Loudoun Now for Oct. 3, 2024

n LOUDOUN

4 | n EDUCATION

10 | n PUBLIC SAFETY

14 | n PUBLIC NOTICES

Community-Supported News. Free to all.

VOL. 9, NO. 47

29

OCTOBER 3, 2024

Planning Commission Pushes for Longer Review of Data Center Changes

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

While county supervisors are pushing to end by-right zoning allowances for data centers, planning commissioners say they want more time to consider the changes.

The commission was briefed last week by the planning staff on direction from the board to develop a two-phase plan to conduct comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance amendments surrounding data centers. The board largely insolated the industry from significant changes during the past four years’ work to rewrite the zoning ordinance.

County Project Manager Abdul Jaffari said 77 million square feet of data center space is in place or undergoing review in areas where they are considered a core or complimentary use. Another 38 million square feet of development is located in planning zones where data centers are considered conditional uses. Those applications require review by the commission and board.

“Twenty-one million square feet of data center development is taking place in place types where data centers are not envisioned under DATA CENTER REVIEW continues on page 40

FLYING FUN

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

With clear skies and warm weather, the Leesburg Airshow attracted a crowd Saturday of thousands for an afternoon of aerobatic performances and aviation displays, educational activities and exhibits, and family fun. While stunt pilots and a wing walker enthralled spectators from above, the chance to get up close with a visiting supersonic F/A-18F Super Hornet was a popular addition to this year’s show.

School Board Bans Cell Towers on Campuses

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.org

The School Board voted 8-0-1 on Tuesday to prohibit the construction of new cell phone towers on school ground for the next five years.

Anne Donohue (At-Large) abstained from the vote. She said she was concerned with the blanket prohibition of the towers and felt decisions by the board on a caseby-case basis would be better.

“The cell phone towers bring in tens or thousands of dollars of revenue to our

division every year. Limiting additional cell phone towers on our school property could have a detrimental effect on connectivity for cell phones or wireless access

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PAGE 3

Montessori School Closes Suddenly Leaving Parents Scrambling

BY HANNA PAMPALONI

hpampaloni@loudounow.org

Some western Loudoun parents were left scrambling to find childcare solutions Thursday morning after the landlord of the Guidepost Montessori School on Purcellville’s Main Street changed the locks following two months of unpaid rent by the school’s parent company Higher Ground Education.

Parents received an email at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday notifying them that the school would be closed indefinitely. The company had been working with all its landlords across the couåntry to “restructure and defer” some of the rent payments for weeks, according to the email.

“We had thought that our negotiations were progressing with Purcellville’s landlord, but unfortunately, we learned that they came this evening and changed the locks on the school,” according to the email.

The company had no advance notice of the change, it stated.

“It is our hope that we can engage in conversations with our landlord, search-

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

The Guidepost Montessori School located on Main Street in Purcellville.

ing for middle ground. Our attorney will be pursuing this tomorrow and will in particular be prioritizing personal belongings that are there on campus. The landlord does not have a right to your personal property,” according to the email.

Parents of students at the school said they’re scrambling to find childcare solu-

tions – an effort made more difficult by the school semester already beginning and other options already being full.

Elena Tyng and her husband, both police officers, have two sons enrolled at the school and have been relying on family to help out while they look for other options.

“I got the email Wednesday but we

were asleep and woke up to a text message about it from a friend and I was like, ‘oh my god, what are we going to do?” she said.

Tyng said her family is relying on their parents for help as they look for alternative childcare solutions for their six-yearold and four-year-old. Nearby Montessori schools are booked leaving her concerned for her six-year-old, who Tyng said learns better in non-traditional school environments.

“I don’t think he’ll do very well sitting in a room for eight hours. That’s why we’re very pro-Montessori,” she said. But they might not have a choice.

“There are not many options especially for my son who is the kindergartner,” Tyng said. “… People just don’t know what to do yet. The other parents are all in the same boat.”

A second email sent to parents early Friday morning said the issue is the result of company-wide decisions – not those made by the local head of school MONTESSORI continues on page 41

Loudoun Laurels: Price, Minchew Honored for Public Service

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

The Loudoun Laurels Foundation on Saturday celebrated the community contributions of attorneys J. Randall Minchew and Stephen Price.

They were inducted as the newest Loudoun Laurates, a roster of 34 individuals recognized since 2008 for demonstrating characteristics of selflessness, integrity, creativity, wisdom and courage.

The presentations were made during a gala event at the National Conference Center that also put the spotlight on the foundation’s Stewardship Trust, which awards four-year scholarships each year to Loudoun County Public School students, typically to first-generation college attendees. Since 2013, the Loudoun Laurels Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to 29 Loudoun Laurels Scholars. This year, Tuscarora High School graduate Jordan Grandison and Potomac Falls High School graduate Diego Chavez were awarded scholarships of up to $40,000 to support their college pursuits.

Price was recognized for his decades

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Stephen C. Price

Randy Minchew

of work serving on boards of community organizations and providing pro bono legal advice for causes that include preservation of Loudoun County’s historic sites and rural countryside.

As general counsel to the Land Trust of Virginia, he helped protect thousands of undeveloped acres in Loudoun County.

As chair of the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area Association, he was credited with expanding educational outreach in schools around the region and building partnerships with other preservation organizations. Price served on the board of directors of Oatlands for more than 20 years, and on the board of the George

C. Marshall International Center for 15 years, including as president. He oversaw the six-year renovation of historic Dodona Manor, George C. Marshall’s home.

“I’m deeply conscious of the outstanding contributions that have been made by previous laureates to Loudoun County in Virginia, and I’m really honored to be numbered with them,” Price said. “And I will strive to be worthy of this honor as my life goes on.”

Price said his commitment to community service was rooted in early mentorship by follow Virginia Military Institute graduate B. Powell Harrison. He tapped Price to lead the dedication of the George

C. Marshall statue, recruited him for service on the Oatlands board, and then to help lead the effort to preserve Marshall’s Leesburg home, Dodona Manor.

“It needs to be said that the achievements that are attributed to me, perhaps to Donor Manor, that this was a team effort. There were a lot of people that made it possible,” Price said. “A lot of people put their shoulder to the wagon and pushed and you see what it is now. It gives a lot of satisfaction to been part of the effort, but it’s important not to take credit for it but to recognize the team effort that made it possible.”

Price also cited the support of his law partners and highlighted the public service of his wife, Dianna, who served on the Electoral Board and as its secretary during a period of repaid growth.

Minchew has lived and worked in Loudoun County for more than 30 years.

He was a founding member and two-term chairman of the Loudoun County Economic Development Commission and a founding member and co-chair of the LOUDOUN LAURELS continues on page 43

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

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OCTOBER 3, 2024

Loudoun

Supervisors Divided Over Push for Pilot PDR Program

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

Transportation and Land Use Committee Chair Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) asks questions of staff during a Sept. 4 meeting.

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The Board of Supervisors’ Transportation and Land Use Committee is making a last-ditch effort to save at least part of the proposed Purchase of Development Rights rural conservation program.

Earlier this year, the board voted to move the item to the bottom of the Department of Planning and Zoning’s work plan giving it a “TBD” timing status. Supervisors also removed funding for the additional personnel necessary during budget discussions for fiscal year 2025.

In April, the board approved a request

by Supervisor Laura A. TeKrony (D-Little River) to allow the TLUC to hear a staff presentation on the program but did not grant the panel authority to give any directives to staff.

The program, which allows the county government to purchase development rights from private landowners for land conservation purposes, was in place from 2001-2004, before the board canceled it.

Committee Chair Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) said he was frustrated that the board had sent something to the committee without giving any authority to act on it. He proposed a collaboration with the Piedmont Environmental Council to implement a smaller, pilot program. PEC presented a proposal to Turner that would focus on one eastern Loudoun parcel – possibly one that could be used in the future to fill in missing links in the county’s linear parks and trails.

The pilot project would look to lever-

age federal and state funding that is specifically allocated for PDR programs. “[It would be] at a much, much smaller and manageable scale to demonstrate viability of a modified PDR program, which uses the same basic functions but does it at a much smaller scale in a much more focused way as to demonstrate that this is a very valuable tool to have in the county’s toolbox,” he said.

Turner said the administrative details would resemble the original program but ultimately it would be a “fairly radically different concept.”

He said wanted the committee to authorize staff to review the revised concept, meet with PEC and come back with a motion.

DPZ Director Daniel Galindo asked what exactly Turner hoped would come out of the staff ’s meeting with PEC. “My expectation would be PEC would provide all of the supervisors with their presentation and staff so you have an understanding of what the concept is. That gives you, I believe, a broad framework,” Turner said.

Galindo said he was concerned that with the amount of work DPZ staff is already doing they would not be able to begin the work in for at least nine months.

Deputy County Administrator Joe Kroboth said based on the full board’s April directive, the committee could not direct staff to come back with a prepared motion, although having staff members speak with PEC would be within the committee’s purview.

County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) said the next step would have to come before the full board.

“And if staff came to me and the discussion was, ‘we saw it, it’s scaled down but it’s not scaled down enough or it’s going to take this amount of time,’ I would probably let you know putting it on the full board agenda is not something that I would do,” she said.

County Administrator Tim Hemstreet said a formal motion by the committee was not necessary.

“I can just direct them to go talk with PDR PROGRAM continues on page 5

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

OCTOBER 3, 2024

PDR Program continued from page 4 PEC,” he said.

Committee members planned for the item to appear before the full board for consideration at a future meeting. However, during a Board of Supervisors’ meeting Tuesday night, Vice Chair Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) won support for a motion that deferred any action by staff – including a meeting with PEC representatives – before the board’s Oct. 16 meeting.

The issue, she said, was not the meeting but that the full board had not authorized it.

“If staff were to meet with PEC they would, by default, have to bring back an item to the [Transportation and Land Use Committee],” she said.

Instead, she and Randall said members of the board should meet individually with the PEC to learn about the proposed program. Then the full board can discuss it at its Oct. 16 meeting.

Briskman’s motion passed 5-2 with Turner and TeKrony opposed and supervisors Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin) and Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) absent. n

PAGE 5

Supervisors Grapple with Expedited Affordable Housing Program

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

County supervisors have been eyeing an expedited legislative review process for 100% affordable housing projects ever since Good Works LP partner Kim Hart’s pilot advanced through the red tape in a quick six months earlier this year. But county leaders are still grappling with what exactly a formal board policy would look like.

Expediting various affordable housing projects has been an informal request to county staff off and on for years. However, a staff report stated that creates problems by not giving planners enough time to adequately review the applications, often resulting in an unfavorable recommendation by them.

A formal policy should only apply to developments whose units are 100% affordable, Assistant Director of the Department of Planning and Zoning Jacqueline Marsh said.

“We think that these types of applications can propose a mix of what types of households would be available to qualify for these units. So, it wouldn’t have to be strictly 100% of these units would be dedicated between zero and 30% [of the area median income],” she said.

An application could split its units between varying AMI requirements as long as all of the units were affordable, she said.

The units would not have to be in the same building together.

During a recent brief to the board’s Transportation and Land Use Committee, Chair Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) asked about cases when several buildings, all with affordable units, are dispersed throughout a larger development plan and whether they would be able to be processed as a separate expedited application.

Deputy County Administrator Joe Kroboth said he did not recommend mixing intertwined applications.

“I think that creates challenges, particularly if you create infrastructure that is proffered that is reliant on the market rate units to finance that,” he said.

Turner said adding a requirement for all affordable units to be in the same building would likely need to be added into the eligibility criteria.

But County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) said she did not want to see all affordable units combined into a single building.

“I want to see that dispersed. Maybe those applicants can’t be expedited,” she said.

Staff members also recommended implementing strict deadlines as the applica-

tion moves through the process, reducing review timelines and expediting the advertising schedule for public hearings to occur before the Planning Commission makes a recommendation.

Marsh said the program would likely require one to two additional staff members in the zoning department to implement and possibly more in other departments.

Turner said he did not want this program to result in staff members working overtime on the weekends. He suggested implementing “time penalties” for applicants who fail to meet certain requirements.

“It reduces the amount of time you’re telling people, ‘you’ve got to work this weekend.’ No, you don’t, because you told them, ‘that’s going to cost you another week,’” he said.

County Administrator Tim Hemstreet said it was unrealistic to implement an expedited process and also expect that staff would not be working overtime.

“I think what’s more important is having an established criteria and having an established framework,” he said.

A motion to have the staff develop a formal policy and bring it back to the committee passed 4-0, with Supervisor Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin) absent. n

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PAGE 7

SCC Concludes Hearings on Eastern Loudoun Power Line Project

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

The State Corporation Commission hearing on Dominion Energy’s proposed Aspen to Golden transmission line project concluded Sept. 26 after a week of testimony.

The next step is for Hearing Examiner Renae Carter to make a formal recommendation to the commission’s three judges. Ultimately, Jehmal T. Hudson, Samuel T. Towell and Kelsey A. Bagot will determine if over nine miles of new transmission lines are built and whether a portion of the line will be required to be constructed underground.

The project envisions 230 and 500 kilovolt lines on monopole towers running from a substation south of Rt. 7 and west of Belmont Ridge Road to a substation near the intersection of Rt. 28 and the W&OD Trail.

During the hearing, Dominion representatives focused on the need for the lines to provide critical infrastructure to the region’s electric grid. It must meet a deadline of June 2028 or risk the possibility of service disruptions, according to Dominion representative Vishwa Link, of the McGuire Woods law firm.

“This is an important reliability project for maintaining the electric grid in Loudoun County and beyond, and to address significant load growth in the area and resolve identified [North American Electric Reliability Corporation] reliability violations. PJM [Interconnection] classified the Aspen to Golden project as a critical baseline reliability project,” Link said in her closing argument.

Representatives from the Loudoun County government and the Lansdowne Conservancy are pushing for the SCC to require Dominion to underground three miles of the line along a portion of Rt. 7. It would also shift the added costs, estimated to reach over $1 billion, to the area’s high wattage users. In Loudoun, those are almost entirely data centers.

The county’s case centered around the argument that undergrounding a portion of the line would mitigate several concerns, including lessening the property devaluations, limiting its environmental impact, preserving the scenic easement and reducing safety concerns at Inova Lansdowne Hospital’s helipad.

Loudoun County representative Adam Winston said it was the “only reasonable way to minimize” the environmental impacts. He described public support for the initiative as “unequivocal, overwhelming and steadfast.”

“The circumstances at large, as shown by the evidence, are that the adverse im-

pacts of the overhead Aspen to Golden proposal are intolerable. In addition to widespread public outcry over the adverse impacts of the line to the scenic assets along Rt. 7, the evidence proffered by the county shows that Dominion’s overhead line comes with significant adverse impacts to residential property values,” he said.

Conservancy General Counsel Bryan Turner said the county is in a unique position.

“Loudoun County has become ground zero in the electrification of data center construction and is working diligently today to employ its zoning and land use power to make future development as compatible and possible with other land uses in the county,” he said. “For this to work, the county needs the cooperation and engagement of other regulatory bodies such as the SCC and the cooperation of the private sector, namely Dominion Energy and the data center industry.”

Turner said the organization does not oppose the project and recognizes the need for service.

“No one here denies it’s more difficult, more expensive, to underground transmission lines,” he told Carter. “What our community submits to you is that it is feasible, it can be done, and the underground is necessary to minimize negative impacts to our community.”

In turn, Dominion representatives argued undergrounding the line is not feasible because the cost is too high, it would cause more of an environmental impact and would delay construction indefinitely, jeopardizing service to the region. Dominion’s proposal meets all of the requirements needed for the SCC to approve the application they said.

“In stark contrast, the updated hybrid proposal proposed by the county is not a complete project, and it is not constructible,” Link said.

Commission staff representative William Harrison said installing the lines above ground is the “only viable option” proposed that would address the energy need within the stated deadline.

He cited concerns with rock imbedded along the route, insufficient rights-of-way to install the lines underground and the number of other underground utilities in the area.

“The fact the county is continuing to pursue further data center construction only serves to increase staff ’s concern regarding the need for this project and the timeframe identified by PJM,” he said.

“Failure to get this need addressed timely could and likely would have consequences reaching far beyond the geographic limits in Loudoun County.” n

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OCTOBER 3, 2024

Leesburg Town Council Creates Performing Arts Commission Leesburg is getting a 14th government advisory panel.

Town Council last week approved the creation of a Performing Arts Commission. Under the terms of the ordinance, the panel will support the development of a performing arts program and the expansion of public access to and participation in performing arts in town.

Council member Todd Cimino-Johnson led the effort to create the committee after realizing the goals of promoting performing arts were not well aligned with the town’s existing Public Arts Commission, which has focused on displays including statues and murals. Cimino-Johnson wanted a group to focus on providing performances of theater, music, dance and spoken word; and helping to develop local talent.

The new commission will be established upon the appointment of members in January and will consist of seven members who are town residents or property owners, appointed by the Town Council.

At least four members must be town res-

idents. The council earmarked $11,000 to provide stipends and operating expenses for the panel in this year’s budget.

The commission will be charged with advising the Town Council concerning policies that will strengthen the performing arts and improve public access to performing arts. It also will recommend and review criteria for grant applications and recommend allocations for performing arts activities, and to seek national, state, and private support on behalf of the performing arts. The commission also is expected to play a role in the reviewing plans to establish a performing arts venue in town.

awards will be presented, including Top 10 Spectator’s Choice. The awards ceremony will take place at 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of King and Market streets.

Pre-registration is $30 or $35 on the day of the show. All participating vehicles must be “pre-staged” at Tuscarora High School between 9:30 and 11 a.m. Late entries will not be permitted.

Downtown streets will close at starting at 9:30 a.m.

In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved to Saturday, Oct. 19.

All proceeds will benefit the students and staff at the Academies of Loudoun.

For more information, including how to register, go to lcps.org/carshow.

Car Show to Fill Downtown Streets Saturday

Vogel Retires from Police Department

The Academies of Loudoun will present the 36th annual Leesburg Car Show on Saturday, Oct. 5, from noon to 4 p.m. in downtown Leesburg.

Historically, the show has placed an emphasis on displaying classic cars at least 25 years old. While all high-quality vehicles regardless of age are welcome to participate, only classic class cars will be eligible for the specialty awards. Over 30

Lt. Christopher Vogel has retired from the Leesburg Police Department after 32 years of law enforcement service.

Vogel began his career in 1990 as a dispatcher with the Montgomery Township (NJ) Police Department. The next year, he joined the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police Department. He joined the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Of-

fice in 1998. He was hired by the town in 2012.

Most recently Vogel serve as dommander of the Operational Support Division, responsible for the School Resource Officers Unit, Traffic Management Unit, Parking Enforcement, Citizens Support Team, and the Youth Cadets.

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Industry leaders, designers, and fashion enthusiasts gathered for the event.

“It was an honor to be nominated and make the finals,” owner Nanette Parsons said. “Winning was a dream come true.

Being able to bring the award back to Leesburg gives me a wonderful opportunity to share it with the community that has long supported me.”

Established in 2013, Best Rack Around offers a variety of intimates, pajamas, loungewear, bridal undergarments, and swimwear. Learn more at bestrackaround.com. n

OCTOBER 3, 2024

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

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LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 10

OCTOBER 3, 2024

Education

No Eastern Loudoun Elementary Boundary Changes This Fall

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN

Judge Denies School Board’s Bid to Dismiss Lawsuit Over Ziegler’s Fees

agustin@loudounnow.org

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN

There won’t be an elementary school attendance zone change in eastern Loudoun this fall after the School Board voted last week to reverse its Aug. 13 vote that adopted a meeting calendar to discuss potential revisions of certain zones in the Algonkian District.

The schools that were being looked at for a potential rezone were Algonkian, Countryside, Horizon, Lowes Island and Potowmack Elementary Schools During a Sept. 24 meeting, Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lewis said there were several reasons they asked the board to reconsider, including a potential need to rezone the area again in a few years because of some new residential developments that have been approved but not yet built in the Countryside and Potowmack BOUNDARY CHANGES continues on page 11

agustin@loudounnow.org

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now

Potowmack Elementary School students get off the bus on the first day of school.

Police Presence Stepped Up at Three Loudoun Schools After Threats

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.org

There was an increased police and security presence at several Loudoun schools last week after threats were made on social media, following trend experienced by communities nationwide Law enforcement received information on potential threats at Ashburn Elementary, Trailside Middle School and Sterling Middle School on Monday, Sept. 23 and Tuesday, Sept. 24.

Parents of Ashburn Elementary students received an email from Principal Rebecca Pierce on the night of Sept. 23 alerting them to the threat and telling them it was being investigated. Pierce said in the email that out of an abundance of caution, there would be additional division safety and security staff and law enforcement on campus the next day.

Pierce sent a follow up email to parents Sept. 24 advising them that the sched-

uled events planned as par to Family PE Week would continue, but parents should expect longer wait times to check in and all students would stay inside throughout the day.

“We are deeply grateful for your understanding and support during times like this, and we are committed to taking every possible step to ensure student and staff safety,” she said.

According to Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office spokesperson Tom Julia, it was an anonymous threat received through social media and is too soon to determine if its credible.

On Sept. 24 Trailside Middle School had an increased presence as a potential threat made by a known juvenile was investigated, according to Julia.

According to division spokesperson Dan Adams, the threat at Trailside will result in disciplinary action and possible criminal charges.

Parents at Sterling Middle School also

saw an increased presence of school security and law enforcement Sept. 25 after an unrelated potential threat made by a known juvenile on social media, according to Julia.

Julia said the school division’s Office of Safety and Security is aware of the threats and working collaboratively with law enforcement.

There has been an increase in school threats across the nation in the weeks since the Sept. 4 school shooting in Georgia that resulted in the deaths of two teachers and two students.

Earlier this month, Leesburg Police charged a juvenile with making threats to harm students on Sept. 11. In that case, threatening text messages were sent to a crisis line.

School and public safety leaders have urged parents to talk with their children about the serious consequences that could result from making from making or sharing threatening messages. n

A Loudoun County Circuit Court judge Monday denied the School Board’s request to throw out a breach of contract lawsuit seeking payment of former superintendent Scott Ziegler’s legal fees.

The case involves a contract between Ziegler and Erin Harrigan of Gentry Locke Rakes and Moore, who represented the former superintendent after he was charged by a special grand jury impaneled in 2022 to investigate the division’s handling of two on-campus sexual assaults committed by the same student.

Lawyers for the School Board argued the three-page engagement letter, which was drafted on the attorney’s letterhead and signed by Ziegler, and a one-page guarantor agreement, signed by Chief Financial Officer Sharon Willoughby on behalf of the School Board are two separate contracts according to Virginia code.

Representing the School Board, Matthew Green of Sands Anderson said during Monday’s hearing that the contract was poorly drafted and didn’t obligate Ziegler to do anything and now Gentry Locke wants the court to fix it. He argued that Gentry Locke failed to plead two necessary elements to establish a breach of guaranty. And he said, because the School Board wasn’t a party to the agreement letter, it did not breach that contract.

“If the drafter fails to include material that is required by Virginia law it is not the job of the court to fix it,” he said.

Green argued the agreement was made between Ziegler and Gentry Locke and that the School Board was not obligated to pay.

Michael Finney, representing Gentry Locke, said the School Board’s ZIEGLER FEES continues on page 11

OCTOBER 3, 2024

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 11

School Board Approves Updates to Aide Policy

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.org

School Board members voted 7-2 on Sept. 24 to adopt the updated policy that governs the conduct and expectations of their aides.

Deane Griffiths (Ashburn) unsuccessfully tried to send the policy back to committee for more work. She raised concerns that it would limit the speech of aides.

“I think we need to be very careful with this policy and remember it will apply to both sides of the aisle,” she said, referencing a board aide she said has worn a shirt to School Board meetings in solidarity with a particular organization.

Griffiths did not mention the aide or the organization.

That motion failed 2-7, with Griffiths and Kari LaBell (Catoctin) in favor.

The policy had a few last-minute clarifications added by Anne Donohue (AtLarge) earlier in the month that moved wording up in the policy prohibiting aides from participating in political activity

Boundary Changes continued from page 10 Elementary School zones; the full implementation of Potowmack Elementary’s Dual Language Immersion program which is set for fall 2028 and includes the addition of 150 more students to the school; to more closely examine school projection numbers for the coming years because several schools aren’t meeting their Fiscal Year 2025 enrollment projections; a change in the use of free and reduced meals that will alter the board’s consideration of socioeconomic data; changes in base building capacity calculations for all elementary schools starting this fall due to changes in capacity for special education classrooms from 10 students per class to eight and a change in special education class numbers.

“We are coming back to you with a recommendation to cancel this attendance zone process for this fall,” Lewis said.

Doing so required the board to hold a vote to suspend its rules of operation to vote to make the item an action item, which required a 2/3 majority vote. That

while being paid. She also added wording that states board aides who plan to act as a campaign manager or seek public office need to give prior notice to their individual School Board member to be reviewed for any conflicts of interest.

April Chandler (Algonkian) added one amendment to require aides to participate in training for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Virginia Freedom of Information Act, and all federal and state regulations.

She said it was at the request of the Special Education Advisory Committee to place more emphasis on protecting the confidential information of students with disabilities. Aide training in these areas will take place every January when they sign new nondisclosure agreements, according to Chief of Staff Daniel Smith.

The School Board aide policy, which has been worked on since May, is being updated because the fiscal year 2025 budget included nearly $1 million for the hiring of board aides and administrators felt

passed 8-1 with Anne Donohue (At-large) opposed. The board then voted on a motion to replace the adopted Aug. 13 calendar with a revised calendar that excluded the attendance zone meetings. That also needed a 2/3 majority vote.

It passed unanimously.

April Chandler (Algonkian) said she appreciated the staff ’s work in gathering the information and said her constituents were grateful for the pause.

“I don’t believe the Algonkian District has gone through a change in 20 years,” she said adding that doing it once would be a better option.

Chandler asked Lewis to quantify where the enrollment was today so the community could have an idea of where the schools are with capacity.

Lewis said they would have final numbers when the official enrollment count was released Sept. 30.

The Aug. 13 vote also approved meeting calendars for discussion of the Capital Improvement Program and Capital Asset Preservation Program. Those meeting dates will still take place as scheduled, with the next budget meeting Oct. 22. n

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now

Superintendent Aaron Spence (left) with School Board members and a student representative Sept. 24.

it was necessary to clarify practices and responsibilities for the positions.

The policy, which dates back to 2016 and was enacted in 2019 outlines job descriptions, work hours, the handling of confidential information, signing of nondisclosure agreements, oversight and corrective action taken by a board members against their aide, prohibited activities, and more definition and clarity around involvement in political activ-

Ziegler Fees continued from page 10 argument was a “superficial gotcha argument,” to evade responsibility.

Finney argued that the substance of the contract was controlling and that both parties signing it knew what the intent was.

He pointed to the agreement letter and noted multiple times where it stated the school division, which he argued meant the School Board, would pay Gentry Locke for its services. And argued the guarantor agreement referenced the engagement letter by using terms like “here in” and “above terms” and that the two go together.

Judge James P. Fisher agreed the document should be read together.

“It is the duty of the court to look at all of the documents and see how they dovetail,” he said, in denying the School Board’s request to dismiss the case.

The case will now move forward toward trial, but no date has been set.

Gentry Locke in April filed a breach of contract lawsuit against the School Board seeking payment of $617,000 for its services representing Ziegler since

ities or campaigning. It also states aides are not subject to the division’s personnel system, policies, regulations, processes or procedures. They are also not considered employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and are not covered by those provisions.

The policy changed from eight pages to 11 with the additions. n April 2022.

Ziegler was fired after the grand jury released its investigative report. Last September he was found guilty of a misdemeanor charge of retaliating against an employee, two other charges in the case —penalizing an employee for making a court appearance and false publication—were subsequently dismissed.

In March, Ziegler was granted a new trial by Judge Douglas Fleming Jr. after Harrigan argued during a January sentencing hearing that the jury was improperly instructed on one of the elements of misdemeanor retaliation and that the Attorney General’s Office, which prosecuted the case, failed to provide evidence supporting an additional element of the retaliation offense—that it was a knowing violation—and required more specific instructions to the jury.

Fleming postponed sentencing and released an opinion on the case March 6 saying that the jury instruction, which was agreed to by both parties during trial, left out an essential element that was required to prove Ziegler’s prohibited conduct was a crime.

Ziegler’s new trial is scheduled for Feb. 3-7. n

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 12

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Academies of Loudoun students returned to the building Sept. 23 after a fire broke out Sept. 17 in the welding classroom, causing an estimated $1 million in damage.

School was closed to students and staff last week because of a strong odor that remained, according to emails from Assistant Principal Rob Rimmel.

Repairs to the building are underway and the welding classroom remains closed, according to division spokesperson Dan Adams. Welding students will continue with the program through other lessons and assignments in other classrooms.

“All other classrooms and programs are continuing unaffected,” he said.

Around 1 p.m. Sept 17 fire-rescue crews were called to the school after dispatchers received a 911 call from the alarm company reporting a pull-station activation

at the school. The on-site school resource officer then reported heavy smoke in the boiler room. The fire was located in the fume extraction system in the welding classroom.

Students and faculty safely evacuated from the building.

Crews worked for nearly an hour to fully extinguish the fire. A Mobile Ventilation Unit was brought in to assist in the ventilation of the building.

The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office said the cause of the fire was an accident, noting that students had been welding earlier and said debris or a spark got into the hopper starting the fire.

One firefighter and one adult civilian sustained minor injuries and were transported to area hospitals for treatment.

There were no reported student injuries.

The fire alarm and sprinkler system functioned as designed, according to the report. 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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OCTOBER 3, 2024

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Public Safety

Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Fatal Shooting over Designer Shoes

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounow.org

In April Jacob McCormick pleaded guilty to attempted malicious wounding following a fatal shooting that resulted from a dispute over a pair of designer shoes. Last week the 19-year-old was sentenced to six years in prison.

The Sept. 1, 2023 incident resulted in the death of Alex Cartegena.

According to the evidence in the case, Cartegena had loaned Jaylin O’Brien a pair of designer shoes and a gun. When O’Brien refused to give them back, Cartegena and McCormick engaged in a social media exchange of insults and taunts.

Eventually, Cartegena and McCormick went to the Stanford Square apartment complex in Serling where O’Brien lived with loaded guns. After following him to a car, they drew their guns and Cartegena fired three shots. O’Brien took cover behind the vehicle and returned fire, striking Cartegena who died at the scene.

McCormick pleaded guilty April 11 to charges of receiving or concealing a stolen firearm and attempted malicious wounding. He has been in custody since Sept. 7, 2023.

McCormick didn’t fire his weapon, according to his attorney.

During the Sept. 26 sentencing hearing McCormick’s attorney said he declined to participate in the Youthful Offender Rehabilitation Program because he had heard there were a lot of fights that broke out and he didn’t want to be around kids his age whom he would likely fight with more.

SAFETY briefs Judge Pays Fine in Public Intoxication Case Loudoun County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Judge Charles F. Koehler Jr. last week paid a $25 fine and $91 in court cost to close the case on his Aug. 31 arrest for public intoxication.

The case had been scheduled for an Oct. 10 District Court hearing, however Koehler prepaid the fine.

Koehler was detained at approximately 1:30 a.m. Aug. 31 after Leesburg Police officers responded to a report of

During his sentencing hearing, McCormick’s mother, Lisa, testified about his upbringing in Florida with his father until he was 15. She said her son had essentially been kidnapped by his father and forced to live in an abusive home. McCormick moved to live with her in Virginia but had a hard time making friends. She also said he was behind in school and needed extra attention in the form of a 504 plan. A 504 plan provides services and modifications for students with disabilities to allow them an equal learning environment. She asked the judge for leniency.

McCormick’s attorney said he took responsibility for his part in the altercation that led to the death of Cartegena and said he was the only one of the participants on trial who didn’t fire a gun. She argued he was a kid with an undeveloped brain and also asked for leniency.

Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Matthew B. Lowery said the evidence showed the act wasn’t spontaneous, with evidence showing that one of the guns was stolen and that the serial number had been filed off. McCormick buried the gun at the apartment complex after the shooting.

He also said it concerned him that the letters and testimony today showed a young man who wanted to be rehabilitated yet didn’t want to participate in the rehabilitation program.

“This was a serious result from a serious breach of the law,” he said.

In addressing Circuit Court Judge James E. Plowman, McCormick tearfully said he was sorry and that he took full responsibility for his actions and said he wished he could trade places with Cartegena, whom

he called his best friend. He promised he would work, get his GED and go to counseling to deal with his past.

In handing down the sentence, Plowman said it bothered him that McCormick chose not to provide his version of how the events unfolded and that the case wasn’t only about a pair of shoes, but a pair of shoes and a gun, saying they were trafficking guns.

“You had a stolen gun and you knew it was and you filed off the serial number,” Plowman said.

He said McCormick took a meaningful role in coaxing Cartegena into the conflict to retrieve the shoes; that they filmed themselves at the Stanford Square apartment complex challenging O’Brien, and that they each brought a loaded gun.

Plowman also said it concerned him that during McCormick’s interview with his probation officer he seemed to be either indifferent to what was going on or that he didn’t understand the severity of the situation.

McCormick was sentenced to serve five years for receiving or concealing a stolen firearm, with three years suspended and 10 years for attempted malicious wounding with six years suspended for a total of six years in prison.

O’Brien was arrested Sept. 2 and initially charged with second degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The charges against him were later dropped. O’Brien appeared as a witness Thursday in a General District Court preliminary hearing about another fatal shooting. n

an individual walking down the Leesburg Bypass near South King Street.

Koehler was arrested on suspicion of public intoxication and then released on his own recognizance.

The charge of public intoxication is a Class 4 misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of up to $250.

Koehler was elected by the General Assembly to a six-year term that began July 1.

Leesburg Police officers were called to the bank on Edwards Ferry Road at approximately 11:42 a.m. Sept. 27 for a report of a robbery in progress.

A responding officer spotted the suspect near the Leesburg Premium Outlet Mall. Joshua M. Boyce was arrested after a brief foot pursuit just after 12:30 p.m.

He is charged with robbery and wearing a mask in connection with a robbery.

That same bank was robbed in October last year. An employee at the bank told dispatchers it was the same person that had robbed the bank before. n

Suspect Arrested in Leesburg Bank Robbery A 25-year-old Leesburg man is charged with the robbery of a Truist Bank in Leesburg on Friday morning.

OCTOBER 3, 2024

Ashburn Murder Case Advances to Grand Jury

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

The case of an Ashburn shooting that resulted in the death of a 19-yearold is advancing to a grand jury following a Sept 26 preliminary hearing in Loudoun District Court.

Rashaun D. Owens is accused of fatally shooting Michai Dandridge-Carter and is charged with second-degree murder, attempted robbery, and use of a firearm in commission of a felony.

According to evidence in the case, just before 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14, county dispatchers received calls reporting that a pedestrian had been struck or that a shooting occurred on Keller Square in the Ashburn Meadows neighborhood. Responding deputies found the victim, Dandridge-Carter, dead in the parking lot.

According to witness testimony, Owens and Jaylin O’Brien met up with Dandridge-Carter and a fourth person to buy marijuana from Dandridge-Carter.

A dispute occurred when Owens attempted to get a closer look at the marijuana held by Dandridge-Carter, who kept it from him, according to testimony. Owens then attempted to take the bag tearing it in the process.

Directly after that, a shot was fired and Owens, O’Brien and the fourth witness ran from the car, according to multiple witnesses.

Dandridge-Carter, who died from a gunshot wound according to the autopsy report, opened the door and fell out of the car.

During cross examination, Owens’ attorney Ryan Campbell confirmed that O’Brien, who said he had known Owens to carry firearms in the past, did not see him with a gun at all that day.

The case will advance to the Grand Jury on Oct. 21.

O’Brien was previously charged with second degree murder and use of a firearm in commission of a felony in a Sept. 1, 2023, fatal shooting, but charges against him in that case were later dropped.

A conviction on a charge of second-degree murder carries a sentence of five to 40 years in prison. Owens remains held in custody. n

OCTOBER 3, 2024

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PAGE 15

PAGE 16

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

OCTOBER 3, 2024

Nonprofits

Community Foundation Grants $28K in Scholarships The Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties announced its 2024 scholarship awards, giving $28,000 to 11 northern Virginia residents.

“We’re so grateful to our donors who had the vision to create a scholarship fund to help students explore higher education and vocational career paths and wish this year’s scholars a great year of learning and exploration,” Organization President and CEO Nicole Acosta said in an announcement. “We encourage anyone with a charitable vision about making grants and scholarships to reach out to our team to see how we might make that dream come to life.”

Ananya Akula received a $1,500 scholarship from the Debbie Settle Scholarship Foundation to study at the University of Miami.

Carina Smith received a $1,500 scholarship from the Gavin Rupp “I Promise 15” Scholarship Fund to study at the University of Virginia.

Caroline Caton received a $1,500 scholarship from the Debbie Settle Schol-

Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties

From left to right, top to bottom: Ananya Akula, Carina Smith, Caroline Caton, Chase Oatman, Emily Jones, Erica Dobies, Hailey Judd, Jennifer Dasmalchi, Jeremy Oh, Kathryn Homa and Summer Schwedes all received scholarships from the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties.

arship Foundation to study at the University of Mary Washington.

Chase Oatman received a $5,000 scholarship from the Stowers Loudoun County High School Scholarship Fund to study at McDaniel College.

Emily Jones received a $4,000 scholarship from the Quinn William Gorman Scholarship Fund to study at Elon University.

Erica Dobies received a $5,000 scholarship from the Stowers Loudoun County High School Scholarship Fund to study at James Madison University.

Hailey Judd received a $1,500 scholarship from the Gavin Rupp “I Promise 15” Scholarship Fund to study at West Virginia University.

Jennifer Dasmalchi received a $1,000 scholarship from the Val and Bill Tillett

Scholarship Fund to study at Northern Virginia Community College.

Jeremy Oh received a $3,000 scholarship from the Gavin Rupp “I Promise 15” Scholarship Fund to study at UVA at Wise.

Kathryn Homa received a $3,000 scholarship from the Gavin Rupp “I Promise 15” Scholarship Fund to study at Duke University.

Summer Schwedes received a $1,000 scholarship from the Mary B. Tett Healthcare Professionals Fund to study at the University of South Carolina.

The Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit designed to accelerate community giving for common good in Loudoun and northern Fauquier counties, surrounding areas and across the nation. To date the foundation has granted more than $16 million dollars.

Individuals interested in learning more about creating a fund or about scholarship opportunities at the Community Foundation may visit www.communityfoundationlf.org. n

Data Center Group Raises Money for Boulder Crest, Scholarships The DC chapter of the 7x24 Exchange raised $76,560 during its annual charity golf tournament that will be split between the Chapter’s scholarship fund and Boulder Crest Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing healing programs for both veterans and first responders.

The golf tournament, held Sept. 24 at Lansdowne, drew more than 300 data center professionals, 65 sponsors and more than 40 volunteers. Its foursomes and sponsorships sold out in under an hour.

“This golf tournament is more than a fundraising event; it’s a testament to the strength and solidarity of our community,” 7x24 Exchange DC Chapter Board member Kurt Wallner said. “Every drive and putt made today not only supports the next generation of data center professionals but also brings healing and hope to those who have bravely served our nation.”

The DC Chapter has awarded more

than $425,000 in scholarships to over 115 students over the past 13 years.

According to the Uptime Institute’s 2023 data center survey, nearly half of the current workforce is expected to retire within the next decade, underscoring the urgency of developing a pipeline of skilled professionals. The DC Chapter is working to address this challenge through strategic investments in education and professional development.

“Our scholarship program is designed to propel emerging talents into the data center industry, providing them with the resources and mentorship needed to succeed,” 7x24 Exchange DC Chapter President Karen Petersburg said. “Our sponsors and participants are united by a shared belief in the power of education and the potential of every young professional we support.”

For the Boulder Crest Foundation, the $26,560 raised will go toward expanded programming for veterans and first re-

sponders in need of comprehensive wellness care. Last year’s tournament brought in $25,000 to the foundation.

“We are deeply moved by the 7x24 Exchange DC Chapter’s dedication to our mission,” Boulder Crest Foundation Executive Vice President Sarah Fehrer said.

“We are pleased to be a part of it all for a second year in a row as the local beneficiary and the proceeds will go a long way in supporting the combat veterans, their family members, and first responders we serve. Their support means more healing programs for those who have sacrificed so much.”

The DC Chapter, one of the largest and most active within the 7x24 Exchange network, uses this event along with others throughout the year to build stronger connections in the industry and the community. Since its inception, the Chapter has donated over $700,000 as well as countless volunteer hours to fight hunger and homelessness, and support healthcare

innovation and community services.

The Chapter is now gearing up for its annual participation in the Toys for Tots campaign and the Cloud Run 5k scheduled for April 12, 2025.

Rooted in the heart of the world’s largest data center hub in Northern Virginia, the 7×24 Exchange Washington DC Chapter provides continuing education and professional networking for mission-critical industries like data centers. Its purpose is to support the data center ecosystem by focusing on three key pillars: knowledge, members and community. Learn more at 7x24dc.org.

Boulder Crest Foundation, located in Bluemont VA, is the home of Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) and offers free holistic, healing programs to members of the military, veterans, first responders and their families. Learn more at bouldercrest.org. n

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

OCTOBER 3, 2024

PAGE 17

Your vote, your future LOUDOUN COUNTY:

Your voice matters now more than ever. The upcoming vote on union representation by the Loudoun Education Association (LEA) will significantly impact your rights.

Don’t miss the opportunity to make an informed decision.

Visit afft.org to get more information about this vote and what it will mean for YOUR RIGHTS.

“Working in a unionized school district has limited my autonomy as a teacher. The union brought politics into my classroom, caused conflict between teachers and parents, and made it harder to do my job.”

-Rochelle Porto V E T E R A N T E A C H E R

your voice matters make it heard!

Loudoun Teachers, learn more about what unionization would mean for your classroom

At Americans for Fair Treatment (AFFT), we understand that you may have questions about what this vote means for you and your career. We’re here to provide clarity, support, and resources to help you navigate this election.

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

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OCTOBER 3, 2024

GIVING back

BCTCares Raises $90K in Pack The ‘Pack Campaign

The BCTCares Foundation, a nonprofit founded and operated by employees of BCT-Bank of Charles Town, raised a record $90,000 through its annual Pack The ‘Pack program.

Since its inception, the foundation has contributed $405,000 to address local food-insecurity by supporting four in-market backpack food charities serving children, individuals and families in need. The funds support food purchases that will result in over 15,000 backpacks being filled with enough food to support students over weekends.

The fundraising effort was from July 1 through Aug. 31. Contributions were solicited from the bank’s clients, vendors, employees, and board of directors along with residents from the communities surrounding BCT’s branches and offices in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.

“I am bursting with pride for our team, clients, and communities,” stated Alice P. Frazier, President and CEO of BCT. “We far exceeded our goal this year, which demonstrates a special generosity on the part of our clients and communities, and a unified focus from our employees. Thank you to everyone who contributed financially or with your time and talent. Because of you, more children are less food insecure.”

In Loudoun County, the foundation supports Fueled, formally known as the Loudoun Backpack Coalition.

Learn more at mybct.bank/about/bctcares.

Rotary Club Supports Ashburn VFRD The Rotary Club of Broadlands-Dulles South’s ninth annual Golfapalooza Raises $7,500 for Ashburn Volunteer Fire Rescue Department.

The tournament was held Sept. 24 at 1757 Golf Club. The funds will support

AVFRD’s efforts to provide emergency services and safety programs in the community.

This year’s event attracted 68 golfers participating in a 9-hole fun format to accommodate golfers of all skill levels.

“We’re thrilled with the success of this year’s Golfapalooza,” stated Club President Sharon Wright. “These funds will help ensure that our local heroes continue to have the resources they need to keep our community safe.”

Learn more at bdsrotary.org.

United Way Tees Up to Support School Pantries United Way of the National Capital Area raised nearly $65,000 during its annual Tee Up for Equity event held at Top Golf in Ashburn. The money will directly support food pantries managed by the Loudoun Education Foundation at Sterling Middle School and Park View High School.

The event is part of the campaign to reduce disparities across health, education and economic opportunity in Loudoun County and the National Capital Region. Despite being the county with the highest median household income, 24 percent of households, more than 34,000, fall above the Federal Poverty Level but below the ALICE threshold needed to cover basic living expenses.

United Way NCA will continue its support of Loudoun County through a Project Community Connect event on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Northern Virginia Community College in Sterling.

Through in-person pop-up events across the region, PCC provides essential services to the ALICE population, including access to health care, rent and utility assistance, food security, and workforce development.

Learn more at unitedwaynca.org/pcc. n

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Community Holiday Coalition Seeks Distribution Space As the Loudoun County Holiday Coalition gears up for its 28th year of gift giving, organizers are looking for a little extra support.

Gloria Mpofu, the executive director of Help for Others, said the Coalition expects to receive more than 500 applications from families for support during the winter holiday program when it sets up its Holiday Store to distribute gifts, food and other items.

But that project faces a special challenge this year after the building that has housed the store for the past seven years—and been provided to the coalition at no charge by Buchanan Partners—was sold.

Organizers are seeking property or warehouse owners who can donate space for this year’s operation—from Dec. 1 to Dec. 23.

The Holiday Store provides gifts to children up to ages 19 in eligible fam-

ilies, as well as to seniors and adults with disabilities.

Applications for assistance have been halted until distribution space has been secured.

The holiday program is supported by the work of community donors and scores of volunteers who gather, sort, stock, and shop for gifts for the clients.

Anticipating a growing need this year, organizers are reaching out to new businesses and organizations to join the effort, serving as collection sites for donations to be dropped off. They also are encouraging monetary and gift card donations. Donors may give through the website at givingothers. org/id14.html.

Once storage space is secured, the application process will be reopened, and a new deadline announced.

Learn more at givingothers.org/id20.html. n

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LOUDOUNNOW.COM

OCTOBER 3, 2024

Towns

Intersection Improvements Eyed in Western Rt. 7 Safety Study

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

Nearly two dozen residents gathered at the Bluemont Community Center Sept. 25 to share their reactions to the latest design concepts intended to improve safety on Rt. 7 west of Purcellville.

The county government is conducting the study of the highway between the planned Rt. 690 interchange near Purcellville and the western county boundary.

The 7.5-mile section includes eight atgrade intersections that are being examined for safety improvements.

The work began with a community meeting in January to learn about residents’ concerns. This week, members of the county’s Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure and consultants from AECOM infrastructure constructing firm returned to present some short-term and long-term improvements that could address them.

The conceptual designs unveiled at the

meeting include dedicated U-turns lanes, a new roundabout, new intersection pavement markings—and lots of vegetation clearing to improve sight distances. The residents poured over the drawings and put their amateur traffic engineering skills to work to make suggestions.

“The bottom line is, there’s some intersections that are worse than others and we focused on trying to make improvements where we could to make that happen,” AECOM’s Paul Anderson said.

Some short-term improvements could be made relatively quickly.

“These are relatively minor things that we noticed out there—places where a crossover maybe didn’t have a dividing line to help organize the traffic or stop bars to help them know where to line up to allow the left turn lanes to go. Some signage and pavement markings were missing.

There’s a lot of places where vegetation is needed to be cleared back to help with sight distance that we’re recommending,” he said.

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Residents examine Rt. 7 intersection improvement concepts during a Sept. 25 community meeting in Bluemont.

Other improvements will take more time and investment.

The Rt. 7/Stoneleigh Drive intersection

provides the most challenges. It is the entrance to a 140-home subdivision and also serves the Hill High commercial complex.

One of the potential safety improvements is a proposal for dedicated U-turn lanes to eliminate traffic movements across the four-lane highway. Another major change is proposed in Round Hill, with West Loudoun Street and Simpsons Creek Road being rerouted and connecting at a roundabout. That option also envisions the elimination of the Simpsons Creek Road link to Rt. 7.

Those concepts and others were posted to the project page on the county government’s website. The planners will be collecting feedback through an online survey through Oct. 25.

After that, the planners will refine the concepts and present their recommendations this winter. A final report is expected to be presented early next year.

The view the design proposals and make comments, go to loudoun.gov/route7weststudy. n

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

OCTOBER 3, 2024

AROUND towns MIDDLEBURG Council Lifts Water Restrictions The Town Council last week ended mandatory water conservation measures. Customers may now use water outside of a residential or commercial structure at any time.

After imposing prohibition on outdoor water use after several weeks of extreme drought conditions, the council voted two weeks ago to reduce the restrictions, allowing outdoor water use between 6 and 9 p.m. daily.

After reviewing the latest assessment of the town’s well system and precipitation forecasts, the town staff and its utility operator recommended an end to mandatory conservation measures.

In addition to the improving weather conditions, the town this month put into service a new 64,000-gallon storage tank at its Well 4 Treatment Plant.

This tank will provide additional capacity and improve water quality.

Asbury Church Project Expands with Oral Histories As Middleburg town leaders continue to study options to restore Asbury Church and make it a community asset in the future, they want to make sure not to lose more of the past.

The Town Council last week authorized the staff to solicit proposals for videography services to record the stories of those who attended the historic church and others in the town’s Black community. The oral history record is expected to become a permanent element of the displays at the restored church.

With the reopening of the church building still at least three years away, supporters wanted to ensure that the recollections of elders and others are not lost.

Learn more about the project at middleburgva.gov/373/Asbury-Church-Project.

Gold Cup Coming to Loudoun A smaller-scale version of the International Gold Cup will be held at Glenwood Park near Middleburg on Sunday, Oct. 27.

The storied day of racing is moving to Loudoun after the sanctioning body decertified the course at Great Meadow, its traditional home in

Fauquier County.

The races were moved from Saturday to Sunday to avoid conflicts with the Mille Miglia classic car races that will be headquartered in Middleburg that week, Oct. 22-26 In moving to a smaller venue, tickets will be limited to just approximately 4,400 people to match the parking capacity at Glenwood.

Learn more at vagoldcup.com

PURCELLVILLE Celebrate Purcellville Begins This Weekend The town’s week-long event designed to highlight local businesses, nonprofits, artists and performers begins this Saturday, Oct. 5.

Community members can participate by taking their celebration passport to participating businesses and nonprofits to collect a sticker. After 20 stickers are collected, residents can turn it in for a chance to win a prize at the Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 12.

Passports will be available at the Town Hall, Purcellville Library and Bush Tabernacle.

Families can use clues in the passports to find locations around town, solve a code and qualify for additional chances to win prizes. The Champan Demary Trail and Suzanne R. Kane Nature Preserve will host trivia and storybook walks.

A final festival will be held Oct. 12 at Dillon’s woods featuring live music, carnival games, an inflatable obstacle course, face painting and food and beverages.

Meet the Artists Planned for Saturday The town’s art council is hosting a Meet the Artists reception on Saturday as part of the latest art display hosted at the Town Hall.

Community members can view the art, enjoy light refreshments and talk with the Purcellville Makersmiths, who have contributed this quarter’s display, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

In addition to the reception, visitors can view the art Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until December.

Artists featured in this show include Christine Dinger, Ken Fuenectilla, Dawn Martin, Makayla Martin, Diane Painter, Ralph Pugh and Em Wang. n

PAGE 21

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 22

OCTOBER 3, 2024

Waterford Fair Opens for 80th Year

FRIDAY OCTOBER 11 7 p.m.

LITERARY!

EAT, DRINK & be

in THE GAP

From Impeachment to a Contested Presidential Election. . .

The impeachment of a president and a contested presidential election threatens to ignite a bitterly divided nation into civil strife.

. . . a Loudoun Republican and Reconstruction

Since 1943, the Waterford Foundation has welcomed visitors to experience one of the country’s most storied fall crafts and arts fairs and tour historic homes in the village little touched by modern development.

This year, the Waterford Fair takes place on Oct. 4-6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with early bird tickets available for entry at 9 a.m. on Friday, before the crowds arrive.

The weekend features over 200 artisan and artists including 79 of the finest American artisans, many from Loudoun County and the Mid-Atlantic region, who will demonstrate their crafts and sell their handcrafted pieces. In addition, there will be performances of traditional music and dance; historical interpreters and Virginia-specific talks; and a fine arts exhibit.

New artisans on this year’s roster include Heather Botchlet of The Springerle House. She is known for making cookies that are works of art following a family tradition that stretches back 170 years and a process that takes more than two days to complete.

A tour of the village will offer guests a look into restored historic homes and gardens and will include a walk through of Civil War and Quaker cemeteries. On Friday, a special reenactment of a day in an 1880s classroom will take place in Waterford’s one-room schoolhouse.

New this year is a collaboration with John and Bonnie Branding, of the Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery, who created beer especially for the fair’s the 80th anniversary.

The fair’s entertainment lineup includes local favorites The Danny Knicely Trio, The Plate Scrapers, Fiddlin’ Dave Van Deventer and Morgan Morrison.

Also performing are Ashlee Watkins and Andrew Small, a duo from southwest Virginia known for their strong harmonies and skills with the fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and guitars. They took first place with The Alum Ridge Boys & Ashlee at the Galax Old Fiddler’s Convention and won first prize in the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at MerleFest.

There are plenty of children’s activities, including a chance to earn a Waterford Explorers badge upon completion of a village scavenger hunt. Children may also help to make a penny rug or try their hand at the potter’s wheel. There’s a magic show, a chance to play in a jug band, and tours of the schoolhouse.

Other features of the fair include three floors of juried handcrafts and home baked goods for sale in a restored brick mill; vintage barns full of fine art and dried flower arrangements and wreaths for sale, traditional music and dance, and historical interpreters.

The village was founded in 1733 by Amos Janney, a Quaker from Bucks County, PA. Today, it is one of only three villages in the U.S. designated a National Historic Landmark District. Many of the village homes and structures, and the surrounding farmland have been preserved thanks to the residents, friends of Waterford and annual proceeds from the fair.

Tickets are on sale at waterfordfairva. org or by calling 540-882-3018. Tickets at the gate are $25 per adult per day, $20 for seniors, military and students per day, and free for Waterford Foundation member and children 12 and under. Early Bird tickets, three-day passes, and group rates are also available. All musical performances are included in the ticket price. n

Although eerily similar to 2024, it was 1877, a decade removed from America’s Civil War and the year that marked the ignoble end of Reconstruction, struck down in a bargain to decide a deadlocked presidential election that was thrown into the House of Representatives.

Historian Taylor Matthews Chamberlin reveals the intrigue and exploits of Simon Elliot Chamberlin and his wife, Waterford Quaker Edith Matthews, as they navigate between a shared love for Loudoun County and devotion to Reconstruction—and their strident opposition to the return to power of former secessionists who dominated the Piedmont.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 7 P.M.

DOORS & GAP BAR OPEN AT 6 p.m.

TICKETS: $15 in ADVANCE/$20 AT THE DOOR Hors d'oeuvres served Beer & Wine for purchase signed BOOKs ON SALE

SCAN FOR TICKETS & INFORMATION 37098 CHARLES TOWN PIKE HILLSBORO OLDSTONESCHOOL.ORG

File Photo

Top artisans will be demonstrating their skills during this weekend’s Waterford Fair.

OCTOBER 3, 2024

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 23

Middleburg Adopts FAR Standard to Limit House Sizes

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

The Town Council last week adopted a series of Zoning Ordinance changes aimed at limiting the size of new homes being built in long-established neighborhoods.

The changes include the establishment of a maximum floor-area ratio for homes in the R-2 District. FAR typically is used to limit the scale of commercial buildings and apartments. The town may be among the first communities in the nation to apply that standard to single family homes.

“The concerns are everywhere.”

— Will Moore (Middleburg Deputy Manager) Town leaders are concerned that construction of larger homes is changing the character of established neighborhoods, like the town’s Ridgeview section, and also driving up housing costs. They have made several changes to the town’s development rules in recent years to address concerns about large homes being constructed on vacant lots or as replacements for smaller homes that have been torn down. The latest changes follow a community outreach effort last fall, review conducted by town consultant The Berkley Group, and a unanimous endorsement from the Planning Commission.

The new rules include new height limits, setback increases, and lot coverage restrictions.

The ordinance set a floor-area ratio limit of 3.0 that limits the size of the home, including the basement, based on the size of the lot. For example, a quarter-acre lot restricted to a home no larger than 3,267 square feet.

The staff report included information on the 17 homes most recently built or permitted in the R-2 district, seven of which involved tearing down smaller homes. Those 17 homes averaged 4,654 square feet built on lots averaging 8,870 square feet. The average FAR for those new buildings was 0.54.

While nearly all of those new homes would sustainably comply with the proposed new height, setback and lot coverage restrictions, only one would meet the potential floor-area ratio limits, with

a FAR of 0.29.

By contrast, most homes in the R-2 district have an FAR under 0.25 and fall well within the new size limits.

During a public hearing before the council’s adoption vote, town residents largely supported the changes, however John Lovegrove, the owner of a Chestnut Street lot, objected. He claimed the new regulations represented an unlawful downzoning that would be overturned under court challenge.

Town Attorney Martin Crim said the

town’s action was adequately structured.

“I don’t think that claim would be successful in court,” he said.

Deputy Town Manager Will Moore led the development of the new rules. He said other communities wrestling with outof-scale redevelopment would likely be watching Middleburg. “The concerns are everywhere,” he said.

The new rules took effect immediately.

Moore said two pending redevelopments in the R-2 district would be permitted to move forward.

“There’s one zoning permit that was issued within the last week, but it’s been in the works for a while. There’s one person who submitted an application at the end of last week specifically to get in. It’s going to be grandfathered. Once the application is received and it’s complete, even though we’ll have to go back and forth on a couple things about it, it has to be evaluated on the regulations in place at that time,” Moore said.

“So, we will have two more tear down rebuilds for sure.” n

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 24

Explanation for Proposed Constitutional Amendment to Be Votedfor OnProposed at the November 5, 2024, Election Explanation Constitutional Amendment Explanation Constitutional Amendment to Be Votedfor OnProposed at the November 5, 2024, Election to Be Voted CONSTITUTIONAL On at the November 5, AMENDMENT 2024, Election PROPOSED Explanation for Proposed Constitutional Amendment PROPOSED AMENDMENT to Be Voted CONSTITUTIONAL On at the November 5, 2024, Election PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ARTICLE X. Taxation and Finance.

Section 6-A. Property tax exemption certain veterans and their surviving spouses and; ARTICLEfor; X. Taxation and Finance.

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ARTICLE X. Taxation andwho Finance. spouses of soldiers for; killed in action diedtheir in the line of duty.

Section surviving 6-A. Property tax exemption certain veterans and surviving spouses and; Section 6-A. Property tax exemption for; certain veterans and their surviving spouses and; surviving spouses of soldiers killed in action who died in the line of duty.

ARTICLE X. Taxation and Finance. surviving spouses of soldiers killed in action who died in the line of duty.

Section 6-A. Property tax exemption for; certain veterans and their surviving spouses and; BALLOT QUESTION surviving spouses of soldiers killed in action who died in the line of duty.

BALLOT QUESTIONof Virginia be amended so that the tax exemption that is currently available Should the Constitution BALLOT QUESTION to the surviving spousesofofVirginia soldiersbekilled in action is the alsotaxavailable to the spouses of Should the Constitution amended so that exemption thatsurviving is currently available Should the Constitution bekilled amended so thatisthe taxavailable exemption is currentlyspouses available soldiers who diedspouses in theof line of duty?

BALLOT QUESTION to the surviving ofVirginia soldiers in action also to that the surviving of to the surviving spouses of soldiers killed in action is also available to the surviving spouses of soldiers who died in the line of duty?

Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended so that the tax exemption that is currently available soldiers who died in the line of duty?

EXPLANATION FOR VOTERS to the surviving spouses of soldiers killed in action is also available to the surviving spouses of FOR VOTERS soldiers who died in the line of EXPLANATION duty?

EXPLANATION FOR VOTERS Present Law

OCTOBER 3, 2024

Explanation for Proposed Constitutional Amendment Obituaries Explanation Proposed Constitutional Amendment to Be VotedforOn at the November 5, 2024, Election to Be Voted On at the November 5, 2024, Election Raymond Fisher Young PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT Age 82 of Leesburg, Virginia PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT Raymond Fisher Young, 82, of Leesburg, Virginia, moved to heaven to live with Jesus on ARTICLE X. Taxation and Finance.

Sunday, September 15, 2024. He was born on November 13, 1941 and attended Mountain n 6-A. Property tax ARTICLE exemption for; certain veterans and their surviving spouses and; X. Taxation and Finance.

Gap School and Douglas High School in surviving spouses of soldiersfor; killed in action who and diedtheir in thesurviving line of duty.

Leesburg. In his early years, he developed 6-A. Property tax exemption certain veterans spouses and; a love of music, sports, and gardening.

Ray began his career teaching at Howard University’s College of Dentistry. He surviving spouses of soldiers killed in action who died in the line of duty.

Present Law

EXPLANATION FOR VOTERS

Present Law Generally, the Virginia Constitution requires that all property be taxed. It also sets out specific T QUESTION

types of property that may be exempted from Currently, theItVirginia Generally, the Virginia Constitution requires thattaxation. all property be taxed. also setsConstitution out specific Present Law Generally, the Virginia Constitution requires that all property be taxed.

It also sets Constitution out specific allows the General Assembly to exempt from taxation the principal place of residence of the types of property that may be exempted from taxation. Currently, the Virginia types of property that may be exempted from taxation.

Currently, the Virginia Constitution surviving spouse of any soldier who is determined by the U.S. Department of Defense to allows the the General Assembly to exempt fromthat taxation the principal residence ofhave the Generally, Virginia Constitution requires all property be taxed.place It also sets out specific allows the General Assembly to exempt from taxation the principal place of residence of the been killed in action. surviving spouse of any soldier who is determined by the U.S. Department of Defense to have types of property that may be exempted from taxation. Currently, the Virginia Constitution surviving spouse of any soldier who is determined by the U.S. Department of Defense to have been killed in action. allows the General Assembly to exempt from taxation the principal place of residence of the been killedAmendment in action.

Proposed surviving spouse of any soldier who is determined by the U.S. Department of Defense to have Proposed been killedAmendment in action.

Proposed Amendment The proposed amendment would expand this current tax exemption so that it is available to all surviving spouses of soldiers whoexpand are determined by tax the exemption U.S. Department to to have The proposed amendment would this current so that of it isDefense available all Proposed Amendment The proposed would thishave current exemption so that itofisDefense availabletotohave all died in thespouses lineamendment of duty, including those who been killed action. surviving of soldiers whoexpand are determined bytax the U.S.inDepartment surviving of soldiers whothose are determined by thekilled U.S.inDepartment of Defense to have diedproposed in thespouses lineamendment of duty, including who been action.

The would expand this have current tax exemption so that it is available to all died in the of duty, including those spouse who have killed action.

A "yes" voteline would allow the surviving of abeen soldier whoindied in the line of duty to claim surviving spouses of soldiers who are determined by the U.S. Department of Defense to have the samevote real would property tax the exemption onspouse their principal place of residence only A "yes" allow surviving of abeen soldier who in thethat lineisofcurrently duty to claim died in the line of duty, including those who have killed indied action.

A would allow the surviving of aare soldier who died in the that line isofcurrently duty to claim available to surviving of soldiers killed inofaction. the"yes" samevote realthe property taxspouses exemption onspouse theirwho principal place residence only the same real property tax spouses exemption on their principal place in of action. residence that is currently only available to the surviving of soldiers who are killed A "yes" vote would allow the surviving spouse of a soldier who died in the line of duty to claim available to the surviving spouses of soldiers surviving who are killed in action.

FULL OF AMENDMENT A "no"TEXT vote will allow such additional spouses to claim the real property tax FULL TEXT OF not AMENDMENT the same real property tax exemption on their principal place of residence that is currently only FULL TEXT OFnot AMENDMENT exemption.

A "no" vote will allow such additional surviving spouses to claim the real property tax [Proposed isspouses underlined.

Deletedwho old language stricken.] available tonew thelanguage surviving of soldiers are killedis action.

FULL TEXT OF AMENDMENT [Proposed new language is underlined.

Deletedsurviving old language isinstricken.]

A "no" vote will not allow such additional spouses to claim the real property tax exemption.

[Proposed new language is underlined. Deleted old language is stricken.]

FULL TEXT OF AMENDMENT [Proposed new language is underlined. Deleted old language is stricken.] exemption.

A "no" vote will not allow such additional surviving to claim the real property tax ARTICLE X spouses [Proposed new language is underlined. Deleted old language is stricken.]

ARTICLE X exemption.

ARTICLE X TAXATION AND FINANCE TAXATION AND ARTICLE X FINANCE TAXATION AND FINANCE TAXATION AND FINANCE ARTICLE X Section 6-A. Property tax exemption for; certain veterans and their surviving spouses and; Section 6-A. Property tax exemption for; certain and their surviving spouses and; TAXATION ANDveterans FINANCE Section 6-A. Property tax exemption for; certain veterans surviving spouses and; surviving spouses of soldiers killed in action who died in theand linetheir of duty. surviving soldiers killedfor; in action who died inand thetheir line of duty. spouses and; Section 6-A. spouses Propertyoftax exemption certain veterans surviving surviving spouses of soldiers killed in action who died in the line of duty. surviving spouses of soldiers killed in action who died in the line duty.

Section(a) 6-A. Property tax exemption for;ofcertain and of their surviving spouses and; Notwithstanding the provisions Sectionveterans 6, the General Assembly by general law, and (a) Notwithstanding thekilled provisions of Section 6, theinGeneral Assembly by general law, and surviving spouses of soldiers in action who died the line of duty. within the and conditions prescribed therein, exempt from by taxation (a)restrictions Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6, theshall General Assembly generalthe law,real and within the restrictions and conditions prescribed therein, shall exempt from taxation the real (a) Notwithstanding the provisions ofprescribed Section 6, therein, the and General Assembly by general and property, including the joint real property of husband wife, of any veteran wholaw, hasthe been within the restrictions and conditions shall exempt from taxation real property, including the joint real property of husband and wife, of any veteran whothe hasreal been within the(a)restrictions and conditions prescribed therein, shall exempt from taxation determined by the United States Department Affairs or its Notwithstanding the real provisions of of Section 6, the General Assembly by agency general law, property, including the joint property ofVeterans husband and wife, ofsuccessor any veteran whopursuant has and been determined by thethe United States Department of Veterans Affairs or any its successor agency pursuant property, including joint real property of husband and wife, of veteran who has been to federal tothe have aand oneStates hundred percent service-connected, andtaxation total disability, within thelaw restrictions conditions prescribed therein,Affairs shall permanent, exempt from the real determined by United Department of Veterans or its successor agency pursuant to federalbylaw have aStates one hundred percent service-connected, permanent, and totalpursuant disability, determined thetoUnited Department ofofVeterans Affairs orplace its agency and who occupies the aspercent his orhusband her principal of The has General property, including the real real property and wife, ofsuccessor anyresidence. veteran been to federal law to have ajoint oneproperty hundred permanent, and who total disability, and wholawoccupies the real property as hisservice-connected, orservice-connected, her principal permanent, place of residence.

The General to Assembly federal to have a one hundred percent and total disability, shall alsoUnited provide thisproperty exemption from taxation for real place property owned by theThe surviving determined by the States Department ofor Veterans Affairs or its successor agency pursuant and who occupies the real as his her principal of residence.

General Assembly shall also provide this exemption from for real property owned by theGeneral surviving andspouse who occupies the real property as his hertaxation principal of residence. of alaw veteran who eligible forpercent the or exemption provided inpermanent, this subdivision, sothe long as the toAssembly federal to also have awas one hundred service-connected, and The total disability, shall provide this exemption from taxation forplace real owned by surviving spouse of a veteran who was eligible for the exemption provided in property this subdivision, sosurviving long as the Assembly shall also provide this exemption from taxation for real property owned by the surviving does not remarry.

This exemption applies toplace the surviving spouse's principal and whoofspouse occupies the real property as the his or her principal of subdivision, residence.

The General spouse a veteran who was eligible for exemption provided in this so long as the surviving spouse does not remarry.

This exemption applies to the surviving spouse's principal spouse ofofaresidence veteran who wasnot eligible for the exemption provided intothis so as the of place without any restriction onfrom the spouse's moving to a different place Assembly shall also provide this exemption taxation for real property ownedprincipal bylong the surviving surviving spouse does remarry.

This exemption applies thesubdivision, surviving spouse's principal place of residence without any restriction on the spouse's moving to a different principal place of surviving spouse doeswho not was remarry.

This applies to theinsurviving spouse's residence. spouse a veteran eligible forexemption theon exemption provided this soprincipal longplace as theof place of residence without any restriction the spouse's moving to asubdivision, different principal residence. place of residence anyremarry. restriction on the spouse'sapplies movingtotothe a different principal of surviving spousewithout does not This exemption surviving spouse'splace principal residence. residence.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6, themoving GeneraltoAssembly byprincipal general law, place of(b)residence without any restriction on the spouse's a different placeand of (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6, the General Assembly by general law, and within the and conditions prescribed therein, exempt from by taxation residence. (b)restrictions Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6, themay General Assembly generalthe law,real and within the restrictions and conditions prescribed therein, may exempt from taxation the real (b) Notwithstanding the provisions ofprescribed Section General by general and property of surviving spouse of any member of 6, thethe armed forces of the United Stateslaw, who was within thethe restrictions and conditions mayAssembly exempt from taxation the real property of the surviving spouse of anyprescribed member oftherein, thetherein, armed forces of the United Statesthe who was within the restrictions and conditions may exempt from taxation real killed in action as determined by died in the line of duty with a Line of Duty determination from (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6, the General Assembly by general law, and property of theassurviving spouse of any member of duty the armed forces the United States who was killed in action determined by died in the line of with a Line of Duty determination from property ofthe surviving spouse of any member of occupies theoftherein, armed forces theofUnited States who wasreal the United States Department ofby Defense, who reala of property as his or her principal within restrictions and conditions prescribed may exempt from taxation the killed inthe action as determined died in the dutythe with Line Duty determination from the United States Department of Defense, wholine occupies the real property as his or her principal killed in action as determined by died in the line of duty with a Line of Duty determination from place of residence.

The exemption under this subdivision shall cease if the surviving spouse property of the surviving spouse of any member of the armed forces of the United States who was the United States Department of Defense, whosubdivision occupies theshall real cease property as his or her principal place of residence.

The exemption under this if the surviving spouse theremarries United Department of by Defense, occupies thewith realshall as ifhisthe or surviving her principal and shall notThe be exemption claimed thereafter.

This exemption applies of whether the killed action as determined died inwho the line of duty aproperty Linecease ofregardless Duty determination from placeinofStates residence. under this subdivision spouse remarries and shallThe notexemption be claimedunder thereafter.

This exemption applies regardless of whether the place of residence. this subdivision shall cease if the surviving spouse spouse was killed in action determined to have died in the line of duty prior to the effective date the United States Department of Defense, who occupies the real property as his or her principal remarries and shall not bedetermined claimed thereafter.

Thisinexemption applies regardless of whether the spouse was killed in action to have died the line of duty prior to the effective date remarries and shall not be claimed thereafter.

This exemption applies regardless of whether the of this of subdivision, but theexemption exemption shall not be applicable forofany period oftosurviving time prior spouse to the place residence.

The under this subdivision shall cease if the spouse was killed in action determined to have died in the line duty prior the effective date of this subdivision, but the exemption shall not be applicable for any period of time prior to the spouse wassubdivision, killed in action to have died in exemption the line of applies duty prior to the date effective date.

This exemption applies to the surviving spouse's principal place residence remarries and shall not thereafter.

This regardless ofofwhether of this butbedetermined theclaimed exemption shall not be applicable for any period ofeffective time tothe the effective date. This exemption applies tonotthebe surviving spouse's principal place of prior residence of without this subdivision, but the shalltomoving applicable for any period of totime prior to the anydate. restriction onexemption the spouse's to aindifferent principal place of and spouse was killed in action determined have died the line of duty prior theresidence effective date effective This exemption applies to the surviving spouse's principal place of residence without any restriction on the spouse's moving to a different principal place of residence and effective This exemption applies toshall the surviving spouse's principal place of residence without any that the spouse reside inbethe theplace time of residence death ofwithout this date. subdivision, but the not forprincipal any at period of time prior of to the the anyrequirement restriction onexemption the moving toapplicable aCommonwealth different of and without requirement that the spouse's spouse reside in athe Commonwealth atplace the time of death and of the without anyany restriction on the spouse's moving different principal ofplace residence member ofany therequirement armed forces. effective date.

This exemption applies toreside thetosurviving spouse's principal ofdeath residence without that the spouse in the Commonwealth at the time of of the member of the armed forces. without anyany requirement reside in thetoCommonwealth at the place time of of theand without restriction on the the spouse spouse's moving a different principal of death residence member of the armedthat forces. member of any the armed forces.that the spouse reside in the Commonwealth at the time of death of the without requirement member of the armed forces.

served in the Army and worked as a dental officer in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. After his service, Ray returned to the DC metropolitan area and began his dental practice.

In addition to working in private practice for over 30 years, he also served the Commonwealth of Virginia providing medical care in the state for more than a decade. He leaves behind to remember the good times and the laughter: his wife Peggy Young; his children, Raymond Young (Jennifer), Anne Brown (Herbert), and Jeffrey Young (Kimeka); grandson Connor Young; and a host of relatives and friends.

QUESTION e Constitution of Virginia be amended so that the tax exemption that is currently available viving spouses of soldiers in action alsotaxavailable to the spouses of Constitution of Virginia bekilled amended so thatisthe exemption thatsurviving is currently available who in the of linesoldiers of duty?killed in action is also available to the surviving spouses Arrangements By: Lyles Funeral Service, Serving Northern Virginia, vingdied spouses of

o died in the line of duty?

EXPLANATION FOR VOTERS

Law

EXPLANATION FOR VOTERS

Eric S. Lyles, Director 1-800-388-1913

www.lylesfuneralservice.net

Roger Lee “Skeeby” Robinson Roger Lee Robinson was the 5th of 12 children born to Catherine “Big Mama” Starks and Andrew “Dee” Robinson. He was born on October 8, 1944, and passed gently in his sleep to Our Lord and Savior on September 22, 2024, after a lengthy illness.

aw y, the Virginia Constitution requires that all property be taxed. It also sets out specific property that may be exempted from taxation. Currently, the Virginia Constitution He was born in Middleburg, VA, where he lived most Virginia Constitution requires all property be taxed.

It also sets out specific of his early life. He was always a loving son, a loyal hethe General Assembly to exempt fromthat taxation the principal place of residence of the brother, a loving husband, and devoted father. To may be exempted from taxation. the Virginia Constitution groperty spouse that of any soldier who is determined by the Currently, U.S. Department of Defense to have family and friends, he was known by many nicknames, among them: Meany, Skeeby, Snake, and Weeb.

General Assembly to exempt from taxation the principal place of residence of the ed in action. spouse of any soldier who is determined by the U.S. Department of Defense toMerley haveTurner in 1975. They raised 4 children: Don, Denene, Darwin He married and Rodney Robinson. After 40 years of service at the Middleburg Safeway, he ddinAmendment action. retired in 2007. He was an avid fan of the Washington Redskins/Commanders. In recent years he had a love for the daytime soap operas which he enjoyed watching with his wife! He was preceded in death by 2 sisters; Mary “Pie” Bridget, Gladys “Nate” Gibson and 2 brothers, Ray “Cut” Robinson and Richard “Bugs” Robinson.

Amendment posed amendment would expand this current tax exemption so that it is available to all He is survived by his wife Merley, daughter Denene of Ashburn, VA, sons Don g spouses of soldiers who are determined by the U.S. Department of Defense of Gore,to VA,have Darwin of Allen, TX and Rodney of Leesburg, VA, sisters Betty Nelson, Karen sedline amendment would expand this have current taxkilled exemption so that it is available toPayne all and Rose Robinson, all of Berryville, VA, Peggy Roberts of he of duty, including those who been in action.

Leesburg, VA, Tina Wallace of Middleburg, VA, brothers Francis of Culpepper, VA and Arthur of Burke, VA, 3 Grandchildren, Edward Rinehart III of Richmond, spouses of soldiers who are determined by the U.S. Department of Defense to have VA, Jade Rinehart McLaughlin of Charlotte, NC, and Devon Kaplan and 2 Great Elise and Jameson Kaplan of Gainesville, VA. We are all blessed to evote linewould of duty, including those who have killed action. allow the surviving spouse of abeen soldier whoindied in the line of Grandchildren, duty to claim have had Roger in our lives. real property tax exemption on their principal place of residence that is currently only A Celebration of Life will be at 12:00 pm on October 5, 2024, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist e towould the surviving spouses of soldiers killedwho in action. ote allow the surviving spousewho of aare soldier died in the line ofChurch, duty to 1175claim Delaplane Grade Road in Upperville, Va., with Pastor Phillip Lewis officiating. Viewing will be at 11:00 am at the church. Interment will be at Westview eal property tax exemption on their principal place of residence that is currently only VA. Cemetery in Upperville, vote not allow such of additional surviving spouses to claim the real property tax o thewill surviving spouses soldiers who are killed in action. on.

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

OCTOBER 3, 2024

PAGE 25

Songwriters To Draw Inspiration from Loudoun’s Sites and Sounds

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

TEJAS SINGH 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com HOLLY MONTGOMERY 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 Plaza Azteca, 1608 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg. plazaazteca.com/leesburg JASON MASI 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. quattrogoobas.com LENNY BURRIDGE 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 Dirt Farm Brewing, 18701 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont. dirtfarmbrewing.com ROCK CREEK REVIVAL 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com JIM STEELE 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com TIM MARCUM 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 Hillsborough Vineyards & Brewery, 36716 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro. hillsboroughwine.com DYLAN PAGE & FRIENDS 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com SO MUCH AND SO LITTLE 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 Willowcroft Farm Vineyards, 38906 Mount Gilead Road, Leesburg. willowcroftwine.com SHANE GAMBLE 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com JAKE PHILLIPS 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

LIVE MUSIC continues on page 26

A new songwriting collaboration will explore Loudoun’s special places— sonically and lyrically—during the creation of a new album of original songs that will culminate in a special night of music on Oct. 11.

Spearheaded by Todd Wright, with funding provided by Visit Loudoun, the Loudoun Artist in Residence project—Loudoun AIR—will be a traveling songwriting workshop that will bring local songwriters together to work with Germany-based hitmaker Terri Bjerre, known professionally as Terri B!, at venues throughout the county.

Wright said the project grew out of long talks with Visit Loudoun CEO Beth Erickson on ways to bolster Loudoun’s music scene.

“Beth and I had always talked about growing the songwriting community and bringing the songwriting community from other places in the world,” Wright said.

“We just felt like the Virginia wine country in October was the perfect backdrop.”

Wright enlisted longtime collaborator Ethan Mentzer to help pull it together.

They recruited a group of the county’s musical leaders—including Gary Smallwood, Cal Everett, Kim Pittinger, Jon Carroll, Ryan Wright, Pamela Brunetti, Stilson Greene, Emma Rowley and Tracy Hamlin—to join in the songwriting workshops.

They’ll gather with Bjerre for daylong songwriting sessions at several venues, including Catoctin Creek Distillery in Purcellville, Walsh Family Wine near Hillsboro, John Wesley Church in Waterford, and even a farm silo—spaces expected to provide special inspiration and unique sounds.

Wright and Mentzer have worked with Bjerre for years.

“She’s had millions and millions of streams in the dance world and EDM, she even has a soul project that does well. She’s always wanted to do something that’s based more in like rootsy folk Americana,” Wright said.

Another special element of the project will be blending “found music” sounds into the creations. Building on a recording project Mentzer made while living in Sweden in 2017, he and Wright have been collecting sound clips from the writing workshop venues. “We might bang a bit on a whiskey barrel, and then slap our hands on some bottles,” Wright said.

Those clips can be assembled to create music. While Mentzer’s project used only the sounds—no instruments or vocals— they plan to incorporate the sounds into the performances of the artists.

Wright met Bjerre in Germany during a songwriting junket in 2011. He was surprised by the quality of her English, only to be more surprised to learn she was a Maryland native, although she had been based in Europe for three decades.

Contributed

Hitmaker Terri B! will spend a week in Loudoun collaborating with local songwriters as part of the inaugural Loudoun AIR project.

“We figured out that we were both American and that was the moment where we glued together like white on rice,” Bjerre said. “I think we wrote our first biggest hit together in 15 minutes.”

She pulled out some lyrics and Wright picked up a banjo. “Blind Heart” would become a club music hit with more that 70 million streams.

A versatile artist, Bjerre’s recent successes have been in dance music and jazz. She is looking forward to something grittier during her Loudoun visit.

“I love fabulous Thunderbirds. I actually was preparing a rock, rockabilly soul, whatever my voice is, album with guitars.

Then I switched to soul after I was doing house music and electronics for so long,” she said.

“I’ve been writing for 33 years. I’ve had 20 Top 100s, three Billboard number ones and I still act like I haven’t done anything and I never felt successful. I’m even in the smooth jazz charts right now with my Terry Green Project,” she said. “I’ve really gotten to spread my wings and write within all the genres that I wished to. Todd was always in my corner.”

Wright hopes the collaboration with Bjerre will benefit Loudoun’s artists, as well.

“Gary Smallwood plays like 220 shows a year, but he doesn’t play his own material. Nobody knows how great his own material is,” Wright said. “Now we have the opportunity to cross pollinate him with somebody that in any other situation he would have never worked with, somebody who’s based in Hamburg, Germany.

We have the opportunity to make that happen.”

And Wright hopes this year’s weeklong Loudoun AIR project grows into something bigger.

“This program is so interesting and unique to Loudoun. I hope we do it every year and that we build a festival around it,” Wright said.

For now, music fans will have one opportunity to hear the results of the collaboration. Terri B! will join the Loudoun participants on Friday, Oct. 11 during a ticketed show at the Barns of Hamilton Station.

Reserve your seat at thebarnsathamiltonstation.com. n

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OCTOBER 3, 2024

BEST BETS

MATT STELL Saturday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $25. tallyhotheater.com The Arkansas native broke onto the national country music scene with his 2019 hit “Prayed for You.” Loudoun favorite Sela Campbell opens.

GET OUT LIVE MUSIC

continued from page 25 YOKO SAYS NO 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com CHRIS BOWEN 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com THE RUSH EXPERIENCE 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $15. tallyhotheater.com SHANNON BIELSKI AND MOONLIGHT DRIVE 8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville. monksq.com WHOLE LOTTA ROSES 9 p.m. to Oct. 5, 1 a.m. Friday, Oct. 4 Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com PEBBLE TO PEARL 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com SAAREP’S CULTURAL DAY AND MIKA SIGNH CONCERT 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Dulles Town Center, 21100 Dulles Town Circle, Dulles. $10. saarep.org/cultural-day CURT CUNNINGHAM 12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Cana Vineyards, 38600 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. canavineyards.com MATT DAVIS 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. larkbrewingco.com

LORRAINE JORDON AND CAROLINA ROAD Saturday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m.

Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, Lucketts. $22. luckettsbluegrass.org Lorraine Jordan’s Carolina Road band is known for their stellar musicianship and versatility that provide powerhouse performances of every song.

MIKE KUSTER BAND 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com WILL SHEPARD 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro.

868estatevineyards.com JIM STEELE 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. thebarnsathamiltonstation.com ZACH JONES 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 50 West Vineyards, 39060 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg.

50westvineyards.com DAN CRONIN 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 8 Chains North Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane, Waterford.

8chainsnorth.com DAVID ANDREW SMITH 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Bleu Frog Vineyards, 16413 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg. bleufrogvineyards.com SCOTT KURT 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane, Purcellville. sunsethillsvineyard.com JESSICA PAULIN 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Bozzo Family Vineyards, 35226 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro. bozwines.com MELANIE PEARL 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breuaxvineyards.com EVAN ROSS 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Firefly Cellars, 40325 Charles Town Pike, Hamilton. fireflycellars.com DENNIS WAYLAND 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5

OLD DOMINION CHORUS Wednesday, October 9, 7 to 8 p.m.

Franklin Park Arts Center, Purcellville franklinparkartscenter.org Week 5 of the Music For Dessert series features Loudoun’s barbershop music singers.

Old 690 Brewing Company, 15670 Ashbury Church Road, Hillsboro. old690.com RYAN SILL 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. quattrogoombas.com THE VIRGINIA RUM RUNNERS 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com JASON FRYE 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Two Twisted Posts Winery, 12944 Harpers Ferry Road, Neersville. twotwistedpost.com PATTY REESE 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Chrysalis Vineyards, 39025 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. chrysalisvineyards.com HUME FRYE DUO 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com THE COOZIES 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com LENNY BURRIDGE 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. larkbrewingco.com ROCK X BAND 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com JOSH HUGHETT/JULIA DIGRAZIA 6 p.m. to Oct. 6, noon Saturday, Oct. 5 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com SCOTT KURT BAND 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road,

Hillsboro. harvestgap.com LORRAINE JORDAN & CAROLINA ROAD 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, Lucketts. luckettsbluegrass.org MATT STELL 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $20. tallyhotheater.com CLENDENEN BROTHERS 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville. monksq.com ROYAL HONEY 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com PHIL KOMINSKI 12 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 Cana Vineyards, 38600 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. canavineyard.com GARY SMALLWOOD 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com MELISSA QUINN FOX 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. larkbrewingco.com SCOTT CLARK 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 Stone Tower Winery, 19925 Hogback Mountain Road, Leesburg. stonetowerwinery.com BRITTON NIESSLEIN 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com

LIVE MUSIC continues on page 27

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

OCTOBER 3, 2024

Why We

LO

PAGE 27

Laurie Young, Legacy Farms

VE

BY VISIT LOUDOUN Virginia native Laurie Young, a strategic consultant who worked on program development in Silicon Valley and elsewhere, is the executive director of Legacy Farms, a Loudoun-based nonprofit focused on neurodiversity empowerment through garden-based work and entrepreneurial mentorship.

Loudoun

FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT IN LOUDOUN?

Lightfoot Restaurant. I love Chef Ingrid’s rich, creative dishes, which may include our herbs, garlic and other specialty aromatics. Our founder, Martha Schonberger, used to enjoy her GCOTD (grilled cheese of the day) specialties.

FAVORITE PLACE FOR A CRAFT BEVERAGE?

I just visited Lark Brewing Company for the first time and love it! They are great community supporters and we will be partnered with them beginning in October for “Sip with a Purpose” and a Legacy Farms IPA. I also love Bear Chase’s Stout and the views from the mountain.

And, of course, there is Fabbioli Cellars

GET OUT LIVE MUSIC

continued from page 26 MATT & MATT 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery, 38506 John Wolford Road, Waterford. wheatlandspring.com CHEVRE BAND 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com CHRIS COMPTON 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 8 Chains North Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane, Waterford.

8chainsnorth.com GRAYSON MOON 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 Bleu Frog Vineyards, 16413 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg. bleufrogvineyards.com KEN WENZEL 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyards.com ROBBIE LÍMON 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 Chrysalis Vineyards, 39025 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. chrysaliswine.com TWO FOR THE ROAD 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane,

where we have a flower field. I particularly like Doug Fabbioli’s Petit Manseng and the view of our gardens.

BEST HIDDEN GEM IN LOUDOUN?

EagleTree Farm Vineyards for an excellent culinary experience in a quiet corner of Loudoun near Lucketts.

FAVORITE EVENT IN LOUDOUN TO GO TO?

The Leesburg Flower & Garden Show.

This year we offered fresh tulips and specialty-cut floral plant starts so others in the community can grow bouquet flowers with us.

WHEN WAS LEGACY FARMS STARTED?

It was founded in 2012 by Martha Schonberger who, along with a team of committed parents and educators, did the hard work of establishing a small garden at Temple Hall Farm Regional Park. I joined in 2018, initially as a consultant. As Executive Director, I launched our unique Mentor/Apprentice program in 2019 and Legacy Blooms in 2022. We’ve since quadrupled the growing space giving apprentices, mentors, grad students, volunteers and staff an opportunity to empower neurodiversity while also contributing to the local economy.

WHAT IS THE CONCEPT BEHIND IT?

Our focus is on neurodiversity empow-

Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com MICHELLE & JASON HANNAN 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com MEISHA HERRON 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com LUCAS MASON 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro.

868estatevineyards.com KARAOKE WITH MICHELLE 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 Two Twisted Posts Winery, 12944 Harpers Ferry Road, Neersville. twotwistedposts.com ACOUSTIC SOUL 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. thebarnsathamiltonstation.com HUME-FRYE 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 MacDowell’s Beach, 202 Harrison St., Leesburg. macsbeach.com REVERAND HORTON HEAT 7 to 11 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $25. tallyhotheater.com THE NIGHTHAWKS 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7 The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. $30. thebarnsathamiltonstation.com

erment through garden-based work and entrepreneurial mentorship. We empower neurodivergent individuals to develop individual job skills, while nurturing personal and professional development and growing neurodiversity as a competitive advantage within our community.

HOW MANY FARM SITES DO YOU HAVE?

Our main flower farm is located at Temple Hall Farm Regional Park where we grow specialty cut flowers like dahlias, double tulips, ranunculus, peonies and more. We’ll be expanding our fields and floral production there this year. We also have a flower field and high tunnel on the grounds of Fabbioli Cellars. These two farms are over an acre and serve our growing apprenticeship program for both farmer-florist training and entrepreneurial skills development.

WHERE CAN PEOPLE BUY YOUR BLOOMS?

Our blooms go to subscription customers, businesses who order bouquets and event designers who need perfect stems for weddings and special orders.

Customers can learn more on our website: legacyfarmsvirginia.org.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU GROW?

I’m not sure if ranunculus is unusual,

TEJAS SINGH 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8 Rebel Taco, 22850 Brambleton Plaza, Ashburn. rebeltaco.com MUSHROOMHEAD 7 to 11 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8 Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $20. tallyhotheater.com DOUG WALL 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com

HAPPENINGS WRITING IN NATURE 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 Morven Park, 17339 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. loudounwildlife.org 80TH WATERFORD FAIR 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday 40222 Fairfax St., Waterford. $20. waterfordfair.org MANHATTAN SHORT FILM FESTIVAL 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Drive, Ashburn. $25. oldoxbrewery.com A CITIZEN’S SHORT COURSE ON THE CONSTITUTION 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 Hillsboro Old Stone School, 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro. $25 to $50. oldstoneschool.org LEESBURG COMMUNITY DOCUMENT SHRED 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Heritage High School, 520 Evergreen Mills Rd, Leesburg. leesburgva.gov

Sharon Hallman Photography

Laurie Young

but it has an unusual name! It’s planted as a corm that looks like a little octopus with claws and requires a cold start with a long growing period to bloom before the heat of summer descends. It’s demanding, ornery and beautiful, a delight to behold in the spring.

LEGACY FARMS continues on page 28 NATURE PLAYTIME 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Morven Park, 17339 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. loudounwildlife.org FIRE STATION 6 OPEN HOUSE 12 TO 4 P.M. SATURDAY, OCT. 5 Fire House Station 6, 20688 Ashburn Road, Ashburn. ashburnfirerescue.org THE WOMAN IN BLACK 7 p.m. to Oct. 27, 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 StageCoach Theatre Company, 20937 Ashburn Road, Ashburn. $28 stagecoachtc.com LIVE4LANE 5K 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 CascadesCommunity Center, 47620 Saulty Drive, Sterling. live4lane.org TROTTIN’ OXEN BEER MILE 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Drive, Ashburn.

Free. oldoxbrewery.com HILLSBORO FARMERS MARKET 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 Hillsboro Old Stone School, 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro. oldstoneschool.org PROFS & PINTS: WOMEN AS HEADS OF STATE 5:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 Crooked Run Fermentation, 22455 Davis Drive, Sterling. $13.50. profsandpints.com/washingtondc INDY ELEVEN AT LOUDOUN UNITED FC 7 to 11 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8 Segra Field, 42095 Loudoun United Drive, Leesburg. loudoununitedfc.com

PAGE 28

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

OCTOBER 3, 2024

Legacy Farms

FUNDRAISER EVENT AT LIGHTFOOT RESTAURANT ON OCTOBER 13.

continued from page 27 HOW MANY PEOPLE WORK ON THE FARM?

We serve 42 neurodivergent individuals per year, who make up nearly 70 percent of our organization. Nearly everyone, including staff and board members, spends time in the gardens or on related organizational tasks.

Many of the apprentices are in their 20s and 30s, transitioning into the workforce or college or changing careers.

There’s no age limit, however, and increasingly we are offering opportunities in areas such as writing, photography and hospitality.

ARE THE FARMS OPEN TO TOURS?

Yes, we love to host tours and talk with visitors! Our apprentices lead tours every other Thursday morning so you can see us at work and ask them questions. Dates to sign up are listed at legacyfarmsvirginia.org DO PROFESSIONAL FARMERS OVERSEE THE OPERATIONS?

Our mentors are professionally trained gardeners, educators, occupational therapists and job coaches. We provide introductory mindfulness training for them, focused on nervous system self-regulation as well as custom self-awareness program training. Apprentices sometimes lead the daily mindfulness practices as well.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR ANNUAL

MATT STELL + SELA CAMPBELL

SAT 10/05

KIDD G

ANELLA HERIM FRI 10/18

The restaurant does a wonderful three-course gourmet lunch, we have live music, show a video of our work in the garden and showcase apprentices who talk about their work. Everyone is welcome but seats are limited so sign up here soon! https://donorbox.org/ events/632692

DO YOU HAVE A HALLOWEEN EVENT?

Temple Hall Farm Regional Park hosts a wonderful Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin Patch & Sunflower Fields open from September 28 through October 31 and we help with that. The park has hiking and riding trails and holds fun events throughout the year.

WHO ARE YOUR MAJOR PARTNERS/ SPONSORS?

We hold a special place of gratitude for our sponsors and supporters, in particular Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, 100WomenStrong, Community Foundation for Loudoun, A Place to Be and others. We also partner with Loudoun Hunger Relief, which coordinates our floral donations through Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers. Weird Brothers Coffee, SimplyBe Coffee and Roots 657 have been wonderful about hosting our floral subscription weekly deliveries as have Glow Studios and 100 Bowls of Soup in Reston. n

REV. HORTON HEAT MUSHROOMHEAD + KOFFIN KATS, BIG SANDY

TUE 10/08

80s NIGHT w/

NEW POTATO CABOOSE

SUN 10/06

THE REAGAN YEARS SAT 10/19

FRI 10/25

FRI 10/04

THE RUSH EXPERIENCE

FRI 10/11

NASHVILLE NIGHTS

THURS 10/17

ANYTHING BUT HUMAN, SHALLOW SIDE, CHASING THE DEVIL

SHIM

SAT 10/26

CROWDED STREETS

FRI 10/31

THE LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE

ZOSO:

FRO 11/1

GAELIC STORM

90’S COUNTRY TRIBUTE

THE DAVE MATTHEWS EXPERIENCE

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

OCTOBER 3, 2024

PAGE 29

Legal Notices ORDER OF PUBLICATION

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

Case No.: JJ047045

Case No.: JJ048199-04-00, 05-00, 06-00, 07-00

Case No.: JJ048861

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Maria Jose Nunez Torres Loudoun County Department of Family Services v.

Mario Obel Nunez, putative father and Unknown Father

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Diana Aljanabi Loudoun County Department of Family Services v.

Dalya Alkhkree, Mother, and Unknown Father

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Carlos Josue Vasquez Argueta Loudoun County Department of Family Services v.

Flor Merlyn Argueta, Mother, Ronald Ofmin Vasquez, Putative Father, and Unknown Father

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

The object of this suit is to hold a second permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Maria Jose Nunez Torres.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Mario Obel Nunez, putative father and Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before October 15, 2024 at 10:00am.

9/12, 9/19, 9/26 & 10/3/24

ORDER OF PUBLICATION COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316 Case No.: JJ049330 Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Bimen Aziz Loudoun County Department of Family Services v.

Mariam Welson Henin, mother, Rady Aziz, putative father, and Unknown Father The object of this suit is to hold an adjudicatory hearing pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-252 for Bimen Aziz; and to hold a dispositional hearing for review of initial Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-278.2 and 16.1-281 for Bimen Aziz.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Mariam Welson Henin, mother, Rady Aziz, putative father, and Unknown Father appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his or her interests on or before September 25, 2024 at 3:00pm (Adjudicatory); and October 21, 2024 at 11:00am (Dispositional).

9/12, 9/19, 9/26 & 10/3/24

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PUBLIC NOTICE THE TOWN OF LEESBURG BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS The Town of Leesburg is soliciting applications for an appointment to serve on the Board of Zoning Appeals. This position is appointed by the Loudoun County Circuit Court to a five-year term ending December 31, 2029.

The Board of Zoning Appeals meets as necessary the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA. Additional information concerning this quasi-judicial board is available from the Clerk of Council during normal business hours (Mon – Fri 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) at 703-7712733, eboeing@leesburgva.gov, or the Town of Leesburg website at www.leesburgva.gov.

If interested, complete an online application on the Town Web site: https://www.leesburgva.gov/ government/boards-and-commissions.

Online applications are due by 5:00 p.m., October 25, 2024. All applications will be forwarded to the Loudoun County Circuit Court for consideration and appointment.

10/03, 10/10, 10/17 & 10/24/24

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISISON PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TOZONING ORDINANCE SECTION 10.4.6

The object of this suit is to hold a foster care review hearing and review of foster care plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282 and 16.1281 for Diana Aljanabi, and hold a hearing on the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights of Dalya Alkhkree, Mother, Zaid Aljanabi, Father, and Unknown Father, pursuant to Virginia Code §16.1-283 for Diana Aljanabi.

Dalya Alkhkree, Mother, and Unknown Father, are hereby notified that failure to appear on the hereinafter noticed date and time may result in the termination of their residual parental rights with respect to Diana Aljanabi. Dalya Alkhkree, Mother, and Unknown Father, are hereby further notified that if their residual parental rights are terminated, they will no longer have any legal rights with respect to said minor child, including, but not limited to, the right to visit Diana Aljanabi; any authority with respect to the care and supervision of Diana Aljanabi; or the right to make health related decisions or determine the religious affiliation of Diana Aljanabi. Further, Dalya Alkhkree, Mother, and Unknown Father, will have no legal and/or financial obligations with respect to Diana Aljanabi, and the Department of Family Services of Loudoun County, Virginia may be granted the authority to place Diana Aljanabi for adoption and consent to the adoption of Diana Aljanabi.

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.22205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176 to consider Zoning Ordinance Amendment TLZNOA2024-0003.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Dalya Alkhkree, Mother, and Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before November 14, 2024 at 10:00 a.m..

1. Section 10.4.6.C Structures Excluded from Maximum Height Limitations – a revision to the Zoning Ordinance to add an exception to the maximum building height for enclosed rooftop amenities in the B-1 (Community (Downtown) Business) zoning district.

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

Copies and additional information regarding this proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment are available at the Department of Planning and Zoning located on the second floor of the Leesburg Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by calling 703-771-2765 and asking for Mike Watkins, Zoning Administrator. Mr. Watkins can also be reached by email at mwatkins@ leesburgva.gov.

At this hearing all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodation should contact the Clerk of Council at (703) 7712773, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.

10/03 & 10/10/24

9/19, 9/26, 10/3 & 10/10/24

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316 Case No.: JJ048910-02-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Andrea Isabel Benitez Loudoun County Department of Family Services v.

Wasnat Mojamet, putative father and Unknown Father The object of this suit is to hold a foster care review hearing and review of foster care plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282 and 16.1281 for Andrea Isabel Benitez.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Wasnat Mojamet, putative father and Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before October 15, 2024 at 10:00am.

9/12, 9/19, 9/26 & 10/3/24

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

The object of this suit is to hold an adjudicatory hearing pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-252 for Carlos Josue Vasquez Argueta; and to hold a dispositional hearing for review of initial Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-278.2 and 16.1-281 for Carlos Josue Vasquez Argueta.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Flor Merlyn Argueta, Mother, Ronald Ofmin Vasquez, Putative Father and Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before September 25, 2024 at 3:00pm (Adjudicatory); and October 21, 2024 at 11:00am (Dispositional).

9/12, 9/19, 9/26 & 10/3/24

NOTICE OF HEARING

CIRCUIT COURT OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Civil Action No.: CL24-4796 H. Roger Zurn, Jr., Petitioner, in re Treasurer of the County of Loudoun, Virginia PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT, H. Roger Zurn, Jr., who was the Treasurer of the County of Loudoun, Virginia from January 1, 1996 through December 31, 2023, has filed his petition with this Court requesting that he be released of liability and granted his final discharge as Treasurer as set forth in § 58.13145 and § 58.1-3146 of the Virginia Code.

Pursuant to § 58.1-3146 of the Virginia Code, Petitioner has asked this Court to issue a rule to show cause against the Comptroller of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the County of Loudoun governing body, and the County of Loudoun School Board, to show cause, if any, why H. Roger Zurn, Jr. should not be discharged. The hearing on the rule to show cause is scheduled for Friday, October 18, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. on the Loudoun County Circuit Courthouse located at 18 E. Market St., Leesburg, VA 20178.

Should you know of any reason why the aforesaid H. Roger Zurn, Jr. former Treasurer of the County of Loudoun, Virginia should not be released from liability, you should file an objection to release from liability or appear in Court on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. on the Loudoun County Circuit Courthouse located at 18 E. Market St., Leesburg, VA 20178.

THE COUNTY OF LOUDOUN, VIRGINIA Leo P. Rogers County Attorney 9/12, 9/19, 9/26 & 10/3/24

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OCTOBER 3, 2024

Legal Notices COUNTY OF LOUDOUN SECOND HALF PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX DEADLINE Henry C. Eickelberg, Treasurer October 7, 2024 The deadline for payment of the second half Personal Property taxes are on October 7, 2024.

Please note: Payments received or postmarked after October 7, 2024, will incur a 10 percent penalty and interest. Any such penalty, when assessed, shall become part of the tax with interest accruing on both the tax and penalty at a rate of 10% annually. Personal Property taxes remaining unpaid after 60 calendar days from the original due date will incur an additional 15% penalty.

Taxpayers who are having financial difficulties should contact our Collections Team at 703-771-5656 who stand ready to assist.

For Your Safety and Convenience, please consider making payments online, by phone or mail.

A message to Loudoun County Property Owners regarding the Land Use Assessment Program Robert S. Wertz, Jr., Commissioner of the Revenue The Land Use Assessment Program provides for the deferral of real estate taxes on property that meets certain agricultural, horticultural, forestry, or open space use criteria.

• First Time Applicants: must submit an application and the required fee no later than November 1, 2024. Applications are available online, in my office, or can be mailed directly to you.

• Existing Land Use Program Participants: if your property is currently enrolled in the program, you are only required to renew your land use status every 6th year. Existing Land Use Assessment Program participants must submit a renewal form, documentation supporting the bona fide production income for agricultural and horticultural land use, and the required fee, no later than November 1, 2024. Participants who are up for renewal will be mailed personalized forms the first week of September (you may check your renewal year at www. loudoun.gov/parceldatabase by entering the property’s address, or parcel identification number, and selecting the LAND USE STATUS tab). Properties showing a Reval/Recert Year of 2019 are up for renewal this year.

An additional deferral of taxes may be available to current Land Use Program participants if they sign, and record, an agreement to keep the property in its qualifying use for more than 5 years, but not exceeding 20 years. The commitment must be filed with my office no later than November 1, 2024, and recorded in the Loudoun County Clerk of the Circuit Court´s office no later than December 16, 2024.

DEADLINES

CONVENIENT PAYMENT OPTIONS AND LOCATIONS Online: www.loudounportal.com/taxes Pay using electronic check, VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover

By Telephone: 24-hour line 1-800-269-5971. Please have your account number and credit card number ready.

Please note: There is a convenience fee added to a Credit Card transaction. No fee is charged for electronic checks (e-check).

FILING FEES Received, or postmarked, by November 1, 2024 • $125 plus $1 per acre or portion thereof Received, or postmarked, between November 2 and December 5, 2024 • $125 plus $1 per acre or portion thereof plus a $300 per parcel late filing fee Online: loudoun.gov/landuse Email: landuse@loudoun.gov Phone: (703) 737-8557

By Mail: County of Loudoun P.O. Box 1000 Leesburg, Virginia 20177-1000

Mailing Address PO Box 8000 MSC 32 Leesburg, VA 20177-9804

TREASURER’S OFFICE LOCATIONS Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Friday, October 4 and Monday, October 7 Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM 1 Harrison Street, S.E. 1st Floor Leesburg, Virginia 20175

Applications must be submitted no later than November 1, 2024, to avoid late filing fees.

Applications submitted between November 2, 2024, but prior to December 5, 2024, are subject to a $300 per parcel late filing fee in addition to the standard filing fee.

Applications will NOT be accepted after Dec. 5, 2024.

4600 Center Oak Plaza 1st Floor Sterling, Virginia 20166

*A 24 hour drop box is located outside the Sterling and Leesburg locations. All Check payments should be made payable to “County of Loudoun”.

Please contact the Loudoun County Treasurer’s Office at 703-777-0280 or email us at taxes@loudoun.gov with questions or if you have not received your bill.

Stay up to date on tax information by subscribing to the Tax Notices category of Alert Loudoun at www.louduon.gov/alert. You can also text the word “TAXES” to 888777 to receive text messages about tax-related information, including upcoming deadlines. Additional message and data rates may apply.

For information regarding Real Property or Personal Property Tax Exemptions or Deferrals, please contact the Exemptions Divisions of the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office at taxrelief@loudoun.gov, by phone at 703-737-8557 or visit www.loudoun.gov/taxrelief 09/26 & 10/3/2024

Overnight Deliveries 1 Harrison Street, SE, MSC 32 Leesburg, VA 20175-3102 In Person Drop Off Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, M - F Leesburg Office – In Person 1 Harrison Street, SE 1st Floor Leesburg, VA 20175 Sterling Office – In Person 46000 Center Oak Plaza Sterling, VA 20166 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24 & 10/31/24

NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING ON HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS LOUDOUN COUNTY HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 6:00 PM In-person public comments will be received between 6:15 PM and 7:30 PM Location: Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development, 1st floor, Olmstead Room, 106 Catoctin Circle, SE, Leesburg, VA 20175 Pursuant to Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, 42 United States Code §5301, et seq., and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations at 24 Code of Federal Regulations Subtitle A §91.105(e)(1), the Loudoun County Housing Advisory Board will hold a NEEDS ASSESSMENT HEARING on October 15, 2024, at 6:00 PM at the Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development. The purpose of the needs assessment hearing is to obtain citizens’ views and to respond to proposals and questions for the purpose of addressing housing and community development needs, including priority housing and non-housing community development needs, economic development, fair housing issues, development of proposed activities, proposed strategies and actions for affirmatively furthering fair housing, and review of program performance. Comments received at the needs assessment hearing will be considered in preparing Loudoun County’s Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnerships Fund 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan that will be submitted to the Board of Supervisors for approval and subsequently submitted to HUD in May 2025. All citizens and organizations are invited to present their views and comments. Written comments may be submitted to the Department of Housing and Community Development by not later than 5:00 p.m. on October 15, 2024.

If you require an accommodation for any type of disability or need language assistance to participate in the hearing, please contact the Department of Housing and Community Development at 703-737-8323 (V/TTY). At least one business day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice.

9/26, 10/3 & 10/10/2024

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Legal Notices ORDER OF PUBLICATION COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316 Case No.: JJ049287-01-01 Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Anne Pena Munoz Loudoun County Department of Family Services v.

Luis Caballero, putative father, and Unknown Father The object of this suit is to hold a dispositional hearing regarding a child protective order pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-253 and 16.1278.2 for Anne Pena Munoz.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Luis Caballero, putative father, and Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before October 15, 2024 at 11:00am.

9/26, 10/3 & 10/10/24

ABC LICENSE

Williams Gap, LLC, trading as Williams Gap Vineyard, 35521 Sexton Farm Ln., Round Hill, VA 21141.

The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Limited Brewery license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. John N. Sexton/Member.

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.

9/26 & 10/03/24

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

IAD Master Plan Public Open House Workshop #3

Case No.: JJ028308-07-00

Wednesday, October 23, 2024 Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Location: Washington Dulles Airport Marriott 45020 Aviation Drive, Dulles, VA 20166

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Emerson Lopez Loudoun County Department of Family Services v.

Unknown Father The object of this suit is to hold an adjudicatory hearing in child in need of services matter pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-228 and 16.1241 for Emerson Lopez.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Unknown Father, appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before November 19, 2024 at 3:00pm.

ABC LICENSE Sai Annapurna, LLC, trading as AKSHAYA PATRA, 43150 Broadlands Center Plz, Unit 166, Ashburn, VA .

The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Restaurant, Wine, Beer, Mixed Beverages, On and Off Premises.

Aparanji Konduri, owner 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.

ABC LICENSE

The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Retail Specialty Establishment Application Convenience Grocery Store, Wine and Beer license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

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.

9/26 & 10/3/24

The master planning process is designed as an inclusive process that encourages citizen participation. A public open house workshop will be held to provide information on the preferred development alternative for the airport. Representatives from the Airports Authority and its consulting team will be available to answer questions and receive comments on the ongoing master planning analyses and preliminary recommendations.

10/3, 10/10, 10/17 & 10/24

10/3 & 10/10/24

Mangal Ganesh Food LLC, trading as Kirana Pasal, 20630 Ashburn Rd. Ste 160, Ashburn, VA 20147.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is finalizing its Master Plan for Washington Dulles International Airport. The Airport Master Plan is a comprehensive study that describes short, medium and long-term improvements proposed for the airport. It is designed to establish a roadmap for incremental development to meet future aviation demand and other airport needs for the next 25 years.

ABC LICENSE Ebisu Sushi and Thai LLC, trading as Ebisu Sushi and Thai, 101 S. King St., Leesburg, VA. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Retail Restaurant or Caterer Application Restaurant, Wine, Beer, Mixed Beverages, Consumed On and Off Premises.

John Puglise, Owner 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.

10/2 & 10/10/24

For additional information, please scan the QR code or visit us at the website below: https://www.flydulles.com/about-airport/master-plan/dulles-international-airport-master-plan The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Master Plan team can also be contacted at: IADMaster.Plan@mwaa.com 10/3/24

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION 11.4.4 Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176 to consider Zoning Ordinance Amendment TLZNOA2024-0002: 1. Section 11.4.4 Modified Requirements in the Downtown H-1 Overlay District – an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to consider changes to expand parking exemptions in the B-1 (Community (Downtown) Business) zoning district for nonresidential uses.

Copies and additional information regarding this proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment are available at the Department of Planning and Zoning located on the second floor of the Leesburg Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by calling 703-771-2765 and asking for Brian Boucher, Deputy Director. Mr. Boucher can also be reached by email at bboucher@leesburgva.gov.

At this hearing all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodation should contact the Clerk of Council at (703) 771-2773, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.

10/3 & 10/10/24

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OCTOBER 3, 2024

Legal Notices TOWN OF LEESBURG BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VARIANCE APPLICATION TLVAR2024-0001

LOUDOUN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Fiscal Year 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Program Fiscal Year 2026 – 2031 Capital Asset Preservation Program The Loudoun County School Board has scheduled meetings for the Fiscal Year 2026 - 2031 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Capital Asset Preservation Program (CAPP) budget process.

DATE

TIME

October 22, 2024*

4:30 pm/ 6:30 pm

November 12, 2024*

4:30 pm

November 19, 2024

6:30 pm

December 2, 2024

6:30 pm

December 10, 2024*

4:30 pm/ 6:30 pm

CAPITAL BUDGETS MEETING Presentation of Superintendent’s Recommended FY 2026-FY 2031 CIP & CAPP Budgets.

School Board FY 2026-FY 2031 CIP & CAPP Work Session School Board FY 2026-FY 2031 CIP & CAPP Public Hearing / Work Session School Board FY 2026-FY 2031 CIP & CAPP Work Session (if needed) School Board Adoption of FY 2026-FY 2031 CIP & CAPP Budgets

The TOWN OF LEESBURG BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176 to consider Variance Application TLVAR2024-0001.

Meritant Property Management LLC has filed a variance application (TLVAR2024-0001) to reduce the required travel aisle width in Zoning Ordinance Section 11.6.2.C from twenty feet to sixteen feet to accommodate a change of use on the subject property. The subject property is zoned B-1 (Community (Downtown) Business District) and H-1 (Overlay, Old and Historic District). The property is addressed as 212 S King Street and is further identified by Parcel Identification Number (PIN) 231-281494.

Copies and additional information regarding this application are available at the Department of Planning and Zoning located at 222 Catoctin Circle, Suite 200, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176, during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by calling 703-771-2765 and asking for Shelby Miller, or via email at samiller@leesburgva.gov.

At this hearing all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard.

Persons requiring special accommodation should contact the Secretary of the Board at (703) 7712765, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.

9/26 & 10/03/24

*Regular School Board Business Meeting The meetings will be held at the Loudoun County Public Schools Administration Building (21000 Education Court, Ashburn) and broadcast live on Comcast channel 18 and Verizon Fios channel 43, as well as viewable via simultaneous webcast on the Loudoun County Public Schools website (www.lcps.org/webcast).

Details on how to sign up to speak at the November 19 public hearing will be provided at www.lcps.org/o/lcps/page/citizen-participation. In-person sign-up will also be available on the evening of November 19 between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Those who need translation/interpretation assistance or a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability in order to participate meaningfully in the School Board meetings should contact the Superintendent’s Office at 571-252-1020 at least three (3) days prior to the meeting.

Kevin L. Lewis, Chief Operations Officer Loudoun County Public Schools Department of Support Services 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, Virginia 20148 Email: LCPSPLAN@LCPS.ORG

LOUDOUN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLE 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..

VIN

STORAGE

PHONE NUMBER

YEAR

MAKE

MODEL

2016

TOYOTA

CORROLA

2T1BURHE3GC557373

ROADRUNNER

703-450-7555

2010

MERC

MARINER

4M2CN9BG8AKJ04572

ROADRUNNER

703-450-7555

2004

GMC

ENVOY

1GKET12P446147944

DOUBLE D

703-777-7300

2010

HONDA

CIVIC

JHMFA3F22AS006758

DOUBLE D

703-777-7300

2010

FORD

F150

1FTFX1EV3AFD30620

BODY WORKS

703-777-5727

1992

MERC

300TE

WDBED90E9NF201764

AL’S TOWING

703-435-8888

10/3 - 12/5/24

ONLINE. ALWAYS. LOUDOUNNOW.COM

9/26, 10/3/2024

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Legal Notices NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS October 3, 2024 County of Loudoun - P.O. Box 7000 - Leesburg, Virginia 20177-7000 - 703-777-0420 These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the County of Loudoun.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS On or about October 30, 2024, the County of Loudoun will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Housing Choice Vouchers - Project Based, under Section 8 (o) of the U.S Housing Act of 1937, as amended, to undertake a project known as: Avonlea Senior Apartments, an affordable multi-family rental housing project in the County of Loudoun to serve senior households with incomes at 60 percent area median income and lower. The project involves the construction of 130 senior apartments built on a 6.32-acre parcel located at the intersection of Avonlea Grand Drive and Avonlea Center Drive in South Riding, VA 20152. The project will be a five-story building that is part of a larger development, and residents will have access to the community amenities provided by the larger Avonlea Town Center homeowner’s association. Overall, the location provides good access to employment and other amenities for residents. The estimated project cost is $66.7 million.

The project was awarded eight (8) Project-Based Vouchers with an estimated value of $205,560 per year.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT The County of Loudoun has determined that the above-identified project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development, 106 Catoctin Circle SE, Leesburg, VA 20175 and is available for public examination and copying, upon request, during normal business hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development, via email to housing@loudoun.gov or via mail to the Housing Finance Project Manager, P.O. Box 7000, Leesburg, VA 20177-7400. All comments received by 5:00 p.m. on October 23, 2024, will be considered by the County of Loudoun prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds to HUD. Comments should

specify which Notice provided herein they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION The County of Loudoun certifies to HUD that Mr. Tim Hemstreet, in his capacity as County Administrator of the County of Loudoun, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the County of Loudoun to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the County of Loudoun’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the County of Loudoun; (b) the County of Loudoun has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted via email until further notice in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to: HUD, Office of Public and Indian Housing Laurel Davis, Director Laurel.L.Davis@HUD.gov Copied on the transmittal should include James Brown and Linda T. Scott. Potential objectors should contact the Washington, D.C. HUD Office of Public and Indian Housing at (202) 275-6306 to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Tim Hemstreet, County Administrator Certifying Officer.

10/3, 10/10 & 10/17/24

FIND LOCAL EVENTS GETOUTLOUDOUN.COM

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OCTOBER 3, 2024

Legal Notices PUBLIC HEARING The LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room on the first floor of the County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following: LEGI-2023-0099, KINCORA VILLAGE CENTER LAND BAY N: SPEX-2023-0033 (Special Exception) Covenant Capital Partners, LLC, has submitted an application for a special exception for approximately 1.81-acres of land located along the east side of Russell Branch Parkway (Route 1061), west of Sully Road (Route 28), and north of Gloucester Parkway (Route 2150) in the Broad Run Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as: PINs 042-49-4764-000, 042-497147-000, and 041-19-6879-000, Tax Map #s /80/W/1///N2C/, /80/W/1///N2A/, and /80/W/1///N2B/. For SPEX-2023-0033, the applicant seeks to construct a car wash in the PD-MUB (Planned Development – Mixed Use Business) Legacy Suburban Zoning District under the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance.

LEGI-2023-0111, OCEAN COURT SUBSTATION: CMPT-2023-0007 & SPEX-2024-0030 (Commission Permit, Special Exception) Dominion Energy Virginia has submitted applications for a commission permit and special exception, for approximately 17.02 acres of land located just west of Pacific Blvd, south of Moran Rd and North of Relocation Drive in the Sterling Election District (the Subject Property), The Subject Property is more particularly described as 22429 Pacific Boulevard, Virginia, PIN: 045-49-4862-000, Tax Map # /94/////////4/.

For CMPT-2023-0007, the applicant seeks a commission permit to permit the development of a “Major Utility” substation in accordance with the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance (Zoning Ordinance). For SPEX-2024-0030, the applicant seeks a special exception to permit the development of a “Major Utility” substation use in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance.

LEGI-2023-0096, STRATUS SUBSTATION: CMPT-2023-0013, ZCPA-2023-0007 & SPEX-2023-0031 (Commission Permit, Zoning Concept Plan Amendment, and Special Exception) Darab Ventures One LLC. has submitted applications for a commission permit, a zoning concept plan amendment, and special exception for approximately 96.74 acres of land located a quarter mile north of the Dulles Greenway (Route 267) at the intersection of Loudoun County Parkway (Route 606) and Shellhorn Road (Route 643) (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as 22210 Loudoun County Parkway, Virginia, PIN: 062-25-6361, Tax Map # /79//////// V1/. For CMPT-2023-001, the applicant seeks to construct a Utility, Major (Utility Substation) under the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. For ZCPA-2023-0007 the applicant seeks to amend Proffer III.C to revise the 15-foot wall height to 12foot wall height. For SPEX-2023-0031 the applicant seeks to waive the landscape buffer requirements along the northern and southeastern perimeters. ZCPA-20230007 and SPEX-2023-0031 are being processed under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance pursuant to the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance Grandfathering Resolution, dated December 13, 2023.

DOAM-2024-0002, LOUDOUN COUNTY LAND SUBDIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE AND LOUDOUN COUNTY FACILITIES STANDARDS MANUAL AMENDMENTS DAM BREAK INUNDATION ZONES (Development Ordinance Amendment) Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-2204, the Virginia Dam Safety Act (Virginia Code §10.1-604 et seq.) and Virginia Impounding Structure Regulations (4VAC50-20-10,

et seq.), and a Resolution of Intent to Amend adopted by the Board of Supervisors (“Board”) on September 17, 2024, notice is hereby given of proposed amendments to the Loudoun County Land Subdivision and Development Ordinance (LSDO) and the Loudoun County Facilities Standards Manual (FSM) to incorporate Virginia Code and Virginia Administrative Code requirements for state-regulated impounding structures. These amendments will propose revisions to Chapter 1245 of the LSDO, and Chapters 5 and 8 of the FSM, and such other Chapters, Sections, Subsections, and provisions of the LSDO and FSM as necessary to implement and maintain consistency with the foregoing amendments or as otherwise necessary to correct typos within, update internal cross-references to, and further clarify the requirements of, the above-mentioned Chapters of the LSDO and FSM. The public purposes of these amendments are to achieve the purposes listed in Section 15.2-2200 of the Code of Virginia and to assure the orderly subdivision of land and its development and the public necessity, convenience, and general welfare.

Description of proposed amendments to the LSDO: Proposed amendments to LSDO Section 1245, Development Standards, include without limitation the following: • Establish new Section 1245.15, Development in Mapped Dam Break Inundation Zones, to require development in mapped dam break inundation zones to comply with applicable FSM standards.

Description of proposed amendments to the FSM: Proposed amendments to FSM Chapter 5, Water Resource Management, include without limitation the following: • Renumber existing FSM Section 5.500, References, to FSM Section 5.600, and establish new FSM Section 5.500, Development in Mapped Dam Break Inundation Zones, to implement State requirements for development in mapped dam break inundation zones regarding the following: o Review of the dam break inundation zone map for the affected impounding structure, o Notification of the affected impounding structure’s owner, o Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) determination of potential impacts of the proposed development on the spillway design flood standards required for the impounding structure, and o Actions the developer or subdivider must take if DCR determines that said preliminary plat, construction plans and profiles, or site plan would change the spillway design flood standards for the impounding structure.

Proposed amendments to FSM Chapter 8, Administrative Procedures, include without limitation the following: • Establish new FSM Subsection 8.101.A.22, Mapped Dam Break Inundation Zones, regarding required information and notes to be depicted for dam break inundation zones, • Add “Mapped Dam Break Inundation Zones (see 8.101)” as a requirement for the following: o 8.102 Preliminary Plat of Subdivision (SBPL), o 8.103 Plats for Subdivision and Other Miscellaneous Plats, o 8.103.6 Easement Plats – Creation and Vacation, o 8.103.7 Dedication/Vacation Plats (DEDI), o 8.103.8 AR-1 and AR-2 Division Plats (SBBD), o 8.106 Construction Plans and Profiles (CPAP), and o 8.107 Site Plans (STPL) and Rural Economy Site Plans (REST).

(continued on next page)

OCTOBER 3, 2024

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

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Legal Notices DOAM-2024-0003, LOUDOUN COUNTY LAND SUBDIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE AND LOUDOUN COUNTY FACILITIES STANDARDS MANUAL AMENDMENTS IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE (Development Ordinance Amendment) Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-2204, and a Resolution of Intent to Amend adopted by the Board of Supervisors (“Board”) on September 17, 2024, notice is hereby given of proposed amendments to the Loudoun County Land Subdivision and Development Ordinance (LSDO) and the Loudoun County Facilities Standards Manual (FSM) that are necessary to implement ZOAM-2020-0001, Zoning Ordinance Rewrite, that resulted in the adoption of a new Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance (“Zoning Ordinance”). Contemporaneously with the adoption of the Zoning Ordinance, the Board adopted a resolution that authorized and directed the Director of Building and Development (Director) to issue Interim Technical and Procedural Newsletters (Tech Memos) as needed to implement the Zoning Ordinance and prevent delays in processing land development applications. The first three Tech Memos were issued by the Director on June 13, 2024, with an effective date of July 25, 2024, and provided interim standards regarding Land Engineering, Natural Resources, and Land Planning necessary to implement the Zoning Ordinance. DOAM-2023-0003 proposes to formally adopt and incorporate into the LSDO and FSM, as appropriate, the standards provided by the aforesaid three Tech Memos. These amendments will propose revisions to Chapters 1241, 1243, 1244, and 1245 of the LSDO, and Chapters 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8 of the FSM, and such other Chapters, Sections, Subsections, and provisions of the LSDO and FSM as necessary to implement and maintain consistency with the foregoing amendments or as otherwise necessary to correct typos within, update internal cross-references to, and further clarify the requirements of, the above-mentioned Chapters of the LSDO and FSM. The public purposes of these amendments are to achieve the purposes listed in Section 15.2-2200 of the Code of Virginia and to assure the orderly subdivision of land and its development and the public necessity, convenience, and general welfare.

Description of proposed amendments to the LSDO: Proposed amendments to all sections of the LSDO include without limitation the following: • Update and correct cross references in the LSDO to replace specific references to the Zoning Ordinance with general references to the Zoning Ordinance.

Proposed amendments to LSDO Section 1241.05, Definitions, include without limitation the following: • Revise the definition of “Originating Tract” in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance definition of “Originating Tract.”

• Revise the definition of “Alleys” in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance to add a list of zoning districts where alleys are permitted to serve as primary access under certain circumstances.

Proposed amendments to LSDO Section 1243.05.2, Low Density Development Waivers, include without limitation the following: • Delete this section, as Low Density Development Waivers are no longer permitted under the Zoning Ordinance.

Proposed amendments to LSDO Section 1243.10, Construction Plans and Profiles, include without limitation the following: • Delete the reference to Section 6-1509 of the Zoning Ordinance, as submitting a preliminary plat in conjunction with a rezoning application is no longer permitted under the Zoning Ordinance.

Proposed amendments to LSDO Section 1244.01, Applicability of Site Plan Regulations, include without limitation the following: • Replace duplicative regulations with a cross reference to the Zoning Ordinance.

Proposed amendments to LSDO Section 1245.02, Private Access Easement Roads and Private Streets, include without limitation: • Revise private access road requirements in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance.

Proposed amendments to LSDO Section 1245.02.02, Private Access Easement Low Density Residential Development, include without limitation the following: • Delete this section, as Low Density Development Waivers are no longer permitted under the Zoning Ordinance.

Description of proposed amendments to the FSM: Proposed amendments to all sections of the FSM include without limitation the following: • Replace references to the Mountainside Development Overlay District (MDOD) with Mountainside Overlay District (MOD) in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance • Replace references to “communal” water systems, water supply, sewer systems, sanitary sewer systems, systems, and wells with “community” water systems, water supply sewer systems, sanitary sewer systems, and wells in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance.

Proposed amendments to FSM Chapter 4, Transportation, include without limitation the following: • Revise Section 4.330.D.3.f, Alleys, in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance to add a list of zoning districts where alleys are permitted to serve as primary access under certain circumstances • Revise Section 4.400.B, Geometrics, to establish new parking geometry and identification standards for motorcycle parking spaces and stacking standards for drive-through facilities or similar designated pickup or delivery zones in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance.

Proposed amendments to FSM Chapter 7, Environmental Design Standards, include without limitation the following: • Revise Section 7.110, General Requirements, to provide lighting and photometric plan standards in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance and delete the exception for the Planned Development – Countryside Village (PD-CV) zoning district, which no longer exists under the Zoning Ordinance.

• Reformatted Section 7.120, Lighting Standards, to clarify standards.

• Revise Section 7.301, Landscape Plantings, to add a cross-reference to the Zoning Ordinance regarding minimum sizes required for each plant.

• Revise Section 7.302, Tree Conservation and Landscape Plans, to: o Establish a new standard to identify cultivars on the tree planting schedule. o Establish new standards for professionals who are permitted prepare Tree Conservation and Landscape Plans in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance. o Establish new planting standards regarding compliance with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Plant Material Requirements in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance add a reference to the Virginia Stormwater BMP Clearinghouse. o Establish new standards for addressing previously compacted soils. o Establish new standards regarding tree proximity to any restrictive barriers, such as curbs, walls, sidewalks, and other paved areas for new plantings used to meet canopy, landscaping and/or buffering and screening requirements. o Establish new diversity requirements for shrubs. o Revise the Sample Landscape Table to add a Native column and correct the Scientific and Common Name columns.

• Establish new Section 7.306, Tree Cover Inventory, regarding tree cover inventory map standards for projects located within the Mountainside Overlay District and Public Water/Sewer Utility Lines in RSCR Adjacent Steep Slopes or Very Steep Slope Areas or Special Exceptions for Errors in Very Steep Slopes in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance. (continued on next page)

PAGE 36

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

OCTOBER 3, 2024

Legal Notices • Revise Chapter 7, Table 3 – Trees and Shrubs to: identify “Native Plant, Regional Native” and Small Deciduous Trees and Deciduous and Evergreen Shrubs with conspicuous flowers in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance; correct Scientific and Common Names, and other terminology used in Table 3; add or delete certain Large Deciduous, Small Deciduous, and Evergreen trees, and Deciduous and Evergreen Shrubs; delete the designation for Parking Lot plantings; add species to the designation for Overhead Utility Line plantings; and revise the Canopy Coverage of certain tree species.

Proposed amendments to FSM Chapter 8, Administrative Procedures, include without limitation the following: • Revise Sections 8.106, Construction Plans and Profiles, and 8.107, Site Plans (STPL) and Rural Economy Site Plans (REST), to establish new standards for plans to include data regarding photometric plans, and designations, tabulations, and calculations regarding affordable housing (Affordable Dwelling Units (ADUs), Unmet Housing Needs Units (UHNUs), and Affordable Housing Units (AHUs)) in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance.

• Revise Sections 8.102, Preliminary Plat of Subdivision (SBPL), 8.103, Plats for Subdivision and Other Miscellaneous Plats, and 8.107, Site Plans (STPL) and Rural Economy Site Plans (REST), to establish new standard for a written agreement regarding provision of ADUs if fewer than 24 dwelling units are proposed in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance.

• Delete Section 8.103.C.10, regarding two year maintenance contracts for private communal (community) water and/or sewer systems, as such systems are no longer are permitted under the Zoning Ordinance.

Copies the full text of the proposed ordinance are on file with the County Administrator and may be examined be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center, Office of County Administrator, Information Desk, First Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday or call 703777-0246 (option 5), to request hard copies or electronic copies. Additional project files related to land use applications and land use ordinances may be reviewed electronically at loudoun.gov/landmarc. Additionally, documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically the week before the hearing at www.loudoun.gov/pc. For further information, contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 (option 5).

Copies of the proposed plans, ordinances, or amendments for each item listed above may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center, Office of County Administrator, Information Desk, First Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday or call 703-777-0246 (option 5), to request hard copies or electronic copies. Additional project files related to land use applications and land use ordinances may be reviewed electronically at loudoun. gov/landmarc. Additionally, documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically the week before the hearing at www.loudoun.gov/pc. For further information, contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 (option 5).

NOTICE OF RIVIAN AUTOMOTIVE, LLC HEARING ON OPERATION OF DEALERSHIP BY MANUFACTURER The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), under the Code of Virginia 46.2-1572(4) and 46.2-1573, is conducting a formal evidentiary hearing at the request of Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian), a Commonwealth-licensed manufacturer of electric vehicles. Rivian seeks an eligibility determination to be both a manufacturer and a dealer of motor vehicles in Loudoun County, Virginia or the city of Sterling, Virginia. According to Va. Code 46.2-1572(4), Rivian must establish that there is no dealer independent of the manufacturer available in the above-mentioned community or trade area to own and operate the franchise in a manner consistent with the public interest. The formal evidentiary hearing will take place on October 17, 2024, at 9 a.m. EDT at DMV Headquarters located at 2300 W. Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23269. Any party interested in this matter is invited to attend the hearing and provide relevant information. Please send an email to DMV atdiane.adams-strickland@ dmv.virginia.gov requesting the information to attend. If you have documentation you would like the hearing officer and Rivian to review, please submit it to DMV at diane.adams-strickland@dmv. virginia.gov by 5 p.m. EDT on October 10, 2024.

9/26, 10/3 & 10/10/2024

Planning Commission work sessions and public hearings are held in the Board Room of the Government Center. Public hearings and work sessions are televised on Comcast Government Channel 23 and Verizon FiOS Channel 40, and are also are livestreamed at loudoun.gov/meetings.

Members of the public desiring to do so may appear and present their views during the public hearing. Public comment will be received only for those items listed for public hearing. Members of the public who wish to provide public input, whether electronically or in person, are encouraged to sign-up in advance; however, speakers may sign-up during the hearing. If you wish to sign-up in advance, please call the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 (option 5) prior to 12:00 PM on the day of the public hearing; however, speakers may also sign-up at the public hearing. Written comments concerning any item before the Commission are welcomed at any time and may be sent to the Loudoun County Planning Commission, P.O. Box 7000 Leesburg, VA 20177-7000, or by e-mail to loudounpc@loudoun.gov. If written comments are presented at the hearing, please provide ten (10) copies for distribution to the Commission and for the Clerk’s records. Members of the public may also submit comments on land use items electronically at loudoun.gov/landapplications. Any individual representing and/or proposing to be the sole speaker on behalf of a citizen’s organization or civic association is encouraged to contact the Department of Planning and Zoning prior to the date of the public hearing to request additional time to speak on behalf of such organization.

Regularly scheduled Planning Commission public hearings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. In the event the public hearing cannot be conducted on that date due to weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend the hearing, the public hearing will be continued to the next day (Wednesday). In the event the public hearing may not be held on that Wednesday due to weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend the hearing, the public hearing may be continued to the first Thursday of the next month.

Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory, or mental disability to participate in this meeting, contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 (option 5). Three business days advance notice is requested.

BY ORDER OF:MICHELLE FRANK, CHAIR LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

10/3 & 10/10/24

TOWN OF LOVETTSVILLE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AMENDMENT TO TOWN CODE SECTIONS 1-13 AND 1-14 Pursuant to Section 15.2-1427 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LOVETTSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on October 10, 2024 at 6:30pm in the Town Council Chambers, 6 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville, Virginia at which time the public shall have the right to provide written and oral comments on the proposed revisions regarding the use of the Town Seal and Town Logo/Branding Materials use through amendments to Town Code Sections 1-13 and 1-14.

All persons desiring to speak will be given an opportunity to do so at this meeting.

Copies of the proposed Town Code amendments are available for review at the Town Hall between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm weekdays or by special appointment, holidays excepted. Call 540-8225788 for more information or visit www.lovettsvilleva.gov. In the event the meeting is cancelled, the public hearing will be convened at the next regular scheduled meeting at the same time and place.

9/26 & 10/3/24

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

OCTOBER 3, 2024

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Legal Notices

Misc.

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO THE LEESBURG TOWN PLAN INCLUDING UPDATES TO THE CRESCENT DISTRICT MASTER PLAN AND UPDATES TO VARIOUS SECTIONS OF LEGACY LEESBURG TO REFLECT UPDATES Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing on THURSDAY, October 17, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 to consider amendments to the “Town Plan” to update the Crescent District Master Plan (CDMP). The CDMP is defined as a Small Area Comprehensive Plan as described in Va. Code § 15.2-2303.4.E and is designated as a revitalization and redevelopment area.

The CDMP is included in the Town Plan (Legacy Leesburg) by reference. The CDMP will provide new and updated policy guidance for the Crescent District as depicted in the figure above. The updated CDMP will reduce the overall size of the Crescent Area Planning Designation in Legacy Leesburg, establish new “place types” and land use policy guidance to supplement the Town Plan, and provide new policy guidance regarding streetscape and roadway planning.

The proposed Town Plan Amendment will also include revisions to various other sections of the Town Plan to recognize the CDMP and allow its policies to supersede certain policies already in the Town Plan. Revisions will include but not be limited to a revised map showing a reduced size of the Crescent Area and revisions to various policies in Legacy Leesburg that reference the CDMP and planning efforts surrounding the CDMP. The CDMP will include the following topics: • An introduction with discussion of the CDMP purpose, planning process, history, current issues, emerging trends, and planning context; • A discussion of the CDMP planning objectives including the vision, goals, guiding principles, organizational framework, and opportunities and constraints; • Updated transportation policy including discussion of future streets and blocks, street design recommendations, pedestrian infrastructure, parking, and transit; • New CDMP place types with supplemental land use guidance including “Activity Center”, “Commercial Corridor”, and “Mixed Density Residential”; • Implementation polices that address zoning recommendations, streetscape recommendations, financing recommendations, architectural guidelines, site design guidelines, and building retrofit guidelines.

Additional information about these proposed Town Plan amendments and copies are available at the Department of Community Development located at 222 Catoctin Circle, Suite 200, Leesburg, Virginia 20175 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by visiting the Town website: http://www.leesburgva.gov/crescentdistrict, or by calling Richard Klusek, Land Use Manager, at 703-771-2758 or by emailing rklusek@leesburgva.gov. This Town Plan Amendment is identified as case number TLTPAM2024-0002, “Crescent District Master Plan Update”.

At this hearing, all persons desiring to express their views concerning this matter will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations at the Planning Commission meeting should contact the Clerk of Commission at (703) 771-2740, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.

10/03 & 10/10/24

ORDER OF PUBLICATION COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

VEHICLE AUCTION MD Repo Vehicles For Public Sale at ADESA Washington, DC. All Makes and Models Running Weekly Details can be found at www.adesawashingtondc.com Terms: State and local orders will be strictly enforced at the sale, including social distancing and limits on the number of people permitted to gather in certain areas. All attendees must comply with such procedures or will be required to leave the premises. We strongly recommend that all attendees wear face coverings for the protection of themselves and our staff. Bidder agrees to register and pay a refundable $500 cash deposit plus a non-refundable $20 entry fee before the Sale starts. The balance of the purchase is due in full by 5:00pm on sale day. vehicles are AS-IS and are subject to a buy fee based on the sale price of the vehicle. Only cash or certified funds will be accepted. No vehicle will be released until Payment is made in full. Children under the age of 18 are not permitted.

VEHICLE AUCTION

ADESA WASHINGTON DC - 705-996-1100 44475 OLD OX ROAD, DULLES, VA 20166 20+Chase repossessions will be offered to the public sale (monthly) on Wednesdays (10/9/24, 11/6/24, 12/4/24). Auction doors open at 8:00 a.m. Sale starts at 9:50 a.m. ET. Registered persons may preview/inspect vehicles on the day of the sale before bidding. Bids accepted only when a vehicle is presented for sale. The auctioneer will conclude the sale when bidding stops. All results will be final by 5:00 p.m. Terms: Cash or Certified Check.

For Rent / Lease AVAILABLE SOON! - CONDOS FOR RENT 1 and ½ Bedroom Condo off of Evergreen Mill Road SE, Leesburg, Virginia 20175.

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Case No.: JJ048585-03-00 Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Carlton Platt Loudoun County Department of Family Services v. Sabrina Whitney, 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 Carlton Platt.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Sabrina Whitney, mother, appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before November 19, 2024 at 10:00am.

10/3, 10/10, 10/17 & 10/24

AVAILABLE SOON! PARKING FOR LEASE Extra parking space on private property in Leesburg location. Room for Boat, RV, Trailer or Commercial vehicle.

Call (703)509-8087 or (540)454-2572 for Showing or email JWCraun@gmail.com 9/26/24

Add your voice to the conversation.

Send your coments to editor@loudounnow.com

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 38

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Post your job listings at NowHiringLoudoun.com Town of Leesburg Employment Opportunities Please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs for more information and to apply online.

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PAGE 40

Cell Tower Ban continued from page 1 in our LCPS facilities, which could have other harmful effects for our students and our staff, and I am generally constrained about limiting the future authority of this board in this way,” she said.

Donohue unsuccessfully tried to amend the policy by removing the language proposed by Chair Melinda Mansfield during an August Finance & Operations Committee meeting that stated, “as of Oct. 1, 2024, wireless network facilities may not be considered for location on LCPS property that includes an elementary, middle or high school.”

That amendment failed 1-8 with Donohue the only board member in favor.

Mansfield reiterated that towers could still be placed on division-owned properties like the administration building or Mickie Gordon Park.

Towers approved prior to Oct. 1, 2024, will still be built.

The change to the policy came about after several parents in May objected to the division’s plans to put towers at Do-

Data Center Review continued from page 1 the 2019 General Plan. This is because in some cases the underlying zoning allows data centers by right, and in other situations a rezoning application was approved to allow data centers,” Jaffari said.

The first phase of the project would move data centers from being a core or a complementary use across several planning zones to requiring a conditional use permit, which requires review by the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors. Additionally, several place types that permit data centers as core or conditional uses would be changed to types that do not permit data centers.

Specifically, the comprehensive plan would be amended to remove data centers as a core use from the suburban industrial/mineral extraction; transition light industrial; transition industrial/mineral extraction and Leesburg Joint Land Management industrial mineral extraction planning zones. They would also remove data centers as a complimentary use from the Leesburg JLMA Employment planning zone.

The zoning ordinance would also be amended to remove data centers as byright uses in the industrial park, general industry and mineral resources/heavy industry zoning districts, requiring them to go through a special exception process.

“The purpose of this work is to manage

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

OCTOBER 3, 2024

minion High School and River Bend Middle School, expressing worries over RF-radiation exposure.

One of those parents, Maryam Esfarjani, who is also an electrical engineer, biomedical engineer and has worked in the wireless communications industry, spoke multiple times at committee meetings with concerns about outdated studies on electromagnetic radiation and the unknown effects of long-term exposure.

She said the Sept. 24 vote was a big victory.

“We are now one of the few counties in all of the United States that have done this,” she said, adding their goal was to keep the campaign going if there may be a risk to children.

“If we are convinced there are no risks, no problem. We are all for cell phones,” she said.

Esfarjani talked about the recent World Health Organization’s review of 5,000 studies over a 30-year period that stated cell phones and cell tower radiofrequency waves had “no link to brain or childhood cancer risk.”

“Even the latest World Health Organization research states that there is low confidence that there is no risk. Therefore,

how can they place towers when there is low confidence of it posing risk to our children,” she said.

Esfarjani had the backing of over 800 parents and students in over 25 pages of community feedback against installing towers on division properties.

Valerie Huse, a parent with a doctorate in molecular medicine and 20 years of public health experience has been helping Esfarjani.

She said the WHO review only contained two studies that were based on cell towers, and the rest were about cell phone use.

“Their conclusion was there is more research that needs to be done,” Huse said.

She said she believes the WHO is going to release more studies showing a possible link between different types of cancer and other ailments, like behavioral issues.

The tower policy, which was up for its regular review, was discussed at length during the May meeting of the board’s Finance & Operations Committee meeting.

In 2017, the School Board approved the policy that allowed cell towers to be collocated on school properties and entered into a 10-year master licensing agreement with tower developer Milestone in 2020

with up to five, five-year extensions. The original MLA will be up for its first review in 2030.

There are two towers on or near division schools. At Rock Ridge High School, the lease will be up for renewal October 2026. At Woodgrove High School, the lease will be up for renewal in December 2027. There is also a tower at Mickie Gordon Park, which is owned by the division.

Its lease is up for renewal in February 2028.

The towers are being built to expand cell coverage in areas where there is limited or no service. The towers also house antennas and infrastructure for the public safety radio system that provides communication for law enforcement, fire and rescue and other public safety agencies in addition to LCPS radio antennas like emergency alert systems, bus radios and maintenance vehicle radios.

A proposal to build a 150-foot-tall tower at Freedom High School in 2022 by Milestone Towers was denied by members of the previous board’s Finance & Operations Committee after parents expressed similar concerns. n

the growth of data center development,” Jaffari said.

The Department of Planning and Zoning work plan indicates a deadline for phase one approval by the Board of Supervisors next spring.

The second phase would dive deeper into specific development regulations, including site and building design, sustainability, energy, water, air, light and noise policies.

But planning commissioners expressed concern over making a blanket change to data center regulations across the entire county in a compressed timeline.

Commissioner James Banks (Algonkian) said the only use being changed from by-right to special exception and conditional use is data centers, while the place type planning zones and zoning districts allow for a wide range of uses.

“What’s the justification for plucking that one out?” he asked.

Department of Planning and Zoning Director Daniel Galindo said discussion around data center growth had been happening for years.

“It’s not that data centers are being picked out … the board and it’s Transportation and Land Use Committee had already identified that this was a growing concern and had started that study and that discussion years ago,” he said.

Commissioner Dale Polen Myers (At Large) said she wanted to understand what the economic impacts would be, have more discussion on not just where data centers shouldn’t go, but where they

should go, and find out more details about what would be required in the special exception process.

“I’m not voting on anything until I know what the special exception conditions are for what I’m asking people to do,” she said.

Twenty-six community members spoke during the commission’s Sept. 24 public hearing, both for and against the proposed changes.

Supporters of requiring all new data centers to go through a legislative review process cited growing community concern over impacts to the electric grid, electricity costs, and the demand for new transmission lines. They said the county needed get more control over the industry’s “unregulated growth.”

“The purpose of zoning is to balance the interested of individual landowners with the interests of citizens who are impacted by their projects,” Save Rural Loudoun representative John Ellis said.

Others cited the growing cost of land and said data centers are pushing out other industries.

But several speakers opposed the change, saying it would have “unintended consequences” across the county.

Kate Smiley, who directs government affairs for the Data Center Coalition, touted the industry’s contributions to the community. She said 12,000 of county’s jobs rely on data centers, that each center pays $26 in taxes for every dollar required of local public services and contributes $4,600 per resident in locally funded

county expenditures.

“This growing source of revenue helps the county fund schools, parks, libraries and other community priorities,” she said.

Government Relations Manager for the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce Theo Stamatis said county leaders have worked with the chamber to create a pro-business environment. A sudden, comprehensive change could threaten that, he said.

“Changes to regulations affecting this single industry will send ripples across all sectors. Businesses, labor unions and strategic partners will take notice,” Stamatis said.

The commission voted to move the item to a future work session for review.

But during their meeting Tuesday night, county supervisors said they did not want to see the project delayed. County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) and Transportation and Land Use Committee Chair Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) will draft a letter to the commission to help them “get there faster.”

“We do not want to take the time that this is going to take,” Randall said. “I also don’t want to tell the planning commissioners or my planning commissioner that they don’t get to have all the information they need to make the decisions they need to make. And so, this might be one of these moments when it’s incumbent on all of us to try to help people get caught up who don’t feel caught up on our Planning Commission so that we can move this along a little faster.” n

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OCTOBER 3, 2024

PAGE 41

A Loudoun Moment

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

The Land Trust of Virginia’s seventh annual Tour de Conservation Easement gravel ride on Saturday. The one-of-a-kind ride on scenic gravel roads passes through private properties in Loudoun and Fauquier counties that are under conservation easement. The Land Trust of Virginia is a nonprofit that partners with landowners who voluntarily protect properties with significant historic, scenic, or ecological value.

Montessori continued from page 3 or its employees. The company is taking a wholistic approach to solving the problem and alerted all 150 landlords that the company is “running out of cash” and developed a plan to pay back rent and interest, according to information sent to parents.

“The reality is that we cannot ‘just pay rent’ to one landlord in violation of our commitment to our 150 landlords that are supporting us. We have a plan to succeed and preserve our schools, and we need to act accordingly. Within our constraints, we could not be more active in trying to find any workable solution,” according to the email.

A Friday night email from the compa-

ny said the school would be closed all of the coming week but that it was pursuing “some potential paths forward.”

But a representative of the company that owns the building, Tri Borough Management LLC, told Loudoun Now they are looking to fill the space with another childcare facility as quickly as possible.

“We didn’t want this. Nobody wants this. It serves nobody well,” the representative said. “It a terrible position that the building has been put in and we intend fully to get another facility in here as quickly as possible.”

The company, which is based in Leesburg, said it recognizes the need for facilities like Montessori schools in the western part of the county and is actively accepting interested inquiries for a replacement.

Guidepost Montessori in Purcellville

opened in the summer of last year and served children aged six weeks to six years old.

Another Guidepost school located in Aldie also closed suddenly, leaving parents in the lurch in August. An email went out to parents Thursday, Aug. 15 at 10:12 p.m. alerting them that the school would be closed the next day as the landlord had changed the locks.

That school has not reopened.

“We did not pay rent in August, and instead asked to discuss a deferral. We communicated with the Aldie landlord between August 3rd and 6th, and were preparing to send additional communication. Our expectation had been that he would discuss with us the various options we had proposed, as we are seeing with almost every other landlord,” according

to an Aug. 18 email sent to parents of students at the Aldie school.

The email said the landlord of that location sent a text message late Thursday night informing them about the change.

One parent who had two daughters enrolled at the Aldie location said parents had to find alternative childcare solutions, with most following the head of school and teachers to the Broadlands sister school.

Items belonging to students including prescriptions, medical records, toys and clothes are still locked in the building, according to parents.

Guidepost Montesorri has schools in Sterling, Broadlands and Ashburn Village.

The company did not respond to a request for comment. n

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OCTOBER 3, 2024

Opinion Addressing the Impacts Published by Loudoun Community Media 15 N. King St., Suite 101 Leesburg, VA, 20176 703-770-9723 KURT ASCHERMANN Executive Director kaschermann@loudounnow.org NORMAN K. STYER Publisher and Editor nstyer@loudounnow.org EDITORIAL

At this point in the evolution of Loudoun’s data center industry, it is hard to make a case against the Board of Supervisors’ latest push to require legislative review of all future projects.

These are no longer the low-impact, high-revenue businesses of decades past. And the concerns they generate aren’t just from too-close neighbors suffering through unbearable noise. We now know that each project has regional impacts and will add to the growing electric power deficit.

Part of the board’s initiative is to undo the missteps of the most recent comprehensive planning process, when allowances were made to permit data centers in many different “place type” planning zones with an eye toward adding flexibility and promoting a mix of uses. What they got was more places to put data centers, and fewer places to put other businesses.

ALEXIS GUSTIN Reporter agustin@loudounnow.org HANNA PAMPALONI Reporter hpampaloni@loudounnow.org ADVERTISING SUSAN STYER Advertising Manager sstyer@loudounnow.org TONYA HARDING Account Executive tharding@loudounnow.org VICKY MASHAW Account Executive vmashaw@loudounnow.org CRYSTAL MONNINGER Account Executive cmonninger@loudounnow.org

Loudoun Now is mailed weekly to homes in Leesburg, western Loudoun and Ashburn, and distributed for pickup throughout the county.

Online, Loudoun Now provides daily community news coverage to an audience of more than 100,000 unique monthly visitors.

The proposed policy and regulatory changes don’t prohibit data centers. Would county supervisors or bureaucrats really cut off the tax revenue spigot?

The changes, however, would require all future data centers to publicly demonstrate that their impacts are being addressed—just as is required for all other types of major development.

What standards should be used to measure the impact on the neighboring properties? On the environment? On the grid? On the taxbase? Those are the questions the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors will be hammering out in the months ahead.

While there is no government push to outlaw data centers, there clearly is a public demand to do a better job of building them. n

LETTERS to the Editor Miss Reid's Impact Editor: I am saddened by the attempt to remove Francis Hazel Reid’s name from the elementary school located north of Leesburg.

Miss Reid had a lasting impact on my life, as well as countless other students who put time and effort into publishing the monthly newspaper at Loudoun County High School. Miss Reid was a mentor and a teacher.

Francis Hazel Reid worked at the Loudoun Times Mirror for 73 years. When she first began her career in 1921 women could not vote. She began her career as a secretary, then in the circulation, classified and business departments, serving as treasurer than moving to the editorial department for 25 years.

Miss Reid was involved with civic and business groups. She served on the Ladies Board at Loudoun Memorial Hospital. She was a charter member of the Loudoun Business and Professional Women’s Club and was a former director of the Loudoun Historical Society. She was executive director of the Loudoun County Tuberculosis Association. In 1964,

she was named Women of The Year by the Chamber of Commerce. Finally, in 1987 she published “Inside Loudoun: The Way It Was,” a history of Loudoun County and its newspapers.

Miss Reid covered the peaceful integration of Loudoun’s schools. She was not a racist. She grew up at a time when social clubs included the Daughters of the Confederacy, but her efforts in the field of journalism surpassed that. She could not vote when she started her career — women in the workforce were frowned upon. She could not get a credit card until she was collecting Social Security— women could not get credit cards without a man on the account until the 1970s.

At the time of her death in 1994 at age 94, she asked for her estate and donations to go to the Francs Hazel Reid Journalism Scholarship Fund. She truly gave of herself to the very end of her life.

Her impact on me was profound. I embraced giving back to my community from an early age beginning as the regional supervisor for the United States Pony Clubs and as I matured becoming chair of the Loudoun Board of the American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society. I served as planning commissioner in the Town of Leesburg

then began my political service as a town council member, vice mayor and mayor.

I would like to think Miss Reid would be proud of the impact she had on my life and I would hate to see someone who gave so much to our community have her name removed from Frances Hazel Reid Elementary School.

— BJ Webb Bishop, Longboat Key, FL

Think Carefully Editor: In November, Loudoun County voters will be asked to decide on almost $225 million in new debt used to fund new county construction projects. The Board of Supervisors likes to use this method of funding capital projects to push the real costs of these projects down the road, and letting future taxpayers deal with the results of these poor fiscal decisions. Right now, Loudoun County taxpayers subsidize new development to the tune of $110,000 per each new unit of housing built. Is this prudent fiscal policy? I don’t think so.

One of these questions concerns the funding for a new Philomont Fire Station. I estimate the cost of this new construction to taxpayers will be in LETTERS continues on page 43

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

OCTOBER 3, 2024

READERS’ poll

PAGE 43

CHIPshots — By Chip Beck, beckchip@aol.com

What’s your favorite part of fall?

• 45.5% Cool weather • • 23.8% Changing leaves • • 17.5% Football • • 5.6% Halloween • • 4.9% Pumpkin Spice • • 2.8% Community Festivals •

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION:

Should telecommunication towers be permitted on school campuses?

Share your views at loudounnow.com/polls

LETTERS to the Editor Loudoun Laurels continued from page 42 excess of $30 million. This construction is unnecessary as the current fire station is structurally sound and is estimated to have a 50-year useful life (2018 LC study). Per Chief Johnson, there will be no improvement in public safety by building this new fire station. The community overwhelmingly desires to retain the existing fire station as it currently stands and opposes the new construction. The proposed new fire house will be built on the historic Philomont horse show grounds, which is the only publicly owned open space for miles and miles. Does Chief Johnson or the Board of Superviors care about the community?

Apparently not.

I urge Loudoun County voters to think carefully about voting yes for these issues.

Are they really necessary and, if they are, how come they are not part of the annual budget. I believe it is time to think very hard about the necessity of these projects and vote against pushing these costs into the future. Perhaps, after some of these questions fail to pass, the Board of Supervisors will think a little harder about listening to the voters/taxpayers.

— Lloyd McCliggott, Philomont

continued from page 3

Rural Economic Development Task Force that developed “The 200,000-Acre Solution,” a plan for strengthening the economic base of rural Loudoun while preserving scenic areas and open space. He served three terms in the House of Delegates where he sponsored legislation to improve roads, foster ethical government operations, expand the courts and the public defender’s program, strengthen local schools, deploy broadband to underserved areas, and expand the use of renewable energy. An Eagle Scout as a youth, Minchew also served as district chairman of Scouting in Loudoun and as a scoutmaster in Leesburg.

“I’ve been told that this medal that now hangs around my neck symbolizes courage, passion, strength and self-sacrifice, and if those words are even used in the same sentence as my name, I am honored beyond my ability to use words to express that sentiment,” Minchew said.

Demonstrating the dedication to bipartisanship, civility, and consensus-making that marked his General Assembly service—and evoking NFL great Gayle Sayers’ tribute to his ailing teammate Brian Piccolo—Minchew took the opportunity to pay tribute to the courage of another of Loudoun’s political leaders, U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-10-VA).

“I had the honor of serving with her in

the Virginia General Assembly representing the same areas of Loudoun County, she as Democratic senator and me as a Republican delegate. Jennifer has the heart of a giant, and that rare form of courage, which allows her to kid herself and her opponent—Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a condition that she calls ‘Parkinson’s on steroids,’” Minchew said. “She has a mental attitude which makes me proud to have a friend who spells out courage 24 hours a day, every day of her life.”

“You all honor me by giving me this award. But I would like to dedicate it to my friend, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. It is mine tonight and hers tomorrow,” he said.

Previous honorees include Joseph T. Boling, Kristina Bouweiri, Childs Frick Burden, Stanley Caulkins, Di Cook, Dr. John H. Cook, III, Betsy Davis, Fred Drummond, William H. Harrison, G. Kimball Hart, Dr. Edgar B. Hatrick, III, Thomas D. Horn, Sheila Johnson, Chuck Kuhn, J. Hamilton Lambert, Punkin Lee, Sandy Lerner, Joe T. May, Margaret Morton, Lewis Parker, James P. Roberts, Karen Hatcher Russell, Karen and Fred Schaufeld, Eugene M. Scheel, Judy and Lang Washburn, Robert E. Sevila, Al Van Huyck, Su Webb, Cate Magennis Wyatt and Paul Ziluca.

Learn more at loudounlaurels.org. n [The writer is one of 41 community members who serve on the Loudoun Laurel Foundation Advisory Committee.]

Add your voice to the conversation.

Send us letters to the editor to editor@ loudounnow.com

PAGE 44

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

OCTOBER 3, 2024