South County Government Center to become Gerry W. Hyland Building on Friday
The South County Government Center will be officially renamed for former Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland during a Friday afternoon ceremony.
Hyland, 83, served as supervisor from 1988-2015. The construction of the South County Government Center, which was completed in 2001 and is home to a number of county human services programs, is considered one of Hyland’s signature achievements. He was also a driving force in the effort to save and expand Mount Vernon Hospital, close the Lorton landfill and Lorton prison, and to fund the Huntington Levee.
Prior to serving as supervisor, Hyland was an Air Force officer and tax attorney. He was president of the Richmond Highway-based charity United Community Ministries (now known as United Community), and also president of the Hollin Meadows Elementary PTA.
After being elected, Hyland started the annual Mount Vernon Town Meeting, and the tradition has continued under current Mount Vernon Supervisor Dan Storck.
Hyland is scheduled to attend and speak at the ceremony, as well as a number of other Richmond Highway-area and Fairfax County officials, including:
- Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck
- Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11)
- Rep. Don Beyer (D-8)
- Former Congressman Jim Moran
- Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova
- Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay
- William “Bill” Bock, Mount Vernon District resident
Friday’s ceremony is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. The Hyland Building is located at 8350 Richmond Highway (see map).
As a life long resident of the Mount Vernon District of Fairfax County, I dealt with Mr. Hyland about several issues and I found him to be usually unwilling to talk to most citizens. He never saw a tax increase he didn’t like and frankly, I cannot think of one positive thing he did for the residents of the Mount Vernon district. My two grown daughters have both moved away from Fairfax Country as they could not possibly afford to live here. That is the sad legacy that Mr. Hyland contributed to and leaves behind. I guess naming a building for him is OK, but I do not grieve over his no longer being in a position of leadership and his successor is no better.
I could not agree more with you. Well said.