Youngkin Proposes $1.1B Car Tax Relief Fund
BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
During his budget presentation to the General Assembly’s money committee last year Gov. Glenn Youngkin urged lawmakers to eliminate the car tax but offered no specific plan to do so. And nothing happened.
This year, the governor wants to put $1.1 billion toward the effort.
Several of Youngkin’s proposals for the second year of the commonwealth’s biennial budget focus on using the state’s surplus to reduce taxes. He said that helping Virginians “keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets is not a Republican idea, it’s not a Democrat idea, it’s just common sense.”
“Therefore, let’s give Virginia families relief on the most hated tax in America since the tax on tea - the local car tax,” he said.
Youngkin’s proposal would create a Middle Class Car Tax Credit providing up to $150 for individuals earning under $50,000, and $300 for joint tax filers earning under $100,000.
He proposed funding the program through its first three years
County’s Metro Bill Increases with New Formula
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
previously owed to support the regional service.
A new funding formula recently adopted by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Board will have Loudoun paying 15.5% more a year than
The goal of the change is to simplify the formula, provide transparency for jurisdictions to see how service changes impact their subsidies and ensure fairness in the cost relative to services provided.
The region’s localities as well as the state and federal governments, Maryland and Washington, DC, all subsidize the service, which is expected to operate at a
CAR TAX RELIEF continues on page 25 METRO continues on page 26
LOCAL
Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now
A train, part of the Silver Line, leaves the Ashburn Metro Station.
Subramanyam Readies for Work on Capitol Hill
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
As Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10) steps down from three terms of public service, a new public servant is stepping into her shoes to represent 10th District constituents in Washington, DC.
Suhas Subramanyam began his political career working as a policy advisor for President Barack Obama. From there, he started his own business in Loudoun before being elected as a Democratic delegate in House District 87 from 2020 to 2024. Last November, he was elected to the State Senate as the representative for the 32nd District.
Now, he’s heading to Capitol Hill with plans to take many of the same issues he’s been championing for years at the state level to the federal government.
After the November win by President-elect Donald Trump and Republicans taking control of both houses of Congress, Subramanyam said his first year is going to look different than he had originally envisioned.
“I didn’t know what was going to happen nationally, and I didn’t know what I would be walking into,” he said. “Now that I know, I’ve kind of reset my expectations
about what we could do specifically for Loudoun, but some of it is going to involve defense,” he said.
That is especially true for Loudoun’s large federal workforce, Subramanyam said.
“I know a lot of federal civil servants in this county and they are concerned about
their jobs. A lot of them are of the opinion that they won’t actually lose their job, but their job will just get worse, or whatever project they’re working on will be reviewed and maybe discontinued in some form,” he said.
Subramanyam said he doesn’t know yet if that’s true.
“I think there’s very much a project to look at how they can gut the federal workforce and reshape it into more of a politicized workforce, and I think that’s a shame, because there’s a lot of federal civil servants who live in our community and bring a lot of expertise to the federal government. They could be making a lot more money in the private sector,” he said.
Subramanyam will now need work as a bi-partisan politician who reaches across the aisle to advance his priorities.
“I think the balance I’m trying to pull off is how to both be a strong and forceful advocate for our community, but still work collaboratively with people on both sides of the aisle to deliver,” he said.
During orientation at the capitol, Subramanyam said he already discovered it will be harder at the federal level than it was at the state.
“In the General Assembly, there’s lots of opportunities to work with and talk to Republicans, even just going to get lunch in the chamber, you’re in the same lunch line with the other Republicans, and you’re just joking with them and catching up with them,” he said. “[In Washington,
SUBRAMANYAM continues on page 26
Wexton Reflects on Service in Farewell Floor Speech
BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-10-VA) delivered her final speech on the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, concluding three terms of service.
Wexton did not seek reelection as she deals with the debilitating conditions of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy that limits her movements and speech. This year she has been communicating using an AI-generated model of her voice.
Speaking through the voice program on a computer tablet, Wexton talked about being inspired to run for elected office after hearing Barack Obama speak during a 2008 campaign rally in Leesburg where she worked as a county prosecutor, an appointed legal guardian for abused and neglected children, and substitute judge.
“I believed him when he said that we could come together around what unites us as Americans and do the hard work
of making life better for our neighbors,” she said.
She won a special election to serve in the state Senate, where she championed legislation to make the overdose antidote Narcan more accessible, provide greater benefits to single parents of kids with disabilities, and empower victims of revenge
porn to file lawsuits and recover damages from their perpetrators.
She said election of Donald Trump to the presidency in 2016 inspired her run for federal office.
“I wanted to stand up for the communities who did not feel represented. I stood with our Muslim neighbors at Dulles Airport to protest the Muslim Ban. I became the first member of Congress to hang a transgender rights flag outside of my office. And as the child of two parents who had worked for the federal government, I became a vocal advocate for the integrity of our civil service,” she said.
“But most of all, I ran for Congress because of my kids. I went to Washington with the goal of making sure the stories of Virginia’s families were heard and that their representative was fighting for their needs. And I’m proud of what I was able to do,” Wexton said.
She said that work included funding for childhood cancer research in honor of Leesburg-area resident Gabriella Miller,
supporting survivors of domestic violence and abuse, expanding mental health resources for Capitol Police in the wake of the Jan. 6 riot, and standing up for human rights of Uyghurs in China.
She said it may be her PSP diagnosis that led to one of her most meaningful policy accomplishments.
“One of my proudest moments in Congress has been successfully helping lead the bipartisan National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act to become law – the most consequential legislation ever passed to tackle Parkinson’s and related conditions like my PSP. It will go a long way toward improving and saving lives,” Wexton said.
In leaving office, Wexton said she continues to believe in the message she heard in the field at Ida Lee Park 16 years ago
“I hope that the most impactful legacy I can leave is in the power of perseverance and persistence and in the belief that change is possible through public service, and that change is coming if we are willing to work for it,” Wexton said. n
Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now
Suhas Subramanyam was elected to the House of Representatives 10th District in the November election. He replaces Jennifer Wexton, who did not seek reelection.
House of Representatives Video
Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-10-VA) delivers her final floor speech on Dec. 17, 2024.
Loudoun
Residents Voice Priorities for 2025 General Assembly Session
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
Del. David Reid (D-28) hosted this year’s 2025 General Assembly local public forum, giving residents a chance to tell their state representatives what they want them to focus on during the upcoming session that begins Jan. 8.
The Board of Supervisors and some local towns have already adopted their guidance for the county’s senators and delegates, but legislators are still working on finalizing their bills.
Nine speakers gathered at the Loudoun County Public Schools Administration Building in Ashburn on Dec. 19 saying they want support for the three proposed state constitutional amendments, changes to state education laws, renewable energy requirements for data centers, and changes to gun laws.
Mital Gandhi, whose middle schoolaged son worked last year with U.S. Representative-elect Suhas Subramanyam to pass a bill allowing middle and high schools to have career technical education clubs, said his family has more proposed changes to education laws this year.
The first is a change to mandate that Virtual Virginia classes and materials be accessible by all high and middle school students.
“Currently, Virtual Virginia shall be made available to every public high school in Virginia, but can you believe it’s not available to all the kids? All the material is there, but not all the school boards are allowing kids to access that material,” Gandhi said.
Another issue relates to a policy just updated by the county’s School Board that changes regulations around when students may request special permission to transfer schools. The board recently lowered the capacity threshold in the policy, making more schools ineligible to accept transfers, but Ghandi’s complaint related to a part of the policy that was not changed and gives transfer priority to school employees’ children.
“If you’re an employee’s kid, you will have special permission to get into basically any school you want if the school principal allows that, even if they’re above 90% [capacity]. We need to change that to make sure everyone in the state that is in a failing school district or off track or needing intensive support, they get first right to be in a better school in that county,” Ghandi said.
Lastly, Ghandi asked for later school start times, a frequent complaint from parents of elementary-aged students. He said the county’s school systems are the earliest in the country.
“[My fifth-grade son] has to go to elementary school at 7:30 a.m. We ask that that be amended to go to 7:45 a.m. and then 8 a.m. in Virginia,” he said.
Sree NagiReddi, who ran for the Democratic nomination in last year’s 26th House District election, said the state needs better educational facilities, more educational opportunities and lower college tuition costs.
“You need to fix the tuition increases year over year, which is not acceptable,” he said.
Matt Chwalowski said he wanted state legislators to protect girls’ sports.
“There is a pending bill that bans biological males from participating in girls’ sports. I am a grandfather of a little granddaughter. I want to make sure that there is girls’ sports in Virginia. That should be a no brainer,” he said.
Chwalowski also said it was “sloppy thinking” to blame guns for violence committed by people.
“Do you think that obesity is caused by food violence? Do you think that computer crime is caused by laptop violence? Do you think that murder is caused by gun violence? No, it’s the human being behind, the technology is neither good nor bad,” he said.
But Carrie Kidwell said guns are the leading cause of death for children and teens in the country.
“This is an unacceptable reality,” she said. “Researchers estimate that 4.6 million children live in a household with at least one loaded and unlocked firearm. With youth suicide at record high numbers, this easy access is concerning with three out of four firearm suicides taking place in the home, and 80% with a gun belonging to a family member.”
Donna Widawski said public safety was
the number one issue in her household and that it should come before everything else in the General Assembly.
“Gov. [Glenn] Youngkin has put forward a commonsense amendment that will cut off funding to law enforcement agencies and jails that do not cooperate with Immigrations and Custom Enforcement detainers,” she said. “The sanctuary cities ban will make local law enforcement and jails work with ICE to deport criminals who are in the country illegally. It takes leadership to vote for Youngkin’s amendment, not towing the party line. Remember, the goal is to protect all Virginians from criminal illegal aliens.”
Two speakers also drew attention to concerns about the data center industry and a desire to see more renewable energy innovation.
Nathan Souls referenced a recent study conducted by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission that said unconstrained data center growth would require a significant amount of new generation, transmission infrastructure and the need for energy imports.
“We need a robust set of policies that ensures that we can handle data center growth in a way that minimizes impact to those who live near them and ensures that we meet the energy demand with clean energy,” he said.
Bernie Dune agreed, saying he wanted to see more innovation in the industry.
“I know we rely on the tax revenue for offsetting personal property taxes, real estate taxes, and I think that’s all well and good. However, I want responsible growth and innovation. I want the data centers to have clean energy. I’d like to see Virginia be a global leader in a decarbonized economy, clean energy. And I’d like to see the energy mix shift in Virginia, so more solar, more wind, more hydro,” he said.
Sue King said she recently moved to the county but after realizing the topics
RESIDENTS' PRIORITIES continues on page 5
ON THE agenda
Voices of Loudoun Women Survey Closes Dec. 31
The Loudoun Coalition on Women and Girls urging residents to participate in its 2024 Voices of Loudoun Women Survey and shed light on the challenges they face and the resources they need.
The survey closes Dec. 31.
The results will be used in decision-making and resource allocation. Findings from previous years have resulted in the Board of Supervisors allocating resources toward workforce development, childcare, housing, food security, and other needs.
“There is growing evidence that women in Loudoun County are falling short of basic needs for themselves and their families,” stated Coalition Chair Ferri Riar. “It is incumbent upon all of us to step up, work together, and meet those needs.”
Last year’s survey revealed that more than half of respondents faced major challenges, including access to healthcare, including mental health services; housing support; workforce connections; and food and nutritional support. Additionally, 5% of women surveyed cited domestic violence resources as critical for their households, emphasizing the importance of initiatives to address safety, mental health, and economic security for women and their families. and other critical issues.
County Offers New Parent Support Program
Loudoun County families with youth experiencing challenging peer and family relationships and life crises can now get support through a county program designed to help parents learn strategies to better support their children and manage difficult situations in the home.
Parents will learn constructive skills proven to decrease problem behaviors, reduce family conflict and improve the family dynamic. The program is based on the evidence-based curriculum Parenting Wisely. All programs are free, but seats are limited, and registration is required.
The “Parenting Wisely – Teen Edition” program is available to Loudoun County families with a child between the ages of 11-17 that has had one of more of the following problems:
ON THE AGENDA continues on page 5
Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now
From left, delegates Geary Higgins (R-30), Marty Martinez (D-29), David Reid (D-28), Atoosa Reaser (D-27) and Kannan Srinivasan (D-26) listen to constituent concerns Dec. 19.
Virginia State Police Join Drone Investigations
Concerns over increasing drone activity aren’t limited to the Jersey shore. So far this month the State Police Virginia Fusion Center has received more than 150 tips regarding drone activity in the commonwealth.
According to the State Police, each tip is investigated and shared with other agencies.
On Thursday, Sen. Mark R. Warner, Sen. Tim Kaine, and Gov. Glenn Youngkin received a classified briefing at the U.S. Capitol from the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Justice, and the FBI regarding the ongoing investigation into the unexplained drone sightings in Virginia.
“While we appreciate the agencies taking the time to update us on the situation, this briefing was insufficient and unsatisfactory,” they said in a joint statement released after the session. “It has been more than a year since these sightings over key military facilities in Virginia and the lack of answers about the nature, intent, and origin of these incidents is completely unacceptable. The safety of Virginians remains our top priority, and we are determined to continue pressing for additional details as well as greater coordination with state and local officials. We will be staying in close contact with the relevant federal and state agencies to ensure that these concerns are pursued vigorously.”
On the state level, investigators at Virginia Fusion Center encourage anyone witnessing suspicious drone activity to contact them at vfc@vfc.vsp.virginia.gov.
“We encourage anyone that witnesses a drone flying over critical infrastructure, such as energy installations, or military sites, to contact the Virginia Fusion Center,” Virginia State Police Special Agent D. Robin-
son stated in a Dec. 18 alert. “This will enable us to work with our partners to determine exactly what is occurring, and how to move forward.”
Drones are required to remain in sight of either the operator or a visual observer and have a maximum altitude of 400 feet unless waived by federal regulators. Operators are required to have a remote pilot certificate for recreational use or a license from the FAA for commercial use.
The agency also emphasized it is against the law to shoot at a drone.
Although airspace is governed by the federal government, state law prohibits flying drones within 50 feet of a residence, unless the person is authorized by the federal government to operate and is doing so lawfully and consistent with federal regulations.
The Virginia Fusion Center Shield Program has published additional information about drones and distributes public bulletins on security or terrorism-related events. Learn more at fusion.vsp.virginia. gov/shield.
Following the briefing, they issued the following statement:
“While we appreciate the agencies taking the time to update us on the situation, this briefing was insufficient and unsatisfactory. It has been more than a year since these sightings over key military facilities in Virginia and the lack of answers about the nature, intent, and origin of these incidents is completely unacceptable. The safety of Virginians remains our top priority, and we are determined to continue pressing for additional details as well as greater coordination with state and local officials. We will be staying in close contact with the relevant federal and state agencies to ensure that these concerns are pursued vigorously.” n
Residents' Priorities
continued from page 4
that will be considered in the upcoming session, she decided to speak.
“I’ve realized that you guys are now considering things that are very important to me, abortion rights, marriage equality and voting rights. And I appreciate all of you supporting all of those. Your constituents, your female constituents, particularly, are very dependent on you to vote in favor of all three of those constitutional amendments,” she said.
In addition to Reid, the forum was attended by delegates Atoosa Reaser (D-27),
On the Agenda
continued from page 4
running away, failing grades, truancy and poor school attendance/avoidance, drug and alcohol experimentation, or concerning behaviors, to include aggression at home, school and/or in the community.
The “Parenting Wisely – Young Child Edition” is available to Loudoun County families with a child between the ages of 3 - 11 that has had one or more of the following problems: interrupting on the phone, getting kids up and out the door on time, acting out in public, homework and poor grades, conflict with other children/siblings or getting ready for school.
The sessions are offered in English and Spanish. Find more information on the session dates and times at loudoun.gov/parentingwisely.
Marsh Moves to Head Real Property Asset Management
Jacqueline Marsh has been selected as the first director of the county’s Office of Real Property Asset Management and Planning.
Marsh, who currently serves as an assistant director in the county’s Department of
Marty Martinez (D-29), Kannan Srinivasan (D-26) and Geary Higgins (R-30).
Reid emphasized the importance of residents voicing their concerns and working with legislators to cause change.
“This is a great way for us to hear what are your concerns in the community,” he said. “It’s also a great way to get ideas for legislation, because I was saying earlier that I think I had nine pieces of legislation passed last year, eight of them got signed by the governor. One got vetoed, but of the eight that were signed by the governor, seven of them came from constituent ideas. So, these are great opportunities for us to be able to get input from you and to help inform our decision making as we go down to Richmond.” n
Planning and Zoning, will begin her new role Jan. 2.
The Office of Real Property Asset Management and Planning was created earlier this year within the Office of the County Administrator to focus on the county’s land strategy and to manage the acquisition and disposition of real estate.
“Ms. Marsh has shown exceptional leadership since joining the county in 2016, demonstrated by her continual promotions within the Department of Planning and Zoning based on her excellent performance,” County Administrator Tim Hemstreet stated in an announcement. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will continue to serve Loudoun in this important new role that will require coordination of complex work among many stakeholders including property owners, the Board of Supervisors and departments across the county government.”
Immediately prior to joining Loudoun County, Marsh was a planner with the city of Frederick, MD. She earned a master’s degree in real estate development from the University of Maryland, a master’s degree in library information science from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor’s degree in geography from Shippensburg University. n
Leesburg Architectural Review Board Approves Downtown Development Project
BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org
After six months of review, Leesburg’s Board of Architectural Review approved a certificate of appropriateness clearing the way for the construction of an addition to the 19 N King Street office building and a new three story plus a basement residential and retail building to be built in the parking lots behind Lightfoot Restaurant during a Dec. 18 meeting.
The BAR last month signed off on the design of one building along West Market Street. The panel’s Dec. 18 work session focused on finalizing the details of the second building behind 19 N. King St.
The changes included an extension of a cornice from the east elevation to the west elevation, shifting back to a mansard-style roof, reworking the siding material on the bridge portion of the building to be brick, and changing the east elevation siding material to brick.
The development will also require the demolition of the non-historic stone bank
building located at 10 W. Market St.
The certificate of appropriateness followed six months of review and public hearings on the project during which the town staff and the BAR worked with builder Kevin Ash and architect Michael Wood to refine the scale and design of the structures and to address criticisms raised
by downtown neighbors.
The property is owned by Gustavson family’s Fianna Investments. Carl Gustavson said the project’s approval fulfills a vision created by his son Scott, who died in 2014.
During the final public hearing Wednesday, Scott’s son, Finn, thanked the
BAR for the “countless hours and dedication” put into the project.
Members of the BAR shared the sentiment.
“I believe that the applicants, town staff, this board, and the public each deserve credit for the outcome of this application,” Vice Chair Helen Aikman said. “That said, I would note that along the way, members of the public occasionally offered comments seeming to call into question the good will and integrity of the applicants, the judgment and competence of the staff, and even the appropriateness of the board’s inquiries. … I want the record to reflect my opinion that the conduct of the applicants, the town staff and of the board have been honest, earnest, competent and really generally above reproach throughout this collaboration.”
The board voted 6-0 to approve the certificate of appropriateness with Rick Brown abstaining.
Ash said the next eight to ten months will be spent working closely with the town on site plan approval. n
Council Sends Scout’s Little Public Art Gallery to Raflo Park
BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org
The Leesburg Town Council on Dec. 10 opted to install an art gallery donated by Girl Scout Troop 2718 at Raflo Park instead of Rotary Park.
The Little Art Gallery is a 25-inch-tall and 19-inch-wide display that will sit on a post in the park. The Girl Scouts purchased and painted the gallery, which was inspired by the Free Little Library concept. Residents will be able to share, exhibit, and collect art for free. The town staff said there are around 574 little art galleries worldwide.
The scouts donated the gallery to the town’s Commission on Public Arts in August. COPA sought to place the gallery at
Rotary Park on North Street because of its proximity to downtown Leesburg and the surrounding neighborhood. At its Dec. 10 meeting, the Town Council selected Raflo Park instead.
“We hear a lot of input from the community, Raflo Park is in the heart of the arts and cultural district,” council member Ara Bagdasarian said. “I think that Raflo Park is the arts park in the town.” He suggested COPA monitor the gallery there for a year and then identify additional locations where galleries could be created around town.
Vice Mayor Neil Steinberg disagreed.
“Raflo Park is already well represented with public art, both through the park itself across the street and other areas nearby,” he said.
Steinberg said Rotary Park is closer
to residential neighborhoods than Raflo Park, although in a quieter corner of the downtown area.
Steinberg and Bagdasarian agreed that public art should be spread throughout the town.
Mayor Kelly Burk also encouraged COPA to start looking beyond the downtown area for public art installations. She said she was concerned about the council changing the location without sending the project back to COPA for reconsideration.
Burk also said she talked with the scouts and found they were OK with it being placed anywhere, although Rotary Park was not their first preference.
The council approved the Raflo Park location in a 5-1 vote, with Steinberg opposed. n
Clay Construction
A design by Clay Construction showcases the left side of the development from Market Street.
Town of Leesburg
A small public art gallery has been added to Raflo Park by Girl Scout Troop 2718.
Leesburg Movement Joins Virginia DCHD Program to Revitalize Downtown
BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org
The Leesburg Movement is joining the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s 202526 Mobilizing Main Street Program.
The two-year program provides a support framework to groups working to establish Main Street organizations. The DCHD will assist with analysis, design assessments, grant management and other tools to support Leesburg Movement’s continued development. The program is funded by the Virginia Main Street Program.
The Leesburg Movement is an all-volunteer nonprofit started by local business owners. According to the group’s website, the Leesburg movement enhances the town’s beauty, leverages public figures to manage opportunities and resources in town, and engages retailers, restaurant owners and entrepreneurs who lead downtown’s growth.
Virginia Main Street offers “a range of services and assistance to communities interested in revitalizing their historic commercial districts” according to its website.
The Leesburg Movement earned acceptance into the VMS program by hosting multiple events since being
AROUND town
Children’s Collection Opens in Thomas Balch Library
The Thomas Balch Library announced a new children’s collection Thursday, Dec. 19.
The collection aims to provide young patrons with a diverse range of books covering multiple historical periods, important figures in history and works by local authors.
The spark for this collection started when a young patron searched through the library for reading materia. Staff worked diligently to develop a collection after this.
Alicia Cohen, a member of the Black History Committee and Friends of Thomas Balch Library, made a significant donation to support the effort.
“We are incredibly grateful for Alicia Cohen’s support, which has allowed us to enrich the library’s offerings for a younger audience,” Library Director Laura Christiansen said. “We invite the
established in 2023, said Leesburg Movement co-chair John Papp.
“Our acceptance into the program comes on the heels of an amazing year of town-wide events and initiatives like the Neighborhood Discount Program, last weekend’s Mistletoe Market on the courthouse lawn, and the receipt of a grant for our Lassiter Way Beautification Project,” Papp said.
Leesburg Movement Co-chair Vanessa Borg touted the movement’s accomplishments in an announcement Monday, Dec. 16.
“In less than two years, Leesburg Movement has achieved nonprofit status; established a remarkable board of small business owners and residents of the historic district; and assembled an incredible network of town liaisons and volunteers – all with the goal of furthering the economic and cultural vitality of Downtown Leesburg,” Borg said. “Our acceptance into the Mobilizing Main Street Program is a huge and exciting step for us.”
Other organizations in the program during this session include Bowling Green, Front Royal, Occoquan, Portsmouth, Pulaski, Rocky Mount, Salem, Waynesboro, and Woodstock. Leaders from the various organizations will kick off their work together in January during an orientation in Staunton. n
community to visit and explore the new materials.”
The Thomas Balch Library welcomes the public to come and explore the collection. The books are only available for in-library use. For more information, call 703-737-7195 or email balchlib@ leesburgva.gov.
No Trash or Recycling Collection on Christmas Day
There will be no trash or recycling collection in the Town of Leesburg on Christmas day.
All remaining collections will be shifted by one day. The revised schedule follows:
Dec. 23 – Northwest Leesburg
Dec. 24 - Northeast Leesburg, Inside the Bypass
Dec. 25 - No collections
Dec. 26 - Northeast, Outside the Bypass
Dec. 27 - Southwest Leesburg plus Meadowbrook
Dec. 28 - Southeast Leesburg n
Town Prepares for Winter Storms with Ordinance Update
BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org
While forecasters see chances for above normal snowfall this season, the Town of Leesburg is working to better address the impacts of other types of winter weather as well.
On Dec. 10, the Town Council approved code amendments to broaden winter response requirements from just snow to also including sleet, hail, and freezing rain. Instead of declaring snow emergencies, residents will be alerted to winter weather emergencies. The change allows for actions such as restricting on-street parking along major streets when significant ice accumulation is expected, not just for snow events.
“It’s kind of confusing whether you have to wait for there to be two inches of ice, the same way you have to wait for there to be two inches of snow,” Deputy Town Attorney Christine Newton said. “Obviously that’s not the case.”
The staff proposed the changes to
provide clearer enforcement authority for removal of snow, sleet, and ice from sidewalks.
The code amendments specify that all winter precipitation—including sleet and hail—is subject to sidewalk removal requirements, clarify that both owners and occupants are responsible for clearing precipitation, and clarify the process for sidewalk clearing when the owner or occupants fails to do so. The amendments also authorize the town manager to suspend the 24-hour removal deadline in “particular locations where the accumulation has made removal within that time frame impracticable for the owner, and during severe weather conditions,” according to the staff report.
If a property owner fails to clear precipitation, the town will provide a removal notice in writing giving the owner 24 hours complete the work. After that period, the town will clear the sidewalk and bill property owner, a penalty that starts at $50 and escalates with continuing violations.
The amendments passed 5-1 with Council member Patrick Wilt opposed. n
Gum Spring Suggested as New Name for Mercer Middle School
BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org
The School Board-appointed committee to rename Mercer Middle School on Dec. 19 endorsed its recommendations, settling on Gum Spring, with alternates of Stone Ridge and John Mercer Langston.
The renaming committee was formed after research into all school names for ties to systemic racism was directed by the previous school board in 2020. The name was flagged because of Loudoun congressman and business owner Charles Fenton Mercer’s ties to slavery, although committee members debate whether the school was named in his honor or for its location within the former Mercer Election District.
Members of the committee brought different perspectives to the issue including questions about whether the school should be renamed at all. Mercer teacher Victoria Spiotto led the anti-renaming campaign, while Loudoun NAACP President Pastor Michelle Thomas led the charge to rename.
During the meeting, there were 12 names pulled from a list of committee suggestions and a community survey that closed Dec. 16. Chair Meredith Ray directed committee members to vote for their top choice. Only four names garnered votes: Mercer, John Mercer Langston, Gum Spring and Stone Ridge.
Ranked choice voting revealed that Gum Spring had the most support, followed by Mercer, Stone Ridge and John Mercer Langston.
The panel voted 11-4 to make Gum Spring its top choice, with a motion to designate Stone Ridge as the first alternate also passing 11-4.
A motion to make Mercer the second alternate spurred another round of discussion over whether the school was named for the election district or for the man and ended with a failed 6-8 vote with one abstention.
A motion to make John Mercer Langston the second alternate also prompted discussion, with several Mercer staff members on the committee asking others to vote no so they could revote on retaining the current name. However, the motion passed 10-5. Langston was an abolitionist and founding dean of the law school at Howard University.
The committee will present its recommendations to the School Board next month. The board could accept the recommendations, choose a different name or make no change. n
New Online College Readiness Tool Coming for Students and Families
BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org
Loudoun County Public Schools staff members are releasing a new course planning and college readiness platform to make it easier for students from fifth to 11th grade to fulfill graduation requirements.
Course Planner goes live on Jan. 6 for fifth and sixth graders and Jan. 13 for seventh through 11th graders.
The program was inspired by the success of the SchooLinks tool that helps stu-
dents take courses and prepare for college, with 12th graders able to use the platform to apply for colleges.
The program will break up courses by graduation requirement. Everything will be in one place, with color coding to indicate whether the requirement has been fulfilled. It will also allow students in seventh grade to view all available courses in the county and eighth graders to view all available courses at their high school.
Fifth and sixth graders will only plan for the next academic year, and starting in seventh grade students will create
Loudoun Now Launches High School Journalism Awards
Loudoun Now will present the Excellence in High School Journalism Awards starting in 2025.
These juried awards, in the categories of feature writing, news writing, photography, podcasts and videography, will be presented each year in May and will honor the best work done by high school journalists in Loudoun County throughout the academic year.
Each award will come with a cash award of $500 for the winner in each category and $250 for the runners-up. In addition, each award will include a cash gift of $500 to the school to support its journalism program. The overall best entry, according to the judges, will provide another $500 cash award and an offer for a summer internship in the Loudoun Now newsroom.
Loudoun Now, which is entering its 10th year of operation, provides independent, free news to Loudoun County. The intent of these awards is to encourage more interest in local journalism and to honor the great work of our high school journalists during the year.
individual plans for college readiness and their path through high school. Students currently enrolled in pathways such as the Academies of Loudoun will be able to see those courses for this year, but students recently admitted still must go through their counselor.
Also available through Course Planner is the ability for families to approve their student’s plan, a chat feature with school counselors, and a link from ParentVue.
COLLEGE READINESS continues on page 10
Additional information, including submission deadlines and procedures, will be announced in January, but journalism advisors are encouraged to start the process of identifying the best work in each category for submission to the panel of professional journalists who will be the judges.
For more information, or to answer questions, please contact Kurt Aschermann, executive director of Loudoun Now at kaschermann@loudounnow.org or by cell phone at 617-9626220. n
Amber Lucas/Loudoun Now
The Mercer Middle School Renaming Committee discusses how to narrow down the names they were given during their November meeting.
College Readiness
continued from page 8
Course Planner will replace Naviance, the current tool for course planning.
There will be virtual parent information sessions on Jan. 15 to help families with the transition. Session for fifth and sixth grade families will begin at 6 p.m. and seventh through 11th will begin at 7 p.m.
After Course Planner opens, students have until Feb. 28 to submit their plans. All plans must be approved by a counselor.
School Board members expressed excitement about this program. Several members with students in the system praised SchooLinks. Lauren Shernoff (Leesburg), who has children in fifth and seventh grades, said she got an email from the school about it as the presentation was happening.
“There has been great communication from our school that this is coming, and to kind of start thinking about it from the counseling perspective, I really am very much admiring the efforts to collaborate with families. I think that that’s something that is going to come up,” said Shernoff. n
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Inclusive Environment Policy Expanding After State Law Change
BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org
School Board members are adding more specific protections to its Equal Opportunity for Equitable, Safe and Inclusive Environment policy after recent state law changes.
promote equity, and directing the superintendent to create regulations regarding equity and inclusivity.
The current policy addresses harassment of individuals based on race, color, religious affiliations, sexuality, gender identity, sex, pregnancy-related conditions, marital status, age, national origin, and disability status.
The new law adds ethnicity protections. Citizenship and immigration status, gender expression, and socioeconomic status also were added to the list of protected persons based on suggestions from committees and the public. The draft revisions also add the words “perceived or actual” in front of the word “race.”
Legislative, Audit and Policy Committee Chair April Chandler (Algonkian) added even more to the policy with an amendment requiring the School Board and division staff members to ensure an equitable environment, stating every School Board policy should
“I think this policy offers us the ability to meet our obligation to every student, to offer every student what the division has to offer at the highest level, and to offer each student the opportunity to meet the full potential,” Chandler said. “I really feel this is a student-focused policy that also offers more dignity and more protection to teachers, as well.”
Discussions on the policy also considered adding political affiliation to the list of protections, as suggested by Lauren Shernoff (Leesburg). However, this amendment was rescinded by Shernoff after discussions with division counsel who determined such protections were already in place.
She also raised concerns about giving the superintendent the power to make the regulations, as the full board might not get input on the specific rules created.
The motion to bring the Chandler amendment and other changes to the full board passed 2-1, with Shernoff opposed. n
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North Pole Visitors Spread Cheer at Inova Loudoun Hospital’s Pediatric Unit
BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org
Christmas came early for the kids in the pediatric unit of Inova Loudoun Hospital. Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and elves came to give out presents and spread cheer with the help of the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office Dec. 18.
Sheriff Mike Chapman said that Santa’s local hospital visits have been happening for at least eight years. Hospital President Susan Carroll said that there has been a long partnership between the two organizations, and it’s a great experience for everyone involved.
“It’s never fun to be in the hospital, and it’s really not fun when you’re a kid, especially around Christmas. So, if this can change their experience at all and make them have less anxiety about being in a hospital, because we still want to create a great experience for them even though they’re sick. And this kind of brings a little bit of something that’s a little more real to them,” Carroll said.
The gifts come from donations that the Sheriff ’s Office gets from the community. Chapman said that every year people give generously to the cause.
“It’s just joyful to get to be here and to see the expressions on the children’s faces. It’s just nice that they’re not forgotten about when they’re in the hospital,” Chapman said.
Participants in the event included Santa and Mrs. Claus, Chapman, department leaders from the Sheriff ’s Office, Jeremiah the pediatric unit’s support golden retriever, pediatric unit staff and civilian Sheriff ’s
Office employees as the elves.
Santa showed up in a black police SUV escorted by two motorcycle units. Behind him was the trailer filled with presents for the pediatric patients. Chapman said that this year they brought a bigger trailer for the occasion.
His arrival gathered quite a crowd, with both adults and children around the hospital’s north entrance stopping to watch the parade of police lights.
The Clauses started their visit by loading the toys onto their rolling cart “sleigh.” Pediatric staff members and Sheriff ’s Office volunteers carefully selected two toys to give to each patient.
Their first patient visit was a two-yearold boy, who received a toy truck and a ti-
ger stuffed animal. Next, they moved on to a six-year-old who staff members said had been excited about the visit for days. He told Santa what he wanted for Christmas and beamed with joy when Mrs. Claus presented him with a dinosaur toy. Staff members and volunteers were brought to tears by the interaction.
Director of Pediatrics Sonya Sterbutzel said that the annual visit brings cheer to the patients and their families.
“It just lightens up the day. I think it makes them feel better because they get out of bed and they play with their toys. It really makes the whole stay just magical. And a lot of these kids don’t get to see Santa at home because they’ve been sick,” she said. n
Registration Opens for Give Choose Campaign
The Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties set March 25 as the date for next year’s Give Choose campaign and is inviting area nonprofits to participate.
The annual day of giving challenges residents to donate to nonprofits serving Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties. In 2024, Give Choose raised $896,024 for 147 local nonprofits. Since its inception in 2014, Give Choose has raised more than $5.1 million.
Charities register to participate at givechoose.org, where donors can choose from among animal welfare, environment, health and human services, education, youth, and arts and culture nonprofits. Donations of $10 or more may be made through the Give Choose site. Donations may be made up to two weeks in advance, with an early giving period beginning March 11. Businesses also participate in Give Choose through sponsorships, which provide a prize pool to be awarded to participating nonprofits.
Nonprofits interested in participating must register by Feb. 28. Registration and eligibility information can be found at givechoose.org. Registration is free of charge for participating nonprofits.
Inquiries may be directed to Joanne Trimmer at joanne@communityfoundationlf.org. n
Loudoun Laurels Scholars Lead Talk on Social Media, AI Impacts
BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org
A decade ago, Jenae Barnes and Ahmed Youseef launched their college careers with the help of $40,000 scholarships through the Loudoun Laurels Foundation.
This week, they returned to lead a discussion exploring the impacts of social media and artificial intelligence with a gathering of Loudoun Laurels honorees
and fellow scholarship recipients at the Tuscarora Mill restaurant during the foundation’s annual mentorship gathering.
Youseef, a first-generation Egyptian-American, graduated from Loudoun County High School in 2014. With a passion for technology, he studied computer science at Northern Virginia Community College before transferring to the University of Virginia where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 2018. He then worked as a
software engineer at Raytheon developing software that processed information from NASA and NOAA weather satellites. In 2021, he joined Meta’s Trust & Safety unit in Washington, DC, where he is developing AI projects to improve content moderation capabilities and create safer online experiences on Meta’s platforms including Facebook.
Barnes graduated from Briar Woods High School in 2016. She attended NVCC
before transferring to George Mason University where she earned a degree in global affairs. Her interests turned to journalism with an internship at ABC News in Washington, DC, and a stint as news director for GMU’s cable network. After graduation from Mason in 2020, she attended Columbia Journalism School and held internships
LOUDOUN LAURELS continues on page 12
Amber Lucas/Loudoun Now The Claus family cheers up a six-year-old with Christmas presents.
Terry McLaurin Teams up With Mobile Hope, Safeway for Sterling Christmas Donations
BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org
A line stretched across a Big Lots parking lot in Sterling on Tuesday night as people of all ages waited to receive food, clothes, and toys—and a friendly smile from Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
“Meeting a lot of great families, I just want to put a smile on their face and give them some holiday cheer,” McLaurin said. “Provide whatever resources they may need to make sure they can have a great holiday with their family. … I’m very fortunate, and giving back is at the fabric of who I am as a person.”
The donation event was a collaboration among the Terry McLaurin Foundation, Mobile Hope, and Safeway’s Nourishing Neighbors program.
Youth from Mobile Hope’s Terry McLaurin Full Circle Job Program bustled
Loudoun Laurels
continued from page 11
at Forbes, Apple News and ABC News in New York. Today, she is a health and environmental reporter for Capital B News in Chicago, focusing on health inequities and environmental justice issue that disproportionately affect Black communities.
Both are on the front lines of industries facing challenges of social media misinformation and the growing influence of AI.
Barnes said professional journalists play a special role in an environment where misinformation can move virally through the ecosystem of social media, which increasingly serves as a primary news source for Americans.
“As a journalist, they train you—one of the first that they taught me at J school is— that you want to have the most accurate information, even if it’s not the quickest. You want to be accurate, and if that means you have to be the second or third outlet to break that news story, that’s OK, because it’s so much better than being the first one to report misinformation,” she said.
The use of AI also provides verification challenges for journalists, she said. While technologies like new transcription tools
back and forth carrying boxes packed with donated goods. Some of those boxes were stuffed to the top with toys waiting to land in the hands of eager children. Kids could receive toys according to their age group.
Each of the families were able to choose one coat per person and grab knitted hats. The event also had culturally sensitive food options, pre-prepared meals for the elderly, and a pastry dessert and bread for every person in line.
McLaurin said he was fortunate use his platform to bring positivity to the lives of others and praised the work of Mobile Hope.
“I think it speaks to the great things that they’re doing, but also the people who are in their system; they trust that they can come to Mobile Hope and they’re going to have their needs met,” McLaurin said.
Mobile Hope also provides support and emergency shelters for youth and people up to age 24 who are at-risk or experienc-
can save reporters from time-consuming tasks, using artificial intelligence platforms for research might not.
“The general rule of thumb is you can trust but verify, right? So don’t use anything AI-based that you can’t fact check yourself,” Barnes said. “Maybe I’m purist, but I think there’re things that AI just can’t do, especially in fields like journalism where you need someone with some kind
of subjective and objective lenses.”
Youseef sees benefits in the rapid reporting by citizens online.
“I think one of the greatest benefits of social media in the modern age is that this sort of raw information kind of spreads really quickly. So, if some injustice happens in some country, in some far-off land, it’s easy for us to hear about it and get that raw information. As consumers of that infor-
ing homelessness. It also uses donations to help young people achieve self-sufficiency by providing mentorships, transportation, and the YES Team that helps homeless youth address barriers to sufficiency.
Mobile Hope provides various ways to get involved on its website, through volunteerism, financial donations, and donation drives.
McLaurin said he encourages other athletes interested in using their platforms for good to find things they’re passionate about.
“There’s so many avenues and ways that you can make an impact,” McLaurin said. “You can either bring your time, your wisdom, it doesn’t always have to be monetary, and you can also bring awareness.”
“It doesn’t have to look a certain way, you know? I mean, it doesn’t have to be big or small. Just pick something you’re passionate about and let your heart lead you to try to make a small impact in the community that you’re in,” he said. n
mation, we can maybe make up our mind.”
He said that kind of information sharing builds on concepts of free press that aren’t available in many other countries.
He also said AI provides value in Meta’s efforts to identify harmful and misleading content, but its capability has its limits.
“Our AIs are only as good as a training data that we feed them,” he said. “Especially working at Meta scale, where you’re trying to do content moderation right across over 200 countries where Facebook is present. Things that may be considered hate speech or some kind of slur might not be a huge deal in a different country. It might be a problem in America. It might not be a huge deal in Spain, for example.”
The Loudoun Laurels Foundation’s annual mentorship gathering is part of a year-round program that also includes public presentations by community leader who have been recognized as Loudoun Laurates, annual scholarship presentations and the organization’s gala fundraiser held each fall.
Over the past decade the Loudoun Laurels Foundation has provided $1.16 million to support the academic careers of 29 Loudoun students.
Learn more at loudounlaurels.org. n
William Timme/Loudoun Now
Terry McLaurin talks with families during a Dec. 17 donation event with Mobile Hope and Safeway Nourishing Neighbors in Sterling.
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
Loudoun Laurel scholars Ahmed Youseef and Jenae Barnes joined up to lead a Dec. 19 presentation on the impacts of social media and artificial intelligence in their industries.
Google Reports
$1.1M in Donations
to Virginia Organizations
Google contributed $1.1 million to Virginia-based organizations during 2024, according to a report released Dec. 17. Most of the funding went to programs with a focus on education and workforce development.
“At Google, we believe that building strong communities means addressing a wide range of needs, from education and mental health to digital equity and economic opportunity,” stated Amber Tillman, Google’s head of Data Center Public Affairs. “The organizations we’re supporting across Virginia are tackling these challenges head-on, each playing a unique role in making the region stronger and more inclusive. We hope to empower the collective good and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Google.org provided an additional $275,000 to the Accelerated College and Employability Skills (ACCESS) Academy, a lab school partnership between George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College and Loudoun County Public Schools. The program will launch next fall and will give students the skills and hands-on experience needed to prepare them for jobs of the future. Google has contributed $400,000 for the project.
At November’s Grid Innovation Summit, co-hosted by Google and the Virginia Department of Energy, Google announced a $250,000 contribution to the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council to expand its Energy Efficiency Workforce Initiative. The program recruits, trains, places and retains the workforce supporting the commonwealth’s energy efficiency goals. Google and Google.org also gave $200,000 to CodeVA, an organization providing training to students and educators throughout Virginia to expand access to computer science education. Google’s contributions funded CodeVA’s AI courses, educator hubs and STEM programs reaching more than 10,000 learners throughout the state.
Google contributed $150,000 to Northern Virginia Community College to help fund its Skilled Trades and
Readiness program. STAR is a paid pre-employment training program designed to equip students to work in various skilled trades through a fiveweek bootcamp, preparing them for entry-level construction jobs, resulting in 93% of graduating students securing jobs in the trades. Google also worked with NVCC to support STEM students by contributing to programs to help them re-enroll and stay enrolled in school.
Google contributed $125,000 to support various initiatives with the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation. A $75,000 contribution to its “Launch the Future” campaign supporting construction of Northern Virginia Science Center in Sterling. The foundation’s STEM Chicas initiative received $50,000 to connect young students from underrepresented communities to hands-on STEM learning and mentorship. Google.org invested $25,000 to support the Youth Development Interns and hosted Commonwealth Cyber Initiative interns, helping to make tech career development more accessible to young people.
Other organizations receiving funding include:
• A Farm Less Ordinary, a Loudoun County organization that provides employment training to adults with disabilities, received $20,000.
• Dulles South Food Pantry received $35,000 to support efforts to provide healthy food for children.
• EduTutor VA, a high-impact virtual tutoring program, received $50,000 to support programs in Prince William County Public Schools.
• Specialty Adapted Resource Clubs (SPARC), a program that provides education and a social environment for adults with severe and multiple disabilities, received $75,000.
• The Loudoun County Education Fund received $35,000 for an educator AI professional development program.
• The Science Museum of Virginia received $25,000 to establish an AI Initiative. n
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Towns
New Lovettsville Council Members Urge Community Involvement During Swearing In Ceremony
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
Six Lovettsville residents gathered at the Council Chambers on Thursday night to take their oath of office, committing to put the interests of the town first as elected representatives.
All but one seat on the Town Council was up for election in November following a year that was marked by unusual circumstances that resulted in four members being reelected, one recount, and one new unexpected member.
Mayor Christopher Hornbaker and members Tom Budnar, Stuart Stahl and David Earl all ran, and were reelected to seats they currently hold. Vice Mayor Joy Pritz decided, after the filing deadline, to withdraw her name from the ballot, and Ann Arena and Charles Cooper faced off for a vacancy on the council left by the resignation of Mark Jones.
Arena beat Cooper by three votes, three less than originally thought, after a recount found four additional ballots.
But the last new member of the council will be Planning Commissioner David Smith who was elected through write-in ballots.
“I’m honored to have people who voted for me, that they did,” Smith said. “I’m honored to be on Town Council and to be about the work of Lovettsville. I feel strongly, as a veteran, and veterans specifically, but all people should give back to their community in whatever way is possible and I’m fortunate that I’m able to as a member of the Town Council.”
As they took their oaths of office, incoming members were reminded by Clerk of the Circuit Court Gary Clemens of their responsibilities – and residents were
reminded of theirs.
“Hold your elected officials accountable. They represent you. So, be present at council meeting, be present at committee meetings and make sure that your local government is working for you, because it is your government,” he said.
Those sentiments were echoed by the council members who urged locals to bring their issues to the council for help.
“If there is any problems that you see, definitely bring it to the Town Council. That’s what we’re here for, and we want to be here for you,” Stahl said.
“It’s important for people to engage with their government. It’s important for people to see what’s going on, and know what’s going on so we have better atmosphere all around us,” Earl said.
If people are uncomfortable making comments during the public meetings, Budnar said to reach out for one-on-one
meetings so their concerns can still be heard.
Hornbaker said the next few years will be crucial ones in determining the future of the town.
“I look forward to working with each and every one of you on what I believe are going to be some very important decisions that come before this council in the next 24 months,” he said.
Lovettsville’s small-town status is important to its character, he said.
“It’s a foundational threshold that we have stated that we want to stay below the 3,500 threshold that the State of Virginia has. That’s been one of the tenants. Having our water bills affordable and being able to pay for our infrastructure may sound boring, but making fiscally responsible decisions to make that a reality year in year out, is what I will continue to focus on,” he said. n
HAMILTON
towns
Entries Open for Bland Youth Music Contest
The Lovettsville and Purcellville Lions Clubs will hold the Bland Youth Music Competition on March 2 at Hamilton Baptist Church.
The free competition is open to all Virginia vocal and instrumental musicians age 8 through high school seniors. They will receive an evaluation by professional music educators. The highest scoring vocalist and instrumentalist will advance to a district competition in April.
For more information and the entry form, contact Betty Hedges at chuckandbetty@verizon.net.
LOVETTSVILLE
Berserkle on Squirkle Set for New Year’s
The town’s annual 5K Berserkle on the Squirkle race is planned to take place on New Year’s Day.
Community members are invited to come out for a run that will kick off at 11 a.m., consisting of 25 laps around the Town Square. Each lap has a theme with different music such as “Shake it Off ” by Taylor Swift, where residents shake off last year, or “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” by Randy Newman where runners partner up with a buddy for that lap.
Participants bring an unwanted present to enter into the White Elephant gift exchange, where each unwrapped package leaving racers hoping to avoid former Mayor Nate Fontaine’s yearly gift of pickled quail eggs.
The race typically lasts until 1 p.m. n
Lovettsville Hires mb LoGistics for Okotberfest 2025
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
The Lovettsville Town Council has decided to contract Northern Virginia-based mb LoGistics & Events to manage the majority of the Oktoberfest 2025 activities.
The move comes shortly after the town announced a settlement with Bow Tie Strategies, the contractor hired to run this year’s Oktoberfest. However, the company backed out of the contract two months be-
fore the festival, due to owner Rusty Foster’s unexpected health concerns.
Traditionally, the town’s largest celebration is managed entirely by volunteers on an Oktoberfest subcommittee, which falls under the council’s Events Committee. After the past few years resulted in the town having to subsidize event costs and conflicts between the council and the subcommittee, the Town Council voted in February to pursue a third-party management firm for the festival.
The town’s request for proposals envi-
sions mb LoGistics managing the majority of the event including licensing and permitting, beer and wine sales, food vendors, taxation, musician, stage production, specialty events, marketing, venue preparation and clean up, public safety, staffing and parking.
The town will still have the mayor perform the ceremonial keg tapping, have an active role in Kinderfest, run the traditional contests and be involved in the event’s marketing.
The town will also provide a planning
document to guide the event firm’s plans to ensure the program is in line with the character of past festivals.
Mb LoGistics was formed in 2009 and is known for its work with the Run Loco races. The company is led by managing Partner Lesley Green, who has over 20 years of event experience.
“We look forward to working with mb LoGistics & events to bring back
OKTOBERFEST 2025 continues on page 25
Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now
From left, David Smith, Stuart Stahl, Christopher Hornbaker, Ann Arena, Tom Budnar and David Earl stand after taking their oaths of office Dec. 19.
With New Criteria, 3 Additional Communities Considered for Rural Historic Village List
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
A proposal to develop micro plans for each of Loudoun’s historic villages is advancing, after the Planning Commission last week recommended approval of new classification criteria that would add three more communities to the list.
Currently, 12 communities are considered rural historic villages. They are Aldie, Bluemont, Bowmanton, Lincoln, Loudoun Heights, Lucketts, Neersville, Paeonian Springs, Philomont Taylorstown, St. Louis and Waterford.
An initiative approved by the Board of Supervisors in January started a comprehensive plan amendment process to review criteria for rural historic villages before beginning the bigger work of developing individual plans for each village. In October, the county staff hosted a public input meeting to hear residents’ thoughts and concerns before drafting the criteria.
On Dec. 12, Project Manager Heidi Siebentritt presented the Planning Commission with new criteria that would allow for three more communities to be added to the list – Stewartown, Unison and Willisville.
New criteria include the community having a mix of uses, historic significance, 10 or more buildings in a discernable settlement pattern with community meeting areas, cultural continuity, community interest and equity.
Siebentritt said not every existing village met the criteria to remain part of the list, but she is not proposing that they be removed. Instead, some will be combined in planning areas.
“The proposed Village of Stewartown is combined with Bowmanton to create an Aldie Mountain Planning Area,” she said. “This mirrors the boundary of the Village of Aldie Mountain found in previous planning documents. Loudoun Heights and Neersville, smaller but distinct communities, are combined to create a Between the Hills Planning Area, bounded to the north by the Potomac River, to the south by Rt. 9 and by the ridgelines east and west of Harpers Ferry Road.”
Seven other communities were not included in the newly proposed list, but are identified as historically significant locations that could benefit from more direct planning. They will be referred to as rural historic communities. Those are Airmont, Bloomfield, Howardsville, Mt. Gilead, Morrisonville and Watson.
County staff members worked closely with the Loudoun Historic Village Alliance to develop the criteria and update the list. LHVA has been working for years to get plans for individual communities.
Those plans would provide guidance to county leaders, staff members and potential developers in the future.
During the public hearing on the matter LHVA Chair Madeline Skinner said the recommendations and updated list successfully met the goal of the proposal.
“Small area plans will produce unique, community agreed upon approaches that will include specific goals and the detailed implementation plan to meet the immediate and future needs of each village,” she said.
Commissioner Dale Polen Myers (AtLarge) said there are also historic villages that sit in not-so-rural parts of Loudoun that are worth preserving.
“I live in the old village of Ashburn. … We still have the old one-room Black schoolhouse still there. The Black church was allowed to be torn down with no one looking at it. We lost the railroad station, it just was dissolved. … We now have three story townhouses that no more conformed to what the people that have lived there looked like and that was never supposed to happen,” she said.
Communities that were considered historic villages prior to the 2019 General Plan are considered “legacy villages” that do not fit within the rural historic list, but are recognized, Siebentritt said.
Commissioner Eric Combs (Ashburn)
asked if there is a way to define the legacy villages better and provide them some kind of protection.
Siebentritt said they could be defined but that does not guarantee protections.
Commissioners voted 7-0, with commissioners Robin-Eve Jasper (Little River) and Mark Miller (Catoctin) absent, to recommend approval of the criteria and list.
Some small area plans are already advancing with St. Louis underway and Lucketts slated to be worked on next. Siebentritt said she also recommends that Paeonian Springs be made a priority.
“Plans for a shared public drinking water and wastewater facility with Waterford are moving forward and the availability of utilities will increase the number of developable lots and the overall development potential in the village. This could have a big effect on the community,” she said.
Siebentritt said she also recommended prioritizing Willisville.
“Over the last few years, Willisville residents have raised concerns about demolition by neglect, about loss of their historic buildings and variety of zoning issues,” she said.
The criteria and revised list will now advance to the Board of Supervisors for consideration. n
Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now
The community of Unison in western Loudoun is primarily comprised of residences, a church and a shop or two. In the 20th century it was virtually its own town with its own churches, general store, and a saddle shop.
Confessions of a Community Journalist: Farmer Reflects on a Career of Storytelling
RICHARD WALTON
4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26
Marie de la Fleur, 19375 Magnolia Grove Square, Leesburg. fleurdecuisine.com
DOIN’ TIME
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26
Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com
DANIEL MENSH
5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27
Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com
KEN WENZEL
5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27
Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. larkbrewingco.com
SHANE GAMBLE
5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27
Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com
DILL PICKERS
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27
Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com
SCOTT CLARK
6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com
DOC MARTEN AND THE FLANNELS
7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27
Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $15. tallyhotheater.com
TEJAS SINGH
7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27
Social House Kitchen & Tap, 42841 Creek View Plaza, Ashburn. socialhouseva.com
SHANNON BIELSKI AND MOONLIGHT DRIVE
8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27
Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville. monksq.com
ROWDY ACE BAND
9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Dec. 27
Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com
LIVE MUSIC continues on page 17
Former Loudoun Times-Mirror Managing Editor Tim Farmer released his first book, “’This Ain’t The New York Times!,’ Confessions of a Community Journalist,” a compilation of short, light-hearted essays he wrote during his career in newspapering.
The Bluemont area resident began his journalism career in 1983 at a small paper in western Kentucky. It was there he started writing a column, which he dubbed “Farmer’s Almanac,” joking that he awaited the copyright infringement lawsuit that never came.
He joined Arundel Communications in 1985 as eastern news bureau chief for the Loudoun Times-Mirror in Leesburg, and was tapped to become the first editor of a new paper, the Eastern Loudoun Times, in 1987. There he resurrected his column that year, drawing from personal experience to provide readers a break from the week’s news.
He left the paper to join the State Arboretum’s Blandy Experimental Farm
in Boyce, where he worked until his retirement.
Building a compilation of his newspaper columns was high on the post-retirement to-do list and involved a lot of time in libraries to excavate his editorial trail.
“I actually drove out to Kentucky to my old newspaper and to the library there,” he said. “It took about two days at the Clinton County Public Library going through microfilm, but I got all of my columns and a couple of the articles that I wanted to write a little bit about in the book—like the corncob-powered car,” Farmer said. For his Loudoun work, Leesburg’s Thomas Balch Library helped fill in the gaps.
His early columns reflect the enthusiasm that fuels young journalists and the challenges they face. The later pieces illustrate the role editors play in telling the stories of their communities.
“Of course, my first reaction is to cringe when I read a few of them,” Farmer said. “Over the course of the
book, the columns are in chronological order best I can get them, I think you can see hopefully a growth in my writing. But I think that the first columns are fun to read. Maybe some of the later ones are more well written, but it all represents the body of work that I did so I’m proud of all of them.”
He said being tapped to launch the Eastern Loudoun Times was the highpoint of his work in the newspaper business.
“What an opportunity. I was essentially given the chance to start a newspaper from scratch, hire the staff, design the look of the flag and the editorial page— all that with somebody else’s money. Obviously, I didn’t do it single-handedly. There were a lot of creative people involved,” he said.
Also gratifying was the journalists he
Photo by Douglas Graham
Tim Farmer displays a copy of his new book featuring a collection of columns he wrote as a young journalist in a small Kentucky community and an a editor serving Loudoun County.
TIM FARMER continues on page 18
GRANT MACMILLAN & DONOVAN CLAYBROOKS
Friday, Dec. 27, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Willowcroft Farm Vineyards willowcroftwine.com
Enjoy an evening of the smooth jazz stylings with a blend of classic numbers and soothing holiday tunes.
GET OUT
LIVE MUSIC
continued from page 16
CHRIS ELLINGHAUS
1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28 Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville. creeksedgewinery.com
FELIX PICKLES
1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchase.com
FAR AWAY SONGS
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28 Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane, Purcellville. sunsethillsvineyard.com
HUBIE G FROM THE CORNER VAGABONDS
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28 Bleu Frog Vineyards, 16413 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg. bleufrogvineyards.com
SHANE GAMBLE
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
8 Chains North Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane, Waterford. 8chainsnorth.com
GARY SMALLWOOD
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Doukenie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro. facebook.com/DoukenieWinery
MATT DAVIS
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. larkbrewingco.com
LENNY BURRIDGE
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28 Old 690 Brewing Company, 15670 Ashbury Church Road, Hillsboro. old690.com
JET CAPRIEST
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
BEST BETS
THE REAGAN YEARS
Tuesday, Dec. 31, 7 p.m. Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com
Welcome 2025 with a New Year’s Eve party that celebrates the best of the ‘80s.
Firefly Cellars, 40325 Charles Town Pike, Hamilton. fireflycellars.com
NATE DAVIS
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com
KEN WENZEL
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyards.com
COLE DOUGLAS
3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com
RICHARD WALTON
3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Old Farm Winery at Hartland, 23583 Fleetwood Road, Aldie. oldfarmwineryhartland.com
TANJO & CROW
4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com
TAYLOR CARSON DUO
6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com
SUMMER & ERIC
6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com
LOW WATER BRIDGE BAND
w/Zac Townsend & Sela Campbell
7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. tallyhotheater.com
LILLIAN HACKETT & EVAN BELL
8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville. monksq.com
ROYAL HONEY BAND
9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com
TEJAS SINGH & JUSTIN SUEDE
Tuesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Spanys Shenanigans spankyspub.com
The Tejas Singh Band helps rock out 2024 at Spanky’s where the crowd will join for a Champaigne toast at midnight.
SCOTT KURT
12 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29
Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. larkbrewingco.com
JANNA AUDEY
1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29
Old Farm Winery at Hartland, 23583 Fleetwood Road, Aldie. oldfarmwineryhartland.com
PEBBLE TO PEARL
1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29
Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com
ELEMENTS OF KINDRED
1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29
Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com
STANLEY WHITAKER
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29
Bleu Frog Vineyards, 16413 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg. bleufrogvineyards.com
DEANE KERN AND ERIC SELBY
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29
Doukenie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro. facebook.com/DoukenieWinery
WILL SHEPERD
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29
Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com
FREDDIE LONG
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29
Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com
ANDREW ODAY
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29
Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com
JASON TEACH
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29 Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyards.com
THE REAGAN YEARS
7 p.m. to midnight, Tuesday, Dec. 31
Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $30. tallyhotheater.com
TEJAS SINGH BAND WITH JUSTIN SUEDE
8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com
SUBLIMINAL DOUBT
7 to 11 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2 Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. tallyhotheater.com
HAPPENINGS
RE-GIFTING GAME
2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28 Solace Brewing Company, 42615 Trade West Drive, Sterling. solacebrewing.com
KABHI MAIN KABHI TUM w/Fahad Mustafa & Hania Amir
8 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Dec. 28 Northern Virginia Community College, 21200 Campus Drive, Sterling. events.sulekha.com
VIRGINIA BOLLYWOOD
GRANDEUR NYE
8 p.m. to midnight, Tuesday, Dec. 31 Dulles Sportsplex, 21610 Dulles Town Circle, Sterling. events.sulekha.com
NEW DAY NEW YEAR 5K/10K
10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 1
Dynasty Brewing 21140 Ashburn Crossing Drive, Ashburn. $25 to $50. runsignup.com
BERSERKLE ON THE SQUIRKLE
11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1
Town Square, 1 W Broad Way, Lovettsville Lovettsvilleva.gov
WRITING IN NATURE
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2 Morven Park Grounds, 17339 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. loudounwildlife.org
Tim Farmer
continued from page 16
hired and worked with during that time, including two who went on to win Pulitzer Prizes.
He also is an outdoorsman, and several columns included in the book highlight his love for hiking Old Rag Mountain near Sperryville. Sadly, he says today, that love affair has ended, ruined by large crowd that have overrun its trails.
“The last time I was there, there were fewer people at the mall than there were at Old Rag that day,” said Farmer, who
now finds solitude kayaking on the Potomac River.
In the pages, readers will learn about the aforementioned corn cob-powered car, a new vocabulary while exploring the relationship between plumbing and profanity, the pressure reporters face with weekend scanner duty, and the length some readers went to just to get a letter in the local newspaper.
“’This Ain’t The New York Times’” is published by Yellow Schoolhouse Press and is available on Amazon. For more information write to yellowschoolhouse@icloud.com. n
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE ROUND HILL, VIRGINIA
INTENT TO ADOPT CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL ORDINANCE
The Round Hill Town Council will hold a public hearing on Wednesday January 8, 2024, beginning at 7:30 p.m. to receive comments and adopt amendments to the Town Water Ordinance to implement a Cross Connection Control Ordinance, as required by the Virginia Department of Health. Copies of the proposed amendments and supporting documents are available for inspection and copying at the Town Office, 23 Main Street, Round Hill Virginia, between the hours of 8:30 am through 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, and at the Town website: roundhillva. gov. All interested parties are invited to attend and provide comments. Written comments may be submitted by 3:00 pm on January 8, 2024 to hwest@roundhillva.gov. The regularly scheduled Town Council meeting will begin following the close of the public hearing.
12/26 & 1/2/25
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE
The Town Council of the Town of Purcellville will hold a public hearing at Town Hall located at 221 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia on Tuesday, January 14th, 2025 at 6:00 PM for the purpose of receiving comments on, considering, and possibly voting on the following item:
A Telecommunications Site Lease Agreement for a portion of the Town owned Water Tower property located at 311 North Maple Ave., Purcellville, Virginia.
The proposed lease agreement between the Town of Purcellville, as lessor, and Cellco Partnership doing business as Verizon Wireless, as the lessee, is intended to amend and restate the terms of the original lease agreement dated October 17, 2002.
Additional information regarding this lease agreement is available for review at the Purcellville Town Hall at 221 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia during regular business hours Monday through Friday between 9:00AM – 4:00PM, holidays excepted. For further information, please contact Boyd Lawrence, Planning Manager, at 540-338-7421 or blawrence@purcellvilleva.gov.
At this public hearing, an opportunity will be provided for all persons desiring to present their views on this matter. Persons requiring special accommodations should contact the Town Clerk at 540-338-7421, three days in advance of the meeting.
12/26 & 1/2/25
List your business in our service directory and reach thousands of potential customers! Call for details 703-770-9723
review hearing and review of foster care plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282 and 16.1281 for Aiyana Ross.
It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Marcia Elaine Lowe, Mother, appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before January 13, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. 12/26, 1/2. 1/9/25
Legal Notices
PUBLIC HEARING
The LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, at 6:00 p.m. on WEDNESDAY, January 15, 2025, in order to consider:
AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 852 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Motor Vehicle License Fee
In 1997, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors enacted Chapter 852 of the Codified Ordinance of Loudoun County (the “Ordinance”) in accordance with Virginia Code § 46.2-752 to allow the collection of license fees on motor vehicles. Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.21427 the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for passage amendments to Chapter 852, Motor Vehicle License Fee, of the Ordinance. Except as provided under Virginia Code § 46.2-755, the proposed amendment would reduce the annual license for motor vehicles from $25.00 to $0.00, effective January 1, 2025.
A complete copy of the proposed amendments are on file and may be examined at the Office of the County Administrator Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by calling the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200 to request hard copies or electronic copies. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments.
LEGI-2024-0017,
STERLING MOTORCARS: ZMOD-2024-0010 (Zoning Modification)
Lithia VA Real Estate, LLC has submitted an application for a zoning modification for approximately 6.64-acres of land located north of the intersection of Waxpool Road (Route 625) and Pacific Boulevard (Route 1036) and west of Sully Road (Route 28) in the Sterling Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as 21826 Pacific Blvd, Sterling, Virginia, PIN: 043-28-9166-000, and Tax Map # /80//18//26A2/. For ZMOD-2024-0010, the applicant seeks to modify the signage requirements approved in ZMOD-1998-0002, Dulles 28 Centre Sign Plan, and the applicable provisions of Section 523 of the 1972 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance (1972 Zoning Ordinance), to allow an increase in the number of signs, total sign area for an individual sign, and the total aggregate sign area on-site, in the PD-CH (Planned Development – Commercial Highway) zoning district under the 1972 Zoning Ordinance
LEGI-2023-0102, CENTURY CORNER AT GOOSE CREEK VILLAGE: ZCPA-2023-0009, SPEX-2023-0035, SPEX-2023-0036, & ZMOD-2024-0006 (Zoning Concept Plan Amendment, Zoning Modification, and Special Exceptions)
ZD Acquisitions LP has submitted applications for: a zoning concept plan amendment, zoning modification, and special exceptions for approximately 3.84 acres of land located west of Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659) and north of the Dulles Greenway (VA 267) in the Ashburn Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as PIN 154-48-3700-000 and Tax Map /78/S/1CM///6/. For ZCPA-2023-0009, the applicant seeks to increase the number of Independent Living Units from 80 to 120 For SPEX-20230035, the applicant seeks to modify the plat design and layout associated with SPEX-20160007, Continuing Care Facility, Assisted Living. For SPEX-2023-0036, the applicant seeks to modify the building and parking layouts previously approved with SPEX-2016-0008, Continuing Care Facility, Nursing Home use. For ZMOD-2024-0006, the applicant seeks to reduce building setbacks from 90 feet to 70 feet, and parking setbacks from 25 feet to 20 feet along Belmont Ridge Road, and to reduce building setbacks from 50 feet to 20 feet along the Dulles Greenway. The applications are being processed under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance pursuant to the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance Grandfathering Resolution, dated December 13, 2023.
LEGI-2024-0069, OAK GROVE: ZMAP-2019-0021 (Zoning Map Amendment)
Following the Final Order entered October 21, 2024 in the Loudoun County Circuit Court case GFC Properties, LLC v. Board of Supervisors (Case No. CL 21-4052) (the “Order”), in which the Court remanded the rezoning application to the Board of Supervisors for further action consistent with the Order, GFC Properties, LLC, of Leesburg is seeking a zoning map amendment for 4.73 acres located on the north side of Hall Road (Route 788), east of Davis Drive (Route 868) and east of Oakgrove Road (Route 824) in the Sterling Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as:
024-46-1074-000 117 Dominion Lane, Sterling, VA /95////////13/
024-45-8235-000 N/A /95////////15/ 024-45-9931-000 N/A /95////////9/
024-46-1245-000 N/A /95////////10/
024-46-2653-000 N/A /95/////////11/
024-46-2062-000 N/A /95////////12/
For ZMAP-2019-0021, the applicant seeks to rezone the property from the R-1 (Single Family Residential-1) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance to the R-16 (Townhouse/Multifamily Residential) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to develop 50 single family attached units at a density of 10.6 dwelling units per acre. The application is being processed under the land use and development regulations of the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance Grandfathering Resolution dated December 13, 2023, and the Order
Copies of the proposed plans, ordinances, and amendments for each land use application listed above may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center; Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-7770246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies. Additional project files related to land use applications for public hearings may be reviewed electronically at loudoun.gov/landmarc. In addition, documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: loudoun.gov/bosdocuments.
Board of Supervisors public hearings are held in the Board Room of the Government Center. Meetings are televised on Comcast Government Channel 23 and Verizon FiOS Channel 40. Meetings also are livestreamed at loudoun.gov/meetings.
Members of the public desiring to do so may appear and present their views regarding those matters listed for public hearing. Members of the public who wish to provide public input, whether electronically or in person, are encouraged to sign-up in advance; however, speakers may sign-up during the public hearing. If you wish to sign-up in advance, call the Office of the County Administrator at (703) 777-0200. For this public hearing, advanced sign-up will be taken after 8:30 a.m. on January 3, 2025, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on January 15, 2025. Members of the public may also submit written comments by email sent to bos@loudoun.gov. Any written comments received prior to the public hearing will be distributed to Board members. Members of the public may also submit comments on land use items electronically at loudoun.gov/landapplications.
Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory, or mental disability to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200/TTY-711. At least one business day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings.
BY ORDER OF: PHYLLIS J. RANDALL, CHAIR LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
12/26 & 1/2/25
Legal Notices
El 11 de diciembre de 2024, Eastern Gas Transmission and Storage (EGTS) presentó su Solicitud de un Certificado de Conveniencia y Necesidad Públicas ante la Comisión Federal Reguladora de Energía (FERC) correspondiente al Proyecto para el Área de la Capital (Proyecto) propuesto, a fin de aumentar la capacidad de su sistema de gasoductos actual en su área.
El Proyecto incluirá las actualizaciones de las estaciones de compresión en los condados de Centre, Clinton y Franklin en Pensilvania, y el condado de Loudoun en Virginia. Este proyecto no necesita instalaciones de gasoductos nuevas.
FERC ha asignado un número de expediente nuevo al Proyecto: CP25-29-000
Se puede acceder a la solicitud completa en línea en http://www.ferc.gov, a través del enlace «eLibrary», que también está disponible para su revisión en las bibliotecas públicas del área del Proyecto. Para recibir notificaciones de futuros cambios de esta Solicitud, use el enlace «Subscribe to a Docket» (Suscribirse a un expediente) en el sitio web, indicando el expediente CP25-29-000.
EGTS ha solicitado que FERC emita una orden para aprobar el Proyecto antes del segundo trimestre de 2026. EGTS prevé empezar la construcción en el segundo trimestre de 2026 y se estima que el Proyecto estará en marcha en el cuarto trimestre de 2027.
Si tiene preguntas o desea recibir información adicional sobre el Proyecto, contacte al equipo de EGTS llamando a nuestro número gratuito +1 (833) 963-6339 o envíenos un correo electrónico a cap@erm.com. También puede visitar www. CapitalAreaProject.com para recibir más información.
12/19 & 12/26/24
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE MIDDLEBURG TOWN COUNCIL
The Middleburg Town Council will a hold public hearing beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025 to hear comments on the following:
Zoning Text Amendment 24-03 An Ordinance to Amend Article II of the Middleburg Zoning Ordinance pertaining to Definitions for Financial Institution and Professional Office.
The hearing will take place at the Town Hall, 10 W. Marshall Street, Middleburg, Virginia. The application materials may be reviewed online at www. middleburgva.gov/publichearings or in the Town Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excepted. Questions may be directed to Deputy Town Manager Will Moore at (540) 687-5152 or by email at wmoore@ middleburgva.gov
The Town of Middleburg strives to make its hearings accessible to all. Please advise of accommodations the Town can make to help you participate in the hearing.
12/26/24 & 1/2/25
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE
The PURCELLVILLE TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing in the Council Chambers of Town Hall located at 221 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia on TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM for the purpose of receiving comments on, considering, and possibly voting on the following item:
APPROVAL OF PUBLIC USE, NECESSITY AND ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY AND TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENTS FOR PUBLIC USE (N. 21ST ST. & S. FORK CATOCTIN CREEK 3-BOX CULVERT) FROM PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS “PARCEL A PHASE 2 CATOCTIN MEADOWS”, FURTHER IDENTIFIED BY LOUDOUN COUNTY PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (PIN) 522-10-6773. The Town of Purcellville proposes to enable the construction of a 3-box culvert at the crossing of N. 21st Street and the South Fork Catoctin Creek by Loudoun County. The culvert is associated with the County’s 7/690 interchange project, offered to mitigate proposed limits of floodplain area. As modeled in County FPAL-2022-0020, the culvert is projected to reduce projected floodplain area by 0.87 acres, or 37,897 SQ FT. The necessary acquisition includes both 2,711 SQ FT of Right of Way (ROW), and 5,309 SQ FT of Temporary Construction Easement. The Town and County have not been able to acquire the necessary ROW dedication and Temporary Construction Easement from the property owner, Catoctin Meadows HOA. In order to not jeopardize the inclusion of the culvert, the Town must begin the condemnation process to acquire the necessary Right of Way and required easements for this public use. The proposed action by Council is the approval of the 3-box culvert as a public use and authorization of acquisition of the real property and temporary construction easement by condemnation or other means.
Information related to this project is available for review at the Purcellville Town Hall, 221 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia by appointment, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, holidays excepted. For further information, please contact Boyd Lawrence, Planning Manager, at 540-338-7421 or blawrence@purcellvilleva.gov.
At this public hearing, all persons affected, or otherwise desiring to present their views concerning this matter, will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations should contact Kimberly Bandy, Town Clerk, at kbandy@purcellvilleva.gov, three days in advance of the meeting.
12/26/24 & 1/2/25
On Dec. 11, 2024, Eastern Gas Transmission and Storage (EGTS) filed its Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the proposed Capital Area Project (Project) to increase the capacity of its existing pipeline system in your area.
The Project will include upgrades to compressor stations in Centre, Clinton and Franklin counties in Pennsylvania, and Loudoun County, Virginia. No new pipeline facilities are required for this project.
FERC has assigned the Project a new docket number: CP25-29-000. The complete application is accessible online at http://www.ferc.gov, using the ‘eLibrary’’ link and also available for review at public libraries in the Project area. For notification of future changes with this Application, use the “Subscribe to a Docket” link on the website, referencing docket CP25-29-000.
EGTS has requested that FERC issue an order approving the Project by the second quarter of 2026. EGTS anticipates beginning construction in the second quarter of 2026, and the Project is expected to be in-service in the fourth quarter of 2027.
If you have questions or would like additional information concerning the Project, please contact the EGTS team at our toll-free number +1 (833) 963-6339 or email us at cap@erm.com. You can also visit www.CapitalAreaProject.com for more information.
12/19 & 12/26/24
Legal Notices
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LOUDOUN COUNTY
Probate File No.: 17916 SHOW CAUSE ORDER
It appearing that a report of the accounts of Melissa A. Tello, in her capacity as Administrator of the Estate of Nathan Alexander Poole, deceased, and of the debts and demands against the Decedent’s Estate have been filed in the Clerk’s Office, and that six months have elapsed since the qualification, of Melissa A. Tello, in her capacity as Administrator of the Estate of Nathan Alexander Poole;
IT IS ORDERED that the creditors of, and all others interested in, the Estate do show cause, if any they can, at 9:00 a.m. on the 3rd day of January 2025, before this Court at its courtroom at 18 E. Market St., 3rd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia 20178, against the payment and delivery of the Estate of Nathan Alexander Poole, deceased, to the distributees with or without refunding bonds as the Court prescribes.
12/19 & 12/26/24
A message to Loudoun County older adults and disabled residents from Robert S. Wertz, Jr. Commissioner of the Revenue
Residents 65 years of age and older OR totally and permanently disabled who wish to apply for 2024 Real Estate Tax Relief for the first time must submit an application to my office by December 31, 2024.
Please visit our website or contact my office for information or filing assistance.
Leesburg Office 1 Harrison Street SE First Floor
Sterling Office 46000 Center Oak Plaza
Internet: loudoun.gov/taxrelief
Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, M - F Phone: 703-737-8557
Email: taxrelief@loudoun.gov
Mailing Address: PO Box 8000, MSC 32 Leesburg, VA 20177-9804
12/5, 12/12, 12/19, & 12/26/24
ABC LICENSE
Running Dish LLC, trading as Running Dish, 47100 Community Plaza suite 138 Sterling VA 20164. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Retail-Mixed Beverage Restaurant application.
Jinjie Lin, owner.
Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices.
Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.
12/19 & 12/26/24
ABC LICENSE
Sushi Cho Inc., trading as Sushi Cho, 22000 Dulles Retail Plaza, Ste. 100, Sterling, VA 20166, Loudoun County. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Restaurant, Wine, Beer, Mixed Beverages, On and Off Premises license to sell or manufacture beverages.
Sang Hyub Woo, CEO.
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.
12/19 & 12/26/24
LOUDOUN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
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 MAKE MODEL VIN STORAGE PHONE NUMBER
2011 FORD FIESTA
3FADP4BJ3BM179375 BODY WORKS 703-777-5727
2011 JEEP CHEROKEE 1J4RR4GG6BC551357 AL’S TOWING 703-435-8888
2022 DODGE CHARGER
2C3DXCT0NH145465 BLAIR’S TOWING 703-661-8200
12/19 & 12/26/24
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE §§ 1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104
Case No.: CL24-0795
Loudoun County Circuit Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Yakub Yilmaz, through next friend, Tulay Yilmaz, v. Tanya Casey, et al.
The object of this suit is to recover money damages as a result of tort/negligence
It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Tanya Casey appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before January 24, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
2/12, 12/19, 12/26, 1/3/25
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE §§ 1-211.1; 8.01-316, - 317; 20-104 Case No.: 24003973-00
Loudoun County Circuit Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re name change of minor, Khadijah Addy v.
Baimba Kanu
The object of this suit is to change my daughter’s name because Father is not in the picture and address is unknown.
It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Baimba Kanu, Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before Fevruary 7, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
12/5, 12/12, 12/19 & 12/26/24
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
Case No.: JJ047165-03-00
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Ivory Green Loudoun County Department of Family Services v. Unknown Father
The object of this suit is to hold a permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Ivory Green.
It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before January 28, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
12/19, 12/26, 1/2 & 1/9/25
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
Case No.: JJ049330-02-00
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Bimen Aziz a.k.a. Bemin Radi Fathi Aziz Azab Loudoun County Department of Family Services v. Mariam Welson Henin, Mother
The object of this suit is to hold a foster care review hearing and review of foster care plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282 and 16.1281 for Bimen Aziz a.k.a. Bemin Radi Fathi Aziz Azab.
It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Mariam Welson Henin, Mother, appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his or her interests on or before January 28, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
12/12, 12/19, 12/26, 1/2 & 1/9/25
Misc. Loco Service Providers
VEHICLE AUCTION
MD Repo Vehicles For Public Sale at ADESA Washington, DC. All Makes and Models Running Weekly Details can be found at www.adesawashingtondc.com
Terms: State and local orders will be strictly enforced at the sale, including social distancing and limits on the number of people permitted to gather in certain areas. All attendees must comply with such procedures or will be required to leave the premises. We strongly recommend that all attendees wear face coverings for the protection of themselves and our staff. Bidder agrees to register and pay a refundable $500 cash deposit plus a non-refundable $20 entry fee before the Sale starts. The balance of the purchase is due in full by 5:00pm on sale day. vehicles are AS-IS and are subject to a buy fee based on the sale price of the vehicle. Only cash or certified funds will be accepted. No vehicle will be released until Payment is made in full. Children under the age of 18 are not permitted.
VEHICLE AUCTION
ADESA WASHINGTON DC 705-996-1100 44475 OLD OX ROAD DULLES, VA 20166
20+Chase repossessions will be offered to the public sale monthly on Wednesdays. Auction doors open at 8:00 a.m. Sale starts at 9:50 a.m. ET. Registered persons may preview/inspect vehicles on the day of the sale before bidding. Bids accepted only when a vehicle is presented for sale. The auctioneer will conclude the sale when bidding stops. All results will be final by 5:00 p.m. Terms: Cash or Certified Check.
CONSTRUCTION
Town of Leesburg Employment Opportunities
Please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs for more information and to apply online. Resumes may be submitted as supplemental only. EOE/ADA. Regular Full-Time Positions
To review Ida Lee (Parks & Recreation) flexible part-time positions, please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs. Most positions will be filled at or near the minimum of the range. Dependent on qualifications.
All Town vacancies may be viewed on Comcast Cable Channel 67 and Verizon FiOS Channel 35.
Published by Loudoun Community Media
15 N. King St., Suite 101 Leesburg, VA, 20176 703-770-9723
KURT ASCHERMANN
Executive Director kaschermann@loudounnow.org
NORMAN K. STYER
Publisher and Editor nstyer@loudounnow.org
EDITORIAL
AMBER LUCAS Reporter alucas@loudounnow.org
HANNA PAMPALONI Reporter hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
WILLIAM TIMME Reporter wtimme@loudounnow.org
ADVERTISING
SUSAN STYER Advertising Manager sstyer@loudounnow.org
TONYA HARDING
Account Executive tharding@loudounnow.org
VICKY MASHAW
Account Executive vmashaw@loudounnow.org
western Loudoun and Ashburn, and
for
A Clear Vision
Opinion
It wasn’t too long ago that data centers were viewed simply as a collection of concrete boxes stacked up around a key intersection on the information superhighway.
This year, data centers seemed to impact nearly every aspect of life in Loudoun. At least one might reach that conclusion judging from the tens of thousands of words dedicated to the topic in our pages during 2024.
The good news is that we end the year with a far greater understanding of the planning policy choices and the power grid challenges. It is clear to all parties that we are moving beyond the status quo.
However, it is still unknown how that knowledge will result in a more sustainable approach going forward. Numerous regulatory changes are being explored at the local and state level as industry leaders continue their work to meet the growing demand for spaces to accommodate the growing cloud and the needs of still nascent roll out of artificial intelligence to consumers. The demand will be insatiable for many more years.
While Loudoun County has been at the forefront of this industry for decades, the past year was marked by unprecedented controversy and uncertainty that left both the data center community and the public with little understanding of what expectations they should hold.
It is important to move quicky beyond that chaos and establish the framework that will create a clear vision for this area of community development.
And in the new year, we’ll be happy to be writing about some other topic.
LETTERS to the Editor
Shocking Surplus
Editor:
I encourage our Board of Supervisors to think about the increased cost in groceries, gas, the increased cost in homeowner’s and renter's insurance, the increased cost of auto insurance, the increased cost of medical co-pays and assumption of all charges for some residents.
Where is the refund check to all residents who have paid into the county’s $250 million budget surplus?
Instead, I read of more expenditures for whatever each supervisor can dream to spend on, as well as the approved capital projects.
This message is a terrible one to each of us residents who face increased fees for 2025. This surplus is proportionally ours from the taxes we have paid and will pay.
I urge the board to roll back the tax rate further and mail each of us a refund check. They should not negate their fiduciary responsibility and spend this surplus, which is as large as some county budgets.
— Robbie Milberg, Potomac Green, Ashburn
A Responsibility
Editor:
I am writing in response to the article
regarding Loudoun County’s $250 million funding surplus. While it is commendable that the county has achieved such fiscal stability, it is concerning that this surplus does not include increased or consistent funding for the very nonprofits that serve as safety nets for our community.
Nonprofit organizations in Loudoun County work tirelessly to address critical needs—needs that are growing at an unprecedented rate. From homelessness prevention and youth services to substance abuse, mental health support, and family assistance, these nonprofits are on the front lines every day, filling the gaps where government services need assistance. Yet, year after year, nonprofits are left to scrape together funding from grants, donations, and events just to keep the lights on.
This omission highlights a troubling disconnect: while the county has a surplus, nonprofits face rising demands and dwindling resources. Without reliable county support, many of these organizations are at risk of scaling back or closing altogether—an outcome that would leave thousands of Loudoun residents without access to vital services.
The question must be asked: How can a county with a $250 million surplus better prioritize investment in the organizations that serve its most vulnerable populations?
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, it costs on average $36,000 per year per homeless individual.
Regarding funding our nonprofits, Supervisor Turner put it so eloquently when he previously mentioned that our current funding process creates an A team and a B team. Those on the B team who don’t have a county contract, who don’t have their rent paid and those who don’t get consistent funding need consistent help.
Nonprofits are not optional luxuries; they are essential partners in building a healthier, stronger community, and help thousands of our neighbors who don’t access or who have limited access to county services. Their work often prevents long-term crises that would otherwise increase costs for local government programs, law enforcement, healthcare systems, and schools.
On behalf of the nonprofits working to uplift this community, I urge the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors and decision-makers to re-consider the allocation of this surplus and the immense value nonprofits bring to Loudoun County. Sustainable funding for these organizations is not just a need—it’s a responsibility.
— Donna Fortier, Leesburg (CEO & Founder, Mobile Hope)
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Car Tax Relief
continued from page 1
with a $1.1 billion deposit into a car tax relief fund.
“With the surplus we have, it’s time for us to make another down payment in ending this most-hated tax on hardworking Virginians,” he said.
The proposal was part of a package that also included eliminating taxes on tips in the service industries and making permanent the standard deductions of $8,500 for individuals and $17,000 for joint filers that are set to expire in 2026.
While the personal property tax on vehicles is a levy imposed and collected by local governments, its elimination has proven to be a popular stance for state leaders, most notably as a central campaign plank in Jim Gilmore’s race for governor in 1998. But for tax abolitionists in Richmond, paying for it has been more challenging.
Gilmore won support for his plan to phase out the tax on the first $20,000 of a vehicle’s value over a five-year period, with the state government reimbursing localities for their lost revenue. However, that effort stalled as the program’s rising costs outstripped legislators’ willingness to pay
for it. By 2001, the reimbursement rate to localities was capped at 70%. In 2004, the assembly capped the total pool of funds available to refund localities statewide at $950 million. Loudoun’s share intended to provide a 70% rebate at that time was $48 million. Two decades later, the state rebate remains $48 million.
As a result, Loudouners' state-provided car tax relief covers only 28% of their bill.
County supervisors also are taking steps to cut car tax bills by reducing the personal property tax rate, which was set at $4.20 per $100 of assessed value for more than three decades.
Supervisors this year reduced that rate to $4.15 in part to better balance revenue growth from data centers, where equipment also is subject to the same personal property tax.
Under plans for the fiscal year 2026 budget, supervisors are eyeing more tax relief for vehicle owners, including a plan to create a separate personal property tax rate for cars, while potentially keeping a higher rate for data centers and other equipment.
Under a proposal supported by the board’s finance committee, the vehicle tax rate would drop to $3.48—a 16% decrease. Supervisors also plan to eliminate the $25 license fee charged to every vehicle starting next year. n
— By Chip Beck, beckchip@aol.com
Oktoberfest 2025
continued from page 14
Lovettsville Oktoberfest in 2025,” Mayor Christopher Hornbaker stated. “As the area’s leading community festival, we look forward to working with Lesley and her team, along with our volunteers, sponsors and vendors to showcase the Town of Lovettsville businesses, residents, heritage and tradition as we celebrate, feast, and welcome the company of all who come to enjoy one of Loudoun County’s marquee events.”
Green has prior experience running
outdoor food festivals including Oktoberfest Reston.
“Together, we’re powering the next chapter of this remarkable 28-year legacy,” Green stated in an announcement. “Mb LoGistics & events accepts this opportunity with bold vision and unwavering commitment, ready to elevate this vital community tradition to new heights. We’re not just preserving history, our goal is to build a stronger, more dynamic future for everyone who calls this event their own.”
Despite not holding the event in 2020 and 2021, because of the pandemic, it is expected to draw 13,000 attendees each year.
The contract is still being negotiated between the two parties. n
Metro
continued from page 1
$217 million deficit in fiscal year 2026.
“This deficit is the result of the expiration of $95 million in pandemic-era federal aid, $94 million in preventative maintenance transfers from the capital budget to the operating budget, and $28 million in one-time savings from FY 2024,” according to a Dec. 10 staff report.
Loudoun’s portion of the operating cost this fiscal year is estimated at $29.4 million, but with the formula change, that is expected to increase to $36.7 million in fiscal year 2026. However, those numbers are dependent on final budget adoptions by WMATA, which will not occur until next spring.
“The county uses its gas tax reserves and future gas tax revenues to cover that operating subsidy. As of now, that revenue is sufficient to cover that operating subsidy. In several years, it is expected to be insufficient to cover that. However, staff does intend to supplement
Subramanyam
continued from page 3
DC,] they have different chambers where you get lunches, different cloakrooms, and so I’d like to be a part of some of the efforts that have already kicked off to try to get people to work together.”
Some priorities he’ll be looking at will be the economy, transportation, immigration and agriculture.
“I still think that there’s more work to do on rising costs. I would love to see if we could take federal action on the [Dulles] Greenway and for the Greenway infrastructure. One of the things that Trump administration officials have pointed out is the federal workforce isn’t coming in person to work enough. I’d like to work with them on maybe investing in our infrastructure in Virginia to make it easier for federal civil servants who come to work in person,” he said.
One potential way to achieve that and help the local economy could involve to setting up satellite offices in Loudoun and Fairfax so federal workers have shorter differences to travel.
“If you want people to be excited about coming into work in person, don’t give them an hour commute every day,” Subramanyam said. “It’s really unreasonable.”
Driving development around Metro stations would also help protect the public transit service, he said.
“I think that’s just as much part of the issue as is funding shortfalls and increas-
that with [Northern Virginia Transportation Authority grant] funding as well as revenues from the Metrorail tax district,” Management and Budget
Assistant Director Nikki Speight told the Board of Supervisors’ finance committee Dec. 10.
$17 million of this year’s total operating subsidy comes from the county’s 2% gasoline sales tax with the remaining amount coming from the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, which has a program to offset jurisdictional subsidies.
Committee Chair Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles), who serves on the WMATA Board, said Loudoun’s portion is increasing because of a variety of specific changes in the formula.
“The increase is really driven by the actual cost of the stations themselves, the track that we have, the operating costs of running rail over a fairly significant amount of track, even though it doesn’t go far into the county, there’s still several stations,” he said.
A component of the formula is overall population, which is also driving the
increase, he said.
“I actually pushed to have that taken out of the formula,” Letourneau said. “One of my colleagues from a different jurisdiction pushed to have ridership taken out of the formula and only use population. So, we realized that we would have had an impasse, and the art of compromise dictated that in order for this to move forward, we needed to both compromise on that point.”
The Board of Supervisors voted to join the Metrorail through the Silver Line extension in 2012. As part of that, the county committed to fund a portion of the construction costs, build three parking garages near the stations, and fund annual operating and capital costs as a member of WMATA Compact.
Supervisors established special tax districts near the Metro stations to fund the construction costs of the Silver Line. The debt owed is currently $250.4 million, and because of revenue generated from data centers within the tax districts, revenue has been higher than anticipated over the past few years. It is scheduled to be fully paid in FY 2043.
“In FY 2024, total revenues were $27.6 million compared to a budgeted amount of 17.3. Overall, the revenues generated from that district have been more than sufficient to cover that debt service,” Speight said.
The county also pays into the Metro’s capital costs pot which is estimated $7.8 million this fiscal year and $9.7 million in FY 2026. Funding for that subsidy is allocated in the board’s Capital Improvement Program and paid with NVTA 30% and NVTC grants.
Letourneau said the increase did not catch anyone off guard and he has been working with County Administrator Tim Hemstreet to prepare for it.
“It’s something the county’s been anticipating and has essentially budgeted for in our planning,” he said.
Metro ridership has been slowing increasing after it plummeted in 2020 due to COVID. In 2019, average weekday rides were over 600,000. In 2020, that number was 172,000. As of Dec. 11, that number has risen back up to 399,217. n
ing ridership. I think ridership will come if you push economic development along the Metro corridor, but if there’s no reason to jump on Metro other than to go to DC, I don’t know how we’re going to ever have the ridership that we need.”
As a state senator, Subramanyam said immigration was the number one issue constituents would call about. Now,
he feels like he can finally do something about it.
“I just talked to someone who couldn’t vote for me because he’s on an H-1B visa. He’s from India and has been on an H1-B visa for 12 years now,” he said. “There’re so many people in Loudoun County and in Prince William County, who are on H1-B visas or other work programs like that, who
have done the right things, who’ve been here for a long time and deserve a change in their status,” he said. “It’s bad for them. It’s bad for employers who need their skills, to have to go through this system and wait
SUBRAMANYAM continues on page 27
Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now
Suhas Subramanyam talks strategy with Legislative Assistant Matt Fisher.
A Loudoun Moment Subramanyam
continued from page 26
indefinitely for a green card.”
Even though Loudoun isn’t on the border, Subramanyam said border security impacts Loudouners, too.
“I’ll support border security. I want to make sure that it’s not just the border of Texas and Mexico, that we do border security at Dulles Airport, too. … I’ve also talked to people who work at Dulles Airport who are equally frustrated by the lack of resources, CBP and other agencies could use more help. Visa overstays are just as much an issue as people running across the border,” he said.
While his districts in the past have been limited to eastern Loudoun, the 10th District includes all of Loudoun, Fauquier and Rappahannock counties, parts of Prince William and Fairfax counties and Manassas and Manassas Park cities. That includes a lot of agricultural land, a new experience, if not a new topic, for the representative.
“I did agriculture policy when I worked on Capitol Hill,” he said. “My two big issues were agriculture and healthcare, and when I was elected to the General Assembly, I joined the rural caucus. I remember I was like one of only two Democrats who would attend those meetings, but I’ve always been a big proponent of supporting younger farmers, especially, and family farms. Right now, a lot of our policy making leaves rural America out, and I think that Democrats don’t do a good enough job talking about what they’re doing for rural America, as well as actually supporting rural America. I certainly want to support all those folks that I’m representing now and make sure that they know that I’ll be their voice, too.”
Doing that means supporting grant programs for young farmers, he said.
The move from Richmond to DC is bittersweet, Subramanyam said because doing so means residents will lose Wexton as their representative. Wexton endorsed Subramanyam ahead of the November election.
“She texted me the other day saying that I’m going to be walking into a really difficult situation but that there’s no take backs,” Subramanyam said with a laugh.
More seriously, he said Wexton leaves big shoes to fill but that her example will continue to guide him.
“To be someone who tries to unite people and stay above the fray,” is some of the best advice she’s ever given him, Subramanyam said. “I think she’s done a really good job not making people feel alienated when there’s an issue that’s contentious in the community. So, I want to make sure people know that we may not always agree, but I’ll always listen, and I’ll certainly make sure that our community stays united.” n
Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now A small Christmas tree sits on the horizon as the moon rises along Bloomfield Road just outside the Village of Unison.
