Council approval

[Bruce Dwyer]

The Council approved the Grant request last night.  Lois Walker asked for it
to be removed from the consent calendar, which has always been bad for us in
the past..Well, she did so because she wanted to recognize the efforts of
the bike committee in pushing for this project.  Bill Euille added that the
project really showed vision.  He expressed his gratitude that there are
committees to help Council with their vision responsibilities.  Kerry added
that he appreciated the Bike Plan we did  2 years ago that set the stage for
initiating this project and that going after Federal funds is the smart way
to go.  You had to scrape me off the ceiling. Thanks to all for being
responsibly vocal in support of bicycling in Alexandria.  We have gained a
lot of respect, which should help us with our efforts in the future.
The public hearing before the P&R Commission also went well, even if
sparsely attended on the winter night.  Two civic associations spoke very
favorable about the plan and followed up with letters.
The grant application package looks great. I hope to take on a road show.
Thanks to Buffie for pulling it all together under difficult timetables.
And thanks to Jim Brown and Dan Deible of Dewberry and Davis for begin real
professionals to produce the design work under extremely short deadlines.