Wow, sounds like someone lost pulling the wishbone on Turkey Day! Ron, I agree with some of your “no thanks”, but not with you on turn lanes. I’m one of those drivers who doesn’t “creep out” into the intersection waiting to turn left when the light changes. The white line is there for a purpose --- going beyond it and stopping is the same as “stopping in the box”. It’s dangerous because you are just sitting out there “unprotected” by a median. What if drivers in both directions did it at the same time? Sitting there hinders emergency vehicles from entering the intersection -- not a good idea. I know you “former New Yawkers” are always in a hurry, but let’s not do anything to compromise safety.

Regarding the right turn only lane on Boswell, it might lessen the bottleneck. This has been a problem from the day Walgreens starting building there. VDOT and County staff should have required Walgreens to give-up some of their property for an additional right hand only turn lane. It’s water over the dam now, but the MVCCA (Transportation and Planning & Zoning Committees) should have raised this issue with Walgreens’ development plans. However, your “fix” might create another bottleneck. Folks turning left will likely back up folks going straight into the shopping center especially when Rte 1 south is gridlocked. I use the left lane, except when I need to make the immediate right hand turn onto Fordson Lane after crossing Rte 1.

Jeepers, Ron, sounds like someone needs a hug, a fifth of Jack and a handful of Prozac. I agree with everything you said.

You want a dog park, movie theater, Greek Diner and bookstore...what's stopping you. Open one. Open all four. This is America. You're allowed. Buy the ugly red TV repair shop and decorate it the way you want it. Or do you just like to complain ...."they should do it".

I dont "like" to complain, Chris. If you read last week's column you would see that I am also ready to compliment folks. As for my just "doing it," well, the county has to approve the dog park. I couldn't just set up a dog park. As for the other items, I do not have the money to open up a movie theater, et al but if you're willing to finance me I think we could make big bucks. Convincing a developer or someone else to put these things up is up to our elected officials, the SFDC, the Chamber, the county EDA office, etc. So, while I agree that this is "America", as you so rightly pointed out, it's not always that easy my friend. Indeed, you ever try to get something as "simple" as a speed bump put onto your street? Nothing is simple. eplm

What about Primo's for your greek diner? It's not exactly a NJ style diner, but lots of good food there...

Ron - - I agree with Dave . . . . ! ! ! !
Surprised you didn't include 'speed bumps' on your 'No Thanks' list! What an incredible waste - - as if they really make a difference. Those folks who are in a hurry just brake briefly for the bump and then 'Gun It' to the next one. In the mean time we all pay the price in decreased fuel efficiency, premature brake repairs and added wear and tear on suspension & steering. Perhaps the county could at least get them installed for free . . . ??
Can't you picture it - - block letters painted on the top of each one! This BUMP brought to you by MEINEKE! - - This BUMP brought to you by MERCHANTS TIRE & AUTO REPAIR! - - This BUMP brought to you by STEVEN'S AUTO CLINIC!

Here are my NO THANKS!!:
1. Speed traps on Old Mill Road. I pay you to fight crime, not be revenuers
2. To any new businesses on Route 1 until we deal with the one's we already have. For example: Advanced Auto Parts. How many Auto Parts Stores do we really need in a 5 mile stretch?
3. To ALL the NIMBY's out there who refuse cellphone towers. Bunch of bozos.
4. To the building of homes on every square inch of greenspace we have in MV.
5. To the opening of any more restaurants until we get a decent steak house around here. Note to Ron: GREEK!!??? You couldn't come up with anything better than GREEK!!??
6. To all those Realtors out there with their face plastered on the side of a truck. Good God, I wonder how much they had to drop in Botox to make that picture look good.
7. To everyone who talks and texts on a cellphone while driving. Get a life before you kill someone you inconsiderate dolts.Add to that those who talk on phones while in line, walking down aisles of stores, etc. When I shoulder block you into the ground maybe you'll learn a little courtesy. And what the hell makes you think anyone on earth cares about your menstrual cycle (happened to me in Safeway yesterday)!!
8. To the FCPS: I pay you to teach my kids, not be a parent. Take your surveys, studies, tests, etc. and stick them.
I feel so much better now. Thanks Ron for another interesting article.

Dave, I'm not a complainer but if I was, I would agree. But for the record, never had Botox, never will and will NEVER have my face plastered on the side of a truck. I promise! ;-)

Have a better day, everyone - the holiday season of giving has arrived!

Rachel, you are so funny.

4th paragraph, 2nd sentence: should be "complement" unless you want the new stores to say nice things about the HomeGoods store :)

Hey everyone,

Thanks for your insightful comments on this week's column! Though I would like to add, as a native New Yorker, I too would love a good 24-hour Greek diner that serves pancakes at 2 a.m. Though Bob and Edith's in Arlington is a good substitute for now... And what's with the lack of good pizza and bagels!

Okay, I'll step off my editorial soapbox for now.

Jessie

Dang - I haven't been to Bob & Edith's in years - forgot all about them. I'll need head over there sometime! Think they'd expand to Route #1 . . . ??

Oh Heck Dave - - don't worry about it. You didn't hurt my feelings. It takes someone even more abrasive than you to get under my skin!!

Jeri - - I think maybe you need a hug!!! If you take the time to reread the posts I think you'll understand that no one in this string of posts has advocated speeding. The suggestion is not to get rid of speed bumps so anyone can speed. The point is that they are basically ineffective for those who are inclined to speed anyway - - it just causes them to speed *between* the bumps. Aside from being ineffective they are wasteful - - certainly not *green*. They tend to be on streets where the speed limit is 25 mph but the signs recommend slowing to 15 mph to safely cross the bump. This means constant accelerating/decelerating/accelerating/decelerating which anyone understands is not an economical use of fuel and decreases MPG. The bumps also cause undue wear and tear on your car. I hope that helps you understand the post.

Jeri, please contact me as soon as possible. I think I found your sense of humor. And, yes, Jeri, I have had a friend killed by speeding (they were going 90 in a 65) so I understand that quite well. I have also had friends murdered and killed in a robbery. My feelings on speed traps and speed bumps is well documented so I won't re-hash it.