Jeff Wu

The Gates of McLean annual meeting was held yesterday evening. There was a good agenda. It was filled with useful information and effective presenters. I was very happy to be able to help coordinate the attendance of the first presenters, the Dulles Metro and the HOT lanes. Both groups talked about their projects, the updates, the benefits, the construction, and the timing. There were good explanations of what they're trying to do to improve our area transportation options. The metro stop will be literally a block or less from the Gates of McLean. It could end up being a real benefit to the community. The HOT lanes will also have specific on and off ramps into the Tysons area. Both projects are slated to finish around 2013.

Next on the agenda was the Fairfax County Police. They gave a good presentation on safety in the community. It was stressed that everyone can be a part of this effort. All residents should make it a habit of noticing things in the community throughout the day, at all times. The residents are the eyes and ears of the police. And no one should be afraid to contact the non-emergency police phone number if they feel something is not right.

Then there was an update on the community budget. The general assessment will be going up 3% in 2009. It was stated that this is very low, compared to the norm, and compared to other communities. A CMC official that was present, said that one of his communities was raising their assessment by 14%. The board also mentioned that they worked hard to keep it as low as possible. They also mentioned that all residents are welcome, throughout the year, to be involved in the financial meetings and help plan the future budgets. This is not new.

The next item on the agenda was supposed to be an election to fill the 2 open board spots. This did not happen. A quorum wasn't reached so voting couldn't be held. There was a 5% shortage. Hopefully this can be overcome next time.

At the end of the meeting there were prizes drawn for residents who did attend. Although the overall attendance was much greater than the normal board meetings, it can still stand for improvement (as the lack of quorum evidences).

The speakers from Dulles Metro, HOT lanes, and the Fairfax County Police all had handouts. I have copies of them for anyone who missed the meeting.

All last month there were no sold properties in Shirlington Village (2720 Arlington Mill Dr, S - 22206). That means a Zero (0) for October. There were similarly Zero (0) in September, and Zero (0) in August. The last SOLD property in the building is shown as closing July 28th.

Right now there are 5 properties available for sale, and another 5 available for rent. One of which is listed both for sale and rent.

Sellers/Owners look for answers. At any given price something will happen, it's possible that many are not willing to go to that price. November and December, historically, are not known for an improvement in sales. We will see how 2008 closes out.

There is always the dog park!

(data taken from MRIS)

Vote for yourself! Right now! Today! Tomorrow! and Everyday!

It doesn't matter if it's an election year or not. Heck, I'm not even talking politics. And yet again I say, Vote for yourself! Everyday!

If you don't vote for yourself who will? Be your own best supporter. Whatever happens, know you did your best with what you had at that moment.

When talking about voting, I'm talking about three key things. None of which require waiting in line on a Tuesday.

(1) Attitude

Your first vote should be a vote of Attitude. Vote for yourself by choosing a positive attitude. Positive outcomes are most likely with this vote. I you think you can you are right. The other part of that popular quote doesn't matter. Make sure you, "Think you can." VOTE

(2) Education

Your second vote should be the vote of Education. Do something everyday to better yourself and your abilities. You will be more effective at what you do. You will enjoy what you do better. You will be better able to help your clients, friends and family. Equip yourself with the tools to success. Knowledge is the hammer to shatter any obstacles in your path. Vote!

(3) Activity

Your third vote should be the vote of Activity. Votes one and two are integral to your success. Once you have them you must get the body moving. Hands, arms, torso, legs, and feet, get them all in motion! Hopefully with some level of coordination. No this is not jazzercise (although I'm told that's good exercise - and fun too). This is about taking action to achieve success. Working towards whatever you consider to be your desired results. Vote!

VOTE FOR YOURSELF! now and everyday in the future.

I attended a presentation by both Dulles Metro + HOT lanes hosted by the McLean Citizens Association last night. It was informative on both the Metro, planned Silver line, and the HOT lanes planned for the beltway.



Right now I want to focus on the HOT lanes. The beltway is going to be widened so there will be 2 new lanes on each side. They will run almost all of the Virginia portion of the beltway. The 2 leftmost/innermost lanes will be for these HOT lanes. They will be pay for use. Or free for HOV-3. So free if you have 3 or more people in your car. Some interesting features for HOT lanes are that they will add exit and on ramps in the Tysons area. 3 new access areas for the Beltway.



The pricing for use, for non HOV-3 drivers, will be "dynamic." The goal of the administrators/controllers of the HOT lanes is to guarantee a speed of 45 miles per hour or more. In order to do this they will constantly monitor the usage and traffic on the HOT lanes and raise prices to price people out and keep the speed up.



Some concerns raised by those in attendance were:

- Enforcement of access to HOT lanes - making sure all those using were HOV-3 or paying customers

+

- Congestion at the "terminus" of the HOT lanes - It is understood that VDOT and it's private partners have good plans for the 45 mile per hour guarantee and the dynamic pricing, but what about when traffic comes up to the bridge and the rest of the beltway is already backed up from the Maryland side.



The response to the congestion was that Maryland is undergoing studies as to how to react accordingly now that HOT lanes are moving forward.



Although no one has the answers, it is exciting to see that VDOT is working to find solutions for our currently overwhelmed roads. These HOT lanes are set to open in 2012.

For more information right from the source check out =

http://www.virginiahotlanes.com/

Building a 21st Century Mainstreet
Dulles Corridor & Transit-Oriented Development Seminar Series Seminar #2:

Thursday, October 30, 2008 8:00 AM Registration & Continental Breakfast; Program: 8:30 - 10 AM Capital One 1680 Capital One Drive, McLean, VA 22102

Presentations: "Transforming Tysons: Vision and Area Wide Recommendations" Clark Tyler Chairman Tysons Land Use Task Force

"Thinking Outside the Transit Envelope"

Nat Bottigheimer Assistant General Manager Department of Planning and Joint Development Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

Special Guest

Gerald Connolly Chairman Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

RSVP by email info@tytran.org or call TYTRAN at 703-799-5394.