What is it with Fairfax City? Every time they install a new traffic light, it causes chaos and delays. Don't these people know what they're doing.. Or is this intentional? Do they really want people to avoid going there?

I work near the Courthouse complex, and recently the City installed a new light at Chain Bridge and Armstrong St. that is timed exactly the OPPOSITE of how it should be. The result? Everyone wanting to make a left turn at the next light has to sit through a second light cycle.

Then they messed up the already ridiculous Fairfax Circle lights. Now we have more lights stopping everyone sometimes twice at the same Circle. I thought Fairfax Circle couldn't get any more confusing or exasperating, but it has.

I actually like a lot of the stores along Lee Highway in Fairfax City, but it just becoming too frustrating to get down there, even from close by. Does anyone know why Fairfax City wants to do this to themselves?

this is all intentional. they are trying to remain "quaint" which i think is retarded. i would prefer the land be annexed and completely bulldozed to actually make the roads drivable.


"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."

Oh, that's not the worst from Fairfax City. The City recently walled off my subdivision's access points to Chain Bridge Road, all because one City Councilman wanted a "pocket park" for his kids across from his house.

If you notice now, University Drive near GMU goes nowhere. It's a huge dead end. There's a councilman, Dan Drummond, who lives near there, and he wanted his neighborhood to be a cul-de-sac, so guess what? Now hundreds of people have to drive an extra two miles to get to our houses.

It's absolutely the stupidest thing I've ever seen - this Drummond guy is about as popular as Quadaffi with me and my neighbors. They are making the former pavement where School St. connected w/ University into a grassy area because he thinks it'll increase HIS property value. It's amazing what one stupid person in a position of power can do.

And he gets voted in, why?

Liza F Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Oh, that's not the worst from Fairfax City. The
> City recently walled off my subdivision's access
> points to Chain Bridge Road, all because one City
> Councilman wanted a "pocket park" for his kids
> across from his house.
>
> If you notice now, University Drive near GMU goes
> nowhere. It's a huge dead end. There's a
> councilman, Dan Drummond, who lives near there,
> and he wanted his neighborhood to be a cul-de-sac,
> so guess what? Now hundreds of people have to
> drive an extra two miles to get to our houses.
>
> It's absolutely the stupidest thing I've ever seen
> - this Drummond guy is about as popular as
> Quadaffi with me and my neighbors. They are
> making the former pavement where School St.
> connected w/ University into a grassy area because
> he thinks it'll increase HIS property value. It's
> amazing what one stupid person in a position of
> power can do.


Yeah, I went down that way and immediately thought, WTFing hell is this bullshit?
I couldn't believe it. If what you claim is true, parents should nudge their kids to egg his house for Halloween.

Elected Official? Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> And he gets voted in, why?

Pretty sure he will be voted out next time around. He got hung out to dry recently on a controversial issue regarding the Commissioner of Revenue. The University Dr change was definitely a fiasco - but they are plowing ahead to make it a "permanent" change. Even better, did you notice the house at the end near Armstrong got their front yard cut off by the little driveway they made for them? They just took part of these folks front yard, and didn't even compensate them for the property loss - so rather than have a huge legal issue, they gave them a driveway that exits onto the new George Mason street, and blocked off the other neighbor's access to it.

The City traffic planners have been idiots for years.

If you can’t model the past, where you know the answer pretty well, how can you model the future? - William Happer Cyrus Fogg Brackett Professor of Physics Princeton University

JACK DALE NEEDS TO GO!!!11!

--------------------------------------------------------------
13 4826 0948 82695 25847. Yes.

Liza F Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Oh, that's not the worst from Fairfax City. The
> City recently walled off my subdivision's access
> points to Chain Bridge Road, all because one City
> Councilman wanted a "pocket park" for his kids
> across from his house.
>
> If you notice now, University Drive near GMU goes
> nowhere. It's a huge dead end. There's a
> councilman, Dan Drummond, who lives near there,
> and he wanted his neighborhood to be a cul-de-sac,
> so guess what? Now hundreds of people have to
> drive an extra two miles to get to our houses.
>
> It's absolutely the stupidest thing I've ever seen
> - this Drummond guy is about as popular as
> Quadaffi with me and my neighbors. They are
> making the former pavement where School St.
> connected w/ University into a grassy area because
> he thinks it'll increase HIS property value. It's
> amazing what one stupid person in a position of
> power can do.


I live just south of GMU, off 123 and come through that area at least twice a week. I agree. It's the stupidest-looking "fix" and the most unnecessary construction project imaginable. I admire it every time I pass.

Registered Voter Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Elected Official? Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > And he gets voted in, why?
>
> Pretty sure he will be voted out next time around.
> He got hung out to dry recently on a controversial
> issue regarding the Commissioner of Revenue. The
> University Dr change was definitely a fiasco - but
> they are plowing ahead to make it a "permanent"
> change. Even better, did you notice the house at
> the end near Armstrong got their front yard cut
> off by the little driveway they made for them?
> They just took part of these folks front yard, and
> didn't even compensate them for the property loss
> - so rather than have a huge legal issue, they
> gave them a driveway that exits onto the new
> George Mason street, and blocked off the other
> neighbor's access to it.
>
> The City traffic planners have been idiots for
> years.


RV, where do you find out these things? None of my neighbors seem to give a
damn about City issues and I've wondered if there is a forum somewhere. The
one for FFX Cty on this website is fine but underused. I'm unable to attend
council meetings due to work/scheduling difficulties but I'd like to hear it all
from other residents who care about what's going on in their own
back yard. I have problems with the "At Large" makeup of the City Council as
nobody is held accountable for specific neighborhoods. I'm also curious about
the old DMV building next to Fuddruckers. Construction was supposed to start
in September for the new Marriott Extended-stay Hotel but I havent seen a
shovel in the dirt yet. Another thing that bugs me is the amount of petty crime
around Willard Way. Going to the Safeway can sometimes be entertaining.

Here the e-mail address for Dan Drummond:

info@danforfairfax.com

Why not let him know how you feel?





Liza F Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Oh, that's not the worst from Fairfax City. The
> City recently walled off my subdivision's access
> points to Chain Bridge Road, all because one City
> Councilman wanted a "pocket park" for his kids
> across from his house.
>
> If you notice now, University Drive near GMU goes
> nowhere. It's a huge dead end. There's a
> councilman, Dan Drummond, who lives near there,
> and he wanted his neighborhood to be a cul-de-sac,
> so guess what? Now hundreds of people have to
> drive an extra two miles to get to our houses.
>
> It's absolutely the stupidest thing I've ever seen
> - this Drummond guy is about as popular as
> Quadaffi with me and my neighbors. They are
> making the former pavement where School St.
> connected w/ University into a grassy area because
> he thinks it'll increase HIS property value. It's
> amazing what one stupid person in a position of
> power can do.

I remember talking to Dan for about 20min while he was campaigining. I only voted for him to get some of the then current people out. He was a seemingly nice enough fellow and said he was interested in bringing more business to fairfax city and noted that all the major shopping areas were just outside city limits. It seemed genuine enough. I was really hoping to vote the mayor out as well.

I have seen a lot of new business pop up, such as the Bestbuy and that strip mall where 5 guys is off FFX Blvd. Although, i don't know how much of that he had anything to do with.

To the OP's point. A lot of the traffic patterns have become worse. Armstong stree, FFX circle, going into downtown FFX and seemingly fewer flashing lights between 10pm and 6am.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/21/2009 12:42PM by FurfaxTownie.

FurfaxTownie Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I remember talking to Dan for about 20min while he
> was campaigining. I only voted for him to get
> some of the then current people out. He was a
> seemingly nice enough fellow and said he was
> interested in bringing more business to fairfax
> city and noted that all the major shopping areas
> were just outside city limits. It seemed genuine
> enough. I was really hoping to vote the mayor out
> as well.
>
> I have seen a lot of new business pop up, such as
> the Bestbuy and that strip mall where 5 guys is
> off FFX Blvd. Although, i don't know how much of
> that he had anything to do with.
>
> To the OP's point. A lot of the traffic patterns
> have become worse. Armstong stree, FFX circle,
> going into downtown FFX and seemingly fewer
> flashing lights between 10pm and 6am.


All those condo's in Old Town didn't help a bit either.

Some links from Fairfax City

http://www.cobbdale.org/

http://www.cchca.org/

http://www.fairfaxva.gov/Residents/civicAssociation.asp

There are a few organizations that have websites - some are just old sales web sites they took over for the homeowners but never did anything with it.

I was down there at 4th of July and spoke to the homeowner in question - they were in front of their place after the parade and we asked them about their driveway (which was still gravel at the time because the City couldn't figure out what to do with it). Even better, the drainage ditch had a straight run to their driveway, and we contemplated what would happen in heavy rain if the ditch was clogged - it was only about 3 to 4 inches elevation to the garage slab.

If you can’t model the past, where you know the answer pretty well, how can you model the future? - William Happer Cyrus Fogg Brackett Professor of Physics Princeton University



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/21/2009 01:34PM by Registered Voter.

FurfaxTownie Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I was really hoping to vote the mayor out
> as well.

He isn't running for re-election evidently

>
> I have seen a lot of new business pop up, such as
> the Bestbuy and that strip mall where 5 guys is
> off FFX Blvd. Although, i don't know how much of
> that he had anything to do with.

Yeah, all that was in development long before he became involved.

>
> To the OP's point. A lot of the traffic patterns
> have become worse. Armstong stree, FFX circle,
> going into downtown FFX and seemingly fewer
> flashing lights between 10pm and 6am.

Fairfax Circle is an absolute cluster fuck. For years we have been trying to get them to consider making it a "normal" intersection, and then just pave a large circular sidewalk in the area to commemorate the "Circle" and put up history signage or something. All the new crosswalks are courtesy of catering to the folks at the Lamb Center and increased pedestrian traffic from folks at the apartments and low rent area townhouses down in the area. MS-13 also has a presence in the area. Really a nice area :) The Chick-Fil-a is a nice addition - although they tried to get a pad site up at the Safeway. Unfortunately the folks living in the townhouses to the west of the shopping center were concerned that it would attract the wrong kind of traffic... not like the 7-11 down there would be an issue huh?

If you can’t model the past, where you know the answer pretty well, how can you model the future? - William Happer Cyrus Fogg Brackett Professor of Physics Princeton University



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/21/2009 01:48PM by Registered Voter.

Register Voter Wrote:
>Although the Chick-Fil-a is a nice addition - although they tried to get a pad >site up at the Safeway. Unfortunately the folks living in the townhouses to the >west of the shopping center were concerned that it would attract the wrong kind >of traffic... not like the 7-11 down there would be an issue huh?

Or the McDonalds. I am assuming the Chick-Fil-a wanted the pad site where the Joe's Pasta and Pizza used to be?

There are to many restaurants in Old Town Fairfax and not enough entertainment venues to drive dinner crowd to eat at them. That place hasn't been the same since the Ship's Hatch closed down....

Was the assumption that GMU students that they really dispise would flock there for nurishment? It also a pain to drive though there to boot.

How much money did the city spend on planning consultants? They probably didn't even bother asking for an opinion of GMU Econ professor

the University Drive closure has been in the city's transportation plan for years--at least 15 or so. If you're going to give this council member a hard time you should do it for not getting the project stopped, but if he's a first-termer like the city's website says, you can't give him credit for the project itself.

I am not blaming him for it. He just took advantage of it. His house sits on a corner adjacent to Cleveland where the cut through traffic used to flow.

No, the issue has been on the books since Crestmont was put in - they had a 70 foot right of way in the contract that new home owners had to sign, and then when the City started planning the new road to be 4 lanes, they suddenly got a group together and threatened to sue the City over it and make them go past their window to allow for building a road at all. They had no legal standing really - they had signed the agreement - but they were a main part of the reason as to why the road ended up in such a stupid configuration. That and the City Traffic Planners.

If you can’t model the past, where you know the answer pretty well, how can you model the future? - William Happer Cyrus Fogg Brackett Professor of Physics Princeton University

Hey folks,

Interesting conversation. Glad to see that people are involved in their community.

As had been pointed out, I'd just like to clarify something: the closing of School Street wasn't my idea. It's been planned and approved by many councils as part of the construction of George Mason Boulevard. Similarly, the pocket park was planned and promised to residents of the Green Acres neighborhood many, many years ago. So I wouldn't say I'm taking advantage of it. Advocate, yes. Taking advantage of it, no.

The City is also working on a traffic study to look at how much cut through traffic there is now as well as how ancillary neighborhood roads are affected. Studies were also done before the road was built,too, in case you are wondering. Also, along Linden and Armstrong I know their are concerns about traffic speeds. The transportation department and the police are aware and they are looking at traffic mitigation solutions. Hope to have some recommendations soon.

And yes, I'm serving my first term. Really enjoy serving folks and helping where I can.

You can always contact me directly with any questions, ideas or concerns. Call my mobile at 202-243-8621 or by email, dan@danforfairfax.com.

Best regards,
Dan

Dan Drummond Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hey folks,
>
> Interesting conversation. Glad to see that people
> are involved in their community.
>
> As had been pointed out, I'd just like to clarify
> something: the closing of School Street wasn't my
> idea. It's been planned and approved by many
> councils as part of the construction of George
> Mason Boulevard. Similarly, the pocket park was
> planned and promised to residents of the Green
> Acres neighborhood many, many years ago. So I
> wouldn't say I'm taking advantage of it. Advocate,
> yes. Taking advantage of it, no.
>
> The City is also working on a traffic study to
> look at how much cut through traffic there is now
> as well as how ancillary neighborhood roads are
> affected. Studies were also done before the road
> was built,too, in case you are wondering. Also,
> along Linden and Armstrong I know their are
> concerns about traffic speeds. The transportation
> department and the police are aware and they are
> looking at traffic mitigation solutions. Hope to
> have some recommendations soon.
>
> And yes, I'm serving my first term. Really enjoy
> serving folks and helping where I can.
>
> You can always contact me directly with any
> questions, ideas or concerns. Call my mobile at
> 202-243-8621 or by email, dan@danforfairfax.com.
>
> Best regards,
> Dan

Funny - I don't remember anyone talking about a pocket park until it suddenly sprang up. A lot of folks were asking that School St not be closed - as I remember the discussions back in front of the previous Councils where this issue was discussed. They were looking for traffic limiting options to discourage GMU traffic from cutting through the neighborhood - but the pocket park? Maybe as someone's pet project - but I doubt the neighborhood ever asked for it. Hell they have Green Acres (now used as a senior center) as one nice park now - why in the world did they need another pocket park? Especially next to the new "boarders" home where they built an entire 3 story house "addition" directly adjacent to School St.

If you can’t model the past, where you know the answer pretty well, how can you model the future? - William Happer Cyrus Fogg Brackett Professor of Physics Princeton University



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 10/21/2009 02:46PM by Registered Voter.

Dan Drummond Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hey folks,
>
> Interesting conversation. Glad to see that people
> are involved in their community.
>
> As had been pointed out, I'd just like to clarify
> something: the closing of School Street wasn't my
> idea. It's been planned and approved by many
> councils as part of the construction of George
> Mason Boulevard. Similarly, the pocket park was
> planned and promised to residents of the Green
> Acres neighborhood many, many years ago. So I
> wouldn't say I'm taking advantage of it. Advocate,
> yes. Taking advantage of it, no.
>
> The City is also working on a traffic study to
> look at how much cut through traffic there is now
> as well as how ancillary neighborhood roads are
> affected. Studies were also done before the road
> was built,too, in case you are wondering. Also,
> along Linden and Armstrong I know their are
> concerns about traffic speeds. The transportation
> department and the police are aware and they are
> looking at traffic mitigation solutions. Hope to
> have some recommendations soon.
>
> And yes, I'm serving my first term. Really enjoy
> serving folks and helping where I can.
>
> You can always contact me directly with any
> questions, ideas or concerns. Call my mobile at
> 202-243-8621 or by email, dan@danforfairfax.com.
>
> Best regards,
> Dan


Dan,
Thanks for your help. Could you please tell us what the status is on the
alleged Long-term Marriott at the intersection of Chain Bridge and Eaton
Place? I went to a meeting at the Days Inn a few years ago concerning
reconstruction of the intersection and really felt that the City staffers who hosted were serious but nothing's changed. I'm concerned about the impact
if the Marriott is constructed as there are numerous streets that feed
into it. BTW, I wish they'd reactivate the red light camera as crossing that
intersection on foot is usually like playing Russian Roulette. While the
camera was working before and the "flash" went off, people actually started
to slow down and watch what they were doing. (well not everybody, but it
helped) Without it, red means maybe, yellow means floor it, and green means
race like Hell to Rt. 50 and the next traffic jam.
really Gung-Ho, but nothing's happened.

Clueless in Cobbdale Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Dan Drummond Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Hey folks,
> >
> > Interesting conversation. Glad to see that
> people
> > are involved in their community.
> >
> > As had been pointed out, I'd just like to
> clarify
> > something: the closing of School Street wasn't
> my
> > idea. It's been planned and approved by many
> > councils as part of the construction of George
> > Mason Boulevard. Similarly, the pocket park was
> > planned and promised to residents of the Green
> > Acres neighborhood many, many years ago. So I
> > wouldn't say I'm taking advantage of it.
> Advocate,
> > yes. Taking advantage of it, no.
> >
> > The City is also working on a traffic study to
> > look at how much cut through traffic there is
> now
> > as well as how ancillary neighborhood roads are
> > affected. Studies were also done before the
> road
> > was built,too, in case you are wondering. Also,
> > along Linden and Armstrong I know their are
> > concerns about traffic speeds. The
> transportation
> > department and the police are aware and they
> are
> > looking at traffic mitigation solutions. Hope
> to
> > have some recommendations soon.
> >
> > And yes, I'm serving my first term. Really
> enjoy
> > serving folks and helping where I can.
> >
> > You can always contact me directly with any
> > questions, ideas or concerns. Call my mobile at
> > 202-243-8621 or by email,
> dan@danforfairfax.com.
> >
> > Best regards,
> > Dan
>
>
> Dan,
> Thanks for your help. Could you please tell us
> what the status is on the
> alleged Long-term Marriott at the intersection of
> Chain Bridge and Eaton
> Place? I went to a meeting at the Days Inn a few
> years ago concerning
> reconstruction of the intersection and really felt
> that the City staffers who hosted were serious but
> nothing's changed. I'm concerned about the impact
> if the Marriott is constructed as there are
> numerous streets that feed
> into it. BTW, I wish they'd reactivate the red
> light camera as crossing that
> intersection on foot is usually like playing
> Russian Roulette. While the
> camera was working before and the "flash" went
> off, people actually started
> to slow down and watch what they were doing. (well
> not everybody, but it
> helped) Without it, red means maybe, yellow means
> floor it, and green means
> race like Hell to Rt. 50 and the next traffic
> jam.
> really Gung-Ho, but nothing's happened.


Edit.

Dan,
Thanks for your help. Could you please tell us what the status is on the
alleged Long-term Marriott at the intersection of Chain Bridge and Eaton
Place? I went to a meeting at the Days Inn a few years ago concerning
reconstruction of the intersection and really felt that the City staffers who hosted were serious but nothing's changed. I'm concerned about the impact
if the Marriott is constructed as there are numerous streets that feed
into it. BTW, I wish they'd reactivate the red light camera as crossing that
intersection on foot is usually like playing Russian Roulette. While the
camera was working before and the "flash" went off, people actually started
to slow down and watch what they were doing. (well not everybody, but it
helped) Without it, red means maybe, yellow means floor it, and green means
race like Hell to Rt. 50 and the next traffic jam.

Reggie, you can seriously expect people to walk around in the same park every day?

Now that I think about it, a dog park would help bring the community together. Especially since kids don't play outside anymore, and adults are more concerend with thier pooches getting exercised and being social opposed to their own children.

For example, in my neighborhood, people only know eachother by their dogs name. "Oh look there is Rover's daddy!". If you don't own a dog, you don't exist.

FurfaxTownie Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Reggie, you can seriously expect people to walk
> around in the same park every day?
>
> Now that I think about it, a dog park would help
> bring the community together. Especially since
> kids don't play outside anymore, and adults are
> more concerend with thier pooches getting
> exercised and being social opposed to their own
> children.
>
> For example, in my neighborhood, people only know
> eachother by their dogs name. "Oh look there is
> Rover's daddy!". If you don't own a dog, you
> don't exist.

The pocket park he is speaking of is about the size of a normal house lot - maybe 1/4 to 1/3 acre - not like its a huge space. I imagine in the winter when the ground is covered with a foot of snow people will think the road is there and drive on through again.

If you can’t model the past, where you know the answer pretty well, how can you model the future? - William Happer Cyrus Fogg Brackett Professor of Physics Princeton University

Clueless in Cobbdale Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> status is on the
> alleged Long-term Marriott at the intersection of
> Chain Bridge and Eaton
> Place?

As a side note - I think they had some kind of issue with an old cemetery or some kind of environmental issue there which is why they hadn't done any development.

If you can’t model the past, where you know the answer pretty well, how can you model the future? - William Happer Cyrus Fogg Brackett Professor of Physics Princeton University

My understanding is that the Marriott will be breaking ground in May 2010 or around that time. Yes, there were some issues with contamination. Marriott is taking care of the abatement costs.

And I will get some more details and get back to this group and also put it up on my blog, www.cornerof.com.

Thanks,
Dan

Dan Drummond Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> My understanding is that the Marriott will be
> breaking ground in May 2010 or around that time.
> Yes, there were some issues with contamination.
> Marriott is taking care of the abatement costs.
>
> And I will get some more details and get back to
> this group and also put it up on my blog,
> www.cornerof.com.
>
> Thanks,
> Dan

Dan,
Again, thanks. I'll pass this to the few of my neighbors who are actually
aware of where they live. Also took a look at your blog and it's very
helpful. I know a few of the business owners near the Chain Br.- Rt. 50
who are very interested but their English is limited and they are always
happy when I relay info to them.

Registered Voter Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> The pocket park he is speaking of is about the
> size of a normal house lot - maybe 1/4 to 1/3 acre
> - not like its a huge space. I imagine in the
> winter when the ground is covered with a foot of
> snow people will think the road is there and drive
> on through again.

Actually they probably could have made money on that space by changing it into a new lot space and selling it for someone to plunk a house on.

If you can’t model the past, where you know the answer pretty well, how can you model the future? - William Happer Cyrus Fogg Brackett Professor of Physics Princeton University

Hey folks,

Idi Amin here... for a good time call 202-243-8621 !!

Seriously, do you leave your number on restroom stalls too?


> >
> > You can always contact me directly with any
> > questions, ideas or concerns. Call my mobile at
> > 202-243-8621 or by email,
> dan@danforfairfax.com.
> >
> > Best regards,
> > Dan

I must admit, the new traffic pattern at Armstrong/University is the most screwed up one that I have seen since my turtle ditch dodging days along the Korean DMZ.

The engineering skills of planners 15 years ago were certainly substandard.

All we need now are some really tall speed humps for traffic calming.

The city is just getting ready to reintroduce red light cameras.That is if they can get VDOT permission.

Dane Bramage Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I must admit, the new traffic pattern at
> Armstrong/University is the most screwed up one
> that I have seen since my turtle ditch dodging
> days along the Korean DMZ.
>
> The engineering skills of planners 15 years ago
> were certainly substandard.
>
> All we need now are some really tall speed humps
> for traffic calming.

Don't say that too loud. They will get ideas.

Red Light Cameras?! Oh please, haven't we fought (and won) this battle already?

Any other information on this T.A.?

JayBee Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Red Light Cameras?! Oh please, haven't we fought
> (and won) this battle already?
>
> Any other information on this T.A.?


Yes, the City wants to bring back Red Light cameras (as does Arlington - no surprise there).

Of course, when the City passed the Ordinance last year, the Council members were all saying that it was about safety, not profit. Good Mr. Drummond, who is listening in here, was all over the media talking about how it would be "revenue neutral."

But then surprise! This year's City Budget had built in $500,000 profit from Red Light cameras. In a tight budget year. So, you do the math. No profit motive? Get real. It's insulting to claim it's about safety.

There was some delay, and the City hasn't brought them out yet. I read they're targeting 10 intersections, and expect to have the ticket cameras operating in a few months.

I guess we have to pay for all those fancy new government buildings somehow. Have you seen that new Police Station/Taj Mahal?

Fairfax City's leadership needs a big change.

The new station was paid for off a bond referendum that over 2/3 of the City residents supported many years ago. No one will argue the police didn't need to get out of the asbestos ridden school buildings they were in previously.

Photo red light was re-authorized by the state last year with new restrictions - but hey, at least they aren't putting in speed cameras. Those are all about generating revenue, just ask DC that is now installing them everywhere.

If you can’t model the past, where you know the answer pretty well, how can you model the future? - William Happer Cyrus Fogg Brackett Professor of Physics Princeton University



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/21/2009 10:25PM by Registered Voter.

Wow, a ton of interesting comments since I posted a day ago. But overall, the question that pops into my mind is: What's wrong with these traffic planners?

It seems that every "improvement" just ends up making things worse. It's amazing how much of our time and fuel is wasted because of "Planners" and their silly ideas.

Any ordinary driver can rattle off a list of improvements that would make getting places easier, but the Planners suggest - and the politicians approve - stupid things that lack all common sense.

I think a lot of the Planners are motivated by a do-gooder mentality; that's their job I guess. But the politicians just soak it up without asking common-sense questions. We need people overseeing these Planners so that they don't mess more things up, since they're apt to do just that.

Registered Voter Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> Photo red light was re-authorized by the state
> last year with new restrictions - but hey, at
> least they aren't putting in speed cameras. Those
> are all about generating revenue, just ask DC that
> is now installing them everywhere.

Just wait. I bet in a few years, Virginia will authorize speed cameras too. Local governments are just salivating at their counterparts in DC and Maryland raking in the cash with these things.

Dan Drummond Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The City is also working on a traffic study to
> look at how much cut through traffic there is now
> as well as how ancillary neighborhood roads are
> affected. Studies were also done before the road
> was built,too, in case you are wondering. Also,
> along Linden and Armstrong I know their are
> concerns about traffic speeds. The transportation
> department and the police are aware and they are
> looking at traffic mitigation solutions. Hope to
> have some recommendations soon.

Well, you landlocked the folks on University, so not like they have any choice but to use Linden and Sideburn to get in and out of their homes.

Maybe one day the City will address the REAL problem of 123 where it goes down the hill at the old Public Library and narrows to two lanes. Fairfax County widens 123 South of the City, but the City still serves as the major bottleneck for north/south traffic transfers in the region. The other great decision was Roberts Rd, where they had an excellent opportunity to put in a light to help pull some traffic off 123 that was trying to cross the City, and instead made it a right turn only light. Sure, it was important to protect the 60 year old homes on Roberts that had no front yard to speak of... in that case they could have condemned a few more parcels of land before they were developed and pushed the road over. Instead, a couple of new homes, and the Farrcroft McMansions to ensure that there was no way to put an alternate route to Layton Hall in.

Seems the City Council feels Fairfax City downtown is a "destination". As they remove the few parking spaces they have and make it so pedestrians have to cross the busy streets to get to the stores, it makes perfect sense. Alexandria is a destination - Fairfax City is a massive speed bump.

If you can’t model the past, where you know the answer pretty well, how can you model the future? - William Happer Cyrus Fogg Brackett Professor of Physics Princeton University

I suspect someone on the council has close ties with people in the traffic planning industry.

Are all these studys subject to open bidding?

Emory Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Fairfax City's leadership needs a big change. needs to be bulldozed.

i fixed it.


"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."

The confusing left right/left/left turn from 123 to 236 gave me the final excuse to switch dentists from my parents' friend and dentist for 20 years. I am grateful to whomever responsible for the opportunity to avoid that dentist and that area in general.

Foster's Grille gone from the center of town...old library, still there....I'm sorry but Pot Belly's is not going to bring in tons of patrons and that stupid Metro Diner is a joke......Not to forget, Pacers, what a great location for a running store (it won't last much longer)...lights/no lights/no matter...the city needs some better engineering and businesses now....or Gravis is right...bulldoze it all

Metro Diner is awful. It's so awful that I have had a good amount of free food and shakes coming to me since February, and I can't bring myself to redeem it. It's uncomfortable to deal with the staff, the managers try too hard but still miss the major stuff, and the food is merely average even for diner food.

RESton Peace Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Metro Diner is awful. It's so awful that I have
> had a good amount of free food and shakes coming
> to me since February, and I can't bring myself to
> redeem it. It's uncomfortable to deal with the
> staff, the managers try too hard but still miss
> the major stuff, and the food is merely average
> even for diner food.

Yep, that place is terrible.

If you can’t model the past, where you know the answer pretty well, how can you model the future? - William Happer Cyrus Fogg Brackett Professor of Physics Princeton University

Reality Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Foster's Grille gone from the center of town...old
> library, still there....I'm sorry but Pot Belly's
> is not going to bring in tons of patrons and that
> stupid Metro Diner is a joke......Not to forget,
> Pacers, what a great location for a running store
> (it won't last much longer)...lights/no lights/no
> matter...the city needs some better engineering
> and businesses now....or Gravis is
> right...bulldoze it all

The City hosed that entire project up. Originally they were going to put some movie theaters in, and a large bookstore chain like Barnes and Nobles. Get a couple of anchor stores, etc. Problem was, they refused to deal with the 123 traffic issues. They could have done a major renovation of the roads, put in mixed use buildings with parking, and many other things with the space. Without the traffic fixes, they couldn't make it work - so they scaled it down to what is there now. What I loved is that when they took out the old Post Office, they had a cleared space all the way up to 123 that they could have used for larger storage/delivery areas, etc under the stores. Instead they bulldozed in enough dirt to fill the entire space, and then built on top of it.

If they had truly gone for mixed use structures, it would have added to the storefronts and added more living space for local residents.

Gravis is probably right - a bulldozer to the entire area and then a rebuild would have been good. Some of those buildings may have been historical at one time, but the stores and offices that now occupy them do little to promote the image.

If you can’t model the past, where you know the answer pretty well, how can you model the future? - William Happer Cyrus Fogg Brackett Professor of Physics Princeton University

RESton Peace Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Metro Diner is awful. It's so awful that I have
> had a good amount of free food and shakes coming
> to me since February, and I can't bring myself to
> redeem it. It's uncomfortable to deal with the
> staff, the managers try too hard but still miss
> the major stuff, and the food is merely average
> even for diner food.

I just drove by there this evening, and it looks like Metro Diner is closed. I'm not surprised; no one I know liked the place, and honestly that whole plaza development is disappointing. Just a bunch of second-rate places in a fancy brick building with a fountain. It's like a poor imitation of Fairfax Corner, but with an inconvenient layout and lousy tenants.

And also, why doesn't that set of buildings have a loading area? Or left-turn lanes to get into the parking deck? Almost every day, some kind of delivery truck is blocking one lane of either University or Chain Bridge Rd. And then everyone making a left turn into the place from Chain Bridge backs up traffic like mad.

Didn't the City see the need for these features in a new building? Or did they want to give us the Manhattan feel, with trucks blocking the already overcrowded roads?

Yeah, the non-inclusion of a loading area (other than that little stub in where a minivan can pull up to) was a classic touch. I guess they were looking for the new flat delivery trucks that could fit in the parking garage.

If you can’t model the past, where you know the answer pretty well, how can you model the future? - William Happer Cyrus Fogg Brackett Professor of Physics Princeton University

Registered Voter Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Gravis is probably right - a bulldozer to the
> entire area and then a rebuild would have been
> good. Some of those buildings may have been
> historical at one time, but the stores and offices
> that now occupy them do little to promote the
> image.



"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."

Proportionately, we seem to have a rather high number of alcohol related arrests in FFxCty and I was wondering if any particular area contributes more than others.
Does anybody know this?

httpp://www.fairfaxva.gov/Docs/PoliceArrest/Arrestees102009.htm

Clueless in Cobbdale Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Proportionately, we seem to have a rather high
> number of alcohol related arrests in FFxCty and I
> was wondering if any particular area contributes
> more than others.
> Does anybody know this?
>
> http://www.fairfaxva.gov/Docs/PoliceArrest/Arrest
> ees102009.htm

Hello everybody. I am a HOMOSEXUAL! Are there any others liketself out there?

--------------------------------
I am now in control of your internets.http://www.ipnow.org/

Clueless in Cobbdale Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Clueless in Cobbdale Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Proportionately, we seem to have a rather high
> > number of alcohol related arrests in FFxCty and
> I
> > was wondering if any particular area
> contributes
> > more than others.
> > Does anybody know this?
> >
> >
> http://www.fairfaxva.gov/Docs/PoliceArrest/Arrest
> > ees102009.htm


I'll try this link once more and if it doesnt take, it's on the Cty PD
website. Weekly arrest report.

http://www.fairfaxva.gov/Docs/PoliceArrest/Arrestees102009.htm

The City, much like any other jurisdiction in the County or local area, is a smaller area to patrol. If the County were to provide police services to the City area, you might have 2 patrol cars to deal with the entire area. They would also be pulled into other areas regularly to help with their issues. By having local police, you have more people that can more consistently patrol for traffic issues which is usually where you get your DWI arrests.

Other than that, you have your usual bar issues (not that many in the City) - usually the bars won't get special attention unless they are having other issues. Remember "The Rain" bar? They had a lot of permit issues due to the number of fights and other alcohol issues that came out of there, eventually leading to them closing their doors and leaving.

If you can’t model the past, where you know the answer pretty well, how can you model the future? - William Happer Cyrus Fogg Brackett Professor of Physics Princeton University

MrMephisfo Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hello everybody. I am a HOMOSEXUAL! Are there any
> others liketself out there?
>
> --------------------------------
> I am now in control of your
> internets.http://www.ipnow.org/

That's stupid.

Not nearly as stupid as you look fruppie. By the way.... Hello boys I am a HOMOSEXUAL! Are there any others out ther like myself?

------------------------------------
I am now in control of your internets.http://www.ipnow.org/

Pm me por pavor!!!! Me gusto homosexuals muchos!!!!! Si!!!!!!

Interesting discussion about the Fairfax City Police Department building. Ever wonder why Fairfax City Police Department with fewer than 100 total employees needs such a large building? Well just ask former Mayor John Mason and the 2000 City Council why they would support building a 30,000 square foot facility for fewer than 100 employees in the police department. Only about 50 employees actually work in the building on a daily basis – the rest of the department is patrolling the streets or not assigned to work. This is such a travesty and waste of taxpayers’ dollars. Far too much space for too few people...a really, really dumb idea fostered by former Mayor John Mason – a man who suffered and still suffers from delusions of grandeur! Remember Gary Rasmussen and Jeff Greenfield are still on the City Council and still screwing things up....perhaps May 2010 will see them leave the council at last.

Dane Bramage Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I must admit, the new traffic pattern at
> Armstrong/University is the most screwed up one
> that I have seen since my turtle ditch dodging
> days along the Korean DMZ.
>
> The engineering skills of planners 15 years ago
> were certainly substandard.
>
> All we need now are some really tall speed humps
> for traffic calming.

The traffic planners 15 years ago had nothing to do with the final product. Matter of fact, I am not sure who made the final changes, but they did not appear to be qualified to design an intersection. A couple of years ago the Council went through some options (they considered putting a "circle" in) - although the original idea seemed much better, with a small access entrance across from City Hall so folks in the neighborhood could still get in and out in a relatively normal manner. Instead that whole section is now like being in outer Siberia - even though the main drag is only 100 feet away from you.

Back 15 years ago, the road was supposed to be 4 lanes - but for some reason Council opted for the "scenic" two lane road instead.

If you can’t model the past, where you know the answer pretty well, how can you model the future? - William Happer Cyrus Fogg Brackett Professor of Physics Princeton University

@$$nuggets