Community Update - 18 September 2019

Dear GOCA Members and Friends,

It has been a few months since the Greater Oakton Community Association's last update on our special community. We think you will be very interested in the 6 items below.

1. Many of you have followed the rezoning proposal to build an 86-bed Assisted Living facility at 2347 Hunter Mill Road adjacent to the Church of the Good Shepherd. The facility would be the first septic-system based medical operation in the County. This R-1 zoned area contains a conservation easement, homes on septic systems and well water, a stream draining into the Difficult Run watershed, and reliance on access from a two-lane Virginia Scenic Byway eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

The involvement of community members sharing information with County officials and the public contributed to the developer's request that its rezoning application be "deferred indefinitely." At its 9/12/19 meeting, the Fairfax County Planning Commission accepted the deferred application request with a number of comments of record that reflect the Commission's own findings, as well as some of the research conducted by community members.

For now, the rezoning application is off the agenda. However, the developer still has an opportunity to re-submit an application that addresses the Planning Commission's concerns in the future.

2. This summer, GOCA explored whether to commit to a VDOT "Covenant of Perpetual Maintenance" regarding the upkeep of the median at the Oakton Roundabout. After careful review, including a pro-bono consultation with an Oakton attorney, GOCA's board of directors voted NOT to enter into the Covenant with VDOT. The Covenant would have placed a number of legal and financial demands on GOCA that the organization is not in a position to meet.

Among these demands is a requirement that GOCA indemnify VDOT and assume all liability for any and all claims, accidents, "occurrences," and the like that may stem from GOCA's efforts to maintain or improve the Roundabout or failure to maintain the Roundabout.

Additionally, the Covenant provisions would grant VDOT the legal right to demand removal of all improvements and restore the original median condition at GOCA's sole cost. This right does not permit consultation, consideration of alternatives to removal, or appeal on GOCA's part.

GOCA has notified VDOT of its decision. As a possible alternative GOCA is now looking into the VDOT "Adopt a Highway" program that is designed specifically for volunteers.

3. The Friends of Oakton Library will host its Fall Used Book Sale at the Library over three days: Thursday, September 26, 1 to 8 PM; Friday, September 27, 10 AM to 6 PM; Saturday, September 28, 10 AM to 3 PM. Proceeds of the sale will support many library programs serving the community and acquisition of additional high-demand materials.

4. Fairfax County's annual "Volunteer Fest" will take place on Saturday October 25. Providence Supervisor Linda Smyth has identified some worthwhile opportunities here in or very near Oakton. Among them are: Horseback riding opportunity for kids at the Oakton Community Park, 1 to 3 PM on October 25; Food drive at the Providence District Community Center (3001 Vaden Drive) running from October 1 to 31, 9 AM to 10 PM, OR at the Hunter Mill Country Day School (2021 Hunter Mill Road), 9 AM to 6 PM, October 1 to 31; Blake Lane Park nature walk and family activities from 10 AM to Noon on October 25; Nottoway Park opportunities to help remove invasive plants--various dates and times this fall--sign up at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/invasive-management-area.

5. The Save Blake Lane Park committee is working to preserve this neighborhood park. For more information, please see https://www.saveblakelanepark.org/ or contact saveblakelanepark@gmail.com.

6. GOCA will soon launch a website to keep the community informed of important issues and share GOCA news. The website has been developed and paid for by a long-time Oakton resident, who is also a GOCA board member. Stay tuned for another email announcing the launch of the website!

With gratitude for your interest and support!

Janet Kerr-Tener, Co-Chair

Greater Oakton Community Association

GOCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Greater Oakton through the volunteer work and financial support of the community. To volunteer or donate, please contact us at gocaoakton@gmail.com.

Janet Kerr-Tener, Ph.D.