Comments on: Group Forms to Question Streetcar Plan

By: Julia

Julia — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 20:08:04 +0000

The point is, a Metro line running under the street is nothing like surface trolleys. The comparison to “the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor… today with buses instead of rail” fails.

By: Julia

Julia — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 20:06:23 +0000

And just to be clear, what I mean is, if I have a choice between riding a bus or riding a cute, comfortable streetcar but having to pay more in taxes or see a decline in school quality or other Arlington services, I’m going to pick that bus every time.

By: Julia

Julia — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 20:03:07 +0000

I think the point others are making is that comfort and convenience are “a nicety” in tough economic times. Some families have lost some or all of their incomes. Some are treading water. This project will have a material cost – and that does matter to consumers. To invest our resources wisely, some people, including me, would forego comfort for economic efficiency.

I don’t know what is “cool” or what Chris Zimmerman wants – as a regular citizen, for me this is not about politics. It is a matter of what is the correct decision in light of actual existing resources, without having to squeeze family budgets tighter.

By: drax

drax — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 22:38:28 +0000

Google is your friend.

After the 1899 season, the Washington Senators of the National League folded in the 12-8 contraction, when the American League began play in 1901 Washington, not wanting to confuse fans with the previous franchise, began calling themselves the Nationals in 1905. However, the fans never took to the name and called them the Senators. In 1912, when Griffith was named manager, newspaper writers referred to them as the ‘Grifs’. In the early 1950s the team changed logos to one incorporating ‘NATIONALS’ within it, after the fans continued to reject the name they were officially renamed Senators in 1956.

http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/al/wasdc/nats.html

By: drax

drax — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 22:36:13 +0000

Josh, some people will just vote for whoever doesn’t have a D next to their name.

By: Out Of The Loop

Out Of The Loop — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 21:53:56 +0000

What is “Zimmerman’s parting gift”? Has he announced that he is leaving the County or resigning from the County Board? Please provide a link to a website that describes this announcement, if there is any.

By: A couple of counter points

A couple of counter points — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 18:16:01 +0000

Buses are more flexible. A streer car can only go on one route – Columbia Pike. Buses routes can be changed to reflect changing populations and development. The same places growing are not going to be the same as they are in 30 years. Once the tracks are laid down…that’s it the street car can only service that area.

Buses will not block traffic as nearly as long or as much than a streetcar.

The Streetcar will not tie in with the Pentagon Bus/Metro Depot stop. You will still have to walk from the last stop on the streetcar line to the Metro. Buses will tie in with Pentagon Bus Depot.

The rest of your points are essentially inapposite since development and quieter cars are not going to change regardless of whether a streetcar is built or not. Columbia Pike is still going to be developed and buses are still going to have routes down Columbia Pike

By: Economic Conditions

Economic Conditions — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 18:08:11 +0000

Nothing has changed in the last 10 years to warrant not getting the “people’s” input?

By: Counter Example

Counter Example — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 18:07:16 +0000

We just had a referendum on a bond for 1.5 million dollar dog park. Yet, the county is going to spend 300-400 million (the minimum likely end cost) and there has not be a single bond before the people to vote on the streetcar.

A bond referendum hasn’t lost in the county in 40+ years. Yet, the board is afraid to put the streetcar up for one…what does that tell you?

By: Dawn Dekker

Dawn Dekker — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 00:24:25 +0000

Vicente, incredibly informative and constructive. Thank you!