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Residents urge council to pause George Snyder Trail after VDOT warning; officials schedule follow-up
Summary
Dozens of residents spoke at the May 13 Fairfax City Council meeting urging the council to delay or cancel the planned George Snyder Trail alignment, citing tree loss, ecological harm and outreach shortfalls after a VDOT letter warned the city lost flexibility on project alignment and could face payback obligations.
Mayor Catherine S. Reid read a May 12 letter from VDOT's Northern Virginia District engineer alerting the city that the proposed alternative alignment for UPC 112816 (George Snyder Trail) would be treated as a significant deviation from the Commonwealth Transportation Board–funded project and could require repayment of project expenditures and reallocation of unspent funds if the city cancels or materially changes the scope.
That letter prompted a sustained public-comment period in which opponents and supporters of the current alignment addressed the council. Environmental and neighborhood speakers — including Val Morgan, Ellen Pence and Sophie McNeil — urged the council to cancel or pause the through-the-woods alignment, saying it would remove mature trees and harm wildlife. "The trees are more valuable than whatever we have to give back," Val Morgan said, arguing the city should preserve the remaining forested area.
Other residents said alternative alignments that use existing street corridors would be safer, less expensive and preserve tree canopy. Shelly Vance told the council the April 22 unanimous pause to the bidding process set an expectation that staff would pursue less destructive alternatives: "Please postpone any vote on the George Snyder Trail until at least May 27 so that you have an opportunity to put action to your unanimous vote from April 22," she said.
Speakers who supported the staff-designed trail highlighted regional connectivity and safety for cyclists. Janice Feather, speaking in favor, said the city has already invested time and outside funding in the trail: "We do not need to continue endangering cyclists by forcing them to share busy streets," she said, and warned that canceling could forfeit about $3.7 million in concessionaire funds.
Council members and staff acknowledged conflicting priorities. Mayor Reid said the city would hold a work session following the meeting to continue evaluating alternatives and stated the VDOT letter will be part of that discussion. Several residents asked the council to pursue negotiations with VDOT about repayment terms and to seek more time for public engagement.
The council did not vote on the project at the May 13 meeting; the mayor announced the issue would return for additional consideration at an upcoming meeting and a work session was scheduled to follow the regular meeting.
