Dear Neighbors,
The leaves are starting to change and the temperature definitely says it’s Fall! There are lots of wonderful events happening this month and I hope you will have the opportunity to enjoy a few. We’ve included event information in this newsletter as well as several updates on projects. We hope it’s helpful to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly at 703-771-5033 or via email at Suzanne.Volpe@loudoun.gov with any questions or concerns.
Most sincerely,
Suzanne Volpe
Hot Topics
Seneca Ridge Drive/Augusta Drive Traffic Signal Survey Results
Supervisor Saines and I met with the County Department of Transportation & Capital Infrastructure (DTCI) regarding the survey that was mailed to residents in the Dominion High School and Seneca Ridge Middle School attendance area. The survey asked residents, if the County should continue to pursue the option of installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Seneca Ridge Drive and Augusta Drive. Both Supervisor Saines and I agreed that the responses from the most impacted area were overwhelmingly against pursuing the traffic signal. It was agreed to continue with the other transportation improvements in the study area. DTCI will coordinate with the transportation consultant, who is working on the engineering plans for the transportation improvements. The County is confident the proposed improvements to the area will have a positive effect for residents. I should note that Supervisors Saines’ office has requested a traffic study for Augusta Drive as the discussions regarding Seneca Ridge Drive brought forward concerns from residents along Augusta Drive.
Lexington 7 Application Approved
The Board of Supervisors approved the land use application for the Lexington 7 property, which is located north of Lexington Drive between Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Potomac Farms neighborhood. The application includes commercial buildings, an automobile service station, two drive-through restaurants, a 125 room continuing care facility and up to 113 age-restricted townhouse units. The applicant has also proffered funds, which will support the completion of the extension of Riverside Parkway from University Center to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
Loudoun County Comprehensive Plan Update – “Envision Loudoun”
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has initiated a review and update of the County’s Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan is the vision for the County and helps guide where and what development occurs. This is a large undertaking and has not been done across the County since 2001. “Envision Loudoun” is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for residents, to work together, to understand our choices for the future and develop a new Comprehensive Plan that reflects our collective vision for the future. The County will be holding meetings to listen to residents and businesses. These meetings will include fun, interactive activities in a casual, small-group setting. Several sessions have been scheduled and residents are encouraged to attend the most convenient meeting. Please mark your calendars now. Here are the meeting dates, which have been scheduled so far:
- Monday, November 7th, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The National Conference Center, 18980 Upper Belmont Place, Leesburg - Monday, November 14th, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Washington Dulles Airport Marriott, 45020 Aviation Drive, Sterling - Tuesday, November 15th, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Clarion Inn Historic Leesburg, 1500 East Market Street, Leesburg
To learn more about the Comprehensive Plan or the review process, please visit Envision-Loudoun.org.
Transportation Updates
George Washington Boulevard Road Diet – Repaving Now Included
The George Washington Boulevard Road Diet Project plans have been approved by the County and the Virginia Department of Transportation. As we explained previously, VDOT is responsible for the installation of the project along George Washington Boulevard. During their review of the road conditions, VDOT determined that the condition of the road requires repaving. So, VDOT is planning to repave George Washington Boulevard in 2017 and then install the pavement markings for the road diet. It’s disappointing that the road diet will not be completed by the end of this year, however the residents and businesses will have a much nicer product at the end of the project. VDOT will complete the road diet as previously detailed with two travel lanes in each direction and the addition of a bike lane on both sides of the road. The County is still responsible for the Bridgefield Way portion of the project and is continuing their work. The County had planned to coordinate with VDOT to install the road diet at the same time. The County will have discussions with VDOT as to the new time schedule due to VDOT’s repaving of George Washington Boulevard. My office will endeavor to keep the residents and businesses in University Center apprised of the status as we move forward.
Riverside Parkway Extension from Ashburn Village Boulevard to Lexington Drive
The construction contract for the project was awarded to Shirley Contracting and they are commencing construction on this portion of Riverside Parkway. The construction should take approximately 8 to 12 months to complete, weather permitting. Construction has commenced on the project. The contractor is working on the installation of a waterline, while Miller & Smith has submitted permits to VDOT for entrance and the traffic signal. They will also be working on receiving the grading permit from the County as well. The construction schedule remains 8 to 12 months, weather permitting, on this project.
Route 7 Improvements Update
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has commenced on the “Route 7 Corridor Improvements” Project. The Commonwealth Transportation Board approved completing the project in one phase instead of two phases in June. The project includes widening Route 7 to three lanes each direction from Reston Avenue to Jarrett Valley Drive (located by Route 267 in Tysons) in Fairfax County. Also included in the project will be additional facilities for cyclists and pedestrians as well as intersection improvements. For more information, please visit http://www.connectroute7.org.
Community Updates/Get Involved
Oktoberfest!
The Cascades Senior Center located at 21060 Whitfield Place in Sterling is hosting their annual Oktoberfest on Friday, October 21, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Grab your lederhosen or slip on your dirndl and enjoy some Bavarian food and drink! Kings Park German Band will be on hand to provide traditional German music as well! Tickets are only $5 for members and $7 for non-members. For more information or to reserve your seat, please call 571-258-3280.
Cascades Fall Festival – New Date
The Cascades Community Association is hosting their annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 22, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Potomac Falls High School located at 46400 Algonkian Parkway in Sterling. This family friendly event will include moon bounces, pumpkin painting, face painters, local businesses/vendors and food vendors! If you would like to be a vendor at the Cascades Fall Festival, please call 703-406-0820 or email Hanh@cascadesva.com.
Sheriff’s Office Hosting Prescription Take-Back Day
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is participating again with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in the “Take-Back” initiative that seeks to prevent increased pill abuse and theft. Residents can discard potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs on Saturday, October 22, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Eastern Loudoun Sheriff’s Station located at 46620 East Frederick Drive in Sterling. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Cascades Trash Bash & Food Drive
The annual Fall Trash Bash & Food Drive is scheduled for Sunday, October 23, 2016 from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event is coordinated by Keep Loudoun Beautiful and is also the last clean-up of the season. Everyone will meet at the Quarterpath Trace Community Center located at 20430 Quarterpath Trace Circle in Sterling. The event will also include a Food Drive for Loudoun Hunger Relief (loudounhunger.org), so even if you cannot help with the clean-up, you can drop off non-perishable food items.
Please visit http://www.sempertech.com/ctb/ for more details, including the litter map, the official event flyer, photo galleries from previous cleanups and the registration form. Participants will receive Cascades Trash Bash and KLB tee shirts, gift cards, door prizes, refreshments, and reusable shopping bags. So spread the word to your friends, neighbors, schools, co-workers, church groups and clubs. Everyone is welcome!
INOVA Loudoun Hospital Mobile Health Services Monthly Screenings
INOVA Loudoun Hospital Mobile Health Services will be providing blood pressure screenings for residents at the Cascades Senior Center located at 21060 Whitfield Place in Sterling on Tuesday, October 25, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. For information on other dates and locations, please contact the Mobile Health hotline at 703-858-8818 or visit at www.inova.org/mobilehealth.
Sheriff’s Office Quarterly Meeting
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office will hold its Quarterly Public Safety Meeting for our area, including Lowes Island, Cascades, Sugarland Run, Seneca Ridge, Countryside and Broad Run Farms at the Eastern Loudoun Sheriff’s Substation on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. The station is located at 46620 East Frederick Drive in Sterling. Recent crime and crime trends will be discussed. Other items, including traffic safety concerns and other public safety related issues, will also be reviewed. To learn more about upcoming meetings and events held by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, please visit http://sheriff.loudoun.gov/lcsocalendar.
Loudoun Ballet Company Performance
The Loudoun Ballet Company will be performing “Dracula!” on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Stone Bridge High School located at 43100 Hay Road in Ashburn. This new, thrilling, full-length production will dazzle you! Norbert Nirewicz, Artist-in-Residence, designed the choregraphy for the entire show. It is the story of Count Dracula, who lures the innkeeper’s daughter to her fate. This performance is not for the faint of heart, so keep the little ones at home. Attendees are encouraged to dress in costume! Tickets are on sale now at www.loudounballet.org and will also be available at the door.
Congratulations Are In Order!
The George Washington University’s Virginia Science and Technology Campus 25th Anniversary
The Board of Supervisors honored The George Washington University’s Virginia Science and Technology Campus at our September 22, 2016 business meeting. George Washington University established their campus in Loudoun County 25 years ago with one building. The campus has grown to seven buildings and offers 20 degree and certificate programs at the campus with over 800 faculty and staff. Happy anniversary to The George Washington University!