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Chamber Backs Metro Tax Districts
Loudoun’s business community lays out terms it would support to pay for Metro.
The Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce has endorsed a proposal to create tax districts to pay for Metro’s proposed Silver Line extension to Ashburn.
As the Loudoun Board of Supervisors prepares for a June 18 meeting to continue discussing financing options if the board does agree to participate in the project, opponents have stepped up the rhetoric, distributing fliers to communities around the county.
If Loudoun participates in the project, a decision the board must make by July 4, the costs are estimated at about $270 million for the county’s share of construction, plus ongoing operation and maintenance costs. County finance staff estimates the project would cost the county between $11 million and $18 million annually in debt service payments, depending on the financing mechanism used.
Supervisors previously discussed the possibility of using a combination of a commercial and industrial tax, or C&I tax, and a rail service tax district to pay for construction, operation and maintenance of the proposed project. In addition, the possibility of winning permission from the state to establish a special tax district has been discussed.
“For many years, the Loudoun business community has said it is willing to ‘pay its fair share’ to help fund transportation investments that will improve Loudoun’s economic competitiveness and quality of life,” said Chamber President Tony Howard in a press release, adding that with the endorsement of the use of tax districts, “Loudoun’s business leaders have delivered a strong message to the Board of Supervisors that those businesses that will benefit the most from Dulles Rail are willing to bear the greatest burden to fund the County’s share of Northern Virginia’s most important transportation project.”
The commercial and industrial tax likely would apply to all business countywide; the county may consider less than a countywide application, but the revenue must equate to at least 85 percent of a countywide tax to comply with state law. Supervisors with districts farther away from proposed Metro stations have expressed concerns about a countywide tax.
A service tax district would apply to all property, including residential, within a designated distance from each rail station in Loudoun—one- and two-mile district are among the considerations. Several supervisors said they opposed taxing residential properties.
Another option that would require state authority would be to establish a special tax district, similar to the Route 28 Tax District, which could exclude residential properties.
The chamber has endorsed a countywide C&I district up to 10 cents per $100 of assessed value and a one-mile rail service district with a tax of up to 20 cents.
Howard said earlier this week that the chamber’s open to variations as well, including a tiered service district.
However, he also pointed out that the chamber would like there to be a sunset provision to reduce the taxes once construction of the project is complete, with some continued assessment to cover future maintenance and operations.
“We would like to see low rates after construction,” he said. In the chamber’s announcement it indicated a desire to see those taxes eliminated after expenses were covered for rail or if other sources of revenue surfaced.
The chamber’s letter to County Chairman Scott K. York about its position is posted below:
Chairman York,
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, I would like to share with you an important development concerning the Chamber’s efforts to ensure the planned extension of Phase 2 of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project to Loudoun County.
On May 23rd, Chamber’s Board of Directors adopted the following amendment to our organization’s long-standing position of support for the Dulles Rail Project:
“The Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce supports the Loudoun Board of Supervisors adopting two additional real property tax levies that would generate revenues that will be directed to fund the County’s share of the capital costs and operations and maintenance costs associated with its obligations for the construction of Phase 2 of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project. These levies include:
- Creating service districts that encompass an approximate one-mile radius surrounding the four proposed Metrorail stations in or near Loudoun County and imposing up to a maximum of an additional $.20 per $100 value tax rate on all taxable property within those service districts, and;
- Imposing a Commercial and Industrial (C&I) tax levy of up to a maximum $.10 per $100 value on commercial property throughout Loudoun County.
The Board of Directors of the Loudoun County Chamber endorses these new tax levies with the condition that the Board of Supervisors also adopt sunset provisions that would see these tax rates reduced, and eventually eliminated, when the revenues generated by these levies, along with other transportation funding sources, meets or exceeds the expenses related to the County’s capital and O&M expenses related to the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project.”
As you know, the Loudoun County Chamber has been a long and steadfast supporter of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project. To make this project a reality, the Loudoun County Chamber has formed region-wide business partnerships that have made effective contributions towards securing additional state funds to reduce the projected toll increases that will be borne by the Dulles Toll Road drivers.
In addition, the Chamber’s “Rail To Loudoun” Coalition rallied the Northern Virginia business community to influence the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority to greatly reduce the scope of the project – including altering the station design and rail yard size at Dulles Airport, effectively reducing the cost of Phase 2 by $1 billion.
This Coalition also has successfully carried the business community’s message of opposition to a mandatory Project Labor Agreement for Phase 2, which the MWAA Board has subsequently eliminated. We firmly believe that, through the efforts of Northern Virginia’s business and elected leadership, the MWAA Board will back off its current plan to provide a 10% preference to contractors that include a PLA in their construction proposals.
For many years, the Loudoun Chamber has advocated the business community’s willingness to “pay its fair share” for transportation improvements that will advance Loudoun’s economic competitiveness and quality of life. It is beyond question that these desired outcomes can be achieved by connecting Loudoun via a mass transit rail link to Dulles Airport and our Nation’s Capital. The Dulles Corridor Rail line will relieve congestion on Northern Virginia’s roads, connect workers throughout the region to companies in Loudoun County and provide a strong economic boost through Transit-Oriented Developments near the rail stations in and near Loudoun County.
For these reasons, the Chamber’s Board of Directors supports these targeted business tax levies, within reasonable parameters and for a limited time period, to generate revenues for the specific purpose of funding the construction and operation of the Dulles Corridor Rail project in Loudoun County.
As business leaders in the communities that you represent, the Chamber’s Board appreciates your serious consideration of the significant economic and quality of life benefits that this project will bring to Loudoun County’s residents and taxpayers.
On behalf of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, our Board of Directors and our 1,200 members, I strongly urge your support of Loudoun County’s continued participation in Phase II.
Thank you for considering the Loudoun County Chamber’s perspective on this critical business and quality of life issue. Please contact me at (571) 209-9020 or thoward@loudounchamber.org if you should have any questions about our positioning on the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project.
Sincerely,
Tony Howard
President & CEO
Thanks. We'll email you the next time we update this story.
Daniel Davies
1:04 pm on Friday, June 15, 2012
This is not news, the resolution was approved on May 23rd. Why is this being published now?
Dusty Smith
1:26 pm on Friday, June 15, 2012
I keep seeing comments that the business community should pay up. With another finance work session set for Monday, seemed relevant to me and appeared that not everyone was aware of the position. Thanks for weighing in.
Tax Pig
11:11 pm on Friday, June 15, 2012
http://loudounoptout.blogspot.com/2012/03/support-vs-upport-for-metro-to-loudoun.html
Dusty, why don't you do a story on what it actually takes to set up a tax district instead of pushing out these pro biz press releases.
This is a set up. After years, no decades of waiting and wanting, and now demanding Metro, how much effort has Tony and co. put into anything but hollow rhetoric and empty promises. No tax districts because they do NOT intend to pay.
Biz knew this was coming but they prefer we be the cash cows. Don't be so easily led sheeple.
Tony speaks about support but why hasn't he and the boys put up some dough? If they do, then it will count for something.
Stacey F
9:44 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
Businesses WANT Metro in Loudoun - close enough to DC, close enough to Dulles... no business is unaware of the costs they will have to pay as they grow in Loudoun. This deal isn't free, but the benefits are amazing!
Bob Bruhns
2:31 pm on Friday, June 15, 2012
Up to 20 cents per 100 near the stations, but 10 cents per 100 countywide? The tax should be higher near the stations. How can a landowner or business in Lovettsville possibly benefit anywhere near even half as much as one right next to one of the rail stations?
The problem is, a fair tax will be very difficult for a new business in the station areas, because this rail project is severely premature. The people of Loudoun County and businesses far away will have to pay heavy tax to help jump-start the rail stationn areas and then what benefit or reward will they get, other than more tax?
If lenders do not see the future of the rail areas and will not front the money for them, then I would suggest a lower starting tax at the rail stations, rising gradually to significantly higher levels, giving compensatory relief to the other areas of the county that paid in in the beginning. But those other areas need to make themselves heard now, if they don't like the idea that they will have to front the money instead - because the plan presented says that they benefit half as much as the station areas. Do they think that is true?
Bob Bruhns
2:37 pm on Friday, June 15, 2012
Also, is there a 'cap' on the contribution of the business taxes? What happens when the financial claims suddenly change, and the costs are much higher than we are being told now? Can the busines tax increase, or will the surprise burden fall only onto homeowners? In Fairfax County, the cost projections skyrocketed after the caps were set, and the extra costs supposedly fell onto the Dulles Toll Road - but face it, we know that it will be dumped on the taxpayers when push comes to shove. Will this game play that way in Loudoun County as well?
And what about long-term maintenance costs and possibly toll-paydown costs, will that bump the business rail district tax up, or will it be dumped onto the county as a whole?
Myth Buster
4:26 pm on Friday, June 15, 2012
The BoS really dropped the ball. If they create a "special tax-district" it will likely be levied on residential units, because the VA General Assembly is not in session and they are the only legislative body that can exempt residential lots from said tax district.
Dusty Smith
4:30 pm on Friday, June 15, 2012
Another factor is when such a tax district would begin levying taxes.
Myth Buster
4:36 pm on Friday, June 15, 2012
true - but studies show <.5 mile riders are likely to walk at >.75miles riders are driving to the metro (using the parking or kiss and ride option). There are very few residential lots withing the .75M radius and most of those have yet to be built. But a 1-2Mile tax district is not an appropriate solution, when the entire county will benefit from the Metro. But taxing nearly 8,000 residential lots will enrage several HOAs. I know one particular HOA pulled their public support of the Metro, because of the potential tax district.
Dusty Smith
5:02 pm on Friday, June 15, 2012
Which HOA?
Daniel Davies
9:05 am on Saturday, June 16, 2012
Dusty, when the BOS started discussing this in May, the proposal was to start these taxes Jan 1, 2013, since that is the earliest possible. As far as I know, that hasn't changed. The funding should have been implemented years, if not decades, ago so the cash could have been building up, so if they go ahead with Rail, this makes sense. The problem is that people will start paying these increased taxes about 6 years before rail comes, and if their appraisal gets raised too, they're getting hit double. Here's the kicker: studies show the land value increase really only hits two-three blocks from the station, so anything larger than a a quarter-mile district hurts people that won't see any land appreciation. Of course, to benefit from increased valuation, they would have to sell their property, and who would want to buy it when they could buy outside the district line and avoid the additional tax?
Rob Whitfield
4:56 pm on Friday, June 15, 2012
Yet again, a news story from the Patch that fails to mention the projected $17 billion in Dulles Toll Road tolls needed over the next 50 year to pay for Dulles Rail, of which Loudoun County share will be at least 20% - $3.4 billion.
The Patch, LoCo Board and Chamber also continue to ignore mounting evidence that the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority has repeatedly failed to address safety and capital replacement costs -at least $13.3 billion over the next decade. Whereas the Inside the Beltway crowd who control the WMATA Board voted in 2000 not to fund any extensions of the Metrorail system, including Dulles Rail, they have not precluded the requirement that Loudoun County will have to contribute around 5% to the likely $20 to $30 billion in proposed Metrorail system expansion in coming years.
Maybe there should be a special gross receipts tax placed on Loudoun Chamber members and those who promote an economic nirvana if rail comes to Loudoun. After all, the original local funding plan for Dulles Rail was to rely on Business, Professional and Occupancy License taxes. What happened to that plan?
Dave
11:21 am on Saturday, June 16, 2012
The moment that first shovel was turned on Phase I and the decision was made to fund construction through the Toll Road, this was a 'fait accompli' that Loudoun commuters would be picking up the tab. So lets say (and we all know you can spin statistics six ways to Sunday) that Loudoun commuters will already be anteing up $3.4 billion in higher toll road tolls. That's a sunk cost at this point one way or another. So, the options become (a) opt out, spend $3.4 billion, and get pretty much no benefit or (b) opt in, spend the $3.4 billion we were already going to be spending, toss in the $250 or so million contribution from Loudoun, figure out whatever relatively small share of maintenance/capital improvements which can be negotiatied, make a lot of residents happy in eastern Loudoun, add a commercial tax base that will benefit Loudoun in a whole heck of a lot more than $250 million no matter what set of figures you believe.... this is a no brainer. Build Metro to Loudoun!
MIke
5:54 pm on Friday, June 15, 2012
This is such a bad idea. Bad for businesses, and bad for tax payers. I know that if I'm going to start up a business, I'll start looking in other counties besides Loudoun.
Myth Buster
6:01 pm on Friday, June 15, 2012
Exactly how is the Metro a bad idea for the County? You need to present facts not opinions or innuendos so readers can attempt to have a substantive dialogue on this matter. As for starting a business in Loudoun, I can't disagree with you. The County's EDC and Staff are notoriously difficult.
J Williams
10:54 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
How is it bad for businesses? Of course they look elsewhere because Loudoun lacks the infrastructure to support many businesses..which is one reason we NEED the metro! You need to spend money to make money, Business 101. The rail will bring nothing but benefits to business looking to develop in the area!
Bob Bruhns
8:53 pm on Friday, June 15, 2012
Do people know that Fairfax County also has two lines of VRE rail? The Blue VRE line runs clear from Broad Run in Prince Wiliam County through Manassas and Manassas Park, into Fairfax County with stops at Burke, Rolling Road, and Backlick Road, and then on into Alexandria, Crystal City, L'Enfant Station and Union Station, and the Red VRE line runs up clear from Fredericksburg past several stations including Quantico and Woodbridge, then into Fairfax County for stops at Lorton and Franconia/Springfield, and it joins the Blue VRE line at Alexandria and goes on in to Union Station as well.
http://www.vre.org/service/staloc.htm
Hmm, so Fairfax County has two VRE rail lines, and three Metro lines... I guess Fairfax County has no traffic issues then... uh, wait... oh, and Loudoun County is richer than Fairfax County? How can that be.
MAYBE having rail is not the fix for all things? Ya think? Oh, and maybe rail transportation doesn't have to break the bank like Dulles Rail does. What a concept! Maybe we can teach that to MWAA and WMATA (Metro)?
t_joseph
10:11 pm on Friday, June 15, 2012
Bob
I relocated to Ashburn and built a new home in July 2011 and have been reading Ashburn Patch and your posts for many months now. This is my first post on Patch and it is a dead serious offer to you - I will pay any annual tax increases you incur from Metro for the next 20 years + 5% if you will start posting as often and as passionately for the project as you have done to date against it. This is not a bribe since you can't vote for/against it and aren't financially involved beyond being a tax payer. I honestly feel your pain and angst about the potential impact to your taxes, I respect it and I'd like to remove that for you so that you can only see and feel the benefits. In other words, for you Metro is not only free but you are guaranteed to personally make a profit from it. I'd like to have Metro and I'd welcome your passion and energy in supporting it and calling out its benefits. In this way, it's all upside for you, no more worries about any costs to you and it's worth it to me to have your support. Will you please consider it and reply post if you'd like to take me up on it? thanks!
Bob Bruhns
4:22 pm on Saturday, June 16, 2012
No - Metro is going to ruin this region, because it was a construction project in search of a customer, not a transportation solution for the real problem, and there is no way I'll support that.
I'm pretty sure the idea here is to say "WELL Bob, you asked for tax assurance and you got it and you rejected it, so shut up." You'll have to provide this same assurance not for one guy in Herndon, but for all of the people who oppose this boondoggle on tax grounds as well, which would only be 25% more tax for the supporters according to the story that (1) 80% want this rail project and (2) the benefits are overwhelming because money will gush out of buildings and paychecks because of ths rail project, so the cost doesn't matter. IF THAT'S TRUE, you'll happily pay their rail taxes, no? (Lets see.) Oh, and you'll have to make some legally binding agreement that any unknown future rail costs or consequences attach to you and the approvers too. Don't expect them to love the rail project then, just see if they will shut up and let you pay for your toy.
In other words, incorporate as a rail company and pay for it yourself. Sell tickets and charge for parking. Don't force the unwilling to do it just because you want it. Step up to the plate, if this deal is so great.
t_joseph
6:34 pm on Saturday, June 16, 2012
It would be rude and uncivil for me to tell anyone to "shut up" let alone someone I don't even know personally. I'm disappointed that you would project that onto me since one of the only things you know about me is my kind offer to give you money. My offer was to you Bob, you have been the most vociferous poster on this issue and now that we've ascertained that it's not about your personal financial impact, it would help me to respect your viewpoints if I understood your motivation. Have you been asked to speak up on behalf of others who fear their financial impact ? Do you see yourself as a representative of a sort? Or is this a moral dilemma for you ? One akin to capital punishment or the atrocities in Syria, where you feel that while you're not in personal danger that you must speak up for those who can't do so for themselves? I'm trying to understand where the bitterness and enmity comes from - the use of inflammatory language and derogatory terminology. We've clarified that it's not about your money. What is underneath all this energy? I can't be persuaded to contact the supervisors and urge them to opt out if I can't get past the negativity and i assume you must be posting because you're trying to accomplish something.
Have a great weekend and if you're a Father, Happy Father's Day!
abroderick
12:13 am on Sunday, June 17, 2012
Thank you t_joseph. I agree that some people could benefit from seeing the positive side of things from time to time. Also let it be known that Bob is not even a resident of Loudoun County. I don't know that he should be such a prominent voice in this debate.
Bob Bruhns
2:38 am on Sunday, June 17, 2012
I don't buy it, t_j, what's happening is your group can't beat my points, so you want me to shut up. How could anybody think I would be wildly in support of this rail fiasco, or pretend to be, if I got paid off? Then you speak of disappointment that I would think something of you; yet you happily claim to think this of me, and you mischaracterize everything I say as (your words) bitterness, enmity, inflammatory language, derogatory terminology, negativity, etc. Is that supposed to be clever? It's not...
I am affected by Phase II because I live in the Phase II district about two miles from the Loudoun County border. This unnecessary and overpriced nonsense will affect me by raising my taxes, raising costs of living where I live and work, by skewing all future construction costs into hyperinflation land, etc, so I will oppose it and point out its lies and foibles.
Enough. Offer your payoffs to somebody else. You might want to change your pen-name while you're at it.
t_joseph
11:36 am on Sunday, June 17, 2012
Ok, Bob. I tried to help you but I can see that I'm only adding to your irritation. I've prayed for you this morning and will do so again, especially if Metro goes through. Take care and God bless you.
At least it's a beautiful day today!
joe brewer
8:00 am on Monday, June 18, 2012
Tj Bribery is where the advantage is intended to bring about an improper performance by another person of a relevant function or activity, or to reward such improper performance. Your offer to Bob just goes to show what a pos punk you really are. Hope you get to read this.
t_joseph
8:23 am on Monday, June 18, 2012
I'll pray for you too Joe ! thank you for your colorful language and passion
God bless you as well!
Stacey F
9:50 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
But, Bob, I absolutely see a benefit, and I'm pretty sure I live close to you, but IN Loudoun County. I can't wait for Metro, even if it takes me paying my fair share in order to get Loudoun to where it SHOULD be. We don't need to remain in the stone age, we are a vital region that supports the whole DC Metro area - why shouldn't we benefit from that status?
Bob Bruhns
11:59 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
If the costs are distributed fairly, this rail project will not be a net benefit - because it is premature, it is overpriced, it is overfinanced, and its costs are understated. It is going to be a surprise-a-minute of more and more costs for a good long time. That is why some pretend that bus is a bad idea and causes pollution, when you will need bus for about 99% of your population that wants to get to the rail. It is also why some pretend that there should be no tax district because people in Lovettsville will be just as rich as property owners right at the rail station in Ashburn, when even the Chamber of Commerce admits otherwise. You see, if the costs are distributed UNfairly, some will make a killing. Wake up and smell the coffee, that's what's going on.
Rob Whitfield
8:56 pm on Friday, June 15, 2012
My prior Patch posts note lack of population density to support heavy rail, lack of feasibility and potential adverse consequences on Dulles Corridor.
Most potential problems resulting from extended Metrorail system operations have not been investigated. Read these articles:
http://www.cato.org/publications/policy-analysis/defining-success-case-against-rail-transit
http://washingtonexaminer.com/local/transportation/2012/06/metro-finds-22-safety-problems-remain-its-122-emergency-exits/732071
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/metros-blocked-emergency-exits-need-more-attention/2012/06/05/gJQAHAD2GV_print.html
AT THE END OF an instructional slide show on Metro’s Web site that explains emergency evacuation procedures from buses and trains, passengers are assured that they are in good hands. “As you ride Metro, remember that you are not alone,” the presentation concludes, soothingly. “Our 10,000 employees are looking out for the safety of customers like you.”
That’s nice to hear. But any sanguine feelings are dashed by the news that Metro has repeatedly failed to fix a staggering array of problems with rail emergency exits, including locked, blocked and impassable doors and stairways — problems that would make it difficult, even impossible, for passengers to escape from train tunnels in a crisis.
Even more outrageous is that the transit system failed to act despite repeated warnings from inspectors about the impediments.
More tomorrow
joe brewer
9:44 am on Saturday, June 16, 2012
t-joseph it is a bribe in order to change his posts. A cheap one at that. Maybe were whores but we are not cheap ones like your crowd.
Bob Bruhns
10:42 pm on Sunday, June 17, 2012
With a Billion and a half dollars of overcharge in this job, such tactics are to be expected. How else can the incredible reversals that we have seen, be explained? Loudoun and Fairfax Counties were ready to say no to Phase II in 2011, and then the FTA showed up and dumped the Rt 28 station AND the Phase II parking garages onto them - and the counties were suddenly happy? Please.
Sadly, the People did not take notice of this obvious and blatant nonsense. In the end, this will probably be another case of the People getting the (very bad) government they deserve.
Melvin Summers
9:11 am on Monday, June 18, 2012
Bob the population supports the Metro coming out to Ashburn. I don't know why you like busses so much but they are not the answer to our traffic problems. Our roads are clogged, and our air is polluted. We might not be able to fix it 100 percent but we will make a nice start on a solution to both of these problems by building Metro.
Yes to Metro
Bob Bruhns
12:17 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Guess what - you will need bus, day and night, to get about 99% of the people to and from the rail. The traffic will be worse, because only a small percentage of people will take the train, and that will be more than made up by the higher density that will come. This rail is premature - the businesses do not even EXIST yet at the stations, and it is overpriced about two to one. As a result, you will have to overfinance a premature overcharge, and that will break the bank with something this expensive. The claims that the toll road will pay for most this are lies - so on top of the above, a billion dollar bond will be needed from Fairfax County AND Loudoun County to reduce those tolls, costing another 50 million a year or more for 50 years or more. WMATA needs 13 Billion dollars for maintenance, so guess what will happen. The businesses in Fairfax County had the foresight to get their contributions capped before the prices ballooned. In Loudoun County they tried to avoid them altogether - too bad they lost that game, tsk tsk. Mr. Cuccinelli has it right - this is a ripoff.
joe brewer
10:42 am on Monday, June 18, 2012
Yo tj there is enough information in the bible that is easy enough for you to understand. Bribery is wrong, ungodlike and morally corrupt, instead of praying for me pray for yourself!
t_joseph
7:19 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
thank you Joe - you may be making a good point. which bible verses are you specifically referencing? i can look them up and learn from them. no worries, i do pray for myself everyday! thanks again
J Williams
10:08 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
I think you need to get a sense of humor Joe.
The Baconator
8:51 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
Everyone in this area knows we will use the Metro and knows we have for quite some time. We pay more then enough money to Richmond in taxes and they need to give a little back to us and help us build quality lasting public transportation in Loudoun.
abroderick
11:10 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
Those of us who live in Loudoun County would use the Metro and would see the benefits of it. Doesn't that saying go the two things you can't avoid in life are death and taxes? We're going to pay them anyway. We might as well have some of the money invested in us! I welcome the Metro.
TISH G
12:07 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Amen.. death and taxes cant be avoided. I would rather see the metro come than more buses polluting the air and congesting already congested traffic ways.
Bob Bruhns
3:48 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Oh boy, here is this discredited bus pollution argument again.
If bus exhaust is a real issue, you'd better pack up and leave Loudoun County right now, because about 99% of your population will need bus to get to and from the stations - and those buses will have to run day and night like the Metro does.
But wait - we are in the 21st century now. Bus can run on electric power, where that is available, and switch to compressed natural gas in other areas. You'll want to have dedicated bus roads, where bus will build up a transit corridor, and then you can upgrade these roads to rail, when the time comes. Are you or your leaders planning any of that? I think the answer is no, since this tired bus exhaust talking point keeps coming up. So if you aren't reserving the future rail paths with bus lanes, what is to prevent them from being developed into strip-malls and other sprawl-like things, so no such path will even be possible?
Care to tell us what you and/or your so-called 'leaders' are doing to prevent that from happening? And (1) do you really care - or (2) is this all just a fake, phony political circus, for the sole purpose of pushing this bogus rail plan right now? (I believe the answer is choice #2.)
Luisa
8:29 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
I'm really over the attitude some people have of reaping the benefits without making the sacrifices. There are many things I pay for through my taxes that I get zero benefit from and I'm not sitting here crying about it and harassing people with misinformation and scare tactics. The difference here is everyone will benefit from the metro coming to Loudoun County whether you want to admit it or not. Don't tell me for one second those of you throwing temper tantrums over this won't be riding it, I guarantee you will. Yes to metro!!
Melvin Summers
9:15 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
I agree Luisa, the opt outers like to act like they will get no benefit from the Metro. The truth is everyone will benefit in Loudoun and and the surrounding counties weather they use it or not. Even if you don't use it, you wont be competing with thousands of cars that are in a parking garage. Thousands of cars at each Metro station. They act like these Metro parking garages will be empty or something.
Yes to Metro!!!
J Williams
10:11 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
I also do not understand why they insist no one will be riding the metro. All this howling about the tolls going up and/or the gas tax and they cannot see that the obvious solution is for more people to use public transport? I can't wait for this to get started..and I live within one of the proposed tax districts.
Bob Bruhns
6:19 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Sure, I'll take Metro from Ashburn down to Fairfax... oops, uh, well from Sterling to Lovettsville... ooops... uh, well..
abroderick
11:43 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Heck I'll be riding the Metro! And Bob, I fail to grasp your point. I will ride the Metro. It will take me to places I want to go. I will benefit from its creation.
Melvin Summers
9:00 am on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Yes they would have us believe that the stations will all be empty and that no one is going to even use the Metro in Loudoun. Twenty three thousand spaces at the parking garage will all be empty. If we fill half that garage, just that one garage, then that will be 11.5 thousand cars not on our roads to DC. I bet we will be filling more then half, every day.
joe brewer
11:43 am on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
I'll tell you again Melvin you are entitled to your opinion but not your own facts. Where do you get 23k parking places? More like 65 hundred, quite a leap wouldn't you say about 350%?
t_joseph
12:38 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
hi Joe - just following up on my Monday night response to your suggestion. can you relay those bible verses you were specifically referencing? i really do intend to look them up and learn from them. thanks! i hope you're able to stay cool on what will surely be one of the hottest days of the summer!
joe brewer
1:49 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Shooo fly!
t_joseph
2:25 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
ahh, back to the name calling....and i had hoped you actually were familiar with the bible or would be willing to get into it since you made a point of referencing it. that was my hope because when you earlier called yourself and others w**res, i thought you might need some more of the unconditional love that's offered to you there. well, maybe some day brother. meanwhile, I'll do as you ask and "shooo" ! i really do wish you and folks like Bob B nothing but goodness ! life is to be enjoyed, i think.
abroderick
11:45 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
A lot of these people don't like to back up their arguments with actual references that they didn't create. I'm sorry they won't have a logical conversation with you that is not trying to scare people. I hope you have a great day too!
Sincerely,
Your fellow Metro supporter
t_joseph
9:43 am on Thursday, June 21, 2012
thank you abroderick. i've run into people who write things like Bob and Joe all my life - their only impact on me is concern for them. can't you just feel their pain? I suspect that for them, this is not really all about a train and money. if they learned today that Metro was dead because of their posts and everyone congratulated them on making the difference, how long do you think they would be happy? or do you think they would just keep acting the same way again and again and again?..heaven help them if metro goes through - that could fuel resentment for the rest of their lives. oh man. my guess is that they've been like this for a long time. that deep down inside, something is troubling their souls i think. someone hurt them, they suffered a major loss, life has not panned out as they'd expected....maybe something truly tragic happened to them, that would make us all understand them better....you can't really know. i do suspect that folks that post constantly and in the way they do are crying out for help in some way. they do not seem to know peace. to simply breathe in and out and find joy in something..anything...Lord have mercy on them and all of us - because on a given day, i can act the same way. i'm just glad that i've learned that, through prayer, i don't have to STAY that way. and that metro or no metro, it will not define who i am or take away from my energies to support good things like my children, my spouse, my co-workerd, and our troops abroad
The Baconator
11:30 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Anything a bus can do Metro can do better. Carries more people, doesn't hold up traffic, does not have nasty cancer causing exhaust. Our population is exploding the roads are jammed, it's time for Metro