Loudoun Now for Feb. 17, 2022

n LOUDOUN

Pg. 4 | n LEESBURG

VOL. 7, NO. 13

Pg. 6 | n EDUCATION

Pg. 10 | n OBITUARIES

Pg. 15 | n PUBLIC NOTICES

We've got you covered. In the mail weekly. Online always at LoudounNow.com

Supervisors Start Budget Talks with Effective Tax Hike

BY RENSS GREENE

Pg. 19

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

School Board Faces Budget Questions

BY RENSS GREENE

rgreene@loudounnow.com

County budget supervisors have their starting point for the next annual budget, and real estate owners can expect bigger tax bills this year.

County Administrator Tim Hemstreet gave supervisors the starting point for their annual budget deliberations with his $3.5 billion budget proposal Feb. 9 based on their direction and the county’s fiscal picture. This year, stagnating construction and skyrocketing property values will put more of the burden of funding the government on homeowners.

Supervisors will start their annual budget deliberations with an 8.5-cent cut to the local real estate tax rate—one of the county’s biggest-ever rate cuts, and yet one that would still see the average real estate owner paying more in taxes amid record property value growth.

Although the proposed real estate tax rate of $0.895 per $100 of assessed value is a significant rate cut from the current $0.98 rate, Hemstreet noted, it is still five cents above the equalized tax rate, the rate at which the average real estate owner would pay the same amount in taxes despite changing assessments. For a homeowner paying the tax on the average residential property, this year valued at $636,200, that will amount to a $257 increase to $5,694.

But the budget proposal also comes with a cut to another tax rate that hasn’t

rgreene@loudounnow.com

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) listens to school Superintendent Scott Ziegler’s presentation of this year’s school budget request.

moved since 1987: the personal property tax rate. Hemstreet has proposed cutting that rate by five cents beginning in 2023, to $4.15 per $100 of assessed value.

The proposed real estate tax rate would cover 2022.

The personal property tax discussion

has been driven by concerns that Loudoun County is becoming too dependent on data centers for tax revenues. Although the largest real estate taxpayers in Loudoun are almost all data center companies, and TAX HIKE continues on page 30

SCHOOLS BUDGET continues on page 30

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Loudoun School Board members and Superintendent Scott Ziegler formally presented their budget request to the Board of Supervisors on Thursday, fielding the first of what will likely be many questions from the county board facing a $1.08 billion request and tightening tax revenues.

Ziegler defended the $75 million increase over last year’s county funding request even as school enrollment still has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. He pointed to a 5% average salary increase for teachers, a requirement to attract new state funding; high inflation; a health insurance rate increase; a new school opening, Elaine E. Thompson Elementary School; and a growing population of students who need additional supports, such as English language learners or students with individualized education plans.

The school division also hopes to push ahead with a number of new programs, such as bringing an International Baccalaureate program to Loudoun, hiring more full-time substitute teachers, placing a nurse in

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PAGE 3

Assembly Joins Chase for Commanders Stadium

BY NORMAN K. STYER AND RENSS GREENE nstyer@loudounnow.com rgreene@loudounnow.com

Loudoun County

A map of the Letourneau-Turner plan, which will form the basis for Loudoun’s new local electoral maps.

Board Sends Redistricting Map to Final Review

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

The Board of Supervisors on Feb. 15 picked a map of new local electoral districts to send for final tweaks and review ahead of a public hearing and adoption vote, opting for one drawn by Supervisors Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) and Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) and likely sketching the outlines of Loudoun’s next 10 years of elections.

That map was chosen by a majority despite a push by western supervisors Caleb E. Kershner (R-Catoctin) and Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) for one drawn and refined over time by the Coalition of Loudoun Towns. That plan sought to create two districts including large parts of western Loudoun—and giving the rural area more representation was a major topic of debate.

With the eastern parts of the county far more heavily populated, the COLT plan achieved balanced district

populations by reaching into the suburban areas of the county; a northern district would wrap around south of Leesburg, including parts of town, while a western and southern district would reach all the way to Dulles Airport and the southeastern tip of Loudoun.

Buffington pointed to the COLT plan’s support in public comments. Of the hundreds of comments submitted on the redistricting options, the vast majority favored that option.

He also said that maps presented the best chance for getting two western supervisors who actually live in western Loudoun. While the Turner-Letourneau map would require at least one supervisor to live in western Loudoun, Buffington argued the other district—covering much of the Loudoun’s southern border including Middleburg, Aldie, areas south of Braddock Road, and part of Brambleton—would be more likely to elect a supervisor from the county’s suburbs.

“How do I know that? When I ran from Brambleton, was supported by all

of the people from Brambleton, I became the western Loudoun supervisor for the Blue Ridge District, because everybody in Brambleton voted for me,” Buffington said. “All I had to do in the west was not get killed. Don’t get slaughtered in the west, win in my community and I win.

Here I am, six years later.”

When Buffington was first elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2015, he lived in Brambleton. During his first term he moved to Purcellville.

He and Kershner also pointed to the workload resulting from the Letourneau-Turner map for the supervisor who would represent most of Loudoun west of Rt. 15.

“The data and public comment could not be more clear: the COLT plan best protects communities of interests. It’s overwhelmingly supported by our residents, even those in the east. And it meets all of our Board of Supervisors selected guidelines,” Buffington said. “… I think REDISTRICTING continues on page 31

The Virginia General Assembly this week approved legislation creating a Virginia Football Stadium Authority, the first step in helping Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder build the team’s next stadium in the commonwealth—possibly in Loudoun County, the team’s corporate home.

The nine-member authority would include four members proposed by the team and at least three members living in the city or county where the project is proposed.

During the debate on the Senate floor Tuesday afternoon, Sen. Richard Saslaw (D-35), of Fairfax, championed the deal as one that would insulate the state government from any costs associated with the project, while potentially generating up to $60 million a year in additional tax revenue for the state—and nearly as much for the host locality—over the 30-year life of the deal. Those figures are in addition to tax revenues that would be dedicated to help repay a potential $1 billion bond issue issued by the authority.

“We have no obligation whatsoever,” Saslaw said. If the deal faltered, that would be a matter between the authority, the team, and the bond holders, he said.

He said Snyder is envisioning a stadium that anchors a $2 billion mixed-use development with hotels, offices and retail uses on a larger campus, and the deal would be structured similarly to recent models employed by Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in Arlington, TX, and The Battery in Atlanta.

He said three Virginia sites were under consideration—one in Loudoun and two along the I-95 corridor in Prince William County.

“I cannot say this strong enough at this point: I have not talked to the STADIUM continues on page 31

PAGE 4

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Loudoun

Supervisors Consider Giving Arcola School Property for Affordable Housing

BY RENSS GREENE

Loudoun Now file photo

rgreene@loudounnow.com

County supervisors are considering giving away the Old Arcola School to be used for a 74-home affordable housing development despite protests from neighbors.

Supervisors on Feb. 9 held a public hearing on a proposal from Capretti Land Inc. to take five to six acres including the Arcola School to develop 10 price-controlled units inside the school, and another 64 units in a new building attached to the school from behind. Those would stay price-controlled for at least 75 years.

They would be joined by another estimated 226 for-sale units on a 20-acre parcel across the street, including single-family houses, townhouses, some also price-controlled. The developer also would build public recreational and parking facilities, a public recycling facility and two bus stops at the portion of the Arcola School site that would remain under county ownership.

Transferring the land would kick off a rezoning application on that land, in which the county government and developer would be co-applicants. Closing on the land transfer would only occur if the

The county’s drive-through COVID-19 testing events have seen waning demand.

County Winds Down COVID-19 Clinic, Testing LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

The Old Arcola School is once again being considered as a site for affordable housing development.

developer secures financing for the development and the rezoning is approved, and the land would revert to the county if construction does not begin within two years.

The plan drew concern from people living nearby although the public hearing found the majority of supervisors arguing against the issues community members raised. Many of the people who came to the public hearing argued for a senior

center and more engagement with the project’s neighbors, and worried about traffic along the two-lane road, which the county has no plans to widen.

South Fork HOA President Doug Munger said the impact on homeowners would be “crazy.”

“I watch daily, and this afternoon along ARCOLA SCHOOL continues on page 5

DCR Takes Ownership of 280 Acres for Future Park LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

The state Department of Conservation and Recreation has accepted a 280-acre parcel at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship for the future Sweet Run State Park in western Loudoun.

The nonprofit Blue Ridge Center has been managing the preserve, owned by the Robert and Dee Leggett Foundation, for 22 years, and will continue to manage the property for the state.

“Since shortly after the foundation acquired the 884 acres in 1999, the land has been cared for and open to the public for research and appropriate recreation,” stated Bob Leggett, president of the Robert and Dee Leggett Foundation. “This transition to becoming a state park will ensure the land will remain protected and available to the public in perpetuity.”

“We look forward to continuing our

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

A deer at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship.

management of the land using best practices of biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage and outdoor recreation. Since there is no funding yet in the state budget for the site, the board will continue to depend on our visitors and friends for their generous donations to keep the trails open and the natural and historical resources

protected,” stated Blue Ridge Center board of directors President Gregory Miller.

It is the latest step in a project that has been underway since at least 2012 to bring a state park to Loudoun. Then-Gov. Bob McDonnell announced plans for the park SWEET RUN continues on page 19

As demand wanes at both its COVID-19 mass vaccination clinic at Dulles Town Center and its twice-weekly testing events, the Loudoun government will wind both down at the end of the month.

The county’s final drivethrough COVID-19 testing event is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 25, and the county will permanently close its mass vaccination clinic at Dulles Town Center after Saturday, Feb. 26. The county is planning to open a smaller vaccination site afterward, but details have not yet been announced.

The remaining testing events will be held Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This Friday, Feb. 11, testing will be at Dulles South Recreation and Community Center in South Riding. Testing Feb. 15 and Feb. 18 will be at Philip A. Bolen Memorial Park in Leesburg, entering from Crosstrail Boulevard, and on Feb. 22 and Feb. 25 will be at Franklin Park near Purcellville.

The testing events are free and open to all, with no age or residency requirements and no prescriptions or appointments are necessary. A person does not have to exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 to be tested.

People seeking a test may register in advance online at loudoun. gov/covid19.

According to the announcement, the county will continue to COVID TESTING continues on page 5

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Arcola school continued from page 4 with my fellow homeowners and community members, emergency vehicles struggling to get up and down the road. When this construction [begins]—because it’ll probably eventually take place, because everything passes—we are going to be bottlenecked. It’s going to be a nightmare for us. It’s not fair to us or other community members,” he said.

“Loudoun County should take a leading role to proactively collect, consider and include community input, which should result in a plan that complements, strengthens and benefits surrounding communities,” said Loudoun Historic Villages Alliance Chairwoman Madeleine Skinner.

“Work with the community so that they are included in the discussion of what happens in Arcola. As the people who will be most directly affected, getting them involved at the beginning is really important, and it really hasn’t happened, it seems,” said Gem Bingol, of the Piedmont Environmental Council.

The developer, Michael Capretti, who also serves on the county’s Fiscal Impact Committee and Zoning Ordinance Committee, also spoke.

“This is really, from our perspective, just an opportunity for us to file an application. We certainly intend to meet with everybody around and talk about our ideas and our plans, and listen to their concerns,” he said. Capretti said he is “just asking for the opportunity to file an application, meet with the residents, and do something better than what’s currently approved there.”

The majority of supervisors expressed support for the proposal. County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) said approving the land transfer would “start the conversation.”

“If we only say yes to housing developments when the community around the development wants us to say yes, we

COVID testing continued from page 4 monitor local data and state and federal recommendations to determine whether the county should restart community-based testing in the future. Both testing and vaccines also remain available throughout the community. Also, every household on the United States is eligible to order four, free at-home COVID-19 tests through a federal government website, covidtests.gov.

LOUDOUNNOW.COM would never say yes to a housing development ever including the ones you all are living in yourselves,” Randall told the people who had come to speak during the public comment section of the meeting.

Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) said the application offers a chance to address existing traffic concerns through proffer agreements with the developer, and that cut-through traffic in the area would be reduced by road projects underway in the area now.

“Now on this parcel across form the school, approved, moving forward, is 268,000 square feet of commercial. Distribution, warehouse—we’re talking trucks,” Letourneau said. “I’ve been sick to my stomach about this for years because it was mostly by-right, and all the board could really do was have a little negotiation on the end to try to make it little better.”

It is not the first time the property has been considered for affordable housing.

In 2016, supervisors voted down a proposal from the Windy Hill Foundation to renovate the building into apartments and build a separate two-story, 36-unit apartment building on the property. Supervisors at the time cited Dulles Airport’s high noise zone—at the time, Windy Hill was requesting an exception to county zoning to allow homes in an area of high airport nose. The maps depicting that airport noise are undergoing revision to reflect a new noise study, but district Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) said the difference is minimal and the area still noisy.

“Planes are still flying right overhead.

It’s super loud,” Buffington said. “If I wouldn’t want to live there, I’m not going to approve housing for someone else to live there because they make less money than me.”

Supervisors voted 7-2, with Buffington and Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) opposed, to send the land transfer to their meeting March 1 for a vote. n The county will continue to provide first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccine, as well as boosters, through the regularly scheduled hours on Saturday, Feb. 26. People who receive their first dose of Pfizer vaccine within 21 days or first day of Moderna vaccine within 28 days of the clinic’s closure will need to get their second dose from another provider.

County Administrator Tim Hemstreet has said he would likely recommend the Board of Supervisors end their two-year local state of emergency at the beginning of March. n

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PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OF PROPOSED REAL PROPERTY TAX INCREASE Pursuant to Section 58.1-3321 of the Code of Virginia, the LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room, Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 1st Floor, Leesburg, Virginia 20175 at 5:00 P.M. on March 15, 2022, in order to consider a proposed increase to real property tax levies.

The County of Loudoun proposes to increase real property tax levies as follows: 1.

Assessment Increase: Total assessed value of real property, excluding additional assessments due to new construction or improvements to property, exceeds last year’s total assessed value of real property by 16.04 percent.

2.

Lowered Rate Necessary to Offset Increased Assessment: The tax rate which would levy the same amount of real estate tax as last year, when multiplied by the new total assessed value of real estate with the exclusions mentioned above, would be $0.845 per $100 of assessed value.

This rate will be known as the “lowered tax rate.”

3.

Effective Rate Increase: The County of Loudoun proposes to adopt a tax rate not to exceed $0.915 per $100 of assessed value. The difference between the lowered tax rate and the maximum proposed rate would be $0.070 per $100, or 8.3 percent. This difference will be known as the “effective tax rate increase.”

Individual property taxes may, however, increase at a percentage greater than or less than the above percentage.

4.

Proposed Total Budget Increase: Based on the maximum proposed real property tax rate and changes in other revenues, the total budget of the County of Loudoun will exceed last year’s by 8.3 percent.

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/webcast.

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 March 11, 2022, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on March 15, 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 at the public hearing. All speakers will be limited to two minutes and 30 seconds so that all in attendance may have the opportunity to speak. Written comments are welcomed at any time and may be sent to the Board of Supervisors, P.O. Box 7000, Leesburg, Virginia, 20177 or by e-mail to loudounbudget@loudoun.gov. If submitting written comments, information or materials at the hearing, 10 copies should be provided for distribution to the Board members and for the Clerk’s records.

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

2/10 & 2/17/22

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 6

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Leesburg

Fox Announces Leesburg Mayoral Run

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com

Leesburg’s mayoral contest is now a two-woman race.

Councilwoman Suzanne Fox announced this week that she will eschew a re-election bid for her Town Council seat, and instead will challenge Mayor Kelly Burk.

Both Burk’s and Fox’s seats are on November’s ballot, along with those of Vice Mayor Marty Martinez—who has also announced he will not seek re-election and instead will run for the newly drawn 29th District House of Delegates seat— and Councilman Neil Steinberg, who has not publicly announced his plans.

Fox is serving her second four-year council term, and Burk in her third twoyear mayoral term.

Fox said she sees a race for the mayor’s chair rather than her current council seat as “necessary.”

“This is all or nothing,” she said. “I believe in term limits. I was not going to run for a third council term. However, after these past few months I looked at the way things were handled and it really bothered me more than I think anything has ever bothered me. I don’t see this [campaign] as easy, I see this as necessary. I see this

Contributed

Councilwoman Suzanne Fox

as necessary now so I’ll take the chance.”

Fox said that constituents had encouraged her over the years to consider challenging Burk for her seat. But what ultimately pushed her in that direction was the council’s October decision to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine for its employees and most of its board and commission members. It’s a decision that both she and Councilwoman Kari Nacy opposed, and one that they have unsuccessfully attempted to get their council colleagues to reconsider on numerous occasions.

“The process was flawed, there was no data presented or even considered,” she said. Fox also criticized the way employees and board and commission members who did not comply with the mandate were treated by the town government, particularly those who did not want to share private medical information. That negative image, she said, “comes from the top.”

Fox also criticized Burk for the excessive partisanship that has existed on the council the past several years.

“The mayor should set the tone for the way that the Town Council operates and collaborates. And when the mayor is pushing partisan policies and proclamations that are both unnecessary and divisive, it makes it much more difficult for council members to work productively together, as they are often torn between partisan loyalties and effective working relationships,” she said.

Partisanship can also unnecessarily hinder the Town Council’s relationship with its own constituents, Fox said. That’s something she seeks to change if elected, she said.

“No one should ever feel uncomfortable approaching the mayor or anyone on the council because of political differences. The mayor of Leesburg represents

all of Leesburg, not a political party,” she said.

Putting the partisanship aside is one of the platforms Fox ran on in her state Senate bid in 2019, when she lost to incumbent Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-33).

She said her other three main priorities of transportation; better processes for land development applications, regulatory issues, and interactions with the business community; and term limits for the mayor and council.

Fox said there is a need to explore creative solutions for congestion and other transportation-related issues. She pointed to the two traffic lights on East Market Street, at the intersections with Fort Evans Road and Plaza Street, that continually back up traffic.

“We’re told time and again there’s no fix for that. Sure there is, if we get creative,” she said.

One example would be looking into removing the crosswalks at the intersections and installing pedestrian bridges, she said.

On improving land development applications, regulatory processes and the town’s relationship with the business community, Fox said the approach to FOX ANNOUNCEMENT continues on page 7

Leesburg Could Reconsider Mask, Vaccine Mandates

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com

Declining COVID cases and the hopeful move from pandemic to endemic has Leesburg Town Council members considering when it should end its mask and vaccine mandates.

The subject was first brought up at the tail end of Monday night’s work session, when council members Kari Nacy and Ara Bagdasarian requested the discussion be planned for the council’s Feb. 22 meeting. Many localities and major metropolitan areas have begun to roll back their COVID-related mandates as the latest Omicron surge declines locally and in most parts of the U.S.

Among the data Bagdasarian asked the staff to have ready for the upcoming meeting is the percentage of town staff members and county residents who are vaccinated, current ICU bed capacity at Inova Loudoun Hospital, trends on new COVID cases in Loudoun, and an update on the employee testing program for those exempted from the town’s vaccine mandate for medical or religious reasons.

Leesburg’s vaccine mandate for its staff and most of its board and commission members took effect Jan. 11, the date by which all non-exempt employees and advisory body members needed to be fully vaccinated.

The town first instituted a mask policy for its government buildings May 27, 2020, in accordance with Gov.

Ralph Northam’s Executive Order 63, said Public Information Officer Betsy Arnett. The mask requirement for vaccinated individuals was lifted on May 14, 2021, but reinstituted for all individuals Aug. 6 when the Delta variant began to cause COVID cases to yet again spike in the region.

Nacy and Councilwoman Suzanne Fox have attempted on several occasions to get council support to rescind the Oct. 11 vote on the vaccine mandate, but their council colleagues have always voted to remove such an action from their agendas, with that most recently occurring on Tuesday.

Ahead of the vote to adopt Tuesday’s agenda without allowing a vote on rescinding the vaccine mandate, Fox again implored her colleagues to

“drop this draconian vaccine mandate.”

She pointed to the loss of several town employees, most notably within the Leesburg Police Department, and cited several court cases that successfully overturned similar mandates.

Mayor Kelly Burk said neither the mask nor vaccine mandates were ever intended to be permanent, and the council always expected to take another look at both when COVID cases abated.

“When we get to a point where the virus is becoming endemic, which I hope will happen in the very near future, that is when we will look at the mandates and can we do away with these,” she said. “We can agree to disagree. … but [the mandates] have most certainly made us safer.” n

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Budget Spotlight:

Legacy Leesburg

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com

The Town of Leesburg is preparing for its next annual budget, and several items in the budget hinge on the adoption of the new town plan, which was cited as one of the Town Council’s top priorities in a strategic planning session last spring.

And with the clock ticking on the council’s adoption of its comprehensive plan update, Legacy Leesburg, council members have expressed strong reservations about how the Crescent Design District is portrayed in the draft document.

At a recent work session, council members continued to voice concerns about the Crescent District, considered to be one of the major redevelopment areas in the town, and have urged updates to the Crescent District Master Plan, which was adopted back in 2006.

“I was here when we first did the

Crescent District plan. I remember very seriously having doubts about it because of the term ‘urban.’ One of the people on the committee said ‘wait until you get your first application and then see if it’s compatible to what you’re looking for,’” Mayor Kelly Burk recalled. “Our first application has been Virginia Village.

I share some others’ concerns about the huge increase in density and lack of transportation abilities we have. We really do need to go back and look at the Crescent District plan.”

Town staff members, however, have urged the council to proceed with adoption of Legacy Leesburg and said updates to the Crescent District document can occur afterwards.

“We hear you, we understand there are a number of concerns, we have no intent of dismissing them but they think need to be addressed in a different manner than Legacy Leesburg,” senior planner Rich Klusek said.

Klusek recommended the council proceed with the adoption of Legacy Leesburg, then initiate a re-evaluation of the Crescent District Master Plan that begins with a public engagement process. Then, the council can refine or update the Crescent District plan and, if necessary, Legacy Leesburg based on those changes.

PAGE 7

Fox announcement continued from page 6

“By delaying of the adoption of Legacy Leesburg we have nothing to gain.”

— Rich Klusek Leesburg Senior Planner Staff is also looking to undertake a major revision of the Zoning Ordinance, part of the reason an additional staff member is sought in the Planning & Zoning Department.

“By delaying of the adoption of Legacy Leesburg we have nothing to gain,” Klusek said. “While the council is redefining the vision of the Crescent District Master Plan Legacy Leesburg provides an opportunity to ask some more of those difficult question to better shape the application to fit council’s desires. If we wait, it’s status quo.” n

fixing zoning issues is too often waiting until there is a complaint to rectify a problem. She also expressed her concerns about the draft Town Plan update, Legacy Leesburg, for lacking predictability, which she said will pose a challenge to both current and prospective businesses.

“It’s aspirational, its 30,000-foot. No one is ever going to know where the target is,” she said.

Lastly, on term limits, Fox said she would lobby for the General Assembly to support a Town Charter change that would allow Leesburg to have term limits for its mayor and council members. She said two four-year terms for a council member and three two-year terms for the mayor— the number of terms she and Burk have served in their respective seats—should be the limit.

“I think that change needs to be had.

It’s wanted. I think there’s a thirst out there to keep moving in a direction where we have new thoughts and ideas,” she said.

Fox said she has filed all her necessary paperwork and expects to be certified to be on November’s ballot this week. n

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The scene of Monday morning’s house fire on Aythorne Lane.

Chimney Fire Sparks South Riding Blaze LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

Two residents were displaced following an early morning fire at their South Riding home.

According to Loudoun Fire-Rescue, at approximately 4 a.m., Feb. 14 county dispatchers received a 911 call from a homeowner reporting a fire in their Aythorne Lane home.

Units from Dulles South, Brambleton, Kirkpatrick Farms, Ashburn, and Fairfax County were dispatched to the call. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find a two-story, single-family home with sig-

nificant fire from the garage that spread into the living areas. After the fire was extinguished, firefighters remained on scene performing overhaul and salvage operations.

The Fire Marshal’s Office investigation determined the fire was accidental, caused when fire escaped the fire box or flue into the chimney enclosure, and extended into the home. Damages were estimated at $555,000. No injuries were reported.

The residents were assisted by the American Red Cross. n

SAFETY briefs

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Loudoun Deputies Investigate Fatal Russell Branch Crash

It was the second highway fatality in Loudoun County during 2022.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a single-vehicle crash that took the life of a Sterling man Friday night.

According to the report, Cristopher A. Lavayen, was driving on Russell Branch Parkway in the area of Kincora Drive around 9 p.m. Feb. 11 when the 2020 Ford Mustang he was driving left the roadway.

The vehicle crashed through a fence, and over an embankment, and overturned in a retention pond.

Lavayen was taken to Inova Loudoun Hospital where he died from his injuries.

Witnesses to the crash who have not already spoken with law enforcement are asked to contact Investigator T. Bradley at 703-777-1021.

Grand Jury Hands Up Indictments Monday’s grand jury session resulted in felony indictments in a number of notable cases.

Among them was Corinthian Scott Witcher, who is charged with malicious wounding in a stabbing at the Leesburg Premium Outlets in December; Shane David Lucas, who is charged with making a threat to Farmwell Middle School in January; Sophia E. Brown, who is charged with embezzling money from the Rock Ridge High School PTSO; and Dustin R. Amos, the Loudoun deputy charged with soliciting a minor.

Their cases will next be scheduled for trial in Loudoun County Circuit Court. n

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Sterling Man Captured After Overnight Search LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

A Sterling man arrested for trespassing now faces felony charges after leading law enforcement officers on an overnight chase Feb. 10.

Mi-Allah J. Grant, 21, initially was arrested last Thursday after deputies responded to a domestic-related call at the Parc Dulles apartments. As deputies were discussing with the family member how he entered the apartment, Grant began to intervene and attempted to prevent the deputy from further investigating. He then refused to follow the deputy’s commands, and as the deputy attempted to detain him, he began to resist. A struggle ensued and it was discovered he was carrying a firearm. The firearm was secured, and Grant was taken into custody as he continued to ignore the deputies’ commands, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

As deputies were clearing the scene, the Grant complained he needed his handcuffs adjusted. When the deputy removed him from the patrol car, he fled on foot to a wooded area.

A search was conducted in the area

overnight by deputies and K9 Units with the assistance of the Virginia State Police, the Fairfax County Police Department helicopter, and a K9 Unit with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

Grant was located at approximately 9:30 a.m. Feb. 11 inside the screen porch of a home in the area of Midday Lane.

He was charged with two counts of felony assault and battery on law enforcement, obstruction of justice, fleeing from a law enforcement officer and one count of preventing law enforcement from making an arrest. He also is charged additionally with larceny of alcohol, destruction of property, and unlawful entry of property.

Grant was held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.

Grant is known to local authorities.

Three years ago he was involved in another incident involving a weapon at Heritage High School in Leesburg. In that case, county prosecutors elected not to proceed with a charge of bringing a weapon into the school. n

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.

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PAGE 9

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PAGE 10

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Education

Ziegler Offers First Public Retort: ‘That Was an Ambush’

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

School Superintendent Scott Ziegler for the first time publicly reacted to the barrage of criticism he has faced during his tenure at a joint meeting of the Board of Supervisors and School Board last Thursday.

The routine annual meeting, held Feb. 10, is meant to be a formal presentation and explanation of the school system’s request for funding to the county board.

The room was packed with TV cameras that had come into the usually quiet meeting following a press conference with the family of a girl raped by a fellow high school student and ongoing controversy around the school district. And a prepared statement by Supervisor Caleb E. Kershner (R-Catoctin) excoriating Ziegler, and the presence of the TV crews, prompted Ziegler to declare: “That was an ambush.”

Kershner pressed Ziegler to release a third-party investigation into the handling of those rapes—Scott Smith, who spoke to press before the meeting, is the father of the teen rapist’s first victim. He was transferred to another high school where he sexually assaulted another girl. But the school district has declined to release the

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Loudoun schools Superintendent Scott Ziegler prepares to present the school system’s budget request to the Board of Supervisors at a joint meeting Thursday, Feb. 10.

investigation into its handling of that incident, even in a redacted format.

Kershner’s speech prompted Ziegler to defend himself at a public meeting for the first time.

“I was not given a chance to prepare a response and nor would a response be necessarily appropriate, because integrity to me means that when information needs to be kept confidential, it’s kept confidential,” Ziegler said. “And if that means I need to

continue to be the lighting rod, I will continue to be the lighting rod, but make no mistake: this is not a failing school division. Mr. Kershner should judge us based on our academic results, based on the forward-thinking and most progressive budget that has been delivered to the board of supervisors in many years.”

Kershner had said he had “lost faith” in Ziegler’s leadership.

“Turn on the TV and our school board is on national news. We’re making bad decisions of mistreated parents and students,” Kerhsner said. “I have constituents who are beside themselves on a regular basis. Loudoun schools are in the news for all the wrong reasons.”

He pointed to the School Board’s handling of those assaults, as well as the decision to suspend elementary P.E. teacher Tanner Cross following parent concerns that he said he would not observe a school policy offering protections for transgender students.

Kersher’s law firm defended the teenaged offender, and he subsequently posted on Facebook arguing the Board of Supervisors should withhold funding, ZIEGLER RETORT continues on page 12

Fight for Schools Asks State Officials to Remove Loudoun Superintendent

BY HAYLEY MILON BOUR hbour@loudounnow.com

Fight for Schools, the group leading the recall effort of School Board members, is requesting the state superintendent of public instruction remove of Loudoun County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Ziegler.

The letter, sent by Fight for Schools Executive Director Ian Prior to Jillian Ballow cites a state code provision that allows the state officials to remove a superintendent for “sufficient cause.”

“As you are no doubt aware, nowhere has the spotlight shone brighter on the failures of Virginia’s public school administrators than in Loudoun County,” Prior wrote. “From school board

members and administrators participating in private social media forums that targeted parents, to suspending a teacher in violation of his and other teachers’ First Amendment rights, to willfully defying Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order allowing parents the choice of whether their children wear masks in school, Loudoun County Public Schools has been a case study in mismanagement and disrespect to students, parents, and the taxpayers who fund its operations.

“While many of the failures fall at the feet of the Loudoun County School Board, it should be clear to all observers that Superintendent Scott Ziegler does not possess the capability, experience, or leadership skills to sit at the helm of a $1.6 billion taxpayer-funded school

division,” he wrote.

In the 149-page package, Prior cites myriad reasons for the action, from Ziegler stating that there had been no sexual assaults in school bathrooms less than a month after such an incident, to his characterization of a legal review of multiple assaults.

“Superintendent Ziegler has repeatedly and blatantly misled the public on very serious issues of school safety and has exhibited complete disregard for transparency and accountability,” Prior wrote.

Previously, Ziegler said that when he stated that there had been no sexual assaults in bathrooms, he misspoke, thinking FIGHT FOR SCHOOLS continues on page 13

SCHOOL notebook Explicit Content Notification Bill Clears Senate A proposed state law, Senate Bill 656, would require teachers to notify parents if their child will be exposed to learning material that includes sexually explicit content.

The bill would permit parents to review the content prior to their child being exposed to it, and permit them to opt for alternative that does not include sexually explicit content.

The bill passed in the state Senate on a 20-18 vote. Sen. Jill Holtzman Vogel (R-27) supported the bill and senators John Bell (D-13) and Jennifer Boysko (D-33) opposed it. It now goes to the House of Delegates for consideration.

A similar bill in the House, co-sponsored by Del. David LaRock (R-33), passed Tuesday on a 52-47 vote.

School Board Meeting Interrupted by Demands During the Feb. 8 School Board meeting, a group of parents and children opposed to the mask requirement in schools attempted to deliver hundreds of pages of affidavits to the School Board.

Chairman Jeff Morse (Dulles) had the group deliver the documents to an administrator in the lobby of the boardroom. The group ceremoniously presented bins of what an organizer, who was moved to tears during the presentation, described as “notarized documents.”

The 14-page documents list numerous demands, including that $50,000 be awarded to each student in damages for every violation of their “Constitutional Rights to ‘freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness’.” The complaint also included opposition to Critical Race Theory’s influence in schools and to transgender student protections.

“While these documents outline a number of concerns from community members, the papers are not legal pleadings and do not appear to have been filed in any court of law,” school division spokesman Wayde Byard noted. n

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Board Votes on Alternative Accreditation for W.O. Robey High

BY HAYLEY MILON BOUR hbour@Loudounnow.com

The School Board voted unanimously Feb. 8 to request the state Board of Education approve an alternative accreditation plan for W.O. Robey High School.

W.O. Robey opened last fall inside the Park View High School building in Sterling as a non-traditional high school to serve students with unusual circumstances such as parenting or working a job. Students may choose modified schedules, including morning and evening sessions. The school offers self-paced learning and a student-to-teacher ratio of 10-1.

The School Board held little discussion on the plan prior to the vote. Tom Marshall (Leesburg) praised the board and the division for establishing the school.

“I’m excited to know that we’re doing all we can to put all these kids who are in dire situations in many ways ahead of the game by providing a special type of education,” Marshall said.

Marshall had asked during the Jan. 25 meeting if students still had the opportunity to pursue a GED instead of attending the alternative school.

“The GED is not a route for every student to take and we want all of our students to graduate successfully from Loudoun County Public Schools,” Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Ashley Ellis said.

“The alternative high school programs including the alternative high school at Robey are alternative options to make sure that we’re providing resources that they need to receive their high school diploma.”

Ellis said the Virginia Department of Education gave the division extensive feedback on the accreditation plan, which was originally developed last year with the guidance of Arlington County Public Schools, which has an existing alternative education program.

The state code allows school divisions to apply to alter standards for accreditation for alternative schools.

The plan includes modified attendance standards for students that will take into consideration “meaningful student engagement,” such as corresponding with teachers about absences, or completing coursework online. The modification stands to offer flexibility in what will be considered adequate attendance to account for real-world W.O. ROBEY continues on page 13

PAGE 11

Applications Open for Loudoun Youth Leadership Program Applications are being accepted for Loudoun Youth, Inc.’s 2022 Loudoun Youth Leadership Program through March 31. This year’s Loudoun Youth Leadership Program session will be virtual and will take place July 11-15.

It is a week-long program designed to introduce youth to leadership concepts and to provide exposure and interaction with local business, government, and community leaders. The program is open to rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, in public or private schools, who live in Loudoun County. Because the

program will be virtual, attendance is not limited as it has been in past years.

Participants will hear from leaders representing a cross-section of business, government, agriculture, and technology. Breakout rooms will provide the opportunity for team-building experiences as well as workshops on exploring leadership skills, communication styles and high-performance teams.

“In the twelve years we’ve held the Loudoun Youth Leadership Program, hundreds of youth in Loudoun County have learned valuable skills about how to grow

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Applications and program information may be found at loudounyouth.org.

Tuition is $125/student. Financial aid is available. n

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Ziegler retort continued from page 10 effectively shutting down the school system, until the report is released. That was not enough to win over the Smith family, who have also called to withhold funding until the report is released. Scott Smith was asked at the press conference before the meeting what he thought of Kershner being both the teenaged offender’s defense attorney and calling for halting school funding. Smith said Kershner had represented the boy before the second offense.

“What they did to my daughter, what his law firm did to my daughter, was absolutely disgusting. Yeah, he was hired to defend his client—quite honestly he did a pretty good job of it. But dragging my daughter through that to a trial, that was just disgusting,” Smith said. “But you know what? My daughter won. My daughter took every one of your junior attorney’s questions, answered them truthfully, and got a conviction for herself. I didn’t get it for her, she [Smith’s wife Jessica] didn’t get it for her—Kershner certainly didn’t help her, he tired to destroy her—but she won. She got a conviction. I think that his little Facebook post at 11 o’lock at night or whatever it was, I think he’s just trying

to get in front of the snowball. I think the snowball’s going to run him over too.”

Kershner’s diatribe prompted a corresponding outburst from Supervisor Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn).

“Dr. Ziegler, I want to apologize as a supervisor. You have to understand, Supervisor Kershner must build his President Trump, weaponized political rhetoric…” he said before being gaveled out of order

by Randall.

But other supervisors and School Board members also reflected on the politically charged environment overhanging this year’s school budget deliberations.

“I think all of us as elected officials would not be doing our jobs if we didn’t acknowledge that here is still a lot of discord in the community about this,” said Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles). “…I just simply want to know what happened, and if there was a mistake, if it’s been corrected, and I don’t think those answers have come yet.”

“Some of the speakers at our board meetings has ripped the veneer off any kind fo decency in humanity, and I was shocked at what I have to listen to day in, day out,” said School Board member Tom Marshall (Leesburg). “…I think we’ve got to calm it down, stop making political jibes at people and try to get our work done as

collaborators, not as enemies.”

“Dr. Ziegler’s commitment to support student privacy and to be the lightning rod for criticism is a perfect demonstration of his integrity and why he continues to have my unwavering support,” said School Board member Brenda Sheridan (Sterling).

School Board Chairman Jeff Morse (Dulles) encouraged patience.

“People are telling us to take actions, some drastic actions, but the prudent way to approach what we’re doing is a calm and measured response, which I believe Dr. Ziegler and the School Board continues to provide, to the situations that have arisen,” Morse said. “There have been a lot of concerns over the last two years, and we have an introspective look at this every day, and we are here to help the citizens and the children of Loudoun County and that’s our end focus. There are no conspiracies here.”

And County Chair Phyllis Randall (DAt Large) reiterated a sentiment she expressed to the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce the day before. She said the school system has made some poor decisions, but “an entity is never the sum total of their worst decisions or their worst moments.”

“It is OK for us to say that we have in many ways an excellent school system with a high graduation rate and kids who

FEBRUARY 17, 2022 are thriving and doing very, very well, and we still have parents who do not feel like all questions have answered, and are worried about their kids’ safety and mental health,” Randall said. “Both of those things can survive at the same time. You can have a hero and still realize that your hero can make mistakes,” Randall said.

And, she added, “we’ve gotten off balance, and if we do not get back on balance and do it very quickly, what I honestly believe is the best county in the country will tear ourselves apart.”

After the meeting, Randall and Morse said despite the politically charged conversation around the school budget this year, they expect budget deliberations to happen as normal.

“The majority the board are making our budget deliberations, budget decisions, like we do every year,” Randall said.

“We’re not going to not fund, adequately fund, the School Board based on political considerations, and to not adequately fund the School Board hurts teachers and students. And so, we’re not doing that.”

Morse said he trusts that is the case.

“That doesn’t mean necessarily that I expect full funding, but I trust that they will follow the same process we always have,” Morse said. n

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PAGE 13

Fight for Schools continued from page 10 that the discussion pertained to only transgender students. Ziegler was answering a question that arose during a discussion about then-proposed Policy 8040, which allows students to use the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity.

It later came out that on May 28, a student had been sexually assaulted by an acquaintance in a Stone Bridge High School bathroom. The assailant, who’d been arrested on July 9, was transferred to Broad Run High School where he assaulted a second girl. Questions arose about the administration’s handling of the assaults. Ziegler said that Title IX reporting protocols had been followed after both assaults. Ziegler announced on Nov. 7 that the School Board had hired a law firm to conduct a review of the incidents.

The scandal and the School Board are now the subjects of an investigation by Attorney General Jason Miyares’ office— fulfilling a campaign promise made as the community reeled over the assaults.

Ziegler stepped into the superintendent role in an interim capacity in January 2021 following the departure of Eric Williams.

He was appointed to the position on June 8.

Prior’s letter also references Ziegler declaring an unlawful assembly during the chaotic June 2d board meeting, when deputies cleared the boardroom. A man was arrested for not leaving the board room, and during his trial, Ziegler acknowledged he did not have the authority to make the declaration.

“Upon reflection, we did an after action debrief with my staff and we agreed that, after reviewing the code that counsel cited at the beginning of trial that my words were incorrect,” he said on the stand. n

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Open until filled

Senior Engineer

Plan Review

$55.00-$70.00 DOQ

Open until filled

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.

NHLEmployerCard2.pdf

W.O. Robey

1

9/3/19

10:58 AM

HOUSEKEEPER WANTED

continued from page 11 circumstances of the students.

The Virginia Department of Education also uses a college, career and civic readiness indicator that considers a student body’s advanced coursework, matriculation to post-secondary schools, or pursuing trades. The requested modifications for W.O. Robey include consideration of students’ employment or participation in a career preparation program.

Additionally, WorkKeys assessments could be used in the place of Standards of Learning Assessments. WorkKeys assessments draw upon students’ experience in the workforce, in areas such as technology, business writing, and graphic literacy.

The plan also calls for more lenience in consideration of dropout rates. n

Hourly Rate

Light housekeeper, companion, driver. Prefer retired nurse, but will consider all responses.

Private room, w/ bath. Kitchen & Laundry privileges. Fair salary w/ restaurant lunches most days.

C

M

Call 571-919-7121 if no answer keep trying or call 540-323-6322 after 7pm.

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

DRIVERS NEEDED

K

Regular & CDL Call 703-737-3011

See the full job listings at

NowHiringLoudoun.com

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 14

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Towns

AROUND towns

Bike Park Plans Advance; Concerns Voiced on Location

HAMILTON Caro Re-renominated for Zoning Appeals Seat

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

The Town Council last week advanced plans to build a bike park, but some residents have raised concerns about its proposed location in Dillon’s Woods at the Fireman’s Field complex.

The project is proposed by a team of volunteers led by Michelle Caudill, in the memory of her son Adam who was an avid cyclist. The Town Council in December endorsed the concept and its Feb. 8 meeting members restated their commitment to seeing her vision become reality.

The town staff has been working with Caudill to flesh out the design of the park with special attention given to the protecting the mature trees in that area of the town-owned complex, which has emerged as a top concern about plans to build the park behind the Busch Tabernacle along 20th Street. The latest plan envisions a 0.8acre footprint containing four of the park’s towering oaks.

In addition to protecting the trees, some area residents have raised objections to having active recreation in that quiet area of the town-owned park.

Caudill said she has worked to address

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

A corner of Fireman’s Field is the proposed location of a new bike park to be built in the memory of Adam Caudill, an avid cyclist who died at age 15.

all concerns.

“I can assure you every tree has been considered. I have never learned so much about trees in my entire life,” she said.

Another hurdle will be winning permission from the Department of Historic Resources, which holds a conservation easement covering Dillon’s Woods. The department must find that the project complies with the easement terms. Providing information needed for that evaluation will require money, costs the volunteer group

doesn’t want to incur until the town has signed off on the location.

Because the park is expected to be given to the town following its completion, the town staff also is seeking authority to be involved with the design and construction to protect the town’s future interest in the park’s operation and maintenance.

The council voted unanimously to assist in securing the easement determinaBIKE PARK continues on page 15

Input Sought on Latest Franklin Park Trail Plan With construction nearing completion on the trail between Round Hill and Franklin Park, county leaders are again looking at how to build a connection to Purcellville.

An online meeting is planned from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday to provide an update on the effort.

Under the proposal, the trail will begin as a 10-foot wide shared-use-path at Franklin Park and follow Franklin Park Drive to Business Rt. 7. There it will cross to the north side of the street and continue east into Purcellville, where it will transition to a 5-foot-wide sideCounty of Loudoun walk as it enters the town limits. This A map showing the proposed alignment of the Purcellville to Franklin Park Trail. proposed sidewalk will terminate at the intersection of Main Street and N Fiscal Year 2028, according to the coun- and provide input. Preregistration is requested for those wishing to ask ques28th Street, where it will tie in with the ty’s Capital Improvement program. existing sidewalk.

During the Feb. 22 virtual meeting, tions.

Learn more at loudoun.gov/ The projected is only funded for de- members of the public can learn more sign, with construction expected after details about the project, ask questions, franklinparktrail. n N 31st Street

N 33rd Street

Street

Main Street

et

Main Street

S 29th

32nd Stre

et Main Stre

S Orchard

t

Main Stree

Street

See Main Street Crossing Exhibit for details.

Trail continues along the North side of Main Street into the Town of Purcellville.

N 28th Street

TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE

Transition from 10' wide shared-use-path to a 5' wide sidewalk within Town of Purcellville limits.

At-grade crossing of Main Street, with raised median and RRFB system.

Franklin Park Drive

Tra nq uili

ty

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PROJECT TERMINUS

PROJECT START

Franklin Park to Purcellville Trail Proposed Trail Alignment Town of Purcellville Limits

Scale: 1" = 200'

Loudoun County, VA December 2021

In September, the Town Council requested Mattias Caro be reappointed to a new five-year term on the Hamilton Board of Zoning Appeals.

Since at least 1993, that vote had been enough to win approval of the nomination by the Circuit Court.

However this time, the Circuit Court required the council to advertise the vacancy to solicit interest from other residents wishing to serve on the rarely convened panel and to provide those applications to the court to make a selection.

The town complied, setting a Feb. 1 deadline for applications.

As expected, there were no takers other than Caro. On Monday, the council again nominated Caro for the post with the expectation the appointment will be approved.

PURCELLVILLE DaVinci Fine Arts Wins Doc Wiley Award The DaVini Fine Arts program is the 2022 winner of the Doc Wiley Award for leadership in the arts.

The program, founded in 2001 by Pam Oliver and managed by Huyen MacMichael, provides weekly art sessions for special needs teens at the Franklin Park Arts Center.

The award is named for longtime Purcellville art supporter and former Town Council member Dr. James Wiley, who died in 2017, and is designed to recognize an individual or organization in the greater Purcellville area for making a significant impact in the art community.

EDAC Evaluates Business Portal With members of the Town Council continuing to question the merits of its $10,000 investment in a program to create an online sales portal for Purcellville businesses, the Economic Development Advisory Committee is getting involved.

AROUND TOWNS continues on page 15

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

Loudoun’s Rural Roads to Form Course for National Cycling Championship LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

The Gravel Grinder National Championship will make its Mid-Atlantic debut in May, bringing hundreds of riders to Loudoun.

Presented by US Endurance and in conjunction with Dirty Kitten Productions, the May 7 event will feature a 100-mile Grinder Nationals championship race and a 30-mile Mini G recreational ride. The event will be based at B Chord Brewing Company and involve a course of gravel roads winding through Bluemont, Philomont, Purcellville and Round Hill.

The event, expected to attract 500 riders and their families, landed here through the efforts of Visit Loudoun and its Loudoun Sports Tourism brand. It also focuses attention on work of America’s Routes, a local group working to preserve and record the history of Loudoun’s rural road.

“We chose Loudoun County for its amazing roads, beautiful scenery, friendly people and all of the amazing activities that are available when our participants and spectators are not riding,” US Endurance President Troy Farrar said.

Bike park continued from page 14 tion, to get the town’s advisory committees involved in the review, and to provide staff support as needed. The motion also stated a commitment to move forward with the park even if another location is needed and to hold a ceremony in June—on Adam’s birthday—to celebrate the project.

“I can assure you I will do everything possible to make this happen,” Caudi-

AROUND towns continued from page 14

The panel meet earlier this month with representatives of Glass Commerce, the vendor that launched the program in October. Since then, there has been little activity on the site, which lacks local vendors and visitors—and sales. They said the portal is built on platforms used to support other programs rolled out in Seattle, Austin, and Oakland, although two of those have closed down.

Challenged to explain why the program is stagnant here, the contractors said they’ve had little support from the town,

Visit Loudoun views the event as a way to showcase Loudoun’s scenic beauty and history.

“Loudoun has one of the largest rural road networks in the country,” Visit Loudoun President and CEO Beth Erickson said. “This is a great way to invite visitors to celebrate, preserve and experience this public and important historic asset while leaving nothing more than the footprint of a 1.42-inch bicycle tire. An event like this will also drive people to the wonderful businesses that make up Loudoun’s rural economy.”

Open to the public, race categories include pro/open and age-group fields, as well as single-speed, fat tire, tandem, military, collegiate and e-bike options. There are no qualification requirements to participate in this event and registration is now open.

Winners from each category will receive a custom USE Gravel Grinder National Champion Jersey by Champion-System.

Volunteer opportunities are also available by contacting Farrar at advrace@aol.com.

To register and get more information go to grindernationals.com. n ll said. “I hope no one in this room ever loses a son or a daughter. The only way another would truly understand why this project is so important is if you have lost a child. Otherwise, I don’t know how to explain the pain in my heart and the purpose this park has given me to honor my son. I want to create this bike park in memory of Adam. He was 15. He was awesome. And he loved Purcellville and he loved riding his bike.” n including not having a formal point of contact to make decisions or visibility of the program on the town website.

During last week’s Town Council meeting, Councilwoman Erin Rayner again urged her colleagues to move on from the contract, suggesting the EDAC present its recommendations next month.

Mayor Kwasi Fraser, who championed the service, said that “Instead of cutting bait for political reasons,” the EDAC should be allowed to work with Glass as a partner to ramp up the program.

Other council members said they’ll be watching to see how the vendor responds in the weeks ahead. n

PAGE 15

Obituaries Mary H. Gray

Mary H. Gray of Round Hill departed this earth on February 11, 2022 and now is walking with her Lord. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, one daughter, her son, and numerous grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in her memoriam to Round Hill Baptist Church. She was predeceased by one daughter. Service will be private. Arrangements

by Hall Funeral Home, Purcellville, VA.

Death Notices SUSAN TRACEY BEAUPRE, 54, died Feb. 5.

She was born Feb. 25, 1967, to Wayne and Sandy Scagnelli Harris. She is survived by her husband David; children Jordan, Luke and Nathan; and sister Sheri McGowan.

A celebration of life will be held Feb. 27 at The Barns at Hamilton Station and on July 2 in Hampton, NH. Memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the Humane Society of Loudoun County. [Loudoun Funeral Chapel] MICKAYLA ADRIEANNA “KAYLA” DAVIS, 29,

died Feb. 9 from liver failure while in a nursing home in Alexandria. She was born April 6, 1992, in Leesburg to Hugh Harris and Sandra Lynn Davis. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her children Mason Robert and Parker Marie Morano; sisters Mary Kathleen Edwards, Hannah Grace Davis, and Victoria Gabrielle Davis.

[Loudoun Funeral Chapel] PAUL EDWIN ERB, 87, of Leesburg, died Feb.

5. He was born March 21, 1934, in Blairs Mills, PA, to Arthur A. Erb and Hazel M. Goshorn Erb. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, stationed in Fort Benning, GA, where he trained to be an Army Medic and he also played baseball for the Army team.

He worked for the U.S. government at Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, PA for many years and then became an owner/operator truck driver hauling heavy equipment.He is survived by his son Bryan Erb of Carlisle, PA, and his daughter Valerie Erb Oden of Kearneysville, WV; five grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and brother Gerald “Mark” Erb, of Blairs Mills, PA. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife Betty Briggs, and a brother Calvin Erb. Services will be private at Parklawns Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum in Chambersburg, PA. Memorial constributions may be made to Chambersburg Seventh Day Adventist Church, 160 East Liberty Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201. [Loudoun Funeral Chapel]

MICHAEL LEE FEASTER, 62, died Feb. 7. He

had a rare lung disease and cancer. He was born Feb. 10, 1959, in Arcola to Delbert and Ida Feaster. He was a volunteer firefighter and EMT for 40 years, starting at Arcola Fire and Rescue Co 9 and then moving to Front Royal and volunteering at Shenandoah Shores Co. 5. As a carpenter, he worked for Hitt Contracting for almost 30 years. He is survived by his wife Lindsay; children Michael, Kevin, Natalie and Athea; brothers Delbert and Mark; and two grandchildren. Services were held at Beahm’s Chapel Cemetery in Luray. Memorial donations may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice or Saint Jude Cancer Research.

[Loudoun Funeral Chapel] THOMAS BRAKER FOULKE, 65, died Feb. 7.

He was born Jan. 7, 1957, in Salem, NJ, to Lowell B. Foulke and Carol Wentz Foulke. He graduated from University of Denver with a master’s degree in telecommunications technology and worked as a systems engineer until his retirement in 2021. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife Kelly Monroe Foulke; and sister Freddie Foulke. Services will be held Feb. 18 at Loudoun Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Tom Berlin officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to The Wild Animal Sanctuary, Save the Bay, or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

[Loudoun Funeral Chapel] PATRICIA ANN MARRONE, 83, of Leesburg, died Feb. 8. She is survived by her children Terri Thomas of Leesburg, Michael Marrone of Oakton, Julie Wilson of Leesburg and Tina Marchione of Amissville; sisters Fran Amer and MaryLou Miller; and 6 grandchildren She was predeceased by her husband Joe Marrone; parents, Martin and Mary Carroll, and siblings Kathleen Kiefer and Martin Carroll Jr. A funeral mass was held Feb. 16 at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Leesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association. [Colonial Funeral Home]

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 16

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Loco Living

THINGS to do LOCO LIVE Live Music: Chris Bone

Friday, Feb. 18, 5 p.m.

Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com Kick back with great tunes from western Loudoun singer/songwriter and one-man band Chris Bowen of the Bone Show.

Live Music: The Firnats

Friday, Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m.

Crooked Run Fermentation, 22455 Davis Drive #120, Sterling Details: crookedrunbrewing.com The Reston-based indie rock band gets the Nectar Stage rocking.

U2topia U2 Tribute

Friday, Feb. 18, 8 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com This up-and-coming DMV tribute band is made up of seasoned musicians and lifelong U2 fans for an authentic concert experience. Tickets are $12.

Live Music: Mystery Machine

Friday, Feb. 18, 8 p.m.

Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg Details: spankyspub.com Mystery Machine puts the fun in funk rock for a rocking TGIF.

Live Music: Fast Eddie and Blue Rhythm

Friday, Feb. 18, 8 p.m.

Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville Details: monksq.com Enjoy great blues tunes from a local favorite.

Live Music: Hilary Veltri

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Curling instructor Dave Brown throws a rock during a match Friday night at the Ion Training Center in Leesburg.

The Beijing Bump Olympics Draw Loudouners Old and Young to Local Rinks

BY JAN MERCKER jmercker@loudounnow.com

The low-key Saturday learn to curl nights at Leesburg’s Ion International Training Center usually draw a dozen or so curious folks. Last week, more than 60 locals turned out to get a taste of this intriguing and surprisingly accessible Olympic sport.

Curling instructor Dave Brown chalks it up to the buzz around this year’s winter games in Beijing. Loudoun’s winter sports facilities see a big bump in interest every four years. And when it comes to adults, curling is a top draw.

In 2018, Brown was captivated by the

U.S. men’s curling team’s gold medal victory at the Pyongyang Olympics. A year later when the Ion International Training Center opened in Leesburg and announced they’d offer curling classes, he decided to give it a shot. Now Brown and a core group of 20 to 30 local curlers have formed a curling league of their own—and Brown teaches the sport to newbies.

“In 2018, we were all at home watching on TV, impressed at how great the U.S. did,” he said. “…The next summer Ion opened and they had curling. We grabbed it and we’re moving on.”

Ion now offers co-ed league play every Friday night and learn to curl instruction and scrimmages for beginners on Saturday

evenings. For Brown, who lives in Waterford, the sport’s accessibility to all ages and sense of camaraderie are two of the big draws.

“It’s very competitive. There’s a lot of strategy that goes into it,” Brown said.

“And it’s very collegial … lots of team spirit.”

New players at Ion start with a one-hour learn-to-curl class. Brown said he is always impressed at how quickly people of all ages get a sense of the sport, which has been compared to shuffleboard or bocce on ice.

Players send a granite stone down the ice to a target area, using sweepers to help guide BEIJING BUMP continues on page 18

Saturday, Feb. 19, 1 p.m.

50 West Vineyards, 39060 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg Details: facebook.com/50westvineyards Veltri’s repertoire of covers and originals spans generations and genres from Bob Dylan to Beyonce.

Live Music: Liberty Street

Saturday, Feb. 19, 1 p.m.

Casanel Vineyards, 17956 Canby Road, Leesburg Details: casanelvineyards.com Kick back with soft rock favorites from Eric Stanley and Doug Wall.

Live Music: Shane Gamble

Saturday, Feb. 19, 1:30 p.m.

Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane, Purcellville Details: sunsethillsvineyard.com Rising country music star Shane Gamble has several hit singles under his belt and a new EP on the horizon.

Live Music: Cary Wimbish

Saturday, Feb. 19, 2 p.m.

Old 690 Brewing Company, 15670 Ashbury Church Road, Purcellville Details: old690.com Richmond-based Wimbish returns to Old 690 with traditional country, bluegrass, classic rock, and blues songs along with crowd-pleasing originals.

THINGS TO DO continues on page 17

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

THINGS to do

PAGE 17

BEST BETS

continued from page 16

Live Music: Steve George and Friends

Saturday, Feb. 19, 2-5 p.m.

The Barns At Hamilton Station, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton Details: thebarnsathamiltonstation.com Celebrate the holiday weekend with rock, country, blues and beyond from a local favorite.

Live Music: Robert Mabe

Saturday, Feb. 19, 2 p.m.

Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville Details: flyingacefarm.com Mabe is a stellar banjo player and singer/songwriter from the hills of North Carolina. His unique style covers a wide range of music from bluegrass to jazz, Irish and roots tunes.

Live Music: Chris Timbers Trio

CARMEN Friday, Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 19, 4 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. loudounlyricopera.com

Saturday, Feb. 19, 5 p.m.

Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg Details: lostbarrel.com Local favorite Chris Timbers returns to Lost Barrel with soulful acoustic tunes.

The Roadducks bring their classic rock and Motown roadshow to Leesburg.

Laugh-A-Lot Comedy Show: Steve Shaffer

Live Music: Mark Cullinane

Saturday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m.

Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Drive, Ashburn Details: www.oldoxbrewery.com Old Ox comedy shows are back. Saturday’s show features national touring comedian Steve Shaffer.

Shaffer began his comedy career in New York City and has been seen on the Tonight Show and other national programs. Tickets are $20.

Live Music: Carbon Leaf

Saturday, Feb. 19, 8 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com Richmond-based Carbon Leaf returns to Loudoun with their signature blend of rock, folk, Celtic, bluegrass and Americana and a high-energy style the group calls “ether-electrified porch music.” Tickets are $35.

Live Music: Mandatory Recess

Saturday Feb. 19, 7 p.m.

Crooked Run Fermentation, 22455 Davis Drive #120, Sterling Details: crookedrunbrewing.com Mandatory Recess brings the coolest covers from Tom Petty to Kings of Leon.

Live Music: Last Resort

Saturday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m.

Lost Rhino Brewing Company 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn Details: lostrhino.com Formed in 2020, Last Resort brings a head-in-theclouds version of reggae-rock-dub to reggae fans.

Sunday, Feb. 20, 1 p.m.

Two Twisted Posts Winery, 12944 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro Details: twotwistedposts.com Cullinane brings his signature acoustic classic rock tunes to Two Twisted Posts.

Belly Laughs and Brunch

Sunday, Feb. 20, 1-3 p.m.

Tarbender’s Lounge, 10 S. King St., Leesburg Details: tarbenderslounge.com Robert Mac headlines Belly Laughs and Brunch hosted

by Amir Yaz with opening acts Kasha Patel and Gigi Modrich. Tickets are $25.

Live Music: Adriel Genet

Sunday, Feb. 20, 1 p.m.

50 West Vineyards, 39060 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg Details: facebook.com/50westvineyards Genet’s live acoustic repertoire consists of unique arrangements of vintage jazz and pop standards with a contemporary dramatic edge.

Live Music: Juliet Lloyd

Sunday, Feb. 20, 2 p.m.

Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville Details: flyingacefarm.com Singer/songwriter/pianist Juliet Lloyd returns to Flying Ace with her signature pop, rock and classic soul favorites.

Live Music: Andy Hawk and the Train Wreck Endings

Live Music: Dead Horse Revival

Saturday, Feb. 19, 8 p.m.

Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville Details: monksq.com This four-piece band from Pennsylvania returns to Monk’s for an evening of great bluegrass.

Sunday, Feb. 20, 2-5 p.m.

The Barns At Hamilton Station, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton Details: thebarnsathamiltonstation.com Loudoun’s Americana favorites return to the Barns for an afternoon of great tunes.

Live Music: Savash

Lost Barrel Boho Disco

Saturday, Feb. 19, 8-11 p.m.

American Legion Post 293, 112 N. 21st St., Purcellville Details: facebook.com/americanlegionpost293 Savash returns to Post 293 with a repertoire of hits from yesterday and today.

Live Music: The Roadducks

Saturday, Feb. 19, 8 p.m.

The Branch, 49 Catoctin Circle SE, Leesburg Details: bowlthebranch.com

Sunday, Feb. 20, 3 p.m.

Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg Details: lostbarrel.com Lost Barrel’s Boho Disco features local DJs cranking out a soundtrack of old and new disco, perfect for lounging, dancing and mingling.

CHRIS TIMBERS TRIO Saturday, Feb. 19, 5 p.m.

Lost Barrel Brewing lostbarrel.com

LOCO CULTURE David Brian Lang Organ Recital

Saturday, Feb. 19, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 101 Oakcrest Manor NE, Leesburg Details: saintjohnleesburg.org David Brian Lang, artistic director of the Reston Chorale, plays works from Bach, Duruflé, Franck, and Soler as part of the St. John’s concert series. Admission is by freewill donation. Suggested donation is $20.

CARBON LEAF Saturday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m. (doors) Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com

COMING UP Breaux Vineyards Samedi Gras Festival

Saturday, Feb. 26, 11 am.-6 p.m.

Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro Details: breauxvineyards.com Breaux Vineyards’ annual pre-Mardi Gras Saturday celebration features live music from Billy Thompson from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and the Voodoo Blues from 2 to 6 p.m. Cajun food will be available for sale.

Reservations are required for indoor seating.

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 18

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PROPOSED REAL PROPERTY TAX INCREASE The Town of Leesburg proposes to increase property tax levies.

1.

Assessment Increase: Total assessed value of real property, excluding additional assessments due to new construction or improvements to property, exceeds last year’s total assessed value of real property by 10.96 percent.

2.

Lowered Rate Necessary to Offset Increased Assessment: The tax rate which would levy the same amount of real estate tax as last year, when multiplied by the new total assessed value of real estate with the exclusions mentioned above, would be $0.166 per $100 of assessed value. This rate will be known as the “lowered tax rate” or “equalized tax rate.”

3.

Effective Rate Increase: The Town of Leesburg proposes to adopt a tax rate of $0.184 per $100 of assessed value. The difference between the equalized tax rate and the proposed rate would be $0.018 per $100, or 10.84 percent. This difference will be known as the “effective tax rate increase.”

4.

Photo by Dave LaMay

Individual property taxes may, however, increase at a percentage greater than or less than the above percentage, depending upon the type of dwelling and individual property assessments.

More than 60 novices met at the Ion Training Center in Leesburg on Saturday night to try their hands at the Olympic sport of curling.

Proposed Total Budget Increase: Based on the proposed real property tax rate and changes in other revenues, the total General Fund budget of the Town of Leesburg will exceed last year’s by 10.96 percent. The proposed total budget (all funds) of the Town of Leesburg will exceed last year’s by 11.50 percent.

Beijing bump

The Town Manager’s proposed Fiscal Year 2023 budget is based on a real property tax rate of $0.184 per $100 assessed value.

A public hearing on the proposed real property effective tax rate increase will be held by the Leesburg Town Council on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chamber, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA, at which time any resident of the town shall have the right to provide written and oral comments on the proposed real property effective tax rate. If the public hearing is canceled for any unforeseen reason, the public hearing will be held during the next Town Council regular business meeting.

Persons requiring reasonable 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.

2/17/22

TOWN OF MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PROPOSED REAL PROPERTY TAX INCREASE Fiscal Year 2023

The Town of Middleburg proposes to increase property tax levies. This is a result of an increase in property value assessments, which are controlled and assessed by Loudoun County. The Town Council is proposing to either keep the current tax rate unchanged or lower the current tax rate, depending on the final fiscal analysis of the Town and input from the community. Pursuant to Code of Virginia Section 58.1-3321, a Public Hearing on the increase will be held on March 24, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at the Middleburg Town Office located at 10 West Marshall Street in Middleburg, Virginia.

This public hearing supersedes the previously advertised public hearing.

1. Assessment Increase: The total assessed value of real property, as of January 1, 2022, excluding additional assessments due to new construction or improvements to property, exceeds last year’s total assessed value of real property by 15.13%.

2. Lower Rate Necessary to Offset Increased Assessment: The tax rate which would levy the same amount of real estate tax as the current year, when multiplied by the new total assessed value of real estate, with the exclusions mentioned above, would be $0.1329 per $100 of assessed value. This rate will be known as the “lowered tax rate.”

3. Effective Rate Increase: The current tax rate is $0.153 per $100 of assessed value. The Town of Middleburg proposes to adopt a tax rate of no more than $0.153 per $100 of assessed value. The difference between the lowered tax rate and the higher proposed tax rate would be $0.0201 per $100, or 15.12%. This difference will be known as the “effective tax rate increase,” even though the tax rate is not increasing. Individual property taxes may, however, increase at a percentage greater or less than the above percentage.

4. Proposed Total Budget Increase: Based on the higher proposed real property tax rate and changes in other revenues, the total General Fund budget of the Town of Middleburg is proposed to exceed the current year’s budget by 10.5%.

Questions may be directed to the Town Manager at 540-687-5152.

Danny Davis, Town Manager Town of Middleburg, Virginia

2/17 & 2/24/22

continued from page 16 the rock’s path.

“Curling looks welcoming to everybody, and it really is,” Brown said. “Stepping onto the ice, being able to deliver the stone–it’s easy to learn. To get good at it is another thing, but to get comfortable on the ice and come away saying, ‘Hey, I did that,’ you can do that in an hour.”

Ion ITC cofounder Mitra Setayesh said figure skating and hockey programs also see a winter Olympics bump.

“Anytime there’s a winter Olympics, ice rinks show a peak in interest, and this year is no different,” Setayesh said. “It’s definitely creating excitement.” She adds that Ion’s ties to the games make this year even more special. Gold medal-winning figure skater Nathan Chen attended Ion’s grand opening in 2019, and the rink is home to this year’s Olympic alternates in ice dancing, Caroline Green and Michael Parsons.

While curling is popular with adults, Ion sees kids from around the region looking to get into figure skating and hockey. The center’s learn to skate program is where beginners in both sports start. Ion also offers free Try Hockey events every month or two for new players ages 4 and up. The rink provides skates and equipment and instruction from coaches and players from Ion’s travel hockey teams and players from the Washington Little Caps Tier 1 hockey program based at Ion ITC. The next Try Hockey event is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 26, with additional events planned for later this year.

At Ashburn Ice House, which changed the winter sports landscape in Loudoun when it opened in 1998, 2022 is a banner year. 11-year-old Sofia Bezkorovainaya, who has trained at the rink since she was a preschooler, earned this year’s U.S. Figure Skating’s national juvenile champion title

and has Olympic dreams of her own.

“Without a doubt our numbers increase every four years. And this year seems to be an even bigger wave of enrollments,” said Ice House skating director Lori Cervinka.

“I think families are not only interested in finding activities to do together outside the home, but finding meaningful memories seems to be a trend coming out of the pandemic. Having it on their TV is a good reminder that skating has always been an activity to turn to for those kinds of experiences.”

The rink’s learn to skate and public skate programs see a rise in interest every four years, mostly from young skaters. But there are plenty of families who come out for public skate sessions, said General Manager Rob Lorenzen. The rink is home to a thriving youth hockey program and also offers pick-up hockey sessions for adults inspired to get back in the game–either by their own kids or by winter Olympics fever.

And lessons are at the heart of the rink’s mission—whether the goal is a serious athletic pursuit or just being able to move around the rink and have fun.

“Over the last quarter century, we have had many a customer move on from our learn to skate program into the high level competitive arena—figure skating and hockey. We have had NHL players and even Olympians grow up training in our rink,” Cervinka said. “There is no doubt that watching the best of the best on television every four years and witnessing the athletes’ hard work pay off so they can stand on a podium with a medal in their hand is an inspiration to so many of our skaters, regardless of which sport they choose. n For more information on learn to curl, learn to skate, hockey and other programs at Ion ITC, go to ionitc.com.

For information on learn to skate, public skate and hockey programs at Ashburn Ice House, go to ashburnice.com.

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Sweet Run continued from page 4 in northwestern Loudoun just before leaving office in 2014. Since then, efforts have focused on transferring the land to the state government.

The next major hurdle was cleared in 2018 when Gov. Ralph Northam proposed a budget allowing DCR to accept that donated land. Loudoun County, the Leggett Foundation and the Blue Ridge Center have worked to transfer the land at next to no cost for the state, which has not allocated budget to buy the land.

The Leggett Foundation in 2015 donated 604 acres near Neersville to the Old Dominion Land Conservancy, which then donated to the property to the Department of Conservation and Recreation in 2016.

In October, the Leggett Foundation sold an additional 280 acres for $2.9 million; the county government paid for the property, and the Old Dominion Land Conservancy held the title until it could be donated to the state.

“The Old Dominion Land Conservancy is thrilled to have played a key role in bringing a new state park to western Loudoun County,” stated Old Dominion Land Conservancy Executive Director

Henry Stribling. “We worked closely with our private and local public partners to protect both parcels of this site to ensure the public can enjoy this part of Virginia’s heritage.”

“It’s exciting to be able to begin developing long-term plans for this new state park in Loudoun County,” stated Virginia State Parks Director Melissa Baker.

“As we move forward, we will seek to engage stakeholders in our planning processes as we move those plans toward implementation.”

“As the property transitions into a new state park, we are grateful that the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship will continue with the conservation and education efforts they have steadfastly participated in for the last 20 years,” stated acting DCR director Frank Stovall. “We thank all the partners involved, including Loudoun County and the Old Dominion Land Conservancy, for ensuring that this special place is preserved for future generations.”

“We are grateful that the various partners on this project worked collaboratively to develop a plan that will offer the residents of Loudoun additional recreational resources embedded in a preserved, natural environment,” stated County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large). n

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PAGE 19

Legal Notices ATTENTION LOUDOUN COUNTY COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OWNERS INCOME AND EXPENSE SURVEYS DUE MARCH 1 To facilitate the establishment of accurate real estate assessments for tax year 2023, as authorized

by Virginia Code § 58.1-3294, I am requesting that owners of income-producing real estate provide a calendar year 2021 certified statement of income and expenses. This information, which shall be kept confidential in accordance with Virginia Code § 58.1-3, will be utilized to determine fair market values for tax assessment purposes. The survey forms are available online at www.loudoun.gov/income-expense and should be returned to my office by email or regular mail by March 1, 2022.

Commercial property owners are encouraged to review and verify our record of property characteristics online at www.loudoun.gov/parceldatabase to assist us in ensuring fair and equitable property valuations.

To protect the safety of taxpayers and staff and slow the spread of COVID-19, we encourage you to connect with us virtually because most transactions with our office can be done online. For information or filing assistance, please visit www.loudoun.gov/cor or contact my office at commercialre@loudoun.gov or 703-777-0260.

Robert S. Wertz, Jr. Commissioner of the Revenue Loudoun County MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 8000, Leesburg, VA 20177-9804 Phone: 703-777-0260 E-mail: commercialre@loudoun.gov Website: www.loudoun.gov/cor 2/3 & 2/17/22

TOWN OF LOVETTSVILLE NOTICE OF PROPOSED REAL PROPERTY TAX INCREASE The Town of Lovettsville proposes to increase property tax levies.

1.

Assessment Increase: Total assessed value of real property, excluding additional assessments due to new construction or improvements to property, exceeds last year’s total assessed value of real property by 17.13 percent.

2.

Lowered Rate Necessary to Offset Increased Assessment: The tax rate which would levy the same amount of real estate tax as last year, when multiplied by the new total assessed value of real estate with the exclusions mentioned above, would be $0.152 per $100 of assessed value.

This rate will be known as the “lowered tax rate” or “equalized tax rate.”

3.

Effective Rate Increase: The Town of Lovettsville proposes to adopt a tax rate of $0.1727 per $100 of assessed value. The difference between the equalized tax rate and the proposed rate would be $0.0207 per $100, or 13.6 percent. This difference will be known as the “effective tax rate increase.”

Individual property taxes may, however, increase at a percentage greater than or less than the above percentage, depending upon the type of dwelling and individual property assessments.

4.

A Community Foundation Fund in the Spotlight Thanks to the vision and values of the late Mary Tett, her family, and friends, a volunteer serving The Arc of Loudoun will receive special recognition and a financial commendation for his or her contributions to their work and mission—now and forever.

Won’t You Join Us?

CommunityFoundationLF.org  (703) 779-3505

Proposed Total Budget Increase: Based on the proposed real property tax rate and changes in other revenues, the total General Fund budget of the Town of Lovettsville will exceed last year’s by 13.1 percent.

The Town Manager’s proposed Fiscal Year 2023 budget is based on a real property tax rate of $0.152 per $100 assessed value with an identified alternate real property tax rate of $0.1727 per $100 assessed value.

A public hearing on the proposed real property effective tax rate increase will be held by the Lovettsville Town Council on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 6 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville, VA 20180, at which time all persons desiring to speak or provided written comments will be given an opportunity to do so on the proposed real property effective tax rate. If the public hearing is canceled for any unforeseen reason, the public hearing will be held during the next Town Council regular business meeting.

2/17/22

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 20

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Legal Notices NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING COUNTY OF LOUDOUN, VIRGINIA

Proposed Budget for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023 Proposed Tax Rates for Tax Year 2022 Pursuant to Section 15.2-2506 and Section 58.1-3007 of the Code of Virginia, the County of Loudoun, Virginia (the “County”), gives notice of its proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022, and ending June 30, 2023 (the FY 2023 Proposed Budget); and the proposed tax rates on real and personal property for Tax Year 2022, beginning January 1, 2022, and ending December 31, 2022. The budget is prepared and published for informative and fiscal planning purposes only. The inclusion in the budget of any item or items does not constitute any obligation or commitment on the part of the Board of Supervisors of the County to appropriate any funds for that item or purpose. There is no allocation or designation of any funds of the County for any purpose until there has been an appropriation for that purpose by the Board of Supervisors.

The estimated local contribution for the school budget is $1,089,274,768. This is the local tax revenue proposed for the Loudoun County Public Schools to fund its Fiscal Year 2023 budget for public schools, as compared to the estimated minimum contribution required by state law in the amount of $412,020,709.

Three public hearings on the proposed budget and the proposed tax rates will be held by the Board of Supervisors in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.; and on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. Any member of the public may address the Board of Supervisors on these matters; however, each member of the public wishing to address the Board may speak at only one of the sessions.

Proposed Appropriations Category OPERATING County General Fund School Operating Fund School Grant Fund School Lease Purchase Fund School Nutrition Fund Children’s Services Act Fund Disposable Plastic Bag Tax Fund Dulles Town Center CDA Fund EMS Transport Program Fund Housing Fund Legal Resource Center Fund Metro Garages Fund Other Special Revenue Funds Rental Assistance Program Fund Restricted Use Transient Occupancy Tax Self-Insurance Fund State and Federal Grant Fund Operating Subtotal DEBT SERVICE County Government School System Greenlea Tax District Fund Route 28 Special Improvements Fund Tall Oaks Water and Sewer Special Revenue Fund Debt Service Subtotal CAPITAL County Government Capital Projects Fund County Asset Preservation Program Fund School System Capital Projects Fund School System Asset Preservation Fund Capital Projects Financing Fund Major Equipment Replacement Fund Public Facilities Fund Transportation District Fund Capital Subtotal Unallocated Balance TOTAL PROPOSED APPROPRIATIONS

FY 2023 Proposed Expenditures

FY 2023 Proposed Revenue

The Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room is located in the Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, SE, Leesburg, Virginia. Copies of the FY 2023 Proposed Budget 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. The FY 2023 Proposed Budget is also available online at www.loudoun.gov/budget.

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/webcast.

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 February 11, 2022. Advanced sign-ups will close at 12:00 p.m. on February 24, 2022 for the two sessions held on February 24, 2022; advanced sign-ups will close at 5:30 p.m. on February 25, 2022 for the session held on February 26, 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.

All speakers will be limited to two minutes and 30 seconds so that all in attendance may have the opportunity to speak. Written comments are welcomed at any time and may be sent to the Board of Supervisors, P.O. Box 7000, Leesburg, Virginia 20177 or by e-mail to loudounbudget@loudoun.gov. If submitting written comments, information or materials at the hearing, 10 copies should be provided for distribution to the Board members and for the Clerk’s records.

The following is a brief synopsis of the budget:

FY 2023 Proposed Local Tax Funding

FY 2022 Adopted Local Tax Funding

Local Tax Funding Variance

$794,033,496.11 1,568,372,471.00 56,415,746.00 10,002,000.00 45,815,771.00 9,678,734.00 275,000.00 3,500,000.00 5,225,000.00 10,905,510.00 128,428.00 2,251,178.00 91,000.00 9,797,953.00 3,456,969.00 5,455,700.00 4,252,425.00 $2,529,657,381.11

$257,509,043.04 478,713,135.00 56,415,746.00 10,002,000.00 45,815,771.00 5,993,734.00 275,000.00 3,500,000.00 5,225,000.00 5,000,000.00 44,980.00 2,251,178.00 91,000.00 9,525,563.00 3,456,969.00 0 4,252,425.00 $888,071,544.04

$536,913,134.07 1,090,992,655.00 0 0 0 3,685,000.00 0 0 0 5,905,510.00 83,448.00 0 0 272,390.00 0 5,455,700.00 0 $1,643,307,837.07

$482,088,241.30 1,014,059,336.00 0 0 0 3,685,000.00 0 0 0 0 75,867.00 0 0 242,390.00 0 5,455,700.00 0 $1,505,606,534.30

$54,824,892.77 76,933,319.00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5,905,510.00 7,581.00 0 0 30,000.00 0 0 0 $137,701,302.77

$97,870,162.00 138,808,388.00 44,038.00 14,224,000.00 60,572.00 $251,007,160.00

$29,390,621.00 7,825,000.00 44,038.00 14,224,000.00 60,572.00 $51,544,231.00

$68,479,541.00 130,983,388.00 0 0 0 $199,462,929.00

$61,611,002.00 137,059,830.00 0 0 0 $198,670,832.00

$6,868,539.00 (6,076,442.00) 0 0 0 $792,097.00

$337,825,404.00 16,965,860.00 85,490,000.00 27,904,300.00 203,104,776.27 4,000,000.00 12,410,246.80 100,418,168.73 $788,118,755.80

$232,317,195.53 100,000.00 68,640,000.00 0 203,104,776.27 0 12,410,246.80 65,947,803.27 $582,520,021.87

$105,508,208.47 16,865,860.00 16,850,000.00 27,904,300.00 0 4,000,000.00 0 34,470,365.46 $205,598,733.93

90,053,597.70 11,620,000.00 14,364,000.00 24,543,000.00 0 4,000,000.00 0 23,716,000.00 $168,296,597.70

$15,454,610.77 5,245,860.00 2,486,000.00 3,361,300.00 0 0 0 10,754,365.46 $37,302,136.23

$0 $3,568,783,296.91

$0 $1,522,135,796.91

$0 $2,048,369,500.00

$1,716,236 $1,874,290,200.00

($1,716,236) $174,079,300.00

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

PAGE 21

Legal Notices SUMMARY OF PROPERTY TAX RATES Pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-3007, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of the proposed increase or other change in certain local property tax rates for Tax Year 2022 as indicated below: Adopted Tax Year 2021

Maximum Proposed Tax Year 2022

All Real Estate (including mobile homes used as residences); and Public Service Corporation Real Estate & Tangible Personal Property (except automobiles, trucks & aircraft) (Va. Code § 58.1-2606)

$0.980

$0.915

Commercial and Industrial Real Estate in Route 28 Highway Transportation Improvement District (Va. Code § 15.2-4607); and Public Service Corporation Real Estate &Tangible Personal Property in the district, except automobiles, trucks & aircraft, (in addition to the general rate applicable to all real estate in the County and the rate for any other service district where the property is located, if applicable)

$0.170

$0.170

Real Estate in the Hamilton Sewer Service District (in addition to the general rate applicable to all real estate in the County and the rate for any other tax district where the real estate is located, if applicable)

$0.000

$0.000

Real Estate in the Metrorail Service District; and Public Service Corporation Real Estate & Tangible Personal Property in the district, except automobiles, trucks & aircraft (in addition to the general rate applicable to all real estate in the County and the rate for any other service district where the property is located, if applicable)

$0.200

$0.200

Real Estate in the Loudoun Gateway-Airport Station Service District; and Public Service Corporation Real Estate & Tangible Personal Property in the district, except automobiles, trucks & aircraft (in addition to the general rate applicable to all real estate in the County and the rate for any other service district where the property is located, if applicable)

$0.000

$0.000

Real Estate in the Ashburn Station Service District; and Public Service Corporation Real Estate & Tangible Personal Property in the district, except automobiles, trucks & aircraft (in addition to the general rate applicable to all real estate in the County and the rate for any other service district where the property is located, if applicable)

$0.000

$0.000

Tangible Personal Property (to include all categories of tangible personal property unless the category and rate is set out separately in this notice), including automobiles and trucks of Public Service Corporations (Va. Code § 58.1-2606 (B))

$4.200

$4.200

Type of Taxable Property

Tangible Personal Property Used in a Research and Development Business (Va. Code § 58.1-3506 (A)(7)); and Machinery and Tools (Va. Code §§ 58.1-3507 et seq.)

$2.750

$2.750

Tangible Personal Property – Motor Vehicles of Eligible Elderly and Disabled (Va. Code § 58.1-3506.1; Chapter 873 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County)

$2.100

$2.100

Tangible Personal Property – Eligible Motor Vehicle of a Qualified Permanently Disabled Veteran (Va. Code § 58.1-3506(A)(19))

$0.000

$0.000

Tangible Personal Property – Aircraft and Flight Simulators (Va. Code § 58.1-3506 (A) (5)), including aircraft of Public Service Corporations (Va. Code § 58.1-2606 (B))

$0.010

$0.010

Tangible Personal Property – Heavy Construction Machinery (Va. Code § 58.1-3506 (A)(8))

$4.000

$4.000

Tangible Personal Property – Motor Vehicles specially equipped to provide transportation for physically handicapped individuals (Va. Code § 58.1-3506 (A)(14))

$0.010

$0.010

Tangible Personal Property – Eligible Motor Vehicles of Fire and Rescue Volunteers and Auxiliary Members and Auxiliary Deputy Sheriffs (Va. Code § 58.1-3506 (A)(15), (16) & (32))

$0.010

$0.010

Tangible Personal Property – Satellite Manufacturing, Testing and Operating Equipment within Route 28 Highway Transportation Improvement District (Va. Code § 58.13506 (A) (21))

$0.010

$0.010

Tangible Personal Property – Furniture, Office and Maintenance Equipment (except motor vehicles) owned and used by Homeowners Associations (Va. Code § 58.1-3506 (A)(24))

$0.010

$0.010

Tangible Personal Property – Motor Vehicles, Trailers and Semi-trailers of Interstate Motor Carriers (Va. Code § 58.1-3506 (A)(25))

$2.750

$2.750

Tangible Personal Property – Qualifying Wireless Broadband Equipment (Va. Code § 58.1-3506 (A)(37))

$2.100

$2.100

Tangible Personal Property – Four-wheeled, low-speed vehicles (Va. Code § 58.1-3506 (A)(38))

$0.010

$0.010

Tangible Personal Property – Motor Vehicles Powered Solely by Electricity (Va. Code § 58.1-3506 (A)(40))

$4.200

$4.200

Tangible Personal Property – Motor Vehicles of Uniformed Members of the Virginia Defense Force (Va. Code § 58.1-3506 (A)(44))

$0.010

$0.010

Wild or Exotic Animals kept for public exhibition and properly licensed by the federal government and/or the Commonwealth (Va. Code § 58.1-3506 (A)(23))

$0.010

$0.010

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

2/10, 2/17 & 2/24/22

NOTICE OF ABANDONED BICYCLES Notice is hereby given that the bicycles described below were found and delivered to the Office of the Sheriff of Loudoun County; if the owners of the listed bicycles are not identified within sixty (60) days following the final publication of this notice, the individuals who found said bicycles shall be entitled to them if he/she desires.

All unclaimed bicycles will be handled according to Chapter 228.04 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County.

Description

Case Number

Recovery Date

Recovery Location

Phone Number

Orange Mongoose Index 2.0 bicycle

SO220001424

1/27/22

46424 Esterbrook Circle Sterling, VA

703-777-0610 2/17 & 2/24/22

LoudounNow.com

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 22

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

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, March 9, 2022 in order to consider: ADOPT THE PUBLIC HOUSING AGENCY (PHA) ANNUAL PLAN FOR LOUDOUN COUNTY HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM

rates; allow for the issuance of parking permits to residents; provide a definition for: peak hours, off-peak hours, and the Moorefield Station On-Street Parking Management Area; and correct any typographical and grammatical errors.

Pursuant to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations at 24 CFR Part 903, the Board of Supervisors hereby gives notice that it intends to conduct a public hearing for the purpose of considering and adopting the Public Housing Agency (PHA) Annual Plan (FY23) for Loudoun County Housing Choice Voucher Program. The PHA Annual Plan provides information on current programs and the resident population served.

A complete copy of the full text of the above-referenced proposed amendments is on file and available for public inspection 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 703-7770200. 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”).

A copy of the full text of the above-referenced plan is available and may be examined 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) 777-0200. 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”).

ZMAP-2021-0001 GUM SPRING RESIDENTIAL

PROPOSED CONVEYANCE OF COUNTY PROPERTY Grant of Easement to Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Ashburn Station Metro Station Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1800 et seq., the Board of Supervisors shall consider granting Drainage Easements, Pedestrian Bridge Easements, Surface Easements, Traction Power Easements and Utility Easements over PIN 089-36-0732 and PIN 089-35-1939, commonly known as 43655 Loudoun Station Drive and 22165 Vinegar Hill Dr, respectively, to Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) for the purpose of enabling WMATA to construct, operate, maintain and repair a rail transit system and related transit facilities which shall be known as Ashburn Station Metro Station. The easements are located on the North and South sides of the Dulles Greenway (Route 267) between Ashburn Village Boulevard (Route 2020) and Loudoun County Parkway (Route 607) in the Broad Run Election District.

Copies of exhibits showing the location(s) of the above-listed conveyance(s) and associated documents are available for review and may be examined 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) 777-0200. 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”).

AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 1460 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Chapter 1460. Grants or Loans for Rental Property and Certain Owner Occupied Property Pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 15.2-1427 and 15.2-958, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to amend sections 1460.02 (a) and 1460.05 of Chapter 1460 of the County of Loudoun Codified Ordinances. The purpose of this amendment is to clarify in Chapter 1460 that (i) loans granted by the Board of Supervisors under the Multi-family Housing Loan Program adopted in 2018 should follow the Multi-family Housing Loan Program Guidelines approved by the Board of Supervisors on July 3, 2018, as amended on July 13, 2019; (ii) loans approved by the Board of Supervisors under the Rental Housing Acquisition and Preservation Loan Program should follow the Rental Housing Acquisition and Preservation Loan Program Guidelines adopted by the Board of Supervisors on January 18, 2022; and (iii) any new loan or grant program authorized by the Board of Supervisors under Chapter 1460 shall be regulated and administered in accordance with the guidelines adopted by the Board of Supervisors at the time of establishment of such new program. The proposed amendment to Chapter 1460 will be effective upon adoption by the Board of Supervisors.

A complete copy of the full text of the above-referenced proposed ordinance amendment is on file and available for public inspection 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 703-777-0200. Documents may also 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”).

(Zoning Map Amendment)

25534 GumSpringRd LLC, of Ashburn, Virginia, has submitted an application to rezone approximately 2.0 acres from the R-1 (Single-Family Residential 1) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance to the R-8 (Single-Family Residential 8) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance to develop 12 single-family attached residential units at a density of approximately six dwelling units per acre. The subject property is approximately 2.0 acres in size and is located north of Braddock Road (Route 620) on the east side of Gum Spring Road (Route 659), at 25534 Gum Spring Road, Chantilly, VA 20152, in the Dulles Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 206-28-7547. 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 Residential uses arranged on medium-to-large lots at a recommended density of up to six dwelling units per acre for infill development.

ZRTD-2021-0007 HERCULES VENTURES LC

(Zoning Conversion in the Route 28 Taxing District) Hercules Ventures L.C., of Bethesda, Maryland has submitted an application to rezone a 2.02-acre parcel from the PD-GI (Planned Development-General Industry) zoning district under the 1972 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance to the PD-GI zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance as amended from time to time, in order to permit the development of all principle and accessory uses permitted in the PD-GI zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance at a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.4 (up to 0.6 by Special Exception). The subject property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District, the Route 28 CI (Corridor Industrial) Overlay District, partially within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District between the Ldn 60-65, and partially within the AI Overlay District outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 aircraft noise contours. The subject property is approximately 2.02 acres in size and located on the south side of Moran Road (Route 634) and the west side of Markey Court (Route 741), at 22570 Markey Court, Sterling, Virginia in the Broad Run Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN 045-35-2429. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Industrial/ Mineral Extraction)), which support large manufacturing, contractor and outdoor storage, industrial, and mineral extraction uses at a recommended FAR of up to 0.6.

ZRTD-2021-0006 SHAW ROAD BUSINESS PARK

(Zoning Conversion in the Route 28 Taxing District) PS Business Parks, L.P., of Tysons, Virginia, has submitted an application to rezone a 9.6-acre parcel from the PD-IP (Planned Development-Industrial Park) zoning district under the 1972 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance to the PD-IP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance as amended from time to time, in order to permit the development of all principle and accessory uses permitted in the PD-IP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance at a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.6 (up to 1.0 by Special Exception). The subject property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District, the Route 28 CB (Corridor Business) Overlay District, the Quarry Overlay District (Loudoun Note Area), and the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District outside of but within one mile of the Ldn 60 aircraft noise contour. The subject property is approximately 9.6 acres in size and located east of Sully Road (Route 28); north of Old Ox Road (Route 606); and south of Sterling Boulevard (Route 846); at 22930, 22960, and 22980 Shaw Road, Sterling, Virginia in the Broad Run Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 034-37-2453. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 Comprehensive Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Employment)), which support a broad array of employment uses at a recommended FAR of up to 1.0.

AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 484 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Parking Meters Pursuant to Virginia Code §§15.2-1427 and 46.2-1220, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to amend Chapter 484, Parking Meters, of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. The proposed amendment to the ordinance would provide for further parking regulations in the area south of and proximal to the Ashburn Metro Station to preserve on-street parking for current and future planned uses.

In particular, the proposed amendments will provide for peak/off-peak parking hours; set parking meter

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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FEBRUARY 17, 2022

PAGE 23

Legal Notices ZCPA-2020-0003 TRUE NORTH DATA

(Zoning Concept Plan Amendment) Compass Data Centers IAD I LLC of Dallas, Texas has submitted an application to amend the existing proffers and Concept Development Plan (“CDP”) approved with ZMAP-2017-0003, True North Data in order to: 1) allow for the option to consolidate three buildings into one building footprint; and 2) increase the maximum building height from 35 feet to 56 feet with no resulting change in density. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is partially located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 aircraft noise contour, partially within the QN (Quarry Notification) Overlay District - Luck Note Area, and partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District). The subject property is approximately 97.12 acres in size and is located on the north side of Sycolin Road (Route 625), on the south side of the Dulles Greenway (Route 267), and on the west side of the Goose Creek, on the northwest side Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659), in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 194-10-2562. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Transition Policy Area (Transition Light Industrial Place Type)), which designate this area for low-traffic Industrial and Employment uses at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 0.6.

ZMAP-2020-0013, SPEX-2020-0009, ZMOD-2020-0030, ZMOD-2020-0031 & ZMOD-2021-0019 COMMONWEALTH CENTER RESIDENTIAL (Zoning Map Amendment, Special Exceptions & Zoning Ordinance Modifications)

CWC Overlook LC of Fairfax, Virginia, has submitted applications for the following: 1) to rezone an approximately 23.03 acre portion of a larger parcel from the PD-CC(SC) (Planned Development – Commercial Center (Small Regional Center) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance to the R-24 Affordable Dwelling Unit (Multifamily Residential with Affordable Dwelling Units) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance in order to develop 507 residential units, consisting of a maximum of 222 stacked multi-family units and a maximum of 285 attached multi-family units, at a density of 22.01 dwelling units per acre; and 2) Special Exception to reduce the minimum front yard from 25 feet to 10 feet and reduce the minimum side yard from 10 feet minimum and 25 feet minimum on corner lots to 10 feet for corner lots for Affordable Dwelling Unit (ADU) developments in the R-24 zoning district. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The modification of the lot and building requirements for affordable dwelling unit developments is authorized by Special Exception under Section 7-1003. The Applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modifications: ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION

PROPOSED MODIFICATION

§3-707(B) R-24 Multifamily Residential, Building Requirements, Building Height.

Allow for building heights of 60 feet without additional setback requirements for a height over 45 feet for both the attached and stacked multifamily buildings.

§5-1403(B) Landscaping, Buffer Yards, Screening, and Landscape Plans; Road Corridor Buffers and Setbacks; Road Corridor Buffer and Setbacks Matrix, Table 5-1403(B).

Reduce the minimum building and parking setbacks for all other roads in nonresidential districts from 25 feet (parking) to allow for 10-foot building and parking setbacks along Commonwealth Center Drive.

§3-702(A) R-24 Multifamily Residential, Size and Location.

Modify requirement that access in locations abutting arterials and major collectors be provided only via minor collector roads to allow for access to lots created after rezoning to be provided by Category A & B private roads.

The subject property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District and within the Route 28 Corridor Business Overlay District and is also located partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District) and minor floodplain. The property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 noise contours. The subject property is an approximately 23.03-acre portion of a larger parcel and is located on the east side of Loudoun County Parkway (Route 607) and the south side of Harry Byrd Highway (Route 7) in the Broad Run Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as a portion of PIN: 040-35-9407. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area), in the Suburban Mixed Use Place Type which designate this area for a mix of Residential, Commercial, Entertainment, Cultural and Recreational uses at recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.0.

ZMAP-2016-0011, SPEX-2016-0037, SPEX-2020-0003, ZMOD-2021-0010, ZMOD-2021-0011, ZMOD-2021-0012, ZMOD-2021-0013, ZMOD-2021-0014 & ZMOD-2021-0048 AVONLEA II (Zoning Map Amendment, Special Exceptions & Zoning Ordinance Modifications)

Avonlea Investments LC of Fairfax, Virginia, has submitted applications for the following: 1) to rezone approximately 15.54 acres from the PD-CC(SC) (Planned Development – Commercial Center (Small Regional Center)) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance to the R-24 (Multifamily Residential-24) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance in order to develop up to 447 attached multifamily residential units, at a density of approximately 28.8

dwelling units per acre; and 2) Special Exceptions to permit a 300,000 square foot continuing care facility containing up to 220 beds and to develop office uses which exceed 20% of the PD-CC(SC) zoning district.

These applications are permitted by Special Exception under Section 4-204. The applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modifications: ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION

PROPOSED MODIFICATION

§4-202(C) PD-CC Planned Development – Commercial Center, Purpose, Size and Location of Individual Districts, Small Regional Center (SC).

To allow a PD-CC(SC) district size less than 20 acres.

§4-205(C)(1)(c) PD-CC Planned Development Commercial Center, Lot Requirements, Yards, Adjacent to Roads, Small Regional Centers (SC).

To reduce parking setback from thirty-five (35) feet to twenty (20) feet from private streets in the PD-CC(SC) zoning district.

And

And

§4-205(C)(2) PD-CC Planned Development Commercial Center, Building Requirements, Lot Requirements, Yards, Adjacent to Agricultural and Residential Districts and Land Bays Allowing Residential Uses.

To reduce building and parking setbacks in the PD-CC(SC) district from one hundred (100) feet to allow building and parking no closer than 20 feet from the R-24 zoning district.

§4-206(C) PD-CC Planned Development Commercial Center, Building Requirements, Building Height.

To permit a building in Landbay 4 to be erected to a maximum height of 75 feet without an additional increase in yards or setbacks.

§3-702(A) R-24 Multifamily Residential, Size and Location.

To allow access from private roads.

§3-707(B) R-24 Multifamily Residential, Building Requirements, Building Height.

To permit a continuing care facility to be erected to a maximum height of 60 feet without an additional increase to yards.

§3-710(A)(1) R-24 Multifamily Residential, Development Setback and Access from Major Roads, Private Streets.

To allow private streets to serve commercial uses in R-24 Zoning District and to allow private streets to serve a continuing care facility.

The subject property is approximately 28.81 acres in size and is located on the south side of James Mosby Highway (Route 50), east of Pinebrook Road (Route 827) and southwest of Loudoun County Parkway (Route 606) in the Dulles Election District. The subject property is within the Airport Impact (AI) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the LDN 60 aircraft noise contour. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 163-17-6609 and PIN: 163-17-5121. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area) in the Suburban Mixed Use Place Type which designate 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 February 25, 2022, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on March 9, 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 2/17 & 2/24/22

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FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Legal Notices ORDER OF PUBLICATION COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316 Case No.:

JJ045837-01-00; JJ045838-01-00; JJ045839-01-00; JJ045840-01-00; JJ045841-01-00; JJ045842-01-00;

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Zubayer Rafik Ekren, Sumeyyah Nadiya Ekren, Asiyeh Hanan Ekren, Khadija Ulka Ekren, Fatima Zahra Ekren and Osama Othman Ekren Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

Unknown Father(s) The object of this suit is to hold an adjudicatory hearing pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-252 for Zubayer Rafik Ekren, Sumeyyah Nadiya Ekren, Asiyeh Hanan Ekren, Khadija Ulka Ekren, Fatima Zahra Ekren and Osama Othman Ekren, and; hold a dispositional hearing for review of initial Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-278.2 and 16.1-281 for Zubayer Rafik Ekren, Sumeyyah Nadiya Ekren, Asiyeh Hanan Ekren, Khadija Ulka Ekren, Fatima Zahra Ekren and Osama Othman Ekren.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, Unknown Father(s) appear at the above-named Court and protect his interests on or before March 2, 2022 at 3:00 pm (Adjudicatory) and March 30, 2022 at 3:00 pm (Dispositional) 2/10, 2/17, 2/24 & 3/3/22

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS will hold a public hearing in the BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ROOM, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following: VARI-2021-0002 Storage Shed - Garcia

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR LOUDOUN COUNTY MEIERGARD, David Plaintiff, v.

PINTO, Roland, d/b/a “Fleetshares Inc.”, et at. Defendant, Case No. CL-21005550 ORDER OF PUBLICATION THE OBJECT of the above-styled case is to proceed on a foreign judgment against the defendant that has been docketed with this Court.

IT APPEARING TO THE COURT

by Affidavit filed according to law that the whereabouts of Roland Pinto, the above-named Respondent, are unknown, that Complainant has exercised due diligence to ascertain his current address and has been unsuccessful, and that Roland Pinto’s last known physical address is: 3303 Horseman Lane, Falls Church, VA 22042; it is therefore

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316 Case No.:

JJ038626-09-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Zachary William Wells

Jorge Garcia of Sterling, Virginia, has submitted an application for a variance to permit a reasonable deviation from the following provisions of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance in order to permit the construction of a two-story storage structure accessory to an existing single-family detached dwelling on the subject Property located approximately 2.8 feet from the rear property line and 3.4 feet from the side property line: 1) Section 3-404(C)(2) – Lot Requirements for Suburban Design Option, Yards, Side, which requires a nine (9) foot side yard, and 2) Section 3-404(C)(3) – Lot Requirements for Suburban Design Option, Yards, Rear, which requires a twenty-five (25) foot rear yard. The subject property is zoned PDH-3 (Planned Development – Housing 3), administered as R-4 (Single Family Residential) under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is approximately 0.24 acre in size and is located on the east side of North Croydon Court (Route 1448), approximately 0.7 mile east of the intersection of East Kingsley Avenue (Route 1450) and North Argonne Avenue (Route 1446), at 902 North Croydon Court in the Sterling Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 021-20-1168.

Full and complete copies of the above-referenced application(s) and related documents may be examined in the Loudoun County Department of Planning and Zoning, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 3rd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call (703) 777-0246.

All members of the public will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, members of the public are encouraged to view and/or participate in the public hearing electronically. 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. If you wish to sign up in advance of the hearing, please call the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 prior to 12:00 PM on the day of the public hearing. Speakers may also sign up at the hearing. Written comments are welcomed at any time and may be sent to the Loudoun County Board of Zoning Appeals, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 3rd Floor, MSC #62, Leesburg, Virginia 20175, or by e-mail to stephanie.capps@loudoun.gov. If any member of the public requires a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability in order to participate in a public meeting, please contact the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200/TTY-711. At least one business day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice.

Nan M. Joseph Forbes, Chairman

VIRGINIA:

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

2/10 & 2/17/22

Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

Tina Lynn Klinedinst, mother The object of this suit is to hold a permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Zachary William Wells.

It is ORDERED that Tina Lynn Klinedinst, mother appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before March 8, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.

2/10, 2/17, 2/24 & 3/3/22

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF LOUDOUN (Civil Division) Petitioners: Respondent:

Wendy Isabella Robinson Alaric Daniel Robinson Jay Clayton Stroup

In the Matter of the Proposed Adoption of Sophie Elaina Stroup Case No.: CA 22-5

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT has accepted application for preliminary plat of subdivision for the following project.

THE OBJECT of the above-styled case is to obtain an Order of Adoption.

SBPL-2022-0002 RIDGES AT HILLSBOROUGH Karyn Minnix, as Manager for Carrington Builders at Hillsboro LC, of Leesburg, Virginia, is requesting approval of a Preliminary Plat of subdivision to subdivide an existing parcel of land, containing approximately 113.2561 Acres, into seventeen (17) cluster lots, five (5) rural economy lots and four (4) open space parcels. The property is located on the north and west side of Heskitt Lane (Route 750), approximately 0.50 mile east of the intersection of Heskitt Lane and Charles Town Pike (Route 9).

The property is zoned AR-1 (Agricultural Rural-1) and FOD (Floodplain Overlay District) under the provisions of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The property is located within the Blue Ridge Election District and is more particularly described as MCPI #515-17-7189.

ORDERED, pursuant to VA. CODE ANN. § 8.01-316 (Michie 2000), as amended that that said Respondent is to appear on or before the 18th day of March, 2022, at 2 PM in the Clerk’s Office of this Court and to do what is necessary to protect his interests.

Additional information regarding this application may be found on the Loudoun Online Land Applications System www.loudoun.gov/LOLA by searching for SBPL-2022-0002. Complete copies of the above referenced application are also available for public review at the Loudoun County Department of Building and Development, Land Development File Room, 1 Harrison Street, SE, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, physical public access to the file may be interrupted. You may contact the project manager to arrange for alternative access to the file if necessary. Please forward any comments or questions to the project manager, Tom Donnelly, at Tom.Donnelly@loudoun.gov or you may mail them to the Department of Building and Development, 1 Harrison Street, SE, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia by March 17, 2022.

The Department of Building and Development will take-action on the above application in accordance with the requirements for a Preliminary Plat of subdivision as outlined in Section 1243.08 of the Land Subdivision and Development Ordinance (LSDO).

2/10, 2/17, 2/24 & 3/3/22

2/17/22

IT APPEARING TO THE COURT

by Affidavit filed according to law that the whereabouts of Jay Clayton Stroup, the above-named Respondent, are unknown, that Complainant has exercised due diligence to ascertain his current address and has been unsuccessful, and that Jay Clayton Stroup’s last known physical address is: 747 Alder Circle, Virginia Beach, VA 23462; it is therefore ORDERED, pursuant to VA. CODE ANN. § 8.01-316 (Michie 2000), as amended that said Respondent is to appear on or before the 18 day of March 2022 at 2:00 PM, in the Clerk’s Office of this Court and to do what is necessary to protect his interests.

2/3, 2/10, 2/17 & 2/24/22

LoudounNow.com

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

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Legal Notices 2022 TAX EXEMPTION INFORMATION Pursuant to §58.1-3604 of the Code of Virginia, the Loudoun County Commissioner of the Revenue has determined that the 2022 aggregate assessed value of all real property exempted from taxation under §§58.1-3607 and 58.1-3608, and Articles 3, 4 and 5 of Chapter 36 of Title 58.1 of the Code of Virginia is $8,394,869,980. This aggregate assessed value represents 6.9 percent of all real property assessed in the County.

The total reduction in tax revenues resulting from such exemptions is $76,813,060 based on the maximum proposed tax rate of $0.915 per $100 of assessed value.

Robert S. Wertz, Jr. Commissioner of the Revenue Loudoun County Government Center Office 1 Harrison St. SE, 1st Floor, Leesburg Loudoun Tech Center Office 21641 Ridgetop Circle, Ste 100, Sterling MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 8000, Leesburg, VA 20177-9804 Phone: 703-777-0260 E-mail: realestate@loudoun.gov Website: www.loudoun.gov/cor 2/10 & 2/17/22

ATTENTION LOUDOUN COUNTY BUSINESS OWNERS

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR LOUDOUN COUNTY WILLIAM TODD COLE Plaintiff, v.

KAREN MAE JOHNSON, Defendant,

MARCH 1 DEADLINE Notification of 2022 business tax filing requirements has been mailed to each business and self-employed person on our tax rolls. The notification contains the account number and owner name necessary to report both business receipts and business equipment online.

BUSINESS LICENSE RENEWAL DUE MARCH 1

Case No. CL-22-544 ORDER OF PUBLICATION THE OBJECT OF THIS SUIT is for the Plaintiff, WILLIAM TODD COLE, to obtain a divorce a vinculo matrimonii from the Defendant, KAREN MAE JOHNSON, on the grounds of the parties having lived separate and apart without cohabitation and without interruption for a period of time in excess of one (1) year.

IT APPEARING by Affidavit that the Plaintiff has used due diligence to ascertain the whereabouts of the Defendant without effect, and therefore IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Defendant appear before this Court on or before the 15th day of April, 2022 at 2 p.m. and protect her interests herein.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the above paragraphs be published once a week for four (4) successive weeks in Loudoun Now, a newspaper of general circulation in Loudoun County, Virginia. Loudoun Now is located 15 North King Street, Suite 101, Leesburg, VA 20176. The Clerk of this Court shall post this Order at the front door of the Courthouse, and shall mail a copy of this Order to the Defendant at her last known address at 1634 Glacier Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80910.

Business owners who possess a 2021 Loudoun County Business License must obtain a 2022 license by reporting their calendar year 2021 gross receipts and paying the applicable license tax or fee at www.loudoun.gov/efile. The annual FILING and PAYMENT DEADLINE is midnight, March 1.

After reporting the business’ receipts online, filers will be provided with a link to pay online as well.

Owners of new businesses must obtain a license within 30 days of beginning business. Owners of businesses located in one of Loudoun’s incorporated towns should contact the respective town regarding business licensing requirements.

BUSINESS EQUIPMENT REPORTING DUE MARCH 1 Owners of business equipment that was located in Loudoun County on January 1, 2022, must report it for taxation at www.loudoun.gov/efile. The reporting of original cost, year of purchase, location, and item description for all business equipment in the county is due by midnight, March 1, 2022. Resulting semi-annual tax bills for this equipment must be paid to the Treasurer by the May 5 and October 5 deadlines. The reporting of business equipment is made to the Commissioner of the Revenue for all businesses in the County whether within or outside of an incorporated town.

Business owners subject to local business taxes must file annually, even if there is no tax due or property to declare. Address changes and notification of business closure should also be reported at www.loudoun.gov/efile. To protect the safety of taxpayers and staff and slow the spread of COVID-19, we encourage you to connect with us virtually. Most transactions with our office can be done online.

For more information or filing assistance, please visit www.loudoun.gov/cor or contact my office at businesstax@loudoun.gov or 703-777-0260. You may also write or stop by my office weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. So that we may better serve you, taxpayers are encouraged to email or call prior to visiting the office.

Robert S. Wertz, Jr. Commissioner of the Revenue Loudoun County Government Center Office 1 Harrison St. SE, 1st Floor, Leesburg Loudoun Tech Center Office 21641 Ridgetop Circle, Ste 100, Sterling MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 8000, Leesburg, VA 20177-9804

2/17, 2/24, 3/3 & 3/10/22

Phone: 703-777-0260 E-mail: btcor@loudoun.gov Website: www.loudoun.gov/cor

TOWN OF HAMILTON, VIRGINIA NOTICE OF PROPOSED PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX RATES AND MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE FEE FOR FY23 Pursuant to Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended §§15.2-107,-1427, 46.2-752 and 58.1-3000, -3007, -3506.1 and -3524the Hamilton Town Council will hold a public hearing at the Hamilton Town Office, 53 East Colonial Highway, Hamilton, Virginia, on March 3, 2022, beginning at 7:00 p.m. via Livestream and Zoom Virtual Meetings for the purpose of receiving comment on the proposed personal property tax rates and motor vehicle license fee for Fiscal Year 2023. Based on the projected Personal Property Tax Relief (PPTRA) amount allocated to the Town, the percentage of PPTRA will decrease.

2/17 & 2/24/22

TAX RELIEF FOR THE ELDERLY OR DISABLED INFORMATION SESSIONS Loudoun’s Commissioner of the Revenue, Robert S. Wertz, Jr., has scheduled free information sessions to familiarize residents with the eligibility criteria for the county’s generous real estate tax relief program and eligibility thresholds for 2022.

FY 2022 personal property tax rate:

$1.10 per $100 of assessed value; 70% PPTRA discount for qualified vehicles

FY2023 proposed personal property tax rate:

$1.10 per $100 of assessed value; 45% PPTRA discount for qualified vehicles no change in rate (PPTRA discount decrease of 25%)

FY2022 proposed personal property tax rate For elderly/disabled

$0.01 per $100 of assessed value

Loudoun County homeowners age 65 or older or with disabilities that are below established income and wealth limits may benefit from a reduction in the amount of property taxes they pay. Qualified applicants for real estate relief must have a gross combined income less than $77,000, and net worth less than $920,000. Up to $10,000 in income of a spouse or relative residing in the home is excluded from the income calculation. Program participants saved almost $8 million in real estate taxes in tax year 2021.

FY2022 motor vehicle license fee

$ 25.00 cars/ $16.00 motorcycles

Find out about the county’s tax relief program and have your questions answered. No appointment or RSVP is required to attend these free sessions which are being held at the following locations and times:

FY23 proposed motor vehicle license fee

No change in rate

The Town Council will hold a special meeting following the public hearing to consider the adoption of an ordinance setting forth the personal property tax rate and motor vehicle license fee. Copies of the proposed ordinance and related documents are available for review on the Town website and at the Town Office, by appointment, Monday through Friday, 8 am through 4 pm. All interested residents are invited to participate in the public hearing by following the instructions on the Town website: hamiltonva.gov or emailing comments to Sherri Jackson, Treasurer at treasurer@hamiltonva.gov.

Kenneth C. Wine, Mayor pro tem Town of Hamilton

2/17/22

Cascades Library

Potomac Falls

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

10:30 AM

Purcellville Library

Purcellville

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

10:30 AM

Ashburn Library

Ashburn

Friday, March 25, 2022

10:30 AM

Rust Library

Leesburg

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

10:30 AM

Interested Loudouners may obtain an application online after March 1, 2022 at www.loudoun.gov/taxrelief. Residents may also call 703-737-8557 to have a form mailed to them or they may pick one up at the Commissioner’s offices in the County Government Center in Leesburg or the Loudoun Tech Center in Sterling. Additional information about the program is available online at www. loudoun.gov/taxrelief.

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 26

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Legal Notices

Misc.

Basement Apartment for Rent

LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING SEALED COMPETITIVE BIDS/PROPOSALS FOR: PURCHASE OF NUTRIENT CREDITS FOR THE LOUDOUN COUNTY MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM, IFB No. 478782 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, March 16, 2022.

ROADWAY AND CIVIL DESIGN SERVICES FOR ROUTE 50 NORTH COLLECTOR ROAD, RFP No. 425782 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, March 17, 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. 2/17/22

ABC LICENSE

The Compass Creek Gas Inc., trading as Compass Creek Sunoco, 595 Compass Point Plz SE, Leesburg, Virginia 20175-5449 The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine & Beer Off Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

James Schmitz Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices.

Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.

2/10 & 2/17/22

LoudounNow.com

NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLES 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.

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PUBLIC NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) The Town of Leesburg will accept proposals electronically via the Commonwealth’s e-procurement website (www.eva.virginia. gov), until 3:00 p.m. on March 4, 2022 for the following:

RFP No. 100170-FY22-31 Flexible Spending Account The Town of Leesburg is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to provide Section 125 Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.

For additional information, visit: http://www.leesburgva.gov/bidboard 2/17/22

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Madison Bartlett Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

Unknown Father The object of this suit is to hold an adjudicatory hearing pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-252 for Madison Bartlett, and; hold a dispositional hearing for review of initial Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-278.2 and 16.1-281 for Madison Bartlett.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Unknown father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before Adjudication on February 23, 2022 at 3:00 pm, and Dispositional on March 23, 2022 at 3:00 pm.

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FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Opinion The Stadium Chase There was a time when county supervisors would be hot to jump into the chase for a professional sports stadium.

A previous board sought to be part of the conversation with Jack Kent Cooke was planning his move from RFK Stadium. And Loudoun was in play when investors were working to convince Major League Baseball to move a team to the region. At one point, the county’s General Plan had locations targeted for special activity districts—suitable for stadium, regional malls, or amusement parks.

That was before the early internet intersected in Ashburn at MAE-East.

Since then, the expansive tracts of cedar trees and sod farms have been gobbled up by data centers that have proven to be far more lucrative and far less intrusive than your typical stadium project.

In Richmond, there is a bit of electricity generated by the prospect of working a deal with the world’s largest billionaires club. And while the structure of the proposed Virginia Football Stadium Authority may protect the state government’s interest, it’s not clear the host locality will enjoy the same protections.

One early area of concern is the structure of the nine-member authority board, which will be appointed by the governor. It comes pre-stacked with four members nominated by the team and only three seats representing the host locality.

By contrast, the Virginia Baseball Stadium Authority, created in the early 1990s and active for a decade in pursuit of bringing a Major League team to Northern Virginia, included a strong contingent of local government representatives—and was structured to keep the team at an arms-length distance. The goal was to negotiate the best deal for the commonwealth, not simply to provide the team owners with an otherwise unavailable financial tool.

There may be benefits to building a mixed-use stadium campus along the Silver Line near Dulles Airport. But it will be important to weigh those opportunities in the county boardroom and not have them dictated by state leaders who live far from any consequences, or by an authority that will have little more responsibility than funneling checks between the team and bond holders. n

Norman K. Styer, Publisher and Editor nstyer@loudounnow.com

Published by Amendment One Loudoun, LLC

EDITORIAL Renss Greene, Deputy Editor rgreene@loudounnow.com

15 N. King St., Suite 101 Leesburg, VA, 20176

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LETTERS to the Editor Say No Editor: It’s strange these days to see bipartisanship anywhere. It’s stranger for that bipartisanship to be used to give Dan Snyder a billion dollars in state bonds.

The talk of a new multi-billion-dollar football stadium in Loudoun has been in the news with state senators and Gov. Youngkin showing intent to pass “legislation to convert the state’s existing baseball stadium authority … into an entity that could oversee the financing and construction of a new National Football League stadium.” This “authority” would have unaccountable power to take land and money for a billionaire’s ego project. Loudoun leaders need to reject a new stadium authority and reject a new Commanders stadium in Loudoun.

With new sports stadiums come promises of “it pays for itself,” economic development, and Super Bowl dreams, but modern-day stadiums are nothing but a drain on taxpayers, traffic headaches, low-wage jobs for a few days a year, endless demands for infrastructure improvements, and rapid requests for stadium updates. Del. Barry Knight of Virginia Beach claims that this is “not just a stadium,” a common catchphrase to sell citizens on stadiums that are empty 96% of the year.

The latest “it pays for itself” idea is the billion-dollar bond idea passed in the Virginia House Committee on Appropriations. Sen. Saslaw (D) of Fairfax touted this plan as free of taxpayer burden. “It does not create a penny of debt,” he told the committee. This bill claims taxpayers won’t pay

for the stadium. The bonds would be paid for by a “projected $3 billion in tax revenue from the new stadium” over 30 years. That means any local tax revenue from the stadium would not come to Loudoun but back to the state to pay back the bond. In reality, rosy revenue projections often fall short for these stadiums.

These projects also move fast; when the Atlanta Braves left Atlanta for Cobb County in 2013, the Cobb County Board of Commissioners had only two weeks to dig through a complicated 30-year deal.

The public had less time to ask questions of local officials. Once a stadium authority passes in Virginia, Snyder and Virginia will immediately start negotiations on the stadium location. At that point, if the state wants the stadium in Loudoun, nobody here will be able to stop them. The traffic, congestion, and headaches will land at our feet.

And finally, stadiums across the country do not benefit taxpayers or their municipalities even with an honest partner. Snyder has destroyed the team’s reputation on the field and decimated its fanbase. He continues to be investigated for allegations of sexual harassment and other workplace misconduct that occurred here in Loudoun. The team is stonewalling the release of last year’s investigation. The team culture is now under study by Congress. Is this an honest partner Virginia wants to enter a 30-year billion-dollar relationship? We can’t hold Snyder accountable for what he has done to this team, but our elected leaders can by saying no to a stadium in Loudoun.

— Peter Fedders, Leesburg

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Readers’ Poll

PAGE 29

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Should Loudoun be in the hunt for a professional football stadium?

LAST WEEK'S QUESTION: What is the top priority for this year’s county budget?

Share your views at loudounnow.com/ polls

Elite Athletes and College Scholarships PARENTING WITH A PURPOSE

BY NEIL MCNERNEY,

When my children were in middle school, I was told by their coaches that they were very good at their respective sports. I should begin giving them the advanced training so that they would be in the running for college scholarships.

They were each 12 years old when these comments began. I was, of course, very excited to hear this. I was very proud of my kids and a bit relieved to think that I no longer had to worry about how we were going to pay for college.

Then the other shoe dropped. I was told that if I really wanted them to succeed, I should sign them up for additional camps and extra speed training.

“All of the elite athletes are doing this,” I was told.

Elite athletes? My son was 12 years old. When did we begin designating 12-year-olds as elite athletes? Although I liked the ring to it, my B.S. alarm began ringing. How many elite athletes are out there? Are they all elite? I think of “elite” as being the top ten percent.

But it seems that at least half of the middle school soccer players these days are playing travel soccer of some kind.

If you have been told your child could be good enough to earn a college scholarship, I’m happy to hear that, and I’m sorry to hear that.

On one hand, I am sure it feels good to hear such great things about your

child. It is always great to hear positives about our kids. But on the other hand, going down the scholarship path might end up with more stress and less fun.

If anyone has told you that your child could be good enough for a scholarship, ask yourself these two questions: Does this person really know what they are talking about? Most people who might comment on our kid’s abilities don’t have much experience in understanding the scholarship process and the level of skill required to play at the college level. They might mean well, but just because they have coached U13 soccer for 10 years doesn’t give them

the insight about college scholarships.

What are they selling? A huge industry has grown up around getting kids ready for earning a college scholarship.

Summer camps, summer leagues, travel leagues, extra training, scholarship agents (a new term to me), videographers (your game video just won’t cut it these days), are all more than happy to take your savings that would go to tuition and spend it on the small chance that your child might earn a scholarship.

According to the NCAA, the chance of a high school athlete playing at the college level, at any level, is about seven percent. The chance of a high

school athlete getting a Division I athletic scholarship is about two percent or less, depending on the sport. Let me be sure we understand that number. Two percent of high school athletes, meaning those students that are good enough to play on a varsity level high school team, will receive a Division I scholarship. Ask yourself: Is your child the top two percent of all athletes at his or her school? Most of us (at least 98% of us) will answer that question with a “no.”

If you are a part of the 98%, maybe it is better to focus your time and money on family-oriented events instead of spending weekends touring the Mid-Atlantic hotels during the tournament season.

If you begin to hear that your child might have what it takes to be a scholarship athlete, fantastic! If your child absolutely loves the sport and you enjoy the lifestyle of a sports parent, then go for it. But don’t plan on using it as a financial investment to pay for college.

Enter this arena very carefully and with the knowledge that many professionals would like to benefit from your desire to give your child the best opportunity. n Neil McNerney is a licensed professional counselor, parenting expert, and author of Homework – A Parent’s Guide To Helping Out Without Freaking Out! and The Don’t Freak Out Guide for Parenting Kids with Asperger’s. He can be reached at neil@neilmcnerney.com

PAGE 30

Tax hike continued from page 1 data centers account for almost half of the value of all commercial property in Loudoun, the largest source of county tax revenue from data centers is in fact the tax on the computer equipment inside, which is captured by the personal property tax rate.

County budget officers have warned that real estate taxes are a more stable source of revenue for the county budget—a concern illustrated last year when, amid pandemic supply chain issues, data center property revenues missed projections by about $60 million. County staff members have recommended supervisors work toward rebalancing their income stream to lean more heavily on real estate taxes.

Hemstreet’s budget does not meet the full request from the Loudoun County School Board, and comes with no recom-

LOUDOUNNOW.COM mendation to do so. His proposal would send $53.7 million more to the school system than last year, but is still $21.5 million short of the School Board request. If supervisors decide not to cut the personal property tax rate in 2023, Hemstreet recommended they could send the $5.5 million they would otherwise forego to the school system, still leaving a $16 million gap in the request.

The county’s legal notice advertised a $0.915 tax rate, which sets the highest tax supervisors can levy without issuing new public notices, and which Hemstreet said would be the tax rate necessary to fund the school system’s full request.

The county’s guidance to the school system had been for an increase of only $49.9 million.

“During budget development discussions with the schools, this transfer was regularly discussed as being sufficient to support the school division’s Fiscal Year 2023. However, changes occurred with the superintendent’s budget proposal no-

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

tably due to impacts to state funding estimated within the governor’s proposed budget,” Hemstreet said.

The School Board’s $1.6 billion proposed budget represents a 5.9% increase in funding, despite this year’s enrollment dropping 7% from projections. The proposed budget includes the addition of an International Baccalaureate program, a tripling of the existing funding for theater and performing arts programs, and an average 5% raise in teacher pay.

This year’s budget will also have a number of new expenses beyond staffing up new county facilities and keeping up with the growing population. Among other county board priorities those include dedicating the revenue generated by a half-penny of the tax rate to the Housing Trust Fund, an estimated $5.9 million, along with $1.9 million to administer the county health department locally as opposed to as a state agency, $1.3 million to continue expanding body-worn camera usage in the Loudoun County Sheriff’s

Schools budget continued from page 1 every school, making 24/7 online therapy available to students and $2.3 million in additional funding for performing arts.

And County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) pointed out that the other major source of school system funding, the General Assembly, may not pass a budget by the time the county adopts its own.

She also attacked School Board members over their budget reconciliation last year, particularly the decision not to end athletic fees after the Board of Supervisors added more than $800,000 into the school budget with the intention to do so.

The Board of Supervisors allocates funding to the school system, but the School Board decides how that money is spent.

She told School Board member Ian Serotkin (Blue Ridge) he owed Supervisor Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian), who pushed for that funding, an apology for his comments last year that the Board of Supervisors does not dictate how school funding is spent.

Briskman reiterated her push to end those kinds of fees.

“All of those fees create inequities.

Those fees, when I had two kids in high school, were $150 per kid per sport per season. So that was $300 out of the family budget every season if you had two kids playing a sport,” she said. And she criti-

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

School Board Chairman Jeff Morse (Dulles) and County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large take part in a meeting of the two boards to present the School Board’s funding request.

cized the decision to instead do away with parking fees: “You’re eliminating a fee for families that can actually afford cars and car insurance, so I don’t know how that’s helping out with inequity.”

This year the Board of Supervisors is unlikely to fund the school system’s full request, already facing an effective real estate tax hike because of skyrocketing property values. County Administrator Tim Hemstreet’s budget proposal, the starting point for supervisors’ budget de-

liberations, is $21.5 million short of the School Board request. That will mean after supervisors pass their budget in early April, the School Board will need to trim their plans down to fit the funding.

“The tax bill is going to be very big even with the [school request] gap that we have, and that means that we do need to give scrutiny to every part of the budget—certainly not just schools, but on the county side as well, and at least be able to justify to our constituents why that tax bill

Office, and a half-million dollars to administer collective bargaining with county employees.

The Board of Supervisors will hold three public input session on the budget.

Those will be Thursday, Feb. 24 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the county government center in Leesburg, and Saturday, Feb. 26 at 9 a.m. in the school administration building in Broadlands. To sign up in advance for a speaking slot, call 703-777-0204.

Comment may be emailed to loudounbudget@loudoun.gov, left as a voicemail on the Board of Supervisors’ Comment Line at 703-777-0115, or left on the county government’s official Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Supervisors will hold their first work session on the Fiscal Year 2023 budget Feb. 28 at 6 p.m., with plans to pass a budget April 5. More information is also online at loudoun.gov/budget. n Hayley Milon Bour contributed to this report. is going to go up,” said Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau.

Communication between the two boards and the push-pull of funding and spending authorities frame almost every annual budget deliberation.

“I feel like we come, we listen to the presentation and then we’re sort of told ‘we don’t want you to do a line-by-line analysis of our budget,’ to which I say, ‘then why am I even seeing it?’” Letourneau said. “You know, I don’t want to just give you a number. I want to base my decision making on something.”

Randall and School Board Chairman Jeff Morse (Dulles) said much of that communication happens on an individual basis, such as between School Board members and supervisors from the same district.

“I communicate very well with Mr. Letourneau. He’s my district supervisor.

And I think that those engagements are very important because I think ultimately, if all of us, all the school board members have that kind of relationship with their supervisors, then we work together as a team outside of the ring here, and I think that’s where things are most productive,” Morse said after the meeting. “I don’t think that this environment is necessarily conducive to the discussions that that Matt and I have, or that Phyllis would have with another board member.” n

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

Redistricting continued from page 3 it’s clear that we pretty much have to select this plan if we’re listening to the public.”

But the majority of supervisors disagreed.

“The COLT plan outperformed all the others because it’s the only one that’s had an orchestrated, coordinated campaign in favor of it for the last several weeks, including members sitting up here on the dais,” Letourneau said.

Turner went further, calling those statements “deliberate mis- and disinformation.”

And supervisors also pointed out the population imbalance between east and west, a result, in part, of longstanding policy to restrict development in the rural west. Turner said the population of the rural west works out to around 12% of the county population—or about one seat among the eight district supervisors.

A third map, the Fechter plan, had been evaluated by county staff but not considered by supervisors on Feb. 15.

“If we’re going to say we’re not going to grow the west with people, you can’t also say, ‘but we want to have more supervisors.’ As it stands, you will have three supervisors in the Fechter plan or the Letourneau plan that have parts of

Stadium continued from page 3 Washington Commanders football team, and they have not, as far as I know, approached the county with any type of deal,” Loudoun County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) said Tuesday night.

The General Assembly’s bill has raised concerns in Loudoun about the state once again trampling local authority and revenues. Supervisors are concerned they won’t have a role in choosing representatives to serve on the proposed stadium, and that local tax revenue from the stadium property could be absorbed into the bond repayment stream.

“It’s so blatantly insulting that they would try to pass legislation where no one from the locality is appointed to the authority,” Randall said. “I mean, the bigfooting from the state on localities has got to stop. It just has to stop.”

Supervisors on Feb. 15 voted on what they would like to see in the proposed stadium authority, including that local taxing and land use authority be pre-

“How are you going to fight about the fact that the west is so important, but then you could have all nine supervisors living in the east?”

— County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large)

the west: the chair, the person who lives there, and one more person,” County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) said. “You will have three people, three of nine to cover parts—wholly or part of— western Loudoun County. When you have 52,000 people, 54,000, I don’t know what else you can ask for.”

And Randall pointed out that the Letourneau-Turner map would require at least one supervisor to live in the rural west.

“The ironic part of the COLT map is it’s the only map that will not require a supervisor to live in the west,” Randall said. “How are you going to fight about served, that the new campus have enough adequate infrastructure to support it, and that at least one member of the authority be appointed by the local governing body wherever a stadium site is selected.

“I could see, potentially, an enthusiastic state government pushing for a stadium or other large complex that would generate a lot of traffic, but the state would not provide funding for any road improvements needed to address that traffic,” said Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg).

And at least one county supervisor is dead-set against bringing the stadium to Loudoun.

“We really don’t want this in Loudoun County. Prince William can have it, DC can keep it, Maryland can keep it, wherever they’re at, they can stay there. I don’t want them in Loudoun,” Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) said. “People are concerned about data center traffic—wait until we have an NFL stadium in Loudoun.”

Umstattd said her email has looked like Buffington’s, with constituents largely opposed to bringing the stadium

PAGE 31

the fact that the west is so important, but then you could have all nine supervisors living in the east?”

Both of those plans had been evaluated by county staff members against requirements ranging from roughly equal population to preserving communities of interest, all passing that inspection. And despite their differences, supervisors were generally positive about the collaborative, nonpartisan process that created those plans. Both leading plans were created by teams of both Democrats and Republicans.

“I can honestly say that in this process, the one thing that really didn’t enter into it was what the political, partisan advantage could be in this type of situation,” Letourneau said. “To me, where I get frustrated as a citizen when I watch these redistricting processes, whether national or state level, is when it’s a pretty obvious partisan gerrymander to try to engineer a result.”

Supervisors voted in favor of the Letourneau-Turner plan 7-2, with Kershner and Buffington opposed.

There is another step: naming the new districts. County staff members have asked supervisors to choose those no later than March 15, so that they can be included in a public hearing planned for May 11.

The Letourneau-Turner plan creates a large western district including every-

“We really don’t want this in Loudoun County.

Prince William can have it, DC can keep it, Maryland can keep it, wherever they’re at, they can stay there.

I don’t want them in Loudoun.”

— Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge))

to Loudoun.

But some others said the county should keep working to improve the legislation and see it where it goes.

“We’re in a situation with this overall discussion where it’s very difficult to evaluate at this moment, where essentially there’s working on specific legislative

thing north and west of Leesburg. It includes the Clarkes Gap, Firehouse, Philomont and St. Louis precincts, stretching to the county’s southern border near Atoka, west of Middleburg.

The Town of Leesburg would have its own district, which would also include areas of River Creek to the east, as well as areas south of town to the Dulles Greenway and Sycolin Creek. Another district, south of Leesburg, would cover the rest of the county’s southern border, bringing together Middleburg, Aldie, areas south of Braddock Road, and part of Brambleton.

A district east of Leesburg would reach south along Belmont Ridge Road generally, including the large communities of Lansdowne, Belmont Country Club, and parts of Ashburn Farm and Broadlands. An Ashburn district would reach from Moorefield Station, sharing parts of Broadlands and Ashburn Farm, most of Ashburn Village, north to One Loudoun and east to Kincora, all south of Rt. 7.

A Sterling district would include Dulles Town Center, reach south from Rt. 7 and wrap around Dulles Airport to include industrial areas and Loudoun Valley Estates. A southeastern district would include the airport—which has no voting population—but densely populated areas including South Riding, Stone Ridge, and everything east of Gum Spring Road and south of Rt. 50. n language in Richmond, related to a deal that doesn’t exist yet at a location that hasn’t be determined,” said Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles). “…

Let’s just wait and let it develop and evaluate it as it comes, and if it makes sense for us, if there is an opportunity, then great, but we’ll do our work here to evaluate that when the time comes.”

In the Senate, Loudoun’s three representatives all supported the authority bill.

In the House, delegates Dave LaRock (R33), David Reid (D-32) and Suhas Subramanyam (D-87) supported the bill and delegates Wendy Gooditis (D-10), Karrie Delaney (D-67) and Kathleen Murphy (D-34) opposed it.

The Senate and House bills creating an authority differ—including on whether the authority-issued bonds must be repaid within 20 or 30 years or whether income taxes generated by the team will be redirected to the bond payments—meaning the final version likely will be hammered out in a conference committee later in the session. n

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LOUDOUNNOW.COM

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

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