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Office of the City Clerk
May 19, 2003

All Persons, Including Applicants, Wishing
to Speak Before City Council Must Fill Out A
Speaker's Form (Which May Be Found in The
Rear of the Council Chamber) and Present It
to the City Clerk.

If you have a prepared statement, please present
it to the City Clerk.

At 8:30 a.m., there was a Groundbreaking for the
Dr. Oswald Durant Center, 1605 Cameron Street.


Public Hearing Meeting
Saturday, May 17, 2003 - - 9:30 a.m.


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OPENING

1. Calling the Roll.

The Meeting was called to Order by Mayor Donley, and the City Clerk called the Roll; all Members of City Council were present.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

New Business Item No. 1: Mayor Donley wished Councilwoman Woodson a Happy Birthday and will try to see that the meeting is over in a reasonable time so she can enjoy her evening.
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New Business Item No. 2: Councilman Speck introduced Adam Justus. He is a senior at St. Stephens/St. Agnes. He is going to UVA. Adam is working on a senior project in local government and will be observing the Council Meeting today.
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2. Public Discussion Period.

(a) Sally Ann Greer, 1168 North Pitt Street, asked for the preservation of 15 trees out of 61 trees on the periphery of the Samuel Madden Homes redevelopment site; a copy of Ms. Greer’s statement is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council.

Mayor Donley noted that there is a condition to try to preserve some of the trees in the project, or, at least, try to maintain them until they have to go down. He asked the City Manager to brief the Council on this issue.

OPENING (continued)

City Manager Sunderland reported, according to the current schedule, none of the trees are coming down until the early part of July. The way we left it at the Samuel Madden meeting was that there will be a preliminary decision on the tax credit application in late May. If there is a favorable decision, then construction will begin in early September and most of the trees would come down in early July. The idea being even if we preserve them and made the demolition more expensive, we would only preserve them for a little less than two months at most. If the tax credit application is not accepted, then we’re going to have to revisit the whole issue of demolition and trees. The work group will convene to decide how the whole project goes at that point. He does not recall if the trees in the public right-of-way are to come down or are to be preserved.

Deputy Director of Planning and Zoning Ross reported that her recollection is that the issue was not addressed in the approval. It was assumed that they were going to stay up.

City Manager Sunderland stated that before we go home tonight staff will check and let Ms. Greer know one way or another. He noted that if the approval has the trees coming down then the trees will come down in accordance with the schedule he provided, or, at least, for those in the right-of-way probably in September. If the approval does not have the trees in the right-of-way coming down, then they’re not going to come down.

Mayor Donley indicated we’ll find out exactly what the status is regarding the trees on the public right-of-way. If they’re not scheduled to come down, they’ll stay. If they are scheduled to come down, then Council is going to have to try to make a decision and to determine what the impact is.

In the short term because of the demolition, City Manager Sunderland stated that the street trees will not come down.

Councilwoman Eberwein urged staff to ask the developer, unless Council has already mandated that they should come down, to make every kind of effort to preserve those trees. She asked that staff try to prevent the removal of these trees.

Ms. Greer noted that the trees on the opposite side of the street were successfully saved with no problem. She requested the City to let them know what the cost is, and if the City is not interested in that, it might be possible that they could raise the money.

Mayor Donley stated that there will be an answer today. Staff was requested to contact Ms. Greer directly regarding what the status is.











OPENING (continued)

(b) Julie Crenshaw, 816 Queen Street, spoke to Windmill Hill Park, in the original discussion of what was called a stream restoration, which is a drainage ditch, the design is a series of small retention ponds in the ditch to go down to the river. She indicated that the City may not want to use this kind of design because of West Nile virus. After the agreement was made to put a series of small retention ponds in, she noted that she did speak to Deputy Director of Recreation and Parks Kincannon and brought some things to his attention that had not been considered. She noted that she also mentioned this to the Waterfront Committee. Ms. Crenshaw stated that it is not wise to keep the current design of this particular drainage ditch for retention ponds of any kind as you do not want standing water. She would hope that there is something being considered to monitor this.

Director of Recreation and Parks Whitmore stated that Ms. Crenshaw has some very good points and that outfall area has not been designed. We agree that there will not be standing water nor would it be designed that way. She thanked Ms. Crenshaw for bringing this forward.

(c) Jon Wilbor, 310 South Lee Street, spoke to the Windmill Hill Park. He stated that a sidewalk is to be installed this year on the 100 block of Gibbon Street and requested that the City consider putting in a full eight-foot walk coming down the side of the hill. When relocating the basketball court, he requested that a water fountain be included there. Secondly, in discussions with people who live around the park, Mr. Wilbor asked Council to consider putting the trail from the Wilkes Street tunnel back out to the sidewalk on its old alignment. There’s still a curb cut there that could be used. It would keep the volleyball court in its old spot so that the noise from the volleyball play doesn’t interfere more than it ever has with the neighbors surrounding it, and that the kids have immediate access to it without having to cross the bike trail.

The Members of City Council, Director of Recreation and Parks Whitmore, the City Manager and Mr. Wilbor participated in a discussion on this item.

Mayor Donley noted that the Council understands the issue, and he noted that there isn’t a consensus to make any changes.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

ACTION CONSENT CALENDAR (3-5)

Planning Commission

3. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2003-0019
5408 EISENHOWER AV
CHRIS COLLINS DANCE STUDIO




REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued)

ACTION CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)

Planning Commission (continued)

4. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2003-0020
5000 SEMINARY RD 5. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2003-0015
900 VIRGINIA AVE
RUXTON HEALTH OF ALEXANDRIA
END OF ACTION CONSENT CALENDAR

City Council approved the Action Consent Calendar as presented. City Council action is as follows:

3. City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation.

4. City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation.

5. City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

6. Public Hearing on and Consideration of the Issue of the Regulation of Political Signs.

City Council closed the public hearing and requested staff to bring back some concepts for Council’s consideration.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

7. Public Hearing on and Consideration of the Staff Recommendations for Reuse of the ARCH Facility at 716-718 North Columbus Street.

City Council closed the public hearing and asked staff to come back on May 27, with information about the safe haven, and also their recommendation.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________




REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued)

Planning Commission (continued)

8. MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT #2003-0005
TEXT AMENDMENT #2003-0003
REZONING #2003-0003
City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendations [regarding the Master Plan Amendment, the Rezoning and the Text Amendment] with the inclusion of the recommendations of staff regarding the implementation measures as presented to Council in the memo received from staff dated May 16, 2003, with regard to the business mechanisms and the affordable housing stock, with the following amendment: [re: staff memo dated May 16, 2003] on Attachment 2, Item 5, it will now read: “5. Establish a task force, working group, or other organizational structure consisting of existing community groups, tenant organizations and property owners including but not limited to the Tenant and Workers’ Support Committee, Hume Springs Civic Association, Arlandria Civic Association, and the Chirilaqua Cooperative to provide technical and financial assistance in ownership efforts." With respect to the May 16, 2003 memorandum, the revised version of Attachment 1 handed out by staff on 5/17/03, was incorporated into the motion "without objection."
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

At 2:00 p.m., City Council took a lunch break.

At 2:20 p.m., City Council reconvened the meeting.

Without objection, City Council considered docket item nos. 9 and 10 together but under separate motions.

9. MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT #2003-0006
City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________





REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued)

Planning Commission (continued)

10. MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT #2003-0007
City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

11. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2003-0017
108 N PATRICK ST
COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Denial 7-0

City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation, and denied the Special Use Permit.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

Without objection, City Council considered docket item nos. 12 and 13 together, but under separate motions.

12. DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2002-0028
STREET NAME, CASE #2003-0001
901 SLATER'S LA
POTOMAC YARD - POTOMAC PLAZA City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation with an amendment that would accommodate the maintenance of the North Slater’s Lane part, that it be changed from a two-lane to a one-lane road, it would be right-turn only, no left-turn, that the left-hand hook be removed, the corresponding open space reduction would be included as part of the amendment to the special use permit, and that a sidewalk be provided for pedestrian access, with the contingency for CSX approval for two crossings, and if, in fact, we are unable to get CSX approval for two crossings, that we would return to the Modified T intersection, and the amendment would be removed.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________





REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued)

Planning Commission (continued)

13. DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2002-0026
ENCROACHMENT #2003-0002
STREET NAME, CASE #2003-0002
2201 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY
POTOMAC YARD - POTOMAC GREENS Councilwoman Eberwein and Councilman Speck expressed concern to assure that prospective purchasers be provided with accurate information regarding notification of conditions and terms related to this development, and that it be made a part of the HOA documents. Staff was requested to schedule, at one of the four meetings remaining for this session, a specific discussion about this issue of notification of conditions and terms related to developments, and, particularly, as it relates to secondary sales. City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation with the following changes in no particular order: adding a change to condition no. 44 regarding emergency easements [as outlined in the applicant’s memorandum dated May 16, 2003]; restoring the five units that were eliminated by the Planning Commission [eliminating condition no. 96]; [adding a new condition no. 96] increasing the open space by 3200 square feet [to be added to the southern part] which would eliminate sufficient visitor parking subject to the approval of the Planning Director; providing additional landscaping and buffering around the stormwater retention pond to the satisfaction of the Planning Director; and adding a change in condition no. 3 as noted by the Mayor regarding the pedestrian bridge to clarify what our objective is on a future location there; although we prefer the surface easement, if there is a pedestrian bridge, that it will be in the Potomac Greens part of the development [a copy of amended condition no. 3 is available in the Clerk’s office].
Council Action:_________________________________________________________












REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued)

Board of Architectural Review
Old and Historic Alexandria District

14. Public Hearing and Consideration of an Appeal of the Decision of the Board of Architectural Review, Old and Historic Alexandria District, for approval of signage at 201 North Washington Street, zoned OCM Commercial. Applicant and Appellant: Military Officers Association of America by J. E. Strickland.

Board Action: Approved, as amended, 4-2

Councilwoman Eberwein requested staff to resolve this. She asked that staff look at the Washington Street Guidelines. Clearly, this is something that is totally inconsistent both with regard to how it is being applied, and how it is being directed. Mayor Donley agreed with Ms. Eberwein's request.

City Council found that the shield logo signs, at the sizes and locations approved by the Board of Architectural Review, but in red, white and blue as proposed by the applicant, use historically appropriate colors, will not be incongruous to the old and historic aspect of the 200 block of North Washington Street as a portion of the GW Parkway, and are compatible in design, style, material, construction and quality for that block.

Accordingly, City Council determined that the application as approved by the Board, but with shield logo signs in red, white and blue as proposed by the applicant, meets the criteria for a certificate of appropriateness under Sections 9-301, 10-105(A)(2) and 10-105(A)(3) of the Alexandria Zoning Ordinance, and that the decision of the Board be so modified.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

15. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of an Ordinance to revise the membership and functions of the Alexandria Commission on HIV/AIDS. (#19 5/13/03) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council finally passed the Ordinance upon its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4299
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

16. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of an Ordinance to grant an encroachment into the sidewalk for outdoor seating at the Starbucks Coffee Company, 6 King Street. (#20 5/13/03) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council finally passed the Ordinance upon its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4300
Council Action:_________________________________________________________







ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS (continued)

17. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of an Ordinance to increase the sewer line maintenance charge imposed by section 5-6-26 of the City Code. (#21 5/13/03) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council finally passed the Ordinance upon its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4301
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued)

DEFERRAL/WITHDRAWAL CONSENT CALENDAR (18-19)

Planning Commission (continued)

18. VACATION #2003-0002
1680-1690 POTOMAC GREENS DRIVE
19. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2003-0024
2838 DUKE ST END OF DEFERRAL/WITHDRAWAL CONSENT CALENDAR

Without objection, City Council noted the deferrals.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

New Business Item No. 3: Mayor Donley noted that this was City Clerk Beverly Jett’s last City Council Meeting as she will be out of town for the May 27 Meeting, and Jackie Henderson will be starting on June 2.
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The meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
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Note: The action docket is a summary of Council's meeting deliberations prepared largely for staff follow-up. Formal Minutes of the meeting, when approved by Council, become the official record of the meeting and of Council decisions made at the meeting.
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This docket is subject to change.

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Full-text copies of ordinances, resolutions, and agenda items are available in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of the Council. Meeting materials are also available on-line at https://alexandriava.gov/council.
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Individuals who require translation services to participate in the City Council meeting may call the City Clerk and Clerk of Council's Office at 838-4500. We request that you provide a 48-hour notice so that the proper arrangements may be made.
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