Kevin H. Posey
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On the article A Failed Plan for a Failed Mall
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On the article A Failed Plan for a Failed Mall
Kevin H. Posey
8:16 am on Tuesday, April 30, 2013
David- Unfortunately, the amount of residential going into the site will not be enough to sustain the retail within it. The new Landmark will have to draw from the surrounding area to survive. But even if this weren't true, the new development might be enough of a temptation to lure a few hardy souls into trying to walk to the property. Under Council's Complete Streets Resolution, developers and staff must try to accommodate them. However, both parties have thus far chosen to ignore this requirement. This raises troubling questions about who really runs Alexandria: our elected officials or unelected staff and developers? If the former is true, then I would expect a significant change to the plans by the next public meeting on 5/1 at Landmark Mall.
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On the Blog Post TrafficSnark: Libby Garvey Versus the Streetcar
Kevin H. Posey
11:14 am on Friday, April 26, 2013
ReplyWhile I respect rational discussions on the utility of various transportation modes, this discussion is clearly lurching into one based on emotionalism. Accusing those with a pro-streetcar position of being "fanatics" is over the line, as is injecting blanket racial characterizations. Let's not start demonizing our neighbors just because they think a bus or streetcar is a better way to get around.
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On the Blog Post TrafficSnark: Libby Garvey Versus the Streetcar
Kevin H. Posey
9:17 am on Friday, April 26, 2013
ReplyThe Las Vegas BRT has its problems, as well as its benefits. The problems include a lack of dedicated right-of-way and lower ridership that comparable streetcars. The benefit is that it was cheap. Remember the old adage: sometimes you get what you pay for. See this well-balanced article for more: http://news.oregonmetro.gov/1/post.cfm/what-s-brt-a-ride-around-las-vegas-on-its-bus-rapid-transit-system
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On the Blog Post TrafficSnark: Libby Garvey Versus the Streetcar
Kevin H. Posey
7:43 pm on Thursday, April 25, 2013
ReplyI notice that the cheapness of BRT seems to be the prime attraction to commenters. Here is a cautionary article on the dangers of that approach.
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post/9600/brt-creep-makes-bus-rapid-transit-inferior-to-rail/ -
On the article Oft-Ignored 'No Right Turn' Sign Will Be Modified
Kevin H. Posey
2:48 pm on Thursday, April 25, 2013
John- you make an interesting point. Potomac Avenue, with its 4 lanes of traffic, is engineered for higher speeds than it is currently posted at. However, a tremendous amount of residential development is coming in along this road. It's never a good idea to have high-speed traffic next to residences where there are likely kids present.
The simplest solution would be to re-stripe this road so that it didn't resemble a high-speed route, perhaps as the City did with Slaters Lane. However, T&ES is unwilling to consider this at the present time.
So, for now, watch out for the APD lying in wait. For those planning on living in Potomac Yard, don't let your kids out of your sight! -
On the Blog Post TrafficSnark: Libby Garvey Versus the Streetcar
Kevin H. Posey
2:40 pm on Thursday, April 25, 2013
ReplyAn articulated BRT is even less maneuverable than a standard city bus. On Columbia Pike, such a vehicle would be trapped in one lane, as the Las Vegas BRT is on the actual Strip.
Streetcar and light rail systems have an established, successful track record. BRT systems, while adequate as a transitional mode, have few stellar examples to look at. That includes Cleveland's, where redevelopment numbers quoted never control for the influence of expanding institutions such as the hospitals and universities along the corridor. In essence, one could claim that a mere bike lane in the same part of Cleveland generated massive redevelopment. Much as I like bike lanes, that would be absurd. -
On the Blog Post Is Alexandria Serious About Pedestrian and Bike Safety?
Kevin H. Posey
9:11 pm on Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Sadly, the area around Braddock Metro shows signs of the City's past emphasis on the car. The widening of the underpass turned this stretch into a mini-highway. Luckily, drivers are usually paying attention to the amber crossing signals, but the overall design is far from pedestrian and cyclist-friendly.
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On the Blog Post Is Alexandria Serious About Pedestrian and Bike Safety?
Kevin H. Posey
9:09 pm on Wednesday, April 17, 2013
James- I agree that Arlington has had first-rate leadership on this issue. Leadership is what it takes to get things done. Frankly, it's up to Council to raise Alexandria's performance when it comes to protecting pedestrians and cyclists. They must send a clear, and stern, message to staff that this is of utmost importance. Otherwise, Alexandrians will remain at risk.
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On the Blog Post Is Alexandria Serious About Pedestrian and Bike Safety?
Kevin H. Posey
9:04 pm on Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Jerry- I'm afraid you are correct. The funding for non-motorized users is so low compared to our needs that it raises questions about the sincerity of the City's efforts. The question citizens should ask is where is the resistance at City Hall coming from?
Kevin H. Posey
4:39 pm on Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Excellent example regarding Cameron Station. The thinking was that the commercial strip would be supported by the residential areas within Cameron Station. It didn't really work. There are a few businesses that serve the community, but it's nothing like the architectural renderings depicted. The new Landmark will be similar, but with even fewer residents to pull from. As Jonathan points out above, a mere look at Google Earth reveals large residential areas that Landmark should be able to pull from, but can't due to an outmoded road network that Hughes and City staff have not addressed in the first, and most critical, stages.