What is WHCA?

 
What is a “citizens association”? A “Citizens Association” (CA) is an organizational body designed to protect and promote the best interests of the residents of a local area. These interests and concerns range from the improvement of public facilities and services to the overall betterment of the community and surrounding areas. A “CA” is not a “Homeowners Association” – it does not concern itself with the color of your house or the height of your grass. You are not required to join the Woodley Hills Citizens Association, however we hope that you will. Why should I join a citizens association? The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors hears your voice through the Mount Vernon Council of Civic Associations (MVCCA). Each citizens association elects officers and representatives to serve on the nine MVCCA committees. The committees consist of the following: budget and finance, public safety, consumer affairs, environment and recreation, planning and zoning, education, health and human services, transportation and affordable housing. Through CA, MVCCA and committee resolutions, your voice is elevated to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors who in turn set policy and make funding decisions. What benefits will I receive by joining a CA? By attending regularly scheduled meetings and receiving regular e-mail announcements and updates, you will be kept informed of the latest issues involving Mount Vernon and the surrounding area. By being informed and fostering open communication between neighbors, you can influence resolutions voted on by your MVCCA committee representatives and president at the General Council. A brief history of WHCA and what we do... Previously known as Mount Vernon Farms Citizens Association (MVFCA) which ceased to exist as a viable entity in 2003, the citizens association serving the Woodley Hills area was revived in early 2007. With a majority agreement between renewing members, MVFCA was renamed Woodley Hills Community Association (WHCA) and its geographical boundaries tightened. Along with a new name came modernized by-laws and incorporation within the Commonwealth of Virginia as a non-profit, non-stock corporation. Click here to visit the WHCA Documents page. Upon revival the WHCA joined the Mount Vernon Council of Citizens Associations (MVCCA) and has been an active participant within the Council and its committees. WHCA has also achieved the following: - spearheaded invasive plant cleanup and habitat restoration at Woodley Hills Park, - engaged the Mount Vernon District Supervisor’s office in achieving traffic calming along Quisenberry, Nalls and Woodley Drive, - engaged the Mount Vernon District Supervisor’s office in repairing and resurfacing Woodley Hills Drive, - engaged the Mount Vernon District Supervisor’s office regarding the so-called “Frankenhouses” as infill houses. Click here to visit the Issues page which discusses all of these matters and more. Who may join the Woodley Hills CA? Eligibility for membership shall go to those residents, owners and renters of property, both residential and business, located in the following subdivisions west of Old Mount Vernon Road: Woodley Hills, Dawson Woods, Kings Hill, Mount Vernon Mews, Sedgewick Forest, Colonial Acres, and Mount Vernon Walk. These include the following streets: Colonial, Millbrook, Gibbs, Laurel, Woodley (between Old Mount Vernon and Mount Zephyr), Mount Zephyr (between Woodley and Laurel), Nalls, Quisenberry, Pram and Becherer. Also, the streets east of Old Mount Vernon Road: Vernon, Woodward, Braddock, Curtis, Sexton, Surrey and those residences on the west side of Mount Vernon highway between Surrey and Maryland. Click here for a Google Map depicting the WHCA service area. The Organization By rule, an MVCCA member association must represent at least 10 housing units. Member associations must be organized and operated for non-partisan civic activity and no substantial part of its objective shall be for the promotion of commercial enterprise. Approximately 175 eligible housing units exist within the area previously described, which is a typical amount for a citizens association within the Mount Vernon District. The goal for our first year would be a 25% membership rate, or approximately 40 homes, more than enough needed to qualify for membership in the MVCCA. Dues are minimal, usually enough to cover expenses such as MVCCA membership, printing costs for flyers (this expense is minimized via e-mail announcements), bank account expenses, web page expenses, etc. The annual dues are currently only $10. What can we accomplish? We are limited only by our imagination... The Philosophy A citizens association’s success depends on: • A foundation of openness and honesty within the framework of democracy. • Everyone’s opinion should be welcomed and respected. • Information should be unrestricted, uncompromised and readily available to everyone. Privacy Policy WHCA will never share, sell, or rent individual personal information with anyone without your advance permission or unless ordered by a court of law. Information submitted to us is only available to WHCA Officers managing this information for purposes of contacting you or sending you emails based on your request for information. Please do not hesitate to contact the Association with ANY questions or concerns. We are here to serve you! Documents.htmlIssues.htmlhttp://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=100247831189649485835.00043b324faa10034f553&ll=38.719202,-77.094026&spn=0.024309,0.050125&z=15&om=1shapeimage_4_link_0shapeimage_4_link_1shapeimage_4_link_2