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Board of Supervisors looking eastward
In a rare occurrence, the Board of Supervisors will meet outside of Leesburg so it can address a slew of concerns by residents living in Loudoun's older suburban communities of Sterling.
The meeting is scheduled for July 22 in the auditorium of Park View High School in Sterling Park, with a tentative start time of 6:30 p.m. Some time may be set aside for the public to address supervisors.
During the meeting, county staff members will present their findings from an extensive outreach program that took place this spring, when residents from mostly Sterling Park, Sugarland Run, Cascades and CountrySide opined on how the county can improve the quality of life in eastern Loudoun.
Sterling -- especially neighborhoods in Sterling Park -- has long been a source of complaints about crime, unkempt lawns and overcrowded homes. Of late, supervisors have been steering much of their attention toward the needs of residents living in this area.
Recently, supervisors decided to step up enforcement of zoning laws in Sterling, while some property owners were told to cut their lawns.
Supervisors are now considering a plan that would put some county employees in foreclosed properties. At nearly 700 foreclosures since the start of 2007, Sterling Park has been hit especially hard by the housing slowdown.
In addition, supervisors are scheduled to take up proposals that would restrict residents from parking cars on their front lawns and charities from soliciting donations from motorists stopped at intersections, both issues that are most prevalent in the east.
"In my opinion, it's about time we focus our attention on our existing suburban communities," said Supervisor Andrea McGimsey (D-Potomac), who added that before she took office in January, the county was focusing much of its energy on development issues in western Loudoun and Dulles South.
Michael Salinas, the Planning Department staff member who is heading up the outreach effort, said about 500 people filled out surveys and another 300 took part in four community meetings in April and May.
Though a full report on the outreach will not be available until later this summer, he did say some trends already are noticeable.
Salinas said residents want a stronger Sheriff's Office presence in Sterling Park. They also asked for a teen center somewhere in eastern Loudoun, an arts and craft facility, additional bus stops and new pedestrian access either under or over Route 7. A few Sterling Park residents also said it was time for the community to create a homeowners association.
He said residents cited concerns about crime, graffiti, blight and empty storefronts in parts of eastern Loudoun.
Furthermore, Salinas said some residents confessed to worries that fewer residents are putting down long-term roots in their neighborhoods.
"They said the area is losing a sense of community that used to be there," he said.
Chairman Scott York (I-at large), who lives in Sterling, said supervisors have formally met as a group at least one other time outside of Leesburg during his 12 years on the board. That meeting also was held in Sterling Park.
"Four people showed up: Two residents and two from the media," he said.
As for this new gathering, at which he is hoping for a larger public turnout, York said Loudoun's elected leaders must not let residents' concerns go unheard.
"It's time for the board to put [residents' concerns] on our shoulders and do something about it," he said.
Contact the reporter at jjacks@timespapers.com
"Recently, supervisors decided to step up enforcement of zoning laws in Sterling......" Strange!? They may have DECIDED to step up enforcement but I have seen no action. I can point out at least three homes in my area that have more than the maximum allowable people living in a single family home. Four satellite dishes for one home? Is that not a dead give away? Come on now!!!!
Posted by itsaorb
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LOCO Zoning seems to only take action when the public fills out one of their alleged zoning violation forms that are available online. Then wait another 3 months before they even check out the place. Then the occupants know all the ins and outs of the system, making a mockery of your tax dollars. Try it out. You'll see that zoning's job is to protect the privacy of overcrowders and not upset them for fear of litigation.
Posted by blindman
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Why doesn't Sterling and Sterling Park have an HOA? One could be started if there isn't one already to make sure people mow their lawns, etc. My HOA just passed a rule not to allow home rentals in the community. It sucks but all the residents had a chance to vote.
Posted by dpunty
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