Washington Regional Network

 for Livable Communities
Washington Regional Network for Livable Communities

INTERSECT

Newsletter of the Washington Regional Network for Livable Communities
March 17, 2001 - Volume 5 Number 2

HOT Lanes - A New Tool for Managing Congested Roads

By Cassie Seiple, WRN Coordinator

When it comes to reducing congestion, "[there are] no magic bullets; this region has to utilize new technologies, smart choices and better finance public transportation" said Michael Replogle, the Transportation Director of Environmental Defense. He and Scot Spencer of Environmental Defense spoke at the March 13th WRN forum entitled "Pricing Highway Lanes—Who Benefits?". They advocated incorporating high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes into existing highway corridors and utilizing their revenue to expand transit opportunities.

HOT lanes allow solo drivers use high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes for a fee, while giving a free ride to carpools and buses. Replogle explained that a network of HOT lanes on existing highways could provide better and quicker congestion relief than building new roads like the proposed Intercounty Connector, new Potomac River crossings or Western Bypass which would only worsen sprawl. HOT lanes are being considered in Maryland for Interstates 270, 495 and 95, US 50 and are a current topic of discussion in Virginia.

Replogle demonstrated that HOT lanes have been successful elsewhere; San Diego’s I-15 HOT lane is self sufficient, generating $1.2 million a year, and has funded a new express bus service along its corridor. HOT lanes provide revenue and manage traffic flows. In response to audience questions, Replogle explained that as use grows, so does price thereby avoiding any congestion on HOT lanes themselves. HOT lane fees, higher in peak hours and discounted at other times, keep traffic flowing without wasting lane space like HOV lanes do. Replogle reported that federal funding is available for new non-stop electronic toll technology that would make HOT lanes easier to use. Replogle noted that HOT lanes in California are used by people of widely varying incomes who occasionally need to bypass traffic delays that disrupt their social, family, or work lives. Spencer described the need for equal access to jobs and services for the region’s lower income residents. Revenue from HOT lanes could increase transportation equity by supporting new transit services.

Replogle concluded that throwing more money into road construction will only delay worsening congestion. Replogle and Spencer emphasized that this region needs new management tools like HOT lanes which could manage traffic and expand transportation choices in the long term. For more information contact WRN for a copy of the forum presentation or visit www.mdotvaluepricing.com for information on Maryland’s value pricing study.

DC Policy Paper Promotes Affordable Housing

Market prices in the District are skyrocketing and as a result safe, healthy, affordable housing is disappearing at an alarming rate. Thirty-two per cent of DC renters are unable to afford the fair market cost of a two bedroom home. WRN’s "Housing Policy for the City: Proposals to Meet the Crisis in Affordable Housing in the District of Columbia" offers a list of policies and programs that could help the District take advantage of growing prosperity and build a comprehensive, city-wide, community-based strategy for ensuring the supply of adequate affordable housing. The proposals fall into two categories: those that protect low-income renters and home owners, such as a special fund to facilitate tenant ownership, and those that increase the supply of affordable housing such as inclusionary zoning, taking advantage of land around Metro stations, and split-rate taxation.

WRN board member Janet Welsh Brown, who developed the WRN paper, applied her research on affordable housing in recent testimony before several DC agencies. She emphasized the need to incorporate affordable residential units and to give priority to housing for low-income families, especially renters, within proposed development.

Advocacy groups recently circulated draft legislation purportedly from the Mayor’s office on "Housing Production in the District of Columbia." It is criticized for failing to provide adequate resources for those most affected by the affordable housing crisis and for its sweeping powers of building condemnation. Local organizations and housing advocates are responding with a constructive critique and alternative proposals to present the Mayor. Intersect will continue to cover regional efforts around affordable housing. WRN is seeking to work with allied groups to build a regional movement around fair share affordable housing. Contact the WRN office for a copy of the policy .

Smart Growth in the VA Legislature

By Stewart Schwartz

Smart growth groups played a role in blocking the Virginia sales tax bill championed by the business community. The legislation had earmarked $200 million for Potomac River (Outer Beltway) crossings, not included in currently approved plans. These and other proposed highways would have opened lightly developed areas of Northern Virginia to more sprawl. The bill insufficiently funded mass transit and neglected to fund bicycle and pedestrian facilities at all. However, the General Assembly did pass the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, a bill being reviewed by Governor Gilmore. In a letter to the General Assembly, environmental groups opposed the transportation authority saying that it would be less accountable to taxpayers, reduce funding and support for transit, and fail to address land use and air quality. The General Assembly also passed the state's first bill authorizing the split-rate property tax, a policy that increases tax rates on land while lowering rates on buildings and improvement. The bill allows Fairfax City to adopt split-rate property taxes which have proven helpful in Pennsylvania and elsewhere in promoting revitalization and investment in towns and cities.

DC at the Crossroads:

Recommendations for Better Transportation in the City

Friends of the Earth, working in partnership with over ten DC Environmental Network (DCEN) member groups, recently released a new report entitled, "DC at the Crossroads: Transportation Choices Today Could Bring Pleasant Living, Less Traffic Tomorrow."

The report cites pedestrian fatalities (a disproportionate 25% of which were in Ward 8) and increasing automobile traffic as cause for transportation reforms in the district. It includes over fifteen specific recommendations for the Mayor and City Council to expand transportation access for District residents, reduce traffic and air pollution and promote economic development. The report recommendations include:

  • Establish a dedicated funding source for Metro and work with WMATA to encourage mixed use of underutilized land around metro stations such as Ft. Totten, Rhode Island Ave., and Benning Road;

  • Split the property tax into two parts for properties near public transportation, thereby increasing tax on land and decreasing the tax on buildings, to encourage development near transit and to discourage vacant lots and abandoned housing;

  • Establish a complete system of bicycle lanes, paths and shoulders, adding 10 miles of dedicated bike lanes and 100 bike racks per year;

  • Act now to make intersections in city wards with the highest number of pedestrian deaths safer.

If development is carefully guided around existing transit and transportation investments and incentives are provided for a range of transportation choices, then City officials could translate development pressure into vibrant activity centers giving more people than ever access to jobs, shopping, and housing. Such revitalization would also contribute to a healthy region as more people choose to live and invest in DC rather than pushing sprawl development into the surrounding countrysides. Copies of this report can be viewed in pdf format at www.foe.org/pub/pub.html. For a hard copy, send a check for $10 to Friends of the Earth, attention: Publications Department/ 1025 Vermont Avenue. NW Floor 3/ Washington DC 20005, or call FOE at 202/783-7400 and ask for the Publication Department.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation Report Advocates Better Development Around Metro Stations

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is missing key opportunities to strengthen both its system and the communities that surround its Metrorail stops, according to a report released March 9, 2001 by CBF. According to the report, "Building Healthier Neighborhoods with Metrorail," by encouraging walkable residential and commercial development on and around the remaining land it owns near its transit facilities, WMATA can generate revenue, fight sprawl, reduce automobile dependency, and reduce pollution.

According to the report, WMATA has 300 to 400 acres in 16 or 17 sites that are appropriate for "joint development," a process through which WMATA sells or leases land it owns to gain revenue and support increased ridership. In the past, WMATA’s passive role in station-area planning or joint development has contributed to inconsistent station and station area development throughout the Metrorail system. The report recommends that the goals and operating criteria of the WMATA joint development process be changed to require transit-oriented development, or areas that can be reached by walking, bicycling and contain a mix of commercial and residential uses. "We should invest in our communities by giving people the opportunity to work, shop, and enjoy parks within walking distance of a Metro stop," says Lee Epstein, who directs CBF’s Lands Program. Other recommendations include streamlining the joint development process for developers and greatly increasing opportunities for public involvement in the joint development process.

This report is particularly timely because WMATA’s staff members will soon make joint development recommendations to its board of directors on seven key sites: Prince George’s Plaza, West Hyattsville, Brookland/CUA, Rhode Island Avenue, Wheaton, Forest Glen, and Grosvenor. Proposals at several other sites, including Huntington, College Park, Rockville, and New Carrollton are on hold until an agreement is reached on funding displaced parking at the stations.

You can access the report at CBF’s website, visit: http://www.cbf.org/resources/ news_room/pr/pr_2001_03_09.htm.

Citizens Rally Support for Rail in Virginia and Maryland

On Feburary 20, 2001, citizens and activists from neighborhoods across metropolitan Washington rallied and testified in support of the Virginia segment of the proposed Purple Line of the Metro. While on March 12th, over 150 citizens traveled by bus to Annapolis to rally in support of Governor Glendening's transit funding proposal.

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transit (DRPT) is studying rail alternatives, under legislation spearheaded by Delegate David Albo, for the Beltway Corridor from Springfield to Tyson's Corner and connecting to Maryland. The study is demonstrating solid ridership and feasibility for rail. Smart growth groups continue to urge that the study not assume Beltway widening and that it incorporate analysis of the benefits of compact, mixed-use development in the station areas. In addition, the groups urge that the rail study be re-incorporated as an alternative in the Beltway Environmental Impact Study underway by the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Marylanders rallying in favor of Gov. Glendening’s $750 million transit package advocated funding enhanced Metro service, maintenance of existing track, and expanded bus service. Evidence of reduced congestion at the Wilson Bridge and other commuter routes in conjunction with the opening of the Green Line is demonstrating the value of rail transit for reducing traffic congestion. It also strengthens the case for the Purple Line, for which supporters also seek funding. Previously released figures from the Maryland Beltway rail study showed that a Purple Line would carry at least 26,000 riders per day at the Woodrow Wilson Crossing, 37,500 from Bethesda to the University of Maryland, and 30-40,000 from Tyson’s Corner to Montgomery County.

"The combination of rail with the creation of mixed-use walkable communities with transit access, holds the key to reducing traffic congestion in the region and to reducing air pollution," said Stewart Schwartz of the Coalition for Smarter Growth.

Welcome New WRN Coordinator & Farewell to Deborah Katz

By Cheryl Cort, WRN President

We would like to introduce Cassie Seiple, the new coordinator for WRN. Cassie recently graduated from Oberlin College in Environmental Studies and is interested in community development. WRN wants to thank Deborah Katz for her excellent and dedicated work as WRN Coordinator. Deborah has organized our forums and been the primary moving force behind the production & distribution of the Intersect newsletter you are reading now. During the past four years, Deborah has been essential to and instrumental in WRN's accomplishments. Deborah has gone on to pursue her dream as a professional Emergency Medical Technician. She will continue to volunteer with WRN working on the "Solutions to Sprawl" slide show and speakers bureau. Thanks again to Deborah for years of service and her continued commitment to WRN as a volunteer.

Job Listings

  • The Shaw EcoVillage Project, Inc. is hiring both a Program Director, and five Team Leaders for the Youth EcoDesign Corps. The Program Director is responsible for planning and operating day-to-day operations of the Youth EcoDesign Corps, an innovative leadership program for Washington, D.C. youth. Team Leaders will lead a team of 5 high school students through a real-life community based project for 35 hrs a week 6/01-8/01. Contact Ondine Wilhelm, Shaw EcoVillage Project 1701 6th Street, NW Washington, DC 20001, ondinew@erols.com, 202-265--8899.

  • League of American Bicyclists, the national organization of cyclists, is seeking a Director of Government Relations to work with Congress, DOT, EPA, National Parks Service, transportation and environmental advocacy organizations, and local bicycle advocacy groups across the country. Send cover letter and resume to 1612 K Street NW, #401, Washington, DC 20006, or fax to 202-822-1334.

  • PIRG seeks one or more National Environmental Program Coordinators who will work closely with PIRG environmental advocates, to provide input on campaign development and implementation. Visit the PIRG web site at www.pirg.org for more information. Submit your cover letter and resume to: csheth@tdcorp.org.

Upcoming Events

  • Mon. March 19, 12:30-1:30 pm - Smart Growth Speaker Series lecture: "The Technological Revolution Downtown and on the Suburban Fringe." Joel Garreau, author of "Edge City: Life on the New Frontier," will discuss how the urban fabric of the 21st century is beginning to look like the 18th century, only cooler. Free; National Building Museum, 401 F Street N.W, Washington D.C. (Judiciary Square Metro)

  • Wednesday, March 21, noon-2pm - Transportation Planning Board (TPB) public comment and official meeting. 777 N. Capital St, NE (Union Station Metro). For more information call 202-684-5923 or visit www.mwcog.org/trans/cmtes.html.

  • Wednesday, March 21, 6:30-8:00 pm - City of Trees: Restoring Washington DC’s Green Canopy

  • Landscape designer Sarah S. Boasberg will discuss the current efforts to return the city's urban forest to its former glory with James Sherald, chief of natural resources and sciences at the National Park Services Center for Urban Ecology, and Dan Tangherlini, acting director of the Division of Transportation in the D.C. Department of Public Works. $8 Museum members; $12 nonmembers. Reservations required. Call 202-272-2448 ext. 3555

  • Thurs, March 22, - DC Bicycle Advocacy Day. Bicycle activists will discuss bicycling priorities including the reestablishment of the DC Bicycle Advisory committee, and the need to keep accident statistics for bicyclists and pedestrians in an issues briefing from 5:30-7:30pm in the offices of the council of DC, 441 4th St. NW, 7th floor. To participate in Advocacy Day, contact the WABA office 202-628-2500 e-mail: waba@waba.org.

  • Monday, March 26, 7:30pm - Public Meeting Kemp Mill Park and Trail Concept Plan. Learn about and provide input on the park and trail concept plan for Kemp Mill area including Northwest Branch, Sligo Creek and Wheaton Regional Park. Free copies of the plan are available at the 2nd floor information and publications counter8787 Georgia Ave., MNCPPC Auditorium 8787 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring., Silver Spring. For more information, contact 301-650-4392.

  • Saturday, March 26 8am-4pm - Anacostia River Forum. Come learn the truth about the Anacostia River, its pollution, and how it affects you, and efforts underway to clean up the river. A group of concerned citizens, organizations, and industries is planning this citizen-friendly event about the state of the river and how we can revitalize and protect it. Savoy Elementary, Anacostia Metro.

  • March 26-28 - "Planning for the 21st Century" The VAPA is hosting their 2001 Annual Conference in Rosslyn, VA. Topics to be covered include: New Approaches to Curbing Sprawl, Northern VA's Land Use/Transportation Study, Transportation and Land Use Planning Toolbox, Rail to Dulles, Environmental Corridors, and Infill Development in Virginia. For more information, visit: http://www.vaplanning.org/.

  • Thursday, March 29 7:30pm - Potomac Master Plan Public Hearing. Planning board hearing on the Staff Draft Plan (visit: www.mc-mncppc.org/master_plans/potomac/potomactoc.htm). 8787 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD.

  • Thursday, March 29 - Trash Transfer Stations. Follow-up to the Citizen’s Summit last month. For more information contact 202-610-3360.

  • March 29 or March 31st - Grasses for the Masses, Year Three with The Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Learn how to grow underwater grasses at home to use for the upcoming season’s grass plantings. To register, contact Nina Luxmoore at 703-684-5923 or e-mail nluxmoore@savethebay.cbf.org.

  • Saturday, March 31st, 9:00 am-Noon - Audubon Naturalist's Discussion and Walk on "How to restore fish migration to Rock Creek" On a three-hour walk led by Neal Fitzpatrick and Bill Yeaman, view the spawning run and discuss opportunities for restoring fish migration to Rock Creek. Register online: www.audubonnaturalist.org/eereg.htm. Or call 301-652-9188, ext. 10.

  • April 1-3 - 3rd Annual Virginia Bike Walk Conference, Charlottesville, VA Double Tree Hotel. This conference is for citizen advocates, local, state and federal agency officials, educators, public safety officials, transportation and recreation planners, and others who want to make Virginia more "biking and walking friendly." For more information or to sign up visit: http://www.bikewalkvirginia.org/3rdannual.html.

  • Saturday, April 7, 9am-noon rain or shine - The 13th Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup. Coordinated by the Alice Ferguson Foundation. Over 100 Cleanup Sites; to find a cleanup site near you call 301-292-6665 or visit www.potomaccleanup.org.

Support Intersect, Join WRN

This newsletter is a free service to those interested in creating more livable communities. Please help WRN continue to report on these issues; join WRN and support Intersect. WRN welcomes all donations but a basic membership is $35 for individuals and $200 for organizations.

WRN would like to thank the following for their recent contributions: Bruce Adams, Janet Welsh Brown, Loren Bruce, Clement Dinsmore, Fran Meyer, Hugh Morris, Ann Powel, Doug Siglin, Kyle Walton, Carol Weisner, Bill Wilkinson, Steven Waters, Jeff S. Lee.

INTERSECT! is a publication of the Washington Regional Network for Livable Communities.

WRN advocates transportation investments, land use policies, and community designs that enhance existing communities and the environment of the National Capital Region.

Contributions help cover the costs of producing INTERSECT as well as WRN's other activities including forums, workshops, and reports. WRN Contribution Form.

Cassie Seiple, Intersect Managing Editor.
Comments and articles welcome

Views expressed are not necessarily those of WRN.

    Washington Regional Network for Livable Communities
    1777 Church Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20036 
    Phone: (202) 667-5445  ¨ Fax: (202) 667-4491
    Email: staff@washingtonregion.net

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