Relocating N.Va. probation offices proves puzzling

WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Northern Virginia communities that don’t want new probation and corrections offices in their neighborhoods are presenting challenges for state and local officials trying to find new homes for the critical government programs.

And sites that are approved now come with caveats.

Loudoun County supervisors unanimously approved a downtown Leesburg lease for an office providing probation and pretrial services Tuesday despite local concerns. Supervisor Kelly Burk, D-Leesburg, amended the plan to require annual reviews, a change that could spur a move in the future.

Virginia officials in recent months twice have been forced to abandon relocation plans in Prince William County after neighbors and elected officials argued the sites were poor fits.

One proposed center next to a swimming club in Manassas was killed before a scheduled public hearing and another relocation near Woodbridge neighborhoods was shot down after almost 40 people at a hearing opposed the plan.

No replacement sites have been identified, said Susan Pollard, a spokeswoman for the state agency that handles government real estate.

“They are staying where they are in their current location and the real estate division is looking for alternative locations. In this interim, they are also negotiating an extension to the current lease,” Pollard said.

State lawmakers broadly supported Del. Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, when he wrote a 2006 law giving residents the power to request public hearings for new sites for state probation and corrections facilities.

He introduced the measure after constituents attending a Chesterfield church complained the neighboring probation site presented a public safety risk to its youth programs.

“It turned out a lot of people had that problem,” Cox said.

After leading the opposition to the Woodbridge site, Prince William County Supervisor Frank Principi, D-Woodbridge, said his office will try to help the state find a better location. He counted three schools, two parks and several neighborhoods in the vicinity of the failed option.

Those centers that do relocate likely will face more scrutiny after the public attention.

Offenders visiting the new Leesburg location for drug tests or required meetings must sign a five-part pledge that says they will not loiter outside, play loud music or park in improper locations.

“I will conduct myself in an orderly manner and show proper respect,” throughout each visit, the pledge proclaims.

dgenz@dcexaminer.com