What do the roads look like?

I can't either. Every VDOT subdivision is the same.

 

The hubby works at the Pentagon and said that all the rounds around there and leading to it are just fine. I wonder if that's VDOT? Or maybe it is the city that does it? Maybe that's the difference?

 

Regardless of the efforts each person plowing over the last two snow storms gave its easy to see that our snow removal plan is woefully inadequate and is something the board needs to address. I don't mind my own road being plowed last (its simple common sense to do the backroads last) however its totally ridiculous that Village Drive was never really cleared when we had over eighteen inches of snow. You can also see that the plowing is not cooperative. One guy plowing one street closes off another streets intersection and doesn't come back to clear it. Again, ridiculous. If we're paying these guys to plow, at least make them do it right or hire someone else. I don't own a 4x4 and shouldn't have to buy one to drive down the busiest street in Southern Walk.

 

Mr. Linux - please let me caveat I am in no way attempting to stir the pot or create a dust up among the current BHOA members and residents, that said;

As a resident would it it out of line to ask the HOA to contact VDOT concerning certain highly traveled roads that have not been touch by VDOT after a significant snow storm, especially if VDOT's own time line of 2ndary/neighborhood roads have expired?

I would think that VDOT has some type of community relations department, having an official body (such as our HOA) vs a person might may have more traction to a speedy resolution. Just a thought

 

You would think that would be the case but our phone call is treated just the same as a residents is in fact we are even lower then a resident as we the HOA do not pay taxes, only the residents do. That said the HOA calls VDOT all the time as you suggest but it did not result in any speedier or better results. The best case is for the HOA and every resident on that street to call or as Mr Linex says to call your state represenative and or senator. I did see that Mark Herring and Tag Greason were going to have a meeting in a few weeks at Ashburn Library. May be a good time to talk to them about the recent plowing.

Staci

 

Or the warmth of the sun!

 

When is this??

 

I don't know - something from Herring's office was mailed here and I happened to see it. But looks like it has been thrown away as I can not find it anywhere.

I think he had planned 6 or so meetings around the area so maybe you can check with his office for more information or maybe someone else here knows??

Staci

 

I voiced my concern again to VDOT, this time to the regional superintendant who actually took my phone call.

I'll summarize his response in sarcasm:

Blah, Blah, Blah, did the best we could. Blah, blah, blah, biggest snow in a decade. Blah, blah, blah, budget cuts by the state...decreased tax revenue...reliance on contractors who charge top dollar. Blah, blah, blah, we're almost at our allotted budget with just this one storm. Blah, blah, blah, the equipment is old and inadequate. Blah, blah, blah: not enough people even for a regular storm.

Needless to say, I wasn't impressed.

 

But he wasn't lying either.

 

No matter how you look at it - it's the way it will be every time it snows.....guess we might as well get used to it. Unfortunately!

 

Tyger - I have lived in LoCo most of life and it has ALWAYS been this way.

Honestly, what surprises me is that people (often the same) complain every year, every significant snow storm and then express outrage when the roads are not plowed to their liking the NEXT time. We live in a state that has limited budget for snow removal, unfortunately that budget is shared throughout the state when, IMO most of it should be allocated for the north. We get more inclement winter weather than most of the state. Richmond and south is typically 7-10 warmer than we are.
But I am realistic and realize things most likely will never change.

 

I've lived in NoVA since 1984 and it was a lot better years ago than it is now. I deal with it now, fortunately - snow doesn't stop me - I grew up in Bfl area. If things aren't plowed, I'm usually able to get out.

 

Big difference between then and now. Significantly more people, more roads and most likely only a small % of money to offset the growth.
- many 2 lanes roads back in the day are now 4-6 lanes
- due to the amount of traffic, roads get driven on packing the snow/ice before the plows can effectively remove it. People just did not venture out as much back in the day during a significant storm.
- and it may just be me but it seems that WAAY more people actually used their garages and driveways back then making it easier to plow the side streets

 

Umm, I was with you till you said we get more weather than most. Not so, western VA and the NC VA border would definately argue with you. It's across the state. Get use to it people, just slow down, deal with it, and then get your car realigned come March.