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Crime ReportsThe following are former news items or articles that provide background or historical context to issues affecting members of NECA.
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Braddock
City Sign Shop
•City Sign Shop Development (1505 Powhatan Street)
Clermont Cove Community Meeting
•Community Meeting with Mayor and Council Crime Information
•Crime - Shots Fired at First & Colonial Dixie Pig Restaurant: •SUP - What Does It Mean? •Redevelopment (2008)
Elections
•List of Officers and Board 2005/2006
•NECA Election Info for 2003/2004 •Process for NECA Elections for 2003/2004 Mason Hall •Mason Hall Parking
•Mason Hall Finally Fixes the Parking Problem & Ordinance with Site Plan (PDF) Mirant •Mirant Plant Shut Down Monroe Avenue Bridge Neighborhood Partnership Program
•Neighborhood Partnership Program
Nordic Press •Nordic Press Development Old Colony Motel •Old Colony Old Town Crescent •Parks
Potomac Yard Traffic/Transportation
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City Sign Shop Site Scheduled for A Different Development (June 2002)
[By Sylvia Sibrover, Newsletter Editor]
Mark Jinks, Assistant City Manager, spoke at our June 19 meeting about the status of the city shop site (also called the sign shop) located at Bernard Street, Slaters Lane, and Powhatan Street. The City of Alexandria owns more than half of the parcel. The eastern portion of this plot of land on Portner Road is privately owned and is now under contract to a developer who plans a residential development of townhouses.
Until recently the entire area (the private portion and the City's portion) had been approved for a commercial/office development that was to have small neighborhood serving stores on the first floor and offices on the second level.
For many reasons this did not come to fruition and Charlie Fairchild, who had planned the commercial enterprise, chose to allow the option to buy to lapse. The City has determined that a commercial venture (which they would prefer) is not possible at this time. Therefore, they are seeking requests for proposals of developing the parcel. The Land Use Committee will track this process to make every effort to keep any development compatible with our neighborhood.
[By Sylvia Sibrover, Newsletter Editor]
Mark Jinks, Assistant City Manager, spoke at our June 19 meeting about the status of the city shop site (also called the sign shop) located at Bernard Street, Slaters Lane, and Powhatan Street. The City of Alexandria owns more than half of the parcel. The eastern portion of this plot of land on Portner Road is privately owned and is now under contract to a developer who plans a residential development of townhouses.
Until recently the entire area (the private portion and the City's portion) had been approved for a commercial/office development that was to have small neighborhood serving stores on the first floor and offices on the second level.
For many reasons this did not come to fruition and Charlie Fairchild, who had planned the commercial enterprise, chose to allow the option to buy to lapse. The City has determined that a commercial venture (which they would prefer) is not possible at this time. Therefore, they are seeking requests for proposals of developing the parcel. The Land Use Committee will track this process to make every effort to keep any development compatible with our neighborhood.
[Vol. 1, No. 6 newsletter, p. 3]
[By Poul Hertel]
History: One-Way Pair Loop
On October 16, 1999, the NorthEast Citizens' Association including over 20 residents from Old Town Greens asked City Council to reconsider the implementation of the one-way pair loop on Slaters Lane. City Council agreed to take a second look before turning the service road in front of Old Town Greens into a major arterial and eliminating the parking. The proposed one-way pair loop would divert all westbound traffic on Slaters Lane to the service road while turning Slaters Lane into a one-way street heading east toward the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
The one-way pair concept originated as a solution for moving traffic in and out of Potomac Greens as part of the original Potomac Greens development proposal that was to include a Metro station and expected traffic to exceed 3,000 cars (Table 1). So much traffic could not possibly traverse Slaters Lane without causing gridlock. The one-way pair loop would have mitigated that problem by separating the traffic into continuous patterns.
Figure 1 shows the original plan along with the expected traffic generated in Old Town Greens by the original 2.5 million-square-foot development consisting of office and retail space. This is traffic during the AM and PM peak hour of adjacent street traffic during a one hour period.
By contrast, the actual scale of the development is totally different. Old Town Greens was approved for 273 residential units and Potomac Greens, which is going to be built to the north, was approved for 250 units. The actual development would generate less than 300 vehicular trips per hour, or one-tenth the cars of the original proposal (Table 2).
The one-way pair loop was a solution to a problem that no longer exists and might be detrimental to future solutions in our neighborhood. For these reasons, City Council decided to reconsider the decision and re-study the effected area to ensure that unnecessary, drastic, and obtrusive changes did not go forward needlessly. After a lengthy review, which included a comprehensive traffic study, City Council decided not to make the service road a major arterial.
History: One-Way Pair Loop
On October 16, 1999, the NorthEast Citizens' Association including over 20 residents from Old Town Greens asked City Council to reconsider the implementation of the one-way pair loop on Slaters Lane. City Council agreed to take a second look before turning the service road in front of Old Town Greens into a major arterial and eliminating the parking. The proposed one-way pair loop would divert all westbound traffic on Slaters Lane to the service road while turning Slaters Lane into a one-way street heading east toward the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
The one-way pair concept originated as a solution for moving traffic in and out of Potomac Greens as part of the original Potomac Greens development proposal that was to include a Metro station and expected traffic to exceed 3,000 cars (Table 1). So much traffic could not possibly traverse Slaters Lane without causing gridlock. The one-way pair loop would have mitigated that problem by separating the traffic into continuous patterns.
Figure 1 shows the original plan along with the expected traffic generated in Old Town Greens by the original 2.5 million-square-foot development consisting of office and retail space. This is traffic during the AM and PM peak hour of adjacent street traffic during a one hour period.
By contrast, the actual scale of the development is totally different. Old Town Greens was approved for 273 residential units and Potomac Greens, which is going to be built to the north, was approved for 250 units. The actual development would generate less than 300 vehicular trips per hour, or one-tenth the cars of the original proposal (Table 2).
The one-way pair loop was a solution to a problem that no longer exists and might be detrimental to future solutions in our neighborhood. For these reasons, City Council decided to reconsider the decision and re-study the effected area to ensure that unnecessary, drastic, and obtrusive changes did not go forward needlessly. After a lengthy review, which included a comprehensive traffic study, City Council decided not to make the service road a major arterial.
Present: Modified "T"
The elimination of the one-way pair loop was and is desirable, but it still leaves open some problems of accessibility to Old Town Greens and the planned Potomac Greens development. To solve this problem the NorthEast in conjunction with City staff and the Braddock Metro team has worked out a pedestrian access plan to Braddock Metro Station. Although primarily a pedestrian plan, it does incorporate the modified T. This plan would extend Potomac Greens Drive through the center island to the traffic signal at Slaters Lane and Portner Road. This configuration will permit the consolidation of open space for the neighborhood. The important point is it provides better access to Old Town Greens for its residents. During the morning commute, traffic on Slaters Lane backs up, which makes leaving home very time consuming for the residents. Figure 2 shows the pedestrian access plan to the Braddock Metro Station. The darker shade along the railroad represents a future sidewalk intended to facilitate the Metro use for pedestrians. The plan is the conceptual stage, but the developer of the Potomac Greens has indicated they are looking at the plan.
So far, two major issues surfaced:
• The ability to exit from Old Town Greens during the morning rush hour. To solve
that problem, a suggestion is to have two lanes exiting onto Slaters so that
eastbound traffic will not impede the westbound traffic during the morning
commute.
• The concern about traffic going into Bernard Street and Michigan Avenue in order
to circumvent Slaters Lane or Powhatan Street. Since Bernard Street and Michigan
Avenue are extremely narrow, the ability to carry increased traffic is questionable.
The Transportation Committee of the NorthEast Citizens' Association will also be taking a closer look at the traffic plans and keep both the City and the developers aware of the concerns of the residents.
The elimination of the one-way pair loop was and is desirable, but it still leaves open some problems of accessibility to Old Town Greens and the planned Potomac Greens development. To solve this problem the NorthEast in conjunction with City staff and the Braddock Metro team has worked out a pedestrian access plan to Braddock Metro Station. Although primarily a pedestrian plan, it does incorporate the modified T. This plan would extend Potomac Greens Drive through the center island to the traffic signal at Slaters Lane and Portner Road. This configuration will permit the consolidation of open space for the neighborhood. The important point is it provides better access to Old Town Greens for its residents. During the morning commute, traffic on Slaters Lane backs up, which makes leaving home very time consuming for the residents. Figure 2 shows the pedestrian access plan to the Braddock Metro Station. The darker shade along the railroad represents a future sidewalk intended to facilitate the Metro use for pedestrians. The plan is the conceptual stage, but the developer of the Potomac Greens has indicated they are looking at the plan.
So far, two major issues surfaced:
• The ability to exit from Old Town Greens during the morning rush hour. To solve
that problem, a suggestion is to have two lanes exiting onto Slaters so that
eastbound traffic will not impede the westbound traffic during the morning
commute.
• The concern about traffic going into Bernard Street and Michigan Avenue in order
to circumvent Slaters Lane or Powhatan Street. Since Bernard Street and Michigan
Avenue are extremely narrow, the ability to carry increased traffic is questionable.
The Transportation Committee of the NorthEast Citizens' Association will also be taking a closer look at the traffic plans and keep both the City and the developers aware of the concerns of the residents.
[Vol. 1, No. 5 newsletter, p. 1]
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Neighborhood Partnership Program - 2004
The City is issuing a Request for Proposals for the 2004 Neighborhood Partnership Program. There will be a detailed discussion at the March 10, 2004, meeting. This PDF document is the form we will complete based on the discussion at our meeting. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please complete the form and bring it with you.
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Neighborhood Partnership Program - 2004
The City is issuing a Request for Proposals for the 2004 Neighborhood Partnership Program. There will be a detailed discussion at the March 10, 2004, meeting. This PDF document is the form we will complete based on the discussion at our meeting. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please complete the form and bring it with you.
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Election Information (September 2002)
[By Sylvia Sibrover, Newsletter Editor]
The beginning of the year for the NorthEast Citizens' Association is in September. As such, we are holding our elections for the Officers and Board of Directors at our first meeting of the year on September 18, 2002. The association year will run from September 2002 through August 2003. Dues are collected starting in September.
In order to vote at the election, you must be a member and in order to be a member you must live in the area and have paid your dues. All residents, renters and homeowners alike, are eligible for membership.
To become a member send your dues to the treasurer or pay at the election meeting. It is suggested that dues by mail be sent prior to September 12 to allow time for delivery. Ballots for the election will only be given to those whose dues were received before the election or those who pay when they sign in. Sign-in will be between 7:00 PM and 7:45 PM. Tables will be set up at the entrance of the meeting room to collect dues and pass out ballots. If you're paying by cash it would be appreciated if you would bring exact change.
[By Sylvia Sibrover, Newsletter Editor]
The beginning of the year for the NorthEast Citizens' Association is in September. As such, we are holding our elections for the Officers and Board of Directors at our first meeting of the year on September 18, 2002. The association year will run from September 2002 through August 2003. Dues are collected starting in September.
In order to vote at the election, you must be a member and in order to be a member you must live in the area and have paid your dues. All residents, renters and homeowners alike, are eligible for membership.
To become a member send your dues to the treasurer or pay at the election meeting. It is suggested that dues by mail be sent prior to September 12 to allow time for delivery. Ballots for the election will only be given to those whose dues were received before the election or those who pay when they sign in. Sign-in will be between 7:00 PM and 7:45 PM. Tables will be set up at the entrance of the meeting room to collect dues and pass out ballots. If you're paying by cash it would be appreciated if you would bring exact change.
ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE PAID DUES BY 7:45 PM WILL RECEIVE A BALLOT.
No proxy votes will count. Members must be in attendance to cast a vote. Nominations from the floor will not be accepted. An article on the election process was in the June 2002 newsletter.
There will be a short question and answer period prior to the vote for President. Questions from the members be placed in a box and drawn alternately by each candidate. Both candidates will be asked to answer the question drawn. Index cards will be provided for any member who wished to submit a question.
[Vol. 2, No. 1 newsletter, p.1]
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Process for Election of Officers of the NorthEast Citizens' Association (June 2002)
The meeting on June 19, 2002, was the last one for this association year. With only a few months off for the summer, the next association year will begin in September 2002 with the election of Officers and Board of Directors.
At the June Board meeting the election process was discussed. The bylaws were consulted and a discussion ensued. The determination by the Board (and concurred to by the parliamentarian) was:
• The bylaws require that a Nominating Committee of three members
be formed to bring forward candidates for election to the membership.
• Only individuals on the nomination list will be considered.
• All nominations must be received by the nominations committee by
August 1, 2002, in order to be considered.
• Any nominations put forward after August 1, 2002, will not be eligible
There will be a short question and answer period prior to the vote for President. Questions from the members be placed in a box and drawn alternately by each candidate. Both candidates will be asked to answer the question drawn. Index cards will be provided for any member who wished to submit a question.
[Vol. 2, No. 1 newsletter, p.1]
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Process for Election of Officers of the NorthEast Citizens' Association (June 2002)
The meeting on June 19, 2002, was the last one for this association year. With only a few months off for the summer, the next association year will begin in September 2002 with the election of Officers and Board of Directors.
At the June Board meeting the election process was discussed. The bylaws were consulted and a discussion ensued. The determination by the Board (and concurred to by the parliamentarian) was:
• The bylaws require that a Nominating Committee of three members
be formed to bring forward candidates for election to the membership.
• Only individuals on the nomination list will be considered.
• All nominations must be received by the nominations committee by
August 1, 2002, in order to be considered.
• Any nominations put forward after August 1, 2002, will not be eligible
for election (there will be no nominations from the floor unless the
nomination committee does not receive any nominations)[1].
• The nominations committee will choose a slate; however, all valid
nominations submitted by August 1, 2002, will be put forward for the election.
• The nominations committee will choose a slate; however, all valid
nominations submitted by August 1, 2002, will be put forward for the election.
Qualifications
That's simple. You must be a resident of NorthEast and a member of the Association in good standing.
Procedure for Nomination
Any member interested in running for one of the offices or as a member of the Board needs to contact the Nominating Committee. Send an email to nominations@neca-alex.com providing your name and address. If you prefer send a letter to:
| Nominating Committee NorthEast Citizens' Association 1121 Powhatan St. Alexandria, VA 22314 |
If you wish to nominate someone other than yourself, please make certain the individual is a member and able to server before bringing his or her name forward. All nominations must be received no later than August 1, 2002, to be on the ballot. Letters must be received (not simply postmarked) by August 1st and email must be date stamped no later than 6:00 PM EDT August 1st.
[1] Bylaws: Article IV, Section I. "...the President shall appoint, with the advice and
consent of the Executive Committee, ... a nominating committee to present a
list of candidates for election to office for the following year...."
______________________________
Board-Passed Motion on the Nomination Process
"The duly appointed Nominating Committee appointed by the President and approved by the Executive will consider nominations submitted by August 1 and report a slate to the membership. All applications submitted by August 1 will be put forward for election. Any nominations put forward after August 1 will not be eligible for election."
[Vol. 1, No. 6 newsletter, p. 1]
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consent of the Executive Committee, ... a nominating committee to present a
list of candidates for election to office for the following year...."
______________________________
Board-Passed Motion on the Nomination Process
"The duly appointed Nominating Committee appointed by the President and approved by the Executive will consider nominations submitted by August 1 and report a slate to the membership. All applications submitted by August 1 will be put forward for election. Any nominations put forward after August 1 will not be eligible for election."
[Vol. 1, No. 6 newsletter, p. 1]
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Shots Fired - Incident at First Street and Colonial Avenue
At approximately 9:00 p.m. on Monday, April 15, shots were fired near the intersection of First Street and Colonial Avenue. The driver of a car going south on Colonial approaching the intersection at First Street told police that shots were fired in his direction by an unknown black male whom the driver had seen walking south on Colonial toward First holding a pistol at his side. As the driver turned the corner, the assailant chased after the car and started shooting. This caused the driver to duck for cover and crash his car into a car parked on First Street, totaling both cars. Both the driver and assailant fled on foot. A police canvass of the area found no injuries or additional damage.
At least three shots were fired; shell casings were recovered. There were witnesses to the shooting and a suspect was named and questioned. Prosecution has been hindered by a lack of corroborating evidence and witnesses unwilling to testify. Uniformed and plainclothes police continue to give attention to the area where this incident occurred.
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At approximately 9:00 p.m. on Monday, April 15, shots were fired near the intersection of First Street and Colonial Avenue. The driver of a car going south on Colonial approaching the intersection at First Street told police that shots were fired in his direction by an unknown black male whom the driver had seen walking south on Colonial toward First holding a pistol at his side. As the driver turned the corner, the assailant chased after the car and started shooting. This caused the driver to duck for cover and crash his car into a car parked on First Street, totaling both cars. Both the driver and assailant fled on foot. A police canvass of the area found no injuries or additional damage.
At least three shots were fired; shell casings were recovered. There were witnesses to the shooting and a suspect was named and questioned. Prosecution has been hindered by a lack of corroborating evidence and witnesses unwilling to testify. Uniformed and plainclothes police continue to give attention to the area where this incident occurred.
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Braddock Metro Plaza Proposal (February 2002)
[By Poul Hertel]
As part of a push to redevelop the Braddock Metro area, a developer is proposing to build a 207,000 square foot office building along the Braddock Metro Plaza on the old school site. The site presently houses the PBS building, the plaza, the townhouses on Madison Street and a tree-lined undeveloped open space tract. The 12-story building is proposed for the undeveloped area. It will loom large with a height of 135 feet and an FAR expected to exceed 4.1. The development will close an otherwise open plaza walkway to the metro station, require the relocation of the fountain, and leave a mere 35 feet of space in the plaza between the buildings. Conceptually, this is supposed to create an atmosphere more conducive to a community center. To this end the developer is offering the community at large use of a "community room" with capacity to seat 50 people. The plaza level will have a retail component of 9988 square feet. The building will provide 136 parking spaces on five levels, three of these above grade.
The existing zoning, CRMU-H, allows a maximum height of 77 feet and an FAR of 1.25 that can be increased by .25 if retail is provided or 2.5 FAR if the development consists of 50 percent commercial and 50 percent residential. To overcome these regulations, the developer is arguing that all the development in the school site should be one aggregated pool. In so doing, the developer maintains that the FAR is technically below 2.5. In other words, the developer is urging the City to compensate him for his earlier decision to build lower density townhouses on Madison Street by allowing the unused FAR to be recaptured in the remaining portion of the property. This would require the higher height limits to be achievable.
City Staff estimates that the developer is allowed to build a 60,000 square foot building. Therefore, the proposed development represents an increase of 345 percent in density. Since the height is limited to 77 feet, a variance is needed along with an increase in the allowable FAR.
The developer argues that the proximity of the Metro Station warrants the higher density. However, empirical studies suggest less than 25 percent of office occupants will in fact use mass transit.
[Vol. 1, No. 3 newsletter, p. 3]
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Clermont Cove (March 2002)
[Vol. 1, No. 3 newsletter, p. 3]
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Clermont Cove (March 2002)
[By Sylvia Sibrover, Newsletter Editor]
Last month the Planning Commission considered a developer's appeal of a denial for a waiver for an encroachment into a Resource Protection Area (RPA). The waiver was for a proposed residential development off Eisenhower Avenue. Richard Baier, Director of Transportation and Environment Services (T&ES) asked planning to uphold his denial.
The proposed residential development was planned between rail tracks and industrial buildings. The construction would encroach upon an RPA that should buffer development from natural water sources. The encroachment was up to 100% in many parts of the proposed development.
The Planning Commission upheld the T&ES denial by unanimous vote. The developer had considered carrying its appeal to City Council to reverse the Planning Commission. Instead, it will revise its plans and bring it back for consideration.
NECA will keep track of this project and let the membership know of any further developments. Although the project is not in our backyard, it will impact how our City develops and could effect RPAs everywhere.
[Vol. 1, No. 4 newsletter, p. 2]
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Madison Homes - The Old Town Crescent Development (March 2002)
[By Mariella Posey, Co-Chair, Land Use Committee]
On a Saturday morning early in 2000 the Land Use Committee (LUC) met at the Dixie Pig with a developer and his attorney to look at a proposed residential development planned for the vacant lot and parking lot located at Slaters Lane, Portner Road and Bernard Street.
The development consisted of 10 brick town homes with detached garages and patios facing Bernard Street and 15 stacked town homes on the Slaters side of the development. The stacked units were to be in three groups of five: one group facing Portner Road and the remaining facing each other on the east side of the property. They would not have detached garages but would be similar to the Hearthstone Mews, another project of the developer.
During this initial meeting it was suggested that a condo with single level units be substituted for the 15 town homes. The rationale for this suggestion was a single level condo unit might appeal to older people who would like to stay in the area but were moving out of it because they were finding it difficult to negotiate the stairs in their current homes. The developer thought it was an interesting idea but did not think it was financially viable.
At our next meeting the condo was on the table. The design was for a four story stone building with a set back on the alley side, overlooking the 10 town homes on Bernard Street. One of the members of the Land Use Committee suggested the condo be turned around with the set back facing Slaters to break-up the face of the building and to give the residents a view of the Washington Monument and other Washington, D.C. landmarks. The developer agreed to this change.
Over a period of 4 months, the Land Use Committee held several meetings, including some with the developer to discuss our concerns about, and requests for, this development. One of the meetings was a drive to McLean, Virginia, by three members of the LUC and the developer to look at one of his projects using Hardy Plank in places where others used vinyl siding.
After several LUC meetings, a presentation to the full association, and a meeting with the Board of Directors, the approved development is now in its final stages and getting ready for occupancy.
Some of the enhancements negotiated by the Land Use Committee that are part of this parcel are:
• Parking that exceeds city standards, which includes on-site parking for the
development residents (underground for the condo) plus an additional 20%
on-site visitor parking, none of which would be visible from the street;
• No curb cuts since all access to the condo and the townhouses are provided
from the alley through the center of the site;
• The majority of open space at ground level;
• Stone detailing around the doors and in other areas on the front of the
townhouses facing Bernard Street to break up the monotony of an all brick
facade;
• Hardy Plank instead of vinyl siding;
• Sidewalks on Portner Road and Bernard Street that are 6 feet wide made up of
5 feet of brick and a 6 inch band on each side instead of concrete sidewalks with
brick siding (City staff recommended a concrete sidewalk with a brick band); and
• A twelve-foot brick sidewalk on Slaters Lane with a landscape strip between the
sidewalk and street.
This is one of the nicest developments to be constructed in the City in recent years and we are proud that it is in our neighborhood.
Last month the Planning Commission considered a developer's appeal of a denial for a waiver for an encroachment into a Resource Protection Area (RPA). The waiver was for a proposed residential development off Eisenhower Avenue. Richard Baier, Director of Transportation and Environment Services (T&ES) asked planning to uphold his denial.
The proposed residential development was planned between rail tracks and industrial buildings. The construction would encroach upon an RPA that should buffer development from natural water sources. The encroachment was up to 100% in many parts of the proposed development.
The Planning Commission upheld the T&ES denial by unanimous vote. The developer had considered carrying its appeal to City Council to reverse the Planning Commission. Instead, it will revise its plans and bring it back for consideration.
NECA will keep track of this project and let the membership know of any further developments. Although the project is not in our backyard, it will impact how our City develops and could effect RPAs everywhere.
[Vol. 1, No. 4 newsletter, p. 2]
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Madison Homes - The Old Town Crescent Development (March 2002)
[By Mariella Posey, Co-Chair, Land Use Committee]
On a Saturday morning early in 2000 the Land Use Committee (LUC) met at the Dixie Pig with a developer and his attorney to look at a proposed residential development planned for the vacant lot and parking lot located at Slaters Lane, Portner Road and Bernard Street.
The development consisted of 10 brick town homes with detached garages and patios facing Bernard Street and 15 stacked town homes on the Slaters side of the development. The stacked units were to be in three groups of five: one group facing Portner Road and the remaining facing each other on the east side of the property. They would not have detached garages but would be similar to the Hearthstone Mews, another project of the developer.
During this initial meeting it was suggested that a condo with single level units be substituted for the 15 town homes. The rationale for this suggestion was a single level condo unit might appeal to older people who would like to stay in the area but were moving out of it because they were finding it difficult to negotiate the stairs in their current homes. The developer thought it was an interesting idea but did not think it was financially viable.
At our next meeting the condo was on the table. The design was for a four story stone building with a set back on the alley side, overlooking the 10 town homes on Bernard Street. One of the members of the Land Use Committee suggested the condo be turned around with the set back facing Slaters to break-up the face of the building and to give the residents a view of the Washington Monument and other Washington, D.C. landmarks. The developer agreed to this change.
Over a period of 4 months, the Land Use Committee held several meetings, including some with the developer to discuss our concerns about, and requests for, this development. One of the meetings was a drive to McLean, Virginia, by three members of the LUC and the developer to look at one of his projects using Hardy Plank in places where others used vinyl siding.
After several LUC meetings, a presentation to the full association, and a meeting with the Board of Directors, the approved development is now in its final stages and getting ready for occupancy.
Some of the enhancements negotiated by the Land Use Committee that are part of this parcel are:
• Parking that exceeds city standards, which includes on-site parking for the
development residents (underground for the condo) plus an additional 20%
on-site visitor parking, none of which would be visible from the street;
• No curb cuts since all access to the condo and the townhouses are provided
from the alley through the center of the site;
• The majority of open space at ground level;
• Stone detailing around the doors and in other areas on the front of the
townhouses facing Bernard Street to break up the monotony of an all brick
facade;
• Hardy Plank instead of vinyl siding;
• Sidewalks on Portner Road and Bernard Street that are 6 feet wide made up of
5 feet of brick and a 6 inch band on each side instead of concrete sidewalks with
brick siding (City staff recommended a concrete sidewalk with a brick band); and
• A twelve-foot brick sidewalk on Slaters Lane with a landscape strip between the
sidewalk and street.
This is one of the nicest developments to be constructed in the City in recent years and we are proud that it is in our neighborhood.
[Vol. 1, No. 4 newsletter, p. 3]
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Mason Hall Finally Fixes the Parking Problem (March 2002)
[By Poul Hertel]
Mason Hall, an apartment building visible from the George Washington Memorial Parkway, has finally begun the work to increase the number of parking spaces in order to alleviate the lack of parking. Some of the parking will be closed temporarily during the construction phase, although Mason Hall is staggering the construction to minimize the inconvenience. Once finished, the parking problems will be vastly improved.
The problem arose because Mason Hall has insufficient parking by today's standards. The apartment dwellers partially solved the problem by parking diagonally in front of the building on the access road. Unfortunately, Mason Hall also paved over the back lot facing Bernard Street, which is legal, and placed parking on the area, which is illegal. This fact was discovered during deliberations with a neighbor concerning the property lines. The City of Alexandria sent Code Enforcement to close the illegal parking lot.
The lot had a limited number of spaces, so in itself the loss was not precipitous. While on the site, Code Enforcement saw the illegal diagonal parking in front of the building and summarily stopped it. A significant number of parking spots, albeit illegal, were lost and the management reacted by cutting a hole in the fence to Bernard Street. Residents of Mason Hall were encouraged to park in the adjacent neighborhoods, which could not bear the extra cars because they also have insufficient parking to begin with.
The NorthEast Citizens' Association proposed a solution that would close the gate as the neighbors had petitioned for, and the City would vacate land in front of the building so that Mason Hall could legally restore the diagonal parking. Mason Hall had agreed to this condition. The immediate neighbor did not agree and got City Council to place a further condition on the vacation of the land. Mason Hall also had to restore the back lot to its original condition. This precipitated a successful lawsuit against the City of Alexandria. Conditions are allowed if they are specifically designed to provide a public good. The Judge ruled that the back-lot restoration only benefited the immediate neighbor and therefore was not valid. In the meantime, residents around Bernard Street and Mason Hall were paying the price of delay.
Mason Hall, armed with the lawsuit, had all the advantage and upped the ante for closing the gate. They requested more parking along Slaters Lane and wanted to remove open space. In a negotiated settlement with NorthEast and the City, Mason Hall agreed to the following:
• The City vacates the land in favor of Mason Hall, which would permit the diagonal
parking,
• Mason Hall removes the gate after the construction of the parking in front is
finished,
• The immediate neighbors get an 8-foot landscape buffer to Mason Hall,
• Mason Hall gets more parking along Slaters Lane, and
• Mason Hall agrees to place a fence along Slaters Lane to mitigate the
appearance.
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Mason Hall Finally Fixes the Parking Problem (March 2002)
[By Poul Hertel]
Mason Hall, an apartment building visible from the George Washington Memorial Parkway, has finally begun the work to increase the number of parking spaces in order to alleviate the lack of parking. Some of the parking will be closed temporarily during the construction phase, although Mason Hall is staggering the construction to minimize the inconvenience. Once finished, the parking problems will be vastly improved.
The problem arose because Mason Hall has insufficient parking by today's standards. The apartment dwellers partially solved the problem by parking diagonally in front of the building on the access road. Unfortunately, Mason Hall also paved over the back lot facing Bernard Street, which is legal, and placed parking on the area, which is illegal. This fact was discovered during deliberations with a neighbor concerning the property lines. The City of Alexandria sent Code Enforcement to close the illegal parking lot.
The lot had a limited number of spaces, so in itself the loss was not precipitous. While on the site, Code Enforcement saw the illegal diagonal parking in front of the building and summarily stopped it. A significant number of parking spots, albeit illegal, were lost and the management reacted by cutting a hole in the fence to Bernard Street. Residents of Mason Hall were encouraged to park in the adjacent neighborhoods, which could not bear the extra cars because they also have insufficient parking to begin with.
The NorthEast Citizens' Association proposed a solution that would close the gate as the neighbors had petitioned for, and the City would vacate land in front of the building so that Mason Hall could legally restore the diagonal parking. Mason Hall had agreed to this condition. The immediate neighbor did not agree and got City Council to place a further condition on the vacation of the land. Mason Hall also had to restore the back lot to its original condition. This precipitated a successful lawsuit against the City of Alexandria. Conditions are allowed if they are specifically designed to provide a public good. The Judge ruled that the back-lot restoration only benefited the immediate neighbor and therefore was not valid. In the meantime, residents around Bernard Street and Mason Hall were paying the price of delay.
Mason Hall, armed with the lawsuit, had all the advantage and upped the ante for closing the gate. They requested more parking along Slaters Lane and wanted to remove open space. In a negotiated settlement with NorthEast and the City, Mason Hall agreed to the following:
• The City vacates the land in favor of Mason Hall, which would permit the diagonal
parking,
• Mason Hall removes the gate after the construction of the parking in front is
finished,
• The immediate neighbors get an 8-foot landscape buffer to Mason Hall,
• Mason Hall gets more parking along Slaters Lane, and
• Mason Hall agrees to place a fence along Slaters Lane to mitigate the
appearance.
In the final analysis, the negotiated settlement gives the neighborhood an extra 40 parking places while at the same time restoring conditions to their original settings and protecting the appearance of the gateway to our community. The agreement was reached over a year ago and Mason Hall is finally starting to implement it. This should make life easier for many people, including the renters at Mason Hall.
Community Meeting (February 2003)
The City of Alexandria had a Community Meeting on Wednesday, February 19, 2003, at the Charles Houston Recreation Center (905 Wythe Street). The Mayor and Council were there with other City officials. Some of the items on the agenda were:
• Review of upcoming city projects in the area
(including the realignment of the Monroe Avenue Bridge)
• Overview of policing activities and crime statistics in the area
• Summary of code enforcement activities
This event was in lieu of an Association meeting.
The City of Alexandria had a Community Meeting on Wednesday, February 19, 2003, at the Charles Houston Recreation Center (905 Wythe Street). The Mayor and Council were there with other City officials. Some of the items on the agenda were:
• Review of upcoming city projects in the area
(including the realignment of the Monroe Avenue Bridge)
• Overview of policing activities and crime statistics in the area
• Summary of code enforcement activities
This event was in lieu of an Association meeting.
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Tax Referendum (November 2002)
The Tax Referendum was voted on and defeated at the election held on November 5, 2002. Mayor Kerry J. Donley and Mr. Stewart Schwartz expressed their differing views on the referendum.
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SUP – What Does It Mean? (December 2001)
[By Sylvia Sibrover, Newsletter Editor]
The SUP (Special Use Permit) process is the method by which the City of Alexandria controls development and use of property. This is necessary to keep development orderly and reasonable in size and scope. An SUP is only necessary if a developer wishes to go beyond the limits allowed by current zoning law. It is also required for all restaurants within City limits or any property where the site is used in a way contrary to zoning.
“The city council may approve an application for a special use permit ... if the
proposed location is appropriate for the use and if the proposed use or structure
will be designated and operated so as to avoid, minimize or mitigate any
potentially adverse effects on the neighborhood as a whole or other properties
in the vicinity.” [Alexandria Zoning Ordinance]
The Dixie Pig is a property that has a SUP, both because it is a restaurant and is a nonconforming use.
In 1951 the Dixie Pig restaurant stood on land that was rezoned residential. As a result a restaurant was no longer allowed. Since the owner had a substantial investment in the restaurant, the City granted the nonconforming use for a period of 40 years at which time the property would revert to residential. The SUP expired in 1991. Because of the community support for a restaurant, the nonconforming use has continued.
The current owner, having recently acquired the property, wishes to open an Italian restaurant. An SUP has been granted. Unfortunately, they are encountering difficulties so have delayed the completion of renovations and restaurant opening.
Tax Referendum (November 2002)
The Tax Referendum was voted on and defeated at the election held on November 5, 2002. Mayor Kerry J. Donley and Mr. Stewart Schwartz expressed their differing views on the referendum.
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SUP – What Does It Mean? (December 2001)
[By Sylvia Sibrover, Newsletter Editor]
The SUP (Special Use Permit) process is the method by which the City of Alexandria controls development and use of property. This is necessary to keep development orderly and reasonable in size and scope. An SUP is only necessary if a developer wishes to go beyond the limits allowed by current zoning law. It is also required for all restaurants within City limits or any property where the site is used in a way contrary to zoning.
“The city council may approve an application for a special use permit ... if the
proposed location is appropriate for the use and if the proposed use or structure
will be designated and operated so as to avoid, minimize or mitigate any
potentially adverse effects on the neighborhood as a whole or other properties
in the vicinity.” [Alexandria Zoning Ordinance]
The Dixie Pig is a property that has a SUP, both because it is a restaurant and is a nonconforming use.
In 1951 the Dixie Pig restaurant stood on land that was rezoned residential. As a result a restaurant was no longer allowed. Since the owner had a substantial investment in the restaurant, the City granted the nonconforming use for a period of 40 years at which time the property would revert to residential. The SUP expired in 1991. Because of the community support for a restaurant, the nonconforming use has continued.
The current owner, having recently acquired the property, wishes to open an Italian restaurant. An SUP has been granted. Unfortunately, they are encountering difficulties so have delayed the completion of renovations and restaurant opening.
[Vol. 1, No. 1 newsletter, p.2]
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The Dixie Pig Restaurant: An Alexandria Cultural Landmark (January 2002)
[By Bonnie Rideout]
Alexandria is a city rich in history and is dotted with many historic landmarks. The Dixie Pig Restaurant is part of this long heritage. Although not associated with any of the more recognizable figures in Virginia history, the Dixie Pig nevertheless embodies an undeniable continuity with the cultural past of the local community.
The first historical reference to the property dates to 1870 when the area was known as the Jefferson District of Arlington. In October, Scott School, a segregated institution for blacks, was established. The school’s first principal was Mary A. Nevett. Scott was one of a series of late-nineteenth-century segregated schools organized in Alexandria by Alfred H. Parry. Parry’s mother-in-law, incidentally, had been a servant at George Washington’s estate, Mount Vernon.
Despite strong local opposition to Parry’s places of learning for the disadvantaged, which operated in churches, private homes, barracks, and warehouses, Scott School served the community’s black population for many years until its students were eventually dispersed to nearby Parker Gray High School, and the Snowden and Hollowell schools. Alexandria resident [and local historian], Harry Burke, born in the late 1920’s, recalls [a story of] the students of Scott and one of their teachers, Mrs. Prichett. “Most of the kids in the school,” recalls Mr. Burke, “lived on the other side of the railroad tracks where their fathers worked, while others lived near the power plant.”
The next documented structure to appear on the site was a grocery store erected in 1918. It is uncertain whether or not Scott School was torn down at that time or if the store was simply erected on the old foundation of the school. Shortly after the store building went up, this section of Powhatan Street (called Washington Road at the time) became part of the City of Alexandria. Canton and Sarah Johnson ran the store after inheriting it from Kent and Rosa Johnson in 1938. Confirmation of the link between the Johnson’s store and Scott School can be found in the 1939 deed to the adjoining property that still referred to the grocery store property as the “old school lot.”
By the 1950’s [sometime in 1940’s], the grocery store was converted into a diner, beginning the history of the present-day Dixie Pig establishment. The Dixie Pig has long been a fixture in the local community life of the Powhatan Street area. The interior and decor of the building is original [vintage] 1950’s.
Beyond the architecture of the building, the unique neon sign is an important artistic and historical artifact. It is one of the oldest neon signs in the [Metropolitan] Washington, D.C. area. Professionals have reflected on the cultural relevance of the landmark. Even artists have taken note of the structure. An art exhibition at the Old Summer School in Washington, D.C. features the work of another Dixie Pig restaurant sign in its display. Also, the picture of the Dixie Pig Restaurant is on display at the Torpedo Factory in Old Town Alexandria. [Our thanks to Ms. Rideout for allowing us to print this article.]
[Vol. 1, No. 2 newsletter, p. 1]
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Traffic Management Plan (January 2002)
[By Sylvia Sibrover, Newsletter Editor]
Phase I (1996)
Those who are new to the neighborhood will not know there was a previous configuration of Powhatan Street. It was a four-lane collector on which traffic moved at great speed and was pedestrian unfriendly. NECA was concerned about this unsafe situation and formed the Traffic Committee. The group worked for almost a year to devise a street design to slow down traffic. The final proposal was distributed to every household and posted on the NECA web page. Three association meetings were held to discuss the proposal. The meetings (like all NECA membership meetings) were open to anyone who wished to attend. The last meeting was a presentation by Tom O’Kane, former Director of Transportation and Environmental Services, of the final drawing by the City. Because of the number of attendees, the meeting was in the fire truck bay of the old fire station. The vote was taken. The result was an almost unanimous approval with only one person dissenting. What we have is the result.
The following is from the “NECA Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan” as printed in The Northeasterner, July 25, 1996 (Poul Hertel).
The objectives of the traffic management plan is to:
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Traffic Management Plan (January 2002)
[By Sylvia Sibrover, Newsletter Editor]
Phase I (1996)
Those who are new to the neighborhood will not know there was a previous configuration of Powhatan Street. It was a four-lane collector on which traffic moved at great speed and was pedestrian unfriendly. NECA was concerned about this unsafe situation and formed the Traffic Committee. The group worked for almost a year to devise a street design to slow down traffic. The final proposal was distributed to every household and posted on the NECA web page. Three association meetings were held to discuss the proposal. The meetings (like all NECA membership meetings) were open to anyone who wished to attend. The last meeting was a presentation by Tom O’Kane, former Director of Transportation and Environmental Services, of the final drawing by the City. Because of the number of attendees, the meeting was in the fire truck bay of the old fire station. The vote was taken. The result was an almost unanimous approval with only one person dissenting. What we have is the result.
The following is from the “NECA Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan” as printed in The Northeasterner, July 25, 1996 (Poul Hertel).
The objectives of the traffic management plan is to:
- Protect residents from high-speed commuter traffic diverting from arterial streets onto local streets
- Maintain accessibility of neighborhood streets for local traffic
- Make neighborhood pedestrian friendly
- Design street system to reduce auto speeds and improve safety
Various strategies were discussed and ultimately consisted of the following:
- Reduce wide radius intersections (neck down)
- Eliminate unneeded travel lanes
- Selectively prohibit turning movements
- Post fines for speeding
- Redesign intersections with continuous right turns
- Use changes in pavement treatment to signal cars to slow down
- Demarcate crosswalks
As you will see by looking at the street, all strategies were not incorporated by the City in the final plan.
The final step in the process was the nine actions that needed to be taken. The first step was the physical changes for Powhatan Street. This required the converting of a four-lane roadway into a two-lane street. Since the original lanes were smaller than what is now considered standard traffic lanes, two standard lanes were provided. The balance of the “original” road was given to parking and widening the small median between the street and the utility road on the east side of Powhatan Street. The ends of the parking at both Bashford Lane and Second Street were provided with a bubble out to not only narrow the visual effect of Powhatan Street but also to protect the cars parked there.
At the north end of Powhatan Street (between Bashford Lane and Slaters Lane) is a townhouse community (Powhatan Gateway) on the west side of the street and small businesses on the east. The solution there was to divide the two travel lanes with a median of brick and trees. The important part of this area was to eliminate the “hot” turn by Powhatan Gateway for traffic turning off Slaters and onto Powhatan. This hot turn encouraged speeding.
The traffic management plan for the south end of Powhatan (Washington Street to Second Street) is considered Phase II and is currently in the hands of engineers finalizing the design.
As well as working on the physical design of the street the committee considered traffic movement. Two options discussed but not implemented were prohibiting left turns at two intersections. One was the left turn for cars driving south and turning on to Bashford and the other was no left turns for cars coming off Slaters onto Powhatan. These two options were considered because of the waiting traffic backup on Bashford right out of Nethergate or residents turning left out of the Fagelson’s development. This situation was recently improved with an adjustment in the timing of the traffic light at Bashford and the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
A third traffic movement was eliminated by the removal of the hot turn mentioned above. It required turning vehicles to continue to the intersection with the stoplight. Having a near normal curb design, it required traffic to slow down before making the turn. The existing configuration was created to allow a safe turning radius for the fire trucks and buses.
A traffic flow problem which is still unresolved is on West Abingdon Drive. Unfortunately, a lot of cars use it to simply bypass the traffic on the GW Parkway. Traffic enters West Abingdon Drive at the exit before Slaters and travels to Second Street to merge to Washington Street.
This is just a brief summation of the work done by the Traffic Committee. Much work still needs to be done. There are other concerns. With the development of Potomac Yard, traffic in our area will continue to increase. Currently the majority of the land is still undeveloped. But the plan calls for a dense development of townhouses, office space, a hotel, and other businesses. With the increased density will come increased traffic and some of the traffic will look at Powhatan Street as a means of getting to where they are going. To prevent our neighborhood from again becoming a speedway for cut through traffic, the Traffic Committee needs to continue it work. We need continual vigilance of Potomac Yard, the continued development of land north of Slaters, and the Monroe Avenue Bridge just to name a few.
The final step in the process was the nine actions that needed to be taken. The first step was the physical changes for Powhatan Street. This required the converting of a four-lane roadway into a two-lane street. Since the original lanes were smaller than what is now considered standard traffic lanes, two standard lanes were provided. The balance of the “original” road was given to parking and widening the small median between the street and the utility road on the east side of Powhatan Street. The ends of the parking at both Bashford Lane and Second Street were provided with a bubble out to not only narrow the visual effect of Powhatan Street but also to protect the cars parked there.
At the north end of Powhatan Street (between Bashford Lane and Slaters Lane) is a townhouse community (Powhatan Gateway) on the west side of the street and small businesses on the east. The solution there was to divide the two travel lanes with a median of brick and trees. The important part of this area was to eliminate the “hot” turn by Powhatan Gateway for traffic turning off Slaters and onto Powhatan. This hot turn encouraged speeding.
The traffic management plan for the south end of Powhatan (Washington Street to Second Street) is considered Phase II and is currently in the hands of engineers finalizing the design.
As well as working on the physical design of the street the committee considered traffic movement. Two options discussed but not implemented were prohibiting left turns at two intersections. One was the left turn for cars driving south and turning on to Bashford and the other was no left turns for cars coming off Slaters onto Powhatan. These two options were considered because of the waiting traffic backup on Bashford right out of Nethergate or residents turning left out of the Fagelson’s development. This situation was recently improved with an adjustment in the timing of the traffic light at Bashford and the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
A third traffic movement was eliminated by the removal of the hot turn mentioned above. It required turning vehicles to continue to the intersection with the stoplight. Having a near normal curb design, it required traffic to slow down before making the turn. The existing configuration was created to allow a safe turning radius for the fire trucks and buses.
A traffic flow problem which is still unresolved is on West Abingdon Drive. Unfortunately, a lot of cars use it to simply bypass the traffic on the GW Parkway. Traffic enters West Abingdon Drive at the exit before Slaters and travels to Second Street to merge to Washington Street.
This is just a brief summation of the work done by the Traffic Committee. Much work still needs to be done. There are other concerns. With the development of Potomac Yard, traffic in our area will continue to increase. Currently the majority of the land is still undeveloped. But the plan calls for a dense development of townhouses, office space, a hotel, and other businesses. With the increased density will come increased traffic and some of the traffic will look at Powhatan Street as a means of getting to where they are going. To prevent our neighborhood from again becoming a speedway for cut through traffic, the Traffic Committee needs to continue it work. We need continual vigilance of Potomac Yard, the continued development of land north of Slaters, and the Monroe Avenue Bridge just to name a few.
[Vol. 1, No. 2 newsletter, p. 1]
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Neighborhood Parks (May 2001)
Sandra Whitmore, Director of Parks and Recreation, attended a park meeting to listen to our concerns and offer insights on what can be done.
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Neighborhood Parks (May 2001)
Sandra Whitmore, Director of Parks and Recreation, attended a park meeting to listen to our concerns and offer insights on what can be done.
- Powhatan Park: Hopefully, she will have an update on the status of the swing equipment that NECA offered to pay for.
- Chetworth Park: Once again the over use of this park is being manifested in excessive wear and tear.
Many times in the past we have worked with City Staff to restore Chetworth Park to good condition that meet the needs of the diverse groups that use this area. But, as before, overuse has turned it from a gem to an eye sore. Before the last renewal a committee was formed by NorthEast Citizens’ Association to look for solutions to this park. Since one reason for the problem is over use, the committee looked for other opportunities for open space, including some place for a real dog run. This produced a request to the city to make the fenced area around city’s under used traffic building #151 on Bernard Street and Slaters Lane available as a dog run. They decided not to open this additional area as a dog run, but sold it instead. While the city did a great job upgrading and making Chetworth beautiful, the continued over use wore it out again.
Today our Park committee is again looking to improve Chetworth Park. They are considering an automated watering system, ground covering for bare areas, replacement benches and tables, refurbish play equipment, adding a double gate, publishing a guide for park users, making below ground feces storage and more. But there is concern that without more open space and a better facility for dogs, a enduring solution is not possible. We are, again, looking for additional open space and a better dog run. Our search has found:
- the area along the rail road tracks north of Slaters Lane is available, and
- Commonwealth Atlantic Properties (CAP) offered the end of the Slaters Lane island to the city as open space, which could be made into a dog run.
NECA requests that the City explore the possibility using this land for the above purpose. We would also like to work with the staff of Department of Parks and Recreation to see this project completed.
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Potomac Yard Background (May 2000)
City Council approved the "Metro station high density, but without a Metro" zoning plan for the Alexandria part of Potomac Yard. This high level of density requires at least a two lane access to US 1 on its southern side. Also, the Arlington zoning approval for the mega high rise development on the Arlington part of Potomac Yard requires a significant increase in capacity of US 1 south.
To gain this, the developer needs to remove or get by the protective four lane choke point provided by the Monroe Avenue Bridge. [Note: the low density plan - the no metro, and modest density plan - we argued for, did not require access or bridge change]. A spine road connection on the existing bridge or a new bridge can do this. Both these offer negative impacts to NorthEast.
A spine road to bridge - Most drafts eliminate the existing hot right-hand turn for north US 1 bound traffic. This reduces access for anyone, including us, to join the flow north and will produce significant backups onto Slaters Lane and Powhatan Street.
A new bridge - Most drafts eliminate a direct connection to Monroe Avenue forcing west bound traffic north on US 1 to take a right into Potomac Yard and then wandering back to Monroe Avenue. It also costs us tax payers a few ($20?) million dollars. A plus for this is less back up into our neighborhood.
While neither of these are things we want to embrace, and there are many cost and traffic flow issues that the whole city should be concerned about, from our neighborhood's perspective we need to worry about two things:
• How do we (and the rest of the city) retain access to US 1 (both north and
south) and the west part of the city. This needs to address both car and
pedestrian access.
• How do we mitigate impact of a widened US 1 on our neighbors who boarder
US 1.
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Mason Hall Parking (January 2001)
For more than two years parking on Bernard Street, Michigan Avenue, and Devon Place has been a serious problem - one we have been working on, but so far been unable to solve. It is time to solve it. This is a complex multifaceted issue. An abbreviated summary is:
The problem originated when Mason Hall lost some of its parking in front of the building when the City realized this parking failed to meet zoning requirements. To make up for lost parking, Mason Hall tore a hole in the fence facing Bernard Street and encouraged their residents to park on the streets in an area previously blocked by the fence. This area known as "Fagelson's Addition" consists of small town homes with limited street parking. This caused significant parking difficulties and safety concerns in this already constrained area. In an effort to resolve this situation, NECA encouraged the City of Alexandria to do two things:
• Sell to Mason Hall for $0, (vacation of property) a small strip of City land
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Potomac Yard Background (May 2000)
City Council approved the "Metro station high density, but without a Metro" zoning plan for the Alexandria part of Potomac Yard. This high level of density requires at least a two lane access to US 1 on its southern side. Also, the Arlington zoning approval for the mega high rise development on the Arlington part of Potomac Yard requires a significant increase in capacity of US 1 south.
To gain this, the developer needs to remove or get by the protective four lane choke point provided by the Monroe Avenue Bridge. [Note: the low density plan - the no metro, and modest density plan - we argued for, did not require access or bridge change]. A spine road connection on the existing bridge or a new bridge can do this. Both these offer negative impacts to NorthEast.
A spine road to bridge - Most drafts eliminate the existing hot right-hand turn for north US 1 bound traffic. This reduces access for anyone, including us, to join the flow north and will produce significant backups onto Slaters Lane and Powhatan Street.
A new bridge - Most drafts eliminate a direct connection to Monroe Avenue forcing west bound traffic north on US 1 to take a right into Potomac Yard and then wandering back to Monroe Avenue. It also costs us tax payers a few ($20?) million dollars. A plus for this is less back up into our neighborhood.
While neither of these are things we want to embrace, and there are many cost and traffic flow issues that the whole city should be concerned about, from our neighborhood's perspective we need to worry about two things:
• How do we (and the rest of the city) retain access to US 1 (both north and
south) and the west part of the city. This needs to address both car and
pedestrian access.
• How do we mitigate impact of a widened US 1 on our neighbors who boarder
US 1.
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Mason Hall Parking (January 2001)
For more than two years parking on Bernard Street, Michigan Avenue, and Devon Place has been a serious problem - one we have been working on, but so far been unable to solve. It is time to solve it. This is a complex multifaceted issue. An abbreviated summary is:
The problem originated when Mason Hall lost some of its parking in front of the building when the City realized this parking failed to meet zoning requirements. To make up for lost parking, Mason Hall tore a hole in the fence facing Bernard Street and encouraged their residents to park on the streets in an area previously blocked by the fence. This area known as "Fagelson's Addition" consists of small town homes with limited street parking. This caused significant parking difficulties and safety concerns in this already constrained area. In an effort to resolve this situation, NECA encouraged the City of Alexandria to do two things:
• Sell to Mason Hall for $0, (vacation of property) a small strip of City land
in front of Mason Hall. This would restore lost parking.
• Have Mason Hall restore the fence facing Bernard Street.
The City Council went along with the plan, but problems prevented its application. In the deliberations more issues were added. One involved Mason Hall having paved an area in the back of their building and using it as a parking lot without having filed a site plan. The restoration of this land was added as a condition to the vacation ordinance. Mason Hall did not want to do this so they sued the City and won, bringing the process to a halt.
Many residents have gone down to City Hall to argue for relief. The process has restarted but now City staff believes they are in a much weaker position. In negotiations with the City, Mason Hall has stipulated more conditions for closing the gate to Bernard Street. Some of these conditions involve approving additional parking areas (and destroying more open space) without the usual public hearings, something we would not normally support. NECA will be formulating its position on this issue. It is, therefore, imperative that all concerned come to this meeting. Ordinance with Site Plan (PDF)
• Have Mason Hall restore the fence facing Bernard Street.
The City Council went along with the plan, but problems prevented its application. In the deliberations more issues were added. One involved Mason Hall having paved an area in the back of their building and using it as a parking lot without having filed a site plan. The restoration of this land was added as a condition to the vacation ordinance. Mason Hall did not want to do this so they sued the City and won, bringing the process to a halt.
Many residents have gone down to City Hall to argue for relief. The process has restarted but now City staff believes they are in a much weaker position. In negotiations with the City, Mason Hall has stipulated more conditions for closing the gate to Bernard Street. Some of these conditions involve approving additional parking areas (and destroying more open space) without the usual public hearings, something we would not normally support. NECA will be formulating its position on this issue. It is, therefore, imperative that all concerned come to this meeting. Ordinance with Site Plan (PDF)
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Old Colony (February 2001)
The proposed concept plan to redevelop the southern half of the Old Colony complex with a 60-unit condo is being redesigned, again. There are two main features to this tweaking.
• City staff insists on replacing the pool with more townhouses.
• The building design does not meet Washington Street Standards.
These standards require architectural design elements to be consistent with historically significant buildings on Washington Street. Having fought hard for the new Washington Street Standards, we encourage the developers to bring the design into conformity. This should not be difficult. Conformity is important because this project will set precedence for future developments on the George Washington Memorial Parkway. This is a low-density development, but future projects on Washington Street will include higher density office spaces. Maintaining the historic integrity of the George Washington Memorial Parkway should not be sacrificed.
Old Colony (February 2001)
The proposed concept plan to redevelop the southern half of the Old Colony complex with a 60-unit condo is being redesigned, again. There are two main features to this tweaking.
• City staff insists on replacing the pool with more townhouses.
• The building design does not meet Washington Street Standards.
These standards require architectural design elements to be consistent with historically significant buildings on Washington Street. Having fought hard for the new Washington Street Standards, we encourage the developers to bring the design into conformity. This should not be difficult. Conformity is important because this project will set precedence for future developments on the George Washington Memorial Parkway. This is a low-density development, but future projects on Washington Street will include higher density office spaces. Maintaining the historic integrity of the George Washington Memorial Parkway should not be sacrificed.
In October the developer of a 28-unit condo building planned for the Nordic Press site on Slaters Lane will be going before the Planning Commission and the City Council to ask for approval of this development.
The attorney and architect for the development will be at the meeting to show us their final design plan and to hear your comments about parking, design, open space, etc. before seeking approval from the City. This will be the last association meeting before the City makes its decision.
The Association will let the City know how we feel about this development based on your input.
[Flyer-September 21, 2005]
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Mirant Plant Shut Down (September 2005)
[By Mariella Posey, President]
While the Mirant Power plant is currently shut down, we need to continue monitoring the development of the plant.
Poul Hertel, one of the driving forces in bringing the adverse impact this plant has on our neighborhood to the attention of the City and State, will give us an update on the status of the plant.
[Flyer-September 21, 2005]
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Election of Officers and Board (September 2005)
[Flyer-September 21, 2005]
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Mirant Plant Shut Down (September 2005)
[By Mariella Posey, President]
While the Mirant Power plant is currently shut down, we need to continue monitoring the development of the plant.
Poul Hertel, one of the driving forces in bringing the adverse impact this plant has on our neighborhood to the attention of the City and State, will give us an update on the status of the plant.
[Flyer-September 21, 2005]
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Election of Officers and Board (September 2005)
The following members of the NorthEast Citizens’ Association have volunteered to serve as our officers and board members for the next fiscal year.
Officers
• President - Mariella Posey
• Vice President - Teresa Tidwell
• Secretary - Mary Jane Kramer
• Treasurer - Sylvia Sibrover
Board of Directors
• Jean Caldwell
• Richard Cooper
• Poul Hertel
• David LeDuc
• Pattie Ryan
• Steven Troxel
[Flyer - September 21, 2005]
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• Jean Caldwell
• Richard Cooper
• Poul Hertel
• David LeDuc
• Pattie Ryan
• Steven Troxel
[Flyer - September 21, 2005]
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Slaters Lane Detour/Monroe Avenue Bridge
The Slaters Lane detour was scheduled to start on June 26, 2006. With the coming of the rain it was postponed and postponed again.
A June 29th email was received the a news release from Potomac Yard Development LLC advising that the start date has been moved to July 6th and finally to July 10th.
Stay tuned for further information. Check out the detour map for traffic flow.
[sibr2006-07-03]
There are two scheduled Saturday meetings. They are:
Braddock Educational Workshop #2
This will include a neighborhood tour.
Topics:
- Retail development feasibility
- Neighborhood history and preservation
- Residential development feasibility
Saturday, October 20, 2007 from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Durrant Memorial Center, 1605 Cameron Street
Saturday, November 3, 2007 from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
LOCATION: TBD
For additional information, call Valerie Peterson at (703) 838-4666, ext. 338
REMINDER: James Bland Redevelopment to Come Before the Planning Commission
Tuesday, October 7 , 2008
7:30 PM
LOCATION: Council Chambers, City Hall
The Planning Commission will be reviewing and voting on the proposal to redevelop the James Bland public housing site.
If you have a concern or opinion on any aspect of this redevelopment, we urge you to speak before the Commission to express your concerns and opinions.
It is important that you do this since there probably will be some from other areas who will be expressing an opinion that does not agree with you or our neighborhood.
If our concerns are overwhelmed by different opinions and concerns, we will not have a strong voice to carry our message.
Please plan on being there.
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Mirant Power Plant
The power plant is currently an issue with the City and many are concerned it may be a health issue for nearby residents. Recently a report researched and written by Elizabeth Chimento (resident east of the George Washington Memorial Parkway) and Poul Hertel (NECA Board member and former President) was distributed to City and States officials. This report is available for review.
[web article/SIBR2005]
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Mirant to Reopen By Order of the U.S. Department of Energy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Steven J. Mason, Public Information Officer, or
Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300
The power plant is currently an issue with the City and many are concerned it may be a health issue for nearby residents. Recently a report researched and written by Elizabeth Chimento (resident east of the George Washington Memorial Parkway) and Poul Hertel (NECA Board member and former President) was distributed to City and States officials. This report is available for review.
[web article/SIBR2005]
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Mirant to Reopen By Order of the U.S. Department of Energy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Steven J. Mason, Public Information Officer, or
Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300
PIO 353-05/sjm
December 20, 2005
City of Alexandria Responds to Department of Energy Order Requiring
Mirant's Potomac River Generating Station to Resume Operation
Today, the City of Alexandria received notification that Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman issued an order requiring Mirant Corporation's Potomac River Generating Station to immediately resume limited operation. In his statement released earlier today, Secretary Bodman stated, in part, "...I believe an emergency situation exists, and that issuance of this order is in the public interest. This order will provide the level of electricity reliability necessary to keep Washingtonians safe and our national government running, while minimizing any environmental impact from the power station."
The Mirant Potomac River Power Generating Station, located on N. Royal Street, is one of the largest industrial facilities in Alexandria. It is a 50-year-old coal fired electric generating plant with a generating capacity of 482 megawatts, and primarily provides electricity consumed outside Virginia. The City Council and the community have expressed continuing concern about the impact on nearby residents of air pollutants and toxic materials known to be emitted by the plant.
"Obviously, we are very disappointed in Secretary Bodman's order to Mirant to resume plant operations, even on a limited basis. If this antiquated plant is to operate, it will only be at a level of feasible readiness as determined by the Department of Energy," said Mayor William Euille. "I will consult with Congressman James Moran, Governor Mark Warner and Governor-elect Tim Kaine and express my dissatisfaction with this decision. City Attorney Ignacio Pessoa and our consultants are evaluating this situation and will make a recommendation on how the City should proceed in light of this development."
[Email-December 20, 2005/eNews]
To subscribe to eNews, visit enews.alexandriava.gov
To subscribe to eNews, visit enews.alexandriava.gov
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Mirant - City Unites with Citizens and Environmental Groups
The following is a news release received by NECA as an email message through the City of Alexandria's free eNews You Can Use service. If you wish to subscribe, visit enews.alexandriava.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2005
Mirant - City Unites with Citizens and Environmental Groups
The following is a news release received by NECA as an email message through the City of Alexandria's free eNews You Can Use service. If you wish to subscribe, visit enews.alexandriava.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2005
For More Information Call 703.838.4300
Steven J. Mason, Public Information Officer, or
Raynard Owens, Communications Officer
Steven J. Mason, Public Information Officer, or
Raynard Owens, Communications Officer
PIO 334-05/rdo
City of Alexandria Unites with Citizens and Environmental Groups
In Opposition to Mirant
Growing Risks to the Public’s Health and the Environment
Impel Call for Permanent Closure of Coal Plant
In Opposition to Mirant
Growing Risks to the Public’s Health and the Environment
Impel Call for Permanent Closure of Coal Plant
Mayor William Euille and the Alexandria City Council joined today with local citizens and environmental leaders in calling for the immediate and permanent closure of the Mirant power plant.
Located in residential Alexandria, the Mirant coal plant processes more than one million tons of coal every year. Through the unloading and burning of the equivalent of 10,000 railroad cars of coal, Mirant emits excessive levels of harmful substances, including coal dust, flyash, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride and mercury.
"Mirant has operated with callous indifference to the health of Alexandria’s families," said Mayor Euille. "This outmoded coal plant is a hazard to the environment and to all who live, work or visit here."
Recent independent air quality studies have added a sense of urgency to the City’s efforts to close the plant. These studies highlight widespread violations of pollution standards by the power plant. The Mirant plant has been listed a high priority violator by both Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
"The noxious emissions from Mirant’s plant are a constant and ever-present danger to the public health," said Cale Jaffe, an attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center. "The Mirant facility is literally pumping pollutants directly into people's homes."
Air quality analyses also demonstrate that Mirant emits particulate matter so small as to be undetected by the human eye. "This invisible threat is of particular concern for the elderly, the chronically ill and children," said Mayor Euille.
"Fine particles such as those emitted by Mirant find their way deep into human lungs, causing chronic inflammation," said Diana Artemis of the Mount Vernon Group of the Sierra Club. "These invisible particles are even more harmful when combined with the plant's excessive emissions of nitrogen oxides."
The Mirant coal plant started operating twenty years before the first modern clean air laws were enacted. "There is no place in Alexandria's future for an industrial dinosaur spewing coal dust into our neighborhoods," said Mayor Euille. "Alexandria is a great place to live, work, shop and recreate – and it will be even better when this plant permanently closes its doors."
The Mayor, environmental groups and concerned citizens are united on the following concerns:
1. Sulfur dioxide is a major contributor to respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. Currently available technology will not allow the plant’s sulfur dioxide emissions to meet the pollution standards and will only increase emissions of harmful fine particles.
2. Mercury is a neurotoxin that harms the development of the human brain, both for fetuses and young children.
3. Mirant itself described the Potomac plant as "functionally obsolete." The region can develop a sensible, reliable power plan without Mirant.
4. Mirant is a poor corporate citizen. Its bankruptcy proceedings and attempted manipulation of the regional power market should be fully investigated.
5. Mirant is more focused on recovering from its partnership with Enron and resulting bankruptcy than the health of our community.
6. Mirant spends thousands of dollars on slick public relations campaigns, while we pay for the damages it causes to our health and the environment.
Along with the community-wide action launched today, on Oct. 7 the City of Alexandria filed a nuisance suit against Mirant, requesting that the Circuit Court require the company to "abate, raze or remove the public and private nuisance it has created."
The following organizations have joined the City in calling for the immediate and permanent closure of the Mirant power plant:
Chesapeake Climate Action Network
Potomac Riverkeeper
Sierra Club, Mount Vernon Group
Sierra Club, Virginia Chapter
Southern Environmental Law Center
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
[Email-November 21, 2005/eNews]
Potomac Riverkeeper
Sierra Club, Mount Vernon Group
Sierra Club, Virginia Chapter
Southern Environmental Law Center
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
[Email-November 21, 2005/eNews]
The Mirant Plant will conduct stack testing, mandated by the Virginia Dept. of Environmental Quality, in preparation for the installation of Particulate Matter Continuous Emission Monitors (PM CEMS) at the facility. These CEMS will further protect Alexandrians' health and are required by the City/Mirant Agreement.
The testing will begin around July 10th and continue through July 31st. During this time, sustained visible emissions (smoke) will likely occur which are necessitated by the testing protocol. Please be aware that these emissions are temporary and are due to testing.
The City will be monitoring the facility throughout the test period.
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The testing will begin around July 10th and continue through July 31st. During this time, sustained visible emissions (smoke) will likely occur which are necessitated by the testing protocol. Please be aware that these emissions are temporary and are due to testing.
The City will be monitoring the facility throughout the test period.
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As you will recall, the City/Mirant Agreement provides for $34 million dollars of pollution controls to be installed at the plant. Phase I of the project requires that $2 million dollars be dedicated to fugitive dust controls to minimize dust from the coal pile and fly ash removal area.
After two meetings, during which city staff and the consultants presented Phase I options, the Mirant Community Monitoring Group (MCMG) has recommended that the most effective fugitive dust controls for installation at the plant are:
1. Fog type dust suppression system
2. Street sweeper
3. Drip pans and drain piping
4. 30 ft. Windscreen to minimize coal pile dust blowing into the community
2. Street sweeper
3. Drip pans and drain piping
4. 30 ft. Windscreen to minimize coal pile dust blowing into the community
City staff is now in the process of developing bid specifications for these four controls which will be completed by Fall. Also, city staff will be soliciting input from the surrounding community regarding the visual impact of the windscreen before bringing a recommendation to the Council in the Fall.
Regarding Phase II of the project (stack controls), city staff continues to work with the consultants to complete this study. When it is finalized, it will be presented to the MCMG and community.
Another part of the agreement requires Mirant to install a PM 2.5 monitor on the south side of the plant to accurately measure these fine particles which are particularly injurious to public health. The monitor is now installed on the Riverton roof (Bashford Lane and N. Pitt St.). Many thanks to the Riverton residents for collaborating with Mirant to get this done!
Finally, the Mirant stack testing which was required by the DEQ (July 15 through 30th) has been completed so visible emissions from the stacks should not be occurring.
I hope you're enjoying the remaining days of Summer and finding time to relax a bit before Fall gets under way.
[submission by Elizabeth Chimento, August 1, 2009]
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[By Mariella Posey, President]
Plans are under way for the development of a condo building on the property that includes the 7-11 site. The project will cover the entire wedge-shaped block bounded by Powhatan, Columbus, and Montgomery Streets, but the building footprint will only cover approximately 60 percent of the land area.
Plans are under way for the development of a condo building on the property that includes the 7-11 site. The project will cover the entire wedge-shaped block bounded by Powhatan, Columbus, and Montgomery Streets, but the building footprint will only cover approximately 60 percent of the land area.
Bob Brandt, who developed the Old Town Gateway town homes across the street from the 7-11 site, is the developer for this project.
Mr. Brandt and his architect attended our November 16, 2005, meeting and showed us his plans, which are in their early stages.
Residents and NECA members came out on this rainy night to see the plans and provided input into the process. The discussion covered the footprint of the building, parking for condo owners, the garage entrance, the building facade, and other issues.
Construction is anticipated to begin in the fall 2006. Specific information on the timeline will be provided as it becomes available.
[Flyer-November 16, 2005]
Residents and NECA members came out on this rainy night to see the plans and provided input into the process. The discussion covered the footprint of the building, parking for condo owners, the garage entrance, the building facade, and other issues.
Construction is anticipated to begin in the fall 2006. Specific information on the timeline will be provided as it becomes available.
[Flyer-November 16, 2005]
[By Mariella Posey, President]
The site plan for this project passed Planning Commission on October 4, 2005, and the rezoning (which would allow the project to go forward) passed City Council on October 15, 2005.
This project went through several Land Use Committee meetings and several association meetings to get to the stage where the membership could approve the project.
NECA wants to thank everyone that participated for helping to make this development an asset to our community. Citizen participation is important to help keep NorthEast a liveable and vibrant neighborhood.
The actual start date for construction has not yet been determined. We will keep you posted.
[Flyer-November 16, 2005]
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Monroe Avenue Bridge Construction Meeting (December 2005)
The December 12th meeting on the Monroe Avenue Bridge was a PowerPoint presentation by the City, representatives of the developers, the developers' attorney, and the bridge construction company. After the presentation the audience had an opportunity to ask questions. There was contention and agitation among the audience. Many were upset by the timeline and the description of the bridge construction.
Construction is anticipated to last 30 months (2 1/2 years). We were informed that the Slaters Lane northbound access to US 1 would be blocked for 29 months. When asked, we were given no reason for this long period of time. NECA will continue to work on this with the City to shorten it to a more reasonable time period.
[web article/SIBR2005]
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Monroe Avenue Bridge Meeting Announcement
At the Braddock Road community meeting last Thursday evening, a question was asked about the timing of the construction of the new Monroe Avenue bridge. The City of Alexandria, Department of Transportation and Environmental Services and Potomac Yard Development LLC will host a meeting on Monday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mt. Vernon Avenue.
The site plan for this project passed Planning Commission on October 4, 2005, and the rezoning (which would allow the project to go forward) passed City Council on October 15, 2005.
This project went through several Land Use Committee meetings and several association meetings to get to the stage where the membership could approve the project.
NECA wants to thank everyone that participated for helping to make this development an asset to our community. Citizen participation is important to help keep NorthEast a liveable and vibrant neighborhood.
The actual start date for construction has not yet been determined. We will keep you posted.
[Flyer-November 16, 2005]
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Monroe Avenue Bridge Construction Meeting (December 2005)
The December 12th meeting on the Monroe Avenue Bridge was a PowerPoint presentation by the City, representatives of the developers, the developers' attorney, and the bridge construction company. After the presentation the audience had an opportunity to ask questions. There was contention and agitation among the audience. Many were upset by the timeline and the description of the bridge construction.
Construction is anticipated to last 30 months (2 1/2 years). We were informed that the Slaters Lane northbound access to US 1 would be blocked for 29 months. When asked, we were given no reason for this long period of time. NECA will continue to work on this with the City to shorten it to a more reasonable time period.
[web article/SIBR2005]
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Monroe Avenue Bridge Meeting Announcement
At the Braddock Road community meeting last Thursday evening, a question was asked about the timing of the construction of the new Monroe Avenue bridge. The City of Alexandria, Department of Transportation and Environmental Services and Potomac Yard Development LLC will host a meeting on Monday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mt. Vernon Avenue.
With construction anticipated to begin this winter, the City, along with representatives of the Potomac Yard Development LLC and the contractor, will be presenting information on the construction and construction schedule as well as what impacts may be expected during construction. You may have noticed some activity already beginning in the vicinity of this project such as material deliveries and the installation of erosion control measures.
You are encouraged to attend the meeting on December 12 and share this information with other people you know who are interested in this project.
If you have any questions about the meeting, please contact Emily Baker, City Engineer, at 703/838-4327 or email emily.baker@alexandriava.gov.
Thank you.
Kathleen Beeton
Urban Planner
Department of Planning and Zoning
(703)838-3866, extension 333
kathleen.beeton@alexandriava.gov
[Email-November 15, 2005/Beeton]
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Community Walk
The Community Walk is a recurring event. Although not held on any particular schedule, NECA hopes to make it a more regular neighborhood activity.
Urban Planner
Department of Planning and Zoning
(703)838-3866, extension 333
kathleen.beeton@alexandriava.gov
[Email-November 15, 2005/Beeton]
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Community Walk
The Community Walk is a recurring event. Although not held on any particular schedule, NECA hopes to make it a more regular neighborhood activity.
Our police liaison and one or more police officers walk through parts of NorthEast with residents. The purpose is to increase familiarity with neighborhood streets and activity, and to identify any problems or quality of life issues that the Association may want to work on with Police and other City agencies. Previous walks have revealed a number of conditions and code violations including abandoned appliances and furniture, property in disrepair, trash, street lights out, graffiti, and abandoned vehicles.
All residents of NorthEast (renters and homeowners alike) are invited to participate. This is your neighborhood; this is where you live.
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All residents of NorthEast (renters and homeowners alike) are invited to participate. This is your neighborhood; this is where you live.
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Auto Thefts Made Easy (September 2003)
[By Sylvia Sibrover, Newsletter Editor]
An article appeared in a September email about auto thefts - stealing without breaking into the car. An easily acquired ignition key does the trick. Your VIN number on the dash is visible from outside the car. A method for thieves is to copy the VIN number, go to a dealership, state you lost the key, and have a duplicate made.
Protect your car by covering the VIN number with a business card (face down). A little bit of tape will keep it secure.
[Vol. 3, No. 1 newsletter, p. 2]
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Transportation and Environmental Services Web Site
The Department of Transportation and Environmental Services (T&ES) has a web site (http://www.alexandriava.gov/tes/index.html). Check it out. It includes a complaint system for reporting broken streetlights (Engineering & Design drop-down menu) and sidewalks (Maintenance Division drop-down menu).
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[Vol. 3, No. 1 newsletter, p. 2]
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Transportation and Environmental Services Web Site
The Department of Transportation and Environmental Services (T&ES) has a web site (http://www.alexandriava.gov/tes/index.html). Check it out. It includes a complaint system for reporting broken streetlights (Engineering & Design drop-down menu) and sidewalks (Maintenance Division drop-down menu).
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Comcast & the Office of Citizens' Assistance
The Office of Citizen's Assistance is a department of the Alexandria City government. Citizen's Assistance may be able to help with concerns over Comcast TV cable service and rates. The City cares when concerns regarding cable are not resolved by Comcast. However, unless the City has a record of these concerns, the Office of Citizen's Assistance does not know the extent of the frustration out there.
The Office of Citizen's Assistance is a department of the Alexandria City government. Citizen's Assistance may be able to help with concerns over Comcast TV cable service and rates. The City cares when concerns regarding cable are not resolved by Comcast. However, unless the City has a record of these concerns, the Office of Citizen's Assistance does not know the extent of the frustration out there.
Please attempt to resolve your problem with Comcast first. The solution may be simple and easily handled. Always remember to:
• write down the dates, times, and with whom you spoke at Comcast,
• note the length of time on hold,
• how many times you get disconnected,
• how often did you have to call back,
• were you passed between different employees and/or departments, and
• were any suggestions/resolutions offered.
Please try to resolve the issue with Comcast. If your attempts fail, contact Citizen's Assistance at 703/838-4533 or send an email to Ms. Jacqueline Levy. It is important to create a paper trail otherwise no one will know the extent of the concerns or the types of problems. Are the problems all billing, service quality or interruption, the "subscriber" surcharge on your bill?
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Important Information
• write down the dates, times, and with whom you spoke at Comcast,
• note the length of time on hold,
• how many times you get disconnected,
• how often did you have to call back,
• were you passed between different employees and/or departments, and
• were any suggestions/resolutions offered.
Please try to resolve the issue with Comcast. If your attempts fail, contact Citizen's Assistance at 703/838-4533 or send an email to Ms. Jacqueline Levy. It is important to create a paper trail otherwise no one will know the extent of the concerns or the types of problems. Are the problems all billing, service quality or interruption, the "subscriber" surcharge on your bill?
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Important Information
Between distribution of meeting flyers information does come to our attention. The only way we have to disseminate this information is to send email messages.
If you would like to receive information important to our neighborhood, please send an email to NECAList-on@neca-alex.com and you will be added to the email list. Do not send any messages to NECAList as this is a Post Only address. Messages should be sent to info@neca-alex.com
[Flyer-September 21, 2005/SIBR]
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Charles Houston Recreation Center Renovations
If you would like to receive information important to our neighborhood, please send an email to NECAList-on@neca-alex.com and you will be added to the email list. Do not send any messages to NECAList as this is a Post Only address. Messages should be sent to info@neca-alex.com
[Flyer-September 21, 2005/SIBR]
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Charles Houston Recreation Center Renovations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Steven J. Mason, Public Information Officer, or
Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300
Steven J. Mason, Public Information Officer, or
Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300
November 17, 2005
PIO 330-05/sjm
Park and Recreation Commission to Hold Public Hearing
on a New Charles Houston Recreation Center
on a New Charles Houston Recreation Center
The City’s Park and Recreation Commission will hold a Public Hearing to receive comments on the proposed concepts regarding the new Charles Houston Recreation Center tonight, November 17, at 7 pm, at the Charles Houston Recreation Center located at 901 Wythe Street. The Commission’s regular scheduled monthly meeting will follow the public hearing.
At its meeting on Tuesday, October 25, City Council requested that staff work with the community on two possible designs for a one-story new recreation center that would replace the almost 30 year-old Charles Houston Recreation Center. The Council also agreed with the recommendation that the outdoor swimming pool be replaced with a similar pool that meets accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities.
Of the two single-story design concepts developed for consideration and feedback from the community the first concept proposes a linear design fronting on North Patrick Street. This concept includes an outdoor swimming pool that is located in a courtyard, an expanded gymnasium, space for senior programs, a game room and a multipurpose room. Other program elements include a dance studio, kitchen, expanded weight/fitness room, preschool space, a boxing ring, a library/computer room, and a craft room.
The second concept proposes an L-shaped building fronting on North Patrick and Wythe Streets with the same program elements as the first design option. The pool is located in approximately the same location it is currently, but becomes more visible with the new orientation of the building.
Both concepts provide on-site parking. The project construction is scheduled to begin in late 2006 with estimated completion in late 2007. Due to construction, the center may need to close. Alternate locations are being explored for the provision of recreation services for the Charles Houston community.
For more information on the Public Hearing and the regular monthly meeting, please call the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities at 703.838.4842.
[Email-November 17, 2005/eNews]
To subscribe to eNews, visit enews.alexandriava.gov
To subscribe to eNews, visit enews.alexandriava.gov
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Snow Removal
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For Media Inquiries, Contact:
Steven J. Mason, Public Information Officer, or
Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300
Snow Removal
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For Media Inquiries, Contact:
Steven J. Mason, Public Information Officer, or
Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300
December 5, 2005
PIO 341-05/rdo
Snow Removal in Alexandria
The winter season is upon the City of Alexandria and that means snow. In order to keep the sidewalks and streets in Alexandria safe after winter storms, the City has developed a procedure for snow removal.
Homeowners and business owners are required to clear sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours after a storm has ended (City Code, Section 5-2-21). Failure to remove the snow may result in the City having the work done and charging the cost to the property owner.
Residents should remember the following:
• Do not place snow from your property onto the sidewalk or street.
• Park cars off the street when possible.
• Clear leaves and snow from nearby fire hydrants and storm drains.
• Check on neighbors needing special assistance.
• Use alternate transportation during winter storms.
• Park cars off the street when possible.
• Clear leaves and snow from nearby fire hydrants and storm drains.
• Check on neighbors needing special assistance.
• Use alternate transportation during winter storms.
Snow is cleared from streets by the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services (T&ES), however, not all roads in Alexandria are maintained by T&ES. Teams focus on clearing primary roadways, hospital and emergency routes, and school bus routes prior to clearing areas with hills and residential streets. Snow plow operations begin when there are three or more inches of snow on the pavement.
Vehicles parked on snow emergency routes may be towed and impounded. During a snow emergency, it is unlawful for any person to obstruct or impede traffic by failing to have vehicles equipped with snow tires or chains.
For general information, check the City’s web site at alexandriava.gov or call the Office of Citizens Assistance at 703.838.4800.
[Email-December 5, 2005/eNews]
To subscribe to eNews, visit enews.alexandriava.gov
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Winter Weather Challenges
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
To subscribe to eNews, visit enews.alexandriava.gov
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Winter Weather Challenges
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For Media Inquiries, Contact:
Steven J. Mason, Public Information Officer, or
Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300
Steven J. Mason, Public Information Officer, or
Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300
December 5, 2005
PIO 342-05/rdo
Alexandria is Ready for Winter Weather Challenges
Winter weather often brings snowfall, ice storms, power outages, water main breaks and changes or cancellations in City programs. The City of Alexandria is committed to providing residents with continuous service and up-to-date information during weather emergencies.
Snow and ice removal: The Department of Transportation and Environmental Services is responsible for snow and ice removal from the City's public streets. City crews work around the clock to ensure that all primary roads, hospital and emergency routes and school bus routes are kept clear and passable. The City is geared up to have roadways passable in 48 hours of a 6" snowfall. A map of these routes and additional information can be viewed on the City's web site alexandriava.gov/TES by clicking on maintenance division.
Residents and businesses can help during snow emergencies by clearing snow and ice from sidewalks and driveways. City Code states that business owners and homeowners are responsible for clearing sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours after a storm has ended. Failure to clear sidewalks may result in the City having the work done and charging the cost to the property owner.
More snow removal tips: Do not shovel snow from private property onto the sidewalk or street; park cars off of streets when possible; clear leaves and snow from nearby fire hydrants and storm drains; check on neighbors needing special assistance; use alternate transportation during winter storms; and make arrangements for required snow shoveling on adjacent sidewalk early.
Weather emergency: If the City Manager declares a weather emergency, residents must immediately remove their cars from snow emergency routes to clear roads for emergency vehicles, or cars may be ticketed and towed.
Information: Up-to-date information about snow emergencies, scheduling changes or cancellations in City programs will be posted on the City’s web site at alexandriava.gov, e-mailed to subscribers of eNews You Can Use, and provided to radio and television stations for broadcast. For general information during office hours call Citizen Assistance at 703.838.4800. For snow removal information or to report potholes, call 703.838.4488.
Water main breaks: In the event of a water main break in underground pipes, water to surrounding buildings is shut off temporarily while workers repair the problem. To report water main breaks, call the Virginia American Water Co. at 703.549.7080 or 703.491.8814 after normal business hours.
Power outages: To report an electrical power outage call Dominion Virginia at 1.888.667.3000.
[Email-December 5, 2005/eNews]
To subscribe to eNews, visit enews.alexandriava.gov
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The Dixie Pig Reopens. . . as Vaso's Kitchen
Yes, the Dixie Pig sign stays - its a landmark in our neighborhood.
Yes, the Dixie Pig sign stays - its a landmark in our neighborhood.
Vasiliki "Vaso" Voliotis finished the SUP process on Saturday and opened Vaso's Kitchen on Friday, March 24, 2006.
Many NorthEast residents have been looking forward to again having a restaurant in our neighborhood. Neighbors came to the restaurant to eat-in and some to carry-out. ACB license has been applied for.
Many NorthEast residents have been looking forward to again having a restaurant in our neighborhood. Neighbors came to the restaurant to eat-in and some to carry-out. ACB license has been applied for.
We wish Vaso all possible success.
She the current menu.
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Spring Clean-Up / April 2006
The City's Spring Clean-Up for the area that includes NorthEast is scheduled for Saturday, April 22, 2006. A flyer was sent and may be viewed online at the City's website.
This is a free service to recidents who receive City refuse pick-up, but not available to residents with private trash pick-up or businesses.
Remember to have everything allowable you want picked up at the CURB (no alley pick-up) before 7:00 am on Saturday. Best to bring it out the night before.
Allowable materials should be placed in containers and all brush and lumber must be tied in bundles no more than four feet long and not more than 75 pounds.
ALLOWABLE
appliances
steel pipes
furniture
mattresses
She the current menu.
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Spring Clean-Up / April 2006
The City's Spring Clean-Up for the area that includes NorthEast is scheduled for Saturday, April 22, 2006. A flyer was sent and may be viewed online at the City's website.
This is a free service to recidents who receive City refuse pick-up, but not available to residents with private trash pick-up or businesses.
Remember to have everything allowable you want picked up at the CURB (no alley pick-up) before 7:00 am on Saturday. Best to bring it out the night before.
Allowable materials should be placed in containers and all brush and lumber must be tied in bundles no more than four feet long and not more than 75 pounds.
ALLOWABLE
appliances
steel pipes
furniture
mattresses
brush
tires OFF THE RIM
NOT ALLOWED
concrete
lose yard waste
building materials (such as drywall)
For additional information, please call the Division of Solid Waste at (703) 519-3486.
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7-11 Site Went Before the BAR (Case 2005-0288)
Bob Brandt, the developer for the 7-11 site went before the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) on March 1, 2006. The plan presented on that date was the one shown to the NECA membership at our February 15, 2006, association meeting ans was unanimously approved at that time.
At the BAR on March 1st Mr. Brandt
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Metrobus 9A & 9B [map]
The 9B Metrobus route will be eliminated by WMATA effective June 24, 2006. In its place the City of Alexandria is beginning the DASH Route AT-4 for both northbound and southbound trips (see page 2 map/click "map" above). This new line, beginning June 25th, will enter Northeast on Slaters Lane and turn south on West Abingdon Drive. At Bashford Land it will cross the George Washington Memorial Parkway and proceed south to Second Street where it will turn left onto Second Street until it gets to North Fairfax Street and will head south from there.
The 9A will remain; however, it will be realigned. See page 3 map for the southbound realignment and page 4 map for northbound realignment.
[sibr2006-06-11]
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Slaters Lane Detour/Monroe Avenue Bridge
The Slaters Lane detour started on Monday, July 10, 2006, and will continue for the next 30 months. Please refer to the detour map for traffic flow.
NOT ALLOWED
concrete
lose yard waste
building materials (such as drywall)
For additional information, please call the Division of Solid Waste at (703) 519-3486.
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7-11 Site Went Before the BAR (Case 2005-0288)
Bob Brandt, the developer for the 7-11 site went before the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) on March 1, 2006. The plan presented on that date was the one shown to the NECA membership at our February 15, 2006, association meeting ans was unanimously approved at that time.
At the BAR on March 1st Mr. Brandt
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Metrobus 9A & 9B [map]
The 9B Metrobus route will be eliminated by WMATA effective June 24, 2006. In its place the City of Alexandria is beginning the DASH Route AT-4 for both northbound and southbound trips (see page 2 map/click "map" above). This new line, beginning June 25th, will enter Northeast on Slaters Lane and turn south on West Abingdon Drive. At Bashford Land it will cross the George Washington Memorial Parkway and proceed south to Second Street where it will turn left onto Second Street until it gets to North Fairfax Street and will head south from there.
The 9A will remain; however, it will be realigned. See page 3 map for the southbound realignment and page 4 map for northbound realignment.
[sibr2006-06-11]
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Slaters Lane Detour/Monroe Avenue Bridge
The Slaters Lane detour started on Monday, July 10, 2006, and will continue for the next 30 months. Please refer to the detour map for traffic flow.
[sibr2006-07-10]
For Media Inquiries, Contact:
Brian Hannigan, Director of Communications, or
Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300
PIO 171-06/bh
Brian Hannigan, Director of Communications, or
Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300
PIO 171-06/bh
July 5, 2006
TEMPORARY WATER DISCOLORATION REPORTED IN AREAS OF CITY
Water Discolored By High Manganese Levels Is Safe To Drink
Virginia American Water and Fairfax Water have announced that high manganese levels brought about by excessive rainfall have resulted in yellowish or brownish discoloration of the water supply in some service areas. Following is the text of the advisory issued by Virginia American Water:
"Virginia American Water customers located in the City of Alexandria may experience discolored water from high levels of manganese, which are a result of the region's excessive rainfall. The water is safe to consume and the expected resolution of this condition is expected within the next two to three days."
"Manganese is a naturally occurring element and is not harmful to your health at the levels detected in water. These elevated levels of Manganese may cause the water to become somewhat yellow, or brown, in color. The water is being treated to lower the Manganese levels, resulting in reduction of discoloration. The completion of this treatment process will take several days. In the meantime, the water may still appear discolored as the water passes through the distribution system."
For more information, please call Virginia American Water’s customer service center at 800-452-6863 or visit their website at http://www.vawc.com/.
The City of Alexandria’s water supply is provided by Virginia American Water, a private water utility company. Virginia American Water purchases its Alexandria water from the Fairfax County Water Authority, which serves more than 1.3 million people in Northern Virginia.
[Email-July 5, 2006/eNews]
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[Email-July 5, 2006/eNews]
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 20, 2007 / PIO#295-07/jlh
November 20, 2007 / PIO#295-07/jlh
For More Information, Contact:
Jennifer Harris, Communications Officer, at 703.838.5078
First Span of New Route 1 Monroe Avenue Bridge Set To Open Traffic Switch to New Bridge to Occur Weekend of November 30th The first new span of the Route 1 Monroe Avenue Bridge in Alexandria will be opening on Sunday, December 2. The three-lane span will include a reversible center lane to accommodate morning and evening rush hour traffic. The opening of the new span will allow the demolition of the old bridge and the construction of the second span of the new bridge. The second span is slated to be completed by late 2008.
During the weekend of November 30, evening and night work may be conducted in order to prepare the new span and its approaches for the opening to traffic on December 2.
Several traffic and pedestrian pattern changes will be taking place with the opening of the new bridge span. Motorists and pedestrians will see the following changes after the switch to the new span during this next phase of construction, which is estimated to be from December 2007 to July 2008:
Route 1 Motorists
-
Northbound and Southbound motorists will be using the new span beginning mid-day on Sunday, December 2.
-
Southbound motorists wanting to access the Del Ray neighborhood can turn right on Monroe Avenue utilizing the old Route 1 road alignment.
-
Northbound motorists wanting to access Del Ray can turn left on either Wythe Street to Braddock Road to right on Mount Vernon Avenue, or they can turn left on East Glebe Road to left on Commonwealth Avenue to a left on Mount Vernon Avenue.
-
The Route 1 Monroe Avenue Bridge center reversible lane:
- Will be open to Northbound traffic on weekdays from 5 a.m. to noon and will be closed on weekends.
- Will be open to Southbound traffic on weekdays from noon to 10 p.m. and on weekends from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Will be closed to all traffic on weekdays and weekends from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Slaters Lane
- On or around December 17, Slaters Lane will reopen to Northbound Route 1 motorists (however, it will remain closed to Southbound Route 1 motorists).
- The slip ramp from Slaters Lane to Southbound Route 1 will be temporarily closed during this phase of construction.
From the Del Ray Community
- Coming from Del Ray to Route 1 via Monroe Avenue, access to Route 1 Northbound and Southbound routes will be temporarily closed during this phase of construction.
- Access to and from Route 1 from Howell Avenue and Bellefonte Avenue will be temporarily closed during this phase of construction.
- Motorists wanting to access Southbound Route 1 can turn right from Windsor Avenue to Southbound Route 1 (Windsor Avenue will remain a right in and right out access point on Route 1). Pedestrian Walkways
- For approximately two weeks after the new bridge span is open, pedestrians will be able to use the old bridge as a pedestrian walkway.
- A signalized pedestrian crosswalk will be provided across Route 1 at Custis Avenue, at the intersection of the new bridge and Howell Avenue and at First Street.
- A walkway will be provided on the south side of Slaters Lane to Route 1. Pedestrians needing to cross Route 1 will need to cross at either First Street or at Howell Avenue
-
Pedestrians may access to Del Ray via Windsor Avenue, or along the old Route 1 alignment to Monroe Avenue.
For more information, please contact
Bruce McLeod at 703.827.0800, or e-mail bmcleod@cwconsult.com.
For detailed maps about the new traffic patterns and pedestrian walkway changes for the Monroe Avenue Bridge, please visit http://www.potomacyardalexandria.com/
Bruce McLeod at 703.827.0800, or e-mail bmcleod@cwconsult.com.
For detailed maps about the new traffic patterns and pedestrian walkway changes for the Monroe Avenue Bridge, please visit http://www.potomacyardalexandria.com/
REDEVELOPMENT OF THE LOW INCOME HOUSING JUST SOUTH OF NECA
The entire Braddock East area is being redeveloped over the next several years. Braddock East includes the low-income ARHA property just south of the NECA boundries.
The entire Braddock East area is being redeveloped over the next several years. Braddock East includes the low-income ARHA property just south of the NECA boundries.
There are two separate parcels. The two blocks called Samuel Madden between US 1 (northbound Patrick Street and southbound Henry Street).
The other property is approximately five blocks around the Houston Rec Center called the James Blank addition.
The buildings you now see will be gone but the low-income residents will not totally disappear except during construction. The current proposal consists of low-income, middle and workforce income, and high income townhomes.
The City of Alexandria has set up an advisory group called the Braddock East Advisory Group (BEAG). This group will meet approximately twice monthly at the beginning of this process. The first meeting is scheduled for this week on Thursday, February 28, 2008, and starts at 7:00 pm. Light refreshments will be served on Thursday starting at 6:30 pm at the Jefferson-Houston school at 1501 Cameron Street. There is parking in the back of the building.
If you are interested in what is being discussed and the plans for the ARHA property, please join us. A NECA representative is part of the group.
[web article/SIBR2008-02-25]
by Mary Jane Kramer
On January 17, 2008, the Alexandria City Council approved the establishment of the Braddock East Advisory Group to study and advise the City staff about the redevelopment of the James Bland and Bland Addition, Samuel Madden Uptown, Ramsey Homes, and Andrew Adkins housing developments. The mission of the Braddock East Advisory Group is to partner with the Alexandria Residential Housing Authority, public housing residents, and other nearby residents for the purpose of creating a redevelopment within the larger Braddock Metro Area neighborhood. The redevelopment plan must be completed no later than October 6, 2008, which is a very short timeframe. Sylvia Sibrover is NECA’s representative.
The James Bland and Bland Addition plus the Samuel Madden Uptown public housing areas border the Northeast Area. Any redevelopment in the Projects will greatly impact our neighborhood! The current plan includes mixed-use, mixed-incomes, higher density, greater height, and less green open space. Please get involved, attend the public Braddock East Advisory Group meetings, and voice your opinion! NECA has invited Planning & Zoning City staff to speak about the public housing redevelopment plans in two months at the May 21st General Membership Meeting. Advisory Group meeting notices, supplemental reference materials, and other related information can also be found on the following website: www.alexandriava.gov/braddockeast
March 2008
Public Invited to Attend Community Meeting on Proposed Park at Potomac Yard
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Andrea Blackford, Communications Officer
at 703.519.3489
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Andrea Blackford, Communications Officer
at 703.519.3489
March 4, 2008
PIO#85-08/ajb
Public Invited to Attend Community Meeting on Proposed Park At Potomac YardThe City of Alexandria invites residents to attend a community meeting to discuss the future of a proposed park at Potomac Yard on Monday, March 17 at the Mount Vernon Elementary School auditorium (2601 Commonwealth Ave.) at 7:30 p.m.
At the meeting, the project planning and landscape architectural consultant, EDAW, Inc., will provide an update on the proposed park’s design. The public is encouraged to attend this public presentation and to provide input for the development of the proposed park.
EDAW, Inc. is an internationally recognized, world class leader in the design and development of culturally significant, historic, industrial reclamation, urban ecology and public process projects.
A concept plan for the Potomac Yard site, approved in 1999, provides for substantial open space, office space, a hotel, new retail space, and residential units, all organized into a series of parcels or landbays. Landbay K, the site of proposed park at Potomac Yard, will be located on the east side of Potomac Avenue in the proposed Potomac Yard development. The park, which is intended to serve as a north-south linear greenway, is adjacent to the railroad corridor and will be one of the most significant open spaces within the development.
For more information or to RSVP for the meeting, contact Jeffrey Farner of the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703.838.4666 or jeffrey.farner@alexandriava.gov, or contact Ron Kagawa of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities at 703.838.5041 or ron.kagawa@alexandriava.gov.
The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, call Ron Kagawa at 703.838.5041 (TTY 703.838.4902) or e-mail ron.kagawa@alexandriava.gov.
[Email-March 4, 2008/eNews-Jack Browand, Parks & Rec]
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A postcard was sent to every household with this information. Here it is again in case you failed to receive it or can't find it.
This special pick up is only for those customers who receive City refuse collection. Those with private collection companies do NOT received this service.
TIME:
All allowable material must be at the CURB (no alley pick-up) before 7:00 AM on April 25, 2009.
All allowable material must be at the CURB (no alley pick-up) before 7:00 AM on April 25, 2009.
SEPARATE:
ITEMS IN 4 DIFFERENT PILES:
• Resuable items (tables, chairs, houlsehold furniture, or any other reusable items)
• Metal items (pots and pans, toasters, wire hangers)
• Electronics (stereos, computers, televisions)
* Remember to clear the hard drive of all computers
• Refuse
• Resuable items (tables, chairs, houlsehold furniture, or any other reusable items)
• Metal items (pots and pans, toasters, wire hangers)
• Electronics (stereos, computers, televisions)
* Remember to clear the hard drive of all computers
• Refuse
REMEMBER:
All stoves, refrigerators, washers, dryers, hot water heaters, freezers, and dish washers require a $20 per item collection fee. Make sure doors are removed for child safety.
All stoves, refrigerators, washers, dryers, hot water heaters, freezers, and dish washers require a $20 per item collection fee. Make sure doors are removed for child safety.
SAFETY:
For employee safety and ease of collection, please correctly prepare or remove sharp items and tie brush in bundles no more than 4 feet long and not more than 75 pounds.
For employee safety and ease of collection, please correctly prepare or remove sharp items and tie brush in bundles no more than 4 feet long and not more than 75 pounds.
UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS:
concrete, hazardous waste, unbundled brush, loose yard waste, and building materials.
concrete, hazardous waste, unbundled brush, loose yard waste, and building materials.
Don't forget: Are your items in good condition? Consider donating them for reuse! A local reuse directory is available to www.alexandriava.gov/recycling
For more information visit www.alexandriava.gov/tes/solidwaste or call 703.519.3486
[info off of postcard received from the City of Alexandria, April 2009]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: For More Information, Contact:
April 11, 2008 Andrea Blackford,
April 11, 2008 Andrea Blackford,
PIO#134-08/ajb Communications Officer,
at 703.519.3489
Ride Free Program Begins April 30
Be a Part of the Solution—Reduce Ozone Pollution!
The City of Alexandria, in collaboration with cities and agencies across the Northern Virginia region, invites commuters to take advantage of free bus rides all day on Wednesday, April 30. That date marks the kick-off for the Ride Free 2008 Program—an initiative spearheaded by the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission—that allows commuters to ride Northern Virginia bus systems free on forecast Code Red days.
In addition to the free bus rides on April 30, a Ride Free 2008 kickoff event will be held at the King Street Metrorail station from 6 to 10 a.m. During the event, select riders will receive promotional materials, such as mini-pullout transit maps and free SmarTrip cards.
The Ride Free program is part of the region’s continual effort to reduce air pollution caused by vehicle emissions. Code Red and Code Orange Air Quality Action Days are forecast when ozone levels are high, affecting the air we breathe and becoming a direct health hazard. This year, riders will receive free bus rides all day on Code Red days only.
“We encourage as many residents as possible to take advantage of the Ride Free Program during the summer months,” said Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille. “In this era of high gas prices, participating in the program is a great way to save money—and the environment, too.”
For more information about Ride Free 2008, contact Erica Bannerman at 703.838.4334.
###
at 703.519.3489
Ride Free Program Begins April 30
Be a Part of the Solution—Reduce Ozone Pollution!
The City of Alexandria, in collaboration with cities and agencies across the Northern Virginia region, invites commuters to take advantage of free bus rides all day on Wednesday, April 30. That date marks the kick-off for the Ride Free 2008 Program—an initiative spearheaded by the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission—that allows commuters to ride Northern Virginia bus systems free on forecast Code Red days.
In addition to the free bus rides on April 30, a Ride Free 2008 kickoff event will be held at the King Street Metrorail station from 6 to 10 a.m. During the event, select riders will receive promotional materials, such as mini-pullout transit maps and free SmarTrip cards.
The Ride Free program is part of the region’s continual effort to reduce air pollution caused by vehicle emissions. Code Red and Code Orange Air Quality Action Days are forecast when ozone levels are high, affecting the air we breathe and becoming a direct health hazard. This year, riders will receive free bus rides all day on Code Red days only.
“We encourage as many residents as possible to take advantage of the Ride Free Program during the summer months,” said Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille. “In this era of high gas prices, participating in the program is a great way to save money—and the environment, too.”
For more information about Ride Free 2008, contact Erica Bannerman at 703.838.4334.
###
[Email-April 11, 2008/eNews]
To subscribe to eNews, visit enews.alexandriava.gov
To subscribe to eNews, visit enews.alexandriava.gov
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:49:16 -0500 [01/14/2009 12:49:16 EST]
From: Bruce McLeod <bmcleod@cwconsult.com>
To: bmcleod@cwconsult.con
Subject: GREAT NEWS - South Span of Monroe Avenue Bridge Opening TODAY
From: Bruce McLeod <bmcleod@cwconsult.com>
To: bmcleod@cwconsult.con
Subject: GREAT NEWS - South Span of Monroe Avenue Bridge Opening TODAY
Thanks to the hard work of PYD's contractor, Shirley Contracting and their subcontractors, we are pleased to notify you that today, we have opened the South Bound Span of the Route 1 - Monroe Street Bridge to traffic. This is not only a significant milestone but it occurs in time to assist in alleviating what is sure to be a challenge for the motoring public during next week's Inaugural activities and road closing. With the opening of the South Bound Span we are also opening Howell Avenue to Route 1 at the signalized intersection.
The left turn lane from South Bound Route 1 onto Slaters Lane should be completed and open on or around February 20th.
The work at Monroe Street is still impeded by issues concerning Dominion Virginia Power and the 230KV transmission line and we expect this work to commence within the next couple weeks and to be completed on or around Memorial Day
Bruce McLeod
Senior Vice President
Commonwealth Consultants
8321 Old Courthouse Road, Suite 250
Vienna, VA 22182
Phone: 703/827-0800
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Senior Vice President
Commonwealth Consultants
8321 Old Courthouse Road, Suite 250
Vienna, VA 22182
Phone: 703/827-0800
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The new southbound span of the bridge will be open by mid-January. As well, with the opening of the southbound span the left turn lane from southbound Route 1 to Slaters Lane will be open.
The Monroe Avenue construction is expected to start soon. Once construction begins, it is estimated to be 3 months before Monroe Avenue is completed. At this time, we estimate that to be no later than April 2009.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me.
Bruce McLeod
Senior Vice President
Commonwealth Consultants
8321 Old Courthouse Road, Suite 250
Vienna, VA 22182
Senior Vice President
Commonwealth Consultants
8321 Old Courthouse Road, Suite 250
Vienna, VA 22182
[Email-December 9, 2008/Bruce McLeod, Commonwealth Consultants-bridge consultant]
Any questions or comments, send an email to PRESIDENT@neca-alex.com
The Monroe Avenue Bridge Liaison Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 9th has been cancelled since it is Yom Kippur. However, we do want to provide you with the most up-to-date information on the bridge construction.
• The second span of the bridge, Windsor and Howell Avenues are scheduled to open on November 21st.
• When the second bridge span opens, motorists will be able to turn left from the bridge (southbound) onto Slater's Lane.
• The slip ramp sidewalk from Slater's Lane to Route 1 southbound will open by October 31st.
• It is anticipated that work on Monroe Avenue will begin within 2 weeks and should be completed within 14 weeks after work begins.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
[Email-October 6, 2008/Bruce McLeod, Commonwealth Consultants-bridge consultant] bmcleod@cwconsult.com
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The Slaters Lane slip ramp, and attached pedestrian trail, were opened on Friday, October 31, 2008, in their final configuration.
The slip ramp carries traffic heading west on Slaters Lane away from Potomac Plaza, under the new bridge, and to southbound US Route 1.
Motorists heading towards southbound Route 1 no longer need to go up Slaters Lane to the traffic light at Route 1 and turn left. Instead, they can use the new slip ramp.
Pedestrians may now walk along the new pedestrian trail under the bridge, connecting the sidewalks on the north side of Potomac Plaza (Rustico/Russian Gourmet) and the west side of Route 1 (Manolo's Wholesale Fish/Monterey Pizza).
Bruce McLeod
Senior Vice President
Commonwealth Consultants
8321 Old Courthouse Road, Suite 250
Vienna, VA 22182
Phone: 703/827-0800
Fax: 703/827-0571
Senior Vice President
Commonwealth Consultants
8321 Old Courthouse Road, Suite 250
Vienna, VA 22182
Phone: 703/827-0800
Fax: 703/827-0571
[Email-November 4, 2008/Bruce McLeod, Commonwealth Consultants-bridge consultant] bmcleod@cwconsult.com
The redevelopment of the shopping center land is being considered.
The City is holding a citizens workshop to explain the plan for the future redevelopment of the land bay that currently houses the shopping center.
Shopping will continue to be part of the area, but it will contain large numbers of housing and non-shopping business.
If you wish to express your opinion on this proposal, please attend the meeting even if you are unable to attend the entire time.
Houston Center
901 Wythe Street
6:00 pm
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
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