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Community News, May 6th
Two Updates from Board Member John Medeiros.
Sidewalk Repairs
This past winter one of our senior citizens tripped on a sidewalk upheaval. Luckily, our neighbor was only bruised, scraped and shaken up. The fall could have been much worse. Based on the fall, reaction from the community and from similar instances where walkers, children biking, roller blading and scootering (Razors) have tumbled and in some instances broken arms, wrists and suffered bumps, bruises and scrapes, we identified almost 140 potential tripping hazards to VDoT this past April. Several of you had previously identified some of the tripping hazards to VDoT as well. Along with the sidewalks, several curbs and stormwater drains were identified that VDoT is also assessing.
This week VDoT employees are in our community making numerous expedient repairs to sidewalk tripping hazards. It is VDoT’s obligation since the discrepancies are a safety hazard. The expedient fixes will remain until VDoT can put together a more permanent fix that will include replacing selective damaged areas, possibly lifting sunken slabs and backfilling, or patching. Not all the discrepancies will be repaired, most will.
VDoT has not provided a timeline for the permanent fixes yet. The expedient repairs are not a perfect or permanent solution, but they move the community closer to a permanent solution. Updates will be provided and as made available.
Heads up: VDoT has easements for all the sidewalks and the areas between the sidewalks, curbs and driveway aprons. They are responsible for making sure those areas remain clear of foliage. Since VDoT is in the community performing sidewalk work, they may inform residents if they need to trim bushes back from the sidewalk or trim trees that hang over the sidewalk (need an 8-10 foot clearance overhead). If bushes or trees need trimming, VDoT normally provides a 10-day notice to the resident and then VDoT may trim the bushes or trees to meet clearance standards. Even without VDoT notification, if you have bushes or trees that impinge on the sidewalk areas, into street or driveway aprons, it is a curtesy to your neighbors you keep the foliage trimmed according to VDoT standards.
Bridge and Trail Damage
For those of you that use the Burke Station Square asphalt trails (especially along the stream between Brook Ford Drive and Kara Place), you have noticed significant damage to the bridge, and to several areas along the walking path. Most, if not all, the damage was created by stormwater flow over the past several storms and excess debris (mostly trees) in the stream that has eroded the stream banks or caught under the bridge and caused it to break loose and shift 90 degrees. In three areas, the damage is enough to create a safety concern/hazard. The BSSCA Board is aware of the damage and is currently trying to fix the problem.
The solution will take time primarily because the stream area is a designated resource protection area (RPA) because the stream flows into Pohick Creek and is part of the Potomac River watershed area. Resultantly, any solution requires coordination with Fairfax County government agencies. The Board has started the engagement process; however, we expect any solution to take time because of the coordination and any negotiations that might be required.
In the meantime, the three significantly damaged areas are taped off. Because of the bridge damage, passing over the stream is not safely negotiable at this time and should not be attempted. Pls let your children and neighbors know the taped off areas are not safe and should not be entered, this includes the actual bridge structure!
As we move forward, or as made available, more information will be provided to the community. The Board remains committed to providing a safe and enjoyable place to live.
Community News, April 8th
Swim Club Registration is now open.
