Fairfax Board of Supervisors Meeting Agenda - Skepticism About Streetcar, Significant Differences Compared to the Arlington County Board

Hi Yupette,

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors did not rubber stamp the Pike - Skyline streetcar on July 31st. Supervisors Frey and Herrity (Republicans) questioned the benefits versus the cost (about $50 million) of the Skyline portion of the Pike streetcar system and voted against the streetcar.

I  perused the entire agenda for the July 31st meeting. There are significant differences in the way the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors governs compared to the Arlington County Board. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is much more people-oriented and much more likely to join with state and federal agencies and other jurisdictions in joint programs that benefit residents. For example, unlike Arlington, you do not have to be a VIP Smart Growth Facilitator to be recognized by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for achievements that benefit Fairfax County and its residents. It was interesting to see that Fairfax County increases fines for speeding through designated residential neighborhoods as part of neighborhood traffic calming. Fairfax County joins in compacts and working relationships with outside agencies and organizations that benefit Fairfax County residents. But you can see for yourself if you go to fairfaxcounty.gov.

Thanks for your blog. Here's a photo of a double deck bus I would like to see on the Pike.

Mark
22204

Fairfax County Supervisors to Rubber Stamp Streetcar Charade Today

Hi Yupette,

Fairfax County is set to rubber stamp its part of the Pike streetcar charade today, Skyline.  As an 'action item', meaning no public comments allowed. The REITs, developers, and transportation consultants who want to redevelop Route 7 are very happy..

Having the streetcar go to Skyline will be a major engineering and construction operation, costing about $50 million. Compared to a few million required to make Skyline compatible with articulated buses. And no cost to have modern city bus upgrades, beyond purchasing the city buses.

But the Pike streetcar was never about transportation, it's all about development and redevelopment.

Pike Rider