Posts by Canaan Merchant — Elections Committee
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“Good Roads” and the push for complete streets today
Today’s push to improve streets for pedestrians and cyclists mirrors the push a century ago for paved roads. Both ideas stated small but grew to become popular movements by increasing public awareness. Over 100 years ago, maps of “Good Roads” led the push for paved roads by letting travelers know which roads were likely to be passable. In Slate magazine, Rebecca… Keep reading…
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Chris Zimmerman leaving Arlington County Board
Arlington County board member Christopher Zimmerman will step down early next year to join Smart Growth America. During his 18 years in office, Zimmerman was an outspoken board advocate for public transportation and smart growth. Zimmerman will become Vice President for Economic Development at Smart Growth America, a national advocacy group for sustainable transportation… Keep reading…
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Survey suggests DC residents are open to parking reform
DC residents say they rely on street parking, don’t have a lot of competition for street parking, and are open to reduced parking requirements, according to the results of a recent survey from Councilmember Anita Bonds. On Tuesday, Bonds released the results of her survey about parking in DC. Respondents answered questions about how many cars they owned if they owned any,… Keep reading…
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For parking reform, ask better questions
As the District debates changing the way it distributes parking permits, Councilmember Anita Bonds is surveying DC residents about their experiences with on-street parking. But if we really want to understand how parking works, the Council needs to ask the right questions. Previously, District residents could purchase ward-restricted residential parking permits (RPPs)… Keep reading…
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Arlington wants input on new temporary park
Arlington will create a pop-up park in Clarendon on land donated by the Korean Embassy, one of several being built in the neighborhood. Now, they want your help deciding what goes in it. Keep reading…
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Black box theater, public plaza coming to Virginia Square
Arlington’s Virginia Square neighborhood is a relatively quiet counterpoint to its busier neighbors, Ballston and Clarendon. But that may soon change as a black box theater, public plaza, and new cultural space come to the area as part of 2 private developments. Keep reading…
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Can Loudoun grow while protecting its rural areas?
For years, Loudoun County was one of the nation’s fastest growing counties and an instructive example of the downsides of sprawl. Meanwhile, it’s a nationally recognized center for horse breeding and for its wineries. How can the county manage ongoing growth without losing its rural areas? Running north-south from Point of Rocks to Aldie, US 15 bisects the county… Keep reading…
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Columbia Pike streetcar may still get federal funding
Arlington’s plans to use federal funding for the Columbia Pike streetcar hit a snag recently, when the project was not accepted into the FTA’s Small Starts grant program. Streetcar opponents took this news as a sign that the project is in trouble, but it’s not. The FTA isn’t turning down the project permanently. They are requesting changes and suggesting… Keep reading…
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Shocking rhetoric from John Townsend and AAA
This week’s Washington City Paper cover story quoted AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesman John Townsend calling Greater Greater Washington editor David Alpert “retarded” and a “ninny,” and comparing Greater Greater Washington to the Ku Klux Klan. Many other reporters, people on Twitter, and residents generally have clearly stated in response… Keep reading…
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Pedestrian safety fixes coming to Glebe Road in Ballston
Arlington is trying to make Glebe Road safer for pedestrians in Ballston with changes at several key intersections. These will make pedestrians safer, but as Ballston evolves into a more urban place, Glebe may need even more significant changes which VDOT may resist. Glebe Road is a major north/south artery in Arlington County running from the Chain Bridge to US 1 near the border… Keep reading…