June 2007 Arlington BAC meeting notes

I didn't go to the meeting so I can provide little beyond the official notes below.

Bicycle Parking Requirements for Private Development: Transportation Commissioners are concerned about bike parking within 50 feet of an entrance.

Plans for residential units are now required to include one rack for every 3 units instead of the previous one for every 10 units. Requirements for visitor bike parking at retail sites have also been doubled. Hotels were discussed but nobody knew the County requirements for hotels.

Locations for New Bike Racks: The County has 30 racks for installation. However, these are the new style racks and must be placed in concrete. Old racks (not adequate for County requirements) have been removed from Shirlington by Federal Realty, but have only been replaced by 2 U racks. More racks are needed there, however, there are plenty of rails in Shirlington adjacent to the sidewalks where bikes can be locked.  Racks were requested at the Caboose and Lee Harris Shopping Center.  The new racks won’t work out at the Caboose since they must be put in concrete. Also racks are supposed to be installed only on County Property or public-rights-of-way. Installation on private property is a problem.

Ballston Bike Center: WMATA has been notified and does not seem to have a problem with the new bike center. A survey was completed on the project. The existing facility is heavily used despite its poor state. WMATA is looking to improving bike racks at the East Falls Church Station.

I-66 Spot Improvements: The meeting maps only showed the existing situation on I-66. The County does not have drawings of the proposed widening. The State Transportation Board is moving ahead with the three areas which will be widened. VDOT has said the Custis Trail will not be impacted. There will be another public meeting late this summer. In the opinion of most BAC members, the last meeting was a joke. VDOT is also supposed to do a multimodal transportation study for the area.

Update on Transportation Enhancement Projects: Three projects were approved.

They are:

1. The Arlington Blvd. Trail Extension Study.

2. Meade St./Arlington Blvd. Study which would improve access to Iwo Jima Memorial area.

3. Metro bike parking improvements. The agreements have been sent to VDOT for approval.

(A fourth project included is for bike/pedestrian education programs).

There is also another tentative project for a bridge over Four Mile Run at Eads St. (to Alexandria).

Bicycle Friendly Community Reapplication (LAB): Paul DeMaio will take lead on the reapplication. It’s required every two years. There appears to be a definite increase in the number of commuters which should be documented.

County Board Ride: The consensus was that it should be in early fall. Items for consideration for the ride include: Metro bike parking, Crystal City reconstruction program, and bike parking at Crystal City/Pentagon City/Potomac Yards as well as visit to Four Mile Run. The major issue is to determine when the Board members will be available.

Recap of Arlington/Alexandria Community Bike Ride: There were approximately 650 people registered for the ride. There was concern that the number of participants was two low and a discussion continued on this issue. It was felt that WABA sent the notices too late and this should be improved next year. Also, further research is needed on what would be the best date. In addition, the members thought that putting a banner up advertising the event a few weeks prior to the event was a good idea.  Further research is needed as to where the County allows banners and other details. Overall it was thought the event went off rather well despite the rain. Police coverage was very good and route was well marked.  WABA supplied sufficient volunteers. However, we may want to consider a new start/finish area since there were complaints about the cooperation from the management office for Shirlington Village (Federal Realty).

Crystal City was suggested as an alternative. Some members thought the start/finish line should be moved every year to a different location if possible. This will also be researched further.

Updates on County and Other Projects:

Trail Issues:

W&OD Trail: Dominion Power will begin extensive work along the trail cutting back trees and brush. This is done on a three year cycle. The contact is Kathy McDaniel at 804-25-4904. The bridge near the Caboose needs work again. The County has ordered collapsible bollards to replace the steel bollards for all trails.

Four Mile Run Trail: Work on the Barcoft area trail has been completed except for the bridges. The one bridge destroyed by last year’s storm is being replaced. There is no timetable on the other bridge.

Important County Plans and Studies:

Crystal City study underway on transportation and bike element.  How will bikes fit in with a bus way or light rail? They would like to use 18th St. for bikes crossing Route 1.

The County is starting a similar study of Rosslyn.

There is some consideration to making Lynn Street and Fort Myer Drive two-way streets. Also an East Falls Church plan is being considered with Falls Church.

Shirlington Underpass: County will be opening bids beginning this Thursday. Cost is estimated to be $5 million including the sewer work.

County Board approval is scheduled for July 7.

Old Dominion Drive: Categorical exclusion approved. Project separated into two phases with construction approval expected by September 30.

Arlington Blvd. Trail Extension: Study agreement signed by County and awaiting VDOT agreement.

GW Parkway Trail Overpass: Environmental Assessment underway in conjunction with Gravely Point and North Tract areas.

Washington Blvd.Trail from Arlington Blvd. to Walter Reed (Phase I): Design completed and construction scheduled for this Summer or Fall.

Washington Blvd.Trail from Walter Reed Dr to S. Rolfe St. (Phase II): Additional funding needed for construction. Application for State Revenue sharing is currently under review.

Route 110 trail, Memorial Dr. to the Pentagon: Survey completed and design is underway.

S. Glebe Rd. And W. Glebe Rd. Pedestrian Improvements: Design is underway and being reviewed by VDOT.

Velodrome in Arlington: Members suggested using abandoned bridges in South Potomac Yards. (Probably not feasible)

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