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Who is going to turn the Route 7 project around? Who has credibility with the the Planning Commission, BoS, legislators, VDOT? And based on what? It sure isn't the Coalition for Smart Growth. They were politely listened to, but then ignored.

You better plan on getting rid of Bulova, Smyth and Foust because each of them is dedicated to getting Route 7 widened and hopefully with some type of transit option. The Tysons landowners are also committed to the project. Ditto for community groups. Can you persuade these people and organizations to change their mind? What do you offer to persuade people to change their minds?

I don't know how many riders and car-drop-out riders will take the Silver Line. VDOT and DRPT comments on Fairfax County's 527 TIA suggested the County's transit projections were optimistic. I'd sure like WMATA to release the number of train slots the Silver Line will have when it begins.

If you are correct, such that there will be more transit riders, and Route 7 is still widened to match what's there from Reston west, there probably isn't much harm -- especially if we can get a transit option too. A reserved lane for express bus service from Loudoun would be of great benefit. At least the stakeholders think so.

But what if you are wrong and we get the density without the transit growth (remember the Silver Line is only a spur line) and traffic gets even worse. Then everybody suffers. I just don't see elected officials going your way especially given the history of the Tysons replanning.

If Route 7 is not widened, there will be great pressure to tamp down development. I don't see that in the cards. Am I missing something?

by tmtfairfax on Jun 27, 2012 11:27 pm • link • report