Community offers input in Fairfax County strategic planning process
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| The community conversation at James Lee Community Center. |
Economic development, affordable housing, environmental sustainability, and of course, traffic congestion: These are some of the major issues Fairfax County residents believe the county needs to focus on in its strategic plan.
Those recommendations surfaced at a community discussion that drew nearly 100 people to the James Lee Recreation Center March 6 on the Future of Fairfax County.
The goal of that meeting, and similar sessions across the county, is to provide input as the county identifies key issues, develops a vision for the future, and decides on actions to make that vision a reality. A draft strategic plan would be presented to the Board of Supervisors in 2020.
Those who came to the March 6 meeting gathered in small tables to talk about the issues and opportunities facing Fairfax County in the next 10 to 20 years, what they want the county to look like in 2029, what the county does really well, what areas need to be improved, and what should be the county’s top priorities.
Among the long-term issues identified by people at my table: the lack of affordable housing, a shrinking amount of open space, a widening income gap, the impact of climate change, and the cost of living.
What those people said they would like to see in 10 years: no more tolls on the beltway, year-round schools, more free health clinics, and more walkable neighborhoods.
When asked what Fairfax County does well, my tablemates mentioned the public libraries, first responders, good public education, and opportunities for community engagement.
Areas identified for improvement include bus service and other public transportation, affordable housing, better communication with immigration, less reliance on property taxes, and more support for reinvestment in declining urban areas.
The people in my group suggested the county’s priorities should focus on human capital, high-quality education for children and adults, lower taxes, economic sustainability, social equity, and again, affordable housing.
I hope someone recommended replacing Penny Gross. Every time I pass by the vacant lots by the torn down Safari and that horrible office building next to Bradley Acura I think of what it could have been. And now its going to be a Penny Park for her homeless shelter. What a damn shame.
If you live or work in Fairfax County, you can–and I hope you do–express your concerns to the county authorities.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/fairfax-county-strategic-plan
http://www.thegpac.com Time for a change. Come out of anonymity and help me change Mason for the better!
Hey Gary – are you running as a Republican? Your website does not appear to identify your party affiliation. While Penny surely leaves much to be desired, voting in more Republicans and their conservative ideology is the larger problem.
Republican but apparently it's not something to be upfront about that running in Mason.
https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2019/01/gary-aiken-launches-campaign-for-mason.html?m=1
I don't care if Gary is a Martian, he could not possibly do more damage than what has already been done to Mason. Just look at Baileys Crossroads. Anyone can do better than wrecking ball Gross.
Anonymous 4:36 PM – look at the damage being done on the federal level by the Pres and his obsequious party members. I have no reason to believe Gary might be like them, but the risk of allowing more (R) termites into the woodpile is simply too great.
Personally, I wish there were no political parties allowed in local politics. Why bring up national politics at all? Focus on what we need locally right now. Take off your blinders.
We desperately need a supervisor who will do raise up our community instead of dragging it down. Gross has been a 24-year disaster. Just look around. Blight everywhere.
I don't care if someone is a Republican or a Democrat. I want someone who listens to what the people want and need and that is not Penny Gross. Gary has a background that includes working on revitalization in areas of downtown DC including The Wharf. We need someone for Mason District who knows how to attract and implement true revitalization for us. Forget Trump, Pelosi and Capitol Hill. FOCUS on Mason District. Stay FOCUSED!
Those who vote only for candidates with a D after their names is one n reasons that Penny is still in office. They may rant about Republican voters being uninformed and brainwashed, not realizing that they fall into the same category. The ability to clearly judge candidates on their qualifications, knowledge of issues, record in office (if applicable ) and vision for the future appears to be secondary to party affiliation.
In this time of poisoned politics and incivility, I am glad that we have candidates like Gary willing to step up to the plate. Heaven knows Mason District needs a change