With Key Vote Looming, Fairfax City Rallies Behind Willard-Sherwood Center

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — A vast majority of the people who have testified before the Fairfax City Council about the Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center project since last October have spoken in support of the $127 million joint project with Fairfax County.

The Willard-Sherwood project aims to replace the aging Green Acres Center with a modern facility featuring senior programming, child care, and health services. The new senior center would replace the shuttered Joseph Willard Health Center, which is is on land owned by Fairfax County.

Based on meeting transcripts from Oct. 28, 2025, through April 14, 2026, 40 people testified about the Willard-Sherwood project, with 34 voicing support and six opposing. Five of the supporters testified twice and one of the opponents — Doug Cox — testified four times.

When Cox spoke during the March 24 meeting, he said he was "coming around" on the project but still wanted to see a voter referendum on large capital expenditures

On Tuesday night, the city council will consider a resolution on whether to move forward with the Willard-Sherwood project and authorize the Fairfax City Economic Development Authority to issue $22 million in revenue bonds to cover general government capital projects, including Willard-Sherwood.

At least four members of the city council will need to vote in support of the $22 million in revenue bonds in order for the project to advance.

The following people provided testimony before the city council about the Willard-Sherwood Community Health and Center project between Oct. 28, 2025 and April 14, 2026.

Oct. 28, 2025, Regular Meeting

• Michael DeMarco (Scout Drive): Spoke in support of replacing the aging Joseph Willard Health Center and Green Acres Center. He argued the project is a "need to have" investment in health and seniors rather than a luxury .
• Jennifer Passey (Farmington Drive): A former council member who spoke in strong support, viewing the center as an investment in the "health, unity, and vitality" of the city that will serve residents for generations.

Nov. 18, 2025, Regular Meeting

• Kelly O’Brien (Sager Avenue): Expressed strong support for moving forward with the project, describing it as an investment in families, youth, seniors, and vulnerable neighbors. She characterized the center as a "forward-looking" investment in equity and resilience that responds to needs residents have voiced for years. O’Brien contrasted the project with a proposed school separation study, calling the center a "clear, immediate investment" while the study was "speculative."
• Michael DeMarco (Scout Drive): Spoke in support, detailing how a modernized facility would replace the 75-year-old, outdated Joseph Willard Health Center and the aging Green Acres building. He argued the project provides a "modern, accessible, and efficient place" for residents to receive services with dignity and safety, describing it as a "need to have" investment rather than an extravagance.
• Doug Cox (Fairview Drive): Questioned the project's $55–$56 million price tag and suggested that projects of this scale should be brought to voters via a referendum. He criticized the city's reliance on numerous master plans, which he claimed contributed to an increasing tax burden, and urged the council to "actually do something" to reduce taxes.
• Judy Fisher (Evergreen Drive): Urged the council to apply a "need to have versus nice to have" lens to all financial decisions. While she primarily discussed other infrastructure projects, she included the Willard-Sherwood center in her call for the council to be "very, very critical" about major capital expenditures and long-term maintenance costs.

Dec. 9, 2025, Regular Meeting

• Doug Cox (Fairview Drive): Returning for a second public comment, Cox characterized the Willard project as an example of "bad money management." He reiterated his concerns over the $56 million cost, stating that residents are facing significant tax increases while the city pursues "giant things" like the community center.

Feb. 10, 2026, Regular Meeting

• Art Hammerschlag (Oak Circle): Spoke on behalf of Fairfax City Citizens for Smarter Growth to voice "strong support" for the project. He characterized the Green Acres facility as "totally inadequate" and a "disgrace." Hammerschlag argued that canceling the project would be a "serious breach of commitment" to Fairfax County and would leave "abandoned, boarded-up buildings" at a prominent city corner.
• Jennifer Passey (Farmington Drive): A former council member and planning commissioner who spoke in strong support, viewing the center as an investment in "health, inclusion and long-term quality of life." She noted that because the land is owned by Fairfax County, walking away from the partnership risks losing the city’s voice in how the site is ultimately developed.
• Tom Ross (Country Hill Drive): A resident since 1980 and a former city council member, Ross advocated for fully funding the project as an investment in "future generations of all ages." He noted the vision for a community center is over 30 years old and stated that while it requires a financial commitment, the majority of the community supports investing in the city's future.
• John "Cappy" Russell (Address Not Given): Supported the revitalization as an opportunity for accessible recreation and to "reaffirm our partnership with the county." He suggested the project is an opportunity for the city to look beyond "bean counting" and see the brighter future of a city working alongside the county.
• Doug Cox (Fairview Drive): Opposed the project due to its impact on the city’s "spending problem." He noted his property taxes had increased over 29 percent in four years and questioned the actual resident usage metrics for Willard Sherwood and Green Acres. He asked for a clear "end number" on what the city would pay after debt is fully financed.
• Sabrina DeWald (Address not provided): Urged the council to reconsider the project, estimating it would add a minimum of five to nine cents to the tax bill per $100 of assessed value. She argued that rising daily expenses for electricity and water are pressuring residents and that the city needs to focus on "needs versus wants."
• Toby Sorenson (Spring Lake Terrace): A former member of the Green Acres feasibility study committee, Sorenson called the Willard site a "practically perfect location" near transit, parks, and schools. She described the proposed state-of-the-art facility as a "wonderful addition" that would serve the entire community.

Feb. 24, 2026, Regular Meeting

• Barbara Smith (Fairfax County Resident): Chair of the Fairfax City Young at Heart Senior Advisory Council, Smith supported the project to address the failings of Green Acres. She noted the current building is over 60 years old, has a leaking gym roof, and bathrooms designed for elementary students rather than adults. She emphasized that the Willard site is more accessible via public transit, which is critical for aging seniors.
• Michael Fabio (Chain Bridge Road): Outlined 10 takeaways in support of the project, noting it is "shovel ready," saves money by using "rent-free" county land, and avoids the downtime associated with renovating Green Acres. He warned that delaying construction would undoubtedly increase costs due to inflation and that $4 million already spent on plans would be lost if the project were voted down.
• Jim Gillespie (Colony Road): Provided a brief personal history, noting the Willard Center was built in 1954 and, like himself, "could use some renovation."

March 10, 2026, Regular Meeting

• Barbara Smith (Fairfax County Resident): Reappeared as chair of the Young at Heart Senior Advisory Council to reiterate support for replacing the "dilapidated" Green Acres facility. She highlighted the diverse needs of the 55+ community and argued that a centrally located center would allow seniors to contribute more to the local economy by visiting nearby shops and restaurants.
• Michael Fabio (Chain Bridge Road): Reaffirmed his support, emphasizing that the county is gifting the city expensive land rent-free. He characterized the $4 million already spent on plans as a loss if the project is shelved and noted that the project is "shovel ready" while other major city projects are not.
• Jim Gillespie (Colony Road): Re-stated his support for renovating the 1954 Willard Center.

March 24, 2026, Regular Meeting

• Susan Demaina (Annandale): An 11-year member of the Green Acres Senior Center, she urged the council to support the construction of the new center. She stated that renovating the 62-year-old structure would cost more than building the proposed Willard-Sherwood facility.
• Deborah Sparkman (Address not provided): Representing the Young at Heart Senior Center, she detailed how Green Acres fails to meet facility condition assessments, citing poor accessibility, heavy non-automated doors, and non-compliant ADA fitness areas. She submitted a petition in support of the project signed by nearly 200 members.
• Michael Fabio (Chain Bridge Road): Reaffirmed his support, describing the 99-year land lease from the county for $1 as an exceptional deal that should not be refused.
• Barbara Carey (Blenheim Boulevard): Supported the project based on years of listening to citizens who want a "first-class, modern facility." She noted the location's walkability and access to public transit as key benefits.
• Jane Kelsey (Autumn Court): Described Green Acres as a "dilapidated building" and expressed personal concerns regarding space and hygiene issues in current fitness classes.
• Sandra Slappy Brown (Address Not Provided): Questioned what alternatives would be considered if the project were terminated, noting that city staff data shows alternatives are more expensive and less environmentally sound. She argued that the center aligns with the comprehensive plan to improve the tax base and attract businesses.
• Doug Cox (Fairview Drive): Stated he was "coming around" on the project but criticized the lack of maintenance at Green Acres by past politicians. He reiterated his demand for a voter referendum on large expenditures.
• Rebecca Raiger (Evergreen Drive): A member-at-large of the Fairfax Village in the City advisory board, she acknowledged the tax impact but called the new facility a "necessary burden" to move on from aging infrastructure and provide equitable services.
• Rusty Russell (City Resident): Highlighted the environmental superiority of the proposed center, noting it would be the city's first LEED Gold certified resiliency hub. He contrasted this with Green Acres, which relies on fossil fuels and lacks stormwater management.
• Jennifer Rose (Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce Executive Director): Expressed the Chamber's support for the project as a "strategic investment in Fairfax's long-term economic strength". She argued that quality-of-life infrastructure is vital for workforce competitiveness and that maintaining the city's reputation as a reliable partner with the county is essential.

April 14, 2026, Regular Meeting

• Anita Light (Chair, Fairfax Village in the City Advisory Board): Emphasized that the new facility would make accessibility for older adults safer and easier compared to the potentially hazardous conditions at Green Acres.
• Kevin Anderson (Young at Heart Senior Center Council): Cited research suggesting that the energy-efficient design of the new center could save 30 to 50 percent in annual utility costs compared to Green Acres.
• Douglas Stewart (Maple Street): Called the project a "multi-generational" investment whose benefits far outweigh the significant capital and operating costs.
• Janet Jaworski (Heritage Lane): A resident of 26 years, she noted the need for a full-service community center has been part of the city dialogue for a decade.
• Janice Miller (Address not provided): A former council member who supported authorizing revenue bonds to finance the project. She argued the center would be a "long-term economic anchor" and reinforce Old Town as a "hub for daily life." Miller noted that the city avoids land acquisition and demolition costs through the county partnership.
• Dale Lestina (Address not provided): Supported the project as a great opportunity to reinforce Old Town as a hub of daily activities.
• Rebecca Raiger (Evergreen Drive): Suggested that the new facility would allow for expanded intergenerational services beyond what is currently available.
• Alan Glenn (Brigade Drive): A long-time resident who supported the project as one of the city's "crown jewels" that provides vital childcare, health, and senior services for the entire community.
• William Pitchford (School Street): Called the project the "most vetted Capital Improvement Project" in the city's history and urged approval to replace the "completely inadequate" Green Acres.
• Toby Sorenson (Spring Lake Terrace): Urged the council to fund the project, noting that the city already knows the shared costs and operating expenses, whereas canceling would lead to unknown future planning costs and potential damage to the county partnership.

Also See ...

• Testimony: Willard-Sherwood Health And Community Center Economic Development Value
• Fairfax City Council Faces Critical Vote On $127M Willard Sherwood Center

• Fairfax City Leaders Review Strategies To Support Growing Older Adult Population