The Transportation Stakeholders' meeting this morning was quite interesting. The contractor doing the study (PBS&J) presented their modeling of the existing transportation infrastructure and various initial alternatives that are under consideration at the present time. The planning process is considering all forms of transportation, but the focus of infrastructure changes would of course be geared towards vehicles -- cars and buses, principally -- with some changes for metro access also being considered.

The vehicular alternatives presented included the possibility of two-waying some of the one way streets chiefly Lynn and Ft. Myer. Some of the corners and connections between blocks were being examined. (Note that it is also certain that Quinn St. will be extended through Wilson to Clarendon, albeit with something of a jog, but that is a done deal and does not depend on this study.)

Relative to buses, a large red flag that came up (and Rosslyn Renaissance refused to take off the table) was the consultant's proposal to deck over more of 66 to the west of the Gateway Park and use it to provide a bus loiter area -- the prospect of tens or maybe hundreds of buses running their engines just North of the Colonial Terrace area made me go ballistic (but it is only a remote possibility given Virginia Department of Transportation's reluctance to allow any additional decking over 66, even as a means of facilitating the Esplanade project and enhancing connectivity from Rosslyn to the River).

Other issues of relevance to the community included the skywalks -- an additional plea was made for their continued existence -- and the mid block unauthorized crossing of Ft. Myer Drive. The Rosslyn Working Group's proposal to have mid-block pedestrian access from Ft. Myer Drive through Central Place and to Arlington Ridge Road and the River was also discussed.

The consultants took all sorts of notes and it seems likely that there will be another meeting of the Stakeholders in the fall. Their final report is expected in December.

Jennifer

Jennifer,

Glad you're working on this, and particularly glad you're representing us on maintaining and improving the skywalk.

I join with you in your doubts about a major bus stop to be built above 66 at Nash, although perhaps for a different reason. Rosslyn should be a safe and convenient transportation hub. It's simply not fair to ask bus riders to walk several hundred yards to transfer from bus to subway. A long walk from bus to metro would reduce the attractiveness/utility of Rosslyn as a transportation center. If bus riders were represented on this transportation study, they'd also indicate that they want a transfer station near the metro.

As regards making Lynn and Ft. Myer two way, I think the support on this idea is limited to a few large property owners. The rest of us just want to make sure that traffic can get through central Rosslyn.

Mark Antell

Dear Mark:

The bus depot was proposed to be a bus queuing and loitering area where the buses would be able to run their engines and park while waiting to pick up riders elsewhere. It would be used by all bus services as well as tour buses. Thus, the principal problem with the depot is the location adjacent to residential community with the possibility of noise, fumes, and view deterioration.

Jennifer