Public Hearing on Willard Sherwood Sept 30th.
City of Fairfax needs to live within its means. The Willard Sherwood will cause 20 years of big debt!
This single project will add at least $8.1M to our operating budget over the next two decades. Each penny on the tax rate generates about $835,000 – this is a 9.7-cent increase for the Willard Sherwood. Our portion for the base building alone is right around $52M, plus an additional $3M for underground parking for a grand total of: $54,930,000. There is also an additional $4M Performing Arts Option.
For what?! not much more than city residents already have now. The promise of a brand new shiny rec center comes with an enormous price tag, that quite frankly we cannot afford. This is a ‘nice to have’ not a ‘need to have’. In addition we will turn over ownership to the County, but with a 99 year lease. This is not a good deal for the residents of the City.
Local businesses like Planet Fitness offer low cost fitness memberships starting at $15 per month. The SilverSneakers program offers seniors a no cost health and wellness program with locations to choose from in the City.
If our values truly are affordable housing, keeping the City affordable for those already living and doing business here has to be our Mayor and Council’s number one priority.
I urge you to please, please watch the Work Session on this project from April 22, 2025, Item C will take you directly to the discussion.
https://fairfax.granicus.com/player/clip/4167?view_id=13&redirect=true
Unlike the George Snyder Trail there are ‘Exit Ramps’ built into every phase of this behemoth.
Please contact Mayor and Council, tell all your neighbors to show up and ask the Council to use these ‘Exit Ramps’. Ask the Council to ‘Vote their values’ and keep our City affordable!
This past budget cycle was an eye opener for many residents. Our Arts had to beg for the small funding they depend on. Our Renaissance Housing was completely cut. I could go on, but you get the picture.
And please, don’t forget, we are also looking at a $220M School Bond that we have to pay for.
Other projects in the pipeline to note, that also come with huge price tags and corresponding tax hikes:
Fire Station #3- $41M (two years ago numbers).
Property Yard- $63.5M (rough estimates, if a new site is determined to be needed, would require additional cost).
City of Fairfax is heading on the fast train to financial ruin! It is time to put the brakes on!!
