LTE: Metro a Burden for Loudoun
One Sterling resident believes that the even with rail to Loudoun, stations in Fairfax will reap all the rewards.
To the Loudoun County Board Members,
Well done to board Vice Chairman Janet Clarke, on her analysis and summary letter.
Pushing Silver line just far enough into Loudoun to be able to tax us was a bad deal for Loudoun from the beginning. Surely it's clear that it's a worse deal now. We have every right to decline to participate after the original plan was discredited.
Anyone who thinks that two-mile Loudoun tax district will see property value increases like those of, for example, Tyson's Corner is in the wrong line of work. Loudoun clearly can't absorb the tax load that, for example, the huge business base in Tyson's Corner can.
Tysons and Reston developers will be the major beneficiaries of the Silver line. I'm very comfortable with them taking on the cost of the extension to Dulles.
The proposed bill to Loudoun to support metro construction is nowhere near a reasonable cost for value received and will likely damage the Loudoun economy. Two miles of track past the airport ... for $1.5 billion? That doesn't sound like a deal anyone should put a dime into. But the annual levies that Metro and MWAA will impose on Loudoun will be a burden forever.
What is Loudoun's recourse if we feel that the annual bills become too high, or represent an unfair share? To answer, just look at our lack of recourse to fight the unbelievable escalation of tolls for the Dulles Access Road ... and we already *paid* to build that road. We certainly can't vote them out of office.
Once they have taxing authority (imposing annual levies, raising rates on Dulles Access Road, etc.) without the accountability of an having to face an election, Metro Board/MWAA will be impossible to oppose by checks and balances.
Keep unaccountable Metro/MWAA governance outside of Loudoun.
We don't need to speculate. Metro Board/MWAA has proven that they are:
- willing to burden residents with enormous taxes (by their plan for Dulles Access Road),
- not competent to run the project (by the cost overruns and the current state the of metro operation),
- non-responsive to citizens (Despite a major uproar, it took Federal intervention to reverse their bad decision on the Airport Metro station.)
To test Loudoun's ability to influence Metro/MWAA governance forums, send them a proposal to set aside the current plan for Dulles Access Tolls, and settle for a mere 100 percent increase over the toll at the time they took over the (fully paid off) road (i.e. raise to $1.50, with MWAA taking $.75). In addition, Loudoun should be able to veto any toll increases in the future. An accountable tax authority would probably update their resumes before implementing a 100 percent increase. Consider what the MWAA's response to that proposal would be as you consider our future under their control.
There are tough decisions on your agenda every LC Board of Supervisors meeting, folks, but if you are thinking about the best interests of Loudoun citizens (present and future) this should really be a no brainer. We're all counting on you.
Sincerely,
Fritz Schulz
Long time Sterling resident
Tax Pig
11:28 pm on Saturday, June 16, 2012
Wow Fritz, I like the ideas you put forward, esp. getting tough on tolls. Taking those tolls as a given is a mistake, and I don't mean we should ask the state to dump money into Metro to lower tolls. Loudoun needs to negotiate hard and not just say yes sir, no sir.
Mr. Schulz is correct that costs are out of line. $1.5B is based on numbers from the Metro people. Actual cost of overhead and rebuilding the 106 mile system could be much much more. Add to that the cost to Loudoun for infrastructure, schools, roads and more, and this comes apart....and all at a time when government should be very careful with every cent.
If the U.S. Government Can Opt Out of Phase 2, Why Can’t Loudoun?
http://loudounoptout.blogspot.com/2012/06/if-us-government-can-opt-out-why-cant.html
Today I delivered some fliers to people around one of the towns in Loudoun and heard the same comments over and over, 'No more taxes and who needs Metro'
Janie Oldham
1:56 am on Sunday, June 17, 2012
Why doesn't our board of supervisors make a better deal for Loudoun? Why have they not negotiated anything with MWAA? Why does MWAA get to decide everything for the metro and the Dulles Toll Road? They aren't even elected and don't have to answer to anyone.
Better yet, just get out of the whole deal and let metro end at the airport. We can drive the extra 2 miles, and avoid the bills and avoid dealing with MWAA altogether. Just opt us out!
Tax Pig
5:46 am on Sunday, June 17, 2012
YEP!!!
CC Mojo
9:39 am on Sunday, June 17, 2012
Oh good, more flyers. Those go over well, I hear.
You can't end Metro at the airport and expect Loudoun to have the same amount of benefits as the stations in Ashburn. Don't believe the opt-out lies and deception.
Tax Pig
8:58 am on Monday, June 18, 2012
CC since you would like to discredit Opt Out, please direct the public to what you consider to be a good source of information. You ought to ask your supervisor if they are making any effort to enlighten people before assessing new taxes. I've heard at least one supervisor say he didn't think it was necessary to tell people ahead of time. That was Matt L.
http://www.change.org/petitions/loudoun-county-board-of-supervisors-oppose-the-creation-of-a-special-metrorail-tax-district
Comments from Ashburn:
Felton Lighty
6 days ago
1 person likes this reason
Metro in Loudoun is a half baked idea that will taint our beautiful neighborhoods, look at Springfield Mall for example. After they built the metro going through there years back crime spiked, just like it will if it is allowed to come through Loudoun. The Riff Raff will have frequent access to our neighborhoods. Also, why should I be taxed for something I'll never use. If its forced down our throat then it should be paid for solely by the people that ride it. If the board of Directors approve it, then the ones that were for it need to get ousted!
CC Mojo
9:35 am on Monday, June 18, 2012
Piggie, I don't need to discredit you... oh, I mean the opt-out gang, you all do a fine job of that yourselves.
I'd love to know which Supervisor(s) you are implicating in your assertion that they are not performing the duties of the office to which they were elected. Much like everything else you post from LOO, if there's nothing to back it up, it's pretty likely that you're just fabricating yet another lie.
MIke
2:40 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
As a resident of ashburn, and a taxpayer, The opt out folks numbers and statements make more sense to me.
BCan
12:56 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Tax Pig,
people think that your argument is a joke because your campaign is willing to pull anything they can to stop Metro rather than weighing the options. So far, I have heard that traffic will get worse, that there will be increased crime, and that Mr. Fuller's report is completely fictitious, among many other things. Lets see if I can clear up any of these misconceptions...
After much research, I have not found any documents regarding the traffic impact of the Metro. On the Loudoun Opt Out website, it says that traffic will decrease traffic by 1.5 %. This source was not cited and therefore has no credibility. In fact there is no given context for how the traffic would be reduced this much. However I will say that if this statistic is correct, then the Metro truly is doing its job of reducing traffic in an ever-growing county. Think about it this way: if Loudoun County's population doubles by 2040, and traffic is actually being reduced (and not increasing) then that is significant proof that the Metro is doing its job.
Tax Pig, you just cited Springfield Mall/Metro station as an example of how Metro has brought crime. After some research about that area, I found that Springfield mall has been in decline for many years. Unfortunately this is because the retail market has changed and the indoor mall is becoming obsolete. Unlike the other NoVA malls, Springfield Mall has been long overdue for a renovation and therefore has not attracted the same following.
Daniel Davies
10:13 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
@BCan
Thanks for the heads-up on that, the website has been updated with the charts from MWAA and the Dulles Corridor Rail Project's own documents. If you won't take our word for it, will you take MWAA's?
http://loudounoptout.blogspot.com/p/traffic-solution.html
Melvin Summers
8:18 am on Monday, June 18, 2012
Ending the Metro at the airport would have zero benefit to Loudoun. We need the station to go into Ashburn. The only reason Fairfax county is benefitting more from Metro, is because they have more stations. Simple math, more stations equals more benefits, zero stations equals zero benefits.
Yes to Metro
joe brewer
10:01 am on Monday, June 18, 2012
The Myth Buster posted on another thread about all the Ashburn HOAs that were in but changed their minds when they found out they would be part of the tax base. Guess that changes the WTOP poll numbers a bit. mojo he told you, Matty! Pay attention!
Bob Bruhns
10:42 am on Monday, June 18, 2012
Nobody wants to pay for Dulles Rail Phase II, so everybody tries to push the costs onto somebody else.
This is why we no longer hear the argument about how building values will skyrocket right near the stations - because then, people might say "Well, then they need to PAY for this!" That argument got scuttled real quick.
Meanwhile, the costs are much worse than our leaders and the news media are telling us - and worse yet, half of that cost is simple overcharge. The organizations that gave us these 100% bloated estimates should be called to account right now, but you notice that doesn't happen. That's because the Supervisors know that the estimates would not stand the light of day, so they whistle nervously and look the other way. And the Supervisors who are against this rail ripoff - why are they not demanding justification from the estimating groups? Is this Amateur Hour, or is this the biggest infrastructure job in the history of this region?
Given that, and the recent Inspector General report on MWAA, I'd say this is Amateur Hour. People, how can you allow this charade to continue?
And speaking of charades, Loudoun County tried to pull a sneaky trick on its general taxpayers by just happening to forget all about a tax district until a few weeks before this decision. That was no accident - a tax district was being discussed two years ago. But somebody told the Supervisors to cease and desist, and they obeyed. Money talks, I think.
abroderick
11:28 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
You say no one wants to pay for it, but honestly I don't mind. I will pay taxes on it because I see the value in it. It will benefit me because, unlike you, I live in Loudoun County. This is a decision that effects me and those people around me. The general consensus is a welcoming attitude. We know that nothing is free in life. We are not stupid, as you have implied. I am willing to see a raise in my tax money to see the benefits of Metro.
MIke
2:37 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
Thank you so much Fritz. More and more of my neighbors are starting to wake up and realize how bad a deal Metro to Loudoun is.
Loudoun supervisors... vote NO to Metro to Loudoun!
Luisa
8:38 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
More & more of your neighbors? I seriously doubt it. Let's pretend that's true, you must not live anywhere in Loudoun County where it takes 45 minutes to get down the street. That's how it is where I live and I don't know one single person that is against the metro. Not one. Can't wait to finally benefit from the taxes I will happily pay....YES to metro in Loudoun County!
MIke
10:27 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
@Luisa, I do live in Loudoun, in Ashburn, and yes.. once my neighbors see how it will be paid for, and how little benefit they will see from metro vs improving the existing infrastructure, and the potential for taking money from schools (Tax dollars that could have gone to schools being routed to the mismanaged MWAA) Its easy for them to agree with not allowing the metro to run into Loudoun. Its going to Dulles airport, and we are happy about that, because we don't have to pay for it.
We are taxed enough. No new taxes for Metro.
Kent Clizbe
3:58 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012
Many of those who are pro-Metro mention that a reason they support Metro is Loudoun has slow traffic and long drive times. First, unless you are one of the few dozen people who live close enough to walk to a station, you'll drive to the Metro and park. Then you'll walk from the parking lot to the station. Then you'll wait in line to buy a ticket. Then you'll wait around for a train to leave. Then you'll wait some more when the train is broken. Then you'll wait some more when the driver is late. Then you'll wait some more for the tracks to clear. Then you'll wait some more because a door is stuck. Then you'll wait some more for some unknown reason. And your entire trip in will be like that. That's Metro-Reality.
Supporters seem to imagine some sort of Metro-Fantasy where a train is idling at the edge of the road, just waiting to whisk them off to their destination. There is no Metro-Fantasy. Metro sucks. For full details see the website: unsuckdcmetro.com
The Baconator
8:56 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
The only burden here that bothers me is the traffic burden in this area. I have never seen such traffic jams or had it take 45 minutes to make a 10 minute drive. I am so sick of sitting in traffic every morning. We need the Metro, vote YES Loudoun supervisors, vote YES!!!!!
Stacey F
9:42 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
It's a no-brainer to say YES to Metro! MWAA is under intense scrutiny, and they are actively changing policies.
This fear people have of progress is astounding! Metro has been on the way forever, and now that we actually have a shot at it, there's this tiny group of people out screaming on the street corner with a megaphone.
J Williams
10:42 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
Perhaps Tysons Corner has the huge business base that it does because It has the infrastructure in place that Loudoun lacks. Many businesses look for locations with rail..with reliable public transportation, and those businesses will pass us by since we lack the rail. Growth is coming and the rail is a needed component of that growth.
Sunshine Daisy
11:40 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
**Perhaps Tysons Corner has the huge business base that it does because It has the infrastructure in place that Loudoun lacks.**
Excellent point! My parents say the growth of the area the last 40 years has been amazing.. but to keep up with the next 40 years.. we need the Metro!
TISH G
12:00 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
in light of Rodney King's passing, "can't we all just get along?"
If you want the Metro.. ride it.. if you don''t... dont ride and look into moving. We need it in the area!
MIke
10:32 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
I've been a resident of Ashburn since 2003, and I should move because you want metro?
I moved to Ashburn to get away from the metro.
Perhaps the inverse would be easier, if you want a metro stop in YOUR backyard, you could move to where the metro IS ALREADY.
Whats good for the goose, should be good for the gander.
Melvin Summers
9:32 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
We need to put the proper infrastructure in place because the county has grown by leaps and bounds but our infrastructure has not. We have serious problems with traffic and they are only going to get worse.
Yes to Metro!!!
MIke
10:29 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Melvin, then lets improve rt28 further, and bus people to Dulles. MUCH cheaper than getting in bed with the mismanaged MWAA and the never ending tax bill that will be called Metro.
Vote NO to metro to Loudoun!
Sherri Isbister
12:59 pm on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Hard to tell who Le pig is!!!!
Kent Clizbe
4:07 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012
For those who continue to live in Metro-Fantasy land, here's Metro-Reality today, courtesy of unsuckdcmetro.com.
A miserable wretch of a commuter details her Metro torture:
8:30 a.m.]: Arrive at Grosvenor/Strathmore Metro station. See way, way too many people on platform. Finally check wmata.com, notice trains are single-tracking between Van Ness and Dupont Circle. Groan and roll my eyes, but stay positive -- website indicates only 15-20 minute delays.
[10:20 a.m.]: Arrive in Bethesda. Have made it approximately 1.5 miles in almost two hours. Have had better days.
[10:25 a.m.]: Still holding in Bethesda. Finally, conductor has the courtesy of informing us as to why we're holding: "Um. There's some sort of emergency downtown. Holding indefinitely." Look up to see I am not the only one who is slightly alarmed. Then ponder the thought process that Metro conductors must have to say "emergency downtown" to people who are tired, hot, agitated and live in the nation's capitol.
[10:35 a.m.]: Finally depart Bethesda.
[11:35 a.m.] Arrive in Dupont Circle.
[11:38 a.m.] Metro has the nerve to charge me $3.90 for a three-hour commute that should have taken no more than 25 minutes.
The video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERc0rN75TaM
Metro-FantasyLand is a figment of your imagination. Why would you want to buy a sunken ship (not sinking, sunk). Metro is a failed, corrupt, crony-laden money pit.
Sherri Isbister
8:19 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012
Same thing can happen on a plane or driving. One story does not a book make.
Sherri Isbister
8:20 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012
Gee thanks for explaining what a Metro is!
Kent Clizbe
9:03 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012
Sherri,
One story doesn't make a book? Okay, then, let's make a book. These horror stories happen every day in Metro-Reality. Check 'em out at the source: http://unsuckdcmetro.blogspot.com/2012/05/metro-takes-safety-gamble-with-platform.html
"On Monday, I was at Farragut West when the platform there was so crowded [because of a broken train] I felt like if someone sneezed, I would be blown onto the tracks.
Thinking my Metro bad luck was over for the week, I ended up at Metro Center (see above) last night, and it was even worse! Super dangerous!
How can Metro get away with it?
I understand that part of the [Metro Center] problem was a sick rider, but I think Metro should have better communications in place so that people can avoid the situation. I got nothing in my email before heading in.
When I got to the station, there was no warning about what was going on inside, so I swiped my card. Once I saw the chaos, my first reaction was to get out, but knowing I'd have to pay just to leave made me think twice about handing Metro my money for nothing. Human nature, right? I did end up leaving."
Kent Clizbe
9:09 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012
How about another chapter? Let's title this one "Violent Shake-down in Metro-Reality World." Yeah, that's the ticket. Why can't we have more of this in Loudoun?:
"My roommate has since notified the Metro authorities (at her home station of Silver Spring after no security was present at her destination station). She also notified a Montgomery County officer upon returning home, but has not received much support on the matter; instead, the officer said that he couldn't do anything about the situation because my roommate didn't need immediate medical attention. We realize that this may be because the event occurred beyond his jurisdiction. She did receive some information from a station manager in Silver Spring who said that this gang of aggressive panhandlers has been active for a year and a half. He mentioned that he has received reports of them spitting on and threatening patrons who do not give them "donations" (mostly targeting single travelers, regardless of gender/race). Despite these reports, the transit police have neglected to do anything about this. To our knowledge, the attack on my roommate is the first reported case of this group committing physical assault on a person refusing to provide money."
http://unsuckdcmetro.blogspot.com/2012/05/any-other-victims-of-violent.html