McLean Citizens not happy about HOT Lanes
Last night at the annual meeting for the MCA (McLean Citizens Association) there were a couple of high interest speakers. It was a full room, as the seats were all full, and the back row was lined with late comers (including myself) standing and leaning against the wall. The speakers of interest were first from the HOT lanes project and second the Fairfax County Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Sharon Bulova.
The most energy came at the opportunity to pose questions after the HOT lanes project speaker. Many in the room, in fact the general sentiment, seemed to be against the project. It is billed as a solution to help solve traffic problems in our area and the Virginia side of the beltway surrounding our nations capital. There will be 2 lanes added to each side that will be accessible by those with 3 total riders or more, or those willing to pay the dynamic pricing. The HOT lanes is a public private partnership that has drawn some concern based on the for profit motive of the private partner. The crowd last night, likely all or mostly McLean residents, voiced a passionate concern for the limited or lack of benefit for McLean residents and also the potential negative impact on McLean roads. It is anticipated by more than a few present that some will try to avoid the bad traffic and the HOT lanes on the beltway by jumping onto McLean and surrounding area local roads.
Many felt there was not enough time to voice questions or opinions in the short time allowed after the HOT lanes speaker. However, the president of the MCA, Rob Jackson, did set the stage prior to the HOT lanes presentation by stating it would be a limited presentation and a limited amount of time for questions. He also reminded all that there would be a much more detailed presentation and public forum for questions and discussion on June 9th.
Many in the room left after the HOT lanes speaker.
Chairman, Sharon Bulova, had a interesting presentation. She mentioned a strong interest in the county budget. The county is required to have a balanced budget. A memorable quote was, “Budgeting is where counties set their priorities.”
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May 30th, 2010 at 8:53 am
Jeff, the follow-up meeting on HOT Lanes, which is being hosted by Supervisor John Foust and Delegate Barbara Comstock, will be held at 7:30 pm, at the McLean Community Center. The McLean Citizens Association urges concerned residents to attend, but hopes they will listen to the pros and cons of extending the HOT Lanes. Unfortunately, at the MCA’s meeting, a number of people just did not want to listen and made a number of false statements.
We neither support nor oppose the extension at this time. I also respect those who don’t like the HOT Lane concept and those who feel very frustrated with government. But claiming the HOT Lanes extension will increase traffic on Georgetown Pike is simply wrong when the extension prevents ingress to, and egress from, the Pike. Let’s debate the real issues.