To the Editor:
Disappointment was the general sentiment of the Oakcrest community when we heard that no action was to be taken by the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 11 concerning our SEA.
However, we appreciate the responsibility displayed by Supervisor Hudgins in her motion to defer, because we understand the importance of a thorough, fair review of our application.
There has been an intense level of community involvement in this SEA process, coordinated by Supervisor Hudgins. Oakcrest met with the surrounding community in a series of well attended meetings with the Hunter Mill Land Use Committee from January through March of 2013. We met directly with representatives of the Hunter Mill Defense League and had discussions with their traffic consultant in order engage in healthy dialogue about our amendment proposal. From
September 2013 through January 2014, Oakcrest participated in a special community outreach committee formed by Supervisor Hudgins to continue reviewing and analyzing options. County DOT and/or VDOT were present at each of those meetings. During this process, at least 22 alternatives were studied. None of the alternatives mitigates traffic and improves existing conditions as well as the proposed traffic signal outlined in our SEA.
We want to publicly address our opponents’ latest proposal. A full movement school entrance onto Hunter Mill Road has been extensively evaluated and rejected by both VDOT and FCDOT.
Conversely, the Crowell Road entrance shown in our SEA application has been deemed to be safe and meets all applicable standards. County staff has also concluded that the installation of the traffic signal mitigates any traffic generated by our School and substantially improves a currently failing intersection. Finally, despite voices to the contrary, our SEA proposes no change to the Comprehensive Plan or the existing zoning.
The persistent focus on alternatives that do not fix the critical intersection reflect a view held by some that an improved intersection somehow leads to future redevelopment on nearby land. This speculation hijacks the earnest discussion of substantive issues and unnecessarily obscures the uncontroverted facts.
An approval of our SEA will enhance the Hunter Mill district, both by alleviating traffic congestion and by giving it a beautiful school, with a design that compliments the surrounding area and a mission of service to young people, families and its surrounding community.
As we approach the fourth anniversary of our SE (March 23, 2010), we find ourselves waiting rather anxiously to see if we can continue serving the families of Fairfax County. Oakcrest is a small school, with deep and profound ties to its current families and a commitment to service.
We remain confident that the process is fair and objective and that the Board of Supervisors will make a correct, informed decision. We eagerly hope that this process will end on Feb. 25 with a resolution that objectively recognizes the hard work, good faith, and prayers we have invested in these years.
Mary T. Ortiz, Ph.D.
Head of School