On Sept. 17, Citizens For Great Falls submitted a request to the Planning Commission postpone the October 15 public hearing on the draft County-wide Policy Plan Amendment. CFG President John Halacy wrote that this postponement would provide Fairfax County residents with adequate time to review the proposed amendment and engage in substantive public participation throughout all community segments. He offered several other justifications:
•The Draft Policy Plan Amendment was released on September 10, 2025. When a significant policy change is published, our organization, together with peer community groups, is committed to ensuring that both our members and the communities we serve are informed about the essential elements of the proposed public policy changes and their direct implications for residents of Fairfax County.
•This County-wide Policy Plan, upon adoption, will have lasting effects on the community and guide future decisions related to land use, infrastructure, transportation, environmental issues, and more. The comprehensive nature of this 370-page draft publication poses a unique challenge for community organizations—particularly volunteer-based groups like CFGF that do not employ paid staff or retain consultants (such as Clarion, which has assisted the county)—in thoroughly reviewing and understanding every substantive change, including those that may appear subtle.
•Now that the draft is available, CFGF intends to engage with our members, provide information, and ask for feedback from the broader community. Insights gathered will be communicated to the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors to ensure meaningful input from community stakeholders.
•Our preliminary review indicates notable changes in land use policy, transportation, and points raised within the environmental policies.
•Scheduling the Policy Plan Public Hearing on the Policy Plan concurrently with multiple other draft amendments in October does not allow adequate time for community organizations to comprehensively review, discuss, and collaborate on aspects that may need clarification or further attention.
Given the scope of the county-wide Policy Plan revision, it is important that all interested parties, including homeowners who may be affected by proposed policy interpretation, have the opportunity to participate fully. CFGF asked to consider its request that the October 15, 2025, Public Hearing be postponed to first calendar quarter 2026 to allow for a comprehensive review and evaluation of the proposed amendment's implications.
Click this link to view the Draft Amendment:
http://%20https//www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/sites/planning-development/files/Assets/Documents/compplanamend/policy-plan-update/2022-CW-2CP-Staff-Report.pdf
To request a link to the Sept. 29 7:00 pm CFGF ZOOM Meeting: email
CitizensforGreatFalls@gmail.com