Annandale’s Future Redevelopment Center: Light rail would certainly help
ENDEAVOR, July 2010
In 2010, Arlington County approved $3,000,000 for a two year plan and design study of the proposed 4.7 mile streetcar line running from Pentagon City to Skyline (Bailey’s Crossroads). This money will come from a fund created through a commercial real estate tax. On Columbia Pike the electric cars would run along the curb lane allowing passengers to use existing sidewalks as platforms while alleviating some rush hour traffic. This environmentally friendly transportation project will have 15 stops approximately one third of a mile apart with cars running every 6 minutes during rush hour. A constant flow of foot traffic will be created which allows for businesses to prosper and encourages redevelopment of the area translating into the addition of a variety of new retail and business establishments.
It had been hoped that Fairfax County would elect to extend the line along the remainder of Columbia Pike into Annandale. For now, this is not to be. In the County Comprehensive Plan the Board of Supervisors recognized that,
“One of the primary implications of the trends and forecasts for Fairfax County is that traffic conditions are likely to deteriorate further, even with extraordinary expenditures to improve the transportation infrastructure... A keystone policy for future planning and facilities includes achievement of a multi-modal transportation system to reduce excessive reliance upon the automobile.”
Annandale needs redevelopment. Annandale needs to attract a vast variety of new retail & restaurant establishments. Annandale needs immediate relief from rush hour traffic. The streetcar line extending to Annandale held out promise. Hopefully, the issue is not dead, just delayed.
Officials in Arlington County promote the benefits of a modern Streetcar Line:
- Attractive vehicles with large windows are compatible with the urban scale of the area and with the walkable “main street” environment Arlington is developing along Columbia Pike
- Electric motors and steel tracks provide a quiet, comfortable ride and encourage transit use
- Streetcars are large enough to handle increased ridership as the corridor redevelops
- Vehicles are powered from a single overhead wire that would have minimal visual impact
The streetcar line would encourage the private sector to invest in the revitalization of the corridor. (Based on the experience of cities such as Portland, Oregon and Tampa, Florida, the streetcar system would promote new development along Columbia Pike.)
For more information on the Street Car project or Fairfax County transportation issues: www.arlingtonva.us www.fairfaxcounty.gov www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fcdot
http://www.annandalechamber.com/portal/images/stories/endeavor/Endeavor_10_07.pdf
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www.annandalechamber.com
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ENDEAVOR, April 2011
Columbia Pike Streetcar Project ...update
A short summary of the Columbia Pike Streetcar Project was made available in the County’s annual report on the Environment. Currently, the project is in the Environmental Assessment phase. During this phase the following are being examined: environmental impacts, ultimate alignment, minor preliminary engineering, and financial strategy. Also being identified is a project sponsor or operator who will advance the project through full engineering, construction and operation. It is anticipated that funding will be provided through the Federal Transit Administration along with local and state transportation fund fees and taxes. Other funding options may also be required. Implementation is not in the immediate future.
For more information see:
http://www.annandalechamber.com/portal/images/stories/endeavor/Endeavor_11_04.pdf
or
www.annandalechamber.com
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December 2011
Columbia Pike Streetcar Update
In December 2011, Arlington County announced that the estimated cost, including contingencies, for the Columbia Pike Streetcar five mile line would be between $242 and $261 million. Both monetary inflation and the project scope has increased the costs. Federal funding will be sought to cover some of the costs.
"The project will both enhance the regional transit system by extending transit options beyond Arlington’s two Metro corridors, and benefit thousands of people living and working in and around Columbia Pike," remarked Arlington County Board Chairman, Christopher Zimmerman. Over the next 30 years, 2.2 millions square feet of commercial development and 7000 jobs are expected to be added to the Pike corridor. Additionally, 7,300 individuals in 3,900 homes are expected to take up residence.
In order to create environmentally friendly, convenient mixed-use centers throughout both Arlington and Fairfax Counties, reliable mass transit must be available. This streetcar project coupled with a user friendly bus system would enhance Columbia Pike's revitalization and livability
“Clearly, a streetcar-and-bus system is the best solution for people who live and work on the Pike and the people who travel along it between two major employment centers,” he said. “A streetcar will enhance the Pike’s livability, help realize the vision that Arlington and Fairfax have for this vital corridor, and help ensure its long term economic and environmental sustainability.”
For more information see:
www.annandalechamber.com
Reproduction of this article in whole or in part requires the permission of the author.
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