Dear Dr. Gridlock:
Recent items in your column expressing hostility to residential development puzzle me, especially with respect to the relatively high-density development proposed south of the Vienna Metro station. Opponents, and you, have raised concerns about how such a development might overload roads, bus lines and Metrorail.
But we live in a region of high population growth, and I don't see many attractive alternatives. Instead of permitting increased residential density near a subway station in a fairly close-in suburb, what do you envision?
• Have families double up in existing housing stock, as was done in some cities of the former Soviet Union and other Eastern Bloc countries?
• Have families move to fringe areas that lack public transit, such as Warren County in Virginia, St. Mary's County in Maryland and Jefferson County in West Virginia? Many are doing so already, enduring extremely long commutes and fueling demand for new or widened roads.
• Limit residency in the Washington area by means of federal residence permits? (I believe that was the practice in Moscow.)
Anders Warga
Vienna
No reason to copy Soviet housing. I was there during the Cold War, and one of the things that struck me was that high-rise residential towers were built facing each other. Residents could more easily see -- and inform on -- their neighbors.
I agree with those who fear that high-rise residential development around the Vienna Metro station will swamp our existing transportation structure. With ever-increasing traffic congestion, here are my suggestions on how to proceed.
• Employers, including the federal government, have to impose work at home for those whose jobs are computer-dependent. There is no reason a computer user in Prince William County should spend two hours on the road to get to the District to use a computer.
• More outlying satellite office parks need to be built to offer full office amenities to commuters who could use them instead of traveling long distances.
• Institute staggered work hours. Why do so many people have to get to work in a narrow rush-hour window? How about some 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. shifts, or noon to 8 p.m.?
• Stop development. Take a timeout and let transportation facilities catch up. You can't keep pouring water into a container that is already full.
Traffic Talk
Dear Dr. Gridlock:
Traveling east or west on Franconia Road, at the intersection with South Van Dorn Street, I see a sign by the traffic light that says "Don't Block the Box."
