Who's on First?
Should Prince Street and Cameron Street have bike lanes?
That's a question that city officials will be asking city residents starting Sept. 30. That's the date of the first community meeting on a proposal that would add bike lanes to the two major Old Town corridors, one eastbound and the other westbound. It is scheduled to happen at Minnie Howard Middle School at 7 p.m. That will be followed by another community meeting in October.
"We want to hear from people," said Yon Lambert, acting director of the Department of Transportation and Environmental Science. "We are doing an overview of the plan and the process. We are looking at existing conditions, and we are identifying conditions and needs."
But Old Town Civic Association President Townsend Van Fleet is skeptical that the city really wants public input. Appearing before members of the City Council during a public hearing on Sept. 13, Van Fleet accused city leaders of conducting fraudulent meetings to get input on a decision that's already been made. Taking aim at City Manager Rashad Young's "What's Next Alexandria" initiative, the civic association president said the bike lanes are already a foregone conclusion.
"It's becoming more and more apparent that these meetings are nothing more than pro forma occurrences to meet the requirement for public input," said Van Fleet. "Instead of What's Next Alexandria, perhaps it should be Who's on First Alexandria?"
Full Disclosure
When automobile mogul Jack Taylor appeared before members of the City Council to increase the hours of operation at his Jefferson Davis Highway dealership, elected officials were tripping over themselves to disclose their financial relationship with him. Mayor Bill Euille was first.
"I need to disclose that I have, within the last 12 months, benefited from a campaign donation from Mr. Jack Taylor," said Euille. "But I don't find that it will put me in a conflict of interest situation, so I will be participating in the discussion and the vote on this matter."
Councilwoman Del Pepper was next.
"May I note that I have received," Pepper began.
"Not within the last 12 months," the mayor interjected.
"Oh, not within the last 12 months," she responded.
"That's the new requirement," explained Euille.
"I think she was just complaining," said Councilman Justin Wilson.
"Is it OK if we drive Jack Taylor Toyota?" asked Councilman Tim Lovain.
Fewer Taxi Drivers
Speaking before members of the Alexandria City Council recently, Yellow Cab President Spencer Kimball said the city is suffering from a glut of taxicab drivers. He told the elected officials, who have the power to regulate the industry, that Alexandria has about five times as many drivers more than it needs. Councilman Wilson suggested that the city manager consider reducing the number of authorizations during the upcoming review of the industry.
"I would ask the manager to strongly consider that type of direction," concluded Wilson.
"Thank you," responded Young with a chuckle.
Reducing the number of authorizations would likely put the city manager in hot water with drivers, who would oppose the move because it would take away their livelihood.