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Fairfax Coalition for Smart Growth
Our Major Goals & Strategy The Fairfax Coalition for Smarter Growth (FCSG) seeks to include transit-oriented development and open space preservation into the planning and implementation of major transportation and development projects in Fairfax County while maximizing meaningful citizen involvement. Our current transit-oriented development goals focus on two heavily congested transportation corridors, Route 1 from Alexandria to Fort Belvoir and Route 7 from Tysons Corner to Bailey’s Crossroads, as the basis for forming an integrated Light Rail and Metro public transit system in Fairfax County. Such a system would be designed to encourage automobile drivers to witch to a more convenient and cost-effective public transit that could better serve commuters as well as the non-driving public -- seniors, low income families, the physically-and mentally-challenged, and youth. FCSG also is focused on preserving as much remaining open space as possible. With the increase in awareness of human contributions to global climate change, emphasis must be placed on maintaining and preserving as many health trees sequestering carbon dioxide as possible, both on public and private land. Too often in the past, the amount of land left in its natural state has depended upon the goodwill of developers seeking permits from local government staff for their development plans. A truly Comprehensive Open Space Preservation Plan and Tree Preservation Plan is needed that identifies key resources for preservation, defines the policies and legal framework for achieving it, highlights the budget requirements, develops an implementation plan, and establishes a monitoring framework to ensure that goals are achieved. FCSG strives to advance early, continuous, and meaningful citizen involvement on all projects directly impacting them. Too often in the past, this has meant favored individuals appointed by our elected represented to meaningless or “rubber stamp” advisory committees who do not represent the will of the citizens. Social equity, democratic principles, and citizen "buy in" to proposed development plans requires that the public be fully engaged in the planning and implementation process throughout all its phases. |
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