Last weekend’s 33rd annual Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival featured large crowds pouring into the downtown historic district to visit the booths of more than 125 vendors and celebrate spring’s arrival. Here a young visitor gets up close with the intricate display by Pine Ridge Landscaping, the winner of the 2023 People’s Choice Award.
See more on page 36.
BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com
Valerie Smith is no stranger to speaking out about the division’s recent decision to close Virtual Loudoun Elementary. She has been speaking virtually at most School Board meetings since learning the program would close at the end of this school year.
Smith’s son Ben has complicated medical issues that prevent him from attending school in person. She said parents weren’t given a say on the closing of the program, and said of the more than 80 students enrolled, most require the service.
“This isn’t a choice, but everyone acts like it is. It’s very frustrating. No one would ever walk up to you while you were having an asthma attack and if you couldn’t reach your inhaler say you made the choice not to be near it,” she said.
News that longtime Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder will sell the team reignited speculation over the weekend about the possibility of a new Commanders stadium.
And once again speculation about a new home field led to the team’s corporate home, Loudoun County.
While the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered schools for children everywhere, Smith said the introduction of virtual learning opened a new world for children who couldn’t attend school in person because of complex medical issues. Now she says it’s cruel to shut that window just because normal life has resumed for everyone else.
For many students in the online program, it’s their first time being in a classroom setting with a teacher and other peers.
The Virtual Loudoun Elementary program offers synchronous all-day learning and includes specials like art, P.E. and music classes. Students can do group learning in breakout sessions, get extra help in a more private one-on-one setting with their teacher and, most importantly, socialize and make friends in a safe environment.
“Without this program these kids won’t be socializing. The reality is they are isolated because of medical needs. Some are extremely immunocompromised. They can’t go to amusement parks or indoor play areas like Chuck E. Cheese or overly crowded indoor places and be with friends. They have friends now. Take this away and you take away their world,” Smith said.
She said having virtual school makes the many doctor’s appointments Ben has easier because he can take school with him and not miss anything.
“There are so many benefits, I don’t see a real reason why the program wouldn’t go on,” she said.
With a price tag of $2.5 million for 24 positions and just over 80 students, the division decided during a budget
VIRTUAL EDUCATION
continues on page 14
In 2022, Snyder pursued plans for a new stadium within a larger mixed-use development. The planned Waterside development at the southeast corner of Rt. 28 and Old Ox Road in Loudoun County was one of three Virginia sites under consideration, and the General Assembly that year debated over two competing bills to create a Virginia Football Stadium Authority to attract that project. But the state Senate and House of Delegates could not agree on a bill, with the Senate pushing a much more generous deal for the team while the House—and many residents— worked toward more restrained incentives.
COMMANDERS
continues on page 37
County supervisors last week got their first formal look at one of the largest mixed-use development proposals in county history—and one the county government promoted even before the first zoning application was filed.
Plans for Rivana at Innovation Station were first announced in April 2021 with construction expected to begin early 2022. It arrived at the Board of Supervisors public hearing two years later on April 12 with 2,719 apartments and townhouses and almost 3.4 million square feet of other development, including 2.4 million square feet of office and a hotel with up to 450
rooms. It is planned on 103 acres of property reaching into Fairfax near the Innovation Station Metro stop.
After two years of conversations, only a few concerns remain from county staff members. The developer is hoping to carry over a contribution for regional road impacts from one of two previous rezoning approvals on the site—Rivana is
the fourth time developers have pitched a vision for the site. For the first 1,265 residential units, the number of units approved for Dulles World Center, the developer hopes to contribute $751,000 to the county government to help offset the development’s impacts on road infrastructure. Since that 2008 approval, the county’s standards for those payments have changed, now $7,000 per unit—creating a shortfall of $8.1 million in total.
Another is the project’s environmental impact.
The county Planning Commission in December recommended approval of the project on a 7-2 vote, with commissioners Ad Barnes (Leesburg) and Jane Kirchner (Algonkian) opposed. Kirchner pointed to the project’s environmental impact.
“Unfortunately, I think this application comes up short on the natural resources elements, and I think those things could have been addressed,” Kirchner said. “... We were talking about trying to achieve sustainability throughout the entire development, not just restricted to one small park element.”
County staff members have also raised concerns around plans for a stream valley restoration project on Horsepen Run. As planned, the staff has warned the project would destroy existing forest along the stream, does not include plans for reforestation, tree conservation, or maintenance, and would not fully
RIVANA DEVELOPMENT
continues on page 37
After seven months of work and three rounds of presentations to community judges, the winners of Loudoun Youth Inc.’s Step Up Loudoun competition were selected Thursday night at Morven Park.
This year’s top winner, Samarah Jackson, is working to keep batteries out of the landfill by setting up a recycling collection box at her school. With the $1,000 first-place prize, the Freedom High School freshman will be able to expand the program to other schools and community buildings around the county.
Jackson’s project was among the 10 finalists in this year’s competition. Starting last October, middle and high school
student teams were invited to submit projects that address an issue of concern they’ve identified in their community. This year, 125 teams with more than 300 students entered. The first round involved reviews of video presentations they submitted. Last month, 20 of them were tapped for in-person presentations. The top 10 emerging from that round gathered at Morven Park’s Winmill Carriage Museum for the finals.
Jackson launched her project after learning that only 2-3% of discarded batteries are collected outside the typical trash stream and, of those, less than 5% are recycled. In addition to the wasted materials, she said batteries in landfills pose threats of fires and groundwater
BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has withdrawn a proposal to lift limits on Loudoun data center generator usage, the agency announced April 12.
The proposal would have reduced restrictions on when data centers in Loudoun County would be permitted to run on-site diesel backup generators, but it drew concern from county supervisors, alarm from environmental groups, and baffled data center operators who said it would have no practical effect on their operations.
In a letter to the DEQ the Data Center Coalition, the trade association for the industry, wrote there were “important and unresolved technical, federal regulatory, and operational challenges with this vari-
ance,” and that no coalition member said they would use the ordinance.
The DEQ’s proposal would not exempt data centers from federal environmental oversight—nor the higher cost of running on diesel compared to the electric grid.
Meanwhile, Loudoun County supervisors objected that they had not been contacted, and that the public hearing on the proposal was held on a Thursday morning in Woodbridge.
“The proposal was intended to be an option to allow the data centers to continue to serve their customers, maintain the integrity of internet, and alleviate demand on the electric grid during periods of extreme stress,” the DEQ’s announcement read. “Given further discussion with stakeholders and public comment on the proposal, DEQ believes that these issues are now being addressed between the data centers, the utilities, and the regional
transmission organization (PJM interconnect). If needed in the future, DEQ stands ready to assist in ensuring that Virginians have a reliable, affordable, clean, and growing supply of energy.”
Following the DEQ’s statement, the Piedmont Environmental Council in a press release said that notice “makes it clear that the agency has done the right thing for the wrong reason.” The council pointed particularly to the assurance that the agency “stands ready to assist in ensuring that Virginians have a reliable, affordable, clean, and growing supply of energy.”
“That’s a disappointing statement given that it is not even close to DEQ’s mission,” the Piedmont Environmental Council wrote. “Rather, DEQ was created ‘to promote the health and well-being of the Commonwealth’s citizens, residents, and visitors.’” n
Development industry leaders during a Loudoun Chamber of Commerce event Tuesday pushed for greater flexibility as the county government continues work overhauling the Loudoun zoning ordinance.
County planners, planning commissioners and stakeholder groups have been working for more than three years to write a new zoning ordinance to put into law the vision laid out in Loudoun’s 2019 comprehensive plan.
The Chamber event Tuesday, titled “Fixing Loudoun’s Zoning Ordinance,” cast the Zoning Ordinance as a document “in crisis.” But keynote speaker Deputy County Administrator Charles Yudd, who is leading the zoning ordinance rewrite, while acknowledging there is work to be done, said it’s not in crisis—it’s in process.
And land use law firm Cooley partner Colleen Gillis toned down that conversation before opening up a panel discussion,
which she moderated.
“This is not a slam session on the zoning ordinance rewrite. If you’re here for major drama and fireworks, go home, turn on Bravo—you’re not going to see it here,” she said. “What we are trying to do is be a very contributory, beneficial voice in the conversation.”
Gillis, who has represented some of
the largest developers on some of the largest projects in Loudoun County, led a panel of other development figures and Visit Loudoun President and CEO Beth Erickson.
She was joined by John Mossgrove, Merrit Properties project manager and co-chair of the Loudoun Government Relations Subcommittee at NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association; Matt Lawrence, associate vice president at consulting engineering firm Pennoni and the Loudoun chapter president of the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association; and Angela Rassas, the vice president for land entitlement at developer Toll Brothers and a member of the county’s Facilities Standards Manual Public Review Committee.
Gillis also prompted panel members to share the best parts of the zoning ordinance rewrite so far. Erickson said Charles Yudd.
Facing a tightening hiring market, county supervisors have authorized the county administrator to offer hiring and retention bonuses for county employees.
According to a report from the county Human Resources department, for almost 10 years Loudoun has seen a steady decline in the number of applicants for county jobs. More recent disruptions like the “Great Resignation,” in which an unusually high number of people are leaving their jobs, have added to a tightening labor market as baby boomers retire and leave the workforce. Those have driven wages and workplace standards up.
In a survey of comparator jurisdictions, county HR found other counties are paying hiring bonuses ranging from $2,500 to $15,000 for hard-to-fill jobs such as in public safety and healthcare or for Commercial Driver’s License holders. They’re also paying retention bonuses ranging from $1,500 to $4,050 for those indemand positions.
Previously, Loudoun County code only authorized employee bonuses for “exceptional services rendered or hazardous duty.”
The new bonuses are already funded with $1.5 million in the fiscal year 2024 county budget. Supervisors on April 12 approved the new bonus program 8-0-1, Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) absent.
Work to design the planned Rt. 50/Rt. 606 interchange could get boost from federal funding.
Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA10) announced Tuesday she included the request in a list of Community Project Funding requests for FY 2024. The House Appropriations Committee, of which she is a member, will review the requests for inclusion in annual spending bills later this year.
ON THE AGENDA
continues on page 6
continues on page 6
The Board of Supervisors finance committee has recommended the county government distribute less than $400,000 to nonprofits of the $1.4 million the county will receive as part of the U. S. Department of Housing and Community Development’s annual Community Development Block Grants.
The committee’s April 11 vote would see the county distributing $338,615 of that funding to nonprofits. That would go to the Northern Virginia Dental Clinic to provide dental services for low-income or uninsured people, Crossroads for job training and placement, LAWS for its work serving victims of domestic and sexual violence, and Habitat for Humanity in rehabilitating old houses. Other nonprofits that applied for
funding such as A Farm Less Ordinary, INMED, Mobile Hope, ECHO and the Good Shepherd Alliance would not receive funding.
The county would keep more than $1 million of the money, including $281,062 for administration costs. Another $771,718 would go to the county’s own affordable housing initiatives. That came after the committee and county staff members recommended keeping most of the money that the county’s Housing Advisory Board, which evaluated nonprofits’ applications, had recommended for Loudoun Habitat for Humanity. That board recommended granting the nonprofit $800,000; county staff members and supervisors on the finance committee recommended cutting that to $150,000 and putting the rest into
DEVELOPMENT FUNDING
continues on page 7
continued from page 4
“I think when Charles took over the tenor changed, and I think you saw the business community take a deep breath, and that’s been incredibly helpful,” Erickson said.
Mossgrove, whose employer Merritt Properties deals mostly in flex industrial development, said the progress in that section of zoning has been “one thing we got right so far.”
“Whenever the draft first came out, there were a lot of problems with it, especially with the flex aspect. We worked very, very hard with staff, economic development, with our elected officials, our Board of Supervisors, Planning Commissions. We let them know what those issues were, what flex really is about, and the end product is something that is even more flexible than it currently is,” he said.
And with a brand-new comprehensive plan and overhaul of the zoning ordinance, Lawrence pointed to “collaboration and the ability to organize.”
But Gillis suggested developers should be able to propose changes to the county comprehensive plan, and asked panel members to offer some areas of improvement. Mossgrove said work is needed in the details, pointing to one of his company’s projects that he said today includes more than the required amount of open space. Under the new zoning ordinance,
continued from page 4
The interchange is expected to significantly relieve congestion and improve safety at one of the top three intersections in Loudoun County for vehicle crashes. The project will also create a pedestrian pathway across Rt. 50.
The Loudoun County Environmental Commission will host a forum on the county government’s efforts to increase environment and energy sustainability Thursday, May 11 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Academies of Loudoun.
The Board of Supervisors created the commission in 2021 to advise on policies and practices dealing with the environment, sustainability and energy.
The Energy and Environment Forum will feature information about and ways to
he said, the same project would be calculated to have only a fraction of the required amount.
“There’s still a lot of work to do in order to get really the calculation aspects right on how to how to balance the requirements, from the open space, to the natural aspects, the environmental aspects, with the development community so we can continue to build buildings so we can continue to get businesses in the county,” he said.
Rassas said it’s also important to zoom out and get the big picture from all the various zoning rules.
“As you implement each one of these requirements section by section, what does that look like on the plan? Is that the intent?” she said.
Lawrence said the various requirements on developers, such as open space and parking requirements, add up.
“When you start to add up all of the restrictions, your area to develop units decrease, and that can make it difficult to provide the additional attainable units,” he said.
Gillis pointed out a frequent refrain from business interests is the call for “flexibility” in the zoning ordinance.
“The development community talks a lot about flexibility as a pathway to innovate a project, amazing communities and spaces, but I also know that when you talk to the average homeowner, flexibility sounds a lot like ‘blank check,’” she said.
Lawrence said many large developments in Loudoun have had many zoning
get engaged in the Loudoun County Energy Strategy, energy equity, solar ordinances, tree protection, wildlife corridors and watershed management. The forum will also include presentations from County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large), Environmental Commission Chair Gem Bingol, NAACP Virginia State Conference Environmental and Climate Justice Committee Chair Karen Campblin and Catoctin Creek Distillery owner Scott Harris.
The committee hopes to make the forum an annual event to update the public on those topics and gather feedback. Public comments gathered at the forum will be shared with the Board of Supervisors during the Environmental Commission’s annual report.
More information is at loudoun.gov/environment.
The Loudoun County Disability Services Board and The Arc of Loudoun will host a Disability Resource Fair Friday,
exceptions and modifications granted. He said in those cases, “the perception from the public is we’re asking for something that we shouldn’t be asking for.”
“I think from a flexibility standpoint, I think the development industry, that’s what we’re looking for,” he said. “We’re looking for the ability to adjust to the market conditions in five, 10, 15 years and not feel like there’s a perception that we’re getting away with something.”
One attendee said when he tried to expand his business, he was priced out of larger spaces—prices had been driven up by data center developers, who pay top dollar for land where zoning permits data center development. He argued data centers should have their own category of zoning, rather than out-competing every other allowable use in areas where zoning permits them among other uses.
Yudd said that “pretty much hit the nail on the head.”
“I think that we have all seen as a community, the benefits of data center development and the revenue that it has generated. One of the side impacts is exactly what you’re describing,” he said. “There is so much competition for the zoning that would support a data center that also happens to be the same zoning to support flex buildings.”
He said the county will likely have to consider comprehensive plan and zoning changes, perhaps creating a distinct zoning district for flex industrial development that does not allow data centers.
“But the supply of land available is the
May 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rust Library in Leesburg.
The free event will highlight a variety of community resources available to people with disabilities, featuring county government representatives as well as organizations that provide educational, employment and recreational opportunities.
The Loudoun County Disability Services Board advises the Board of Supervisors on issues of importance to people with disabilities, their families and caregivers. The Arc of Loudoun, based in Leesburg, advocates for, educates, serves and supports people with disabilities and their families.
The Federal Highway Administration, Virginia Department of Transportation, Northern Virginia Transportation Authority and Loudoun County invite the public to a “pardon our dust” meeting about the Northstar Boulevard extension from Evergreen Mills Road to Rt. 50 on
issue, and as that supply shrinks, that competition and price is going to increase,” he said.
And longtime affordable housing developer Kim Hart said he wouldn’t have been able to build the hundreds upon hundreds of homes he has over the past several decades under the proposed new zoning ordinance. Yudd acknowledged there was “a flavor of inflexibility” to the draft of residential zoning ordinances that went to a public hearing.
“When you look at the draft it looks like it’s sort of a step-by-step cookbook recipe, and that’s great. But if you have to comply with that regulation and you can’t, it’s hard to get past go,” he said. “So, we do recognize that, there are revisions underway, and I welcome your engagement in the next revision.”
Yudd encouraged attendees to stay involved, with a public hearing scheduled at the Board of Supervisors on July 26, followed by board work sessions.
Erickson, who has been closely involved since the county launched work to write a new comprehensive plan, also urged attendees to stay involved and make sure their voices are heard.
“When I’ve had to send up a bat signal and reach out to people and say, ‘hey, I need to understand this, and I need to be able to make sure that you’re hearing the perspective of the visitor economy,’ those bat signals have been more than answered,” she said. n
Monday, May 15, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Arcola Elementary School.
The meeting will provide an overview of the project timeline. Plans include a new four-lane median-divided segment of Northstar Boulevard with 10-foot-wide shared-use paths on both sides and a new traffic signal at Evergreen Mills Road. At the northern end of the project, a new bridge will carry Northstar Boulevard over North Fork Broad Run. Construction is expected to be completed by winter 2025.
Arcola Mills Drive will also be realigned to the south to intersect with Northstar.
It is part of what will be a 14-mile-long corridor extending from Rt. 7 south to the Prince William County line. Construction is underway on another segment from Rt. 50 to Tall Cedars Parkway, which will join the new segment to the existing road near Brambleton.
More information is online at loudoun.gov/northstarphase1. n
continued from page 5
the county’s own affordable housing programs.
Loudoun Housing and Community Development Director John Hall said that was because the nonprofit has not yet drawn any of the $650,000 it was awarded for the current fiscal year, which ends in June. He said in conversations with the nonprofit, they had encountered a “one-two punch”—they ran into difficulties with their lender accessing private capital to close on purchases and were outbid on the properties they attempted to purchase. The Community Development Block Grant funding can only be used for the nonprofit’s work to rehabilitate homes, not build new ones, he said.
The committee recommended extending the current year’s funding for the nonprofit to be available through March 2024.
“Hopefully that additional $150,000 coupled with the $650,000, will be
enough so that they’re not outbid. Then we would also work with them where we could provide our funding at closing, so they won’t need a private bridge loan, we can just fund our dollars in escrow,” Hall said.
The committee approved those recommendations 4-0-1, Supervisor Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling) absent. That action begins a public comment period, which runs through May 10.
See the proposed funding plan at loudoun.gov/1674/Community-Development-Block-Grant. Comments can be submitted by email to CDBG Program Manager Johnette Powell at johnette.powell@loudoun.gov, or mailed to CDBG Program Manager Johnette Powell, Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development, P.O. Box 7000, Leesburg, VA 20177.
The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on the funding recommendations at 6 p.m. May 10. n
Visit
Kathy Shipley
Excellence in Real Estate
RE/MAX Executives
Each of ce independently owned and operated www.KathyShipley.com | kathyshipleyremax@comcast.net
540.822.5123 | 703.314.5539 | 571.210.7355
Wow this is an amazing 1900’s school house ready for restoration. Lots of space which includes 3 rooms, kitchen and full bath on main level and 4 rooms upstairs. Great size rooms with lovely wood oors. Stone foundation, old large windows for an abundance of light. Anyone that loves historic properties will see the potential here. It is the type of property that makes you dream what it’s restoration will look like. 16X20 garage.
$399,000
Welcome to this 1876 gem in Historic Leesburg. Don’t miss the opportunity to own this large, 4 bedroom, 2 bath historic home with over 2,500 nished sq feet. An abundance of original features throughout this home including wood oors, staircases (front and back), solid wood doors and exterior wood shutters. Rarely found in downtown location is a 2 plus car garage. 1/4 -acre lot with a lovely deep yard. Walk to ve-star restaurants, shops, grocery stores and the Farmers Market just around the corner on Saturday mornings. This is an opportunity to live a pedestrian friendly lifestyle on a historic downtown main street.
$735,000
LEESBURG SOLD
A great rehab opportunity exist for this 3 bedroom 1 bath rambler. Over half acre not far from Leesburg. So many possibilities for the right person. Roof only 2 years old. Exterior just painted two years ago. Lots of hardwood oors thru out. Full basement includes a one car garage out side entrance.
$269,000
LOVETTSVILLE SOLD
If you have been wanting to live in town, this sweet home is what you have been dreaming about. So much charm and warmth from the minute you enter from the inviting front porch. Original hardwood oors and two lovely built in corner cupboards in dining room. Kitchen offers white cabinets and stainless appliances. Sun lled eat in space makes ideal breakfast area. Two main level bedrooms and full bath. Upstairs offers two more bedrooms and a second full bath. What a surprise to have a nished basement ideal for work or play. The amazing views of open space out the back of the home overlook the new 90 acre Lovettsville park with trails, ball elds, horse riding rings and dog park. One car garage is another added bonus. Delightful rear yard is perfect for gardens or play area. Within walking distance to restaurants, shops, library, school, community center, pool and the new (opening 2023) co-op grocery store.
$499,000
BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com
Prospective School Board candidates Mike Holmes and Andrew Hoyler have both announced they are dropping out of the Broad Run District race and supported Linda Deans.
All three were seeking the local Democratic party’s endorsement.
Hoyler, a former School Board member, wrote in a Facebook post he made the decision after much “personal reflection.”
“There are so many things that I have wanted to do for myself that I have been putting off before COVID/my time on the board and campaigning,” he said in an interview. “I want to focus on the life that most 27-year old’s have for a bit, and get back to exploring the world before I start a family of my own.”
He said if he continued with his campaign, it would have been his third in four years.
Hoyler ran unsuccessfully against Leslee King for the Broad Run District seat in 2019, receiving 37% of the votes. He was later appointed unanimously by the School Board in 2021 to fill that seat after King died in August 2021. He ran for the seat last fall, losing to Tiffany Polifko.
Hoyler supported Deans, who he said is “the last candidate for the LCDC endorsement for the Broad Run District seat.”
“She holds vast experience in the world of education—a former special education teacher, former assistant principal and principal, former assistant superintendent at the Virginia School for the Deaf, Blind and Multi-Disabled,” he said.
Holmes announced April 12 in a Facebook post he was withdrawing from the race.
“Linda Deans is far more qualified for this position than I am,” he wrote. “It was not my intention to drop out, but this lady has pretty much everything that is needed to move our board forward, and I am thrilled she is running.”
Holmes said in an interview that his priority was getting the right person in the job. He said Deans popped up a week ago and after meeting her said, “she is clearly the most qualified person for this job, not only that but that fact that she gives a better ethnical representation of this district
Attorney Anne Donohue is running for the School Board’s at-large seat in the November election.
“I’m running for School Board to protect kids, support teachers and staff, and make evidencedbased decisions focusing on the best interests of the students of Loudoun County. I will ensure that all students are mentally, emotionally, and physically safe in school,” Donohue stated in her announcement.
The mother of two Loudoun County Public School students has been an attorney for the federal government since 2014 and teaches at the George Washington University Law School. Donohue is also a youth sports coach, a volunteer with Loudoun Moms Demand Action, a Loudoun NAACP member and a member of the Loudoun Chorale and St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church.
“I support equality, inclusiveness, and diversity, and will push to make sure everyone’s voice is heard. I will fight for gun violence prevention and against censorship, and I’ll always put the wellbeing of Loudoun County students, teachers, and staff, as the highest priority,” she stated.
She and her husband Ian and their children have lived in the Leesburg area since 2014. Learn more at anneforatlarge.com.
Michael Rivera, who campaigned for the Leesburg District School Board seat during last year’s special election, also has filed to be a candidate for the At-Large seat this fall. n
which is so needed on the board is icing the cake,” he said.
He said rather than split the vote, which he said is what caused them to lose the seat last time, he made a promise that he would support whomever the local Democratic party supported.
Holmes said he is in the process of closing out his donation account and plans to send whatever is left over to Deans.
Deans will face incumbent Tiffany Polifko, who won the special election for the seat last November. n
The effort to have George C. Marshall’s Leesburg home designated as an affiliate of the National Parks Service has advanced to the next stage. Last week, the agency published the findings of a reconnaissance survey of Dodona Manor, concluding the property meets the qualifications for the program.
U.S. Rep. Jennifer T. Wexton (D-VA10), along with Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) in 2019 requested the park service conduct the review. The designation would be expected to increase public interest and awareness of Dodona Manor and could produce additional funds to further assist in its preservation.
The 66-page report builds on the study conducted in the effort to have the property declared a National Historic Landmark in 1996. That designation was followed by an extensive six-year restoration program of the home that was owned by Marshall and his wife Katherine from 1941 until his death in 1956.
Today, the George C. Marshall International Center operates the property as a house museum and an educational center, with programs built around Marshall’s principled approach to leadership.
“We are extremely grateful that the
Town leaders on Friday celebrated the completion of Leesburg’s latest public arts project.
Artist Danielle Ferrin pays tribute to the varied services provided by the town’s Department of Public Works staff— from traffic lights to drinking water—in the mural on the side of the Town Shop building.
The design was selected by the Commission on Public Arts last fall as part of the town’s public arts campaign. The project was funded by Friends of Leesburg Public Arts.
The Town Shop is located at 1393 Russell Branch Parkway near the Village at Leesburg neighborhood. n
National Park Service has concluded that Dodona Manor is a candidate for affiliation with the National Park System. All of us at the Marshall Center work tirelessly to preserve the house and gardens as they were when General Marshall called Leesburg home,” said center Chairman Tom Greenspon. “We will continue working with our members of Congress, who have been incredibly supportive, to take the next step on the road to full affiliation.”
National Park System affiliates are a selected group of nationally significant areas. They are neither owned by the U.S.
government nor directly administered or managed by the National Park Service. From a legal point of view, they are not units of the national park system, but can seek park service technical assistance and limited financial aid from the parks service. If Dodona Manor receives an “affiliated area” designation, it will still be owned and operated by the George C. Marshall International Center.
Used to reach the conclusion that the
The town may get some help completing a new safety project. During this year’s budget deliberations, the Town Council accelerated plans for a $2.4 million project to install lights along the W&OD Trail in the downtown area.
This week, Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10) included $1.5 million in her list of Community Project Funding requests for FY 2024. The project is designed to provide a safer route for students walking to and from the high school in the early morning and evening, as well as other pedestrian and bicycle travel between the residential areas and the downtown.
Putting the funding on the list is only the first step. The House Appropriations Committee, of which she is a member, will review all submitted requests later this year to decide which ones are included in annual spending bills.
The Utilities Department will be conducting controlled flushing of water mains throughout the town through May 31 as part of a regular maintenance program.
Water mains are flushed by opening fire hydrants and allowing them to flow freely for a short period. The flushing cleans out sediment, removes air and restores chlorine levels in areas with limited use.
Water is safe to drink and safe to use during flushing, however, temporary discoloration and sediment may occur in the water. If discoloration or sediment is evident, the Town recommends residents avoid doing laundry until the discoloration subsides. Flushing may also introduce air into the water, which may temporarily cause erratic flow. If this occurs, open your cold water tap until a clear steady flow of water is observed. n
Leesburg Going For the Dogs
The Department of Economic Development this week launched a Leesburg Loves Dogs promotion to highlight dog-friendly businesses and provide suggested activity itineraries for visitors bringing along their dogs.
“Leesburg is a town that welcomes everyone, including our furry friends,” said town Tourism Specialist Allison Wood. “We hope this campaign encourages more people to visit Leesburg with their dogs and enjoy all that our town has to offer.”
New Potter’s Field Memorial Installed
The display tells the story of those buried in Potter’s Field, the free burial ground that was established on the then-edge of town in 1939. In 1983, the cemetery was paved over during the widening of Market Street and the development of a shopping center. At that time, the comingled remains of some of the people buried there were moved to a single plot at Union Cemetery.
Last year, the Town Council approved a plan to erect a more fitting memorial at the rear of the cemetery near Rust Library. The new
Dodona Manor
designation was justified, the survey including a description of the George C. Marshall House, an evaluation of its national significance, identification of similar sites within and outside of the national park system, a preliminary comparative analysis of sites with similar resource types and national themes, and recom-
The town has established a directory of dog-friendly businesses, listing those that welcome dogs inside or out, provide water, treats or other pet supplies. So far, 36 are on the list, including three—Vino Bistro, Fire Works Pizza and Gruto’s Soft Serve—that have a dog menu available.
To make it easy for visitors to identify dog-friendly businesses, the campaign offers a branded sticker for participating businesses to place in their windows.
The website currently offers dog-friendly itineraries for day trips or two- or threeday stays. Suggestions include walking the W&OD Trail, including a dig in a creek; exploring Morven Park or taking a tour of the town’s public arts displays.
Learn more about the campaign at leesburgva.gov/lovesdogs. n
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
area includes an obelisk inscribed with the words “Not Forgotten,” and a historical marker which tells the story of the burial ground, including the requirement that one half of the cemetery “be appropriated to the burial of White persons, and the other half to the burial of free persons of color.” Burials continued at Potter’s Field until the 1950s.
A formal dedication ceremony is being planned for May. n
mendations for future action.
Fall in love with this gorgeous home and phenomenal location! A custom build and remodeled in 2019 which proudly faces Morven Park Road. Enjoy the heart of downtown with sidewalks and all its conveniences, including several nearby parks. With over 4400 updated finished square feet on three levels, the owners fashioned its décor in a stylish light that so many Buyers are seeking today. There is too much to detail, but a few special notes are the to-die-for kitchen, a sunroom as well as many windows throughout the open floor plan letting the natural light in - and an incredibly special lower level. Enjoy a lower bonus/bedroom, a stunning bath, and a loaded bar with multiple walls of custom cabinetry and a game/entertainment area. Escape to your rear deck and large flagstone patio in a gated yard while enjoying the professional landscaping and stone walls surrounding you. Not to be missed is the large front porch which completes this perfect picture and setting – the new owners will love all that this beautiful home in downtown Leesburg has to offer.
Mary
Dionisio Brixius
McEnearney
Associates | 10 W Market Street, Leesburg | 11 W Washington Street, Middleburg Broker: 703.738.8282 | Equal
The U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled April 14 that several Loudoun County parents may pursue a First Amendment lawsuit against Loudoun County Public Schools’ bias reporting system.
The decision reverses the dismissal by District Court Judge Anthony John Trenga of a lawsuit brought by parents claiming their students’ First Amendment rights were infringed upon.
In 2020, the school division created a Student Equity Ambassador program as part of its action plan to combat systemic racism after the board in 2019 hired an outside consultant to assess the campus climate in the division. A report created by Equity Collaborative found limited opportunities for “Black/African-American and Muslim students to convene in a network of social and cultural support,” according to the ruling. It was recommended the division establish “student affinity groups” to support students of color.
Under the Student Equity Ambassador Program, the division chose up to three students from each middle and high school to be ambassadors. The ambassadors participated in division wide meetings where
students talked about race and equity. The program also documented incidents of perceived bias through an anonymous electronic form and then those incidents were discussed at Share, Speak-up, Speak-out meetings. Incidents were also investigated by administrators, according to the ruling.
Initially, the program was limited to students of color, but the division changed that after it was criticized.
The division stated ambassadors would be responsible for amplifying the voices of students of color “by engaging in discussions about student stories/experiences regarding issues of racism, injustice and inequity,” according to the ruling. The division also suggested leaders be honest, sympathetic and “have a passion for social justice.”
The parents declared Equal Protection and First Amendment claims arguing their children were not eligible to be an ambassador because of their race and viewpoint and alleged the reporting system “chilled their children from exercising their free speech rights.”
Trenga dismissed the parents’ case, rul-
ing they failed to prove their children were denied access to being an ambassador and said the parents lacked legal standing to bring First Amendment claims about the new bias reporting system.
The parents appealed and Judges A. Marvin Quattlebaum Jr., Paul V. Niemeyer and G. Steven Agee in a decision on April 14 overturned Trenga’s ruling on the bias reporting system.
Quattlebaum, who wrote the opinion with agreement from Niemeyer and Agee, found the parents have standing to bring a lawsuit alleging that the bias reporting system violated their first and fourteenth amendments “by chilling their children’s speech through content-based restrictions and through viewpoint discrimination.”
Quattlebaum, citing a Supreme Court case, wrote the high court recognized the “danger of chilling free speech” and when there is a risk of punishment involved a person will refrain from speaking out on a subject.
In the ruling, Quattlebaum wrote the parents alleged the ambassadors defined microaggressions as “every day, subtle, intentional—and often unintentional— interactions or behaviors that communicate some sort of bias toward historically marginalized groups.” He wrote they cited
The School Board on April 11 voted to change a policy on students using technology responsibly, one of seven policies recommended for change by a special grand jury in its December report.
The special grand jury investigated the school district’s handling of repeated sexual assaults in Loudoun high schools. The policy deals with technology like the Chromebooks given to students division-wide for use in the classroom and at home.
The special grand jury report that was unsealed in December 2022 recommended the division tighten policies around what types of apps were available to students to download on their school-issued computers. The report stated that students have downloaded communication apps to their Chromebooks to evade monitoring by Gaggle, a tool used by the division to monitor student communication. The report
suggested the division needed to “impose stricter policies and prohibitions for student downloads and student communication on their Chromebooks for non-educational purposes.”
Updates to the policy included a clearer definition of pornography; additional language around students downloading programs, applications or other platforms designed to bypass the division’s content filtering protections; and additional language in a section on technical and administrative procedures. The section added more language about students’ online behavior, including “cyberbullying awareness and response, sexual harassment, and distribution of lewd or obscene material.”
John Beatty (Catoctin), who chairs the Technology and Steering Committee which reviewed the policy, said as the committee reviewed comments on the policy changes, one was a recommendation to have a block list that listed what websites are not allowed on division devices.
“It’s effectively impossible just because of the breadth of the websites we use, and that means that sometimes bad websites are going to get through,” he said.
As an example of the school district’s process, he read an email from the division’s Chief Technology Officer Aaron Smith about an incident that morning involving an inappropriate gaming site that a student was able to access using a school-issued Chromebook.
Beatty said Smith was notified of the site via email and within five minutes was able to verify and block it. He then reached out to the content filter vendor and within 30 minutes was able to get the site recategorized to keep it blocked from all division computers. Smith then called the vendor and confirmed the content filter in place should have blocked access to the site and that the division had all the “appropriate configurations in place.” The vendor then promised to review its automated web crawler application that automatically categorizes sites and
“denials of racial reality and a framework of ‘colorblindness’ that sees people as individuals rather than members of a race” as examples of microaggressions. He wrote the parents alleged their children’s speech had been chilled because they “believe that everyone is equal and that we should strive for a color-blind society.” He wrote the students also wanted to speak out on critical race theory, gender identity and “other controversial political issues with the LCPS community,” but their views were not shared with others. He stated parents believed if their children spoke up on the issues they would be reported and investigated for ‘bias incidents,’ which could negatively impact their student’s “standing within the school community and ruin their college or career prospects.”
He ruled those allegations would be “sufficient to show that the bias reporting system caused the parents’ children to experience a non-speculative and objectively reasonable chilling effect on their speech” and ordered the district court to consider the parents’ First Amendment claims.
The lawsuit will now be heard in federal district court.
The parents are represented by the Liberty Justice Center, a conservative litigation group. n
makes improvements.
“I think that just points to the problem, that we can try and have these agreements in place, and I think the changes we made [to the policy] are good, but there’s always going to be the issue that things can get through,” Beatty said. “So, as we go through and we think about this it might make sense to really consider strongly how we’re using computers in the classrooms, how we are giving out Chromebooks, especially to our younger children.”
He said the changes made to the policy are progress, but said “it’s not going to be the panacea that we might think it would be, so there is always things that can get better, always things that will get through that we do our best to work with.”
To date, five of the seven policies recommended for review by the special grand jury have been updated. Three were approved during the March 28 School Board meeting and one, dealing with the School Board agenda was approved Feb. 28.
The School Board approved the new policy change 8-0-1, with Vice Chair Harris Mahedavi (Ashburn) absent. n
continued from page 1
work session in October that elementary distance learning was not a priority and cut it from the superintendent’s proposed budget in January, citing low enrollment and arguing in-person learning is better for students. The division decided to keep virtual learning for both middle and high school.
Deputy Superintendent Ashley Ellis said the program’s numbers have steadily been decreasing. She said in August of last year enrollment was over 100, but as of the April 11 School Board meeting only 81 students remained. Ellis said they saw a similar drop in enrollment during the 2021-22 school year from 300 to 261 over the course of the year.
“People dropped over the course of last year as mask mandates lifted and vaccines became available,” Ellis said in an interview. “This year some families were still nervous about in person learning, but then over the course of the year either became comfortable or decided virtual learning wasn’t best for them.”
Ellis said the $2.5 million covers the salaries and benefits for the 24 teachers,
including a counselor; art, music, P.E. and special education teachers; operational costs; and materials and supplies for teachers.
Acting Superintendent Daniel Smith told the School Board on April 11 that the program was never meant to be a longterm one, and that it was created with COVID-19 relief funds to help students transition out of the pandemic. Smith said they used the funds again to keep it for the current school year, but with no more funding there is nothing to carry it into a new school year or beyond.
Currently, in the program there is a kindergarten class with only three students and a fourth-grade class with eight, according to Smith. Smith did not give numbers for other grades.
“We are moving forward based on the direction we felt we had,” he said. “If we go back and look at that we’d have to cut something out of our current budget to find the funds to support it.”
Kyung Suh has two children in virtual elementary school. She said initially the pandemic is what lead them to it but then found it worked better for her family.
“With virtual, he [her son] didn’t have that anxiety of meeting people that would bully him. Then his confidence got better
and right now he’s doing really well in his classes and his focus is better,” she said. “His special ed teacher has been really good too.”
She said the special education teacher can pull her son into a breakout room and work one-on-one with him without distractions or embarrassment. She said she feels her son has gotten more support with virtual school than he did in person.
Other parents said there is nothing equal to the program in the state, especially if the student has an Individualized Education Plan or a Section 504 plan—a plan that includes accommodations, aides and/or services for students with disabilities to have equal access to activities and programs.
According to one teacher in the program, 40% of students in Virtual Loudoun Elementary have an IEP.
Parent Heather Hughes said other programs like Virtual Virginia and Virginia Virtual Academy aren’t the same caliber as Loudoun. She said some don’t take kids who aren’t on grade level or above for reading, the majority aren’t synchronous, and some are not accredited. Others have a cost associated with having what is naturally built into Loudoun’s program.
“It’s a family community made with all the virtual families and now they are telling us its gone and no longer here. It’s making the families scramble and leaving us with ‘less-than options,’” Hughes said.
Parents think the division should keep the program “because it’s a source of pride for the division.” They said it should be capitalized and become the model for other divisions.
Teachers also have good things to say about the program. They’ve said students are thriving, and they don’t have a problem showing up, turning on their cameras and participating.
“I know that every penny we put into public education matters, and I know that
it’s not all being spent in the way everyone feels it should, but before people decide the way we are spending this money doesn’t matter I really want them to come to my class,” Virtual Loudoun secondary teacher Heather Benson said. “Anytime, show up and I will let you see the magic that is happening. You don’t have to leave your house, come see what I’m doing before you decide it’s not worth the money.”
Denise Corbo (At-large) said on April 11 that the program has had proven academic success and offers the closest possible thing to a regular school environment.
“What we have done in Loudoun is created a pretty incredible program. … Loudoun should capitalize on VLE, perhaps working with surrounding divisions and expanding the opportunity to some of our most vulnerable kids,” she said.
Ellis agreed the program is unique.
“[They] are not the same as our program. I cannot sit here and tell you it’s the same. It is not fully synchronous, they do not have specials classes, and it does not mirror a normal school day like our virtual program does, but that is also why we have 24 FTEs [full-time-equivalent positions] dedicated to it,” she said.
Corbo asked on April 11 that the superintendent evaluate the program and try to find ways to continue it by possibly combining classes, using underutilized staff, and bringing homebound students into the program.
Valerie Smith said most students and parents would agree to cut something from the budget to allow students to continue attending Virtual Loudoun Elementary School.
“Most would say let these kids go to school in the safest way they can, ask the other kids. I truly believe that,” she said.
The issue is slated to be discussed again at the April 25 School Board meeting. n
BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com
Fourth and fifth-grade students at Emerick Elementary School in Purcellville got to show off their critical thinking skills by presenting projects to other students, the community and division administrators during the first ever Deeper Learning Showcase on April 12.
Students chose a deeper learning experience that highlighted their critical thinking skills. Then they critiqued and revisited that experience and presented them to fellow Emerick students in kindergarten through third grade as well as parents and others from the community. Presentation topics ranged among robotics, English, music, social science, science, math, and art.
About 45 division administrators showed up to see what students had been working on at the school, according to Principal Dawn Haddock.
Kennedy presented about learning the recorder and talked about the progression of learning songs from the easier “Hot Crossed Buns” to the more complicated “Amazing Grace” or Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.”
She answered questions from younger students about finger placement and what age they would learn to play the recorder.
When asked if it was difficult to learn to play “Ode to Joy” on a recorder Kennedy said, “it wasn’t that bad.”
Fifth graders Lucas R., Jacob H., and Matthew S. chose science for their project. They wanted to know if a potato or a clementine orange made a better battery, and which one produced more watts. So, they hooked up several oranges and potatoes to wires and tested their hypothesis. Spoiler alert—the potato produced more watts.
The trio began the project in December using different fruits including an apple which also produced more watts than the oranges.
Fifth grader Aubrey C. chose to present about American Sign Language after learning a little bit about it from her dad who brought home some books on it. She said her family all worked to learn some signs together and she said she wants to continue learning the language in school.
She taught basic signs and the alphabet to other students during her presentation.
Emerick Instructional Facilitator of Computer Science Shawn Deluca said the students got to choose from projects
they’ve worked on throughout the year to present and to show their critical thinking skills.
“Some [projects] were done at the beginning of the year and they have gone back and reflected on and added more detail,” he said.
Haddock said as they talked about critical thinking, they used real world examples to show students how people have come together to solve problems. She said one example was COVID-19.
“There was a problem and a lot of peo-
ple worked on it, they got things wrong then had to change things and keep working to solve the problem and keep going and that is what happens,” she said.
Haddock said the projects were 100% student driven, from developing the concept, to doing the project which was only allowed to be done at school, to deciding how they would present it and what they would say.
She said next year the school plans to have second and third graders join in the Deeper Learning Showcase. n
Sterling Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Parie Ahmady and River Bend Middle School eighth-grade English Language Arts teacher Sarah Proper have been named Loudoun County Public Schools’ 2023 New Teacher of the Year for Elementary and Secondary Schools.
Ahmady is a graduate of Loudoun County Public Schools and was nominated by several division employees, including Sterling Elementary School Principal Jennifer Short.
“Ms. Ahmady demonstrates exceptional instructional practices and continues to demonstrate the ability to form meaningful relationships with her students. Her classroom’s community is rich with love, acceptance and is a place where students are safe to take academic risks,” Short said in her nomination letter.
Proper was nominated by several colleagues, as well as an eighth-grade student who said her class has “become the class I’m most excited about this year. Regardless of how I’m feeling in the morning, whether I’m anxious, sad, frustrated, hap-
py or any other emotion, Ms. Proper finds a way to be kind and understanding.”
The two were selected from nominees across the division.
Loudoun County Public Schools again has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a 2023 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for Sustained Excellence.
It’s the 12th consecutive year the division has received the award.
The division is one of 74 organizations nationwide, and the only school system to have been recognized for over 10 years.
Some of the division’s accomplishments include saving over $7.2 million on energy costs and avoiding 490,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions over the past 30 years, achieving ENERGY STAR certification at 26 schools across the division, and achieving a perfect score for the ENERGY STAR Decarbonize Your Design Challenge, which demonstrates excellence in energy efficiency and CO2 reduction designs, according to a press release. n
After two weeks of proceedings, the testimony of 55 witnesses, and nearly 200 items of evidence, a Circuit Court jury took just a few hours Friday afternoon to find Furqan Syed guilty of first-degree murder and two other felonies.
Syed was charged in the Dec. 30, 2021, fatal shooting of Najat Chemlali Goode in her Brambleton home.
Syed faces a sentence of up to life in prison. He is scheduled to return to court for a sentencing hearing July 13.
In addition to the murder charge, the jury handed up guilty verdicts on charges of statutory armed burglary, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. During the trial, a charge of conspiracy to commit murder was dismissed after Judge Douglas Fleming ruled that no evidence was introduced to support it.
The circumstantial evidence case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Shaniqua Clark Nelson and Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Michele Burton.
In a statement issued after the verdict, Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj said the conviction resulted from the contributions of her staff and many other people.
“It is unfortunate for all involved because there is so much loss, but it is great to be able to have clarity and accountability for such a tragic act,” she stated. “We thank the family, the amazing work by the LCSO detectives, the evidence analysts, the FBI, and every law enforcement partner who cooperated and collaborated in the prosecution. We also thank the more than one hundred witnesses who provided evidence and testimony over the last year to ensure that we delivered to the family and the community safety, and justice.”
The prosecution’s case focused on Syed’s movements tracked via cell phone towers pinging his phone and video footage of neighboring cameras showing what
they said was his eighth-generation silver Toyota Camry driving in the neighborhood the day of the homicide.
Goode’s daughter, Sheima Abbas, testified that Syed knocked on her door Dec. 27, 2021, where they shared a brief interaction. She said Syed was looking for her brother and told her that he would be back.
Prosecutors said that cell phone data and video footage show Syed returning to the neighborhood every day until the murder. They said that after the 7:30 p.m. shooting, Syed drove toward Washington, DC, where more cell phone data showed he stopped at the Chain Bridge over the
Potomac River for four minutes. Prosecutors alleged he threw the murder weapon into the river, before returning home and taking his wife and their toddler on a last-minute trip to St. Louis. The prosecution also said that Syed’s wife was Google searching for “breaking news” and “Brambleton news” during the drive.
After returning home, Syed flew to Dubai on Jan. 3, where he was arrested and brought back to Loudoun County months later.
Syed’s defense lawyers spent their time focusing on the prosecution’s lack of forensic evidence.
“[The prosecution] expects you to
make all these assumptions when they haven’t done the leg work,” Defense attorney John A. Boneta said to the jury during his closing arguments.
He said that the prosecution failed to present a motive, DNA evidence from the crime scene, or a murder weapon. He also said that, while cell phone towers can give a range of area indicating where someone’s phone is, they cannot provide pinpoint locations.
“The bottom line is, you have three very serious charges in front of you, and there’s been zero evidence of them,” Boneta said.
The jury disagreed. n
The V Foundation’s seventh annual Virginia Vine event raised $1.17 million to support ground-breaking cancer research following two days of programs in Loudoun County’s wine country.
The event brings area donors together with the region’s top cancer researchers to learn about the latest breakthroughs and to boost funding for their work.
The V Foundation was founded in 1993 by ESPN and legendary basketball player Jimmy Valvano, shortly before he died from adenocarcinoma. It was in his memorable speech during that year’s ESPY Awards that he introduced the foundation’s motto: “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.”
continues on page 19
The Forward Turn Youth Philanthropy Project of the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties provided $4,150 in mini-grants supporting youth-led and youth-benefitting projects at local nonprofits to fund.
Forward Turn is a youth-led charitable grantmaking program. In partnership with the Loudoun County Youth Advisory Council, student members review grant applications submitted by youth who often work in partnership with nonprofits, schools, or other organizations. Funding is provided by the S. Murray and Mary H.C. Rust Student Philanthropy Project endowment fund of the Community Foundation.
High schoolers and Youth Advisory Council members Sujay Goli, Taylor Grande, Eshaal Mirza, Sharouq UstaOmar, Aanya Patnaik, Rhea Parekh,
Ayla Rajabi, Nikitha Raju, Inaya Virk, and Sarah Virk served on the selection committee.
The grants were awarded to:
Dulles South Food Pantry, $1,000 to support snack packs for children and teens in Dulles South and surrounding areas;
Women Giving Back, $1,000 to support a summer enrichment resource fair extravaganza to support Loudoun youth;
Belmont Ridge Middle School, $750 to support youth-led program for teens in Loudoun middle and high schools addressing stress relief and building
resilience;
Loudoun County Magazine, $500 to support youth exploration of art, journalism and dialogue opportunities in Loudoun County; Loudoun Youth, Inc., $500 to support the Claude Moore Community Building program connecting high school students with volunteer opportunities in local nonprofits; and
Joshua’s Hands, $400 to support Valiant Warrior Quilting project with youth volunteers.
Learn more at communityfoundation lf.org/forwardturn. n
Loudoun County’s public libraries will be collecting unopened, unexpired, nonperishable food items April 22-30. When the campaign was last held in 2019, 15,500 pounds of food were collected and distributed by Loudoun Hunger Relief.
“This drive comes at a time when we’re preparing for increased need due to inflation and emergency SNAP benefits shrinking in the community,” LHR Executive Director Jennifer Montgomery said. “As we work to give families extra support, food drives like this are crucial to helping us continue filling the gaps.”
For several years, the library system hosted Food for Fines, allowing customers to pay down overdue fines with food donations that were given out over the summer.
“Even though overdue fines have been eliminated, we want to continue providing our communities with nutritious food over summer break, when families need more support in lieu of school-based meal services,” Library Director Chang Liu said. Learn more about hunger assistance at loudounfeeds.org.
The Middleburg-based Land Trust of Virginia has been awarded a one-year, $12,000 grant to support its Implementation of Remote Monitoring Software: Lens project.
The grant was awarded by Virginia’s United Land Trusts and funded by Virginia Outdoors Foundation.
This grant program, now in its second year, was created in recognition of the critical importance of accelerating land conservation throughout the commonwealth and to highlight the power of partnership between state agencies and nonprofit land trusts.
“Remote monitoring has become
GIVING BACK continues on page 19
continued from page 18
Over the past 30 years, the foundation has raised more than $350 million to support cancer treatment research, with a goal to surpass $500 by the end of the decade.
In its eighth year, the three-day Virginia Vine event brings together doctors and researchers from the frontlines of the battle against cancers with community leaders and donors who make their work possible. The program included a Friday night concert at Fox Chase Farm, a Saturday morning speakers panel featuring cancer researchers and a sports panel with golf great Curtis Strange and Washington Commanders President Jason Wright, a gala auction dinner at Stone Tower Winery and a Sunday morning breakfast program at Salamander Resort and Spa.
V Foundation CEO Shane Jacobson said the goal is to unite the public and scientific community to help push for more cures faster and to give patients and caregivers hope.
“The spirit of the V Foundation is that we can do this together as one team. We deal with the currency of hope. We lean into the currency of hope. We believe in it—in many respects because of what you bring to the table so very generously,” he said during the opening of the Saturday auction event, which was emceed by Joe Theismann.
During the event, Stone Tower owners, the Huber family, were presented with the Virginia Vine Visionaries award in recognition of their support for the foundation’s work. The Virginia Vine has been hosted at Stone Tower for the past five years, with this year christening the winery’s newly opened events center.
“Our family obviously have been very touched by cancer,” Mike Huber said,
continued from page 18
an important tool for land trusts to effectively steward easement properties across our expansive commonwealth,” stated LTV Executive Director Ashton Cole. “We have identified a subset of our easements that are eligible for remote monitoring based on several factors, including distance from our headquarters, property size and nature
telling of one of his daughters being diagnosed with cancer when she was 17. “It was a pretty rare form for a young thing. She was treated at NIH because it was so unusual.”
The doctors didn’t know if she could have children, he said. Now two decades later, “I was woken up this morning by the pitter-patter of little feet. We are beyond grateful, and she is just doing awesome right now.”
His wife, Kristi, also dealt with pancreatic cancer. She said that was more than three years ago “and we’re all good.”
“We feel we’re just doing our part,” Mike Huber said.
Saturday evening’s live auction alone raised $600,000, with two supporters paying $50,000 each for an exclusive John Legend concert in Napa and two others putting in $30,000 each to have Theismann come to their home and provide commentary during a Washington Commanders game. n
of uses. This will allow us to not only save valuable travel time, but also lessen our organization’s carbon footprint. We anticipate yet again increasing our easement intake ability in 2023 due to implementing this software.”
Last year, LTV completed 21 easements for a total of 4,642 acres protected, compared to 3,041 acres in 2022. It holds easements in 31 counties across Virginia.
For more information about LTV’s work, go to landtrustva.org. n
From personalized family foundations, to memorial funds, to scholarship funds, to donor-advised funds, we can help you make a difference that never ends.
Since 1999, the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties has helped generous donors support a variety of charitable causes in our region. We salute the leaders who wrapped their vision and commitment—and arms—around this community to create and sustain a permanent charitable resource.
$205,000 is the income needed to afford the median home price of $641,000 in Loudoun.
Housing affordability is typically thought of as a low-income household concern, but that’s no longer true.
Workforce Housing is not an issue about charity, it’s about the future economic prosperity of Loudoun.
Let’s shape Loudoun’s future. WON’T YOU JOIN US? workforcehousingnow.org
Workforce Housing Now is an initiative of the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties.
Loudoun County government may look for a “formal agreement” before pursuing any future public facilities in the Town of Purcellville following a yearslong ordeal during which county projects were delayed for years, the Town Council inserted itself into routine administrative approvals, and disregarded its own ordinances and likely state law, and Loudoun taxpayers lost millions of dollars, according to a notice sent by County Attorney Leo Rogers.
For now, the county government has given up on most of its projects in Purcellville, abandoning plans for a new road connection to Woodgrove High School and moving plans to build a sports complex, commuter park-and-ride, and eventual replacement for the Purcellville library to land outside of town. Those projects faced pandemic-era delays in town government, then were delayed further by the Town Council and Planning Commission.
The chaos in Town Hall came to a head with a new Town Council majority taking
office in January and casting suspicion on the county’s projects and often publicly denigrated and spun conspiracy theories about its own town staff. In the first 100 days of its term, Purcellville lost four senior staffers, including the town manager, zoning administrator, town attorney and most recently interim town manager, who quit abruptly in the middle of a council meeting.
In an April 14 letter to the Purcellville
Town Council, Rogers wrote the county is “disappointed,” pointing out the ordeal was capped off by the town not following its own ordinance on notifying the applicant of their decision following the council’s vote to first approve the commuter lot, then days later reverse itself and deny those plans. That decision also likely cost $3.6 million in state funding that had been awarded for that project.
“Neither the Town Council nor the Planning Commission understood the Town’s land use approval process, the administrative process for approving plats; and ignored Town staff ’s analyses and recommendations on the applications,” Rogers wrote. “This was evidenced by the Town’s failure to process the County’s applications in a timely fashion, the Town’s failure to administratively approve deeds and plats for County land acquisitions without justification, the misrepresentations made by Council and Commission members regarding the applications (despite contrary analysis provided by Town staff ), and the Town Council’s arbitrary
ASSURANCES
continues on page 39
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.com
Over a dozen Purcellville residents gathered at the Town Hall on Monday to attend one of the councils’ fiscal year 2024 budget work sessions, with some bringing signs supporting raises for the town’s staff after, at a meeting last week, a motion was raised to reduce the proposed cost of living raise from 5% to 2%.
The motion prompted the resignation of Interim Town Manager John Anzivino.
Some signs brought by residents said, “no diet COLA” referencing the proposed decrease in cost of living raise and “support our staff.”
Mayor Stanley J. Milan wrote in a Facebook post on Sunday that he understood that residents were concerned about the sudden departure of Anzivino and assured them the town operations were continuing as usual.
“I met with the management team and staff on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, and obtained assurances that all departments are fully engaged in doing their job of serving the community,” the post said.
“The Town Council have received no reports of any issues from the leadership team for the water and sewer enterprise, public works, the police department, and supporting operations, and I am confident in their commitment to delivering the highest level of service.”
The council has been going through the proposed budget line item by line item and hearing details and expense justifications from department heads. Monday night’s meeting focused on the water and wastewater sections of the budget.
The Water Fund represents 18% and the Wastewater Fund represents 20% of the town’s total fiscal year 2024 proposed budget. The Water Department expenditures include a new fulltime employee in the form of a water apprentice, with $77,569 budgeted for pay and benefits as well as $90,000 of
Town leaders kicked off Hillsboro’s new Sunday farmers market with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony April 16.
The inaugural event drew hundreds of attendees to visit vendors offering fresh meat, vegetables, baked goods, coffee, flowers and more.
“The opening day was a great success,” said Hill Top Farm owner Trent Ashman, who is spearheading the initiative. “All of our vendors did well and are especially pleased with the great location and the enthusiasm of the community.”
“We are very encouraged by the turnout for the market, which is indicative of the desire of western Loudoun for reliable, one-stop access to healthy staples straight from our area and regional farmers.”
The market will continue each Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Hillsboro’s Historic Old Stone School through Nov. 12.
The town could receive $1.5 million in federal support for two utility projects after Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10) included the funding in a list of Community Project Funding requests for FY 2024.
She is seeking $1.125 million for the Transite Drinking Water Line Replacement Project which would replace up to 3,850 feet of concrete drinking water lines with modern materials. Another $375,000 is sought for the Transite Sewer Line Replacement Project, to replace up to 3,850 feet of transite concrete sewer lines. Transite is an asbestosbased concrete that has known health implications.
The House Appropriations Committee, of which she is a member, will review the requests for inclusion in annual spending bills later this year.
AROUND TOWNS
continues on page 21
continues on page 39
continued from page 20
The Lovettsville Elementary School will celebrate Arbor Day with a tree-planting ceremony April 28 at 9 a.m.
Council Member David Earl said a dogwood tree will be planted behind the school and that a representative from the Department of Forestry will attend with 90 to 100 saplings to be planted.
The town is a Tree City USA Community, which required an annual Arbor Day ceremony along with spending at least two dollars per capita on urban forestry and maintaining a Tree Board.
Ahead of his official retirement party on Friday evening, Police Chief A.J. Panebianco received special recognition from the county Board of Supervisors.
Supervisor Tony Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) attended the April 13 Town Council meeting to present “Chief AJ” with a formal resolution honoring his service.
“You were the perfect person for this job, for this town, for the county and really for all of Virginia,” Buffington said. “It just proves that if you have the right guy or gal in the position who knows what they are doing, is extremely confident, and who cares like you care about your job that you can do anything.”
Panebianco’s 35-year law enforcement career included the past 11 leading the Middleburg Department, which he helped transition to a 24/7 operation.
A retirement ceremony for Panebianco is planned for 5 p.m. April 21 at the Middleburg Community Center. The public is invited.
Lt. Shaun D. Jones has been tapped to take over the position.
Town resident Herbert Colbert on Wednesday celebrated his 100th birthday, including with a special resolution from the Town Council.
Colbert was born in Bluemont on April 23, 1923. He attended the one-room schoolhouse in Willisville and then Leesburg Center in Leesburg during segre-
Monday was the deadline for candidates to apply to be Purcellville’s next town manager, with the Town Council hoping to have a permanent replacement in place by June.
Director of Human Resources Sharon Rauch will be assembling the received applications and forwarding them to the council members for review before interviews begin May 2. That process was expected to be led by interim Town Manager John Anzivino. However, he resigned last week, and the council has not appointed anyone to fill that position.
The town operates under the council-manager form of government, in
gation. He was attending Virginia State University when World War II began and then worked in the Naval Shipyard and later as an offset press operator at the Pentagon for 30 years. He met and married his wife, Ruth, in 1967, and they moved to Middelburg in 1970. In town, he worked at True Value and as a courier for Farmers and Merchant Bank into the 2000s.
The Purcellville Police Department and Town Council recognized the contributions of the Volunteers in Police Service members at the April 11 council meeting.
In 2018, the Purcellville Police Department launched the new Volunteers in Police Service program. Since then, department volunteers have contributed over 2,500 hours, equivalent of over $88,000.
The Purcellville Police Department recognized the following volunteers for their contributions:
Chaplain Larry Brooks, volunteering since 2007, received a Years of Service plaque for serving for 16 years.
Judi Lukens-Torian, volunteering since 2018 and contributing over 400 hours, and Christian Mekalainas, volunteering since 2019 and contributing over 500 hours were awarded certificates of recog-
which the elected council sets policies and the town manager runs the town government organization.
Under state code, in towns with no manager those duties may be carried out by the mayor, to include ensuring that all ordinances, resolutions, directives and orders of the governing body are faithfully executed, making reports to the governing body, giving directions to all heads of offices, departments and boards, executing the budget and keeping the governing body advised on the locality’s financial condition.
Loudoun Now reached out to Milan to ask whether the council planned to appoint an interim manager, as it has done in the past when vacancies occurred. He declined to comment. n
nition for contributing 200+ hours.
Caroline Ortiz, volunteering since 2022 and contributing over 150 hours, starting as a Capstone student from Woodgrove High School, was awarded a certificate of recognition for her continued support to the community.
Class I Water Operator Terry Andrews was awarded the Virginia Rural Water Association 2023 Water Operator of the Year and was recognized at the April 11 Town Council meeting.
Andrews has 39 years of experience in drinking water treatment and has worked for Purcellville for 19 years.
Director of Public Works Jason Didawick said Andrews is well respected by his coworkers and shows continued dedication and commitment to the town.
“Most notably, during the snowmageddon in 2010 … Terry operated the plant solo for three days when the gravel roads to the water plant were impassible,” Didawick said. “This major snow event crippled the DC area and his ability to perform under adverse conditions has made him a legend in Purcellville.”
“At the operator program, we are all kind of like a family. We all work together to do everything there and we try to do our best,” Andrews said. n
Mary Josephine Hogan of Leesburg, VA, passed away peacefully in her home on April 12, 2023. She was born April 28, 1934 in Ravenna, Ohio. Beloved wife of John F. Hogan Jr.; devoted mother of Christine Morris (Christopher), John F Hogan III (FL), Paula Hogan Brown (VA), Gregory Hogan (VA), Therese McIntosh (Guy) (NC), Kathleen Trexler (Edward) (NC), Susan Hogan (VA), and Philip Hogan (Denise) (FL). Mary was Vice President of Hogan and Sons, Inc., for many years. She was a member of the Knights of Columbus Women’s Group and St. John’s Parish Seniors Group. She enjoyed playing cards, bridge, games, traveling, knitting, crocheting, gardening, and most importantly, spending time with family. For Mary, family was a blessing. She made a point to stay connected to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She rarely missed an opportunity to catch up with her bridge ladies, friends and her beloved cousin Pat. She remembered every birthday, anniversary, even professional and personal achievements extended down to the youngest generation. When Mom/ Gramma hugged you, you KNEW how much she loved you. Mary leaves behind 26 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren, a multitude of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. Mary was preceded in death by her mother Evelyn, stepfather John Siebenaler, husband John of 62 years, daughter Christine, son in law Christopher, and three of her grandsons. Viewing services will be on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 10 am to 11:30 am at Colonial Funeral Home 201 Edwards Ferry Rd. NE Leesburg, VA 20176. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 12:00 pm at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 101 Oakcrest Manor Drive Leesburg, VA 20176. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/
NOAH FOWLER
Friday, April 21, 5 p.m.
Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights
Details: facebook.com/ harpersferrybrewing
Fowler is a Nashville-based singersongwriter, guitarist, and bassist whose songwriting draws from Appalachian and Celtic storytelling traditions, the 60s folk revival and storytelling songwriters like Willie Nelson and Steve Earle.
GARY JAY AND THE FIRE
Friday, April 21 5:30 p.m.
Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg
Details: lostbarrel.com
Gary Jay Hoffman serves up country, bluegrass and folk with his red-hot band.
DAVE GOODRUM
Friday, April 21, 6 p.m.
Loudoun Brewing Company, 310 E. Market St., Leesburg
Details: loudounbrewing.com
Goodrum brings acoustic music at its most fun--covering a range of genres from the 70s, 80s, 90s and today.
PANIC FOR THE VIBE
Friday, April 21, 6-10 p.m.
MacDowell Brew Kitchen, 202 South St. SE, Leesburg
Details: macsbeach.com
Kick off the weekend with Panic for the Vibe’s bass-driven grooves, island rhythms and soulful cadences with funk, pop, blues and West Coast reggae tunes.
CHRIS ELLINGHAUS
Friday, April 21, 6 p.m.
Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville
Details: flyingacefarm.com
Just South of 7’s Chris Ellinghaus serves up acoustic favorites from the 60s through today.
GET OUT THIS WEEK
continues on page 23
BY JAN MERCKER jmercker@loudounnow.com
Raise your hand if you’re ready for summer!
Some of Loudoun’s most talented teens give us a sweet taste of the fun around the corner with the Pickwick Players’ production of “High School Musical 2” next month.
“Little kids are going to love it, and adults will love it, too. This is truly a family-friendly show. ... It’s nonstop dancing and singing,” Director Molly Kay Johns said.
“High School Musical 2” picks up where the original left off—with the East High kids getting ready for summer break after junior year. Heartthrob Troy gets the entire gang jobs at Lava Springs Country Club.
The production stars Ashburn’s Ella Diawatan and Purcellville’s Joda Wade as everyone’s favorite couple, Gabriella Montez and Troy Bolton, with Andres Marerro as Ryan Evans and Addison Wivagg as his over-the-top sister Sharpay. The teen actors say the ensemble’s energy is what makes the show.
“The energy that we create as a group is phenomenal,” Wade said. “I just love that we are able to be on stage together and increase our energy and excitement tenfold. It’s a very energetic show where we get to pour into each other and push off each other and do some amazing things.”
Wade, 19, is a former student at Blue Ridge Middle School and Loudoun Valley High School who is taking a gap year before starting
studies in Christian ministry at Regent University in the fall. Wade comes from a musical family and honed his vocal chops with Purcellville’s Maranatha Youth Music Academy. HSM2 is Wade’s first appearance with Pickwick, but he has appeared in productions with Purcellville-based Jupiter Theater Company (most recently in the company’s production of “The Scarlet Pimpernel”) and the Potter’s Players Christian theater group.
Wade says as a fine arts guy, playing the kind-hearted jock has been a fun change of pace.
“It’s been a blessing just to hang out and pretend to be sporty and sing and dance and do all the things I love to do,” he said.
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL II continues on page 26
continued from page 22
Friday, April 21, 8 p.m.
Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg
Details: tallyhotheater.com
The eight-piece DMV ska/soul band gets the Tally Ho moving with dance-throughyour socks rhythms. Tickets are $18.
BRUNO ACOUSTIC
Friday, April 21, 8 p.m.
Nick’s Taverna, 42395 Ryan Road, Ashburn
Details: nickstaverna.com
Loudoun’s Bruno Campos puts a fun acoustic twist on rock favorites.
MERCY CREEK
Friday, April 21, 8 p.m.
Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville
Details: monksq.com
Mercy Creek returns to Monk’s with earthy, edgy, aggressive folk-rock.
GOTCHA COVERED
Friday, April 21, 8 p.m.
Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg
Details: spankyspub.com
Northern Virginia’s Gotcha Covered
specializes in classic rock, pop, Motown, blues and country sounds from across the decades.
Saturday, April 22, noon
Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights
Details: facebook.com/ harpersferrybrewing
Billy and The Curley Brothers play instrumental Irish music, traditional pub songs, folk, country and classic rock.
HARD SWIMMIN FISH
Saturday, April 22, 1 p.m. Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts
Details: vanishbeer.com
Hard Swimmin’ Fish serves up a versatile blues sound covering everything from Mississippi country blues to the urban Chicago sound and beyond.
ERIC CAMPBELL
Saturday, April 22, 1 p.m.
Fabbioli Cellars, 15669 Limestone School Road, Leesburg
Details: fabbioliwines.com
Campbell brings rock, folk and alt tunes to Fabbioli Cellars.
Saturday, April 22, 2 p.m.
Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville
Details: creeksedgewinery.com
SPCMM specializes in roots rock from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s with excellent vocal harmonies, a superb acoustic sound and a knack for playing the right song at the right time.
LEVI STEPHENS
Saturday, April 22, 2 p.m.
Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro
Details: breauxvineyards.com
DC-based Stephens blends genres from soul to rock to gospel to folk while always remaining honest, clever and conversational.
ROWDY ACE BAND
Saturday, April 22, 2 p.m.
Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro
Details: harvestgap.com
Kick back with a fun mix of country and rock tunes from Rowdy Ace.
GARY SMALLWOOD
Saturday, April 22, 3 p.m.
Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950
Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville
Details: flyingacefarm.com
Gary Smallwood returns to Flying Ace with his locally famous classic rock, country rock and blues.
BOBBY THOMPSON AND FRIENDS
Saturday, April 22, 3 p.m.
Lost Rhino Brewing Company 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn
Details: lostrhino.com
WAMMIE-winning blues musician Bobby Thompson returns to Lost Rhino.
MELISSA QUINN FOX
Saturday, April 22, 3 p.m.
Notaviva Craft Fermentations, 13274 Sagle Road, Hillsboro
Details: notavivavineyards.com
Fox returns to Notaviva with her signature high-energy blend of rock and country.
SHADE TREE COLLECTIVE
Saturday, April 22, 5 p.m.
Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg
Details: lostbarrel.com
This Maryland-based five-piece ensemble gets the crowd dancing with traditional bluegrass.
GET OUT THIS WEEK continues on page 24
continued from page 23
RIKI J & BLUE RHYTHM
Saturday, April 22, 6-10 p.m.
MacDowell Brew Kitchen, 202 South St. SE, Leesburg
Details: macsbeach.com
Riki J returns to Mac’s Beach for an evening of rockin’ blues.
VAN HALEN NATION
Saturday, April 22, 8 p.m.
Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg
Details: tallyhotheater.com
This tribute to Van Halen’s David Lee Roth era is your ticket back to the 80s.Tickets are $20.
BRANDY STATION CO
Saturday, April 22, 8 p.m.
Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville
Details: monksq.com
Brandy Station returns to Monk’s with Americana, bluegrass, rock, country and folk from Remington, VA.
Brent Funkhouser
Sunday, April 23, 1 p.m.
Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville
Details: creeksedgewinery.com
Funkhouser brings his Virginia-grown Americana, uplifting lyricism and powerful storytelling to Creek’s Edge.
CHRIS COMPTON
Sunday, April 23, 2 p.m.
Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro
Details: breauxvineyards.com
Compton is a lifelong musician and multiinstrumentalist with eclectic influences including jazz, reggae, rock, pop and country.
LENNY BURRIDGE
Sunday, April 23, 2 p.m.
Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville
Details: flyingacefarm.com
Wind down the weekend with acoustic blues and Americana, classic rock and new rock from Lenny Burridge.
WIG WAM
Thursday, April 27, 8 p.m.
Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg
Details: tallyhotheater.com
The Norwegian glam metal band hits the Tally Ho as part of a U.S. tour. American Jetset opens. Tickets are $35, $75 for VIP.
SPRING NATIVE PLANT SALE BY LOUDOUN WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY
Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Morven Park Main Parking Lot loudounwildlife.org
‘SENSE AND SENSIBILITY’
Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, April 23, 2 p.m.
Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville
Details: franklinparkartscenter.org
Based on the beloved Jane Austin novel of the same name, “Sense and Sensibility” follows the three Dashwood sisters as they move with their widowed mother from Norland Park to Barton Cottage and find romance, heartbreak and love. Tickets are $17.
LWC NATIVE PLANT SALE
Saturday. April 22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Morven Park, 17195 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg
Details: loudounwildlife.org
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s spring sale features native plants from vendors including Watermark Woods, Hill House Farm and Nursery and Nature By Design, along with community groups sharing information on supporting local wildlife.
‘THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT’
Saturday, April 22, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 23, 2 p.m.
StageCoach Theatre Company, 20937 Ashburn Road, Suites 115 and 120, Ashburn
Details: stagecoachtc.com
The 1964 play (made into a 1970 film) follows Doris, an actress, model and part-time sex worker who moves in temporarily with her neighbor Felix, an intellectual aspiring writer with hilarious results. This production is intended for an adult audience. Tickets are $25. Performances run through April 29.
HARD SWIMMIN FISH
Saturday, April 22, 1-4 p.m. Vanish Farmwoods Brewery Vanishbeer.com
Sunday, April 23, 10 a.m., gates open, 11:30 a.m., post time.
Morven Park Equestrian Center, 41580
Sunday Morning Lane, Leesburg
Details: loudounraces.com
VAN HALEN NATION
Saturday, April 22, 8 p.m. Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com
The Loudoun Hunt Point to Point celebrates its third year of steeplechase in its new location with top riders from around the region. General admission parking is $35 in advance, $40 at the gate. n
Town of Leesburg
Employment Opportunities
Please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs for more information and to apply online.
Resumes may be submitted as supplemental only. EOE/ADA.
Regular Full-Time Positions
To review Ida Lee (Parks & Recreation) flexible part-time positions, please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs. Most positions will be filled at or near the minimum of the range. Dependent on qualifications. All Town vacancies may be viewed on Comcast Cable Channel 67 and Verizon FiOS Channel 35.
Meridien Group, LLC is seeking a motivated, qualified individual to handle all aspects of construction project management. Duties include Preparing, scheduling, coordinating and monitoring the assigned projects. Monitoring compliance to applicable codes, practices, QA/QC policies, performance standards and specifications.
Interacting daily with the clients to interpret their needs and requirements and representing them in the field.
We are looking for an accountable project engineer/project manager to be responsible for all engineering and technical disciplines that projects involve. You will schedule, plan, forecast, resource and manage all the technical activities aiming at assuring project accuracy and quality from conception to completion.
• BS degree in Engineering/Construction Management or relevant field
• Prior federal government project experience is preferred, but not required
• Entr y-level/mid-level Position
Contact Info:
Katherine Hicks
305 Harrison Street STE 100 Leesburg, VA 20175
Send Resume to: khicks@meridiengroupllc.com (703) 777-8285
Lovettsville Cooperative Market is hosting a job fair on April 22, 2023, from 9am to Noon in Lovettsville at Back Street Brews, 11 East Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville VA. Positions include, Grocery Manager, Produce Manager, Bookkeeper, deli and food prep clerks, produce clerks and grocery stock clerks. Clerk positions start at $15.00 an hour, Bookkeeper at $16.00 and Manager positions start at $20.00 an hour. Job descriptions are available at www.lovettsville-grocery.com/careers.
continued from page 22
For Diawatan, 15, an Independence High School freshman, earning the role of Gabriella is an amazing next step in her theater career.
Diawatan has been singing and acting since elementary school and was hooked on musical theater after earning the role of Mulan in a summer camp production. She was cast as Gabriella in Brambleton Middle School’s production of “High School Musical Jr.” Diawatan performed in Pickwick’s 2019 production of “Matilda” and was cast as the sassy Brigitta Von Trapp in the company’s 2021 “Sound of Music.” She has also appeared in two productions in her first year at Independence. Diawatan went into auditions hoping for the Gabriella role, another chance to play an intelligent, independent young woman on stage.
“The roles I like playing are independent girls who stand up for themselves. Gabriella is someone who’s very independent,” Diawatan said. “I like her curiosity when she gets into new things … I like how they portray Gabriella and Troy’s relationship in the show.”
For Johns, directing a show with mostly teen cast has been rewarding but also hard work during the busy
spring season with schoolwork, sports and high school theater competing for the young actors’ time.
“Pickwick always has teens and kids in our shows, but this was all teens and zero kids. It was unique in that it was just a show with that age group. There’s only one adult in the entire show,” Johns said. “It does give a unique opportunity to have a cast of teenagers. … It’s fun–it’s also challenging because this age group is so busy.”
A long time Pickwick actor and board member, Johns directed the company’s 2006 production of the original “High School Musical” shortly
after rights to the stage version of the hit Disney film became available.
Johns has also starred in several Pickwick productions. Loudoun audiences have seen her as Mary Poppins in Pickwick’s 2018 production and Lucy in “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.” Johns also directs Pickwick’s annual summer theater camps for children. Registration for this year’s “Moana Jr.” camp closes June 1.
With familiar songs from the movie, finding actors who could really knock out the musical numbers was a top priority for Johns, with audiences ready for well-known songs like the showending “All for One” and Sharpay’s campy favorite “Fabulous.”
“Both [Wade and Diawatan] have really great voices and do justice to the songs. That’s first and foremost how I cast this show,” Johns said. “I needed them to be good actors, but because these songs are so well known and because the show is so popular, you have to find actors who can sing the songs really well. … For every single song, the whole cast is on stage for dancing and singing—it’s such a fun show.” n
The Pickwick Players present Disney’s “High School Musical 2” Fridays May 5 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays May 6 and 13 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Capital Community Church in Ashburn. For tickets and information, go to thepickwickplayers.com.
Pickwick’s “Moana Jr.” summer camp for kids runs June 19 through 29 with rehearsals in Purcellville and Hillsboro. Tuition is $450 per child. Visit the website for details and registration.
Jonathan Biss for an unforgettable concert featuring Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann, and Schubert
Sunday, April 30th, 4 PM
Waterford Old School 40222 Loudoun St., Waterford, VA
Tickets: $40 adult, $20 student
Seating is limited: book early! Major credit cards accepted
For Tickets & Info, visit www.waterfordconcertseries.org
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
LVBZ 2023-0001, APPLICATION FOR VARIANCE
Pursuant to Sections 15.2-2204, 15.2-2309, 15.2-2310, 15.2-2311 and 15.2-2312 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, the LOVETTSVILLE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS will hold a public hearing at their meeting at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at the Lovettsville Town Council Chambers located at 6 East Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville, VA 20180.
Bret and Amy Lynn Spencer of Lovettsville, Virginia, have applied for a variance to permit a deviation from Section 42-304(d)(1)b, Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems, of the Lovettsville Zoning Ordinance, to waive a requirement that solar panels be flush mounted on roofs that face a public street. The property is zoned T-C (Town Center). The subject property is approximately 0.18 acre in size and is located on the north side of Eisentown Drive approximately 100 feet east of Fox Meadow Drive, at 40 Eisentown Drive. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 369187170. All persons wishing to speak will be given the opportunity but must be present at the meeting.
Members of the public may access this meeting electronically. The papers comprising the variance request are available for review on the Town website at: Board of Zoning Appeals Application
You may also request a copy be sent to you via email by contacting John Merrithew, Planning/Zoning Administrator 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 readvertised.
4/13 and 4/20/23
PURPOSE OF NOTICE: To seek public comment on a proposed major modification to VWP Permit No. 10-2020 from the Department of Environmental Quality for the construction of a pumping station and associated infrastructure and utilities to connect Loudoun Water’s raw water transmission network to a decommissioned quarry, now named Milestone Reservoir, in Loudoun County, Virginia.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: For 30 days, starting from the day after the notice is in the newspaper: April 20, 2023 to May 22, 2023.
PERMIT NAME: Virginia Water Protection Permit issued by the Department of Environmental Quality.
APPLICANT NAME, ADDRESS AND PERMIT NUMBER: Loudoun Water; P.O. Box 4000, 44865 Loudoun Water Way Ashburn Virginia, 20146; VWPP No. 10-2020.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Loudoun has applied for a modified permit for the Milestone Reservoir and Pumping Station Project located at 42217 Cochran Mill Road, Leesburg Virginia, 20175. The modification will allow the applicant to construct a pumping station, utility crossings, a bridge crossing on Sycolin Creek, construction of an access road, waterline installation, installation of an outfall in Sycolin Creek, and installation of a sanitary line to connect Loudoun Water’s existing water supply system to Milestone Reservoir for the purposes of water storage. The proposed activity would affect 0.03 acres of palustrine forested wetlands and 337 linear feet of streams. The activity proposed in the permit will affect Sycolin Creek and Goose Creek in the Potomac-Shenandoah watershed. A watershed is the land area drained by a river and its incoming streams. The applicant will provide compensation for the permanent loss of wetland and streams through the purchase of wetland and stream mitigation credits. The Department’s preliminary decision is to issue the modified permit.
HOW TO COMMENT AND/OR REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING: The Department accepts comments and requests for public hearing by e-mail, fax or postal mail. All comments and requests must be in writing and be received by the Department during the comment period. Submittals must include the names, mailing addresses and telephone numbers of the commenter/requester and of all persons represented by the commenter/requester. A request for public hearing must also include: 1) The reason why a public hearing is requested. 2) A brief, informal statement regarding the nature and extent of the interest of the requester or of those represented by the requestor, including how and to what extent such interest would be directly and adversely affected by the permit. 3) Specific references, where possible, to terms and conditions of the permit with suggested revisions. A public hearing may be held, including another comment period, if public response is significant, based on individual requests for a public hearing, and there are substantial, disputed issues relevant to the permit.
CONTACT FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS, DOCUMENT REQUESTS AND ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION: Kathy Dobbie; VA Dept. of Environmental Quality, Central Office, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218; Phone: 804-659-1727; E-mail: Kathryne.dobbie@deq.virginia.gov; Fax: 804698-4178. The public may review the draft permit and application at the Department office named above by appointment or may request copies of the documents from the contact person listed above.
4/20/23
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
Case No.: JJ045188-09-00
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Ashli Martinez-Bonilla
ABC LICENSE
LT Nail Spa LLC trading as LT Nails Spa, 108 South St SE, Ste. 108C, Leesburg, VA 20175. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Marketplace license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.
Lisa Truong, Owner
Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200. 4/13 & 4/20/23
Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.
Maynor Martinez Acosta, putative father
The object of this suit is to hold a permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Ashli Martinez-Bonilla.
It is ORDERED that the defendant Maynor Martinez Acosta, putative father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before May 17, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.
4/6, 4/13, 4/20 & 4/27/23
May 5, 2023
The deadline for payment of the first half personal property tax is May 5, 2023
Please Note: Payments received or postmarked after May 5, 2023, will incur a 10 percent penalty and interest. Any such penalty, when assessed, shall become part of the tax with interest accruing on both the tax and penalty at a rate of 10% annually. Personal Property taxes remaining unpaid after 60 calendar day from the original due date will incur an additional 15% penalty. Taxpayers who are having financial difficulties should contact our Collections Team at 703-771-5656 who stand ready to assist.
For Your Safety and Convenience, please consider making payments online, by phone or mail.
CONVENIENT PAYMENT OPTIONS AND LOCATIONS
Online: www.loudounportal.com/taxes
Pay using electronic check, VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover
By Telephone: 24-hour line 1-800-269-5971
703-777-0280 during regular business hours. Pay using electronic check, VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover
Please note: There is a convenience fee added to a Credit Card transaction. There is no fee for electronic checks (e-check).
By Mail: County of Loudoun P.O. Box 1000 Leesburg, Virginia 20177-1000
TREASURER’S OFFICE LOCATIONS
Extended Hours: Thursday, May 4 – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Friday, May 5 - 8:00AM to 5:00 PM
Regular Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
1 Harrison Street, S.E. 46000 Center Oak Plaza 1st Floor 1st Floor Leesburg, Virginia 20175 Sterling, Virginia 20166
A 24 hour drop box is located outside the Sterling and Leesburg office.
Please contact the Loudoun County Treasurer's Office at 703-777-0280 or email us at taxes@loudoun.gov with questions or if you have not received your bill.
Stay up to date on tax information by subscribing to the Tax Notices category of Alert Loudoun at www.louduon.gov/alert. You can also text the word “TAXES” to 888777 to receive text messages about tax-related information, including upcoming deadlines.
For information regarding Real Property or Personal Property Tax Exemptions or Deferrals, please contact the Exemptions Divisions of the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office at taxrelief@loudoun.gov, by phone at 703-737-8557 or visit www.loudoun.gov/taxrelief
4/20 & 4/27/23
The Town of Leesburg Diversity Commission Vacancy
The Town of Leesburg is soliciting applications for a vacancy on the Diversity Commission. Citizens interested in serving on a board or commission can find additional information, membership requirements, or may apply via the Town’s web site at www.leesburgva.gov/government/boards-andcommissions. Applications will be kept on file for one year. Any questions can be sent to the Clerk of Council via email at eboeing@leesburgva.gov.
4/20/2023 & 4/27/2023
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, May 10, 2023, in order to consider:
Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1800 et seq., the Board of Supervisors shall consider conveying to the Town of Leesburg a fifteen-foot wide easement across County owned property in the Leesburg Election District, near the intersection of Crosstrail Boulevard and Loudoun United Drive, for the purpose of installing, constructing, operating, maintaining, repairing, replacing, adding to, or altering present or future sanitary sewer lines, including building connection lines, manholes, and all other appurtenant facilities for the collection of sanitary sewage and its transmission. The property on which the easement will be located is more particularly described as PIN: 191-16-9866.
Copies of the draft deed of easement and plat showing the location of the above-listed conveyance, and associated documents, are available for review and may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center; Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Monday through Friday or call (703) 777-0200. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”)
The Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development has prepared the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Annual Action Plan for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by May 15, 2023.
HUD has designated Loudoun County as qualified for Urban County participation in the CDBG program and entitled to receive CDBG funding directly from HUD. HUD regulations require the adoption of the above referenced Plan, which outlines the County’s housing and community development needs, priorities and objectives, and proposed use of the federal funds for the ensuing CDBG program year.
Components of the CDBG Program FY 2024 Annual Action Plan include, without limitation, descriptions of:
§ Federal and other resources expected to be available; § Leveraging of resources and how match obligations will be met; § The activities to be undertaken;
§ The geographic distribution of investment; and § Planned homeless and other special needs activities.
The CDBG Program FY 2024 Annual Action Plan also contains an accounting of distributions and unexpended funds for the CDBG Program in FY 2023. Reimbursements to the subrecipients of the activities indicated below have been made. Some files are complete. Other activities continue to request reimbursements and will be completed by the end of FY 2023. Activities with unexpended funds are attributed to the completion or cancellation of the activity at the end of the program year. Unexpended funds from completed or canceled activities are then reprogrammed into a new activity to be expended in FY 2024.
Good Shepherd was awarded $75,892 in FY 2023 for capital improvement, and due to the increase in capital cost, Good Shepherd needs an additional $18,844 to complete the project for the safety of the community, against funds from capital improvements for FY 2024, which includes unexpended funds for FY 2023.
Copies of the proposed Plan are available and may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, and the Department of Housing and Community Development at 106 Catoctin Circle, SE, Leesburg, Virginia from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or call (703) 777-0200. The Plan is also available online at www. loudoun.gov/cdbg. Written comments on the Plan may be submitted to the attention of the CDBG Program Manager Johnette Powell at the Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development, P.O. Box 7000, Leesburg, Virginia 20177 or by email: johnette.powell@loudoun.gov. Comments will be received until May 10, 2023. Board of Supervisors Public Meeting to approve the Plan will be held on May 10, 2023, at the Loudoun County Government Center, Board Room 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia at 6:00 pm.
PACIFIC CORPORATE PARK
(Zoning Conversion in the Route 28 Taxing District and Zoning Modification)
Pacific-Ashburn Campus LLC, of McLean, Virginia, has submitted an application to rezone approximately 43.28 acres from the PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning district under the 1972 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance to the PD-IP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance (Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance) in order to permit all principal and accessory uses permitted in the PD-IP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, at maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.0. The subject property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District and within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60, airport noise contours. The applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modification(s):
ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION
§4-506(B), PD-IP Planned Development –Industrial Park, Building Requirements, Building Height.
PROPOSED MODIFICATION
Permit building heights up to 100 feet without additional setbacks from streets or lot lines.
The subject property is approximately 43.28 acres in size and is located south of Waxpool Road (Route 625), west of Pacific Boulevard (Route 1036), east of Broderick Drive (Route 1070), and north of Prentice Drive (Route 1071) in the Sterling (formerly Broad Run) Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as follows:
The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Employment Place Type)), which designate this area for Office, Production, Flex Space, and Warehousing uses at up to 1.0 FAR.
Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-4314 and the Beaverdam Valley Agricultural and Forestal District Ordinance Section 1226.04, Bradley and Tandy Bondi of 21398 Willisville Road, Bluemont, Virginia, have submitted an application to withdraw a 144.89-acre parcel and a 141.315-acre parcel from the Beaverdam Valley Agricultural and Forestal District. The subject property is located on the east side,
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
of Willisville Road (Route 623) and north of Welbourne Road (Route 743), in the Little River Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PINs: 641-26-1214 and 641-37-2761. The Beaverdam Valley Agricultural and Forestal District currently has a 4-year period that will expire on June 19, 2026, and is subject to a subdivision minimum lot size of 50 acres.
In accordance with Section 15.2-4307 of the Code of Virginia, the applications may be examined by request at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by calling 703-777-0246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies or electronically at: https://www.loudoun.gov/adac (1-30-2023 ADAC Meeting under Agendas and Bylaws). Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
(Special Exception)
(Modify Existing Conditions of Approval)
TopGolf USA Dulles, LLC of Dulles, Virginia, has submitted an application for a Special Exception (SPEX) to modify the conditions of approval and special exception plat associated with SPEX-2014-0030 and SPEX-2014-003. TopGolf proposes to remove the existing pole lights and instead install 16 golf ball tracer lights in the existing driving bays. The subject property is located within the Airport Impact (AI) Overlay District Ldn 60 1-Mile buffer and is also located within the Route 28 Taxing District. The subject property is approximately 12.79 acres in size and is located on the south side of Route 7, north side of Russel Branch Parkway (Route 1061) and east of Loudoun County Parkway (Route 607) at 20356 Commonwealth Center, Ashburn, Virginia, in the Broad Run Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 039-16-2406. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Mixed Use Place Type) of Residential, Commercial, Entertainment, Cultural, and Recreational uses at up to 1.0 floor area ratio (FAR).
Unless otherwise noted in the above notices, copies of the above-referenced amendments, applications, ordinances, and/or plans and related documents may be examined by request at the Loudoun County
The Town of Leesburg will conduct controlled flushing of water mains throughout the Town beginning April 17 through May 31st, 2023. This preventative maintenance program is essential for maintaining the Town’s high standards of water quality.
Water mains are flushed by opening fire hydrants and allowing them to flow freely for a short period of time. The flushing cleans out sediment, removes air which may accumulate in the water mains and restores chlorine levels in areas of limited water use.
Water is safe to drink and safe to use during flushing. However, flushing may result in temporary discoloration and sediment in the water. If discoloration or sediment is evident, the Town recommends residents avoid doing laundry until the discoloration subsides. Flushing may also introduce air into the water, which may temporarily cause erratic flow. If this occurs, open your cold water tap until a clear steady flow of water is observed.
Some residents and businesses may experience lower than normal pressure during the flushing in their neighborhood. The Town regrets any inconvenience the flushing operation may cause.
Please call the Utilities Department at 703-737-7075 for further information. For after-hour emergencies, call the Leesburg Police Department at 703-771-4500.
4/13 – 5/25
LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING SEALED COMPETITIVE BIDS FOR:
LANDFILL GAS SYSTEM OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, MONITORING AND REPAIR, IFB No. 607793 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, May 5, 2023.
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.
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, or electronically at www.loudoun.gov/lola. This link also provides an additional opportunity for public input on active applications. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”). In addition, for detailed instructions on how to access documents using LOLA, to request that documents be emailed to you, to receive physical copies of documents, or to arrange a time to view the file at the Loudoun County Government Center, please email DPZ@loudoun.gov or call 703-777-0246 (option 5).
Board of Supervisors public hearings are available for live viewing on television on Comcast Government Channel 23 and Verizon FiOS Channel 40, and livestreamed at loudoun.gov/meetings. All members of the public who desire to speak will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. Public input may be provided by electronic means at Board public hearings. Members of the public who wish to provide public input, whether electronically or in person, will be accommodated without advanced sign-up during the hearing, however, members of the public are strongly encouraged to sign-up in advance. For this public hearing, advanced sign-up will be taken after 8:30 a.m. on April 28, 2023, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on May 10, 2023. If you wish to sign-up in advance, call the Office of the County Administrator at (703) 777-0200. Citizens will also have the option to sign-up during the public hearing. Citizens may also submit written comments by email sent to bos@loudoun.gov. Any written comments received prior to the public hearing will be distributed to Board members and made part of the minutes for the public hearing.
Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory or mental disability to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200. At least one business day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings.
BY ORDER OF: PHYLLIS RANDALL, CHAIR LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORSOF PUBLIC HEARING
4/20 & 4/27/23TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO ZONING ORDINANCE ARTICLES 3, 6, 7, 9, 10 AND 15
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 Town Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 W. Market Street, Leesburg VA 20176 to consider the following amendments to the Town of Leesburg Zoning Ordinance (TLZO):
1. Amending TLZO Article 3 to specify an inactivity period for Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) applications in the Old and Historic Overlay District.
2. Amending TLZO Article 7 to specify an inactivity period for Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) applications in the Gateway Overlay District.
3. Amending TLZO Sec. 3.8 to require additional information for Wall Checks.
4. Amending TLZO Sec. 10.4.4.F to reconcile State Code requirements for Boundary Line Adjustments that result in a Lot Consolidation.
5. Amending TLZO Articles 6 and 9 to include the use “Trade/General Contractor”.
6. Amending TLZO Sec. 9.1.5 to remove the term “Transient Housing” as a prohibited use.
7. Amending TLZO Sec. 10.4.5.C.9 to allow pool covers in lieu of fencing around resident owned pools.
8. Amending TLZO Sec. 15.2.5 to include a size limitation for Temporary Signs.
9. Amending TLZO Sec. 15.3 to create a definition for “Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Sign”.
10. Amending TLZO Sec. 9.4.5 to increase sign area for electric vehicles, and to permit illuminated signage.
Copies and additional information regarding each of these proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments are available at the Department of Planning & Zoning located on the 2nd floor of Leesburg Town Hall, 25 W. Market Street, Leesburg VA 20176 during normal business hours (Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or by contacting Michael Watkins, Zoning Administrator, via email at mwatkins@leesburgva.gov, or via telephone at 703-737-7920. This zoning ordinance amendment application is identified as case number TLOA-2022-0010.
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 Council at (703) 771-2733, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.
This proceeding is for the judicial sale of real properties located in Loudoun County, Virginia, for payment of delinquent taxes pursuant to the provisions of Virginia Code §§ 58.1-3965, et seq. Pursuant to Orders entered by the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, Virginia, the undersigned Nicholas J. Lawrence and Robert J. Sproul, Special Commissioners of Sale of said Court, will offer the real properties described below for sale at public auction to the highest bidder in front of the Historic Loudoun County Courthouse, facing King Street near the intersection of King and Market Streets, at 18 East Market Street, in Leesburg, Virginia on:
April 20, 2023
3:00 p.m. RAIN OR SHINE
Registration Starts at 2:30 p.m.
the chain of title. Any costs incurred by a bidder to inspect or investigate any property are the bidder’s responsibility and are not reimbursable.
The owner of any property listed below may redeem it at any time before the date of the auction by paying all taxes, penalties, interest, costs (including the pro rata costs of publishing this advertisement and attorney’s fees) incurred through the date before the auction.
Below is a brief description of each property to be offered for sale at the auction. More detailed information may be obtained by examining the files in the Clerk’s office of the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, or by contacting the Special Commissioners of Sale at (703) 777-0307; or N. Rebekah Long, Deputy Treasurer for Collections at (703) 771-5656.
TERMS OF SALE:
1. The sale of any real property is subject to the approval and confirmation by the Circuit Court of Loudoun County.
2. The Special Commissioners of Sale reserve the right to withdraw from sale any property listed and to reject any bid by declaring “NO SALE” after the last bid received on a property.
3. Any person who wishes to bid on any property during the auction must register with County staff before the start of bidding. As part of the registration process, potential bidders must: (i) have sufficient funds on hand to pay the Minimum Deposit required for each parcel on which they want to bid; and (ii) sign a form certifying that they do not own any property in Loudoun County for which any delinquent taxes are due, or for which there are zoning or other violations.
4. The Minimum Deposit required for each parcel is specified below, as part of the property description. The full amount of the Minimum Deposit must be paid by cashier’s or certified check made payable to Gary Clemens, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, at the time the auctioneer declares the sale
5. In lieu of attending the auction, bidders may submit written bids to the Special Commissioners of Sale, at the address listed below. All written bids must be accompanied by the applicable Minimum Deposit, which shall be paid by cashier’s or certified check made payable to Gary Clemens, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Loudoun County. Written bids must also be accompanied by a certification that the bidder is not the owner of any property in Loudoun County for which delinquent taxes are due, or for which there are zoning or other violations. A written bid form, which includes the required certification, can be obtained from the Special Commissioners of Sale or the Treasurer’s website.
6. Written bids (with the required deposit and certification) will be received by the Special Commissioners of Sale at any time prior to the date of auction and held under seal until the date of the auction. If a written bid exceeds the highest live bid received from the audience during the auction, the audience will have an opportunity to bid against the written bid. If a higher bid is not received from the audience, the Special Commissioners of Sale may declare the sale to the proponent of the highest written bid or may reject all bids by declaring “NO SALE.”
7. If either a written bid or a live auction bid is approved by the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, the balance of the purchase price must be paid in full within 30 days of Court approval.
8. Once a submitted written bid or a live bid has been accepted during the auction, it cannot be withdrawn except by leave of the Circuit Court of Loudoun County. Any bidder who attempts to withdraw his/ her bid after it has been accepted by the Special Commissioners of Sale may be required to forfeit his/her deposit.
9. Properties are offered “as is”, with all faults and without warranties or guarantees either expressed or implied. Prospective bidders should investigate the title on properties prior to bidding. The sale of the properties is not subject to the successful bidders’ ability to obtain title insurance. The sale of the properties is made free and clear only of liens of defendant(s) named in the respective judicial proceeding, and of those liens recorded after the County filed a lis pendens with the Circuit Court of Loudoun County.
10. All recording costs (including but not limited to any grantor’s tax/fee) will be at the expense of the purchaser. All property will be conveyed by Special Warranty Deed from the Special Commissioners of Sale.
11. Announcements made on the day of sale take precedence over any prior verbal or written terms of sale.
The Special Commissioners of Sale represent that information regarding the property to be offered for sale, including acreage, type of improvements, etc., is taken from tax and/or land records, and is not guaranteed for either accuracy or completeness. Bidders are encouraged to make their own investigation to determine the title, condition of improvements, accessibility, and occupancy status of each property and to bid accordingly. The sale will be made subject to matters visible upon inspection, and to restrictions, conditions, rights-of-way and easements, if any, contained in the instruments constituting
THE COUNTY OF LOUDOUN v. HEIRS AT LAW & SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF DOUGLAS PETERSON, Sr, a/ka FRED DOUGLAS
PETERSON, Sr., and JOSPEHINE PETERSON, et al
CIVIL ACTION NO. CL 22-5153
LOUDOUN COUNTY TAX MAP NO. /53////////36/ PIN 653-37-8651-000
Nicholas J. Lawrence, Special Commissioner of Sale
Robert J. Sproul, Special Commissioner of Sale
Minimum Deposit Required: $18,444.00
0.41 acres, more or less, with improvements, located at 33670 Austin Grove Road, Bluemont, Virginia 20135, and described of record, among the land records of Loudoun County, Virginia as:
All the following described tract and parcel of land, with all the improvements thereon and appurtenances thereunto appertaining, situated, lying and being in Loudoun County and near the Trapp (a town in said County), Virginia, adjoining the lands of Dr. Wiley and others and bounded as follows by a survey made on the 28th day of November 1928, by A. C. Bell. Beginning in the center of a road and running N 13 ¼ E 12.20 poles to Fig. 2, a stake, thence N 68 ¾ W 4.72 poles to Fig. 3, a stake in a line of fence, thence in the center of the said road S 79 ¾ E 5.48 poles to Fig. 1 the place of beginning, containing sixty-five and seven tenths (65.7) poles, more or less, also known as:
33670 Austin Grove Road
Bluemont, Virginia 20135
AND BEING a portion of the same property, conveyed to Robert L. Peterson and Estus Peterson by deed dated May 10, 1930, recorded at Deed Book 10-F-320, 4-D-441 WB, among the land records of Loudoun County, Virginia.
THE COUNTY OF LOUDOUN v. HEIRS AT LAW & SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF DOUGLAS PETERSON, Sr, a/ka FRED DOUGLAS PETERSON, Sr., and JOSPEHINE
PETERSON, et al
CIVIL ACTION NO. CL 22-5153
LOUDOUN COUNTY TAX MAP NO. /53////////38/ PIN 653-37-8564-000
Nicholas J. Lawrence, Special Commissioner of Sale
Robert J. Sproul, Special Commissioner of Sale
Minimum Deposit Required: $15,790.00
0.25 acres, more or less, of vacant land with miscellaneous improvements, no situs address, located near Bluemont, Virginia and described of record, among the land records of Loudoun County, Virginia as:
All the following described tract and parcel of land, with all the improvements thereon and appurtenances thereunto appertaining, situated, lying and being in the County of Loudoun and State of Virginia, and near the place called the Trapp, and bounded as follows: Lot No. 3 beginning at post and running S 68 ½ E. 8.24 poles to a cross fence, thence with said fence N 14 ¾ E 10 poles to an iron pin thence N 72 W 7.28 poles to an iron pin, thence S 20 W 9.60 poles to the place of beginning. Containing 10,662 square feet, more or less.
Nicholas J. Lawrence
Robert J. Sproul
Special Commissioners of Sale
Office of County Attorney
1 Harrison Street, S.E.
P.O. Box 7000
Leesburg, Virginia 20177-7000
(703) 777-0307 3/30,
The LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room on the first floor of the County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following:
ZRTD-2022-0005
OPPIDAN INVESTMENT COMPANY
(Zoning Conversion in the Route 28 Taxing District)
Oppidan Investment Company, of Fairfax, Virginia, has submitted an application to rezone approximately 6.99 acres from the PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning district under the 1972 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance to the PD-IP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance in order to permit all principal and accessory uses permitted in the PD-IP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance at a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.6 (up to 1.0 by Special Exception). The subject properties are located within the Route 28 Taxing District, within the Route 28 Optional Overlay district and the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60, aircraft noise contour. The subject properties are approximately 7.09 acres in size and are located east of Route 28, on the south side of South Sterling Boulevard (Route 846) and north side of Davis Drive (Route 868) in the Sterling Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PINs: 033-38-7850 and 033-38-5671. The area is governed by the policies of the Revised General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Employment Place Type)), which designate this area for Office, Production, Research and Development, Flex Space, and Contractor without outdoor storage uses at a FAR of up to 1.0.
(Commission Permit & Special Exception)
Infra Towers LLC, of Alexandria, Virginia has submitted applications for the following: 1) Commission approval to permit a 150-foot-tall Telecommunications Monopole with a six-foot-tall lightning rod at the top of pole inside a 50 by 50 square-foot related equipment compound in the AR-1 (Agricultural Rural) zoning district; and 2) a Special Exception to permit a 150-foot-tall Telecommunications Monopole with a six-foot-tall lightning rod at the top of pole inside a related equipment compound in the AR-1 zoning district. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. The proposed use requires a Commission Permit in accordance with Section 6-1101 and is listed as a Special Exception use in Table 2-102 of Section 2-102 and under Section 5-618(B)(2). The subject property is approximately 3.14 acres in size and is located west of Evergreen Mills Road (Route 621) and south of Battlefield Parkway (Route 627), in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 27420-4037. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Rural Policy Area (Rural North Place Type)), which designate this area for rural economy uses and limited residential development at a recommended density of up to one dwelling unit per 20 acres or one dwelling unit per 5 acres equivalent for optional Residential clustering in large-lot subdivisions.
(Special Exception)
10 Trade West Drive, LLC and 11 Trade West Drive, LLC, of Sterling, Virginia, have submitted an application for a Special Exception to permit an increase in the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) from 0.4 to 0.6 on two parcels located within the PD-GI (Planned Development – General Industrial) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. The application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance and the proposed modification of the FAR is listed as a Special Exception under Section 4-606(C). The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District within the Ldn 65 or higher, aircraft noise contour and in the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District). The subject property is approximately 14.8 acres in size and is located north of Arcola Mills Drive (Route 621) and on the west side of Trade West Drive (Route 3535) in the Little River Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PINs: 161-17-2615 and 161-17-0879. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Industrial/Mineral Extraction Place Type)), which designate this area for large manufacturing, contractor with outdoor storage, and other productive uses at a FAR of up to 0.6.
ZRTD-2022-0004
INTERRA SKY TRANSDULLES
(Zoning Conversion in the Route 28 Taxing District)
Davis Drive PropCo. LLC, of Excelsior, Minnesota, has submitted an application to rezone approximately 8.83 acres from the PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning district under the 1972 Zoning Ordinance to the PD-IP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to permit certain principal and accessory uses permitted in the PD-IP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance at a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.6 (up to 1.0 by Special Exception).
The subject property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District and the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60, aircraft noise contour. The subject property is approximately 8.83 acres in size and is located on the north side of Davis Drive (Route 868) and east of South Sterling Boulevard (Route 846) at 22630 Davis Drive, #225, Sterling, Virginia, in the Sterling Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 033-39-2929. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Employment Place Type)), which designate this area for Office, Production, Research and Development, Flex Space, and Contractor without outdoor storage uses at a FAR of up to 1.0.
ZMAP-2022-0005, SPEX-2022-0017, SPEX-2022-0018, SPEX-2023-0013, SPMI2022-0005, ZMOD-2022-0017, ZMOD-2022-0070, ZMOD-2022-0071, ZMOD2022-0084, ZMOD-2022-0085, ZMOD-2022-0086 and ZMOD-2023-0018
OLD ARCOLA RESIDENTIAL
(Zoning Map Amendment, Special Exceptions & Zoning Modifications)
Capretti Land, Inc., of Sterling, Virginia, has submitted applications for the following: to rezone approximately 31.67 acres from RC (Rural Commercial) and GB (General Business) zoning districts under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance to the R8 (R-8-Single Family Residential) and R16 (R-16Townhouse/Multifamily Residential) zoning districts under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to develop 228 residential units comprising 14 single-family detached units, 81 single-family attached units, and 133 multi-family units; and Special Exceptions to modify yard and lot requirements, and one minor special exception to modify recycling container setbacks. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed uses are listed as Special Exception uses under Section 3-506(C)(1)(c), Section 5-607(A)(9), Section 7-803(C)(1)(c), Section 7-803(C)(3) and Section 7-903(C) (2)(b) and (c). The applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modifications:
ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION PROPOSED MODIFICATION
§5-1404(B)(D), Landscaping, Buffer Yards, Screening and Landscaping Plans, Buffer Yards, Use Buffer Yard Matrix Table 5-1404 (B), Buffer Yard Widths and Plant Requirements Table 5-1404(D).
§5-1404(B) and (D), Buffer Yards, Use Buffer Yard Matrix Table 5-1404 (B), and Buffer Yard Widths and Plant Requirements Table 5-1404(D).
§7-903(C)(2)(a), R-16 Townhouse/Multi-family District, Lot and Building Requirements, Yards, Multi-family structures, Front.
§7-803(F), R-8 Single Family Residential District, Lot and Building Requirements, Other Regulations.
§5-200(A)(2) and (6), Permitted Structures in Required Yards and Setbacks, In all yards or setbacks, including a front yard.
§5-1407(B)(1), Landscaping, Buffer Yards, Screening and Landscape Plans, Parking Area Landscaping and Screening Requirements, Peripheral Parking Area Landscaping.
§3-508(B)(2), R-8 Single Family Residential, Building Requirements, Building Heights.
To allow no buffer yard A, B or C requirement and to reduce the width of a buffer yard from 20’ to 10’.
To allow no buffer yard A requirement.
To reduce the front yard requirement for corner lots from 25 feet minimum to 10 feet minimum.
To allow single family attached units and multifamily units to front on private streets.
To allow for no maximum height for patios or decks and to allow for porches, enclosed or unenclosed, to not extend closer than 10 feet to a lot line.
To allow for all required plant unit types within the Type-A Buffer Yard requirement for peripheral parking lot landscaping to be located on the adjacent County property.
To allow for single family attached buildings in the R-8 Zoning District to be a maximum height of 50 feet.
The subject property is approximately 31.67 acres in size and is located east of Stone Springs Boulevard (Route 659), south of Arcola Mills Drive (Route 651), and north of John Mosby Highway (Route 50) in the Dulles Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as:
The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Employment Place Type) which designates the area for the development of office, production, flex spaces, and warehousing uses. The Suburban Employment Place Type is 100% non-residential at up to a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.0.
Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-4314 and the New Mount Gilead Agricultural and Forestal District Ordinance, Guinea Bridge, LLC, of Sterling, Virginia, has submitted an application to withdraw a 119.47-acre parcel from the New Mount Gilead Agricultural and Forestal District. The subject property is located
west of Lancer Circle (Route 1148) and south of Hughesville Road (Route 725), in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 457-26-1326. The New Mount Gilead Agricultural and Forestal District currently has a 4-year period that will expire on December 6, 2025, and is subject to a subdivision minimum lot size of 20 acres.
In accordance with Section 15.2-4307 of the Code of Virginia, the applications may be examined by request at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by calling 703-777-0246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies or electronically at: https://www.loudoun.gov/adac (2-27-2023 ADAC Meeting under Agendas and Bylaws). Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: https://www.loudoun.gov/pc (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for Public Hearings Packet).
Unless otherwise noted above, full and complete copies of the above-referenced amendments, applications, ordinances and/or plans, and related documents may be examined in the Loudoun County Department of Building and Development, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday or call 703-7770220, or electronically at www.loudoun.gov/lola. This link also provides an additional opportunity for public input on active applications. 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.
Citizens are encouraged to call in advance to sign up to speak at the public hearing. If you wish to sign up in advance of the hearing, please call the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-7770246 prior to 12:00 PM on the day of the public hearing. Speakers may also sign up at the hearing. Written comments are welcomed at any time and may be sent to the Loudoun County Planning Commission, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 3rd Floor, MSC #62, Leesburg, Virginia 20175, or by e-mail to loudounpc@loudoun.gov. If written comments are presented at the hearing, please provide ten
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE
§ 8.01-316
Case No.: JJ045610-05-00; 07-00; 08-00
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Kelvin Menjivar Loudoun County Department of Family Services
Rene Alavarenga Buezo, putative father, and Unknown Father
The object of this suit is to hold a second permanency planning hearing and review of foster care plan with goal of adoption, pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Kelvin Menjivar and Petition for Termination of Parental Rights of Rene Alavarenga Buezo, putative father, and Unknown Father pursuant to Virginia Code §16.1-283 for Kelvin Menjivar. Rene Alavarenga Buezo, putative father, and Unknown Father are 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 their residual parental rights with respect to Kelvin Menjivvar. Rene Alavarenga Buezo, 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 Kelvin Menjivar; any authority with respect to the care and supervision of Kelvin Menjivar; or the right to make health related decisions or determine the religious affiliation of Kelvin Menjivar. Further, Rene Alavarenga Buezo, putative father, and Unknown Father will have no legal and /or financial obligations with respect to Kelvin Menjivar, and the Department of Family Services of Loudoun County, Virginia may be granted the authority to place Kelvin Menjivar for adoption and consent to the adoption of Kelvin Menjivar.
It is ORDERED that the defendant Rene Alavarenga Buezo, putative father, and Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before May 9, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. 4/6, 4/13, 4/20 & 4/27/23
This notice is to inform the owner and any person having a security interest in their right to reclaim the motor vehicle herein described within 15 days after the date of storage charges resulting from placing the vehicle in custody, and the failure of the owner or persons having security interests to exercise their right to reclaim the vehicle within the time provided shall be deemed a waiver by the owner, and all persons having security interests of all right, title and interest in the vehicle, and consent to the sale of the abandoned motor vehicle at a public auction. 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.
(10) copies for distribution to the Commission and the Clerk’s records. All members of the public will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. 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 public hearing if special arrangements for additional speaking time and/or audio-visual equipment will be requested. Such an organization representative will be allotted 6 minutes to speak, and the Chairman may grant additional time if the request is made prior to the date of the hearing and the need for additional time is reasonably justified.
Citizens are encouraged to call the Department of Planning and Zoning on the day of the public hearing to confirm that an item is on the agenda, or, the most current agenda may be viewed on the Planning Commission’s website at www.loudoun.gov/pc. In the event that the second Thursday is a holiday or the meeting may not be held due to inclement weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend, the meeting will be moved to the third Tuesday of the month. In the event that Tuesday is a holiday or the Tuesday meeting may not be held due to inclement weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend, the meeting will be held on the following Thursday. The meeting will be held at a place determined by the Chairman.
Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings at all other locations. 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. Please provide three days’ notice.
BY ORDER OF: MICHELLE FRANK, CHAIR LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION& 4/20/23
In accordance with the statutes of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and policies of the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the LOVETTSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on April 27, 2023 at 5:30pm 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 East Broad Way 2A Streetscape Improvements project and the associated project design, tentative project schedule, environmental document and right-of-way requirements.
The project includes public improvements comprised of sidewalks, curb, gutter, streetlights, storm drainage, on-street parking spaces and landscaping, storm water management and drainage, waterline replacement, and pedestrian and vehicular safety in the corridor of East Broad Way from South Loudoun Street to South Church Street.
This project will not involve a change(s) and/or break(s) in limited access control. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) an Environmental Document is being prepared. Pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106, information concerning the potential effects of the proposed project is included in the environmental document. Updates will be provided to the public on the status of the environmental studies and the NEPA Document at the public hearing.
All persons desiring to submit written or oral comments will be given an opportunity to do so at this meeting or comments can be submitted by Monday, May 8, 2023 to Charlie Mumaw, Project Manager, Town of Lovettsville, 6 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville, VA 20180 or via email: cmumaw@ lovettsvilleva.gov.
Additional details concerning the project including design plans, schedule and funding are available for review at the Town Hall between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm weekdays or by special appointment, holidays excepted. 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.
The Town of Lovettsville 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 the Town of Lovettsville at (540) 822-5788.
STATE PROJECT: EN18-255-290, P101 TAP-5B01(024), R201 TAP-5B01(287), C501 TAP-5B01(480)
UPC No: 113840 3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13, 4/20
The Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development has prepared the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Annual Action Plan for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by May 15, 2023.
HUD has designated Loudoun County as qualified for Urban County participation in the CDBG program and entitled to receive CDBG funding directly from HUD. HUD regulations require the adoption of the above referenced Plan, which outlines the County’s housing and community development needs, priorities and objectives, and proposed use of the federal funds for the ensuing CDBG program year.
Components of the CDBG Program FY 2024 Annual Action Plan include, without limitation, descriptions of:
§ Federal and other resources expected to be available;
§ Leveraging of resources and how match obligations will be met;
§ The activities to be undertaken;
§ The geographic distribution of investment; and
§ Planned homeless and other special needs activities.
The CDBG Program FY 2024 Annual Action Plan also contains an accounting of distributions and unexpended funds for the CDBG Program in FY 2023. Reimbursements to the subrecipients of the activities indicated below have been made. Some files are complete. Other activities continue to request reimbursements and will be completed by the end of FY 2023. Activities with unexpended funds are attributed to the completion or cancellation of the activity at the end of the program year. Unexpended funds from completed or canceled activities are then reprogrammed into a new activity to be expended in FY 2024.
Monday, May 8, 2023, 6:30 p.m.
https://www.virginiadot.org/Route50GooseCreek
Find out about plans to replace the Route 50 bridge over Goose Creek. The bridge was built in 1954. The project includes corrosion-resistant steel to reduce long-term maintenance, as well as aesthetic treatment of the bridge parapets and rails that will pay homage to the surrounding historic area. Two lanes will remain along the bridge with wider shoulders in each direction.
The meeting will be held as a virtual/online meeting. Information for accessing and participating in the virtual meeting is available at https://www.virginiadot.org/Route50GooseCreek The project team will make a short presentation beginning at 6:30 p.m. and answer questions for about an hour after the presentation.
Review project information and meeting details on the webpage above or during business hours at VDOT’s Northern Virginia District Office, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030. Please call ahead at 703-259-2607 or TTY/TDD 711 to make an appointment with appropriate personnel.
Give your comments during the meeting, or by May 22, 2023 via the comment form on the project website, by mail to Mr. Sharif Ramsis, Virginia Department of Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030 or by email to meetingcomments@VDOT.virginia.gov. Please reference “Route 50 over Goose Creek Bridge Replacement” in the subject line.
VDOT 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 VDOT Civil Rights at 703-259-1775.
State Project: 0050-96A-623, B603, P101, R201
UPC: 118398
Federal: STP-BR09 (309)
Good Shepherd was awarded $75,892 in FY 2023 for capital improvement, and due to the increase in capital cost, Good Shepherd needs an additional $18,844 to complete the project for the safety of the community, against funds from capital improvements for FY 2024, which includes unexpended funds for FY 2023.
Copies of the proposed Plan are available and may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, and the Department of Housing and Community Development at 106 Catoctin Circle, SE, Leesburg, Virginia from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or call (703) 777-0200. The Plan is also available online at www.loudoun.gov/cdbg. Written comments on the Plan may be submitted to the attention of the CDBG Program Manager Johnette Powell at the Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development, P.O. Box 7000, Leesburg, Virginia 20177 or by email: johnette.powell@loudoun.gov.
Comments will be received until May 10, 2023. Board of Supervisors Public Meeting to approve the Plan will be held on May 10, 2023, at the Loudoun County Government Center, Board Room 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia at 6:00 pm.
4/13 & 4/20/23
In case an alternate date is needed, the meeting will be held Monday, May 22, 2023 at the same time.
The Town of Leesburg Tree Commission Vacancy
The Town of Leesburg is soliciting applications for a vacancy on the Tree Commission. Citizens interested in serving on a board or commission can find additional information, membership requirements, or may apply via the Town’s web site at www.leesburgva.gov/government/boards-and-commissions Applications will be kept on file for one year. Any questions can be sent to the Clerk of Council via email at eboeing@leesburgva.gov
4/20/2023 & 4/27/2023
The Round Hill Town Council will hold a public hearing in accordance with Sections 15.2-2204, 15.2-2226, and 15.2-2229 of the Code of Virginia on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Round Hill Town Office, 23 Main Street, Round Hill, Virginia to receive public comment on a proposed amendment to the Town of Round Hill Comprehensive Plan. If the May 3rd meeting is rescheduled, the Public Hearing will be held at the next regularly scheduled meeting on May 17, 2023.
CPAM 2022-01 proposes to amend Chapter 11- Land Use. This chapter is a tool for decision makers (elected officials and planning commissioners) to guide growth and development in Round Hill, for developers as they seek new projects, and for residents and others to make known their desire for growth and change in the future.
CPAM 2022-01 proposes amendment of 11-3 Future Land Use Map to extend the Central Commercial District. Future Land Use Map 11-3 shows desired future uses of parcels.
CPAM 2022-01 proposes to add the following properties to the Central Commercial District:
11 Main Street
12 Main Street
13 Main Street
14 Main Street
18 Main Street
22 Main Street
26 Main Street
28 Main Street
15 Main Street 3 Mulberry Street
In addition to the proposed amendment to the Future Land Use Map 11-3, the Town Council will consider the correction of several scriveners' errors of the associated parcels in the CPAM 2022-01 study area that were identified in the text of Chapter 11- Land Use and 11-4 Town of Round Hill (In Town) Land Bays Map.
Interested persons should appear and present their views at the above time and place. Comments may also be submitted by mail to PO Box 36, Round Hill, VA, 20142; by fax to (540) 338-1680; or by email to hwest@roundhillva.org. Comments received by Noon on the day of the hearing will be distributed to Commission and Council members and made as part of the public record. All documents may be viewed in the Town Office between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, or on the Town website at www.roundhillva.org. Anyone needing assistance or accommodations under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act should call the Town Administrator’s Office at (540) 338-7878.
Scott Ramsey, Mayor Town of Round Hill 4/20 & 4/27/23
Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) Department of Support Services continues to schedule monthly community meetings to share information on funded, planned and proposed school capital projects. By design and to focus the discussion and public involvement, each community meeting will spotlight a specific geographic area of Loudoun County. The March and April meetings will highlight LCPS’ Dulles South and Dulles North planning districts, respectively. Additional community meetings for other areas of the county will be scheduled and announced.
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Thursday, April 20, 2023 6:00 p.m.
The Middleburg Town Council will hold a public hearing on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers located at 10 W. Marshall Street, Middleburg, VA, and remotely by calling 540-339-6355, to consider the following:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE SCHEDULE OF WATER AND
CHARGES
If approved, the ordinance would increase the water and sewer user fees as identified below effective July 1, 2023. This would result in an increase of 3% or $7.98 in the average bi-monthly combined water and sewer bill for in-Town customers (with bi-monthly use of 7,000 gallons). (By authority of Virginia Code Sections 15.2-2111, 15.2-2119 and 15.2-2143.) The public is encouraged to submit comments electronically at www.middleburgva.gov/budget.
AVAILABILITY FEES & CONNECTION FEES
No change in availability fees is proposed. No change in water & sewer connection fees is proposed.
A copy of the ordinance is available for public inspection in the Middleburg Town Hall, located at 10 W. Marshall Street, Middleburg, VA during normal business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excepted. All interested citizens are invited to attend this public hearing to express their views.
MAYOR AND
Mercer Middle School (42149 Greenstone Drive, Aldie)
Brambleton Middle School (23070 Learning Circle, Ashburn)
Dulles South Area
(General Description: North of Prince William County, East of Town of Middleburg, South of Rt 50, West of Fairfax County)
Dulles North Area
(General Description: North of Rt 50, East of Goose Creek, South of Rt 267, West of Rt 28)
Following each meeting, the presentation will be posted on the LCPS website, at https://www.lcps.org/ Page/81470.
Those who need translation/interpretation assistance or a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability in order to participate meaningfully in the community meetings should contact the Support Services office at least three (3) days prior to the specific meeting.
Kevin L. Lewis, Chief Operations OfficerLoudoun County Public Schools
Department of Support Services
21000 Education Court
Ashburn, Virginia 20148
Telephone: 571-252-1385
Email: LCPSPLAN@LCPS.ORG
3/9/23 – 4/20/23
Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival organizers said it was clear that attendance at last weekend’s event had returned to pre-pandemic levels, but town leaders weren’t ready this week to make a specific estimation of the turnout. Town Event and Community Outreach Manager Linda Fountain noted the weather cooperated, with fairgoers escaping predictions of storms and showers on Saturday and oppressive heat on Sunday. It also was clear, she said, that visitors came ready to buy and many vendors left with little inventory to haul home—a hallmark of a successful event.
continued from page 3
pollution. The collection box placed at her school collected more than 500 alkaline and lithium batteries, which she took to a hazardous household waste collection site offered by the county government.
The second-place project, Breaking Vaping, was created by a team of sixth graders worried that students don’t understand the dangers of vaping after two students at their school were sent to the emergency room. They created a short video highlighting side effects as well as a quiz to measure its impact on raising awareness of the harmful impacts. Their $750 prize will be used to expand the reach of their campaign.
Vinay Yallapragaga, an eighth grader at J. Michael Lunsford Middle School, placed third for building a web portal designed to help special needs students and adults more easily find assistive technology devices and software. He discovered the challenges of a decentralized marketplace while looking to use an assistive technology paintbrush. Today, his website features 60 products that have been vetted by specialists. He said there are only two other similar services in the world, one in New Zealand and the other operated by the U.S. Department of Defense. The $500 prize will support improvements to the portal.
The seven other finalists were awarded $100 prizes. The prize money was provided by Sterling-based technology company REI Systems.
They were:
Upwards, a team from Independence High School and the Academies of Loudoun that created a club that works to provide activities for seniors living in retirement homes.
Safe Haven, students from J. Michael Lunsford Middle School who are working to create a multi-faith prayer room at their school.
Spread C.A., students from Willard Middle School working to combat cultural racism in their diverse school by sponsoring a cultural fair and working to establish a council awareness council.
Night N Light, a team of high school students who have assembled sleep aid kits and other resources to help students deal with sleep deprivation and the resulting stress.
Save the Jaywalkers, a pair of eighth graders from Stone Hill Middle School worked to lessen the risks to pedestrians by developing a device that uses machine learning and AI to alert drivers to the presence of humans crossing the road.
Girls in STEM, a team from Lightridge High School that formed a club to work with elementary school girls to promote interest in science and technology fields where females are underrepresented.
Earning Mind$, a group of sixth graders from J. Michael Lunsford Middle School built an online platform to highlight jobs and volunteer activities for teens in their neighborhood. n
Editor’s Note: The writer was a member of the panel of community judges during the final round of presentations.
continued from page 1
Ultimately, talks stalled. Then interest in making a deal with the Commanders waned as attention to years of allegations against the team’s owner piled up. Dozens of women have alleged sexual harassment by Snyder and other members of his organization; a former video producer for the team alleged Snyder ordered secret footage of cheerleaders with their private areas exposed; the National Football League fined the team $10 million in 2021 after an investigation found a workplace rife with sexual harassment, bullying and intimidation under his leadership; and a federal grand jury is investigating allegations of bank fraud, among other allegations.
The stadium authority bill died without fanfare at the end of the 2022 session and has not been resurrected.
Today, there are no plans to move the stadium—the sale hasn’t even been finalized. But some fans, news outlets and elected officials have nonetheless started talking about the idea again. With public interest in offering huge incentive packages for sports stadiums dried up, they’re not talking about giving the team much money.
But Loudoun County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) said before that conversation can go too far, the General Assembly would have to pass some legislation.
“First and foremost, the General Assembly has to decide what they’re doing. They may say no to all of this, and then we’re done with the whole conversation,” she said. “And if they do say yes, then we start another conversation. We have a discussion about zoning. We have a discussion about traffic. We have a discussion
continued from page 3
offset or improve on conditions on the stream today. They have recommended additional work such as reforestation to reestablish the natural habitat, work to remove runoff pollution in the stream, and relocating some of the associated park amenities out of the stream valley. They also noted the developer hasn’t responded to the commission members’ requests to use an external measurement system for sustainability practices.
And the developer has requested credit for $7.8 million of capital facilities impact
about crime rates.” That, she said, would also mean bringing in the public with multiple public hearings and listening sessions. But she said it would not involve spending the public’s money.
“I wouldn’t support any public taxpayer dollars going toward a stadium. I don’t know what the state will do, and we can’t control what the state will do at the local level, but I certainly wouldn’t support any public revenues, public tax dollars going toward the stadium.”
Del. Suhas Subramanyam (D-87), whose district includes the Waterside site and who said he voted to advance talks on the more restrained House version of the stadium bill to see where they go, said he would want to make sure taxpayers benefit.
“If there’s a deal involving taxpayers having to spend money, the evidence that that leads to a good outcome or a net positive for taxpayers is a little flimsy,” he said. “So I’d like to see at least some sort of indication that it would lead to jobs that are good for the community, and that the infrastructure would be in place to support something like that.”
If a stadium were to be built at Waterside, it would be part of a larger development. Randall said that’s in line with stadiums today, which aren’t what they used to be: “stadiums that seat 80,000 people with a sea of surface parking.” And Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles), the Loudoun’s longest-tenured current supervisor, said no deal has ever been reached on a new stadium site.
“I think the first thing and the most important thing is there has to be agreement between private landowners. The county doesn’t own property that would be conducive to a project of that magnitude, so there would need to be an agreement between a private landowner and team with mutual interest in
payments to the county for building the park. However, that park does not appear in the county’s capital plans, and the county is not willing to accept responsibility for the planned park.
County officials are also pushing the developer to provide more affordable housing. Although under current zoning the developer is not required to provide any price-controlled housing, they have agreed to offer 8% of their units, up to 218, as affordable units. County supervisors have asked them to bump that up to 10%, and staff members flagged a provision in the developer’s offer that would allow them to put all of those units on the same
developing the property. And at that point, then there’s both a land use discussion and a fiscal discussion, and the details of those things would depend entirely on what exactly is proposed.”
Letourneau pointed out it would not be Loudoun’s first pro sports team—professional men’s soccer team Loudoun United established its home at Segra Field in 2019, which is also the site of Major League Soccer team DC United’s team office and training facility and home field for the Major League Rugby team Old Glory DC. In addition, National Women’s Soccer League team the Washington Spirit played some of their home games at the field from 2020-2022.
And although land in Loudoun is expensive, Letourneau said it makes sense that the county comes up whenever major projects like Amazon’s HQ2 or a new Commanders stadium are discussed.
“I think the reason why Loudoun comes up in these conversations is we do have undeveloped land, adjacent to public transit, that also happens to be near a major international airport and a pretty significant transportation network, and when you start to look at those criteria and trying to narrow it down, there are not many places that have all of those ingredients,” he said.
But he agreed “any project has to make financial sense for the county first and foremost.”
“It has to be a benefit to the county and the taxpayers,” he said.
Some elected officials have already said they’re opposed. The Leesburg Town Council voted in 2022 to oppose the idea, and on Facebook over the weekend Loudoun County Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) reiterated his opposition from the 2022 talks saying, “I’ve never been supportive of bringing the Commanders stadium to Loudoun.”
floor of a single building rather than dispersing them through the development.
And so far, there are no plans to provide anything but rental units at the development. At least in the first phase the developer proposes all rentals, none for sale.
But supervisors, some of whom were on video praising it at the development’s 2021 announcement, were largely supportive of the project.
“Certainly, we should get the best deal we can for the county. But we also have to ensure that it’s a viable project, and that’s a balance that is particularly important in this,” Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) said. “This is an important
Both Snyder’s $800 million purchase of the team in 1999 and his agreement to sell it for $6 billion set the record for most expensive sale in sports history.
Randall, who previously expressed reservations about working with the team as more allegations about the team’s owner and leadership came to light, said the sale makes a difference.
“I’m surprised it’s taken as long as it has for Dan Snyder to be handed a gold watch and shown to the door,” she said. “I will say that I think that [Commanders president] Jason Wright has, before this even happened, when he came on board, started to try to turn this ship around and clean some things up, and has done a really good job with that.”
Wright took over as the organization’s president in 2020, pledging to change the organization’s culture.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen with the administration staff with the Commanders,” Randall said. “I have no heartburn at all seeing Mr. Snyder go, and I certainly hope that Jason Wright’s leadership that we’ve seen already continues.”
Subramanyam agreed the sale makes the idea of a stadium deal more palatable.
“When you’re doing business with any sort of entity, you want to be working with honest actors who run their organization with the same professionalism we’d like to see of any partner,” he said. “All the allegations of impropriety and fraud were very disturbing, and so it did have an effect.”
“At the same time, it’s not the number one priority for me. The number one priority is the deal that the taxpayers would get,” he added. n
application for Metro as we try to gain ridership, and we try to really talk about diversifying our economy. … We say that we want to diversify our economy, and we do, so here’s a chance to do that.”
“We really think that this will be a catalyst for a larger development in this whole quadrant,” law firm DLA Piper attorney Brian Winterhalter said. “This is a relatively undeveloped portion of the county right now, and we think that this is absolutely the right project to kickstart development in this area in a very significant way.”
Supervisors will take the application up again at their May 16 meeting. n
Published by Amendment One Loudoun, LLC
15 N. King St., Suite 101 Leesburg, VA, 20176
PO Box 207 Leesburg, VA 20178 703-770-9723
NORMAN K. STYER Publisher and Editor nstyer@loudounnow.com
EDITORIAL
RENSS GREENE Deputy Editor rgreene@loudounnow.com
JAN MERCKER Reporter jmercker@loudounnow.com
ALEXIS GUSTIN Reporter agustin@loudounnow.com
HANNA PAMPALONI Reporter hpampaloni@loudounnow.com
ADVERTISING
SUSAN STYER Advertising Manager sstyer@loudounnow.com
TONYA HARDING Account Executive tharding@loudounnow.com
VICKY MASHAW Account Executive vmashaw@loudounnow.com
It didn’t take long after the first hint that Daniel Snyder may truly be on his way out of the NFL owners club for enthusiasm about bringing the Commanders’ new home to Loudoun to resurface, with other jurisdictions around the DMV also showing signs of the fever.
It is important to remember that the concerns surrounding any stadium deal go beyond the perceived toxicity level of the ownership group. These are decadeslong “partnerships” that require balance between the benefit enjoyed by the team owners and those accrued to the surrounding community. That’s not easily achieved and certainly not what was on the table the last time the General Assembly started putting its creativity to work on the issue. Critical to any stadium discussions is that local leaders be included in the foundational talks.
While a past version of the county’s comprehensive plan once designated locations that would be suitable for such a use, that hasn’t been on the community development priority list for decades. It is unclear how a stadium would fulfill the planning goals in place today.
Affordable housing? High quality jobs? Better traffic management? Would it reduce taxes on homeowners?
With the Washington football team poised to sell (again) for a record high price, it is clear team owners win. It is the responsibility of state and local leaders advocating a new partnership to ensure that the community wins as well. n
On April 6, we published an editorial cartoon which depicted, among other symbols, a noose. The symbols referenced firings and departures of senior Purcellville town staff, and also depicted Mayor Stanley Milan, a Black man. While the cartoon sought to make a point about the council majority’s tyrannical behavior toward town staff, that was overshadowed for some of our readers by the noose. We agree that its inclusion recalls some of the most horrific chapters in our nation’s history. We apologize, and pledge to renew our vigilance against similar hurtful imagery. And we thank the readers who contacted us to point out the association or express their concern or shock—we are your community newspaper.
Editor:
Renss Greene reported on the Loudoun Together summit held April 11, in his usual thorough and accurate style. All should praise the Middleburg Town Council for hosting this important group of over 100 people bringing many ideas for the development past and future of Loudoun County.
For those who did not attend I suggest you read the excellent, long article in Loudoun Now, but if you want to save time I offer my one-minute summary:
1. Everyone loves Loudoun and thinks it is a wonderful place to “live, work, and play.”
2. Led by Chuck Kuhn, one group of speakers pointed out that if Loudoun does not continue to “Grow it will Die.” While another group, to summarize, said “If we continue to Grow we will Die.”
3. All agreed that “affordable housing” was desperately needed but we need to limit the total amount of housing. Somehow missing the point that “affordable housing” is in fact housing.
4. All agreed that the Rural West is a great asset which must be preserved as it provides benefits for the entire County in its rural tourism, historic towns and villages, its active farms and equine industry.
But nobody focused on the fact that Eastern Loudoun with its massive data center industry, the projected growth around Metro, and the new focus on imposing high density urban style housing on what was once family oriented low density planned communities will result in total build-out of the East and a compromised quality of life. All of which will put enormous pressure to open up the west for development if the sentiment we “must continue to grow or we die” prevails.
The Summit was a great start and the issues have been raised, but we cannot leave the dichotomy unresolved. Let’s have the next summit begin the difficult task of finding the balance needed to secure a bright future for Loudoun and its residents both East and West.
— Al Van Huyck,Round Hill
Editor:
The Loudoun County Public Schools School Board webpage states, “The School Board welcomes comments from Loudoun County residents and believes that strong community engagement and outreach are important components of a successful school system.” One should ask, “How can strong community engagement be achieved within a one-minute time limit?” “How can any relationship be achieved in an egregiously short amount of time?”
In Education Association v. Perry Local Educators’ Association (1983), Justice Byron R. White explained, “Reasonable time, place and manner regulations are permissible, and a content-based prohibition must be narrowly drawn to effectuate a compelling state interest.” He also wrote, “[T]he State may reserve the forum for its intended purposes … as long as the regulation on speech is reasonable and not an effort to suppress expression merely because the public officials oppose the speaker’s view.”
• 45.2% We can’t afford not to
• 22.6% We need to protect open spaces
• 16.1% We need to promote agriculture and rural tourism
Should Loudoun County leaders pursue a Washington Commanders stadium with new team ownership?
continued from page 38
I think those in the position of power miss the word “reasonable.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines this term as something “based on or using good judgment and therefore fair and practical.” Black’s Law Dictionary defines Reasonable Time as the “Period determined from trade practice, custom, trade practice, or from circumstances like those at issue, as the time required completing a transaction or contract without a specific maturity date.”
What is missing is the School Board’s honest commitment to its statement of belief and desire to commit to strong community engagement using good and fair practical judgment by sincerely taking an appropriate (reasonable) amount of time required to complete and make good on its social contract with the Loudoun County public.
James Madison said, “The essence of Government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will ever be liable to abuse.” The School Board must stop abusing its delegated authority to limit speech surreptitiously (simply because it does not want to hear the public concerns), let the public speak (with a decent and reasonable amount of time), and sincerely listen to the will of the people (districts) they supposedly represent—increase the time.
Does the School Board really believe in strong community engagement?
— RaSheed L. Lemon, Sr., Lovettsville Christian Educators Empowerment Group• 9.7% We’re already doing enough
• 6.5% Not really important
Share your views at
continued from page 20
and capricious decision to rescind its vote approving the applications.”
He also pointed to State Code requiring those zoning decisions to be made within 12 months, and that the Planning Commission act on commission permits within 60 days—the county’s projects languished for more than two years. He also said the council stepped outside its authority when it did deny those applications—“It is not proper to deny a land use application due to members of Council being ‘confused’ or because the County purchased other property.”
County supervisors in February voted to buy 142 acres just west of town limits for $6.9 million. That site is planned for a new Western Loudoun Recreation Center, as well as the sports complex
continued from page 20
non-wage enhancements including filter rehabilitation, water HVAC and a new leased vehicle. Wastewater enhancements include another full-time wastewater operator, with $77,569 budgeted, and $255,694 of non-wage enhancements including a belt press, electrical issues, and a primary effluent flow meter.
Senior Hydrogeologist Stacie Alter said that a concern for the near future was the number of water plant workers who are
and eventual library.
Rogers wrote the county was motivated to buy that land “to ensure that the residents of Purcellville may still benefit from County projects despite the Town’s actions.”
The county still has one project waiting on Town Council action: the planned Rt. 7/Rt. 690 interchange, which would connect the two roads and create a new entrance and exit from town onto Rt. 7. That is also partly funded with $9.6 million of state money, which county staff members have warned for months is threatened by the project’s continued delays. Although there are no legislative decisions before the Town Council, the county is waiting on the town to schedule a public hearing required because of a floodplain on the land, according to Design Program Manager Mark Hoffman.
County staff members and supervisors have said if the town shows no signs of
eligible or would be eligible for retirement in the next few years.
“It’s clear that in the next two to five years, the face of the Water Department is going to look very different,” she said. “There’s nine employees there right now. I think you’ll have five new employees at the end of that five-year period.”
That concern was listed in Anzivino’s report in the fall of 2022 after he was contracted to conduct an independent staffing analysis.
Director of Finance Elizabeth Krens also reminded the council that the town’s debt service in the water and wastewater departments would see a sharp increase
progress, they may proceed with the project without the one ramp that would be affected by that delay, the eastbound exit from Rt. 7 onto Rt. 690 south.
“At some point, we need to make a decision as to whether or not we think we can work with the town, and the town is going to release that easement, in which case we can build the interchange as it is currently designed and permitted, or if they are not going to do that, we have the option of removing the offramp,” County Administrator Tim Hemstreet told the Board of Supervisors finance committee April 11.
The county has offered work on the site to address concerns around that floodplain from the town Planning Commission, he said.
“We have proposed to do those improvements. We are just waiting for a time as to when the town is willing to talk to us,” he said. n
over the next few years.
“The water debt is going to be going up $260,000 in FY25 and 26,” she said. “So, that’s the incremental difference that we’re going to be thinking about for long-term planning. And the wastewater fund is going to be going up $1.5 million dollars over the next couple of years.”
Krens said that would bring the total debt service for the wastewater fund in FY26 to $2.4 million, which was tempered slightly after the council dedicated just over $900,000 raised by selling nutrient credits to offset those costs earlier this year. n
KERRIE JENKINS REALTOR®
302.463.5547
Licensed in VA
I’D LOVE TO SELL YOU THIS GORGEOUS HOME LISTED BY MY COLLEAGUE. CALL ME TO SET UP A SHOWING!
14150 COURTNEY MEADOW PL | LEESBURG, VA| $1,390,000
Enchanting. That’s the word that describes this very special property. Private, serene and picturesque, it’s the perfect house to spend quiet time with family, but its versatile design is also fabulous for hosting big, festive gatherings! Located in highly sought after Waterford Manor where re-sales are rare, this gorgeous home on 4.72 acres is offered for resale for the first time. Enjoy the Waterford lifestyle in this fabulous 6 bedroom, 4 full/2 half bath home complete with custom upgrades throughout, an oversized 3-car detached garage with space above that could be finished, and incredible outdoor living! (Listed by Suzanne Ager and Alanna Nichols.)
3412 HICKORY HILLS DR OAKTON, VA| $714,900
Welcome home to an oasis like no other!
Superbly maintained, the pride of longtime ownership shows through on this Hickory Hills community home. This, 4 bedroom, 3 full bath home on 3 levels, boasts hardwood floors on main, new carpet on the lower level, and picture windows that bring the outdoors in.
14908 RICHMOND HWY WOODBRIDGE, VA| $3,300/MO
Turnkey, fully furnished Medical Office. This freestanding building, with private 20 space parking lot, has amazing visibility on busy Richmond highway and is only moments from Sentara Hospital. Recently renovated with chic reception and waiting area. Includes two exam rooms and a highly coveted procedure room.
ROCKY WESTFALL REALTOR®, GRI
540.219.2633
Licensed in VA & WV
Professional Experienced Dependable Local
17281 CREEKSIDE GREEN PL| ROUND HILL, VA | $769,000
Fabulous one-level living with this stone and brick accented Craftsman style home built in 2018. Great open floor plan with high ceilings, gourmet kitchen, breakfast area, and sunny Florida room. Deck, patio, roomy 2-car garage, full unfinished basement. Excellent condition and move in ready.
MOUNTAIN
PURCELLVILLE, VA | $950,000
Beautiful 95.49-acre parcel nestled along Short Hill Mountain. A spring-fed stream flows through the front of the lot while a large pond provides a refreshing spot for many native species. As the land begins to rise, daffodils give a sweet nod to an old homesite.
308 FAWN DR WINCHESTER, VA | $289,000
3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with 2-bay garage on a nice, flat lot in wonderful Wilde Acres! Community lake with a picnic area and playground, basketball and volleyball court. If you love the outdoors, this is the place. You can hike from the lake to the highest waterfall in Virginia!
