Prince George's backs plan to ease the way for pedestrians and cyclists
The Washington Post
- April 24, 2012
Prince George's County Council unanimously approved a bill that requires new developments to include measures such as sidewalks and crosswalks to support pedestrians and cyclists. Cheryl Cort, Policy Director of the Coalition for Smarter Growth, believes this bill will enhance Price George's communities and make it a safer place for pedestrians by actually setting requirements for developers.
Snip.it Announces "Bike Sharing" As Its Earth Day Contest Winner
WSJ Market Watch
- April 24, 2012
Eric Ouellette, creator of the "Bike Sharing" collection, is the winner of Snip.it's Earth Day contest for the program that best raised global awareness for green sustainability and environmental issues. Along with winning an iPad, a donation for $200 will be made to the Coalition for Smarter Growth.
Where's the P3 Money Going?
Bacon's Rebellion
- April 20, 2012
CSG Executive Director Stewart Schwartz reported that the McDonnell administration could obtain the $300 million needed for Dulles Rail from funds put aside for public private partnerships. Even though the final budget plan did not include the money, it does call attention to the public private partnerships currently in place. 57% of the funds are going to Route 410, a road in Hampton Roads that isn't even a priority for an area where only 21% of the population lives.
New Carrollton officials, residents debate community's walkability prospects
The Sentinel
- April 19, 2012
On April 11, Prince George's County officials and residents met to discuss turning the county into a walkable community with safe and complete streets. Cheryl Cort, Policy Director with the Coalition for Smarter Growth, asserted that we need to change the mindset for transportation in the county and was encouraged that the State Highway Administration and County Administration are already starting pilot programs toward complete and green streets.
Silver Line needs more help from McDonnell
The Washington Post
- April 4, 2012
Even though the Metrorail's Silver Line to Dulles Airport is in peril, Governor McDonnell seems content to see it fail in order to appeal to his conservative base, who are wary of public spending and mass transit. CSG Executive Director Stewart Schwartz believes McDonnell would rather see the money go toward outer suburban and rural highways that would encourage unnecessary sprawl.
"My way or the highway" bill awaits VA governor's decision
Greater Greater Washington
- April 4, 2012
Virginia's new transportation bill will make the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) a superpower that can override all local planning by forcing local governments to include projects supported by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. If local plans are not adjusted, transportation funds are taken, and local taxes used. CSG Executive Director Stewart Schwartz asserts VDOT will use the bill to force unwanted, contentious highway projects through communities without consideration of land use or cost.
Prince George's joins region in pedestrian-safety campaign
The Examiner
- March 22, 2012
After consistently reporting the highest pedestrian fatality rates in Maryland, Prince George's County has finally joined the Washington area's Street Smart program which is designed to educate residents about safety issues. Cheryl Cort, policy director with the Coalition for Smarter Growth, cites Prince George's County's high-speed traffic and wide roads as a dangerous setting for pedestrians. Besides this education campaign, Prince George's needs to start local initiatives, like repairing roads and building sidewalks in order to successfully improve its pedestrian fatalities.
Concerns Voiced About 'Power Shift' Away from Localities
Arlington Sun Gazette
- March 17, 2012
The Virginia General Assembly's transportation bill has upset county officials and some advocacy groups by including language that takes power and funding away from the local governments by requiring their plans to reflect those of the Commonwealth Transportation Board. Roger Diedrich of the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club contends that local communities and their elected officials deserve the power to shape the future of their own communities.
Hurried transportation bill had strings attached
WSLS
- March 13, 2012
Virginia lawmakers passed a last minute transportation bill that upsets the balance of power between the local governments and state highway officials, giving VDOT unprecedented authority over local road and highway planning. CSG Executive Director Stewart Schwartz warns that local governments may be hesitant in opposing VDOT projects, fearing the agency will hinder support for their local projects.
A Raw Deal for Northern Virginia
The Connection
- March 3, 2012
Despite the importance of state funds to support transportation, Governor McDonnell is redirecting $1.5 billion to wasteful and needless projects in rural areas while neglecting Dulles Rail and thus putting the bulk of funding on the shoulders of local tax and toll payers. Op-Ed written by CSG Executive Director Stewart Schwartz.
Planned Konterra development could qualify for tax breaks
The Examiner
- February 28, 2012
Prince George's County has proposed legislation for a tax credit designed for revitalization within the Capital Beltway specifically for urban renewal areas and transit oriented development. However, Konterra could also qualify for this tax break. The Coalition for Smarter Growth confirms that because of the Intercounty Connector, Konterra has already taken its fair share of taxpayer funding.
Latest data shows plenty of car-free living in DC
Greater Greater Washington
- February 21, 2012
The Coalition for Smarter Growth analyzed the 2010 Census data and found that over 40% of households are car free in half of the Wards in the District. The Coalition believes that because this reduces traffic for those with cars, more people in the District should be encouraged to live without a car.
Battlefield Bypass could be back on the priority list
WTOP
- February 15, 2012
Despite years of opposition, the Battlefield Bypass near Manassas is once again being considered as part of the long term plan to alleviate traffic for the area. CSG Executive Director Stewart Schwartz sees the bypass as a precursor to an even larger project, the Outer Beltway. Environmentalists agree the highway will not assuage traffic because traffic runs East-West not North-South and that other concerns such as I-66 and the VRE should be addressed first.
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.
