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Office of the City Clerk
January 26, 2004



Public Hearing Meeting
Saturday, January 24, 2004 - - 9:30 a.m.

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OPENING

1. Calling the Roll.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Euille and the City Clerk called the roll; all members of Council were present.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

2. Public Discussion Period.

(a) Robert Frederickson, 3834 Brighton Court, representing the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association, spoke about the need for trash receptacles around the City, particularly around the DASH bus stops.

Mayor Euille said staff would follow-through on the request with him and the civic association.

(b) Pat Troy, 310 Wolfe Street, thanked Council for appointing him to the Board of Governor's of the Convention and Visitors Center Bureau; the new buses on the streets are good; something needs to be done about the televising of the meetings, as the cameras views are not good; and there was only one person on Market Square today for the Farmer's Market.

Mayor Euille said they would get together with the cable television people and staff and would review the videos of the meetings.

(c) Louis Cernak, 4536 B John Marr Drive, Annandale, president, Northern Virginia Central Labor Council, spoke in support of the Alexandria United Taxi-Drivers Organization and allowing them to carry their certificate to operate a cab from job-to-job.

(d) Donna Clarke, 1225 Martha Custis Drive, Apartment 804, spoke about the problems with the DOT system and hoped Council would take a strong look at the program and make some positive changes.

(e) Evion Council, 6101 Edsall Road, #1204, spoke about the problems with the cab service since the merging of Diamond and Yellow Cab Companies, and she asked for competition in their service.

(f) Sayed Hussain, 5705 Overly Drive, a member of Alexandria United Taxi-Drivers Organization, spoke about the problems with the cab industry and the companies, and he said they want the freedom of movement to allow him to take his certificate card and go to another company.

(g) Balwinder Singh Sahi, 9507 Cherry Oak Court, Burke, an organizer for Alexandria United Taxi-Drivers Organization, spoke about the problems with drivers making money driving cabs and to ask for more dispatch service and for competition.

(h) Augustine Agbenaza, 14894 Hyatt Place, Woodbridge, a member of the Alexandria United Taxi-Drivers Organization, spoke about the certificate cards and that he is not making money due to the system and the dispatch companies, and they need to take the certificate cards from the dispatch companies and give them back to the drivers.

(i) Tesfay Berhane, 244 Stevenson Square, N., member of the Alexandria United Taxi-Drivers Organization, said now is the time to save the industry and change the unfairly regulated City Code by letting the drivers be the owner of the certificates, to allow freedom of movement between cab companies, and the senior and DOT cab program need reformed.

(j) Gattew Teferi, 6914 Ashbury Drive, Springfield, member of the Alexandria United Taxi-Drivers Organization, spoke about seniors getting service from Diamond Cab Company, and the monopoly has caused serious problems for the seniors, and they wish to have a voucher system to be accepted by all cab companies.

(k) William Gibson, 2120 Bladensburg Road, NE, #106, Washington, D.C., President of the Teamsters Local 96, representing the Gas Supply, Gas Transportation Customer Service Personnel, Washington Gas and Shenandoah Gas, said they support AUTO, who want to service the residents.

(l) Carolyn Greenfield, 4308 F. Evergreen Lane, Annandale, secretary-treasurer of the Communication Workers of America, Local 2222, showed support for the AUTO proposal.

(m) Stacie M. Adams, 4308 F. Evergreen Lane, Annandale, President, Local 2222, Communication Workers of America, said their members are in full support of the cab drivers.

(n) Jon Wilbor, 310 South Lee Street, spoke about the Washington Real Estate Investment Trust Project proposed for the 800 block of S. Columbus Street, and if it comes back up, Council should recast its votes to maintain the integrity of that neighborhood.

(o) Thomas Esbrook, 805 Green Street, reenforced Mr. Wilbor's remarks, said they were not completely aware of the ramifications of the project of the Washington Real Estate Investment Trust and were disappointed when the vote was made at the meeting.

(p) Jeannete Lim Esbrook, 805 Green Street, said she and her husband were disappointed in the process for the Washington Real Estate Investment Trust and were disappointed when the vote was taken after hearing from the neighbors and the architecture board. She asked that Council listen to the voices of the people and look for alternatives.

(q) Julie Crenshaw, 816 Queen Street, spoke about the State implementation plans for air quality that was brought up at the last legislative meeting, and staff sent out e-mails without the second part, the gold book, and she asked that staff send out another e-mail and put the gold book part in, as it is important to have public comment on it.

Mayor Euille said the Environmental Policy Commission should also be weighing in on it.

(r) Tom Parry, 317 Skyhill Road, spoke in support of Alexandrian's for Sensible Growth's request for an independent investigation of the Carlyle SUP process and the tunnel requirement.

(s) Amy Slack, 2307 E. Randolph Avenue, thanked Council for the support of her nomination to the Parking and Traffic Board; she appreciated having the opportunity to hear from the cab drivers; she noted that Judy Lowe, a resident of Del Ray, has been named as the 2003 recipient of the Marguerite Payez Award; and when Council deliberates on docket item #27, it should encourage people's awareness of the City process by requiring them to come to a Council meeting when they pay for their decal.

Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

ACTION CONSENT CALENDAR (3-8)

Planning Commission

3. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2003-0103
430 HUME AVENUE
(Parcel Address: 426 Hume Ave)
MOPEDLAND, INC.
Public Hearing and Consideration of a request for a special use permit to operate a moped sales establishment; zoned CSL/Commercial Service Low. Applicant: Bernard Gratzl

COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval 7-0

4. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2003-0099
1400 DUKE STREET
SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH
Public Hearing and Consideration of a request for a special use permit for a parking reduction at a church; zoned OCM/Office Commercial Medium. Applicant: Thomas Bolen

COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval 7-0

5. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2003-0104
4323 UTICA AVENUE
CHILD CARE HOME
Public Hearing and Consideration of a request for a special use permit to operate a child care home; zoned R-2-5/Residential. Applicant: Soad E. Davis

COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval 7-0

6. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2003-0106
2000 JEFFERSON DAVIS HIGHWAY
PRIVATE CLUB
Public Hearing and Consideration of a request for a special use permit to operate a private club; zoned CSL/Commercial Service Low. Applicant: Stepping Stones, Inc. by Harry Hart, attorney

COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval 7-0

7. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2003-0102
4370 KING STREET
KING'S PIZZA AND SUBS
Public Hearing and Consideration of a request for a special use permit to operate a restaurant; zoned OCM/Office Commercial Medium. Applicant: Maher Hanania

COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval 7-0

8. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2003-0107
520 CAMERON STATION BOULEVARD
(Parcel Address: 5400 Edsall Road)
ARMISTEAD BOOTHE PARK
Public Hearing and Consideration of a request for a special use permit to add a scoreboard, to the Armistead Boothe Park ballfield; zoned CDD/Coordinated Development District. Applicant: Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities.

COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval 7-0

END OF ACTION CONSENT CALENDAR

City Council approved the Action Consent Calendar, with the removal of items 4 and 6 and considered them under separate action:

3. City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation.

4. City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation.(separate motion)

5. City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation.

6. City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation, with the following condition 15: The property owner shall invest a minimum of $2,000 to complete a landscaping improvement project on the southern 20 feet of the property by June 30, 2004. Such a project shall be designed to beautify the site using a design concept based on the WaterWise Garden at the Simpson Stadium Park. The implemented plan shall be reviewed during the one year review for this SUP. The property owner shall provide Planning and Zoning with a copy of the landscaping plan by May of 2004. (separate motion)

7. City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation.

8. City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation.

Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

9. Public Hearing on the Visitors Center Study.

City Council held and closed the public hearing on the Visitors Center Study and noted that action would be taken at the January 27, 2004, meeting. (Mayor Euille asked staff to give consideration to how it could structure the formation of a citizens work group after Council takes action January 27.)
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

10. Public Hearing on the Proposed City Policy for Vacating City Rights-of-Way.

City Council held the public hearing and deferred action until January 27, 2004. (Staff was asked to reflect on the following proposal for approval and discussion on January 27: 1. That City Council review each request for a vacation separately, in advance of any development proposal that might make use of the parcel to be vacated; and 2. That Council instruct City staff to consider the public benefits of the land, including but not limited to its public open space value, before determining its market value; and 3. the language Ms. Slack has made.)
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued)

Planning Commission (continued)

(City Council heard items 11 and 12 together.)

11. DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2002-0038
1897 NORTH BEAUREGARD STREET
MARK CENTER
Public Hearing and Consideration of a request for a development special use permit amendment, with site plan, to modify the previously approved development plan to construct four office buildings instead of three buildings containing the same floor area as previously approved on Plaza IA, preliminary development plan approval for an office building (building #6) on Plaza IB and proposed street and pedestrian improvements at the intersections of Seminary Road/N. Beauregard St. and N. Beauregard Street/Mark Center Drive. Applicant: The Mark Winkler Company by J. Howard Middleton, Jr. Esq., attorney

COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval 7-0

12. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2003-0037
1897 NORTH BEAUREGARD STREET
MARK CENTER
Public Hearing and Consideration of a request to amend the transportation management plan for Mark Center Plaza IA and IB; zoned CDD/Coordinated Development District. Applicant: The Mark Winkler Company by J. Howard Middleton, Jr. Esq., attorney

COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval 7-0

City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation, with the following: As noted in the January 22, 2004 memo by Mr. Middleton which outlines: 1. That there will be a traffic study along the important corridors in the west end, with a contribution of $40,000 to help pay for that study; 2. That there would be some reduction in parking as outlined by the applicant; and 3. In terms of the transit subsidy and transportation improvements, that there be particular note to the condition 123, as reads, "Not withstanding the preceding, the City may elect to utilize all or any portion of the funds otherwise made available under this Condition 123 for the design and construction of other transportation improvements in the vicinity of the Project."
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

13. VACATION #2003-0004
116 WEST ALEXANDRIA AVENUE
Public Hearing and Consideration of a request to vacate a public alley; zoned R-5/Residential. Applicant: Brett Rugo by Gaver Nichols, agent

COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Denial 5-2

At the request of the applicant, Council deferred action on this request.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

City Council heard items 14, 15 and 16 together.

14. MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT #2003-0010
3330 KING STREET
T.C. WILLIAMS HIGH SCHOOL
Public Hearing and Consideration of a request for an amendment to the Taylor Run/Duke Street Small Area Plan chapter of the City's Master Plan to change the land use designation for a portion of the property from P/Parks to I/Institutional. Applicant: Alexandria City Public Schools by J. Howard Middleton, Jr. Esq., attorney

COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval 7-0

15. REZONING #2003-0006
3330 KING STREET
T.C. WILLIAMS HIGH SCHOOL
Public Hearing and Consideration of a request to rezone a portion of the subject property from POS/Public Open Space to R-20/Residential zone. Applicant: Alexandria City Public Schools by J. Howard Middleton, Jr. Esq., attorney

COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval 7-0

16. DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2002-0044
3330 KING STREET
T.C. WILLIAMS HIGH SCHOOL
Public Hearing and Consideration of a request for a development special use permit, with site plan and subdivision for a new T.C. Williams High School with increase in the floor area ratio, increase in height and placement of public school trailers and freestanding school sign and modifications; zoned R-20 and POS. Applicant: Alexandria City Public Schools by J. Howard Middleton, Jr. Esq., attorney

COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval 7-0

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

17. Public Hearing on an Appeal of the Planning Commission's Decision Denying Development Site Plan #2003-0012 Gateway Center, 621, 623 and 631 South Patrick Street and 1007 Franklin Street.

City Council upheld the decision of the Planning Commission based on five points: 1. The proposed restrictions on the size and/or route of delivery vehicles serving the site and on the hours during which delivery to the site would be permitted are difficult if not impossible for realistic and effective enforcement; 2. The 14-foot width of the alley access from South Patrick Street, even with the modified curb cut, is too narrow to safely accommodate the anticipated type and volume of turning movements into the site without negatively impacting traffic flow on South Patrick Street and elsewhere in the downtown area; 3. That the 14-foot width of the private alley access from South Patrick Street, even with the modified curb cut, is so narrow that delivery trucks and other vehicles would be encouraged to use Gibbon, Franklin and South Henry Streets, thus diverting traffic through the adjacent residential neighborhoods. Congestion at this intersection will be exacerbated by the diversion; 4. That diverting traffic into the adjacent residential neighborhood is injurious to the neighborhoods and is contrary to the provisions of the Southwest Quadrant Small Area Plan chapter of the Master Plan, which requires the protection of residential areas from through traffic resulting from the redevelopment of the area; and 5. In light of the affirmation, it is clear that the proposed site plan fails to comply, as staff has pointed out in the beginning of their report, with Sections 11-410(d) and 11-410(k) of the Zoning Ordinance.
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

18. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of an Ordinance toAdopt Master Plan Amendment No. 2003-0009, to Amend the Seminary Hill/Strawberry Hill Small Area Plan Chapter of the Master Plan by Changing the Land Use Designation of Property Adjacent to the Minnie Howard School from Parks and Open Space to Institutional. (#14, 1/13/04) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council finally passed the Ordinance upon its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4323
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

19. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of an Ordinance to Adopt Rezoning No. 2003-0005, to Rezone Property Adjacent to the Minnie Howard School From POS/Public Open Space Zone to R-12/Residential Zone. (#15, 1/13/04) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council finally passed the Ordinance upon its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4324
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

20. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of an Ordinance to Adopt Master Plan Amendment No. 2003-0004, to Amend the Seminary Hill/Strawberry Hill Small Area Plan Chapter of the Master Plan by Changing the Land Use Designation of Property at 3517 - 3551 Duke Street from Residential Low to Residential Medium, With Increased Height Limitations. (#16, 1/13/04) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council finally passed the Ordinance upon its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4325
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

21. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of an Ordinance to Adopt Rezoning No. 2002-0005, to Rezone Property at 3517 - 3551 Duke Street from R-8/Single Family Zone to RB/Townhouse Zone, With Proffers. (#17, 1/13/04) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council finally passed the Ordinance upon its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4326
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

22. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of an Ordinance to Adopt Zoning Text Amendment No. 2003-0005, to Allow Increases in Height and Density for Public School. (#18, 1/13/04) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council finally passed the Ordinance upon its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4327
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

23. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of an Ordinance to Adopt Zoning Text Amendment No. 2003-0006, to Define, Regulate and, in Certain Zones, Prohibit and Abate Day Labor Agencies. (#19, 1/13/04) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council finally passed the Ordinance upon its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4328
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

24. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of an Ordinance to Change the Time Requirements Applicable to the Appeal of Real Estate Assessments to the Board of Equalization. (#20, 1/13/04) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council finally passed the Ordinance upon its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4329
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

25. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of an Ordinance to Approve an Encroachment into the Public Sidewalk Right-of-Way at 1700 Duke Street. (#21, 1/13/04) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council finally passed the Ordinance upon its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4330
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

26. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of an Ordinance to Change the Membership of the Alexandria Community Criminal Justice Board. (#22, 1/13/04) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council finally passed the Ordinance upon its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4331
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

27. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of an Ordinance to Provide For an Advanced Decal Process for Motor Vehicles Within the City, and to Discontinue the Proration of Vehicle Decal Fees. (#28, 1/13/04) [ROLL-CALL VOTE]

City Council finally passed the Ordinance upon its Second Reading and Final Passage. ORD. NO. 4332
Council Action:_________________________________________________________

REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued)

DEFERRAL/WITHDRAWAL CONSENT CALENDAR (28-29)

Planning Commission (continued)

28. REZONING #2002-0004
11-21 NORTH QUAKER LANE
QUAKER VIEW
Public Hearing and Consideration of a request to rezone the property to amend a proffer prohibiting residential use; zoned CL/Commercial Low. Applicant: Jade Development Company, by Duncan Blair, attorney

COMMISSION ACTION: Deferred

29. DEVELOPMENT SITE PLAN #2002-0032
11-21 NORTH QUAKER LANE
QUAKER VIEW
Public Hearing and Consideration of a request to develop eight townhouse-style condominiums with modification; zoned CL/Commercial Low. Applicant: Jade Development Company, by Duncan Blair, attorney

COMMISSION ACTION: Deferred

END OF DEFERRAL/WITHDRAWAL CONSENT CALENDAR

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

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The meeting adjourned at 8:44 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.

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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