OPENING
1. Calling the Roll. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Euille, and the Deputy City Clerk called the roll; all the members of Council were present. 2. Public Discussion Period. (a) Frank Fannon, 1105 Duke Street, spoke about the state of the real estate market in the area and how it might affect Council's decision-making during the budget process. Mr. Fannon suggested that Council be mindful of the economy and the market as they consider the budget this year. (b) Bert Ely, 200 South Pitt Street, requested that Council consider repealing the requirement that taxicab companies serving Alexandria have an average of two dispatched calls per cabbie per day. (c) Heidi Ford, 1022 Oronoco Street, expressed concerns about the Ad Hoc Transportation Task Force amendment recommendations to the City's Master Transportation Management Plan, specifically the proposal to establish a high capacity transit corridor along Patrick and Henry Streets. Ms. Ford stated that she was opposed to the proposal because it would increase the amount of congestion on Patrick and Henry Streets and eliminate some of the on-street parking available. Ms. Ford noted that many of the older, historic homes on Patrick and Henry Streets are being damaged by the heavier vehicles traveling along these corridors. (d) Robert Grove, 419 North Patrick Street, stated that the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a bad idea because the corridor does not service Alexandrians, but other people using the streets as a pass through route to other metropolitan areas. Mr. Grove noted that Parker-Gray is an historic district with Board of Architectural Review (BAR) requirements. Mr. Grove stated that there was a disconnect when a neighborhood had to get approval for dryer vents and window boxes is considered for placement of a major transportation corridor. Mr. Grove pointed out that by making Route 1 a major transportation corridor, more people would probably start using it, thereby increasing the amount of traffic traveling the route. (e) Leslie Zupan, 1309 Queen Street, president of the Inner City Civic Association, stated that 50 residents of Patrick and Henry Streets signed a petition protesting using those streets as a transportation corridor. Ms. Zupan stated that the Ad Hoc Transportation Task Force recommendations were a political document and one of the major sources of the debate is who the corridor will serve. Ms. Zupan pointed out that establishing a corridor along this route would service the Pentagon and Fort Belvoir, not citizens of Alexandria. (f) Mark Freeman, 421 North Patrick Street, stated that he was opposed to the BRT proposal, noting that parking was at capacity for this neighborhood and that placing the corridor on Patrick and Henry Streets would compromise the historic character of the neighborhood. Mr. Freeman stated that the way to address the congestion in the area would be to invest more money into the Metro system. (g) Collin Lee, 515 North Patrick Street, spoke in opposition to the BRT proposal, noting that it would only increase the amount of traffic along Route 1, eliminate needed on-street parking and pose a safety concern for the residents along the proposed route. Mr. Lee stated that there is a regional responsibility for traffic in the area but he asked Council to consider who the proposed BRT would be serving. Mr. Lee showed a flag that was damaged by the pollution from the traffic along Route 1. (h) Joe Trahern, 425 North Patrick Street, spoke in opposition to the BRT proposal, noting the proximity of the homes to the proposed dedicated lanes for the buses. Mr. Trahern stated that the proposal would increase the congestion already present on Route 1. Mr. Trahern commended Councilmen Krupicka and Wilson for their efforts to show the benefits of Metro based approach from Potomac Yard, successful connecting Arlington, Alexandria and Van Dorn Street. (i) Charlotte Landis, 433 North Patrick Street, spoke in opposition to the proposed Master Plan from the Ad Hoc Transportation Task Force. Ms. Landis noted that at the last Braddock Road charette, it was reported that City Council would be voting on the proposals in February. Ms. Landis stated that she hand-delivered a petition to Council one year ago, which she resubmitted for the record. Ms. Landis stated that Route 1 is not appropriate for BRT and will not benefit residents in the immediate neighborhood. (j) Jack Sullivan, 4300 Ivanhoe Place, representing the Seminary Hill Association, presented Council with a resolution on the Hunting Terrace site that was passed by the Executive Board of the Association at its January meeting last Thursday. Mr. Sullivan noted that Council adopted language very close to the resolution when it accepted the recommendations of the Mayor's Economic Sustainability Workgroup. (k) Julie Crenshaw Van Fleet, 26 Wolfe Street, reported that she spoke before Council on December 15 and the Police Chief reviewed the tape of her call to the Police Department and sent her a nice apology from the Police Department, noting she had given more than enough information to respond to the call and the individual had been talked to and sent to additional training. Ms. Crenshaw Van Fleet stated that it actually had a positive benefit to the department and she thanked the Police Chief for the response. (l) Caston Jarvis, 1020 Oronoco Street, spoke about the concerns of BRT on Route 1, noting that the project would mainly benefit individuals that do not live in the City and it appears that Alexandria residents are being asked to pay the cost that benefits others. Mayor Euille noted that there will be a joint work session with the Ad Hoc Transportation Task Force on February 12, 2008, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Work Room. REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES ACTION CONSENT CALENDAR (3-7) Planning Commission 3. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2007-0114 540 JOHN CARLYLE STREET (Parcel Address: 520 John Carlyle Street) ZIKARYET RESTAURANT Public Hearing and Consideration of a request for an amendment to increase the hours of operation and seating at a restaurant; zoned CDD-1/Coordinated Development District. Applicant: Joyce Abdallah PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval 6-0 (A copy of the Planning Commission report dated January 3, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 3; 01/12/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.) 4. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2007-0116 664 SOUTH PICKETT STREET (Parcel Address: 620 South Pickett Street) EL TIPICO RESTAURANT Public Hearing and Consideration of a request for an amendment to increase the hours of operation at an existing restaurant; zoned CG/Commercial General. Applicant: Walter Granados-Lazano PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval 6-0 (A copy of the Planning Commission report dated January 3, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 4; 01/12/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.) 5. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2007-0117 1423 POWHATAN STREET UNIT 7 THE BODY IN BALANCE CENTER Public Hearing and Consideration of a request to operate a wellness and massage therapy establishment; zoned CSL/Commercial Service Low. Applicant: The Body In Balance Center by Ann Barlett PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval w/amendments 6-0 (A copy of the Planning Commission report dated January 3, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 5; 01/12/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.) 6. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2007-0127 2730 EISENHOWER AVENUE RESTAURANT Public Hearing and Consideration of a request to operate a restaurant; zoned OCM/Office Commercial Medium. Applicant: Backstreets, LLC by Ulka Patel, attorney PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval 6-0 (A copy of the Planning Commission report dated January 3, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 6; 01/12/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.) 7. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2007-0124 506 NORTH HENRY STREET (Parcel Address: 525 North Fayette Street) RESTAURANT Public Hearing and Consideration of a request to operate a restaurant; zoned CRMU-H/Commercial Residential Mixed Use High. Applicant: Diamond Commercial, LLC by David Chamowitz, attorney PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval w/amendments 6-0 (A copy of the Planning Commission report dated January 3, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 7; 01/12/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.) END OF ACTION CONSENT CALENDAR WHEREUPON, motion by Councilman Gaines, seconded by Vice Mayor Pepper and carried unanimously, City Council adopted the consent calendar, with the exception of docket items #5 and #7, which were considered under separate motions, as follows: 3. City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation. 4. City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation. 6. City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation. The voting was as follows: Gaines "aye" Krupicka "aye" Pepper "aye" Lovain "aye" Euille "aye" Smedberg "aye" Wilson "aye" 5. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2007-0117 1423 POWHATAN STREET UNIT 7 THE BODY IN BALANCE CENTER Public Hearing and Consideration of a request to operate a wellness and massage therapy establishment; zoned CSL/Commercial Service Low. Applicant: The Body In Balance Center by Ann Barlett PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval w/amendments 6-0 (A copy of the Planning Commission report dated January 3, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 5; 01/12/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.) Councilman Wilson inquired what the current massage ordinance required licensees to have on display in an establishment. In response to Councilman Wilson, City Attorney Pessoa stated that the ordinance required the license to be on the premise. The following person participated in the public hearing: (a) Ann Bartlett, 1423 Powhatan Street, Unit, applicant, spoke in support of the application and responded to questions from Councilman Wilson about license requirements. WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Wilson, seconded by Councilman Smedberg and carried unanimously, City Council closed the public hearing and approved the Planning Commission recommendation, deleting the sentence in condition #6 stating, "Licenses and photos of licensees must be on display in the establishment." The voting was as follows: Wilson "aye" Pepper "aye" Smedberg "aye" Gaines "aye" Euille "aye" Krupicka "aye" Lovain "aye" 7. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2007-0124 506 NORTH HENRY STREET (Parcel Address: 525 North Fayette Street) RESTAURANT Public Hearing and Consideration of a request to operate a restaurant; zoned CRMU-H/Commercial Residential Mixed Use High. Applicant: Diamond Commercial, LLC by David Chamowitz, attorney PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval w/amendments 6-0 (A copy of the Planning Commission report dated January 3, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 7; 01/12/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.) Councilman Krupicka noted that the community raised concerns about loitering that could come from the business. Councilman Krupicka expressed concern that amendments the Planning Commission made may have created arbitrary differences between the businesses in the same block. Councilman Krupicka requested that Council review the language and craft language that gave the power to regulate hours to the Planning Director with a specific request or consultation from the Police Chief. Councilman Smedberg stated that the neighborhood had a real concern about loitering based on past experience with other businesses. The following person participated in the public hearing: (a) Leslie Zupan, 1309 Queen Street, representing the Inner City Civic Association, spoke in support of the amendment to the special use permit made by the Planning Commission and noted that a petition was signed by a majority of the residents affected by the operating hours of the restaurant. WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Krupicka, seconded Councilman Smedberg and carried unanimously, City Council closed the public hearing and approved the Planning Commission recommendation, with the addition to condition #2 stating, "After one year, the Planning Director with the concurrence of the Police Chief, may approve a minor amendment to extend the hours for dine-in and carry-out until midnight." The voting was as follows: Krupicka "aye" Pepper "aye" Smedberg "aye" Gaines "aye" Euille "aye" Krupicka "aye" Wilson "aye" REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER None. REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES (continued) Planning Commission (continued) 8. DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2007-0005 (A) SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2007-0051 (B) 800 NORTH HENRY STREET THE MADISON Public Hearing and Consideration of a request for a development special use permit, with site plan and modifications to construct a mixed use residential/retail building, a request for a parking reduction and a special use permit request for approval of a transportation management plan (TMP); zoned CRMU-H/Commercial Residential Mixed Use High. Applicant: TC MidAtlantic Development III, Inc., by Duncan Blair, attorney PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend Approval 6-0 (A copy of the Planning Commission report dated January 3, 2008, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 8; 01/12/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.) Ms. Hamer, Director, Planning and Zoning and Mr. Farner, Division Chief, Planning and Zoning, made a brief presentation about the proposed project and responded to questions Council from about the special use permit concerning open space, the transportation management plan and design. The following persons participated in the public hearing: (a) Duncan Blair, 524 King Street, attorney for the applicant, gave a brief presentation and spoke in support of the proposed project. (b) Salena Zellers, 1122 Madison Street, representing the Braddock Lofts Homeowners Association, spoke in support of the application. (c) Leslie Zupan, 1309 Queen Street, representing the Inner City Civic Association, spoke in support of the application. WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Smedberg, seconded by Councilman Wilson and carried unanimously, City Council closed the public hearing and approved the Planning Commission recommendation. The voting was as follows: Smedberg "aye" Pepper "aye" Wilson "aye" Gaines "aye" Euille "aye" Krupicka "aye" Lovain "aye" ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 9. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of an Ordinance to Change the Name of Barecroft Place to President Ford Lane. (A copy of the informal memorandum explaining the ordinance is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 9; 01/12/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference. A copy of the ordinance referred to in the above item, of which each Member of Council received a copy not less than 24 hours before said introduction, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 9; 01/12/08, and is incorporated as part of this record by reference.) WHEREUPON, upon motion by Vice Mayor Pepper, seconded by Councilman Smedberg and carried unanimously by roll-call vote, City Council closed the public hearing and passed an ordinance to change the name of Barecroft Place to President Ford Lane. The voting was as follows: Pepper "aye" Gaines "aye" Smedberg "aye" Krupicka "aye" Euille "aye" Lovain "aye" Wilson "aye" The ordinance reads as follows: