n 2021 IN REVIEW
n PUBLIC NOTICES Pg. 15
VOL. 7, NO.6
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DECEMBER 30, 2021
‘I’m Not Going to Agree To Disagree’
2021’s Heavy Toll on Relationships BY JAN MERCKER
jmercker@loudounnow.com
Did you lose a friendship in 2021? Cut loose a cousin on social media? Argue with a parent, adult child or spouse about masks or vaccines? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone. As the pandemic moved through its second year, politics became personal in ways it never had before. Los Angeles Times columnist Gustavo Arellano recently labeled 2021 “the year of losing friends.” And as Loudoun became ground zero in a series of culture war battles, it often felt like the concept of “agree to disagree” had become a thing of the past, even among close friends and family members. One longtime Loudouner, who asked to remain anonymous, reflected on her decision to end a formerly close longterm friendship. She and her friend have been on opposite sides of the political aisle for years but managed to work around it—until this year. “We really avoided the conversations,” she said. “We managed to circumvent conversations about politics. … We always kind of let each other be where we were–without saying much and agreeing not to say much.” But things began to change as COVID shook the political landscape. It started in 2020 as the friend began to express anti-mask sentiments, which she viewed as a lack of concern for the community. “I think it all boils down to respect for others,” she said. “I had a problem with that. I didn’t say anything, but I was witnessing it and it was making me angry. …My blood pressure just amped up. Each time was like a little nail in the coffin for me.” Her growing discomfort with her friend’s positions came to a head after the Jan. 6 insurrection, and she decided to let the
Haley Bour/Loudoun Now
People seeking COVID-19 tests waited in line for hours Tuesday during a free testing event offered at Philip A. Bolen Park.
County Sees Record COVID Cases Free Testing Program Expanded, Quickly Overwhelmed LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
RELATIONSHIPS continues on page 30
Loudoun set a record for new COVID-19 cases reported in a single day on Christmas Eve, as infection rates continue to climb. The Virginia Health Department logged 605 new cases in Loudoun on Dec. 24. And while single-day counts can be unreliable—different testing facilities may not deliver their numbers to the state at the same time—the seven-day rolling average of new daily cases, a better indicator of infection trends, is also the highest it’s ever been in Loudoun. As of Tuesday, the state was reporting an average of 433.6 new Loudoun cases over the pre-
COVID CASES continues on page 30
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vious seven days, well above the previous record of 324 new cases on average over the seven days ending Jan. 29. Cases are expected to continue increase over the next several weeks as the highly transmittable Omicron variant spreads across the county. With the surge, testing is in high demand—and, according to the latest trends, with good reason. This week, the PCR test positivity rate was on pace to climb above 20% for the first time since the earliest days of the pandemic, a time when few tests were available.
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2021 IN REVIEW
PAGE 3
Culture War Hits Schools BY HAYLEY BOUR hbour@loudounnow.com
When classes reopened to in-person learning in February, Loudoun County School Board members had reason to believe the worst of public criticism was behind them. Little could they imagine what was to come. But the months of combative public input sessions featuring parents objecting to virtual learning quickly evolved into even more heated criticism over issues ranging from mask mandates to equity initiatives. The battles not only moved the School Board further into the national spotlight, but also gave rise to local recall efforts and helped shaped the statewide elections. Criticism escalated in March after some participants in a private Facebook group, Anti-Racist Parents of Loudoun County, which listed several School Board members as members, suggested they share online personal information about the vocal opponents of the school division’s racial equity work. Parents, led by political operative Ian Prior, organized the group Fight for Schools in response to the Facebook activity, alleging that School Board members’ involvement in the group violated opendoor meetings laws for elected officials. Fight for Schools collected signatures on petitions to remove board members in the group, including Chairwoman Brenda Sheridan (Sterling), Vice Chairwoman Atoosa Reaser (Algonkian), Denise Corbo (At-Large), Ian Sertokin (Blue Ridge), Leslee King (Broad Run), and former Leesburg representative Beth Barts, who was the focal point of the removal effort. The petition to remove Barts was filed in August, though she resigned on Nov. 2 citing to threats that her family received over her involvement with the school district. Petitions were filed to remove Reaser and Sheridan in October. Hearings in those cases will take place in early 2022. King died Aug. 31 of complications from a heart procedure she underwent earlier in the summer. The board appointed Andrew Hoyler, her former opponent, to fill her vacant seat until a special election that will be held in November 2022. The School Board faced additional scrutiny and condemnation from the public for its handling of a sexual assault
Contributed
Loudoun parent Brandon Michon’s public comments went viral after he screamed at the School Board, calling them a “bunch of cowards” for keeping schools closed during the pandemic.
Loudoun Now file photo
Byron “Tanner” Cross addressed the media during a press conference as he fought the school division in the courts for his reinstatement. Cross was placed on leave after saying that the division’s then-proposed transgender student protections violated his faith, and that he could not enforce the policy.
Superintendent Scott Ziegler delivered an address on Oct. 27 following news that an accused teen rapist assaulted a second student after being transferred from Stone Bridge High School to Broad Run High School.
scandal. On May 28, a Stone Bridge High School student assaulted an acquaintance in a bathroom. He was arrested in July, and the division transferred him to Broad Run High School in the fall, where he sexually assaulted a second student. Outraged parents lambasted the board during public comment portions of board meetings and
on national news outlets, charging that the divisions didn’t take adequate action following the initial incident. Superintendent Scott Ziegler announced that the division followed Title IX protocols following the first assault, but the action outlined by the federal law was insufficient to protect students from
Loudoun Now file photo
the assailant. When news of the second assault surfaced, Fight for Schools announced that it redrafted the removal petitions for Reaser and Sheridan to include the allegations that board members were complicit in the handling of the assailant. The group canSCHOOLS continues on page 31
PAGE 4
2021 IN REVIEW
DECEMBER 30, 2021
Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now
Staff at Emerick Elementary School in Purcellville do spot checks of students’ temperatures before they enter the building on Feb. 16, their first day back at school since before the winter break—a new normal of COVID-19 precautions and protocols.
School in the Age of COVID-19 Students returned to the classroom for full-time instruction this school year, for the first time since the pandemic hit in March 2020. Families, teachers, and a new superintendent were met with new challenges, as distance learning caused a significant amount of learning-loss, and as the Delta variant renewed concerns over the spread of COVID in classrooms and school buildings.
ing the reversion to distance learning. Former superintendent Eric Williams, who’d served in the position for six and a half years, left the district in January to take the helm of a Houston-area school division. The School Board appointed Scott Ziegler, then-assistant superintendent for Human Resources and Talent Development, to take over on an interim basis and then permanently in June. After appointing Ziegler, board members praised his steering of the division during his time in his interim position.
New Leadership
Fighting a Pandemic
BY HAYLEY BOUR hbour@loudounnow.com
In the fall of 2020, the district staggered the return of students to the classroom using a hybrid format. Students and teachers masked up and sat behind plexiglass barriers. But by December of 2020, cases in the county surged again, trigger-
Loudoun County put teachers and school staff at the front of the line when vaccines became available in February. A special program distributed shots to nearly 10,000 employees by mid-month. After pleas from parents, who said
that their children suffered mentally and academically during distance learning, students once again returned to classes in a hybrid format. Elementary school students returned on Feb. 16, and middle and high school students returned in March. As warmer temperatures set in and more teachers completed their vaccination cycle, most students returned for four days a week of in-person learning. The General Assembly passed a law requiring school divisions to provide fulltime, in-person learning for all students during the 2021-2022 school year. Over the summer, parents questioned whether their children would be required to mask up once again when schools opened in the fall. State law requires school divisions to follow CDC guidance to the “greatest extent practicable.” On Aug. 2, Ziegler announced to
families that all people inside of school buildings, regardless of their vaccination status, would be required to wear masks unless they are eating or participating in physical education. On the second day of school, the school district announced that all staff would be required to be fully vaccinated by Nov. 1, or submit to weekly testing. The vaccine was also mandated for student athletes participating in winter sports. The school division also announced in November alterations to its quarantine guidelines. Students and teachers exposed to COVID-19 were only required to isolate for seven days instead of 10. In November, all people over the age of 5 years old became eligible to receive AGE OF COVID continues on page 5
DECEMBER 30 2021
Age of COVID continued from page 4 vaccination. As of Dec. 27, though, large portions of student bodies remain unvaccinated. According to the Department of Health, only 30% of children in the county between 5 and 11 years old had received at least one dose of the vaccine. That rate jumps up to 73% among youth aged 11 to 15 years old, and to 71.8% for teens 15 to 17 years old. Thousands of families left the school division, many of them citing concerns over being back in the classroom amid the pandemic, and calling for more virtual options for students. On Aug. 31, hundreds of concerned parents held a silent protest calling for synchronous learning using classroom cameras. The effort sparked a response from the school division, which double-downed on its commitment to in-person learning. The division reported a 7% drop in enrollment from its projections for the year. There were 81,318 students enrolled at the start of the school year—down from 84,175 in 2019, the last count available before COVID-19 hit. The projected en-
2021 IN REVIEW
PAGE 5
rollment for this school year, calculated using the growth rate of the county population, was 87,619.
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Despite efforts to get students safely back into classrooms, test data shows that students were greatly impacted academically by distance learning—particularly economically disadvantaged students, special needs students, and students of color. The district uses Measures of Academic Progress Assessments, or MAPs, created by the academic nonprofit NWEA to test students in grades 2-8. Typically, Loudoun students rank in the 50th-60th percentiles in growth relative to students across the country in math and reading, Ryan Tyler, the district’s director of Research, Assessment, and School Improvement told the School Board during a review of the data in November. Data from the 2020-2021 MAP testing shows that no category of test takers scored higher than the 45th percentile. Data is available for Asian, white, Black, and Hispanic students, as well as English learners and learners with Individualized Education Plans, special education plans created to meet a student’s individual needs. n
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2021 IN REVIEW
DECEMBER 30, 2021
Loudoun Makes Strides in Broadband Access BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com
In the COVID-19 pandemic, remote learning in schools and telecommuting to jobs demonstrated how necessary broadband internet access is to modern life and spurred new government spending at every level. Loudoun County supervisors—like Gov. Ralph Northam—had already laid down plans to expand broadband to rural areas, and the pandemic introduced new urgency. In September 2020, the county board voted to accelerate that work, with only Supervisor Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) opposed, calling living with slow internet a “life choice.” Through 2021 those aspirations became more concrete. Some changes were immediate, such
as the county government streamlining the review process for building new telecommunications projects. And in February, county staff members told supervisors they were looking partner with a broadband provider such as Leesburg-based All Points Broadband to seek state grant funding, as well as possibly partnering with power companies to extend broadband service. Those ideas became more real throughout the year. Supervisors decided to seek a $17.5 million Virginia Telecommunications Initiative grant, which along with $12.4 million of the county’s American Rescue Plan Act funding and investments and partnerships with All Points Broadband and Dominion Energy and Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative, add up to a $72 million project to put in place 663 miles of fiber to around 240 square miles
of the county. While that application was coming together, in September the county awarded a $4.57 million contract to lay fiber optic cable to six government facilities in the rural west: Bluemont Community Center, Bluemont Public Safety Radio Tower, Philomont Community Center, Philomont Fire and Rescue Station, Loudoun Heights Fire and Rescue Station, and the Loudoun Heights Public Safety Radio Tower. That fiber, along with a previous $15.5 million contract last year to the same company, Segra, is meant to serve as backbone for last-mile connections. And in December, the results from the grant application came back: Loudoun County and its partners were allocated funding. That is expected to bring broadBROADBAND ACCESS continues on page 31
Loudoun Now file photo
All Points Broadband Field Technician Brandon Kingan climbs to the top of a cell tower in Berryville.
Jan. 6 Shocks Loudoun As protestors prepared to descend on Washington, DC, spurred by conspiracy theories about the 2020 presidential election, County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) issued a statement discouraging counterprotesting for fear of violence. That proved wise—the Jan. 6 rally erupted into violence, with protestors storming the U.S. Capitol and shocking the country. It also had repercussions for many Loudouners, including Del. Dave A. LaRock (R-33), who faced calls to resign from the Board of Supervisors, the Leesburg Town Council, and the Loudoun NAACP for his participation in the rally and promotion of debunked claims about election fraud. It was also felt by county Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge), a Capitol Police officer. Among the five people killed on that day was Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, who Buffington knew and described as “a good guy.”
Guns Banned from County Government Buildings
In March, county supervisors passed a ban on firearms in county facilities, an effort begun in 2020. Before the vote, that prompted lengthy public input sessions in the county boardroom with people arguing for and against the rule and even armed demonstrators inside and outside the building. That also meant the county bought metal detectors and
resident curator for that building; they are due by Jan. 24.
New Animal Shelter Opens
hired a security contractor for the County Government Center, the Shenandoah Building, and the offices on Ridgetop Circle in Sterling, at an estimated cost of $550,000 a year, plus one-time costs of $150,000 to retrofit those facilities. Today, to get into any of those buildings, visitors must pass through those screening stations.
Resident Curator Program Launches for Historic Properties
This was the year the county’s longtalked-about resident curator program went from a field of possibilities to a
program looking for its first participant. The program allows people or organizations to take over and maintain county-owned historic properties, preserving them and making them available to the public while paying little or no rent. In March, the county board asked to see a proposed program; as of October, the program had its first property, the Union Street School in Leesburg which opened in 1884 as the Leesburg Training Center and served Black students in elementary through high school at various times during its history. In November the county began soliciting proposals for a
In July the county opened its new Loudoun County Animal Services headquarters and animal shelter, the first of its kind in the country. The new facility, next to Philip A. Bolen Memorial Park, is the first in the country to meet the Association of Shelter Veterinarians exacting standards for shelter design, which guides shelters on more than a hundred issues ranging from natural light and nutrition to standards for medical care and records keeping. The design work took four years, and moved Animal Services out of the aging structure near Waterford. And for the first time, Loudoun County Animal Services has its own in-house veterinarian, Dr. Theresa Brown, a former farm vet. n
DECEMBER 30 2021
2021 IN REVIEW
PAGE 7
A Reckoning on Names and Symbols BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com
Loudoun County supervisors in May began a process to rename two of Loudoun’s main thoroughfares: Rt. 7 and Rt. 50. Rt. 7 is named for segregationist lawmaker and state governor Harry Byrd Sr., and Rt. 50 is named for Confederate Col. John Singleton Mosby. That was also part of a larger effort to find and rename similarly named public features across the county, such as Jeb Stuart Road in Philomont, named for the Confederate Gen. J. E. B. Stuart; a number of roads near Round Hill named for Confederate leaders; or Kephart Bridge Landing, a canoe and kayak launch in Elizabeth Mills Riverfront Park named for George Kephart, a wealthy plantation owner and slave trader. The county government’s inventory found 16 such roads, along with the landing and Mosby Heritage Area, as well as a number of other road names with unclear origins—such as several roads named Lee in Sterling Park, which could refer to the Confederate General Robert E. Lee.
While the Board of Supervisors has authority to rename many of the roads and features in the county, renaming the highways is a more involved process with final authority resting with the Commonwealth Transportation Board. And with such well-trafficked landmarks in question, the board set up a more deliberative process, with multiple rounds of public input and a committee of citizen appointees and Heritage Commission members. After months of input and meetings, ultimately that committee came to a simple conclusion—return the roads to their historic names. In October, the panel made its final recommendations, suggesting renaming Rt. 7 to Leesburg Pike, and Rt. 50 to Little River Turnpike. Rt. 7 was previously known as Leesburg Pike, only taking the new name in 1968, and today is known again as Leesburg Pike in Fairfax County already. Meanwhile, Rt. 50 was named for Mosby in 1980. It follows the path of a trail first made by Native Americans and expanded upon by colonists over the centuries; it was first named Little River Turnpike in 1806. Supervisors in December voted to ask the Commonwealth Transportation Board to use those names, and the Board of Su-
pervisors’ finance committee has recommended using $650,000 of the county budget’s $80 million year-end fund balance to cover the estimated cost of replacing the signs on the highways. Another expense remains—the cost for businesses situated on those roads that will now have to change things like signage, business cards and truck decals. County supervisors plan on a grant program to defray that cost for those businesses. The Commonwealth Transportation Board has not yet voted on the issue. n
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Loudoun Now File Photo
A sign near Round Hill denotes Route 7’s name Harry Byrd Highway, which Loudoun supervisors have asked to have changed to Leesburg Pike.
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2021 IN REVIEW
DECEMBER 30, 2021
Leesburg’s Land Hangs in the Balance BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com
Often touting its exclusive distinction as the largest town in the commonwealth, Leesburg had the future of its nearly built out land top of mind during 2021. As the county seat continued its pandemic economic recovery, the entirety of the year was spent with exhaustive review of the Town Plan update, called Legacy Leesburg. The Planning Commission received the document in the spring, following a nearly two-year drafting process, stalled somewhat by the pandemic, that kicked off with a public outreach effort in 2019 before the town staff and consultants spent months behind the drawing board creating a first draft. The Legacy Leesburg update is decidedly different than its comprehensive plan predecessors in that it prescribes a playbook-style approach. While some items, like guiding principles and the overall vision of the town remain consistent, other areas can be tweaked based on market conditions. While the town staff had hoped to have the new plan adopted by the Town Council by year’s end, the Planning Commission only recently handed off the document to the elected body, meaning review will stretch into a fourth year. Several applications look to test the town’s vision, and council members’ promises, in 2022. The Virginia Village redevelopment application recently also landed on the council dais, after a somewhat frosty reception at the Planning Commission. Designed after an extensive public outreach effort, application envisions the transformation of the decades-old shopping center off Catoctin Circle into a mixed-use community with hundreds of for-rent residential units, office, retail and commercial uses. Some on the council have expressed some hesitation about proposed building heights, project phasing and added stress on neighboring streets, but a vote is expected in January. The future of one of Virginia Village’s neighbors took up considerable council action in the last quarter of the year. When news first circulated in August that Leesburg Mobile Home Park, home to 75 trailers and many long-time residents, had been listed for sale and its owners had an $11 million offer in hand, the outcry was
Loudoun Now File Photo
Residents of the Leesburg Mobile Home Park and their supporters participate in a rally outside the County Government Center in September.
immediate, and lasting. Mobile park residents have become a constant presence at Town Council meetings, pleading with their elected leaders to do something to keep them in their longtime homes. The lack of affordable housing is often cited by elected leaders as a chief concern in Loudoun County, yet solutions remain fleeting. Never was this more apparent perhaps than when mobile park residents shared with council members that there was no equal affordable option anywhere near their current homes for them to relocate, and they wanted to remain in Leesburg. Darius Saiedi has been linked to the sale, though he has never publicly confirmed his intentions for the property. However, a pre-application meeting with town staff in late October brought forward a draft plan for 80 townhomes on the 7.2acre property. Closing on the sale is expected for early 2022. Meanwhile, with displacement of the residents appearing to be near certainty, developer David Gregory has brought forward a plan to relocate the residents to a portion of his property off Dry Mill Road, the former Graydon Manor land. Gregory has envisioned a new manufactured home community with on-site support from nonprofit INMED, but the vision is something that will likely require some type of sign-off from both county supervisors and Town Council members, with most of the
land falling in the county. In other land development news, behind-the-scenes negotiations between Loudoun County and Leesburg continue over a boundary-line adjustment that would bring the Compass Creek development into town limits. While some properties, namely Walmart and the AtHome store, ultimately provided consent to be brought into town, the Microsoft data center property remains elusive, with town and county leaders discussing a possible revenue-sharing agreement for the site. The future of another piece of prime town real estate, the downtown Liberty Street parking lot, looks to be a prime topic of discussion in 2022. After receiving at least two unsolicited proposals from local developers for transforming the townowned surface parking lot into a more vibrant redevelopment property, council members decided to officially endorse a formal Request for Proposals process that could bring forth more proposals for what to do with the somewhat underutilized property. While the future of much of the little remaining greenspace in Leesburg will continue to be debated in 2022, town leaders closed the book on one controversial piece of land this year. After spending much of the year debating with the Loudoun Freedom Center over improvements to and a potential financial arrangement for the Sy-
Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now
A headstone in a cemetery discovered along Sycolin Road. Some of the graves, which are for the most part unmarked, date back to the early 1700s.
colin Cemetery property—home to dozens of African American gravesites—the land was officially transferred to the nonprofit at the end of the year. Council members ultimately agreed to a little more than $25,000 to be furnished to the nonprofit to put towards improvements on the site. The Loudoun Freedom Center shared initial concept plans for the property to elected leaders at summer’s end, which envisions the construction of new gravesites on the property, something that is likely to require legislative approval. n
DECEMBER 30 2021
2021 IN REVIEW
Cimino-Johnson Announces Leesburg Council Bid BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com
It’s not yet the New Year, but the Leesburg Town Council race has officially begun. Four-year town resident Todd Cimino-Johnson announced his campaign this week for one of three Town Council seats on November’s ballot. The seats held by council members Marty Martinez, Neil Steinberg and Suzanne Fox will be on the ballot, along with the mayor’s chair, a seat held by Kelly Burk since 2017. It will be Cimino-Johnson’s first campaign for elected office, although he previously submitted an expression of interest to be considered to fill the vacant council seat left by Josh Thiel’s resignation last year. Cimino-Johnson also was considered by the School Board for filling the vacant seat left by Leesburg District representative Beth Barts’ resignation in October. Cimino-Johnson listed housing as a top priority if elected to the council, and a big reason why he has chosen to throw his hat in the ring for a council seat. He pointed to the experience of he and his husband when the couple moved to Leesburg from Cimino-Johnson’s native Martinsburg, WV, four years ago. “We went from a $700 mortgage in Martinsburg to $1,700 for half the square footage for renting an apartment in Leesburg,” he said. “But we loved Leesburg.” They ended up buying a home in Leesburg’s Tuscarora Village neighborhood, but have lived through several headaches since moving in, namely uncertainty regarding the phasing of the development and when residents can expect certain promised amenities from the developer. He said he can relate to the concerns of residents in the Leesburg Mobile Park, as the property is headed for a change of ownership and potential redevelopment that could displace them. “They need an advocate that understands housing issues, has been through housing insecurity and can understand something needs to be done,” he said. If elected, Cimino-Johnson said he hopes to work with developers and other stakeholders in the housing industry to see what can be done to create affordable housing solutions in town for local service industry workers, teachers and police officers.
PAGE 9
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Todd Cimino-Johnson has announced his candidacy for Leesburg’s Town Council elections in November.
Cimino-Johnson also cites working with small businesses; protecting Leesburg’s small-town feel; and focusing on sound environmental policies and increasing the town’s tree canopy as priorities. Professionally, Cimino-Johnson is the program coordinator of business and economics at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College in Martinsburg, WV. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Shepherd University, an M.B.A. from Shepherd University, a master’s degree in history from American Public University, and a doctorate in community college leadership from Old Dominion University. Cimino-Johnson is active in both Loudoun and Berkeley counties. He is a member and former president of the Martinsburg/Sunrise Rotary; a member of Leesburg’s Parks and Recreation Commission; a board member of Safe Space NOVA; treasurer and board member of Equality Loudoun; a board member of the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce; a member of the Loudoun County Communications Commission; and a volunteer reader with Read Aloud of Berkeley County. For more information on Cimino-Johnson and his campaign, go to facebook.com/toddciminojohnson. n
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PAGE 10
2021 IN REVIEW
DECEMBER 30, 2021
Kuhns Make Big Moves in Preservation BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Chuck Kuhn, founder of JK Moving, and his wife Stacy stayed in Loudoun headlines throughout 2021. The Kuhn family has preserved thousands of acres of land in Loudoun by putting it under conservation easement. In just one week in November, the Kuhn family announced protections for 442 acres with purchases near St. Louis and Waterford. Over the past decade, they said they have placed more than 22,000 acres under conservation easement, both in Loudoun and elsewhere. And this year, the family protected some iconic spots. In April, they announced they had bought the Middleburg Academy property, still known to many longtime Loudouners by its former name, Notre Dame. That purchase included 90 acres, two primary academic buildings and four detached residential dwellings—including a 1920s manor house. A portion of the property will also be used to expand the 149-acre Middleburg Training Center— which abuts the Middleburg Academy property and which Kuhn previously purchased and placed into conservation easement—with more barns and riding arenas. The Middleburg Academy property was first used as a school beginning in 1965 as the Notre Dame Academy, an allgirls Catholic boarding school. It closed in June 2020 amid low enrollment, high financial aid requests and significant long-term financial needs. In May, the county Board of Supervisors voted to buy most of the former Westpark Golf Club property in Leesburg for $3.8 million, 134 acres that Kuhn purchased in December 2020 to put under easement, holding onto another eight acres for commercial uses. For now, the county has no immediate plans for the property other than leaving it undeveloped for passive recreation. In September, in recognition of his philanthropic work, Chuck Kuhn was formally inducted as a Loudoun Laurel, a roster of people who recognized for giving exceptional service to the county. In fact it was a delayed induction; he had been selected in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the annual gala. And in November, Kuhns announced two major purchases: the 400-acre Oakland Farm in Waterford, and 42 acres near the village of Saint Louis that had previ-
Loudoun Now File Photo
Alongside his wife, Stacy, Chuck Kuhn has purchased and placed thousands of acres of western Loudoun land into conservation easement to protect it from development and to preserve the rural countryside.
Photo by Douglas Graham
White’s Ferry ceased operations in December 2020 and resolution over the long-running dispute over landing rights on the Virginia side of the Potomac River has proved elusive.
ously been targeted for development. Oakland Farm will add to the work of the JK Community Farm, the nonprofit the Kuhns set up to provide fresh produce and meat to area food pantries, with distribution managed by Loudoun Hunger Relief. And in Saint Louis, the purchase
forestalled the development of “Middleburg Preserve,” a planned subdivision that residents said threatened both their village’s character and already-tenuous water supply. But the most attention-grabbing of the family’s purchases was much smaller—
and much more contentious. Whites Ferry Stays Parked Next year could be the year that Whites Ferry once again crosses the Potomac River. Maybe. Somehow. The ferry opened in 1782 as Conrad’s Ferry. It has long been a landmark as well as one of the few ways to get across the river, but was closed in December 2020 because of a snapped cable and a court ruling against the ferry owner in a legal battle with the property owners on the Virginia side. The Circuit Court found the owner had breached the contract, trespassed and damaged the property by expanding the landing without an agreement in 2004. With the two parties at loggerheads the ferry’s owner announced it would close permanently. In 2021, it seemed there was new hope for the ferry. Kuhn announced in February that he and his wife had bought the ferry. That purchase included the ferry, the store, and the Maryland landing, with plans to negotiate an agreement with the KUHNS continues on page 31
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
DECEMBER 30, 2021
PAGE 11
Post your job listings at NowHiringLoudoun.com Town of Leesburg Employment Opportunities Please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs for more information and to apply online. Resumes may be submitted as supplemental only. EOE/ADA. Regular Full-Time Positions Position
Department
Salary Range
Closing Date
Accounting Associate II
Finance
$44,905-$76,882 DOQ
Open until filled
Enterprise GIS Manager
Information Technology
$76,426-$130,688 DOQ
Open until filled
IT Systems Administrator
Information Technology
$70,374-$120,339 DOQ
Open until filled
Planner - Zoning Administration
Planning & Zoning
$61,857 - $105,896 DOQ
Open until filled
Police Officer
Police
$62,000-$89,590 DOQ
Open until filled
Senior Buyer/Contracts Administrator
Finance
$67,175-$115,044 DOQ
Open until filled
Senior Management & Budget Analyst
Finance
$72,952-$124,893 DOQ
Open until filled
Stormwater & Environmental Manager
Public Works & Capital Projects
$82,999-$141,929 DOQ
Open until filled
Utility Plant Technician or Senior Utility Plant Technician
Utilities
$48,295-$89,790 DOQ
Open until filled
Utility System Trainee or Technician
Utilities
$41,353-$76,882 DOQ
Open until filled
Wastewater Plant Operator: Trainee, I, II or Senior
Utilities
$41,353-$89,790 DOQ
Open until filled
Flexible Part-Time Position Position
Department Senior Buyer/Contracts Administrator
Hourly Rate Finance
Closing Date
$34.44-$58.99 DOQ
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.
Open until filled
DRIVERS NEEDED Regular & CDL Call 703-737-3011 MAIDS NEEDED No evenings or weekends Pay starts at $15/hr Please call 571-291-9746
Contract Position: Superintendent Construction Superintendent Contract Position with Potential for Permanent Employment Meridien Group, LLC is seeking a deadline-driven Construction Superintendent to oversee our construction projects, and to act as the link between various project parties. The Construction Superintendent will lead and manage the on-site construction team and oversee all work on site. The Construction Superintendent will be responsible for orderliness on site and ensure compliance with safety regulations. You will ensure quality standards are met, and all equipment and materials are available on site at all times, as well as liaise with inspection authorities regarding approvals, complete projects on time and within budget, and never compromise on quality. Construction Superintendent Requirements: • 5+ years of experience as a Construction Superintendent. • Proficient with MS Office Word and Excel. • Proficient with scheduling software, and CAE and CAD applications. • Proficient with taking and uploading digital photographs. • Ability to lift 40 pounds and to operate heavy equipment. • Ability to interpret and build according to drawings, specifications, and other documents. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. • Outstanding organizational skills. • Must be able to pass background check for access to Federal buildings Send Resume to Katherine Hicks, khicks@meridiengroupllc.com
FULL TIME FLAGGER Traffic Plan seeks FT Flaggers to set up and control traffic around construction sites. A valid drivers license is a must, good pay, and benefits. If interested please fill out an application at 7855 Progress Court Suite 103 Gainesville, VA on Wednesdays from 9 am to 12 pm or online at www.trafficplan.com
PAGE 12
2021 IN REVIEW
DECEMBER 30, 2021
2021 in Review
A Year in Pictures Downtown Fire
Loudoun Now File Photo
A Sign of Hope
Firefighters from across the county were called to downtown Leesburg on Jan. 23 after a fire broke out in the kitchen of a Market Street restaurant. Historic District fires come with unusual challenges and high stakes, but crew were able to quickly bring the fire under control and prevent spread to other downtown structures. Investigators blamed the fire on unattended cooking and estimated the damage at $1.2 million. The building’s Yummy Pig and Wild Geese Pub restaurants remained closed throughout the year as construction crews worked to repair the structure.
During the pandemic, many sought ways to mourn those lost and to celebrate those fighting to save lives. Among the most moving tributes was organized by artist Diane Canney, the co-owner of Sunset Hills and 50 West wineries. The project, launched at the urging of her 95-year-old grandmother, featured quilt panels submitted from contributors around the country and assembled to make eight-foot letters spelling HOPE. The work was displayed at locations around Loudoun, as well as the Lincoln Memorial and National Mall in Washington, DC. Ultimately, Canney plans to sew the panels into a quilt to be donated to the Smithsonian Institution.
Loudoun Now File Photo
Loudoun Now File Photo
A Big Bridge Lift
Loudoun Now File Photo
Walmart Shooting On Jan. 2, a shootout between loss prevention officers and a larceny suspect at the Dulles Walmart store left a county deputy seriously wounded. The suspect, who prosecutors say was trying to leave the store without paying for merchandise valued at $64, faces charges of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated malicious wounding, malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. After some delays, the suspect, Steven Thodos, is set for a week-long jury trial starting Jan. 31. The injured deputy, Camron Gentry, was hospitalized for a month undergoing treatment for his injuries.
The years-long effort to restore the John G. Lewis Memorial Bridge on Featherbed Lane near Lovettsville reached an important milestone in April when the truss structure was lifted off and moved to the side. That well-choreographed maneuver made way for the construction of a new bridge platform onto which the trusses are to be remounted. It wasn’t the first time the bridge had been moved. Variety Iron Works constructed the bridge in 1889 over Goose Creek on the Leesburg & Alexandria Turnpike, now Rt. 7. It was moved to its current location spanning Catoctin Creek in 1932. The structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Because of its deteriorating condition, the Virginia Department of Transportation instituted weight restrictions across the bridge in 2013 as conversation turned to replacing the structure. A coalition of community leaders—including members of the Catoctin Creek Scenic River Advisory Board, the Piedmont Environmental Council, historians, preservationists, and area residents—organized efforts to retain the historic nature of the bridge. The $5.6 million project is scheduled for completion in early 2022.
DECEMBER 30 2021
2021 IN REVIEW
Loudoun Now File Photo
PAGE 13
Loudoun Now File Photo
Serving Up Lunch
Hillsboro Transformed
In the earliest days of the pandemic, Leesburg attorney Peter Burnett quickly—and radically— scaled up his idea to establish a community food donation/distribution stands around town, enlisting the support of volunteers, donors, and area restaurants to provide free lunches every day from a vacant building he owned on East Market Street. Within the first month, the Ampersand Panty Project provided 10,000 free meals. A year later, in May 2021, the crew celebrated reaching the 100,000meal mark—along with distributing 750,000 diapers, 20,000 pounds of pet food, free flowers, haircuts, hygiene products, and fresh vegetables. As the pandemic impacts waned, the operation scaled back during the summer, but the volunteer group continued to meet community needs with special Thanksgiving and Christmas meal distributions.
Fourteen months after construction began, Hillsboro leaders in June celebrated the completion of the Rt. 9 traffic calming project. There were lots of people at the party. Mayor Roger Vance and Vice Mayor Amy Marasco were joined by county supervisors, representatives of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, VDOT leaders, project contractors, and even a few town residents in formally cutting the ribbon to mark the completion of the project. After two decades of planning and years of work to secure funding, construction began in March 2020—just days after the arrival of COVID-19 prompted widespread closures. With a creative pivot, the pandemic resulted in an acceleration of the work, which also included rebuilding the town’s water system and laying conduit to accommodate fiber optic cable, as the decrease in traffic allowed for longer road closures. As part of the celebration, the town planted a time capsule to be opened in June 2121. Inside, the Town Council composed a letter explaining the project and expressing hope the work would continue to yield benefits to those residents of the next century. Some of the benefits were realized more quickly. Not only did the project result in slower traffic and new sidewalks, residents for the first time in decades are no longer required to boil their drinking water and broadband internet service was made available to every home and business in town.
Loudoun Now File Photo
Who’s Got Gas? The impacts of an unprecedented ransomware attack hit Loudouners at the gas pumps in early May. The 5,500-mile Colonial Pipeline system, which runs oil from Houston, TX and Linden, NJ, shut down for several days because of the cyberattack, leaving many East Coast gas stations empty—and long lines at those with some left in the tanks. At the height of the scare, fewer than a dozen Loudoun stations had fuel, and some of those only had diesel available.
The Noisy Visitors For several weeks in early summer, the woods and neighborhoods of Loudoun were invaded by the once-every-17-years horde of Brood X cicadas. Mating calls creating near deafening sounds in some areas during the peak of the emergence. During their brief above-ground existence, the insects fertilized and planted millions of eggs—setting the stage for the next big show in 2038. Loudoun Now File Photo
Loudoun Now File Photo
‘Correction of Injustice’ Loudoun County leaders on Veterans Day celebrated the correction of a century-old injustice with the dedication of a new World War I Memorial plaque that erases the racial segregation of the original. The memorial, erected on the courthouse grounds in 1922, includes the names of 30 men who died while in military service during the war. The names of the three Black servicemen—Ernest Gilbert, Valentine Johnson and Samuel Thornton—were listed at the bottom of the plaque, separated from the others by lines. With the urging of Supervisor Mike Turner (D-Ashburn), the Loudoun County Foreign War Memorials Trust Fund Committee worked with the county’s Department of General Services to push the effort through, including helping with the design and working with the Zimmerman Foundries Company in Pennsylvania, which had to purchase special equipment to complete the unusual project. “There’s probably a lot of people who walked around this World War I monument and never even noticed the distinction on the monument,” Phil Rusciolelli, a retired Army colonel and past commander of VFW Post 1177, during the rededication ceremony. “There were some Loudouners on the World War I plaque who served and died in the Great War and were recognized differently on that plaque merely because of the color of their skin—wrong. This is not an effort to change history, ladies and gentlemen. It is a correction of injustice.”
PAGE 14
2021 IN REVIEW
DECEMBER 30, 2021
2022 In Preview:
What Will Next Year Bring? BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
This year was a long one. When 2020 ended, many people were celebrating the end of a difficult year, looking ahead to one that would surely be better. Instead, 2021 began with a riot in the halls of the U.S. Capitol and is ending with record-breaking numbers of COVID-19 infections. But Loudoun carries on—there’s always more work to do, and plenty to look ahead to.
New Election Districts On the Drawing Board
This was the year Loudoun began receiving much-delayed results from the 2020 U.S. Census, which are followed by redistricting at the federal, state and local levels. The work to redraw Virginia’s General Assembly and Congressional districts for the first time fell to a constitutionally mandated redistricting commis-
sion—which fell into partisan gridlock and failed to come to an agreement, sending the job of drawing new districts to the state Supreme Court. The new districts are expected to be finalized early in 2022, and could even trigger a new General Assembly election next year depending on the results of a lawsuit arguing the 2021 elections were unconstitutional since they fell under the outdated district maps. Whatever the state’s new maps look like, it seems likely Loudoun will have more say in Richmond—as it should, as one of the state’s and the nation’s fastest-growing localities, growing by about 35% over the past 10 years according to Census data. Under the current district lines, only one House district, the 32nd District seat held by Democrat David Reid, is solely a Loudoun district, and only three of the seven House Districts extending into the county are represented by Loudoun residents. Of the three current state Senate
districts extending into Loudoun, none is a Loudoun-only district and only one senator, Sen. John Bell (D-13), lives in Loudoun. The plans proposed to the Supreme Court give Loudoun five House districts and part of a sixth shared with western Fauquier County. The state Senate map creates a district for much of eastern Loudoun and Ashburn and a second district that covers the rest of Loudoun and also stretches into western Fauquier. In each of the shared districts, about 90% of the population lives in Loudoun. When, exactly, the Supreme Court will make its decision is unknown. State law does not impose a deadline on the court. Meanwhile, the county’s own redistricting process continues apace. In Loudoun, the Board of Supervisors still draws their own districts. The current districts show the fruit of the previous effort—strange, sprawling districts in the west that wrap around to the east; a southeastern Dulles district split in two by an
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international airport; a district that mostly—but not quite—encompasses Leesburg. It is widely acknowledged to be a local attempt at gerrymandering. This time county supervisors have sworn not to do that. Their process started with seven model maps produced by county planners and a website for Loudouners to submit their own proposals. County staff members have been reviewing the submitted maps, evaluating them against the criteria set down by state law and direction by county supervisors, and are expected to present the results to the county board on Jan. 18. With the growing population difference between suburban east and rural west, drawing two western districts—a priority of some supervisors—will again require bringing together some disparate communities. Various scenarios, such as folding the Town of Leesburg into one of those districts, have been pitched. Districts in the east are similarly up in the 2022 PREVIEW continues on page 15
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-9753.
fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov • www. fairhousing.vipnet.org
DECEMBER 30 2021
2021 IN REVIEW
Obituaries
2022 preview continued from page 14 air. One thing about the new districts is already decided: there will once again be eight districts and one at-large seat on both boards.
Metrorail Coming to Loudoun, for Real This Time
2022 should be the year that Metrorail finally begins service in Loudoun, but as Loudouners have learned through years of delays, there are no promises. The project reached substantial completion, a major construction milestone, in December, and test trains have begun running regularly on the new tracks. The new construction, conducted under contracts by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, includes both the rail and stations reaching into Ashburn and a 90-acre railyard on Dulles Airport property. Latest projections would have that new construction turned over to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority—Metrorail—sometime in January. But when commuters will actually be able to hop a train in Ashburn will depend on Metro, which must first run the project through extensive testing. That testing is expected to last around 90 days, which could put passengers on Metro trains from Ashburn by March or April, but Metro representatives have emphasized that there is no date set, and that beginning service will depend on safety first.
Rewriting Loudoun’s Zoning Ordinance
Loudoun supervisors adopted a new county comprehensive plan, made of a county General Plan and Comprehensive Transportation Plan, in June 2019 after more than three years of work Now, the county is working to turn the visions in the comprehensive plan into codified, enforceable ordinances—although that work, too, is delayed. Originally planned to put a proposed ordinance in front of the Board of Supervisors last July, it’s now hoped to wrap up sometime next year. The Zoning Ordinance Committee, which replaced the former Zoning Ordinance Action Group, is still working through revising the county’s zoning ordinance with no clear end date. The latest work plan would see a proposed ordinance in front the Planning Commission in mid-2022, and in front of the Board of Supervisors in mid to late 2022. n
PAGE 15
Neil Cameron Hughes Neil Cameron Hughes, 85, died peacefully on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at his home in Leesburg, Virginia, from complications of ALS. He was born in Santiago, Chile on December 17, 1936, to Ronald Keith Hughes and Margaret Gibson Hughes, where his family lived through World War II, before returning to the United States. Hughes received his B.A. in history from The College of Wooster in 1959 and then went on to study British colonial history at Edinburgh University. After three years in the U.S. Navy, he attended The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, graduating with an M.A. in international finance and public policy. He joined Bankers Trust Co. in New York, then moved to the World Bank in 1968, where he spent the next 33 years working in 25 countries as an industrial and financial development specialist. In 1989, he and his wife of 53 years, Kathleen, bought an historic house in Waterford, Virginia, and he devoted himself to the study of the American history and to its preservation. He served on the board and as president of the Waterford Foundation and wrote A Village in Time: 1690-1990, in which he delved into the history he discovered in this National Historic Landmark. He is survived by his favorite dance partner, traveling companion, and wife, Kathleen Pope Hughes; two beloved daughters, Sara Hughes McNeal and Jennifer Norris Hughes; and three grandchildren, Isabel, Charlotte, and Thomas McNeal, and his twin brother Gordon Leslie Hughes of Whiting, New Jersey. A memorial service will be held later this spring at St. James Episcopal Church in Leesburg with internment in the Waterford Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Waterford Foundation or to Save the Children or UNICEF. Online condolences may be made
Edith M. Cockburn Edith Menzie (O’Meally) Cockburn, 95, passed peacefully on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 in Sterling, Virginia. She was born to the late Solomon Edgerton and Charlotte (Murray) O’Meally on November 5, 1926 in Harewood, St. Catherine, Jamaica, West Indies. Named after her beloved late Aunt Edith Menzie Kerridge (O’Meally) of Panama. In summer of 1958, she immigrated to Brooklyn, New York City, New York and married her late husband, Stanley Aloysius Cockburn also a native of Jamaica from Castleton, St. Andrew. They were married for 48 years and settled in St. Albans, Queens, New York where they raised their three daughters. She was loving and shared her wonderful God-given gifts throughout her life. Edith entered the elderly nursing field as a nursing aide and become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). For almost two decades, she worked and then retired from Windsor Park Nursing Home in Queens Village, New York. In Jamaica, West Indes, Edith was a member of St. Saviour’s Anglican Church and The Order of the Daughters of the King. She and the family joined the congregation of St. Alban the Martyr Episcopal Church in St. Albans, New York where Edith was an active member of the Sunday School Breakfast Committee for many years. In 2008, she relocated to Statham, Georgia and
then Sterling, Virginia with her daughter Tregel. In her new home, she enjoyed making new friends and participating in the daily activities and being an active senior volunteer at the Senior Center at Cascades in Sterling, Virginia to keep her “young”. Edith loved to sew and crochet! Making lots of clothes and granny-square blankets for her family and friends, including church confirmation, prom, and wedding dresses for her daughters. To many, she was a confidante, sounding board, and a shoulder to cry on. When visitors came to her home from abroad, there was always a warm welcome. Edith will be deeply missed by family and friends near and far. There are many stories and memories, too numerous to recount. In addition to her parents and husband she was predeceased by her brothers Lionel, Philip and Durneif O’Meally and sisters, Daisy Davis, Hepzebah (HB) Johnson, Loris Rerrie, and Daphne Collins. Edith is survived by her daughters Diane Jellerette (Troy) of Norwalk, Connecticut, Sharon Tucker (Wayne) of Uniondale, New York and Tregel Amos (Michael) of Sterling, Virginia; Nana Edith’s cherished grandchildren Vaughn Tucker, Monica Tucker, Danielle Jellerette, Taylor Jellerette (Michelle), Alyssa Amos and Michael Amos, Jr.; Her loving sister Evelyn (O’Meally) Wedemier Salmon of Pembrooke Pines, Florida and her dear cousins Alvarene Molland (Murray) of Manhattan, New York and Lloyd O’Meally of Panama. She has left many nieces, nephews, cousins, sister friends, and adopted children who called her Mom Edith. We were all blessed to have had her in our lives. to the family at www.loudounfuneralchapel.com
Betty Hammers Wiley Betty Hammers Wiley, age 90, longtime resident of Purcellville, passed away in Cary, NC on December 22, 2021. A self-described small town girl, Betty grew up in the tiny hamlet of Stewartstown, PA, living above her parents’ seafood store. It was a dream come true to travel to the “slightly larger” Maryville, TN for college (‘53), where she sang her heart out in every organized choir and met her husband, James O. Wiley. In 2018, Maryville College honored Betty with its Distinguished Alumni Award and Betty wowed the crowd with one of her signature meaning-of-life stories (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGKNb_o8CTA). Betty and Jim arrived in Purcellville in 1958, when Jim became the town dentist and Betty – literally – didn’t miss a beat, as a member of the First Loudoun Chorale Group and children’s choir director at Leesburg Presbyterian Church. She volunteered for the Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Arthritis Foundation Drives and others. She served as President, Vice President, and Community Service Chairman for the Loudoun Jr. Woman’s Club. The Wileys were one of six families that started St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Purcellville. Betty went on to become longtime choir director of St. Andrew’s. Always the organizer, Betty was the founder and first Organizing Director of the Loudoun Valley Community Center (LVCC) after serving two years on the first Parks and Recreation Board. She initiated a senior citizen program featuring day trips, speakers, and parties, and renovated a kitchen to serve seniors and teens. She organized grants and worked with the American Hearing Society in DC to start the Blue Ridge Speech and Hearing Center in Leesburg, where she served as President of the Board of Directors for a number of years. She was
named Outstanding Jr. Woman in Northern Virginia for the depth and breadth of her contributions to the community. In later years, Betty suffered from significant hearing loss, which was a big challenge given her love of music and conversation. She worked on self-help projects for the Hard of Hearing Chapter in Loudoun and after two years, other volunteers developed a group now known as NOVA WEST in Fairfax/Sterling. Betty also worked on the state committee for the American Disabilities Act. Although she dabbled in art throughout the years, Betty’s creativity blossomed through late-inlife painting. She became a serious artist, known for oil paintings of local pastoral scenes and colorful floral still lifes. Her in-home gallery was a muststop on the Western Loudoun Artists Studio Tour (WLAST), as much for the elaborate homemade food spread as for Betty’s numerous paintings hung (by Jim) in every room. “PaintingforJoy” became her life mantra as well as her email address. In 2017, the Town of Purcellville recognized both Betty and Jim “Doc” Wiley with the key to the town, which was a true highlight for Betty and fitting tribute from the place in which she invested her whole heart. Betty is preceded in death by her husband Jim and is survived by her brother Bob Hammers of Red Lion, PA (wife Hazel) and by her children Karen Wiley-Eberle of Cary, NC, David Wiley (wife Camille) of Key West, FL, and Judi Crenshaw of Richmond, VA, along with grandchildren Meghan and Brennan Eberle, Mariel and Loren Wiley, and Gray, Emlyn, and Aidan Crenshaw (Granna 7 forever!). To honor Betty’s many contributions in lieu of flowers, consider donating to the Western Loudoun Artists Studio Tour (http://www.wlast.org/support-us.htm or WLAST, PO Box 653, Round Hill, VA 20142). Please type a note under your donation: “Betty Wiley Fund.” A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Lives are like rivers: Eventually they go where they must, not where we want them to. LoudounNow To place an obituary, contact Susan Styer at 703-770-9723 or email sstyer@loudounnow.com
PAGE 16
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Appeal of Contempt Charge Against Domestic Abuse Victim Remains in Limbo BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
“You’re giving me a lot to think about,” Loudoun County Circuit Court Judge James P. Fisher told attorneys appealing his controversial decision to criminally charge an alleged domestic victim for conduct he perceived during her court testimony. That was two months ago, and, as of Tuesday, he has yet to issue a ruling on the appeal. The defendant, Katie Orndoff, was testifying during a Sept. 7 jury trial on allegations that her then-boyfriend punched her in the face twice in July 2020 while she was driving a car on Rt. 15 near Leesburg when Fisher stopped the trial and asked if she was intoxicated. During the questioning by the judge, Orndoff stated that she had consumed marijuana before coming to court that day. Fisher found her in contempt of court and sentenced her to 10 days in jail starting immediately, and he declared a mistrial in the case. She was released two days later, but on terms that included a $1,000 unsecured bond, entry into a pre-trial supervision program, regular drug and alcohol screenings, that she maintain or seek employment, and the she provide a full panel drug screen prior to her release. Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj and Orndoff’s attorney Thomas Plofchan argued Fisher’s actions were unwarranted and unconstitutional, pointing out that other court officers, including the deputies who investigated the case, saw no indication of intoxication and charging the witness was not provided with adequate due process. While her case has been in limbo since September, Orndoff has been required to undergo a battery of court pre-trial supervision requirements, including regular screenings for drug and alcohol use. Last week, Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj and Orndoff’s attorney Thomas Plofchan filed a new bond appeal seeking to remove bail requirements they characterize as “punitive” punishment in violation of constitutional and statutory
protections. “The conditions are both excessive and unreasonable,” they wrote in the motion. That motion came five days after the Virginia Court of Appeals gave notice it wouldn’t consider the challenge to Fisher’s action until a final ruling had been entered. The appeal was unusual in that it was filed on Sept. 9, immediately after Fisher ordered Orndoff’s arrest and wrote in an order that the action was final and would not be reconsidered. However, Biberaj and Plofchan were eventually granted an Oct. 21 hearing to present arguments and case law claiming that Fisher acted improperly when charging the witness with contempt of court. Three weeks later, on Nov. 15, Fisher entered an order stating he was taking the case under advisement. That action blocked the state appeal. “I have never had this happen before, so I am not sure if I should send it or wait,” Circuit Court Criminal Case Manager Sandi Shifflet wrote the appeals court clerk in early December about the otherwise routine transfer of the case file to Richmond. In the end, she was told to hold the file as the case was now considered pending. “The conditions imposed by the Court merely constrain legal behavior and do not meet any measurements of curbing any recognized unreasonable danger,” according to the new bond appeal motion. “To impose conditions that Ms. Orndoff refrain from use of any legal drugs and/or alcohol, and submit to drug and alcohol screening to determine whether she engaged in behavior that is legal except for the improper order of the Circuit Court, however, only serves as punitive rather than rehabilitative. Neither are these conditions imposed in the interest of public safety; rather they only serve to punish Ms. Orndoff and further violate Ms. Orndoff’s Constitutional and Statutory protections,” the motion states. Biberaj and Plofchan propose that the release conditions be reduced to a $1,000 unsecured bond and a requirement to not violate any laws. n
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
DECEMBER 30, 2021
PAGE 17
SAFETY briefs Gunman Attempts Holdup at Leesburg McDonalds The Leesburg Police Department is investigating an attempted armed robbery that occurred last week at the McDonalds on East Market Street. According to the report, shortly after 5:30 p.m. Dec. 22, The Leesburg Police Department Police Department released this image dispatchers received of the suspect a report of an armed in the Dec. 22 robbery in progress attempted robbery at the restaurant. The of the East Market caller reported a man Street McDonalds was brandishing a restaurant. firearm at a cashier. The suspect left empty-handed by the time officers arrived. A search of the area was unsuccessful. The suspect is described as a middle-aged white male wearing a black top and blue jeans or sweatpants. Investigators released surveillance photos of the suspect.
Anyone who has relevant information and has not already spoken with law enforcement is asked to contact Detective J. Mocello at 703-771-4500 or at jmocello@ leesburgva.gov. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call the Leesburg Crime Line at 703-443-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent using TIPSUBMIT via text. Text 274637 (CRIMES) and begin your message with LPDTIP.
LCSO Investigates Fatal Crash; WFT Safety was Driver The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash that occurred last Thursday night on Gum Spring Road. According to the report, Washington Football Team safety Deshazor Everett, 29, was the driver of a 2010 Nissan GT-R traveling north on Gum Spring Road near Ticonderoga Road around 9:15 p.m. Dec. 23 when the vehicle left the right side of the roadway, struck several trees, and rolled over. The passenger, Olivia S. Peters, 29, of Las Vegas, NV, was taken to StoneSprings Hospital where she died. Everett was taken to Reston Hospital Center where he was treated for injuries described as seri-
ous but non-life-threatening. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The football organization released a statement saying: “We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends who lost a loved one.” They continued, “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been affected by this tragedy. Our team has alerted the league office and is working with local authorities.”
iting damage to the carport and one interior room on the first floor. A neighboring home sustained heat damage to the siding and windows. No injuries were reported. The occupants were assisted by the American Red Cross. Fire damage was estimated at $657,000. Learn more at loudoun.gov/firemarshal.
Electrical Fire Displaces Sterling Residents
Motorist Charged with Pointing Gun at Driver
The Fire Marshal’s Office says a faulty electrical receptacle on the carport of a Sterling Park home was the cause of a Sunday morning fire that displaced four residents and their dog. Just before 9:30 a.m. Dec. 26, fire-rescue units from Cascades, Kincora, Sterling Park, and Fairfax County were dispatched to a structure fire on North Watford Court. Firefighters arrived to find a two-story, single-family home with fire and smoke showing from the carport area and roof. All occupants had safely evacuated. Firefighters quickly made their way inside the home to extinguish the fire, lim-
You are invited to our Virtual Community Meeting Hear from project experts about new electric transmission infrastructure being built south of Dulles Airport near Route 50 in Loudoun County. This project will improve electric reliability for all customers in the region.
Use your phone’s camera or QR reader app to visit the project page directly.
Join us live online on Thursday, January 6 at 5 p.m. You can find event details at DominionEnergy.com/aviator
A 40-year-old Round Hill man has been charged with brandishing a firearm and assault following an incident on Rt. 7. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the victim reported that he was in a traffic altercation while driving around 2:30 p.m. Dec. 21. In the area of Rt. 7 and East Loudoun Street near Round Hill, the other driver allegedly pulled up beside his vehicle and pointed a gun at him. The suspect was released on a $5,000 secured bond. n
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 18
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
Loco Living
British NYE Party with Shag
Friday, Dec. 31, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: facebook.com/vanishbrew Vanish’s annual British New Year’s Eve party starts early for extra fun. The ball drops at 7 p.m., followed by live British covers from Shag. Tickets are $10 in advance. Children 16 and under are admitted free with ticketholders.
Saturday, Jan. 1, 9:30 a.m. House 6 Brewing, 44427 Atwater Drive, Ashburn Details: house6brewing.com Start the new year off on the right foot with a charity 5K or 10K. Registration is $35 in advance. Event benefits the Rotary Club of Leesburg’s Perry Winston Memorial Scholarship Fund. Virtual option is available.
Friday, Dec. 31, 5 p.m. Lansdowne Resort and Spa, 44050 Woodridge Parkway, Lansdowne Details: lansdowneresort.com Enjoy a prix fixe dinner and music from the Darryl Marini Duo. Tickets are $75, $110 with a wine pairing. Reservations start at 5 p.m.
Berserkle on the Squirkle
Saturday, Jan. 1, 10 a.m.-noon Lovettsville Town Square, 1 W. Broad Way, Lovettsville Details: facebook.com/lovettsvillewinter This annual fun run is a silly 5K done completely in the Lovettsville Squirkle, with costumes, themed laps, regifted prizes and all the quirk the town is famous for.
New Year’s Eve at Franklin Park
Friday, Dec. 31, 6-8 p.m. Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville Details: franklinparkartscenter.org Check out the center’s winter lights walk and “along for the Ride” art exhibit, followed by a laser show and a New Year’s countdown at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person or $35 per family of four or more.
LOCO LIVE Live Music: Ted Garber
Dance the Eve at Black Walnut
New Year’s Eve at Spanky’s
Friday, Dec. 31, 6 p.m.-1 a.m. Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg Details: spankyspub.com Celebrate with live music from James Stephens from 6 to 9 p.m. non-smoking stage followed by a DJ from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The Reagan Years NYE Party
Friday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com Tally Ho’s legendary 80s New Year’s Eve celebration is back. Tickets are $25.
Middleburg Details: salamanderresort.com Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Living Room with amazing food, endless libations, midnight toast and dancing. Tickets are $250 per person.
New Day/New Year 5K/10K
New Year’s Eve at Lansdowne Resort
Friday, Dec. 31, 6-10 p.m. Black Walnut Brewery, 212 S. King St., Leesburg Details: facebook.com/blackwalnutbrewery Ring in the new year with great beer and dancing to a fun mix of your favorites across genres with DJ LK3MY5T. Admission is free.
DECEMBER 30, 2021
signature country rock. Tickets are $10 in advance.
New Year’s Eve with Joey Hafner
Friday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.-midnight 1836 Kitchen and Taproom, 34 E. Broad Way, Lovettsville Details: 1836kitchenandtaproom.com Kiss 2021 goodbye with a fun night of tunes from local favorite Joey Hafner.
NYE with Bryan Fox and Friends
Friday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Purcellville Pub, 745 E. Main St., Purcellville Details: thepurcellvillepub.com Ring in 2022 with music from Middleburg’s own Bryan Fox, surf and turf specials and a midnight toast. No reservations are needed.
New Year’s Eve with Rowdy Ace
Friday, Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. MacDowell Brew Kitchen, 202 South St. SE, Leesburg Details: macsbeach.com Celebrate New Year’s Eve in downtown Leesburg as Rowdy Ace Band lights up the dance floor with their
NYE Prime Time
Friday, Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Tarbender’s Lounge, 10 S. King St., Leesburg Details: tarbenderslounge.com Ring in the new year with a prime rib dinner in a swanky setting. Tickets are $100.
New Year’s Eve at Blackfinn
Friday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.- 1 a.m. Blackfinn Ameripub, 43751 Central Station Drive, Ashburn Details: blackfinnashburn.com Celebrate the new year with a DJ, party favors, midnight toast and more. General admission tickets are $20. VIP tables are $200 for four guests and $300 for six.
New Year’s Eve at Salamander
Friday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Salamander Resort and Spa, 500 N. Pendleton St.,
BEST BETS
Friday, Dec. 31, 3-6 p.m. Crooked Run Fermentation, 22455 Davis Drive #120, Sterling Details: crookedrunbrewing.com Singer/songwriter Ted Garber returns to Crooked Run with his genre-bending, multi-instrumentalist approach to what he calls BluesAmericanaRock.
Live Music: The Crooked Angels
Friday, Dec. 31, 5-8 p.m. Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg Details: lostbarrel.com Husband and wife duo Amy and Jamie Potter serve up wild roots and soulful Americana.
Live Music: Bill Rose and Laurie Blue
Friday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. King’s Tavern and Wine Bar, 19 S. King St., Leesburg Details: kingstavernandwinebar.com Celebrate with rocking originals and beloved covers from a legendary local duo.
Live Music: Eric Chandler
Saturday, Jan. 1, 1 p.m. Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville Details: flyingacefarm.com Chandler plays an unexpected mix of tunes from a variety of genres.
Live Music: Julia Kasdorf
Saturday, Jan. 1, 5 p.m. Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg Details: lostbarrel.com Kasdorf’s exceptional voice, top-notch guitar skills and catalog of standards, pop hits, folk and rock ‘n’ roll set her apart on the local music scene.
Live Music: Jason Masi
Sunday, Jan. 2, 2 p.m. Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville Details: flyingacefarm.com Enjoy a mellow afternoon of acoustic soul and R&B from local favorite Jason Masi.
NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH THE ROWDY ACE BAND Friday, Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. MacDowell’s macsbeach.com
THE REAGAN YEARS NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY Friday, Dec. 31, 7 p.m. (doors) Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com
JASON MASI Sunday, Jan. 2, 2-5 p.m. Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery flyingacefarm.com
Live Music: Lenny Burridge
Sunday, Jan. 2, 2 p.m. Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro Details: breauxvineyards.com Celebrate Sunday with acoustic blues and Americana, classic rock and new rock from Lenny Burridge.
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
DECEMBER 30, 2021
PAGE 19
Legal Notices NOTICE OF SEIZURE AND INTENT TO FORFEIT Notice is hereby given that the United States Department of the Interior is hereby commencing a forfeiture proceeding against the following items of wildlife or wildlife products, which were seized in the Eastern District of Virginia on the dates indicated because they were involved in one or more violations of any of the following laws: Endangered Species Act, Title 16 U.S.C. Sec. 1538, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, 11 U.S.C. Sec. 1371-1372, the Lacey Act, 16 U.S.C. Sec. 3372, Wild Bird Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C. Sec. 4901-4916, or the African Elephant Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C. Sec. 4221-4245. These items are subject to forfeiture to the United States under Title 16, U.S.C. Sec. 1540(e), 16 U.S.C. Sec. 1377, or 16 U.S.C. Sec. 3374 and Title 50 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 12.23. Any person with an ownership or financial interest in said items who desires to claim them must file a claim with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, 23703-C Air Freight Lane, Suite 200, Dulles, VA 20166; telephone (703) 661-8560. Such claim must be received by the above office by 02/03/2022. The claim will be transmitted to the U.S. Attorney for institution of a forfeiture action in U.S. District Court. If a proper claim is not received by the above office by such date, the items will be declared forfeited to the United States and disposed of according to law. Any person who has an interest in the items may also file with the above office a petition for remission of forfeiture in accordance with Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 12.24, which petition must be received in such office before disposition of the items. Storage costs may also be assessed. INV #
SEIZURE DATE
VALUE
ITEMS SEIZED
2021505390
12/07/2021
$19516
One thousand one hundred ninety-six (1196) money cowrie (cypraea moneta) jewelry (other than ivory); Three hundred forty-seven (347) money cowrie (cypraea moneta) shell product (mollusc or turtle). 12/30/21, 1/6 & 1/13/22
TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO ZONING ORDINANCE ARTICLE 7 Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY, January 11, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 W. Market Street, Leesburg VA 20176 to consider the following amendments to the Zoning Ordinance: 1. Section 7.5.6 Administrative Approval of Certificate of Appropriateness, to amend the types of certificate of appropriateness applications which may be eligible for administrative review and approval in the H-1 Old and Historic District. Copies and additional information regarding each of these proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments are available at the Department of Planning & Zoning located on the 2nd floor of Leesburg Town Hall, 25 W. Market Street, Leesburg VA 20176 during normal business hours (Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or by contacting Lauren Murphy via email at lmurphy@leesburgva.gov, or via telephone at 703-771-2773. This zoning ordinance amendment application is identified as case number TLOA-2021-0005. At this hearing all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations should contact the Clerk of the Council at (703) 771-2733, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711. 12/30 & 1/6/22
TOWN OF LOVETTSVILLE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 2023-2027 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Pursuant to Va. Code § 15.2-2239, the Lovettsville Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers, 6 East Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville, Virginia, to solicit public comment on the proposed Fiscal Year 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The final requested funding amount of the CIP will be included in the Town Manager’s Fiscal Year 2023 Proposed Budget scheduled to be presented to Town Council during their regular meeting the evening of January 20, 2022, at 6:30 P.M. All persons desiring to speak will be given an opportunity to do so at this meeting. Copies of the proposed CIP with a complete list of projects are available for review at the Town Hall between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm weekdays or by special appointment, holidays excepted. Call 540-822-5788 for more information or visit www.lovettsvilleva.gov. In the event the meeting is cancelled, the public hearing will be convened at the next regular scheduled meeting at the same time and place. 12/30/2021 & 1/6/2022
TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO ZONING ORDINANCE ARTICLES 3, 9, 10, 15 AND 18 Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 W. Market Street, Leesburg VA 20176 to consider the following amendments to the Zoning Ordinance: 1.
Section 3.4.16 Termination of Use, to extend validity periods of special exceptions from three (3) years to five (5) years.
2.
Sections 3.7.3 Application Submittal and Section 11.12.1 Floor Plans, to consolidate zoning permit application requirements in one section.
3.
Section 9.4 Accessory Uses creating Section 9.4.1.1 Accessory Kitchen, establishing use standards for accessory kitchens.
4.
Section 9.4.7 Family Day Home, to conform the Town of Leesburg Zoning Ordinance requirements to those in the Code of Virginia regarding the permissible number of children allowed by-right, and establishing an appeal process when an application is denied.
5.
Various subsections of Section 10.4.5.C Extensions into Required Yards:
6.
7.
a.
to reduce the separation of an accessory structure to the principal structure from 10 feet (10’) to five feet (5’).
b.
to clarify enclosed decks cannot encroach into a required yard.
c.
to add allowable encroachments for portable sheds.
Various subsections of Article 15 Sign Regulations: a.
to add a definition for ATM Sign.
b.
to add a subsection for Bank Signs, clarifying maximum number, type, and size due to the addition of ATM sign.
Various subsections of 18.1 Terms Defined: a.
Add a definition for ATM Sign
b.
Add a definition for Deck, Enclosed or Roofed
c.
Add a definition for Porch
d.
Add a definition for Stoop
e.
Revise the definition for Accessory Kitchen
f.
Add a definition for Shed
g.
Add a definition for Shed, Portable
Copies and additional information regarding each of these proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments are available at the Department of Planning & Zoning located on the 2nd floor of Leesburg Town Hall, 25 W. Market Street, Leesburg VA 20176 during normal business hours (Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or by contacting Michael Watkins, Zoning Administrator, via email at mwatkins@leesburgva. gov, or via telephone at 703-737-7920. This zoning ordinance amendment application is identified as case number TLOA-2021-0001.
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At this hearing all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations should contact the Clerk of Council at (703) 771-2733, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711. 12/30/21 & 01/06/22
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 20
DECEMBER 30, 2021
Legal Notices PUBLIC HEARING The LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, at 6:00 p.m. on WEDNESDAY, January 12, 2022 in order to consider: DOAM-2021-0002 PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE FACILITIES STANDARDS MANUAL (Development Ordinance Amendment)
Pursuant to Virginia Code §§15.2-2204 and 15.2-2253; the Virginia Stormwater Management Act (§62.144.15:24 et seq. of the Code of Virginia), the Virginia Stormwater Management Permit Regulations (9VAC25-870 et seq.), and Guidance provided by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality; and a Resolution of Intent to Amend adopted by the Board of Supervisors (“Board”) on October 5, 2021, notice is hereby given of proposed amendments to the Loudoun County Facilities Standards Manual (FSM) to establish new, and revise, clarify, and/or delete existing, regulations in order to 1) incorporate existing standards in regard to stormwater infrastructure from Technical and Procedural Newsletters (Tech Memos) previously issued by the Department of Building and Development (B&D), 2) establish new standards in regard to conveyance of stormwater runoff across residential lots, and 3) revise existing standards in regard to flow velocity for storm sewers and stormwater hotspots as proposed by staff and the FSM Public Review Committee (PRC). These amendments propose revisions to Chapters 5 and 8 of the FSM, and such other Chapters, Sections, Subsections, and provisions of the FSM as necessary to fully implement and maintain consistency with the foregoing amendments, or as otherwise necessary to correct typographical errors, section and subsection numbering, and formatting within, update internal cross-references to, and further clarify the requirements of, the above-mentioned Chapters, Sections, Subsections, and provisions of the FSM. The proposed text amendments include, without limitation, the following: Description of proposed amendments to FSM Chapter 5, Water Resource Management:
• • •
• •
Amendments to Section 5.201, Easements, to clarify existing and establish new standards under Table 2, Easements, in regard to storm drainage easements for overland relief and storm drainage easements for storm sewers/culverts. Amendments to Section 5.210, Hydrologic Design, to establish new standards and tables in regard to the Runoff Coefficient (C) and Correction Factor (Cf) used for calculating stormwater runoff. Amendments to Section 5.220, Hydraulic Design, to establish new standards in regard to overland relief design for certain residential lots less than one acre in size, the depiction of overland relief design on Construction Plans and Profiles and Site Plans, headwater and safety factor standards for certain open end culverts, and use of Polypropylene pipe; clarify that pipe standards also apply to non-concrete pipes; and revise existing standards for minimum pipe velocity. Amendments to Section 5.225, Stormwater Management – General Criteria, to establish new standards for the inclusion of a table describing stormwater management facilities on the stormwater management plan and geotextile liners and geotechnical reporting for certain stormwater management facilities with infiltration. Amendments to Section 5.230, Stormwater Management – Technical Criteria, to revise existing and establish new standards and table in regard to identification of stormwater hotspot uses and for design of oil/water separation and infiltration best management practices.
Description of proposed amendments to FSM Chapter 8, Administrative Procedures:
• • • •
Amendments to Sections 8.106, Construction Plans and Profiles (CPAP), and 8.107, Site Plans (STPL) and Rural Economy Site Plans (REST), to establish new standards for the depiction of overland relief design on grading and drainage plans and for runoff characteristics supporting the hydrologic method. Amendments to Section 8.108, Record Drawings, to establish new standards for the depiction and verification of overland relief design for certain residential lots less than one acre in size. Amendments to Section 8.112, Individual Lot Grading Plans, to establish new standards for the depiction of overland relief design. Amendments to Section 8.113, Location Plat, to establish new standards for the depiction of certain as-built elevations.
The public purposes of these amendments are to achieve the purposes listed in Sections 15.2-2200 and 15.2-2240 of the Code of Virginia and to assure the orderly subdivision of land and its development.
aircraft noise contours. The subject property is approximately 10.7 acres in size and is located north of the Dulles Greenway (Route 267) and south of Shellhorn Road (Route 643) in Ashburn, Virginia, in the Broad Run Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 089-36-1174 and is owned by Au Loudoun Station, LLC.
REVIEW AND RENEWAL, MODIFICATION OR TERMINATION OF THE BEAVERDAM VALLEY AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTAL DISTRICT The current period of the Beaverdam Valley Agricultural and Forestal District will expire on June 19, 2022. The District has a four-year period and a subdivision minimum lot size of 50 acres. Pursuant to Chapter 1226 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County, the Board of Supervisors has directed staff, the Agricultural District Advisory Committee (ADAC), and the Planning Commission to conduct a review in order to determine whether to continue, modify, or terminate the District. Parcels currently enrolled in the District are located within an area generally southwestward of Snickersville Turnpike (Route 734), east of Willisville Road (Route 623) and Airmont Road (Route 719), north of Welbourne Road/ Millville Road (Route 743), and Snake Hill Road (Route 744), and west of Pot House Road/Mountville Road (Route 745), Mountville Road (Route 733), and Hibbs Bridge Road (Route 731), in the Blue Ridge Election District. During this review, land less than 5 acres, or 20 acres or greater, in size that is currently enrolled in the District will be automatically renewed. However, any parcel containing at least 5 acres but less than 20 acres will be ineligible for renewal and inclusion within the District unless the owner submits an application on forms provided by the Department of Planning and Zoning and one or more of the following criteria is met: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Management Plan that specifically states that the property owner(s) are accumulating the required 5-year production records in order to qualify for agricultural, to include horticulture, land use tax deferral. Animal Husbandry including Equine uses (commercial or non-commercial) with a Management Plan that relates the pasture carrying capacity to limit the number of animals allowed. Forests and woodlands with a management plan that specifies the actions required to maintain and enhance the stands. Wetlands, flood plains, streams and/or rivers that have Management Plans that set forth the terms for their maintenance and enhancement.
During this review, land within the District may be withdrawn, in whole or in part, at the owner’s discretion by filing a written notice with the Board of Supervisors at any time before the Board acts to continue, modify, or terminate the District. Landowners of the following parcels, currently enrolled in the Beaverdam Valley Agricultural and Forestal District, were notified by certified mail of the District’s review. Parcel Listings: PIN
Tax Map Number
Acres Enrolled
PIN
Tax Map Number
Acres Enrolled
530154541000
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28.25
592389818000
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45.49
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87.58
APPL-2021-0002 APPEAL OF ZCOR-2019-0172
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21.34
CLS Bldg C, LC; CLS Phase 1, LC; CLS Phase II, LC; and Comstock Loudoun Station L.C., of Reston, Virginia, have submitted an application for an appeal of the November 12, 2019, Zoning Administrator determination, ZCOR-2019-0172, which granted approval of administrative changes to the approved Concept Development Plan for ZCPA-2015-0014, Loudoun Station Gramercy District, pursuant to Section 6-1216 of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance, including a modification to the road network for the Loudoun Station Gramercy District and an alteration to the orientation of some buildings within the Loudoun Station Gramercy District. The subject property is zoned PD-TRC (Planned Development-Transit Related Center) under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance and is also located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60
563199325000
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3.94
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DECEMBER 30, 2021
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Legal Notices 564206725000
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158.49
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138.32
Parcel Listings: Tax Map Number
Acres Enrolled
478489524000
//7////////62/
25.25
478499445000
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7.01
52.86
478499563000
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6
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20
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11.52
Tax Map Number
Acres Enrolled
PIN
379152033000
/37/////////1E
21.86
380263060000
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9.66
380386344000
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412164947000
PIN
564499811000
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482288202000
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8
565381907000
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144.89
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566462657000
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141.31
22.99
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70.52
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9.46
592191414000
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39.26
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10.31
414100545000
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10.05
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8.22
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16.67
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26.59
414162697000
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10.36
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11.64
* Indicates a parcel containing at least 5 acres but less than 20 acres whose owner did not properly apply for renewal.
414170271000
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10.85
484358888000
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10.97
414178809000
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The ADAC held a public meeting on October 21, 2021, to review and make recommendations concerning whether to continue, modify, or terminate the Beaverdam Valley Agricultural and Forestal District, and to review renewal applications and requests for withdrawal of land from the District. The report and recommendations of the ADAC will be considered by the Planning Commission, along with any proposed modifications, at its public hearing on November 30, 2021. The reports and recommendations of the ADAC and the Planning Commission, along with any proposed modifications, will be considered by the Board of Supervisors at its public hearing.
414191069000
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14.76
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In accordance with Section 15.2-4307 of the Code of Virginia, the application may be examined by request at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by calling 703-7770246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies or electronically at: https://www.loudoun.gov/adac (10-21-2021 ADAC Meeting under Agendas and Bylaws). Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
REVIEW AND RENEWAL, MODIFICATION OR TERMINATION OF THE NEW HILLSBORO AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTAL DISTRICT The current period of the New Hillsboro Agricultural and Forestal District will expire on April 10, 2022. The District has a ten-year period and a subdivision minimum lot size of 20 acres. Pursuant to Chapter 1226 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County, the Board of Supervisors has directed staff, the Agricultural District Advisory Committee (ADAC), and the Planning Commission to conduct a review in order to determine whether to continue, modify, or terminate the District. Parcels currently in the District are located within an area generally north of Harry Byrd Highway (Route 7); west of Picnic Woods Road (Route 850), Morrisonville Road (Route 693), Berlin Turnpike (Route 287), and the segment of Charles Town Pike between Berlin Turnpike and Hamilton Station Road (Route 704); east of the boundary with West Virginia, and south of the Potomac River and the boundary with Maryland, in the Blue Ridge and Catoctin Election Districts. During this review, land less than 5 acres, or 20 acres or greater, in size that is currently enrolled in the District will be automatically renewed. However, any parcel containing at least 5 acres but less than 20 acres will be ineligible for renewal and inclusion within the District unless the owner submits an application on forms provided by the Department of Planning and Zoning and one or more of the following criteria is met: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Management Plan that specifically states that the property owner(s) are accumulating the required 5-year production records in order to qualify for agricultural, to include horticulture, land use tax deferral. Animal Husbandry including Equine uses (commercial or non-commercial) with a Management Plan that relates the pasture carrying capacity to limit the number of animals allowed. Forests and woodlands with a management plan that specifies the actions required to maintain and enhance the stands. Wetlands, flood plains, streams and/or rivers that have Management Plans that set forth the terms for their maintenance and enhancement.
During this review, land within the District may be withdrawn, in whole or in part, at the owner’s discretion by filing a written notice with the Board of Supervisors at any time before the Board acts to continue, modify, or terminate the District. Landowners of the following parcels, currently enrolled in the New Hillsboro Agricultural and Forestal District, were notified by certified mail of the District’s review.
414198805000
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DECEMBER 30, 2021
Legal Notices 448190911000
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6.5
The current period of the New Oak Hill Agricultural and Forestal District will expire on April 14, 2022. The District has a four-year period and a subdivision minimum lot size of 40 acres. Pursuant to Chapter 1226 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County, the Board of Supervisors has directed staff, the Agricultural District Advisory Committee (ADAC), and the Planning Commission to conduct a review in order to determine whether to continue, modify, or terminate the District. Parcels currently in the District are located within an area generally on the southeast side and southeast of Oatlands Road (Route 650), on the west side and west of James Monroe Highway (Route 15), and north of John Mosby Highway (Route 50) and Snickersville Turnpike (Route 734), in the Blue Ridge Election District. During this review, land less than 5 acres, or 20 acres or greater, in size that is currently enrolled in the District will be automatically renewed. However, any parcel containing at least 5 acres but less than 20 acres will be ineligible for renewal and inclusion within the District unless the owner submits an application on forms provided by the Department of Planning and Zoning and one or more of the following criteria is met: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Management Plan that specifically states that the property owner(s) are accumulating the required 5-year production records in order to qualify for agricultural, to include horticulture, land use tax deferral. Animal Husbandry including Equine uses (commercial or non-commercial) with a Management Plan that relates the pasture carrying capacity to limit the number of animals allowed. Forests and woodlands with a management plan that specifies the actions required to maintain and enhance the stands. Wetlands, flood plains, streams and/or rivers that have Management Plans that set forth the terms for their maintenance and enhancement.
During this review, land within the District may be withdrawn, in whole or in part, at the owner’s discretion by filing a written notice with the Board of Supervisors at any time before the Board acts to continue, modify, or terminate the District. Landowners of the following parcels, currently enrolled in the New Oak Hill Agricultural and Forestal District, were notified by certified mail of the District’s review. Parcel Listings:
477151162000
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3.01
*479463047000
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8.07
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3
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5
PIN
Tax Map Number
477160547000
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15
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321-15-4289
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359-39-9276 361-48-3158
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32.75
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/15////////74A
73.28
*546406465000
/15//11/////3/
10.12
478397434000
/16///////122/
31.55
*551354438000
/24///3////11/
10.19
478452502000
/15///1/////1/
46.2
* Indicates a parcel containing at least 5 acres but less than 20 acres whose owner did not properly apply for renewal. The ADAC held a public meeting on October 21, 2021, to review and make recommendations concerning whether to continue, modify, or terminate the New Hillsboro Agricultural and Forestal District, and to review renewal applications and requests for withdrawal of land from the District. The report and recommendations of the ADAC will be considered by the Planning Commission, along with any proposed modifications, at its public hearing on November 30, 2021. The reports and recommendations of the ADAC and the Planning Commission, along with any proposed modifications, will be considered by the Board of Supervisors at its public hearing. In accordance with Section 15.2-4307 of the Code of Virginia, the application may be examined by request at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by calling 703-7770246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies or electronically at: https://www.loudoun.gov/adac (10-21-2021 ADAC Meeting under Agendas and Bylaws). Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
REVIEW AND RENEWAL, MODIFICATION OR TERMINATION OF THE NEW OAK HILL AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTAL DISTRICT
Acres Enrolled
PIN
Tax Map Number
Acres Enrolled
1.5
393-10-1697
/75////////25A
35
13.79
393-19-6740
/75////////25/
62.44
393-20-3151
/75////////25B
10
34.85
393-20-3295
/75///5/////1/
14.64
15.65
*357-17-2884
/75///7/////1/
4.81
/89////////11/
565.84
**358-47-0197
/75//12/////3/
15.73
/89///8////11A
665.74
* Indicates a parcel whose landowner is withdrawing the parcel from the District. ** Indicates a parcel containing at least 5 acres but less than 20 acres whose owner did not properly apply for renewal. The ADAC held a public meeting on October 21, 2021, to review and make recommendations concerning whether to continue, modify, or terminate the New Oak Hill Agricultural and Forestal District, and to review renewal applications and requests for withdrawal of land from the District. The report and recommendations of the ADAC will be considered by the Planning Commission, along with any proposed modifications, at its public hearing on November 30, 2021. The reports and recommendations of the ADAC and the Planning Commission, along with any proposed modifications, will be considered by the Board of Supervisors at its public hearing. In accordance with Section 15.2-4307 of the Code of Virginia, the application may be examined by request at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by calling 703-7770246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies or electronically at: https://www.loudoun.gov/adac (10-21-2021 ADAC Meeting under Agendas and Bylaws). Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
CMPT-2021-0009 & SPEX-2021-0032 BRAMBLETON FIRE STATION MONOPOLE (Commission Permit & Special Exception)
Milestone Tower Limited Partnership IV of Reston, Virginia, has submitted applications for the following: 1) Commission approval to permit a 127 foot tall (125 foot tall with a 2 foot lighting rod at the top) Monopole and a related equipment compound in the PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning
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LOUDOUNNOW.COM
DECEMBER 30, 2021
PAGE 23
Legal Notices
il 14, 2022. to Chapter ed staff, the a review in the District ute 650), on way (Route
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district; and 2) a Special Exception to permit a 127 foot tall (125 foot tall with a 2 foot lighting rod at the top) Monopole and a related equipment compound in the PD-IP zoning district when located less than 750 feet from an adjoining residential district and as an accessory use to a Fire and Rescue Station. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance and the proposed use is a permitted use per Section 4-503(HH), however, a Special Exception is required in this instance pursuant to Sections 5-618(B)(2)(b) and 5-618(B)(2)(c), and a Commission Permit is required in accordance with Section 5-618(B)(3)(j). The subject property is located in the AI (Airport Impact Overlay District), between the Ldn 60-65 aircraft noise contour, and partially within the Floodplain Overlay District (FOD), minor and major floodplain. The subject property is approximately 4.92 acres in size and is located on the south side of Evergreen Mills Road (Route 621) and the west side of Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659) at 23675 Belmont Ridge Road, Ashburn, Virginia, in the Blue Ridge Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 202-40-8283. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Neighborhood Place Type)), which designate this area for predominantly Residential uses on medium to large lots with Retail and Services uses intended to serve needs of nearby neighborhoods. Target densities of 4 dwelling units per 1 acre with total nonresidential Floor Area Ratio (FAR) up to 1.0.
ZMAP-2020-0003 BRAMBLETON SOUTH INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES BG South, L.L.C., of Detroit, Michigan, has submitted an application to rezone approximately 160.49 acres from the CR-1 (Countryside Residential – 1), PD-H4 (Planned Development – Housing 4), and PDGI (Planned Development – General Industry) zoning districts under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance to the PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance in order to develop by right uses in the PD-IP zoning district up to a 0.6 Floor Area Ratio (FAR), including data center use. The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, within the Ldn 65 or higher, between the Ldn 60-65 aircraft noise contours, and located partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District). The subject property is approximately 210.89 acres in size and is located east of Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659) and north of Arcola Mills Drive (Route 621) in the Blue Ridge Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as: PROPERTY ADDRESS
Acres Enrolled
161-26-9137
N/A
161-25-3540
23844 Belmont Ridge Rd., Ashburn, Virginia
35
202-20-6213
23896 Belmont Ridge Rd., Ashburn, Virginia
202-10-4192
N/A
202-29-8575
N/A
10 14.64 4.81 15.73
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concerning rict, and to and recomposed modthe ADAC y the Board
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SPEX-2021-0019 & ZMOD-2021-0017 DULLES TRADE CENTER WEST, LOTS 18B & 24 (Special Exception & Zoning Ordinance Modification)
Pebble Run Withholdings LLC of Sterling, Virginia, has submitted an application for a Special Exception to expand a Material Recovery Facility use in the PD-GI (Planning Development-General Industry) zoning district. This application is subject to the Revised Loudoun County 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception use under Section 4-604(S). The applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modification(s): ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION §5-1404(B), Landscaping, Buffer Yards, Screening, and Landscaping Plans, Buffer Yards, Use Buffer Yard Matrix, Table 5-1404(B).
PROPOSED MODIFICATION Reduce the minimum width of the Buffer Yard Type C from 25 to 15 feet along the northern and eastern boundary of Lot 24.
(Zoning Map Amendment)
PIN
62.44
the Urban Policy Area (Urban Employment) and a recommended maximum FAR of 1.0 in the Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Employment).
The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Industrial/Mineral Extraction Place Type)) which designates this area for the development of large manufacturing, contractor with outdoor storage, and other productive uses up to a 0.6 FAR.
ZCPA-2020-0009, SPEX-2020-0024, SPMI-2020-0009 & ZMOD-2020-0021 DULLES BERRY
(Zoning Concept Plan Amendment, Special Exception, Minor Special Exception & Zoning Ordinance Modification) Vizsla Ventures LLC, of Washington, DC has submitted applications for the following: 1) amend the existing proffers and concept development plan (“CDP”) approved with ZCPA-2018-0002, ZMOD-2018-0005 & ZMOD-2018-0006 in order to increase the permitted Floor Area Ratio (FAR) from 0.4 to 1.1; 2) a Special Exception to increase the permitted FAR from 0.4 to 1.1; 3) a Minor Special Exception to eliminate the six (6) foot earthen berm required within the Road Corridor Buffer Type 3 Buffer. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance and the proposed increase in the maximum FAR is permitted by Special Exception under Section 4-406(C). The proposed modification to Section 5-664(E)(2), Landscaping/Buffering/Screening, Road Corridor Buffer is permitted by Minor Special Exception under Section 5-600. The applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modification: ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION §4-406(A) PD-RDP Planned Development - Research and Development Park, Building Requirements, Lot Coverage.
PROPOSED MODIFICATION Increase the maximum lot coverage from 0.55 to 0.65 within the PD-RDP zoning district.
The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, between the Ldn 60-65 aircraft noise contours and located partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District), Major and Minor. The portion of the subject property subject to this application is approximately 92.97 acres in size and is located north of Shellhorn Road (Route 643) and the Dulles Greenway (Route 627), on the east side of Loudoun County Parkway (Route 607) in the Broad Run Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 062-25-6361. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Urban Policy Area (Urban Employment) and Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Employment)), which support a broad array of Employment uses at a recommended minimum FAR of 1.0 in
The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, within the Ldn 65 or higher aircraft noise contours. The subject property is approximately 10.74 acres in size and is located on the south side of Trade West Drive (Route 3535), and north of Arcola Mills Drive (Route 621), at 24034 and 24035 Weekley Court, Ashburn, Virginia, and 42702 Dulles Trade Court, Ashburn, Virginia, in the Blue Ridge Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 162-47-7912 and PIN: 162-48-3140. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Industrial/Mineral Extraction Place Type)), which designate this area for large Manufacturing, Contractor with outdoor storage, and other Productive uses at densities up to 0.6 Floor Area Ratio (FAR).
CMPT-2021-0005 & SPMI-2021-0004 NEW ROAD POWER BATTERY STORAGE (Commission Permit & Minor Special Exception)
New Road Power, LLC of Austin, Texas has submitted an application for Commission approval to permit development of an electric battery storage facility, classified as an Electric Utility Substation (Distribution), in the A-2 (Agricultural Rural – 2) zoning district. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance and requires a Commission Permit in accordance with Section 6-1101. The modification of the Additional Regulations applicable to the proposed electric battery storage facility use is authorized by Minor Special Exception under Section 5-600, Additional Regulations for Specific Uses (the Minor Special Exception application is not subject to consideration by the Planning Commission and requires approval only by the Board of Supervisors), pursuant to which the Applicant requests the following modification: ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION §5-616(D), Additional Regulations for Specific Uses, Utility Substations
PROPOSED MODIFICATION Eliminate the plant units required in the Type C Buffer along the southeastern perimeter adjacent to an existing utility substation.
The subject property is approximately 10.0 acres in size and is located east of James Monroe Highway (Route 15) and south of New Road (Route 600) at 24746 James Monroe Highway, Aldie, Virginia in the Blue Ridge Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 326-15-1518. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Rural Policy Area (Rural South Place Type)), which designates this area primarily for agricultural and equine uses, and complementary rural economy uses.
ZMAP-2019-0014, SPEX-2019-0029 & ZMOD-2019-0039 LOUDOUN SOCCER PARK (Zoning Map Amendment, Special Exception & Zoning Ordinance Modification)
Loudoun Youth Soccer Association of Leesburg, Virginia, has submitted applications for the following: 1) to rezone approximately 11.14 acres from the JLMA-20 (Joint Land Use Management Area-20) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance to the PD-SA (Planned Development-Special Activities) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance in order to permit the development of all principal and accessory uses permitted in the PD-SA zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance at a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 0.40; and 2) a Special Exception to allow proposed alternative lighting standards that do not comply with the standards of Section 5-1504(A). These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception use under Section 5-1504(C). The Applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modification:
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PAGE 24
DECEMBER 30, 2021
Legal Notices ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION
PROPOSED MODIFICATION
§4-705(B)(2), PD-SA Planned DevelopmentSpecial Activity, Lot Requirements, Yards, Adjacent to Agricultural and Residential Districts and Land Bays Allowing Residential Uses.
Reduce the required one hundred (100) foot yard to thirty-five (35) feet where the property borders agricultural districts, any existing or planning residential district, or land bays allowing residential uses.
The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, within the Ldn 65 or higher, between the Ldn 60-65, and outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 aircraft noise contours. The subject property is approximately 11.14 acres in size and is located north of Cochran Mill Road (Route 653) on the east side of Sycolin Road (Route 625) at 19798 Sycolin Road, Leesburg, Virginia in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 192-36-5833. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Joint Land Management Area (Leesburg JLMA Employment Place Type)), which designates this area for a range of light and general industry core uses, and conditional uses including special activities and parks and recreation, at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 1.0.
ZMAP-2019-0013, ZMOD-2019-0036, ZMOD-2019-0055 & SPEX-2019-0051 CASCADES PARKWAY SUBDIVISION (Zoning Map Amendment, Special Exception & Zoning Ordinance Modifications)
Metropolitan Development at Cascades LLC, of Vienna, Virginia, has submitted applications for the following: 1) to rezone approximately 7.6184 acres from the PD-CC(RC) (Planned Development – Commercial Center, Regional Center) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance and the R-1 (Single Family Residential) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance to the R-24 ADU (Multifamily Residential-24, ADU Development Regulations) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance in order to develop 198 multifamily stacked residential units, at a density of approximately 26 dwelling units per acre; and 2) a Special Exception to permit the modification of the minimum yard requirements for ADU developments in the R-24 ADU zoning district. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance and the proposed modification of the minimum yard requirements for ADU developments in the R-24 ADU zoning district is listed as a Special Exception under Section 7-1003(C)(4). The applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modification(s): ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION
PROPOSED MODIFICATION
§3-702(A), R-24 Multifamily Residential, Size and Location.
Allow for direct access to a minor collector road (Potomac View Road) from private roads in lieu of a minor collector road.
§5-1403(B) Landscaping, Buffer Yards, Screening, and Landscape Plans, Road Corridor Buffers and Setbacks, General Provisions, Road Corridor Buffer and Setbacks Matrix, Table Section 5-1403.
Reduce the required building setback from 75 feet to 15 feet along Potomac View Road. And
The subject property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District. The subject property is approximately 7.61 acres in size and is located on the east side of Cascades Parkway (Route 1794), north of Potomac View Road (Route 637) and south of Harry Byrd Highway (Route 7) in the Sterling Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 020-26-1776. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Mixed Use Place Type)), which designates this area for a mix of Residential, Commercial, Entertainment, Cultural and Recreational uses at recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.0. Unless otherwise noted in the above notices, copies of the above-referenced amendments, applications, ordinances, and/or plans and related documents may be examined by request at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-7770246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies, or electronically at www.loudoun.gov/lola. This link also provides an additional opportunity for public input on active applications. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”). In addition, for detailed instructions on how to access documents using LOLA, to request that documents be emailed to you, to receive physical copies of documents, or to arrange a time to view the file at the Loudoun County Government Center, please email DPZ@loudoun.gov or call 703-777-0246 (option 5). Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic this public hearing may be conducted as an electronic meeting. Members of the public are encouraged to view the public hearing electronically; however, the Board Room will be open for any members of the public who wish to attend in person with appropriate physical distancing. Board of Supervisors public hearings are available for live viewing on television on Comcast Government Channel 23 and Verizon FiOS Channel 40, and are livestreamed at loudoun.gov/meetings. All members of the public who desire to speak will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. Citizens are encouraged to call in advance to sign up to speak at the public hearing. Instructions for remote participation will be forwarded to all individuals who sign-up in advance and who would like to provide their comments remotely. For this public hearing, advanced sign-up will be taken after 8:30 a.m. on December 30, 2021, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on January 12, 2022. If you wish to sign-up in advance, call the Office of the County Administrator at (703) 777-0200. Citizens will also have the option to sign-up during the public hearing. Citizens may also submit written comments by email sent to bos@loudoun.gov. Any written comments received prior to the public hearing will be distributed to Board members and made part of the minutes for the public hearing. Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory or mental disability to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200. At least one business day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings. BY ORDER OF:
PHYLLIS RANDALL, CHAIR LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 12/23 & 12/30/21
Reduce the required building setback from 100 feet to 15 feet along Cascades Parkway.
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 2002 1998 2002
MAKE HONDA TOYOTA HONDA
MODEL CRV TACOMA CIVIC
VIN SHSRD68492U000324 4TAVL52N2WZ013142 2HGES26772H578922
STORAGE BATTLEFIELD BLAIRS BLAIRS
PHONE # 703-378-0059 703-661-8200 703-661-8200
12/23/21 & 12/30/21
PUBLIC NOTICE VACANCY THE TOWN OF LEESBURG TREE COMMISSION The Town of Leesburg is soliciting resumes and letters of interest to appoint a Tree Commission member. The term of this appointment will run from the date of appointment until December 31, 2024. The Tree Commission meets the third Tuesday of the month. All meetings are held in the Lower Level Conference Room at Town Hall, 25 W. Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176. Additional information is available by contacting Eileen Boeing, Clerk of Council, during normal business hours (Mon – Fri 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) at 703-771-2733 or eboeing@ leesburgva.gov, or on the Town of Leesburg Website: https://www.leesburgva.gov/government/boards-commissions/tree-commission. Please submit your letter of interest and/or professional resume addressed to the Clerk of Council. All materials should either be delivered or mailed to the Town’s official address at Town of Leesburg, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 or emailed to the Clerk of Council at eboeing@leesburgva.gov. 12/23/2021 & 12/30/2021
DECEMBER 30, 2021
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Legal Notices LOUDOUN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMUNITY INFORMATION MEETING NOTICE Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) will hold a community information meeting to review the proposed ES-32, Dulles South area elementary school on January 6, 2022, in the library at the Hovatter Elementary School (41135 Collaboration Drive, Aldie, VA 20105) at 7:00 p.m. In the event of inclement weather and LCPS facilities are closed for evening activities, the alternate meeting date will be January 20, 2022. A Commission Permit application (CMPT-2021-0008) has been filed to allow an elementary school (ES-32) to be co-located with Hovatter Elementary School and Lightridge High School on approximately 117 acres of land located on the west side of Lightridge Farm Road (Route 705) and south of Braddock Road (Route 620) on Collaboration Drive in Aldie, in the Blue Ridge Election District. The site is more particularly identified as Tax Map Numbers /99////////20A (PIN# 288-19-4044) and is zoned TR-1-UBF (Transitional Residential-1) and TR3UBF (Transitional Residential-3). The property is located partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District) and partially within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60, aircraft noise contour. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance and the proposed use requires a Commission Permit in accordance with Section 6-1101. The proposed elementary school site is governed under the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 Comprehensive Plan (2019 GP). The subject property is designated for Transition Large Lot Neighborhood. This place type includes low density residential communities (one unit per three acres) with significant open space and the opportunity for serving public facilities, such as schools. The planned opening for the elementary school is Fall 2025, as identified in the School Board Adopted FY 2022 – FY 2027 Capital Improvement Program. The elementary school program includes a two-story building of approximately 112,000 square feet with a planned capacity of 960 students. Recreational facilities including a softball field and an all-purpose field will be provided. The proposed ES-32 will be co-located with Hovatter Elementary School and Lightridge High School. The intent is to utilize the new elementary school (ES-32) for kindergarten through grade 2 students and Hovatter Elementary School for grade 3-5 students. Hovatter Elementary School opened in Fall 2021, and will serve kindergarten through grade 5 students until such time as ES-32 opens. The purpose of the meeting is to share information with the surrounding community on the proposed site. Please contact our office if you are unable to attend the meeting and would like more detail on the application. In addition, information is posted on the LCPS website (https://www.lcps.org/Page/227914, using the ‘Elementary School (ES-32) Dulles South’ folder link). The attendance zone process for the elementary school will be initiated approximately 12 months prior to ES-32 opening, in Fall 2024. Those who need translation/interpretation assistance or a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability in order to participate meaningfully in the meeting should contact the Planning Services office at least three (3) business days prior to the meeting. Beverly I. Tate, Director Loudoun County Public Schools, Division of Planning Services 21000 Education Court Ashburn, VA 20148 Phone: 571-252-1050 Email: lcpsplan@lcps.org 12/23 & 12/30/21
LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS FOR: DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION CONSULTING SERVICES, RFO No. 467784 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, January 31, 2022. Solicitation forms may be obtained 24 hours a day by visiting our web site at www.loudoun.gov/ procurement. If you do not have access to the Internet, call (703) 777-0403, M - F, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. WHEN CALLING, PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED ANY REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY TYPE OF DISABILITY IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCUREMENT. 12/30/21
TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING LEESBURG TOWN CODE AMENDMENTS: CHAPTER 24 (OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) OF THE TOWN CODE In accordance with Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended, Sections 15.2-1427 and 15.2-1712, the Leesburg Town Council will hold a public hearing on: Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA at which time the public shall have the right to present oral and written testimony on proposed adoption of an ordinance adding a new Town Code Section 24-3 (Employment of off-duty law enforcement officers). The ordinance will allow Town law enforcement officers to engage in off-duty employment which may occasionally require the use of their police powers, in accordance with rules to be adopted by the Chief of Police. A copy of the proposed ordinance is available from the Town Clerk, located in Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.); or by calling Eileen Boeing, Town Clerk, at 703-771-2733. At this hearing, all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations should contact the Clerk of Council at 703-771-2733, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711. 12/30/21 & 1/6/2022
TOWN OF HAMILTON PUBLIC HEARING The Hamilton Town Council will hold a public hearing in the Town Office at 53 E. Colonial Highway, Hamilton, Virginia on Monday, January 10, 2022, beginning at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of receiving comment regarding CPAM 2021-01, an application to amend the Town of Hamilton Comprehensive Plan to change the land use designation of the 16,270 square-foot parcel located at 43 S. Rogers Street, PIN: 418-29-8032, from Industrial to Commercial and to include the parcel within the designated “Central Business Area”, and ZMAP 2021-01, a rezoning application to change the zoning category for the same property from ML-Light Industrial to C-2 Retail Sales and Service Commercial. These amendments are authorized by Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended, §§ 15.2-2223, -2285, and -2286 and -2204. Information regarding the proposed Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map amendment applications is available for review at the Town Office, 53 E. Colonial Highway, Hamilton, Virginia from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, holidays excepted and on the Town website at hamiltonva.gov. All members of the public are invited to present their views on this matter at the public hearing either in person or remotely, by following the instructions on the Town website Meeting Calendar/Livestream Meetings. The Hamilton Town Council meeting will begin immediately after the public hearing. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation because of a physical, sensory or mental disability to participate in this meeting, contact Sherri Jackson, Town Treasurer at 540-338-2811. Please provide three days’ notice. David L. Simpson Mayor 12/23 & 12/30/21
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DECEMBER 30, 2021
Resource Directory
Legal Notices
Bobcat BOBCAT VIRGINIA:
A message to elderly and disabled Loudoun County residents from
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF LOUDOUN
Robert S. Wertz, Jr.
In the matter of the adoption of a child to be known as KALIA ANNETTE SMITH (Birth Certificate Number 1200743010572) Registered in the State of California, by Megan Nicole Loveall and Van Tyrone Smith, II. Case No.: CA21-57
ORDER OF PUBLICATION THE OBJECT of the above-styled suit is to grant an Adoption Petition for the minor child Kalia Annette Moore filed by Van Tyrone Smith, II and Megan Nicole Loveall; and IT APPEARING by affidavit filed according to law that the Respondent, Damone Ledell Moore, in the above-titled cause does not reside in the Commonwealth of Virginia; it is therefore ORDERED that the said DAMON LEDELL MOORE, appear in the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, Virginia, located at 18 E. Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia on or before the 18th day of March, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. and do what is necessary to protect his interests; 12/16, 12/23, 12/30/21 & 01/06/22
Commissioner of the Revenue Residents 65 and older or totally and permanently disabled who wish to apply for 2021 Real Property Tax Relief for the first time must submit an application to my office by the January 3, 2022 filing deadline. Please visit our website or contact my office for information or filing assistance.
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DECEMBER 30, 2021
Opinion Rhetoric Reset As we close the door on yet another year that will be most remembered for the deepening division in our country and our community, is it possible to open the new year with a commitment to tone down the vitriol and to seek elements of common ground, or at least take time to understand our differences? Just as elected representatives and public servants shouldn’t have to endure threats in the course of their work, their constituents shouldn’t feel the need to yell or demonstrate in public forums to ensure their voices are heard—and listened to. Challenges such as those facing our community rarely are solved by intimidation and demands.
LETTERS to the Editor
Let’s be less quick to demonize our critics or dismiss their views. Let’s be more willing to listen, and to discuss uncomfortable topics and unfamiliar points of view. Let’s take time some time away from our social media echo chambers and spend more time with information sources chiefly geared toward telling us what is happening and why, rather than what we should be angry about now. There’s a lot of important work to do. Let’s do it together.
n
Norman K. Styer, Publisher and Editor nstyer@loudounnow.com
Published by Amendment One Loudoun, LLC
EDITORIAL Renss Greene, Deputy Editor rgreene@loudounnow.com
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Loudoun Now is delivered by mail to more than 44,000 Loudoun homes and businesses, with a total weekly distribution of 47,000.
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Need Input Editor: It appears that our Board of Supervisors is playing games with Loudoun taxpayers again. Several months ago, we read that the board is projecting a budget shortfall. A short time later, we read that the board is considering raising taxes to offset the shortfall, but may offer “tax breaks” to the data center operators—a cockamamie idea if there ever was one. Now, we read that, no, Loudoun doesn’t have a budget shortfall after all. In fact, there is a healthy surplus of tax money on the county year-end balance sheet (“Supervisors Eye $80M Year-End Budget Surplus,” Dec. 23). Not only do we have a surplus, but being the tonedeaf bureaucrats they are, the supervisors have already produced a list of projects they want to fund with that surplus. While there may be worthwhile taxpayer-funded projects in the board’s latest “pet rock” list, some of the projects listed remain highly questionable. They include the execrable renaming of the Rt. 50 and Rt. 7 project and something called the “Unmet House Needs Strategic Plan.” The board wants to spend $5.4 million for the housing plan, to include a “revolving loan for nonprofit affordable housing developers.” Really?
Is the county in the subsidized housing business? (Besides, the word “nonprofit” really means any profits are simply rolled back into business growth.) In any case, it appears the citizens of Loudoun have been left out of deliberations on how best to use the $80 million budget surplus. As elected stewards of the public trust and county resources, the board must find a way to include citizen input on any surplus. — Evan Parrott, Ashburn
Investigate or Resign Editor: During the run up to November’s election, Loudoun County experienced a sophisticated disinformation campaign run by extremely well-funded external groups. With the participation of well-known hate groups like the Alliance Defending Freedom and the Family Research Council, hatred and hysteria against our LGBT citizens was used to drive what effectively became a mob. Similar efforts used a disinformation campaign to drive fears about “Critical Race Theory.” The “Save Our Schools” group alone reported over $750,000 in funding. A lot of cookie bakes, wouldn’t you say? LETTERS TO THE EDITOR continues on page 29
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DECEMBER 30, 2021
PAGE 29
Readers’ Poll THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: What’s your outlook for 2022?
LAST WEEK'S QUESTION:
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LETTERS to the editor continued from page 28
Other shady groups popped up with no apparent membership, but enough funding to do a $1 million media buy in the DC market driving fear and hatred with ominous music playing over flat out lies. Some may say that this is business as usual. But as part of this campaign, a series of recall petitions were circulated based on the premise that school board members can’t be in Facebook groups. And the frenzy caused a school board member to resign after receiving death threats against her and her family. It’s been reported that she sat down to write the resignation after waking up at 3 a.m. and realizing that the police protection had been removed from her home. I’m here to ask – why was that protection removed? Why has there been no investigation into these threats? No arrests? Is this the way we want to govern? By death threat and corruption? The sheriff not only failed to investigate these threats, he participated in a partisan election campaign and refused to supply protection for School Board meetings. With no investigation, how can we say that these threats were not orchestrated by these groups? I call on Sheriff Chapman to resign— or to open an investigation into these groups and threats and recuse himself from involvement. I also call for the United States Justice Department to investigate this campaign of lies, fear, and intimidation against the citizens and elected officials of Loudoun County. — Constance Rice, Leesburg
How To Succeed in Life Today BY STEPHEN ROBIN
In times past, the upcoming generation was told that success is the product of discipline and hard work. Fathers said that to their children. Commencement speakers told it to graduating students. Made sense. You certainly weren’t going to “get ahead” (the buzz words for success) if you were scatter-brained and lazy. Talent was nice to have, but you needed to “stick with it” to make good in the world. Well, the messaging of yesteryear is not totally out of place today, but there has been a new twist, as I found out by talking to a buddy of mine who is a PR guru. ”You gotta get their attention first,” was his mantra. “If they’re not looking at you, you’re not gonna get them in the door. “ “Hasn’t that always been the case?” I asked. “Sure,” was the reply, “but a straight ad or an occasional press release won’t do it. You have to have a real impactful shtick or you’ll be Miley’d and Kim’d into oblivion.” Oblivion did not sound so good. “But what,” I said, “if you’re not an entertainer; you’re a bakery, for example, or an insurance company?” “Doesn’t really matter today,” countered my friend. “Today, it’s glitz or perish. People want to know about
your body and your personal relationships before they will give you the time of day. Look at the stuff that gets the coverage: D----- puts selfie online of herself in the bath without makeup. Or how about K------ studies for law exam in a bathing suit? Switching hair color is a bit old now, but easy to do and gets wide coverage. So does weight loss/gain/loss/gain. And don’t forget the British royals. How does a ‘buy 3 windows, get 1 free’ ad stack up against that melodrama?”
“Relationships are big headline grabbers, too. The longer, the better. How about a three-year engagement, complete with children from previous relationships and visits to exotic places, all meticulously photographed, followed by a breakup, followed almost immediately by a new partner and what looks to be a repeat performance?” Now my friend was on a roll. “And we haven’t even talked about the political sphere yet. Used to be a boring subject outside the DC Beltway. Today, it’s the backbone of social media nationwide. Your ‘free initial interview with an estate lawyer’ has to compete with legislators in the U.S. Congress trading junior high school insults or, heaven forbid, with a dispute over who, if anyone, was responsible for a forced break in of the U.S. Capitol.” I was starting to see what he meant. Hard work and discipline have their place. But sure it is difficult to “get ahead” against a relentless barrage of belly button cleavage and juicy, if undocumented, social policy positions. Hmm, I mused, “Wonder what Dad would say now … or, for that matter, next June’s commencement speakers?” Steve Robin is a retired attorney, a resident of Loudoun for over 45 years and an observer of life for considerably longer than that.
PAGE 30
COVID cases continued from page 1 With pharmacies and clinics overwhelmed with demand for tests, the county government is expanding its free drivethrough testing event to twice weekly at least through January. Even that effort may far short. On Tuesday, testing opened at Bolen Park at 10 a.m. By 10:30, organizers had more cars in line than could be served during the event’s planned threehour duration with about 2,000 test kits on hand. Some people waited in cars for as long as six hours to get swabbed. One mother of two said she was in line before testing opened at 10 a.m., and finally pulled up to the testing tent at 2:30. She said before driving to the county testing site, she went to the Patient First clinic in Leesburg, where there were 200 people waiting in front of her. An organizer on site said that at one point, there were 1,000 cars waiting in line. Loudoun County Health Director Dr. David Goodfriend said that typically the weekly testing events in recent months have handled 200-250 tests per week. Organizers anticipated demand would increase during the holidays and worked to prepare for that. The next challenge, Goodfriend said, will be securing enough
Relationships continued from page 1 friendship fade away. “At this point we were so far apart. ... It’s so depressing that things could be so bad that dear friendships could be completely obliterated.” But what is it about 2021 that has made political tensions so raw and personal? Leesburg-based counselor, author and Loudoun Now contributor Neil McNerney said a big part of the equation is the pressure cooker of the pandemic as it moves into its third year, combined with a social media environment that amplifies differences and points of contention. “People’s resilience in general is exhausted. Because of COVID, because of true fear for life, because of the loss of so many people and worries about that for such a long period of time, we’re exhausted,” McNerney said. The initial sense of “we’re in this together” that many neighbors felt in early 2020 quickly evaporated, he said. “We were kind of being brought together in a way with the pandemic, but then that gets exploded. There are people that are pro-vaccine, there are people that are
2021 IN REVIEW
DECEMBER 30, 2021
test kits to meet that demand in the weeks ahead. So far, the prospect for serious illness is far less grim than last winter’s surge in cases. Despite the record number of cases, the county’s hospitals are reporting very few COVID-19 patients. Only two coronavirus hospitalizations were reported Dec. 27. The lack of severe illness can be attributed to Loudoun’s high vaccination rate, with more than 80% of residents 12 and older fully vaccinated. Omicron has demonstrated an ability evade vaccine barriers—creating breakthrough cases— especially with those who have not received the third shot booster, but the vaccines are credited with keeping symptoms mostly mild and non-life threatening. But even concerns over testing now threaten to overwhelm hospitals. The Inova Health System on Tuesday issued an alert urging those who are concerned that they may be infected with COVID-19 to not come to the emergency room seeking tests, pointing them to community testing sites or home tests instead. “We strongly discourage patients who are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms from coming to the emergency room so we may preserve resources for those in our community with emergent medical needs,” according to the statement. The county government had been offering free testing weekly on Tuesdays.
The addition of second events over the next several weeks is intended to help address recent demand for testing stemming from holiday travel and gatherings, as well as increased interest in testing because of the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. “If you are returning home from travel over the holiday, gathered with family friends over the holiday, or think you may have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, I urge you to get tested,” Goodfriend stated. “We can see breakthrough cases in people who are fully vaccinated, so knowing whether you are
positive for COVID-19 will help you know when you need to isolate to avoid spreading the virus to others.” The next free COVID-19 testing event be Dec. 30 at Philip A. Bolen Memorial Park in Leesburg from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The schedule for January’s events had not been released by the newspaper’s deadline. The free, drive-through testing events are free and open to all with no age or residency requirements and no prescriptions or appointments necessary. A person does not have to exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 to be tested. Registration forms are available to complete before arriving in English and Spanish to speed the process, at loudoun. gov/COVID19testing. Registration forms will also be available onsite. In addition to the COVID-19 testing events hosted by Loudoun County, there are other testing locations and providers in Loudoun and the region. Visit the Virginia Department of Health COVID-19 testing sites webpage to find a testing location. Anyone with questions about COVID-19, including the upcoming testing events, can call the Loudoun County Health Department’s information line Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 703-737-8300, or send an email anytime to health@loudoun.gov. n
anti-vaccine. There are people that are promask, there are people that are anti-mask. And once people have made that decision which side they’re on, they’re not interested in hearing from anybody that doesn’t agree with them.” McNerney adds that social media has exposed and amplified differences that used to be easier to ignore. Touchy subjects that might have caused discord once a year at the holiday dinner table are now ever-present thanks to social media. There are fewer gray areas, and many people feel a greater need to take sides and dig in. “We go through life under this assumption that people that we interact with have a similar view of the world as we do, and that, of course, is a mistake,” McNerney said. “We’re getting more information. Things that wouldn’t normally come up are now coming up. … Because of the environment that we’re living in, most people feel like they have to make a choice on some of these topics. So we start looking at others who are not choosing our side as somehow different from us.” Along with the pandemic, tensions around racial justice and LGBT rights took center stage in Loudoun and nationwide, bringing a highly personal edge to political debate. And the old ideas of civil discourse
often went out the window. Another longtime Loudoun resident and small business owner who also wished to remain anonymous said local and national discussions around race and LGBT equity created a breaking point for a local friendship, led her to cut ties with several extended family members with whom she was once close and damaged relationships with some former clients. “I’m old enough to remember when Ronald Reagan and Tip O’Neill had lunch, and they were polar opposites,” she said. “But when your stands stop being opinions about things and start being attacks on people I care about, it’s not a difference of opinion, it’s a difference of ethics and understanding. … I’m not going to agree to disagree.” For her, cutting ties—both virtually and in real life—was a difficult but necessary choice. “It was super painful, but after a while I was like, ‘We’re done,’” she said. “I had to cut them loose.” But as pandemic-era politics creates discord within long-term friendships and extended and nuclear families, not everyone is willing or able to end relationships. McNerney said in some cases, it pays to resist the temptation to walk away.
If you want to preserve a strained relationship in a politically charged atmosphere, McNerney has a three-pronged strategy that in many ways reflects a return to old-school conventions about discussing politics and religion. The first rule of thumb, he said, is to remember the reasons that friendship or connection existed in the first place. “There was something about that person that drew you to them initially,” he said. Second: avoid assumptions, labels and presumptions that someone’s take on one issue offers a broader picture of their heart. “Give them the benefit of the doubt.,” McNerney said. “Don’t just assume that they’re a racist, an idiot, a snowflake. … If you want to have a relationship with that person, it’s important to do that.” The third element is setting expectations within relationships. “Agree to a certain set of boundaries on discussion: ‘I understand your opinion, you understand my opinion. There’s no benefit in focusing on that. We can talk about other things,’” McNerney said. “Remember that every adult that you are coming in contact with—it’s extremely likely that they have already formed opinions on these things and are not likely to change much.” n
“If you are returning home from travel over the holiday, gathered with family friends over the holiday, or think you may have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, I urge you to get tested.” — Dr. David Goodfriend, Loudoun County Health Director
DECEMBER 30 2021
Kuhns continued from page 10 family that owns Rockland Farm, the site of the ferry’s Virginia landing. But shortly thereafter, negotiations stalled. In April, Kuhn said it would likely be close to a year before the ferry would reopen. And in December he said, unless the county government uses its power of eminent domain to acquire the Virginia landing, it’s unlikely ferry service will ever resume. Rockland Farm representatives said they only want fair compensation and that Kuhn is using strong-arm tactics to try to get the government to seize their land; Kuhn said the wealthy family that owns the farm is asking for concession that would make the ferry business untenable, and has declined offers to go into mediation or binding arbitration. Neither side has budged.
2021 IN REVIEW County supervisors have had different answers on whether eminent domain is even on the table. During a meeting in November, the county board heard a report on the impacts of the ferry and options for getting it back in operation. Some county officials also began laying out the legal framework for the possibility of an eminent domain vote to benefit a private business, with County Attorney Leo Rogers saying such action would be possible if the county enters an agreement with the ferry operator on how it will be operated to serve the public. Supervisor Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) said it would be an option only if the county plans public ownership of the landing. Some supervisors have said they won’t consider eminent domain as an option at all. And so the ferry enters 2022 in limbo. Neither the ferry owners nor Rockland Farm have budged in months. County supervisors have bade them sort it out
Schools continued from page 3 vased grocery stores and polling places, and swiftly met the signature thresholds to file those petitions in less than two weeks. The scandal spurned anti-LGBTQ rhetoric among parent and activist groups, who said the division’s progressive social policies created an environment where students were both unsafe and subject to liberal political indoctrination. In August, the division adopted Policy 8040, protecting the rights of transgender and gender expansive students. The policy, intended to satisfy a new state law requiring protections for trans students, was more comprehensive than those adopted by other school divisions in the commonwealth. Most either added language to existing anti-bullying and anti-discrimination policies to extend protections to trans students, or bucked the requirement altogether. The policy in Loudoun allows students who consistently demonstrates the desire to identify as a certain gender the right to be addressed by their chosen name and pronouns. Students may also use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity. Leesburg Elementary School PE teacher Byron “Tanner” Cross sparked objections from parents following his public comments to the School Board on May 28, when he said that abiding by the policy would be a violation of his faith and that he could not affirm a transgender student.
“I hope you all know that right here, ground zero, Loudoun County had the eyes of the nation on you.” — Glenn Youngkin Virginia Govenor-elect Cross was placed on paid administrative leave after some parents at his school complained that they did not want the teacher interacting with their children. Cross sued for his reinstatement. He was granted an emergency injunction by Circuit Court Judge James E. Plowman to return to his position, and ultimately won his permanent reinstatement. The division paid Cross $20,000 for his legal fees. It was a litigious year for the school district, which is also battling a class action suit in federal court over its Student Equity Ambassadors program. A group of five families, including Loudoun County Republican Women’s Club President Patti Menders and LCPS parent Scott Mineo,claim that the program discriminates against white students. A ruling in that case still has not been delivered. The SEA program aims to identify racial inequity in the school division by connecting student leaders, mostly students of color, with ad-
between them. And people who want to cross the Potomac will, for now, just have to head to Point of Rocks or the American Legion Bridge. While in operation, the ferry carried 600-800 cars a day across the river along with cyclist and pedestrians. And with Maryland’s longstanding opposition to allowing a new Potomac River bridge, the ferry appears to be the only option for crossing the river for the foreseeable future between those two bridges. If an agreement of some sort is reached, the county’s study found the ferry could be up and running again within weeks, allowing for time re-attach the ferry cable across the river, inspect the ferry vessel, and hire any needed staff. The study estimated up to 12 weeks would be needed once issues around the landing rights are resolved. Twelve weeks—and an end to an argument that reaches back nearly 18 years. n ministrators and by fostering dialogue on race. During the statewide election, Republican gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin made concerns over education a key campaign theme. Days after his upset victory over Democrat Terry McAuliffe, he held a victory rally in the parking lot of the Loudoun County Public Schools Administration Building with members of the parents’ movement who he credited with helping push him over the finish line. “I hope you all know that right here, ground zero, Loudoun County had the eyes of the nation on you. You had the eyes of the nation on you because you all stood up for our children. You all started something right here that spread across the Commonwealth, that spread across the nation and then Virginians stood up and voted and made a statement on your behalf. You all did this thank you so much. Amazing,” he said. Also on the stage for the rally was Cheryl Onderchain, a member of the group of parents that has regularly filled the School Board meeting room to criticize its policies, who said she now is hopeful for the future. “Our kids were hurting and we felt so helpless. In this parking lot right here a movement was born. We sparked a revolution. We came together as strangers, formed a coalition of parent warriors that grew and grew and we never gave up. Parents, and everyone who’s been involved in this movement, be really proud of what we have accomplished here,” she said. n
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Broadband access continued from page 6 band to more than 8,000 homes along with rural businesses like bed-and-breakfasts, Great County Farms, Bluemont Vineyard, Dirt Farm Brewing, Homestead 1870 Farm Market, the Stone Manor Boutique Inn, Catoctin Apiary, Georges Mill Farm Bed & Breakfast and Farm Artisan Cheese, among many others. It would also connect Bluemont Community Center, the Philomont Community Center, and the Between the Hills Community Center. Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2022 and take 24-30 months to reach all addresses in the project area. More details about the project are online at loudoun.gov/broadbandexpansion. Meanwhile for people in Hillsboro, the benefits of the town’s ReThink9 project included not only improving traffic through town, but sidewalks, safe water and broadband service as well. Later in December, the town announced it had contracted to install fiber in the conduits that were installed during the ReThink 9 project, and established a grant program through the Loudoun County Economic Development Authority to get residents connected through internet service provider KGI Communications. But branding a project “broadband” did not provide carte blanche to build in western Loudoun—as telecom giant AT&T found in its application to build a communications tower on top of Short Hill Mountain. The company argued its tower would bring internet through cell service to people in the area. With the project facing public opposition and going against the guidelines of the newly adopted county general plan, supervisors voted that project down in October 8-1, with only Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) supporting the proposal. n
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