Our Mission
To serve as a non-partisan community political advocate to promote all aspects of community interest accruing to a common good and to preserve the historic, low density, semi-rural character of Great Falls and its natural resources.
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GFCA in the News
From left, Rob Jackson, president of the McLean Citizens Association, Joan Barnes, Eric Knudsen, co-chairs of the Great Falls Citizens Association transportation committee and Del. Barbara Comstock (R-34) at the July 29 meeting. The GFCA and MCA joined forces to oppose the current VDOT plan for the Route 7-Georgetown Pike intersection. Upcoming GFCA Meetings Important News LANE CLOSURES ON ROUTE 123
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Who Are We?
We Are Your Neighbors! The Association was formed over 32 years ago by homeowners in Great Falls to preserve the low density, semi-rural character of our community, to promote development that is consistent with that character, to be a vehicle for citizen participation in community affairs, and to provide a forum for the discussion of community plans and activities. Our monthly general membership meetings at the Grange, as well as our Committees and special Task Teams, are open to everyone and we encourage the widest possible expression of views on every issue. Under the overall direction of the GFCA Executive Board, consisting of five elected officers and 12 at-large members, the Association undertakes initiatives in various areas of community interest, responds to planning and development proposals, and works with state and county agencies and officials in areas affecting Great Falls. The members of the GFCA Board, together with many Committee volunteers, give generously of their time and energy to help protect and enhance the unique quality of life in our community.
Transportation, together with other regional entities and bipartisan support from local elected officials, is advocating completion of the unfinished 6.5 miles of Route 7 widening from four to six lanes between Fairfax County Parkway and Dulles Toll Road; simultaneously, they oppose VDOT efforts to instead widen historic Georgetown Pike to six lanes, from its intersection with Route 7, and then narrow it to two lanes, all within about ½ mile. Other priorities are Walker Road improvements, crosswalks, cut-through traffic from Route 7, etc. Environment, Parks & Trails has many continuing activities including support of growing Park activities, trails, trees, the Potomac riverfront, streams, an award-winning Wildlife Habitat program, and periodic environmental community cleanup projects. Land Use & Zoning remains key in reviewing many proposals, large and small; currently, two significant new projects under study are Wastewater Odor Control and a 90-Unit Assisted Living complex. Long Range Planning & Development is continuing a major review of cost-effective alternatives to correct central Great Falls wastewater problems. It also is seeking to reactivate the Old Schoolhouse as a community meeting place, update a Great Falls Master Plan based on 2020 Vision Survey results, develop Senior Citizens programs, and keep abreast of potential future utility and shopping center plans for Great Falls, including shopping center beautification. Communications & Outreach is updating the Web site, studying more rapid distribution of the GFCA Newsletter and urgent community news, and is improving Public Relations and media contacts. Outreach activities will widen liaisons, meetings, and special event participation with homeowner associations, GF non-profit organizations, the business community, Farmers Market, and Summer Concerts. Membership, including its records management section, has become a separate new committee. The 2010-2011 goal is to reach 1,000 members! Lyme Disease & Deer Control Task Team is reviewing potential effective deer control methods and public education about related diseases. In the Great Falls-Leesburg area, an excessive deer population has caused a high incidence of Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, other tick illnesses, vehicle accidents, injuries, one death, destruction of young new trees in private and public parklands, etc. Cool Community Task Team has successfully commenced a home energy savings program that is being closely followed by County and Commonwealth officials as an example for others to emulate.
Our Great Falls Citizens Association is negotiating with Fairfax County Park Authority for usage of the Old Forestville School House as a meeting place for up to 35 persons by non-profit organizations on Monday thru Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The 2020 Vision project gathered feedback from our members about Great Falls as a community - what should it look like? See our vision of it ...
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