GFCA President's Notes  The Citizens Association was founded 55 years ago to preserve the semi-rural nature of Great Falls and provide local residents with a voice to discuss issues with local officials.  Much has changed here since 1968, but this little corner of Fairfax County has retained its physical distinction of low density, abundant green spaces, and wildlife, winding two-lane country roads, and even some landscapes with horses.

In the estimation of many residents, those elements contribute significantly to the notion of what semi-rural means in Great Falls.  Another one that has been taken for granted over the decades is dark skies in our community.  Over the years, GFCA has worked with county officials to preserve some of that special aspect of Great Falls.  There are purposely few streetlights on the roads here, where safety is not compromised, and we have been successful in gaining the cooperation of developers in some locations to positively impact the illumination of commercial signs to to comport with the character of the community.

Fairfax County recognized the value of our unique dark skies 24 years ago when it acquired land from the Federal Government off Springvale Road and then developed a Conceptual Development Plan in 2000 for an observatory.  With the County's efforts and the early contributions of talent and resources by Great Falls residents, Observatory Park at Turner Farm Park on Springvale Road was created, the only county observatory. 

Fairfax County is now engaged in developing an ordinance that would provide some guidelines for residences within a half mile radius of Turner Farm’s observatory.  GFCA has held numerous public meetings on this proposed ordinance and there are both supporters and opponents.  Comments during this process have led county officials to substantially modify their original proposals; the GFCA board has not taken an official position at this time.

As a Great Falls resident, what do you think about ensuring we retain dark skies here in the face of rising illumination on some residential properties?  Take a look at the revised staff summary published by Fairfax County and let Supervisor John Foust and Chairman McKay know your thoughts on both our general dark skies and the specific proposed ordinance.  Now is a good time to speak up.

Bill Canis
President