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Proposed Expansion of Belmont Ridge Road to 6 Lanes

Discussion in 'General Chat Forum' started by Traci, Apr 11, 2010.

  1. Oli

    Oli New Member

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    It’s been 5 years since the CTP was last updated, which explains why some of the roads were previously designated to be 6 to 8 lanes wide, because they were approved during a time when the PC and the BOS were moving in a different direction to super-size Loudoun County.

    Unfortunately, the “updated” version of the CTP seems to have relied heavily on a very complex traffic model to project future traffic needs from 2010-2030. However, the data and assumptions that went into the model to predict the need for all of these 6 to 8 lane roads appears to be “suspect” at best (as the saying goes, “garbage-in, garbage out”) and the plan does very little to address TODAYS east-west traffic problems. It’s no wonder why a lot of people are having a hard time believing that Ashburn needs (or wants) all of these 6 to 8 lane highways!

    The sad truth is that once roads are designated in the plan as 6 to 8 lanes, then it’s “open season” for developers to promote high density rezoning projects that in-turn adds more traffic congestion and noise to the area in exchange for setting aside proffers to pay for the roads that we otherwise wouldn’t need!

    If you recall, the planning commission spent most of last year working on the CTP and certified the plan with a 5-2-1-1 recommendation for approval (Commissioners Glen Bayless (Sugarland Run) and Gigi Robinson (Leesburg) voted against the motion. Commissioner Cliff Keirce (Dulles) abstained from the vote, saying with only two months of experience on the commission he did not feel it was appropriate to cast a vote either way. Commissioner Valdis Ronis (Potomac) was absent for the meeting).

    A few weeks ago, the BOS held the initial public hearing on the CTP and after several issues were raised, they decided to send it to the Transportation Land Use Committee for further review. Since then, there appears to be growing concerns being expressed by Loudoun residents, various ad-hoc citizen groups, and several HOA’s about the impact the CTP would have on Loudoun communities and wanting to see more done to help solve the east-west traffic bottlenecks.

    Stevens Miller and other Supervisors have been receiving a lot of calls and e-mails from people expressing their concerns about the CTP. The next opportunity for citizens to express their comments or concerns to the BOS regarding the CTP is on May 3rd at 7:00pm.
     
  2. vacliff

    vacliff "You shouldn't say that."

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    Actually, I stated that since I did not work on the CTP, that the first time I was exposed to it was for the final vote, and due to the fact that the Commission had worked hard on this for two years, I did not feel it appropriate for me to vote on it.

    I wish I was involved. I would have pushed hard for east/west solutions.
     
  3. Traci

    Traci New Member

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    Yes!! It's too bad that the Greenway isn't more affordable. How ironic that we have one viable E-W solution but few take advantage of it.

    If we encourgage more N-S traffic by approving the CTP then how the heck will our current E-W routes support it? 7 & 50 are already a nightmare.

    BTW, I noticed that this thread inadvertantly got moved from the Broadlands Community Issues Forum to the General Chat & Discussion Forum. Can someone assist in moving back?
     
  4. T8erman

    T8erman Well-Known Member

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    This thread was merged with another thread (CTP) about a week ago by the Admins. As it is pertains to MUCH more than just Broadlands, it was also moved to the General Chat forum.
     
  5. Traci

    Traci New Member

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    Ah, I was just concerned that not many folks would look in that forum for info impacting our community. What do you think?
     
  6. vacliff

    vacliff "You shouldn't say that."

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    That's the ultimate irony. It was expected that the Greedway would be the solution to our east-west problems. Instead, it has become the biggest hindrance!!
     
  7. Traci

    Traci New Member

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    It would be great if we could effect change there. I know it's owned by a private company, but believe the State has some input/authority over certain aspects (such as toll rates). In 2056 it reverts back to the state, but by then it won't help most of us.
     
  8. T8erman

    T8erman Well-Known Member

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    I think most of the regular posters would notice new posts as we probably do our viewing based on "Unread Posts" rather than looking in each forum separately.
     
  9. redon1

    redon1 aka Aphioni

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    there's ANOTHER way to view posts?!?! lol
     
  10. Calpurnia

    Calpurnia New Member

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    I am quite disappointed that the President of the HOA feels that he may use fairly disrespectful language when addressing a fellow resident, regardless of whether he knows that person or not. And regardless of whether or not that fellow resident has chosen to be somewhat disrespectful in his post. I am new to the area and the forums but one would hope that all board members would adhere to a more professional tone in all their communications. Perhaps new leadership is needed.....
     
  11. msflynn

    msflynn New Member

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    You obviously have not met Cliff as this is his normal tone. As for new leadership - Cliff did announce at the annual meeting that this was his last as President. We (ie the HOA board) always select our executive positions at the 1st monthly business meeting after the annual meeting so this year that will be our June 8th meeting.

    Staci
     
  12. Calpurnia

    Calpurnia New Member

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    "His normal tone" should not be an excuse to be unprofessional. Clearly, being new to the area, I have not met Cliff and he may be a great guy. But, unfortunately, his disrepectful tone does not serve him well.
     
  13. Traci

    Traci New Member

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    I'd like to thank Cliff & the Board for arranging to have the our Supervisor, Stevens Miller come & speak to our community regarding the County Transportation Plan (CTP). This will be a wonderful opportunity for residents to come ask questions, & voice any concerns. The meeting was just announced in our newsletter, and will take place on Thursday, June 17th at 7pm in The Nature Center (21709 Claiborne Pkwy). If you haven't met Stevens Miller before, had the chance to learn what changes the CTP proposes, or voice your feelings to your representative, now is your chance. He is a very approachable individual, & truly wants input from his constituents.
     
  14. msflynn

    msflynn New Member

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    Not trying to give him an excuse at all - just hoping you can see there is a possibility of having read a totally unmeant "tone". Cliff does come across as very gruff and which has at times been beneficial to the community but it can also be a large detriment. This thread definitely created an emotional discussion on several sides.

    Staci
     
  15. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

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    At the Ashburn Village HOA meeting about the plan it was decided to strike the part about making Ashburn Village Blvd. and Gloucester Parkway six lanes. I hope it actually does get removed from the plan as promised. From the Village HOA:

    We had a terrific meeting with Chairman York and Supervisors Waters and Miller on Tuesday, May 25th. My sincere thanks to all those homeowners who took time out of their busy schedules to come by and make your feelings known to our elected officials on the subject of the CTP and the Chesapeake Bay Act. Many of you may have already heard the good news but let me just repeat; the County Office of Transportation Services has recommended a change to the CTP that will exclude Ashburn Village Boulevard and Gloucester Parkway from being designated as 6-lane roads. This was certainly welcome news to the crowd that gathered. The BOS members in attendance were in agreement that the designation of the 6-lanes on our two major roads should be struck from the plan, we simply need to keep our eyes and ears open as the plan is modified and eventually voted upon in the next two months. I will continue to reach out to Supervisor Waters on behalf of our community to receive regular updates. As they are warranted, I will pass along any information that may be helpful to us all in this matter.
     
  16. T8erman

    T8erman Well-Known Member

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    Yet you judge someone based on written words where it is very difficult to truly determine emotion and expression and then deem them "unprofessional".

    Way to label someone based on a "post".

    Oh, and I have no fear being "unprofessional" on the forums.
     
  17. Traci

    Traci New Member

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    "Villager" thanks for sharing this, I sincerely hope the exact same will be recommended for Broadlands two cited roads, Claiborne Parkway & Belmont Ridge; and that our residents will come out on June 17th to make their feelings known.
     
  18. Capricorn1964

    Capricorn1964 Well-Known Member

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    2056?!?!? That's a long way off!!! I would NEVER use that toll Road because its overpriced!!! It's a true ripoff.
     
  19. Traci

    Traci New Member

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    Agreed, but it's possible for the BOS to request the state to make changes now. Imagine how different east-west traffic would be if the Greenway were an affordable option!
     
  20. latka

    latka Active Member

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    I use the Greenway and I for one am glad it is so expensive. That is what makes it move.
     

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