Citizens For Great Falls
Newsletter
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Inaugural Edition, Volume 1; Issue 1;
July 2025 | | |  | New Community Organization Formed
In Great Falls: Off to Running Start
Citizens For Great Falls (CFGF), the recently organized non-profit civic association, has hit the ground running. Beginning in April, while the CFGF was still being organized by a group of concerned Great Falls residents, correspondence was forwarded to the Regional Director of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) expressing concerns over the impact of the release of fuel into the Difficult Run Tributary off Leigh Mill Road in Great Falls.
Action on environmental impact
CFGF’s letter requested action to assist with groundwater monitoring for the wells in the vicinity of the above-referenced incident. In its letter, it also requested a formal enforcement investigation of the circumstances of the release of 2,600 gallons of Gasoline from the commercial fuel transport tanker truck, given the severity of the event.
Budget Concerns raised
At the same time, CFGF also weighed in on the pending budget action by the Board of Supervisors, addressing planned reductions to essential services in the FY 2026 Fairfax County Budget. On May 7, newly installed CFGF president John Halacy sent his comments to the Board of Supervisors, including Dranesville Supervisor James Bierman, on behalf of the consortium of residents who would become the CFGF’s initial incorporators, requesting reversal of planned departmental budget cuts to significant public health & safety services, to prevent reductions to emergency medical resources from the area fire stations.
Early request to postpone public hearing
CFGF also included comments on the proposed Unified Sanitation District plan that was being briefed to county supervisors by the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services to seek a more comprehensive analysis of that initiative, given the current fiscal climate and the lack of essential details offered by staff. In addition, we specifically requested the Supervisors “tap the brakes” on the trash initiative, before a scheduled June 24 public hearing, at which time the Board could have granted authority to proceed. Fortunately, proposed budget cuts for paramedic services were restored by the Board, and, in a surprise move, they also postponed the Unified Trash District Hearing until October, so staff could conduct more community engagement and answer community concerns. CFGF continued to press for more details on the trash consolidation proposal, sending a follow-up letter to the BOS on May 23 after a public meeting conducted by CFGF to review the pros and cons of the county proposal to establish Unified Sanitation Districts (USD) in Fairfax County.
That meeting reviewed materials published by county staff as a basis to launch the discussion. Attendees also received briefing materials prepared by a current independent trash hauler. CFGF took a balanced approach to this topic and introduced both the county’s suggested benefits to be derived as presented, thus far, by staff publications, as well as the possible drawbacks associated with the creation of USDs, based on citizen feedback and comments submitted during a Town Hall conducted by Springfield Supervisor Herrity.
Advocacy as a guiding principle
Now fully formed and incorporated with a public-facing website (www.CitizensForGreatFalls.org) CFGF has, from its inception, promoted the community interest by elevating critical issues of importance and advocating on behalf of that community. Seeing a need to promote the voice of its residents on crucial issues, CFGF leadership's vision as a community-based membership organization is to focus on advocacy, outcomes, and accountability. CFGF’s president, John Halacy, stressed that one of the reasons this new organization was formed was to fill a void that has been developing in our area because of the shrinking numbers of active citizens and civic engagement in communities across Fairfax County and in unincorporated areas like Great Falls. According to Halacy, that trend, coupled with the adoption of policies that do not reflect the public’s sentiments, suggests that the special interests of powerful, well-financed groups can overshadow the interests of the community.
Importance of civic participation
A major organizational goal of CFGF is to increase civic participation and information sharing. Halacy observed that a community advocacy organization must include its membership in the policy-setting goals for the community. It’s not sufficient for an organization to sit back and observe things from a distance and leave decisions to a few select individuals. It requires action and engagement and, importantly, making tough decisions and occasionally challenging our elected officials when a policy choice runs counter to the will of the community.
Future strategy
Looking ahead, CFGF has outlined an ambitious agenda to further amplify the voices of residents. Plans are underway to host regular forums where community members can directly engage with policymakers and subject matter experts on emerging issues, from environmental sustainability to land use planning. The association also intends to continue to develop partnerships with other civic organizations in the region, recognizing that shared challenges often require collaborative solutions.
Education and outreach are at the heart of CFGF’s strategy moving forward. The organization aims to create accessible resources for residents—fact sheets, policy briefs, and digital newsletters—to keep the public informed and foster greater transparency in local governance. By prioritizing two-way communication, CFGF hopes to rebuild a sense of collective stewardship one step at a time. As CFGF’s membership grows, so too will its commitment to uphold the values of open dialogue and responsible civic participation. In a landscape where complex policy decisions can easily overwhelm individual citizens, CFGF will attempt to serve as both a watchdog and a bridge, ensuring that the concerns of Great Falls residents and those within the Langley High School Pyramid are not just heard but actively addressed in the corridors of county government.
Civic engagement and interaction
To further empower residents, CFGF is exploring new ways to harness technology for civic engagement. Plans are in motion to launch interactive online forums and virtual town halls, allowing for broader participation regardless of individuals' schedules or mobility. The organization is also considering the deployment of surveys and digital polling to gauge community sentiment on pressing issues, ensuring that decision-making truly reflects the community’s needs and preferences.
Accountability and transparency
As CFGF moves forward, its leadership remains committed to transparency and accountability, not just within its own ranks but as a standard for all local governance. This commitment includes providing regular updates on initiatives, openly sharing meeting outcomes, and maintaining accessible channels for feedback and suggestions. In this way, CFGF aspires to set a benchmark for effective civic advocacy and to serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges.
Ultimately, as the organization grows, it will seek to not only address immediate concerns but also to lay the groundwork for enduring positive changes. Our founding principles are to provide a forum where every resident feels empowered to participate in the stewardship of their community. Through persistent advocacy and a genuine dedication to the public good, CFGF will remain committed to supporting the power of engaged, organized communities. Join us and let’s work together.
|  | John Halacy Leads Citizens For Great Falls
Under the provisions of the Virginia Code, the Directors of the newly formed Citizens for Great Falls selected John Halacy as President. Halacy assumed his duties immediately upon the vote of the Board on June 5.
Halacy began his civic involvement in Great Falls in 2021 when he became the Coordinator of the Springvale Road Bridge Working Group. That working group became the focal point for community efforts to preserve the Springvale Road single-lane bridge over Difficult Run. His efforts involved countless meetings with state and county officials and contributions to communications leading up to formal requests to the Secretary of Transportation and the Governor.
He has served as an HOA president and the president of Great Falls other civic association and led its Transportation Committee. Well-versed in the challenges associated with elevating controversial local issues and engaging with elected officials, Halacy fully understands the need to encourage citizen and member participation along the way and to function openly and transparently.
On assuming the role of president, he looks forward to growing the membership of CFGF because he believes the community deserves to have a choice in setting its future path and that we, as officers, are all accountable to our membership having been entrusted to act with the highest degree of ethics and in observance of the laws governing our organization. | | July Membership Meeting Planned
A membership meeting is being planned for July to kick-off activity related to the upcoming legislative session and to raise other community items that members would like to put on the agenda.
A draft of Bylaws that has been prepared will be submitted prior to that meeting to members for their review. The Bylaws will be discussed at the July meeting followed by the development of a schedule for review and approval.
Members will be notified by email, and a notice will be posted to the CFGF Event Calendar on the organization website.
Bylaws are legal foundational documents that establish the governance framework for the organization and are legally binding on members and directors. | CFGF Officers and Directors Named
A tremendous thanks to the individuals who have volunteered to serve as Directors and Officers on the newly established Citizens For Great Falls Board. The Articles of Incorporation list our initial Directors as follows: John T. Halacy, Frederick P. Falcone, Jennifer L. Falcone, Manuel B. Dacoba, Maria E. Dacoba, Jacqueline M. Malkes, Lindene E. Patton.
The Code of Virginia provides that the Board of Directors may elect individuals to fill one or more offices of the corporation.
Accordingly, the following slate of candidates were elected:
- John Halacy, President;
- Manny Dacoba, Vice President;
- Jennifer Falcone, Secretary;
- Domenica Lopez, Director.
| | | Volunteers are welcome
CFGF is an all-volunteer organization. We welcome the participation of our members and especially those who are interested in serving the organization in a leadership capacity.
There is one remaining vacancy on the Board is for the office of Treasurer. Until such time as that office is filled, the duties of the Treasurer will be performed collaboratively by the President, Vice President and Secretary. Monthly reports will be available to the members.
| We hope you are having a wonderful summer! Drive safely! | CFGF Formally Launches
Membership Drive
Membership in CFGF is open for all residents of the 2206 Zip Code in Fairfax County and for residents who are in the Langley High School Pyramid designation. Annual Dues are $20 per member.
Your membership in an organization like Citizens For Great Falls and helping us engage and support the community through participation and advocacy is a powerful way to bring about results, regardless of the issue-like school boundaries, land development and zoning, preservation of our fragile environment, transportation safety, or other critical needs. It basically involves understanding the community, participating and volunteering some time and your talents on behalf of your community to help and influence decision-makers and the best outcomes. |  |
Community Group Comments on School Board Plan
to Acquire New Western High School
June 13, 2025 (CFGF) Today, Citizens For Great Falls President John Halacy and Vice President Manny Dacoba responded to action taken last night by the Fairfax County School Board to authorize the $150 million purchase of the now-shuttered King Abdullah Academy in Herndon. With nine members voting to support the motion and three abstaining, the Fairfax County School Board authorized the acquisition of the King Abdullah Academy.
Located in Herndon, the 40-acre site previously housed high school and middle school students for an enrollment of about 800 students. Currently assessed at $117,665,760 by Fairfax County, it is described on the former school’s website as a fully equipped high school complete with state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, indoor and outdoor athletic facilities, as well as an eight-lane Olympic-style, 25-yard competition pool.
Impact on Current Planning Efforts
According to Halacy and Dacoba, “The timing of this announcement is incredible for several reasons. While the need for more high school capacity in the western area of the county has been under discussion for at least 20 years, due to increased residential development, the school board and administrators have been heavily engaged in the debate surrounding the method and policies involving a revision of school boundaries to address capacity issues, given the differences in enrollments throughout the county. The vote by the school board to acquire a new facility will have a sweeping effect on current planning efforts that have involved a contentious relationship between the administration and the community. This tends to overshadow months of work and meetings by residents who have been participating in the county’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee (BRAC).”
They added: “Based on the comments at last night’s meeting of the board, some board members consider the purchase price a rare bargain and characterize this as a windfall, given the current cost of land acquisition and construction. It could present opportunities to ease capacity issues and reduce time and effort in the process of addressing needs for the western part of the county. But the decision to proceed with this by the Superintendent and her staff without engagement with the ongoing planning process is a disappointing factor. Even with the cost that has been reported, we agree with the school board members who did not vote for this because of numerous unanswered questions and the lack of transparency surrounding this initiative."
The county recently struggled to achieve a balanced budget, proposing severe cuts to avoid negatively affecting the school system’s budget and other essential county services. So, initiatives like buying a new school are likely to have a significant budget impact going forward. Unfortunately, we are not surprised that the school administrators undertook this significant financial commitment without full public disclosure and debate, particularly without including such plans in the current discussions with the Boundary Review Advisory Committee (BRAC) community members.
Discretion vs. Lack of Transparency
Purchasing a high school by a county public school authority without adequate public disclosure and input from the community that has been involved in this effort for decades is an example of an administratively unsound choice. Just as the School Board’s negotiated its labor agreements that granted a 7% salary increase for their employees without involving the Board of Supervisors (which is the county’s budget authority), taking this action behind closed doors is another striking example of the lack of transparency and disregard for citizen participation typical of this school system and its administrators.
School board officials and Superintendent Reid should be reminded that they don’t operate in a policy and decision-making vacuum. Major policy choices like building new schools in our community or acquiring major new facilities should involve public engagement and not be decided behind closed doors. We are eager to learn more about how this planned proposal will fit into the overall strategy for addressing school capacity issues, boundaries, and budget.
Next steps
Citizens For Great Falls looks forward to engaging with the community organizations like FairFACTS Matters Foundation and the other organizations across Fairfax County involved in the efforts to support high-quality education in our community.” | Land Use Activity:
Board of Supervisors Waives application Fee for Local Equestrian Facility
On June 10, the Board, led by Supervisor Bierman, waived the fee for Lift Me Up!'s special permit application. Lift Me Up!, a non-profit horseback riding center in Great Falls since 1975, offers therapeutic riding and wellness programs for various community groups, including first responders, at-risk youth, seniors, and those facing employment barriers. In January 2024, they received a special permit for their 1051 Kelso Road facility. In June 2025, they sought an interpretation of zoning laws to determine if their Georgetown Pike location also need a permit, despite longstanding use.
The Zoning Administrator confirmed a permit is necessary. Lift Me Up! requested a fee waiver for the permit application, citing public benefits. Supervisor Bierman supported this, leading to a motion to waive the fees. In the meeting minutes, it was noted that the action should not be construed as a favorable recommendation on the application by the Board, and it does not relieve the applicant from compliance with the provisions of any applicable ordinances, regulations or adopted standards. |  | Pickleball is popular, but…
A controversial Land Use case has been ongoing since 2024 when the homeowner was cited for zoning violations in connection with his development of pickleball courts within the front set back of the residence. Located at 9511 Georgetown Pike, for years it has been known as Grey Gables (Pictured above), a residence that was redesigned by the late Great Falls Architect Robert Mobley. The current property owners had two lighted pickleball courts with basketball hoops that were built without obtaining necessary permits. Although the homeowner claimed he relied on his contractors to obtain land disturbance, electrical, and lighting permits, the Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals upheld the substantive violations during a spring 2025 session.
With a public hearing on this zoning case scheduled for September 17, neighbors remain concerned that efforts are underway involving zoning officials, the property owners, and their attorney to attempt to bring the current facility into compliance. Neighbors believe that it is the property owners' intent to make minor adjustments to allow the facility to remain as built. Neighbors in the immediate area have commented that the lighting is intrusive and does not comply with current zoning standards. The surrounding neighbors have planned a second community meeting to discuss the issues and to describe the concerns that the facility has created, relative to the proximity of the courts to their homes, noise, nighttime lighting, and the potential for the site to be used for commercial purposes.
One published article noted that: “It's not just a little thwack; it's a constant barrage of pops and thuds that can drive anyone bonkers. Imagine trying to relax in your backyard, read a book, or even just have a conversation, and all you hear is the relentless sound of pickleball. It's especially tough for people who work from home or have young kids. The constant noise can be incredibly disruptive and stressful.”
A 2023 New York Times article quoted several people who commented on the unique sound created by the striking of a pickleball with a hard paddle:
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“The hubbub has given new meaning to the phrase racket sport, testing the sanity of anyone within earshot of a game.
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“It’s like having a pistol range in your backyard,” said John Mancini, 82, whose Wellesley, Mass., home abuts a cluster of public courts.
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“It’s a torture technique,” said Clint Ellis, 37, who lives across the street from a private club in York, Maine.
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“Living here is hell,” said Debbie Nagle, 67, whose gated community in Scottsdale, Ariz., installed courts a few years ago.
While sports courts are generally permitted in residential zones, Fairfax County regulations limit what can be placed within the front setback of a residence. Further, Fairfax County has imposed setback restrictions on its public courts installed on County Parklands so as to mitigate adverse noise impact on adjacent properties. Internal planning guidelines published by the county for new pickleball to be located at least 250’ away from residential properties. 200’ offset can be considered if there is a treed buffer or significant change in topography.
According to the scheduled notice on the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting calendar, the property owners, Michael and Sarah Bruce, have applied to Fairfax County to permit a reduction in the applicable setback requirements based on errors in building location to permit an accessory structure (fenced pickle ball courts and lights) 18.6 ft. from the front lot line. The parcel is on approx. 75,000 sq. ft. of land and is zoned R-E on the Dranesville District Tax Map 13-1 ((1)) 71A.
CFGF Secretary Jennifer Falcone has been engaged with this issue since it was first reported to county zoning officials. CFGF will announce the date, time, and location of the meeting when it is scheduled. |  | | Lobbying Money and Casino Legislation
There is a strong likelihood that another version of the Casino Bill will be introduced in the upcoming General assembly, based on comments made by the Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell at the close of the last session. Surovell's Bill was left in a House subcommittee on the last day of the session, following a courageous speech by Senator Jennifer Boysko, a staunch opponent of a casino in Fairfax County.
Despite public opposition, a local developer, Chris Clemente (Pictured above in a Washington Business Journal Photo) and his Comstock Holdings, has continued to donate large sums of money to key members of the Virginia General Assembly to promote plans for a casino in Fairfax County. Reston Patch has been following the money on this story. Please read Michael O'Connell's latest story reprinted below.
$2.5M Spent By Tysons Casino Backer On Lobbyists, Donations
To date, Comstock Holdings has paid $2.5 million in its quest to build a casino on Metro's Silver Line outside I-495 in Fairfax County
Michael O'Connell, Patch Staff
Posted Wed, Jul 2, 2025 at 10:54 am ET
RESTON, VA — Twelve lobbyists were paid a total of $500,399.31 to help Comstock Hospitality Holdings in its efforts to push legislation through the 2025 General Assembly meant to pave the way for a casino to be built in Tysons. That figure is about five times the combined total of the $52,213 that Comstock Holdings paid to five lobbyists during the 2024 legislative session. In total, Comstock spent $552,612.31 on lobbyists the past two years. Adding that total to the $1,999,050.18 the Reston-based developer has spent on campaign contributions since 2023, Comstock Holdings has paid $2,551,662.49 in its quest to build a casino on Metro’s Silver Line outside the Capital Beltway in Fairfax County.
- $42,551.49 - Mindy Carlin (Michael Carlin, Cassidy Taylor)*
- $60,000 - Susan Gaston
- $49,265.66 - Matthew James
- $19,500 - David Jones
- $17,500 - David May (Alexander Macaulay)*
- $20,000 - Kathy Neilson
- $40,000 - Chris Petersen
- $12,500 - Kyle Shreve (Robert Crockett)*
- $239,081.66 -Mark Snesavage **
TOTAL: $500,399.31
* The fees paid to each of the lobbyists in parentheses were included in the financial disclosure of the adjacent lobbyists.
** Snesavage filed for a reimbursement of $60.84 for a meal that took place Jan. 14 at the Little Pearl restaurant in Washington, D.C. He listed Sen. Mamie Locke (D-Hampton), who is a member of five Senate committees, including the Rules Committee, which she chairs.
Locke was one of the 24 senators to vote in favor of Senate Bill 982, which the Senate passed Feb. 4, 2025 on a 24-16 vote. The bill died in the House Appropriations Committee on Feb. 18.
Five lobbyists Comstock Hospitality retained or employed during the 2024 legislative session filed disclosures totaling $52,213 by July 1, 2024:
- $5,000 - Robert G. Crockett of Advantas Strategies was retained on Dec. 21, 2023 to handle the administrative and legislative duties concerning Comstock Hospitality.
- $12,513 - Matthew James, a former member of the House of Delegates, was retained on Jan. 1, 2024 to handle issues concerning Comstock Hospitality.
- $20,000 - David Jones was retained on Jan 1, 2024 to handle legislative matters for Comstock
- $10,000 - Teddy Petersen of Arbor Strategies was retained on Dec. 18, 2023 to issues relating to a potential casino in Northern Virginia.
- $5,000 - Kyle Shreve of Advantas Strategies was retained on Dec. 21, 2023 to handle all executive and legislative matters relating to Comstock Hospitality.
TOTAL: $52,213
Lobbyists are required to report the names of legislative and executive officers, as well as family members, if the average value was more than $50 for each person attending.
Also See ...
Looking ahead to the 2026 legislative, Comstock Hospitality Holdings has already retained seven lobbyists: Mindy Carlin, Susan Gaston, Andrew Macaulay, David May, Chris Petersen, Mark Snesavage, and Cassidy Taylor, according to the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council. The public will need to wait until July 1, 2026, to find out how much they were compensated.
Comstock Holdings Political Donations
On Sept. 15, 2023, Comstock Holdings formed Comstock Hospitality Holdings, LLC as a limited liability company, so it is really a separate business entity rather than a PAC, according to the State Corporation Commission.
As a business entity, Comstock Hospitality doesn’t have the same filing requirements as the company’s Building a Remarkable Virginia Political Action Committee. Although Comstock Hospitality was formed in September 2023, it did not begin making political contributions until January 2025. Between 2023 and June 30, 2025, Building a Remarkable Virginia made campaign contributions of $731,400 overall, according to VPAP. Comstock Hospitality donated a total of $898,186.18, according to campaign reports filed in the first six months of 2025. From 2023 through the first six months of 2025, Comstock CEO Christopher Daniel Clemente made $369,464 in political contributions, according to VPAP.
Comstock Holdings’s Total Expenditures For 2023-2025
- $898,186.18 - Comstock Hospitality Holdings
- $731,400 - Building a Remarkable Virginia PAC
- $369,464 - Comstock CEO Christopher Clemente
- $552,612.31 - Lobbyists
TOTAL: $2,551,662.49
This does not include the $490,000 Clemente contributed to Building a Remarkable Virginia. That money was counted as donations paid out by the PAC to candidates or their campaigns. This story is based on campaign finance reports filed with the State Board of Elections and lobbyist disclosures reported to the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council.
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Great Falls History Unveiled
New interpretive signs were unveiled by representatives of NOVA Parks at a July 5th ceremony at Seneca Regional Park in Great Falls. The signs commemorate the “Patowmack Canal, an early engineering feat that played a role in the development of the young nation and the U.S. Constitution.
The unveiling event took place at the park entrance at the end of Seneca Road and was attended by representatives from NOVA Parks, including Paul Gilbert, Executive Director NOVA Parks, Jim Bonfils, and Paul Baldino, members of NOVA Parks Board of Directors, Dranesville Supervisor James Bierman, and William Denk, of Great Falls representing the Fairfax Resolves Chapter of the Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. The signs celebrate famed local land surveyor George Washington and one of his most notable accomplishments: the creation of the Patowmack Canal.
The Patowmack Canal was a public works project financed by the states and involved the first use of explosives in American engineering. The canal aimed to improve navigation on the Potomac River and was a key element in establishing interstate commerce in the young nation. The canal's development also contributed to the discussions that led to the Constitutional Convention. |  | |