Washingtonian article about Alexandria

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And West Street to Commonwealth is basically one long block. Could have been time to get through the signal. Really, this is a city (yes), a backup for one long block by the metro station, at peak of PM rush hour is a cause for the City to revise it's approach? I don't think so. Perhaps you would be happier in Ashburn? Or Omaha?

Huh, you're too slick for me because I sure don't "get" your reference to Ashburn or Omaha.

But since from West to Commonwealth is over 0.6 of a mile, I also don't "get" your reference to one long block. That sure is a long block! I guess we make them different here in Alexandria, don't we! I have a hard time believing that anyone can make that in one light … and I don't necessarily think it would be wise for anyone to try. But why don't you do it? Let me know in advance and I'll arrange for Alexandria PD there to observe your effort! That would help me towards my goal of getting at least one more moron off the streets!

A block for me is defined by cross streets, not distance. And that the backup was likely due to the light was precisely my point. IOW not due to lack of street capacity beyond. I mean if the City can improve the functioning of the intersection, without making it worse for safety, great. But I can't see slowing down development because sometimes drivers need to wait through a light cycle.

My reference was that those are the kinds of places built to have zero delay at intersections. Living in a dense, close in area, with all the advantages it has, comes with some (IMHO) minor tradeoffs.

So … it is clear from your post that you are not familiar AT ALL with our fair city if you don't recognize that it is over half a mile from West to Commonwealth and that there are 8 cross streets between them. I don't understand at all why you are entering into this conversation if you don't even have a vague understanding of the place. It is time for you to go back under your rock and stay there. Good bye.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If the walk to the entrance from where the other entrance was supposed to be is truly NBD than why aren't they building the southern entrance and saying people will just have to walk down from the north?

I'm really asking, I'm not being snarky. Because right now it just seems like they're sticking it to the people that have already built in the south for the purposes of still enticing developers for the to be built area in the north.

I think they found that the southern mezzanine was more expensive to build than the northern one.

The south mezzanine costs about $10M more than the north because it had an extra ramp. In the grand scheme of the project it’s a small difference.

The real reason is that more of the tax revenue is associated with the north and they can’t affort to lose that one. The city believes (correctly, based on data) that commercial development only happen within about 1/4-1/3 mile of the station entrance, so deleting the north mezzanine means no development of the existing shopping center and no commercial tax revenue. Not doing the south also means this, but to a smaller extent and more impacting people who are already stuck versus hypothetical future residents and businesses who can still choose not to come because they haven’t built yet.

Completely agreed. Too bad it their sneakiness comes at the expense of the early adopters (the people in the south). I do think though that we all need to DEMAND that the city fix the issue with the association serving people who are blind. It is completely unacceptable that our city leaders knowingly duped them.

They have also dropped the tax contributions toward the station of the people in PY south. So I take it this is admission that the benefits metro access exceeded the cost of the tax contribution for those folks? They did not say that when the contribution was discussed, IIRC.

This is not correct.

First of all, there are two tax districts in PY South--both of which predate any actual residents in the area. The Tier I STD applies to multi-family units and it is in force and collecting money now (more money than the city expected actually), and continues to be going forward. The Tier II STD applies only to the individual townhomes and condos in PY south (but not to Potomac Greens, which was resident's main concern about it). The Tier II STD starts once the metro opens, and it is still on the books.

The Tier II STD is supposed to generate about $20M in revenue for the project overall. But now Dominion needs to put a high voltage line down the length of a street in Potomac Yard - and they will pay $40M+ to the city for the rights to do it. So the city and residents negotiated a trade - If that Dominion line and payment happens, then the payment from Dominion should be used to remove that Tier II STD.

That trade all felt relatively fair as a Potomac Yard resident - until we found out that the city was aware that we no longer had a station entrance when they negotiated it with us.

The city did pass a resolution two weeks ago making that trade formal. So yes, if dominion runs that high voltage line through potomac yard and the city gets a big payment, part of that payment will be used to remove the STD. But it had nothing to do with the benefits and costs of metro, or with the removal of our metro entrance at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If the walk to the entrance from where the other entrance was supposed to be is truly NBD than why aren't they building the southern entrance and saying people will just have to walk down from the north?

I'm really asking, I'm not being snarky. Because right now it just seems like they're sticking it to the people that have already built in the south for the purposes of still enticing developers for the to be built area in the north.

I think they found that the southern mezzanine was more expensive to build than the northern one.

The south mezzanine costs about $10M more than the north because it had an extra ramp. In the grand scheme of the project it’s a small difference.

The real reason is that more of the tax revenue is associated with the north and they can’t affort to lose that one. The city believes (correctly, based on data) that commercial development only happen within about 1/4-1/3 mile of the station entrance, so deleting the north mezzanine means no development of the existing shopping center and no commercial tax revenue. Not doing the south also means this, but to a smaller extent and more impacting people who are already stuck versus hypothetical future residents and businesses who can still choose not to come because they haven’t built yet.

Completely agreed. Too bad it their sneakiness comes at the expense of the early adopters (the people in the south). I do think though that we all need to DEMAND that the city fix the issue with the association serving people who are blind. It is completely unacceptable that our city leaders knowingly duped them.

They have also dropped the tax contributions toward the station of the people in PY south. So I take it this is admission that the benefits metro access exceeded the cost of the tax contribution for those folks? They did not say that when the contribution was discussed, IIRC.

This is not correct.

First of all, there are two tax districts in PY South--both of which predate any actual residents in the area. The Tier I STD applies to multi-family units and it is in force and collecting money now (more money than the city expected actually), and continues to be going forward. The Tier II STD applies only to the individual townhomes and condos in PY south (but not to Potomac Greens, which was resident's main concern about it). The Tier II STD starts once the metro opens, and it is still on the books.

The Tier II STD is supposed to generate about $20M in revenue for the project overall. But now Dominion needs to put a high voltage line down the length of a street in Potomac Yard - and they will pay $40M+ to the city for the rights to do it. So the city and residents negotiated a trade - If that Dominion line and payment happens, then the payment from Dominion should be used to remove that Tier II STD.

That trade all felt relatively fair as a Potomac Yard resident - until we found out that the city was aware that we no longer had a station entrance when they negotiated it with us.

The city did pass a resolution two weeks ago making that trade formal. So yes, if dominion runs that high voltage line through potomac yard and the city gets a big payment, part of that payment will be used to remove the STD. But it had nothing to do with the benefits and costs of metro, or with the removal of our metro entrance at all.

I am aware of the Dominion contribution. The point is if Dominon runs the line there (I think thats as good as certain) then the net effect is that the tier 2 STD is not in effect (are the owners of the multifamily properties complaining?)

And it was my impression that PY SH homeowners opposed the Tier 2 STD, not just the Potomac Greens homeowners.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And West Street to Commonwealth is basically one long block. Could have been time to get through the signal. Really, this is a city (yes), a backup for one long block by the metro station, at peak of PM rush hour is a cause for the City to revise it's approach? I don't think so. Perhaps you would be happier in Ashburn? Or Omaha?

Huh, you're too slick for me because I sure don't "get" your reference to Ashburn or Omaha.

But since from West to Commonwealth is over 0.6 of a mile, I also don't "get" your reference to one long block. That sure is a long block! I guess we make them different here in Alexandria, don't we! I have a hard time believing that anyone can make that in one light … and I don't necessarily think it would be wise for anyone to try. But why don't you do it? Let me know in advance and I'll arrange for Alexandria PD there to observe your effort! That would help me towards my goal of getting at least one more moron off the streets!

A block for me is defined by cross streets, not distance. And that the backup was likely due to the light was precisely my point. IOW not due to lack of street capacity beyond. I mean if the City can improve the functioning of the intersection, without making it worse for safety, great. But I can't see slowing down development because sometimes drivers need to wait through a light cycle.

My reference was that those are the kinds of places built to have zero delay at intersections. Living in a dense, close in area, with all the advantages it has, comes with some (IMHO) minor tradeoffs.

So … it is clear from your post that you are not familiar AT ALL with our fair city if you don't recognize that it is over half a mile from West to Commonwealth and that there are 8 cross streets between them. I don't understand at all why you are entering into this conversation if you don't even have a vague understanding of the place. It is time for you to go back under your rock and stay there. Good bye.

Sorry I looked at Google maps quickly and misidentified Mt Vernon and Commonwealth. I generally take King Street to Old Town when approaching from the northwest, not Braddock, and where Commonwealth hits the metro line resembles on a map the way Mt Vernon approaches Braddock just west of RR line. Sorry for that confusion.

It still seems to be a small distance that was congested, and quite likely that it cleared up in 10 minutes. And it does not incline me to oppose development in order to protect traffic flow. And I do not think West Alexandria is "under a rock".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And West Street to Commonwealth is basically one long block. Could have been time to get through the signal. Really, this is a city (yes), a backup for one long block by the metro station, at peak of PM rush hour is a cause for the City to revise it's approach? I don't think so. Perhaps you would be happier in Ashburn? Or Omaha?

Huh, you're too slick for me because I sure don't "get" your reference to Ashburn or Omaha.

But since from West to Commonwealth is over 0.6 of a mile, I also don't "get" your reference to one long block. That sure is a long block! I guess we make them different here in Alexandria, don't we! I have a hard time believing that anyone can make that in one light … and I don't necessarily think it would be wise for anyone to try. But why don't you do it? Let me know in advance and I'll arrange for Alexandria PD there to observe your effort! That would help me towards my goal of getting at least one more moron off the streets!

A block for me is defined by cross streets, not distance. And that the backup was likely due to the light was precisely my point. IOW not due to lack of street capacity beyond. I mean if the City can improve the functioning of the intersection, without making it worse for safety, great. But I can't see slowing down development because sometimes drivers need to wait through a light cycle.

My reference was that those are the kinds of places built to have zero delay at intersections. Living in a dense, close in area, with all the advantages it has, comes with some (IMHO) minor tradeoffs.

So … it is clear from your post that you are not familiar AT ALL with our fair city if you don't recognize that it is over half a mile from West to Commonwealth and that there are 8 cross streets between them. I don't understand at all why you are entering into this conversation if you don't even have a vague understanding of the place. It is time for you to go back under your rock and stay there. Good bye.

Sorry I looked at Google maps quickly and misidentified Mt Vernon and Commonwealth. I generally take King Street to Old Town when approaching from the northwest, not Braddock, and where Commonwealth hits the metro line resembles on a map the way Mt Vernon approaches Braddock just west of RR line. Sorry for that confusion.

It still seems to be a small distance that was congested, and quite likely that it cleared up in 10 minutes. And it does not incline me to oppose development in order to protect traffic flow. And I do not think West Alexandria is "under a rock".

You really need to work on comprehension. No one is opposing development, least of all us.

We are opposing the horrible traffic, which has gotten dramatically worse in the past 2 years without any reason other than poor traffic management. The lights are out of synch, there are no police officers in high volume corridors preventing "blocking the box," there are people leaving their cars in HOV lanes left and right with no towing or tickets, etc. King Street needs to go back to 4 lanes at 35 mph and Quaker Lane needs to go back to 35 mph. We need to get all of the additional volume off of roads like Braddock, which people are using to get around the huge blockage on King Street. Duke Street and the area around Rt. 1 is a nightmare.

The horrible traffic and parking issues are hindering development in Alexandria, not helping. And people like you, who can't even tell main thoroughfares apart, somehow think that you represent the voice of Alexandria. Hah! Just when I thought we couldn't get any lower, I get surprised again. No wonder we have problems!

[Anonymous]

You need to add CRIME to the list of traffic and parking for reasons why the Braddock Metro Station area isn't developing faster.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And West Street to Commonwealth is basically one long block. Could have been time to get through the signal. Really, this is a city (yes), a backup for one long block by the metro station, at peak of PM rush hour is a cause for the City to revise it's approach? I don't think so. Perhaps you would be happier in Ashburn? Or Omaha?

Huh, you're too slick for me because I sure don't "get" your reference to Ashburn or Omaha.

But since from West to Commonwealth is over 0.6 of a mile, I also don't "get" your reference to one long block. That sure is a long block! I guess we make them different here in Alexandria, don't we! I have a hard time believing that anyone can make that in one light … and I don't necessarily think it would be wise for anyone to try. But why don't you do it? Let me know in advance and I'll arrange for Alexandria PD there to observe your effort! That would help me towards my goal of getting at least one more moron off the streets!

A block for me is defined by cross streets, not distance. And that the backup was likely due to the light was precisely my point. IOW not due to lack of street capacity beyond. I mean if the City can improve the functioning of the intersection, without making it worse for safety, great. But I can't see slowing down development because sometimes drivers need to wait through a light cycle.

My reference was that those are the kinds of places built to have zero delay at intersections. Living in a dense, close in area, with all the advantages it has, comes with some (IMHO) minor tradeoffs.

So … it is clear from your post that you are not familiar AT ALL with our fair city if you don't recognize that it is over half a mile from West to Commonwealth and that there are 8 cross streets between them. I don't understand at all why you are entering into this conversation if you don't even have a vague understanding of the place. It is time for you to go back under your rock and stay there. Good bye.

Sorry I looked at Google maps quickly and misidentified Mt Vernon and Commonwealth. I generally take King Street to Old Town when approaching from the northwest, not Braddock, and where Commonwealth hits the metro line resembles on a map the way Mt Vernon approaches Braddock just west of RR line. Sorry for that confusion.

It still seems to be a small distance that was congested, and quite likely that it cleared up in 10 minutes. And it does not incline me to oppose development in order to protect traffic flow. And I do not think West Alexandria is "under a rock".

You really need to work on comprehension. No one is opposing development, least of all us.

We are opposing the horrible traffic, which has gotten dramatically worse in the past 2 years without any reason other than poor traffic management. The lights are out of synch, there are no police officers in high volume corridors preventing "blocking the box," there are people leaving their cars in HOV lanes left and right with no towing or tickets, etc. King Street needs to go back to 4 lanes at 35 mph and Quaker Lane needs to go back to 35 mph. We need to get all of the additional volume off of roads like Braddock, which people are using to get around the huge blockage on King Street. Duke Street and the area around Rt. 1 is a nightmare.

The horrible traffic and parking issues are hindering development in Alexandria, not helping. And people like you, who can't even tell main thoroughfares apart, somehow think that you represent the voice of Alexandria. Hah! Just when I thought we couldn't get any lower, I get surprised again. No wonder we have problems!

NP - PP, if you know anyone in the Central Alexandria neighborhoods (Taylor Runn, Clover/College Park or Taylor Run), you should reach out to them. They did a candidate questionnaire to ask about every candidates view on traffic and got responses earlier this week. They also have a campaign going with yard signs. I will see if I can find the email address where you can contact me about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And West Street to Commonwealth is basically one long block. Could have been time to get through the signal. Really, this is a city (yes), a backup for one long block by the metro station, at peak of PM rush hour is a cause for the City to revise it's approach? I don't think so. Perhaps you would be happier in Ashburn? Or Omaha?

Huh, you're too slick for me because I sure don't "get" your reference to Ashburn or Omaha.

But since from West to Commonwealth is over 0.6 of a mile, I also don't "get" your reference to one long block. That sure is a long block! I guess we make them different here in Alexandria, don't we! I have a hard time believing that anyone can make that in one light … and I don't necessarily think it would be wise for anyone to try. But why don't you do it? Let me know in advance and I'll arrange for Alexandria PD there to observe your effort! That would help me towards my goal of getting at least one more moron off the streets!

A block for me is defined by cross streets, not distance. And that the backup was likely due to the light was precisely my point. IOW not due to lack of street capacity beyond. I mean if the City can improve the functioning of the intersection, without making it worse for safety, great. But I can't see slowing down development because sometimes drivers need to wait through a light cycle.

My reference was that those are the kinds of places built to have zero delay at intersections. Living in a dense, close in area, with all the advantages it has, comes with some (IMHO) minor tradeoffs.

So … it is clear from your post that you are not familiar AT ALL with our fair city if you don't recognize that it is over half a mile from West to Commonwealth and that there are 8 cross streets between them. I don't understand at all why you are entering into this conversation if you don't even have a vague understanding of the place. It is time for you to go back under your rock and stay there. Good bye.

Sorry I looked at Google maps quickly and misidentified Mt Vernon and Commonwealth. I generally take King Street to Old Town when approaching from the northwest, not Braddock, and where Commonwealth hits the metro line resembles on a map the way Mt Vernon approaches Braddock just west of RR line. Sorry for that confusion.

It still seems to be a small distance that was congested, and quite likely that it cleared up in 10 minutes. And it does not incline me to oppose development in order to protect traffic flow. And I do not think West Alexandria is "under a rock".

You really need to work on comprehension. No one is opposing development, least of all us.

We are opposing the horrible traffic, which has gotten dramatically worse in the past 2 years without any reason other than poor traffic management. The lights are out of synch, there are no police officers in high volume corridors preventing "blocking the box," there are people leaving their cars in HOV lanes left and right with no towing or tickets, etc. King Street needs to go back to 4 lanes at 35 mph and Quaker Lane needs to go back to 35 mph. We need to get all of the additional volume off of roads like Braddock, which people are using to get around the huge blockage on King Street. Duke Street and the area around Rt. 1 is a nightmare.

The horrible traffic and parking issues are hindering development in Alexandria, not helping. And people like you, who can't even tell main thoroughfares apart, somehow think that you represent the voice of Alexandria. Hah! Just when I thought we couldn't get any lower, I get surprised again. No wonder we have problems!

NP - PP, if you know anyone in the Central Alexandria neighborhoods (Taylor Runn, Clover/College Park or Taylor Run), you should reach out to them. They did a candidate questionnaire to ask about every candidates view on traffic and got responses earlier this week. They also have a campaign going with yard signs. I will see if I can find the email address where you can contact me about it.

PP here - the address that where the questionairre came from is [e-mail]. I think they have the yard signs too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

NP - PP, if you know anyone in the Central Alexandria neighborhoods (Taylor Runn, Clover/College Park or Taylor Run), you should reach out to them. They did a candidate questionnaire to ask about every candidates view on traffic and got responses earlier this week. They also have a campaign going with yard signs. I will see if I can find the email address where you can contact me about it.

DP and I discovered they have a facebook page and have seen their yard signs. The people living there seem to think that the uptick in traffic is due to Waze and Google maps but I live in the City and have to use those roads to get over to locations that are across Duke st and I have been using those roads for years and they were always backed up. The slower speed limit on Quaker wouldn't stop me from using Quaker but the obscene amount of traffic does. Trying to go down Duke st. is impossible and has been for years. It has always been that if you wanted to take Duke to get on the highway, you had to make sure you were in the far right hand lane way back at the shopping center with Giant or there was little chance you were getting into the lane.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Alexandria Chamber “outraged” at Potomac Yard Metro changes

https://alextimes.com/2018/05/potomacyardmetro/

Good. They should be outraged. The City seems to have known about this in advance and kept quiet due to some confidentiality agreement relating to the construction that isn’t happening. Well, if there’s an agreement to breach, that’s the one. This is a signal moment for Alexandria. Wilson and Silberberg look kinda the same today.

+1

OP here.
+2

+3. The way the city went about this completely behind closed doors FOR A YEAR is so messed up.

+4 and 5. It is the same old way of operating. I would not be surprised if there is cash changing hands. All of them need to be out: the Mayor, City Council and the whole City staff. We need to clean house. As if the sewage thing wasn't outrageous enough (and heading into summer we're about to be reminded about it on a daily basis with the stench) but now with the Potomac Yard Metro thing … no one could be that grossly incompetent. Could they? I think the Council members are so happy to have their Council jobs and their side businesses that feed off of their Council work that they have forgotten what they are supposed to do as Council members.

You do realize the stench actually comes from the blue plains sewage treatment facility across the river?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And West Street to Commonwealth is basically one long block. Could have been time to get through the signal. Really, this is a city (yes), a backup for one long block by the metro station, at peak of PM rush hour is a cause for the City to revise it's approach? I don't think so. Perhaps you would be happier in Ashburn? Or Omaha?

Huh, you're too slick for me because I sure don't "get" your reference to Ashburn or Omaha.

But since from West to Commonwealth is over 0.6 of a mile, I also don't "get" your reference to one long block. That sure is a long block! I guess we make them different here in Alexandria, don't we! I have a hard time believing that anyone can make that in one light … and I don't necessarily think it would be wise for anyone to try. But why don't you do it? Let me know in advance and I'll arrange for Alexandria PD there to observe your effort! That would help me towards my goal of getting at least one more moron off the streets!

A block for me is defined by cross streets, not distance. And that the backup was likely due to the light was precisely my point. IOW not due to lack of street capacity beyond. I mean if the City can improve the functioning of the intersection, without making it worse for safety, great. But I can't see slowing down development because sometimes drivers need to wait through a light cycle.

My reference was that those are the kinds of places built to have zero delay at intersections. Living in a dense, close in area, with all the advantages it has, comes with some (IMHO) minor tradeoffs.

So … it is clear from your post that you are not familiar AT ALL with our fair city if you don't recognize that it is over half a mile from West to Commonwealth and that there are 8 cross streets between them. I don't understand at all why you are entering into this conversation if you don't even have a vague understanding of the place. It is time for you to go back under your rock and stay there. Good bye.

Sorry I looked at Google maps quickly and misidentified Mt Vernon and Commonwealth. I generally take King Street to Old Town when approaching from the northwest, not Braddock, and where Commonwealth hits the metro line resembles on a map the way Mt Vernon approaches Braddock just west of RR line. Sorry for that confusion.

It still seems to be a small distance that was congested, and quite likely that it cleared up in 10 minutes. And it does not incline me to oppose development in order to protect traffic flow. And I do not think West Alexandria is "under a rock".

You really need to work on comprehension. No one is opposing development, least of all us.

We are opposing the horrible traffic, which has gotten dramatically worse in the past 2 years without any reason other than poor traffic management. The lights are out of synch, there are no police officers in high volume corridors preventing "blocking the box," there are people leaving their cars in HOV lanes left and right with no towing or tickets, etc. King Street needs to go back to 4 lanes at 35 mph and Quaker Lane needs to go back to 35 mph. We need to get all of the additional volume off of roads like Braddock, which people are using to get around the huge blockage on King Street. Duke Street and the area around Rt. 1 is a nightmare.

The horrible traffic and parking issues are hindering development in Alexandria, not helping. And people like you, who can't even tell main thoroughfares apart, somehow think that you represent the voice of Alexandria. Hah! Just when I thought we couldn't get any lower, I get surprised again. No wonder we have problems!

West Alexandrian here and this is also an issue for us out here. Why is every light on Van Dorn out of sync so you get caught at every single one? And Duke as well? And the "no parking during rush hour" zones aren't really enforced. They'll give tickets occasionally but no one is towed so it's a mess constantly. Meanwhile our street is used as a cut through and people are blasting through crosswalks when kids are trying to walk to school or driving right by buses with their red lights flashing and there is no police enforcement anywhere!

It is so dangerous being a pedestrian around here, anyone saying walking or biking to get where your going is the answer can go suck an egg. I take my life in my hands every time I try to cross the street around here because no one gives a sh*t and there is no enforcement of traffic laws. At least when I'm stuck in traffic in my car, I'm surrounded by steal and air bags and so is my kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

NP - PP, if you know anyone in the Central Alexandria neighborhoods (Taylor Runn, Clover/College Park or Taylor Run), you should reach out to them. They did a candidate questionnaire to ask about every candidates view on traffic and got responses earlier this week. They also have a campaign going with yard signs. I will see if I can find the email address where you can contact me about it.

DP and I discovered they have a facebook page and have seen their yard signs. The people living there seem to think that the uptick in traffic is due to Waze and Google maps but I live in the City and have to use those roads to get over to locations that are across Duke st and I have been using those roads for years and they were always backed up. The slower speed limit on Quaker wouldn't stop me from using Quaker but the obscene amount of traffic does. Trying to go down Duke st. is impossible and has been for years. It has always been that if you wanted to take Duke to get on the highway, you had to make sure you were in the far right hand lane way back at the shopping center with Giant or there was little chance you were getting into the lane.

I think Waze and google maps are a factor, but from what they have ppsted on the neighborhood listserve, it seems that they think the city refuses to engage regional leaders on traffic isssues and will not study best practices followed by other cities that have dealt with these issues. The city’s answer to everything is bike lanes and Complete Streets, which are traffic safety programs, and do not address cut through traffic or the need to address trip volume overall. The way the coty has dealt with WMATA (see: Potomac Yards and the summer 2019 metro closure) is a perfect example.

Look, the director and deputy director for Transportation are both former Complete Streets coordinators. That should tell you everything about traffic and transportation in this city.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And West Street to Commonwealth is basically one long block. Could have been time to get through the signal. Really, this is a city (yes), a backup for one long block by the metro station, at peak of PM rush hour is a cause for the City to revise it's approach? I don't think so. Perhaps you would be happier in Ashburn? Or Omaha?

Huh, you're too slick for me because I sure don't "get" your reference to Ashburn or Omaha.

But since from West to Commonwealth is over 0.6 of a mile, I also don't "get" your reference to one long block. That sure is a long block! I guess we make them different here in Alexandria, don't we! I have a hard time believing that anyone can make that in one light … and I don't necessarily think it would be wise for anyone to try. But why don't you do it? Let me know in advance and I'll arrange for Alexandria PD there to observe your effort! That would help me towards my goal of getting at least one more moron off the streets!

A block for me is defined by cross streets, not distance. And that the backup was likely due to the light was precisely my point. IOW not due to lack of street capacity beyond. I mean if the City can improve the functioning of the intersection, without making it worse for safety, great. But I can't see slowing down development because sometimes drivers need to wait through a light cycle.

My reference was that those are the kinds of places built to have zero delay at intersections. Living in a dense, close in area, with all the advantages it has, comes with some (IMHO) minor tradeoffs.

So … it is clear from your post that you are not familiar AT ALL with our fair city if you don't recognize that it is over half a mile from West to Commonwealth and that there are 8 cross streets between them. I don't understand at all why you are entering into this conversation if you don't even have a vague understanding of the place. It is time for you to go back under your rock and stay there. Good bye.

Sorry I looked at Google maps quickly and misidentified Mt Vernon and Commonwealth. I generally take King Street to Old Town when approaching from the northwest, not Braddock, and where Commonwealth hits the metro line resembles on a map the way Mt Vernon approaches Braddock just west of RR line. Sorry for that confusion.

It still seems to be a small distance that was congested, and quite likely that it cleared up in 10 minutes. And it does not incline me to oppose development in order to protect traffic flow. And I do not think West Alexandria is "under a rock".

You really need to work on comprehension. No one is opposing development, least of all us.

We are opposing the horrible traffic, which has gotten dramatically worse in the past 2 years without any reason other than poor traffic management. The lights are out of synch, there are no police officers in high volume corridors preventing "blocking the box," there are people leaving their cars in HOV lanes left and right with no towing or tickets, etc. King Street needs to go back to 4 lanes at 35 mph and Quaker Lane needs to go back to 35 mph. We need to get all of the additional volume off of roads like Braddock, which people are using to get around the huge blockage on King Street. Duke Street and the area around Rt. 1 is a nightmare.

The horrible traffic and parking issues are hindering development in Alexandria, not helping. And people like you, who can't even tell main thoroughfares apart, somehow think that you represent the voice of Alexandria. Hah! Just when I thought we couldn't get any lower, I get surprised again. No wonder we have problems!

1. Plenty of people in the City oppose new development, and give traffic as a reason.

2. If you have suggestions for improving traffic signals, or locations where blocking the box is a particular problem, you should use call click connect

3. The King street traffic calming is a success, it has reduced collisions, and there has not had a major impact on traffic (King Street traffic still flows well, with backups only at signals where it backed up before.

4. Duke needs to be addressed. Ultimately with a transit lane, I think. Rte 1 is a route into DC from Fairfax, and there is nothing that will stop that from being congested, IMO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And West Street to Commonwealth is basically one long block. Could have been time to get through the signal. Really, this is a city (yes), a backup for one long block by the metro station, at peak of PM rush hour is a cause for the City to revise it's approach? I don't think so. Perhaps you would be happier in Ashburn? Or Omaha?

Huh, you're too slick for me because I sure don't "get" your reference to Ashburn or Omaha.

But since from West to Commonwealth is over 0.6 of a mile, I also don't "get" your reference to one long block. That sure is a long block! I guess we make them different here in Alexandria, don't we! I have a hard time believing that anyone can make that in one light … and I don't necessarily think it would be wise for anyone to try. But why don't you do it? Let me know in advance and I'll arrange for Alexandria PD there to observe your effort! That would help me towards my goal of getting at least one more moron off the streets!

A block for me is defined by cross streets, not distance. And that the backup was likely due to the light was precisely my point. IOW not due to lack of street capacity beyond. I mean if the City can improve the functioning of the intersection, without making it worse for safety, great. But I can't see slowing down development because sometimes drivers need to wait through a light cycle.

My reference was that those are the kinds of places built to have zero delay at intersections. Living in a dense, close in area, with all the advantages it has, comes with some (IMHO) minor tradeoffs.

So … it is clear from your post that you are not familiar AT ALL with our fair city if you don't recognize that it is over half a mile from West to Commonwealth and that there are 8 cross streets between them. I don't understand at all why you are entering into this conversation if you don't even have a vague understanding of the place. It is time for you to go back under your rock and stay there. Good bye.

Sorry I looked at Google maps quickly and misidentified Mt Vernon and Commonwealth. I generally take King Street to Old Town when approaching from the northwest, not Braddock, and where Commonwealth hits the metro line resembles on a map the way Mt Vernon approaches Braddock just west of RR line. Sorry for that confusion.

It still seems to be a small distance that was congested, and quite likely that it cleared up in 10 minutes. And it does not incline me to oppose development in order to protect traffic flow. And I do not think West Alexandria is "under a rock".

You really need to work on comprehension. No one is opposing development, least of all us.

We are opposing the horrible traffic, which has gotten dramatically worse in the past 2 years without any reason other than poor traffic management. The lights are out of synch, there are no police officers in high volume corridors preventing "blocking the box," there are people leaving their cars in HOV lanes left and right with no towing or tickets, etc. King Street needs to go back to 4 lanes at 35 mph and Quaker Lane needs to go back to 35 mph. We need to get all of the additional volume off of roads like Braddock, which people are using to get around the huge blockage on King Street. Duke Street and the area around Rt. 1 is a nightmare.

The horrible traffic and parking issues are hindering development in Alexandria, not helping. And people like you, who can't even tell main thoroughfares apart, somehow think that you represent the voice of Alexandria. Hah! Just when I thought we couldn't get any lower, I get surprised again. No wonder we have problems!

West Alexandrian here and this is also an issue for us out here. Why is every light on Van Dorn out of sync so you get caught at every single one? And Duke as well? And the "no parking during rush hour" zones aren't really enforced. They'll give tickets occasionally but no one is towed so it's a mess constantly. Meanwhile our street is used as a cut through and people are blasting through crosswalks when kids are trying to walk to school or driving right by buses with their red lights flashing and there is no police enforcement anywhere!

It is so dangerous being a pedestrian around here, anyone saying walking or biking to get where your going is the answer can go suck an egg. I take my life in my hands every time I try to cross the street around here because no one gives a sh*t and there is no enforcement of traffic laws. At least when I'm stuck in traffic in my car, I'm surrounded by steal and air bags and so is my kid.

You should complain about the signals, but realize with streets in different directions, signal synchronization is not as straightforward as some people think.

Definitely use Call Click Connect to complain about the parking violations.

Biking and walking in the West End are definitely too difficult. There needs to be both more enforcement, and infrastructure more designed to make streets safe for pedestrians.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And West Street to Commonwealth is basically one long block. Could have been time to get through the signal. Really, this is a city (yes), a backup for one long block by the metro station, at peak of PM rush hour is a cause for the City to revise it's approach? I don't think so. Perhaps you would be happier in Ashburn? Or Omaha?

Huh, you're too slick for me because I sure don't "get" your reference to Ashburn or Omaha.

But since from West to Commonwealth is over 0.6 of a mile, I also don't "get" your reference to one long block. That sure is a long block! I guess we make them different here in Alexandria, don't we! I have a hard time believing that anyone can make that in one light … and I don't necessarily think it would be wise for anyone to try. But why don't you do it? Let me know in advance and I'll arrange for Alexandria PD there to observe your effort! That would help me towards my goal of getting at least one more moron off the streets!

A block for me is defined by cross streets, not distance. And that the backup was likely due to the light was precisely my point. IOW not due to lack of street capacity beyond. I mean if the City can improve the functioning of the intersection, without making it worse for safety, great. But I can't see slowing down development because sometimes drivers need to wait through a light cycle.

My reference was that those are the kinds of places built to have zero delay at intersections. Living in a dense, close in area, with all the advantages it has, comes with some (IMHO) minor tradeoffs.

So … it is clear from your post that you are not familiar AT ALL with our fair city if you don't recognize that it is over half a mile from West to Commonwealth and that there are 8 cross streets between them. I don't understand at all why you are entering into this conversation if you don't even have a vague understanding of the place. It is time for you to go back under your rock and stay there. Good bye.

Sorry I looked at Google maps quickly and misidentified Mt Vernon and Commonwealth. I generally take King Street to Old Town when approaching from the northwest, not Braddock, and where Commonwealth hits the metro line resembles on a map the way Mt Vernon approaches Braddock just west of RR line. Sorry for that confusion.

It still seems to be a small distance that was congested, and quite likely that it cleared up in 10 minutes. And it does not incline me to oppose development in order to protect traffic flow. And I do not think West Alexandria is "under a rock".

You really need to work on comprehension. No one is opposing development, least of all us.

We are opposing the horrible traffic, which has gotten dramatically worse in the past 2 years without any reason other than poor traffic management. The lights are out of synch, there are no police officers in high volume corridors preventing "blocking the box," there are people leaving their cars in HOV lanes left and right with no towing or tickets, etc. King Street needs to go back to 4 lanes at 35 mph and Quaker Lane needs to go back to 35 mph. We need to get all of the additional volume off of roads like Braddock, which people are using to get around the huge blockage on King Street. Duke Street and the area around Rt. 1 is a nightmare.

The horrible traffic and parking issues are hindering development in Alexandria, not helping. And people like you, who can't even tell main thoroughfares apart, somehow think that you represent the voice of Alexandria. Hah! Just when I thought we couldn't get any lower, I get surprised again. No wonder we have problems!

West Alexandrian here and this is also an issue for us out here. Why is every light on Van Dorn out of sync so you get caught at every single one? And Duke as well? And the "no parking during rush hour" zones aren't really enforced. They'll give tickets occasionally but no one is towed so it's a mess constantly. Meanwhile our street is used as a cut through and people are blasting through crosswalks when kids are trying to walk to school or driving right by buses with their red lights flashing and there is no police enforcement anywhere!

It is so dangerous being a pedestrian around here, anyone saying walking or biking to get where your going is the answer can go suck an egg. I take my life in my hands every time I try to cross the street around here because no one gives a sh*t and there is no enforcement of traffic laws. At least when I'm stuck in traffic in my car, I'm surrounded by steal and air bags and so is my kid.

You should complain about the signals, but realize with streets in different directions, signal synchronization is not as straightforward as some people think.

Definitely use Call Click Connect to complain about the parking violations.

Biking and walking in the West End are definitely too difficult. There needs to be both more enforcement, and infrastructure more designed to make streets safe for pedestrians.

I know you mean well but seriously, the lights on Van Dorn between Seminary and the beltway are all perfectly synchronized to make you stop at each and every one. They are so very perfectly synchronized in this way, it is absolutely intentional.

And biking/walking in the West End isn't just "difficult", it's flat out dangerous. I have never ever lived in a place where motorists had so little regard for the safety of pedestrians and I've lived all over the country and all over the DC area. Yet I have never seen police doing any kind of traffic enforcement in my area other than traffic control for the car wash at Van Dorn and Edsall on sunny weekends. And people have the nerve to complain when pedestrians here cross midblock? When if we try to cross legally at an intersection, after waiting a full light cycle for the pedestrian walk signal and all motor vehicle traffic is supposed to be stopped, we still have motorists screaming through the intersections and laying on their horn at us for being in their way while they try to pull an illegal right on red?