Bill 31-26 VIVA White Oak

The acting development ombudsman testified for the County Executive, calling VIVA White Oak a transformative investment that won't cost general-fund taxpayers.

The East County Citizens Advisory Board chair urged approval, saying East County has waited 40 years, while pressing for parallel transportation improvements.

The developer's senior vice president asked for a yes vote before the August recess so construction can start this fall.

Friends of White Oak stressed the bonds aren't general obligations and cited $4.9 billion in projected annual economic output at full build-out.

Adventist White Oak Medical Center's president said half the hospital's 700 nurses commute over an hour because they can't afford to live nearby.

The North White Oak Civic Association president warned the traffic analysis is 11 years old, excludes Cherry Hill Road impacts in Prince George's County, and asked for updated data before approval.