Light Rail/Communter Rail to the Base and DC?

[UrbanPancake]

Originally Posted by Cletus_Vandam

You will need to do some more research on this type of comment. Not all subdivisions require sewer and water connections.

Also, the BOCC need to look at increasing the impact fee assocaited with geting a buidling permit for construction of a new house. St. Mary's County is far less than Chanrles and Calvert Counties in this regard.

The County does not fund the water or sewer line extensions in subdivisions (or any other private construction for that matter). This is left to the developer to incorporate into their costs for the development's infrastructure much the same way the roads, sidewalks etc. are paid for. In essence, part of the cost of the house you are buying is payking for the public sewer extension, water extension, etc.

That is true, but the development of huge subdivisions away from employment and shopping centers encourages more congestion in rural areas. Which in turn means we have to spend more tax dollars on road expansion and up keep. Who do you think pays for the up keep of these extensions? The tax payers. You must live in one of these far fetched subdivisions that pop up in the middle of corn fields.

[UrbanPancake]

Originally Posted by Cletus_Vandam

St. Mary's and Calvert counties are peninsiulas. They will never draw the type of population, density and growth as Manasas or Fairfax. These locations have access from all sides and are (more correctly ststed to be "were") convenient to get in and out of. That is why they have seen the growth.

The base is the life blood for St. Mary's and the southern end of Calvert. If the base were to close, tons of people, along with their tax revenues would leave the County.

The State is not going to pay the cost of this rail system. I and everyone else living in St. Mary's County is paying the highest County income tax every year. I don't want my taxes going up any higher for a rail system that will not benefit me or my spouse. We both live and work in the County and plan to keep it that way. If I worked in DC, I'd be living in Accokeek, Brandywine, or Bryans Road.... Simple as that.

I believe that if you are driving 60 to 80 miles one way for work, your doing so by choice. There are jobs here in the County, on base, etc. Look hard enough and you'll likelk find one that pays a decent salary too. Sure you'll make more in DC, but your going to pay for that in the commute, the choice is your to make... I shouldn't bear the cost of paying for a rail when it isn't warranted.

Are you stupid? I live in Mechanicsville and the miles to work is only 37 miles, and it still takes about an hour and a half to get to work. 37 miles isn't very far from the District. Why do you think so many people work there, and live down here where it's cheaper?

[Cletus_Vandam]

Originally Posted by UrbanPancake

Are you stupid? I live in Mechanicsville and the miles to work is only 37 miles, and it still takes about an hour and a half to get to work. 37 miles isn't very far from the District. Why do you think so many people work there, and live down here where it's cheaper?

The number of miles to/from the district has nothing to do with the geographical layout of the County. It is and always will be a one way in and one way out deal.

As far as the 37 miles that you drive to work versus the 4 miles/ten minutes that I drive to get to the office; those are CHOICES which you and I have made regarding the type of job/career you wish to have. Sure, I could make about 25% more money driving into the district, but I CHOOSE not to do so becuase of the headaches that go with the drive. I'm guessing that you could make the same choice.

Rather than b!thcin' about the drive and expecting the State to dole out some 2-billion for a rail system you have choices.... Try moving, picking a new place to work, car-pooling, or catch the bus------better yet, just stop complaining.

[Aimhigh2000]

Seattle is currently building phase one of their monorail system. 14 miles long, cost of construction $1.75 billion. Other phases will follow in time. As far as the commute. Yes, it is a choice to drive to DC everyday, but I have looked at county jobs, I will keep my 55k + a year and commute. I could not take a 40,000 pay cut just to work in the county. I also have no desire to work on base. The commute actually does not bother me, I mean, sure it is a pain, oh well.

[Cletus_Vandam]

Originally Posted by Aimhigh2000

Seattle is currently building phase one of their monorail system. 14 miles long, cost of construction $1.75 billion. Other phases will follow in time. As far as the commute. Yes, it is a choice to drive to DC everyday, but I have looked at county jobs, I will keep my 55k + a year and commute. I could not take a 40,000 pay cut just to work in the county. I also have no desire to work on base. The commute actually does not bother me, I mean, sure it is a pain, oh well.

Man, what kind of job pays $55k in the city and only $15K here in the County?

What;s the beef with working on base? I don't but I also don't see the problem with it if I did?

Not busting your chops, just asking....