Living in LoCo
With Metro Plans Possibly Derailed, What Now?
Erica Garman at 2:55 p.m., January 25, 2008 (4 comments)
The silver line to LoCo is in jeopardy. Federal Transit officials announced yesterday that they have major concerns about funding the Dulles Metrorail project.
Everyone I’ve spoken with about the Metro deal going south is concerned, to say the least. The words "disappointed" and "angry" are often used. Some are convinced that the "powers that be" see the proposed Metro extension as simply a commuter's alternative to driving -- not a necessity.
"The impact on our local economy will be profound if this does not go through," said Tony Howard, president of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce. "Many people and businesses have been operating under the assumption that Loudoun would be connected to the nation’s capital and vice versa via rail service. Those assumptions are on the verge of being smashed. This impending decision will negatively affect our quality of life -- economically, environmentally and socially."
In 1999, as Loudoun was defining itself as a major technology powerhouse, Congressman Frank R. Wolf (R-10th District) secured more than $24 million for the Metro extension to our area. LoCo residents were giddy with the idea that sometime around 2016, we could hop on a local Metro train and ride it all the way to Metro Center, D.C. (if our hearts desired to do so).
Some of us naively believed that once the Tysons Corner debate over whether to send Metro above ground or via tunnel was settled, the project would roll ahead as projected.
Arnold Perras, 32, drives to AOL’s Dulles campus each weekday from D.C. He estimates his weekly gas bill to be $60, but it’s his time on the road that really costs him.
“My commute is never under an hour. My afternoon drive typically takes about one-and-a-half hours -- on bad days, two.” Perras reminisced about his past subway commute between Queens and Manhattan. “I miss that. It was relaxing. I was able to read so many books back then.”
Perras believes Metro would bring new life to our area. “I think AOL and other businesses are having a hard time attracting a younger work force here, because it’s time-consuming and expensive if you live outside Loudoun.”
How do you feel about the possible collapse of Metro to Loudoun?
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Build it..
Posted by govtmule1 (anonymous) on January 25, 2008 at 9:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have had my doubts about the true economic viability of this from Day 1. If it is such a great idea, then why is it dependant upon Federal funding. Last time I checked Fairfax and Loudoun were two of the wealthiest countys in the U.S. Can't they and Virginia pay for it on their own?
I believe this project was a white elephant in waiting. Giving the construction job to the same firm responsible for the Boston Big Gig disaster was another sign EVERYONE wanted the Federal Government onboard so the Federal Government could pay for all the inevitable construction cost overruns. Federal Government would also be responsible for helping to pay for the inevitable operating deficit this project would run. Metro couldn't run a two car funeral procession on time and on budget.
The only parties who would benefit from this would be property owners and developers along the Silver Line. Then how about a special tax district which would allow the line to built using future tax revenues from this?
Posted by tconway (anonymous) on January 27, 2008 at 7:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Take all the money they've been saving from tolls off the Dulles Toll Road and buy the Greenway. More people in Loudoun County will get daily benefit from that than they will from rail that won't get here until 2055.
Posted by hphokie (anonymous) on January 27, 2008 at 11:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
the immediate problem for those of us who plan to be LONG GONE by 2016, living in an empty nester haven with skiing and wine clubs instead of Little League and PTO meetings, isn't the actual metro ITSELF, but the effect its non-existence will have on Loudoun when big businesses decide NOT to grow out here. the metro meant metropolitan folks who live in DC & Arlington being more willing to commute out here, more customers for restaurants and other businesses to succeed, then commuters loving the area and deciding to move out here to raise their families, keeping new blood pouring into Ashburn. or i could just be an alarmist... who knows? and for the record- i LOVE the little league and PTO since it applies to my family- but when my kid hits college, we are soooo flying the coop! :)
Posted by tttrenee (anonymous) on January 28, 2008 at 5:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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