Message from Supervisor McKay

One fine morning, you look out your living room window and see workers digging up your lawn. Can they do that?! The answer is probably ‘yes’ because most properties have several types of easements, most often VDOT, storm drainage, water, and utilities. Other easements could include conservation, Chesapeake Bay preservation, and historic preservation. Information about easements for conserving open space and historic resources is available at the County’s web site at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpz/historic/easementsfaq.htm.) You can also find information about storm drainage and VDOT easements at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/utilities/sde_row.htm.

Because a number of calls and complaints have come into my office this summer about a telecommunication company’s work in easement areas on private property, I’d like to provide some information and resources for assistance should you have questions or problems with utility work done on your property.

While most easements are recorded on the documents you get when you purchase your property, there are some exceptions and my office has information on locating easements and obtaining land records. If you would like a copy, please contact us at 703-971-6262 or by email at leedist@fairfaxcounty.gov. Fairfax County’s Department of Consumer Protection can also assist with problems or disputes with utilities that are working on your property. You can reach them at 703-222-8435 or at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer.htm.

Here are some easement basics from the Department of Consumer Protection:

1. The existence of an easement does not give a utility the right to plop itself down in your yard, dig, and leave you with a large hole and a mountain of dirt. If you have a dispute with a specific contractor and have determined that no easement exists, you may refuse entry to your property or negotiate an easement.
2. While easement disputes between individual landowners and utility companies are private property matters, the County’s Department of Consumer Protection can assist you with any complaints. For example, if you have construction damage, the County will reinspect until the damage is repaired.
3. The State Corporation Commission that oversees utilities requires utility companies to “make every reasonable effort to restore private property to a condition that is at least as good as that which existed prior to the disturbance.” Please note that this means that all disturbed areas must be seeded and mulched. Residents are responsible for watering grass seed and sod is not required to restore lawn damage.

As always, my staff and I are here to assist you.

Stopping the Examiner

JUST FOR FUN: The Difference Between Dog and Cats (from an email to the editors)

DOG's DIARY:

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 PM - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 PM - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 PM - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 PM - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 PM - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 PM - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 PM - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

CAT's DIARY:

Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.