Residents urge clarity on lease notices and urge opposition to redistricting referendum

Two members of the public raised separate concerns during the board's public‑comment period.

Connie Leonard (14964 Pleasant Grove Drive) asked the board to review the county’s lease‑renewal notifications for the Central Wellness Center. She said the county adopted a community use facilities policy in October 2022 that established a $3‑per‑square‑foot lease rate and that some original leaseholders were not made aware of the change. "Original leaseholders were never made aware of this updated policy," Leonard said, adding that in at least one instance a tenant was given three business days’ notice to declare intent to renew. She asked the board to consider financial relief for organizations that provide services to county residents.

John Bukowski of 18890 Halifax Road urged the board to consider a resolution opposing a statewide redistricting referendum he described as unfair to rural counties. Bukowski said maps presented in recent weeks would increase representation for Northern Virginia and reduce the influence of rural voters in districts such as the county’s current District 4. The board received the comments and closed public comment to move on to the consent agenda; a supervisor offered to follow up with Leonard about her lease concerns.

The board did not take immediate action on either request during the meeting; staff and at least one supervisor said they would follow up with the commenter about the lease issue and the board urged residents to stay engaged and vote in the referendum.