[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 114 (Monday, July 27, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2025]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE DEDICATION OF FORT BELVOIR'S FAIRFAX VILLAGE 
                          NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 27, 2009

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the dedication of Fairfax Village Neighborhood Center at Fort Belvoir. 
Fairfax Village Neighborhood Center is the fourth of five centers to be 
built and will be the ``greenest'' building on Fort Belvoir.
  Under the U.S. Army's Residential Community Initiative, a 50-year 
public-private partnership was created to develop, rehabilitate and 
construct thousands of homes on 576 acres of land at Fort Belvoir. 
Environmental concerns have played a major role in this endeavor. 
Throughout the planning, design and construction, the goal has been to 
create environmentally friendly, vibrant neighborhoods while reducing 
the developmental footprint. This would be accomplished by 
incorporating the construction of neighborhood centers, improved 
streetscaping and walkable retail destinations within each village. 
Every new home that has been built is Energy STAR certified, thereby 
improving energy efficiency and reducing utility costs for our military 
families. Over 1,000 trees have been preserved during construction and 
upon completion another 4,000 trees will have been added.
  Fairfax Village Neighborhood Center has exceeded community and 
environmental goals and will serve as a new benchmark for sustainable 
construction on other military installations. The building utilizes a 
geothermal heat system, photovoltaic solar panels and efficient 
lighting controls to help minimize energy consumption. This facility is 
the very first military project to receive the LEED Platinum Ranking 
for New Construction.
  Equally as important as the environmental accomplishments, Fairfax 
Village Neighborhood Center will provide significant educational and 
recreational benefits to the children and families who live at Fort 
Belvoir. The facility includes a butterfly garden, a sustainable 
playground and related amenities. The neighborhood center itself will 
serve as a town center and will foster a sense of community where 
residents can gather with their friends, families and neighbors.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
Fairfax Village Neighborhood Center and to support similar 
infrastructure investments that improve the quality of life for our 
military personnel and their families while promoting a healthy 
environment.

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