All vitriole (sp?) aside, dear Anon., I think it is VERY important to make sure that we comment on walkability to the planning commission on Metro West and other developments. A young boy commented on walkability at that big April 19th town hall meeting. Not being able to walk to places you can see looming in front of you out of fear of being mowed down by a latte-fueled, cell-phone-screamin', exhausted and harried driver who doesn't see you in the intersection is a real downer. Not just to adults, but to kids, too.

We all have to drive, but it sure would be nice to have to drive a little less.

I commented on the same things you did, albeit a little more gently - i.e., people from apartment complexes near Fairfax Circle who walk to Pan Am by necessity (because they might not have cars to spare) and who need to be protected, in addition to all of us people who are willing to choose NOT to drive if only we could cross the street safely.

Also, I commented on the key card gate scenario - good catch there, Anon., that's one that troubles me, but more vicariously - i.e., I'd point out to you that the key card gate is more likely to harm the misguided people who want it. I lived in a complex near two Metros in Arlington that had a fair collection of elderly folks, like the community asking for the key cards by Metro West, and guess what? One of the lessons I learned from studying criminology and criminal behavior was that too much security can backfire on you, especially if you start to isolate. My less spry neighbors in Arlington started having run-ins with criminals and one of them had a scary run-in with a man with a gun. Locks keep good people in, not bad people out - any good cop will tell you that. Setting yourself up in a position to have to fumble for keys and get ambushed is not too bright. Better to focus on circulation and visibility. My complex opened up more sight lines and minimized entry points that slow you to the point of making you a victim.

The community that wants the key cards is setting itself up to be the choke point among a series of interconnections - might as well paint a target on themselves and say, "hey, criminals, grab a latte and come hang out by our gates - we love you here." There is a fair bit of suspect graffiti in the vicinity of that community now on the trail, talk about a way to invite crime just a leeeetle bit closer...