My Fairfax City Ballott Tommorow
For Mayor:
On July 14, 2005, Mayor Lederer stated that “It is the city’s opinion that…change in the traffic pattern and the redevelopment will enhance the value of the existing businesses and properties. The new businesses will attract more people, which will translate into more customers for businesses on Main Street.”
In an informal poll of existing businesses, there has been a 40% drop in revenue during and after the Redevelopment and street changes; for new businesses, 50% less customers/revenues than anticipated.
Mayor Lederer stated, “there are no guarantees regarding the (proposed) impacts. …Ultimately, the streets can be converted back to a one-way pair…”
Traffic congestion has increased during the day; however, we managed smooth traffic flow during rush hours. If people cannot get into the City for lunch, how will we increase revenues? And increasing the business tax only squeezes out our small businesses that add to our City’s small town charm.Well, you look at the numbers! Is it working? Are we listening to our business owners? Do we want our residential real estate taxes continue climbing upward?
When your voting, remember what Fairfax City is becoming. Mayor Lederer is abandoning homegrown businesses in exchange for national chains who will make no bones about leaving, who have no attachment to the city. Ask TT Reynolds, ask Rain, ask Belissimo, hell even ask Subway, and all the other small business up and down Main Street, University Drive, and Chain Bridge that are loosing money. The small bistros and restraunts aren't making any money because of the mayor's North Street Boondoggle. Two-way traffic, which the then-Councilman Lederer mocked, has become a reality because the Mayor's developer pals convinced him that (think Gordon Gekko here) "Gridlock Is Good." The redevelopment might be asthetically pleasing, but what good has it done. None of the new businesses there are doing particualrly well anyways, and its hurt all the old small business owners who are the backbone of the community. The Mayor's campaign of four years ago promised to fight exactly what he has become. Its time for a change.
For Fairfax City Council:
- Jeff Greenfield
- Patrice Winter
- Joan Cross
- Steve Stombres
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