National Harbor - News, Events, Updates, Questions and Developments Etc. (Largo: HOA, neighborhood)

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by Fast GTO

Perhaps what they are really saying is that the highest bidder (bribe) gets it.

I'm always curious what goes on with these sorts of things when so much money is involved. I've been around the world enough to know that bribes are a part of closing business deals. Though much more prevalent in other parts of the world since it is an accepted norm. In the U.S. it just happens on the DL.

Yeah, I am sure American companies are just as guilty of bribing and, although we have laws, our legal system turns an eye unless they are obviously in the wrong.

[Fast GTO]

UniverSoul circus was fun.

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by Fast GTO

UniverSoul circus was fun.

Awesome. How long was the show? What was your favorite part.

[Fast GTO]

At National Harbor, commuting is a daily trial for service workers - The Washington Post

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by Fast GTO

At National Harbor, commuting is a daily trial for service workers - The Washington Post

Yeah this has been a reoccurring issue there. The point made about an employee shuttle is a valid one. They do have a shuttle service that employees can use but it has limited runs. It needs to be expanded to accommodate what could eventually become a 24 hour operation. The businesses there, especially the hotels, should foot that bill since they will benefit the most from it. Until they can persuade the powers that be to extend the metro line, expanded bus service along with a shuttle service is their best option.

[justtitans]

Originally Posted by UrbanScholar

Yeah this has been a reoccurring issue there. The point made about an employee shuttle is a valid one. They do have a shuttle service that employees can use but it has limited runs. It needs to be expanded to accommodate what could eventually become a 24 hour operation. The businesses there, especially the hotels, should foot that bill since they will benefit the most from it. Until they can persuade the powers that be to extend the metro line, expanded bus service along with a shuttle service is their best option.

It definitely is, but why does the Washington Post keep rehashing the same stories? Didn't they talk about this issue a few months ago?

I understand why they cut off service like they do. They don't want to encourage riff-raff making late night runs there, but I think one thing they should consider doing, is making a drop-off only run after a certain time of night. That way the workers will be accommodated but they don't invite bad elements access to the area.

I agree with you though, they have to think about the future as well. If this place is about to be a 24/7 place, they have to come up with real transportation solutions. This is one of the reasons why I think the way National Harbor is laid out, it would have made more sense to have housing or at least jobs where the workers can afford to live there. That is really the only way these types of developments work without having a lot of outside transportation help. Given the large number of their workforce that wouldn't be able to live there, it is way too isolated for them to realistically expect this to work as is. It is going to be interesting to see how they fix this when the casino comes.

[Fast GTO]

I think the riff raff argument is overblown. The real issue is the county paying for bus services that will be empty most of the time and only serve the Harbor. For that reason the county thinks NH should foot the bill.

[justtitans]

Originally Posted by Fast GTO

I think the riff raff argument is overblown. The real issue is the county paying for bus services that will be empty most of the time and only serve the Harbor. For that reason the county thinks NH should foot the bill.

As far as riff raff, two words: The Blvd.

The elephant in the room is that they do not want certain groups of people there which is why they have limited bus services. Remember there was an article about a year or so ago, where they had the bus service coming from Branch Avenue as opposed to Southern Avenue, but later moved it after complaints. When you combine this with the story with the taxi cabs, it almost reeks of an elitist type set-up. National Harbor really doesn't benefit locals much at all. It is a money grab from tourists. Anybody local who is reliant on public transportation, would have a difficult time enjoying or even getting to National Harbor.

I think the National Harbor should foot the bill. Why not have the employees who want the service pay a surcharge for the services? Surely it would benefit them as it would likely be cheaper than constantly getting a taxi. This is also a way of controlling who has access to the site, since they clearly aren't open to having more transportation options.

[Fast GTO]

I go to National Harbor a lot. Half of the people there are black. Same story with the employee's.

It is very diverse.


Part of having a job is having the means to get to your job. Why should the employer be paying for employee transportation? And why should an employee who had the foresight to get a car be forced to pay a fee so that others can get a free ride off of their paycheck? Can't afford a car then get a bicycle or motorbike.

To me the issue has more to do with PG County not requiring that the proper transportation is available when approving development projects.

Also, NH is cutoff from the community due to the complaints of local residents during NH project planning. You reap what you sow. Luckily Tanger will have bicycle lanes so access between Fort Washington and this Outlet will be pretty smooth.

[justtitans]

Originally Posted by Fast GTO

I go to National Harbor a lot. Half of the people there are black. Same story with the employee's.

It is very diverse.

I'm not really sure where you going with this one. You lost me.

Originally Posted by Fast GTO

Part of having a job is having the means to get to your job. Why should the employer be paying for employee transportation? And why should an employee who had the foresight to get a car be forced to pay a fee so that others can get a free ride off of their paycheck? Can't afford a car then get a bicycle or motorbike.

To me the issue has more to do with PG County not requiring that the proper transportation is available when approving development projects.

Also, NH is cutoff from the community due to the complaints of local residents. You reap what you sow.

I agree PG didn't plan for the transportation, but I honestly think it's by design. I think they want it to be as isolated as possible.

As far as National Harbor paying for it, it's definitely not fair, but these are your employees that are being extremely inconvenienced. If you want to be able to deliver the highest quality product, then you have to find a way to accommodate your employees. You don't want employees coming in late or being tired because they spent half their time off just trying to get home. The incentive is for National Harbor to get the most out of their employees. It's not ideal, but it's better than having unhappy employees.

I'm not advocating for everyone to pay for these services, just the ones that need it. It would make no sense to make people who won't use those services to pay.