even after leaving office, Ramadan stayed involved, helping assemble the coalition of lawmakers that pushed the bill this year. Ramadan recalled how over the years, he and others have worked on the issue through every avenue—legislation, seeking deals with the company, even a lawsuit. “Their lawyers and their lobbyists played every game in the book,” Ramadan said. “And when all avenues were exhausted, and when everybody that over the years that had come into this circle of stakeholders got at one point or another disappointed by them, finally we were able to put together a coalition this year of current and former legislators, along with the county, in a bipartisan manner.” The new bill, he said, for the first time gives the SCC parameters for ruling on the Greenway’s requests for higher tolls. The bill seeks to create measurable standards for evaluating whether proposed toll increases would discourage use. Under the law governing the Greenway, toll increases should not discourage
LOUDOUNNOW.COM its use. Many Loudouners already say they avoid Greenway tolls when they can. It also seeks to close the financing loopholes that today mean that instead of paying off its debt the Greenway, which cost several hundred million dollars to build and was finished in 1995, now has around a billion dollars in outstanding debt. It would require that refinancing its debt be done only if necessary to operate, maintain, or expand the road and will not increase toll rates. “None of that money has gone into maintenance or upgrades of the Dulles Greenway, has it?” said Franklin County Sen. William M. Stanley Jr. (R-20) in the Senate’s transportation committee Thursday, Feb. 18. “It’s just debt service they’ve piled onto it as a collateral asset.” If the Greenway seeks to stay privately owned beyond 2056, it must make financial disclosures and have at least a BBBbond rating from a major credit ratings agency, the lowest investment-grade rating. Currently none of the three major bond ratings agencies rate the Greenway that highly. And the bill would also restrict the Greenway to applying for toll increases one year at a time, something Subramanyam highlighted in particular. All that, said Loudoun Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles), another veteran of the Greenway tolls fight, means the county will have a better shot in the next tolls battle at the SCC. “The most important thing to me is that the firm grip that the Greenway and their lobbyists had on the General Assembly has now really been broken,” Letourneau said. “There was just this firewall in place for all of this time that prevented any kind of legislation on this topic from moving forward. That has now been broken, I think that is something that the Greenway is going to have to consider, because that’s always kind of been their backstop.” The only hurdle left will be if the governor decides to amend or veto the bill. “I call on the governor to stand with the people on this and sign this Subra-
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manyam and Bell bill as quickly as possible,” Ramadan said.
Greenway: Bill Will Increase Costs Hunton Andrews Kurth lobbyist Myles Louria argued in the Senate transportation committee the bill would increase costs for everyone. “What do yearly trips to the SCC for toll adjustments actually get you? Well, if you’re the SCC, it gets you a huge headache and a huge increase in the time and resources necessary to decide rate cases. If you’re the Greenway, it increases the costs associated with the SCC proceedings, which will unfortunately flow back to the toll road users in the form of increased tolls. And if you’re Loudoun County, it increases your costs associated with the SCC again,” Louria said. The Greenway until last year went to the SCC for toll increases every year. The five years of percent increases the Greenway is seeking now are several times higher each year than the toll increases it sought when it was going to the SCC annually. “It’s an equity issue. A lot of working families in my community and others in Loudoun County, they can’t afford to take the road, and it’s in many ways the only way to get to work every day,” Subramanyam told the committee. “They’re spending thousands of dollars. I know one person who said they spent $1,000 a month on the road.” The Greenway lobbyists’ influence— and other lawmakers’ level of awareness about Northern Virginia’s road network— was on display in committee discussion. Virginia Beach Sen. Bill DeSteph (R-8), who formerly lived in the region, suggested Rt. 28—which Subramanyam pointed out is mostly perpendicular to the Greenway—is a toll-free alternative route. He also suggested Loudoun County should buy the Greenway—”heck, I’m sure if you gave them a pretty decent return on investment, they’d be happy to sell it to you”—something the state has studied before, and found too expensive due to the
massive debt costs the Greenway has built. While Loudoun County has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into building or expanding Greenway alternatives—roads that are then turned over to the state, with road networks nominally a state responsibility—Sen. Jennifer B. Boysko pointed out there are still difficulties avoiding the Greenway. “I do live about a mile off of the toll road, and it can take me 20 minutes to get from the Town of Herndon to Leesburg if I take the Greenway. It will take me, if we have rush hour traffic, 45 minutes to an hour and a half, and I do have to go through neighborhoods to get into onto 28 and Rt. 7,” Boysko said.
Greenway-Backed Bill Dropped A separate bill that was supported by the Greenway was left in committee Thursday, Feb. 18. House Bill 2104 was presented as a Northam administration bill, and would have sidelined the State Corporation Commission and county by giving the administration carte blanche to negotiate and execute a new deal with the Greenway directly. It would also have exempted the Greenway, the county’s second-largest real estate taxpayer, from paying taxes. The Loudoun Board of Supervisors has voted unanimously to oppose the bill. Reid withdrew his support for the bill, although under questioning from committee members—”I’m being very serious, I’m looking for your preference on this,” said one member; “I’m to ask you straight out how you want me to go” said another—would not directly ask them to vote it down. “I think at this point in the discussions with the administration that it is probably not the Board of Supervisor’s desire that this bill go forward, and so therefore I am respectful of that,” Reid said. The committee voted to let the bill die in committee for the year 9-6. n
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