The Connection

During the Nov. 18 public hearing on The Lamb Center’s request to move to a new building in a different part of Fairfax City, people spoke on both sides of the issue.

The Rev. Tim Gerde, pastor of Fairfax United Methodist Church, asked for the Council’s approval. “Homelessness and poverty are challenging issues for any community,” he said. “The Lamb Center offers a positive and effective model of dealing with these issues on an ongoing basis.”

John Morris, president of the Fairfax Oaks Homeowners Assn., supports the move, but was concerned that the center’s special-use permit would allow it to be open from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. “There’s a park area near our homes, and a walking path, and we often find homeless spending the night under the bridge,” he said. “So we feel this will help our situation, but restrict the hours.”

Similarly, Trish McMaugh, said the application’s for a “great cause.” But representing Kenneth Lee, owner of Northern Virginia Auto Body on the properties closest to the site, she said he’s worried about adverse impacts. “Don’t allow hours of operation longer than the applicant’s requesting and limit the special-use permit to one year,” she said. “[Then] City Council can review what’s happened.”

Lee, himself, wondered “Who’ll control the homeless people’s begging on the street and their alcohol use? I’d like to stop this plan.”

VETERINARIAN Olivia Kim, owner of Campbell Animal Hospital, was also concerned about the homeless negatively impacting her business. “When The Lamb Center closes [each day], the homeless people will go where?” she asked. “They could be hanging around my facility, and then [my customers] will hesitate to return to my business.”

“I might have to add video surveillance to the outside of my business, and I’d have to take additional measures to secure the narcotics inside,” she continued. “I’m a small-business owner; please consider my concerns.”

Others had a more favorable view. “I surveyed some of my neighbors and everyone was positively in favor of the move,” said Diana Jenkins. “Part of the reason Fairfax City is such a great place to live is because of the support people provide for each other, and I ask you to approve this application.”

Rand Gaber said it’s not an appropriate use for an industrial area. But Alan Glenn spoke in favor of it. “These people need all the support we can give them,” he said.

Regarding the hours, Hall said they’d adhere to the hours they indicated. The only exception will be Fridays, April through October, when the center holds movie and karaoke nights from 6-8:30 p.m.

Councilman David Meyer then moved to approve a special-use permit to allow a social-service-delivery establishment in an industrial area, and Janice Miller seconded.

“This is a challenging and difficult decision, given the comments of the adjacent property owners,” said Meyer. “But it’s also an opportunity to affirm the type of community we are and want to become. The Lamb Center lets the community better understand the people it serves and provides opportunities for growth. They’re people in our presence who deserve the chance to become fuller persons.”

Councilman Jeff Greenfield amended the motion so that, during the first year, the applicant will meet quarterly with City staff about calls for service. Staff will then report back to the Council, he said, “to ensure that we’re ahead of any potential problems.” The amendment passed, 4-3.

Regarding Meyer’s motion, Miller said she received 35 emails in support of The Lamb Center. “The current location is cramped, has inadequate parking and is inadequate for the services The Lamb Center provides today,” she said. “So I’m happy to support this application.”

Councilwoman Nancy Loftus encouraged residents to stay in touch with the Council and The Lamb Center if they have concerns. “We all got a lot of emails in support of it,” she said. “It was really touching to hear from so many neighbors who give their time to this important cause. I’m honored to support this project.”

AGREEING, Greenfield said there will never be a “perfect location. But The Lamb Center’s come a long way with its dedicated volunteers and professional staff, and I’m hopeful we can stay on top of any [potential] problems.” And Mayor Scott Silverthorne said they all hope this solution “will work for the long haul.”

Afterward, a delighted Johnson said the new building will give The Lamb Center more space for additional professionals, such as a Health Department nurse, mental-health worker, Veterans Administration representative, etc. “Right now, someone has to give up their office so another person can use it,” she said. “But we’ll have designated office space.” Most of all, she said, “It’s the one place where someone knows the individual’s name. People feel cared for and offered the dignity they often don’t receive elsewhere.”