In a May 2021 issue of the Great Falls Citizens Association Newsletter, GFCA president, Bill Canis writes:
“New residents sometimes ask me why Great Falls is different from neighboring communities, with so much green open space; low-density; scenic two lane roads; three great elementary schools; and nearby county parks with many programs for young people. A major answer is that Great Falls residents have been deeply engaged in decisions affecting our community for more than 50 years on land use, transportation, environmental, and other issues:
Most of our community is intentionally on septic systems, preventing the high density seen elsewhere;
The Virginia Department of Transportation has in the past sought to turn historic Georgetown Pike and Springvale Road into four-lane highways;
Fairfax County once wanted to build a major water treatment facility on Seneca Road; and
Route 7 from the Loudoun County line to Tysons is a green residential corridor, not one cluttered strip mall after another.
In short, Great Falls is what it is today because of the endless time put in by volunteers over the years — not only in GFCA, but by many others, including the Friends of Riverbend Park, Friends of Colvin Run Mill, the Great Falls Garden Club, and the local PTAs, PSOs, and PTSA. As you read this newsletter, you will see the latest manifestations of how GFCA seeks to speak up for the beauty and character of this community. On our website, our unofficial motto is “make a difference” — if you want to make a difference, contact me, Bill Canis, at president@gfca.org.