GSA Facility- Nov. 1 Meeting thoughts

THIS is the main issue- NOT residents wanting to shun the homeless, not JUST public safety, and not JUST property value and marketability of Ashburn to higher end businesses.

THE LOCATION STINKS. I wish we could have focused on why that location was chosen instead of one side trying to shame the other for their beliefs: "shame on YOU for not caring about the Loudoun homeless!" and "shame on YOU for putting my kids and property values in danger!"

Lori did do an overall lousy job (you could tell she was nervous and PRAYING nobody asked any questions about her timeline!) and had lousy timing- I can't WAIT to vote for someone else... I just hope it's not trading one self serving politico for another. But in her defnse- it was a tough crowd and a difficult thing for anyone to moderate. she would have been wise to have someone ELSE take the reigns.

 

Steve, you certainly have noted a significant reason why they moved and consolidated numerous locations into Ashburn. The will be savings over $10,000 in rental fees a month by consolidating in Ashburn. That's a lot of money that they can use directly for people in need.

 

I am upset about the vindictiveness of the resistance. What is wrong with the temporary tent? GSA is using it to make money for the homeless. Is it really that much of an issue? I think we can live with it for a while until the building is completed. To sic the zoning police on them seems a mean spirited punitive measure. Heck we live with temporary pumpkin patches (with tents), firework tractor trailers, and Christmas tree lots, why can't we let them have the tent for a while.

The resistance keeps trying to say they care but things like this reveal there vicious motives. It sickens me. I am embarrassed for my hometown, Ashburn.

 

Steve,

Thanks for asking. Frankly, I am barely over the despicable display as I noted directly after the meeting.

Before I give personal opinion here is what I understand is currently the case.

• GSA currently has all the zoning permits and approvals needed to operate admin offices, thrift shops, and a drop-in center. These were obtained last June.
• Any effort to change this will either take some fancy loop-hole work by the County; a voluntary change by GSA; or an expensive lawsuit.
• GSA has negotiated a deal where they will remove the drop in center from the plans. This is a hand shake deal with the County, as GSA only agrees to this if the County takes over the current drop-in requirement that GSA is providing now.
• The County seems amiable to funding and operating a drop-in center.
• The County doesn't trust the GSA and the GSA doesn't trust the County. Neither wants to commit until they know the other side will also commit.
• This is a win win for most people. County gets the drop-in center removed from Ashburn, which should placate a majority of the resistance. Homeless will continue to have a place to go. GSA can use the money and space originally planned for the Ashburn drop in service for other pressing needs.
• I am certain there are many which attended the meeting that will not go along with this. There is a group that will stop at nothing less than a total closure of the facility.

I'll comment under another post with my personal observations.

 

There were indeed some ugly nasty people at that meeting, which I attended. Lori Waters did a commendable job dealing with two very vocal opposing camps. Those accusing her of not handling this well should put themselves in her shoes first. She absolutely did not make this a political tinderbox, that was purely the work of the Jack Ryan gang who have done nothing but stir the pot in their ongoing attempts to smear Lori Waters. Go to Lori's website for her thoughts before anyone jumps to conclusions based on rumor and misinformation. Whatever you do, don't believe anything coming out of the Jack Ryan gang, who have proven time and time again that they have problems telling the truth and will do absolutely anything to depose Lori Waters at the behest of their political muse Dale Polen Myers.

 

Jeff, I was ready to rip into [you] for being a Troll for Lori until I looked at your profile. An eco-consultant stumping for a Republican? Interesting, I may have to re-evaluate my opinion of Lori. If you wish to continue stumping for her on another thread in the Politics section I'd be interested in seeing why you back her.

 

Homer, I am not a troll, I'm just a friend of Lori's who thinks she is getting a bum rap over this issue when it is others who are stirring up trouble only to hurt her in the week before the election. PM me if you want to know more. I have one message for you, which Lori understands - Conservation IS Conservative!

 

To Afgm
Ref #24

Thank You Thank You Thank You
This post is without a doubt the most honest,truthful and well spoken of any post put on this forum on the Gsa topic yet.
Again thank you very much!!!!!!!!!!

 

Side note: if you go back in history, this is absolutely true. At one time, conservatives and the republican party was the main protector of the environment. I guess they sold out to big business. Lame.

 

I hate to take this further off-topic, but go to www.rep.org (Republicans for Environmental Protection) for more info on the conservation legacy of the Republican Party, started in earnest by Teddy Roosevelt. I agree that that legacy has pretty much gone into the trashcan, but there are a few of us left trying to make a comeback.

 

so back to the topic, since local politics outside of their relationship to this facility- really isn't what this topic is for...

anyone else who was there have anything to add? with aaaallll the chatter about it BEFORE the meeting, i expected a LOT of feedback!