Mike May said it best last night in response to Corey’s cowardly move to defer the Avendale vote when he stated “citizens invested their time, from BOTH sides of the issue, and deserve a vote, up or down”. Maureen Caddigan was right there with Mike, voting against the deferral. Last minute deferrals are a sleazy way to ensure a Developer can live to “fight” another day. Wow, too bad citizens aren’t afforded the same right when we are on the losing end of a land use decision!
I don’t know why Frank P voted in the majority to allow the deferral as he was clearly arguing with Mike Lubely about this bizarre premise that Avendale wasn’t “really” in the Rural Crescent. Hmmm, if that’s the case then why is the application a Comprehensive Plan AMENDMENT. Amendment being the operative word! The board has NEVER voted to take Avendale out of the Rural Crescent and Frank was absolutely right when he challenged Lubely.
I cannot tell you how incredibly disappointed I am in Corey. His leadership role was critical, and he chose the wrong direction. Avendale ONLY benefits the Developer and is a drain for every county resident who pays taxes. The Rural Crescent is a valuable land use tool, not simply from a “green” perspective, but from a planning approach. If the last five years has taught us one thing, it is that you can’t build homes as a means of supporting an entire county economy, or for that matter, and entire country!
I don’t know about everyone else, but I am tired of being soley responsible for supporting the budget of an entire county. We HAVE to diversify the base of our County income, and living more than 80% on real estate taxes, is simply crazy from a financial perspective.
It’s not that Griffin’s pulling Corey’s strings (that’s Lubely’s job), it’s more that he and his staff manipulate the BOCS into a position and ultimately have the ability to ignore the BOCS desires because nobody is watching after the rezoning approval. In relations with the local attorneys and applicants, Griffin is the kingmaker not the other way around.
As the puppetmaster dropped Corey?
I don’t necessarily want less government. I think that is a catch phrase. I want different government.
I also don’t want our cops running around giving tickets to people who have bags of mulch in their driveway. I want our cops doing cop work.
Surveys are junk and expensive. Industry and govt use surveys to justify their own existence or to get rid of people. Good place to start.
I am going to defend Gainesville Resident now. Cindy, what makes you think he isn’t involved in his neighborhood? I think walking around, getting to know your neighbors and their dogs is very beneficial to any neighborhood. I think emailing your supervisors routinely is helping your neighborhood.
I am not comfortable telling someone else what they ought to be doing.
I met Connie when I interviewed her about one of the A Brush With Kindness projects she initiated through Habitat for Humanity. Everytime I’m around her I learn something new.
This is one of her favorite resource books that she keeps lending to people like me:
http://www.pps.org/info/products/Books_Videos/great_neighborhood_book
How low we’ve sunk. A guy named Tom (I won’t say more to protect his privacy) used to have Utz’ job. He knew the County, was fair, and looked out for the interests of the whole community. When the last Planning Director retired it was assumed Tom would get the job. Gerhart hired Griffin instead because Tom (like the woman mentioned in post #8) refused to surrender his integrity, and pledge to represent and serve the developers. Enough was enough for Tom, so he left and we’ve got Griffin and Utz.
If Mom is right, Griffin, Wally, Lubeley, et. al. will have a lot of say into who the next County Executive will be. Corey asked Wally’s approval to defer last night before he moved forward. Will he ask approval from Wally, Lubeley and Griffin on the new County Exec? We’ll be even worse off than when Gerhart was here.
@cindy b
Ironically (and I quote from the website), “The Great Neighborhood Book explains how any community can be improved and enlivened, not by vast infusions of cash, not by government, but by the people who live there.” That’s the model I would like to see more of.
@cindy b
I have to get a copy of this book. Suggest you read the website. My favorite (among many) good quotes, “We’re often told that regular people have no power anymore. But when they get together with their neighbors to work on important issues in their own backyard, anything is possible. Jay Walljasper regales us with stories of folks all over the country who have rolled up their sleeves to make big changes to their neighborhood — and the world. So, read on, get riled up, roll up your sleeves…and take power.”
– Jim Hightower, author of Thieves in High Places and The Hightower Lowdown
Thanks MH. Actually out here I’ve been active in the neighborhood, heavily involved in the HOA, etc. That’s because it’s a world of difference compared to the old neighborhood. And, as MH has noted, I’ve been e-mailing the county on several different issues, even including such things as Silver Lake before the county decided to open it, etc. It sort of seems like you continually feel like I’m not doing enough. I tried in Point of Woods long long before it seemed it was “fashionable” to do so, and people started getting all those great accolades. Quite frankly, back then everyone was apathetic, most especially the hapless HOA at the time. Anyway, that’s my take on the whole thing, but you have no idea how involved or uninvolved I am out here in Gainesville!
@Lafayette
You should really buy this book (The Great Neighborhood Book)! I’m not just saying that because it fully supports my view of the world (well… perhaps I am). If you belong to Amazon Prime, shipping is free on Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Great-Neighborhood-Book-Do-Yourself/dp/0865715815/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263419677&sr=8-1 I ordered my copy minutes ago!
@Opinion
I have a copy of the book Connie gave me. Come to the Neighborhood Leaders Group meeting tomorrow night at 7 pm at the McCoart Center and I’ll be glad to pass it on to you.
That’s my point. I would never have met Connie or gotten this involved in my community if not for Neighborhood Services – county and city. We need NS as the connector to keep identifying, encouraging and training neighborhood leaders, who in turn, share resources like Connie did for me, and I just did for you.
Moon, sorry I worded it as a command. I didn’t mean to imply GR wasn’t involved in his/her neighborhood. Just encouraging it, especially after passing on the information about the soccer complex.
@cindy b
Thanks, Cindy B; however, I already ordered a copy. I am pleased that we have community organizers such as you and Connie; however, I would just like to see less Government involvement. I am not a fan of Government involvement in the intimate details of our communities. Creating a culture where we call the Government whenever we have a disagreement with a neighbor vice solving the disagreement at the community level (as the book proposes) just strikes me as part of the problem… not a solution. In fact, I believe it creates an unhealthy, adversarial climate in our neighborhoods. I would rather… well… do what the book you recommended prescribes.
This represents a difference in philosophies… and I certainly respect your point of view. I just don’t want to pay for it. Thank you for your service to our community. While we may disagree on the “how”, I know we both just want to make our Community a better place to live, work, and play.
@Opinion
Thanks for the link. I might purchase this book. Nothing against the book I just don’t purchase books new. I use the county ran library and used book stores.
I have the impression you think that I think government is the only solution to neighorhood issues. I’ve talked to my neighbors about issues before some welcome it, and others have straight up told be to F-off. I have worked with Cindy in the City of Manassas facilitating Neighborhood Cirles and participated in one WestGate. We did a couple of small projects as a result of just four people from WG participating. There are people who want to be a part of a community and those that do not.
I am still puzzled by your comment to me earlier about Connie. It was Cindy that brought her into the conversation.
I think when we live in different types of neighborhoods we will have different opinions. Like I said earlier if I lived mid-county or the RC I might not have the appreciate or think there was a need for NS like I do living in an older established neighborhood.
oops. have the APPRECIATION
Here’s one example of something NS has done that infurates me to no end. My neighbor has, oops had a car port, and the county made her take it down because it wasn’t upto “code”. However, just one block down someone has the same type of carport only it extends all the way to the sidewalk and is an absolute eyesore, but that one will remain. Here’s my neighbors FB status.
The Car Port is gone boy doesn’t it look funny. Hope your happy PWC
10 minutes ago · Comment ·LikeUnlike
@Lafayette
Lafayette, associating the comment re Connie with you vice cindy b. was merely an error on my part… sorry for any confusion.
I made no assumptions regarding your involvement in your community and am certainly not surprised that you would try and solve problems at the lowest level possible. My real issue is a bit more technical. Why do you think the Government has an obligation to help with the things you mention (or, put another way, why should taxpayers pay for that help)? That is the real question when reviewing County, State, and Federal budgets in tough times. I’m sure the County residents who benefit from Neighborhood Services appreciate what they do; however, I’m not sure that Government has an obligation to provide (nor taxpayers an obligation to pay for) those services. The corollary is that once a service is started, citizens quickly get addicted, and its difficult to stop.
Ironically, the book cindy b. recommended supports my position (based upon the website) regarding neighborhoods organizing to solve their own problems without Government help. That’s why I quickly ordered a copy.
Opinion,
Many thanks for the clarification. I don’t neccessarily think the government has an obligation to provide NS. I’ve just seen the positive things as a result of NS actions. I’ve also, seen the negatives. Not all people want to take responsiblity for their property and the only way anything gets done is by the county taking action. Neighbors will often not do something just because they know there neighbor wants them too. Then there are others that feel the are the “ultimate authority” of neighborhoods. Retaliation is very much alive in my neighborhood. It is for these reasons it’s needed.
I do very much believe the government has an obligation to have building codes and to see that they are enforced for the safety of our residents.
Boy, I can’t begin to tell you how much I agree with your “addicted” comment. We have some of those types around here too.
I wish neighborhoods could solve their own problems, but unfortunately we have those that want to “rule the world” and here within lies the real problem. Most rational/reasonable people want to keep a safe distance from these types and don’t want to be a part that little reindeer game. I’ve seen some neighborhood fueds over zoning issues escalate into a brawl. This should not be happening.
I will have to side with Lafayette over the neighborhood services issue. I suppose I don’t see the big deal with NS. Cops and zoning are certainly part of government. What’s one more? How about libraries? They are government.
I am glad Neighorhood Services are out there. I also do not think they are perfect. Igrouse about zoning but I am glad they are there too. Going into a locality that has funky zoning has made a believer out of me real fast. Montana springs to mind. Beautiful house sitting next door to a trailer with busted out windows. No zoning whatsoever.
I have also been their victim because a neighbor wanted to seek revenge. Thank goodness I was able to deal with an objective county agent rather than a team of self appointed neighborhood bosses. There are people who seem to think that government agencies like the police and NS are there to mete out their own personal vendetta.
NS is useful also when neighors work, don’t live in the area, or don’t speak English. Many of the older neighborhoods no longer have neighbors knowing neighbors. When many people live in a community, it is just simpler to pay for your watch dog.
Lafayette & M-h, we’ll just have to agree to disagree on this one. I know the folks at Neighborhood Services do a really great job supporting communities… I just don’t think that should be a line of business in which the county should be engaged. I never expected to win this “argument.”
Although, H-h, I am a bit worried about associating with a known zoning code violator…
You should be. Mulch in the driveway violation here. NS said it was ok. Busy-bodies flung a fit. Once a violator, always a violator.
One of the things people need to know about NS is that they are not pro-active, they are reactive. No one from NS drives around looking for problems. They can only react to a complaint.
I believe there is one caveat to what i just said. They can declare neighborhoods …shoot now I need Lafayette to help me out….it is like Operation lets clean this place up….and they target a neighborhood that is in danger of being blighted. She will come rescue me.
Neighborhood Services is so much more than reacting to code violations. Please, just Google “What is Neighborhood Services” and you can click on Neighborhood Services from Florida to Washington state and see, it’s about community building, and community building takes a partnership of local govt, organizations and residents. Your and my tax dollars well spent. Involved communities means less crime, less code violations, better civic engagement, better leaders.
Again, the book you tout is one I wouldn’t have known about without Neighborhood Services and meeting Connie and Lafayette through their involvement with NS.
Add me to the list. 🙂
Moon,
You are absolutely right. NS is reactive, not pro-active. However, if they’ve are investing a violation at a property that’s complaint driven. They then can cite other violations that they see. I’ve had the inspectors call me back for follow up, to find out once they were there they found other problems that were not visible unless you were actually on the property.
Here’s the save, Moon.
NS can do what’s called a “Clean Sweep”. This is when NS posts a note on every door that lists the most common zoning violations. They explain that they will be back in 30 days to follow up. Then after that 30 days is up NS will revisit, and begin citing violations. Then next comes the due process which can take upto a year to get some issues resolved. The clean sweep notices are English on one side, and Espanol on the other.
A Clean Sweep of an area can be determined by couple factors.
1) NS can determine which neighborhoods need this. This usually happens in neighborhoods when NS are getting hitting with multiple complaints from the same area, and often the same complainants. There are some people in my neighborhood that have bragged about turning in 150 complaints at one time.
2) Supervisors can request for a Clean Sweep too. I know a couple of years back, I worked with our Supervisors Office and NS to get a much needed sweep of Loch Lomond done.
The Clean Sweeps make a huge difference. They recently did one in lower WG and it looks ten times better.
Thanks Laf. I knew you knew the name. I just couldn’t think of it. And yes. Once they get a complaint they can look at other issues.
I don’t think county neighorhood services provides much community building, Cindy. they are way too busy with handing the complaints. Have you seen the number of complaints they handle? Ms. Casiato gives a presentation a couple times a year at the BOCS meetings.I am impressed with their turn around time.
Here’s a question that I don’t know the answer to; however, I would be interested in opinions. Why aren’t Dale City, Woodbridge, Gainesville, or Lake Ridge “cities” like Manassas and Manassas Park? I ask this because the equities of these areas are very different from the Rural Crescent, the SRR, or Western Prince William County. Wouldn’t a long term strategy of evolving these urban areas into independent cities empower them to raise revenue to meet their unique requirements, determine what their community needs and how it should grow without intervention by people who are not stakeholders, and free the rest of the County (and “cities”) from sharing the tax burden other communities generate (higher street and infrastructure density, for example)? I understand that cities actually have more flexibility in raising revenue and other advantages (although “home rule” would appear to be the biggest advantage to me).
So, why are we enamored with a centralized County Government that must manage the equities of a diverse mix of urban and rural communities vice spinning off the “cities” as independent entities with more local control over their revenue generation decisions and destiny? Avendale is an example. Why is the entire County be discussing what should perhaps be a decision of the people who actually live in that community (Gainesville, I assume)?
I’m against the Avendale project for reasons I already stated; however, I do not live in the Gainesville community… why should my opinion matter?
Opinion, in order for those areas to become incorporated cities, they must petition the General Assembly in Richmond. That, in itself is a project that takes years to complete.
In addition, if those areas do become incorporated cities, they must provide their own services for their residents. Knowing your position on Government services, there are some that legally must be provided by Governments, such as a school system, and those that would be necessary for public safety such as Fire, Police, Health and the assumption of responsibility for all road construction and the maintaining of those roads. Lets not forget the cost of a City Attorney’s office to protect taxpayer monies. They can no longer rely on Prince William County nor the State to provide such services. No city could provide for its residents nor survive without these minimal services.
These are expensive services to assume payment for, yet they are both legally required and/or necessary at a minimum. There are, of course, other services that the new city residents may see their neighbors in PWC and Manassas enjoying and demand them from their new city government.
When you spread the costs of providing such services throughout a County the size of PWC, taxes are lower than they would be if they were spread over a much smaller population.
Moon, the community building comes through identifying and working with neighborhood leaders through monthly neighborhood leader meetings, annual neighborhood conferences and participating, even leading workshops at state and national conferences. Kisha Sogunro with the City’s Neighborhood Services gave a workshop, “Doing More With Less” at the National Conference on Neighborhood Concerns last May. Here’s an example of the City’s Neighborhood Services partnering to build community:
http://gazette.gmu.edu/articles/15658
I thought some time ago Virginia put a moratorium on the creation of independent cities. Maybe someone here who knows more will correct me with I’m wrong.
I don’t know if it is a good idea or not. I’ve heard of some cases where it didn’t work out and the independent city wanted to go back to the county. Now, in the case of Manassas, I think it has worked out well for the residents of the City. Manassas Park – I’m not so sure, but it is complicated by the fact half of it is old and half is new (in terms of housing). Their tax rate is extremely high, but they’ve been building new schools and other stuff, and have been a bit on a spending spree. One might make the case that for Manassas Park independent city status hasn’t worked out so well. I do remember reading some article a couple of years ago about an independent city that wanted to rejoin the county – and others that hadn’t really worked out too well. And, I thought there’s some moratorium on independent cities, or even towns – which aren’t really independent, but I’m not sure.
Actually, I see Lucky Duck addressed the independent city issue, and I’ll defer to what he said!
Thanks to all for the input on independant cities. It as most informative. Fairfax County is ocnsidering petitioning to become fairfax City.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/04/AR2009070402623.html A quote form the article, ” The basis for the idea is largely tactical — under state law, cities have more taxing power and greater control over roads than counties do.”
I understand the point that a petition the General Assembly takes years to complete; however, from a long term planning perspective that is reasonable. Things aren’t going to get any “better” and where do communities want to be years from now.
Likewise, I understand the tax issue; however, implementing home rule at a lower level allows communities to own their fate regarding how they generate revenue and spend money. I’m from the mid-west. I believe that a City model is the most common model for community Government in most of the Country.
I believe that Governance should occur at the lowest practical level. This promotes accountability and allows communities to “own” their own fate. It also appears to give Communities definite advantages such as more taxing power and greater control over roads. Considering the health of our State Government (VDOT particularly), perhaps this is a good thing. Considering our experience with County Government and differences in opinions regarding County development, perhaps at least a discussion of alternate forms of Government for communities might be worth having. Of course, County Government would have no interest in such a discussion because their demise is one of the options. Prince William County could also petition to become Prince William City?
Considering the opinions I hear about our County Government, perhaps its time to think about alternatives. Just discussing the issue changes the dynamics of our relationship with County Government. Perhaps a Committee of 100 discussion?
I was similarly dissatisfied with the deferral. It appear like Wally decided to solicit for the deferral when Mrs Caddigan designated that she’d vote against the project due to school overcrowding and 5th vote he lost.
The crazy thing though is there already is Fairfax City. What happens to it? And does there then cease to be a Fairfax County? I don’t think that was the intent of the idea behind an independent city – it was supposed to be independent of the county surrounding it.
It will be surprising to me if that really happens.
@GainesvilleResident
A quote from the article, “That changing reality came into focus last week when County Executive Anthony H. Griffin raised the possibility of officially making Fairfax a city, prompting discussion among county supervisors about whether the community of more than 1 million residents should highlight its status as an enormous jobs center that is rapidly urbanizing or embrace its classic suburban nature.”
No… they are considering making the County a city. Actually, this is the kind of “out of the box” thinking that we need to solve our problems. Considering that Government at all levels are “broke” due to years of overspending and mismanagement, why not consider models where smaller populations (communities) may decide their own fate based upon what they value. We have very different sets of communities with very different values. Why not recognize this fact and organize our Government accordingly?
There is a State moratorium on creating cities. Perhaps it’s time to lift that moratorium and return Government to the people at the lowest level of accountability possible.
We keep discussing the same issues over and over… why should we expect different results if we keep doing the same things?
Having lived in NOVA since 1980, that is at least the third time in that period that Fairfax County has “looked into” becoming an independent city. It is a long, long process that is fraught with political implications that in all probability, will not pass the General Assembly.
With regards to the extent of the change, Fairfax County would not “swallow up” Fairfax City if the County switched its form of government. It would simply exist, as it does today, as a separate political entity surrounding the city as it does today.
Thanks, Lucky Duck. The “long, long process” point isn’t really a reason to avoid this conversation. Current discussions are about the future of the County. Perhaps this topic should be part of this discussion.
We have a County board structure based upon our rural heritage. I suspect it worked just fine for the sparsely populated, mostly rural farm community that was Prince William County of not that long ago (and probably is quite suitable for most of Virginia who still reflect that model). Perhaps its time to recognize our urban character and growing population (close to 400K) and re-organize to reflect the set of urban communities that make up today’s Prince William County.
While there are probably many obstacles to such a move, I still believe that it is worth discussing. After all, Government (including the General Assembly) works for us. Considering the performance record of our General Assembly, perhaps they are not in the best position to argue against returning Government to the people. Since VDOT is “broke”, perhaps they would be welcome to urban communities raising their own revenue to build and manage roads.
The obstacles you mention are only milestones that must be overcome to achieve an objective… not absolute roadblocks.
Thanks for clarifying Lucky Duck. I guess Fairfax County would then have to pick a name other than Fairfax City, obviously. And, thanks Opinion for confirming that there currently is a moratorium on independent cities, which is what I thought. As you say, that law could be changed obviously, and I’m sure there’s good arguments for both removing the moratorium and keeping it. Out of the box thinking is a good thing, and definitely shouldn’t be discouraged. However, it sounds like Fairfax County has tried to go the independent city route before and not succeeded, or maybe they didn’t make a strong enough case.
It would be an awfully big independent city in terms of square miles and population, though! Kind of ruins the meaning of the term “city”, if you ask me. And it would have a hole right in the middle where Fairfax City is. So, it would be a very strange “city” by current definition!
@GainesvilleResident
Re Fairfax, agree. The point of the article is that Fairfax would like to exploit the advantages of being a City. I “get” that.
You know, it has alsp been proposed that perhaps Northern Virginia should ” secede from the Commonwealth”. There is a historical precedent for this. After all, Virginia did secede from the union and West Virginia seceded from the state when it disagreed with that decision. We are very different from our friends to the south and end up financing the rest of the state. Perhaps it would be interesting to convene a “futures group” just to look at the possible “out of the box” alternatives for the future. After all, we are a Country because a few smart white guys didn’t like the way they were treated by George III. Perhaps its time for a political revolution?
Explaining the relationship of cities (1st,2nd,3rd class), counties (urban,rural)
and towns in Virginia to the Commonwealth and each other is
like trying to explain baseball’s infield fly rule.
@Poor Richard
Actually… it’s not that hard. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_subdivisions_of_Virginia
Now that’s a good way to sum the whole thing up!
Yes, as you say Fairfax County really wants to find a way to get all the advantages that an independent city has.
I also remember reading from time to time how a lot of people think Northern VA should be it’s own state – then it wouldn’t for one thing be at the mercy of Richmond and the “rest” of the state for how many tax dollars really benefit Northern VA. Much of that is about the transportation woes and the feeling that not enough tax dollars get directed this way to fix that problem. That was a big argument when “times were good” and it seemed the state had tons of money. Of course right now, there’s not a lot of money to spend on transportation so it’s kind of a moot point.
I’ve also read suggestions that western part of Loudoun county form a separate county, for similar reasons. Their interests are quite different than the eastern part which has high growth – needs a lot of new schools and other infrastructure and thus drives up taxes, etc.
PR: To ease your pain, the Infield Fly Rule is: With runners on first or second OR first, second and third, with less then two outs, the batter is out if he/she hits a FAIR fly ball in the infield that can be caught WITH ORDINARY EFFORT. The purpose is to preclude a fielder from dropping an obvious out to cause mutiple (double or triple) plays. It is 100% a safety related rule. “Ordinary Effort” could be any fielder and doesn’t necessarily HAVE to be an infielder. The judgment required is if the ball is caught in the infield (slightly into the outfield can be considered the infield) and of course, ORDINARY EFFORT. I was a VHSL (VA High School League) certified baseball and softball official (we’re not called umpires) and worked HS ball for fifteen years. Have somewhat of a handle on the rules………I still work HS football (recently finished my 17th year) and I can say with certainty the inflield fly rule doesn’t apply there………
Thank you, GR. It appears to me that we are trying to solve 21st Century urban, environment, and growth issues
within a 19th Century Governance construct. We should fix that.
I think that’s the gist of it – the model of counties, independent cities, and towns is probably outdated and needs revision to meet today’s issues. Things were probably a lot different when they came up with the idea of independent cities, for example, than they are now.
@GainesvilleResident
Agree. I hope one of the candidates for Supervisor or Chairman recognizes this fact next year and perhaps offers a plan for the future.
Interesting debate in Florida over an “Admendment Four” being pushed for
placement on their fall 2010 ballot by a group called Hometown Democracy.
It would require major land use change request to be decided by the voters
and not by city or county officials.
@Poor Richard
I like it! Power to the people!
Back to the question at hand, who will stand strong for the citizens, especially this Tuesday 1/19/10. As many are aware, the Transportation and Land Use Chapters of the Comp Plan are on the agenda for Tuesday. I having looked at the Transportation Chapter it would appear that the Planning Commission is thinking ahead and proposes the following:
” All new residential and non-residential developments are expected to maintain LOS “C” or better for roadways and intersections currently operating above LOS “C”, and not deteriorate roadways and intersections currently operating below LOS “C”
Planning Staff of course isn’t happy with ensuring that traffic possibly gets better or at least doesn’t get markedly worse and suggest that LOS D remain as the relevant threshold for which to evaluated level of service for roads. Thanks a lot guys.
Roads aren’t the only quality of life deficit in Prince William. We also need schools, parks, libraries, fire and rescue services, open space, police and pubic transportation. However for many years Supervisors have been directing the lions share of taxpayer funded improvements to road construction projects, at the expense of everything else.
As a result traffic within Prince William is still a major problem and all the other quality of life needs have fallen even farther and farther behind. You don’t see this happening in Fairfax County. They are much better at spreading their taxpayer funds out and investing in new infrastructure across the board. This is is how county government acquired 10% of all land in Fairfax for parks. It’s one reason their schools are better than Prince William schools.
Are you suggesting that Prince William continue to put schools, parks, public transportation, etc. on the back burner and stay stuck in the rut of a flawed approach?
Not me….the bounty needs to be disributed.