www.hmdl.org December 15, 2008

FROM THE CITIZENS’ PERSPECTIVE . . .

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE HUNTER MILL ROAD CORRIDOR

1. Tour Book "Hunter Mill Road Civil War Self-Guided Tour" is available for the holidays and makes a great gift for the history lover in your family. This 32 page (8.5 x 11") full-color booklet takes you on a very informative and enjoyable self-guided tour of the Hunter Mill Road corridor. With 26 stops, great photographs and informative narrative, you can visit the locations of skirmishes, encampments, graves and historical structures of the Civil War period along the road and get a feel for the tensions that existed here in that period.
   
   Cost: $12.00. Visit the Store at www.HMDL.org, and get one today. It ships very quickly. Companion DVD, "Danger Between the Lines" / Tour Book combo is only $25.
   
   
2. Participation in Regional History Events HMDL's History committee members have been busy in 2008 participating in 25 events which have given them opportunities to share the history of the Corridor around the region. The Reston Community Center sponsored two Hunter Mill Road Civil War bus tours this fall led by History Committee members. The tours were very well-received and will be repeated next year. Vienna is planning to sponsor similar Hunter Mill Road tours in Spring, 2009.
   
   
3. Historical Signage The DVD and Tour book were produced in part to raise funds to place historic markers and signage along the Corridor. The committee has submitted sign language to the state and is starting work with Fairfax County, the W&OD trail managers, and the Civil War Trails organization to explore possibilities.

MORE THREATS TO COMMUNITY'S RESIDENTIAL ZONING

Major Changes Proposed for Area Development The 2008 review of Fairfax County's Comprehensive Land Use Plan – the plan that guides development in Hunter Mill Corridor neighborhoods – is underway. This year, proposals target two tracts for more intense development:

1. The front 23.13 acres of the Golf Driving Range (APR 08-III-6UP)
2. The 51.43 acres across Hunter Mill Road (APR 08-III-10UP)

They seek to change allowable development from very low density residential to residential/office/retail and mixed use. This review process again matches volunteer citizen homeowners against well-funded developers and full-time, professional consultants.

Background During the 2004 comprehensive plan review cycle, there were similar proposals to increase the residential and commercial densities for these two sites. After 12+ months of a Special Study that included unprecedented civic participation (more than 350 residents at a single community meeting) and rock-solid support for the adopted Plan, the Board of Supervisors voted a resounding "No".

What You Can Do Hunter Mill Corridor residents are called again to participate actively in this Plan review process. Citizen Task Forces, organized by Dranesville and Hunter Mill Supervisors, will begin reviewing proposals on the following dates:

1. Dranesville Task Force (APR-08-III-6UP) - January 26.
2. Hunter Mill Road Task Force (APR-08-III-10UP) - February 23.

Detailed location information will follow in early January.

For descriptions of these proposals, click here or past the URL into your browser: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpz/apr/2008northcounty/task_force_meetings_table.htm

PORTION OF GOLF PARK SOLD TO PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL

The Oakcrest School, a private girls school currently located in McLean, has purchased the eastern half of the Golf Park Range mentioned above. The school is going to seek a special exception permit to operate on the land. Their target enrollment is 450 students. They have recently completed the initial traffic study and are studying mitigation options in preparation for further discussion with the community. There will be more information on this proposal here in January.

Happy Holidays from the Hunter Mill Defense League!

Preserve the Scenic and Historic Character of Your Community!

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The Hunter Mill Defense League (HMDL) is a community, non-profit organization in Fairfax County, Virginia, dedicated to preserving the scenic and historic character of the Hunter Mill Road Corridor. Contact info@hmdl.org with any questions or comments about this e-newsletter.