Crush of defense workers headed for N.Va. creates challenges, opportunities (Richmond: real estate market, home)

[tonygeorgia]

By Miranda S. Spivack
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, May 9, 2010; C01

Plans to move more than 19,000 defense workers to far-flung sites along Interstate 95 in Northern Virginia by fall 2011 are expected to add thousands of car commuters to the region's road network, further clogging an area with the nation's second-worst traffic.

State and local officials, running short of time and money, aren't certain they can do enough to widen roads, build exit ramps and make other fixes by the deadline mandated by the 2005 federal base realignment and closings plan. Making matters worse, many workers will move from public transit even as regional policymakers push for job growth near transit lines.

At least 13,000 jobs are slated to relocate from Crystal City, two subway stops from the Pentagon, to areas largely dependent on cars.

The changes will create at least two new choke points along the I-95 corridor near Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County and near Seminary Road in Alexandria.

The BRAC job shifts stem from post-9/11 worries by federal officials that the cluster of defense operations near the Pentagon and Reagan National Airport are at risk of attack, threatening national security.

Although the changes might ease security concerns, Fairfax County Supervisor Jeff C. McKay (D-Lee) and other officials fear traffic tie-ups could be worse than expected. "There are 20,000 jobs being moved up and down that corridor. There may be 20,000 to 60,000 private-sector employees moving, too,"McKay said.

Rep. James P. Moran Jr. (D-Va.), whose district is greatly affected by the transfers, predicted car commutes of up to five hours each day.Workers will be "forced onto our highways, hindering their productivity," he said.

[CAVA1990]

Sounds like property values here in Mount Vernon will be on the upswing. Woohoo!

[FindingZen]

I read that articles and traffic is indeed going to stink. I'm surprised they didn't make reference to the idea of expanding REX (Richmond Highway Express) from the Huntington Metro station.

As I've been saying for a while, I believe that the Route 1 corridor of Alexandria South is poised for a major upgrade in housing values once BRAC shifts to Fort Belvoir. I feel that prospective buyers that are a little patient would get tremendous value by purchasing a home in this area. And the already well-regarded waterfront communities - Belle View, Fort Hunt, Mount Vernon etc. - may even become the equivalent of McLean in terms of home values.

And no, I am not a realtor. lol

[South Jersey Styx]

Originally Posted by ilag

The BRAC job shifts stem from post-9/11 worries by federal officials that the cluster of defense operations near the Pentagon and Reagan National Airport are at risk of attack, threatening national security.

This was the most interesting part of the article to me. Sounds like a nightmare though unless some kind of relief is/will be planned for commuters. Thanks for sharing!

[car54]

Don't most of these soon-to-be-relocated workers already live here? This is not some massive influx of defense workers like back in 40's.

I don't think moving 13,000 folks out of Crystal City will have any effect on the residential real estate market. Are people that live in Arlington, Falls Church, etc going to move to Belvoir? I doubt it.

On second thought...maybe they will, if their new commute to Belvoir or Mark Center takes 3 hours each way...LOL

[Denton56]

Originally Posted by ilag

By Miranda S. Spivack
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, May 9, 2010; C01

Moderator cut: Copyright issue: A snippet of a couple of lines and a link, please. Too much of the article reproduced on the forum is a copyright issue. Thanks.

Although the changes might ease security concerns, Fairfax County Supervisor Jeff C. McKay (D-Lee) and other officials fear traffic tie-ups could be worse than expected. "There are 20,000 jobs being moved up and down that corridor. There may be 20,000 to 60,000 private-sector employees moving, too,"McKay said.

Rep. James P. Moran Jr. (D-Va.), whose district is greatly affected by the transfers, predicted car commutes of up to five hours each day.Workers will be "forced onto our highways, hindering their productivity," he said.

What a dopey article, all based on two politicians who want more pork for their districts. Could this be more obvious? The Post writer is an idiot if she believes what politicians tell her. Of course it's good for scaring democrats into voting for Moran and McKay. These are simply pleas for more pork for Jim Moran's district! That should work. Pelosi will come up with the money, and Moran can brag about it. Will it make any difference in traffic? Not a bit.

[Denton56]

Originally Posted by car54

Don't most of these soon-to-be-relocated workers already live here? This is not some massive influx of defense workers like back in 40's.

I don't think moving 13,000 folks out of Crystal City will have any effect on the residential real estate market. Are people that live in Arlington, Falls Church, etc going to move to Belvoir? I doubt it.

On second thought...maybe they will, if their new commute to Belvoir or Mark Center takes 3 hours each way...LOL

You're right. It won't make a bit of difference. It's just politicians looking for a way to get more pork into their district.

[CAVA1990]

Originally Posted by car54

Don't most of these soon-to-be-relocated workers already live here? This is not some massive influx of defense workers like back in 40's.

I don't think moving 13,000 folks out of Crystal City will have any effect on the residential real estate market. Are people that live in Arlington, Falls Church, etc going to move to Belvoir? I doubt it.

Oh so these jobs will always be done by the same people commuting from other places? There won't ever be any future openings from them that could cause someone to want to live nearby? I didn't realize.

[Yankeesfan]

Originally Posted by car54

Don't most of these soon-to-be-relocated workers already live here? This is not some massive influx of defense workers like back in 40's.

I saw a study a while back that showed that a lot of these employees commute from further south -- Fredericksburg, Woodbridge, etc. Meaning they'll be getting off the highway sooner to go to Fort Belvoir rather than Crystal City. Those who live between Crystal City and Fort Belvoir will be doing a reverse commute.

[movingtodcfromseattle]

Originally Posted by Yankeesfan

I saw a study a while back that showed that a lot of these employees commute from further south -- Fredericksburg, Woodbridge, etc. Meaning they'll be getting off the highway sooner to go to Fort Belvoir rather than Crystal City. Those who live between Crystal City and Fort Belvoir will be doing a reverse commute.

I was wondering about this very thing. Thanks for the insight.