NEWS ISSUES

Why Plant Trees When You Can Pour Concrete?

After extensive efforts by the FACA President to negotiate with VDOT and Fairfax County officials to plant trees in lieu of constructing a "sidewalk to nowhere" along the perimeter of the Minor's Hill property, the developers have told FACA, in so many words, to stick it where the sun don't shine. Forget trees, we're going with the original plan to build a sidewalk that serves no useful purpose whatsoever. (And that's after turning most of the property into something resembling a lunar landscape.) It's probably much cheaper to pour concrete (or asphalt) than it is to plant trees and, after all, profit is far more important than the effects on our neighborhood.

This is an ongoing pattern with developers in Franklin Park. They come here because the profits are huge and it's easy pickings. They don't give a damn about the neighborhood. They destroy any trees that get in the way of their construction and build whatever they like with no concern for any effects that their destruction/construction might have on the neighborhood. Just so long as it maximizes their profit - that's all they care about. And zoning ordnances be damned. If a zoning ordnance will hurt their profit margin, they just get a variance. And why not? County officials will let them do anything they please.

MCA Sponsored Debate: Candidates for 34th VA House of Delegates

On Monday, October 23rd, the McLean Citizens Association will sponsor a debate between the candidates for the 34th District of the Virginia House of Delegates:  Incumbent Kathleen Murphy and Cheryl Buford.  The one-hour debate will take place at the Longfellow Middle School cafeteria beginning at 7:30 pm. More information can be obtained by contacting Glenn Harris at mcleancitizensassoc@gmail.com.

Community Deer Management Meeting

On 9 Nov at Haycock Elementary School, there will be a meeting sponsored by the Fairfax County Police Department about managing the deer population in the county. The Fairfax County Police Department is proposing to open the Powhatan Hills Park to deer hunting using archery. A copy of the letter received by FACA can be read here.

Tysons: Past, Present and Future

On Monday evening, November 13 from 7 to 9 PM, the McLean Citizens Association will host a meeting with Fairfax County senior staff to learn more about the past, present and future of Tysons. Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust will provide opening remarks.

Topics that will be addressed include:

  • Key features of the approved Tysons Comprehensive Plan Amendment to guide development in Tysons through 2050
  • Current and future commercial and residential development in Tysons
  • Current and future efforts for mitigating traffic congestion in and around Tysons 
  • How public facility and parks/athletic field needs are being and will be met 
  • What Tysons development will mean for growth and development in McLean and Vienna
  • How to stay informed.
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There will be ample time for Q and A.

The meeting is open to the general public.

Request for Help With Stormwater Damage

On September 17, Wally Samsone, FACA President, sent a letter to Supervisor Foust on behalf of the 1,400 families in the Franklin Area Citizens Association requesting his assistance for the repair and maintenance of a vital footbridge, stairway, and footpath in a wooded area in the back of Chesterbrook Elementary School. Click here to read the letter.

In spite of recent improvements in storm water management, storm water runoof continues continues to damage vital pathways in our community need repair and protection.

Yes Virginia, There is an Election This Year

Coming up on November 7, we have the general election for Virginia's Governor and state assembly offices. Let's show everyone that Franklin Park residents care about our government with a 100% voter turnout.

Please Help Update the FACA Directory

Our FACA directory is way out of date. Fortunately, our neighborhood is not that transient and much of the directory is still correct. However, it has been a long time since it was updated and many new people have moved in, some houses have been removed and rebuilt, and some addresses have changed. Your webmaster would like to bring the directory up to date and is requesting the help of all readers to make this happen. So I am asking all readers to please review the directory and send me an email with any changes that should be made. Your cooperation will be appreciated by all.

PS While you are at it, if you have any news about the neighborhood, concerns or know of any events that would be of interest to Franklin Park residents, please pass that on to me in an email.

Minor's Hill Historic Marker

DONATIONS FOR AN HISTORIC MARKER FOR MINOR's HILL ARE BEING SOUGHT - The historic home at the top of Minor's Hill (corner of Virginia and N.Nottingham) was demolished last week to construct three new homes. Last December the President of FACA, requested that Fairfax County arrange for experts to examine the site for artifacts and to document its history dating back to 1690, before all was lost. As a result, two volunteer experts prepared a very interesting report that you can access a copy of it here.

We are working to place a permanent Historic Marker at the site, to mark the history of Minor's Hill. The Fairfax County Historic marker will cost approximately $5,000. We need your support in this effort and ask you to please send a check in any amount to Mr. Wayne Knight, FACA Treasurer at 1912 Virginia Ave, McLean VA 22101. Please make your check payable to FACA and designate on the check (lower left memo line) that the money is for the historic marker.

On-Line Power Outage Information

Dominion Power has launched a new power outage map that is available on-line and on smart phone apps that will give customers updated information on power outages. The map features:
  • 15 minute updates
  • customizable street level or satellite imagery
  • improved search options
  • bookmarking to save addresses and areas
  • icon indicating arrival of repair crew to work on outage
To see the new map, click here.

Office of Emergency Management

The Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) provides emergency mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery services to the residents of Fairfax County. The office provides a newsletter and a blog that offer information on how to be prepared for and handle emergencies such as floods, earthquakes and other disasters. Click here to visit the OEM website.

Nextdoor Franklin Park

Franklin Park residents are encouraged to join Nextdoor Franklin Park. Those residents who have not received an invitation to join Nextdoor Franklin Park and wish to do so may request an invitation by sending a note to Webmeister@franklinarea.org

Gerrymandering

Gerrymandering is an issue that affects all of us. It allows politicians to select their constituents instead of allowing citizens to select their politicians, and it effectively enables incumbents to hold office for life. Read more to see how it affects you, what is being done about it and what you can do about it.

Tree Preservation

Our trees in Franklin Park are among our most valued treasures and preserving them is a major concern to all of us. Read here.

Underground Utilities

Should Franklin Park residents pursue burial of utilities underground? Read here.

Neighborhood Zoning Violations

Of concern to all Franklin Park residents are the frequent violations of zoning ordnances by developers and the lack of enforcement by the county. On this site, we will begin posting specific incidents giving the location, land owner, developer, ordinance violation and action taken or not taken. (Click here to see what developers did to 1928 and 1930 Franklin Ave.

Traffic Issues

We are very concerned about the safety of our residents and have informed county officials on several occasions about traffic hazards in our neighborhood. Residents are encouraged to report traffic problems to President@franklinarea.org
We are also concerned about the safety of waste and recycling industry workers. The law now requires drivers to change lanes, slow down to at least 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit, and pass at least two feet to the left of any stationary vehicle that is collecting trash or recycling, and carries a penalty of up to $250 for any violation.

Trails and Sidewalks

Fairfax County DOT has begun the design for the sidewalks and estimates that the design will be completed later this year. Land for the sidewalks will be acquired in 2017 and construction completed in 2018. This graphic illustrates the location of the sidewalks. Click here to review the full presentation.

Reporting Streetlight Outages

Here's what to do if you find a street light that is out.

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