Join us on a visit to historic downtown Gaithersburg where we’ll learn about its past, examine its progress towards a walkable downtown, and explore the community’s and town’s visions for a bright, transit-oriented future.
Author: Elena Sorokina
Testimony Regarding Potomac Yard Metro Station Location
We support Alternative B as the best alternative from a smart growth, transportation, economic development and environmental perspective. We recognize that Alternative B will have an impact on National Park Service land, a related easement, and a limited amount of wetlands. However, we support the mitigation measures being proposed and believe that the mitigation, together with the environmental benefits of Alternative B, support selection of this alternative.
I-66 coalition asks Virginia to reopen its congestion-relief study
The I-66 Corridor Coalition, a new group of community, transportation and environmental groups, is calling on the Virginia government to reopen a congestion-relief study for the interstate outside the Capital Beltway so that a broad range of options can be reconsidered. That study was completed in 2013.
Here’s what people want in a new Metro GM
The Metro board’s governance committee is receiving a report Thursday on what government and community leaders, along with riders and other interested parties, had to say about the type of general manager they want the transit authority to pick. The public picked up on the split among the board members over whether Metro needs a transit expert or a management turnaround specialist. These are excerpts from some of the statements presented to the board.
Testimony at FY16 Budget Oversight Hearing of DMPED and Office of Planning by Cheryl Cort
The capital budget includes important funds to move forward on a major redevelopment that was approved by agencies and the DC Council – McMillan Sand Filtration site. This redevelopment of a 25- acre historic industrial site is innovative but complex. It will provide significant historic restoration, major new public park facilities, and mixed use development. The mix expands the housing supply by 677 units for our rapidly growing city.
Testimony at FY16 Budget Oversight Hearing of DHCD by Cheryl Cort
We want to commend the Mayor and Director Polly Donaldson for bringing a clear, bold and strategic vision to address our city’s deepening affordable housing crisis. Consistent with this vision, we commend the Mayor’s budget priorities which propose a record investment in affordable housing. We ask the Council to support these budget proposals. Specifically, we ask the council support the Mayor’s proposed funding levels for the Housing Production Trust Fund at $100 million, Local Rent Supplement Program, and the Permanent Supportive Housing Program. We also commend the leadership of the Mayor and Director Donaldson for launching a preservation strike force.
Testimony at FY16 Budget Oversight Hearing of DDOT by Cheryl Cort
We are hopeful that the Mayor and the Council will continue to support our city’s award-winning Long Range Transportation Plan (MoveDC), and commit the necessary operating and capital dollars, and policy changes needed to ensure that it is implemented. This begins with implementation of the 2 year action plan.
Virginia to Congress: Stop approving new flights out of Reagan National Airport
Stewart Schwartz, the executive director of the Coalition for Smarter Growth, said taxpayers already have invested billions in the Dulles Access Road, Dulles Toll Road, Routes 606 and 28, and the Silver Line.
“Now the Dulles folks are seeking billions more for another round of highways,” Schwartz said. “Before we jump into that approach let’s first recognize the challenges that Dulles faces include the fact that they have over projected growth amid the boom in the mid-2000s and they took on too much debt.”
Virginia’s economy needs Dulles Airport to soar again, boosters say
“This is an event for boosters,” said Stewart Schwartz, executive director of the Coalition for Smarter Growth, referring to Thursday’s event. “Nobody’s asking the hard questions — like, ‘Did they overestimate demand and take on too much debt?’ ”
Quicker bicycling improvements possible thanks to state bill
The designation means that bike lanes, paths, sidewalks, crosswalks and other traffic control devices must be taken into account during any planning or construction of roads or intersections. Since many of Montgomery County’s major roads are state roads, the SHA’s participation is crucial to the effort.