Loudoun County Hearing
Loudoun County's Board of Zoning Appeals is scheduled to hear an appeal by Richard Kaufman, town attorney, regarding the approved day-labor site at Sterling Road.
Acting on behalf of the town, Kaufman submitted the appeal after receiving a zoning determination by Melinda Artman, Loudoun County Zoning Administrator, that the day-labor site was not allowed at the former Herndon Police Station under Loudoun County's zoning laws.
Because the approved site would operate on Town of Herndon property, Kaufman said her ruling was incorrect. Artman also stated vehicles were not allowed to access the site from Rock Hill Road — which lies in Loudoun County — because the town had not applied for the proper permits to use the driveway onto the site. Currently the town uses the driveway for its Public Works vehicles, and for residents using the recycling station that lies on Loudoun County property.
After hearing this, Town Council member Steven Mitchell researched boundary lines between the town and Loudoun County. Using 10 years of information gathered by Kaufman, Mitchell sent a memorandum to Loudoun and Herndon officials stating the town's boundary line in fact lies in Fairfax County and Loudoun County. The driveway in question off Rock Hill Road, technically is Town of Herndon property, he said in his statement.
Loudoun County's Board of Zoning Appeals is scheduled to hear the town's appeal Thursday, Dec. 15. At the hearing they are scheduled to decide whether or not to accept the town's appeal. If they do not, the matter could be taken to court for a judge to make the official ruling.
Judicial Watch Lawsuit
A Fairfax County Circuit Court judge is scheduled to hear a lawsuit against the Town of Herndon on Friday, Dec. 16.
Representing five Town of Herndon residents and two Fairfax County residents, Judicial Watch, a public interest group based in Washington, D.C., amended a Sept. 1 lawsuit against the town to include Fairfax County on Oct. 19. The lawsuit was filed to stop the creation of formal day-labor hiring centers in the area.
Herndon's Town Council approved, 5 to 2, a formal day-labor center in town Aug. 17. The county approved the allocation of $400,000 to three day-labor sites in the county, including Culmore, Annandale and Herndon, Sept. 12.
The lawsuit was filed because residents represented by Judicial Watch do not want taxpayer money to fund the creation of a hiring center where possibly undocumented immigrants could find work, according to the lawsuit.
Outside counsel, Walter T. Dudley and William G. Broaddus of McGuireWoods LLP, were appointed by Herndon's Town Council to handle the case on behalf of the town. Fairfax County officials have been instructed not to comment.
Good Neighbor Award
The Herndon Cultivating Community Committee recently announced that Nannette Lem of the Herndon Woods neighborhood was awarded the Herndon Good Neighbor Award for December 2005.
Lem's contributions to her neighbors include the qualities expected in a good neighbor — she is friendly, plays with the neighborhood kids, and helps her neighbors with projects. Her nomination stood out to the committee because of her exceptional devotion to a neighbor who needed assistance resulting from the sudden onset of a serious medical condition. She helped with day-to-day tasks like walking her neighbor's dog or collecting the mail. Lem also helped by being a true friend to her neighbor, going out of her way to assist with trips to the doctor, grocery shopping and even driving her neighbor to visit her elderly parents. In the words of her nominator, "Nannette Lem is a neighbor extraordinaire!"
The committee thanks Lem for her contributions to the Herndon Woods neighborhood and for her friendship to a neighbor in need. The Herndon Town Council was scheduled to present the Good Neighbor Award to Lem during the Dec. 13 public hearing.
The next Good Neighbor Award will be presented in May 2006 during Neighborhood Celebration Month. Anyone interested in nominating a neighbor for this award, contact Brian Glaser with the Town of Herndon at 703-435-6829 or brian.glaser@herndon-va.gov.
Herndon: Preserve America Community
The Town of Herndon has been designated as a Preserve America community, by first lady Laura Bush, Honorary Chair, Preserve America.
Preserve America is a White House initiative designed to encourage and support community efforts for the preservation and enjoyment of invaluable culture and natural heritage.
By receiving the Preserve America community designation, Herndon is recognized for its dedication to protecting and celebrating its heritage. This designation provides national recognition for what communities have already achieved, and serves as a way to enhance the contribution of heritage tourism and other economic development strategies to their economies. The goals of the Preserve America community initiative include a greater shared knowledge about the Nation's past, strengthened regional identities and local pride, increased local participation in preserving the country's cultural and natural heritage assets and support for the economic vitality of the community. Bush said in a letter to the Town, "President Bush and I applaud your achievement. As your community shares its story with residents and visitors, you set a great example for others."
Jimmy's Old Town Tavern
Jimmy is scheduled to hold his Ninth Annual Holiday Party and Casino night for charity, Thursday, Dec. 15, starting at 7 p.m. Craps, Blackjack, great prizes and more will be offered. Plus, free wings from 7-9 p.m. courtesy of Verizon FiOS and a chance to win a 42-inch HDTV!
Then, on Dec. 17, Jimmy will host his Ninth Annual Holiday Party for Kids, including lunch, Christmas Carol sing-a-longs and a visit from Santa. Reservations are suggested; the fun begins at 12:30 p.m.
Herndon Ornaments For Sale
The Herndon Dulles Visitor's Center is selling brass tree holiday ornaments again this year for $12 each. This year's ornament is of the popular Washington & Old Dominion Trail red caboose that sits off of Lynn Street. Ornaments can be bought at the Herndon Dulles Visitor's Center at 717 Lynn St. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. everyday or at the Herndon Florist across the street. Profits from the ornaments go to support the daily operations of the Visitor's Center. Ornaments of the Herndon Depot from a previous year are also still available at both locations for the same price. Call 703-HERNDON (703-437-6366) for more information.
Children’s Holiday Show
The Westfield High School Theatre Department is scheduled to present its annual children’s holiday extravaganza, The Ho-Ho Holiday Show Dec. 22 at 10 a.m. and noon at Westfield High School in Chantilly. The show is targeted to preschoolers and elementary school students and will include a Christmas carol sing-a-long and a visit from a special guest. Admission is $3 per person or five tickets for $10. For tickets, call 703-488-6439 or buy them at the door. Seats are general admission. For information about the show and directions, contact the Westfield Theatre Department at 703-488-6439 or visit www.westfieldtheatreboosters.com.
Town Calendar
Thursday, Dec. 15
Loudoun County Board of Zoning Appeals hearing
Friday, Dec. 16
Fairfax County Circuit Court hearing
Saturday, Dec. 17
LINK Holiday Baskets food distribution, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Herndon Presbyterian Church
Santa's Workshop, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Herndon Community Center
Sunday, Dec. 18, 1-5 p.m.
LINK holiday toy distribution drop off, Herndon United Methodist Church
Monday, Dec. 19
Architectural Review Board/Heritage Preservation Review Board public hearing, 7 p.m.
Planning Commission work session, 7 p.m.
LINK holiday toy distribution, Herndon United Methodist Church 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 20
LINK holiday toy distribution, Herndon United Methodist Church 4 p.m.-9 p.m.