Current Issues - NorthEast Citizens' Association of Alexandria, VA - NorthEast Citizens' Association of Alexandria, VA

At the January 2010 NECA meeting, City staff spoke about the stormwater sewers and the possibility of the City charging a tax as part of the property tax to property owners in the Alexandria.

Staff distributed several documents. There is a brochure and a Q&A sheet (4 pages). The final document was a comment form.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Maurice Daly at the following:

MAIL:

Transportation & Environmental Services

Engineering Division, Room 3200

ATTN: Maurice Daly, P.E.

301 King Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

EMAIL: maurice.daly@alexandriava.gov

FAX: ATTN: Maurice Daly at 703.838.4299

[web article/SIBR2010]

Mirant Alert, April 2010

Although both General Assembly Houses passed bills (HB 1300 and SB 128) which included a carve-out allowing the State Air Board to prohibit electric generating facilities located within a non-attainment area from purchasing pollution credits from other facilities, the Governor has now stripped the carve-out from the bill.

Because Northern Virginia is the only EPA-designated nonattainment area in the state, we are directly affected because the Mirant plant will now be able to trade pollution credits with its Maryland plants, thereby bringing in more pollution to Alexandria and Northern Virginia.

On April 21st (this Wednesday), the General Assembly will re-convene to consider the Governor's changes to this and other bills.

The Assembly could vote to re-instate the carve-out, protecting us from greater pollution since we already live in a nonattainment area. The EPA designated the Washington Metropolitan Area a nonattainment area some time ago since it already exceeds EPA mandated pollution limits.

I urge you to please contact our state representatives before Wednesday and ask them to re-instate the carve-out amendment to HB 1300 and SB 128 to protect Alexandria and Northern Virginia from the onslaught of even more pollution.

Sen. Patsy Ticer (SB 128)              District30@sov.state.va.us
Sen. Richard Saslaw (SB 128)      District35@sov.state.va.us
Del. David Englin (HB 1300)          Deldenglin@house.state.va.us
Del. Adam Ebbin (HB 1300)             Delaebbin@house.state.va.us
Del. Charniele Herring (HB 1300) Delcherring@house.state.va.us

[EMAIL —April 17, 2010/Elizabeth Chimento]
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Mirant Alert: Mirant Plant Under New Management

In the last few weeks, Mirant has hired a new plant manager. We need to be especially vigilant of plant activities and watch for any changes, including smoke or steam coming from the plant. If you see anything unusual, please take a picture with your cell phone or camera and call me (703) 548-7939 or Khoa Tran (703) 746-4076 at the City.

On March 18th, two neighborhood residents alerted me to steam/smoke billowing out from the front of the plant. None of us has ever seen steam or smoke exiting from the plant's front. The DEQ is currently following up on this event.

Also, in January I e-mailed you that a new bill was in the General Assembly which would minimize the State Air Board's power, especially in determining if a plant could trade emission credits. This bill would directly affect us in Alexandria by allowing Mirant to trade credits with other plants, thereby bringing more pollution into our city.

The bill has passed both Senate and House of Delegates with the addition of a carve-out which excludes Alexandria from the bill since the metropolitan area is already in nonattainment for NOx and SO2. Thank you to Sen. Patsy Ticer and Del. David Englin who worked very hard to get the carve-out included in the bill and passed.

The bill now awaits the governor's signature.

[EMAIL —March 31, 2010/Elizabeth Chimento]

Mirant Update (Jan. 2010)

A new bill has been introduced in the Senate (SB #128) which "prohibits the Board from requiring that electric generating facilities located in a nonattainment area meet NOx and SO2 compliance obligations without the purchase of allowances from in-state or out-of-state facilities."

The bill is sponsored by Sen. Ryan McDougle (R), Senate District 4 (Mechanicsville) and has been referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources.

The City is opposing the bill.

[EMAIL —January 20, 2010/Elizabeth Chimento]

Mirant Update (Nov. 2009)

At last night's City Council meeting, the Council voted unanimously to approve the $2 million Phase I Mirant pollution controls per the City/Mirant Agreement (6/08).

City staff will now proceed with procurement and installation of the equipment.

Many thanks to Council, especially MCMG co-chairs Paul Smedberg and Del Pepper, to city staff members Bill Skrabak, Lalit Sharma, Khoa Tran and to all the

citizens who diligently worked to reach this milestone achievement in protecting the community's health.

[EMAIL —November 11, 2009/Elizabeth Chimento]

Parking Restrictions Proposed for Michigan Avenue

[Contents of email from City of Alexandria to the NECA President]

Hello Mariella - As president of the NE Citizens' Association I wanted to let you know that next Monday the Traffic and Parking Board will be holding a public hearing on the following:

1. Post NO PARKING restrictions in front of 1314 and 1320 Michigan Avenue from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Mondays for refuse collection.

2. Post NO PARKING restrictions on both sides of the alley on the east side of the 1400 block of Michigan Avenue from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Mondays for refuse collection.

3. Change the existing NO PARKING 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Mondays restrictions for trash pickup to NO PARKING 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Mondays for trash pick up on both sides of the alley on the west side of the 1400 block of Michigan Avenue.

These changes in parking are being proposed to help facilitate trash removal. The streets in this area are very narrow and it is difficult for the trash truck to get around the parked cars on trash day. I was wondering if you could share this with your membership and ask them to email me any comments. I understand this is late notice and if you need more time let me know and we can postpone this item until the May meeting.

Thanks,
Bob Garbacz
T&ES/Transportation
703-746-4143
bob.garbacz@alexandriava.gov

[EMAIL —April 20, 2010/Bob Garbacz]

The NECA president has contacted the City. The issue will be postponed until the May meeting of the Traffic and Parking Board.

Winter Storm Information

There are over 161,000 Dominion Virginia Power customers that have power outages. Of this number, 2,028 are Alexandria residents.

If you have a power outage, report it to Dominion Virginia Power (not City government) at 1.888.667.3000

Downed trees that are have fallen into a public roadway should be reported to the City by calling the Snow Hotline at 703.746.4488.

Remember:
DOWNED WIRES
If you observe a fallen power line, consider it live and do not approach or touch it. If the line is not marked with caution tape, cones, or barricades to indicate that crews have already assessed it, please report the fallen line by calling the City of Alexandria snow emergency hotline at 703.746.4488. Please tell the call taker whether the line is arcing (sparking), low-hanging, or on the ground. Due to the extreme weather conditions, residents are advised that there may be some delays in responding to fallen power lines.

Before your power goes out, place flashlights with fresh batteries throughout your home. Do not use candles, open fires or generators indoors. Make sure your refrigerator and freezer are tightly closed. Indoor heaters must have appropriate clearance and ventilation.

Visit www.ReadyVirginia.gov for more tips about dealing with power outages.

Residents are encouraged to visit www.alexandriava.gov/Storm for current conditions, service updates, closings and cancellations and answers to frequently asked questions about the snow storm.

For additional information, residents may contact the Snow Emergency Hotline at 703.746.4488.

To receive the latest weather related information and snow removal information, follow the City on Twitter or Facebook, or subscribe to eNews.

[from City of Alexandria eNews Feb.6, 2010]

City Shop (1505 Powhatan Street) letter to the City
A letter was sent to the Mayor, City Council, and City Manager following the January association meeting. This letter was written by the board and signed by the president.
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Alexandria Housing Master Plan Kickoff (April 1, 2010)
The City of Alexandria is starting a housing master plan process. The Housing Master Plan process will begin April 1, 2010 and will conclude around June 2011. Click the following link for details.
http://alexandriava.gov/HousingPlan

[Feb. 2010]

Virginia Department of Correction Wants to Have a Probation office in NorthEast
The State of Virginia informed the City of Alexandria that they were interested in locating a probation office in a building known as 1333 Powhatan Street. The building is across from the Powhatan Place. The City disagreed with the proposed location and sent a letter (dated March 8, 2010) so stating.

We will keep you informed as more information becomes available.
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Update: Probation Office (March 17, 2010 letter)

The state has responded to the city's letter (dated March 17, 2010). The Department of Correction will look elsewhere in the city that is not located in a residential neighborhood.
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OTHER ISSUES

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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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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.

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. Call 703/838-4500, this is the City Hall switchboard.

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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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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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.

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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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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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

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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Help Stop Stealing from Vehicles
Recently police went through our neighborhood and left cards on car windshields with information on how to stop thefts from cars. If you misplaced yours, here is the card.

[2010-03-02]

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What's New

• Parking Restrictions Proposed for Michigan Avenue

• Mirant Alert, April 2010

• Potomac Yard Design Advisory Committee (PYDAC) meeting

• Potomac Yard Planning Advisory Group (PYPAG) meetings

• Stormwater sewer tax is being considered

• Alexandria Housing Master Plan (starting date)

• Housing Master Plan - schedule for affordable housing meetings

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