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Dana Kauffman-
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Wanda L. Smith Realtor Alexandria/Mt. Vernon Office 5845 Richmond Hwy Alexandria, VA 22303 Office (703) 960-8900 ext.326 Cell (571) 216-3413 Fax (703) 960-1305

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Message from the Chairman

As I write this month’s message, I’m thinking about Ground Hog Day this coming week and wondering if Punxsutawney Phil will bother to climb out from underneath his tropical cabana to check his shadow. With all this incredible weather, he may just ask for another drink with a little umbrella in it. Of course, I’m saying this for all the Stoneybrooke kids who need me to jinx this beautiful weather so they can use up their snow days.

Okay, on to the incredibly important, earth shattering adult stuff…

Stoneybrooke Traffic
A few weeks ago, during mid-afternoon while kids were on their way home from school, we had a close incident on Lamp Post Lane with two children being nearly hit by a car. The kids were probably more at fault, but thankfully no one was hurt. This incident is a good time though to remind you that:

• The speed limit in Stoneybrooke, on all streets, is 25 mph.
• There is a stop sign at the intersection of Stoneybrooke and Lamp Post Lanes. There really is: check it out!
• Please move to the left while waiting for the light at the top of the hill so that folks making a right on red can get by (this falls under the “You know you live in Stoneybrooke if you hug a double yellow line when driving” category).

South Kings Highway/Stoneybrooke Intersection
During the week of January 1, you may have seen a traffic count being taken at the intersection of Stoneybrooke Lane and South Kings Highway.  Upon contacting VDOT, I was informed the count was taken as part of a study that will result in pedestrian crossing safety equipment being installed at "our" intersection.  This equipment includes the illuminated "count-down signs" popular on Richmond Highway and in the District.  And indeed, during the week of January 22, VDOT contractors did begin to install the infrastructure necessary for the equipment.

During my conversation with VDOT, I asked again if "Do Not Block the Intersection" signs could be hung from the traffic light (versus the in-ground signs) but was told they could not.  I am hopeful the new crossing equipment will alleviate some of the evening rush hour problems, as recently....
 
In early January one of our residents experienced a rather ugly road rage incident at the intersection of Stoneybrooke Lane and South Kings Highway.  When the traffic light turned green, our resident proceeded to turn right onto South Kings.  At the same time, a large pick-up truck turning left onto South Kings from The Parkway, ran through the intersection, trying to cut off our resident.  Upon his failure to do so, he pretty much went crazy, yelling, screaming, and creating quite a scene.  This all occurred, of course, during the evening rush hour. 
 
As a result, I have contacted the Fairfax County Police to ask them to monitor the intersection and, if necessary, start handing out tickets.  I don't know about you, but for my money, I think "our" intersection is, quite frankly, very dangerous.  I am amazed there has not been a very serious accident there or worse, now, fisticuffs.  Just like the numerous speed traps on the Fairfax County Parkway, done of course, to get motorists to understand the speed limit is 50, I think its time to start educating drivers proceeding through our intersection that "Do Not Block the Intersection" means do not block the intersection (geez, imagine that).

Commercial Vehicles
In December I reported to you that I am beginning to receive calls and emails regarding commercial vehicles parked on our streets. I have contacted Supervisor Kauffman’s office, which provided me with the document linked below. Please be aware that if you are parking a commercial vehicle on our streets, or a prohibited vehicle on your property, you will be asked to remove it, and we will expect you to comply.

• Addressing Vehicle Issues in Your Community
• Commercial Vehicles in Residential Neighborhoods Ordinance
• Commercial Vehicles Rules Picture

Fairfax County Emergency Alerts
I recently received a package from the Fairfax County Office of Public Affairs regarding the county's new emergency alert network.  The Community Emergency Alert Network (CEAN), is a free service of the county's Office of Emergency Management.  People registered on the CEAN will be provided a personal connection to real-time updates, instructions on where to go, protective actions that need to be taken and other important information such as National Weather Service watches and warnings. 
 
CEAN alerts may cover personal safety, weather, major accidents involving utilities or roadways, or disaster notification such as a terrorist attack.  In addition, residents also may register for any or all of the additional CEAN alert categories: severe weather 24/7; severe weather 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; severe traffic disruptions and county government closings/schedule changes.
 
The CEAN will be used by county officials to deliver emergency alerts, notifications and updates during a major crisis or emergency.  Messages will be delivered to e-mail accounts, cell phones (text messaging costs may apply; check with your service provider), text pagers, satellite phones and wireless PDAs that are registered on the system.
 
To register for the CEAN, visit the Fairfax County web page, www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cean.  For additional information on the CEAN, contact the Office of Emergency Management at 703-324-2362, TTY 711.
 
Fairfax County Government offers the CEAN as a public service that will be used in conjunction with other public notification methods, such as the Fairfax County Government Emergency Line (703-817-7771, TTY 711); cable television Channel 16, the web, and area media.

Fairfax County Medical Reserve Corps
Stoneybrooke resident Jerry Mitchell recently was certified as an Incident Coordinator for this new organization. Jerry sent along the following information:

The Fairfax County Health Department has created a new organization called the Fairfax County Medical Reserve Corps.  The Corps is a volunteer organization that will provide medical treatment should there be a chemical bio terrorist attack or naturally occurring epidemic.
 
Briefly, when necessary, all affected persons will be treated in their local high school - for Stoneybrooke that will be West Potomac HS.
 
The entire operation is dependent on professional and non-professional volunteers.  It is very well thought out and even with my military background I was "blown away" by the level of planning and implementation the County has achieved. 
 
All volunteers must be trained by the County. The next training date will be February 15 at Lee High School.
 
I am a volunteer and have been trained as an Incident Coordinator - one of about 70 people per 12 hour shift that are needed to make this work.  WE NEED MANY MORE VOLUNTEERS IN OUR WEST POTOMAC HS AREA.
 
It is not necessary to be a medical professional.  As the attached flyer depicts, there are needs for many additional skills.
 
Questions may be referred to me (Jerry Mitchell) via e-mail, or phone (703-768-7647) or via the Medical Reserve Corps web site www.fairfaxmrc.org

Verizon DSL
I have been notified by my contact at Verizon that the company intends to provide additional wiring to Stoneybrooke to accomodate more DSL lines. He is checking on both how much capacity will be provided as well as timeframes for the work being completed. So hang in there with your dial-up; we're getting closer.

South Kings Highway/Harrison Lane
You may recall that several months ago we were told the subject intersection is to be widened to create turn lanes from South Kings onto Harrison Lane (from both directions). I spoke with a representative of Fairfax County Dept of Transportation (FCDOT) recently who said the project is continuing to move forward. A meeting was held with VDOT on February 2 to discuss leveling the dip between Memorial and Harrison (on South Kings) or lowering the rise approaching Harrison (from Stoneybrooke) on South Kings. At this point, the parties are continuing to discuss designs and issues. My contact at FCDOT said that he did not anticipate construction starting until, at the earliest, mid-2007. He did emphasize that FCDOT has every intention of completing the project.

Okay folks, all for now,
Mike

Messages from
Supervisor Kauffman

Dana Kauffman - End of Year Comments

January is the traditional month to dust off the crystal ball and peer into the new year. Here are some of the 2006 events that don’t require a crystal ball.

Springfield Interchange
The finish line is now in sight with the project's completion date set for late 2007.
In early 2006, a new bridge will carry I-395 southbound motorists onto I-495 towards the Wilson Bridge. By the end of 2006, I-95 north motorists heading for I-495 north towards Tysons Corner will have new lanes and a bridge taking them directly through the interchange. A new ramp from the Commerce Street Bridge to the inner-loop will open and in late 2006 or early 2007, a new bridge in Springfield will open giving Route 644 east travelers access to I-395/I-95 without having to shift lanes.
For up to the minute information on this project, check out VDOT’s web site: http://www.springfieldinterchange.com/default.asp

Woodrow Wilson Bridge
This project completed a milestone in August 2005 when the Maryland and Virginia sides of the bridge were connected. This summer the southern span of the new bridge should be opened to two-way traffic and existing Beltway traffic will be routed onto the new bridge. The northern span of the new bridge is slated to open in mid 2008. More information is available at: http://www.wilsonbridge.com/

Area Plan Review (APR)
Every four to six years, the County is required by law to have an open season for nominations to change its Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Most of the nominations received in this review cycle are along the Beulah Corridor and on Richmond Highway.  All nominations will be reviewed by a Lee District citizen task force, the Planning Commission and finally the Board of Supervisors.  If you would like more information on this subject, please call my office or visit the Fairfax County website Planning and Zoning section (http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpz/apr/nominations/ )where you’ll find all current nominations and review schedules. 

Transit Oriented Development
Like ‘high tech,’ transit oriented development (TOD) means many things to many people. As we debate increasing density around our transit centers as a way to counter sprawl, we need a better definition of what TOD should be in Fairfax County and we need active community input into the process.

County Legislative Package
Every year, Fairfax County submits a list of desired legislation to the General Assembly. Two of the items this year directly relate to the health and safety of our community and were included in the package on my initiative. They are: making the brandishing of a machete a violation in the same way that brandishing a firearm is now a violation; and allowing localities to increase the penalty for overcrowding violations of the local zoning ordinance and building code. The County’s complete legislative package is available at
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/government/board/2006legisprogram.pdf.

Springfield Mall
Last November, Springfield Mall was purchased by Vornado Realty Trust, one of the country's largest owners of retail and office property. The new owners will be proposing a major renovation and we expect to see plans this year.

Base Realignment Commission (BRAC)
We still don’t know what we don’t know. Of the approximately 20,000 jobs coming to the area, we don’t know exactly where they will be located. (Fort Belvoir covers many acres of South Fairfax and for planning purposes includes the Engineer Proving Ground in Springfield.) Will this job shift mean people will be moving to our area or if the employees already call our area home (or points further south or west)? This makes a huge difference when it comes to deciding what transportation improvements and school adjustments are needed to best support this opportunity.

We Have Met the Seniors and They Are Us!
Baby boomers begin turning 65 in 2011. Today, our county is home to more than 80,000 seniors, a population that is growing at three times the rate of the general population. At the last Board of Supervisors meeting of 2005, I proposed that the Board create a new committee of the whole (the entire Board) to focus on creating and maintaining an aging-friendly County. (If you would like a copy of my Board Matter, please call my office.)

Soccer Fields at Site of Future Kingstowne Regional Library (Manchester Boulevard/Beulah Street)
Two temporary soccer fields (and 70 parking spaces) will be built at this site as a developer proffer. The library will be built sometime after 2010 as part of a library bond referendum.

Lee District Town Meeting
Mark your calendars for the 2006 Lee District Town Meeting, on Saturday, March 25—location and theme will be available shortly.

Lee Nights
Our summer concert series will continue, with Wednesday evenings in the amphitheater of Lee District Park (June 7 through 30) and Friday evenings at the Kingstowne Towne Center (June 2 through August 25).

Revamped Tour de Lee
Look for an all new Tour de Lee at the end of October with new routes for basic, intermediate, and advanced riders.

Dana Kauffman - Metro Comments

On January 19 I completed my term as chair of WMATA, more commonly known as Metro. I would like to share my comments as I turned the gavel over to Ms. Gladys Mack.

Normally, what you get from an outgoing chairman is his or her over-the-shoulder view, presenting the events of the past year in their most attractive light. Let me honor that tradition by saying:

What we set out to do, we accomplished and what we needed to face, we did so squarely and publicly.

Now that we’ve acknowledged what’s past, what I’m most concerned about today is this: Are we up to the task of breaking the habits that hold back not only this Authority, but regional transportation as well? Breaking these habits will not be the work of a single person or a single year and will transcend the individual efforts of those of us who have enjoyed the great privilege and greater responsibility of serving as chairman.

The first habit we must break is what could be called the “monopoly mentality.” Folks really do have transportation choices and options. Unless we at Metro recognize and respect that—and develop a true customer focus, both our customers and our funding will—so to speak—walk. While we can be rightfully proud of the service we provide and the incredible growth in service we’ve seen, we must strive to keep that pride from becoming defensive arrogance. It’s not about our jobs, positions, or exalted titles. It’s about the service we provide. The newly installed Riders Advisory Council, if well employed, and a vigilant press will do more to break this habit than anything else.

The second habit we need to loose is funding by lowest common denominator. With support from the business and environmental communities we finally have the attention of our funding partners. Just this Monday, Chris Zimmerman and I were in Richmond making the case before a generally supportive legislative delegation. I also thank the District of Columbia City Council for their early action. To our friends in Annapolis, I simply say this – The train’s left the station, find a way to get on board.

Finally, we must find the vision to develop new habits and perspectives. Metro is not the cover-all Band Aid for what ails our transportation networks. However, it is the common link across jurisdictional boundaries and a part of any long-term regional transportation strategy.

There is a common assumption that road congestion and rail crowding can and must get better. The next big rail or road project will be the answer. We’ve got to get away from this magic cure perspective. More often than not, improvements are localized and buy us only a few years of relief. At what point do we admit that this may well be as good as it gets and face the fact that we must encourage fundamental changes in how we work, shop, and play.

Regionally, this demand side of the transportation equation is finally beginning to be addressed through land use cases that incorporate transportation demand management (so-called TDMs). Finally, we are beginning to recognize that people really can walk or bike and that buses aren’t just for people too poor to buy a car.

We must frankly acknowledge what levels of congestion are in our power to change and what levels we will have to live with if we remain glued to our steering wheels or only take transit during peak hours.

This is not admitting defeat. It’s respecting the reality that we can neither simply “pave” nor “rail” our way to perpetual transportation bliss. We must re-focus and get serious about managing congestion and expectations. The truth is our long-term transportation needs are such that we need to cobble together funds for all the options – rail extensions, bus rapid transit and a hot lane network – along with a healthy dose of telecommuting.

In closing, I would like to thank Metro staff and my colleagues. This has been a year of scrutiny and overdue change. Some of the scrutiny was uninvited; some we invited because of our efforts to be more transparent. Personally, it has been as exciting and challenging a year as I have ever known.

I’m glad to be followed by Ms. Mack – a colleague with the skills, integrity and will to accomplish whatever she wants to accomplish. Thanks for all your support for my efforts. I look forward to returning the favor.

Stoneybrooke Babysitters

Rachel Bier (CPR Certified) 703-765-0260
Kerry Hammond 703-765-4403
Ronja Roberts (16) 703-765-8555
Kelly Geren (CPR Cert) 703-768-6163
Ryan Schless (CPR Cert) 703-721-0923
Stacey Selman (CPR Cert) 703-765-9114

Announcements, Etc.

2005-2006 Board and Committees

Board

Committees

Calendar of Events
February 1, 2006– August 30, 2006

The SCA Board reserves the right to add or cancel events without notice.

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