Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Business Meeting - September 3, 2025

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors held its regular business meeting on September 3, 2025, addressing a consent agenda, committee reports, public comments, resolutions, and a closed session. Key actions included approval of the Belmont Cove rezoning (5-3), adoption of a resolution of intent to amend the zoning ordinance, a board member initiative for road improvements, and a motion to provide $11,000 in funeral expenses for fallen firefighter Captain Danny Wilson. Multiple public speakers addressed topics including the conflict in Gaza, part-time employee hours, and an ethics complaint.

Consent Calendar

• Approved all items on the consent agenda unanimously, including:
  • Proclamations for Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Day (September 4) and the 24th Anniversary of the September 11 Attacks (day of remembrance and patriotism).
  • Fiscal Year 2025 annual reports from the Affordable Dwelling Unit Advisory Board, Housing Choice Voucher Resident Advisory Board, Housing Advisory Board, Advisory Plans Examiner Board, and Facilities Standards Manual Public Review Committee.
  • Confirmations of appointments (Item 2a).
  • Administrative items report of September 3, 2025.
  • Street name selection for a private right-of-way off Loyalty Road (approved as "Loyalty Post Lane").
  • Resolution of intent to amend Chapter 260 (Dulles Town Center Community Development Authority deletion).
  • Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging Area Plan for Fiscal Year 2026.
  • Public hearing waiver for Village at Clear Springs proffer amendment.
  • Commonwealth Center Residential Proffer Amendment (ZCPA-2025-0005).
  • Proposed conveyance of easements near Mountain View Elementary and Woodgrove High School to Dominion Energy and Comcast.

Public Comments & Testimony

• James Russell: Condemned the county's handling of Palestinian rights, accusing the board of silencing pro-Palestinian speakers and perpetuating violence.
• Donna Wodowski: Praised Supervisor Umstattd for opposing anti-Semitic rhetoric; criticized a "white immigrant-only briefing" by Virginia Majority; defended the Sheriff's Office's data analytics; congratulated Sheriff Chapman on being named best public servant.
• Zachary Mattia: Supported the newly formed union for part-time county staff. Urged reversal of a directive limiting part-time employees to 29 hours, arguing it denies health insurance and harms retention.
• Robert Griffin: Filed an ethics complaint against Supervisor Turner, claiming Turner gave false testimony about a trespassing incident. Demanded an apology and criticized Turner's judgment.
• Kevin Cochran: Expressed disappointment over the county's reliance on data centers, questioning the 50% tax base target and raising concerns about energy consumption and transparency.
• Jessica Royce: Defended Palestinian American speakers, stating accusations of anti-Semitism are misplaced. Noted past board members' statements on Palestine and urged the board to take action on the genocide in Gaza.
• Matthew Noonan: Cited a genocide scholars' resolution and statistics on civilian deaths in Gaza. Called on the board to make a statement condemning the violence, stating only Supervisor Briskman had done so.
• John Myers (President, Loudoun County Career Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 3076): Honored Captain Danny Wilson, who died of cancer. Noted cancer is the number one killer of firefighters. Announced that Captain Wilson's death was accepted as line-of-duty by the IAFF, and his name will be on the IAFF Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Requested action to support firefighter health and safety.

Discussion Items

• Belmont Cove Rezoning (LEGI-2023-0074): Staff presented updated proffers including 20 of 78 townhouse units capped at 2,300 square feet (down from 2,600). Discussion focused on unit size, sidewalks, and civic space. Supervisor Turner moved approval, calling it a "good B-plus" application. Supervisor Crony supported, noting the applicant's contribution to first-time home buyer assistance. Chair Randall expressed disappointment that standards were not fully met but voted yes due to housing needs. Supervisor Briskman and Supervisor Umstattd opposed due to insufficient smaller units and sidewalk issues. Vote passed 5-3 (Randall, Turner, Glass, Crony, Saines in favor; Briskman, Umstattd, Laterno opposed; Kershner absent).
• Zoning Ordinance Rewrite Adjustments #1 (ZOAM-2025-0001): Staff presented a resolution of intent to amend the zoning ordinance to correct minor inconsistencies and clarify definitions (e.g., "penthouse," "parapet," "kennel," endangered species study). No substantive policy changes. Motion by Supervisor Crony passed unanimously (8-0, Saines absent).
• Board Member Initiative – Sterling Boulevard Service Road Improvement: Supervisor Saines introduced an initiative to repair a deteriorated service road serving two residential properties. The road is not maintained by VDOT and is in poor condition. Motion directed staff to return by the second January 2026 meeting with a plan, cost estimates, and long-term maintenance strategy. Passed 9-0.
• Appointments and Nominations: Multiple appointments approved, including suspension of rules to appoint Jennifer Lovequest to the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Board. All approved.

Key Outcomes

• Belmont Cove Rezoning: Approved 5-3.
• ZOAM-2025-0001: Resolution of intent adopted unanimously.
• Sterling Boulevard Initiative: Approved unanimously.
• Closed Session: Held to discuss property acquisition and litigation. No formal action taken.
• Funeral Expenses for Captain Danny Wilson: Motion approved 9-0 to provide $11,000 for funeral and transportation expenses, and to continue working on workers' compensation settlement.
• Public Input: No action taken; comments noted.