Vince Gray Has a Jobs Strategy. Does He Have One for Housing?
Washington City Paper
- February 8, 2012
In Mayor Vince Gray's speech on the state of the District, the issue of housing was completely omitted despite the need for new housing and preservation of the existing to maintain residents. Most current projects are for high-end apartment and condo buildings, but the Coalition for Smarter Growth points out that the real need is for those with half of the area's median income. The city says they lack the funds to work with developers to keep housing affordable, and unfortunately, plans to update the housing strategy is slow moving.
New Potomac River crossing coming?
WTOP
- January 30, 2012
A new bridge over the Potomac River has been proposed north of the Dulles International Airport. Bob Chase of the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance believes the bridge is necessary to alleviate traffic on the current one-lane Rocks Bridge. However, CSG Executive Director Stewart Schwartz argues that this $1 Billion construction is not a priority, especially with the current roads such as I-66 needing renovating; Schwartz also reasons the bridge will end up underused.
Transportation and Transit Studies Under Way for Route 1 Corridor
BelleHaven Patch
- December 20, 2011
U.S. Route 1 in southeastern Fairfax County has evolved into a congested roadway lined with an incoherent patchwork of shops and restaurants, mixed with an endless supply of parking lots. Studies are currently underway to widen U.S. Route 1 to six lanes while leaving room in the median for potential bus or rail extensions. CSG Executive Director Stewart Schwartz argues that U.S. Route 1 would be better as an urban boulevard serving pedestrians, bikers, cars and transit-oriented development instead of serving as a high-speed corridor.
A Bridge Too Far
Washington Business Journal
- December 16, 2011
In the November 25 - December 1 Washington Business Journal, Bob Chase made the case for new bridges over the Potomac River. CSG Executive Director Stewart Schwartz argues that the DMV region has 215 structurally deficient bridges. Furthermore, Virginia has $3.7 billion in structurally deficient bridges and the state is focusing their funding on creating new highways and bridges.
Prince George's mishandled Metro stop growth, experts say
The Examiner
- November 13, 2011
Prince George's County has not been successful in enforcing smart growth policies around Metro stations. The government agencies based there have been unable to blend into the surrounding community, sticking out and failing to promote additional growth around Metro stations, according to CSG Policy Director Cheryl Cort. County officials are attempting to create an "attractive climate" for relocating federal agencies and corporations around Metro stations.
Fairfax seeks state funds for Tysons roads
The Examiner
- November 6, 2011
Fairfax County needs $1.6 billion for roads and transportation improvements in Tysons Corner, and is asking the commonwealth for assistance. The commonwealth, however, is not going to fund the improvements. CSG executive director Stewart Schwartz believes the commonwealth should be interested in helping fund a major project in the primary economic engine of Northern Virginia and one of the largest in the commonwealth.
New Carrollton to become home base for DHCD
The Sentinel
- September 29, 2011
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley and Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown have announced that New Carrollton will be the new home to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. The main reason for relocating here is the terminus of the Metro Orange Line. The new offices will be part of a new transit-oriented development called "Metroview" containing 700,000 square feet of office space, residential and retail space, and is set to open in the second half of 2013. CSG policy director Cheryl Cort praised this decision as "an exciting project that could help New Carrollton blossom into a great transit center".
An Outer Beltway in Prince William and Loudoun?
The Washington Post
- September 8, 2011
Rapid growth in Prince William and Loudoun counties has caused the Commonwealth of Virginia to reconsider the Outer Beltway. Two proposals have been given the designation as a "Corridor of Statewide Significance" by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. The Coalition for Smarter Growth is working hard to stop this disastrous proposal by starting a petition drive to stop it.
More homebuyers want walkable, transit-served communities
Greater Greater Washington
– August 18, 2011
New studies show that prospective homeowners are putting smart growth on a higher priority. The National Association of Realtor's Joe Molinaro and RCLCO's Shyam Kannan discuss their findings on the demographics of Greater Washington, and how a growing number of residents would swap a large property for better community access.
The zombie outer beltway returns
Greater Greater Washington
– August 5, 2011
CSG Executive Director Stewart Schwartz launches a petition in response to the reckless proposal of the Outer Beltway project. Stewart chronicles the destructive history of reviving poorly-planned highways throughout the Washington Metropolitan Area, and provides detailed examples of how this mega-highway will not provide relief for congested roadways.
Transit-oriented projects put Prince George's County on the right track
The Gazette
– July 28, 2011
A local Prince George's County resident expresses gratitude for County Executive Baker's prioritization of transit-oriented development around Prince George's 15 metro stations, and briefly outlines the comprehensive outlook for the County.
Highway threatens Manassas batttlefield
Richmond Times Dispatch
– July 22, 2011
Upon the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the First Battle of Bull Run, CSG Executive Director Stewart Schwartz reiterates his concerns of a major highway project known as the Outer Beltway. CSG joins forces with The National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Southern Environmental Law Center, and the National Parks Conservation Association to urge the Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board against the needless project that would devastate the rich history of Manassas National Battlefield Park.
The Challenge of Pedestrian-Friendly Planning
WAMU
– July 14, 2011
CSG Policy Director Cheryl Cort joins Robert Puentes of the Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings Institution and David Alpert of Greater Greater Washington on the Kojo Nnamdi Show to discuss the complexities of creating complete streets. Cheryl, Robert, and David express their ideas for retrofitting commercial corridors to strike the perfect balance between auto, pedestrian, and bicycle accessibility.
Pr. George’s Baker wants to fill 3 jobs crucial to development in wake of pay-to-play scandal
The Washington Post
– July 11, 2011
CSG Policy Director Cheryl Cort asserts her confidence in County Executive Rushern Baker’s ability to rectify the reputation of Prince George’s County’s housing agency, and for the county to move forward with focused efforts on transit-oriented development around Prince George’s 15 metro stations, redevelopment inside the Beltway, and increasing the county’s affordable housing stock.
Two roads to traffic relief for D.C. area
The Washington Post
– July 9, 2011
In response to suggestions for combating the Washington region’s overwhelming traffic congestion made by Richard Parsons, President of the Suburban Maryland Transportation Alliance, CSG Executive Director Stewart Schwartz explains how building more roads and investing in transit without considering development patterns and changing demographics will perpetuate our region’s transportation ills. Stewart provides examples of where we need to allocate our scarce resources in order to maximize transportation choices and accessibility to work, school, and services.
Northern Virginia's dire transportation needs clash with difficulties region poses to projects
The Examiner
– June 26, 2011
In response to northern Virginia’s transportation crisis, Executive Director Stewart Schwartz emphasizes the importance of communities designed with mixed-uses and pedestrian options.
Business groups target traffic congestion
The Washington Post
– June 25, 2011
Policy Director Cheryl Cort comments on local governments' efforts to better link jobs and housing through modest transportation investments in existing infrastructure.
Report: Lack of focus causes area transportation woes
WTOP
– June 16, 2011
Executive Director Stewart Schwartz reasons that a focus on mega-projects will do little to foster development of transit-oriented communities.
Proposed North-South corridor produces rancor over roads
Loudoun Times
– May 23, 2011
The Loudoun Times references a joint CSG-Piedmont Environmental Council statement on the designation of a new Corridor of Statewide Significance, highlighting how such a corridor would make traffic worse - not better.
Transportation board designates new 'Corridor of Significance' near I-95 in N.Va.
The Washington Post
– May 18, 2011
Following the designation of a new Corridor of Statewide Significance, Executive Director Stewart Schwartz points out the problems with a north-south Outer Beltway in Virginia.
Dulles corridor designation could mean a new beltway
Statehouse News Online
– May 18, 2011
Executive Director Stewart Schwartz comments on the consequence of sprawl that would result from the Outer Beltway, an example of poor planning and a wasteful use of the state’s resources.
Leaders concerned as BRAC date approaches
WTOP
– May 13, 2011
Executive Director Stewart Schwartz urges critical transit investments upon impending BRAC date.
Smart Growth Group Raises Questions About Dulles Metro
WMAL
– May 11, 2011
The Coalition for Smarter Growth raises questions about the nature of the future Dulles Airport Metro station.
A traffic 'meltdown' waiting to happen?
WTOP
– May 10, 2011
Executive Director Stewart Schwartz comments on BRAC and the importance of smart land use decisions for critical projects.
What Does Route 1 Corridor Need? Money? Political Consensus on a Vision? A Plan? Someone To Take Responsibility?
Mount Vernon Gazette
– April 21, 2011
Executive Director Stewart Schwartz emphasizes the important of a clear vision and comprehensive plan for the Richmond Highway Corridor.
My Washington: Green City Leaders
Washington Life
– April 21, 2011
Washington Life recognizes 12 environmentalists greening the community, including Executive Director Stewart Schwartz.
Restoring Streams in Route 1 Corridor
The Connection
– April 14, 2011
Coverage of CSG’s forum on stream restoration and stormwater management along the Route 1 Corridor.
Crime suppression targeted as county eyes Metro-centered development
The Gazette
– March 31, 2011
In response to questions about Metro station crime in Prince Geroge’s County, Policy Director Cheryl Cort discusses how mixed-use communities can improve safety.
Who Needs the Feds, When You’ve Got Andy Shallal?
Washington City Paper
– March 24, 2011
Reporter Lydia DePillis covers CSG’s developer roundtable in Prince George’s County and what it takes to create vibrant, mixed-use communities.
North-South Highway Considered In Prince William County
WAMU
– March 3, 2011
Executive Director Stewart Schwartz discusses the implications of running a highway through the historic Manassas battlefield, especially while other areas have much worse congestion.
Gas tax hike needed for economic development, supporters say
The Gazette
– March 1, 2011
Policy Director Cheryl Cort weighs in on the Maryland gas tax debate, saying we can’t just write a blank check with the revenue for a long list of transportation projects.
Senate panel kills bills aimed at easing N. Va. traffic congestion
The Washington Examiner
– February 21, 2011
The Virginia State Senate suppressed two bills that would disproportionately favor roads projects over investment in transit. Executive Director Stewart Schwartz explains that the bills would waste money, rather than ease congestion.
Advocates Question Cost of Planned Bethesda Parking Garage
Bethesda Patch
– February 9, 2011
A planned parking garage in Bethesda, MD will cost $86 million, at a price of $80,000 per space. Policy Director Cheryl Cort suggests creative alternatives to building the garage, including incentivizing parking farther from the city center, and allowing evening parking in existing lots.
Letters: Transportation plan lacks coherence
Richmond Times-Dispatch
– February 9, 2011
Executive Director Stewart Schwartz explains why Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell’s roads plan is fiscally irresponsible: transportation funds are better spent when invested in transit-oriented projects and the maintenance of existing roads.
Coalition criticizes Va. transportation plan
The Washington Post
– February 3, 2011
The Coalition for Smarter Growth continues to oppose Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell’s road plan as the Virginia House tentatively approved the expensive bill. Executive Director Stewart Schwartz criticizes the plan for overburdening state taxpayers, and diverting future funds from schools, healthcare and law enforcement.
CSG's 2011 State of the Washington Region
Greater Greater Washington
– February 1, 2011
The Coalition for Smarter Growth describes the top smart growth opportunities and challenges for 2011.
Rust’s bold transportation funding plan weathering the storm
Loudon Times
– February 1, 2011
Virginia Delegate Tom Rust is proposing to divert money from Virginia’s general fund to pay for road projects. Executive Director Stewart Schwartz explains why this is an unsustainable approach to funding the state’s transportation projects.
Updated: Conservation Groups Oppose McDonnell’s Transportation Plan
The Washington Post
– January 26, 2011
The Coalition for Smarter Growth, along with the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club and Piedmont Environmental Council, argue that Governor McDonnell’s transportation plan requires excessive borrowing, and does not address the actual causes of the area’s traffic congestion.
Subway Project Near D.C. Takes Urban Makeovers to New Level
USA Today
– January 19, 2011
Virginia is making major changes by extending Metrorail to Dulles International Airport and turning Tysons Corner into an area of mixed-use development. Executive Director Stewart Schwartz explains how the plan will “remake” this traffic congested suburban area.
