The issue of the Lamar narrowing went viral about the middle
of last week when I was in Baltimore discussing a sizable investment in our
city. My email started to blow up and
the accusations started flowing in to a website called Next Door. I was called names and threaten with being
voted out of office, etc., the usual. So
I thought the best plan of action was education. I thought that even the most fanatical
citizen would at least listen to reason, if reason was presented in a logical
manner. So I called Bob Kembel the
developer of the project and asked if he would consent to an impromptu meeting
with the citizens of North Arlington on Monday evening. Now at this time I really was undecided as to
how I was going to vote. Jamie Sullens
was called and found a space at 6:00 on Monday at Shackelford Jr. High.
The meeting was very well attended and the estimate was
about 150 people. We are blessed with
citizens that want to know the facts about issues and want to be well informed
about what is happening in their community.
Mr. Kembel made a small presentation and then took questions for 1:45. I read an excerpt from the ordinance stating
that if the level of service(LOS) dropped below a certain category, that is
nationally determined, then the issue must be remedied. He can do this either by mitigation or
reinstallation of the lane, at the developer expense. Mr. Kembel asked, how many were willing to
give his plan a chance? I was standing
in the back of the room so I could get a good view. An estimated 75% of the people raised their
hand.
Tonight at the Council meeting about 40 supporters were in
attendance and 6 citizens were against the issue. Ms. Canon was in attendance but left early,
and did not voice her views. I did make
a statement saying that this was a very difficult decision, but my personal
views were not in consideration. My vote
represented my constituents. One speaker
against stated that there were many Viridian people in attendance, but he
failed to mention that he resided in south Arlington himself.
I am certain that this issue will be watched closely in the
future. Although Mr. Kembel has done
everything he has promised in the past, we will see how it affects the quality
of life of the Parkway Central residents.
