Tractors and bulldozers are shifting gears in 2004, adding facilities in several areas around Burke.
Communications Center
As the population of Fairfax County continues to grow, the county communications center remains shoehorned into an old elementary school on Sideburn Road in Annandale. In November, voters showed enthusiasm for a public safety referendum by approving a $60 million bond that included a new communications facility.
Supervisor Elaine McConnell (R-Springfield) believes now is the time to get the wheels rolling on this.
"We need an updated communications center to serve our people," she said. "If you had a really big strike on the nation's capital, you'd need it."
One look at the 911 emergency room at the Richard A. King Pine Ridge Facility on Woodburn Road in Annandale indicates the need for space. Recent emergencies such as the Y2K scare, terrorist strikes on 9/11 or the October 2002 sniper attacks exemplify that need.
VRE Garage
Although the EZ Ride bus system was implemented at the Burke Centre Virginia Railway Express (VRE) station in early December to accommodate commuters, that isn't a long-term solution to the station's parking problems. County officials and the Burke community are still pursuing the additional parking garage. In September, Supervisor Sharon Bulova (D-Braddock) organized a task force composed of citizens from communities surrounding the station. They are looking at the design of the lot, pedestrian access and operational issues. On Feb. 18, the task force is completing its work and adopting a list of recommendations for the structure. The county staff will begin the formal design stage in spring 2004. Construction could begin by the fall of 2005, and construction could be complete by the fall of 2007, according to Bulova.
Burke Centre Library
Just south of Freds Oak Road is the Burke Centre Library. It takes a little imagination though, because at the present time it's just a field and a sign. In November 2004, library supporters are hoping the voters will back the issue. In an upcoming bond referendum, $50 million is being proposed for libraries. Money has already been directed to the Burke Centre library for plans, and backers hope to have an artist's rendering of the new library by October 2004. Bulova plans to schedule a meeting in late winter or early spring to assess the library's progress.
Little River Glen
Expansion is planned on the Little River Glen senior citizen community on Olley Lane in the Braddock District. Construction on an assisted living and adult day center component is tentatively scheduled to begin this summer, expanding the existing 120 independent living units. On Feb. 18, at 2 p.m., Bulova is hosting a winter town meeting to discuss senior-related issues.