External Affairs

The External Affairs Committee monitors the activities of the local and state governments and reports important news and issues to the community as well as making recommendations on same to the Board. For example, the Committee represents Springfield Oaks on the Mount Vernon Council of Civic Associations , which must approve all development within Mount Vernon District the Fairfax County election district Springfield Oaks is located within.  In addition to reviewing new development, the Committee focuses on public road construction, transportation issues in the vicinity of the community and, with the help of the Association attorney, monitors changes in government and law that may affect the community.  The Committee also represents Springfield Oaks in the South County Federation.

Committee members may attend any of a number of county, state, or federal government meetings on these issues on behalf of Springfield Oaks.  Important issues may be presented to the board and/or prepared in article form for the Acorn.  From time to time, members may become more actively involved on an issue. Some examples of active involvement by the Committee on local issues affecting Springfield Oaks over the years are:

• 1989-2003 Worked closely with VDOT on the design of the widened Rolling Road and Alban Road intersection and forced VDOT, through legal action, to pay for additional landscape screening and drainage improvements along the perimeter of the community.
• 1991-1995 Fought with VDOT to finally obtain construction of the sound wall along Interstate 95 during the HOV lane widening project.
• 1994-1995 Coordinated community and established task force with neighboring HOA's to work with local politicians and businesses, obtain funding and against vocal opposition, open Fullerton Road at Rolling Road, thereby providing a critical arterial around our community, instead of through it.
• 2002-2003 Negotiated sound attenuation fence along Rolling Road from developer of Rolling Oaks development north of Springfield Oaks (fence to be constructed in 2004).
• 2003 Represented community at VDOT public hearings on extension of Fairfax County Parkway.
• Monitored County decision making process and spoke on behalf of the Association regarding redistricting for South County Secondary School.
• Coordinated Association review of the rezoning and development of 8511 Alban Road adjacent to the northern end of the community with the developer of that project.
• 2008-2010 worked closely with the Rolling Road Committee and Supervisor Hyland's office to facilitate the BRAC installation and roadway projects affecting the area.