Summary: RHCA Meeting August 25, 2026
The Rose Hill Civic Association met on August 25, 2026 to discuss several key issues affecting the community. The first topic was the proposed data center and substation development on Edsall Road. Members expressed concerns about potential impacts on local utilities, noise levels, and environmental effects. The association decided to oppose the substation while requesting more information from Dominion Energy about financial and environmental impacts. The next topic was the implementation of Flock cameras in the neighborhood members discussed privacy concerns and potential law enforcement uses. Next, the association addressed the need to replace the damaged Rose Hill sign. To date, estimates range from $20,000 to $60,000 for replacement. The association president requested volunteers with CAD experience to help with designing the new sign. Then, the attendees discussed ongoing development projects including the former GSA property and potential townhouse construction on Highland Drive. No changes have occurred related to these properties since the June Fairfax County Board of Supervisor meeting which prioritized these projects for further review in the planning process. The conversation ended with plans for the September meeting where the new police commander is invited to address community concerns about traffic safety and Flock camera usage.
Board Action Items
Discussions for Future Board Meetings
Detailed Summary
Data Center Substation Opposition Meeting
The association discussed a proposed data center and associated substation on Edsall Road. The project includes two pieces - data center development by Starwood Capital Group and the substation by Dominion Energy. The group expressed concerns about potential impacts on nearby residents, including noise, water usage, and increased utility costs. The association decided to oppose the substation while seeking more information, particularly regarding financial and environmental impacts. The association plans to submit their opposition prior to the county's decision on September 24th.
Flock Camera Implementation Discussion
The association discussed the potential implementation of Flock cameras in the neighborhood, expressing concerns about their AI-based tracking system and privacy implications. They noted that while the cameras could help law enforcement track suspects, there are accuracy issues and potential for misuse of the data. An attendee proposed placing them on Rose Hill Drive to address safety concerns. Flock cameras are primarily for tracking and detection rather than deterrence. The group decided to discuss the cameras with the police commander who will be at the next meeting. Key discussion points identified for the commander include Flock camera usage, the tradeoff between cameras and additional officers, plans for future camera installations, and issues related to Rose Hill Drive traffic and speeding.
Rose Hill Traffic Enforcement Updates
The President discussed traffic enforcement challenges on Rose Hill Drive. An attendee noted that while speed cameras have been effective at nearby schools, installing one requires meeting specific traffic volume requirements. The President said we tried to get traffic calming on Leawood for the sole purpose of diverting traffic. There was insufficient speeding, apparently, and insufficient traffic.
Rose Hill Sign Updates
The President addressed the costly sign replacement project, explaining that the initial estimate of $60,000 has raised concerns. He mentioned a second quote for around $20,000. The discussion included details about the current sign's construction, which features a bent steel beam and fluorescent lighting. He stated that the organization needs to obtain insurance for the new sign. The group discussed potential RHCA liability if the organization builds the sign and somebody gets hurt on the sign. The President discussed exploring options to outsource the project to local organizations like high schools or Boy/Girl Scouts. The President emphasized the need for community input on any replacement designs before proceeding with VDOT permits. The group discussed alternative options including creating a garden, though the President expressed a preference for reinstalling a sign due to its lower maintenance requirements compared to a garden. He requested community members help to identify people with CAD or sign design experience and provide to the association via the contact form or email.
Development Project Status Updates
The Secretary provided updates on two development projects. The former GSA building on
Telegraph Road is being tracked under a plan amendment with no recent progress since June, when the Board unanimously approved its reprioritization for further review in the planning process. The Highland Drive project, potentially being developed as townhouses, was also reprioritized. Marine clay issues are a concern for this project. She indicated that both projects are being monitored with no current updates since June. The conversation ended with a brief discussion about the uncut median strips on Rose Hill Drive.
Rose Hill Shopping Center Updates, etc.
The President provided an update on the Rose Hill Shopping Center, noting that leases were renewed for 10 years with plans for property improvements. An attendee noted that a new hearing aid clinic is replacing the former bank location.
The association discussed concerns about property maintenance at the GSA site, which needs weed control and grass cutting, and the board agreed to contact Aaron Campbell (Supervisor Lusk) or the property owner about this issue. The President outlined his plans as new president to increase community communication and provide mechanisms for members to voice concerns and vote on priorities, including addressing issues like littering and new developments like data centers.
Board Action Items
- Draft a letter on behalf of the Civic Association to oppose the Edsall substation, to be sent to the county before September 22 nd (Mason District Land Use Committee Meeting) in preparation for the September 24 Planning Commission Meeting.
- Prepare a list of topics/questions for the police commander's visit at the next meeting, including Flock camera use, future camera plans, Rose Hill Drive traffic/speeding, and data privacy concerns.
- Reach out to Rose Hill Apartments regarding the maintenance of the median strip in front of the Rose Hill Shopping Center.
- Contact Aaron Campbell (Supervisor Lusk’s Office) or the appropriate owner regarding the maintenance of the GSA property site.
Discussions for Future Board Meetings
- Changes to the RHCA constitution. Ensure copies are available for review.
- Installing trash cans and dog waste dispensers along Rose Hill Drive, particularly near the shopping center and bus stops.
Detailed Summary
Data Center Substation Opposition Meeting
The association discussed a proposed data center and associated substation on Edsall Road. The project includes two pieces - data center development by Starwood Capital Group and the substation by Dominion Energy. The group expressed concerns about potential impacts on nearby residents, including noise, water usage, and increased utility costs. The association decided to oppose the substation while seeking more information, particularly regarding financial and environmental impacts. The association plans to submit their opposition prior to the county's decision on September 24th.
Flock Camera Implementation Discussion
The association discussed the potential implementation of Flock cameras in the neighborhood, expressing concerns about their AI-based tracking system and privacy implications. They noted that while the cameras could help law enforcement track suspects, there are accuracy issues and potential for misuse of the data. An attendee proposed placing them on Rose Hill Drive to address safety concerns. Flock cameras are primarily for tracking and detection rather than deterrence. The group decided to discuss the cameras with the police commander who will be at the next meeting. Key discussion points identified for the commander include Flock camera usage, the tradeoff between cameras and additional officers, plans for future camera installations, and issues related to Rose Hill Drive traffic and speeding.
Rose Hill Traffic Enforcement Updates
The President discussed traffic enforcement challenges on Rose Hill Drive. An attendee noted that while speed cameras have been effective at nearby schools, installing one requires meeting specific traffic volume requirements. The President said we tried to get traffic calming on Leawood for the sole purpose of diverting traffic. There was insufficient speeding, apparently, and insufficient traffic.
Rose Hill Sign Updates
The President addressed the costly sign replacement project, explaining that the initial estimate of $60,000 has raised concerns. He mentioned a second quote for around $20,000. The discussion included details about the current sign's construction, which features a bent steel beam and fluorescent lighting. He stated that the organization needs to obtain insurance for the new sign. The group discussed potential RHCA liability if the organization builds the sign and somebody gets hurt on the sign. The President discussed exploring options to outsource the project to local organizations like high schools or Boy/Girl Scouts. The President emphasized the need for community input on any replacement designs before proceeding with VDOT permits. The group discussed alternative options including creating a garden, though the President expressed a preference for reinstalling a sign due to its lower maintenance requirements compared to a garden. He requested community members help to identify people with CAD or sign design experience and provide to the association via the contact form or email.
Development Project Status Updates
The Secretary provided updates on two development projects. The former GSA building on
Telegraph Road is being tracked under a plan amendment with no recent progress since June, when the Board unanimously approved its reprioritization for further review in the planning process. The Highland Drive project, potentially being developed as townhouses, was also reprioritized. Marine clay issues are a concern for this project. She indicated that both projects are being monitored with no current updates since June. The conversation ended with a brief discussion about the uncut median strips on Rose Hill Drive.
Rose Hill Shopping Center Updates, etc.
The President provided an update on the Rose Hill Shopping Center, noting that leases were renewed for 10 years with plans for property improvements. An attendee noted that a new hearing aid clinic is replacing the former bank location.
The association discussed concerns about property maintenance at the GSA site, which needs weed control and grass cutting, and the board agreed to contact Aaron Campbell (Supervisor Lusk) or the property owner about this issue. The President outlined his plans as new president to increase community communication and provide mechanisms for members to voice concerns and vote on priorities, including addressing issues like littering and new developments like data centers.
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