Town Council Discusses Support for Metro

The Leesburg Town Council discussed Metrorail Monday night and whether to forward a resolution to the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors in support of bringing it to Loudoun County. 

The county's board must decide by July 4 if the county will participate in the project. If Loudoun participates, stations will be constructed at Route 606 and 772, increasing development options in those areas. 

Councilman Marty Martinez said that he has been using the Metro and bus system for a number of years and would support bringing the project to Loudoun.

“I would love to walk to Battlefield Parkway, get on a bus and catch Metro in Ashburn rather than drive,” Martinez said. “I think there’s a lot of opportunity here. This is something that we really need.”

Councilwoman Kelly Burk said she thinks it’s “very important” for the county to fill its destiny and become more than a bedroom community to Washington D.C.

“The area has already been zoned with the thought that Metro was already coming," Burk said and the citizens will use it. “This will be a great asset to Loudoun County and I think it would be a huge loss if we turned this down.”

Councilwoman Katie Hammler said that as government leaders one of the council’s most important duties is to have a vision for the future and what would be best. That’s easier said than done, she said, as it’s not clear how many people would benefit. She suggested that a special taxing district be created.

However, Councilman Tom Dunn said he doesn’t support rail to Loudoun if it means raising the taxes of those living in Loudoun County.

“A vote for this is a vote to increase taxes,” Dunn said, adding that there didn’t seem to be an economic benefit for Leesburg.

Transportation doesn’t matter to the people, he said. The resolution is not ready for prime time and there should be no reason for council members to get involved.

“Why are we even getting involved in this,” Dunn asked, pointing out a list of projects that already need to be dealt with on a local level. “Frankly, I just think we should stay out of it. Let’s keep to our own business.”

Councilman David Butler said that although he doesn’t agree with taxes being raised, that doesn’t’ mean that Metro isn’t needed.

“Of course I’ll use it,” Butler said. “Whatever the board comes up with as the method for paying for Metro that’s not going to impact my support.”

Mayor Kristen Umstattd said she wasn't sure that she could support the resolution. Her concern is that Virginia Regional Transit (VRT) will have to close down 15 routes because of a loss of revenue, including routes in Leesburg, as a result of not receiving the gas tax anymore.

“We’re not going to see any financial benefit in Leesburg from this,” Umstattd said. “Taxes will be raised. That’s they only way 65 million a year will be covered in operational costs.”

Umstattd added that Leesburg would benefit more from Phase I and that Leesburg already has a “well working public transportation system”. 

For Leesburg, the best option would be to catch the train in either Herndon or Reston, she said. The project doesn't make sense.   

The Town Council will make a final decision regarding their support during a public hearing scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.