New Mount Vernon District Planning Commissioner Appointed

From Fairfax County: Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Walter C. Clarke to the Fairfax County Planning Commission effective April 1, 2018. The search process for the new Commissioner included the solicitation and receipt of many applications from community members; followed by the empanelment of a selection advisory committee of community leaders who interviewed and advised the Supervisor of their top choices.

Mr. Clarke’s extensive background in business development and financial services, combined with chambers' of commerce leadership, President of the non-profit Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation (SFDC) and Co-Chairman of the EMBARK Richmond Highway Advisory Group, uniquely qualify him for this position. His experience as a community and business leader bring great skills as an arbiter and the ability to effectively interact with community groups, businesses and individuals, while managing relationships on all levels.

Supervisor Dan Storck stated, “Mr. Clarke’s professional experiences in business development and financial services, combined with his commitment to serving our community make him an excellent candidate for Planning Commissioner. As a current Co-Chairman of the EMBARK Richmond Highway Advisory Group, he has played a substantive role in the revisions to our Comprehensive Plan that are essential to funding mass transit improvements and redevelopment. The selection of Mr. Clarke as the next Commissioner is a natural next step in his service to the Mount Vernon District. I am certain Mr. Clarke will bring excellent leadership and knowledge, combined with a calm, thoughtful personality and strong sense of community to the Commission.”

Current Planning Commissioner Earl Flanagan provided invaluable direction in land use cases for the District. As a steadfast leader in our community, he is highly respected for his in-depth knowledge of zoning, as well as his ability to work with community leaders, individual residents, working groups and builders. Commissioner Flanagan has agreed to work closely with Mr. Clarke over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition of upcoming matters and continued support, as needed.

The Fairfax County Planning Commission is a twelve member board, with nine district appointees and three at-large appointees. The Planning Commission advises the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to the orderly growth and development of Fairfax County, including applications for rezoning, special exceptions, conceptual/final development plans, proffered condition amendments, and all associated amendments to such applications, as well as any amendments to the county’s Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commissioner serves an important role in making land use decisions that will impact the community, both short and long term, and receives a $23,000 per year stipend.

“My level of experience and the knowledge gained through working with County Staff, current Commissioner Earl Flanagan, other members of the community, and community leaders positions me to be of great value when it comes to land development decisions that will have an impact our community,” commented Mr. Clarke. He added, “I look forward to working with Supervisor Dan Storck in this new role, while continuing to positively impact our Mount Vernon District and Fairfax County.”

Mr. Clarke is a Vice President at Burke & Herbert Bank and has lived in the Mount Vernon Community with his wife and two children for more than 15 years.

Photo courtesy of Fairfax County