Posts by Canaan Merchant — Elections Committee
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Virginia’s unpaved roads bill acknowledges that it’s not all about cars
Virginia legislators are considering a bill that would repair preserve nearly 300 miles of unpaved roads in western Loudoun County. While it may not seem relevant to the state’s urban areas, it would make the state consider more than cars in assessing the needs of a street. HB 416, sponsored by Delegate Randy Minchew (R-Leesburg), requires the Virginia Department of Transportation… Keep reading…
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Valentine’s cards for that special person who completes the street in your heart
Valentine’s Day is coming up, but what do you do if your love for urban planning is eclipsed only by the love for your spouse or significant other? Reader Nick showed us how to combine the two with these cards from from the appropriately-named Planning Love blog. Keep reading…
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VA legislative update: Bike safety bills advance, while some still try to limit Northern Virginia
As Virginia’s legislative session continues, House Republicans are still trying to take local planning authority from Northern Virginia cities and counties. Two bicycle safety bills have moved forward. And Hampton Roads may get a regional transportation authority of its own. Bike bills seek to prevent “dooring” Two bicycle safety bills have passed… Keep reading…
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Captain America obliterates Rosslyn and Roosevelt Island
If you’re like me, then you’re probably pretty excited for the next Captain America movie, The Winter Soldier, coming out in April. Set in a reimagined DC, the film has a very different vision of Arlington’s waterfront: Keep reading…
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The Silver Line could mean a big expansion for Reston Town Center
As the Silver Line arrives in Reston, Fairfax County is working on an update to the area’s master plan, looking at ways to accommodate new growth while encouraging transit use. A planned community that began construction in the 1960’s, Reston‘s urban vision has evolved over each successive phase. The original concept was for a suburban community that retained… Keep reading…
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VA legislative update: Hybrid tax going, but bills to limit Northern Virginia remain
As the Virginia legislative session continues, lawmakers in Richmond have agreed to remove the hybrid car tax, and successfully defeated an attempt to take away Northern Virginia’s ability to plan and fund its own transportation projects. But several destructive bills, including one that could force the state to widen I-66 in Arlington, are still on the table. Hybrid… Keep reading…
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Was last year’s Virginia transportation bill a bait and switch?
Last year, Virginia legislators passed a bipartisan transportation bill that promised to give Northern Virginia the authority to plan and fund its own transportation projects. Now that the money is flowing, a bevy of new bills seek to wrest control of funding from locals, and send it back to Richmond. The issue is that some legislators feel the only way to solve Northern Virginia’s… Keep reading…
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Virginia General Assembly rolls up its sleeves
Virginia’s 2014 General Assembly is officially in session. As usual, there are plenty of proposed bills that could affect urban areas. Here are some of the key ones to follow. Bills that look promising: SB97, requiring car drivers to leave three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist. HB761, allowing local governments to hire transit fare inspectors and to… Keep reading…
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With its biggest supporter gone, will the Arlington streetcar stay on track?
One of the Columbia Pike streetcar’s biggest supporters has been Arlington County Board member Chris Zimmerman. Now that he’s stepping down, who takes his place could have a big impact on the project’s future. Of the four candidates running to replace Zimmerman in a special election this spring, one is opposed to the streetcar between Bailey’s… Keep reading…
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Bike group asks Arlington for land to build headquarters
Arlington is Virginia’s smallest and densest county, meaning space is at a premium, especially public space. Nonprofit organizations have recently asked Arlington to build on county-owned properties. But will their proposals benefit the public? Phoenix Bikes, a nonprofit youth program and community bike shop, wants permission to build a new headquarters on county… Keep reading…