It’s never too late to say thank you. At least, I hope not.
Now that Phase 1 of the Silver Line has been open for more than six months, there is ample talk of deals being made to bring more restaurants, hotels, offices and open spaces to Tysons Corner. These are just the ingredients that those who supported construction of the rail line envisioned while opponents fought to block the line.
Now those long time supporters have lots more to look forward to and it’s time to say thanks to many who toiled with little publicity to make sure the Silver Line vision became reality. The list of business leaders and elected officials who earned the right to brag about this new reality is long and sometimes inflated. Most are well known. But there are many whose work was virtually unnoticed beyond the ranks of project officials.
So here’s to all of you rail fans. My apologies to those who go unnamed here, but here’s some special thank-yous to a few people who over the decades never gave up on this major transportation improvement and to those who kept making suggestions that led to an even better system than first proposed.
Clark Tyler, a former Amtrak executive who headed the multi-year effort by the Tysons Task Force to come up with a daring comprehensive land use plan for Tysons. Head of the Hallcrest Heights Homeowners Association, he spent countless hours in late-night meetings during those years and later persuaded VDOT to build sound walls in his community.
Eric Schmitz, owner of Schmitz Exxon on Route 7 at Spring Hill Road, a site that was often disrupted by rail construction–we even cut some power to his station, but he managed to smile most of the time.
The management at Clyde’s whose access we hampered on many a night but they remained supporters.
Bruce Wright, the never-tiring leader of the ever-growing legion of bicycle riders, who pushed for adequate bike parking at stations and more trails.
Jonathan Cherner whose family dealership was on Route 7. When the feds threatened to withhold federal funds from Phase 1, he joined his friends like Aaron Georgelas and the Greater Washington Board of Trade and chambers of commerce to create incredible support from the regional business community for the rail line.
Rob Jackson, a longtime president of the McLean Citizens Association who managed to keep an open mind on rail despite vigorous opposition from some in his ranks.
The management at the Gates of McLean whose residents put up with lane closings and construction noise and was ever diligent in alerting the project to project-related problems.
Chuck Cope, who managed Tysons Corner Center in the days when it was still a one-level mall and was still involved when rail construction started. He was there proclaiming the glories of rail when the mall opened a new outdoor plaza with direct access to the Tysons Corner Station.
Phil White, a Tysons/McLean resident, who always reminded the subcontractor when construction noise kept him and his neighbors awake.
Jeff Wu, a Tysons Realtor, who supported rail throughout the “Under Not Under” battle.
Keith Turner and Susan Davis who held the Tysons Transportation Association (TYTRAN) together and gave voice to leaders from Mitre, Northrup Grumman and others.
The hundreds of Realtors who joined the rail project’s legion of supporters and helped spread the positives about rail to thousands across Northern Virginia.
Ed Tennyson, Vienna’s longtime transportation expert and advocate who wrote multiple letters to local, regional and national publications supporting rail. His writings were full of facts and optimism. Ed passed away last summer, just before the Silver Line opened in July.
Again, thanks to all who made this dream come true.
