How was the PWC Board meeting last night? |
Post Reply | Page 12> |
Author | |
SpongeBob
New Slug Joined: 06 Oct 2004 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Posted: 29 Oct 2004 at 11:14am |
VDOT now officially backs toll roads (misnamed HOT) so I don't think one can look for help there, at least without a change of administration. Market-based "solutions" are bread-and-butter for the Republicans in charge in Richmond, but I doubt even the Democrats would be immune to the allure of laying pavement and claiming revenue.
Anyone notice Congressman Frank Wolf's ad on WTOP this morning that mentions, as a positive, that he "reduced restrictions on the HOV lanes"? Is that a reference to something on I66 or to the long-ago switch from HOV-4 to HOV-3 on I95? One thing we could use is a solid counter-proposal. Remember, this all started as an unsolicited proposal by Clark, and then Fluor jumped in. No one asked for this. VDOT has no study that says this idea is going to reduce congestion. The RTA didn't ask for it, as far as I know. The District hasn't said anything. But the toll roads proposal is all anyone has to think about -- we need alternative ideas put forward, and a prominent citizen to help. A Congressperson, perhaps. |
|
ering
New Slug Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I would definitely think that someone has the authority to stop this. If the Fed can step in and tell VA to change its regulations regarding Hybrids I would think that they could step in and tell VA a road paid for by tax dollars cannot be switched to toll. There is more to this than what is being said. I do think that a public outcry would catch some attention.
Erin |
|
Bob
New Slug Joined: 14 Dec 2001 Status: Offline Points: 0 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
It is my understanding that the Board(s) of Supervisors really don't have any say-so in this. One of the frightening aspects is that this Regional Transportation Board acts autonomously and can push through whatever they want. There is no voting, no approval by counties, nothing. They just recommend it and VDOT does it. This Transportation Board does have periodic meetings, but it has appeared to me that they dont advertize the meetings too much. I will try to find out when the next one is. I think it may be posted on VDOT site.
|
|
SpongeBob
New Slug Joined: 06 Oct 2004 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
No, the Feds don't own them. VDOT owns the highways.
No writing of letters is going to stop this project. Only loud public outcry will work. But the death of the slug won't mean anything to most people. Better to point out the hit to their wallets. The free HOV lanes at night and mid-day are Going Away Forever in about a year. That'll get some attention. |
|
fed up
New Slug Joined: 17 Sep 2004 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Correct me if I am mistaken, but I thought the HOV lanes fell under federal jurisdiction. If this is the case, then how can the Boards of Supervisors approve the HOT lanes as they are being proposed? Wouldn't a letter writing compaign to our elected officials, both in Congress and in Richmond, be more productive? Maybe calls to different radio and TV stations as well. They've done enough stories on the slug system that the potential demise of the slugs would definitely be of interest to them.
|
|
ering
New Slug Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
That does make me very nervous - regardless of my husband's profession. Anytime I see a trooper get out of his/her car on the side of the road I cringe.
This is about money, pure and simple. I am just sick over it. |
|
SpongeBob
New Slug Joined: 06 Oct 2004 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
If you're the wife of a cop, wait until you hear this: inside the beltway, Fluor's proposal calls for three 11'-wide (substandard) lanes, a 2'-wide shoulder, and a 9'-wide shoulder, both sides up against jersey walls.
Imagine what it will be like for a trooper trying to write a speeding ticket or help a citizen on a 9'-wide shoulder. Imagine having to change a tire there. Would you even want to sit in your car on a shoulder next to three lanes of (supposedly) high speed traffic? Safety is the reason VDOT opposed adding a third lane years ago. Guess they don't care about the troopers anymore. Or the public. Just the developers. |
|
ering
New Slug Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
GREAT!!! It all sounds wonderful.
I am the wife of a cop (shift work) and mother of a toddler so my evenings are rarely free for meetings. I will, however, bring the screaming baby (they'll drop the idea altogether if I threaten to keep bringing her!!!) to the meetings if I have to. I am so disgusted by the entire thing. See ya PWC!!! |
|
SpongeBob
New Slug Joined: 06 Oct 2004 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I should have answered ering's first question above.
I spoke at the meeting and the BOCS looked at me attentively and nodded a lot. They appeared to be listening. One member, in particular, seemed to be in agreement with at least the gist of what I was saying (No Toll Roads) and I'm told this was probably Corey Stewart of Occoquan. He was the youngest on the board. The developers probably haven't gotten his name into their check-producing system yet. (Or maybe he's just smarter than the rest.) Nonetheless, the proof remains in the pudding: the next day the PWC BOCS had a group hug with the equally befuddled Stafford board and declared their unanimous agreement that charging citizens tolls is a good idea. You'll find a link to an article describing this warm moment in one of the other threads. |
|
slugger94
New Slug Joined: 08 Jan 2004 Status: Offline Points: 0 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I attended the discussion in the evening. I was a little late but found out from another attendee that the discussion on the HOT Lanes actually took place during an earlier meeting in the day. I was also told that the two citizen speakers voiced against the HOT lanes.
I don't know about you all but I am very uncomfortable with the idea of these HOT Lanes. As a slug community, I think we need to get together to discuss possible proposals to those in charge. Admin, what you say, if you call a slug community meeting? Thnx. |
|
Post Reply | Page 12> |
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |