The more I think about this road, a bi county parkway know by many names, the more irritated I become. Seriously, who thinks that bisecting an entire county with a road intended to bolster someone else’s economic base is good for PWC citizens? Who thinks that opening up rural land for high density housing development is a good idea? Not me, and apparently not a lot of other people also, including the majority of state delegates that represent PWC, at least three of our BOCS, and Congressman Frank Wolfe.
For the first time in a LONG time, citizens are having am impact on bad land use decisions. Let’s remember, this road doesn’t just start in western PWC, it’s beginning point is all they way in Woodbridge, at 95 south! Get ready for a six lane highway pushing itself through the entirety of our county. Get ready for massive truck traffic headed towards Dulles and beyond. Get ready to be a cut through county to benefit OTHER counties. Get ready to have your tax dollars, over a billion of them, wasted on road that primarly benefits developers, frothing at the bit, eager to get buy up cheap land in the rural crescent and then bless PWC taxpayers with paying for all the subsequent infrastructure.
We do believe in economic development, smart 21st economic develop that benefits everyone, not just one county, and certainly not for special interest real estate tycoons. There are smart solutions, they just aren’t being implementend.
The Independent Hill area roughly from the Lake Jackson bridge to Hellwig Park is residential with a couple small shopping centers. Those subdivisions empty out on Dumfries Road – many of them at cross intersections which are already difficult to cross safely. A string of new lights will be needed when this road is expanded so that residents will be able to enter Dumfries Road (or the Porkway) safely. The alternative – mentioned at one of the state sponsored meetings – is that the subdivisions be connected by roadway. Whether this roadway is internal – which will be a huge shock to homeowners who live presently on quiet cul-de-sacs – or an access road paralleling Dumfries Road has not been made clear so everyone is being encouraged to buy this pig-in-a-poke.
I’m not aware of any effort being made to educate the residents of this area on the potential to alter their community in these negative ways. We’ll hear an increase in noise the equivalent of having year-round cicadas as truck traffic increases as well as the possibility of increased traffic within some communities.
I know Maureen is very concerned and has been vocal in speaking out against this road, it’s Marty that seems uninterested in how this effects his constituents.
The homeowners associations in the area aren’t getting the word out about this project. For the most part they are unincorporated and their newsletters are not up to date. That, of course, is to the advocates’ advantage.
I agree that Marty has dropped the ball for his constituents when it comes to this project. He’s been good about keeping some associations informed about projects that affect them, but this roadway pales in comparison to others that will have an impact.
I’ll amend my statement. Marty did put the topic of this roadway in his latest newsletter. This is six months after the first public meetings in PWC.
With minimal investment being made in the community, increased class size and the reputation as the cheapest place to live in NOVA what other future purpose could PWC have but to be the doormat to NOVA.
There are far too many destructive forces at work here in Prince William County. I can hear the cheering from PG County – they’re going to move up a few notches.
Time for the local bloggers to set up to the plate and push the issue with maturity and altruism.
Thank you for setting a good example Elena.
thank YOU Lyssa for your kind compliment. I love your analogy to a doormat, so true.
@Censored bybvbl
Much of Route 234 from Route 1 to at least near Route 28 has development along it. If you want to know what the Bi/Tri Parkway will look like, just take a drive on U.S. 81–it’s often wall-to-wall trucks–BIG TRUCKS. Or try I-64 down around Alleghany County. We stayed in Clifton Forge a couple of years age and all night long you could hear the 18-wheelers roaring along I-64. That’s what the “new” Route 234 will be like. Or perhaps it will be the new “I-something.”
Anyone going to the “Town Hall” meeting tonight?
Me George! I will be standing out front, handing out information and supporting citizens who take the time to speak up 🙂
Delegate Hugo has been sending out blast e-mails about the meeting, I think it will be a good turn out and at least this time they will have enough seating!
Is anyone actually for this boondoggle that’s not a developer (or paid developer shill)?
@Cato the Elder
Probably not. I’m trying to get Delegate Rich Anderson to take a stand along with Black, Hugo and Marshall on this. Can you are someone explain how this can happen if the legislature does not authorize any funds to be spent on this boondoggle?
We’re going if only to add to the head count. I’ve already seen their uninformative maps.
See you there Censored!
Quite a turnout ! I sneaked out a few minutes early because I hate waiting for parking lots to empty.
Did you and Elena behave yourselves?