Land Use & Zoning Committee (LUZ)
The Mission of the Land Use & Zoning (LUZ) Committee is to encourage
preserving and protecting the historic, low-density, semi-rural
character of Great Falls and its natural resources.
Leo Santaballa Field Update
GFLA Synthetic Turf Field Proposal
At the Land Use & Zoning Committe (LUZ) meeting held November 10, Glenn Tofil, Great Falls Lacrosse Association Commissioner, presented a significantly revised GFLA plan for the Leo Santaballa Field proposed conversion from natural to synthetic turf. Based on community concerns, GFLA and the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) proposed underground pipes that do not drain into the Innsbruck pond, will pay a 30% premium to use an improved FutrFill Duraspine alternative to “crumb rubber” to address environmental concerns, and have studied storm water run-off.
Click on the following for details:
1. Update on Leo Santaballa Field Initiative.
2. Specific Product Information on FutrFill.
3. Benefits and Issues associated with Natural Grass and Artifical Turf fields.
4. Opposition to Synthetic Turf at Santaballa Field.
Fairfax County Department of Code Compliance
The new consolidated County Department of Code Compliance (DCC) commenced operations on July 1, 2010. The DCC is organized to receive concerns and violation complaints from the public, investigate and resolve such matters to comply with established codes and ordinances, and address neighborhood quality-to-life issues in the County.
The DCC’s jurisdiction ranges from inoperable vehicles/cars parked on grass and tall grass to construction without permits, illegal and blighted structures, and noise violations.
The DCC combines the staff and programs of the former Code Enhancement Strike Team, and Zoning and Code Enforcement branches of the Departments of Planning and Zoning and Public Works and Environmental Services. Jeff Blackford, DCC Director, said residents may obtain additional information and/or register complaints at: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/code or call: 703-324-1300. (Or, you can contact GFCA LUZ).
Odor Control and Pipeline Project
DC Water and Sewage Authority (DC-WASA), a tri-state utility, held two open public meetings, on June 30, 2010 and March 4, 2010, to discuss their plans to (a) build a 20 foot tall Odor Abatement building for the maintenance of a vent system and (b) essential updating, replacing, relining, and repairing its 60-year old sewage pipelines located in Northern Virginia Regional Park and River Bend Park. These projects will have an impact on several of our roads including Walker, River Bend, Beach Mill, and the Deepwoods/River Park/River Park Lane/Yarnick area.
Among key issues still under study are locations of existing and possible additional easements, size and weight of trucks to be utilized, and repair of roads and private landowner properties that might be damaged by the necessary truck usage.
The Potomac Interceptor is a 50-mile long gravity sewer system that transports wastewater to the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant located in Washington, DC. It runs through several suburban jurisdictions that add their wastewater to the system. The sewer system has a number of vents that require newly designed controls to abate odors, particularly during warmer weather. State-of-the-art technology is being utilized to reduce hydrogen sulfide gases that cause the corrosion of concrete sewer pipes.
Telecommunications Tower Extension at Dranesville United Church
Cricket Communications and Verizon Wireless, as a co-applicants, are requiring a 20-foot extension to the height of their existing bell tower at the Dranesville United Methodist Church.
Commercial Recreation Use (Motorcycles) on Leigh Mill Road
Comstock Tree Farm, which owns ten acres on Leigh Mill Road near Georgetown Pike, at an upcoming Board of Zoning Appeals public hearing will oppose County violation letters to discontinue commercial recreational use not permitted in a residential district (noisy dirt motorcycle racing and jumping), adding soil in excess of allowable area and depth, etc.
Other Issues
Most justified complaints are settled quietly and peacefully without formal County zoning violation actions. For example, discontinuing commercial trucks and equipment operating from a residential lot on Utterback Store Road near an elementary school, noisy lawn mower usage after 9 p.m., et
What We Do
The Committee reviews all Great Falls land use applications, scheduled to be heard, by the Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors, and Board of Zoning Appeals (rezoning and special exceptions) and represents GFCA during the process. It reviews some by-right land use actions filed with the County (preliminary plats, subdivision plans, waiver requests, etc) and zoning violation complaints from community citizens. The Committee also proposes, to the GFCA Executive Board, appropriate changes to County Comprehensive and local Area Plans.
| Co-Chairs: | |
| Bill Harvey | wcha@verizon.net |
| Diane Van Volkenburg |
diannevan@verizon.net |