Author: Elena Sorokina

CSG in the News: Route 7 BRT planners welcome feedback at recent Culmore open house

Posted on by Elena Sorokina

October 20, 2025 | Scott McCaffrey | FFXNow

Among the open house attendees was Sonya Breehey, a Falls Church resident who was viewing proposals both as a prospective rider and as a staff member of the pro-transit group Coalition for Smarter Growth.

“This is really important — BRT is really an opportunity,” she said. “So many people ride the bus.”

Breehey also voiced hope that transit improvements would be complemented by pedestrian safety initiatives. A study conducted by the Coalition for Smarter Growth and the immigrant advocacy nonprofit CASA in 2022 found that much of the Route 7 corridor is decidedly unfriendly to those trying to walk or cross.

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CSG in the News: DC metro region leaders exclude I-495 express lanes project from long-term plan

Posted on by Elena Sorokina

October 16, 2025 | Nathaniel Cline | Virginia Mercury

Since 2022, Virginia has been conducting a study on adding the express lanes, which public speakers at Wednesday’s meeting referenced. About 13 people spoke at the meeting, many in opposition to the project, with some noting that the state’s study lacked cost estimates for decommissioning private toll lanes in hopes of building a Metrorail line. Others said the express lanes would lead to an increase in vehicles and air pollution levels.

“Only by clearly leaving out the preferred alternative can the region ensure that there’s collaboration among jurisdictions to explore alternatives,” said Bill Pugh, transportation and climate director for the Coalition for Smarter Growth, emphasizing the need for sustainable transportation alternatives and what he called the negative environmental and social impacts of the project.

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CSG in the News: Key vote on I-495 Southside express lanes project postponed to 2026 or beyond

Posted on by Elena Sorokina

October 15, 2025 | Scott McCaffrey | FFXNow

Critics of the toll lanes, however, believe once they are in place, it would be difficult — or impossible — to retrofit the bridge for transit.

Some of those critics lined up to make their case in advance of the TPB’s final discussion. Their concerns went well beyond the Metro question and to the core of VDOT’s efforts to date.

“Multi-billion-dollar decisions should not be made based on flawed and incomplete information,” said Bill Pugh of the Coalition for Smarter Growth, which opposed inclusion of the project. He accused VDOT of trying to push through a “conclusion-first” study justifying the project’s feasibility.

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Walk the Rhode Island Trolley Trail with us

Posted on by Elena Sorokina

Join us this Saturday to learn about the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail southern section. 

Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail Walking Tour
Saturday, October 18, 2025
10 am-12 pm

RSVP

Meet at: Busboys & Poets, 5331 Baltimore Ave, Hyattsville, MD 20781

Join us for a walking tour to explore how the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail is helping to build a stronger, more vibrant community. See how the trail helps support local businesses, strengthens community bonds, and improves accessibility. 

We’ll start at the front of Busboys and Poets and walk south to the new trail extension at Charles Armentrout Drive. This event is co-sponsored by the Coalition for Smarter Growth, RISE Prince George’s, the Capital Market, LISC & WABA.

Alexandria wants your feedback on its Housing Master Plan update

Alexandria wants your feedback on its Housing Master Plan update

Posted on by Elena Sorokina

Alexandria wants your feedback on the next phase of its Housing Master Plan (HMP) update! We commend the city for promoting goals and strategies essential to fostering an inclusive Alexandria and would like to encourage you to show your support for the plan’s Revised Draft Housing 2040 Principles and Goals by the October 19 deadline.

Talking points: Arlington 2050 Comprehensive Plan update (VA)

Posted on by Elena Sorokina

Arlington 2050 is an initiative to update Arlington County’s Comprehensive Plan, which will guide the direction of the county’s long-term community and economic development. Updated every five years, this is an opportunity to share your vision for the future of Arlington.  If you would like to promote a vibrant, walkable Arlington that prioritizes opportunity, inclusion, and affordability, we have developed several talking points you can include in your feedback under each county principle.