The Environmental Assessment for the I-95 HOT Lanes Project is inadequate and should be redone to evaluate the full range of alternatives and impacts for the I-95 corridor and consider the full range of costs and benefits for alternative approaches. A decision involving $1 billion or more in publicly subsidized spending and the transfer of public right of way to a private company to collect tolls for up to 75 years merits far more thorough analysis. We urge you to reject this Environmental Assessment.
Category: Resources
Fairfax: Testimony to the Planning Commission Tysons Corner Committee on Financing Transportation Improvements
First let me note that transit-oriented development can generate significant tax benefits for Fairfax as demonstrated by the Arlington experience. Arlington’s two Metro corridors occupy just 11 percent of their land and generate something like 50% of their property tax base, generating revenues that have supported improvements in neighborhoods across Arlington — recreation centers, traffic calming, parks and schools.
Get the Scoop! Polls, Demographics, and Demand for Smart Growth
Our region has seen strong revialization and increased demand to live in walkable, transit-accessible communities. This forum on August 17, 2011, featured two national experts speaking on a wealth of valuable and intriguing data on the potential demand for smart growth communities: Joe Molinaro of the National Association of Realtors and Shyam Kannan of the RCLCO.
Testimony: before the D.C. Historic Preservation Review Board in support of the Hine Junior High School project
We wish to express our support for the proposed project for the Hine Junior High School site and urge the HPRB to complete its review so that the project can move on to a Planned Unit Development review with the Zoning Commission. The proposed scale and overall design conform to the Capitol Hill Historic District and enhance key historic assets such as L’Enfant square on Pennsylvania Avenue and the market house.
Restoring Streams Along the Richmond Highway Corridor
Tour map and handouts
Fairfax County: Recommendation against mandate for 36 foot wide streets in residential neighborhoods
Fairfax County is becoming a leader in addressing the challenges created by the patterns of suburban development through transit-oriented development, commercial corridor revitalization, affordable housing, stormwater, and reform to parking policies. We believe that Fairfax County can also join places like Charlotte, North Carolina, in addressing the design flaws and safety risks inherent in overly wide suburban streets. Therefore, we are concerned about and recommend strongly against the proposal to mandate a standard width of 36 feet for new suburban streets in the county.
Testimony: Support for Local Map Amendment for the Chelsea School, Silver Spring
We want to express our support for this proposed map amendment and project. We have reviewed proposal, discussed it with community members and visited the site. We are also familiar with EYA and its record of quality developments around the region, and open and honest relationships with communities. When a townhouse is the right solution, EYA is one of the best developers to build that project.
Young Planner Showcase
The world of development and planning is complex and often elusive. But on Wednesday, May 25, 2011, 3 of the region’s most promising young planners made things at least a little clearer. At the event they presented their best work, got feedback from our expert panelists, and answered all your questions. Consider it American Idol for planners, but slightly less vicious and without any fear of Steven Tyler.
Testimony before the Montgomery County Council supporting the Takoma/Langley Crossroads Sector Plan
Overall, we want to express our support for this thoughtful plan. It addresses the need for transit-oriented redevelopment around the Purple Line and guides the re-creation of an inner suburban district. It provides policy goals to preserve existing affordable housing, increase MPDUs, and retain small businesses. The plan seeks to create interconnected, walk- and bicycle-friendly streets. We appreciate the plan’s aim to create urban parks, green streets, and improved water quality.
Testimony for the Alexandria Commercial Add-on Tax
The Coalition for Smarter Growth and our partner group the Audubon Naturalist Society support the proposed commercial add-on tax for transit, bicycle, pedestrian and local street needs.