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Political Divide Boils Over in School Boardroom LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
After months of increasingly divisive rhetoric reached a tipping point Tuesday night when a School Board public comment session was abruptly halted, and two audience members were detained by county deputies. Contentious input sessions have been staples of the School Board’s bi-monthly meetings for more than a year as a vocal group of parents criticized the pandemic school closures. In recent months, those speeches have focused on the school division’s equity initiatives and the proposed adoption of a state-mandated policy concerning the rights of transgender students. The latter was the featured topic on Tuesday’s meeting agenda. The meeting room was packed with speakers supporting a proposed policy for transgender students and critics who oppose that policy and the school division’s equity programs. Nearly 250 had signed up to speak during the public comment period. Chairwoman Brenda Sheridan (Sterling) repeatedly warned the audience to refrain from cheering or clapping during the comment session—which, with each speaker allotted 1 minute to talk, was expected to take four hours. After one outburst, she called a brief recess. The session resumed until, following remarks by former state senator Dick Black criticizing the board’s actions, the crowd erupted again. Atoosa Reeser (Algonkian) made a motion to end public comment, approved by a unanimous board vote. After board members left the dais, members of the crowd and began to chant “shame on you.” Ted Sjurseth of Lucketts—the organizer of America’s 9/11 Ride that for years
Pg. 28
JUNE 24, 2021
Supervisors Hear First Redistricting Briefing BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
The School Board’s public comment forums have helped make Loudoun County a high-profile battleground for national debates over inclusivity for transgender people and education about structural racism. Last Friday, the national morning news program “Fox and Friends” broadcast a live remote from Leesburg during which reporter Lawrence Jones interviewed a
County supervisors on Monday held the first of what will likely be many meetings on drawing new county electoral districts. The 2021 redistricting process has been greatly delayed at every level, with detailed 2020 U.S. Census data not expected to be released until September—less than a month before the November elections, when new House of Delegates districts were supposed to be in place. Supervisors have made one redistricting decision so far: They voted unanimously on Monday to retain eight districts and one chair-at-large, keeping the board at nine members. They also set guidelines for how the new districts will be drawn—some of which are matters of state law, and some of which will be decisions by the county board. For example, County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) said there would be nothing in the guidelines to protect supervisors from being drawn out of the district they represent today, one of the criteria used during the last redistricting process 10 years ago. “In my opinion, there should be nothing at all in our guidelines to protect incumbency at all,” Randall said.
POLITICAL DIVIDE continues on page 38
REDISTRICTING continues on page 38
Hayley Milon Bour/Loudoun Now
A protestor is led away by deputies after they dragged him to the ground, apparently bloodying his lip, in a scuffle at the Loudoun County School Board meeting June 22.
brought legions of motorcycle riders through Loudoun to raise money to support first responders—announced to the crowd, “We came here to dissent, and this is our house, we’re going to dissent.” The crowd formed a line to continue with an informal public comment, but deputies were called to clear the room. Sjurseth refused direction to leave the board room and was briefly detained before being released on a trespass summons. A second man was arrested after getting into an altercation with another audience member and then a scuffle with deputies. He was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. He and one other audience member were treated for minor in-
juries. The School Board resumed its meeting about 30 minutes later with only school staff and media in the room.
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Board Rolls Back Airport Noise Protections BY RENSS GREENE
sons it’s so hard to get affordable housing.”
“Almost all of Brambleton is covered in
rgreene@loudounnow.com
Loudoun supervisors on June 15 voted to roll back requirements for airport noise disclosures for people looking to buy a home near Dulles Airport. In areas found to be the noisiest around Dulles Airport, the county requires home sellers to notify buyers at closing that they are inside the airport noise zone, and in the very highest-noise areas the county generally forbids residential development. The previous maps of airport noise were produced in 1993, and the airport has seen changes since then—including moving the location of a planned a new runway. County supervisors and staff members are now working to incorporate the findings of a new noise study completed in 2019 into county ordinances But when that work is done, some protections for people buying in the area—and for the airport’s business—will be deleted. According to the new study, an area south of Arcola Mills Drive and east of Loudoun County Parkway is expected to be in the 65+ decibel Loudness Day-Night area—a measure of the average airport noise in an area, and the loudest category in Loudoun ordinances—if a planned fifth runway, running east and west on the southern part of the airport property, is built. However, airport officials have given no clear date on when that runway may be built, if ever. Supervisors voted to put that area in the lower noise category, the 60-65 Ldn area, to permit residential development. The county’s 2019 comprehensive plan designates that area for mixed-use development. Two supervisors dissented. “As long as that [a fifth runway]’s part of their plan, I don’t think we should do this. I think it’s the most reckless thing we can do,” Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) said. “… If we’re really interested in protecting the airport, we’re not doing it, because there’s going be a bunch of residential within the 65-plus.” Airport officials have often warned of the danger of allowing homes too close to the runways, citing the example of Reagan National Airport, which has seen flight paths and hours of operation limited by the Federal Aviation Administration in response to noise complaints. “Loudoun County will fill up as quickly as you let it, and so if we allow houses to be built in the 65+ Ldn, they would sell tomorrow,” Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) said. “There is an unlimited demand for market-price housing in Loudoun County, which is one of the rea-
‘Knowledge, Action and Power’: Loudoun Celebrates Juneteenth LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
File Photo
A plane comes in for a landing at Dulles International Airport.
But the majority of supervisors backed the changes. They also voted to require people buying homes in that area to be notified of the airport’s plans for an eventual fifth runway. “I’m assuming that people are grown and they can see the airport right there, and they know it’s there, and they even have to sign something that says they know it’s there,” said County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large). “And so, who am I to tell somebody 30 years from now, some grown adult people, you can’t buy a house because of the airport there that you see and that you acknowledge?” Supervisors also voted narrowly to do away with a protection extending the noise notification requirement to a one-mile buffer zone around the airport noise zone. County staff members said the mile buffer dates at least to 1993. “While it was outside of those specific contours, if you were within a mile you would still hear airport noise,” Deputy County Administrator Charles Yudd said “So new residents coming to that area, if you’re moving in, at least you got some notification of it.” The board’s Transportation and Land Use Committee had also recommended exempting homes newly placed into the airport noise areas by the 2019 study from notification requirements, which narrowly failed on the board. Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) said those requirements don’t seem to have much effect on home value in pricey Loudoun County.
that, and so they are already required to have disclosure. They’re already designated on a map as being part of the airport impact noise overlay district,” Letourneau said. “I don’t think anybody can argue that there have been depressed prices in Brambleton over these last 15 years because they’re in an Airport Impact Overlay District and they’re required to disclose that.” And he warned against doing away with the one-mile buffer notifications. “There was an open house in my neighborhood on Saturday, and airplanes were not coming our direction on Saturday. If you had gone to that open house and you’re interested in that house, in this real estate market, you would have to put an offer in that very day, and there was no airport noise there,” Letourneau said. “If you came back yesterday, when our HOA had a meeting at Little River Commons, we had to stop our meeting every 90 seconds, because airplanes were going through.” “It’s a question of whether you want to be transparent to people about where they live and what their level of noise is,” Letourneau said. Leatourneau’s motion to restore the one-mile buffer requirements failed 4-5, with Supervisors Buffington, Randall, Sylvia R. Glass (D-Broad Run), Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin) and Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) opposed. Next, the project to implement the new noise maps goes to a study period, followed by writing a Zoning Ordinance amendment, a process that also includes public input at the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. n
During the first-ever federally-recognized Juneteenth holiday on Saturday, Loudouners gathered at celebrations across the county to mark the progress made on equality and equity for all—and the work still left to do. “It is critical that we remain focused on three things: knowledge, action and power,” said Robin Reaves Burke, NAACP Loudoun Branch second vice president and chair of the NAACP’s education committee. “More than ever, we need to gain the knowledge, we need to know the truth about our past. We need to gain the knowledge and understanding of our present, now, and know completely what’s going on, even right here in Loudoun County.” Speaking at a gathering in Leesburg’s Raflo Park at the memorial for Orion Anderson, a Black boy who was lynched in Leesburg in 1889, Burke called on people to take action in a unified, sustainable way, and to gain power through collaboration and community partnerships. To that end, she urged them to join the Loudoun NAACP, donate—mentioning that donations this year allowed the organization to grant 15 $1,000 scholarships—and join the work of an NAACP committee. The event also featured a number of elected officials. Attorney General Mark Herring said the day was an opportunity to “recommit ourselves to the work ahead to right the wrongs we see in our nation.” “That work is still unfinished, because the promises of justice and equality and opJUNETEENTH continues on page 38
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Loudoun NAACP President Michelle Thomas speaks at a Juneteenth celebration at the Orion Anderson memorial at Raflo Park in Leesburg.
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JUNE 24, 2021
Loudoun
Toll Brothers, Freedom Center Announce New Development near Belmont Cemetery BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
Developer Toll Brothers on Monday partnered with the Loudoun Freedom Center to promote a 108-acre development application to build up to 1,346 apartments and townhouses, including some that are age-restricted; 4 acres of retail space; and a 4-acre addition to the Loudoun Freedom Center’s property at the Belmont Cemetery for the Enslaved. The development, at the southeast quadrant of the Rt. 7/Belmont Ridge Road interchange, abuts 2.75 acres of land deeded to the Loudoun Freedom Center in 2017 when a burial ground for enslaved people was found there. That land now is the site of the African American Burial Ground for the Enslaved at Belmont, which has since become one of Loudoun’s most notable memorials of the history of Black people in the area. The additional land is intended to al-
low Loudoun Freedom Center to expand its facilities near the burial ground and build a Freedom Trail Museum. “We are excited to partner with Toll Brothers to help us realize our vision for this important historical site,” stated Michelle Thomas, Loudoun NAACP president and co-founder of the Loudoun Freedom Center. “With this Toll Brothers donation of additional land to expand our operations, the Loudoun Freedom Center will be able to not only preserve our history, but to share our story and educate others in our community for generations to come.” The Loudoun Freedom Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to identifying and memorializing historic Black heritage sites, burial grounds, and communities across Loudoun County. The developer also proposes centrally located parkland—an illustration submitted to the county appears to show a little under two acres—preserving some
trees and streams on the property, and shared use trails open to the public. And the developer is offering to build a missing link of Russell Branch Parkway, finishing the connection of Belmont Ridge Road to Claiborne Parkway and providing a south parallel road to part of Rt. 7. According to Toll Brothers, the development is named for Margaret Mercer, an abolitionist and educator who purchased the property in 1836. She commissioned the construction of Belmont Chapel, “where African Americans were educated alongside whites,” according to the historical marker on the site, and is best known for “advocating the liberation of enslaved African Americans.” “We will be honored to include this donation of land to the Loudoun Freedom Center as part of our plans for this incredible development,” stated Eric Anderson, division president of Toll Brothers in the Washington, D.C. metro area. “Mercer Crossing will provide much
needed housing, retail and open space for the community, while preserving and enhancing the important history of this land in partnership with Pastor Michelle and the Loudoun Freedom Center.” Much like Rivana at Innovation Station, an ongoing rezoning application for a 103-acre development near on Metro’s Silver Line, at least one county supervisor who will vote on the development proposal already is doing publicity for the developer. “The initial plans for the Toll Brothers Mercer Crossing development incorporating a vital and unique cultural feature reflecting a largely untold chapter of Loudoun County history are innovative and exciting,” stated Supervisor Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn). “The extensive shared-use path network and robust affordable and workforce housing included in the project are especially important and prove once again why Toll Brothers is such a strong community partner.” n
Supervisors Turn Down 50-Townhouse Development Over Retracted Proffers BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
County supervisors have taken a rare vote to deny a rezoning application for a housing development after the developer retracted offers to help offset the project’s impact on county infrastructure. Rezoning applications are seldom stopped at the Board of Supervisors— typically, by the time they have made it through plan review with various county departments and the Planning Commission, applications have either already been withdrawn or reached a state where they are likely to pass. The June 15 denial vote came after the applicant, Cody Francis of GFC Properties LLC, twice reduced its proposed proffers—payments and considerations the developer and county negotiate during rezonings. Without a rezoning, existing zoning on the property would allow construction of up to four single-family homes, according to Department of Planning and Zoning Director Alaina Ray. In that case, the county would also receive no proffers,
which are only negotiated with rezonings. The property is along the W&OD Trail, near the border with Fairfax County. It is an infill project, an undeveloped parcel surrounded by houses, townhouses and the historic Oak Grove Baptist Church. When the applications cleared the Planning Commission, the last step before reaching the Board of Supervisors, and even up to the night of the board’s public hearing for the application, those proffers went even beyond the normal formula the county uses to estimate a development’s impact on county services like roads and schools The developer was offering an additional price-controlled unit beyond the seven that the county would normally require, as well as a marker and archaeological survey to help offset the loss of some of the last vestiges of the historically Black Oak Grove community. On the property stands a house built around 1890 by one of the early Black landowners and a founding leader in Oak Grove, a community of people then recently freed from slavery, according to a
county staff report. Nearby is an archaeological site with the remains of the local lodge of the Grand Order of Odd Fellows, a mutual aid organization. But while both are considered eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, rehabilitating the house was called “not practical” because of its poor state, and both buildings were set to be demolished. The developer offered to work with the nearby, historic Oak Grove Baptist Church, the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, the Black History Committee of the Friends of Balch Library, and the Loudoun County Heritage Commission to design and install a commemorative sign for the Berkeley House along the W&OD Trail, and to conduct an archaeological study at the Odd Fellows site. While supervisors still had some concerns about runoff and sidewalk access during the May 12 public hearing, Randall said at that meeting there was no reason not to approve it. “This is one of those moments where, if we said ‘no’ on this application, we’d end up in court,” Randall said, also noting she
knew the applicant through her pastor, and that the congregation of Oak Grove Baptist—one of the oldest Black churches in Loudoun—was supportive. When the application came back to supervisors for a vote June 1, the proffers had begun to chip away. The developer eliminated the proffers for an archaeological study and interpretive sign, as well as the additional Affordable Dwelling Unit. Supervisors held a vote on approving the application, which fell short of a majority with a 3-3-1-2 vote: Supervisors Sylvia R. Glass (D-Broad Run), Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) and Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) were in favor; Supervisors Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge), Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) and Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) were opposed; and Randall and Supervisor Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin) were absent. “The two things that made me really think about voting yes are now gone,” Umstattd said. RETRACTED PROFFERS continues on page 6
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County leaders past and present gathered on June 17 to cut the ribbon on one of the most hotly anticipated facilities in the county: the Ashburn Senior Center. Much like the groundbreaking in 2019, said Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Steve Torpy, the ribbon cutting may have been the best attended ribbon cutting the department has ever seen, with more than 100 people in attendance. “As you all know, the COVID pandemic hit the senior population incredibly hard,” said County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large). “So, for this to be one of our first groundbreakings, past COVID, at the senior center, for this purpose, it means more than we could possibly say, and that you all are all here with us and healthy and doing well.” “There are a lot of forces on our society today, more than I’ve ever seen, that are trying to pull us apart,” said Supervisor Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn). “... The way to counteract those voices is with installations exactly like this. The way you stop those kinds of grabbing all of our society is by getting out in your community and meeting each other, and spending time with each other, and enjoying each other’s company, and talking to each other and getting to know your neighbor.” The county has had plans for an Ashburn senior center since 2009, but the project was unfunded and with no set construction schedule. In 2017, the project began to move when supervisors negotiated a proffer agreement with Toll Brothers, the developer of the Regency at Ashburn, a 55+ neighborhood next to the community center. At the groundbreaking ceremony in
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2019, then-Supervisor Ron Meyer credited, among other people, longtime senior citizen advocate and former Commission on Aging Chairwoman Charlotte Nurge, who died in 2016. At the ceremony Thursday, Supervisor Sylvia R. Glass (D-Broad Run) credited Meyer, who was in attendance, for his work bringing the project to fruition. Meyer was key in not only getting the senior center project moving, but in making sure the all-important pickleball courts were included. Although named the Ashburn Senior Center, the facility falls in the Broad Run electoral district. Turner also credited his predecessor on the board, Ralph Buona. The 15,000-square-foot senior center includes a small gymnasium, a large multipurpose room with pickleball courts, a commercial kitchen, fitness room, classrooms, a game room, a computer lab, an arts-and-crafts room, restrooms and storage areas. The exterior areas have been designed as extensions to the classroom areas. For regular facility hours, memberships, features and activities, go to loudoun.gov/ prcs or call 571-367-8340. n
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Retracted proffers continued from page 4 “I can’t recall ever seeing an application that had the proffers pulled back when it came to the final business meeting,” said Letourneau, the longest-serving current member of the board. Supervisors also did not affirmatively vote to deny the application, though. That left it in limbo until the next Board of Supervisors business meeting June 15— where it arrived with yet more taken out of the proffer agreement. The developer then was offering $499,999 in capital facilities contribution, as opposed to the $1.26 million that would normally be expected under the county’s formula, and no fire and rescue contribution when $6,000 would be expected. That turned away the three supervisors who had supported it before. “I saw it as a reasonable, infill type of development consistent with our plans, but now we’re in a position where we would be treating this applicant differently than we treat every other applicant in terms of mitigating impacts,” Letourneau said. “We have used this tool for years,” Turner said. “[…] No developer has ever not provided this amount of money, which
has been determined to be a reasonable assessment of the impact on the county’s infrastructure.” Randall said there will need to be a post-mortem on the application. “How do we take an almost perfect application, and get to this place?” Randall asked. Supervisors voted 7-0-1-1 to deny the application, with Randall abstaining and Kershner off the dais. “Well, I voted against this last time because I didn’t think it was a great application, and now the applicant himself—or herself, whoever it is–has made this a much worse application by reducing what they’re providing in the proffers,” said Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge). “So I will be adamantly opposed this time. Last time was a soft no. This was a hard no.” The application may yet still have life. “I’m going to abstain and I’m going to continue talking, because if for no other reason, the church wants this,” Randall said. “The church wants it and they’ve always wanted it. And so I think I’d like to give this another run and we’ll see how it goes.” By the board’s rules of order, she or any supervisors on the prevailing side of the vote may bring it back up for reconsideration at their next meeting, July 6. n
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Amid Equity Backlash, Loudoun Supervisors Celebrate Local LGBTQ Heroes BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com
As Loudoun lands again in national headlines over a backlash to protections for transgender students in the schools, the county’s other governing board has passed a resolution marking the work of some of the people working for equality. The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors’ proclamation recognizing June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month spotlights the advocacy work of Maha Majdoub and Antonio Maradiaga, owners of Twinpanzee Brewing Company, and Charlotte McConnell and other members of Equality Loudoun. Twinpanzee hosts an annual Pride Party, and McConnell is credited with helping relaunch Equality Loudoun in 2017. “To not support this resolution is a blatant refusal to adapt to changing culture and dehumanizes our neighbors, and to argue against affirming the rights and the existence and the work of the LGBT community,” Supervisor Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) said during the June 15 board meeting. The ceremonial resolution did not pass unanimously. Supervisor Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin) said he would not support the resolution because of a passage in the Board of Supervisors Rules of Order, which holds that “due to the nature and purpose of Board Resolutions, they should not be controversial, and it is preferable that all resolutions be approved by a unanimous vote from the dais.” Instead, Kershner voted against the resolution and Supervisors Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) and Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) left the dais before the vote. Kershner, Buffington and Letourneau also did not sign the resolution. “I think that most individuals would agree that all humans should be treated equally, not because of their sexuality, because they are humans and because they are fellow Americans,” Kershner said. “But thousands of people in Loudoun County and across the United States would not agree, or would certainly find this resolution controversial, especially those people of faith who have different views on sexuality.” Supervisor Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) pointed to the long history of using biblical passages to justify discrimination. “When I was going through helicopter training in Ogden, UT, in 1974, there was a big issue in Salt Lake City and Ogden that the local Boy Scouts would not allow a Black boy scout to join the Boy Scout troop,” Turner recalled. “And the reason was biblical, apparently. There was some link back to Cain and Abel that that they
were not equal and therefore should not be allowed to join.” He also recalled the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy in the military during his U.S. Air Force service. “If we try really hard, we can always find segments of our society to ostracize and hold up as different than the rest of us,” Turner said. “This resolution simply recognizes and respects the LGBTQ community here in Loudoun County as a vibrant and important element of our community, just like so many other groups in our community.” “Sometimes I don’t know what to say
when people have put their beliefs on a group of people and, just to try to put them in a corner, like they don’t exist, or they don’t want them to exist, or what they’re doing or how they live their lives is wrong,” Supervisor Sylvia R. Glass (D-Broad Run) said. “You know, I thought that we’ve come a long way.” And County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (DAt Large) recalled when a member of her family came out as gay in her twenties, after a life of dating men. “She said, ‘Phyllis, I tried everything I could try to not be gay. I didn’t want to be
gay. I don’t want to be gay, and I tried because I know my large Christian family, it would be hard for you all,’ she said. ‘But no matter what I do, no matter who I date, no matter how much I pray about it, I’m gay.’” “This is not a choice. If it was a choice, I know one young lady who would not have made that choice,” Randall said. “Religious freedom in America means that we all have a right to our religious beliefs, but this does not give us the right to use our religion to discriminate against and impose those beliefs on others who do not share them,” Briskman said. n
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JUNE 24, 2021
Leesburg
Council To Consider BAR Changes, Applicant Feedback BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ
krodriguez@loudounnow.com
The Leesburg Town Council is looking to streamline the review process for the Board of Architectural Review, and also to ensure applicants are having a productive experience. Both matters came before the Town Council for review at its Monday work session. Councilman Zach Cummings had recently suggested that the town staff conduct a survey of those who have navigated the BAR review process, and the council took it a step further to include those who have appeared before the board within the past year. “One of the ways we can borrow from the business world ... folks are always surveying, trying to make their processes even better. It’s a very important piece of customer service [and helps to] track and measure how we’re performing, and give the BAR some feedback on what’s happening,” he said. Preservation Planner Lauren Murphy said such a survey would be around 10
questions, and the staff was looking at offering the survey both electronically, written and even conducted over the phone, with help from the Public Information Office. Council members suggested that an over-the-phone survey may be more productive, with current and past applicants likely to be more thorough in conversation. The survey will focus on primarily three areas, Murphy said. Those are the overall user experience during the application process, the experience with the BAR during meetings, and whether the H-1 or Gateway District guidelines were user-friendly and helpful for their projects. During the pandemic, Murphy noted that the town began offering all-electronic submissions for architectural approvals, so the feedback on that process will be especially useful. The council also looked at ways to put less work in front of BAR members, by adding more projects that could be approved administratively by the preservation planner. In researching this possibility, Murphy looked both at what other
nearby jurisdictions consider for administrative approvals, and also what projects are currently finding themselves on the BAR’s consent agenda. A consent agenda is typically voted on at the beginning of a public meeting, and includes projects that generally do not stir controversy and are fairly routine. The entire consent agenda is voted on at once, rather than in separate motions. Possible areas to explore for administrative approvals are minor amendments to already-approved Certificates of Appropriateness; minor alterations to small architectural details, such as vents or handrails and even gutters and downspouts, Murphy said. On the latter point, Murphy noted that in some instances she is able to review a roof replacement administratively, but an application for a gutter or downspout in the historic district would have to navigate through the BAR process. Awning projects are another possibility, as well as walkways for commercial projects. Currently, only residential walkways may be reviewed administratively.
Landscape features to include pergolas, patios and retaining walls, which all typically find themselves on the BAR’s consent agenda, could also be ideal for administrative review. In her research, Murphy said she was surprised to see the number of sign applications that had recently been on BAR consent agendas. “Signs are allowed to be administratively approved but only if they’re consistent with the guidelines,” Murphy said. “Unfortunately, the guidelines have very specific size limits and in some cases very specific location limits which prompts me to send them to the BAR.” As an example, if a business wanted a six-and-a-half-foot wide sign, but the H1 guidelines only permitted a six-foot width, the application would have to go before the BAR, unless the applicant agreed to reduce the size. To fix the sign concern would likely require an update to the H1 guidelines. A wholesale, comprehensive update may be in the cards in the future, Murphy said, BAR CHANGES continues on page 9
Birch Tree Books Opens Summer Pop-Up Downtown BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com
Leah Fallon’s dream of opening a bookstore in downtown Leesburg is inching closer to reality. The Leesburg resident recently opened a summer storefront out of the Embark Center, located at 103 Loudoun St. SW. According to Fallon, the school, a hybrid of homeschooling and traditional school, lent her the front parlor area of the space while it is out of session this summer. Birch Tree Books’ hours of operation are Thursdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through the Labor Day weekend. For more on Fallon’s shop, go to birchtreebookstore.com. n
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Leesburg resident Leah Fallon stands in her summer storefront at the Embark Center, which is serving as a seasonal pop-up for her bookstore.
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
JUNE 24, 2021
BAR changes continued from page 8 though that would have a significant budgetary impact. The guidelines were last updated in 2009 and Murphy said she is finding that there are some projects that were not anticipated 12 years ago, and thus are not captured in the current guidelines. That includes things like small cell equipment. In response to a question from Councilwoman Suzanne Fox, Murphy said adding more projects as candidates for
PAGE 9
administrative approval would have a neutral impact on her workload, as her time would not need to be spent on preparing staff reports, PowerPoint presentations or public hearing presentations for the BAR. The council indicated support for initiating a Zoning Ordinance amendment to consider such changes. The ordinance initiation will need to be approved during an upcoming council meeting. Council members also requested that BAR members be given the opportunity to weigh in on any changes ahead of potential adoption. n
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-9753.
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Public Safety
Disbarred Leesburg Lawyer Pleads Guilty in Federal Court BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com
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A former Leesburg attorney has pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud following multiple allegations of embezzling from estates and civic organizations. J. Christopher Chamblin had a private law practice in downtown Leesburg prior to having his license to practice law revoked by the Virginia State Bar in the fall of 2019. The son of retired Loudoun Circuit Court Judge James H. Chamblin, the younger Chamblin testified in an October 2019 affidavit that he had misappropriated more than $850,000 from several estates for which he had been appointed by the Circuit Court to serve as administrator. According to a June 16 federal court filing, Chamblin abused his position of trust as administrator of the estates to embezzle funds from at least five estates, including by writing himself checks drawn on the estates’ bank accounts, depositing those checks into his own bank personal accounts, and then spending the funds for his own personal benefit. He was also accused of embezzling funds from two unnamed civic organizations, for which he served as treasurer. Although the two organizations are not named in court filings, an undated post on the Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Foundation listed him as treasurer for both
that organization and the Leesburg Lions Club. A court filing notes that Chamblin embezzled $3,000 from one organization, and $7,500 from the other. The wire fraud Chamblin charge stems from Sept. 17, 2019, when Chamblin allegedly caused a check in the amount of $20,000 to be issued that was drawn on a bank account held in the name of one of the trusts he oversaw. On or about that same date, Chamblin deposited the check into his business bank account, causing an interstate wire communication between Washington, DC, and Virginia. Court filings indicate that Chamblin repaid some of the funds he embezzled back to the trusts, with interest, but the repayments likely stemmed from embezzling from other estates. In the signed affidavit consenting to his law license revocation, Chamblin indicated that untreated depression was likely a contributing factor to his misconduct. Chamblin’s sentencing is set for Sept. 28. He faces up to 20 years in prison, and must forfeit property or other valuables to repay the estimated amount of the proceeds arising from the embezzlements, $866,953.23. n
SAFETY briefs
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Potomac Falls Woman Dies in Pacific Boulevard Crash
cupants of the other vehicles were not injured.
The State Police troopers are investigating a fatal crash that happened on Pacific Boulevard on Friday afternoon. According to the report, the crash happened just after 2:30 p.m. June 18 when a southbound Toyota Camry came upon stopped traffic and was unable to brake in time. The car sideswiped two other vehicles before running into the rear of a box truck, becoming pinned underneath. The Toyota’s adult female driver was transported to Reston Hospital for treatment of injuries described as serious. A passenger, Patricia A. Edwards, 66, of Potomac Falls died at the scene. The oc-
Scooter Battery Malfunction Causes Sterling Townhouse Fire The Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office has attributed the cause of Monday night house fire that displaced seven people to a malfunction in a charging electric scooter. Just after 3 p.m. June 21, county dispatchers received 911 calls reporting a fire on Ashcroft Terrace in Sterling. Crews from Cascades, Sterling Park, Kincora, Ashburn, Moorefield, Leesburg, and SAFETY BRIEFS continues on page 11
JUNE 24, 2021
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Ashburn Man Sent to Prison for Public Exposure Incidents An Ashburn man who pleaded guilty to a series of public exposure cases—including one involving a 14-year-old girl— will spend three years in prison. Jerson Montoya-Mendoza, 25, appeared in Loudoun County Circuit Court on Thursday by video link from the Adult Detention Center to enter plea and be sentenced by Judge Douglas L. Fleming. Investigators linked him to four incidents involving exposure or lewd conduct. The first was in May 2020 in the parking lot of the Harris Teeter store in the Village Center Plaza, when a woman putting groceries in her vehicle saw him in the car next to her and called 911. On June 1, 2020, he was parked along Windmill Drive and exposed himself to a passerby. Ten days later on Kitts Hill Terrace, he exposed himself to a 14-year-old jogger, according to evidence presented in the case. In each case, witnesses described a similar car used by the suspect. On June 15, investigators placed a tracking device on his car and put him under surveillance. Investigators were watching on July 14 when Montoya-Mendoza was parked along Ashburn Village Boulevard and exposed himself to two women walking
past. He was arrested. According to court documents, Montoya-Mendoza explained his behavior to investigators by saying, “the other people enjoy it.” During Thursday’s hearing Montoya-Mendoza asked the judge to have pity on him, saying he was the family provider for his wife, two daughters and his mother. Fleming imposed the sentencing agreement reached between the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and Montoya-Mendoza’s attorney. Montoya-Mendoza pleaded guilty to a felony of taking indecent liberties with a minor and four counts of indecent exposure. For the felony, he was sentenced to three years in state prison with another year suspended. On the misdemeanor charges, he was sentenced to six months of jail time on each, with all of that time suspended. He also was barred permanently from school properties, ordered to complete a sex offense therapy program, and required to register as a sex offender. The sentence was in excess of the punishment recommended in the state’s sentencing guidelines. n
Courtesy David Payne, Sterling Volunteer Fire Company
Damage to a townhouse on Ashcroft Terrace in Sterling after a fire caused by a malfunctioning electric scooter battery.
SAFETY briefs continued from page 10 Fairfax County were dispatched. Firefighters found heavy smoke and fire on a three-story townhouse, but managed to contain the fire to the original townhouse and limit damages to neighboring homes. Two of the three occupants were home at the time of the fire and were evaluated by paramedics for smoke inhalation. One Loudoun firefighter was transported to a hospital for a heat related illness. Damages to the home and its contents
are estimated at $712,272, with $30,000 in damages to the immediately neighboring townhome. Seven occupants of the home, representing three generations, were displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross. The fire marshal’s investigation determined the fire was accidental, caused by a malfunction in a charging electric scooter. Fire investigators are still working to identify the exact model and manufacturer of the electric scooter and will be following up with the Consumer Product Safety Commission. n
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JUNE 24, 2021
Education Homegrown Hiring: High School Seniors Enlist to Become Loudoun Teachers BY HAYLEY MILON BOUR AND PATRICK SZABO
Loudoun County Public Schools signed on 80 new teacher cadets this year, through a program that recruits students to pursue education degrees and ultimately return to Loudoun at the head of classrooms. A group of new cadets signed their letters of intent in a ceremony last week at Loudoun County High school. Edgar Hatrick, the school system superintendent from 1991 to 2014 and a former teacher at the school, addressed the students during the ceremony, welcoming them to an “amazing career” that “will never get old.” Hatrick told the cadets to focus on the educators that taught them from kindergarten through their senior years in high school and to remember what they did, not what they said. “They will be a good touchstone for you as you deal with the realities of teaching,” he said. High school seniors who complete two courses, Student Cadet 1 and Student Cadet 2, are offered a letter of intent which represents a future teaching job upon completing their college degrees. The courses are dual enrollment, so students earn college credit while still in high school. “Education is very important, and over the years there has been an emphasis on recognizing that teaching is a difficult job,” said Lynn Caldwell, the division’s Student Cadet Teacher recruiter. Cadets begin their junior year learning about education theory and different learning styles. Then, they go into the classrooms and act as teacher assistants.
Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now
Former Superintendent Edgar Hatrick speaks to Loudoun County High School’s teacher cadets during a June 8 signing ceremony.
The program is nationwide, and arrived in Loudoun County just last year. The first crop of cadets is just finishing up their freshmen year in college, so Caldwell said it is tough to gauge how successful the program will be in bringing participants back as teachers. Teacher Cadets offers scholarship opportunities across the country to further the allure of a career in education. Robert Brown, a senior at Dominion High School, said he was inspired by his own teachers in Loudoun to pursue an education career. One teacher in particular, Damian Knecht, of Lowes Island Elementary School, left a big impression on him. “You could tell he genuinely cared. He would ask what we were interested in,” Brown said. Brown and his fifth-grade pals had an interest in space and aliens. To make humanities courses more tolerable
for his science-loving students, Knecht tailored his lesson plans with readings about outer space. Knecht’s care and thoughtfulness for his students resonated with Brown, who began to picture himself teaching one day. He said the classroom experience he got as a cadet was invaluable. “That experience is just really helpful, like ‘is this something I want to do for the rest of my life,’” Brown said. Brown will go to James Madison University next year to study elementary education. The Teacher Cadet program will connect him to a recruiter and mentor during his sophomore year to guide him through the job search process. Two lifelong friends he made in Knecht’s fifth-grade class were also inspired teachers themselves. Cadets have six years between signing their letters of intent and completing their degrees. The district will try to accommodate new teachers with jobs at their schools of choice. Virginia is facing a massive teacher shortage. The state Department of Education’s most recent data from 2019 shows more than 1,000 teaching vacancies. VDOE reports that the most in-demand areas are special education, elementary school, and middle school. The pandemic has only worsened the problem, as many teachers took time away from classrooms and decided to change careers or retire. The program aims to build a strong pipeline for candidates to fill vacancies across the district. “What we’re looking to do is grow our own. The number of teachers that are retiring and the number of stuHOMEGROWN continues on page 13
Congratulations!
Loudoun Now readers congratulate their favorite 2021 Grads
Alexa Shelton
Sean Flavin Loudoun County High School Congrats! Great coaching you in CLBL! Best of luck!! —Matt Hudes
Stone Bridge High School Alexa, GG is so super proud of you and all you have done to become such a fine young woman. I love you “Bushels and Pecks and Great Big Hugs around your neck.” I am the Luckiest Grandma in the world just ‘cause you love me so much. Here’s to your Bright Future. —Mary Repella
Brendan Shue Heritage High School Congratulations Brendan! We are so proud of you and look forward to celebrating all your new accomplishments at the University of Florida. Love you very much, —Mom, Dad, Colin and Ryan
JUNE 24, 2021
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
Loudoun Student Advances in National Spelling Bee BY HAYLEY MILON BOUR hbour@loudounnow.com
While most children are looking forward to a summer away from academics, spelling superstar and 14-year-old Ashburn student Ashrita Gandhari will take the national stage Sunday, competing in her fourth Scripps Spelling Bee National Semifinals. Gandhari, a recent graduate of Stone Hill Middle school, is one of the most dominant spellers in the nation. She has competed in each of the past three national bees, in 2017, 2018, and 2019. In the quarterfinal competition last week, Gandhari spelled the word “pom-
fret” correctly, earning a bid to the semifinals, which will feature the top 30 spellers in a virtual competition Sunday. The rising ninth grader has been spelling competitively since she Gandhari was five, when she worked her way into a competition intended for elementary school students and ultimately went on to win
third place. “I’m a pretty competitive person. I really like the thrill of competition. I’m also really fond of the English language and how it takes words from other languages. I think the English language is really beautiful,” said Gandhari. Surprisingly, her favorite subject in school is math, and she hopes to become a surgeon. “I’ve always been a really structured and methodical person,” she said. Preparing for competition takes hours. Her mother, Sirisha Gandhari, said her
PAGE 13 daughter will practice for ten hours a day. Gandhari’s parents and younger sister help out, quizzing her and going through flash cards. Gandhari said she is feeling nervous as competition day approaches. While she would love to win, she’s satisfied with her accomplishments to date. “Obviously, every person’s goal is to win the national spelling bee. But I’ve already come so far, I’m a semi-finalist, I’m really grateful for how far I’ve come and I know I’ve worked hard,” she said. The Scripps National Semifinals will take place virtually on June 27 starting at 7 p.m. and will air on ESPN2. n
Homegrown continued from page 12 dents that are in college—the numbers aren’t adding up,” Caldwell said. The hope is that the program will heighten interest in the education field. Last year, 100 students signed letters of intent to return as teachers. This year’s crop of cadets saw a 20 percent drop off, which is unsurprising with students out of classrooms because of hybrid and distance learning. Kira Lao, a senior cadet at John Champe High School, said the idea of returning to teach in her own community has appeal. “It is so special getting to teach people from this area,” Lao said. “I can relate to them more and make more connections and build a stronger bond.” Lao, who also volunteers with Best Buddies Loudoun Chapter, said helping people has always been her calling. She is headed to University of Louisville next fall to get a degree in early childhood education, the same discipline in which she hopes to one day teach. She believes her generation of teachers will bring something special to the classroom. “We’re more open-minded with people and more accepting than any other generation. We’re more confident with who we are and we’re not afraid of judgment,” she said. Caldwell thinks the program will make an impact in Northern Virginia, producing more teachers and increasing interest in the field of education. “I’m so looking forward to seeing where the program takes us, and hopefully it encourages others in the Washington, DC area to create the same opportunities,” she said. n
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CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE AT DODONA MANOR Enjoy History, Beauty & ICE CREAM this July 4th! The George C. Marshall International Center invites the community to wish America a Happy Birthday on the beautiful grounds of historic Dodona Manor this July 4th. Our guests will gather to hear how General Marshall “saved the world twice,” first by planning allied victory in WWII and then by stabilizing war-torn Europe through his momentous Marshall Plan. Noted author and Marshall biographer David Roll will deliver remarks from our front porch. Learn more about us at georgecmarshall.org
July 4, 2021 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Refreshments, including free ice cream, will be provided.
Thiss event is free and open to all. 312 E Market St, Suite C, Leesburg, VA 20176 • 703.777.1301 • georgecmarshall.org
JUNE 24, 2021
Business
From Controversy to Currency Resident Spurs Businesses to Step Up for Teachers KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriquez@loudounnow.com
One local resident is putting her anger into action over fallout from challenge coins given to Loudoun County Public Schools teachers, in lieu of bonuses given to higher-level administrators. Elizabeth Whitley, a mother of four, including two students, said she was inspired to make lemonade out of lemons following a recent conversation with her rising first grader’s teachers. Her son had spent the entire school year distance learning, but wanted to visit his teachers at the start of summer. “We just got to discussing summer plans and somehow the conversation led to the challenge coins. The look on the teachers’ faces was just very underwhelmed,” she recalled. “I joked, ‘It’s too bad we couldn’t melt them down and make them useful and see if businesses could take them as currency.’ They said
‘yeah, that would be better than sitting on my desk’.” Whitley vowed to make it happen, and immediately began reaching out to local businesses to see if they could offer discounts or any other special perks to LCPS teachers if they show their challenge coins. The response was immediate. “I have a list of over 40 businesses who are either giving discounts or giving things like a free coffee, up to larger items that they’ll raffle off. There’s a lot of support from the community,” she said. The list of discounts and perks for teachers may be viewed at loudounnow. com/teacherdiscounts. Whitley said she is hopeful that the outpouring of support from the business community will help soften the blow from the coin controversy. “We want to rally around [teachers] and show them they are supported, they are appreciated. If the small business owners of the community or individual people step in, that’s just what it takes,” she said. n
BUSINESS announcements Mitchell Joins BCT’s Loudoun Advisory Board BCT-Bank of Charles Town has appointed Susan Mitchell to its Advisory Board for Loudoun County. The board consists of community leaders who work and live in Loudoun County and who provide strategic advice regarding local markets. “Susan’s strong connection to the government sector will bring new opportunities for our growing government contracting business line.,” President and CEO Alice Frazier stated. Mitchell is the co-founder of Guardians of Honor, a consulting firm with over 20 years of experience delivering grants management, research and evaluation, logistics, and technical assistance solutions to government, industry, and community organizations. Previously, Mitchell worked in the Office of General Counsel for various public and private organizations including the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Federal Elections Commission, the United States Postal Service, Unisys Corporation, and Rolls-Royce North America. She also serves on the board of directors for Virginia Career Works and STEM
for Her. She is also vice chairwoman of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce GovCon Committee and a member of the Cybersecurity CoE Advisory Board for Northampton Community College. Susan earned a master’s degree in executive leadership from Liberty University, a graduate certificate from Hampton University, and a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Norfolk State University.
Falcons Landing Earns Workplace Award Falcons Landing, a life plan community in Potomac Falls, was awarded the LeadingAge Virginia Workplace Excellence Award at the LeadingAge Virginia Virtual Awards Gala on June 9. The Workplace Excellence Award recognizes a member community that demonstrates investment in their staff and workplace environment for the delivery of quality care and services, and demonstrates innovation in workforce development practices. They should demonstrate the effectiveness of excellent workforce deANNOUNCEMENTS continues on page 15
JUNE 24, 2021
Announcements continued from page 14 velopment through in staff retention, positive community changes from assessments and encouraging employees’ professional growth. “We receive many positive comments from residents and family members alike for our caring, and dedicated staff. There is an all-encompassing focus on teamwork and achieving the best possible results at all times,” stated President and CEO Gary Handley. In April, Falcons Landing was selected as a Holleran’s Choice Community Award winner, one of only 49 in the nation were recognized for exemplary efforts in creating a culture of engagement and satisfaction in their communities, despite the COVID pandemic.
Purcellville’s TMG Plans Hangar Project at Winchester Regional TMG Construction Corporation in Purcellville on June 10 formalized a public-private partnership with Winchester Regional Airport to design and build 32 private aircraft hangars. The first phase of the $18 million to $20 million project involves the sale and construction of 11 new hangars that will be grouped into two buildings. Each hangar is insulated, heated, and comes with a bathroom. And because they are part of a condominium association, they all include central compressed air, internet, electronic access control, common storage, and an outdoor picnic area. Configurations with offices, pilot’s lounges, or other improvements are available. For more information, go to kokvhangars.com.
Homebuilder John Joy Partners with Creighton Farms Award-winning custom homebuilder John Joy and his Joy Design + Build team are partnering with Creighton Farms to build 12 homes in the luxury gated community near Aldie. Joy became a homebuilder after working for more than 25 years as a real estate agent. His father was a commercial real estate developer in the Washington, DC area. After having difficulty finding homes for his clients that not only served them now but also in the future as they aged in place, he started his own homebuilding company. “We are delighted to have John and his team here at Creighton Farms,” said Wayne Trudeau, chief sales officer for Southworth Development, the owner and manager of Creighton Farms. “The firm’s standard of excellence, the awards and ac-
LOUDOUNNOW.COM colades Joy Design + Build has received are exceptional.” For more information go to joycustom. com or creightonfarms.com.
Frontier Kitchen Opens Headquarters in Loudoun Frontier Kitchen, a food business incubator for up-and-coming concepts, celebrated the opening of its new headquarters in Chantilly on June 10. More than 50 Frontier Kitchen clients developing new food business concepts have access to the new space on Pleasant Valley Road.
“Loudoun County is a fertile ground for food businesses to test new concepts and strive toward their definitions of success. The culinary industries are constantly evolving, recently we’ve seen a market shift to locally-owned, locally-sourced options, which are perfect for the culture and quality of life in Loudoun County,” stated Loudoun Economic Development Executive Director Buddy Rizer. “Frontier Kitchen offers coffee shops, food trucks, caterers, bakers, farmers markets and online food retailers a quality commercial kitchen in a collaborative, safe and regulated environment.” “Frontier Kitchen came to Loudoun to support and serve those entrepreneurs
PAGE 15 ready to accomplish their dream. We have a beautiful kitchen for them to work from, but our real value is in our on-staff consultants that are available seven days a week to support during challenges, teach how to overcome business difficulties and create an environment for success,” Frontier Kitchens CEO Brenda Cromer stated. “The foodies in Loudoun County know the best foods and want to be at the forefront of the next great idea in the food and beverage space. One of those foodies is dreaming up that idea right now.” For more information, go to frontier-kitchen.com.
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JUNE 24, 2021
Our Towns
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
Hillsboro celebrateed the completion of the ReThink 9 project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 18.
Hillsboro Celebrates Its Rt. 9 Transformation BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
Fourteen months after construction began, Hillsboro leaders on Friday celebrated the completion of the Rt. 9 traffic calming project. There were lots of people at the party. Mayor Roger Vance and Vice Mayor Amy Marasco were joined by county supervisors, representatives of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, VDOT leaders, project contractors—a group of dignitaries that greatly outnumbered the town residents at the event—in formally
cutting the ribbon to mark the completion of the $30 million project. After two decades of planning and years of work to secure funding, construction began in March 2020—just days after the arrival of COVID-19 prompted widespread closures. With a creative pivot, the pandemic resulted in an acceleration of the work, which also included rebuilding the town’s water system and laying conduit to accommodate fiber optic cable, as the decrease in traffic allowed for longer road closures. Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a barbecue lunch, a 90-minute program featured remarks from Vance,
Marasco, Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA10), County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (DAt Large), Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge), former NVTA Chairman Marty Nohe, VDOT’s Loudoun County liaison Farid Bigdeli, and the leaders of contracting teams. As part of the celebration, the town plans a time capsule to be opened in June 2121. Inside, the Town Council composed a letter explaining the project and expressing hope the work would continue to yield benefits to those residents of the next century. Throughout the program, speakers praised Vance and Marasco, who lead the
campaign to secure funding for the work and then served as the day-to-day managers of the construction. They were hailed for their willingness to learn the intricacies of project design and construction management, as well as their fastidious attention to detail. The outcome of the project was credited by several speakers to the mayor’s mantra in dealing with the various unforeseeable twists and turns: “Proceed as if success is inevitable.” The program concluded with the pouring of champagne and an invitation to stroll through town on the newly installed sidewalks. n
Lucketts Voices Worries Over Drone Training Facility BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
Concerned Lucketts area residents gathered at Lucketts Community Center Wednesday evening to express their dissatisfaction and worries about a planned drone flight facility near the village. The company Xelevate, headed by president and co-founder Marcy Eisenberg, recently bought 66 mostly wooded acres off Taylorstown Road near Barnhouse Place to create the drone site. The facility will be a training and test site, where everyone from local students to the federal government can learn pilot drones and test out new designs. Eisen-
berg and other members of her team told locals that they hope the drones will not disrupt neighbors’ peace and quiet. Attorney Colleen Gillis of Cooley LLP, representing the company, pledged the property will be at least as wooded as it is now and that virtually all of the drones will fly below the treetops, with a few exceptions. She also pointed to county ordinances that permit no more than 55 decibels of noise at the boundary of the property, about as loud as a casual conversation. The limits on flying the drones depend on the company’s policies; under Federal Aviation Administration rules, drones weighing less than 55 pounds
can fly up to 400 feet high and would not be restricted to the property. Xelevate’s operations manual, which all users will have to agree to, restricts flight to a limited area of the property that comes no closer than 100 feet to the nearest property line. Some residents were also concerned that, despite the 500-foot grass runway from which the drones will operate, the county has classed it as a “Conference and Training Center” for zoning purposes. Others worried about drones getting off the property. “Testing doesn’t imply that there are going to be failures, it assures there are DRONE FACILITY continues on page 17
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Marcy Eisenberg, President and Co-Founder of Xelevate, takes questions about her company’s plans for a drone training facility near Lucketts.
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JUNE 24, 2021
PAGE 17
Sheriff’s Office Seeks Camera Footage in Thefts of Pride Flags LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
The Sheriff ’s Office is asking Lovettsville residents to review their home security videos as detectives work to identify the suspects in a series of property crimes targeting the LGBTQ+ community in town. According to the report, on the afternoon of June 15, two pride flags were damaged at homes on East Pennsylvania Avenue and South Loudoun Street. Then, two flags were reported stolen from the South Loudoun Street location between Tuesday, June 15 and Wednesday, June 16. Also, three flags were reported stolen from a home in 12700 block of Berlin Turnpike during the overnight hours of Tuesday, June 15 and Wednesday, June 16. Investigators are working to determine if the cases are related.
The incidents prompted Mayor Nate Fontaine denounce the crimes and to invite residents to the Town Green last Wednesday to discuss the “horrible” and “frightening” actions. “For the individuals who committed these crimes, know that your bigoted efforts to terrorize members of our community will not stand,” he wrote in a letter to residents. The incident also drew a rebuke from Republican gubernatorial candidate
Glenn Younkin, who in a Facebook post, called the actions “absolutely unacceptable.” “Whether someone is voicing an opinion or flying a flag, as Virginians —and as human beings —we must be respectful of one another,” he wrote. “We must all do better by respecting others’ right to live their lives freely, without being targeted because of who they are. The Sheriff ’s Office is asking residents in the area of East Pennsylvania Avenue
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continued from page 16 going to be,” said one attendee. Another worried about spooking horses: “While it’s disturbing for someone to have a drone land in their yard, it can be life-threatening if that drone flies above me, for example if I’m riding a highstrung horse, right?” she said. “That could literally be the end of my life.” Eisenberg assured residents her company plans to keep the drones low and under control. She mentioned both manufacturer safety precautions on most drones that cause them to automatically hold position, land, or return to their launching point if they lose contact with the controller. There will also be contained airspace where new drones will be tested before taking to the open skies. “It’s important to us that you guys still live in harmony as you always have,” Eisenberg said. The drone site is not far from completion. All that’s left to do is acquire a number of administrative permits, and complete some site work. The remainder of the project includes leveling the runway, pouring a gravel driveway and parking lot, and building 26 eight by 20 foot shipping containers, which will be serve as lab space for clients tinkering with their designs. The company plans a grand opening in October. The meeting Wednesday was organized and hosted by the Lucketts Ruritan. n
and South Loudoun Street who have exterior cameras to check them for any activity on Monday, June 14 between the hours of 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., and in the area of South Loudoun Street between 8:50 p.m. June 15 and 8:30 a.m. June 16. Anyone with information about the cases is asked to contact Deputy First Class J. Edney at 571-291- 1703 or Joshua. edney@loudoun.gov or Detective J. Carpenter of the LCSO at 571-577- 3072 or jennifer.l.carpenter@loudoun.gov. n
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Purcellville Council Adopts Smallest Budget Since FY17 BY PATRICK SZABO pszabo@loudounnow.com
The Purcellville Town Council this month adopted an $18.65 million Fiscal Year 2022 operating budget, the smallest budget adopted in five fiscal years. The council held the real estate tax rate level and increased utility rates. The operating budget is a 4% decrease from the FY21 budget, which the council adopted in two phases: the first budget adoption accounting for revenue and expenses in the first quarter of the fiscal year and another accounting for finances throughout the entire fiscal year. Compared with FY20, the FY22 operating budget represents a 2% decrease. The last time the town adopted an operating budget below $19 million was in FY17, when the council adopted a $17.43 million budget. The budget includes a real estate tax rate maintained at the previous year’s level of $0.22 per $100 of assessed value, but increased water rates by 3% and sewer rates by 5%. The council also implemented a new four-tier utility rate structure recommended by Stantec, the town’s utility rate consultant. According to a June 11 town statement, the budget maintains current service levels that include weekly residential trash and recycling services and “respectable response times” for street maintenance, snow removal and building and zoning services. The budget also includes changes to fees, including changes to the Park & Recreation pavilion rental fee and the addition of a new water meter fee. The $3.78 million Capital Improvement Program features $1.18 million set aside in the General Fund for existing transportation and pedestrian projects to improve traffic flow and make the town more walkable; $125,000 set aside in the Parks and Recreation Fund; and a combined $2.48 set aside in the Water Fund and Sewer Fund for reservoir and water distribution improvements and sewer line rehabilitation projects. Read the full budget at purcellvilleva.gov/budget. n
JUNE 24, 2021
School Board Supports Middleburg-Area Cell Tower BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
The School Board this month gave the go-ahead to Milestone Development to seek county permission to build a telecommunications tower on its Mercer Park property east of Middleburg. The school division owns the 99-acre property and leases a portion to the county parks department for sports fields. Milestone last year entered a master license agreement with the division to identify school prosperities that would be suitable for cell towers. Earlier this year, the School Board approved a request to build one at Rock Ridge High School. Another proposal for the Stone Bridge High School campus has been withdrawn. The Mercer Park tower plans have drawn opposition from neighbors and the Middleburg Town Council. Mayor Bridge M. Littleton wrote in a May 25 letter that it was important that the tower be sited and designed to minimize its visual impacts. “We fully understand the need for
“Change always comes, but it is how we manage that change which will define our future.” — Bridge Littleton Mayor, Middleburg
connectivity and access to good infrastructure, but it must always be tempered in a way which balances the services it provides with the adverse effects it has on those living in that community,” Littleton wrote. “One of the key elements that makes Middleburg, and the Blue Ridge District a welcoming and unique desti-
nation is that we have not, to this point, littered our rural character with cell towers. The community fears this is the beginning of a dangerous trend. Change always comes, but it is how we manage that change which will define our future.” Leslee King (Broad Run), who chairs the board’s Finance and Operations Committee that reviewed the request, stressed during the board’s June 8 meeting that the School Board’s approval is just the beginning of a county review process that will include public meetings with the applicants and public hearings by the county government. She said Milestone, working with AT&T, already has determined the tower’s proposed 185-foot height could be reduced by 30 feet and still meet coverage requirements. Ian Serotkin (Blue Ridge) said the tower, however ultimately designed, should fix “one of the biggest black holes for cellular service in Loudoun County.” Following the School Board’s unanimous vote of approval, Milestone’s next step is to submit an application with the county. n
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PAGE 19
Obituaries Anthony Dargan Anthony was born to the late Cleveland and Joann Dargan on October 9, 1961. He departed this life on June 15, 2021 after a short battle with
cancer. Anthony was educated in the Baltimore City School System and graduated from The Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. He studied engineering at the University of Maryland, and went on to complete his Prosthetic-Orthotics Certification at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. On October 22, 1988, Anthony married the love of his life, Valarie Short, and they were blessed with two children. Anthony worked for more than 40 years in the orthotics-prosthetic field. He was passionate about his craft and his patients. He was also active in his church. Anthony was preceded in death by both his parents and sister, Glendora Evans. He leaves to cherish his memory
his beloved wife, Valarie, two children, Destini and AJ Dargan; his mother-inlaw, Gloria Short; three sisters, Claudett Dargan-Reid (Beau), Teresa Dargan and Arabian Moore (Aaron); one brother, Cleveland Dargan (Angel); three brothers-in-law, Raymond Short (Veronica), Reginald Short (Dee) and Brian Wright (Nicole); one Uncle Abraham, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. Viewing and visitation was held on Monday, June 21, 2021 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. at the Lyles Funeral Chapel at 630 South 20th Street, Purcellville, VA 20132. A second viewing and visitation was held on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am and homegoing service started at 11:00 am at the First Baptist Church of Vienna, 450 Orchard Street, NW, Vienna, VA 22180. Followed by interment at the Chestnut Grove Cemetery, 831 Dranesville Road, Herndon, VA 20170. Arrangements by LYLES FUNERAL SERVICE, Serving N. Virginia. Eric S. Lyles, Director. Lic. VA/MD/DC. 800-388-1913.
Douglas Monroe Lewis, Sr., Went to be with the Lord on Friday, June 18, 2021 at 3:30 pm at his home in Airmont. Douglas was born November 23, 1943 to Douglas Chester Lewis and Josephine Grooms Lewis. He was the second of five children. Douglas was educated at Carver Elementary and Douglass High School. He was a member of the 1961 graduating class. In 1962 he joined the Army and served at Weisbaden Air Force Base until 1965. On September 24, 1966, Douglas united in matrimony with Lillie Caesar. Five children were born of this union. Douglas was a bricklayer by trade. He liked to show his children and grandchildren his masterwork. Douglas liked to hang out with people of all ages. He served as a Trustee at Powells Grove United Methodist Church and later at Agape. Douglas and his life long friends, Richard Lane and Lonnie Sims could
spend hours together without a cross word while solving all of the world’s problems. Douglas was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Anthony and Andrew; brothers, Tom and Joe; sister, Pat; step-brother, Clayton Trammell. Douglas leaves to mourn, his wife, Lillie; children, Douglas, Jr., Regina and Alva; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Darlene Williams; special family members, Teresa Aquino and Ron Lincoln; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. There are many young people that Douglas calls his “honorary” grandchildren. Viewing and visitation will be held at 2:00 pm till time of “Home Going” service at 3:00 pm on Saturday June 26, 2021 at the Agape United Methodist Church, 441 South 12th Street, Purcellville, VA. Followed by interment at Rock Hill Cemetery, Round Hill, VA. Arrangements By: Lyles Funeral Service, Serving Northern Virginia, Eric S. Lyles, Director, Lic VA, DC, MD. 1-800-388-1913
Ernestine Reid “Tine” (Age 87)
On Wednesday, June 16, 2021, Ernestine Reid, loving wife of the late Theodore Reid, Jr., passed away peacefully. Ernestine was born in Loudoun County, VA and moved to Washington, DC in her early 20’s where she resided for the remainder of her life. Left to cherish her memories are her daughter Carol Reid Collins (Ronald) of Lanham, MD and sons Raymond and Curtis Reid, both of Washington, DC. She is also survived by grandsons Eric Brown Jr (Charmaine) and Ronald Collins Jr (Carolina); great granddaughter Zoey Brown and great grandson Cino Meurkens Collins, all of Washington, DC; three sisters, Rebec-
ca Campbell, Frances Summers and Barbara Thomas; sisters-in law, Sarah Thomas, Ruth Thomas, Kathleen Thomas, Susie Thomas, Mary Reid, Irmgard Reid, and Roberta Murphy; brothers-in law, Freddie Reid, Clarence Reid, and James Reid; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. On Friday, June 25, 2021, visitation will be from 6 pm to 8 pm at Resurrection Baptist Church, 3501 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Washington, DC. On Saturday, June 26, 2021 the visitation will be 10 am and the Funeral starts at 11 am at Agape United Methodist Church, 441 South 12th Street, Purcellville VA. Interment will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. Arrangements by Lyles Funeral Service, Purcellville VA.
Lives are like rivers: Eventually they go where they must, not where we want them to.
LoudounNow To place an obituary, contact Susan Styer at 703-770-9723 or email: sstyer@loudounnow.com
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JUNE 24, 2021
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS Leesburg Presbyterian Church is looking for a part-time administrative and communications assistant to support the pastor, staff, Session, congregation, and visitors.
Apply to: sharonhosier@aol.com lpcva.org 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 Position
Department
Salary Range
Closing Date
Accounting Associate III IT Systems Administrator
Finance
$52,446-$89,790 DOQ
Open until filled
Utilities
$70,374-$120,339 DOQ
Open until filled
Police Officer
Police
$53,233-$89,590 DOQ
Open until filled
Senior Buyer/Contracts Administrator
Finance
$67,175-$115,044 DOQ
Open until filled
Systems Analyst/Infrastructure & Asset Management
Public Works & Capital Projects
$70,374-$120,339 DOQ
Open until filled
Training and Development Coordinator
Utilities
$52,446-$89,790 DOQ
Open until filled
Utilities Project Manager
Utilities
$76,941-$131,689 DOQ
Open until filled
Utility Inspector II
Utilities
$56,956-$97,512 DOQ
Open until filled
Utility Plant Operator: Trainee, I, II or Senior
Utilities
$41,353-$89,790 DOQ
Open until filled
To review Ida Lee (Parks & Recreation) flexible part-time positions, please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs. Most positions will be filled at or near the minimum of the range. Dependent on qualifications. All Town vacancies may be viewed on Comcast Cable Channel 67 and Verizon FiOS Channel 35.
HELP WANTED AT FAMILY PRACTICE Large family practice in Loudoun County with 6 locations and 28 providers looking for FT LPN’s or MA’s with a dedication to excellence. New LPN graduates welcome to apply. Pediatric and or family practice experience preferred. EHR experience highly recommended. We offer competitive pay rates, health, dental and vision insurance as well as direct deposit, 401K and many other benefits. Please send your resume to: lgray@lmgdoctors.com or fax to 703-726-0804 attention Lisa
BOOKKEEPER A full-service accounting and consulting firm in Leesburg has an opening for a part-time bookkeeper to join its support services department.
Apply to: belefante@ucmplc.com ucmcpas.com
BREWER Beltway Brewing Company in Sterling is looking for a brewer with a passion for craft beer.
MAIDS NEEDED
Apply online. beltwaybrewco.com/careers
No evenings or weekends Pay starts at $12/hr Please call 571-291-9746
COGNITIVE SKILLS TRAINERS LearningRx is looking for un, smart, talented people that want to make a difference in people’s lives by helping them strengthen their cognitive skills like attention, memory, processing speed and critical thinking.
Apply to: lian.hollenbeck@ learningrx.net earningrx.com/leesburg
FULL TIME FLAGGER Traffic Plan seeks FT Flaggers to set up and control traffic around construction sites. A valid drivers license is a must, good pay, and benefits. If interested please fill out an application at 7855 Progress Court Suite 103 Gainesville, VA on Wednesdays from 9 am to 12 pm or online at www.trafficplan.com
DRIVERS NEEDED Regular & CDL Call 703-737-3011
COOK URBANO Modern Italian in Sterling is looking for a sous chef to oversee food preparation and cooking in a fast-paced restaurant.
Apply to: bill@urbanoItalian.com urbanoitalian.com
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
JUNE 24, 2021
DEVELOPMENT & EVENTS ASSISTANT The Piedmont Environmental Council is looking for a full-time, temporary development and events assistant.
Apply to: apply@pecva.org pecva.org
FRONT OF THE HOUSE MANAGERS Blue Ridge Grill is seeking front of the house managers. Benefits include: Competitive Salary, three weeks of vacation, cover 100% of Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for hires and family. Located in Leesburg, Brambleton, Ashburn
Apply: In person or online brgrill.com
PAGE 21
INSIDE SALES REPRESENTATIVE FedBiz IT Solutions is seeking an inside sales representative for its federal sales team and assist in hardware and software solutions and technical services.
Apply to: ntiaga@fedbizit.com fedbizit.com
STORE ASSOCIATE/DRIVER The Restore in Leesburg is seeking a full-time store associate with a clean driving record.
Apply online. loudounrestore.org
TRACTOR TECHNICIAN KITCHEN HELP
DISHWASHER URBANO Modern Italian in Sterling is looking for a dishwasher to operate in a fast-paced restaurant.
Apply to: bill@urbanoItalian.com urbanoitalian.com
FRONT OF THE HOUSE SUPERVISOR URBANO Modern Italian in Sterling is looking for a front of the house supervisor to operate in a fast-paced restaurant.
MELT Gourmet Cheeseburgers is hiring kitchen staff. Great pay$$$$$
Apply in person at 525 E. Market St. or call 703-443-2105 meltgourmetcheeseburgers.com
Browning Equipment is seeking an experienced tractor technician.
Apply to: sales@browningequipment.com browningequipment.com
Apply to: bill@urbanoItalian.com urbanoitalian.com
KITCHEN HELP Tuscarora Mill Restaurant needs kitchen help. Join our team.
Now Hiring
Front of House Managers
Apply in person at 203 Harrison St SE or call 703-478-1141 tuskies.com
LAWN EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN Browning Equipment is seeking an experienced lawn and garden equipment technician.
Apply to: sales@browningequipment.com browningequipment.com Located in Leesburg, Brambleton, and Ashburn
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Beltway Brewing Company in Sterling is looking for a production assistant with a passion for craft beer.
Apply online. beltwaybrewco.com/careers
SERVER/BARISTA/COUNTER SERVICE URBANO Modern Italian in Sterling is looking for servers, baristras and counter service employees in a fast-paced restaurant.
Apply to: bill@urbanoItalian.com urbanoitalian.com
Benefits Include: • Competitive salary • Three weeks vacation • Cover 100% of Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance for new hire and family.
Apply in person or online at brgrill.com
NURSING ASSISTANT— VIRGINIA CERTIFIED HHunt’s Spring Arbor Senior Living of Leesburg is seeking well qualified part-time certified nursing assistants and resident assistants to provide residents with care and comfort.
Apply to: lbaed@hhhunt.com springarborliving.com/va/ leesburg/spring-arbor-of-leesburg
See the full job listings at
NowHiringLoudoun.com
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JUNE 24, 2021
Loco Living
THINGS to do LOCO LIVE Live Music: Sharif
Friday, June 25, 4 p.m. Dirt Farm Brewing, 18701 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont Details: dirtfarmbrewing.com The world-traveling independent artist Sharif brings his top-notch originals and a few covers to Dirt Farm.
Notaviva Bluegrass Jam
Friday, June 25, 5-9 p.m. Notaviva Craft Fermentations, 13274 Sagle Road, Hillsboro Details: notavivavineyards.com Notaviva’s Fourth Friday Bluegrass Jam is back. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.
Live Music: Dave Goodrum
Friday, June 25, 5 p.m. Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro Details: harvestgap.com Goodrum brings acoustic music at its most fun--covering a range of genres from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and today.
Live Music: The Plate Scrapers Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Young musicians gather in one of the studios at Notes n’ Beats school of music in Ashburn.
The Beautiful Blend
Ashburn Music School Showcases Multicultural Flair BY JAN MERCKER
jmercker@loudounnow.com
Veena Pandiri is a classically trained singer, an engineer and the Indian-born mom of a very American teen musician. Pandiri also is the founder of Notes n’ Beats, a music school in Ashburn that specializes in blending Indian and Western musical traditions in fun and engaging ways. This year, instead of a traditional recital, Pandiri wanted to do something different to energize students after a tough pandemic. She and her team of instructors decided on a reality show-style competition. “We were trying to see how to get the excitement going,” Pandiri said. “We said, ‘We’ve got to do something different. We’ve got to really stir things up.’” Notes n’ Beats will broadcast the grand finale of its Indian Fusion Music Festival competition Saturday, June 26. It features 45 finalists in five categories: Indian vocals, western vocals, guitar, drums and piano. The school’s students come from a range of backgrounds, but most are American-born children of Indian parents, Pandiri said. And her approach to teaching has struck a chord in Loudoun’s south Asian community. It helps kids tap into family musical traditions while also celebrating western styles they absorb from pop culture and school music programming—and find-
ing overlap between the two styles. Like Pandiri, many parents of students at the school grew up in India and are raising children born in the U.S. Their Northern Virginia kids are soaking up Bollywood music at home and in cars and engaging with grandparents in India while watching American reality TV shows like “The Voice” and listening to pop and rock with friends. The school offers training in both Indian classical and Western vocals, guitar, piano, and drums. Notes n’ Beats instructors come from a range of backgrounds and most are not of Indian descent, Pandiri said, which creates a cool multicultural vibe. At the heart of the school’s programming is Indian and Western classical music using fun arrangements that keep kids engaged. In the past year, Pandiri and her instructors have been doing a deep dive in exploring the overlap between Indian and western classical music, delivering fusion instruction to American kids with a foot in two cultures. “I think they have the best of both worlds as far as music goes and even culturally,” Pandiri said. “Our school is in a unique position.... we explore these two powerful styles of music. Our children are in the middle of it where they have access to both these cultures. They have this beautiful blend.” Pandiri is a self-described math and sci-
ence person, an engineer who came to the U.S. to get her master’s degree and worked in the tech sector for 15 years. But her mother was a professional singer in India and made sure music and singing was part of Pandiri’s life from early childhood. A visit from her mother when her daughter was born 15 years ago inspired Pandiri to start offering singing lessons in her home. The classes caught on in Loudoun’s Indian-American community, and Pandiri launched Notes n’ Beats in 2012 at a studio space in Ashburn. Pandiri’s daughter Nidhi Kolluri is a classic example of a young musician inspired by both her Indian roots and American pop culture. The 15-year-old is a rising sophomore at Independence High School and the Academy of Science and a drummer, singer, and guitarist. Kolluri is a rocker at heart, known for her high-energy percussion performances. But as a finalist in the upcoming competition, she chose an Indian Fibonacci konnakol piece full of intricate rhythms. With a music teacher mom, Kolluri has been surrounded by music her entire life and said music is a mental refuge for kids in academically challenging high school programs. “Being surrounded by music my whole BEAUTIFUL BLEND continues on page 23
Friday, June 25, 5 p.m. Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville Details: flyingacefarm.com The Plate Scrapers serve up their own flavor of bluegrass by way of folk, jazz, and heavy metal dimensions.
Live Music: Quasi Flannel
Friday, June 25, 6 p.m. Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights Details: facebook.com/harpersferrybrewing Friday is perfect for ’90s alt rock favorites, great beer and great views.
Live Music: Rowdy Ace
Friday, June 25, 6 p.m. MacDowell Brew Kitchen, 202 South St. SE, Leesburg Details: macsbeach.com The beach will be jumping with Rowdy Ace’s fun mix of country and rock.
Live Music: The ELO Show
Friday, June 25, 8 p.m. Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com An exciting tribute to the magical music of ELO and Jeff Lynne with stunning production and lightshow to match. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $35 for VIP seats.
Live Music: Kara Davis
Saturday, June 26, 1 p.m. Bear Chase Brewing Company, 18294 Blue Ridge Mountain Road, Bluemont Details: bearchasebrew.com Davis serves up great tunes spanning the decades in a gorgeous setting.
Live Music: Eric Chandler
Saturday, June 26, 2 p.m. Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro Details: breauxvineyards.com Chandler plays an unexpected mix of great tunes from a range of genres: country, Americana, hip-hop and beyond.
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LOUDOUNNOW.COM
JUNE 24, 2021
Beautiful blend continued from page 22 life, it’s just a part of who I am now,” she said. “It’s something that’s always there if you need to go to it.” Manya Mamidi, 15, is a finalist in the Western Vocals category. A rising sophomore at Briar Woods and the Academy of Engineering and Technology, Mamidi has been studying at Notes n’ Beats since she was 5. She started learning Indian classical vocals with Pandiri as a kindergartener, then moved on to piano and in middle school started western vocals. Mamidi said music is a needed break from the challenging academic environment at AET. “It’s a lot of work. ... I really find that music is an outlet for me and for my creativity,” she said. Mamidi is an active member of the Briar Woods choral program and also has done musical theater. She says the foundations she got at Notes n’ Beats have helped her with breath control and precision. Notes n’ Beats has been a huge part of her childhood, and the musical community offers a support network as she moves through her teen years. Mamidi will be doing a pop-inspired piece on piano and vocals for the com-
petition and said the competitive format makes it extra fun after a challenging school year. She’s in it to win it, but says competition among fellow students is 100 percent friendly. “I think it pushes me more,” she said. “It’s super exciting.” That spirit of friendly competition also is in play for drummer Arnav Nanduri, a rising sophomore at Chantilly High School and another finalist in the Drums competition. Nanduri was rehearsing his competition piece last week, a high-energy percussion piece traditionally associated with the Hindu Ganesh festival in India. The piece’s infectious, celebratory vibe captures what Nanduri loves about the drums. “It’s super fun, very upbeat,” he said. Drumming is a consuming passion for Nanduri, who’s also a member of his school marching band’s percussion section, and Notes n’ Beats is where it all started. “The teaching is very personal. They genuinely care about what you’re learning,” he said. “I look forward to going to class every time. I really, really love this place.” For more information about Notes n’ Beats music studio, go to notesnbeats.com or facebook.com/notesnbeats. To check out the Indian Fusion Music festival via YouTube on June 26 and participate in audience voting, go to notesnbeats. com/2021finals. n
“One of the Summer’s best concert lineups.” -The Washington Post
PAGE 23 The Town of Leesburg’s Award Winning Free Summer Concert Series
2021
Washingtonian Magazine’s Best Bet for Summer Concerts.
Official Radio & Social Media Partner
Official Media Partner
Town Hall Green 25 West Market Street
Presents:
Lisa Fiorilli Saturday, June 26 7:00 - 8:30 pm Lawn chairs and blankets are advised. No smoking, alcoholic beverages, or pets allowed. In case of inclement weather, the show will be cancelled. For more information, visit www.idalee.org
Looking for an amazing 4th of July experience with your family or friends?
Morven Park Members can attend our annual Sparks at the Park celebration that offers a spectacular view of the Town of Leesburg fireworks from the lawn of the Davis Mansion.
• Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy a stress-free 4th of July evening.
• Take advantage of uncrowded views and ample room for social distancing. • Picnics are encouraged and coolers (including adult beverages) are permitted. • The Park will be closed to the public as this is a MEMBERS ONLY event. • One vehicle per Park Member will be allowed entry.
Sparks at the Park! Join us for
Become a Morven Park Member TODAY to attend!
MorvenPark.org/MEMBER
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
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JUNE 24, 2021
BEST BETS
Kathy Shipley
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PAT MCGEE BAND
Saturday, June 26, 7 p.m. Acoustic on the Green Leesburg Town Green idalee.org
Saturday, June 26, 8 p.m. Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com
www.KathyShipley.com | kathyshipleyremax@comcast.net 540.822.5123 | 703.314.5539 | 571.210.7355
COLLECTIVE SUMMER MARKET CRAFT SHOW Saturday, June 26, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Claude Moore Park Recreation Center fb.me/e/1yFp9bBKv
LOVETTSVILLE FARM Driving down the lane you will come upon a perfect, idyllic setting for this lovely farmhouse. Nestled on 24 acres this home offers over 3,000 finished square feet with amazing views, fencing, large old bank barn, spring house and other outbuildings. Gorgeous stocked pond.
$899,000
Civil War History Comes to Life at Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park
NEW LISTING 13.5 ACRES, LOVETTSVILLE Every option you can image in this over 6,000 finished square feet home. A fabulous kitchen with Viking appliances. 2 Sunrooms. Primary bedroom offers fireplace, bay window and balcony. There is also a princess suite and Jack and Jill bath/bedrooms. Step outside to a gorgeous custom paver patio, filled with a full outdoor kitchen with more Viking appliances. It is amazing! Two custom pergolas add to the beauty. Beautiful lot suitable for horses, livestock or crops.
UNDER CONTRACT
$1,200,000
LOVETTSVILLE TOWN CENTER A lovely colonial nestled amongst privacy in the Lovettsville Town Center. Perfect corner lot surrounded by trees and common space sits a perfect place to call home. Wonderful floor plan offers open kitchen with a delightful attached sunroom. Newly finished lower level family room.
$535,000
NEW LISTING/UNDER CONTRACT VIENNA
No need to worry about rising gas prices with this brick townhome. WALKING DISTANCE TO VIENNA METRO! You can’t find a better location for planes, trains and automobiles and walking! Three finished levels. Hardwood floors in dining room and living room. Wood burning fireplace in living room with french doors leading to rear deck. Lower levels offers family room with access to rear yard, 4TH bedroom and FULL bath.
$665,000
Upcoming events... 4th of July: 1:00 pm - Band from George Mason University, authentic civil war era instruments and music. 2:00 pm – Loading demonstration and firing of battlefield cannon. Guided Tours of the battlefield every Saturday and Sunday 11:00 and 1:00.
Friends of Ball’s Bluff https://www.novaparks.com/parks/balls-bluff-battlefield-regional-park
JUNE 24, 2021
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THINGS to do continued frokm page 22
WE’RE BACK!! Friday Nig hts o n Hil lsbo ro’s GAP STAGE
Lawn opens at 6 p.m. • Local Beer, Wine, Food
Live Music: Bryan Fox & Friends
Live Music: Hilary Veltri
Live Music: Nathaniel Davis
Acoustic on the Green: Lisa Fiorilli
Saturday, June 26, 2 p.m. Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville Details: flyingacefarm.com Middleburg’s own Bryan Fox brings his unique voice and talented band to Flying Ace. Saturday, June 26, 2 p.m. Two Twisted Posts Winery, 12944 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro Details: twotwistedposts.com With his top-notch vocal and guitar work and inventive approaches to both classic and popular music, Davis is a Loudoun favorite.
Live Music: Colebrook Road
Saturday, June 26, 4-9:30 p.m. B Chord Brewing, 34266 Williams Gap Road, Round Hill Details: bchordbrewing.com This nationally touring Mountain Fever Records artist brings original progressive bluegrass to B Chord. The Short Hill Mountain Boys open. Tickets are $20 in advance for fans 13 and over.
Live Music: Sweet Leda For more information visit w w w.oldstone school.org
Saturday, June 26, 6 p.m. MacDowell Brew Kitchen, 202 South St. SE, Leesburg Details: macsbeach.com Blending new school funk, psychedelic rock, soul and pop, Sweet Leda’s heartfelt original music has been described as a female-fronted, soul-based Zeppelin meets Chili Peppers.
Saturday, June 26, 7 p.m. Social House South Riding, 25370 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, Chantilly Details: socialhousesouthriding.com Veltri’s repertoire of covers and originals spans generations and genres from Bob Dylan to Beyonce. Saturday, June 26, 7-8:30 p.m. Leesburg Town Green Details: leesburgva.gov Fiorilli is a saxophone superstar making waves in Loudoun with her fun brand of jazz.
Live Music: Tony Lucca
Saturday, June 26, 8 p.m. Lost Rhino Brewing Company 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn Details: lostrhino.com Nashville singer/songwriter Tony Lucca’s catalog runs the gamut from soul-infused pop to folk balladry. Tickets are $23.75 to $28.50 online.
Live Music: Pat McGee Band
Saturday, June 26, 8 p.m. Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com Live music is back, and McGee returns to the Tally Ho with original alt-rock that’s been winning over fans for two decades. Tickets are $25.
THINGS TO DO continues on page 27
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JUNE 24, 2021
THINGS to do continued frokm page 26
Live Music: Tyme & Lace
Sunday, June 27, 1:30 p.m. 50 West Vineyards, 39060 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg Details: facebook.com/50westvineyards This acoustic duo covers James Taylor, Colbie Caillat, Stevie Nicks and other mellow favorites.
Live Music: Chris Timbers
Sunday, June 27, 2 p.m. Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville Details: flyingacefarm.com Enjoy alternative soul tunes from a local favorite.
Live Music: Meisha Herron
Sunday, June 27, 1 p.m. Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights Details: facebook.com/harpersferrybrewing Celebrate Sunday with soul and blues from a rising star.
Live Music: Acoustic Moose
Sunday, June 27, 1 p.m. Maggie Malick Wine Caves, 12138 Harpers Ferry Road, Neersville Details: maggiemalickwinecaves.com This south-central PA duo with acoustic guitar and dynamic vocal harmonies plays a range of folk rock, blues and classic rock favorites.
Live Music: Andrew O’Day
TICKETS ON (703) 777-1665 SALE NOW! wwww.TallyHoTheater.com
THE ELO TRIBUTE SHOW COWBOY MOUTH
FEB 1
06/25/21
THE DOORS: 7PM WAILERS
SHOW: FEB 13 8PM
UFO FAREWELL TOUR
FEB 21
PAT MCGEE BAND SOUL ASYLUM WITH LOCAL H
6/26/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PMCARBON LEAF UNCLE
KRACKER
BROTHERS IN ARMS TOUR
A TRIBUTE TO IRON MAIDEN: www.TallyHoTheater.com EYES OF THE NILE FEB 22
FEB 28
19 W Market St., Leesburg, VA For a full schedule please visit
FEB 29
ND 2/7 COBS BA CHRIS JA 2/8 RE FI TRIAL BY 5 ts 2/14-1 Two Nigh IA AN 6 EAGLEM YEARS 3/ AN AG RE THE
07/02/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
PHILADELPHIA FREEDOM: A TRIBUTE TO ELTON JOHN 007/09/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
Sunday, June 27, 1:30 p.m. Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane, Purcellville Details: sunsethillsvineyard.com O’Day returns to Sunset Hills with soulful tunes and influences from R&B to country.
Live Music: Laura Cashman
Sunday, June 27, 2 p.m. 868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsoboro Details: 868estatevineyards.com Cashman is a local favorite who plays a wide range of genres. Hits from the 70s and 80s are sure to be part of her playlist, but her favorite decade is the 90s.
Live Music: Mark Cullinane
Sunday, June 27, 2 p.m. Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro Details: harvestgap.com Cullinane brings his signature acoustic classic rock tunes to Harvest Gap.
Live Music: Robbie Limon
Sunday, June 27, 4:30p.m. MacDowell Brew Kitchen, 202 South St. SE, Leesburg Details: macsbeach.com Robbie Limon returns to the beach with favorites from 70s-era songwriters including The Eagles, John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Roy Orbison, The Doobie Brothers, Jim Croce and Willie Nelson
LIBATIONS Crooked Run’s Eighth Anniversary
Saturday, June 26, noon-closing Crooked Run Brewing, 22455 Davis Drive #120, Sterling Details: crookedrunbrewing.com Crooked Run celebrates eight years with five new beer releases, carnival rides and games. Music from Unsullied caps off the day beginning at 8 p.m.
COMEDY NIGHT IN LEESBURG
PRESENTED BY DC IMPROV 07/10/21 DOORS: 7PM | SHOW: 8PM
FASTER PUSSYCAT, ENUFF Z’NUFF 07/14/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
SHOT THRU THE HEART-THE BON JOVI EXPERIENCE 07/16/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
SUPERVANA: A TRIBUTE TO NIRVANA 07/14/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
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JUNE 24, 2021
Legal Notices PUBLIC HEARING The LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, at 6:00 p.m. on WEDNESDAY, July 14, 2021 in order to consider:
PROPOSED CONVEYANCE OF COUNTY PROPERTY Grant of Temporary Easements to MetroDuct Systems VA LLC Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1800 et seq., the Board of Supervisors shall consider granting a 10-foot-wide 465-foot-long temporary fiber utility easement and a 10-foot-wide 380-foot-long temporary fiber utility easement to MetroDuct Systems VA LLC for the purpose of constructing, installing, operating, maintaining, repairing and replacing underground fiber cables and related facilities for the transmission and distribution of telecommunications through certain County-owned property. The subject property is located at 42953 and 42687 John Mosby Highway and the proposed easement area will eventually become part of the John Mosby Highway right-of-way. The subject property is located on the south side of and abuts John Mosby Highway (Route 50) and lies to the east and west of and abuts Loudoun County Parkway (Route 606) in the Dulles Election District. Copies of the plat(s) showing the location(s) of the above-listed conveyance(s) 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 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”).
PROPOSED CONVEYANCE OF COUNTY PROPERTY Grant of Easement to Lumos Networks, Inc. dba Segra 41975 Loudoun Center Place
sage amendments to Chapter 490, Residential Permit Parking Districts, of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. The proposed amendments would comprehensively revise the regulations applicable to Residential Permit Parking Districts, and include without limitation amendments that would establish new, and clarify, revise, and/or delete existing: (i) definitions; (ii) criteria for the establishment of new districts and temporary districts, and amendment of existing districts; (iii) regulations in regard to residence eligibility for inclusion in a district or temporary district; (v) procedures for the establishment of new districts and amendments to existing districts; (ix) regulations in regard to administration and issuance of parking permits and parking passes for residents, and short term visitor parking passes and thirty-day parking passes; (xi) regulations in regard to enforcement and penalties; and (xii) procedures for removal of blocks from a district, and termination of districts and temporary districts. Copies of a map illustrating the property proposed to be conveyed are on file and available for public inspection at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-777-0200. 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”).
AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 825 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Changes to C-PACE Program
Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1800 et seq., the Board of Supervisors shall consider granting a 10-foot wide easement to Lumos Networks, Inc. dba Segra through and across a portion of County property known as the Phillip A. Bolen Memorial Park for the purpose of constructing, installing, maintaining, inspecting, repairing replacing and removing a communications system that will service the DC United Training Facility at 42470 United Drive. The subject property is located on the east side of Sycolin Road (Route 625) and north of Cochran Mill Road (Route 653) near the intersection of Kincaid Boulevard and Crosstrail Boulevard and is addressed at 41975 Loudoun Center Place, Leesburg, Virginia, in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 191-16-9866.
Pursuant to Virginia Code §§15.2-1427 and 15.2-958.3, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for passage amendments to Sections 825.02, Definitions; 825.05, C-PACE Loan Requirements; Program Fees; Reporting; Program Administration; Program Guide; 825.06, Levy of Assessment; Recordation; Priority; Amendment; Enforcement and Collection Costs, of Chapter 825 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. The proposed amendments to the County’s C-PACE Program include amending the definition of eligible property; removing the definitions for stabilized value and stabilized occupancy; removing the reference to maximum loan amount that can be financed with a C-PACE Loan; revising the procedure for setting Program Fees revising the Program Guide to allow for applications to be approved within two years of a certificate of occupancy or other evidence of completion of Eligible Improvements; providing that a voluntary lien shall not require a reassessment of property; and adding a reference to resiliency and stormwater improvements to the Program Agreement.
Copies of the plat(s) showing the location(s) of the above-listed conveyance(s) 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 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”).
A complete copy of the full text of the above-referenced proposed amendments to Chapter 825 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County is on file and available for public inspection at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-777-0200. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 872 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Real Estate Tax Relief for Elderly or Totally and Permanently Disabled
AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 878 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Transient Occupancy Tax
Pursuant to Virginia Code §§15.2-1427 and 58.1-3210, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for passage amendments to Chapter 872, Real Estate Tax Relief for Elderly or Totally and Permanently Disabled, of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. The proposed amendments would have an effective date of January 1, 2022, and include, without limitation, the following:
Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1427, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for passage, amendments to Chapter 878 Transient Occupancy Tax, of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. The proposed amendments, consistent with the changes enacted by the 2021 General Assembly, will require persons or entities offering room rentals to calculate the transient occupancy tax based on the total charge to the customer, including accommodation fees charged to the customer by online travel companies. Prior to this update, transient occupancy tax was calculated based on the total charge for the room collected by the lodging establishment. There are also administrative updates in the proposed ordinance to reflect that payments should be collected by the Treasurer’s Office.
• Increase the annual qualifying household income from $72,000 to $77,000 for a full or a prorated exemption. • Increase the annual qualifying household income in each bracket for a 50% exemption to: · · · ·
Annual income does not exceed $70,000 (previously $65,000) and net worth $440,000 but does not exceed $560,000; or Annual income does not exceed $63,000 (previously $59,000) and net worth $560,000 but does not exceed $680,000; or Annual income does not exceed $56,000 (previously $52,00) and net worth $680,000 but does not exceed $800,000; or Annual income does not exceed $49,000 (previously $46,000) and net worth $800,000 but does not exceed $920,000.
is greater than is greater than is greater than is greater than
• Exclude Disability Income of relatives living in the home in the annual qualifying household income calculation. • Establish a review of the program by the Board of Supervisors every four years beginning in 2024 to review the qualifying criteria. A complete copy of the full text of the above-reference proposed amendment(s) is on file and available for public inspection at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-777-0200. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/ bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 490 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCE OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Residential Permit Parking Districts Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1427, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for pas-
A complete copy of the full text of the above-referenced proposed ordinance is on file and available for public inspection at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-777-0200. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www. loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A NEW CHAPTER OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Cigarette Tax Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1427 the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for passage an ordinance to establish a new Chapter, Cigarette Tax, of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. The proposed new Chapter would impose an excise tax of 40-cents ($0.40) on each package containing twenty cigarettes and two cents ($0.02) for each cigarette contained in packages of fewer or more than twenty cigarettes, sold, stored, or received within the County. The proposed tax would be effective November 1, 2021. A complete copy of the full text of the above-referenced proposed ordinance is on file and available for public inspection at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-777-0200. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.
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JUNE 24, 2021
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Legal Notices CHAPTER 1410 VIRGINIA UNIFORM STATEWIDE BUILDING AND HOUSING CODE
loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
AMENDMENT TO CHAPTERS 1096, 1220 and 1410 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY FEE SCHEDULE Pursuant to Virginia Code §§15.2-107, 15.2-1427, 36-105, and 62.1-44.15:28, and a Resolution of Intent to Amend adopted by the Board of Supervisors (“Board”) on March 16, 2021, the Board of Supervisors (Board) gives notice of its intention to propose for passage amendments to Chapters 1096, Stormwater Management; 1220, Erosion Control; and 1410, Virginia Uniform Statewide Building and Housing Code, of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County in order to establish new, and clarify, revise, and/or delete existing, regulations in regard to fees, and the duration and renewal of various permits. The general purpose of the proposed amendments is to revise (increase) various fees collected pursuant to the above-listed chapters of the Codified Ordinances to reflect a 100 percent cost recovery and set forth such fees in an Appendix to each of the above-listed chapters, to update the procedure the Board uses to set the amount of fees, and to add language regarding collection of fees. The amendment proposes revisions to Section 1096.06, Fees; Section 1220.06(k), Duration of Permit, and (l) Renewal of Permit; Section 1220.08, Fees, and Section 1410.09, Fee Schedule. The amendments are proposed in conjunction with DOAM-20210001. The revised fees proposed by the amendments to the Codified Ordinances are as follows:
PROPOSED REVISED FEES CHAPTER 1220 EROSION CONTROL Fee Name Current New Fee Grading Permits - Land Disturbance (3-Year Initial Permit) Single House/Single Lot $2,100 $2,380 1 Acre or< n/a $4,025 1-5 acres n/a $4,080 6-10 acres n/a $5,410 11-25 acres n/a $6,940 26-50 acres n/a $9,545 51-75 acres n/a $10,680 75-100 acres n/a $25,045 101+ acres n/a $25,555 Renewal Application 1-Year Renewal 1/3 of original bond fee Grading Bond Fees Reduction Re-Inspection Release
$285 $200 $500
$400 $285 $400
Fee Name Mechanical Permit (2 Inspections) Central Heating 1&2 Family Dwelling Central Heating Commercial Commercial Duct Installation Only Motor Fuel & Fuel Oil Storage Tanks Additional Reinspections per Inspection
New Fee
$70 $125 $180 $150 $25
$70 $105 $170 $155 $30
$70.00 $95.00 $30.00 $70.00 $95.00 $45.00 $35.00 $15.00 $65.00 $25
$70 $100 $40 $70 $100 $55 $40 $25 $70 $30
Comercial Plan Review (Per Review) up to 50,000 sf 51,000 -250,000 sf 251,000 - 350,000 sf >350,000 sf Individual Trade Review for new, alterations & additions
$275 $395 $430 $470 $60
$425 $580 $820 $1,220 $65
Residential Plan Review (Per Review) New Construction, 1 & 2 Family Dwelling R-3, R-4 and R-5 additions and alterations
$60 $50
$170 $130
Electrical Permit (2 Inspections) Service Equipment 0-400 amps Service Equipment >400 amps Sub-Panels Fixtures, Receptacles Circuits 1&2 Family Dwelling Fixtures, Receptacles Circuits Commercial Electric Signs Motors & Generators Electric Heating & Air Conditioning Miscellaneous Additional Reinspections per Inspection
Fee Name Plumbing Permit (2 Inspections) 1&2 Family Dwelling Commercial Water Service (new or replacement) Sewer lines (new or replacement) Additional Reinspections per Inspection Gas Permit (2 Inspections) 1&2 Family Dwelling Commercial Propane Tank & Piping 1&2 Family Dwelling Propane Tank & Piping Commercial Additional Reinspections per Inspection
Fire Permit
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Current
Fire Alarm System Sprinkler System Kitchen Hood/Wet Chemical System Dry Chemical Systems Fire Extinguishers Fire Lanes (FMO FEE) Foam, CO2, Clean Agent
Current
New Fee
$70 $95 $70 $70 $25
$70 $105 $70 $70 $30
$70 $95 $70 $90 $25
$70 $105 $70 $70 $30
$200.00 $190.00 $200.00 $335.00 $70.00 $95.00 $285.00
$250 $240 $250 $420 $90 $120 $360
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Legal Notices CHAPTER 1096 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT VSMP Permit Modification
New Fee
Current
New Fee
Disturbed area:
Current
or Transfer
Annual VSMP Permit Maintenance
New Fee
Initial VSMP Permit*
Current
Loudoun County VSMP Permit Fees
Single-family detached residential Separately built or part of a common plan of development that disturbed less than 1 acre2,6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Part of a common plan of development that disturbed 1 acre or more6
$209
$405
$20
$40
$50
$100
Other Separately built or part of a common plan of development that disturbed less than 1 acre2,6
N/A
Part of a common plan of development that disturbed 1 acre or more6
$209
N/A
$405
N/A
$20
N/A
$40
N/A
$50
N/A
$100
≥1 acre, < 5 acres $209
$405
$20
$40
$50
$100
$1,944
$3,890
$200
$390
$400
$775
$2,448
$4,900
$250
$485
$500
$975
≥10 acres, <50 acres
$3,240
$6,480
$300
$585
$650
$1,265
≥50 acres, <100 acres
$4,392
$8,780
$450
$875
$900
$1,750
$6,912
$13,820
$700
$1,360
$1,400
$2,700
Other ≥5 acres, <10 acres
≥100 acres
Amendments to Chapter 1242, Amendments and Enforcement: • Establish a new Appendix A containing a fee schedule for all fees collected pursuant to the LSDO. • Under Section 1242.12, Fees, clarify, revise, and/or delete existing standards in regard to what activities conducted by the County are to be compensated through fees. • Under Section 1242.12, Fees, clarify, revise, and/or delete existing standards in regard to how the amount of fees are set.
Proposed Revised Fees
less than 1 acre
Single-family detached residential3
Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. The proposed text amendments to the LSDO that are under consideration include, without limitation, the following:
A complete copy of the full text of the above-referenced proposed amendments is on file and available for public inspection at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-777-0200. Documents 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”).
DOAM-2021-0001 AMENDMENT TO THE LOUDOUN COUNTY LAND SUBDIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE TO ADOPT A NEW FEE SCHEDULE
Application Type Construction Plans & Profiles (CPAP & CPAR) (2 Reviews) Residential and/or Roads Each Additional Review Beyond 2 Residential and/or Roads CPAR Industrial or Office Park Each Additional Review Beyond 2 Industrail or Office Park CPAR
Current New Fee
Application Type Facility Standard Manual (FSM) Waiver Request
Current New Fee $1,190 $610
$8,295 $3,540 $3,540 $3,870 $1,660 $1,660
Rural Economy Site Plan (REST) (2 Reviews)
$2,300
$6,600
Site Plans (STPL) (2 Reviews) Site Plans > 1 acre Each Additional Review Beyond 2 Site Plans 1 acre or < Each Additional Review Beyond 2
$7,605 $3,225 $4,800 $900
$8,670 $3,470 $5,200 $1,000
Site Plan Amendment (SPAM)
$3,405
$3,190
Application Type As Built Submissions for Occcupancy As Built Submissions for Bond Release
Current New Fee $300 $60 $300 $185
Preliminary Soils Report
$1,450
$1,795
Flood Plain Alteration (FPAL Type 1) Flood Plain Alteration (FPAL Type 2) Base Fee FPAL2 + $100 per 300' linear feet of stream in study area Flood Plain Study (FPST Type 1) Flood Plain Study (FPST Type 2) Base Fee FPST2 + $100 per 300" linear fee of stream in study area
$500 $2,500
$715 $4,000
$500 $3,525
$500 $5,115
Boundary Line Adjustment (BLAD) (2 Reviews) Each Additional Review Beyond 2
$1,750 $275
$3,495 $525
Dedication of Right-of-Way (DEDI) (2 Reviews) Each Additional Review Beyond 2
$2,445 $520
$4,920 $1,075
Easements (ESMT) (2 Reviews) Each Additional Review Beyond 2
$1,880 $465
$3,630 $545
(Development Ordinance Amendment – Land Subdivision and Development Ordinance)
Pursuant to Virginia Code §§15.2-107, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2253 and 15.2-2241(A)(9), and a Resolution of Intent to Amend adopted by the Board of Supervisors (“Board”) on March 16, 2021, the Board hereby gives notice of proposed amendments to the Land Subdivision and Development Ordinance (“LSDO”) in order to establish new, and clarify, revise, and/or delete existing, regulations in regard to fees. The general purpose of the proposed amendments is to revise (most fees will increase) certain existing fees collected pursuant to the LSDO to reflect a 100 percent cost recovery, remove such fees from the Land Development Application Fee Schedule and incorporate them into a new fee schedule that will be Appendix A to the LSDO, to update the procedure the Board uses to set the amount of LSDO fees, to add language regarding collection of fees for inspection of facilities required to be installed by the LSDO, and to exempt certain governmental entities from the imposition of LSDO fees. The amendment proposes revisions to Section 1242.12, Fees, and to such other Chapters, Sections, Subsections, and provisions of the LSDO as necessary to implement and maintain consistency with the foregoing amendments or as otherwise necessary to correct typographical errors, section and subsection numbering, and formatting within, update cross-references to, and further clarify the requirements of, the above-mentioned section of the LSDO. The amendments are proposed in conjunction with amendments to Chapters 1096, 1220, and 1410 of the
$7,085 $2,535 $2,535 $2,575 $850 $850
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PAGE 31
Legal Notices Application Type Family Subdivision (SBFM) (2 Reviews) Each Additional Review Beyond 2
Current New Fee $2,860 $5,545 $465 $855
the Loudoun County Department of General Services, have submitted applications for the following: 1) Commission approval to permit a 132 foot tall (130 foot tall with a 2 foot lighting rod at the top) Monopole and a related equipment compound in the AR-1 (Agricultural Rural - 1) zoning district; and 2) A Special Exception to permit a 132 foot tall (130 foot tall with a 2 foot lighting rod at the top) Monopole and a related equipment compound. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception use pursuant to Section 5-618(B)(2)(a) and requires a Commission Permit in accordance with Section 5-618(B)(3)(j). The subject property is approximately 13.26 acres in size and is located north of Charles Town Pike (Route 9) and the west side of Hamilton Station Road (Route 704), in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN 344-45-5673. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Rural Policy Area (Rural North)), which designates this area for rural economy uses and limited residential development is envisioned with a target density up to 1du/20ac and cluster development with target density up to 1du/5ac. The proposed use is specifically governed under the policies of the Telecommunication Plan.
Plat of Correction (POCO) (2 Reviews) Each Additional Review Beyond 2
$1,890 $315
$3,560 $625
Preliminary Record Subdivision (SBPR) (2 Reviews) Non-Residential Rural Residential (septic and well) Urban Residential (public water and sewer) Each Additional Review Beyond 2
$3,750 $3,750 $3,750 $1,195
$6,075 $6,075 $6,075 $1,930
Preliminary Subdivision (SBPL) (2 Reviews) Non-Residential Each Additional Review Beyond 2 Rural Residential (septic and well) Each Additional Review Beyond 2 Urban Residential (public water and sewer) Each Additional Review Beyond 2
$4,518 $6,790 $1,430 $2,290 $4,905 $7,860 $1,650 $2,645 $7,630 $12,430 $1,890 $3,000
Record Subdivision (SBRD) (2 Reviews) Non-Residential Each Additional Review Beyond 2 Rural Residential (septic and well) Each Additional Review Beyond 2 Urban Residnetial (public water and sewer) Each Additional Review Beyond 2
$2,395 $750 $2,545 $1,080 $3,740 $1,540
$6,075 $1,070 $6,075 $1,070 $6,075 $1,070
The Board of Supervisors acting through the Department of General Services of Leesburg, Virginia, has submitted an application to expand the Aldie Historic District. The procedure to expand historic districts is established by Section 6-1806 of the Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is currently zoned RC (Rural Commercial), AR-2 (Agricultural – Rural 2), and A3 (Agricultural – Residential 3) under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is located within the VCOD (Village Conservation Overlay District) and partially within the MOD (Mountainside Development Overlay District) and FOD (Floodplain Overlay District) – major floodplain. The subject property is approximately 3.71 acres in size and is located on the south side of Route 50 and west of New Mountain Road (Route 631), at 39483 and 39469 John Mosby Highway, Aldie, Virginia, in the Blue Ridge Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 361-45-8246 and PIN: 361-45-5744. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Rural Policy Area (Rural Historic Village Place Type)) and the Loudoun County Heritage Preservation Plan, which designate this area for traditional small-scale residential and commercial development which maintains the distinguishing features of individual rural historic villages at no more than four dwelling units per acre.
Subdivision Base Density (SBBD) (2 Reviews) Each Additional Review Beyond 2
$2,735 $440
$4,645 $715
ZMAP-2020-0010 & SPMI-2020-0013 ARCOLA GROVE COMMERCIAL
$230
$360
Subdivision Exception (SBEX) per submission
$1,490
$2,145
Subdivision Waiver (SBWV) (2 Reviews) Additional Reviews Beyond 2
$2,415 $430
$4,645 $715
Subdivision Extension
Application Type Performance Bond Fees Extensions Reductions Re-Inspection Release Public Bond Release SWM Release
Current New Fee $300 $785 $200 $500 $500 $500
$500 $1,215 $285 $1,645 $2,310 $850
The public purposes of these amendments are to achieve the purposes listed in Code of Virginia §§ 15.22200 and 15.2-2240 and to assure the orderly subdivision of land and its development.
SPMI-2021-0002 AMOR HOME CHILD CARE, LLC (Minor Special Exception)
Soraya T. Ramirez of Amor Home Child Care, LLC of Aldie, Virginia, has submitted an application for a Minor Special Exception to modify the Additional Regulations of Section 5-609(A)(14) of the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance (Zoning Ordinance) regarding Child Care Home uses, in order to allow more than nine children in a townhome located on a lot that is less than 5,000 square feet in size, in the PD-H4 (Planned Development – Housing 4), administered as R-8 (Single Family Residential), zoning district. The proposed use is listed as a Permitted use under Section 3-503 of the Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is approximately .04 acres in size and is located on the south side of Bushclover Terrace, and west of Gum Spring Road, at 42021 Bushclover Terrace, Aldie, Virginia in the Dulles Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 205-17-2750. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Neighborhood Place Type)) which designates this area for predominantly residential uses with core uses including single family detached and single family attached residential with limited non-residential complimentary and conditional uses.
CMPT-2020-0009 & SPEX-2020-0026 MILESTONE TOWER – WATERFORD
ZMAP-2021-0002 ALDIE HISTORIC DISTRICT ADDITION (Zoning Map Amendment)
(Zoning Map Amendment and Special Minor Exception) Northpoint Investments I, LLC, of Bethesda, Maryland, has submitted an application to rezone approximately 23.44 acres from the RC (Rural Commercial) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance to the PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to develop by right special exception uses in the PD-IP zoning district up to a 0.6 Floor Area Ratio (FAR). The modification of the Additional Regulations applicable to the proposed PD-IP uses are authorized by Minor Special Exception under Section 5-1409(B)(1), Waivers and Modifications, Legislative Modifications, Road Corridor Building and Parking Setbacks, pursuant to which the Applicant requests the following Zoning Ordinance modification: ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION
PROPOSED MODIFICATION
§5-1403(B) Road Corridor Buffer and Setbacks Matrix, Table 5-1403(B)
To reduce the road corridor setback from Arcola Boulevard for buildings from 100 feet to 75 feet and parking setbacks from 75 feet to 35 feet.
The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, within the Ldn 65 or higher aircraft noise contour. The subject property is approximately 23.44 acres in size and is located east of Stone Springs Boulevard (Route 659), south of Arcola Mills Drive (Route 621), and north of Route 50 in the Blue Ridge Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as: PIN
ADDRESS
162-15-1929
N/A
203-10-9057
N/A
162-15-4753
N/A
203-10-7367
N/A
The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Employment Place Type)), which supports primarily office, production, flex space, and warehousing uses as well as startups and established businesses with limited retail uses at a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 1.0.
ZMAP-2019-0010 & SPEX-2019-0022 SYCOLIN ROAD DISTRIBUTION FACILITY (Zoning Map Amendment Petition & Special Exception)
Scannell Properties, LLC, of Indianapolis, Indiana, has submitted applications for the following: 1) To rezone approximately 43.33 acres from the TR-10 (Transitional Residential – 10) and JLMA-20 (Joint Land Management Area – 20) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance (Zoning Ordinance) to
(Commission Permit & Special Exception)
Milestone Tower Limited Partnership IV of Reston, Virginia, and the Board of Supervisors, acting through
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JUNE 24, 2021
Legal Notices the PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning district under the (Zoning Ordinance) in order to permit the development of an approximately 202,000 square foot (SF) regional distribution facility at a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.60; and 2) a Special Exception to permit land disturbance of no more than 3,750 SF within areas classified as Very Steep Slope when associated with a permitted use in the PD-IP zoning district in accordance with Section 5-1508(D)(1)(d)(vi). These applications are subject to the (Zoning Ordinance), and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception under Section 5-1508(D)(1) (d)(vi). The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, between the Ldn 60-65 and outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 aircraft noise contours. The subject property is also partially within the QN (Quarry Notification) Overlay District – Luck Note Area and partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District) – major floodplain. The subject property is located on the east side of Sycolin Road (Route 625) and south of Cochran Mill Road (Route 653) in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as follows: PIN
ADDRESS
193-26-8899
20226 Sycolin Rd., Leesburg, VA
193-26-8988
20244 Sycolin Rd., Leesburg, VA
193-26-9027
20280 Sycolin Rd., Leesburg, VA
193-26-9072
20254 Sycolin Rd., Leesburg, VA
193-46-2814
41087 Cochran Mill Rd., Leesburg, VA
193-36-8578
N/A
193-36-3375
N/A
193-36-9814
N/A
193-36-4150
N/A
193-36-6330
20210 Sycolin Rd., Leesburg, VA
The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan. A portion of the subject property is within the Joint Land Management Area (Leesburg JLMA Employment Place Type), which designate this area for a range of light and general industry uses at a recommended FAR of up to 1.0. The remaining portion of the subject property is governed by the policies of the Transition Policy Area (Transitional Light Industrial Place Type) which designate this area for a range of low-traffic industrial and employment uses are at recommended FAR of up to 0.6.
ZMAP-2020-0002, SPEX-2020-0007, ZMOD-2020-0003, ZMOD-2020-0004 & ZMOD-2021-0001 BELMONT EXECUTIVE PLAZA (Zoning Map Amendment, Special Exception & Zoning Modifications)
RP Belmont Land, LLC, of Arlington, Virginia, has submitted an application to rezone approximately 16.24 acres from the PD-OP (Planned Development – Office Park) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance to the R-16 ADU (Townhouse/Multifamily Residential-16, ADU Development Regulations) zoning district under the in order to develop 202 residential units, consisting of a maximum 142 multifamily units and a maximum of 60 single family attached units, at a density of approximately 12.43 dwelling units per acre. The applicant is also requesting a Special Exception to permit the modification of the minimum yard requirements for ADU (Affordable Dwelling Units) developments in the R-16 ADU zoning district. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance and the proposed modification of the minimum yard requirements for ADU developments in the R-16 ADU zoning district is listed as Special Exception under Section 7-903(C)(3). The applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modification(s): ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION
PROPOSED MODIFICATION
§5-200(A)(6), Permitted Structures in Required Yards and Setbacks, in all yards or setbacks, including a front yard.
Allow for porches, enclosed, or unenclosed, to project a maximum of nine (9) feet, provided that such projection does not extend closer than nine (9) feet to a lot line.
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE MIDDLEBURG TOWN COUNCIL The Middleburg Town Council will hold a public hearing beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 8, 2021 to hear public comments on the following: Special Use 21-01 Request of the Town of Middleburg for a special use permit for a front yard greater than 30 feet in the C-2 District at 10 West Marshall Street (PIN 538-27-9541). The request is in conjunction with the new Town Hall project. The new building is proposed to be set back approximately 75½ feet from the Marshall Street right-of-way. The Zoning Ordinance provides for a maximum of 30 feet or such greater maximum front yard as may be approved with a special use permit. The file for this application may be reviewed at the Town Office, 10 W. Marshall Street, Middleburg, Virginia from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excepted. Questions may be directed to Deputy Town Manager Will Moore at (540) 687-5152 or by email at wmoore@middleburgva.gov The Town of Middleburg strives to make its hearings accessible to all. Please advise of accommodations the Town can make to help you participate in the hearing. 06/24 & 07/01/21
§5-1303(B)(4), Tree Planting and Replacement, Canopy Requirements, for development requiring a plan of subdivision, but not a site plan, property not zoned A-3, A-10, AR-1, AR-2, i.e., single family and duplex dwellings.
Allow for the applicant to plant required street trees in alternative locations along Private Road C as shown on the Concept Development Plan, and not require the planting of trees in areas dedicated for vehicular access.
§5-1403(B) Landscaping, Buffer Yards, Screening, and Landscape Plans, Road Corridor Buffers and Setbacks, Road Corridor Buffers and Setbacks Matrix, Table Section 5-1403 (B).
Reduce the required building setback from 75 feet to 35 feet along Russell Branch Parkway.
The subject property is approximately 16.24 acres in size and is located on the westside of Russell Branch Parkway (Route 1061), east of Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659) and south of Harry Byrd Highway (Route 7) in the Ashburn Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 083-26-6046. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Mixed Use Place Type)) which designate this area for a mix of Residential, Commercial, Entertainment, Cultural and Recreational uses at recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.0. Unless otherwise noted in the above notices, copies of the above-referenced amendments, applications, ordinances, and/or plans and related documents may be examined by request at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-7770246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies, or electronically at www.loudoun.gov/lola. This link also provides an additional opportunity for public input on active applications. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”). In addition, for detailed instructions on how to access documents using LOLA, to request that documents be emailed to you, to receive physical copies of documents, or to arrange a time to view the file at the Loudoun County Government Center, please email DPZ@loudoun.gov or call 703-777-0246 (option 5). Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic this public hearing may be conducted as an electronic meeting. Members of the public are encouraged to view the public hearing electronically; however, the Board Room will be open for any members of the public who wish to attend in person with appropriate physical distancing. Board of Supervisors public hearings are available for live viewing on television on Comcast Government Channel 23 and Verizon FiOS Channel 40, and are livestreamed at loudoun.gov/meetings. All members of the public who desire to speak will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. Citizens are encouraged to call in advance to sign up to speak at the public hearing. Instructions for remote participation will be forwarded to all individuals who sign-up in advance and who would like to provide their comments remotely. For this public hearing, advanced sign-up will be taken after 8:30 a.m. on July 2, 2021, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on July 14, 2021. If you wish to sign-up in advance, call the Office of the County Administrator at (703) 777-0200. Citizens will also have the option to sign-up during the public hearing. Citizens may also submit written comments by email sent to bos@loudoun.gov. Any written comments received prior to the public hearing will be distributed to Board members and made part of the minutes for the public hearing. Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory or mental disability to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200. At least one business day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings. BY ORDER OF:
VIRGINIA
PHYLLIS RANDALL, CHAIR LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
06/24 & 07/01/21
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LOUDOUN COUNTY IN RE: ESTATE OF CAMERRON R. TAYLOR ) Probate File No. 18580 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE AGAINST DISTRIBUTION
It appearing that a report of the account of W. Franklin Pugh, Administrator for the Estate of Camerron R. Taylor, deceased, and a report of the debts and demands against the Estate have been filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, and that more than 6 months have elapsed since the qualification of the Administrator before this Court, on the petition of the Administrator indicating that the Estate is insolvent, It is ORDERED that the creditors of, and all others interested in, the Estate of Camerron R. Taylor, deceased, do show cause, if any they can, on the 2nd day of July, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., before this Court at its courtroom in Leesburg, Virginia, against payment and delivery of said Estate in accordance with VA Code §64.2-528, with no payment to the sole heir at law except as his interest may appear pursuant to claims filed as a minor child under VA Code §64.2-309, 310, and 311; and It is further ORDERED that the foregoing portion of this Order be published once a week for 2 successive weeks in Loudoun Now, a newspaper of general circulation in Loudoun County,Virginia. 06/17 & 06/24/21
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Legal Notices PUBLIC NOTICE
The LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT has accepted application for preliminary plat of subdivision for the following project.
SBPL-2021-0002 Cattail Run Mr. David DeMarco, of Pulte Homes Company, of Fairfax Virginia, is requesting preliminary plat of subdivision approval to subdivide approximately ninety-five point two-five (95.25) acres into one hundred ninety-two (192) single family detached lots, fifty-eight (58) single family attached lots, open space parcels and accompanying easements. The property is located along the east side of Battlefield Parkway, N.E., approximately 0.25 miles south of its intersection with Edwards Ferry Road (state route 773) and north of Sierra Springs Square and Orchid Drive (state route 2395). The property is zoned PD-H3 (Planned Development- Housing) and administered as R8 ADU (Single Family Residential with affordable dwelling units) under the provisions of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The property is more particularly described as Tax Map /49//////11-1/ (MCPI # 147-19-1857-001) in the Catoctin Election District. Additional information regarding this application may be found on the Loudoun Online Land Applications System www.loudoun.gov/LOLA by searching for SBPL-2021-0002. Complete copies of the above referenced application(s) are also available for public review at the Loudoun County Department of Building and Development, Land Development File Room, 1 Harrison Street, SE, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, physical public access to the file may be interrupted. You may contact the project manager to arrange for alternative access to the file if necessary. Please forward any comments or questions to the project manager, Eric Jewell at eric.jewell@loudoun.gov or you may mail them to The Department of Building and Development, 1 Harrison Street, SE, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia by July 29, 2021. The Department of Building and Development will take action on the above application(s) in accordance with the requirements for preliminary subdivisions outlined in Section 1243.08 of the Land Subdivision and Development Ordinance (LSDO).
TO APPLICANTS FOR PRELIMINARY PLAT OF SUBDIVISION (SBPL) APPLICATIONS IN LOUDOUN COUNTY VIRIGINIA Posting of Property The property which is the subject of this preliminary/record subdivision application shall be posted by the applicant using the posters provided by the Department of Building and Development. The posting shall occur within seven (7) days of receipt of the posters and shall be maintained at a minimum until the comment due date stated on the poster. The posters shall be affixed to a pole, post, fence, or other structure clearly visible from each public road abutting the property. If no public roads abut the property, then the poster(s) shall be posted so as to be clearly visible from at least two (2) abutting properties and at the access point(s) to the property. Maintenance and Removal of Posters The applicant shall maintain all posters at a minimum until the comment due date stated on the poster and shall remove all posters no later than fifteen (15) days after the Department of Building and Development has taken action on the application.
PROPERTY MUST BE POSTED BY JUNE 24, 2021 AND REMAIN POSTED THROUGH JULY 29, 2021.
Town of Leesburg Continues Water Valve Exercise and Maintenance Program Public Notification The Town of Leesburg is continuing a preventative maintenance program to protect the longevity and operation of the water system infrastructure and valves. This valve exercise program requires closing, then opening each main line valve and service line valves in specific distribution areas. The purpose of the program is to exercise main line valves throughout the distribution system to assure reliable operation and maintain water quality. During this program, crews will exercise the valves by operating each valve through a full cycle and returning it to its normal position. Where valves are exercised, a fire hydrant will be flowed to ensure that the water in the main remains clear. During the valve turning exercise, customers may experience some sediment or discolored water for a short period of time. Water is safe to drink and safe to use during this period. If this condition is noticed, we recommend running several cold water taps at full force for a period of 1-2 minutes. It may be necessary to repeat this process after 30 minutes. In addition, the closing and opening of valves may introduce air into water lines which can cause temporary erratic water flow. If this occurs, open your cold water tap until a clear steady flow of water is observed. The valve exercising will occur June through November during the hours of 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Town regrets any inconvenience the maintenance program may cause. If you have any questions regarding our valve exercising program, or have any concerns about water quality, please call the Utilities Department at 703-737-7075. For after-hour emergencies, please call the Leesburg Police Department at 703-771-4500. 05/27/21 06/24/21
Loudoun County Public Schools
Proposed Middle School & High School Attendance Zone Change On June 8, 2021, the Loudoun County School Board initiated an abbreviated attendance zone change process that proposes to assign the Hartland and Lenah Circle East communities to the Mercer Middle School/John Champe High School attendance zone – prior to the start of the 2021-2022 academic year. Additional information on this proposed attendance zone change is posted on the Loudoun County Public Schools webpage (https://www.lcps.org/Page/236732). The School Board is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the attendance zone change on August 10, 2021, to be followed by action on the proposed change later the same evening. Persons may sign up to speak at the August 10 meeting by calling 571-252-1020. Written comment may be sent to lcpsplan@lcps.org; all correspondence and information received will be shared with the School Board. The August 10 meeting will be held at the Loudoun County Public Schools Administration Building (21000 Education Court, Ashburn) and begin at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will also be broadcast live on Comcast Channel 18 and Verizon Fios Channel 43, as well as viewable via simultaneous webcast on the Loudoun County Public Schools website (www.lcps.org). Persons who need translation/interpretation assistance or a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, in order to participate meaningfully in the August 10, 2021 public hearing and meeting, should contact the Superintendent’s Office at 571-252-1020 at least three (3) days prior to the meeting. Beverly I. Tate, Director Loudoun County Public Schools Department of Support Services, Division of Planning Services 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, Virginia 20148 Telephone: 571-252-1050 Email: lcpsplan@lcps.org 06/24, 07/01, 07/08, 07/15, 07/22, 07/29, & 08/05/21
If any additional posters are needed, or if there are any questions regarding the posting of the property, they may be directed to the Project Planner named below. PROJECT PLANNER: PHONE NUMBER:
ERIC M. JEWELL 703-777-0538
ABC LICENSE
DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT PRELIMINARY/ RECORD SUBDIVISION POSTERS Project Number and Name:
SBPL 2021-0002 — Cattail Run
I acknowledge receipt of posters from the Department of Building and Development for the above referenced preliminary/Record subdivision application and agree to post and maintain the posters in accordance with the instructions provided from no later than JUNE 24, 2021 through JULY 29, 2021. Project Planner: Eric M. Jewell
06/24/21
ABC LICENSE
EH 19, LLC, trading as Homewood Suites Ashburn, 44620 Waxpool Road, Ashburn, Loudoun, VA 20147
EH 19, LLC, trading as Embassy Suites Ashburn, 44610 Waxpool Road, Ashburn, Loudoun, VA 20147
The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer On Premise, Mixed Beverage Restaurant (seating capacity over 150 seats) license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.
The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer On Premise, Mixed Beverage Restaurant (seating capacity over 150 seats) license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.
Shoham Amin - Manager
Shoham Amin - Manager
Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.
Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.
06/24 & 07/01/21
06/24 & 07/01/21
/3/19
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 34
Misc.
Legal Notices ORDER OF PUBLICATION
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
Case No.:
Case No.:
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
JJ044085-04-00 JJ044085-05-00 JJ044085-06-00 JJ044085-07-00
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Isaac William McClure Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v. Stephanie McClure, mother; Edwin Ernesto Ortiz, putative father; and Unknown father
10:58
The object of this suit is hold a 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 Isaac William McClure and Petition for Termination of Parental Rights of Stephanie McClure, mother, Edwin Ernesto Ortiz, putative father, and Unknown father, pursuant to Virginia Code §16.1-283 for Isaac William McClure. Stephanie McClure, mother, Edwin Ernesto Ortiz, 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 Isaac William McClure. Stephanie McClure, mother, Edwin Ernesto Ortiz, 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 Isaac William McClure; any authority with respect to the care and supervision of Isaac William McClure; or the right to make health related decisions or determine the religious AM affiliation of Isaac William McClure. Further, Stephanie McClure, mother, Edwin Ernesto Ortiz, putative father, and Unknown father will have no legal and /or financial obligations with respect to Isaac William McClure, and the Department of Family Services of Loudoun County, Virginia may be granted the authority to place Isaac William McClure for adoption and consent to the adoption of Isaac William McClure. It is ORDERED that the defendants Stephanie McClure, mother; Edwin Ernesto Ortiz, putative father; and Unknown father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before July 20, 2021 at 2:00 pm. 06/10, 06/17, 06/24 & 07/01/21
JUNE 24, 2021
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
JJ044218-03-00
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Isabella S. Montenegro Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v. Jeffrey Wayne McGowan, putative father The object of this suit is to hold a permanency planning review hearing pursuant to Va. Code Sections 16.1-282.1, 63.2-906 and 63.2-910.2 for Isabella S. Montenegro.
HORSE BOARDING
It is ORDERED that the defendant Jeffrey Wayne McGowan, putative father appear at the above named Court and protect his interests on or before July 27, 2021 at 3:00 pm.
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JUNE 24, 2021
Opinion Protecting the Engine In whittling away at the Dulles Airport noise policies, the Board of Supervisors is abandoning yet another foundational planning strategy that helped shaped the county we enjoy today. Since Dulles’ earliest days when it was alternately hailed and lampooned as the nation’s most modern jetport sitting in the middle of nowhere, county leaders have protected its future development. Long before the invention and arrival of data centers, Dulles Airport was the county’s economic engine. Keeping it running meant ensuring residents wouldn’t be constantly beaten down by the noise that accompanies that commerce. Since the early 1990s, the county has gone above and beyond the standards used in other airport communities. Not only was residential development prohibited with the high noise zone defined by the 65 Ldn contours, but residential developers in the somewhat quieter 60 Ldn zone were required to employ acoustic treatments and to provide avigation easements documenting the airports authority’s rights to fly overhead. And even a mile beyond that, homebuyers were provided with disclosure statements ensuring they were told of the airport’s proximity. The county’s Zoning Ordinance specifically stated that the extraordinary polices were developed “as a means to securing the longterm economic viability of Washington Dulles International Airport.” While strict, the policies were not inflexible. At one point, the entire eastern side of Ashburn Village was within the designated 65Ldn. It wasn’t until an updated study, reflecting the industry’s transition to quieter aircraft, was conducted that those corn fields and cow pastures were opened for residential construction. County leaders were correct in commissioning a new update of the noise zones; the policies shouldn’t be used to arbitrarily block development. However, the recent decision to ignore elements of the revised noise zone projections is a stunning abandonment of the county’s long-term strategy. The board majority has elected not to fully enforce the 65 Ldn, in essence, because of a belief that the airport won’t grow to its full potential—that plans for a fifth runway never will come to fruition. Allowing homes to be built within that projected high-noise zone most likely guarantees it won’t. Don’t think that matters much? If past boards had taken a similar approach, much of the land that now is home to the county’s cash cow data centers would have been converted to residential subdivisions long before Steve Case started mailing out AOL CD-ROMs. n
Norman K. Styer, Publisher and Editor nstyer@loudounnow.com
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LETTERS to the Editor Entitled to Expression Editor: I am writing this letter to express my dismay and concern regarding events in my beautiful little town this past week. I call it “The Town Formerly Known as ‘Love’ttsville.” It is clear that we do not fit that name anymore. There has been a tremendous amount of hostility and frustration and hate mongering the last four years in Lovettsville. I believe most of us were ready to put the animosity aside and choose unity and cooperation for our town. This week, we have been assaulted yet again by the hate element. Our dear neighbors have had their Pride and BLM flags vandalized and then stolen. This is not isolated to simply one family. Something needs to be done before the hate turns to violence and the alienation of children and families in our community. It is very simple. Love is love. Family is family. In our country, we have the freedom to love who we want and the right to live safely. Those who seek to disrupt these values are unAmerican. I thought about it all day yesterday as I made a road trip to a family member’s house. I saw “Don’t tread on me,” “This truck protected by Smith and Wesson.” “God and Guns:, the glue that holds the Republican Party together,” “Trump 2020: Make Democrats cry Again,” and this one: ”God is a Republican.” I find these bumper stickers in bad taste. They do not reflect
my values and in my opinion encourage hate and division. But do I have the right to vandalize these stickers or peel them off and burn them? Of course not. They are representative of someone’s views, an American’s views. And they are private property. In America, we are allowed to express our viewpoints. We are allowed to say what values we choose to embrace, and what perspectives we support. all of us, liberals and conservatives. And Lovettsville is not an exception. It is time that town officials come out with a strong condemnation of the hate and division in this town, and thank you Mayor Nate Fontaine for beginning the process. It is time that families, and business owners and individuals realize the toll this hate takes on our businesses, our children and our property values. Take a stand. If you see something, do something. If you hear something, say something. Make a commitment to the people in your community. And if you disagree with someone’s lifestyle, at least remember that, in America, we can choose and we are entitled to express those choices. — Lori Page, Lovettsville
A Good Idea Editor: Regarding the June 27, article “St. Louis Residents Plead for Protection from LETTERS continues on page 37
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
JUNE 24, 2021
Readers’ Poll
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:
LAST WEEK'S QUESTION:
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LETTERS to the Editor
continued from page 36
Developer,” the Board of Supervisors is the last bastion to save St. Louis from MOJAX developer Jack Andrews. Andrews is violating state law and gaming the system to avoid the rules so he can build and flee, leaving the residents without water, an historic Black cemetery decimated, an invaluable public heritage destroyed, and the county taxpayers to clean up the mess. And County Attorney Leo Rogers is facilitating this mess. Why isn’t attorney Rogers insisting on compliance with state water resource law? Virginia State Board of Health regulations state the goal of ensuring, “…that all private wells are located, constructed and maintained in a manner which does not adversely affect ground water resources, or the public welfare, safety and health…” 12VAC5-630-30. It has been shown that the development will ruin already depleted water resources for the entire town. Although Rogers states Virginia law permits localities to buy land “for any public use,” he claimed there was no identifiable public use of the St Louis property. Rogers is an attorney; as such his job is to find a way under the law to approve a public use to buy the land if that is what the BOS would like to do and inform of the legal consequences. His job is not to tell them they can’t do something with a vague “I don’t think that’s legal….” Isn’t saving the public the future tax expense to fix the easily foreseeable water resource problem a public use? Especially when, at this point, it’s a foreseeable problem? And Rogers, who met with MOJAX representatives and helped work out the defunct Aldie Tavern deal to exchange that property for St Louis, now says he is concerned about the county’s legal author-
PAGE 37
Share your views at loudounnow.com/ polls
ity to buy that St Louis land outright. Why was the exchange ok to use in the Aldie Tavern deal? Has the law changed? And why isn’t saving a historic slave and Black cemetery an essential public use? The property could become a shining example of the exercise of public trust with multiple benefits: protecting water resources, the wetlands, the environment, and preserving an historic slave and black cemetery for the constituents, residents, and visitors to appreciate and applaud in the future. Prohibiting the development rights of that property, and even buying the property outright, has so many public benefits that Attorney Roger’s vague speculation that there “…was no public use we could identify…” is specious. Attorney Rogers should be advising on how these goals can be accomplished, not expressing a personal opinion (unsupported by specific law) on why they can’t. He argues that buying a by-right property is a bad idea because it will just move the development elsewhere. Really? As a resident of Loudoun County who wants its history and environmental resources treasured and preserved, and wants to see sound fiscal management, it looks like a good idea to me. — Judith Lafleur-Lovegrove, Purcellville
Get the Jab Editor: This is in response to a letter sent by Del. Dave LaRock to his constituents concerning the possibility of mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for college students and promoting religious exemptions from such requirements. The Supreme Being, knowing that He was dealing with humans, gave us a single commandment, “Love thy neighbor.” To illustrate what those three words
meant, He gave us the parable of the Good Samaritan. It is hard for me to find a theological loophole in this commandment which permits vaccines to be avoided. Regarding mandatory vaccinations for college students, Del. LaRock accurately states that the risk of serious infection for those in this age group is low. This means that while they may become infected, they will easily weather the illness. True, but if infected, they are capable of generating variants, one of which might increase and multiply and wipe out both hemispheres. We should rejoice at the success of Operation Warp Speed and our good fortune at having the vaccines available in such abundance. Others are not so lucky. We should also recognize our duty to others, as did the Good Samaritan, and get the jab. — FW Lillis, Leesburg
Embarrassing Editor: If it hasn’t become patently obvious to you at this point that we have activists, rather than public servants, on the school board (and the Board of Supervisors), well, then you’re probably part of the problem here in Loudoun County (or LoCo as it is not so ironically, nicknamed). I work with people from all over the country and when they find out where I am from they inevitably mention how we have been in the national news lately; it is, frankly, embarrassing. Lincoln said in his Lyceum address, “If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher”—indicating that the threat to our republic was not from another nation but divisiveness within. Surely, we are seeing this locally with the divisive activist words and agendas from both boards. When we started having kids, my wife and I were glad to know the reputation Loudoun schools had for producing excel-
lent students. I had no idea that the education would also involve indoctrination. It became obvious this was the case when, about nine years ago, while driving my oldest son for a day of skiing, he declared “guns are bad” when the news of a shooting played on the radio. Because he had been around firearms, been taught how to shoot, and the respect and safety that are required around them, as well as the fact that his response sounded very “canned” I asked where heard “guns are bad.” At school, from a teacher, was the frank reply I got. After explaining to him that a gun had no more capacity than a knife, a car, or a hammer to be “bad,” I could see, by his thoughtful appearance, that the attempt to brainwash my child had failed. What we are seeing now is a whole new level of deceit. That a sexually confused child could be enabled by the government to deepen their confusion through forced lies from a respected educator is disturbing. What should be happening is a collaboration between the school system and the parents to get the child the help he or she needs. The fact of the matter is, studies have shown that in 80+% of the cases with gender dysfunction, psychological counseling allows that person to feel comfortable in the truth of their God-given physical identity before they make irreversible decisions regarding their bodies. Further, teaching children to see each other first by the color of their skin, or race, and then elicit a racial response where one is seen automatically as oppressed and one as the oppressor is bigoted, racist, and false. What should be taught is Martin Luther King “not by the color of their skin...” who was echoing Jesus when He said, “Do not judge by mere appearances...”. On second thought, we’ll do the parenting, you stick to reading, writing and arithmetic (btw, correct answers aren’t racist). — Mike Tuttle, Lovettsville
PAGE 38
Political divide continued from page 1 number of local conservative activists and parents about the controversies. Two Loudouners have been elevated to larger spotlights especially in conservative media after appearances at School Board meetings went viral in recent months. Brandon Michon, a parent who with his family spoke regularly at School Board meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic, became a Republican celebrity after video of his appearance at a local School Board meeting, screaming at them to “figure it out” and reopen schools, went viral and became a rallying cry. When Republican
Redistricting continued from page 1 “And supervisors, I realized that I say this as the chair of the county and it doesn’t apply to me in the same way, and I may or may not run again for chair of the county. But either way, I just don’t believe elected official should choose the voters. I think voters should choose their representatives.” She said that could mean supervisors could even be drawn out of their own districts, and that things like district names could change. Communities of similar interests should be kept together, under the adopted guidelines. Also, towns should not be divided, although Leesburg could be an exception.
Juneteenth continued from page 3 portunity for all still are not fully fulfilled,” Herring said. State Sen. Jennifer B. Boysko (D-33) also pointed to the ongoing controversy over public school teaching students about structural racism. Dubbing the anti-racist curriculum “Critical Race Theory”—a term borrowed from legal academia originating in the 1970s, and given new life among people attacking that curriculum—critics have put the county School Board in national news with outcry from some Loudouners and national conservative organizations. “We are absolutely in the process of changing the way our stories are told,” she said. “We’re not going to apologize that we’re going to include everybody’s story anymore. We’re not going to apologize for saying that there were some problems. We’re not going to apologize for telling the story of our immigrant community,” Boysko said. “… We’re telling the stories that have
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
JUNE 24, 2021
candidate for governor Glenn Youngkin came to Purcellville during his primary campaign, the event was just one of several that featured brief remarks from Michon. Earlier this month, an elementary school P.E. teacher, Byron “Tanner” Cross, saw his case picked up by Arizona-based Christian nonprofit advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom and his story picked up in national media after he was placed on leave following his comments opposing the protections for transgender students. After saying he would not follow the new policy to refer to those students by their chosen names and gender identity, he was placed on leave over concerns about disruptions to the school environment, then successfully sued for a court order to be put back to work. The school system has announced
it plans to appeal that decision to the state Supreme Court.
Just before Tuesday’s board meeting, competing groups held rallies outside the School Administration Building. Organizers of the Loudoun for All rally sought to demonstrate support for the LGBTQ community. Nearby, Fight for Schools, which is leading an effort to recall School Board members, protested against the proposed policy for transgender students and the school division’s equity programs. Tensions were high, as Fight for Schools advocates jeered LGBTQ supporters, and cheered as a bus covered in signs calling for
Beth Barts’ (Leesburg) recall drove through the parking lot. Before the meeting, Sjurseth said he was there to “voice my disgust at what’s going on in the Loudoun County school system. It’s changed a lot in the last five years. … They’re forcing this stuff down their throat.” Nearby, Jack Agates, a 2019 Heritage High School graduate, waited in line to enter the boardroom. “I’m here to support acceptance and equity for Loudoun students. I feel like Loudoun County is a place where everyone should feel like they are accepted and learning is not political, it should never be politicized,” he said, adding that never felt that an agenda was pushed on him when he was a student. n
The state constitution also requires that districts should be “contiguous and compact” and should have roughly equal numbers of citizens. Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) said he plans to offer a motion in the future to ensure that the county has two western districts again—as today’s Catoctin and Blue Ridge districts—although that could be difficult to do without drawing those boundaries to pick up some of the more populous areas in or around Leesburg and east. Today’s Catoctin District already wraps completely around Leesburg and borders the Ashburn District, meaning people in River Creek are voting for the same supervisor and School Board member as people in Neersville. The district today is
estimated home to about 46,000 people, shy of the 53,000 people that county staff members estimate will be in each new district. Meanwhile, Blue Ridge is largest district by population today, but also the largest by acreage—it reaches from the western border to Dulles Airport and encompasses half the county by acreage. It is estimated at 86,000 people, more than twice as many as the least populous district, Sterling, with 41,000 people. Supervisors agreed on a timeline going forward, which will see the board hearing a report on the new census data in October, with a publicly available mapping tool launching on Nov. 1 and taking public submissions until Nov. 30. Supervisors plan to see a summary of possible scenarios on Jan.
18, 2022, and on March 15 choose which to send to a public hearing on May 11. Supervisors on Monday also heard about how much the districts have changed since the lines were drawn in 2011. In 2010, the previous census, Loudoun had a population of roughly 315,000 people. A county contractor now estimates Loudoun County’s population as of July 1, 2020, was 424,000. The county population’s meteoric growth in southeast Loudoun is reflected in those numbers. In addition to the Blue Ridge District, which covers much of southeastern Loudoun, the Dulles District, which encompassed Dulles International Airport, is the second-largest by population with an estimated 66,000 residents. n
been left out.” Israfeel Martínez-Jaka, who for his Eagle Scout project organized and built a reflection area near the Orion Anderson marker, said he was prompted to the project by discussions about lynching in Leesburg. “We decided together that we wanted to create a reflection area for people to remember the injustices of the history of the United States, and to reflect and remember Orion, because he was a human being,” Martínez-Jaka said. “Black lives matter. We can’t just throw away anyone because we think they’re less-than. Today I have a call to action—a call to action about finding the truth. Misinformation has been used to divide us for hundreds of years. This call to action is for myself and everyone else to find the truth through the sea of lies that spreads everywhere.” “If you look at the brothers and sisters around you, I’m so proud, because the tapestry of Loudoun looks like this: many faiths, many ethnicities, many races, but one human fabric,” said Michelle Thomas, president of the Loudoun NAACP.
On display was a quilt that Mary Tucker, CEO of nonprofit My Care Village, said she bought at an estate sale in Virginia Beach for $85. “Upon close inspection, I could tell it was evident it was not an ordinary quilt, from the hastily stitched hand threads, to the blood stains all over this quilt, and to the single yellow square,” Tucker said. She had the quilt looked at by a historian who determined it had been hand-stitched sometime between 1805 and 1860—and the bright yellow square was used to mark a home as a stop along the Underground Railroad for people seeking to escape slavery. Hundreds more gathered at a Burg Family Reunion Club-organized celebration at Ida Lee Park. And at Claude Moore Park, the celebration spanned the afternoon and featured an address from County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) and a flag raising performed by Buffalo Soldiers reenactors. “What Juneteenth is, is independence for all people. We of course recognize
the Fourth of July, but only once the 14th Amendment passed did it mean independence for everyone, so I am thrilled with this Juneteenth. We have four celebrations here in Loudoun County which tells you Loudoun County has been ready for this day,” Randall said. William and Jalissa Cambell of Sterling brought their three children to the Claude Moore event. The family just moved from Georgia, where Juneteenth and the Emancipation Proclamation are annually recognized with celebrations. Since they couldn’t make it down south for the celebration they were happy to have somewhere to commemorate the day here in Loudoun. “We’re African Americans so we’re proud of this,” Campbell said of the event. “This day is a day of reflection and also a time to come together and reflect on the fact that we all contribute in America.” The Claude Moore celebration also featured a musical performance from Reverend Isaac Howard and the Howard Harmonizers. n
‘Learning is Not Political’
JUNE 24, 2021
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
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The Peoples’ Constitution
Revolution and the Declaration of Independence
BY BEN LENHART
Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitutioneach of these fundamentally altered American history, and each continues to shape American life today. This two-part series looks at how all three relate to one another. Part 1 focuses on revolution and the role our Constitution plays in both opening the door to a new American revolution, but also preventing it. With our Independence Day fast approaching, Part 2 next week will look at how the Constitution succeeds— and sometimes fails—in carrying out the goals of the American Revolution laid out in the Declaration of Independence.
You Say You Want a Revolution Miriam Webster defines revolution as “a sudden, radical, or complete change,” or “a fundamental change in political organization.” Massive change is the key idea. Some revolutions are mostly peaceful (such as the “velvet revolution” in Czechoslovakia), but others involve violence and war, such as the American or Russian revolutions. Revolutions are quite common, and the past century alone has witnessed dozens, including revolutions in Ireland, Poland, Romania, Vietnam, Egypt, Algeria, Russia, China and Yugoslavia, just to name a few. The Declaration of Independence sets out the reasons for the American Revolution—a long list of grave injustices committed by England against the American colonists. Even today, if enough Americans were suffering truly grave injustices at the hands of the government, and if those injustices could not be fixed by peaceful means, then, using the words from the Declaration of Independence “it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government … and institute new Government.”
Was the Constitution Itself a Revolution? The American Revolutionary war lasted eight years, ending in 1783 with the Treaty of Paris. The new nation was governed by our first Constitution—the “Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union”—approved by the 13 States in 1781. “Perpetual” they were not, lasting less than a decade. It quickly became apparent that the Articles were not up to the task of governing the new nation. Why did the Articles fail? Americans had just won a long and bloody
war aimed at throwing off the rule of a distant power. The last thing they wanted was to replace King George III with a new king. Nor did they want a new central government that would dictate how they lived their lives. The new Americans wanted freedom and self-rule, with limited government. The Articles gave them what they wanted. Under the Articles, most power was held by the states. There was no true president or federal judiciary. The federal congress was largely impotent, and had little power to tax, raise an army, or regulate commerce. With no “federal referee” to step in and impose order, the states disagreed often, and they presented a disorganized image of America to the rest of the word. Growing problems for the new nation under the Articles led to a search for a solution. The Founding Fathers met in Philadelphia in 1787, and the radical new Constitution they drafted was ratified by the people in 1788. By most measures, this was a new revolution. The new Constitution was a “sudden and radical change” from the past, and gave America a fundamentally new form of government. The differences were stark: no president under the old, but a powerful president under the new; no federal courts under the old but a large new federal judiciary under the new; a weak federal congress under the old, but a strong one under the new; strong states and a weak central government under the old, and the reverse under the new. In short, the new Constitution was such a massive change in the structure of America that it could be seen as the second American revolution, albeit one that was achieved mostly peacefully.
The Constitution Both Invites and Prevents Revolution While our first Constitution was short lived, the second one has shown amazing durability. Our Constitution has endured since 1788 with only 27 amendments (and only 17 since the Bill of Rights were added in 1791). For 233 years, no revolution has overturned the Constitution. In fact, it is now the oldest written constitution in the world. What is the secret of its longevity? Why have we not had a revolution in 233 years when so many other countries have? Part of the answer is that, ironically, the same Constitution that helps foster helps revolutionary movements also helps tamp them down. For example, the Constitution guar-
antees freedom of religion by declaring that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” The Constitution allows people to practice the religion of their choice even if it is a radical one that opposes current laws or practices in America. On the one hand, by allowing the free gathering of such like-minded people (something not permitted in many authoritarian countries) the Constitution may be encouraging the stirrings of a revolutionary movement. On the other hand, it is harder to convince folks to take up arms against the government when that same government is not restricting you, but instead is allowing to freely practice your religion. Who needs arms if we are free to simply recruit more members? A second example is freedom of speech. The First Amendment commands that “Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech.” Americans have vast freedom—more than in most other nations—to say what they want, even if it involves a hard-core attack on the current government, or an argument to replace our current system with communism. In the 1925 case of Gitlow v. New York, the Supreme Court convicted a man for advocating socialism. In a now legendary dissent, Justices Oliver Wendell Holmes and Louis Brandeis argued that this conviction was wrong, and that the Constitution protects exactly this kind of speech. While they conceded that many Americans may disagree strongly with socialist speech, and that such speech seeks to overturn core aspects of American life, they also believed that the fundamental purpose of “freedom of speech” is that even unpopular speech, even speech that attacks the core of our American system, must be protected. It was better, in their view, to let the marketplace of ideas settle the matter, and let speech opposed to socialism defeat speech in favor socialism. Speech that losses the battle in the marketplace of ideas is far weaker than speech crushed by government oppression and force of arms. Holmes’s and Brandeis’s views eventually carried the day (after they had died), and such speech is now clearly protected. On one side, the Constitution encourages and protects even speech that argues for the downfall of the current American system. On the other side, by allowing such speech to be aired and defeated in the public, it weakens that speech and tamps down
the revolutionary forces behind it without resort to a government that crushes dissent by banning anti-government speech and imprisoning the speakers. A final example is democracy itself. Articles 1 and 2 (and several Amendments including 12, 14 and 17) of the Constitution set out election procedures and make clear that Congress and the President shall be elected by the people (or their representatives) for finite terms before they face re-election. These democratic procedures are protected by the Constitution, and yet the same Constitution opens the door to revolution by allowing most anyone to run for office and form a new political party, even one that advocates for communism or seeks to replace the current government with a fundamentally new and different one (in short, a party that seeks a form of revolution). But that same freedom usually defuses the revolutionary fervor—after all, if a revolutionary candidate runs for office in a free and fair election, and falls far short of attracting enough votes to win, it is much harder to blame the government for that failure than it would be if the government banned the candidate or threw him in jail. A quick read of the daily news tells us, sadly, how often this happens in countries lacking the freedoms protected by our Constitution.
Conclusion America has faced many serious challenges during its first 233 years under our Constitution, and it will surely face many more down the road. For many countries, the challenges grow so severe that revolution is the result—the old system and the old Constitution are rejected, often with great loss of life. The drafters of our Constitution knew this, and knew, too, that the safest and most stable form of government is one where the ultimate power resides with the people, where the people have the right to remove bad leaders, and where freedom of religion, freedom of speech and freedom to criticize the government are fundamentally protected. They knew that what doesn’t kill the Constitution makes it stronger. n Ben Lenhart is a graduate of Harvard Law School and has teaches Constitutional Law at Georgetown Law Center. He lives with his family and lots of animals on a farm near Hillsboro.
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