n LOUDOUN
Pg. 4 | n LEESBURG
VOL. 7, NO. 2
Pg. 6 | n EDUCATION
Pg. 8 | n OBITUARIES
Pg. 14 | n PUBLIC NOTICES
We've got you covered. In the mail weekly. Online always at LoudounNow.com
Legislators Look Ahead to Changes in Richmond BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
When state lawmakers return to Richmond early next year, they also will return to a Virginia tradition: divided government. With Republicans taking control of statewide offices and the House of Delegates in November’s election, Democrats have fallen from two years of rare single-party control of state government to now holding just a single-seat majority in the state Senate. And as Loudoun has become more blue, the majority of voters here found themselves in the historically unusual position of voting for the losing candidate for governor, going for Democrat Terry McAuliffe by an 11-point margin. This year, Loudoun voters also once again find themselves represented almost wholly by Democrats, who held off the red wave that flipped House of Delegates seats elsewhere in the state. That will mean big changes for Loudoun’s representatives in Richmond. “It’s worth a comment that we don’t know what committees we’ll be on,” said Del. Wendy W. Gooditis (D-10). “So, for some of us, the committees that we’ve been most useful on in the last two years, we might not be on at all, so that always could get in the way of our priorities.” In her case, she said, that especially involves the House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee, and the intersection between agriculture and climate change. “If I am removed from the Agriculture Committee, that could seriously impact my effectiveness there,” she said.
Pg. 27
DECEMBER 2, 2021
Supervisors Prepare for Electoral Map Options BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
party before, was less optimistic. “My first session, 2018 and 2019, my first two sessions were under Republican control with a Republican speaker, and they really clamped down,” Gooditis said. “Especially in my second session there, which was the one before the campaign for reelection, they clamped down on my bills to such an extent that the simplest bills given to me by the governor’s administration to carry—very, very simple, straightforward, useful bills—they made up reasons to kill.” In 2019, Gooditis saw one non-ceremonial bill pass, legislation expanding
The next time county supervisors and School Board members run for office, it will be in districts that rebalance the population counts in each following another decade of significant growth. Tuesday was the last day for public submissions to help county supervisors redraw the local electoral map. As part of the work to come up with new maps, the county solicited proposals from the public for those new maps, accepting submissions online through Nov. 30. And with that, unlike the state redistricting process, the county redistricting process so far remains on schedule. In December, county staff members will review the submitted maps, evaluating them against the criteria set down by state law and the county supervisor, who have said they have no interest in gerrymandering or politicking with the new map. Supervisors will see those new maps and county staff analysis in January, expected to be Jan. 18, and discuss them again in February. The online map creator also will not be the public’s last chance to offer input on the next Loudoun elec-
GENERAL ASSEMBLY continues on page 39
ELECTORAL MAP continues on page 39
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Del. Karrie K. Delaney (D-67), Del. David A. Reid (D-32), Del. Suhas Subramanyam (D-87) and Sen. Barbara A. Favola (D-31) take part in a ribbon cutting ceremony in Sterling. The four Democrats will return to a Richmond where statewide offices and the House of Delegates are in Republican control.
Del. Suhas Subramanyam (D-87) said he’s hopeful the delegation will still be able to tackle local, bread-and-butter issues. “There’s going to be things that we can do this session that are bipartisan or nonpartisan, and so I want to work across the aisle to make sure that we restore, for instance, funding to [the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority] and be able to fully fund our roads and future construction projects,” Subramanyam said. “And I also want to make sure we fully fund our schools, and make sure teacher pay is closer to on par with the national average, so we can attract good teachers.” Gooditis, who has been in the minority
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LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 3
Plan for Leesburg Mobile Home Park Shows 80 Townhouses
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Saiedi on progress regarding the sale, or plans for potential future redevelopment. The potential sale of the decades-old mobile home park went public in August, with letters sent to residents informing them an $11 million offer had been made for the property. Since then, mobile home park residents have become a constant and vocal presence at Leesburg Town Council meetings, pleading with their elected representatives to do something to allow them to remain in their homes on the property. Among the rallying cries from the residents, many of whom have lived in the 75 homes there for years, has been that there is no equal affordable option for them to relocate in Loudoun County or even in nearby jurisdictions. Mobile park resident Erin Taylor has become something of a spokeswoman for the community, advocating on her and her neighbors’ behalf, translating for them during Town Council meetings, and laying out the top three desires of the
Children swing at the playground at the Leesburg Mobile Park where residents are worried they could be displace by redevelopment of the property.
MOBILE HOME PARK continues on page 38
BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ
krodriguez@loudounnow.com
An initial concept plan from potential Leesburg Mobile Park purchaser Darius Saiedi shows the 7.2-acre property could become a townhouse development, if the pending sale goes through. Saiedi held a pre-application meeting with town staff in late October, and the current sketch plan shows drawings for an 80-unit townhouse development with one- and two-car garages. He was initially expected to close on the sale of the land by the end of the year, but the study period has been rumored to have been extended to move closing into as late as February 2022. Saiedi has not returned multiple calls for comment on the sale. Public Information Officer Betsy Arnett said she understood that Saiedi had scheduled a phone call this week with representatives of mobile park residents, but that could not be confirmed. During recent public meetings, mobile park residents have bemoaned the lack of communication from
Data Show Literacy Gap for Students of Color BY HAYLEY BOUR hbour@loudounnow.com
Testing data show a disturbing trend towards illiteracy that disproportionately impacts students of color: many children in the county aren’t learning to read. The data reflect that illiteracy rates in the Loudoun County Public Schools has increased slowly since 2011, due in part to variable learning conditions and implementation of high benchmarks. Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening, or PALS, assessments are commissioned by the Virginia Department of Education to identify students at risk of reading difficulties. The test is administered to students in grades K-8. The audit of Loudoun schools offered data on first and second grade test takers during the spring test. Last year’s test revealed a stark contrast between literacy of white students and students of color. Black and white students failed the testing at a 26% rate last year. The data shows that Black students’ failure rate to typically be about 5 percentage points
higher than white students. Hispanic students, though, failed at a 52% rate—up from 33% in 2019. The dichotomy, in part, might be attributable to the language students speak at home. Last year, English learners failed at a 38% rate, while the failure rate for non-English learners was 22%. Additionally, socioeconomic status appears to have a large impact on literacy. More than half of economically disadvantaged students failed literacy testing, compared to about 20% of non-economically disadvantaged students who failed last year. Of all test takers, 27% failed the PALS spring test in 2021. In the spring 2019 test, the failure rate was 17%. PALS data was not collected in 2020. During a work session ahead of its meeting on Tuesday, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Ashley Ellis and representatives from TNTP, the nonprofit that conducted the literacy audit, presented the details of the findings. School Board member Denise Corbo (At-Large), a former teacher, was joined two years ago by John Beatty
(Catoctin) and then-Leesburg District representative Beth Barts in requesting a comprehensive audit of the school division’s shortcomings. Although various test scores dipped across the state during the pandemic, Corbo said the division needed to address literacy as it analyzed COVID-related learning loss. “Reading sets the foundation of all learning. The pandemic may be contributing to learning gaps and behavior problems in all grades. However, a contributing factor may be compounding those issues—that a large group of students never learned to read,” Corbo said. The test takers last spring might have experienced the most adverse learning and testing environment of all. “The scores in 2020-2021 are not valid because there is no way to discern if a student was assessed remotely with assistance or in school from a distance with masks on to muffle production and hearing of sounds and letters,” according to the report. During the work session, board members expressed concern over the curriculum. The division has used a core cur-
riculum called Units of Study for about 10 years, said Neil Slevin, executive director of Teaching and Learning, told the board. Ellis suggested that if the curriculum were changed, the funds would be accounted for in the fiscal year 2024 budget. Andrew Hoyler (Broad Run) suggested employing Loudoun teachers to design a curriculum specifically suited to the division’s needs. “We have a number of amazing teachers across the county who are passionate about literacy and would love to have a seat at the table to develop the next step. I do think at times that we as LCPS like to go for the newest latest and greatest methods that aren’t truly needed,” Hoyler said. Ellis said that the next step is to identify elements that the division should implement in a core reading curriculum. Corbo suggested holding a work session with administration and members of the public to explore the findings from the audit and possible changes to the reading curriculum. n
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 4
DECEMBER 2, 2021
ON THE agenda
Loudoun
Free COVID-19 Testing Continues This Month
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
A Loudoun County District Court judge has issued an order for cleanup at Gable Farm, where an illegal dirt stockpile has drawn complaints for years.
Court Orders Regrading of Gable Farm Dirt Stockpile LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
Three years after regulators first issued a notice of violation, the Loudoun County District Court has ordered the owners of Gable Farm near Hamilton to level fill dirt that was been placed there against county zoning ordinances and an approved site plan. Loudoun County officials investigated complaints around Gable Farm near
Hamilton, where in 2015 the county had approved a plan to use the property as a recreation field and issued a grading permit. Instead, the property was used to stockpile fill dirt, which grew higher than the approved permits. Virginia Department of Environmental Quality analysis found the fill material was made primarily of soil, bricks, asphalt, concrete and rocks.
In 2017, the county issued a Notice of Violation for failing to follow the approved plan. In 2018, after more neighbor complaints, county officials found elevations on the property that exceeded approved levels and issued a stop work order to the Gable Farm owner, as well as issuing a second violation notice. GABLE FARM continues on page 38
The events will be: • DEC. 7: Dulles South Recreation & Community Center, 24950 Riding Center Drive, South Riding • DEC. 14: Franklin Park, 17501 Franklin Park Drive, Purcellville
• DEC. 21: Claude Moore Park, 46150 Loudoun Park Lane in Sterling
New Sterling DMV Office Celebrated
• DEC. 28: Philip A. Bolen Memorial Park, 42405 Claudia Drive, Leesburg
BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com
The opening of a new Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Customer Service Center in Sterling was marked with a ribbon cutting Tuesday. The new Sterling DMV actually has been open since October, but the ribbon cutting was delayed by COVID-19 concerns, said DMV Commissioner Rich Holcomb. The office sits unusually near a service center in Fairfax County. Earlier plans had called for replacing the older office with the new Sterling office; instead, both
Loudoun County will continue to offer free weekly COVID-19 testing in December, on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at a different location each week. Health officials encourage anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to COVID-19 to get tested, along with anyone exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue and a new loss of taste or smell. Anyone who traveled for the Thanksgiving holiday or plans to travel for the December holidays and gather with family and friends is also encouraged to get tested a few days before and after traveling or gathering in groups. Testing events are free and open to all with no age or residency requirements and no prescriptions or appointments necessary. A person does not have to exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 to be tested. No COVID-19 vaccine will be available at these events.
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
State leaders and architects involved in the project cut a ceremonial ribbon at the already open new DMV office in Sterling.
will stay open. Del. David A. Reid (D-32) said that is needed in a very populous area. “Between the Fairfax County border and Belmont Ridge Road there’s about 250,000 residents who are going to be re-
lying on both this facility as well as the one you’re leaving open. … I’m really grateful that you’re keeping the other one open as well,” Reid told Holcomb during the Nov. 30 event. STERLING DMV continues on page 38
In addition to the COVID-19 testing events hosted by the county, there are other testing locations and providers in Loudoun and the region. Visit loudoun.gov/covid19testing to find one, or to fill out a registration form for a county testing event. Anyone with questions about COVID-19, including the upcoming testing events, can call the Loudoun County Health Department’s information line at 703-737-8300 or send an email to health@loudoun.gov. ON THE ADENDA continues on page 5
DECEMBER 2, 2021
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
Supervisors Seek New Ashburn Glass Recycling Spot BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
A new glass recycling drop-off could be coming to Ashburn. Loudoun County supervisors decided in 2020 that including glass in Loudoun’s otherwise single-stream recycling is too expensive and wasteful, in part because shattered glass in a recycling container can contaminate other recyclables and send that container to the landfill instead.
ON THE Agenda continued from page 4
Workforce Resource Center Open in New Location The Loudoun Workforce Resource Center has reopened at its new location in the AutoZone Shopping Center, 705 E Market Street in Leesburg. The Loudoun Workforce Resource Center is part of the Loudoun County Department of Family Services and is a Virginia Career Works Affiliate. It provides no-cost resources and equipment to both job seekers and employers, including online and in-person career development workshops, job postings, job search assistance and career resources navigation, Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act program eligibility screenings, and business services for employers such talent retention and talent acquisition services, employee training and developmental services, and business and workforce consultation services. Visit the center online at loudoun.gov/ wrc. The center is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
Real Property Tax Deadline Dec. 6 The deadline for payment of the second half real property tax is Monday, Dec. 6. Payments received or postmarked after Dec. 6 will incur a 10% late payment penalty. Additional interest at the rate of 10% per annum will be assessed. Taxpayers who are having financial difficulties can contact the Treasurer’s Collections Team at 703-771-5656 for assistance. Payments may be made online at loudounportal.com/taxes; on the The Link2Loudoun app from the iPhone App Store and the Google Play Store; or
Instead, they launched a pilot glass recycling program in July 2020, with separate purple bins for collecting glass. The program later was expanded from three to six drop-offs, and Supervisor Sylvia R. Glass (D-Broad Run) has asked county staff members to find a location for a seventh in Ashburn in the 20147 ZIP code. “I’ve heard from several constituents in Broad Run that recycling their glass separately from the rest of their recyclaby by calling 1-800-269-5971. They may also be mailed to County of Loudoun, P.O. Box 1000, Leesburg, VA 20177; or dropped off at the Treasurer’s Office locations, 1 Harrison St. SE in Leesburg or 21641 Ridgetop Circle, Suite 104 in Sterling. People who have not received your bill or have questions can contact the Treasurer’s Office at 703-777-0280 or taxes@loudoun.gov. For information about real property tax exemptions and deferrals, contact the Exemptions Division of the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue at tcor@loudoun.gov, by phone at 703-7378557 or go to loudoun.gov/taxrelief. n
bles is difficult due to the lack of convenient recycling locations,” Glass said. She said the closest glass drop-offs for those residents is in Sterling, Leesburg or Arcola. Supervisors on Nov. 3 unanimously voted to direct the county Department of General Services to study the feasibility, cost, and possible locations for a new glass recycling container. The glass collected at the county’s recycling drop-off centers is delivered to
PAGE 5 Fairfax County to be used in construction projects, and may also be sent to other facilities that are able to recycle it. Currently, glass drop-offs are at provided at the Arcola Recycling Center, 24244 Stone Springs Boulevard; the Central Western Loudoun Recycling Center, 38159 Colonial Highway; the Landfill Recycling Center, 21101 Evergreen Mills Road; the Mickie Gordon Park Recycling Center, 23229 Carters Farm Lane; the Philomont Recycling Center, 36560 Jeb Stuart Road; and the Sterling Park Recycling Center, 400 W. Laurel Ave. n
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PAGE 6
Council Again Refuses to Reconsider Vaccine Mandate, Resignations Begin BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ
krodriguez@loudounnow.com
It was déjà vu all over again during last week’s Leesburg Town Council meeting, as a council majority removed from consideration a vote to repeal its previous action mandating the COVID-19 vaccine for the town’s full- and parttime employees, and most of its board and commission members. Councilwoman Suzanne Fox initially sought a vote on rescinding the council’s Oct. 12 action at the council’s Nov. 9 meeting. But then, as was the case last week, Councilman Neil Steinberg put forward a vote to adopt the evening’s business meeting agenda without the motion to rescind the action. Both times the vote passed 5-2, with Fox and Councilwoman Kari Nacy dissenting. Both those for and against the vaccine mandate again spoke out during the petitioner’s section of the Nov. 23 council meeting, either praising or scolding council members for choosing not to entertain a vote on the recission. Nacy asked the matter to again be added to the council’s Dec. 14 agenda for a vote. That meeting will be perhaps the council’s last opportunity to consider repealing the vaccine mandate, barring an as-yet-unscheduled special meeting. All town employees and board and commission members who are required to comply with the mandate must have either both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine by Jan. 11, or face termination. The council elected not to offer a testing-in-lieu-of-vaccination option. While the council has been warned by some of its own town employees that resignations would be forthcoming, data provided by Public Information Officer Betsy Arnett indicates that may have already begun, with more than a month left to still comply with the mandate. Between Oct. 12, the night of the council’s vote on the mandate, to this week, 11 of the town’s 351 full-time employees have submitted their resignations. However, Arnett clarified, none indicated that their resignations were caused by the mandate. Of the town’s 391 part-time employees, three MANDATES continues on page 20
DECEMBER 2, 2021
Leesburg
Clemente Appointed to Leesburg Planning Commission BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com
A former member of Leesburg’s Planning Commission, and a recent candidate for the 10th District House of Delegates seat, is back on the appointed body, but the move was not without controversy. The Town Council voted 4-3 on Nov. 23 to appoint Nick Clemente to the commission. Clemente was Councilwoman Kari Nacy’s Clemente nominee, and replaces Rick Lanham, who recently resigned. Clemente previously served on commission in 2020 and was also considered for appointment to a vacant council seat that year, following Josh Thiel’s resignation. That consideration met with its own controversy, with the council ultimately choosing to not appoint anyone, and the council seat remaining vacant for the last half of the year. Clemente recently was the Republican challenger for Del. Wendy Gooditis (D-10)’s House of Dele-
gates seat, falling less than 1,000 votes short of victory. Councilman Neil Steinberg pulled a vote on Clemente’s appointment from last Tuesday’s list of non-contested action items and opposed the appointment. While acknowledging that council member nominations are usually a pro forma matter, roundly supported by fellow council members, Steinberg said in his opinion Clemente “mispresented himself and subsequently personally attacked the integrity of several members of council when he didn’t get his way” during the consideration of the council appointment. “That’s his prerogative as well as it is mine to withhold support,” for the commission appointment, Steinberg said. Mayor Kelly Burk also raised her objections to Clemente’s appointment. “In my 20 years of [council] service, I don’t remember challenging a council member’s selection of appointee to any commission, but this one I feel compelled to do so,” she said. “From past actions both in public and private [Clemente] doesn’t have the temperament, judgment or integrity to be appointed to this position.”
Burk declined to elaborate on her claims following the vote. Burk, Steinberg and Vice Mayor Marty Martinez opposed the appointment, while council members Zach Cummings, Ara Bagdasarian, Suzanne Fox and Nacy were in support. Reached the following day, Clemente commended Cummings and Bagdasarian for “putting politics aside and doing what is best for the Town of Leesburg and the smart growth opportunities that we face in town.” He said he was excited about rejoining the commission and again working with commissioners and town staff, and especially was looking forward to working with commission chair Gigi Robinson, who he called “an institution of knowledge in the Town of Leesburg.” While he commended Steinberg for “standing for what he believes in,” he questioned why Burk brought their political differences into the advisory panel appointment. “I’m a little blown away it’s become so partisan and she has to make an appointment to the Planning Commission so personal,” he said. Clemente’s term on the Planning Commission runs through 2024. n
Council Begins Virginia Village Review BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ
krodriguez@loudounnow.com
The Leesburg Town Council last week held a public hearing on the redevelopment plans for the Virginia Village shopping center property, with owner Brian Cullen finding strong support for his vision from speakers who participated. The Nov. 23 hearing, followed a months-long review by the town Planning Commission, which ultimately recommended denial of the rezoning application for the 18.48-
acre property. The proposal involves three requests: a Town Plan amendment to change 2.68 acres of the 18.48-acre property from a Downtown designation to Crescent Design District; rezoning the entire 18.48 acres to CD-RH (Crescent District-Residential High Density) or CD-CC (Crescent District-Commercial Corridor); and a special exception to permit alteration of the floodplain along a portion of the Town Branch to permit the construction of a pedestrian bridge linking the development to
Harrison Street and Raflo Park. In what Cullen has characterized as a litmus test of sorts for the council’s vision for the Crescent District, his redevelopment plan calls for a mixed-use community with ample green and amenity spaces, parking structures mostly hidden within buildings in keeping with the town’s Crescent Design District standards, and 643 residential units—the majority of which are multi-family VIRGINIA VILLAGE REVIEW continues on page 20
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
DECEMBER 2, 2021
Dentler Receives 4% Raise BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com
Leesburg Police Department Photo
Leesburg Town Manager Kaj Dentler has received a vote of confidence from almost all the members of the Town Council. The council voted 5-2 Nov. 23 to award Dentler a 4% salary increase. That’s the second such increase Dentler has received this calendar year, attribut-
ed to a deviation in protocol during last fall’s annual review. Traditionally, the Town Council holds an annual closed-door performance review with the town manager and typically awards some type of pay increase or bonus. Last November, Dentler had another successful evaluation with the council, but council members opted to wait to award his annual increase until April of this year because
PAGE 7 of the financial impacts of the lingering COVID-19 pandemic. Last Tuesday’s salary increase puts the traditional process followed by the council back on track and in line with the terms spelled out in Dentler’s contract. With the increase, Dentler’s salary now stands at $218,650. Council members Suzanne Fox and Kari Nacy dissented, with Fox pulling the matter from last Tuesday’s consent agenda for a standalone vote. Both declined to comment on their reasons for opposing the increase. n
Elmore and K-9 handler Officer Lelia Brickley.
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The Leesburg Police Department has grown by four legs, with the addition of its newest K-9. Elmore, a 1-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer, came to the department by way of an anonymous $15,000 donation that covered the costs of the purchase and training of a new K-9. The donation was made by a family in memory of FBI Special Agent Charles W. Elmore, and the department elected to name its new pooch in honor of the late FBI agent. On Aug. 9, 1979, Elmore, along with FBI agents John Oliver and Robert Porter, was fatally shot at the El Centro, CA, FBI Field Office by a gunman who then took his own life. K-9 Elmore has received training in patrol duties that include tracking missing persons. Elmore has also been trained in drug detection, excluding the now state-legal marijuana. He is paired with K-9 handler Officer Lelia Brickley, a three-year veteran of the department. The duo recently graduated their basic K-9 handler course. “I am excited to welcome Elmore to the LPD family. Working together, K-9 Elmore and Officer Brickley will assist in serving and protecting our community through such tasks as locating missing juveniles, as well as locating those experiencing cognitive impairments who become lost,” stated Leesburg Chief of Police Gregory Brown. “I also want the community to know that true heroes are never forgotten. We honor the memory of FBI Special Agent Charles Elmore through our newest K-9 team member.” n
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LOUDOUNNOW.COM
DECEMBER 2, 2021
Education
Board Removes Punishments for Unpaid Student Meal Debt BY HAYLEY BOUR
hbour@loudounnow.com
Loudoun’s School Board on Tuesday approved a change to its policy on school meal debt that will limit the punishment students and families may face for not making payments. This year, all students have access to one free meal a day thanks to a federal USDA program. Previously, only students whose families qualify as low-income could receive free and subsidized meals. Under the program, students must still pay for a la cart items and second meals. It is still unclear whether that program will extend beyond this year. Under the revised policy, the School Board may not file lawsuits against students’ parents if they cannot pay their child’s meal debt. Additionally, employees may not force a child to throw away food that they’ve already been served if they cannot pay. Staff members also would be prohibited from forcing students who can’t pay for
Loudoun Now File Photo
More students already are getting free meals at school this year through a federal program. Now ,the School Board is waiving penalties for those behind on payments.
food to wear a handstamp or wristband. The School Board approved the pol-
icy change during its Nov. 30 meeting as part of its consent agenda, a package
of noncontroversial items that passes unanimously. n
Reaser Removal Case to Begin with Signature Certification Review BY HAYLEY BOUR
hbour@loudounnow.com
During a Circuit Court hearing Monday in the case to remove Vice Chairwoman Atoosa Reaser (Algnokian) from the School Board, Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj Reaser said that the signatures on the removal petition would be reviewed for certification by the county Office of Elections and Voter Registration before moving forward. “We need to figure out what the allegations are and that the facts support it,” Biberaj said. She also told Judge James A. Fisher that the petitions were drafted and signatures were collected without the knowledge or guidance of her office.
Rasha Saad/ Loudoun4All
Supporters demonstrate outside of the courthouse before a hearing in the removal case against Atoosa Reaser (Algonkian).
Biberaj is seeking the same certification and review of the petition to remove
Chairwoman Brenda Sheridan (Sterling). The petition, organized by the group
Fight for Schools, amassed 1,859 signatures. The signers are required to be registered voters in the Algonkian District. Similar to the petition filed to remove Sheridan, the petition alleges that Reaser had knowledge of a sexual assault scandal in the school district, and was involved in a private Facebook group where members compiled lists of parents opposed to the district’s racial equity efforts. Involvement in that group, petitioners charge, is a violation of open-door meetings laws for elected officials. The charge that Reaser should be removed because of the sexual assault scandal has raised eyebrows, because other board members who are not facing a removal effort appear to have had the same knowledge that Reaser did. In response to Biberaj seeking certification of the signatures, Fight for Schools Executive Director Ian Prior said that the REASER REMOVAL continues on page 14
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
DECEMBER 2, 2021
School Division Paying More for Liability Insurance HAYLEY BOUR hbour@loudounnow.com
The Loudoun County school division is paying an additional $211,434 to the Virginia Association of Counties Risk Management Program, its insurance coverage provider, this year. Those increases in coverage are dispersed across several categories. The receipts, obtained by Freedom of Information Act request, show that for Fiscal Year 2022, the division paid VACORP $1,709,944, up from $1,498,510 in 2021. The largest increase was additional property coverage. This year, property coverage costs $854,000—a $166,204 increase from last year’s tab. This year, the division is paying
roughly an additional $16,000 for inland marine insurance—covering materials and items transported by truck or train, or stored by a third party. The cost for general liability coverage this year is $128,371. The hike in coverage comes as the division faces a number of high-profile lawsuits. PE teacher Tanner Cross, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, settled with the division for $20,000 after being put on paid administrative leave for speaking out against transgender student protections. The division and ADF remain in ongoing litigation over Policy 8040, which provides rights for transgender and gender expansive students. The division is also responsible for the legal fees of School Board mem-
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bers facing a removal effort. This year, that has included coverage for Beth Barts, the former Leesburg District representative, Chairwoman Brenda Sheridan (Sterling) and Vice Chairwoman Atoosa Reaser (Algonkian) as they battle recall petitions in Loudoun County Circuit Court. In federal court, Patti Menders, the chairwoman of the Loudoun County Republican Women’s Club, is suing the district over its equity program. The lawsuit contends that white children faced discrimination and exclusion from groups that work to eliminate racial inequity in schools. VACorp pays legal fees in cases up to $25,000. If fees exceed that, the school division is responsible for remaining fees. n
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Ashburn High Schools Inch Toward State Football Titles The Stone Bridge Bulldogs, 13-0 on the season, will face Highland Springs High School at home on Saturday in the Virginia 5D semifinals. The Bulldogs blanked Mountain View High School last Friday, 37-0. Standout senior quarterback Jacob Thomas and head coach Mickey Thompson are eying their second consecutive state championship title. In the 4A division, the Broad Run Spartans will compete in the VHSL football semifinals this weekend, facing Salem High School. The Spartans posted a 13-1 record on the season. With a win in Saturday’s semifinal game, the Spartans will have a chance to win their third state title in program history. Both games kick off at 2 p.m. n
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PAGE 10
DECEMBER 2, 2021
Public Safety
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The scene of the Nov. 25 house fire on Wilt Store Road near Lucketts.
Lucketts-area Family Displaced, Firefighter Injured in Thanksgiving Day Fire LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
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The Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office attributed the cause of a Thanksgiving Day house fire that displaced a family to a malfunction in a golf cart stored beneath the home’s covered deck. At 11:52 a.m. Nov. 25, county dispatchers received a call reporting a house fire on Wilt Store Road. Units from Lucketts, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Leesburg, Hamilton, and Frederick County, MD were dispatched to the scene. The first arriving units reported the home was fully involved in fire with fire extending to the surrounding woods. Residents were not in the home. More fire units, including a Rapid Intervention Task Force and a Tanker Task Force, were called to assist. Firefighters used water from a pond on the property as their water supply. The fire was brought under control in approximately 90 minutes. One firefighter was injured and transported to the hospital for treatment of
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injuries described as non-life-threatening. A civilian on the scene also was injured but refused transport. Investigators determined the fire was accidental, caused by a malfunction within a golf cart stored on the exterior of the home underneath a covered deck. Damages to the home and its contents were estimated at $487,000. The Fire Marshal’s Office issued safety tips based on the incident: •Use only electrical devices and cords listed for outdoor use, and follow the manufacturer’s specifications. • Inspect electrical cords for damage before use. Check for cracked or frayed sockets, exposed or bare wires, and loose connections. Never use a cord that feels hot or is damaged in any way. •Test and clean smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors monthly. If the smoke alarms are not working properly, contact the county’s smoke alarm program hotline 703-737-8093 or go to loudoun.gov/smokealarms. n
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SAFETY briefs High Speed Rt. 7 Chase Ends in Leesburg Four teens in a stolen car led a Virginia State Police trooper on a high-speed chase on Rt. 7 Sunday night. According to the report, just after 8:30 p.m. Nov. 28, a trooper initiated a traffic stop on a Honda Civic that was traveling at 90 miles per hour eastbound on Rt. 7 near the Rt. 287 interchange. The driver refused to stop and a pursuit was initiated. The chase ended on East Market Street in Leesburg when the trooper performed a PIT maneuver to force the vehicle to turn sideways and it came to a stop near the Plaza Street intersection. The driver and three passengers all fled on foot. A search was conducted with the assistance of the Leesburg Police Department, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and the Fairfax County Police helicopter. The suspects—all male juveniles from Herndon—were apprehended without incident. Further investigation found the Honda
had been reported stolen in Fairfax County last week. It displayed a West Virginia temporary license plate that was not registered to the vehicle. The incident remains under investigation.
toward East Maple Avenue. Anyone who has any information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective K. Mitchell at 703-777-1021. You may also submit a tip through the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office app.
Deputies Seek 3 Suspects in Sterling Mugging
Home Entered, Car Stolen Overnight in Potomac Lakes
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a reported robbery that occurred Saturday night in Sterling. According to the report, the teenaged victim reported he left the Herndon area and was walking in the area of East Maple Avenue and Lee Road before 9 p.m. Nov. 27 when he was approached by three unknown males. One displayed a firearm and two others displayed knives. The suspects took his belongings, including a backpack and cell phone. He was not injured. The suspects were described as Hispanic males in their late teens to early 20s wearing dark clothing. They fled on foot
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a burglary, auto theft, and larcenies from vehicles that occurred overnight Tuesday in the Potomac Lakes neighborhood. Deputies responded to a Springwood Court home shortly before 4:30 a.m. Nov. 30 for a report of auto theft. The homeowner was awakened by an alert from a home surveillance system and discovered his vehicle was missing from the driveway and that the someone had attempted to enter the home. The vehicle has since been recovered in the area. The keys had been left inside the car at the time of the theft.
A resident on Saffron Court awoke that same morning to find the home had been entered sometime overnight. It appears someone entered an unlocked car parked outside and used a garage door opener to gain entry to the home. The subject took a purse from inside the home. The Sheriff’s Office also is investigating larcenies from other vehicles in the area on Springwood Court, Saffron Court, and Oakhurst Court. Anyone with any information regarding these cases or who may have exterior home surveillance video is asked to contact Detective J. Breeden at 703-7771021, or James.Breeden@loudoun.gov. You may also submit a tip through the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office app. Residents are reminded to remove all items from their vehicle, including garage door openers and key fobs, when not in use. If your vehicle has an integrated garage door opener, it is recommended to park it in the garage or a well-lit area. n
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LOUDOUNNOW.COM
DECEMBER 2, 2021
Nonprofit
Venkat Recognized During Thanksgiving Day Game LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
Ashburn’s Shreyaa Venkat was among three people recognized at halftime during the Thanksgiving Day football game between the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions by America250 and the NFL for the 2021 America250 Awards. America250 is the celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026, led by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission created by Congress in 2016. The 2021 class of America250 Awards is the organization’s first, and was created to recognize Americans who “exemplify the intangible qualities of the American spirit,” according to the organization. Venkat was honored alongside Army Sgt. 1st Class Christopher D. Braman of Orange County, CA, recognized for his actions at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, and Lilburn Police Sgt. Almedin Ajanovic of Dacula, GA, who was recognized for his actions leading two people to safety from a train derailment and fire. Each of the winners received two roundtrip tickets, accommodations to the Thanksgiving Day game, and were presented with a trophy. Venkat was named Community Champion, which recognizes an individual who embodies the everyday courage of the country’s extraordinary citizens who take heroic action to make local communities better, according to America250. Now a 19-year-old student at Georgetown University, as a Loudoun County Public
Instagram.com/250america
Army Sgt. 1st Class Christopher D. Braman of Orange County, CA, Shreyaa Venkat of Ashburn and Lilburn Police Sgt. Almedin Ajanovic of Dacula, GA at the Thanskgiving Day game between the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions for the 2021 America250 Awards.
Schools student she founded NEST4US, a nonprofit dedicated to tackling global hunger, quality education, and other societal issues. The organization has had more than 3,000 volunteers who have impacted tens of thousands of people in 22 countries across six continents.
“It is truly an honor and privilege to be selected as the 2021 America250 Award Community Champion. As a young female entrepreneur of color, I’m proud to foster a community built upon mutual respect, inclusivity, empathy and kindness that empowers others to take action and
build a better, brighter future for our nation and beyond,” Venkat stated. America250’s commemoration period began in 2020, culminates on July 4, 2026, and officially concludes in 2027. For more information, go to america250.org. n
GIVING back Toys for Tots Fundraising Continues With organizers of the annual Toys for Tots campaign opting to continue its cautious approach during the pandemic, fundraising to purchase gifts to distribute to Loudoun families is continuing. Because of the continued high level of community transmission of COVID-19 in the community, the organization will not be bringing groups of volunteers to collect, sort and distribute toys as in years past. Instead, it is partnering with four charities—Help for Others, LINK, Mo-
bile Hope and The Salvation Army. Families may register to participate by going to the “Apply for Toys” section of the organization’s website, loudoun-va.toysfortots.org. Toys for Tots leaders will take the requests and work with area stores to purchase the toys and deliver them to the partner organizations for distribution. Coordinator Frank Holtz said that monetary donations are key to making this year’s campaign successful, providing toys to children who otherwise might not receive any at Christmas. The organization has a number of
fundraising events planned with the support of area businesses. On Friday, American Shine Detailing & Noble Athletics in Sterling will hold a special event to raise monetary donations. From 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 3, the business will give away raffle prizes, display exotic and custom cars and offer a functional fitness class. The event will be held at 22135 Davis Drive. See more events and to follow the campaign’s progress go to the Loudoun County Marine Corps League Detachment 1205 Facebook page.
Sheriff’s Office Partners with Cole’s Closet The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has again partnered with the nonprofit Cole’s Closet to donate toys for children while they are at the hospital. Last year, county residents helped the agency collect almost 5,000 toys for its annual Santa Ride for Cole’s Closet. Donations of toys for children aged infant to 17 years old will be acGIVING BACK continues on page 14
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
DECEMBER 2, 2021
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LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 14
Obituaries
Reaser removal continued from page 8
Warren Thomas Braham 2/19/1932 – 11/22/2021
Theodore Russell Heskett, Jr. 10/13/1934 – 11/18/2021
Theodore (Tommy) R. Heskett, Jr., 87, of Leesburg, VA died on November 18th, 2021 in the presence of his children at Fox Trail Senior Living in Front Royal, VA due to a host of pre-existing conditions. Tommy, a life-long Loudoun native, was born on October 13th 1934 to his parents Theodore R. Heskett, Sr. and Grace Moxley Heskett. He graduated from Leesburg High School in 1952 and began a career in the autobody repair business. Tommy began a series of successful autobody shops in Fairfax and Loudoun, culminating with Leesburg Auto Body prior to his retirement. He married Janie Louise Munday in 1957 and they raised their family in Leesburg and later Philomont. His interests centered on his family, gardening, travel, racehorses and local sports teams. He and Janie were avid travelers - be it ocean cruises or road trips; he always enjoyed a garden patch with rows of tomatoes; knew his way around Shenandoah Downs and Charles Town Race Track as an owner and trainer of thoroughbreds; and rooted for his Washington Senators, Redskins, and Nationals. Tommy is preceded in death by his wife Janie, his parents Theodore Sr. and Grace, his brother Donald and sister Florence (Welch). He is survived by his five children Gary, Teri, Lori, Tami and Troy; his daughter-in-laws Cynthia and Andrea; his sisters Margaret (Creel) and Helen (Hammond); numerous nephews and nieces; and six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tommy’s name to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork St., #405, Winchester, VA 22601 are appreciated. Services were held on November 24, 2021. Please share online condolences with the family at www.loudounfuneralchapel.com
Warren Thomas Braham of Ashburn, VA passed away on Monday, November 22, at INOVA Loudoun Hospital after a short illness. Warren, was a long time resident of Loudoun County where his leadership, sharp wit, wisdom, and belly laughter inspired those who knew him to be their very best. Warren was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on February 19, 1932 to Francis George and Ruth Braham. He was raised in Merrick, Long Island New York. He graduated from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia and earned his Juris Doctorate from The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia. Warren’s career focused on building Trust Departments at several banks in Virginia starting in the late 1950s. He met his bride Anne at one of those small banks in Lynchburg, Virginia where together they started their family with the births of Mike and Sue. His only job outside of Virginia, in the early 1960s, was to St. Paul, Minnesota where their daughter Karen made the family complete. Warren completed his career in Leesburg, Virginia as the local President of First American Bank. Warren is survived by his loving wife Anne, of 62 years, his son Mike Braham (Lisa), daughter Sue Braham McDonough (Brian), daughter Karen Braham Savopoulos, (Mark). His grandchildren; Shawn, Josh and Shannan McDonough, Alexandra O’Connor, Austin Braham, Dylan, Kylie, Ryan and Kendall Savopoulos and three great grandchildren, Wells and Adaire O’Connor and Sadie Grace McDonough. Warren will be best remembered for his wry smile, extreme love for his family, church and country. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St Jude’s or Capital Caring Hospice. Services were held on November 26, 2021. Please share online condolences with the family at www.loudounfuneralchapel.com
GIVING back continued from page 12
cepted through Dec. 17 and may be dropped off at any Sheriff’s Office substation during business hours. Donations also may be made online at bit.ly/Donate2ColesCloset.
If you value quality local journalism ... Tell them you saw it in Loudoun Now.
group had a process in place for verifying participants’ eligibility. “We have thoroughly reviewed and verified those signatures and we have fulfilled the legal obligations to have access to the court process,” Prior said. Reaser is the third School Board member to face a removal petition in Circuit Court. Former Leesburg District representative Beth Barts, who resigned Barts amid turmoil over the sexual assault scandal that sparked threats to her family, was the central target of the removal effort. The petition to remove her is now moot. To remove an elected official in Virginia, a petition must be signed by the number of registered voters residing in the official’s district equal to 10% of the votes cast in the election that appointed the official. Once a petition is filed, it is prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Biberaj is the subject of a removal effort involving members also involved with Fight for Schools, including Prior. Judge Jeannette A. Irby disqualified Biberaj from prosecuting the case against Barts, stating that the public may never trust that due process was delivered in the case because of the conflict. “We do wonder, however, why Ms. Biberaj is now concerned with
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verifying signatures for Ms. Sheridan’s and Ms. Reaser’s removal when there was no apparent attempt to do so with those signatures submitted to remove Ms. Barts,” Prior said. County Supervisor Juli Briskman (D- Algonkian) attended Monday’s hearing, along with about a dozen supporters of Reaser. Briskman said that she thinks the majority of Algonkian District residents support Reaser. “I trust the system will not allow an extreme minority to exploit a process designed for extraordinary cases of official misconduct to reverse the will of our constituents and to move forward with an alternative agenda, which is to thwart the board’s equity work,” Briskman said after the hearing. “I was encouraged to hear that the commonwealth’s attorney will seek verification of the signatures on the bogus petition.” Fight for Schools reports that it has collected over 25,000 signatures during its county-wide effort to remove School Board members and that it also met the threshold to file removal petitions against Ian Serotkin (Blue Ridge) and Denise Corbo (At-Large). During the hearing, Reaser’s attorney, Julia Judkins, suggested that because Reaser is a member of the Loudoun County Bar Association, judges may recuse themselves from hearing the case. Fisher said that there is no legal basis for recusing himself from the case. Neither party objected to him scheduling court dates for the case. There will be a review and status hearing for the case on Dec. 14 at 9 a.m. A hearing in the case to remove Sheridan will be held on Dec. 6. n
The foundation is offering reduced-fee adoptions Dec. 6-20 at more than 230 shelters across the country, including locally the Loudoun County Animal Shelter, Middleburg Humane Foundation and the SPCA of Winchester, Frederick and Clarke Counties. The Bissell Pet Foundation was founded in 2011 by Cathy Bissell. Since the inception of the holiday campaign in 2016, the program has helped 67,758 pets find homes. For more details, go to bissellpetfoundation.org/Empty-The-Shelters n.
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
DECEMBER 2, 2021
PAGE 15
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.
HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING
Saturday, December 4th • 12:00-3:00pm
Join friends and neighbors to welcome the season with live music and holiday characters.
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.”
Holiday open houses, downtown bingo, carolers, strolling characters. www.downtownleesburgva.com
OLD TIME CHRISTMAS
LEESBURG FIRST FRIDAY
Saturday, December 11th • 12:00-3:00pm
Friday, December 3rd • 6:00-9:00pm
Over 20 live music performances, art shows, wine tastings, special activities, and more. It’s fun and free! www.LeesburgFirstFriday.com
HOLIDAY FINE ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW
This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-9753.
fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov • www. fairhousing.vipnet.org
HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS
Friday, December 3rd • 6:00pm • Town Green
Photos with Santa, cookie decorating, carolers, strolling holiday characters. www.downtownleesburgva.com
CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY PARADE
Ida Lee Park Recreation Center Saturday, December 4th • 9:00am-4:00pm Sunday, December 5th • 10:00am-4:00pm This show features local and regional artisans selling a variety of hand-made items from home décor to jewelry. Free parking and admission. Mask required.
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Saturday, December 11th • 6:00pm The parade will usher Santa and his friends through historic downtown Leesburg.
GIRL’S NIGHT OUT
Thursday, December 16th • 4:00-7:00pm
Fun holiday night out with shopping and dining specials. www.downtownleesburgva.com
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THE TOWN OF LEESBURG INVITES YOU TO ENJOY AND EXPERIENCE THE HOLIDAY MAGIC OF HISTORIC LEESBURG.
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LOUDOUNNOW.COM
DECEMBER 2, 2021
Business
Doukénie Founders Receive Lifetime Achievement Award LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
The Virginia Wineries Association presented its 2021 Gordon Murchie Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. George and Nicki Bazaco, the founders of Doukénie Winery near Hillsboro. They purchased the 400-acre western Loudoun farm in 1983, calling it Windham after George’s grandmother’s Hudson River Valley farm where he spent his summers as a boy. They planted their first vines—Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot—on the property in 1985. A second block of whites—Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc—followed two years later. Initially, they made wines for friends and family and sold or bartered grapes with the few other wineries in the area. In 1995, they applied for their farm winery ABC license and opened a tasting room in the basement of their farmhouse.
Courtesy photo
Pioneering Doukénie Winery founders Nicki and George Bazaco have been recognized for their contributions to Virginia’s wine industry.
“Windham Winery” was the 43rd winery to be licensed in Virginia; today there are
more than 300 registered wineries in the commonwealth.
In 2007, Windham Winery became Doukénie Winery in honor of George’s grandmother, Doukénie Bazaco, who was a winemaker in Greece following in the steps of her grandfather. Since bottling its first vintage in 1995, the winery has won numerous awards in competitions ranging from the San Francisco Chronicle International to the Virginia Governors Cup competition to the Loudoun County Wine awards. Last month, its 2020 Sauvignon Blanc was selected as the best-inclass winner in Loudoun’s wine awards. The Virginia Wineries Association’s lifetime achievement award is named in honor of Gordon Murchie, a long-time and leading advocate of East Coast and Virginia winemaking who also is credited with promoting the use of European vinifera grape varieties, instead of hybrids or native varieties, in the eastern U.S. n
BUSINESS announcements
Stout Joins Goodstone as Executive Chef Tyler Stout is the new executive chef at the Goodstone Inn and Restaurant near Middleburg. Stout is a decorated chef who comes to Goodstone from Washington, DC’s French restaurant, La Bise. Under his tenure as executive chef, La Bise was named to Eater’s Top D.C. Restaurants. Prior to La Bise, Stout spent three years at Bos-
ton’s premier French restaurant, Troquet on South. He also worked as a sous chef at Restaurant 1789 and an executive chef at Macron Bistro in Washington, DC. He began his career in 2006 at the L’Académie de Cuisine. Stout will use Goodstone’s garden to create a fresh, farm-to-table menu. “I take the time to understand where our food comes from,” he said. “Cooks that see where their product comes from and how it’s raised are more likely to do their best with the product.” Stout is bringing two long-time kitchen team members to his new position. Kevin Suarez will be chef de cuisine and Danelle Garcia will be the sous chef. Learn more at goodstone.com/dining.
Loudoun Medical Group Inks Humana Agreement Loudoun Medical Group and Humana Inc. have signed an agreement that gives Humana Medicare Advantage members in-network access to LMG’s medical and
surgical locations. The new agreement means current Humana Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS members will have in-network access to LMG’s 330 providers who provide healthcare services at 35 medical and surgical specialties in 150 locations from Purcellville to Alexandria and in Montgomery County, MD. People with Medicare who select a Humana Medicare Advantage plan during the Medicare Annual Election Period, which runs through Dec. 7, will have access to LMG beginning Jan. 1. “LMG is committed to serving our communities’ healthcare needs,” stated Loudoun Medical Group CEO Mary Beth Tamasy. “We look forward to our partnership with Humana, which will expand network options for our existing patients and other community members by enabling them to access healthcare services from LMG’s top-notch providers.” For more information, go to LMGdoctors.com.
Estate Planning Council Features Community Foundation The Loudoun Estate Planning Council will focus on charitable needs during its next monthly meeting on Tuesday at the River Creek Club near Leesburg. The Dec. 8 event will feature Amy Owen and Nicole Acosta of the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties who will speak on revelations associated with recent research into the gaps in the local charitable community. The program starts at 8 a.m. The cost is $25 for members and $35 for non-members. For details, go to loudounepc.org. n
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DECEMBER 2, 2021
PAGE 17
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DECEMBER 2, 2021
Our Towns
AROUND towns
Volunteer Water Testers Find High E. Coli Levels in Round Hill Stream BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
Work by Friends of the Shenandoah River volunteers has set off a mystery of sorts in Round Hill. The group conducts voluntary E. coli stream testing as part of a broader stream monitoring program. Recently, it found elevated levels at a testing site on the North Fork of Goose Creek, near its crossing under East Loudoun Street at the eastern edge of town. So far, there’s no evidence the contamination is coming from a leak in the town’s sewer system, but the town is examining its pipes to confirm that. A more likely source, it appears, is a large tree that towers above the testing site—a favorite roosting site for a committee of vultures, which can be seen sunbathing in its branches with widespread wings. Subsequent testing by the town staff found lower contamination levels upstream at the town’s Niels Poulsen Park and an area north of town near Kedleston Court—effectively eliminating the possibility of contamination coming from agricultural uses or residential septic tanks. The highest levels were found in the pool area just before the creek passes through a culvert under East Loudoun Street. The town operates a water treatment plant nearby, south of East Loudoun Street, but that only treats water pulled from two wells in the area and discharges downstream of Sleeter Lake. The town found no threat to the public drinking water. The town does have a gravity sewer line that runs adjacent to this creek. According to a staff report, “it is unlikely that this line would be the source of contamination because gravity sewer doesn’t normally have much potential to discharge into the stream. The lines are typically deeper than the stream and the pipes are not full.” Town staff members walked the sewer line that runs along the creek with two sewer camera companies to do a visual survey of the line finding no sign of a leak or overflowing manhole. The
MIDDLEBURG Christmas Event Parking Sold Out The Town of Middleburg’s popular Christmas in Middleburg event is sold out of parking passes. Because of the COVID-19 and efforts to ensure safety for all visitors, the number of parking passes was limited this year to limit the crowd size for Saturday’s parade and other activities. A note of caution for non-passholders thinking they still can squeeze in somewhere: visitor parking in town and along Rt. 50 will be strictly prohibited and violators will be subject to towing. Those who did not secure parking passes for the Dec. 4 programs are encouraged to visit town during the following weekends as “Dickens of a Christmas” activities continue Dec. 11 and Dec. 18. Check out all the offerings at middleburgva.gov/holidays.
ROUND HILL Hearing Set on New Water Tank
Susan Styer/Loudoun Now
Round Hill leaders are working to determine the source of high E. coli testing samples in an area of Goose Creek on the eastern edge of town, near a favorite vulture roosting perch.
town planned to contract to have a camera down the sewer line to confirm the findings. The vultures have been roosting in the tree for at least 15 years. Preliminary research by the town staff did find citations that vulture droppings can be the source of fecal coliform bacteria contamination in water supplies. “The only item out of normal that could be leading to this issue is the large amount of waste from the vulture tree located right at the entrance to the Town on Loudoun Street. This area of the roadway
and ditch line is white from this [vulture] fecal matter and all stormwater in this area drains right into the creek. The vulture nesting area is less than 50 feet from the creek. The Town couldn’t find any other visual source of potential contamination,” according to the staff report. In addition to using cameras to confirm the sewer pipe is not leaking, town leaders said they would alert the county Health Department to the concern, as the creek flows beyond the town boundaries into the county. n
The Round Hill Town Council will hold a Dec. 15 public hearing to receive comments and discuss details, alternatives considered, environmental impact, project costs, and associated user charge impact for the proposed Round Hill Water System South Tank project. The $2.6 million project consists of the construction of a 500,000-gallon elevated water storage tank located on a townowned 1-acre lot near Yatton Road, adjacent to the Bluffs at Sleeter Lake neighborhood. It will connect to an existing water main at Ridgewood Place. This project is to be funded by the Virginia Department of Health through its Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund. The hearing will be held starting at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at the town office. n
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DECEMBER 2, 2021
PAGE 19
Kirkby Farm, a Civil War Battle Site, Placed Under Easement LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
The owners of Kirkby Farm near Upperville have placed the 190-acre property under conservation easement with the Old Dominion Land Conservancy. The property has more than a half-mile of frontage on Trappe Road, is adjacent to three other properties under conservation easement, and contains excellent agricultural soils on more than 80% of the property. The farm also contains over a half-mile of Pantherskin Creek, as well as dozens of acres of associated floodplain and wetlands. The easement preserves land that was part of the Battle of Unison, seeing sporadic cavalry skirmishing on Nov. 3, 1862, as the 9th Virginia Cavalry engaged in a slow retreat down Trappe Road, being pursued by the 8th Pennsylvania Cavalry as Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart worked to delay the Federal advance long enough to screen the movements of Gen. Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. The property was featured more prominently the following year during the prelude to Gettysburg, in the late stages of the Battle of Upperville on June 21, 1863. During that battle, a large column of U.S. cavalry pushed the Confederates west along the Ashby’s Gap Turnpike, today’s Rt. 50, while another column under the command of Gen. John Buford maneuvered across the fields and lanes north of the turnpike. As Buford’s men advanced, Confederate cavalry under Gen. John Chambliss deployed along Trappe Road and in the surrounding fields. The two sides engaged in fighting around the stone farmhouse, known as the Thomas Farm, and in the intervening fields. Confederate artillery fire from the north side of the farm had a devastating impact on the advancing Union troops. Fighting raged
back and forth across the farm until a final push by Union cavalry under Col. Thomas Devin drove the remaining rebels south and west toward Ashby’s Gap. The battle around the Thomas Farm and Trappe Road cost the Union army 88 men killed or wounded while Confederate casualties were between 50 and 100 men killed or wounded. The easement transaction was completed with the assistance of CPA and broker D. Brook Middleton. The Virgin-
ia Piedmont Heritage Area Association contributed toward the stewardship costs associated with the easement with a distribution from its Bondi Family Land Conservation and Battlefield Preservation Fund. “We are excited to assist with the permanent protection of this historic property for future generations, including the preservation of the all-important battlefields,” ODLC Executive Director Henry Stribling stated.
The Bondi Family Fund has also assisted with easement costs with the Land Trust of Virginia for the Ellis-Cohen property and eastern parcel of Corotoman, both located in the core of the Unison Battlefield. VPHA additionally contributed funds to the easement costs of the Battle of Upperville/County Park in Fauquier County site and Walker’s Hill in Waterford. Information on the Bondi Family Fund can be found at piedmontheritage.org. n
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PAGE 20
Virginia Village Review continued from page 6
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units for rent—with over 165,000 square feet of commercial uses throughout the property, the majority of which are located below residences. While the Planning Commission was supportive of the requested Town Plan amendment and floodplain alteration, it recommended denial of the rezoning, citing concerns with the project’s fiscal impact, phasing of residential units, parking, density, traffic, and building heights. Although he described his experience at the Planning Commission as “disappointing,” Cullen likely left Tuesday’s council meeting with a much warmer feeling. Dozens of members of the public turned out in support of the plan, filling the Council Chambers and spending an hour ticking off the reasons the council should green light the proposal. Peyton Herring said, like many native Leesburg young professionals, she has had to continue living with her parents as she begins her career because of a lack of housing options. “Simply put there is no affordable housing in Leesburg. For this community to thrive and for its longevity there have to be inroads for young people who are starting out their careers. There are lots of us … who are trying to decide if Leesburg is worth staying in. Sitting in our childhood bedrooms is not the most appealing option,” she said. Others pointed to the need for a more pedestrian-friendly environment both within the development and along Catoctin Circle. Crescent Place resident Cheryl Sattlemyer expressed her and her neighbors’ excitement over the proposed Ours Overlook pedestrian bridge. Cheri Garvin, owner of the Compounding Center, which is located in Virginia Village, noted her own long history with the shopping center. Her parents owned the former Ben Franklin store and
DECEMBER 2, 2021
she now lives around the corner from the development herself, in addition to owning a business there. “I’ve seen a lot of change in Virginia Village over the years,” she said. “The key here is change and it’s time. The shopping center is old and really needs an update.” Perhaps no one in Council Chambers on Tuesday night was as intimately familiar with the shopping center as Brian Ours, whose family owned the shopping center since the 1960s before selling the property to Cullen in 2017. He said the shopping center was “truly ready for renewal” and said its redevelopment could spur the same transformation in the Crescent District as the shopping center did for Leesburg upon its arrival half a century ago. “The Crescent District has languished virtually unchanged since its formation. This is a prime opportunity to finally get it going in the desired direction,” he said. Planning Commissioner Keith Reeve pointed out the commission was in support of two of the three applications involved with the project, but said “the devil is in the details.” He cited the commission’s lingering concerns and said he hoped work to iron out those issues could be done in concert with the applicant and council. “If we would work out those five problems I’d be the first one to jump up and down and be there at the groundbreaking,” he said. Historic district resident Don Ashbaugh said, if approved, the project could do “wonders” for the town’s workforce, town tax rolls, and small businesses that would benefit. “My biggest concern about this project is it doesn’t get approved,” he said. “We should not miss this opportunity as a town or we won’t see it for years.” The council will further scrutinize the redevelopment plan at its Dec. 13 work session. n
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Mandates continued from page 6 have indicated their resignations were because of the mandate. Twenty-eight parttime employees left town employment because the their seasonal positions ended or they were returning to school, she said. Five of the 77 members of the town’s
advisory boards and commissions have resigned, but only one of those individuals cited the mandate as a reason. Under the council’s policy, all members of the town’s advisory bodies, with the exception of the state code-mandated Board of Zoning Appeals and Planning Commission, are required to comply with the mandate. n
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DECEMBER 2, 2021
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DECEMBER 2, 2021
THINGS to do
Loco Living
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Leesburg Holiday Tree Lighting
Friday, Dec. 3, 6 p.m. Leesburg Town Green, 25 W. Market St. Leesburg Details: leesburgva.gov Leesburg illuminates its town tree at an event featuring holiday songs by the Lost Locals and a visit from Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Reindeer. Admission is free.
LBPAC’s “The Nutcracker”
Friday, Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 4, 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 5, 3:30 p.m. Loudoun Valley High School, 340 N. Maple Ave., Purcellville Details: lbpac.org The Loudoun Ballet Performing Arts Company’s beloved full-length “Nutcracker” is back in-person this year, with new costumes and backdrops and performances by some of Loudoun’s best young dancers. Advance tickets are $28 for adults and $23 for children. Masks are required for all attendees age 2 and older.
SOLD OUT Christmas In Middleburg
Hayley Bour/Loudoun Now
Jessica Harden teaches self-defense classes to women and girls in Leesburg.
‘Equalizing The Playing Field’
Saturday, Dec. 4, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Downtown Middleburg Details: christmasinmiddleburg.org Middleburg’s beloved holiday tradition is back. The day begins with breakfast at Middleburg Charter School at 8 a.m., followed by the Hunt and Hounds Review at 11 a.m. and the Christmas Parade at 2 p.m. Go to the website for a complete list of events. Parking passes must be purchased in advance.
Demand Surges for Self-Defense Classes For Women and Girls BY JAN MERCKER
jmercker@loudounnow.com
As a former high school security officer and mom of three daughters, Jessica Harden has a unique perspective on keeping women and girls safe. This summer, Harden incorporated self-defense classes into her fitness and nutrition training business. And like other martial arts and fitness studios around the county, Harden is seeing a growing
demand as high-profile school assaults make headlines. “I’ve always loved learning real life tactics for self-defense, learning real life stuff that’s helpful for women and children against larger, stronger people,” Harden said. “We want to equalize the playing field so that we can get away from the threat.” Harden launched her personal training and nutrition studio J FIT as a side business during last year’s pandemic
shutdowns. At the end of the last school year, she decided to shift gears and pursue it full time, starting with a focus on individualized fitness. This summer, Harden added a self-defense component to her offerings after earning certification through the COBRA self-defense program, created by a law enforcement officer with martial arts experience. Harden says much of the focus in her SELF-DEFENSE continues on page 24
Leesburg Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Show Saturday, Dec. 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Ida Lee Recreation Center, 60 Ida Lee Drive NW, Leesburg Details: leesburgva.gov
THINGS TO DO continues on page 23
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DECEMBER 2, 2021
PAGE 23
BEST BETS
THINGS to do continued from page 22
Local and regional artisans return to Ida Lee with handmade items including candles, glass items, carved wood, jewelry, seasonal decor, table linens and more. Admission is free. Face masks are required.
LSO Winter Fun Holiday Concert
Saturday, Dec. 4, 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. St. David’s Episcopal Church, 43600 Russell Branch Parkway, Ashburn Details: loudounsymphony.org Conducted by Dr. Nancia DAlimonte, Loudoun Symphony Orchestra’s one-hour holiday concert features favorites including Tchaikovsky’s “Overture from the Nutcracker,” “Christmas at the Movies” and “Sleigh Ride.” Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for seniors. Admission for children 12 and under is free, but tickets are required.
Old Dominion Chorus Holiday Showcase and Sing-Along
Saturday, Dec. 4, 4-5:30 p.m. Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville Details: franklinparkartscenter.org The Old Dominion Chorus is back for its annual holiday show, featuring its unique blend of a cappella and barbershop singing. The concert also features performances from choral groups from Loudoun Valley and Woodgrove high schools.
Ion International Masquerade On Ice
Sunday, Dec. 5, 4 p.m. Ion International Training Center, 19201 Compass Creek Parkway, Leesburg Details: ionitc.com Ion’s holiday fairytale features performances from national and world champions and US teams. Tickets are $15 to $45 in advance.
Chabad of Loudoun Chanukah Celebration
Sunday, Dec. 5, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Lansdowne Town Center, Promenade Drive, Lansdowne Details: jewishloudoun.com Chabad of Loudoun’s Chanukah celebration features a menorah lighting, doughnuts and latkes and live music from Aaron Holder.
LOCO LIVE
HANDMADE HOLIDAY SHOPPING Saturday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The Clay and Metal Loft theclayandmetalloft.com
Garber is a genre-bending multi-instrumentalist whose “BluesAmericanaRock” combines classic showmanship with a captivating singer-songwriter sensibility.
Live Music: Eddie Pasa
Friday, Dec. 3, 7 p.m. Social House Kitchen and Tap, 42841 Creek View Plaza, Ashburn Details: socialhouseashburn.com This well-known DMV drummer also rocks guitar and vocals for his solo acoustic shows.
RAEL – THE MUSIC OF GENESIS Saturday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m. (doors) Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com
Live Music: Nine Deeez Nite
Friday, Dec. 3, 8 p.m. Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com From Nirvana to the Spice Girls, the fun never stops with ’90s favorites all year long. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $35 for VIP seats.
Live Music: Hilary Veltri
Friday, Dec. 3, 8 p.m. Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville Details: monksq.com
Let’s Talk Facts: The Pfizer vaccine has received emergency approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for children’s use. The other companies are also testing vaccines for children.
What Does this Mean?
If you have questions, talk to your pediatrician and visit www.StayWellNoVa.com to learn more. Friday, Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m. Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville Details: flyingacefarm.com TGIF with Gary Smallwood’s locally famous classic rock, country rock and blues rock.
Live Music: Ted Garber
Friday, Dec. 3, 6-9 p.m. Crooked Run Fermentation, 22455 Davis Drive #120, Sterling Details: crookedrunbrewing.com
Join Veltri for an evening of acoustic covers and originals spanning generations and genres from Bob Dylan to Beyonce.
Just South of 7 Friday, Dec. 3, 8-11:30 p.m. MacDowell Brew Kitchen, 202 South St. SE, Leesburg Details: macsbeach.com Just South of 7 returns to MacDowell’s with five decades of rock covers.
THINGS TO DO continues on page 25
Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Safe for My Child?
The COVID vaccine is going through the same approval process as other vaccines your children get – like measles, polio, and the flu shot. The FDA provides the most rigorous safety testing in the world. And after full approval, vaccine safety monitoring continues, so you can be sure the vaccine is safe.
Live Music: Gary Smallwood
CLENDENEN BROTHERS BLUEGRASS Sunday, Dec. 5, 2 p.m. B Chord Brewing Company bchordbrewing.com
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Schedule your COVID – and flu – vaccines today.
Dr. Eugenie Charles, MD Inova Loudoun Hospital
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 24
Self-defense continued from page 22
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classes is on what she calls “mythbusting,” helping women shed preconceptions and focus on more effective strategies. “I know there are so many other women out there living under a false sense of security thinking they know what to do when they don’t. ... Women love to say ‘I’ve got Mace on my keychain’, and they feel like that’s what’s going to keep them safe,” Harden said. “Being a mom of three daughters, I always thought I knew what to teach them to protect them if they were ever attacked or assaulted. Learning what I now know through my training with COBRA, I was wrong. It kind of blew my mind.” Harden offers child abduction prevention classes and safety and self-defense classes for teens and women, along with special classes designed for real estate agents, which she says is an especially vulnerable profession. Harden’s classes start with preventative measures: “being aware of your surroundings, not walking with your head down on your phone, not wearing ear buds.” She then moves into hands-on self-defense techniques. Harden launched her self-defense programs this summer and has seen a spike in interest since reported assaults in Loudoun schools made headlines this fall. “The format of the classes hasn’t changed, but I feel like people find that it’s more applicable now,” Harden said. She said raising awareness and focusing on safety is essential, even in Loudoun where crime rates are relatively low. She points to reports of assaults on the W&OD Trail in recent years, including an alleged assault against a teen jogger in October, and high numbers of sex trafficking cases in Northern Virginia. “It’s not to instill fear, but we can’t live in a Loudoun County bubble,” Harden said. “While crime rates are lower in this area—and that’s great—there’s still crime that happens every day. We can’t allow a false sense of security to affect our judgment, our awareness. ... I tell [children] all the time that most people are good people, but we have to live in a reality where some people are not.” Harden offers regular teen classes, and women’s classes for 14 and older, which often appeal to mothers and teen/young adult daughters. Harden says she’s also getting more requests for private group classes, from teen groups to a senior women’s golf team, creating opportunities
DECEMBER 2, 2021
for both bonding and self-defense information. “It’s a great way for women to come together and feel that empowerment and that confidence,” she said. Harden also offers abduction prevention classes for younger children aged 5 to 12, with parents encouraged to attend. Her focus is on letting kids know it’s OK not to be quiet. “One thing I teach these kids is to use their voice and to be an advocate for their safety,” she said. “It’s OK to require physical space. It’s OK to tell somebody to stop. It’s okay to scream.” Techniques in her children’s classes include lots of voice drills and age-appropriate self-defense techniques proven effective against much larger attackers, like a child wedging herself in a car door. Harden’s work as a school security officer with LCPS for more than a decade and raising three daughters now ages 17 to 23 has helped her to connect with the teen population. “I had fantastic relationships with the students at my school. It was an amazing experience,” she said. “I’m hip to everything that they’re doing and situations that they’re putting themselves into.” Harden says that with both her fitness and nutrition and timely self-defense classes, her pandemic career pivot couldn’t have happened at a better time. “Working with people individually and being able to help them with their specific needs is extremely rewarding,” she said. For more information about COBRA self-defense and fitness classes at J FIT Training & Nutrition, go to myjfit.com.
A Martial Arts Approach in Purcellville Self-defense for women and girls has also taken center stage for Kristi Lough, who runs Justin Lough Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Purcellville with her husband Justin. After hearing about reports of violence in Loudoun schools, Lough offered a free workshop for girls at the end of October. The class filled up so quickly she wound up doing several additional free workshops in November to accommodate interest. Lough has now launched a weekly series for women and girls. “It was a tremendous hit,” Lough said. “With the current events in Loudoun County Public Schools, it’s something that came up again—and something that touches home.” Lough offers ongoing Women’s Wednesdays free evening classes for SELF-DEFENSE continues on page 25
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THINGS to do
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Self-defense
continued from page 23
continued from page 24
Live Music: Meisha Herron
Saturday, Dec. 4, 1 p.m. Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville Details: flyingacefarm.com Rising star Meisha Herron returns to Flying Ace for an afternoon of soul and blues.
Live Music: My Generation
Saturday, Dec. 4, 6 p.m. Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com My Generation serves up favorite rock ‘n’ roll tunes from the ’60s through the ’90s and beyond.
Live Music: Dead Horse Revival
Saturday, Dec. 4, 8 p.m. Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville Details: monksq.com This four-piece band from Pennsylvania brings bluegrass tunes to Monk’s.
Live Music: Dave Mininberg
Sunday, Dec. 5, 1-4 p.m. The Barns At Hamilton Station, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton Details: thebarnsathamiltonstation.com Well known for his work with the band 7th Son of WV, Mininberg brings a unique blend of originals, classic rock, blues and country.
Live Music: Clendenen Brothers Bluegrass
Saturday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m. Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com Rael pays tribute to the early era of legendary rock band Genesis. Tickets are $20 for this seated show.
Sunday, Dec. 5, 2 p.m. B Chord Brewing, 34266 Williams Gap Road, Round Hill Details: bchordbrewing.com Clendenen Brothers Bluegrass returns to B Chord for a free Sunday afternoon show.
Live Music: Ken Wenzel
Live Music: Andrew O’Day
Live Music: Rael—The Music of Genesis
Sunday, Dec. 5, 1 p.m. Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro Details: breauxvineyards.com Wenzel returns to Breaux with his roots-rock, countryjazz take on love, learning and life in America.
Sunday, Dec. 5, 2 p.m. Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville Details: flyingacefarm.com O’Day brings soulful tunes with influences from R&B to country to Flying Ace.
MORE THAN $5 000 IN PRIZES & GIVEAWAYS ,
women and girls ages 6 and up designed with mothers and daughters in mind. Lough also offers regular girls-only jiu jitsu classes on Saturday mornings. Kristi Lough has trained in competitive Brazilian jiu jitsu (known as BJJ) for nine years and said she’s often the only woman in the room at competitions. BJJ is known for its focus on ground fighting and submission holds, which allow smaller people to create defensive leverage against larger opponents, and has elements that are ideal for women’s self-defense, Lough said. But BJJ is also known as a sport that requires intensive training, with most competitors taking eight to 10 years to earn a black belt, she said. One of Lough’s areas of focus is on creating classes and workshops that pull elements from BJJ that can help people and be taught in a concise way rather than requiring years of training. “I love BJJ and all the aspects it brings to my life—from physical fitness in a fun way to self-defense to the connections that it makes within the groups that we have. I’ve always tried to be an advocate for women—not everyone is going to
D I C K E N S
A Christmas Carol
Live Event!
DECEMBER 11 ASHBURN, VA
5K RACE 9am / 10K RACE 9:10am / 1K JAMMIE JINGLE 10:30am
VIRTUAL RACE DEC 1-31 G
For more information about martial arts and self-defense classes at Justin Lough Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, go to purcellvillejiujitsu.com.
GOOSE CREEK PLAYERS PRESENTS
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want to commit to the full sport the way that I have.” Her popular workshops involve studying video footage and watching for situations that occur frequently in assaults. “We break down the most common situations and give examples of what to do in that moment,” Lough said. “A lot of the seminar situations are how to get away—how to get out of the situation and get away quickly and safely.” Lough will continue to offer one-time workshops but will also offer a more indepth eight-week class for women and girls 10 and up starting in January. For Lough, rising awareness of the need for self-defense training for women and girls is an important takeaway from recent headlines. “I’ve really tried to take advantage of people finally understanding how important it is,” Lough said. “Every time we do [a workshop], people learn a lot and feel empowered immediately, and that’s really rewarding.” n
Register at RingingInHope.com SPONSORED BY
Directed by Mike Goshorn
Produced by Gregg W. Carter
FRANKLIN PARK ARTS CENTER 36441 Blueridge View Lane • Purcellville, VA 20132
December 10, 11, 17, 18 - 7:30 p.m. December 12, 19 - 2:00 p.m. Tickets: $20 In-person, $25 Virtual
Discounts available for students, seniors and groups
Tickets at GooseCreekPlayers.com
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
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DECEMBER 2, 2021
Post your job listings at NowHiringLoudoun.com 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 II
Finance
$44,905-$76,882 DOQ
Open until filled
Accounting Associate III
Finance
$52,446-$89,790 DOQ
Open until filled
IT Systems Administrator
Information Technology
$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
Senior Management & Budget Analyst
Finance
$72,952-$124,893 DOQ
Open until filled
Stormwater & Environmental Manager
Public Works & Capital Projects
$82,999-$141,929 DOQ
Open until filled
Utility Plant Maintenance Worker
Utilities
$41,353-$70,792 DOQ
Open until filled
Utility System Trainee or Technician
Utilities
$41,353-$76,882 DOQ
Open until filled
Wastewater Plant Operator: Trainee, I, II or Senior
Utilities
$41,353-$89,790 DOQ
Open until filled
Position
Department
Hourly Rate
Closing Date
Senior Buyer/Contracts Administrator
Finance
$34.44-$58.99 DOQ
Open until filled
DRIVERS NEEDED Regular & CDL Call 703-737-3011
Flexible Part-Time Position
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.
Contract Position: Superintendent Construction Superintendent Contract Position with Potential for Permanent Employment Meridien Group, LLC is seeking a deadline-driven Construction Superintendent to oversee our construction projects, and to act as the link between various project parties. The Construction Superintendent will lead and manage the on-site construction team and oversee all work on site. The Construction Superintendent will be responsible for orderliness on site and ensure compliance with safety regulations. You will ensure quality standards are met, and all equipment and materials are available on site at all times, as well as liaise with inspection authorities regarding approvals, complete projects on time and within budget, and never compromise on quality. Construction Superintendent Requirements: • 5+ years of experience as a Construction Superintendent. • Proficient with MS Office Word and Excel. • Proficient with scheduling software, and CAE and CAD applications. • Proficient with taking and uploading digital photographs. • Ability to lift 40 pounds and to operate heavy equipment. • Ability to interpret and build according to drawings, specifications, and other documents. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. • Outstanding organizational skills. • Must be able to pass background check for access to Federal buildings Send Resume to Katherine Hicks, khicks@meridiengroupllc.com
See the full job listings at
NowHiringLoudoun.com
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
DECEMBER 2, 2021
PAGE 27
Legal Notices A message to elderly and disabled Loudoun County residents from
Post your job listings at NowHiringLoudoun.com
Robert S. Wertz, Jr.
Commissioner of the Revenue
BUSINESS SYSTEMS ANALYST WANTED
Facilities Engineer
Securityzeal LLC is hiring a Business Systems Analyst: to Oversee analysis & devt of our clients’ business operations/processes/systs. Collect business & tech. rqmts, est. costs, & establish business/syst protocols. Analyze data flows/ attributes & external appls. Min. rqmts: Bachelor in Business Admin, Mgmt Info Systs, or rel. & 3 yrs of exp. as Business/Systs Analyst, or rel. Exp. in Enterprise Resource Planning appls & SaaS solutions; business process analysis, stakeholder management, business requirements elicitation, documenting solutions & testing ERP systs; end-to-end testing of HR & Financial Processes in ERP appls; & creating Business Rqmts Documents & data models. Job in Leesburg, VA; allow working remotely anywhere in Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Require 5-10% travel to client sites in Washington D.C. metropolitan area.
Coordinate daily tasks of facilities team. Direct all subcontractors for new Christian High School in Leesburg, VA -- three story, 42,000 sq ft building on 21 acres. Looking for high school grad; strong mechanical knowledge; proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excell; good physical health & mobility; light physical work; adheres to high ethical standards; 40-hour workweek; experience in building & grounds maintenance & security. Call 703-203-2208 for details and to discuss opening. AM
Resumes to: SecurityZeal LLC at 955 N Resler Dr., Ste. 104-138, El Paso, TX 79912. ATTN: K. Bajwa NHLEmployerCard2.pdf
1
9/3/19
10:58
Residents 65 and older or totally and permanently disabled who wish to apply for 2021 Real Property Tax Relief for the first time must submit an application to my office by the January 3, 2022 filing deadline. Please visit our website or contact my office for information or filing assistance.
Leesburg Office 1 Harrison Street SE First Floor Sterling Office 21641 Ridgetop Circle Suite 100 Internet: www.loudoun.gov/taxrelief Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, M - F Phone: 703-737-8557
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.
Email: taxrelief@loudoun.gov Mailing Address: PO Box 8000, MSC 32 Leesburg, VA 20177-9804 12/2, 12/9, 12/16, 12/23 & 12/30/21
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 C
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See the full job listings at NowHiringLoudoun.com MY
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ABC LICENSE
DILBS LLC, trading as BKD Bagels, 130 Purcellville Gateway Dr., Purcellville, VA 20132-3485
The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine & Beer On and Off Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.
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. 11/25 & 12/02/21
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DECEMBER 2, 2021
Legal Notices TOWN OF MIDDLEBURG PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
Loudoun County Public Schools
Fiscal Year 2023 – 2028 Capital Improvement Program Fiscal Year 2023 – 2028 Capital Asset Preservation Program
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2022 APPROVED BUDGET
The Loudoun County School Board has scheduled a series of meetings for the Fiscal Year 2023–2028 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Capital Asset Preservation Program (CAPP) budgets.
The Middleburg Town Council will hold a Public Hearing in the Council Chambers at 10 West Marshall Street, Middleburg, Virginia on December 9, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. for the purpose of receiving comments on proposed budget amendments to the adopted Fiscal Year 2022 General Fund, Utility Fund, and Health Center Fund budgets, in accordance with Sections 15.2-2506 and 15.2-2507 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended. The following supplemental appropriations are proposed:
General Fund Supplemental Appropriations From
To
ARPA Funds Unassigned Fund Balance
COVID 19 Support Health Center Repayment
Total Supplemental Appropriations
$15,000 $ 200,000
Utility Fund Supplemental Appropriations To
ARPA Funds ARPA Funds
Utility Customer Support Capital Projects
Total Supplemental Appropriations
Amount $ 47,200 $630,444 $677,644
Health Center Fund Supplemental Appropriations From
To
Health Center Fund Reserves Health Center Fund Reserves
Administrative Costs Donations
Total Supplemental Appropriations
Amount $ 12,000 $906,656 $918,656
Details of the proposed amendments may be reviewed online or at the Finance Director’s Office located at 10 West Marshall Street in Middleburg, VA - Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m, holidays excepted. Questions may be directed to the Finance Director at 540-687-5152. Tina Staples Finance Director/Town Treasurer
Time
School Board Meeting Topic
Tuesday, November 9, 2021*
6:30 p.m.
Superintendent’s Recommended FY2023-FY2028 CIP & CAPP Budgets Presented to School Board
Monday, November 15, 2021
7:00 p.m.
School Board FY2023-FY2028 CIP & CAPP Public Hearing/Work Session
Monday, November 29, 2021
7:00 p.m.
School Board FY2023-FY2028 CIP & CAPP Public Hearing/Work Session
Tuesday, December 14, 2021*
6:30 p.m.
School Board Adoption of FY2023-FY2028 CIP & CAPP Budgets
Amount
$215,000
From
Date
12/02/21
TOWN OF LOVETTSVILLE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PURSUANT TO SECTION 15.2-2507 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA, 1950, AS AMENDED, TO CONSIDER A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION Pursuant to Section 15.2-2507 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LOVETTSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on December 16, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 6 E. Pennsylvania Aveneue, Lovettsville, Virginia to consider the following budget amendment: A supplemental appropriation of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funding in the amount of $1,140,136 to the Fiscal Year 2022 budget, which exceeds one percent of the total expenditures shown in the Fiscal Year 2022 adopted budget. All persons desiring to speak will be given an opportunity to do so at this meeting. A copy of any additional information regarding the proposed appropriation is available for review at the Town Hall between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm weekdays or by special appointment, holidays excepted. Call 540-822-5788 for more information or visit www.lovettsvilleva.gov. In the event the meeting is cancelled, the public hearing will be convened at the next regular scheduled meeting at the same time and place. 12/2, 12/9
*Regular School Board Business Meeting All meetings will be held at the Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) Administration Building located at 21000 Education Court in Ashburn. The meetings will also be broadcast live on Comcast Channel 18 and Verizon Fios Channel 43, as well as viewable via simultaneous webcast on the LCPS website (www.lcps.org). In-person comment will be accepted at the identified public hearings. Detail on how to sign up to speak at the hearings is posted on the LCPS webpage (https://www.lcps.org/Page/226240). Speakers may sign up in advance by contacting the Superintendent’s Office at 571-252-1020. Speaker registration will also be accepted at the LCPS Administration Building beginning 30 minutes prior to the meeting, until five (5) minutes before the start of the meeting. Those who need translation/interpretation assistance, or a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, in order to participate meaningfully in School Board meetings or public hearings should contact the Superintendent’s Office at 571-252-1020 at least three (3) days prior to the meeting. Kevin L. Lewis, Chief Operations Officer Loudoun County Public Schools, Department of Support Services 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, Virginia 20148 Telephone: 571-252-1385 Email: lcpsplan@lcps.org 11/04, 11/11, 1/18, 11/25, 12/02 & 12/09/21 12/2/21
TOWN OF LOVETTSVILLE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO THE LOVETTSVILLE TOWN CHARTER Pursuant to Sections 15.2-200, et seq., 15.2-1400, et seq., 15.2-1423, 15.2-1500, 15.2-1501, 15.2-1541, and 24.2-200, et seq., of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, the LOVETTSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL will hold a Public Hearing on THURSDAY, December 16, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. at the Council Chambers, 6 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville, VA 20180, to consider advancing a request to amend the Lovettsville’s Town Charter to the Virginia General Assembly. The purpose of this hearing is to receive public comment to consider advancing a request to amend the Town’s Charter to the Virginia General Assembly. The amendments will replace the Town Charter’s language from “Councilman” to “Councilmember”; modify cross-references to the Code of Virginia for participation to the greatest extent permitted by law by persons appointed to fill vacancies in the office of councilmember or mayor; and to update section 3.2, 3.3, and 4.2, which would amend the charter to allow the Mayor a vote and remove veto power, align with the standards of local elections as set out by State Code, clarify the authority of the Mayor, Council and Town Manager for Appointed and Non-Appointed Officers, and make clerical edits. All persons desiring to speak will be given an opportunity to do so at this meeting. The charter amendments being considered are available for review at the Town Hall between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm weekdays or by special appointment, holidays excepted. Call 540-822-5788 for more information or visit www.lovettsvilleva.gov. In the event the meeting is cancelled, the public hearing will be convened at the next regular scheduled meeting at the same time and place. 12/2 & 12/9/2021
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DECEMBER 2, 2021
PAGE 29
Legal Notices PUBLIC HEARING The LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room on the first floor of the County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, on Monday, December 13, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following: ZRTD-2021-0005 LOUDOUN COMMERCE CENTER (Zoning Conversion in the Route 28 Taxing District) Clarke-Hook Corporation, of Chantilly, Virginia, has submitted an application to rezone three parcels totaling 14.31 acres from the PD-IP (Planned Development-Industrial Park) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in effect on January 7, 2003, to the PD-IP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance as may be amended from time to time, in order to permit the development of all principal and accessory uses permitted in the PD-IP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance at a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.6 (up to 1.0 by Special Exception). The subject property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District and the Route 28 CB (Corridor Business) Overlay District. The subject property is approximately 14.3 acres in size and located at the southwest quadrant of the intersection of Nokes Boulevard (Route 1793) and Cascades Parkway (Route 637), north of Maries Road (Route 638) in the Sterling Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as follows: PIN
PROPERTY ADDRESS
030-20-3058 030-20-7833
45965 Nokes Boulevard, Sterling, Virginia 45969 Nokes Boulevard, Sterling, Virginia
030-20-8833
45975 Nokes Boulevard, Sterling, Virginia
The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 Comprehensive Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Employment)), which support a broad array of Employment uses at a recommended FAR of up to 1.0. ZRTD-2021-0004 HORSESHOE DRIVE (Zoning Conversion in the Route 28 Taxing District) SIP/CREF Horseshoe Drive, LLC, of Bethesda, Maryland, has submitted an application to rezone 11.05 acres from the PD-IP (Planned Development-Industrial Park) zoning district under the 1972 Zoning Ordinance to the PD-IP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance as may be amended from time to time, in order to permit the development of all principal and accessory uses permitted in the PD-IP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance at a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.6 (up to 1.0 by Special Exception). The subject property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District and the Route 28 CB (Corridor Business) Overlay District. The subject property is approximately 11.05 acres in size and located north of Nokes Boulevard (Route 637) and south of Horseshoe Drive (Route 1791) at 45925 and 45935 Horseshoe Drive, Sterling, Virginia, in the Broad Run Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 030-30-0991. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 Comprehensive Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Mixed Use)), which designate this area for Residential, Commercial, Entertainment, Cultural, and Recreational uses at densities at a recommended FAR of up to 1.0. CMPT-2021-0006 & SPEX-2021-0026 CWS BOLINGTON ROAD MONOPOLE (Commission Permit & Special Exception Permit) CWS X, LLC, of Arlington, Virginia, has submitted applications for the following: 1) Commission approval to permit a 160 foot tall Telecommunications Monopole with a four foot tall lighting rod inside a 50 by 100 square foot fenced compound in the AR-1 (Agricultural Rural) zoning district; and 2) a Special Exception to permit a 160 foot tall Telecommunications Monopole with a four foot tall lighting rod inside a 50 by 100 square foot fenced compound in the AR-1 zoning district. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed use requires both a Commission Permit in accordance with Section 6-1101, and a Special Exception permit under Table 2-102 of Section 2-102 pursuant to Section 5-618(B)(2). The subject property is approximately 17.21 acres in size and is located east of Berlin Turnpike (Route 287) and west of Bolington Road (Route 691); at 13620 Berlin Turnpike, Lovettsville, Virginia; in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 373-47-1269. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Rural Policy Area (Rural North)), which designate this area for Agricultural, Agricultural Supportive, and limited Residential uses at a recommended density of up to one dwelling unit per 20 acres or one dwelling unit per five acres equivalent for optional Residential clustering in large-lot subdivisions. CMPT-2021-0009 & SPEX-2021-0032 BRAMBLETON FIRE STATION MONOPOLE (Commission Permit & Special Exception) Milestone Tower Limited Partnership IV of Reston, Virginia, has submitted applications for the following: 1) Commission approval to permit a 127 foot tall (125 foot tall with a 2 foot lighting rod at the top) Monopole and a related equipment compound in the PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning district; and 2) a Special Exception to permit a 127 foot tall (125 foot tall with a 2 foot lighting rod at the top) Monopole and a related equipment compound in the PD-IP zoning district when located less than 750 feet from an adjoining residential district and as an accessory use to a Fire and Rescue
Station. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance and the proposed use is a permitted use per Section 4-503(HH), however, a Special Exception is required in this instance pursuant to Sections 5-618(B)(2)(b) and 5-618(B)(2)(c), and a Commission Permit is required in accordance with Section 5-618(B)(3)(j). The subject property is located in the (AI) Airport Impact Overlay District, between the Ldn 60-65 aircraft noise contour, and partially within the Floodplain Overlay District (FOD), minor and major floodplain. The subject property is approximately 4.92 acres in size and is located on the south side of Evergreen Mills Road (Route 621) and the west side of Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659) at 23675 Belmont Ridge Road, Ashburn, Virginia, in the Blue Ridge Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 202-40-8283. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Neighborhood Place Type), which designate this area for predominantly Residential uses on medium to large lots with Retail and Services uses intended to serve needs of nearby neighborhoods. Target densities of 4 dwelling units per 1 acre with total nonresidential Floor Area Ratio (FAR) up to 1.0. SPEX-2021-0005 LOUDOUN WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY (Special Exception) The Loudoun County Sanitation Authority of Ashburn, Virginia, has submitted an application for a Special Exception to permit encroachment into the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District) for the development of two (2) 10 million gallon wastewater equalization tanks. This application is subject to the 1972 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception use under Section 740.7.4. The subject property is located in the Planned Development – Industrial Park (PD-IP) zoning district. The subject property is located in the Route 28 Tax District and located partially within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 aircraft noise contour, and partially within the FOD, major floodplain. The property is approximately 339.95 acres in size and is located on the east side of Loudoun County Parkway (Route 607), north of Gloucester Parkway (Route 2150) and west of Russell Branch Parkway (Route 1036) at 44771 Loudoun Water Way, Ashburn, Virginia, in the Broad Run Election District. The property is more particularly described as PIN: 041-37-4022. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area), in the Suburban Industrial/Mineral Extraction Place Type which designate this area for the development of large Manufacturing, Contractor with outdoor storage, and other productive uses up to a 0.6 Floor Area Ratio (FAR). ZRTD-2021-0003, SPEX-2021-0021 & ZMOD-2021-0084 PROLOGIS NOVA 1 (Zoning Conversion in the Route 28 Taxing District, Special Exception & Zoning Modification) DCT Dulles Phase I LLC., of Denver, Colorado, has submitted applications for the following: 1) to rezone approximately 19.51 acres from the PD-GI (Planned Development – General Industrial) zoning district under the 1972 Zoning Ordinance to the PD-GI zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to permit the development of all principal and accessory uses permitted in the PD-GI zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance at a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.40 (up to 0.60 by Special Exception); and 2) an application for a Special Exception to permit an increase in the maximum FAR from 0.40 to 0.60. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed increase in maximum FAR is permitted by Special Exception under Section 4-606. The applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modification(s): ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION §4-605(B)(2), Lot Requirements, Yards, Adjacent to Agricultural and Residential Districts and Land Bays Allowing Residential Uses
PROPOSED MODIFICATION Reduce the building setback from 100 feet to 35 feet and the Parking Setback from 50 feet to 25 feet along the edge of the subject property that borders PIN: 067-37-9924 (Dulles Airport).
The subject property is located partially within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, between the Ldn 60-65, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 aircraft noise contours, within the Route 28 Taxing District and within the Route 28 Corridor Industrial Optional Overlay District. The subject property is approximately 19.51 acres in size and is located north of Old Ox Road (Route 606) and west of sully Road (Route 28) at 22675 Dulles Summit Court, Sterling, Virginia, in the Broad Run Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 045-25-2512. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Industrial/Mineral Extraction Place Type, which designate this area for the development of large Manufacturing, Contractor with outdoor storage, and other productive uses at up to a 0.6 FAR with building heights up to four stories.
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DECEMBER 2, 2021
Legal Notices SPEX-2021-0019 & ZMOD-2021-0017 DULLES TRADE CENTER WEST, LOTS 18B & 24 (Special Exception & Zoning Ordinance Modification)
PIN
PROPERTY ADDRESS
244–49–5748
23208 Sleeping Woods Ct., Aldie, Virginia
244–49–0257
23266 Sleeping Woods Ct., Aldie, Virginia
244–39–3372
N/A
PROPOSED MODIFICATION
244–28–8559
23504 Fleetwood Rd., Aldie, Virginia
Reduce the minimum width of the Buffer Yard Type C from 25 to 15 feet along the northern and eastern boundary of Lot 24.
244–39–0937
N/A
244–29–0197
N/A
Pebble Run Withholdings LLC of Sterling, Virginia, has submitted an application for a Special Exception to expand a Material Recovery Facility use in the PD-GI (Planning Development-General Industry) zoning district. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception use under Section 4-604(S). The applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modification(s): ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION §5-1404(B), Landscaping, Buffer Yards, Screening, and Landscaping Plans, Buffer Yards, Use Buffer Yard Matrix, Table 5-1404(B).
The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, within the Ldn 65 or higher aircraft noise contours. The subject property is approximately 10.74 acres in size and is located on the south side of Trade West Drive (Route 3535), and north of Arcola Mills Drive (Route 621), at 24034 and 24035 Weekley Court, Ashburn, Virginia, and 42702 Dulles Trade Court, Ashburn, Virginia, in the Blue Ridge Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 162-47-7912 and PIN: 162-48-3140. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Industrial/Mineral Extraction Place Type)), which designate this area for large Manufacturing, Contractor with outdoor storage, and other Productive uses at densities up to 0.6 Floor Area Ratio (FAR). ZMAP-2020–0004, ZMOD––2020–0008, ZMOD–2020–0009 & ZMOD–2020–0010 FLEETWOOD SOUTH (Zoning Map Amendment & Zoning Modifications) PHD Associates, LLC, of Melville, New York, has submitted an application to rezone approximately 86.97 acres from the Transitional Residential – 3 (Upper Broad Run and Upper Foley (TR3-UBF) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance to the R-4 ADU (Single Family Residential – 4, ADU Development Regulations) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to develop 246 single-family residential units at a density of approximately 2.8 dwelling units per acre. The applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modification(s): ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION
PROPOSED MODIFICATION
§3-404 (C)(1), Single Family Residential, Lot Requirements for Suburban Design Option, Yards, Front.
To reduce the front yard for single family detached units from 25 feet to 20 feet.
And §3-404(C)(2), Single Family Residential, Lot Requirements for Suburban Design Option, Yards, Side. And §3-404(C)(3), Single Family Residential, Lot Requirements for Suburban Design Option, Yards, Rear. §7-703(B)(1), Single Family Residential District, Lot and Building Requirements, Lot Width.
To reduce the side yard for single family detached units from 9 feet to 5 feet.
To reduce the rear yard for single family detached units from 25 feet to 20 feet. Reduce the required lot width for single family detached, suburban, from 50 feet to 40 feet minimum.
And
Increase maximum lot coverage for single-family detached units from 35 percent to 48 percent maximum.
§7-703(D)(1), Single Family Residential District, Lot and Building Requirements, Lot Coverage.
To permit single family detached units to front on a private road rather than a public road.
The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Transition Policy Area) in the Transition Small Lot Neighborhood Place Type which designates this area for predominantly singlefamily home neighborhoods designed in a cluster arrangement that includes a focal point such as a civic use, park, or green at a density of up to four dwelling units per acre. 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 703-777-0246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies, or electronically at www.loudoun.gov/lola. This link also provides an additional opportunity for public input on active applications. To arrange a time to view the file at the Loudoun County Government Center, please email dpz@loudoun.gov or call 703-777-0246, or you may view the file electronically at www.loudoun.gov/lola. 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). Additionally, documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically the week before the hearing at www.loudoun.gov/pc. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, 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. Planning Commission public hearings are available for viewing on television on Comcast Government Channel 23, Open Band Channel 40, and Verizon FiOS Channel 40, and are livestreamed at loudoun.gov/webcast. All members of the public 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. If you wish to sign up in advance of the hearing, please call the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 prior to 12:00 PM on the day of the public hearing. Speakers may also sign up at the hearing. Written comments are welcomed at any time and may be sent to the Loudoun County Planning Commission, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 3rd Floor, MSC #62, Leesburg, Virginia 20175, or by e-mail to loudounpc@loudoun.gov. Any individual representing and/or proposing to be the sole speaker on behalf of a citizen’s organization or civic association is encouraged to contact the Department of Planning and Zoning prior to the date of the public hearing if special arrangements for additional speaking time and/or audio-visual equipment will be requested. Such an organization representative will be allotted 6 minutes to speak, and the Chairman may grant additional time if the request is made prior to the date of the hearing and the need for additional time is reasonably justified. Citizens are encouraged to call the Department of Planning and Zoning on the day of the public hearing to confirm that an item is on the agenda, or, the most current agenda may be viewed on the Planning Commission’s website at www.loudoun.gov/pc. In the event that the second Thursday is a holiday or the meeting may not be held due to inclement weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend, the meeting will be moved to the third Tuesday of the month. In the event that Tuesday is a holiday or the Tuesday meeting may not be held due to inclement weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend, the meeting will be held on the following Thursday. The meeting will be held at a place determined by the Chairman. Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings at all other locations. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory or mental disability to participate in this meeting, contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246. Please provide three days’ notice. BY ORDER OF: FOREST HAYES, CHAIRMAN LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
And §7-703(F)(2), Single Family Residential District, Lot and Building Requirements, Other Regulations. §1-205(A), Interpretation of Ordinance, Limitations and Methods for Measurements of Lots, Yards and Related Terms. Lot Access Requirements.
Court (Route 616) in the Blue Ridge Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as:
11/25 & 12/02/21 To permit single family detached units to front on a private road rather than a public road.
The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one mile of the Ldn 60 aircraft noise contours, and within the Floodplain Overlay District (FOD), minor floodplain. The subject property is approximately 87.2 acres in size and is located on the east side of Fleetwood Road (Route 616), west of Evergreen Mills Road (Route 621), and south of Sleeping Woods
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
DECEMBER 2, 2021
Legal Notices
NOTICE OF JOINT PUBLIC HEARING HAMILTON TOWN COUNCIL AND HAMILTON PLANNING COMMISSION
NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLE
This notice is to inform the owner and any person having a security interest in their right to reclaim the motor vehicle herein described within 15 days after the date of storage charges resulting from placing the vehicle in custody, and the failure of the owner or persons having security interests to exercise their right to reclaim the vehicle within the time provided shall be deemed a waiver by the owner, and all persons having security interests of all right, title and interest in the vehicle, and consent to the sale of the abandoned motor vehicle at a public auction. This notice shall also advise the owner of record of his or her right to contest the determination by the Sheriff that the motor vehicle was “abandoned,” as provided in Chapter 630.08 of the Loudoun County Ordinance, by requesting a hearing before the County Administrator in writing. Such written request for a hearing must be made within 15 days of the notice. YEAR 2001 2007 2000 2010
MAKE
FORD CHRYSLER DODGE TOYOTA
MODEL
EXPLORER PT CRUISER DAKOTA SIENNA
VIN
1FMCU70E71UA05823 3A4FY58B27T511173 1B7GL22X4YS635444 5TDKK4CC1AS337078
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STORAGE
DOUBLE D D&M TOWING BLAIRS TOWING BLAIRS TOWING
PHONE #
703-777-7300 703-471-4590 703-661-8200 703-661-8200 11/25 & 12/02/21
The Hamilton Town Council and the Hamilton Planning Commission will hold a joint public hearing on Monday December 13, 2021, beginning at 7:00 p.m., at the Hamilton Town Office, 53 E. Colonial Highway, Hamilton, Virginia, to receive comments and consider action on a special use permit application submitted by T-Mobile/SmartLink Group to add a 25 KW diesel generator to a concrete pad at an existing T-Mobile telecommunications facility at the Town Water Tower, 41 S. Rogers Street, Hamilton, Virginia, property owned by the Town and zoned R-2 Single Family-Residential. Virginia Code Section 15.2-2286 and Hamilton Zoning Ordinance Article 4, Section 2.3.15 and Article 10 authorize the granting of special use permits. The application materials, including the concept site plan and specifications for the proposed generator installation are available for inspection at the Town Office, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm and may be viewed on-line at www. hamiltonva.gov. Remote participation is available by following the instructions on the Town website. The Hamilton Planning Commission will hold a special meeting after the public hearings. David Simpson, Mayor Hamilton Town Council November 25, 2021 and December 2, 2021
Loudoun County Public Schools
Fall 2021 Elementary School Attendance Zone Change Process TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO ZONING ORDINANCE ARTICLES 9, 10 AND 18
Elaine E. Thompson Elementary School (ES-23) is scheduled to open in fall 2022, with the start of the 2022-2023 academic year. The school is located within the Arcola Center development at 24200 Pissarro Drive in Sterling. In establishing an attendance zone for Elaine E. Thompson Elementary School, the current attendance boundaries for Arcola, Creighton’s Corner, Goshen Post, Legacy, Madison’s Trust, Rosa Lee Carter and Sycolin Creek Elementary Schools are being reviewed. The Loudoun County School Board has scheduled a series of meetings to facilitate the necessary elementary school attendance zone changes Two meetings remain where the School Board will be discussing the proposed attendance zone for Elaine E. Thompson Elementary School, including one final opportunity for public comment. The previously scheduled December 7, 2021 attendance zone briefing/public hearing has been combined with the November 30, 2021 School Board meeting. Date
Time
Elementary School Attendance Zone Meetings
Tuesday, November 30, 2021*
6:30 p.m.
School Board Elementary School Attendance Zone Public Hearing & Review of Attendance Zone Recommendations
Tuesday, December 14, 2021*
6:30 p.m.
School Board Adoption of Elementary School Attendance Zones
*Regular School Board Business Meeting Both meetings will be held at the Loudoun County Public Schools Administration Building (21000 Education Court, Ashburn). The meetings 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). In-person, virtual and written comment will be accepted at the November 30 attendance zone public hearing. Detail on how to sign up to speak at the hearing will be posted on the LCPS webpage (https://www.lcps.org/Page/226240), beginning Tuesday, November 23, 2021. Those who need translation/interpretation assistance or a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability in order to participate meaningfully in the School Board meetings or public hearing 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 Division of Planning Services 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, Virginia 20148 Telephone: 571-252-1050 Email: lcpsplan@lcps.org 11/18, 11/25, 12/02 & 12/09/21
Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 W. Market Street, Leesburg VA 20176 to consider the following amendments to the Zoning Ordinance: 1. 2. 3.
Section 9.4 Accessory Uses, creating a new accessory use “Donation Box” with performance standards. Section 10.4.5.C Extensions into Required Yards, amending certain encroachments into required yards. Section 18.1 Terms Defined, adding a definition for Donation Box.
Copies and additional information regarding each of these proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments are available at the Department of Planning & Zoning located on the 2nd floor of Leesburg Town Hall, 25 W. Market Street, Leesburg VA 20176 during normal business hours (Mon.Fri., 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or by contacting Michael Watkins, Zoning Administrator, via email at mwatkins@leesburgva.gov, or via telephone at 703-737-7920. This zoning ordinance amendment application is identified as case number TLOA-2021-0003. At this hearing all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations should contact the Clerk of the Commission at (703) 7712434, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711. 12/02 & 2/09/21
LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING SEALED COMPETITIVE BIDS FOR: CONSTRUCTION OF THE SEQUENCE V CAP AND CELL 1A CAP PROJECT FOR LOUDOUN COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY, IFB No. 457783 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, January 10, 2022. A Pre Bid Conference will be held virtually using GoTo Meeting software on December 8, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. for clarification of any questions on the drawings, specifications and site conditions. JANITORIAL SERVICES AT CASCADES LIBRARY AND CASCADES SENIOR CENTER, IFB No. 461782 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, December 21, 2021. Solicitation forms may be obtained 24 hours a day by visiting our web site at www.loudoun.gov/procurement. If you do not have access to the Internet, call (703) 777-0403, M - F, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. WHEN CALLING, PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED ANY REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY TYPE OF DISABILITY IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCUREMENT. 12/02/21
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DECEMBER 2, 2021
Legal Notices
Leg 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, December 15, 2021 in order to consider: ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A NEW CHAPTER OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Disposable Plastic Bag 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, Disposable Plastic Bag Tax, of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. The proposed new Chapter would impose a tax of five cents ($0.05) on each disposable plastic bag not intended for reuse that is provided by a grocery store, convenience store, or drugstore to the customer at the point of purchase to transport items purchased. In accordance with Code of Virginia §58.11746, the proposed tax will not apply to the following: •
Durable plastic bags, with handles, that are specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse and that are at least four mils thick;
•
Plastic bags that are solely used to wrap, contain, or package ice cream, meat, fish, poultry, produce, unwrapped bulk food items, or perishable food items in order to avoid damage or contamination;
•
Plastic bags used to carry dry cleaning or prescription drugs; and
•
Multiple plastic bags sold in packages and intended for use as garbage, pet waste, or leaf removal bags.
The proposed tax will be effective starting July 1, 2022. A complete copy of the full text of the above-referenced proposed ordinance is on file and available for public inspection at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-777-0200. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
SIDP-2020-0008 EQUINIX SIGN DEVELOPMENT PLAN (Sign Development Plan) Equinix RP II LLC of Foster City, California, has submitted an application for a Sign Development Plan to request alternative sign regulations for permitted signs in order to modify the Total Aggregate Sign Area, and Maximum Number of Signs for Flex/Industrial/Warehouses/Data Center Buildings and Signs for Businesses in MR-HI, PD-IP, and PD-GI. The subject property is being developed pursuant to ZRTD2015-0005, Beaumeade SE Quadrant in the PD-IP (Planned Development-Industrial Park) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance, and pursuant to Section 5-1202(E) alternative sign regulations for permitted signs may be requested with the submission of a Sign Development Plan. The Subject Property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District, the Route 28 Corridor Business Overlay District, and the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District between the Ldn 60-65 aircraft noise contours. The subject property is approximately 10.29 acres in size and is located north of Waxpool Road (Route 825) on the east side of Loudoun County Parkway (Route 807) at 22175 Beaumeade Circle, Ashburn, Virginia, in the Broad Run Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 061-29-8643. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Employment Place Type)) which designate this area for a broad array of employment uses at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.0.
ZMOD-2021-0018 BROADLANDS ASHBURN METRO SECTION 204 (Zoning Ordinance Modification) Van Metre Broadlands Metro Apartments, of Fairfax, Virginia has submitted an application for a Zoning Ordinance Modification in the Planned Development – Transit Related Center (PD-TRC) zoning district to request the following Zoning Ordinance Modification: ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION §5-1403, Landscaping, Buffer Yards, Screening, and Landscape Plans, Road Corridor Buffers and Setbacks, General Provisions, and Road Corridor Buffer and Setbacks Matrix, Table 5-1403(B).
PROPOSED MODIFICATION
The subject property is being developed pursuant to ZMAP-2016-0010, Broadlands Ashburn Metro, in the PD-TRC zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is located partially within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 aircraft noise contour. The subject property is approximately 11.57 acres in size and is located along the east side of Mooreview Parkway (Route 2298), and south of the Dulles Greenway (Route 267), in the Broad Run Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as follows: PIN
PROPERTY ADDRESS
119-19-3412
N/A
119-19-7523
43442 Moorefield Boulevard, Ashburn, Virginia
119-19-2497
N/A
The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Urban Policy Area (Urban Transit Center Place Type)), which designate this area for a range of Residential, Retail, Office, Entertainment, and Community Activity uses at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 2.0.
ZRTD-2021-0002 THAYER ROAD (Zoning Conversion in the Route 28 Taxing District) Nokes Plaza, LLC of Sterling, Virginia, has submitted an application to rezone approximately 9.82 acres from the PD-IP (Planned Development-Industrial Park) zoning district under the 1972 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance, to the PD-IP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance, in order to permit the development of all principal and accessory uses permitted in the PDIP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance at a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.45 (up to 0.60 by Special Exception). The subject property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District. The subject property is approximately 10 acres in size and is located east of Sully Road (Route 28) and on the south side of Nokes Boulevard (Route 1793) and east side of Atlantic Boulevard (Route 1902) at 45564 Thayer Road, Sterling, Virginia in the Sterling Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 030-46-5708. 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 compact, pedestrian-oriented environments with opportunities for a mix of Residential, Commercial, Entertainment, Cultural, and Recreational uses at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.0.
ZRTD-2019-0004, SPEX-2019-0037, SPEX-2019-0038 & SPEX-2019-0039 BLES PARK (Rezoning in the Route 28 Tax District & Special Exceptions) The Board of Supervisors of Loudoun County, Virginia, through the Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure of Leesburg, Virginia, has submitted applications for the following: 1) to rezone approximately 3.4 acres from the PD-RDP (Planned Development-Research and Development Park) zoning district under the 1972 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance, to the PD-RDP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning, in order to permit the development additional park amenities permitted in the PD-RDP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance at a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.6 (up to 1.0 by Special Exception); 2) a Special Exception to allow for the expansion of an existing community or regional park use per Section 1-103(F)(2); 3) a Special Exception to allow for incidental structures greater than 840 square feet within the major floodplain per Section 4-1506(E); and 4) a Special Exception to increase the impervious area greater than 3% but no more than 10% within the major floodplain per Section 4-1506(F). These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed uses are listed as Special Exceptions uses under Sections 1-103 and 4-1506. The subject property is located partially within the Route 28 Taxing District, partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District) – major floodplain, and partially within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 aircraft noise contours. The subject property is approximately 132.25 acres in size and located north of Harry Byrd Highway (Route 7), and on the east side of Bles Park Drive (Route 1052), at 44830 Bles Park Drive, Ashburn, Virginia, in the Algonkian Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 038-26-8806. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Neighborhood Place Type)) which designate this area for predominantly residential uses arranged on medium-to-large lots at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 1.0.
To eliminate the required 75-foot building setback and required 35-foot parking setback along Moorefield Boulevard.
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Long Drive 39.817 acres district unde -Commercia (Planned De Ordinance. center uses up to 100% 49% office uses. The su Optional Ov of the Ldn 6 subject prop (Route 625) Road, Sterli described as
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BY ORDER
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
DECEMBER 2, 2021
PAGE 33
Legal Notices
V I R G I N I A: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LOUDOUN COUNTY
ZMAP-2020-0015 DULLES 28 TECHNOLOGY PARK (Zoning Map Amendment) Long Drive Land Company LLC, of Washington, DC, has submitted an application to rezone approximately 39.817 acres from the PD-CC(RC) (Planned Development-Commercial Center (Regional Center) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance and PD-CH (Planned Development -Commercial Highway) zoning district under the 1972 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance to the PD-IP (Planned Development-Industrial Park) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The proposed Zoning Map Amendment would allow up to 531,060 square feet (SF) of data center uses on the proposed Landbay 1, and up to 154,344 SF on the proposed Landbay 2 of either 1) up to 100% of any by-right PD-IP district uses other than office and auxiliary service uses, or 2) up to 49% office uses and the balance being any by-right PD-IP uses other than office and auxiliary services uses. The subject property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District, the Route 28 Corridor Business Optional Overlay District, the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60, aircraft noise contours, and partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District). The subject property is approximately 39.83 acres in size and is located on the north side of Waxpool Road (Route 625) and on the west side of Pacific Boulevard (Route 1036) at 45128, 45130, and 45136 Waxpool Road, Sterling, Virginia, in the Broad Run Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as follows: PIN
PROPERTY ADDRESS
043-37-2508
N/A
043-27-3683
N/A
043-27-4656
N/A
043-27-5728
N/A
043-17-8099
N/A
V I R G I N I A:
CLAUDIA ROJAS (Plaintiff)
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LOUDOUN COUNTY
v.
IN RE: ESTATE OF SALLY JOANNE HARP (DECEASED) PROBATE FILE NO. 17772 Civil Case No. CL20000646-00
SHOW CAUSE ORDER IT APPEARING THAT a report of the account of William C. Prate, III and Shannon Prate, as Co-Executors of the Estate of Sally Joanne Harp (the “Estate”) and of the debts and demands against the Estate has been filed in the Clerk’s office and that six months has elasped since their qualification, on motion of such Co-Executors; IT IS ORDERED that the creditors, beneficiaries and all other interested parties in the Estate do show casue, if any they can, on December 17, 2021, at 10 a.m., before this Court at its Courtroom against the payment and delivery of the Estate to the creditors, claimants and beneficiaries in the amounts stated in the accounting filed with the Clerk of the Loudoun County Circuit Court. IT IS ORDERED that this order be published once a week for two successive weeks in Loudoun Now.
043-17-5778
N/A
043-17-2630
45128, 45130 & 45136 Waxpool Road, Sterling, Virginia
043-16-9304
N/A
044-47-0591
N/A
ENTERED ON 11/17/21 11/25 & 12/02/21
JOSE BAIA (Defendant) Civil Case No. CL 21-5447-00
ORDER OF PUBLICATION THE OBJECT of the above-styled suit is to obtain a divorce, and to determine custody of the minor child of the parties; and IT APPEARING by affidavit filed accordingly that the Defendant in the above-titled cause does not reside in the Commonwealth of Virginia; it is therefore ORDERED that the said JOSE BAIA, appear in the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, Virginia, located at 18 E. Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia on or before the 25th day of February, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. and do what is neccessary to protect his interests; and it is further ORDERED that this order be published one a week for four successive weeks in LOUDOUN NOW, a newspaper of general circulation in the County of Loudoun; that a copy of this order by posted pursuant to Virginia Code § 1-211.1, and a copy mailed to the Defendant at his last known address as stated in the affidavid filed herein. ENTERED ON 11/19/21 11/25, 12/02, 12/9 & 12/16/2021
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 703777-0246 (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 December 3, 2021, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on December 15, 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 signup during the public hearing. Citizens may also submit written comments by email sent to bos@loudoun. gov. Any written comments received prior to the public hearing will be distributed to Board members and made part of the minutes for the public hearing. Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory or mental disability to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200. At least one business day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings. BY ORDER OF:
PHYLLIS RANDALL, CHAIR LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
11/25 & 12/02/21
Northern Virginia Joint Transportation Meeting Wednesday, December 15, 2021, 7 p.m. https://www.virginiadot.org/novatransportationmeeting You are invited to participate in a virtual joint public meeting held by the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB), Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), the Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment (OIPI), Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA), Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) and Virginia Railway Express (VRE). According to Virginia Code, these organizations shall conduct a joint public meeting annually for the purposes of presenting to the public, and receiving public comments on, the transportation projects proposed and conducted by each entity in Planning District 8 (Northern Virginia). The virtual meeting will begin with a brief presentation followed by a public comment period. During the presentation you can learn about various transportation initiatives, including:
Virginia’s Multimodal Project Pipeline Program NVTA’s updates to TransAction and the FY2022-2027 Six Year Program; the NVTA Transportation Technology Strategic Plan; and the Regional Multi-Modal Mobility Program (RM3P) in partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia NVTC’s Commuter Choice program DRPT’s funding opportunities, Six-Year Improvement Program and the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) VRE project updates
The meeting will be held as a virtual/online meeting. Information for accessing and participating in the meeting will be posted at https://www.virginiadot.org/novatransportationmeeting. The team of VDOT, DRPT, OIPI, NVTA, NVTC and VRE representatives will make a presentation beginning at 7 p.m. highlighting their transportation programs, regional collaboration and receive public comments about Virginia’s transportation network. Give your comments during the joint meeting after the presentation concludes or submit your written comments by January 7, 2022 by mail to Ms. Maria Sinner, Virginia Department of Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030 or email meetingcomments@VDOT.virginia.gov. Please reference “Northern Virginia Joint Transportation Meeting” in the subject line. VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact VDOT Civil Rights at 703-259-1775.
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DECEMBER 2, 2021
Legal Notices COUNTY OF LOUDOUN SECOND HALF REAL PROPERTY TAX DEADLINE H. Roger Zurn, Jr., Treasurer December 6, 2021 The deadline for payment of the second half real property tax is December 6, 2021. Payments postmarked after December 6, 2021 will incur a 10% late payment penalty. Additional interest at the rate of 10% per annum will be assessed. The due date will not be extended for bills where assessment questions have been filed with the Board of Equalization.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING HAMILTON TOWN COUNCIL The Hamilton Town Council will hold a public hearing on Monday December 13, 2021, beginning at 7:00 p.m., at the Hamilton Town Office, 53 E. Colonial Highway, Hamilton, Virginia, to receive comments and consider granting a five-year renewal lease to T-Mobile Northeast, LLC for its existing telecommunications equipment on the Town water tower located at the Town-owned parcel at 41 S. Rogers Street, Hamilton, Virginia,. Copies of the proposed lease and related materials may be viewed on-line at www.hamiltonva.gov, or at the Town Office, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Remote participation is available by following the instructions on the Town website. David Simpson, Mayor Nov. 25 and Dec. 2
For Your Safety and Convenience, please consider making payments online, by phone or mail.
Pay your taxes through your mobile device: Link2Loudoun app is available for free from the iPhone App Store and the Google Play Store. The app allows access to www.loudounportal.com/taxes to pay your taxes. By Telephone: 24-hour line 1-800-269-5971 703-777-0280 during regular business hours. Pay using electronic check, VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover Please note: There is a convenience fee added to a Credit Card transaction. There is no fee for electronic checks (e-check). By Mail: County of Loudoun P.O. Box 1000 Leesburg, Virginia 20177-1000 TREASURER’S OFFICEAND LOCATIONS Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM 1 Harrison Street, S.E. 1st Floor Leesburg, Virginia 20175
21641 Ridgetop Circle Suite 104 Sterling, Virginia 20166
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DECEMBER 2, 2021
Opinion Drawing the Lines County supervisors are preparing to dig into their redistricting duties after weeks of soliciting public suggestions for redrawing the lines of representation that will shape their board and the School Board for the next decade. So far, much of the debate has focused on the board’s stated priority— one supported by the county’s rural leaders—of retaining two chiefly western Loudoun voting districts. That is perhaps the biggest challenge of the complex mathematical puzzle. Only about 13% of the county’s 425,000 residents live in the rural areas—about enough people to comprise one of the eight election districts to be created during the rebalancing act. There simply isn’t a way to create two western districts without linking them to more dense population centers—down the eastern Rt. 50 corridor, or the suburban neighborhoods east and south of Leesburg, or splitting Leesburg in half. There are merits to the Coalition of Loudoun Town’s proposal, not the least of which is largely keeps together the communities of interest that have operated for the past decade. Yes, it is feasible that the proposed two-western-districts plan could result in no supervisor actually living in western Loudoun, but let’s remember that the current Blue Ridge District supervisor lived in Brambleton when he was first elected. And while living in that neighborhood, few would argue he was less of a champion for rural interests than he is today living at the other end of the district. While it is important have voices in western Loudoun, it is more important for all supervisors (and School Board members) to understand the complexities, challenges, and opportunities in all areas of the county. Protection of rural spaces is as important to the residents of the eastern side of the county—and their pocketbooks—as those who live there. And the quality of life, functional transportation network, and business centers of the east are critically important to rural residents. The threat to the maintaining the county’s hard-fought balance isn’t the placement of election district lines. It is the damage that can be caused by just five votes of elected representatives who fail to understand how quickly it can be lost. n
Norman K. Styer, Publisher and Editor nstyer@loudounnow.com
Published by Amendment One Loudoun, LLC
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15 N. King St., Suite 101 Leesburg, VA, 20176
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LETTERS to the Editor The Democratic Process Editor: Loudoun County Democratic Committee Chairwoman Lissa Savaglio claims the School Board member recall efforts are “a national Republican effort to usurp democratic elections.” The last I checked, recall efforts are part of the democratic process as are elections and only registered voters of the local corresponding election districts are valid to move the recall process forward. The “campaign of lies” she refers to that motivated the recall efforts is inconsistent with the already established secret Facebook page the six School Board members and the Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj were members of where they potentially held public meetings privately, which is illegal. These are the same elected officials whose recall efforts are at varying stages and Beth Barts has already resigned. It is this writer’s opinion that Ms. Barts already knew the recall efforts would be successful and bowed out because of that rather than threats to
her family as she claims. Otherwise, law enforcement would have or should have been involved. Regarding the “clear mandate from the citizens of Loudoun County,” the only mandate they received was to act lawfully in service to their constituents and the children of Loudoun County rather than threatening to attack these same constituents in a potentially unlawful manner. That may be considered a dereliction of their sworn duty to serve the Constitution of the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Constitution was created not for the government to restrain the people but, rather, for the people to restrain the government. Some elected officials, and Ms. Savaglio, seem to have forgotten that judicial relief and these recall efforts are perfect examples of how the democratic process works in the United States of America. — Jeffrey M. Maged, Leesburg The writer represented Leesburg District on the School Board from 1996 to 2000.
Share Your Views Loudoun Now welcomes readers’ comments on issues affecting our community. Letters may be emailed to letters@loudounnow.com or mailed to the newspaper office. Letters should be no more than 500 words and must include the writer’s name, address and contact information for confirmation purposes.
DECEMBER 2, 2021
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
Readers’ Poll
PAGE 37
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What are your priorities for the upcoming General Assembly session?
LAST WEEK'S QUESTION: How are you planning to do your holiday shopping this year?
Share your views at loudounnow.com/ polls
Why White’s Ferry Closed BY HERBERT O. BROWN Previous Owner, White’s Ferry
In 2003, Hurricane Isabel destroyed a wooden wall on the Virginia landing. Ed Brown, my father and the previous owner of White’s Ferry, replaced it with a concrete retaining wall, believing it was within the public right-of-way. Rockland Farm disputed the wall placement. A lawsuit was brought by Rockland Farm, and in 2020 a judge ruled there was no public landing in Virginia (despite the 1871 condemnation which formalized a ferry landing on the Virginia shore). The judge ruled that the retaining wall was on their property and awarded them $102,175, which all agreed was the cost to tear it down. This judgment was paid in December 2020. For more than 200 years, the ferry had operated at that site since it was considered public land. The only agreement between White’s Ferry and Rockland Farm happened in 1952 and was for a pole and anchor in the nearby pasture to support an overhead cable. That changed in 2020 with the judgment. Rockland Farm’s owners Peter Brown and his sister Libby Devlin sent us a revocable license agreement demanding $18,000 a month for the use of the landing. At that time, the boat operation was not generating that amount per month. Mrs. Devlin has reported that the ferry was netting $750,000 a year, however the 75-year-old White’s Ferry corporation’s earnings came from sources in addition to the operation of the ferry, seven days a week, 18 hours a day. In fact, a majority of White’s Ferry Inc.’s income came from sources other than the
Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now
Whites Ferry, pictured during its operation years under Herb Brown.
boat. The judge understood this distinction in his opinion. White’s Ferry Inc. had reserves invested to replace the boat when needed, income from the store, rental of the picnic area, boat rentals and income from outside investments. When we decided to close, our daily commuters, which were the bulk of our weekday business, were paying $2.62 per trip. Peter Brown and Libby Devlin wanted $1 per car (38% of the gross), for these customers. In a conversation with Peter Brown, he explained why the Maryland Shore should receive one-third, Virginia shore receive one-third, and the operator one-third of the income. Based on that formula, the operator would not be able to maintain operation costs and would be
forced to go bankrupt. Rockland Farm also offered to purchase the ferry and its operations. In January 2021, Libby Devlin met with us and reviewed the books on the boat operation and saw that we could not afford what they were asking. We countered the informal offer they made but never heard back. Instead, we offered Rockland Farm $400,000 for an easement on approximately 7,000 square feet of land and were told it was worth $2 million. In addition, they wanted us to sign a license agreement that we received from their attorneys, seven days before closing, stating that the agreement could be canceled at any time with a 30-day notice. It made no sense to replace the cable and
reopen after the flood with the possibility of being closed down after a month. Now, they are trying to get that large amount from Chuck Kuhn, the new owner. My understanding is that he offered more than we did for the easement, but the boat’s business history doesn’t support Rockland Farm’s extraordinary request. The only reason Rockland Farm wants the ferry re-opened is to have a perpetual annuity to support the farm from someone else’s labor. It is not for the public, as they claim. If they want the operation to reopen, they should come forward with a reasonable proposal for an easement so everyone can move forward. No one can operate the ferry as on ongoing business based on Rockland’s current demands. n
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DECEMBER 2, 2021
Gable Farm continued from page 4 The county and the property owner were unable to agree on a plan to bring the site into compliance with the approved site plan. On Nov. 3, District Court Judge Deborah C. Welsh issued an order of abatement, requiring the owner to correct the zoning ordinance violations. The order requires that the owners adjust the elevations and grading of the property by moving the excess fill to lower the elevations on the property to be consistent with what was shown on the approved Rural Economy Site Plan for the property. The excess fill is to be spread out around the property, including into specific sites on the southern edge of the property to control erosion and runoff. After that, the property owner must hire a third-party surveyor or engineer to confirm the elevation and grades of fill dirt. The work must be done by Nov. 15, 2022. The owner was already required to pay a $200 fine. n
Sterling DMV continued from page 4 And with scheduled appointments carrying on from the pandemic, the office will accept walk-in service on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and see customers by appointment-only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. State elected officials at the brief ribbon cutting ceremony—held as customers sat around them in the waiting area—cheered the advances they said the department has made, including in diversity and streamlining their services. “Our community’s really lucky to have this DMV and to have this leadership that has created such a customer-driven experience,” said Del. Karrie K. Delaney (D-67). “And I can say in our office, we help people navigate state agencies all day every day, and I will say of all the calls that we get, helping people navigate their issues at the DMV is easily one of the easiest and most seamless (jobs).” “I remember my secretary came in and said, ‘DMV serves more customers than anyone else in the state.’ And I said well, we are second to ABC, and boy did they serve a lot more customers in the pandemic than we did. Our goal is to have our customers leaving as happy as the ABC customers,” Holcomb said. The new office is at 22360 S. Sterling Boulevard. n
A concept plan submitted to the Town of Leesburg’s Planning Department shows the layout of 80 townhouses on the Leesburg Mobile Park property.
Mobile home park continued from page 3 residents in a presentation to the council. Those are for the council to amend proposed language in the under-review Legacy Leesburg Town Plan update to create a text amendment that allows mobile homes as a permitted use; and to change maps in the Town Plan and Crescent District Master Plan to include Leesburg Mobile Park. “There is no reason why a neighborhood that has existed peacefully and without issue since at least 1957 should be erased,” she said to the council during its Nov. 23 meeting. “Displacing 75 working-class and minority families in the name of gentrification would be a tragedy.” Council members have long maintained that they cannot get in the way of a private sale, or risk legal consequences. Recently, with many both on and off the council dais remarking that a sale of the property seemed inevitable, developer David Gregory has provided a plan that would relocate the community to seven acres of property
“There is no reason why a neighborhood that has existed peacefully and without issue since at least 1957 should be erased.” — Mobile home park resident
Erin Taylor
he owns off Dry Mill Road, part of the former Graydon Manor property at the town’s western boundary. The council recently held a closed session briefing on that plan, and voted to send a letter to the Board of Supervisors with a request that the county review Gregory’s proposal to determine its feasibility and to determine “what steps each par-
ty needs to take to make this proposal a reality for the residents of Leesburg Mobile Home Park.” The land predominantly falls within Loudoun County, with only about one acre within town limits, according to Arnett. The letter also asked county supervisors, in conjunction with the Loudoun Housing Authority, to identify any land within its Joint Land Management Area that would work for a relocated manufactured home community. “Without the full engagement of the County of Loudoun to pursue all options despite obvious challenges, there simply is no relocation solution available to 75 families that are residents of both the Town of Leesburg and the County of Loudoun. On behalf of the Leesburg Town Council, I urge the Board of Supervisors to become actively involved as a full partner in this critical matter, and to commit all available resources to working with Leesburg to fully explore all opportunities on behalf of these 75 families,” the letter, signed by Mayor Kelly Burk on behalf of the council, said in closing. n
DECEMBER 2, 2021
Electoral map continued from page 1 toral map. Supervisors are scheduled to vote in March on which map or maps to send to a public hearing in May. After supervisors vote on a new electoral map, the schedule is out of their hands again—by May, it will go to the Attorney General’s Office for review. The county hopes to send out new voter cards reflecting the new districts in September. One thing about the new districts is already decided: there will once again be eight districts and one at-large seat on both boards.
COLT Pitches New Map One proposal for a new electoral map has already gone public. On Tuesday afternoon, the Coalition of Loudoun Towns sent county supervisors its proposal for Loudoun’s next electoral map—a map that looks in many ways like the old one. COLT, a group of Loudoun’s seven town mayors, joined those voices pushing to keep two western Loudoun districts despite the growing population disparity between suburban east and rural west. All of Loudoun’s towns, with the possi-
General Assembly continued from page 1 existing authority to make some building modifications eligible for school security grants. That bill, she said, passed at least in part because a Republican colleague in a neighboring district championed it. Other bills, ranging from studying the possibility of storing naloxone in automated external defibrillator cabinets around the state, to expanding the list of people who are required to report child abuse and neglect, to protecting electoral board members from employment discrimination on the basis of their election-day work, were killed in committee. Subramanyam also said Northern Virginians could feel the political change in their pocketbooks. “A Republican majority generally will hurt Loudoun County, because less funding will come up to Loudoun County,” Subramanyam said. “We’re paying probably as much if not more taxes that go into the state’s coffers than any other county, but in the past, before our Democratic majority, we had trouble getting that money to come back. Now, we’re going to see probably a reversal of the past couple of
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ble exception of Leesburg, are considered part of Loudoun’s rural area. And in fact, COLT’s plan is specific only on western districts—the eastern districts are depicted in that plan “for example only.” COLT accomplished two western districts by building on some of the same features that shape the Catoctin and Blue Ridge districts today. One large western district, similar to today’s Blue Ridge District, has been extended both north and east, now encompassing both Neersville in far northwestern Loudoun, and South Riding in far southeastern Loudoun. The other, similar to today’s Catoctin District, has absorbed Purcellville from the Blue Ridge District, wraps around Leesburg into the River Creek neighborhood as it does today, and reaches further eastward to the intersection of Ryan Road and Northstar Boulevard. Leesburg would still have its own district, with a new border that follows town limits more closely than today. That proposal drew mixed reactions from supervisors seeing the map for the first time Tuesday evening. “My goal is to maintain two western Loudoun Supervisors and COLT’s plan does that, so I’ll be strongly considering it once all public submissions have been received and presented to the Board,” said Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge).
“This map is literally an insult to all the work that this board has done to not gerrymander, to put communities of interest in one district, and to make sure that we have someone who lives in the west,” said County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (DAt Large). Randall said she would not support that proposal, objecting to the proposed western districts’ into suburban areas. “This is the most important thing I can say—this map does not require any supervisor to live in western Loudoun County, just like the current map,” Randall said. “… In this map you could have every single supervisor live in the east. The point of a western district is, you want someone who understands western Loudoun County because they live there.” In previous conversations, one thing on which county supervisors have broadly agreed is that the current map is a non-starter, and not just because of population disparities among districts. They, also, have pointed to the disparate communities brought together in that map. COLT members, joined by the Loudoun County Preservation and Conservation Coalition Executive Committee, which offered support for the COLT proposal, maintain that western Loudoun needs two seats on the county board to adequately represent its interest and sprawling territory.
“The idea was, the west has its very, very unique challenges opposed to the east, and some of those challenges are just simple matters of geography—it’s 200,000 acres,” said Middleburg Mayor Bridge Littleton. He also pointed to the needs of people living in towns and villages. “People in the towns get taxed twice. They get county taxes and they get town taxes. So, they need that broader voice across the county,” Littleton said. “And again, Middleburg to Lovettsville is about an hour drive. It’s really a challenge for one supervisor with two to three staff people to manage that.” And he said he’s not worried about electing a western supervisor who doesn’t live in the rural west. “Sure, that’s a possibility, but with 6065% of the population in the two districts that we have somewhere in the rural western part of the county, they have to be able to win, too,” Littleton said, adding that even a supervisor who lives in east representing the west would be responsible for representing all their constituents. And despite differences on the COLT proposal, Randall, too, has said she will try to draw two western Loudoun districts again. n
years where we were able to fund so many different projects.” “If we’re going to provide tax cuts in certain areas, we have to have a plan for making up the revenue in other areas,” said Sen. Barbara A. Favola (D-31). “We have to understand that it does cost money to provide the quality services that Loudoun residents expect, and residents throughout the Commonwealth expect, if we want to do a good job.” The newly split government will also put Democrats on the defensive as Republicans seek to capitalize on their victories across the state and their first opportunity in years to set the path for Virginia government. Some of that could come in the form of trying to undo legislation passed over the past two years, such as new gun laws. There are a variety of ways for Republicans to make changes. Most commonly, that’s by passing a bill—and with a Republican lieutenant governor casting the tiebreaking vote in the Senate, if all 21 Democrats do not vote together, Republicans have the majority vote in both chambers. Other changes could happen in the courts, with a change in the state’s top attorney. Favola pointed to the example of
abortion access—with incoming attorney general Jason Miyares unlikely to take up Attorney General Mark Herring’s work defending in court what has long been a right enshrined in federal law, and depending on the outcome of a pending U.S. Supreme Court case, access to abortion could soon hinge on actions by state legislatures. Favola said she expects Senate Democrats will be “very aggressive” in protecting access to abortion. And some legislation with reenactment clauses can be stopped with simple inaction. The state’s minimum wage hikes, which are stepped through 2026, and the legal sale of marijuana are two major pieces of legislation that will require another vote of approval. “It’s going to be a very interesting session,” Favola predicted. “The Democrats are still in control in the Senate, so it’ll be very much sort of a yin and yang kind of environment. I think Democrats, at least in the Senate, we’re going to hold firm with some of the progress we made in the last session, especially with regards to gun safety.” With a divided government, there are some things local Democrats said may go to the back burner instead of the General Assembly next year.
“There’s a lot I want to do on climate change, and a lot I want to do on increasing pay for teachers more, but I just don’t think it will pass in a Republican majority,” Subramanyam said. “There was a lot of interest in banning assault weapons, that probably is not going to pass the House this time,” Favola said, also pointing to climate change legislation. But Subramanyam also pointed out things could change again next year. A case in front of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals could see the House of Delegates facing another election next year after new electoral districts are drawn. Herring has fought against that in court. Normally, the 2021 election would have been the first under new electoral districts drawn following the decennial census, but delays at the U.S. Census Bureau meant there wasn’t enough time to get that done before November—and in fact those districts are still pending, after the state’s redistricting commission failed to come to an agreement on a new map and sent that work to the state Supreme Court. Loudoun’s only remaining Republican in Richmond, Del. Dave A. LaRock (R-33), did not respond to a request for comment. n
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