CALLANDER: Compromise can remedy roadblocks

BY ALANE CALLANDER
FOR THE STAFFORD COUNTY SUN
Published: May 14, 2008

Bipartisanship can go a long way in coping with transportation nightmares. We need leaders who spend less time grandstanding and more time working together to come up with viable answers. Our state legislators could learn a lesson from a recent bipartisan success here in Stafford.

Cord Sterling, a Republican supervisor from the Rock Hill District who serves on the Commonwealth Transportation Board, recently teamed up with Falmouth District supervisor George Schwartz, a Democrat, who chairs the Stafford County Board of Supervisors.

With assistance from other supervisors and outspoken members of the community, they accomplished a feat previously unknown to man: They got the Commonwealth Transportation Board to pack the state budget with enough money ($21.1 million through 2014) to design, attain right of way, and build a functional interchange at “The Falmouth Light,” our notorious intersection where U.S. 1 meets Butler Road and Warrenton Road.

But wait. Whether that money remains in the budget largely depends on who shows up for public hearings on the six-year transportation plan, who submits written comments and what other demands down the road come into play for the money.

Since hearing of the proposed allocation to fund a “diamond” styled interchange, historic preservationists have cautioned about potential impacts on old Falmouth, parts of which date to Colonial times.

The preservationists made their presence known at a recent county-sponsored meeting on the Falmouth redevelopment project, and they left the impression there wasn’t much support for either redevelopment or improving the traffic intersection.

The historic group, however, is just a piece of the puzzle for the Falmouth light dilemma. Consider also the many thousands of drivers a day who pass through (or cut through surrounding neighborhoods to avoid) the intersection. Many of those motorists live in Stafford County, particularly in the southern environs.
Others drive through from King George and Fredericksburg and beyond, as well as from areas north and west of Stafford.

I have passed through the intersection probably on average six times a week for 27 years. I often go through gyrations to avoid it; that’s why I’m not stuck there every day.

Those caught at the intersection also adopt coping mechanisms: You can turn up the radio loud and belt out words to favorite songs. You can apply makeup, daydream or write out to-do lists. You can gaze at run-down properties or marvel at those that have been spruced up. It is quite a pastime, sitting at the Falmouth light.

My husband even owns a T-shirt that declares the light the world’s longest. The question is, will the light get fixed before the shirt wears out (or gets too small)?
Past attempts to fund solutions to the light demonstrated that there is no perfect solution. Each option has its trade-offs. The diamond shape interchange currently proposed is a less costly option. However, it likely will clip part of the historic district.

My view is this: If necessary, move some buildings of important historic significance and refurbish them. Develop a historic community that is walkable and a true tourist attraction. Right now Old Falmouth is viewed from car windows and doesn’t do much for anybody.

If all automotive traffic were banned from the area, some preservationists would be happy, but that is unrealistic. Besides, the old port of Falmouth was a transportation hub. It continues to be today, with cars. (Not very romantic, you say?)

It would be good to minimize traffic on Falmouth’s Washington Street, a narrow road that divides two rows of truly historic properties. A functional interchange at the Falmouth light would help to do that, as people no longer would feel a need to scoot down Washington Street as a bypass.

There are some who don’t give a hoot about the historic district. I am one who does care, but I believe a compromise is in order.

In its current situation, the historic district is blighted with excess traffic sitting around polluting the air and making it impossible for citizens and tourists to actually enjoy the historic properties.

In this case, change is good as a means for honoring our history. It can enhance Falmouth as a tourist attraction.

Compromise doesn’t have to be a sell-out; it can be a realistic approach to overcoming stalemate.

Alane Callander is a south Stafford resident who is active in many causes. Reach her at .