Loudoun Now for Feb. 29, 2024

As Data Centers Encroach, Arcola Neighbors Seek a Way Out

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.com

The county Planning Commission on Monday opted not to vote on an application to rezone a residential neighborhood to light or medium industrial after public comment by residents from two Arcola neighborhoods was divided.

One hundred people filled the audience with the majority speaking on the proposed change. Those in support of the rezoning were from residents and family members of the Hiddenwood neighborhood while those in opposition were from the Briarfield Estates neighborhood.

The application comes from the residents of Hiddenwood themselves. The collective property is made up of 20 parcels totaling 28.92 acres and falls within the Dulles District. The proposal would allow for up to 756,029 square feet of development and permit uses including offices, data centers, warehouses, and a utility substation.

Planning staff members recommended

denying the application.

“The primary concern is that county plans call for the area to be developed as residential neighborhoods with a walkable street pattern,” Planner Marshall Brown told the commission.

He said the countryside residential

‘Very Exciting’

zoning district caps nonresidential uses at 15% and envisions buildings no taller than four stories.

The application proffers an additional 100-foot building setback from surrounding residential homes, that substations would be no closer than 200 feet to resi-

Leesburg Council Approves Annexation Deal

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

The Leesburg Town Council on Tuesday closed a five-year battle with the county government with the unanimous approval of a settlement agreement that will bring a 402-acre commercial center—including a 323-acre Microsoft data center campus—into the town boundaries.

“This conversation started in 2018

and I thought it was going to be done, you know, in a couple of months,” Mayor Kelly Burk said. “So, five years later to finally have it done. It is very exciting.”

The expansion is expected to generate more than $10 million per year in new tax revenue as the property fully develops. That money, Burk and other council members said, will be used to lower taxes on residents and move forward with needed capital projects.

“One thing that I’m looking forward to once the papers are signed and the

dential homes, that 35.2% of the property would be retained as open space and additional architectural standards.

Brown said staff was recommending that the application include more detail

ENCROACHMENT continues on page 39

ink is dry and this thing is done is what we can do with the revenue that’s created from this from this venture,” Council member Zach Cummings said. “My aim as a council member is to ensure that our residents feel the direct benefit of this additional revenue so we can continue to grow our town and make it the best town in the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

The deal also includes the commitment for a $2 million annual payment from the county government in the form of an economic development grant. That money, subject to a 3% annual escalator, will be used to alter the town’s utility rate

ANNEXATION continues on page 39

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

A panoramic view shows the proximity of a data center under construction to the Briarfield Estates neighborhood in Arcola.

County Supervisors Briefed on $1.8B School Budget

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.com

Loudoun County Public Schools Superintendent Aaron Spence on Thursday presented the School Board’s $1.8 billion fiscal year 2025 budget to the Board of Supervisors.

The School Board adopted the budget Feb. 6 after holding three work sessions. The proposed budget includes a request for $1.3 billion in local tax funding and adds 285.1 full-time equivalent positions. The budget includes a $156 million increase over the current budget.

“This increase is supported by an increase of $25.4 million in state revenues and a county request of $131 million, which is $10 million over the county funding guidance,” Spence said.

During his presentation, Spence said a common question he has been asked is why the school system’s budget budget increase outpaced the system’s enrollment growth. The budget requests a 9.4% year-over-year spending increase in a year when fewer than 1,000 additional students, or roughly 1%, are expected.

“School divisions, to include LCPS for fiscal year 2025, are experiencing slow enrollment growth in some cases, no enrollment growth or even a loss of

enrollment, but even in that scenario, expenses will still increase,” Spence said.

He said additional costs are driven by salary increases, health premium increases, the opening of two new schools, ongoing initiatives, and resources to support changes in the English learner, special education and economically disadvantaged student numbers.

If the Board of Supervisors adopts the real property tax rate of 87.5 cents per $100 of assessed value proposed by County Administrator Tim Hemstreet, $121 million would go to LCPS, $10 million less than requested. If supervisors adopt an equalized tax rate, which would have bills on the same property remaining level, the division would be left with a $33 million gap.

During the Feb. 22 meeting, questions from supervisors focused on the number of high-level division staff members, enrollment growth and boundary line adjustments, and a proposed recovery high school being considered by the General Assembly.

Supervisor Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling), who did not attend the meeting but submitted a question via County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At

BUDGET REVIEW

continues on page 39

Damage Estimated at $2.5M as Fatal Home Explosion Investigation Continues

The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue’s Fire Marshal’s Office has concluded its on-site investigation of the Feb. 16 Sterling home explosion that killed one volunteer firefighter and injured 13 other people.

Preliminary findings during the ongoing origin and cause investigation have determined that the explosion was a result of a leak involving a 500-gallon underground propane tank. Uncontained propane migrated into and around the Silver Ridge Drive home. It is not yet known what ignited the gas.

The home in the Seneca Ridge neighborhood was destroyed. At least six other homes were damaged in the explosion; three were determined to be unsafe for occupancy. The Fire Marshal’s Office estimated damages at $2.5 million.

The incident will remain under investigation.

In light of the heightened public concern about gas leaks following the incident, the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System encourages residents to evacuate and call 911 if a gas leak is suspected.

Recommended preventative measures include having home propane systems and appliances installed, inspected, serviced, and repaired by propane retailers or qualified professionals; follow the manufacturer’s instructions and understand the warnings concerning the system and appliances; avoid running out of propane as that may create a serious safety hazard; knowing where underground gas lines and tanks are located; and protect regulators from the elements or insects by keeping them covered.

Leaks can be detected by hissing or blowing sounds, blowing dirt or drying vegetation, or the smell of rotten eggs.

For additional fire and life safety information, go to  loudoun.gov/firemarshal or call 703-737-8600. n

Third Injured Firefighter Goes Home

Firefighter Chris Kerkstra was released from the MedStar burn center on Feb. 21 after being injured in the Sterling home explosion that killed one firefighter and left 13 other people injured last week.

Kersktra became trapped in the basement of the home following the explosion and required an extensive tunneling operation to be reached by his fellow firefighters, according to a release by the Loudoun Career Fire Fighters Association.

“He was able to walk out on his own once he had a path out,” according to the release.

Brian Diamond, a Loudoun County Public Schools teacher, is the only remaining injured firefighter still hospitalized.

Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System Chief Keith Johnson said last week that he was being treated for second and third-degree burns in an Intensive Care Unit. n

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) and School Board Chair Melinda Mansfield (Dulles) attend a joint budget meeting Feb. 22.

Loudoun Career Fire Fighters Association Firefighter Chris Kerkstra at home after being released from the MedStar burn center following a Sterling home explosion Feb. 16.

Loudoun Proposed Policy Update Sharply Increases Cost of Development Assessments

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.com

The Board of Supervisors is working to update the county’s Capital Intensity Factors, the formula that calculates how much a new residential unit costs the county taxpayers for new government facilities.

The CIF is used when officials are evaluating and negotiating proffers associated with residential rezonings. The current CIF was adopted in 2018, and the county’s Fiscal Impact Committee has been working with county staff since 2022 to update it.

The proposed changes significantly increase the costs associated with new homes, but also seek to provide incentives for developers to build smaller—presumably more affordable homes—by offering proffer discounts.

Under the updated calculations, the typical single family detached home in eastern Loudoun would be expected to require $110,000 in general government and school facility costs, up from $47,500 under current policies. The figures are used to calculate the amount of proffers developers are expected to pay to offset the cost of their projects.

The Board of Supervisors’ finance committee recommended the board adopt the new CIF during a Nov. 14 meeting.

The new CIF includes recommendations in four areas: updates to the costs associated with standard and age-restricted housing, adding a category for urban multi-family attached housing, adding a by-size diferential formula, and replacing the regional roads contribution with a more general roads cost assessment.

The county is divided into five regions and 10 subareas where the cost of new development is evaluated, based in part on the availability of existing facilities, according to Demographic and Economic Analyst Beth Hilkemeyer during a Feb. 14 Board of Supervisors meeting.

“These regions allow for varying land costs and any geographical differences in the capital facility standards to be reflected in the CIF,” she said.

The proposed CIF would increase recommended capital facility proffers in all planning areas.

Recommended changes to the Standard and Age-Restricted CIF include updates

to construction and land costs since 2018, and updates to household sizes and student generation rates.

“The proposed Urban Multi-Family Attached CIF is calculated the same way as the Standard and the Age-Restricted CIF but uses assumptions that reflect the unique characteristics expected of multi-family units adjacent to the Ashburn Metrorail station,” Hilkemayer said.

She said that since detailed planning for urban-scale development area began in the early 2000s, the county staff had reasoned that units there would house fewer residents. In the past, proffers have taken that into account, but forming a specific area to reflect that would ensure that the standards are updated regularly. The change results in a $6,300 per unit reduction compared similar homes in eastern Loudoun.

Adding the By-Size Differential allows for a proffer of smaller unit sizes, changing the CIF calculation on a sliding scale.

“There’s been a concern that since the CIF is a flat number for each housing unit type, it could be a disincentive to building smaller and more affordable units,” Hilkemeyer said.

The sliding scale would allow developers to save $33 per square foot of reduction. For example, in the 2023 Standard CIF, a multi-family stacked unit in the Eastern zone is $51,000 at an average size of 2,100 square feet. If a developer built a unit at 1,500 square feet, it would result in a savings of $19,800 per unit.

The current CIF recommends a regional

road contribution of $6,000 regardless of unit type. The proposed 2023 CIF would replace that flat cost with a Roads CIF that would vary by unit type, but not location. The formula includes the cost per lane mile and number of trips generated by unit types.

The proposed 2023 CIF would result in the county collecting more from developers.

Currently, a single-family detached suburban unit in the eastern planning region has a CIF of $47,554 derived from a population per housing unit of 3.78, county cost per capita of $4,702, child per unit count of 1.07, and a school cost per child of $29,782. Under the proposed update, that same unit would have a CIF of $106,900 derived from a population per housing unit of 3.84, county cost per capita of $7,139, a child per unit of 1.13, and a school cost per child of $70,500.

A multi-family attached unit in the western planning region currently has a CIF of $9,323 with a population per housing unit of 1.97, county cost per capita of $1,944, child per unit of 0.23 and school cost per child of $23,885. If adopted, the new formula would result in that same unit with a CIF of $35,900 with a population per housing unit of 2.06, county cost per capita of $6,519, child per unit of 0.32 and school cost per child of $70,329.

Supervisor Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin) said that an increase in cost for developers translates to an increase in cost for home buyers. He asked if any study had been done to determine the impact of the proposed CIF on the cost of homes.

Management and Budget Director Megan Bourke said there had been discussions about that.

“That is why we are recommending new approaches to the capital intensity favor including the Urban MFA CIF which would reduce the CIF expected due to smaller units around the metro as well as the BySize Differential,” she said.

She said the changes should provide incentives—or at least not disincentivize— construction of smaller, more affordable units.

“I understand there are some stakeholder groups that aren’t fully convinced

COST OF ASSESSMENTS continues on page 5

ON THE Agenda

County Purchases 90-acre Parcel for Trail Extension

After two years of negotiations, the Board of Supervisors last week authorized the $5.5 million purchase a 90-acre parcel in Sterling that borders the Potomac River.

The property, located between the CountrySide and Broad Run Farms neighborhoods, is envisioned as a passive park space, according to Vice Chair Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) and will allow for an extension of the Potomac Heritage Trail. The trail currently crosses through portions of Algonkian Regional Park, Bles Park, Bazil Newman Riverfront Park, and Riverpoint Drive Trailhead.

“The goal with Potomac Heritage Trail is to eventually link it to our signature [linear parks and trails system] project, and/or get it to Bles Park with some kind of crossing at Broad Run and that just opens up a whole bunch more of trail connectivity,” Briskman said.

She said the property consists of mostly floodplains, which limits what the county can do with the land beyond parks and trails.

“There’s a little bit of area that’s above the floodplain that we could do something with, we just need to wait for Parks and Rec to come up with a plan,” Briskman said.

She said the property includes an old barn that she hopes will repurposed. There also is the possibility of providing a public canoe and kayak launch, she said.

“It all kind of remains to be seen,” she said. “I’m just really glad that we’ve got it now.”

The county’s Linear Parks and Trails System is based on a July 2021 approved plan to develop an interconnected, countywide system of connected trails that would provide recreation, alternative transportation, wildlife habitat, water quality protection, flood hazard protection, aquifer recharge, erosion prevention, property value enhancement, economic development and scenic beauty.

County Opens Survey, for Childcare Needs

Loudoun County families with young children and childcare

ON THE AGENDA continues on page 6

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) attends a meeting Feb. 22.

Cost of assessments

continued from page 4

of that, but I think this is an important step to achieve guidance that we got as part of the 2019 General Plan and I would imagine this would be continued discussion at the Fiscal Impact Committee,” Bourke said.

One of those groups is the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, which sent a white paper to the Board of Supervisors expressing concerns that the increases resulting from the proposed CIF would worsen housing affordability.

“The Chamber and its membership in the building and development industry have long held it is unreasonable to charge the same proffer fee for a 3,500 SF house as that for an 1,800 SF house. The ‘By-Size Differential CIF’ proposed by staff does little to address this,” the paper states.

The report states that the proposed CIF does not lower proffers for smaller units but increases the cost of residential units overall and “actually encourages larger units as there is little savings to the development community in providing smaller units, and thus larger units will be needed to reabsorb the increase costs of providing residential units.”

The Chamber instead, proposed a ninestep alternative approach that would include creating a Standard Credit System, a grandfathering policy, increased transparency on how fees are used, a regional childper-unit ratio study, using student generation ratio data for active developments, exempting below a certain area median income level, reducing CIF costs for affordable dwelling units, creating uniformity in policies governing residential development in urban areas and changing the timing of CIF payments.

Vice Chair Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) said she didn’t know if they were incentivizing smaller units enough and asked if there could be a higher cost for units larger than the average size.

Bourke said they had considered that approach, but that typically the CIF dealt with average sizes.

“The By-Size Differential depends on a developer proffering a smaller than average square foot. If that square foot is not proffered to be less than the average, then they would be expected to full mitigate their impacts. So, I’m not sure there would be an incentive to proffer greater square footage because it’s based on an average,” Bourke said.

“I don’t believe we’re going to get to our housing attainable goals just with affordable by design,” County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) said. “It’s just impossible and I’m going to assume that a family of four, a family of six, may want to own a home one day also. And they’re going to buy a very small home that won’t be able to accommodate their families. And so, I think at some point if we’re serious about attainable homes, we’re just going to have to bite the bullet and do that and not just try to do it by the affordable by design.”

Supervisor Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) said it was easy to get caught up in whether the By-Size CIF was an incentive or disincentive, but that in reality, it is “an objective metric to how much infrastructure costs are associated with new construction.”

He said he thought the proposed formula was an accurate representation of the infrastructure costs.

“That objective measure is important for us to have,” Turner said.

Supervisor Laura A. TeKrony (D-Little River) said she opposed the Roads CIF because road, right-of-way and land costs are increasing.

“Decreasing the Road CIF increases the cost burden to the taxpayers for improvements that are needed to support the additional vehicle trips,” she said.

During the Feb. 14 meeting, supervisors held a public hearing on the proposed CIF, but no community members spoke. The board is expected to vote on the CIF at its March 19 meeting. n

Glenn William Forester

Glenn William Forester, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at the Alexandria Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Alexandria. Born on August 4, 1943, in Washington, D.C., Glenn was the beloved son of Robert and Marget (Dell) Forester. He was a proud Montgomery Blair High School graduate and served his country with distinction as an MP in the US Army in Germany.

Glenn found love and companionship in Christine Melnick, whom he married on September 18, 1971, in Baltimore, Maryland. His professional life was dedicated to a career in sales, where he was known for his charismatic personality and unwavering integrity.

Glenn’s life was rich with the love of his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Christine, and their three children: Glenn M. Forester and wife Leslie Arnold of Alexandria, Virginia; Kate Forester of South Riding, Virginia; and Jason Forester and wife Sherry of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. He was a doting grandfather to William, Colette, Lola, and Conrad, who will miss his warmth and wisdom. Glenn was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert (Bob) Forester.

Please join us as we come together to honor and celebrate Glenn’s life on Saturday, March 9, at 3:00 pm at the Arcola United Methodist Church in Aldie, Virginia. In keeping with his love for nature, a private burial will occur at Camp Highroad EcoEternity Forest.

Glenn’s kindness extended beyond his family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his honor to Capital Caring Health (capitalcaring.org/donate) or the American Diabetes Association.

Obituaries

Charles Riley Barger, Jr.

Charles Riley Barger, Jr. - affectionately known as “Skip” to all his family and friends, died on February 17, 2024, in his Hillsboro, VA, home surrounded by his children and fiancé. He was 81 years old. Skip was born on June 14, 1942, in Frederick, MD. He was the oldest of two children born to Charles Barger, Sr, and Lena Jenkins Barger. Skip attended Brunswick High School and graduated in 1960. While there, he played soccer and baseball, and he enjoyed all sports. He joined the United States Air Force (1960-1964) and was stationed in Bermuda at Kindley Air Force Base (1961-1962) and Reno, NV, at Stead Air Force Base (1962-1964). He became an Air Force Reservist from 1964-1966. After his military service, he worked his way up through the ranks of the construction business. He started as a trim carpenter and eventually became a project manager. He was part of the crew that built the Wolf Trap Filene Center in Fairfax, VA. Skip worked for a brief time on the B&O Railroad in Brunswick, MD, as a brakeman. He then went to work for Hechinger’s as a Building Expert, and eventually moved on to become a Loudoun County Building Inspector in 1996. Skip retired from his career as a Loudoun County Building Inspector. He loved sharing the knowledge of his craft and built lifelong friendships with his coworkers. Skip even made time to volunteer as an EMT with the Purcellville Rescue Squad many years ago. Skip loved hunting, fishing, gardening, and music. He played many instruments including guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin and was also a singer in a band. He enjoyed being outdoors and spending time with friends and family. He built lifelong friendships at the Back Creek Hunt Club. One of his favorite activities was fishing on charter boats with his friends and family. He took pride in his vegetable garden each year and produced and canned food throughout his years. Skip never met a stranger and was loved by many. He loved telling stories of his past, was quick with a joke, and had a lively personality. In 1966 he married Joyce (Wilt) Barger and had 3 children, Kevin (Bootsie) Giroux, Karen Mengel and Christopher Barger. Joyce passed away in 1997. Skip then had a committed relationship with Margie Jensen for over 15 years until his death. He is survived by his children, Bootsie Giroux (Tim), Karen Mengel (David) and Christopher Barger (Jennifer), his grandchildren Kyle

Giroux (Carley), Sydney Giroux, Andrew Mengel, Margaret Mengel, and Bradley Barger, his fiancé Margie Jensen, and his brother Martin Barger, and many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Bryon Barger, Kyle Giroux, Tim Giroux, Andrew Mengel, David Mengel and Ryan Sapp. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lovettsville Fire and Rescue in Lovettsville, VA. Visitation: Hall Funeral Home, Purcellville, VA - Friday, February 23, 2024, 6pm-8pm Funeral: Hall Funeral Home, Purcellville, VA - Saturday, February 24, 2024, 11am Graveside Service following at Union Cemetery in Lovettsville, VA Light fare reception at the Lovettsville Game Protective Association, 1pm Arrangements by Hall Funeral Home, Purcellville, VA.

Michael Douglas Robinson, 55 of Ashburn, Virginia died on Friday, February 23, 2024, at his home in Ashburn, Virginia. Born Monday, January 20, 1969, in Hampton, Virginia, he was the son of the late Arthur J. Robinson Jr. and Gladys (Canady) Robinson. Michael is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Grace Karikari Robinson; son, Michael Douglas Robinson, Jr., daughter, Kasie Robinson, brother, Arthur J. ROBINSON, III (Sheldonna), sister, Jacqueline M. Robinson, as well as niece and nephew, Nicole Robinson and Arthur J. Robinson IV. For funeral service information and online condolences please go to www.Loudounfuneralchapel.com.

To place an obituary, contact Susan Styer at 703-770-9723 or email sstyer@loudounnow.com

ON THE Agenda

continued from page 4

providers are eligible to participate in a survey and focus groups intended to help better inform the county’s efforts to support the childcare needs of the community.

The survey and focus groups are part of the county’s Child Care Needs Assessment, which is exploring issues related to affordable, high-quality childcare in Loudoun County.

The Child Care Needs Assessment Survey will be open through March 14. Its purposes is to find the biggest challenges for families in identifying, accessing and paying for child care services in Loudoun County and the biggest challenges childcare providers face in supplying affordable, high-quality services for children from birth to five years old.

Loudoun childcare providers and families with children five years old and younger may also participate in focus groups scheduled for March. There will be in-person and virtual options.

Details about the focus groups, including exact dates and times, as well as links to sign-up forms will be posted at  loudoun.gov/childcareneeds.

Housing Voucher Program Opens for At-Risk Young Adults

Loudoun County is launching a Foster Youth to Independence Initiative on March 1, with the creation of a targeted Housing Choice Voucher Program waitlist for young adults who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.

The Foster Youth to Independence Initiative is a special-purpose voucher funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to expand the availability of housing assistance to young adults with a history of foster care. The program pays a portion of participants’ monthly rent based on household income for up to 36 months. After that, participants may receive continued assistance under the general Housing Choice Voucher program, depending on budget availability and continued participant eligibility.

The program led by the county’s Department of Family Services, which assesses eligibility, and the Department of Housing & Community Development, which allocates the vouchers.

Learn more at loudoun.gov/hcv. Those interested in entering the program must begin by contacting the Department of Family Services at 703-737-8824.  n

Michael Douglas Robinson

AROUND towns Leesburg

Village at Leesburg Data Center Wins Approval

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

The Leesburg Town Council on Tuesday approved the town’s first data center project—a controversial one on the town’s eastern boundary.

The action follows more than five months of work with the applicants to address a variety of concerns with the 33acre, 54MW project. That work continued Tuesday night as the developer offered additional commitments for more buffering, greater noise attenuation, and detailed architectural features prior to the council’s public hearing.

The property is part of the original Village at Leesburg rezoning approved two decades ago. As part of that review, the owners agreed to limit what types of uses could be developed on the property, which

is zoned I-1 (industrial) and is situated between a major power line and a quarry. Over the years, the developer sought approval to build residential uses on the property, but those applications were opposed by town leaders. The council’s vote added data centers and electrical substations to the list of the uses permitted under the property’s current zoning.

The project was strongly opposed by residents in the Village Walk neighborhood, located west of the data center site on the other side of Crosstrail Boulevard. Opponents raised concerns about the impacts of the project, especially the potential for constant noise. Speakers also cited worries about the project’s demand for water, the available power capacity, years of construction, and the potential impact on their property values.

The town’s planning staff and the

Planning Commission recommended approval of the project, finding that it complied with the town’s planning policies.

In the end, most council members agreed.

Council member Ara Bagdasarian said he took a field trip to Prince William County to talk with residents living near data centers there and also visited Ashburn neighborhoods. He said residents told him that it was noisy during construction, but they were not disturbed by the ongoing operations.

“We also need to adhere to the town plan in this area. I mean, prior to a few weeks ago, this certainly looked like an ideal location for a data center being an industrial area. … We denied the rezoning for residential a few years ago because it’s

Council Supports Continued Study of Arts Center Plan

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

Dreams of building a performing arts center in downtown Leesburg remain alive.

The Leesburg Town Council on Monday was briefed on the status of plans to redevelop the town-owned Liberty Street parking lot and an adjacent parcel to include a 40,000-square-foot, 500-seat performance venue/conference center, a 50to 65-unit affordable housing community for senior citizens, and a 75-room hotel.

The project has been under study for nearly a year after the council agreed to consider a public-private partnership proposal submitted by a group of developers.

A key challenge to the project has been the reuse of the parking lot area, which sits atop a former municipal dump site. The original proposal hinged on the town government paying to remove the buried trash. The town commissioned a study last year to determine the cost of remediating the property, yielding a $16 million estimate. No town council member has pushed to move ahead with that cleanup.

Council Approves $113M Bond Issue

The Town Council on Tuesday approved a general obligation bond issue of up to $113 million as part of a package that provides funding for the Police Station expansion and new Town Shop, planned utility projects and debt refinancing.

The package was assembled with the advice of the town’s financial advisor Davenport & Company as part of a long-stability strategy.

The bond sale is expected to close in March.

Spring Bling Craft Show on Saturday at Ida Lee

Leesburg’s Department of Parks and Recreation will hold the 27th annual Spring Bling, A Hometown Fine Arts & Crafts Show, on Saturday, March 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event will be held at Ida Lee Park Recreation Center in the main hallway, basketball courts, and aerobics room.

Handcrafted items will be on display from more than 70 local and regional artisans.

Admission to the show and parking is free.

For more information, call the Recreation Center at 703-777-1368 or go to idalee.org.

Balch Author Talk: The Fate of the Foulks

Thomas Balch Library will host author Diane Helentjaris for a discussion of, “Captured! The Fate of the Foulks,” on Sunday, March 3 beginning at 2 p.m.

Not everyone who bought one of the first plots when Leesburg was platted in the 1700s built their “forever home.” The William Foulks family left for the Pennsylvania frontier—a land forbidden to American settlers at the time—and paid dearly for their decision.

The project study group, which includes Vice Mayor Neil Steinberg and Council member Ara Bagdasarian along with the developers and town staff members, has met with experts with experience in operating performance and convention

centers to determine how one would best operate in Leesburg, and reviewed a fiscal impact study that showed the project

Helentjaris will share the story of William and Ann Foulks and their children, including Leesburg-born George and Elizabeth. The book will be available for purchase at the event.  Pre-registration is required for this event. Call 703-737-7195 or email balchlib@leesburgva.gov.  n

The Town of Leesburg’s Liberty Lot Public Private Partnership Work Group is examining for layout options for the proposed complex of a performing arts center (yellow), hotel (white) and affordable senior housing (blue) along Church Street and the town’s Liberty Street parking lot.

Data center

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really not inhabitable on a long-term basis,” Bagdasarian said.

“My number one concern is quantifying and qualifying if there is an adverse impact because I understand nobody wants a data center in their backyard. It’s just, it’s a given. I totally understand that,” he said.

Vice Mayor Neil Steinberg said the town is being careful in its consideration of data center projects.

“I know this is a difficult decision and not a popular one for those of you who are living next to the site where this data center may occur,” he said. “I would offer though,

Arts Center

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would provide an annual economic benefit to the town of more than $500,000, especially in the growth of tourism-related taxes.

During Monday’s briefing, the group provided additional development options that focus on building on top of the dump site, rather than removing the material.

Under those options, the landfill area would be used for a performance center with parking below or just for a two- or three-level parking garage. The group has concluded that neither the senior housing project nor the hotel would be feasible atop the landfill. The alternative plans include the possibility that only one or neither of those uses could be accommodated on the adjacent lot.

There has been strong support for the downtown senior housing project, which affordable housing developer Kim Hart said he was confident could be financed. The hotel, proposed by developer Don Knutson, is seen as a critical component of the art center/conference center project and as a key revenue generator.

The group also is eyeing the creation of a town parking authority that would finance the construction of parking garage with up to 360 spaces, estimated to cost $13 million. A bill permitting the town to establish an authority has been approved in the General Assembly and awaits the governor’s signature.

The conference center is projected to cost $30 million to construct, with donors and grants expected to cover a significant portion. The town would own and maintain the building and its operations would

unlike Loudoun County, Leesburg is doing things differently. If only the county had devoted the same time and focus on detail that we have for this one data center, the entire county would have been much better served than it is today.”

Council member Zach Cummings was among the members who said the property was ideally suited for a data center.

“It is not an easy conversation because this affects residents. But when I look at the land here, it’s an industrial use around it—it’s a quarry. It’s a concrete plant, there’s 500kV electric lines running above it. It’s certainly not a hospitable place for a home,” he said. “… As a representative of the entire time of Leesburg, I will be supporting this application, because I think it does benefit

be managed by a contract operator, under the current proposal.

On Monday, council members agreed to let the study group continue to flesh out the details.

“Did we find a deal killer? Not yet,” Hart told the council.

Steinberg said the work group discussion has been an “exciting kind of process,” but acknowledged that there was more work to be done to determine the feasibility of the project.

Mayor Kelly Burk said she was concerned about having the town own the performance center, the impact the project could have on surrounding neighborhoods and streets, and the possibility of town investment beyond simply donating the land for the project.

Still, she supported continued study. “I’m not ready to pull the plug on this,” she said.

Peter Burnett, a leader of the development team, compared the discussions being had on the downtown performance center project with those made by the Town Council in the late 1980s to build the Town Hall complex and the Ida Lee Park Recreation Center, both big investments that proved transformational to the town.

“I believe the hotel and the theater will be a dramatic change for downtown,” Burnett said.

He said the next steps will be to scrutinize the four concept plans to determine which emerges as the best alternative and to delve deeper into options to finance the project, including how a parking authority could be structured.

“There’s no deal killers here. That’s not to say there are not challenges,” Burnett said. “We’ve got further work to do.” n

the entire town, both financially and in using land industrial land for industrial uses.”

Burk said the council’s vote could have ramifications in an election year, but she was confident they were doing the right thing.

“You have every right after the vote, if it doesn’t go your way, to create opposition and do whatever you want. That’s, that’s a democratic process,” she said. “But we have spent a great deal of time on this project. I’ve gone to the site. I’ve stood on that hill. I’ve listened to the trucks driving by that was surprising to me how loud and disrup-

tive those trucks are. I have talked to the vendor, the applicant, about what we want, and what we’re looking for. We are not the county and our data center that we’re putting up there is not going to be like the county.”

“There are very few places that I would be comfortable putting a data center there. This is one of them,” Burk said.

Council member Kari Nacy cast the lone vote in opposition to the approval. She said the concerns expressed by the neighbors outweighed other considerations. n

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PROPOSED REAL PROPERTY TAX INCREASE

The Town of Leesburg proposes to increase real property tax levies.

1. Assessment Increase: Total assessed value of real property, excluding additional assessments due to new construction or improvements to property, exceeds last year’s total assessed value of real property by 4.66 percent.

2. Lowered Rate Necessary to Offset Increased Assessment: The tax rate which would levy the same amount of real estate tax as last year, when multiplied by the new total assessed value of real estate with the exclusions mentioned above, would be $0.1695 per $100 of assessed value. This rate will be known as the “lowered tax rate” or “equalized tax rate.”

3. Effective Rate Increase: The Town of Leesburg proposes to adopt a tax rate of $0.1874 per $100 of assessed value. The difference between the equalized tax rate and the proposed rate would be $0.0179 per $100, or 10.56 percent. This difference will be known as the “effective tax rate increase.”

Individual property taxes may, however, increase at a percentage greater than or less than the above percentage, depending upon the type of dwelling and individual property assessments.

4. Proposed Total Budget Increase: Based on the proposed real property tax rate and changes in other revenues, the total General Fund budget of the Town of Leesburg will exceed last year’s by 4.05 percent. The proposed total budget (all funds) of the Town of Leesburg will fall below last year’s by 0.83 percent.

The Town Manager’s proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget is based on an unchanged real property tax rate of $0.1774 per $100 assessed value.

A public hearing on the proposed real property effective tax rate increase will be held by the Leesburg Town Council on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chamber, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA, at which time any resident of the town shall have the right to provide written and oral comments on the proposed real property effective tax rate. If the public hearing is canceled for any unforeseen reason, the public hearing will be held during the next Town Council regular business meeting.

People 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.

2/29/24

Education SCHOOL notebook

Judge Upholds Decision to Keep Transferred Student from Sports Partipication

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

A Loudoun Circuit Court judge on Monday denied a petition by a high school senior who transferred schools because of bullying to play sports at her new school.

Judge James L. Fleming Jr. issued the ruling in the case of Lily Sigler who had asked the court to allow her to try out for the Independence High School lacrosse team.

Lily transferred schools at the end of the 2022-2023 school year for mental health reasons because of ongoing bullying. She was granted special permission to transfer based on that reason but was later denied an athletic waiver to play sports at the new school. She appealed that decision to a three-person School Board committee, which also denied the request. Her mother, Lauren Sigler, filed an emergency restraining order at the end of January asking a judge to allow her to try out for the team.

Fleming heard the case Feb. 23.

In his ruling, Fleming said he used four factors—likelihood of success on the merits, irreparable harm, balance of equities, and public interest—required for granting a temporary injunction as the basis for denying Sigler’s request. Both Sigler’s lawyer Debra Rose, a former School Board member, and the School Board’s lawyer, John Cafferky, used the factors, taken from a

temporary restraining order was unlikely to succeed, including that Sigler’s request did not show facts that the committee’s decision was an “action of the school board.”

Fleming also agreed with Cafferky’s argument Friday that Sigler did not establish she “has been deprived of life, liberty or property” and that participation in interscholastic activities, like sports, is not a protected right.

“Accordingly, because the petitioner’s amended complaint does not identify any specific right protected by due process, her likelihood of success on the merits is not high,” the opinion stated.

Fleming wrote that he agreed with the argument made by Cafferky that the School Board has a unique status under the Virginia Constitution that states school boards are responsible for the supervision of the schools and the provision “invalidates governmental acts” that try to remove that authority.

Fleming said the courts defer to a school board’s decision as long as it doesn’t exceed that authority or “act arbitrarily or capriciously.”

Schools, Police to Offer Canine Drug Scans of High Schools

A partnership between Loudoun County Public Schools, the Sheriff ’s Office and Leesburg Police will mean drug sniffing dogs will be randomly brought into high schools to conduct drug sweeps beginning as early as March.

“With the increase in awareness of possible substance use by students, as well as the increase in suspected drug overdoses in our schools and community, LCPS and its law enforcement partners are identifying multiple intervention and prevention strategies to protect students,” according to an announcement.

Random canine drug sweeps are one of those ways according to the announcement.

2008 case in their arguments.

Fleming said three of the four factors weighed “more heavily in favor of denying” the request for injunctive relief.

He listed several reasons he felt Sigler’s request for a preliminary injunction and

“The Virginia Supreme Court has held that actions of a school board are “arbitrary and capricious when they are ‘willful and unreasonable’ and taken ‘without

TRANSFERRED STUDENT

continues on page 13

Hazing Bill Passes House, Heads to Governor’s Desk

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

A week before the third anniversary of the hazing death of Adam Oakes, a bill in his honor that establishes an education program to prevent hazing in all Virginia High Schools passed the Virginia House of Delegates and will now head to the governor’s desk.

The same bill, SB 379, sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-38) passed unanimously in the Senate a few weeks ago, was created to bring awareness and education on hazing to high school students after the 2021 death of the Potomac Falls

High School graduate.

Oakes died Feb. 27, 2021 in a hazing incident at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Oakes’ father Eric and cousin Courtney White worked with Boysko to get Adams Law passed in 2022 which requires universities to provide extensive in-person education and information on hazing to all members and new members of student organizations.

Since then, White, an educator for over 18 years finished her doctoral degree and created a research-based hazing preven-

HAZING BILL

continues on page 14

“Working closely with law enforcement and leveraging this added layer of prevention helps to keep our spaces safe. By teaming up, we’re making sure our schools stay focused on creating a positive environment for every student,” Superintendent Aaron Spence said. “Together, we can ensure that our educational spaces remain sanctuaries for growth where our students and staff feel protected.”

Canine sweeps will be done so as to minimize disruption to learning and will take place randomly and without advance notice, with families getting information in a community message after one takes place.

“The LCSO is working aggressively with LCPS to keep dangerous substances out of our schools and communities,” Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman said. “More student and community awareness of the danger, coupled with greater deterrence, are key to our long-term success and I am hopeful that the use of canine scans will help.”

Drug possession, use and distribution are not tolerated in LCPS, according to division policy. Consequences will be “consistently applied and LCPS will continue to provide support for students and families struggling with substance abuse,” according to the announcement.

Go to lcps.org/opioid for resources on substance abuse. n

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now High school senior Lily Sigler asked a Loudoun Circuit Court Judge to grant her the ability to try out for her high school lacrosse team. She transferred schools because of bullying but was denied an athletic waiver to participate in sports.

Adam Oakes

School Board Establishes Collective Bargaining Committee

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

A nine-person committee on collective bargaining was created by members of the Loudoun County School Board on Feb. 22 to further develop the scope of a collective bargaining resolution.

The joint committee will consist of Neelum Chaudhry, principal of Freedom High School and Holly Jermyn, thirdgrade teacher at Mill Run Elementary School both appointed by Superintendent Aaron Spence; LEA President Sandy Sullivan and Vice President Cory Brunet, LEA

representative and teacher Charles Hansen, all selected by Sullivan; Chief Financial Officer Sharon Willoughby and Chief Human Resources Officer Lisa Boland; and School Board members Anne Donohue (At-Large) and Sumera Rashid (Little River).

Donohue will serve as the board liaison to the committee.

A third-party facilitator has also been chosen at no cost, however the name was not given during the Legislative Audit & Policy Committee meeting Feb. 22.

Chief of Staff Daniel Smith said Division Counsel Wesley Allen recommended

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the service based on the recommendations from other school divisions.

Smith said he understood the facilitator could not begin the work until April, but said the committee could start meeting earlier to establish protocols.

Sullivan expressed concern about waiting until April to get the committee together.

“The committee needs to be pulled together well before April so we can start our norms and layout our meeting schedule then be ready to be up and running by the time the third party is available,” she said.

Sullivan said the next steps are to contact each of the newly appointed committee members to coordinate schedules.

During the final meeting of its term, the previous School Board punted the adoption of a collective bargaining agreement, instead voting to recommend the incoming board form a committee of School Board members, administrators, Loudoun Education Association board members and school-based staff to discuss eight items of concern raised by the LEA in a Dec. 7 letter to the board.

The LA&P Committee on Jan. 25 voted to move forward with that plan. n

Pursuant to Section 58.1-3321 of the Code of Virginia, the LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD

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SUPERVISORS will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room, Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 1st Floor, Leesburg, Virginia 20175 at 6:00 P.M. on March 19, 2024, in order to consider a proposed increase to real property tax levies.

The County of Loudoun proposes to increase real property tax levies as follows:

1. Assessment Increase: Total assessed value of real property, excluding additional assessments due to new construction or improvements to property, exceeds last year’s total assessed value of real property by 8.7 percent.

2. Lowered Rate Necessary to Offset Increased Assessment: The tax rate which would levy the same amount of real estate tax as last year, when multiplied by the new total assessed value of real estate with the exclusions mentioned above, would be $0.805 per $100 of assessed value. This rate will be known as the “lowered tax rate.”

3. Effective Rate Increase: The County of Loudoun proposes to adopt a tax rate not to exceed $0.885 per $100 of assessed value. The difference between the lowered tax rate and the maximum proposed rate would be $0.080 per $100, or 9.9 percent. This difference will be known as the “effective tax rate increase.”

Individual property taxes may, however, increase at a percentage greater than or less than the above percentage.

4. Proposed Total Budget Increase: Based on the maximum proposed real property tax rate and changes in other revenues, the total budget of the County of Loudoun will exceed last year’s by 18 percent.

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.

Members of the public desiring to do so may appear and present their views regarding those matters listed for public hearing. Members of the public who wish to provide public input, whether electronically or in person, are encouraged to sign-up in advance; however, speakers may sign-up during the public hearing. If you wish to sign-up in advance, call the Office of the County Administrator at (703) 7770200. For this public hearing, advanced sign-up will begin at 8:30 a.m. on March 15, 2024, and close at 12:00 p.m. on March 19, 2024. Citizens will also have the option to sign-up during the public hearing. Written comments are welcomed at any time and may be sent to the Board of Supervisors, P.O. Box 7000, Leesburg, Virginia, 20177 or by e-mail to loudounbudget@loudoun.gov. If submitting written comments, information or materials at the hearing, 10 copies should be provided for distribution to the Board members and for the Clerk’s records.

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/ TTY-711. 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

School Board Committee Reviews New Park View HS Design

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

The new Park View High School will be three stories high—the first high school in the county to have that design— and feature lots of natural light within its 295,000-square-foot building, according to division Director of Construction Joseph Pascarelli.

Pascarelli presented the schematic design to the School Board’s Finance & Operations Committee on Feb. 20.

The presentation comes after several months of meetings with the Park View community to gather input on what residents want to see in the school and which specialized educational programs should be offered.

Surveys from the Park View cluster conducted in October 2023 to gauge interest in different programs showed 38% of students surveyed were interested in culinary arts, 35% were interested in sports medicine and athletic training, 31% were interested in cosmetology, and 29% expressed an interest in nursing.

According to a Feb. 5 presentation, a culinary arts program was recommended by the staff with the potential to add two health science pathways—sports medicine and surgical and sterile processing technician programs—as part of Career and Technical Education programs for the school.

According to Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Neil Slevin, other CTE programs under consideration like automotive, cosmetology and an expanded cyber security program were not recommended.

“The community did provide input and had questions about Sports Medicine, so we are working with the school administration to review options. We anticipate that all current CTE programs at Park View will remain in the new building,” he said.

Once the specialized programs are solidified, spaces for those programs will be assigned.

The first floor will feature administration offices, including counseling and a health clinic at the entrance, music rooms, an auditorium, and two gyms situated nearest to the athletic fields, a cafeteria with a senior court and school garden nearby, special education classrooms and CTE classrooms including an early childhood development playground.

The second floor will feature classrooms, computer labs, and resource rooms

and an art and science area with access to a second floor outside terrace, a gym observation area, and a media center with natural light above the main entrance of the school.

The third floor will feature additional classrooms, workrooms and resource rooms.

The site features over 700 parking spaces, keeps three access points to the school—including one the community wanted at West Juniper Ave—a separate bus loop, a centralized entrance to the athletic fields with a ticket booth and concessions/restrooms, all turf fields, two multi-purpose fields, a marching band observation tower and storage building, and a north/south facing football stadium, which was preferred over the current east/west facing stadium.

The replacement project involves an estimated 295,000-square-foot building for 1,800 students in ninth through 12th grade and includes the construction of the new school, stadium, and athletic fields.

The plan is to build the new school where the current athletic fields are. The new school is expected to open to students in fall 2027. The division will raze the existing building and begin work on new athletic fields that are expected to be complete for the 2028-2029 school year.

Administrators are looking at alterna-

tive field options for the students to use for the four years their fields will be out of commission.

Pascarelli said one plan is to add turf fields at Seneca Ridge Middle School to be used starting in 2024. He said turf fields already are included in the Capital Improvement Plan for future years.

“The thought would be, we would build this field at the middle school, use it for Park View in the interim period then it would be given to Dominion [High School] as their second practice field once Park View has their fields completed,” he said.

Chief Operations Officer Kevin Lewis said the division has looked at multiple scenarios to accommodate the athletics program during construction. He said they were adding the field to the Park View project, which means funding for it would come out of the project.

He said the field at Seneca Ridge will include lights and a track to give students what they need to practice.

“These students are going be displaced for four years so we are trying to find a way for that to not have a huge impact on their programs and their interest in playing sports and activities after school,” Lewis said.

Construction on Park View High School is set to begin this fall and Lewis wanted to

get the field project going so students had a “place to go” at that time.

Committee Chair and School Board Vice Chair Arben Istrefi (Sterling) said he attended the community meetings and shared the “wow” the community members felt at seeing the design. He asked that the same energy be put into designing the school through community input also be used in addressing the fields concerns.

The next meeting will be held in March or April with the final design and pre-construction presentation for the community in June or July, according to the Feb. 5 presentation.

In November 2022, during the FY2024FY2029 Capital Improvement Program presentation, then Superintendent Scott Ziegler recommended the school be replaced, rather than renovated after months of comments from teachers and students asking that the school be rebuilt.

At the time the 46 year old school was set to undergo a $42 million improvement project with design funding set for 2023 and construction set to begin in 2024.

The School Board approved the $1.3 billion six year construction budget, with $221.7 million allocated for Park View. The CIP also included funding for renovations for Waterford and Banneker Elementary schools. n

LCPS

A rendering of the proposed reconstruction of the Park View High School campus.

Transferred student

continued from page 10

consideration of or in disregard of fact or law or without determining principle,’” the opinion stated.

Fleming stated under this analysis the three-member committee’s decision was not arbitrary or capricious.

Fleming also said there was no evidence there would be irreparable harm if Sigler didn’t play on her high school team, agreeing again with Cafferky that she could play on a club team or recreationally to alleviate harm.

He stated Sigler’s petition failed to show that the balance of equities was in her favor because the School Board has a vested interest in the management of its schools and a vested interest in “maintaining a consistent and equitable system for considering athletic eligibility requests.”

For the final element, Fleming said he believed the public interest was in favor of denying the request for temporary injunctive relief because granting it violates the School Board’s supervision of the schools outlined in the Virginia Constitution.

“The School Board states it uses an undue hardship standard in considering eligibility wavier requests, and that the VHSL does not require it to apply a specific standard otherwise,” the opinion stated also saying the standard serves the public interest in “discouraging transfers for athletic reasons.”

Fleming said considering all the factors required for granting a temporary injunction and “traditional equity considerations” he denied the temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction.

Lauren Sigler said the family was disappointed in the ruling.

“The first big thing is this should worry Loudoun County for a couple of reasons. One is that a three-member committee isn’t necessarily subject to review,” she said. “Second, Loudoun County residents, especially with children should worry. They paid a lawyer to argue that their interest in competitive athletic balance was more important than student mental health, and that is not OK.”

She said according to the standards being applied for transfers within the county, that means students who have experienced undue hardship like divorce and a broken home, death of a parent, abandonment or other emergency reasons should be the only ones eligible to transfer

schools and still play sports.

“The only people who can pay outside of their home zone are those kids. That is not what is happening in Loudoun County. Anyone paying attention to sports in Loudoun County knows that is not happening,” she said.

Lauren said their hope now is the School Board.

“The only people who can help her are the School Board. The time has run out on the legal stuff for Lily,” she said. “We won’t stop until we get an answer from the School Board. Someone is going to have to speak to us instead of hiding behind legal documents.”

Last week, Del. Geary Higgins (R30) wrote a letter to the School Board in support of Sigler’s request for an athletic waiver.

Higgins, a former Loudoun County School Board member said in the letter he couldn’t see a “valid reason” why the division would pursue this course of action “when allowing her to play would not violate any VHSL rule or written policy of the Loudoun County Public Schools.”

Higgins stated in his letter he was “very disappointed” to hear the School Board

was unable to resolve the issue without involving the court.

“We have been told that neither the board nor the Superintendent can change the “final” ruling and that no one at LCPS can discuss the matter, because it is pending litigation. The fact is, the School Board does possess the ability to reverse course and grant this wavier, as soon as today,” he said Feb. 22.

The Siglers said they are evaluating their next steps and the family spoke at the Feb. 27 School Board meeting.

“We don’t want other kids to suffer and other kids are suffering because this is the attitude the division has taken and the bully’s win. This is what you should take from their fight against Lily, that bullies always win,” she said.

According to VHSL policy, the governing body of high school sports in Virginia, students can’t participate in sports or activities for 365 days if they transfer schools unless the transfer is for a family move.  However, there is a subsection that states a School Board or superintendent may transfer a student within the school division without affecting the student’s eligibility by granting the waiver of the

Transfer Rule. The subsection lists the welfare of the student can be considered and includes direction that minutes and information from School Boards granting the transfer should be included in the Master Eligibility List of all teams.

The family believes the division only applied the rule around undue hardship, which Lily didn’t qualify for instead of the subsection that mentioned the welfare of the student. They have asked the new School Board to hear their case with this subsection, which takes into account a student’s mental health, in the hopes it will allow Lily to play lacrosse and participate in other school activities during her final months of school.

The criteria for transferring schools is meant to discourage recruiting and transfers for athletic or activity reasons and to encourage students to stay enrolled at their home school, according to the VHSL.

The school division’s website states it’s the responsibility of the parents to understand what the implications are before transferring a student. n

Hazing bill

continued from page 10

tion curriculum in Adams’s memory. She then took that curriculum to high schools in both Loudoun County and surrounding jurisdictions during 2022.

White said she saw the need for hazing education and prevention to be taught at the secondary level and partnered with Boysko again for the bill.

The bill requires the board of education to develop standards of learning and curriculum guidelines for research-based hazing prevention education as part of health and P.E. classes.

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A companion bill, HB 719 sponsored by Del. Atoosa Reaser (D-27) that creates the standards of learning and curriculum guidelines for those classes is currently going through a Senate committee. It will be discussed Feb. 29.

“I feel like this is a win/win bill and I don’t know why anyone would oppose a bill like this that builds the knowledge of students,” she said.

The bill passed 56-44, with 51

Democrats and five Republicans voting for it. It now heads to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s desk.

White said she’s grateful for those who supported their efforts against hazing and hopes the governor approves the bill.

“I’m a pretty persistent person and I’ve been talking with the VDOE and the secretaries of education, they know this bill is coming down the pike, I just haven’t heard specifically if he’ll sign it or support it,” she said Wednesday. “My hope is he will. He supported Adams Law and I hope he will continue to support our continued efforts to make sure this is a priority in Virginia.”

The family held a remembrance vigil for Adam at VCU Tuesday night.

“I feel like it changed the trajectory of our lives. Our priority became making sure this doesn’t happen to anyone else. But I realized in all of this as long as I am alive and doing this work, I’m keeping his memory alive and his legacy going,” White said. “I’m so proud of the work we are doing, I just wish it didn’t take this for change to happen.” n

Nonprofits

Hospital Ladies Board Opens Scholarship Applications

The Scholarship Committee of The Ladies Board of Inova Loudoun Hospital is accepting applications for nursing school tuition assistance.

Scholarships are provided to candidates who live or work in Loudoun County, are enrolled in or have an acceptance letter to an accredited school of nursing, have completed one semester of nursing school or have 30 undergraduate college credits, demonstrate academic performance with at least a 3.0 cumulative average.

Students may be awarded only two consecutive scholarships.

The Ladies Board scholarship program was established in 1959 to award supplemental funds to nursing students. To date, more than 1,370 scholarships totaling $2.2 million. In 2023, $120,000 was awarded to 38 students. Scholarships ranged from $1,800 to $3,500. Funds are raised through the Riverside Gift Shop at Inova Loudoun Hospital, Twice Is Nice Thrift Shop in Leesburg, the Lights of Love remembrance program ,and the Annual Ladies Board Rummage Sale.

Scholarship application forms are online at ladiesboard.org/scholarship2024. Application deadline is April 1.

Community Foundation Opens Scholarship Applications

The Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties is accepting applications for its 2024 scholarship cycle.

Established by community donors, each scholarship fund has a specific area of focus and criteria, which may include area of study and the graduating student’s current high school. Opportunities available include scholarships for two- and four-year college education, as well as vocational and career training.The Foundation serves as stewards for multiple scholarships funds and last year awarded $15,800 in scholarships.

The deadline to apply is April 1using the Community Foundation’s universal application form available at communityfoundationlf.org/students. Interested applicants may download the application form as well as a listing of all available scholarships.

For more information, email scholarships@communityfoundationlf.org. n

Public Safety

Hearing Set for Fatal Ashburn Shooting

The suspect in the Feb. 14 fatal shooting of a 19-year-old man surrendered to authorities Monday, five days after he was charged with murder.

Rashaun D. Owens was wanted in connection with the death of Michai Dandridge-Carter, 19, of Sterling, who was found dead in the parking lot of an Ashburn apartment complex.

On Feb. 21, the Sheriff ’s Office announced Owens had been charged with second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and attempted robbery with a firearm. The agency issued a call for the public to help locate the suspect.

According to an arrest warrant, Owens was robbing Dandridge-Carter of marijuana at the time of the shooting. He is unemployed and lives in West Virginia with his grandmother.

Investigators continue to ask for the public’s assistance in the case. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective K. Mitchell at 703-7771021. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Loudoun County Crime Solvers at 703-777-1919 or submit a tip through the LCSO app. n Owens

Owens appeared via a video link for his arraignment in Loudoun County District Court on Tuesday afternoon. Judge Lorrie Sinclair Taylor scheduled a May 8 preliminary hearing in the case and appointed the Public Defender’s Office to represent him.

Treatment Continues for Man Accused of Fatal Stabbing

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounow.com

A Loudoun County Circuit judge last week ordered Stone L. Colburn to continue six more months of in-patient mental health treatment before determining whether he is competent to stand trial.

Colburn

Colburn is charged with second-degree murder in the July 2021 fatal stabbing of Natalie Crow at their Round Hill-area home. He has been undergoing restoration treatment at Central State Hospital for two and a half years.

During a Feb. 22 competency hearing before Judge James P. Fisher, Colburn’s defense attorneys called two expert witnesses who had each conducted evaluations on Colburn. Both deemed him incompetent to stand trial and unlikely to be restored in the foreseeable future.

Dr. Emilie Picard and Dr. Helen Greenbacker said that to be deemed com-

Pedestrian Fatally Struck in Cascades

The Sheriff ’s Office charged an

petent to stand trial Colburn needed to meet three requirements: have a factual understanding of criminal proceedings, be able to apply those to his own case, and be able to assist his attorneys in a rational, legal strategy.

While Colburn understood legal proceedings, he was not able to apply them to his own case rationally, they said, or to assist his attorneys.

Picard, who completed the most recent evaluation in December, said that according to the information she received from Central State Hospital, he often engages in “dysregulated behavior” such as singing loudly at inappropriate times, performing sexual acts in public, and having “unrealistic expectations” of the outcome of his case.

“At this time, he does not have the requisite capacity to pursue this case,” she said.

Greenbacker said that Colburn was receiving the strongest medications and restoration efforts available.

The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office called expert witness Dr. Mark Hastings, who conducted a competency evaluation

18-year-old Leesburg driver with failure to yield after he allegedly struck a pedestrian last week in the Cascades Marketplace.

Just before 8:30 a.m. Feb. 21, deputies were called to the area of Whitfield Place and Cranston Street where a man

in December 2022.

Hastings said that during his first two meetings with Colburn he was rational and calm, but that he also learned that Colburn had begun to refuse his morning dose of medication.

By his third meeting, Colburn’s behavior was significantly different, and he was making odd and delusional statements, Hastings said. He said Colburn was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder.

All three doctors agreed that they did not have concerns about Colburn malingering, or feigning his symptoms.

Hastings’ report concluded that Colburn was not competent to stand trial, but that he might be with restoration treatment.

Fisher agreed, saying that Hastings’ time with Colburn showed the possibility of him becoming competent with the proper medication treatment. He ordered another hearing on Aug. 22 at 1 p.m. to reevaluate Colburn’s mental state.

Prosecutors said that Colburn had been charged with stabbing another person in Vermont in 2017, but that he was deemed incompetent to stand trial at that time. n

was struck by a vehicle. Zesen Mao, 81, of Sterling, was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

The driver, William Frye, remained on the scene.

The charge is a traffic infraction, punishable by a fine of $100 to $500. n

Dulles Travelers Nabbed with 73 Pounds of Weed

Two Las Vegas men are facing felony narcotics possession charges after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Dulles Airport discovered nearly 73 pounds of marijuana in their checked baggage.

Virginia State Police troopers charged Kaliq Talib McCallister, 33, and Christian Tyler Knight, 28, with felony possession with intent to distribute, transportation, and narcotics conspiracy charges. They did not make their flight to Paris.

According to the CBP report, there is an increasing trend of United States-based growers and retailers shipping marijuana to Europe and Africa where high-quality weed can fetch prices many times higher than in the domestic market.

Typically, CBP officers see the marijuana being exported in smaller parcels, but occasionally—like the Feb. 22 incident—officers find marijuana-stuffed suitcases.

CBP officers found 68 large vacuum-sealed bags full of suspected marijuana in three suitcases being loaded onto a flight bound for Keflavik, Iceland, with Paris as a final destination. They identified the travelers and escorted them and their baggage to an inspection station. The marijuana weighed in at 72 pounds, 15 ounces. The CBP said th street value was a much as $350,000 in the United States, “depending on potency.” The pot could be sold for two or three times a much in Paris, according to the agency.

CBP officers turned both men and the marijuana over to the Virginia State Police.

“Marijuana remains illegal federally, and travelers who smuggle bulk amounts of marijuana gamble with their freedom to chase a few extra bucks,” stated Marc E. Calixte, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Washington, DC.

CBP reports seizing an average of 2,895 pounds of dangerous drugs daily at the nation’s air, sea, and land ports of entry. Learn more about CBP at CBP.gov. n

Business

Chamber Honors Top Community Leaders During Annual Meeting

BY NORMAN K STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

The Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce celebrated business leaders for their community service during its 56th Annual Meeting on Thursday night at the National Conference Center in Lansdowne.

The Loudoun Community Leadership Awards honor those who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and generosity to serve the needs of those who live, work, and serve in Loudoun County.

Finalists for the awards were chosen in six categories, with the winners selected by blue ribbon panels of business and nonprofit leaders. The winners in each category will have the opportunity to select a nonprofit to receive a $1,000 grant through the Community Foundation of Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties.

The Feb. 22 program also featured the formal installation of Angela Mitchell as the new Chamber chair taking the gavel from Carol Barbe.

In her final act, Barbe presented the 2023 Chair Award to Roman Blazauskas,

who stepped up to chair the Chamber’s Ambassador Council this year.

“Our ambassadors, especially Roman, are exceptional at making everyone feel welcome and feel like they belong. In addition, our ambassadors help the Chamber welcome new and growing businesses to our community at chamber events, ribbon cuttings and grand openings—of which this year were record breaking,” Barbe said. “Roman has done an outstanding job as vice chair and as a member of the ambassador’s committee. Thanks to their efforts and that of so many others the chair chamber achieved an 80% membership retention rate in 2023—our best performance in more than 20 years.”

Barbe noted that in the chamber’s 56-year-history, only 10 women have served as chair. Barbe was the ninth and Mitchell is the 10th

“Angela was selected for this role because she demonstrated exceptional leadership attributes since joining our chamber and served as an effective member of our Public Policy and Government Contracting committees,” Barbe said.

Mitchell also helped to establish the

Diversity Equity Inclusion and Accessibility Committee, serving as its chair for the past three years. She also has led the Loudoun Coalition of Women and Girls and founded a nonprofit promoting STEM opportunities for women and girls.

“I was impressed with Angela’s generosity, her work and her passion for making Loudoun County a better place for all to live, study and work,” Barbe said.

Mitchell reflected on the significance of being the first Black woman to serve as the Chamber’s chair.

“I stand before you today with profound gratefulness, and humility. This incredible responsibility of serving as your chair. The role of chair is not just the title, but it can be to the vision, the values, and the mission that unites us as an organization,” Mitchell said.

“In my role as chair, I am committed to upholding and advancing the values that make our chamber a beacon of excellence. There are many things that I hope to accomplish this year, including membership

CHAMBER AWARDS

continues on page 17

16 Loudoun Wineries Score Gold in Governor’s Cup Competition

Virginia’s wine industry leaders will gather in Richmond next month to celebrate their best work during the 2024 Governors Cup competition.

This year, judges tasted more than 750 entries, with 137 wines from 79 wineries earning gold medal ratings.

Sixteen Loudoun County wineries earned 27 gold medals and will be in consideration for the top awards—a place in the Governor’s Case of the commonwealth’s 12 top wines and the elite prize—the 2024 Governors Cup.

The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyard, the first Loudoun winery to win the cup in 2017, led the pack with four gold ratings. Breaux Vineyards and Sunset Hills Vineyard each scored three golds.

Top winners will be announced March 7 during a gala at Main Street Station in Richmond.

Loudoun’s award-winning wines are:

50 West Vineyards: SILVER 2020 Ashby Gap, Cabernet Franc, Rosé of Sangiovese, Vidal Blanc, 2022 Viognier

8 Chains North Winery: GOLD 2022 Albariño SILVER 2020 Furnace Mountain Red, 2020 Hot Donkey, 2022 Lo.Co. Vino, 2022 Peacock Farm Rosé, 2022 Pink Link, 2022 Sauvignon Blanc

868 Estate Vineyards: SILVER: 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022 Grandale, 2022 Sauvignon Blanc

Bleu Frog Vineyards: BRONZE 2021 Mad Frog

Bozzo Family Vineyards: SILVER 2020 2nd Act, 2020 La Famiglia Bozzo, 2021 Carolyn B Petit Manseng

Breaux Vineyards: GOLD 2017 Meritage, 2019 Meritage, 2019 The Fog Nebbiolo Reserve. Silver Breaux Vineyards 2019 Nebbiolo, 2020 Cabernet Franc Reserve, 2022 Rosé, 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, 2022 Six Degrees,

Cana Vineyards and Winery of Middleburg: GOLD 2022 Albariño.

WINERY AWARDS continues on page 17

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now Merritt Properties, which contributed to the construction of Loudoun Hunger Releif’s Community Services Center last year, was presented the Community Leadership Award in the large business category during the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting.

Chamber awards

continued from page 16

engagement for all of our members, startups to large corporations. This past year, we had historic membership growth, and retention. And we want to continue on this path,” she said.

The 2024 leadership award winners were:

Executive Leader: Alice Frazier, BCT-The Community’s Bank.

Frazier was unable to attend the event, which had been postponed in January because of weather. BCT Marketing Director Brain Decker accepted the award. He highlighted Frazier’s deep roots in the community.

“She’s involved with layer upon layer of Loudoun charities and community organizations. Her leadership in those organizations is almost mythical for the way she encourages others to get involved, to take the lead to be creative and risk going beyond the status quo—all while generously offering the sage wisdom from her treasure trove of experiences,” Decker said. “To say our backroom team is fortunate to have Alice as our captain is completely inadequate. We enjoy working with her. We are very proud of her. And we thank the chamber for recognizing what a great leader Alice Frazier is.”

Other finalists were Natasha Magrath, You’ve Got Maids of Northern Virginia; Chauvon McFadden, Crimson Wealth Strategies; and Bruce Rahmani, Falcon

Winery awards

continued from page 16

SILVER: 2021 Petit Verdot, 2021 Unité Reserve, 2022 Petit Manseng, 2022 Rosé of Cabernet Franc

Carriage House Wineworks: GOLD 2020 Barouche, 2021 Petit Verdot. SILVER 2020 Merlot. BRONZE 2022 Petit Manseng

Chrysalis Vineyards at The Ag District: GOLD 2021 Norton Locksley Reserve Silver 2021 Norton, 2022 Viognier Reserve

Doukénie Winery: GOLD 2020 Petit Verdot. SILVER: Doukénie Winery 2020 Barrel Select Seyval, 2020 Tannat, 2020 Vintner’s Reserve, 2021 Barrel Select Chardonnay, 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021 Hemera. BRONZE 2021 Cabernet Franc

Endhardt Vineyards: GOLD 2020 Fervor Red, 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Upper Block. SILVER 2020 Petit Verdot, 2022 Chardon-

Heating & Air Conditioning

Nonprofit Executive: Josh Goldberg, Boulder Crest Foundation.

“It is amazing to think that in 10 years we served 100,000,” he said of the Bluemont retreat for veterans and first responders. “And as I’m fond of saying we’re just getting started because anybody who knows anything about mental health and the world we live in knows we all need a great deal of help.”

He recalled the moment of silence that started the program, to honor volunteer firefighter Trevor Brown who was killed in a home explosion.

“I want to thank all of you who are joining us tonight … and go back to what we started this evening with the loss this community experienced last week as a reminder of the incredible work of sacrifice and service that so many people do for us, and we often don’t see. And it’s a reminder that there are people on the frontlines of our society, who would give it all for all of us. And I know that I wake up every day grateful for the responsibility and opportunity to be of service to that community,” Goldberg said.

Other finalists were Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation, Judy Hanley, A Place to Be, and Trish McNeal, Loudoun Hunger Relief.

DEIA Leader: Bruce Rahmani, Falcon Heating & Air Conditioning.

“I’m deeply honored and grateful to receive the leadership award. Equity Inclusion Diversity is a part of our culture. What does it mean for us? The diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony. As it is in music, when

nay, 2022 Reverie White, 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Lower Block. BRONZE 2022 Blanc de Cabernet Franc

Fabbioli Cellars: SILVER 2019 Petit Verdot, 2019 Tre Sorelle, 2022 Cabernet Franc, 2022 Petit Manseng. BRONZE 2020 Cabernet Franc Reserve

Greenhill Vineyards: GOLD 2021 Tannat, SILVER 2022 Riesling

Hillsborough Winery, Brewery & Vineyard: GOLD 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021 Petit Verdot. SILVER: 2019 Onyx, 2021 Ruby, 2022 Opal

October One Vineyard: GOLD 2022 Albariño. SILVER 2022 Viognier

Sunset Hills Vineyard: GOLD 2021 Mosaic, 2022 Chardonnay, 2022 Viognier. SILVER: 2020 Sunset White, 2021 Cabernet Franc, 2022 Petit Manseng. BRONZE 2021 Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon

The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards: GOLD 2020 Cabernet Franc, 2020 Petit Verdot, 2021 Cabernet Franc, 2022

many different notes blend together, making a perfect cord. This recognition is a testament to our collective effort in fostering an inclusion environment. Let’s continue our commitment to diversity and make positive impact,” Rahmani said.

Other finalists were Isaac Agbeshie-Noye, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Todd Cimino-Johnson, impACT Tours & Travel; and Laurie Young, Legacy Farms

Young Professionals: KC Tregoning, Loudoun County Department of Economic Development.

“Just last year, I had returned to work after the loss of our son Alan. It was a really hard transition. Through God’s love, grace and mercy, I learned that the best way to heal myself and our family was to forward to those around me. And so that’s what I did, through helping small business communities— which I get to do all day. Every day I get to help my small business owners. I just love it,” Tregoning said. “I love waking up every day and helping you guys. It’s such a privilege and honor to walk alongside you and be in the trenches with you to help you solve your problems. And in my personal life that’s working with bereaved parents along with women and unplanned pregnancy situation. So it’s just an honor to walk alongside people and help them achieve the greatness that we all have inside of us.”

Other finalists were Blair Ellis, The Fortessa Store; Jake Mages, Guernsey Inc.; and Allison Wood, Town of Leesburg Economic Development.

Large Business (100 employees or more): Merritt Companies.

Viognier. SILVER: 2019 Meritage, 2020 Malbec, 2021 Cascina, 2021 Chardonnay, 2021 Malbec, 2021 Petit Verdot, 2022 Cascina. BRONZE 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021 Meritage

The Vineyards & Winery at Lost Creek: SILVER: 2019 Allure, 2020 Allure, 2021 Genesis,2021 Petit Verdot, 2022 Chardonnay Barrel Select. BRONZE 2021 Allure

The Wine Reserve at Waterford: GOLD 2022 First Harvest Petit Manseng. BRONZE 2021 Gila Petit Verdot

Three Creeks Winery: GOLD 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022 Muscat Ottonel. SILVER 2020 Cabernet Franc, Three Creeks Winery 2020 Melange Rouge, 2021 Petit Manseng, 2021 Rose, 2021 Tannat, 2021 Viognier, 2022 Chardonnay, 2022 Vidal Blanc. BRONZE 2022 Petit Manseng

Twin Oaks Tavern Winery: SILVER 2021 Chardonnay. BRONZE 2021 Hawk Mountain, 2021 Raven Rocks Red

Two Twisted Posts Winery: SILVER 2021

Merritt’s Virginia office was nominated by Loudoun Hunger Relief for its help in designing and constructing the 9,200-square-foot expansion for its Community Services Center. Merritt provided in-kind donations and helped to complete the project under budget.

“We’re financially successful in the community, but we see it as a whole success if we’re able to truly give back to the community where our businesses are, we own properties, where our employees live. We really focus on giving back to disadvantaged women and children. I think that’s the main principle of our charitable organization is giving back to those that are disadvantaged youth, be food, clothing, shelter, and disadvantaged women,” Scott Longendyke said.

Other finalists were BCT-The Community’s Bank, Falcon Heating & Air Conditioning, and Sandy Spring Bank.

Small Business (less than 100 employees): You’ve Got Maids of Northern Virginia.

“We are involved a lot in our community. We do help in financial ways. We also do volunteer days. We do those once every quarter and we go all out—all the staff, all the professional cleaners and myself and we go out to the nonprofits. We also do drives six times a year for any nonprofit who may have a need from clothes drives and food drives, anything we do reach out to the nonprofits and see what do they need. What do you need? We would love to help you,” founder Natasha Magrath said.

Other finalists were Bear Chase Brewing Company, POUNCE Solutions, and The Marketing Management Group. n

Cabernet Franc, 2021 Chardonnay, 2022 No Way Rosé, 2022 Piebald White, 2022 Traminette. BRONZE 2022 Chardonnay, 2022 Voignier

Walsh Family Wine: GOLD 2021 Paeonia. SILVER 2019 Late Harvest Petit Manseng, 2020 Russ Mountain Merlot, Bethany Ridge Petit Manseng, 2021 Bethany Ridge

Tannat, 2021 Dutchman’s Creek Cabernet Franc, 2022 Bethany Ridge Chenin Blanc, 2022 Bethany Ridge Viognier

Williams Gap Vineyard: SILVER 2021 Fieldstone, 2021 Round Hill Red, 2021 Round Hill White, 2022 Black Label Chardonnay, 2022 Petit Manseng. BRONZE 2021 Merlot

Willowcroft Farm Vineyards: BRONZE 2022 Merlot

Zephaniah Farm Vineyard: GOLD 2020 Friendship. SILVER 2020 Adeline, 2020 Cabernet Franc, 2022 Amber Limited, BRONZE 2020 Three Captains Red n

Towns

Lovettsville Council Weighs Proposed Trash Toter Program

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.com

The Lovettsville Town Council on Thursday held its third work session on the proposed $6.3 million fiscal year 2025 budget, focusing its debate on a proposed $23,000 trash toter program.

Town Manager Jason Cournoyer said the program would implement a service where each residential and commercial parcel using weekly trash collection would be provided with a covered 64-gallon trash bin and/or a 64-gallon recycling bin.

The plan includes four options for the council to consider ranging in annual costs from $33,156 to $22,194—or not funding the program at all. He said the goal was to provide every home with a heavy-duty toter and to make sure that all bins have covers to reduce litter within the town.

Vice Mayor Joy Pritz asked if there was a way to phase in the project to mitigate

the initial costs.

Cournoyer said if the town was going to work with American Disposal Services directly it would have to be an allor-nothing arrangement. The only way to phase it would be for residents to contact the company themselves, he said.

Council member Tom Budnar said he was concerned about forcing residents who might not want to get new bins to get them.

“I think it’s the right idea and I think everybody would support making sure that we clean up the litter and that we find a better way to do that,” he said.

Mayor Christopher Hornbaker said he was concerned that not funding the program and lowering the tax rate to save $23,000 would result in staff requesting a budget amendment later in the year.

Cournoyer said the council could budget the amount as “undefined” for now.

“That’s a general practice in some communities,” he said. “Middleburg does that particularly. They budget things that are

undefined to allow for flexibility throughout the year.”

He said any use of the funding would come before the Town Council for approval when it was needed.

The council decided not to fund the toter program, but to set aside the originally proposed $23,000 as undefined.

Without funding the program or setting the funds aside, the real estate tax rate would have decreased from 15.25 cents to 14.81 cents. Each cent raises $52,700 in income for the town.

During the Feb. 22 meeting, the council also agreed to keep the Frye Court Service Tax District rate at 24 cents. The special tax district was established in 2009 to fund the “inspection, maintenance, repair and replacement needs” of the pump station at Frye Court. Recurring expenses for the pump in FY 2025 are expected to be $9,000.

The council also held a public hearing on the budget with no public speakers attending. n

Purcellville’s McAlister, Lehnig Announce Retirement Plans

Purcellville Chief of Police Cynthia McAlister and Director of Engineering, Planning and Development Dale Lehnig will both retire on May 1, according to announcements this week.

McAlister has served the town for nearly nine years and has over 42 years of law enforcement service in Northern Virginia.

“Leaving Purcellville is filling me with many mixed emotions,” McAlister stated in her Feb. 22 announcement. “My time here has included many challenges, but also numerous advancements for the department as a whole. I hope my legacy for Purcellville is that of progress.”

During her time leading the department, McAlister expanded it to include adding two sworn positions a deputy chief of police and an administrative lieutenant; and one civilian position, a policy and accreditation manager/public information specialist.

She oversaw the implementation of a new records management system for electronic police records, e-citation summonses, body-worn cameras and community outreach opportunities including the Books and Badges library partnership

dent investigation exonerated her, finding Vanegas and a hired human resources consultant had misled the council. Vanegas was fired as a result. A $16 million lawsuit she filed against the staff members involved with the case was settled out of court in 2020.

AROUND town

LOVETTSVILLE

Young Archers Compete in State Championship

Ten girls from the Lovettsville Game Protective Association J.O.A.D. team participated in the 2024 Virginia State Archery Indoor Championships this month. Sponsored by USA Archery and hosted by FFX Archery in Centerville, the event drew more than 90 archers from Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland and North Carolina.

All the LGPA archers, participating in their first tournament, placed in the top 10. Kennedy Gillingham won silver in the U13 women’s compound class. Claire Moore took bronze in the U18 women’s compound class.

The LGPA Club offers youth archery programs for ages 9 to 18. Learn more at  lovettsvillegameclub.com.

program, adoption of the Coffee with a Cop initiative, creation of the Purcellville Bike Safety Rodeo and growth of the Homework Club by partnering with the local non-profit, BetterALife. Also, the department’s headquarters was expanded and modernized.

McAlister’s tenure was marred when she was caught up in the town’s 2017 management scandal. Starting in October 2017, she faced allegations of misconduct by Interim Town Manager Alex Vanegas and was placed on leave and then fired after a “no confidence” vote by the Town Council. She was reinstated to her post three weeks later, but remained on leave until November 2018 when an indepen-

“It has been my privilege to serve alongside the members of the Purcellville Police Department and my fellow Town of Purcellville employees. I am proud of their dedication, hard work, and ability to grow and learn from challenges,” McAlister stated.

Lehing joined the town in 2008 as its engineering manager. A decade later, she assumed the responsibilities of interim Public Works director. Lehing was promoted to the position of Director of Engineering, Planning, and Development in 2020.

“She continues to lead with integrity, vision, and a passion for enhancing the infrastructure and planning of our town,” according to the Feb. 27 announcement by the town. “We extend our deepest thanks to Dale for her unwavering commitment and consistent hard work.” n

MIDDLEBURG

Main Break Prompts Boil Water Notice

Some Middleburg residents this week were urged to boil water before consumption after a water main break at the intersection of West Washington Street and Windy Hill Road on Monday.

While chlorine levels were maintained at acceptable levels, the boil water notice was issued as a precaution for residents on the western edge of town. The advisory was expected to be lifted

AROUND TOWNS

continues on page 19

The J.O.A.D team

McAlister Lehnig

Round Hill Moves to Monthly Utility Billing

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

Starting April 1, Round Hill utility customers will see smaller bills, but they’ll get them twice as often.

The Town Council last week approved the transition from bi-monthly to monthly billing starting with the next collection cycle.

The change grew out of the response to last year’s drought when mandatory conservation rules were enacted for the first time. Town staff members, who worked to identify high-volume water users and undetected leaks, suggested a move to monthly billing would help customers better track their usage.

Also, the town is implementing a new remote meter reading system that permits the staff to monitor water use in real-time.

In March, customers will receive a bill for the January-February period. In April, bills will be mailed for March usage.

The switch was approved Feb. 21 following an advertised public hearing with no speakers appearing.

The council adopted the change

AROUND towns

continued from page 18

by Wednesday, pending the outcome of water quality testing.

ROUND HILL

Council Eyes Improved Water System Connections

The Town Council last week authorized a further engineering study of ways to improve water distribution system in the Stoneleigh neighborhood.

The Stoneleigh system was built by the developer in the 1990s and operates separately from the town’s main water network. In recent years, the town has

on a 5-1 vote. Council member Paula Jones opposed the measure saying she wanted to do more work on it.

The next question facing utility customers will be the scale of rate increases that will be adopted for this year.

Following controversy over the town’s updated five-year rate study last year, Town Council members are hoping to reduce the projected 15% increase.

Key to that effort is the proposal in County Administrator Tim Hemstreet’s proposed budget that the county government contribute $3.7 million toward the construction of a new water tank. The contribution, advocated by Supervisor Caleb Kershner (R-Catoctin), is aimed at helping keep down rates paid by out-of-town county residents, who comprise the vast majority of the town’s utility customers.

A year ago, the $3.7 million figure was expected to almost completely cover the construction cost—foregoing the need for the town to borrow money for the project. However, as the costs of steel and concrete continue to increase, town leaders are bracing for construction bids that could be $5 million or higher. n

wrestled more frequently with line breaks and other concerns related to the design and construction of the system.

In its new study, the town’s contract engineers will look at ways to create new pressure zones and reestablishing a connection to the larger town system.

The council also is discussing the merits of making a new connection to the Lake Point neighborhood, where 400 homes and some 1,000 residents are served by a single water main connection. The town is considering a new project to add a second connection with a new water main placed under Sleeter Lake. Town leaders plan to meet with the Round Hill Owners Association, which owns the lake, before proceeding.

Both Stoneleigh and Lake Point are outside the town boundaries. n

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, TOWN OF HAMILTON, VIRGINIA NOTICE OF EFFECTIVE TAX RATE INCREASE

Pursuant to Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended, §§ 15.2-107, -1427 and 58.1-3000, -3007, -3201 and -3321, the Hamilton Town Council will hold a public hearing at the Hamilton Town Office, 53 East Colonial Highway, Hamilton, Virginia, on March 11, 2024, beginning at 7:00 p.m., for the purpose of receiving comment on the proposed real property tax rate for fiscal year 2025. The previous year’s real estate tax rate was $.27 per $100 of assessed value and the Town Council proposes a tax rate of up to $.28 per $100 of assessed value for fiscal year 2025.

SUMMARY OF REAL ESTATE PROPERTY TAX RATES

1. The tax rate will increase from that of last year. The tax revenue will increase.

2. Assessment increase: Total assessed value of real property, excluding additional assessments due to new construction/improvements to property, exceeds last year’s total assessed value of real property by 4.85 percent.

3. Lowered rate necessary to offset increased assessment: the tax rate which would levy the same amount of real estate tax as last year when multiplied by the new total assessed value of real estate with the exclusion mentioned above would be $.257 per $100 assessed value. This rate will be known as the “lowered tax rate.”

4. Effective Rate: The Town of Hamilton proposes to adopt the tax rate of $.28 per $100 assessed value. The difference between the lowered tax rate and the proposed rate would be an additional $ 8.85 per $100 in taxes. This difference will be known as the “effective tax rate increase”. Individual property taxes may increase at a percentage greater than or less than the above percentage.

5. A public hearing on the proposed budget for the next fiscal year will be advertised and held separately from the public hearing that is being advertised herein.

Following the public hearing, the Town Council will hold its regular monthly meeting, at which time it will consider the adoption of an ordinance containing the FY25 real property tax rate. Copies of the proposed ordinance and related documents are available for review on the Town website and at the Town Office, by appointment, Monday through Friday, 8 am through 4 pm. All interested residents are invited to participate in the public hearing by following the instructions on the Town website: hamiltonva.gov or emailing comments to Sherri Jackson, Treasurer at treasurer@hamiltonva.gov.

Kenneth C. Wine, Mayor Town of Hamilton

GET OUT

LIVE MUSIC

HUDSON RIVER LINE

8 to 11 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $15. tallyhotheater.com

MATT BURRIDGE

9 to 11:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 29

Matchbox, 44720 Thorndike St., Ashburn. matchboxrestaurants.com/one-loudoun

JASON MASI

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 1

Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 Little River Turnpike, Aldie. quattrogoombas.com

DAN BARRY

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 1

Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com

JASON TEACH

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 1

Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com

MARK CULLINANE

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 1

Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com

PART OF IT ALL

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, March 1

Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. lostbarrelbrewing.com

NOAH “RED” HAWES

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 1

Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

SHANE GAMBLE

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 1

Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

EAGLEMANIA

8 to 11 p.m. Friday, March 1

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $29 to $75. tallyhotheater.com

MATT BURRIDGE

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Fabbioli Cellars, 15669 Limestone School Road, Leesburg. fabbiolicellar.com

LIVE MUSIC continues on page 21

Connor Daly On the Road to Nashville

BY DANA ARMSTRONG darmstrong@getoutloudoun.com

During the past few years, Connor Daly has weathered the tried-and-true path from Northern Virginia to Music City countless times. The Ashburn-raised singer/songwriter is working to release a 15-song album this year.

Centered around Daly’s vocals and guitar, this ambitious project will feature his emerging blend of Americana, folk, and singer/songwriter sounds and plenty of references to nature. Golden sunrises, nights under the stars, and driving along rural highways are all common themes in his music—likely the result of his time on

the road.

“One of the trips I just went down to fix two vocals, so I knew it wasn’t going to be long. I get two hours in the studio, so I was there for less than 24 hours. And in that time, I was driving nine-and-a-half hours there, nine-and-a-half hours back,” Daly said.

“But I enjoy it because I know you have to put in the work at this point in the process to get anything out of it.”

Where does this determination come from? It could be his dual athletic and musical upbringing. Daly grew up playing baseball before sampling golf, cross country running, and discus at Stone Bridge High School. Additionally, he studied classical guitar from seventh

grade through his senior year in 2017.

But one of his musical turning points occurred during his first year of high school. At that time, he carpooled to school daily with his older sister, who often wielded her rights to the AUX chord.

“I despised country music. I think I liked Florida Georgia Line, but that was as far as I’d go. But driving with my sister every day, she loved country music so she would always play it. I started finding out it’s not that bad.”

Daly’s listening catalog expanded from pop wordsmith Ed Sheeran to Americana troubadour Jason Isbell and Luke

Dana Armstrong/Get Out Loudoun

Connor Daly has his bags backed and is headed to Music City this summer.

Best Bets

HIGH FIDELITY

Saturday, March 2, 7 p.m. Lucketts Community Center luckettsbluegrass.org

These young performers are steeped in the bluegrass music from the 1950s and ’60s. Inspired by the sounds of Jim & Jesse, The Stanley Brothers and Reno & Smiley, High Fidelity interpret classic bluegrass through their own fresh perspective.

GET OUT

LIVE MUSIC

continued from page 20

MICHELLE LOCKEY

1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Fleetwood Farm Winery, 23075 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg. fleetwoodfarmwinery.com

LENNY BURRIDGE

1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

JASON MASI

1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane, Purcellville. sunsethillsvineyards.com

KEVIN GRIFFITH

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Bleu Frog Vineyards, 16413 22860 Little River Turnpike, Leesburg. bleufrogvineyards.com

MELISSA QUINN FOX

2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Doukenie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro. doukeniewinery.com

KIMBERLY BURKE

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyards.com

HALL VOTE

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Firefly Cellars, 40325 Charles Town Pike, Hamilton. fireflycellars.com

WILL SHEPARD

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com

SHANE GAMBLE

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Lost Rhino Brewing Co, 21730 Red Rum Drive,

Ashburn. lostrhino.com

RYAN SILL

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 22860 Little River Turnpike Aldie. quattrogoombas.com

ACOUSTIC SOUL

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 2

The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. thebarnsathamiltonstation.com

GARY SMALLWOOD

3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

SHADE TREE COLLECTIVE

4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com

HUME, FRYE & FRYE

5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com

ROWD∑Y ACES TRIO

6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

HIGH FIDELITY

7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, Leesburg. $22. luckettsbluegrass.org

‘80S NIGHT WITH THE REAGAN YEARS!

8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $20 to $50.

tallyhotheater.com

SKRIBE

8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville. monksq.com

DIAMOND ALLEY

8 to midnight Saturday, March 2

Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com

THE REAGAN YEARS

Saturday, March 2, 8 p.m. Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com

The Reagan Years recreates the sounds of the 1980s with talented musicians with diverse vocal abilities replicating uncanny versions of the pop, rock, new wave and heavy metal hits of the MTV era. Hear Bon Jovi, Madonna, Devo, Joan Jett, Def Leppard, and more.

JASON MASI

1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 3

Mt. Defiance Cider Barn, 495 E. Washington St., Middleburg. mtdefiance.com

JIMMY LEE

1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 3

Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

MELISSA QUINN FOX

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 3

Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg.

lostbarrel.com

JILL FULTON BAND

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 3

Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro.

breauxvineyards.com

LIVE MUSIC continues on page 23

On the road

continued from page 20

Combs—a country artist Daly was a fan of long before Comb’s recent rise to fame.

Although Daly attended George Mason University to study criminology and compete on the track and field team, his love for music never diminished. Away from the classrooms and discus throwing circles, Daly found himself singing and writing songs.

He discovered his voice years ago by chance. He and his friends used to play a karaoke game on the Nintendo GameCube. While his friends struggled to hit the notes of “You Found Me” by The Fray, Daly found he could reach them with ease. He admits he probably didn’t sound the best back then, but it was still a start.

“Just like anything, the voice is a muscle so the more you practice, the better you get. Being an athlete that’s a big mentality of mine: you can always improve if you put in the work. So, I just started singing, and over time it progressed and I got better.”

Daly completed his first song the summer after his freshman year of college.

“[I had] no real idea before doing it, just figured I’d try and see what happens. I showed my family … and they thought I wasn’t terrible, which was just the confidence boost I needed to keep going.”

By the next summer, Daly was already visiting Nashville to record demos. And by the time he graduated college in 2022, he had already written nearly 100 songs.

Rather than dive straight into a music career, Daly sampled another skillset: auditing. Coming off an internship during his senior year, Daly was offered a job as a special inspector general for the Department of the Treasury. He stayed in that role for a little over a year while starting to gig at breweries and wineries around Northern Virginia.

picture-perfect life, trading the suburban white picket fence stereotype for a rustic house with a porch at the end of an old dirt road.

His most recent acoustic release, “Morning Sun,” is filled with intricate and soothing guitar fingerpicking. The chorus asks, “How am I supposed to just move on when I’m seeing your shadow in the Morning Sun?”

“I wish I could say [the song lyrics] come from actual stories in my life. I’m not a boring guy, but my life just hasn’t been too eventful, which is good up to this point at least with all the heartbreak songs. But I’ve always loved movies … and I’ve always been a pretty creative person, so I just think of a cool storyline and if it sounds like a good song, I put a melody to it.”

Most recently, Daly released his first professionally filmed music video. Directed by Nashville’s Will Gawley, “Wishin’” is a heartbreak song featuring panoramic shots of Ashland City, TN, and lyrics about wishing on stars for a special someone’s return.

When the department was downsizing in fall 2023, Daly took it as an opportunity to make music his full-time career. Now he’s seen covering Ed Sheeran, Morgan Wallen, Garth Brooks, Eagles, and more— along with his originals—at gigs around the DMV and Nashville.

In addition to gigging, Daly released two music videos and four singles (separate from the upcoming album) in 2023. He recorded these singles at Starstruck Studio, a Nashville-based management and recording company associated with music stars like Blake Shelton and Lauren Daigle. True to form, each of Daly’s songs is laden with vivid storytelling and metaphors to nature.

In “September Sky,” Daly writes about living in the moment with sunsets and star-gazing by a river with a special someone. “The Frame” paints his version of a

With an album on the horizon and his music career climbing—even playing a writers’ round at the famed Listening Room Café in February—Daly plans on moving to Nashville in July.

“I think it was a good thing I was up here for the time I was, doing the things that I was. It’s going to be really beneficial that I got a good baseline down. I have live playing experience, a lot of songs under my belt written, and I’ve made a bunch of connections. I’ve gone down [to Nashville] to record music, so I have high-quality songs out that represent who I am,” he said.

“It’s definitely the right time to go down there. But I’m living here until then. n”

To see where Connor Daly is playing next and stay in the know of his upcoming projects, check out his website connordalymusic.com or follow him on Instagram @connordalymusic.

Dana Armstrong/Get Out Loudoun Connor Daly performs during a recent show at Bear Chase Brewing in Bluemont.

GET OUT

LIVE MUSIC

continued from page 21

SUSANNA LAIRD

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 3

Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

O’MCPUB BAND

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 3

Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com

SCOTT KURT

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 3

Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com

JIM STEELE

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 3

The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. thebarnsathamiltonstation.com

JASON MASI

6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, March 6

The Lost Fox, 20374 Exchange St., Ashburn. lostfoxhideaway.com

MELISSA QUINN FOX

5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, March 7

Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

TEJAS SINGH

6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 7

Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com

HAPPENINGS

COMMUNITY LISTENING SESSIONS WITH LCPS SUPERINTENDENT

7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29

Loudoun Valley High School, 340 N. Maple Ave., Purcellville. lcps.org

SIX THE MUSICAL: TEEN EDITION,

7 p.m. Friday, March 1; 2 & 7 p.m. Saturday, March

2; 2 p.m. Sunday, March 3

Independence High School, 23115 Learning Circle, Ashburn. $10 to $15.

independencetheatreandperformingarts.com

THE BRMS PTO PRESENTS, DISNEY’S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, JR.

7 p.m. Friday, March 1; 2 & 7 p.m. March 2; 2 p.m. March 3

Blue Ridge Middle School, 551 E. A St., Purcellville. $10.

lcps.org/Page/241032

2024 Sprint to Spring 5K

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Franklin Park, 17501 Franklin Park Dr. Purcellville potomac.enmotive.com

CONVERSATIONS IN HISTORY: THE CIVIL WAR COMES TO ALDIE

1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Aldie Mill Historic Park, 39401 Little River Turnpike, Aldie novaparks.org

CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT BLACK HISTORY

PROGRAM

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Loudoun County Circuit Court, 18 E. Market St.,

Leesburg. loudoun.gov

WOODCOCK WALK AT INSTITUTE FARM

6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Institute Farm, 22265 Oatlands Road, Aldie. loudounwildlife.org

LOUDOUN SYMPHONIC WINDS: SLAVIC FOLK SONGS

7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Potomac Falls High School, 46400 Algonkian Parkway, Potomac Falls. loudouncommunityband.org

VERNAL POOLS

1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 3

Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg. loudounwildlife.org

BOOK TALK: THE FIGHT TO END SLAVERY IN EARLY AMERICA

7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 6

Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls.

library.loudoun.gov/Cascades

LMAO PRODUCTIONS COMEDY SHOW W/ ANWAR RAY

8 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, March 7

Emilio’s Brick Oven Pizza, 22207 Shaw Road, Sterling. $15.

emiliosbrickovengourmet.com

WRITING IN NATURE

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, March 7

Morven Park Gate House, 17339 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. loudounwildlife.org

A Hometown Fine Arts & Crafts Show

Shop for beautifully handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gifts for Easter, Mother’s Day, and graduations!

SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2024

9:00AM - 4:00PM

WHY I LOVE LOUDOUN:

Melissa Quinn Fox, singer-songwriter

Pittsburgh-born country music artist Melissa Quinn Fox moved to Loudoun in 2022 when her husband, an Army Special Forces lieutenant colonel, retired from active duty. She will be performing at the inaugural Songbook Loudoun Festival that takes place May 24-26.

Favorite place to eat in Loudoun?

There are so many great restaurants it’s difficult to choose one but when we moved to Purcellville, Anthony’s Italian Restaurant quickly became our favorite. We love all the pasta and Mediterranean selections and the warm and friendly service.

Favorite place for a craft beverage?

I love the Malice Cider at Harvest Gap Brewery, the Crush seltzer while enjoying the views at Bear Chase Brewing, and the Cabernet Sauvignon at beautiful Breaux Vineyards.

Best hidden gem in Loudoun?

Shamrock Music Shoppe in Purcellville is a fantastic full-service music store that provides award-winning music instruction. Owner Scott Kinney and his team are very supportive of local musicians and the community.

Why We

What’s a must-see place for an out-of-town visitor?

The view from Bear Chase Brewing is gorgeous and a must-see for friends and family visiting for the first time.

Favorite event in Loudoun?

For the past three years my band and I have been honored to perform at Boots, Beer & BBQ, a fundraiser for the Loudoun Free Clinic. It’s a fantastic event that brings the local community together to raise money to provide medical assistance for those in need.

What’s a fun fact to share about Loudoun?

Loudoun has more than 50 wineries

Aaron Dray Photography Melissa Quinn Fox

Love Loudoun

continued from page 24

and over 30 breweries, with more opening every year. My friends and family back in Pittsburgh are amazed by this!

Tell us about Songbook Loudoun.

Producer Kenny Darby and his team want to energize the DC region as a prominent music festival destination by showcasing talented local musicians. I will be playing a one-hour set with my full band on Saturday, May 25. We were excited to be invited and will perform all my original music including my Washington Area Music Awards Award-winning songs. I can’t wait to hear all the other bands and artists over the weekend.

What’s your favorite venue to perform at in Loudoun?

It’s hard to pick a favorite but I will always love performing on the “beach” at MacDowell’s in the heart of Leesburg. That’s where I played my first show after forming my band in August 2020. It rained but the crowd didn’t care. They all just danced and sang along, and it was the most incredible feeling.

Do you have a favorite Loudoun band, artist, or song?

There are so many talented musicians of all genres it’s hard to have a favorite. You can go to any winery, brewery or local restaurant and hear fantastic music every weekend. Whenever I’m not performing, I try to go out and support my fellow Loudoun musicians.

What did you do before music?

I started singing in the children’s choir at my church when I was five years old and have never stopped. I was active in musical theater throughout high school and decided to pursue a Bachelor’s in Musical Theatre at Point Park University in Pittsburgh. Following graduation, I performed at several theme parks in Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Arizona, Texas, and Germany.

What’s your favorite venue you have ever performed in?

The Barefoot Country Music Festival and the Carolina Country Music Festival alongside some of the biggest names in the country. Getting to sing on those large stages with all the energy from and connection with the crowd was incredible. How would you describe the Loudoun music scene?

Vibrant, diverse, and thriving. Whether you enjoy rock, country, jazz, or any other genre there’s always an opportunity to catch a fantastic show. We’re lucky to have so many supportive local businesses that empower local artists to showcase their talents while connecting with the community.

Which artist/performer are you most compared to?

I’ve been compared to country artists like Miranda Lambert and Carly Pearce but also to Natalie Merchant and Stevie Nicks.

Tell us about your singles and your next album.

My first single “Give It a Try” was released three years ago in February 2021. My latest EP “Everything Changes” came out in December 2023. I write and record with well-known local producer and artist Todd Wright and his studio Half King Music of Hamilton. We’ve recorded 11 songs together winning the award for Best Country/Americana Song (Dear Self Doubt,) and Album (Melissa Quinn Fox) last year at the 2023 Wammie Awards. Todd is so creative and focused. I love working on new music with him. I have also recorded and released five songs with Producer P.T. Houston and his talented team at “Off the Row Studio” in Franklin, Tennessee Patsy Cline was from across the Blue Ridge in Winchester – did you grow up listening to her?

Who is your favorite artist? Who were your inspirations?

I grew up listening to so many inspiring artists and bands including Patsy Cline. Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac have been my longtime favorites as well Carly Simon, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Melissa Etheridge, Nathalie Merchant, Miranda Lambert and so many more.

What’s the best concert you ever went to?

I have been to so many! My recent favorite was taking my dad to see Stevie Nicks live in Pittsburgh last year. Being able to spend the time with him and hear all my favorite songs meant so much to me.

Visit Loudoun strives to bring tourists to the county, but locals can be tourists, too. In this series, we ask Loudoun residents to tell us about the joys, secrets and delights of their own backyard. Discover something new and share your local adventure with Visit Loudoun using #loveloudoun. n

Legal Notices

ATTENTION LOUDOUN COUNTY BUSINESS OWNERS

MARCH 1 DEADLINE

Notification of 2024 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 2023 Loudoun County Business License must obtain a 2024 license by reporting their calendar year 2023 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, 2024, 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, 2024. Resulting semi-annual tax bills for this equipment must be paid to the Treasurer by the May and October 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. Mailing address changes and notification of business closure should also be reported at www.loudoun.gov/efile  Most transactions with our office can be done online. For more information or filing assistance, please visit www.loudoun.gov/ cor or contact my office at businesstax@loudoun.gov or 703-777-0260. You may also write or stop by my office weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office in Leesburg is undergoing renovations that may result in longer wait times. So that we may better serve you, taxpayers are encouraged to email or call prior to visiting the office.

Robert S. Wertz, Jr. Commissioner of the Revenue Loudoun County

Loudoun Tech Center Office

46000 Center Oak Plaza, Sterling

Government Center Office

1 Harrison St. SE, 1st Floor, Leesburg

MAILING ADDRESS:

PO Box 8000, Leesburg, VA 20177-9804

Phone: 703-777-0260

E-mail: businesstax@loudoun.gov

Website: www.loudoun.gov/cor 2/1 & 2/8/24 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22 & 2/29/24

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ046179-05-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Starh Rahimi

Loudoun County Department of Family

It

Legal Notices

TOWN OF LOVETTSVILLE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

ON THE PROPOSED 2024 TAX RATES AND SCHEDULE OF FEES FOR FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2024 - JUNE 30, 2025

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-107, 15.2-1427, 15.2-2111, 15.2-2119, 15.2-2122, and 15.2-2143 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LOVETTSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 6:30pm in the Town Council Chamber, 6 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville, Virginia at which time the public shall have the right to provide written and oral comments on the Town’s proposed schedule of fees for tax year 2024 and fiscal year July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.

All persons desiring to speak will be given an opportunity to do so at this meeting.

Copies of the proposed budget are available on the Town website and are available for review at the Town Hall between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm weekdays or by special appointment, holidays excepted. Call 540-822-5788 for more information or visit www.lovettsvilleva.gov. In the event the meeting is cancelled, the public hearing will be convened at the next regular scheduled meeting at the same time and place.

GENERAL FUND

All

In-Town

Out-of-Town Contractors

OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE

Fee of $30.00 for gross receipts up to $20,000.00 and a Tax of $0.17/$100 for 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

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

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 FIRST ACRE + $50 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL ACRE

Preliminary/Final Site Plan $1,000 FOR 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 Consultant Review Deposit Fee** $3,000

Comprehensive Plan (Document) $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.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA) REQUESTS

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. For more information, see the

of Lovettsville Freedom of Information Act Policy and FOIA Request Form.

UTILITIES FUND

FEES AND CHARGES

Sign Permit – Temporary (PER SIGN) $25

Preliminary Plat $300 + $15 PER LOT

Preliminary Plat Amendment $250

Final Plat

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Legal Notices

Frye Court Service Tax District (per $100 of assessed value exclusive of improvements) $0.240

WATER AND SEWER 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 1,000 gallons, and includes a 3% increase in residential 5/8 & 3/4 meter sizes, as well as rates for non-residential and other size water meter connections.

3

4

Water Modeling Fee

Hydrant

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.

+ provide needed testing equipment

(when existing connection upgrades to a larger size meter)

LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS FOR:

COMPREHENSIVE ARTS PLAN, RFQ No. 646818 until prior to 4:00 p.m., March 25, 2024.

PRINTING AND MAILING SERVICE FOR THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF THE REVENUE, RFQ No. 647812 until prior to 4:00 p.m., March 14, 2024.

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

2/29/24

***

from a smaller meter size will equal the difference between the new availability fee and the current availability worth of the existing meter size.

These actions are authorized by the Code of Virginia §15.2-2111 - §15.2-2143 & §15.2-2111 - 15.2-2119

$30.00 bank charge for all returned checks

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ046599-05-00, -06-00, -07-00, -08-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Briston Love

Loudoun County Department of Family Services v.

Unknown Father

The object of this suit is to hold a third Permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1281 for Briston Love and hold a hearing on the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights of Unknown Father, pursuant to Virginia Code §16.1283 for Briston Love. Unknown Father is hereby notified that failure to appear on the hereinafter

noticed date and time may result in the entry of an Order approving a permanency goal of adoption as well as the termination of his residual parental rights with respect to Briston Love. Unknown Father is hereby further notified that if his residual parental rights are terminated, he will no longer have any legal rights with respect to said minor child, including, but not limited to, the right to visit Briston Love; any authority with respect to the care and supervision of Briston Love; or the right to make health related decisions or determine the religious affiliation of Briston Love. Further, Unknown Father, will have no legal and /or financial obligations with respect to Briston Love, and the Department of Family Services of Loudoun County, Virginia may be granted the authority to place Briston Love for adoption and consent to the adoption of Briston Love.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before April 4, 2024 at 10:00am 2/29, 3/7, 3/14 & 3/21/24

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 13, 2024, in order to consider:

AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 848 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY SPECIAL ASSESSMENT FOR LAND PRESERVATION

Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1427, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for passage an amendment to Chapter 848, Special Assessment for Land Preservation, Section 848.023(a)(1) Criteria for Open Space Use Qualification, Historic Resource Protection, of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. The proposed amendments will align the ordinance with updates to the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance (Zoning Ordinance) that went into effect December 13, 2023. The Zoning Ordinance defines the term “Historic Resource” to include properties or structures that are “listed on the Loudoun County Heritage Register or a contributing resource in a historic district listed on the Loudoun County Heritage Register,” The proposed amendment to section 848.023(a)(1) will add properties listed on the Loudoun County Heritage Register as an additional criteria for open space use qualification.

Full and complete copies of the proposed ordinance are on file 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. and 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.

AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 490 OF THE CODIFIED ORDNANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY ASHBRIAR RESIDENTIAL PERMIT PARKING DISTRICT

Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1427, §490.04 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County, and a petition by the Ashbriar Homeowners Association, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for passage amendments to the Ashbriar Residential Parking District (Parking District), along sections of Clivedon Court (Route 2373), Dorchester Way (Route 2375), Plymouth Place (Route 2371), Sheffield Court (Route 2376), Suzanne Hope Way (Route 2370), and Yorkshire Court (Route 2372). The proposed amendments would allow the residents along the privately owned and maintained roadways of Greenwich Square and Nottingham Square to be included in the Parking District. Within the Parking District, on-street parking during specified hours and days shall be permitted only upon display of a valid parking permit or visitor pass. Vehicles parked in violation of the Parking District’s restrictions may be subject to towing at the owner’s expense, and the owners of such vehicles shall be subject to fines.

Full and complete copies of the proposed ordinance are on file 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. and 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.

RDAB-2023-0002, PASSAGE

OF AN ORDINANCE TO PARTIALLY VACATE SUBDIVISION PLAT, PARTIAL VACATION OF SWIFTWATER DRIVE

The Moorelands Homeowner’s Association, Inc., has submitted an application for the Board of Supervisors to consider the adoption of an ordinance to partially vacate a subdivision plat in order to vacate an unimproved section of Swiftwater Drive that consists of approximately 6,441 square feet (0.14786 acre) of dedicated right-of-way. The subject section is located within the Raspberry Falls subdivision, north of the Town of Leesburg, in the Catoctin Election District.

Copies of the proposed ordinance, plats, and any associated documents 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. and 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.

ALEGI-2023-0019, REVIEW AND RENEWAL, MODIFICATION OR TERMINATION OF THE NEW CATOCTIN SOUTH AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTAL DISTRICT

The current period of the New Catoctin South Agricultural and Forestal District (District) will expire on June 1, 2024. The District has a 4-year period and a subdivision minimum lot size of 20 acres. Pursuant to Chapter 1226 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County, the Board of Supervisors (Board) has directed staff, the Agricultural District Advisory Committee (ADAC), and the Planning Commission to conduct a review in order to determine whether to continue, modify, or terminate the District. Parcels currently enrolled in the District are located within an area generally south of Lovettsville Road (Route 672), east of Berlin Turnpike (Route 287), Mountain Road (Route 690), and Charles Town Pike (Route 9), west of James Monroe Highway (Route 15), and north of Leesburg Pike (Route 7) in the Catoctin Election District.

During this review, land less than 5 acres, or 20 acres or greater, in size that is currently enrolled in the District will be automatically renewed. However, any parcel containing at least 5 acres but less than 20 acres will be ineligible for renewal and inclusion within the District unless the owner submits an application on forms provided by the Department of Planning and Zoning and one or more of the following criteria is met:

1. Management Plan that specifically states that the property owner(s) are accumulating the required 5-year production records in order to qualify for agricultural, to include horticulture, land use tax deferral.

2. Animal Husbandry including Equine uses (commercial or non-commercial) with a Management Plan that relates the pasture carrying capacity to limit the number of animals allowed.

3. Forests and woodlands with a management plan that specifies the actions required to maintain and enhance the stands.

4. Wetlands, flood plains, streams and/or rivers that have Management Plans that set forth the terms for their maintenance and enhancement.

During this review, land within the District may be withdrawn, in whole or in part, at the owner’s discretion by filing a written notice with the Board at any time before the Board acts to continue, modify, or terminate the District.

Landowners of the following parcels, currently enrolled in the New Catoctin South Agricultural and Forestal District, were notified by certified mail of the District’s review. Parcel Listings:

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Legal Notices

223-17-6961-000

* Indicates a parcel whose owner is withdrawing it from the District.

** Indicates a parcel containing at least 5 acres but less than 20 acres whose owner did not properly apply for renewal.

The ADAC held a public meeting on November 6, 2023, to review and make recommendations concerning whether to continue, modify, or terminate the New Catoctin South Agricultural and Forestal District, and to review renewal applications and requests for withdrawal of land from the District. The reports and recommendations of the ADAC and the Planning Commission, along with any proposed modifications, will be considered by the Board at its public hearing.

In accordance with Section 15.2-4307 of the Code of Virginia, the applications referenced above 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 by calling 703-7770246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies or electronically at: https://www.loudoun.gov/adac Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments

LAND UES APPLICATIONS

LEGI-2023-0098, LOUDOUN SPROUTS HOME DAYCARE: SPEX-2023-0032

(Minor Special Exception)

Alondra Sanchez, Director of Sprouts Home Day Care in Ashburn, Virginia, has submitted an application for a minor special exception for approximately 0.04 acres in size and is located North of George Washington Boulevard and West of Bles Park Drive in the Algonkian Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as: 19883 Upland Terrace, Ashburn, Virginia, Tax Map #/63/E/8////68/, PIN:038-26-2322-000. The applicant seeks to permit a Childcare Home in the R-16 (Townhouse/Multifamily Residential) zoning district. The proposed use is listed as Permitted use under Section 3-603. The modification of the Additional Regulations applicable to the proposed use is authorized by Minor Special Exception under 5-600, Additional Regulations for Specific Uses, pursuant to which the Applicant requests the following modifications:

Zoning Ordinance Section Proposed Modification

5-609(A)(14), Child Care Facilities, Child Care Home Permit the Child Care Home for up to 12 children in a single family attached dwelling to be located on a lot less than 5,000 square feet in size.

The application is being processed under the land use and development regulations of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance Grandfathering Resolution dated December 13, 2023.

LEGI-2023-0110, MOUNT STERLING WATER PUMPING STATION LANDSCAPE BUFFER MODIFICATION:

SPEX-2023-0043

(Minor Special Exception)

Mount Sterling LLC has submitted an application for a minor special exception for approximately 0.50acre portion of a 12.22-acre site located on the north side of Potomac View Road (Route 637), on the south

of Bartholomew Fair Drive (Route 1792), west of Benedict Drive in the Sterling Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as:

265-45-7981-000

not properly recommendations concernForestal District, The reports and modifications,

above may be Harrison Street, 703-7770246 https://www.loudoun.gov/adac public hearing

DAYCARE: an application George WashSubject Property). Virginia, Tax Home in the R-16 Permitted use under use is authoUses, pursuant to Modification to 12 children dwelling to be located in size.

Revised 1993 Ordinance GrandfaSTATION approximately 0.50637), on the south Election District (the

Legal Notices

For SPEX-2023-0043, the applicant seeks to reduce the landscape buffer yards required on all sides of a water pumping station pursuant to Section 5-621(B)(1) of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The application is being processed under the land use and development regulations of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance Grandfathering Resolution dated December 13, 2023.

LEGI-2023-0042, STONE RIDGE SECTION 40:

ZMAP-2022-0019, ZCPA-2021-0003, ZCPA-2022-0006, SPEX-2023-0012, SPEX-2023-0034, ZMOD-2022-0066, & ZMOD-2022-0067

(Zoning Map Amendment, Zoning Concept Plan Amendments, Special Exception, Zoning Ordinance Modifications)

Stone Ridge Community Development LLC has submitted applications for a zoning map amendment, a zoning concept plan amendment, special exceptions, and zoning modifications for approximately 33.88 acres of land located south of Tall Cedars Parkway (Route 2200) between Stone Springs Boulevard (Route 2625) and Gum Springs Road (Route 659) in the Dulles Election District (the “Subject Property”), and more particularly identified as:

205-18-1614-000

204-19-3204-000

205-46-9303-000

For ZMAP-2022-0019, the applicant seeks to rezone 26.59 acres to the PD-H4 (Planned Development –Housing 4) zoning, administered as the R-8 ADU (Single Family Residential Affordable Dwelling Unit Regulations) zoning district in order to develop up to 129 residential units. For ZCPA-2021-0003, the applicant seeks to revise the proffer statement and concept development plan approved with ZMAP-19940017 in order to change the designation of a 2.9-acre open space parcel from passive park to common open space to permit complementary structures or improvements. For ZCPA-2022-0006, the applicant seeks to revise the proffer statement and concept development plan approved with ZMAP-1994-0017 in order to permit development of 23 residential units. For SPEX-2023-0012 and SPEX-2023-0034, the applicant seeks to modify the minimum yard requirements for the R-8 ADU (Single Family Residential Affordable Dwelling Unit Regulations) zoning district. For ZMOD-2022-0066 and ZMOD-2022-0067, the applicant seeks Zoning Ordinance modifications for various regulations affecting the Subject Property, including but not limited to: allow residential units to front onto private roads, and to allow all roads within the development to be private. The applications are being processed under the land use and development regulations of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance Grandfathering Resolution dated December 13, 2023.

LEGI-2023-0031, TILLETT’S VIEW:

ZMAP-2022-0003

(Zoning Map Amendment)

Pulte Home Company LLC has submitted applications for a zoning map amendment and zoning modification for approximately 49.6 acres of land located east of Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659), North of Waxpool Road (Route 900), and west of Ashburn Tillett Drive, in the Broad Run Election District (the “Subject Property”). The Subject Property is more particularly identified as:

regulations of the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance Grandfathering Resolution dated December 13, 2023.

LEGI-2023-0048, BELMONT INNOVATION CAMPUS:

ZMAP-2022-0021, SPEX-2022-0042, SPMI-2023-0013 & ZMOD-2022-0077 (Zoning Map Amendment, Special Exception, Minor Special Exception & Zoning Ordinance Modification)

Loudoun GC, LLC, has submitted applications for a zoning map amendment, a special exception, a minor special exception, and a zoning modification for approximately 111.7 acres of land located south of Loudoun County Parkway (Route 7), west of Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659), east of Cochran Mill Road (Route 653), and north of Route 267 in the Ashburn Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as:

For ZMAP-2022-0003, the applicant seeks to rezone approximately 49.6 acres from the R-1 (Single Family Residential) and RC (Rural Commercial) zoning districts to the R-8 (Single Family Residential) and R-16 (Townhouse/Multifamily Residential) zoning districts in order to develop up to 103 single family detached units, 184 single family attached units, and 110 multifamily stacked units at an overall density of 8.0 dwelling units per acre. The application is being processed under the land use and development regulations of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance Grandfathering Resolution dated December 13, 2023.

LEGI-2023-0069, PHILOMONT FIRE AND RESCUE: SPEX-2023-0014

(Special Exception)

Philomont Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD) has submitted an application for a special exception for approximately 7.03 acres of land located east of Snickersville Turnpike (Route 734) and south of Philomont Road (Route 630) in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as: 37180 Snickersville Turnpike, Purcellville, Virginia, PIN 530-17-5737-000, Tax Map # /56////////22/. The applicant seeks to allow a fire and rescue station use, pursuant to Section 2-504(H) on property zoned CR-1 (Countryside Residential-1). The application is being processed under the land use and development

For ZMAP-2022-0021, the applicant seeks to rezone approximately 70 acres from the PD-GI (Planned Development-General Industry) and A-3 (Agricultural Residential) zoning districts to the PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning district to develop data center uses. The application area also includes approximately 41.7 acres of land that is currently zoned PD-IP, for a total application area of 111.7 acres. For SPEX-2022-0042, the applicant seeks to increase the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) in the PD-IP zoning district to 1.0. For SPMI-2023-0013, the applicant seeks to modify the buffer yard requirements of Table 5-1404 by eliminating required buffer yards between uses and to reduce plantings and buffer yard widths. For ZMOD-2022-0077, the applicant seeks to reduce parking setbacks from 35 feet to 25 feet and building setbacks from 75 feet to 35 feet along Gloucester Parkway (Route 2150) and Russell Branch Parkway (Route 1061). The applications are being processed under the land use and development regulations of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance Grandfathering Resolution dated December 13, 2023.

LEGI-2023-0017, VILLAGE AT CLEAR SPRINGS:

ZMAP-2021-0008, SPEX-2021-0028, SPEX-2021-0029, SPEX-2021-0030, SPEX-2022-0044, ZMOD-2021-0035, ZMOD-2021-0036, ZMOD-2021-0091, ZMOD-2022-0036 & ZMOD-2022-0037

(Zoning Map Amendment, Special Exceptions & Zoning Ordinance Modifications)

Clear Springs Development, LLC, has submitted applications for the following: a zoning map amendment, special exceptions, and zoning modifications for approximately 245.95 acres of land located east of Evergreen Mills Road (Route 621), west of Dulles Greenway (Route 267), and south of the Town of Leesburg town limits in the Catoctin Election District (the “Subject Property”). The Subject Property is more particularly described as:

Legal Notices

234-36-2207-000

235-26-2866-000 19928

235-37-7793-000

235-16-4213-000 41335

Virginia /60/////////4/ 235-36-3533-000

235-46-0891-000

235-16-3062-000 41318

235-46-7000-000 19856

234-16-9543-000 41439 Springfield Ln, Leesburg, Virginia /60///3/////7/

234-36-6701-000 41365

Evergreen Mills Rd, Leesburg, Virginia /60///3////12B

234-17-4554-000 N/A

/60///8/////6B

235-46-5737-000 19778 Evergreen Mills Rd, Leesburg, Virginia /60///1/////1/

234-36-3057-000 19372 Evergreen Mills Rd, Leesburg, Virginia /60///3/////1A

234-15-8988-000 19624

Evergreen Mills Rd, Leesburg, Virginia /60/////////5A

234-17-7032-000 41453 Springfield Ln, Leesburg, Virginia /60///8/////6A

For ZMAP-2021-0008, the applicant seeks to rezone approximately 245.95 acres from the AR-1 (Agricultural Rural) zoning district to the PD-H6 (Planned Development – Housing), administered as R-1 (Residential), R-8 and R-16)) zoning district in order to develop 1,180 dwelling units consisting of 242 single-family detached (SFD) dwelling units (including one existing SFD dwelling unit and 131 age-restricted SFD dwelling units), 578 single family attached (SFA) dwelling units (including 157 SFA age-restricted dwelling units), and 360 multi-family attached (MF Attached) dwelling units (including 180 MF Attached age-restricted dwelling units). For SPEX-2021-0028, SPEX-2021-0029, SPEX-2021-0030, and SPEX-2022-0044 the applicant seeks special exceptions to permit playing fields and courts with lights, a private club or lodge, and to modify the required yards within the portion of the property administered as R-8 and R-1. For ZMOD-2021-0035, ZMOD-2021-0036, ZMOD-2021-0091, ZMOD-2022-0036, and ZMOD-2022-0037, the applicant seeks zoning modifications for various regulations affecting the Subject Property including but not limited to: allow single family detached dwellings to front and access from a private road, reduce lot width from 24 feet to 20 feet for single family attached residential, to reduce lot width from 24 feet to 20 feet for the townhouse/multi-family district, to eliminate the street tree requirement, to permit the calculation of minimum tree canopy to be tabulated overall for the entire development area, and to eliminate buffer yards. The applications are being processed under the land use and development regulations of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance Grandfathering Resolution dated December 13, 2023.

FIND OUT ABOUT THE COUNTY’S REAL ESTATE AND VEHICLE TAX RELIEF PROGRAMS FOR RESIDENTS AGED 65 YEARS OR OLDER OR WHO ARE DISABLED

Commissioner of the Revenue, Robert S. Wertz, Jr., encourages eligible property owners who are aged 65 years or older, OR are totally and permanently disabled, to learn about Loudoun’s property relief programs. Applicants that meet qualifying criteria of the program, including income and net worth limits, may be relieved of up to 100% of real estate taxes on their primary dwelling and lot, up to 3 acres. In addition, eligible applicants may also have their vehicle taxes reduced.

To learn more about this tax relief program, please plan on attending one of the free sessions that are being offered throughout the county. No appointment or RSVP is required.

LEGI-2023-0067, GOOSE CREEK RETAIL LLC: SPEX-2023-0011 (Special Exception)

Goose Creek Retail LLC has submitted an application for a special exception for an approximately 0.51acre portion of a 15.92 acre property located on the northwest corner of Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659) and Sycolin Road (Route 625) in the Ashburn Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as: 42810 Creek View Plaza, Ashburn Virginia, PIN #153-186338-000, Tax Map #/78//86/////D/, The applicant seeks special exception approval to allow a restaurant with drive-through use, pursuant to Section 4-204(B)(9) of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance on property zoned PD-CC(CC) (Planned Development – Commercial Center (Community Center). The application is being processed under the land use and development regulations of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance Grandfathering Resolution dated December 13, 2023.

Copies of the proposed plans, ordinances, and amendments for each land use application listed above 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 703-777-0246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies. Additional project files related to land use applications for public hearings may be reviewed electronically at loudoun.gov/landmarc. In addition, documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: loudoun.gov/bosdocuments. Board of Supervisors public hearings are held in the Board Room of the Government Center. Meetings are televised on Comcast Government Channel 23 and Verizon FiOS Channel 40. Meetings also are livestreamed at loudoun.gov/meetings

Members of the public desiring to do so may appear and present their views regarding those matters listed for public hearing. Members of the public who wish to provide public input, whether electronically or in person, are encouraged to sign-up in advance; however, speakers may sign-up during the public hearing. If you wish to sign-up in advance, call the Office of the County Administrator at (703) 777-0200. For this public hearing, advanced sign-up will be taken after 8:30 a.m. on March 1, 2024, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on March 13, 2024. Members of the public 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. Members of the public may also submit comments on land use items electronically at loudoun. gov/landapplications

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/TTY-711. 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 J. RANDALL, CHAIR LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

ORDER

OF

PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ046598-05-00, 06-00, -07-00, -08-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Chloe Love

Loudoun County Department of Family Services v.

Willie Huff, putative father, and Unknown Father

The object of this suit is to hold a third Permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Chloe Love and hold a hearing on the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights of Willie Huff, putative father, and Unknown Father, pursuant to Virginia Code §16.1-283 for Chloe Love. Willie Huff, putative father, and Unknown Father are hereby notified that failure to appear on

2/29 & 3/7/24

the hereinafter noticed date and time may result in the entry of an Order approving a permanency goal of adoption as well as the termination of their residual parental rights with respect to Chloe Love. Willie Huff, putative father and Unknown Father, are hereby further notified that if their residual parental rights are terminated, they will no longer have any legal rights with respect to said minor child, including, but not limited to, the right to visit Chloe Love; any authority with respect to the care and supervision of Chloe Love; or the right to make health related decisions or determine the religious affiliation of Chloe Love. Further, Willie Huff, putative father, and Unknown Father will have no legal and /or financial obligations with respect to Chloe Love, and the Department of Family Services of Loudoun County, Virginia may be granted the authority to place Chloe Love for adoption and consent to the adoption of Chloe Love.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Willie Huff, putative father, and Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before April 4, 2024 at 10:00am

2/29,

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION will conduct a public hearing during its work session on Friday, March 15 ,2024, at 4:00 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room on the first floor of the County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia. The items proposed for public hearing during this work session are as follows:

LEGI-2023-0052, ORME FARM REZONING:

ZMAP-2022-0022, SPEX-2022-0046 & SPEX-2022-0048 (Zoning Map Amendment and Special Exceptions)

Van Metre Communities, L.L.C. submitted applications for: a zoning map amendment and special exceptions for 11.7 acres of land located south of Shreve Mill Road (Route 653) and west of Sycolin Road (Route 625) and north of the Dulles Greenway (Route 267) in the Leesburg Election District (the “Subject Property”) more particularly identified as: PIN: 236-38-7331-000, Tax Map #: /60////////56B. For ZMAP2022-0022, the applicant seeks to rezone an 11.7-acre portion of the 107.9-acre parcel from the JLMA-20 (Joint Land Management Area – 20) zoning district to the PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to develop permitted uses within the PD-IP zoning district. For SPEX-2022-0046 and SPEX-2022-0048, the applicant seeks to increase the Floor Area Ratio from 0.6 to 1.0 and to increase the maximum lot coverage from 0.45 to 0.60 in the PDIP zoning district. The applications are being processed under the land use and development regulations of the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the ZOR Grandfathering Resolution dated December 13, 2023

LEGI-2023-0025, DEFENDER DRIVE: ZMAP-2021-0023

(Zoning Map Amendment)

NFD Acquisition LLC has submitted an application for a zoning map amendment for approximately 13.8 acres of land located south of Little River Turnpike (Route 50), east of South Riding Boulevard (Route 2201) and north of Mountain View Drive (Route 834), in the Dulles Election District (the “Subject Property”) and more particularly described as:

of the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the ZOR Grandfathering Resolution dated December 13, 2023

Copies of the proposed plans, ordinances, or amendments for each item listed above may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center, Office of County Administrator, Information Desk, First Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday or call 703-777-0246 (option 5), to request hard copies or electronic copies. Additional project files related to land use applications and land use ordinances may be reviewed electronically at loudoun.gov/landmarc Additionally, documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically the week before the hearing at www. loudoun.gov/pc. For further information, contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 (option 5).

Planning Commission work sessions and public hearings are held in the Board Room of the Government Center. Public hearings and work sessions are televised on Comcast Government Channel 23 and Verizon FiOS Channel 40, and are also are livestreamed at loudoun.gov/meetings

Members of the public desiring to do so may appear and present their views during the public hearing portion of the work session. Public comment will be received only for those items listed for public hearing. Members of the public who wish to provide public input, whether electronically or in person, are encouraged to sign-up in advance; however, speakers may sign-up during the hearing. If you wish to sign-up in advance, please call the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 (option 5) prior to 12:00 PM on the day of the work session; however, speakers may also sign-up at the work session. Written comments concerning any item before the Commission are welcomed at any time and may be sent to the Loudoun County Planning Commission, P.O. Box 7000 Leesburg, VA 20177-7000, or by e-mail to loudounpc@ loudoun.gov. If written comments are presented at the hearing, please provide ten (10) copies for distribution to the Commission and for the Clerk’s records. Members of the public may also submit comments on land use items electronically at loudoun.gov/landapplications. Any individual representing and/or proposing to be the sole speaker on behalf of a citizen’s organization or civic association is encouraged to contact the Department of Planning and Zoning prior to the date of the work session to request additional time to speak on behalf of such organization.

Regularly scheduled Planning Commission work sessions are held on the second Thursday of each month. In the event the work session cannot be conducted on that date due to weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend the work session, the work session may be continued to the third Tuesday of the month. In the event the work session may not be held on the third Tuesday due to weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend the work session, the work session may be continued to the Thursday following the third Tuesday.

Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory, or mental disability to participate in this meeting, contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 (option 5). Three business days advance notice is requested.

For ZMAP-2021-0003, the applicant seeks to rezone the Subject Property from the PDH-4 (Planned Development – Housing 4) zoning district and the CR-1 (Countryside Residential – 1) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance to the R-16 ADU (Townhouse/Multifamily Residential Affordable Dwelling Unit) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to develop a maximum of 161 single-family attached dwelling units with a maximum density of approximately 11.7 dwelling units per acre. The application is being processed under the land use and development regulations

NOTICE OF ABANDONED BICYCLES

Notice is hereby given that the bicycles described below were found and delivered to the Office of the Sheriff of Loudoun County; if the owners of the listed bicycles are not identified within sixty (60) days following the final publication of this notice, the individuals who found said bicycles shall be entitled to them if he/she desires. All unclaimed bicycles will be handled according to Chapter 228.04 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County.

BY ORDER OF: MICHELLE FRANK, CHAIR LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE

2/29 & 3/7/24

The Town Council of the Town of Purcellville will hold a public hearing in the Town Council Chambers located at 221 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia on Tuesday, March 12th, 2024 at 6:00 PM for the purpose of receiving comments on, considering, and possibly voting on the following item:

RZ-24-01: Zoning Map Amendment application submitted by property owner, Town of Purcellville. The rezoning request proposes to rezone two parcels, Parcel “A” and Parcel “B”, from “X, Transitional” to “IP, Institutional and Public Use”. The 2.0535 acre(“A”) and 3.0118 acre(“B”) parcels are identified on the plat entitled “Plat Showing Subdivision and the Creation of Various Easements on the Lands of The Board of Supervisors of Loudoun County, Virginia”. The Plat is further identified by Instrument Number 20231227-0051228, as recorded within the Loudoun County Clerk of the Circuit Court Land Records.

SUP-24-01 & CP-24-01: Special Use and Commission Permit for “Public Utility, major” for the above referenced Parcel “A”. The stated purpose of the SUP is to permit the construction and operation of a Town of Purcellville Water Storage Tank on the 2.0535 acre lot(Parcel “A”).

Additional information regarding this application is available for review at the Purcellville Town Hall at 221 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia during regular business hours, holidays excepted.

At this public hearing, all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Qualified individuals with a disability who require a reasonable accommodation to attend and/or participate in the public hearing, should contact Kimberly Bandy, Town Clerk at kbandy@purcellvilleva. gov to request the accommodation three days in advance of the meeting.

2/22 & 2/29/24

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION

March 5, 2024

A Republican and Democratic Primary to elect presidential candidates will be held throughout Loudoun County on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

The polls – which are listed below – will open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. Officers of Election will take the name of any qualified voter who is in line at the polling place by 7:00 p.m. and all such voters will be permitted to vote.

107 Little River, Little River Elementary School, 43464 Hyland Hills St., South Riding

108 Mercer, Mercer Middle School, 42149 Greenstone Dr., Aldie

112 Freedom, Freedom High School, 25450 Riding Center Dr., South Riding

114 Dulles South, Dulles South Recreation & Community Center, 24950 Riding Center Dr., South Riding

119 Arcola, Arcola Elementary School, 41740 Tall Cedars Pkwy., Aldie

120 Lunsford, J. Michael Lunsford Middle School, 26020 Ticonderoga Rd., Chantilly

121 Town Hall, South Riding Town Hall, 43055 Center St., South Riding

122 Hutchison Farm, Hutchison Farm Elementary School, 42819 Center St., South Riding

123 Cardinal Ridge, Cardinal Ridge Elementary School, 26155 Bull Run Post Office Rd., Centreville

124 Liberty, Liberty Elementary School, 25491 Riding Center Dr., South Riding

126 Goshen Post, Goshen Post Elementary School, 24945 Lobo Drive, Aldie

207 River Bend, River Bend Middle School, 46240 Algonkian Pkwy., Sterling

208 Algonkian, Algonkian Elementary School, 20196 Carter Court, Sterling

209 Potomac Falls, Potomac Falls High School, 46400 Algonkian Pkwy., Sterling

210 Cascades, Potowmack Elementary School, 46465 Esterbrook Cir., Sterling

213 Countryside, Countryside Elementary School, 20624 Countryside Blvd., Sterling

214 Sugarland North, Horizon Elementary School, 46665 Broadmore Dr., Sterling

215 Sugarland South, Meadowland Elementary School, 729 Sugarland Run Dr., Sterling

216 Lowes Island, Lowes Island Elementary School, 20755 Whitewater Dr., Sterling

217 South Bank, Potomac Baptist Church, 20747 Lowes Island Blvd., Sterling

218 University Center, GWU Exploration Hall, 20101 Academic Way, Ashburn

219 Galilee Church, Galilee Methodist Church, 45425 Winding Rd., Sterling

220 Mirror Ridge, Sugarland Elementary School, 65 Sugarland Run Dr., Sterling

221 Seneca, Seneca Ridge Middle School, 98 Seneca Ridge Dr., Sterling

307 Middleburg, Middleburg Town Hall, 10 W. Marshall St., Middleburg

308 St. Louis, Banneker Elementary School, 35231 Snake Hill Rd., St. Louis

309 Aldie, Aldie United Methodist Church, 39325, Little River Tpke., Aldie

312 Briar Woods, Briar Woods High School, 22525 Belmont Ridge Rd., Ashburn

313 Pinebrook, Pinebrook Elementary School, 25480 Mindful Ct., Aldie

314 Legacy, Legacy Elementary School, 22995 Minerva Dr., Ashburn

319 John Champe, John Champe High School, 41535 Sacred Mountain St, Aldie

321 Brambleton Middle, Brambleton Middle School, 23070 Learning Circle, Ashburn

322 Buffalo Trail, Buffalo Trail Elementary School, 42190 Seven Hills Drive, Aldie

323 Sycolin Creek, Sycolin Creek Elementary School, 21100 Evergreen Mills Rd., Leesburg

324 Madison, Madison’s Trust Elementary School, 42380 Creighton Road, Ashburn

325 Creighton, Creighton’s Corner Elementary School, 23171 Minerva Dr., Ashburn

326 Independence, Independence High School, 23115 Learning Circle, Ashburn

327 Willard, Willard Middle School, 40915 Braddock Rd, Aldie

328 Hovatter, Hovatter Elementary School, 41135 Collaboration Dr., Aldie

329 Lightridge, Lightridge High School, 41025 Collaboration Dr., Aldie

401 West Lovettsville, Lovettsville Community Center, 57 E. Broad Way, Lovettsville

402 Waterford, Waterford Elementary School, 15513 Loyalty Rd., Waterford

403 Lucketts, Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Rd., Lucketts

409 Clarkes Gap, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 605 W. Market St., Leesburg

411 East Lovettsville, Lovettsville Elementary School, 49 S. Loudoun St., Lovettsville

413 Tuscarora, Tuscarora High School, 801 N. King St., Leesburg

416 Hamilton, Hamilton Elementary School, 54 S. Kerr Street, Hamilton

421 Between the Hills, Between the Hills Community Center, 11762 Harpers Ferry Rd., Purcellville

423 Simpson, J.L. Simpson Middle School, 490 Evergreen Mill Rd., SE, Leesburg (Auditorium)

424 Purcellville, Emerick Elementary School, 440 S. Nursery Ave., Purcellville

425 Round Hill, Round Hill Center, 20 High St., Round Hill

426 Hillsboro, Old Stone School, 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro

427 Philomont, Philomont Fire House, 36560 Philomont Rd., Philomont

428 Mountain View, Mountain View Elementary School, 36803 Allder School Rd., Purcellville

429 Round Hill Elementary, Round Hill Elementary School, 17115 Evening Star Dr., Round Hill

430 Harmony, Harmony Middle School, 38174 W. Colonial Hwy., Hamilton

501 West Leesburg, Ida Lee Recreation Center, 60 Ida Lee Dr. NW, Leesburg

502 East Leesburg, Frances Hazel Reid Elementary School, 800 N. King St., Leesburg

503 Dry Mill, Loudoun County High School, 415 Dry Mill Rd. SW, Leesburg

504 Smarts Mill, Smarts Mill Middle School, 850 N. King St., Leesburg

505 Cool Spring, Cool Spring Elementary School, 501 Tavistock Dr., SE, Leesburg

506 Douglass, Frederick Douglass Elementary School, 510 Principal Drummond Way, SE, Leesburg

507 Greenway, J.L. Simpson Middle School, 490 Evergreen Mill Rd. SE, Leesburg (Cafeteria)

508 Balls Bluff, Balls Bluff Elementary School, 821 Battlefield Pkwy. NE, Leesburg

509 Tolbert, John W. Tolbert Jr. Elementary School, 691 Potomac Station Dr. NE, Leesburg

510 Heritage, Heritage High School, 520 Evergreen Mill Rd. SE, Leesburg

511 Evergreen, Evergreen Mill Elementary School, 491 Evergreen Mill Rd. SE, Leesburg

512 River Creek, Harper Park Middle School, 701 Potomac Station Dr. NE, Leesburg (Cafeteria)

513 Red Rock, Red Rock Community Center, 43131 Lake Ridge Pl., Leesburg

615 Hillside, Hillside Elementary School, 43000 Ellzey Dr., Ashburn

616 Eagle Ridge, Eagle Ridge Middle School, 42901 Waxpool Rd., Ashburn

620 Russell Branch, Ashburn Elementary School, 44062 Fincastle Dr., Ashburn (Multipurpose Room)

621 Dominion Trail, Dominion Trail Elementary School, 44045 Bruceton Mills Circle, Ashburn

622 Farmwell Station, Farmwell Station Middle School, 44281 Gloucester Pkwy., Ashburn

623 Weller, Steuart W. Weller Elementary School, 20700 Marblehead Dr., Ashburn

625 Mill Run, Mill Run Elementary School, 42940 Ridgeway Dr., Ashburn

626 Ashby Ponds, Farmwell Hall, 44755 Audubon Sq., Ashburn

27 Ashbrook, Ashburn Elementary School, 44062 Fincastle Drive, Ashburn (Cafeteria)

628 Moorefield Station, Moorefield Station Elementary School, 22325 Mooreview Pkwy., Ashburn (Gym)

629 Discovery, Discovery Elementary School, 44020 Grace Bridge Dr., Ashburn

630 Croson, Moorefield Station Elementary School, 22325 Mooreview Pkwy., Ashburn (Cafeteria)

631 Marblehead, Ashburn Senior Center, 20880 Marblehead Dr., Ashburn

701 Sully, Sully Elementary School, 300 Circle Dr., Sterling

702 Park View, Park View High School, 400 W. Laurel Ave., Sterling

703 Rolling Ridge, Rolling Ridge Elementary School, 500 E. Frederick Dr., Sterling

705 Forest Grove, Forest Grove Elementary School, 46245 Forest Ridge Dr, Sterling

707 Claude Moore Park, Claude Moore Recreation Center, 46105 Loudoun Park Lane Sterling

710 Sterling, Sterling Middle School, 201 West Holly Ave., Sterling

711 Guilford, Guilford Elementary School, 600 W. Poplar Rd., Sterling

712 Stone Hill, Stone Hill Middle School, 23415 Evergreen Ridge Drive, Ashburn

713 Carter, Rosa Lee Carter Elementary School, 43330 Loudoun Reserve Dr., Ashburn

714 Rock Ridge, Rock Ridge High School, 43460 Loudoun Reserve Dr., Ashburn

715 Oak Grove, Oak Grove Baptist Church, 22870 Dominion Ln., Sterling

716 Ridgetop, Loudoun County Office Building, 21641 Ridgetop Cir., Sterling

808 Stone Bridge, Stone Bridge High School, 43100 Hay Rd., Ashburn

810 Cedar Lane, Cedar Lane Elementary School, 43700 Tolamac Dr., Ashburn

813 Seldens Landing, Seldens Landing Elementary School, 43345 Coton Commons Dr., Leesburg

814 Newton-Lee, Newton-Lee Elementary School, 43335 Gloucester Pkwy., Ashburn

815 Belmont Ridge, Belmont Ridge Middle School, 19045 Upper Belmont Pl., Leesburg

817 Sanders Corner, Sanders Corner Elementary School, 43100 Ashburn Farm Pkwy., Ashburn (Multipurpose Room)

818 East Broad Run, Broad Run High School, 21670 Ashburn Rd., Ashburn (Room 512)

819 West Broad Run, Broad Run High School, 21670 Ashburn Rd., Ashburn (cafeteria)

820 Belmont Station, Belmont Station Elementary School, 20235 Nightwatch St., Ashburn

822 Riverside, Riverside High School, 19019 Upper Belmont Pl., Leesburg

823 Harper Park, Harper Park Middle School, 701 Potomac Station Dr. NE, Leesburg (Auditorium)

824 Goose Creek, Sanders Corner Elementary School, 43100 Ashburn Farm Pkwy., Ashburn (Cafeteria)

825 Waxpool, Waxpool Elementary School, 42560 Black Angus Dr, Ashburn

Underlined denotes shared voting locations with space designated within the school for each precinct.

The last day for in-person absentee voting is Saturday, March 2, at 5:00 p.m.

The Leesburg Early Voting site, located at 750 Miller Dr. SE., Suite 150, Leesburg 20175 (near the Leesburg Airport), will be open 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 29; Saturday, March 2, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Sterling Early Voting site, located at the Claude Moore Park Recreation Center, 46105 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling, 20166 will be open Wednesday, February 28 and Friday, March 1, 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursday, February 29, noon to 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, March 2, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Dulles Early Voting site, located at the Dulles South Recreation and Community Center, 24950 Riding Center Dr., South Riding, 20152 will be open Wednesday, February 28 and Friday, March 1, 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursday, February 29, noon to 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, March 2, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Western Loudoun Early Voting site, located at Carver Senior Center, 200 E. Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville, 20132 will be open Wednesday, February 28 and Friday, March 1, 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursday, February 29, noon to 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, March 2, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

All absentee ballots received by mail can be hand delivered to the Office of Elections or any Loudoun County polling place no later than 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, Election Day, to be counted. All absentee ballots returned by mail must be postmarked on or before Election Day (March 5,2024) AND be received by noon on Friday, March 8, 2024.

Inquiries concerning the election and questions regarding registration status may be directed to the Loudoun County Office of Elections, 703-777-0380, located at 750 Miller Dr. SE. Suite150, Leesburg 20175. Please visit www.loudoun.gov/vote for additional information.

Authorized by:

Judith A. Brown,

Director

of Elections

Loudoun County Office of Elections 2/29/24

Legal Notices

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

AN ORDINANCE VACATING A PORTION OF PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY AT 39 SYCOLIN ROAD SE AND AUTHORIZING CONVEYANCE OF VACATED SURPLUS RIGHT-OF-WAY TO ABUTTING PROPERTY OWNER

Pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 15.2-1800, 15.2-2006 through 15.2-2008, and 15.2-2100, notice is hereby given that the Town Council of the Town of Leesburg, Virginia, will hold a public hearing on:

TUESDAY, March 12, 2024 at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers at Town Hall, 25 W. Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176

to consider an ordinance vacating the use of a portion of Sycolin Road SE, across from the intersection of Sycolin Road SE and Principal Drummond Way, for right-of-way purposes. The proposed ordinance will also authorize the sale and conveyance of the real property to the owner of the abutting property at 39 Sycolin Road SE. The portion of the right-of-way proposed to be vacated and conveyed is a portion of the cul-de-sac that is no longer in use or necessary following the construction of Principal Drummond Way.

A copy of the proposed ordinance and additional information are available from the Clerk of Council, located in Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by calling Eileen Boeing, Clerk of Council, at 703-7712733.

At this hearing, all persons desiring to express their views concerning this matter will be heard. Persons requiring special 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.

2/29/2024 & 3/7/2024

NOTICE OF WILLINGNESS TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING

Evergreen Mill Road Widening

Town of Leesburg

From: South King Street (Rte 15)

To: 0.3 miles south of Battlefield Parkway

VDOT Project # U000-253-R31

Proposed Project: The Town of Leesburg was awarded funding from the Virginia Department of Transportation to widen Evergreen Mill Road from two lanes to four lanes and connect sidewalk and trails, add lighting, curb and gutter, drainage improvements, landscaping, and other related improvements.

Plan Review: Individuals can review maps, drawings, and other project information online at www. leesburgva.gov/evergreenmill or in person by appointment at the Town of Leesburg Department of Public Works and Capital Projects at 552 Fort Evans Road NE, Leesburg, VA through March 15, 2024. Appointments for in-person review of project information may be made by contacting Karin Franklin at 703-771-6674 or KFranklin@leesburgva.gov.

Requesting a Public Hearing: By this notice, the Town is indicating its willingness to hold a public hearing for this project if individual concerns cannot be addressed. You may request a public hearing by sending a written request prior to March 15, 2024. Mail written request to:

Renée LaFollette, Director

Department of Public Works and Capital Projects

Town of Leesburg

25 West Market Street

Leesburg, VA 20176

Further Notice: If a request for a public hearing is received, and the concerns addressed in the request cannot be adequately resolved, a public hearing will be scheduled at a time and place to be advertised in a future notice.

Questions or Special Assistance: Questions regarding this project should be directed to Karin Franklin (see above). If special assistance is needed, please contact Kate Trask, Assistant Town Manager and ADA/504 Coordinator: 703-737-7144. For the Hearing Impaired (VA Residents Only) Dial 711.

The Town of Leesburg ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact Kate Trask.

2/29 & 3/7/24

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISISON PUBLIC HEARING

TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO ZONING ORDINANCE ARTICLE 11 FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVISING PARKING SPACE DIMENSIONS AND TRAVEL AISLE REQUIREMENTS, AND ARTICLE 12 INTERIOR PARKING LOT LANDSCAPING IN THE B-1

DISTRICT

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 7, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176 to consider Zoning Ordinance Amendment TLZNOA2023-0007 to revise the following provision of the Zoning Ordinance:

Article 11, Section 11.6.2 Dimensions of Parking Spaces and Aisles – amending this section to reduce the dimensions of required parking spaces and travel aisles in parking lots in the B-1, Community (Downtown) Business District.

Article 12 Modified Parking Lot Screening and Landscaping Standards – amending this section to provide greater flexibility to meet the interior parking lot screening standards in the B-1, Community (Downtown) Business District.

Copies and additional information regarding these proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments are available at the Department of Community Development 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 703-771-2774 and asking for Brian Boucher, Deputy Director. Mr. Boucher can also be reached by email at bboucher@leesburgva.gov. This Zoning Ordinance amendment application is identified as case number TLZNOA2023-0007.

At this hearing all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations should contact the Clerk of 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.

2/22 & 2/29/2024

TOWN OF LOVETTSVILLE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

LVZA 2023-0005, AMEND ZONING ORDINANCE

ARTICLE 42-I, IN GENERAL,

ARTICLE 42-V, ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICTS; ZONING MAP, TO ADD SECTION 42-151, TABLE 1. PERMITTED AND CONDITIONAL USES BY ZONING DISTRICT

ARTICLE 42-VI, RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS,

ARTICLE 42-VII, COMMERCIAL AND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICTS

ARTICLE 42-VIII, GENERAL REGULATIONS TO ADD SECTION 42311, TEMPORARY RETAIL SALES

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1117, 15.2-2253, 15.2-2204 and 15.2-2286 of the Code of Virginia, 1950 as amended, the LOVETTSVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing at its meeting on March 6, 2024, at 7:00PM, or as soon thereafter as it may be heard, in the Town Council Chambers, 6 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville, Virginia. Written comments regarding this item can be submitted to clerk@lovettsvilleva.gov by 3:00PM on the day of the meeting. Members of the public may access and participate in this meeting electronically.

The purpose of the amendment is to consider changes to commercial uses and development standards including modifying, deleting, and adding uses and definitions, modifying the review criteria for conditional use permits, modifying standards for outdoor display, making building and lot standards modifiable by conditional use permit, allowing existing residences as a permitted use in the C-1, Community Commercial zoning district, allowing multiple uses on a lot in the C-1 district, setting maximum commercial building sizes in the Lovettsville Historic District, and adding Section 42311, which adds standards for temporary retail sales uses such as food trucks and seasonal sales. The proposed amendment adds Section 42-151, Table 1. Permitted And Conditional Uses By District, which consolidates permitted and conditional uses in a table showing uses by district, and removes the individual list of uses from each zoning district.

All people desiring to speak will be given an opportunity to do so at this meeting. Written copies of statements are requested but not required.

The proposed zoning amendment and meeting links are available for review on the Town website at: www.lovettsvilleva.gov You may also request a copy be sent to you via email by contacting John Merrithew, Planning Director at (540) 822-5788 between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm weekdays, holidays excepted. In the event the meeting is postponed, the public hearing will be readvertised and convened at the next regularly scheduled meeting at the same time and place.

2/22, 2/29/24

Legal Notices

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2024 - JUNE 30, 2025

In accordance with the Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended, § 15.2-2506, the Leesburg Town Council will hold a public hearing on:

Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Town Hall 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA

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, 2024 to June 30, 2025. If the public hearing is canceled for any unforeseen reason, the public hearing will be held during the next Town Council regular meeting.

SUMMARY

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.

NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLES

This notice is to inform the owner and any person having a security interest in their right to reclaim the motor

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. 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.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE

The Town Council of the Town of Purcellville will hold a public hearing in the Town Council Chambers located at 221 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia on Tuesday, March 12th, 2024 at 6:00 PM for the purpose of receiving comments on, considering, and possibly voting on the following item:

Zoning Map Adoption: The adoption of an updated Official Zoning Map to reflect the modifications and updates approved since the last publication of the Official Zoning Map on March 30, 2018. This update is required by Virginia Code and precedes any proposals associated with the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite, which will be the subject of future Public Hearings.

Additional information regarding this application is available for review at the Purcellville Town Hall at 221 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia during regular business hours, holidays excepted.

At this public hearing, all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Qualified individuals with a disability who require a reasonable accommodation to attend and/or participate in the public hearing, should contact Kimberly Bandy, Town Clerk at kbandy@purcellvilleva. gov to request the accommodation three days in advance of the meeting.

2/22 & 2/29/24

ABC LICENSE

H L Mexican Cuisine LLC trading as Rodeos Mexican Grill, 26 E Broad Way, Lovettsville, Virginia 20180.

The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for Retail Restaurant or Caterer ApplicationRestaurant, Wine, Beer, Mixed Beverages, Consumed On and Off premises. Felix Hernandez/President

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. 2/29 & 3/7/24

ATTENTION LOUDOUN COUNTY COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OWNERS

INCOME

AND EXPENSE SURVEYS DUE MARCH

1

To facilitate the establishment of accurate real estate assessments for tax year 2025, as authorized by the Code of Virginia § 58.1-3294, I am requesting that owners of income-producing real estate provide a certified statement of income and expenses for calendar year 2023. This information, which shall be kept confidential in accordance with the Code of Virginia § 58.1-3, will be utilized to determine fair market values for tax assessment purposes. The survey forms are available online at loudoun.gov/ income-expense and should be returned to my office by email or regular mail by March 1, 2024.

Inglish

v.

Loudoun Farms, LTD, Interested Parties

The object of this suit is to Quiet title to real estate in name of Loudoun Farms, LTD, which was administratively dissolved inthe 1980s.

It is ORDERED that Loudoun Farms, LTD, or Any Interested Party appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before April 5, 2024 2PM. 2/15, 2/22, 2/29 & 3/7/24

Commercial property owners are encouraged to review and verify our record of property characteristics online at loudoun.gov/parceldatabase to assist us in ensuring fair and accurate assessments. For information or filing assistance, please visit loudoun.gov/cor or contact my office at commercialre@ loudoun.gov or 703-777-0260.

Robert S. Wertz, Jr.

Commissioner of the Revenue

Loudoun County

Leesburg Office

1 Harrison Street SE First Floor

Sterling Office

Loudoun Tech Center 46000 Center Oak Plaza

MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 8000, MSC 32

Leesburg, VA 20177-9804

Phone: 703-777-0260

Email: commercialre@loudoun.gov

Website: loudoun.gov/cor

2/29/24

Legal Notices

TOWN OF LOVETTSVILLE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

LVCU 2024-0001, LOVETTSVILLE GAME PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-2204 and 15.2-2286 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, the LOVETTSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing at their meeting at 6:30PM on Thursday, March 7, 2024, or as soon thereafter as it may be heard, in the Lovettsville Town Hall Council Chambers located at 6 East Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville, Virginia at which time the Council is to consider an application for Conditional Use Permit filed by the Lovettsville Game Protective Association of Lovettsville Virginia, to expand the existing Association building by 1,600 square feet to add a mechanical storage space and updated bathrooms, and a drive-through portico to the front of the building. The improvements will not increase the occupancy capacity of the building. The 4.3acre parcel houses the existing building and a youth baseball diamond. The property sits on the west side of Berlin Pike approximately 240 feet south of the intersection with South Church Street and is further identified as Loudoun County Parcel Identification (PIN) Number: 370-49-7231.

All persons wishing to speak will be given the opportunity to do so at this meeting. Written copies of statements are requested but not required. Written comments regarding this item can be submitted to clerk@lovettsvilleva.gov by 3:00PM on the day of the meeting. Members of the public may access and participate in this meeting electronically. The proposed zoning amendment is available for review on the Town website at: www.lovettsvilleva.gov/government/planning-commission/. You may also request a copy be sent to you via email by contacting John Merrithew, Planning Director at (540) 822-5788 between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm weekdays, holidays excepted. In the event the meeting is postponed, the public hearing will be convened at the next regularly scheduled meeting at the same time and place.

2/22 & 2/29/24

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ047045-04-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Maria Jose Nunez Torres

Loudoun County Department of Family Services

/v. Mario Obel Nunez, putative father and Unknown Father

Auctions

The object of this suit is to hold a foster care review hearing and review of foster care plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282 and 16.1-281 for Maria Jose Nunez Torres.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Mario Obel Nunez, putative father, and Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before March 19, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

2/15, 2/22, 2/29 & 3/7/24

VEHICLE AUCTION

MD Repo Vehicles For Public Sale at ADESA Washington, DC. All Makes and Models Running Weekly Details can be found at www.adesawashingtondc.com

Terms: State and local orders will be strictly enforced at the sale, including social distancing and limits on the number of people permitted to gather in certain areas. All attendees must comply with such procedures or will be required to leave the premises. We strongly recommend that all attendees wear face coverings for the protection of themselves and our staff. Bidder agrees to register and pay a refundable $500 cash deposit plus a non-refundable $20 entry fee before the Sale starts. The balance of the purchase is due in full by 5:00pm on sale day. vehicles are AS-IS and are subject to a buy fee based on the sale price of the vehicle. Only cash or certified funds will be accepted. No vehicle will be released until Payment is made in full. Children under the age of 18 are not permitted.

TOWN OF LOVETTSVILLE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

LVRZ 2024-0001, 32 SOUTH LOUDOUN LLC (Revised)

REQUEST TO REZONE 32 SOUTH LOUDOUN STREET FROM THE C-1, COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL, TO THE R-1, RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICT

SECOND PUBLIC HEARING

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-2204 and 15.2-2286 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, and Section 42-34 of the Lovettsville Zoning Ordinance, the LOVETTSVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing at 7:00PM on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, or as soon thereafter as it may be heard, in the Lovettsville Town Council Chambers, 6 East Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville, Virginia. Written comments regarding this item can be submitted to clerk@lovettsvilleva.gov by 3:00PM on the day of the meeting. Members of the public may access and participate in this meeting electronically.

The purpose of the hearing is to consider a revised application filed by 32 South Loudoun LLC of Lovettsville, Virginia, to rezone property from the C-1, Community Commercial Zoning District to the R-1, Residential Zoning District, to retain the existing home and permit residential development of the property. The 4.22-acre parcel identified as 32 South Loudoun Street, and as Loudoun County Parcel Identification (PIN) Number: 370-30-2180.

All people wishing to speak will be given the opportunity to do so at this meeting. Written copies of statements are requested but not required.

The rezoning application is available for review on the Town website at: www.lovettsvilleva.gov/ government/planning-commission/. You may also request a copy be sent to you via email by contacting John Merrithew, Planning Director at (540) 822-5788 between the hours of 8:30AM and 4:30PM weekdays, holidays excepted. In the event the meeting is postponed, the public hearing will be convened at the next regularly scheduled meeting at the same time and place.

2/22/24, 2/29/24

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ048585-01-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Carlton Platt

Loudoun County Department of Family Services

The object of this suit is to hold an adjudicatory hearing pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-252 for Carlton Platt; and hold a dispositional hearing for review of initial Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-278.2 and 16.1-281 for Carlton Platt.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Sabrina Whitney, mother and Brooks Platt, father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before February 21, 2024 at 3:00pm (Adjudicatory); and March 18, 2024 at 10:00am (Dispositional)

2/15, 2/22, 2/29 & 3/7/24

Loco Service Providers

VEHICLE AUCTION

ADESA WASHINGTON DC 44475 OLD OX ROAD

DULLES, VA 20166 705-996-1100

20+Chase repossessions will be offered to the public sale (monthly) on Wednesdays (3/27/24, 4/24/24, 5/22/24, 6/19/24, 7/17/24, 8/14/24, 9/11/24, 10/9/24, 11/6/24, 12/4/24). Auction doors open at 8:00 a.m. Sale starts at 9:50 a.m. ET. Registered persons may preview/ inspect vehicles on the day of the sale before bidding. Bids accepted only when a vehicle is presented for sale. The auctioneer will conclude the sale when bidding stops. All results will be final by 5:00 p.m. Terms: Cash or Certified Check.

Construction Construction

MWAA, County Push to Keep Airport Noise Property Disclosures

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.com

Two bills that would prohibit localities from requiring disclosures in real estate listings have quietly made their way through the General Assembly since it convened last month.

If enacted, the bills could negate disclosure requirements on home sales near Dulles Airport that fall within the county’s Airport Impact Overlay District. In January 2023, the Board of Supervisors adopted amendments to the district including the establishment of a one-mile buffer beyond the high noise zone.

Residential development is prohibited within the highest noise zone, known as the 65 Ldn. Residential properties located in the lower impact 60 Ldn zone and for one mile beyond that zone must include a disclosure notice with each sale highlighting the potential for airport-related noise.

The bills, sponsored by Del. Marcus B. Simon (D-13) and Sen. Mamie E. Locke (D-23), would prohibit the county from requiring the disclosures.

“No locality shall have the authority to establish or enforce a mandatory disclosure requirement for a real estate licensee, any party to a contract for the sale or listing of residential real property, or any authorized agent of such party,” the bills state.

The bills do not specifically mention airport noise, but the Dulles Airport Impact Overlay District disclosure is the only disclosure mandated by Loudoun County.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is spearheading a change

Annexation

continued from page 1

policy in which out-of-town customers pay a 40% surcharge.

When the Board of Supervisors approved the settlement agreement earlier this month, it stated the deal would “eliminate” the surcharge. The town characterized the agreement as “pausing” the surcharge as long as the county continues to make those payments.

The town is hoping to complete the boundary line adjustment before the end of the year so that the tax benefits will be felt in the next budget cycle.

Tuesday’s vote isn’t the end of the

that would retain the disclosures around Dulles Airport. That effort is focused on amending part of Virginia State Code that requires homes near military airports to disclose that proximity in real estate listings to include international airports operating on at least 10,000 acres.

Dulles is the only airport in Virginia to meet those requirements.

This would leave the bills prohibiting counties from putting mandatory disclosure requirements on homes, while also maintaining the disclosure requirement for homes within the Loudoun Airport Impact Overlay District as part of residential property sales.

“The Airports Authority has worked closely with Loudoun County for many years to be transparent about aircraft activity and noise with buyers who purchase homes near Dulles International Airport,” MWAA wrote in a statement.

process.

Next, the state Commission on Local Government will hold a hearing in Leesburg, planned for March 21, to hear from town and county representatives and area residents. It will then take 45 to 60 days to develop a final report on the issue. The final decision will be made by a three-judge panel to be appointed by the state Supreme Court.

Town Attorney Chris Serpa said he hoped the deal could be complete by September.

A key element in finalizing the settlement was an agreement by Microsoft last week to have its property brought into the town limits. Serpa said the town has committed to establish a new category of taxable personal property for data center computer equipment and to initially set

“If adopted by the Virginia General Assembly, House Bill 467 and Senate Bill 354 will eliminate this transparency. Prohibiting disclosures to homebuyers would mislead consumers and increase pressure to limit Dulles flights, which would reduce the airport’s economic contribution to Virginia.”

The Virginia Airport Operations Council, which represents airports throughout the commonwealth, released a statement Feb. 7 saying it was “concerned” that the bills would restrict a locality’s authority calling the disclosure of airport noise impacts “an industry best practice.”

“Our position is that any legislation that addresses mandatory real estate disclosures should not interfere with a locality’s legal authority to prescribe measures that responsibly inform citizens about airport operations,” according to the statement.

The Virginia Realtors Association is supporting the bills to “avoid a patchwork of disclosures established through local ordinances,” according to its website.

“Anyone can still bring a disclosure idea before the General Assembly, but this would maintain statewide uniformity of real estate disclosure laws,” Virginia Realtors Legislative Counsel Erin Kormann said in a video to garner support for the bills.

The Board of Supervisors is opposing the measure, along with other bills that restrict local authority.

“We are currently working with MWAA on the best path forward on those bills,” Legislative Liaison Jonathan Freeman told supervisors last week. “The issue

the rate at 75 cents per $100 of value for at least five years. The town’s rate for general personal property is $1.

On Tuesday, the council also approved an amended utility service agreement with Microsoft to increase the amount of water and sewer capacity that will be dedicated to its campus. In 2020, the town allocated 591,500 gallons of water and 99,500 of sewage treatment per day to Microsoft. Under the new agreement, the company would have of access to 1.23 million gallons of water and 617,000 gallons of sewage treatment per day. That new deal will come with an additional $10 million payment of availability fees to be used for utility projects. Both totals are well within the town’s capacity, according to Utilities Director Amy Wyks.

The town began talks with the county

with those bills is the patrons, Del. Simon and Sen. Locke are very, very well respected and they’re in the majority party. And so, we are engaging in a ton of lobbying activities to make sure that mandatory disclosures, dealing with noise in particular to homes that are in close proximity to Dulles airport, maintain their existence in the commonwealth.”

Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) defended the county’s mandatory disclosure saying it was better for Realtors to inform residents about the reality of living within an airport noise zone up front.

“I think with this issue, really all we’re trying to do is make sure that we don’t have unhappy residents who are moving into a noise-sensitive area and that’s something that’s going to bother them down the road,” he said.

Letourneau said the board receives a lot of complaints about airport noise.

Simon’s bill passed in House Feb. 1 on a 95-4 vote and was referred to the Senate Committee on Local Government Feb. 2. That committee voted to re-refer the bill to the General Laws and Technology Committee, on which Locke serves, Feb. 19.

Locke’s bill passed in the Senate Jan. 23 and was referred to the House Committee on Counties Cities and Towns Feb. 13. That committee re-referred the bill to the House General Laws Committee Feb. 16.

Locke’s bill was recommended by a General Laws subcommittee, on which Simon serves, on Thursday.

Simon and Locke did not respond to requests for comment. n

in the fall of 2018 to bring the Compass Creek development into the corporate limits though a cooperative boundary line adjustment. That was accomplished on a portion of the property, but talks to complete the process stalled. In September 2022, the Town Council authorized an adversarial annexation through a suit filed with the Commission on Local Government. That process was headed for trial in March, but the county and the town agreed to a mediation process. A Jan. 10 session resulted in the voluntary settlement agreement.

Also as part of the agreement, the town would surrender its ability to seek an adverse annexation for the next 25 years. It also would pledge to forgo any effort to seek city status for at least the next 33 years. n

Encroachment

continued from page 1

of the development plan, such as specific building locations, additional setbacks and buffering and limit structure heights.

“Staff finds that impacts to surrounding neighborhoods are not sufficiently mitigated,” Brown said.

Walsh-Colucci Land Use Planner Michael Romeo, representing the Hiddenwood group, said that the residents “are living in a construction zone today.” He showed an image of the area surrounding the neighborhood that included 25 approved, but not yet built, data centers and six existing data centers.

He said, with the exception of two homes in Briarfield Estates, no home is closer than 230 feet of the planned buildable area.

“We have added a number of enhanced setbacks, tree conservation areas, open space and screen methods which protect the vast majority of the homes within the Briarwood Estates from any sort of impacts from the development,” Romeo said, adding that he had met with residents from Briarfield Estates on three occasions, updating the application with suggested improvements each time.

Budget review

continued from page 3

Large), asked Spence about the proposed increase for the division’s communications department and if it was necessary.

The Department of Communication and Community Engagement presented a $3.4 million budget, an 11.1% increase over the FY2024 revised budget. The department saw a 31% increase from the adopted FY2024 budget, following the addition of Chief Communications and Community Engagement Officer Natalie Allen’s $251,000 salary and benefits. A proposed add of two more positions increases the personnel budget by 13.6% from the FY2024 revised budget.

“The additional request in the communications department specifically was for web development,” Spence said. “We currently have web developers who work on the technology side of the house … but they do not have experience with the front-facing part of our web presence which is the communication piece of that.”

Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) said she often received questions about whether the division was “top-

He played a video of residents outlining their concerns with their current neighborhood including ongoing construction, data center development and unsafe environments.

“Zoning and land use changes have not considered our community,” the video stated. “… Our assemblage formed out of necessity after the county approved an industrial land use application directly in front of our homes. We realized we could not sustain the years we would face of heavy industrial construction.”

“We are not here as applicants because we want to be here,” one Hiddenwood resident stated. “We are here because of years of land use and zoning decisions that have overlooked our small community.”

Kyle Calhoun, whose parents live in Hiddenwood, said his parents bought their home when he was 13 and his grandparents moved into the neighborhood a few years later.

“About ten years later, things changed. My family spent several stressful years working with their neighbors to oppose the JK2 rezoning application to build a data center smack dab outside of their front window,” he said.

Calhoun said his parents and grandparents had “endured hazards much worse than predicted,” as construction began around their homes.

heavy” in administrative positions and asked if that was in line with surrounding localities.

She also asked about progress in addressing pay inequities for experienced teachers in the middle of their career, discussed in recent years as a “sag” in the salary scale.

“How are we addressing the sag in teacher compensation? LCPS has done a really good job in the past at making us extraordinarily competitive for attracting new teachers, but there’s always been a sag for more experienced teachers who could leave LCPS and go teach for more pay in other jurisdictions,” she said.

Supervisor Laura TeKrony (D-Little River) asked if a location had been determined for the proposed recovery school and whether it would help students struggling with mental health disorders.

Spence said the location details were still being considered but that likely the school would start in a current LCPS facility.

“A recovery school would be specifically for students specifically with substance abuse issues who are actively in recovery from those issues. We do, however, have money in the budget for alternative school

Tom Watson said he had grown up in Hiddenwood, where his mom still lives.

“When I lived there it was a rural, peaceful, tranquil, community and neighborhood next to a horse farm and today my mother lives in the middle of an industrial park,” he said.

Those opposing the application said, while they were sympathetic to what the residents along Hiddenwood Lane were going through, shifting the problem onto their neighborhood was not a good solution.

“I understand Hiddenwood residents feel trapped,” Jamal Patel said. “They’re truly the victims of this chaos. But kicking their victimhood onto us will not solve anything.”

Briarfield Estates resident Bala Thumma said the Hiddenwood neighborhood served as a buffer for his neighborhood from the development that was occurring around them.

“The noise, the air pollution, the increased traffic associated with these data centers, the construction of operations is not compatible with the residential lifestyle we have and have all chosen to embrace as a community,” Thumma said.

Senior Land Use Representative for the Piedmont Environmental Council Tia Earman said her organization opposes the rezoning. While she is sympathetic to what

programming, which one of the intentions of that would be to support students dealing with mental health issues,” he said.

Randall said she was not convinced about the benefits of a recovery school.

“It is unrealistic to think that you can have a recovery school without having co-recurring, comorbidity issues. So, if you have kids who are using, those kids are going to have mental health issues. There’s just no way you can separate those two things,” she said.

Supervisor Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin) said he was “alarmed” about some of the performance indicators such as all but three high schools reporting at below average proficiency levels in history.

Supervisor Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) said there is only a 50% proficiency rate in county middle schools in math and science and agreed it was alarming. He asked Spence if there was any context to those percentages.

“There are nuances to some of that data that are important to understand,” Spence said. “There have been changes to the verified credit model for graduation, so some students do not need verified credits in some of those subject areas and so the only students who end up taking those tests are

Hiddenwood residents are experiencing, “two wrongs don’t make a right,” she said.

Commissioner Madhava Reddy Madireddy (Dulles) said he saw two sides of the application— what the residents of Hiddenwood are going through and what the impact of rezoning would be on Briarfield Estates.

“If we are going to entertain this application any further, I would like to give an opportunity to see if anything can be improved,” he said.

Commissioner Robin-Eve Jasper (Little River) said during the upcoming work session she would like to see more details on the already approved surrounding projects.

“I do feel like the residents of Hiddenwood Lane have been deprived of the quiet enjoyment of their property,” Jasper said. “I think that is both related to failure to properly monitor construction activities and traffic activities, as well as the county not adequately protecting you through the zoning process. And it occurs to me, given how bad it has become that you need to sell your home in order to leave because it’s so bad, that that is in fact possibly a constructive taking of your land that the county is responsible for.”

She said the remedy is not to do the same thing to Briarfield Estates.

The commission will discuss the application at an upcoming work session. n

students who have failed other tests and so you’re going to see lower numbers.”

He said the division was still recovering from interrupted learning during COVID.

“Loudoun County continues to outperform comparable [divisions] around the state. So contextually, while there are concerns and we don’t want to minimize those … it’s important to understand contextually, how are we faring? Have we gone way off the rails in Loudoun County and everybody else it getting it right? Or are we doing some good things and we need to continue to improve? My assessment early on, is the latter,” Spence said.

Turner said he was also interested in the fact that 91.7% of the division full-time equivalent positions are school-based and 8.3% are non-school-based.

“That’s a nine-to-one ratio,” he said. “If I could see the ratio of the portion of the budget that funds those in-school FTEs compared to the portion of the budget that funds those out-of-school FTEs, that would be revealing to me if we could get that.”

Spence said he would respond to supervisors’ unanswered questions via email.

The Board of Supervisors is considering a $5.2 billion budget. n

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Zoning Overreach

Few things have a greater backyard impact than local zoning regulations.

That’s why those rules are hammered out in county boardrooms and town council chambers across the commonwealth as neighbors lay out a community vision for orderly development. They plan the best use of public resources. They scale their street and utility systems. They put parks and schools in locations where they’ll best serve residents. They work to prevent conflicts among incompatible uses. In sort, they make the decisions that impact the quality of life—neighborhood by neighborhood.

And that’s precisely why those decisions shouldn’t be made by legislators 100 miles away in the state capitol. Yet the current crop of representatives appears all too willing to dictate their zoning whims with little concern for the real-world impact their mandates may have.

Important Notice

Editor:

One of the greatest fears of any home buyer is an unexpected calamity that could seriously dent their recent purchase’s value. A crack in the foundation, mold hiding in the bathrooms, or termites infesting the walls set off far more than headaches after someone just purchased their dream house.

This is why legislation that recently cruised through both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly without much notice is so detrimental to current and future owners in Loudoun and Fairfax counties.

This effort would remove jurisdictional ability to create and enforce mandatory real estate disclosure requirements. It would ensure real estate agents, or anyone listing a home, is not obligated to reveal critical information, such as whether a residential location is near an airport or under an aircraft flight path. Given the environs of Dulles International Airport are within both Fairfax and Loudoun counties, each currently require mandatory disclosures,

During this General Assembly session bills gathered steam that would require localities to permit the construction of backyard homes, allow short-term rentals anywhere, and prohibit longestablished airport protection measures. In the sausage-making legislative process it is typical for some new laws to have unintended consequences; these more directly ignore the consequences.

Virginia’s Dillion Rule approach to local government often has the benefit of reining in rouge local governments that seek to stretch the boundaries of their authority. But that governing philosophy should work in reverse, as well. Zoning authority is assigned to localities. Should a senator or delegate wish to micromanage neighborhood dynamics, perhaps seeking an appointment to their community planning commission would be a good first step. n

LETTERS to the Editor

which have been hard-fought additions to local zoning ordinances. With airports breaking departure and arrival records, the increased travel demand comes with a surge of aircraft flying overhead.

Stripping homeowners’ ability to learn upfront about this key fact could not come at a less-than-ideal time considering other economic trends faced by home buyers. Unless the General Assembly amends the bill to exempt Dulles Airport from this legislation, hundreds of families will be horribly surprised when the walls of their new homes rattle every few minutes due to overhead aircraft in which they may have been unaware. Those pushing this effort locally should consider the impacts on their future neighbors and constituents.

— Carol Hawn, Centreville

Support for Equestrians at Banshee Reeks

Editor:

In response to Michael Kennedy’s inaccurate comments and misunderstanding about a lack of public support for equestrian trails in Loudoun County

[Letters, Feb. 22], the public survey to which he refers, did not include “equestrian trails” as a category. The only category available was simply “Trails,” which equestrians, including myself, would choose. With much public support, including that of equestrians, the Trails category is high priority as #3 in that survey.

As for Banshee Reeks, it’s important to know that equestrian trails were included in the original master plan. Subsequently, they were removed, without public discussion and proper process, by parties vested in wanting to minimize public use of the preserve. Also, proclaiming Banshee Reeks a preserve does not inherently exclude equestrian use of the trails. Preserves allow for passive uses and equestrian trail riding is considered passive use. I personally agree that being named a preserve was a good thing for the park’s flora and fauna protections. Being a preserve does exclude active recreation pursuits such as motorized activities, ball fields, swimming pools, lighting (along

READERS’ poll CHIPshots

Are you worried about drugs in your child’s school?

— By Chip Beck

•

• 63.5% Yes, it is a big problem

• 23.3% A little concerned/ Keeping an eye out

• 9.0% Not too worried

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION:

Super Tuesday: Will you be voting in the presidential primary?

Share your views at loudounnow.com/polls

LETTERS to the Editor

with night light pollution), and associated facilities. So, I would like to know how the remote-controlled airplanes that have been allowed to operate at BRNP for years are considered passive recreation in the preserve?

Now, to qualify my background and support for equestrian trails in BRNP. In addition to being a life-long equestrian, I completed the Master Naturalist program at Banshee Reeks in 2015 and am a past president of the Friends of Banshee Reeks. I have great appreciation for the need to preserve fragile environments, protect our natural resources and wildlife.

As a member of the equestrian community (Tri-State Riding Club, U.S. Trail Riders and Loudoun County Equine Alliance) and long-time trail rider, I know the reverence and care that we have for our natural resources and the history of stewardship/ partnership with other important environmental sites (e.g. former Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Research, now Sweet Run State Park).

Equestrians are asking to use appropriate portions of the current trail system already established within Banshee Reeks, many trails of which are hard-packed and well-draining old farm roads. Any ad-

Enduring Thanks for Extraordinary, Selfless Service

Loudoun, on Friday, Feb.16, our community suffered an almost unbearable loss. As the governing body of Loudoun County, every member of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors understands and acknowledges the extent to which the men and women of our Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System and the men and women of our Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office put their lives on the line every day to keep our county safe. We never take for granted their sacrifices or the sacrifices of their families as they perform their duties admirably and heroically. It is, in fact, this very real understanding of the risks they face in service to our community that makes the loss of a member of our Combined Fire and Rescue System, as well as the multiple injuries—some severe—sustained by nine other firefighters, so tragic.

The loss of Firefighter Trevor Brown is devastating to his family and to all who knew and loved him. Firefighter Brown was a committed public servant, and like every member of our combined system, he was, indeed, a hero. His loss is deeply felt not just by the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company, but by the entire combined Fire and Rescue System and every member of the Loudoun County community.

justments to current trails entail minimal enhancements and easy avoidance of the identified fragile areas. Regular proper maintenance of the trails will preclude erosion problems; and sections of the trail system can be temporarily closed with horses and hikers directed elsewhere when necessary. The basic infrastructure already exists for horse trailer parking and separate entry to Banshee Reeks and

As a body, we, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, speak with one voice as we offer prayers and support to all firefighters who were injured on Friday night and to their families. We speak with one voice as we encourage all members of the combined system to be aware of the mental health implications that come after this type of tragedy. And of course, we speak with one voice in offering our most profound and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and coworkers of Firefighter Brown.

At this time of great sadness, let us renew our commitment as a community to truly serve those who serve us. Let us resolve to lift them up and sustain them, not just with our words but with our deeds—individually, through our contributions, and collectively, through our steadfast legislative advocacy to ensure our first responders always have the resources, training and health benefits they need to do their jobs and return home safely at shift end.

And perhaps above all else, let us always remember to thank them for their extraordinary, selfless service to our community. To the men and women of the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System, please accept our enduring thanks for all you do.

— With gratitude and respect, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors

an overall readymade trail system.

There are numerous articles refuting FOBR’s opinion that horses disturb wildlife, bring invasives, degrade trails, pollute nearby waterways, or disturb wildlife. Moreover, equestrians can become important stakeholders for this special place. Let’s move forward and begin the partnership now.

— Suzanne DeSaix, Lovettsville

Unincumbered Access

Editor:

Feb. 17 was the 224th anniversary of Virginia native Thomas Jefferson’s election to the presidency. From his time in the Virginia legislature to his time as president, he consistently defended

LETTERS continue on page 42

BY TONY VIRGILIO

Swallowed Up by the Skynet

The Board of Supervisors and county government administration need to understand that data centers are not just colossal, monolithic, concrete buildings they permit by right everywhere in the county. What they call “data centers” are, in fact, one massive, highly complex and fully integrated machine with over 120 interconnected “centers,” thousands of miles of dark fiber and the world’s largest complex of network neural hubs.

Loudoun County’s—let’s call it “Skynet”—is the largest machine ever built by mankind.

Currently 30 million square feet and projected to grow to 40 million or more in the next few years, it is as large as all of the Tesla gigafactories worldwide and larger than 250 COSTCO warehouses combined. Loudoun’s Skynet currently consumes 3 gigawatts of electricity, more than three times as much electricity as all of the households in Northern Virginia. It is projected to double to 6 gigawatts in the near future. Skynet requires mega joules of cooling, hundreds of miles of high voltage transmission lines, massive electric substations, and thousands of gas and diesel backup generators.

LETTERS to the Editor

continued from page 41

the press as an institution, saying in a letter to James Currie, a fellow Virginian, in 1786 “Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press and that cannot be limited without being lost.”

In today’s political climate where every negative report is decried as fake news and many turn their eyes to Youtube and TikTok for information instead of the fine institutions that have long shined a light on our government’s activities, it should be noted that there are efforts right now in Virginia to expand the public’s ability to see what their government is doing.

The Virginia Freedom of Information Act is our commonwealth’s primary rules for requiring the government to tell us what it’s doing. It requires the disclosures of many, though not all, government documents and records the public must have to understand what our government is

To generate more tax revenue, the county government has actively, (more like blindly), supported the exponential growth of Skynet and its infrastructure development. They rubber stamp their approval of everything. The county’s antiquated planning, zoning and permitting processes treat each developer’s application as unique and not like a massive machine consuming county resources. The adequacy of current infrastructure to support Skynet and the future impact of infrastructure expansion are not considered. Routes along Sycolin Road, Rt. 50, Loudoun County Parkway, Evergreen Mill, Rt. 7, (impacting homes in Ashburn, Belmont, Lansdowne, Sterling, Leesburg, Brambleton, Broadlands, Arcola, South Riding and the Transition Zone) all have planned and approved projects for Skynet expansion.

Once approved, the SCC, FERC, PJM and Dominion Power are required to provide these facilities with electric power. They have no choice.

Our future will see county officials approving even larger hyperscale data centers that will increase infrastructure far beyond current projections.

doing. We are lucky that its language and requirements are written quite broadly. Yet as is inevitable with any group or organization in power, there is a temptation for our government to limit our and the press’s access to information.

There are two bills now in the legislature this term that would expand that access.

Senator Perry of western Loudoun has proposed Senate Bill 215, which would make criminal investigative records available under FOIA to more people, such as a deceased victim’s family members even if they don’t live in Virginia. Currently, those people would not be able to learn of those details unless they are Virginia residents. A clearly commonsense and needed bill.

Senator Roem of Manassas has proposed Senate Bill 324, which limits how much a government agency can charge an individual for a FOIA request. This stops a common government strategy of attempting to out price individuals who want to know what that agency is doing

Doubling or quadrupling Skynet’s electric power consumption will require massive increases in transmission lines and substations (even small nuclear power plants) to supply enough electricity for Skynet to survive and grow. Loudoun supervisors will approve the new hyperscale centers to increase tax revenues and keep from losing their cash cow.

The irony is that Loudoun residents are subsidizing Skynet’s expansion.

Our electric rates, property taxes, water rates and other infrastructure costs are all increasing due to Skynet.

Even worse are the imputed costs. Skynet is an environmental disaster. Forests have been stripped, noise pollution is expanding, our microclimate is changing and monolithic buildings, transmission lines and substations have invaded residential areas. Transmission lines in view of your home can lower property values by 20% to 30%. If you live near a substation or hear the lines cracking, then your property values can decline by 40% or more. We are all paying for this machine in ways the county does not acknowledge.

by saying we’ll tell you, but only if you pay thousands of dollars to cover our labor costs to create the documents, as if copying and pasting is all that expensive and time consuming.

Regardless of our individual beliefs, and as our fellow Virginian Thomas Jefferson argued for, we do and should disagree on many issues, but we must agree that we deserve the whole truth from our government, unencumbered by procedural or economic barriers.

— Ryan Ruzic, Purcellville

Parental Consent

Editor:

Delegate Kannan Srinivasan (HD-26), Brambleton to South Riding area, voted against House Bill 480 that would have protected parental rights in medical decisions regarding their children.

Specifically, Srinivasan voted against the right of a parent to provide consent before a doctor withdraws life-sustaining treatment or places a Do Not Resuscitate order in a child’s medical record.

Increasingly, residents in eastern Loudoun are living inside a machine that is growing, destroying our environment, and consuming resources at an alarming rate. That’s not the Loudoun we envisioned when we bought our homes. It’s a dystopian Skynet future, totally incompatible with residential communities, that our elected officials and administrative staff are knowingly, aggressively, irresponsibly pursuing.

Our government leaders can hide behind inadequate planning and zoning, but they are the only ones responsible for those same planning and zoning regulations and approvals. The reality is that they have picked Skynet over us, sold off Loudoun to the Skynet developers, and then tell us it’s in our best interests.

Pushing this crisis off to the Board of Supervisors’ proposed two-year county study is deliberately absurd and too late. What Loudoun County needs right now is a complete moratorium on new data center construction and permitting and a cessation of all infrastructure development in the county that supports Skynet’s expansion. n

Children are a gift from God to parents. Our legislators should do everything they can to protect the rights of parents to make medical decisions for their children, especially in times of crisis.

Instead, Srinivasan voted to shut out parents from the most serious medical decisions involving their children. The bill Srinivasan voted against would also have prevented doctors from hindering or delaying a parent’s right to get a second opinion or to transfer their child to another medical facility.

Some politicians support parent’s rights. Some politicians always seem to be against them. First, they tell us that parents should stay out of matters regarding the education of our children. Now, they tell us that parents should stay out of the most serious matters regarding the health of our children.

If a politician can’t support parents in the upbringing of our children, they don’t deserve to be our representative.

— Amy Richards, Sterling

Town of Leesburg

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