This concern comes up repeatedly given that their is a multitude of paved and decrepit sites from the beltway to Fort Belvoir that would be suitable for redevelopment rather than remaining eyesores along the corridor. Population along the corridor continues to grow with acknowledgement from Fairfax County that two additional elementary schools may be required to prevent overcrowding at existing schools. County stats show that there is a deficit for parks and recreation in the Mount Vernon District that will only increase over time. There is already a grass roots advocacy group for more recreational opportunities along the corridor featured last fall here on PATCH, yet county and community proceeds to kowtow to developers. There is talk of community/business/developer partnerships to address dwindling community assets (open space) along the corridor but so far just talk. Not a single proposal as yet to show such a partnership that focuses on addressing these disparities. Developers are all the more emboldened now that Fairfax elected officials shamelessly joined in a lawsuit with our infamous VA attorney general to say that storm water runoff from our roads and developed areas cannot be classified as pollutants thus not holding the county accountable for upholding EPA pollution requirements governing runoff into our watersheds and harming the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Shame on elected officials for kicking the can down the road yet again.

A regular change in leadership might make a difference. Too many have been entrenched for too long. Leaders are pro active to assist business and developers. They are reactive and well rehearsed at dodging actions benefiting communities and neighborhoods. Term limits for BOS members to 2 - 3 terms might help. More civic engagement from a larger percentage of citizens would be helpful but alas, most citizens choose to remain unengaged. Can't mandate civic responsibility and participation. Participation in community associations and organizations like the MVCCA requires a fair amount of personal time in order to get a grasp on local issues. Few citizens are willing to devote that much time. Would be nice if community issues were aired via electronic social/community media with citizen discussion, opinion and surveys ending in a vote. Citizen voting outcomes would only work if elected officials were compelled to either act or present arguments giving their reasons publicly why they won't act. Pardon my cynicism, but even elected officials at the county level have to raise substantial amounts of money to run for public office. A visit to VPAP http://www.vpap.org/ reveals who are the primary contributors to local political campaigns. Money has a corrupting influence in our state and national politics and has steadily crept into our county politics resulting in less advocacy for neighborhoods and communities and more advocacy for the interests of large campaign donors.

The MVCCA Environment and Recreation Committee chaired by Elizabeth Martin is the committee that most often deals with environmental issues. They meet the 1st Wednesday of the month usually at the MV Government Center but you may want to check the MVCCA web site to confirm their time and meeting location.