Refresher course on 'techno-babble'
Bruce Bennett
2008-10-01 14:40:55
The Tysons Task Force has now spoken, sort of. At every turn of a page in their report there is incredibly good news for this whole region.
First, the report shows how we are going to pack new density models into all the nooks and crannies of the 1,700-acre Tysons Corner. Incredibly, it has been reported those new densities are going to create less, not more, traffic… plus there will be huge tax benefits, NOT new tax obligations.
In addition, there will be great affordable housing for all, to include those who have been left behind in the thriving Northern Virginia economy.
On top of that, there will be an amazing, great Tysons experience, as shown in the report titled, “Transforming Tysons.” This report contains stylized drawings with few to no automobiles and just a few people strolling in vast open areas.
In the “Transforming Tysons” report, it is clear that all will benefit and none will pay. We are assured, in part by what is not said, there will be NO negative regional impacts.
How is that possible, you may ask?
It is a simple matter of selling the vision. In this marketing campaign, there includes the use of new words with fresh definitions that are designed to lull the taxpayer to sleep while, at the same time, justifying those new, developer enriching densities.
The new Density focused "techno-babble" dictionary includes terms like TOD (Transit Oriented Development) and TDM (Transit Demand Management). These are fairly arcane words to the average citizen sitting in traffic, but they sound really good when spoken with gravitas by the Tysons Sales Force. Properly articulated, they can imply whatever the Density Sales Force might want to sell.
The density proponents have also figured out a way to imply methods of payment for this entire new city with no fiscal impact to the taxpayers.
In order to calm the wary, we are adopting a Fiscal focused “Techno-babble” for our new dictionary. That new financial lexicon contains such terms as FRANS (Federal Reimbursement Anticipation Notes) and TIFIA (Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation ) and TIF (Tax Increment Financing) or Full Faith and Credit of the Commonwealth. It is through these terms the cost mitigation is explained away. When spoken in dulcet tones, these terms can impart a lack of direct taxpayer impact.
If anyone is interested in the new Municipal language, maybe this paper could be encouraged to add other words and do a regular article on that new language and how that language is to be used in this region.
Bruce Bennett
Vienna