OLD TOWN NORTH COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
December 2007

OTNCP NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

We actually got an early start on our 2008 goals, having set them at our September board meeting. In fact, we're well on our way to accomplishing some of them already! Here's where we'll continue focusing our energies to improve Old Town North in the year ahead:

(1) Identify and clean up areas that are prone to litter problems; (2) Proceed with Phase II and III improvements to Montgomery Park (path to Fairfax Street and dog run improvements, respectively); (3) Sponsor fall and spring events (Paws in the Park and Taste of Old Town North) to raise additional funds for Montgomery Park improvements; (4) Work with City officials and planning groups to improve our streetscapes; and (5) Monitor developments and represent our community in the Braddock Road, Washington Street, and National Harbor projects.

We'll need your support to accomplish these goals, so please get involved by attending our meetings or sending your feedback to info@oldtownnorth.org.

INVENTORY WALK FINDINGS

On the brisk Saturday morning of November 10, a small but hearty team of volunteers took to the streets of Old Town North to gather trash and make notes of needed improvements. Two hours and ten bags of trash later, the group had compiled a list of nearly 50 concerns covering everything from beautification and land use to litter and safety issues. The list is being prioritized and sent to the City for follow up. In the meantime, we are asking area corporations and businesses to address the trash and beautification issues on and near their properties. A debt of gratitude to our volunteers for their time and to the City for providing gloves and plastic bags for the litter pick-up.

LET'S GO HOLIDAY SHOPPING IN OLD TOWN!

Who needs a crowded mall and a department store Santa? Holiday shopping is much more festive—not to mention easier—in the charming and unique shops of Old Town. And shopping here guarantees your retail dollars will help keep our local businesses thriving and giving back to our community.

Now, thanks to a partnership between the City and the Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association (ACVA), here's one more reason to shop—and dine and celebrate — right here in historic Old Town this holiday season: www.HolidaysinAlexandria.com. On this special Web site you can select and print money-saving discount coupons and special offers from Alexandria's shops and restaurants. Or pick up your free dining and retail coupon books at the Ramsay House Visitors Center located at 221 King Street in Old Town. Happy Shopping!

T&ES RESPONDS TO YOUR CONCERNS

In October, OTNCP contacted the City's Department of Transportation and Environmental Services (T&ES) regarding questions our e-mail subscribers have raised about a number of Old Town North projects and issues. In a letter dated November 15, T&ES Director Richard Baier responded, as summarized here:

• Madison and Montgomery Street reconstruction project: Selection of a design firm is underway, and construction is expected to begin in fall of 2009 to rebuild St. Asaph Street between Madison and Montgomery Streets; Montgomery Street between St. Asaph and Pitt Streets; and portions of Pitt and Royal Streets between Madison and Montgomery.
• Crosswalks at busy intersections: T&ES officials will be contacting us to schedule a "field review" of our heavily traveled intersections and discuss options to address our pedestrian safety concerns. We will announce the date and time in an upcoming newsletter or e-News Update so that all interested residents can participate.
• Odor from the Blue Plains sewage treatment plant: Since the Blue Plains facility is not located in Virginia, the City has limited ability to impact its operations but has conveyed our concerns to the plant manager. Blue Plains encourages residents to call its Odor Hotline number to register complaints: 202-787-2630. Since you will be asked to leave a recorded message, we advise asking Blue Plains for a follow-up call to learn how they are addressing your complaint.
• Trucks hauling fly ash to the Mirant plant: The travel route for all trucks entering or leaving Mirant is designed to limit exposure to our neighborhoods as much as possible. Trucks enter from Route 1 onto Madison and turn on Royal Street; trucks leave from Royal Street and turn on Montgomery to go back to Route 1. Deliveries are restricted to the 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. time slot, and trucks are washed and covered before they leave the Mirant property. Please let us know if you observe otherwise.
• Undergrounding utility lines: T&ES' response to this was very brief and disappointing: "There will be no phases that will underground wires north of Oronoco Street."
• Directional signage for visitors: Signs to route visitors to key Old Town destinations will be a primary component of the City's "Wayfinding Signage Program," now in development. Old Town North will be included in the stakeholder involvement and feedback process, scheduled to begin in late January.
• Completion of sidewalk to the Metro: A new sidewalk along the north side of the 700 block of Montgomery Street is included in the development proposal for this block.

‘PAWS IN THE PARK’ EVENT SIMPLY PAWS-ITIVE

A big thank you to our four- and two-legged friends who turned out for our first ever Paws in the Park fundraising event for Montgomery Park — and to Crowne Plaza for their generous support and the use of their tents. We hope to make this an annual event for pets and their owners, and we welcome your comments or suggestions to help plan next year's fundraiser.

PARK TREES TO BE REPLACED FREE

As reported in our last newsletter, many of the new trees planted in Montgomery Park earlier this year fell victim to the drought. With our focus on maintaining and improving this neighborhood park, we have asked the City's Recreation and Parks staff to replace the dead trees, still under warranty. They have agreed to plant new trees at no cost.

AND ONE MORE THING ABOUT THE PARK...

Did you know that OTNCP receives annual funding from the City to keep Montgomery Park clean? When you visit the park, please help us out by using the trash receptacles and picking up after your pets. Showing pride in our community helps ensure the City will continue to support us in this effort.

IMPORTANT DATES SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2—Watch for new traffic patters taking effect on Monroe Avenue Bridge. The first new span is now open! FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 8:00 a.m.—Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Funside Forum at the Westin Hotel, 400 Courthouse Square. RSVP 703-838-4200, ext. 203 THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 6:00 p.m.—Planning Commission workshop on transportation at Council Chambers in City Hall, 301 King Street THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 7:30 p.m.—OTNCP Board Meeting at MRE Properties, 300 Montgomery Street, 2nd Floor

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR e-NEWS UPDATE

To receive periodic updates of community events and this quarterly newsletter via e-mail, please send your e-mail address to info@oldtownnorth.org.

COMMENTS, SUGGESTIONS? E-mail your feedback to info@oldtownnorth.org or mail your comments to: OTNCP, c/o Montgomery Center, 300 Montgomery Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314

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OLD TOWN NORTH COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
Late Summer 2007

Residents and Business Working Together for Community Betterment

CITY TASK FORCE PLANS GROUNDBREAKING CONCEPTS TO IMPROVE TRANSPORTATION

Alexandria’s seven-person Transportation Policy and Program Task Force has released its draft “Comprehensive Transportation Master Plan” encouraging alternative modes of ransportation and reducing dependence on the private automobile. The plan’s most detailed section relates to transit solutions and describes three alternative transit corridors within secure rights-of-way dedicated to transit use. One route would extend along Route 1 from Crystal City to south of Alexandria, perhaps as far as Ft. Belvoir; a second along Duke Street from Carlyle/Patent and Trademark Office west past Landmark Mall and possibly as far as Fairfax City; and the third along the western end of the city from Shirlington to Kingstowne.

Other sections of the plan examine alternatives to increase the use of bicycles for short trips and to encourage walking by improving pedestrian access, safety, and convenience. The Task Force did not address street improvements beyond those related to the safe accommodation of all forms of transit. The full report is available on line at:

http://alexanddriava.gov/tes/policy_and_program/draft_master_plan.html

Or call Director of Transportation Tom Culpepper at 703-838-4966 to request the report on compact disc. The Task Force welcomes your comments; please e-mail your feedback to transtaskforce@alexandriava.gov.

BRADDOCK METRO PLAN TAKES SMALL STEP FORWARD

Completion of the proposed Braddock Metro Area Plan was set aside last spring after a community meeting raised questions about possible uses of the Metro plaza and redevelopment plans for a portion of the public housing units in the Braddock Metro/Inner City neighborhoods. Subsequently, the City contracted with Kramer and Associates of Annapolis to interview community "stakeholders" on what they would like to see happen in the Braddock neighborhood. Kramer has begun briefing City staff on its findings, and a community meeting to review their report and recommendations is scheduled for September 24, 7 p.m., at Jefferson Houston School on Cameron Street. On behalf of Old Town North, we have requested better pedestrian connections along Madison and Montgomery Streets so that our residents and guests can enjoy a pleasant and safe walk to the Metro.

WHY OLD TOWN NORTH IS SPECIAL

The reasons are numerous, as Christa Watters, resident since 1983, explains in a piece she wrote for one of our local newspapers. "To those of us who live here, Old Town North is one of Alexandria's prime pieces of real estate," she says in her article. "Old Town North is a vibrant mix of residential and commercial uses. And there's only one traffic light between us and DC. For me, the neighborhood is defined by access to the Potomac River, with its broad water vistas, sometimes tranquil, sometimes stormy, always restful to the eye. We have easy access to the Mount Vernon Trail, a pathway for bicyclists, joggers, walkers, and inline skaters. I chose to move here ... because it's city life on a livable scale. Old Town North is dense, but also blessed with access to parks, including Oronoco Bay, Montgomery Park (with tennis courts, a gazebo, a playground, and dog run), the long parkland strip along the bike path, and other pockets of greenery. Citizens led a successful joint tree-planting effort with the City in the 1990s to improve the tree canopy."

We couldn't agree more! And let's not forget Old Town North also offers a dozen wonderful restaurants, a variety of specialty shops, two grocery stores, festivals and events in our parks, and an easy walk to King Street's attractions.

DRY SUMMER PUTS TREES AT RISK

Many trees in our community didn't survive the summer drought — particularly the youngest trees, including those planted in Montgomery Park earlier this year. With our focus on maintaining and improving this neighborhood park, we are working with the City's Recreation and Parks staff to replace the dead trees, still under warranty, and implement a better watering schedule. Fortunately, Oronoco Bay Park is watered by sprinklers and has been able to withstand the dry days.

A number of trees lining our streets have also been affected. If you can reach a street tree by hose from your house, please try to water it. Otherwise, no one else will, and we risk losing a portion of our green canopy.

CITY'S CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS BUDGET COULD FACE LEAN YEAR

The real estate slowdown and resulting decrease in the growth rate in property values means that even in relatively well-off Alexandria, City officials will have less funding available for needed capital improvements. In Old Town North, this could impact our plans for rebuilding the sunken, roller-coaster segments of Montgomery and Madison Streets, continued improvements in Montgomery Park, more landscaping, and improvements to the tennis courts. As City Council discusses needs throughout the City at work sessions in October, we will be monitoring the status of our neighborhood projects.

IN BRIEF

• Justin Wilson, Del Ray resident and Amtrak employee, was elected to fill the City Council seat vacated by Andrew MacDonald. Mr. Wilson is a strong proponent of mass transit.
• 3PT Personal Training Studio has relocated from its former St. Asaph location to 809 North Royal Street. Thinking about getting shape? Check out their Web site at www.3pt.biz or call 703-549-0083.
• Shop 'til you drop in Alexandria's unique retail establishments, galleries, and eateries — and you'll be helping convince developers to include space for even more small shops in our area. So please patronize our local merchants and service providers in Old Town North, on King Street, and in the West End — and don't forget First Thursdays on Mt. Vernon Avenue, when shops are open until 9 p.m. and local performers provide live music!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR e-NEWS UPDATE

To receive periodic e-mail updates of community events and information of general interest, please send your e-mail address to info@oldtownnorth.org.

COMMENTS, SUGGESTIONS?

Send your feedback by e-mail to info@oldtownnorth.org or by U.S. mail to:

OTNCP
c/o Montgomery Center
300 Montgomery Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314

UPCOMING EVENTS WORLD WATER MONITORING DAY 2007 Tues., Sept. 18, 10 a.m. to Noon, Oronoco Bay Park This international education and outreach event invites the public to help protect the world's water resources by monitoring local water bodies. RSVP by September 12 to wwmd@wef.org or call 703-535-5264. More information: www.worldwatermonitoringday.org. OTNCP BOARD MEETING Thurs., Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m., MRE Properties, 300 Montgomery Street, 2nd Floor ALEXANDRIA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Sept. 27-30, Patent and Trademark Office For more information, call 703-838-6348 or visit www.alexandriacommissionforthearts.org. 66TH ANNUAL TOUR OF HISTORIC ALEXANDRIA HOMES, Sat., Sept. 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Proceeds benefit Inova Alexandria Hospital. Call 703-683-5544 or visit www.thetwig.org for more information. PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES ("CAR TAX") DUE Fri., Oct. 5 ANIMAL WELFARE LEAGUE OF ALEXANDRIA ANNUAL DINNER & SILENT AUCTION Sat., Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m., First Street Holiday Inn Tickets $75, invitations to be mailed in September. To donate an item for the auction or advertise in the program, contact Diann Hohenthaner at 703-838-4774, ext. 216 or dhohenthaner@alexandriaanimals.org. PAWS FOR THE PARK — COMING IN NOVEMBER! Watch for details in our next issue about a fun doggie event to raise funds for Montgomery Park improvements.

Alexandria, Virginia 22314

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OLD TOWN NORTH COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
April-May 2007

Residents and Business Working Together for Community Betterment

TICKLE YOUR TASTE BUDS AT TASTE OF OLD TOWN NORTH, MAY 17

The Old Town North Community Partnership invites you to our Third Annual Taste of Old Town North event in Montgomery Park. Plan to join us Thursday, May 17, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., to sample delicacies from neighborhood restaurants, listen to music, and talk with your neighbors (rain date May 24). Participating restaurants include:

• A La Lucia
• Burrito Grill
• Fin & Hoof
• Starbucks
• Stardust
• Thailand Royal
• Trader Joe's
• Villa d'Este

Special thanks to the following sponsors enabling us to offer this event FREE of charge to you: Montgomery Center, New Target, Holladay Corporation/Abingdon Row, and Sport & Health.

MIRANT UPDATE: RAMPING UP ENERGY PRODUCTION FOR NOW

In April, the City of Alexandria was dealt two setbacks from the courts in its efforts to tame the Mirant Power Plant. The Virginia Supreme Court upheld an Alexandria Circuit Court ruling that the City could not use zoning laws to force the plant to close within seven years. Also, the U.S. District Court approved the consent decree entered into by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality permitting Mirant to increase its production at the Alexandria plant in exchange for reducing emissions elsewhere in the region.

What happens next? Planned outages by PEPCO continuing through June 21 mean that Mirant will increase its output as directed by a Department of Energy Order, possibly triggering emission exceedences. Residents are encouraged to contact the Alexandria Health Department with comments, concerns, or personal experiences by completing the online form at www.alexhealth.org, as well as e-mailing their information to powerplantcomplaints@yahoo.com. Meanwhile, the City is examining its options.

The Department of Environmental Quality will hold a hearing on May 22 from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Holiday Inn at 2460 Eisenhower Avenue. Citizens may also voice their concerns to the DEQ by e-mail (Air Quality Division Director Jim Sydnor, jesydnor@deq.virginia.gov) or by mail: 629 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219.

OTN MEMBERS GET INSIDE SCOOP ON ECONOMIC AND LAND USE MATTERS

Acting Director of the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP) Stephanie Landrum briefed about 35 members at our March 22 meeting on the latest in retail, land use, and other matters of interest to our neighborhood. Here's what we learned:

• The City plans to use the former Health Department building on St. Asaph Street as office space for its employees, at least for now.
• A previous solicitation of a developer for the Bus Barn did not yield an offer acceptable to Metro.
• The City has informed the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board that it prefers to retain the Giant supermarket on the ABC block. A new solicitation for the ABC parcel was issued and offers have been narrowed down.
• AEDP is aware of our interest in retail, particularly hardware and drug stores, and is watching for opportunities. In the meantime, our retail spaces are occupied and seem healthy.
• Citywide, the office vacancy rate is over 10%. With the recent relocation of Pentagon Federal Credit Union to Eisenhower Avenue, the large office building on Canal Center is being marketed as condominium office space. Preferred Office has opened an Executive Suite operation in the office building at 500 Montgomery Street.

WATERFRONT SURVEY RESULTS NOW AVAILABLE

In preparation for the upcoming waterfront planning effort being undertaken by the City's Planning Department, the Old Town Civic Association conducted a thoughtful and comprehensive survey of its members' attitudes and ideas about the waterfront earlier this year. The results of the survey are now available online at www.oldtowncivic.org/Pages/waterfront.htm. The OTCA has also scheduled two waterfront walks to gather suggestions. To participate in the walk along our part of the waterfront, meet at the Torpedo Factory docks on Saturday, May 12, at 10 a.m.

HELP REDUCE OZONE POLLUTION

This summer, leave your car at home and ride public transit on bad air quality days. From May 1 through September 15, you can ride the bus for free on Code Orange or Code Red days. The air quality forecast is available from your local radio or TV station and online at www.ridefreenova.org.

OTHER OTN NEWS-IN- BRIEF

• Gaylord Hotels held its topping off ceremony at National Harbor on April 24. Construction is on track for a grand opening in April 2008. Gaylord will be hiring hundreds of workers in the hospitality industry beginning early 2008. With the announcement of Sheldon Suga as General Manager, the hotel moves from construction to reality in the next few months. Mr. Suga has relocated from the Orlando FL area to Alexandria to oversee the final phases of construction, interior fit-up, staffing, and pre-opening activities.
• John Varghese of our very own Sheraton Suites is on tap to become the next president of the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association.
• The Abingdon Row project is actively being marketed. Located at Royal and First Streets, it offers condominium units starting at $364,900 for a one bedroom/one bath unit. The sales office is located at 802 N. Fairfax Street. Amenities include garage parking, landscaped courtyard, secure access, rooftop terrace, and high quality interior finishes.
• The 610 Montgomery Café has opened, offering Italian coffee drinks, gelato, and light fare.
• The Braddock Metro Area Plan is temporarily on hold, pending resolution of issues related to affordable housing and traffic on Route 1.

CAN'T-MISS SUMMER EVENTS IN OLD TOWN NORTH Oronoco Bay Park June 16-17 Weekend: Attend the 27th Annual Red Cross Waterfront Festival, billed as the largest outdoor fundraising event on the East Coast, with musical entertainment, food vendors, children's events, arts and crafts sales, and fireworks. Festival officials expect up to 35,000 patrons on Saturday night alone. Proceeds make up 20-25% of the Red Cross Alexandria Chapter's annual budget. Saturday, July 7, 6 to 10 p.m.: Don't miss the City's 258th birthday celebration. This special event features the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and a Grand Finale Fireworks display. Call 703-883-4686 for more information. Rain date is July 8. Montgomery Park Thursday, May 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Taste of Old Town North! (see article on reverse) Wednesday, June 20, 7 to 8 p.m.: Enjoy this free outdoor concert featuring the sweet, soulful harmonies (think Simon and Garfunkel) of Cletus Kennelly and Lori Kelley, courtesy of OTNCP. Then come back for our second free concert on ... Wednesday, July 18, 7 to 8 p.m.: Featuring JC & the Hepcats-the hepest, swingin' roots based band around! Make plans now to attend both concerts. With our attractive new gazebo providing shade, the park will be more comfortable in the summer heat. MetroStage Through June 3: Now playing, "The Musical of Musicals". Check performance times and buy tickets online, www.metrostage.org.

YOU BELONG ON OUR MAILING LIST!

To receive notices of community events or information of general interest, please send your contact information, including e-mail address, to:

Old Town North Community Partnership
300 Montgomery Street, 2nd floor (MRE)
Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Or send an e-mail with your information to info@oldtownnorth.org.

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Old Town North News
March 2007

ATTEND OUR MARCH MEETING FOR A VIEW FROM THE TOP!

Not only will you experience the grand view from the top level of the Alexandria House, but you'll also get a view of our area's economic future from a top official. Stephanie Landrum, Acting Director of the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, will speak to OTNCP members and guests on the status of various sites in our neighborhood, including the bus barn, Giant/ABC, and the former Health Department. She can also answer your questions about the impact of the National Harbor on our community and prospects for new retail and service businesses. Please join us Thursday, March 22, at 7:30 p.m. in the rooftop level Drake Room at Alexandria House, 400 Madison Street. You won't want to miss this most informative meeting!

AREA BUSINESSES PREPARE FOR NATIONAL HARBOR

Alexandria's waterfront business community met March 13 aboard the Cherry Blossom, docked at the Torpedo Factory, to discuss the tourism potential posed by the new National Harbor development in Prince George's County. Anticipating water taxi-, car- and tour bus loads of tourists to reach our shores, Alexandria businesses are giving their buildings and interiors a facelift and tailoring their offerings to the new demographics of National Harbor.

The City government will assist by installing directional signage and working on sidewalk and street maintenance. The Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association (ACVA) is working on new restrooms and expanded visitor center facilities, as well as coordinating with National Harbor developers (see story at top right).

Other initiatives proposed by forum participants focused on marketing, transportation, and sprucing up; all agreed that a strongly led collaborative effort is needed. Old Town North's three hotels and many restaurants will undoubtedly be involved in the overall tourism development efforts related to National Harbor. The Chamber of Commerce, also located in this neighborhood, is coordinating business sector planning efforts.

WHAT IS NATIONAL HARBOR ANYWAY?

National Harbor is being billed by its anchor property, Gaylord National Hotels, as the site of "the largest combined hotel and convention center in the nation's capital region." Situated at the foot of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in Oxon Hill, Maryland, the 300-acre development is being led by The Peterson Companies of Fairfax, Virginia. While National Harbor is "just minutes" from Washington, D.C., it is directly across the river from Old Town Alexandria, creating a new and steady source of visitors to our area.

At full build-out, the project will offer more than 4,000 hotel rooms plus 2,500 condominiums, 500,000 square feet of Class A office space, one million square feet of retail, dining, and entertainment space, and a 470,000-squarefoot convention center. The project also includes four piers and two marinas to focus squarely on the Potomac River as a main attraction. The 42-acre Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center is scheduled to open in April 2008. A Marriott Residence Inn is also under construction and expected to open in March 2008. For more information, visit these sites: www.nationalharbor.com and http://www.gaylordhotels.com/press/dec_02_04b.cfm.

WARPED, SINKING STREETS SLATED FOR $4.4 MILLION MAKEOVER

The City's Capital Improvements Budget provides $4.4 million for a project to fix rolling pavements on Montgomery and Madison Streets between Pitt and Fairfax Streets. Built on land formerly belonging to the Alexandria Canal, these streets have become unstable with the pavement sinking in spots. The City's project calls for the design phase to take place in 2008, with construction to level and resurface both streets in 2009.

TENNIS, ANYONE?

Also in the Capital Improvements Budget is the tantalizing possibility of funding to improve the tennis courts at Montgomery Park. Vice Mayor Andrew MacDonald assures us this project is among his high priorities; Alexandria has few public tennis courts, and these are a valuable asset that needs to be maintained. OTNCP is looking for a couple of volunteers to work with us on shaping a collaborative project for improvements with the Department of Recreation and Parks. If you have a particular interest in the Montgomery Park tennis courts and would like to get involved, please e-mail us at info@oldtownnorth.org.

CLEAN-UP OF ORONOCO STREET OUTFALL TO BEGIN THIS YEAR

Finally, the Capital Improvements Budget provides funds to begin addressing and cleaning up ground contamination at the Potomac River Oronoco Outfall, an area at the southern end of Oronoco Bay Park. Coal tar contaminants from the Alexandria Gas Works that operated in the 19th and 20th centuries have prompted this essential project that begins with relining the Oronoco Street storm sewer this fiscal year. The next phase, which involves designing and installing a hydraulic control and treatment system, is scheduled for fiscal years 2008 and 2009. Once the new system is functioning effectively, the City plans to dredge and remove the most contaminated sediment near the outfall. A settlement from Washington Gas Light Company (former owners of Alexandria Gas Works) is helping fund clean up, monitoring, maintenance and operation costs.

A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME

Noticed the sign box at the north end of the parking lot by the Montgomery Park tennis courts? The City installed this sign box at our request under its Neighborhood Matching Grant program. TNCP volunteered to design several maps and other communications to be posted on the sign and keep you informed. A business map and guide is already complete, with a residential version to follow. Next up: a guide to our recreational, park, and cultural facilities, and a history map. Look for them soon!

OTNCP NEEDS YOUR HELP!

We still need neighborhood representatives for Alexandria House, Annie B. Rose House, Chatham Square, Executive Club/Riverton, Harbor Terrace, Hearthstone Mews, Garrets Mill, George Parker Homes, Ladrey Senior Highrise, Marina Towers, Portner House and Tobacco Key. If you live in one of these areas, please let us know who is president of your community or homeowners association and provide contact information. Or volunteer to be your community's official contact. Please e-mail contact information to info@oldtownnorth.org.

IT'S SPRINGTIME IN OLD TOWN — GET OUT AND ENJOY THESE EVENTS! 2007 Run vs. Row Classic, Saturday, March 31, 8 a.m.: This annual event features rowers from the T. C. Williams Crew team and runners from throughout the metro area. Come and watch, or even better, compete yourself — no rowing necessary! Sign up to run a 10k or walk a 4k along the shore and see if you can beat the time of the fastest rowing team! For more information or to register for either the run or walk, visit http://www.runvsrow.com/. (Note: Portions of Fairfax Street will be closed to traffic during the race.) Showtime! Now through April 8, Torpedo Factory Art Center, Studio 14: This FREE fiber art exhibition features movie-related themes. For more information, please visit www.torpedofactory.org or call 703-683-1342. Roots and Branches, March 24 through April 29, Torpedo Factory Art Center, Target Gallery: View this FREE all-media art exhibition juried by Dr. Gwendolyn H. Everett, Professor of Art History at Howard University and the Corcoran College of Art and Design. More information and exhibit days/times: www.torpedofactory.org or call 703-838-4565 "Musical of Musicals, The Musical!" at MetroStage, 1201 Royal Street, April 11 through June 3: In this hilarious parody of musical theatre, one story becomes five different musicals, written in the distinctive styles of Rodgers & Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Kander & Ebb, Jerry Herman, and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Performance times and ticket info: www.metrostage.org or call 703-548-9044. Old Town North's own "Taste of Old Town North," Thursday, May 17: 2007 marks our third and best year yet for this popular event. Stay tuned for full details!

March Meeting Reminder

Please be sure to join us Thursday, March 22, 7:30 p.m. in the Alexandria House Drake Room for an informative meeting on the future of our neighborhood.

Subscribe to the electronic version of this newsletter by e-mailing us at info@oldtownnorth.org.

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January - February 2007

EXTENSIVE WATERFRONT PLANNING EFFORT STARTS SOON

The City of Alexandria Planning Department will launch a multi-organizational effort this spring to develop a waterfront plan addressing new issues of concern to our area. Public involvement is welcome and encouraged in the planning process, which could take up to two years. Other organizations and groups undertaking supportive and complementary efforts include Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association, Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, Old Town Civic Association, several city departments, and the city’s Waterfront Committee.

Our current waterfront plan was adopted in 1982, specifying complete public access to the full length of the waterfront and parkland interspersed with nodes of commercial activity. The plan was partially implemented, on city-owned property and in cooperation with landowners where possible, but a number of key sites retained their industrial uses. The city’s recent acquisition of parcels in the central waterfront has created new opportunities to revisit and update the existing plan.

The planning effort is especially important right now, given the potential impact on our area from the National Harbor/Gaylord Project currently under construction in Prince George’s County, south of the Wilson Bridge. This massive attraction presents both a tremendous opportunity and a threat to Alexandria’s lower King Street. The opportunity is that people coming by boat from National Harbor to Alexandria will patronize our shops and restaurants, energizing both our economy and
the atmosphere of our waterfront. The threat is that National Harbor will emerge as the major tourist attraction, leaving our quaint shops with fewer customers and eventually making King Street’s retail scene unsustainable. It is a delicate balance—keeping the shops and restaurants that make the charm of Alexandria while protecting the adjacent residential areas.

While Robinson Terminal North and Mirant are among the key sites in our neighborhood to be evaluated in the planning process, we are tied directly into the entire waterfront through our network of parks, bicycle paths, and pedestrian walks.

We will report periodically on the progress of the waterfront plan and on ways you can get involved. Also check our website periodically for links to the major planning documents as they become available.

2007 PRIORITIES SET AT OTNCP JANUARY MEETING

A hardy group met on January 25 at A La Lucia, amid the first snowflakes and cold snap of this winter. Reports were given on the progress of Montgomery Park improvements (see story below) and the status of various development proposals. Finally, the group reviewed feedback from the community to prioritize activities and initiatives for our association in 2007, as follows:

OTNCP 2007 PRIORITIES Complete Phase 1 and initiate Phase 2 of Montgomery Park improvements; Encourage more resident-friendly retail uses to locate in our neighborhood; Work to remove uses that detract from our neighborhood (bus barn, ABC store, power plant) and replace them with people-friendly mixed uses; Sponsor events that help bring our community together, including the annual Taste of Old Town North and a dog-related event (Paws in the Park); Work on improved streetscaping, lighting, and amenities; Increase neighborhood participation in our activities.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN AND AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

• Construction is underway at the Postmasters site on North Royal Street; these are condominium units.
• The Armed Forces Benefit Association’s conceptual plan for its site at 901-909 North Washington Street will go for an initial review by the Board of Architectural Review in March.
• We are not aware of anything definitive on either the ABC site or the Bus Barn.
• The Harris Teeter store proposed for the site in the 800 Block of North Henry Street has pulled out of the project; the City is searching for another grocery store for that site.
• Bastille Restaurant has opened in the former Marianna’s space, and a café is about to open in the 600 block of Montgomery Street.
• The US Post Office branch at S. Washington and Prince Streets will soon close, but two other sites are being considered to serve Old Town: 277 S. Washington Street (the Atrium Building), and 200 N. Washington Street (the former Office Depot).

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Now through February 25: MetroStage’s production of Bricktop runs Wednesday through Sunday. Purchase tickets at www.boxofficetickets.com or call 800-494-8497.
• February 12: Real estate assessment notices to be mailed.
• February 17-19: Choose from numerous local events at www.funside.com/events to celebrate George Washington’s birthday weekend.
• February 19, 1-3:00 p.m.: Presidents’ Day Parade in Old Town—billed as “the largest parade in the country honoring the first president and Alexandria’s hometown here.” For more information and map of the parade route, visit www.washingtonbirthday.net/html/route.html.
• April 9: City budget public hearing

ST. ANTHONY’S DAY SCHOOL ART SHOW St. Anthony’s Day School would like to invite you to their first art show to be held at United Way of America located at 701 N. Fairfax St. Thursday April 26, 2007 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. The children are putting their art on display to celebrate THE WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD

• May 4 – 5: Historic Preservation conference
• May 17: Taste of Old Town North— save the date!

YOU BELONG ON OUR MAILING LIST!

To receive notices of community events or information of general interest, please complete and mail this form to Old Town North Community Partnership, c/o Montgomery Center, 300 Montgomery Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314.

Name:
Address:
Phone:
Email:

Or e-mail your contact information to
info@oldtownnorth.org

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December 2006

WASHINGTON STREET STUDY TO SET PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY DESIGN GUIDELINES

A new research project conducted by the City of Alexandria will culminate in public right-of-way design guidelines for Washington Street. These guidelines could cover such items as lighting, signage, sidewalk width and materials, location of specially marked crossings, benches, trash cans, newspaper boxes, etc. The process began with a series of small focus groups to define the area of study. Deana Rhodeside of the landscape architecture firm Rhodeside & Harwell is the city’s consultant and will be steering the project, as well as eventually defining the design guidelines. Agnes Artemel and Christa Watters are representing the Old Town North Community Partnership. We’ll keep readers informed as the study progresses.

HELP US FOCUS ON WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT TO OUR COMMUNITY!

So many projects and activities, so little time! That’s why the Old Town North Community Partnership is seeking your feedback to help us scale down the following list of 14 initiatives into our Top Ten Priorities for 2007. Please call, write or e-mail us (contact information appears at the bottom of this newsletter) to let us know what’s important to you!

Contenders for the “OTNCP Top Ten”:

1. Participation in Washington Street Guidelines study (see above)
2. Participation in the Waterfront planning effort due to kick off in February
3. Monitoring and guiding Bus Barn site development
4. Monitoring and guiding development at the ABC site
5. Participating in discussions about the AFBA site which is currently in a conceptual planning stage
6. Supporting the efforts of our neighbors in the Northeast Civic Association and NOTICe on the power plant
7. Completing the planned Montgomery Park improvements
8. Creating a new dog-friendly event in Old Town North
9. Continuing to inform our neighborhood about items of interest
10. Coordinating with the City with regard to traffic, parking, maintenance, and crime issues
11. Continuing to promote a mixed use environment in Old Town North so that our residents have the opportunity to walk to many restaurants, services, and other businesses, and so that our businesses have a steady base of regular customers
12. Finalizing our Old Town North business directory
13. Continuing efforts to attract new restaurants, a drugstore, small hardware store, and other needed retail uses while preserving a grocery store in the neighborhood
14. Sponsoring and promoting our third Taste of Old Town North event

MARK YOUR JANUARY CALENDAR

The next meeting of the OTNCP will be held on Thursday, January 25, 5:30 p.m. Please plan to join us as we finalize the “OTNCP Top Ten” (see above) and set action plans for the weeks and months ahead. We hope to repeat the pleasant format of our November meeting at A La Lucia’s wine bar. The meeting location will be confirmed and more details provided after the holidays.

FREE POLICE DEPT SECURITY SURVEYS FOR OLD TOWN RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES

Officers Cheryl Smith and Charlette Young in the Community Relations Unit are available to survey the security of your home or business at no charge. They will come to your address and in 30 minutes to an hour identify potential areas where security could be improved. The Police Department also suggests that businesses provide them with emergency contact information for their files so you can be reached if necessary. For more information or to schedule your free security survey, call the Alexandria Communications Center at 703-838-4978, email bob.mains@alexandriava.gov, or call Officers Smith or Young at 703-838-4520.

Free brochures with safety tips are also available from the Police Department, including Vehicle Security, Holiday Safety Tips, Vacation Security Tips, Business Security, What is Suspicious, and Help Stop Stealing from Vehicles. Officer Smith reports that in Alexandria, larceny from vehicles is up, so the latter set of tips is particularly important now, with holiday shopping season in full swing. To minimize your chances of a vehicle break-in, keep purchases and valuables out of sight by locking them in your trunk.

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR HOLIDAY EVENTS …

The Alexandria Convention and Visitor’s Association has announced a series of holiday festivities in and around Alexandria, including

• Gather the Family at Woodlawn Plantation, 9000 Richmond Highway, now through December 31
• Holidays at Mount Vernon, now through January 6
• Holiday on the Avenue, Del Ray, December 9 (free)
• Colonial Handbell Ringers, December 10 at the Lyceum, 3 to 5 p.m. (free)
• Tea & Tour at Lee-Fendall House, December 10, 3 p.m. ($25)
• King Street Gardens Holiday Tree Lighting, December 10 at 7 p.m. (free)
• Santa’s Holiday Express, a train running from King Street station to Manassas on December 15 ($15)
• A Nat King Cole Holiday at Metro Stage, 1201 North Royal Street through December 23 ($35)
• First Night Alexandria, New Year’s Eve celebration in Old Town and Del Ray, December 31, 6 p.m. to midnight ($10 in advance, $15 after December 26).

For more information on any of these events, check www.funside.org.

… AND SHOPPING!

Find unique gifts for everyone on your list at Alexandria’s many fine boutiques in Old Town and Del Ray and in our shopping centers (Bradlee, Fairlington, Potomac Yard, Landmark, Foxchase, and the centers along Van Dorn and Pickett Streets). Our small businesses are often locally owned and operated, lending Alexandria its distinctive character. They deserve your support, and we all benefit—a portion of the sales tax you pay comes back to the City, relieving the burden on other sources of revenue.

ABOUT THE OTNCP: WHO WE ARE, WHO WE SERVE, WHY WE’RE A PARTNERSHIP

Our predecessor, The Old Town North Community Association, was created by a group of residents and property and business owners who had been instrumental in the preparation of the Old Town North Small Area Plan adopted by the City of Alexandria in 1992. Over several months of meetings, these dedicated individuals hammered out a master plan and zoning principles that would provide a framework for the emergence of Old Town North as a high quality mixed use environment.

As we continued to work together on such projects as the improvement of Montgomery Park, streetscape planning, tree planting, and attraction and retention of neighborhood-serving businesses, “partnership” seemed to more accurately reflect the purpose of the organization. Our membership includes Old Town North residents, business owners, and employees.

The OTNCP is a tax-exempt corporation registered with the Virginia Corporation Commission. It is governed by a Board of Directors and serves residents and businesses with an address in Old Town North, the area north of Oronoco Street to the northern City boundary, and east of Washington Street to the Potomac River.

YOU BELONG ON OUR MAILING LIST!

As someone who lives or does business in our community, you’ll want to receive OTNCP notices of events and information of general interest. Please send an email with your contact information to info@oldtownnorth.org. Or complete and mail the form below to Old Town North Community Partnership, c/o Montgomery Center, 300 Montgomery Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314.

Yes, add me to the OTNCP Mailing List!

Name:
Address:
Phone:
Email:

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October 2006

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON NEW MONTGOMERY PARK AMENITIES

Fencing and signage have been placed at Montgomery Park in preparation for construction of planned improvements: a new gazebo/shelter structure and enhancements to the path connecting the small parking lot north of the tennis courts with Fairfax Street. Already last spring, the chain link fence blocking access from Fairfax Street was taken down. These projects are all part of the approved plan for Montgomery Park improvements prepared and promoted by OTNCP in partnership with the City’s Department of Recreation and Parks. We are encouraged with the start of major improvements and the prospect of a more user-friendly park available to all in our neighborhood by the spring of 2007. We thank the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce for twelve trees to be planted in the park as part of the Chamber’s 100th anniversary celebration.

IF YOU HEAR A BIG BOOM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, IT’S PROBABLY THE BRIDGE

Woodrow Wilson Bridge contractors are planning to blow up parts of the old drawbridge mechanism in late October or early November. While the explosion site is a mile from our neighborhood, the sound will likely travel upriver as has the noise from the pile driving. The demolition boom is planned to occur around 2 a.m., when traffic will be least impacted from a temporary Beltway closure.

WINDOWS SITE PLAN APPROVED

The Planning Commission approved a Development Site Plan application for Windows of Old Town Condominium at its October 3 meeting. As a site plan, this item did not have a public hearing at City Council. However, the Council did grant a request for a parking reduction at its October 14 public hearing meeting. The planned residential condos are located at 1125 North Royal Street, where the warehouse buildings formerly occupied by Windows Catering are located. The project includes 18 townhouse style units and three residential units over ground-floor retail. A one-level underground garage provides 47 parking spaces, and another 6 spaces are accommodated at grade. The project is consistent with the Old Town North small area plan that asks for mixed use at this location. A notable feature of the Planning Commission approval was the insertion of a new condition imposing a disclaimer to future purchasers of potential hazards related to industrial and commercial uses in the area. As part of the overall discussion on this application, Planning Commission also requested the City to review health issues in the vicinity of the Mirant Plant.

UPCOMING EVENTS OF INTEREST

OCTOBER 24: City Council Public Hearing on Fiscal Year 2008 City Budget and Capital Improvement Program, 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 301 King Street. Citizens are encouraged to attend and offer comments. Note: date has been rescheduled from the original published date.

OCTOBER 26: Last Doggie Happy Hour of the Season and Halloween Costume Contest, 5-8 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Select, 480 King Street. For more information, visit www.doggiehappyhour.com or call 703-549-6080.

SATURDAYS: Alexandria Farmers’ Market, 5:30-10:30 a.m. on the plaza in front of City Hall. A new feature this fall is a series of cooking demonstrations by local chefs, held at 9:30 am. Chefs from O’Connell’s (October 28), Vermillion (November 4), and Belle Haven Country Club (November 11) are on the schedule.

OCTOBER 29: Scholarship Fund of Alexandria Telethon, 4 to 9 pm, Comcast Channel 69. Pledges: 703-824-6730.

OCTOBER 29: Art exhibit and lecture on assessing and purchasing art at the Torpedo Factory, 6:30 p.m., 105 N. Union Street ($15 admission).

NOVEMBER 3-5: Final weekend this season to experience the 100 block of King Street as a pedestrian plaza closed to vehicles. The King Street Pedestrian Plaza enables you to enjoy the 100 block’s shops and restaurants free from traffic and parked cars blocking the view.

NOVEMBER 4: The Animal Welfare League Annual Dinner and Silent Auction, Holiday Inn, 625 First Street. This is an elegant event right in our neighborhood, and proceeds help care for homeless animals. For more information, please call 703-838-4774, ext. 216.

NOVEMBER 7: Election Day. Our neighborhood votes at the Ladrey high rise for the elderly on Wythe Street between Fairfax and Royal Streets. For elections information, contact the Alexandria Registrar of voters, 703-838-4050 or visit www.alexandriavoter.org.

NOVEMBER 11: Veteran’s Day activities include: Soldier- Led Tours at Fort Ward Museum, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., 4301 W. Braddock Road, 703-838-4848 or www.fortward.org (free admission) and the Black History Museum Veteran’s Day Celebration, 11a.m.–2p.m., 902 Wythe Street, 703-838-4356.

NOVEMBER 11: Swordsmen’s Rendezvous for ages 5 and up, 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street ($5 admission). Learn 18th century swordplay, see 18th century weapons on display, and watch a re-enactment. Call 703-838-4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org for more information.

NOVEMBER 17-19: Historic Alexandria Antiques Show and Sale, Holiday Inn, 625 First Street. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 703-549-5811. Also visit www.historicalexandriafoundation.org.

OTN RESIDENTS ARE BUSY!

Laura Machanic, founder and chief executive of New Target, a web design firm, both lives and works in Old Town North. Laura recently volunteered to take over the updating of OTNCP’s web site, originally set up by David Henderson. Laura also chairs the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria and was recently nominated as President of the Eisenhower Partnership for 2007.

Pamela Grothaus, a writer and creative director for an Old Town-based direct marketing agency, recently moved to Liberty Row with her husband, David, and two dogs, Lucy and Winnie. She has created a web-based (for now) newsletter “for Old Town Alexandria dogs and their humans.” Check out the inaugural issue of Speak! at http://mysite.verizon.net/speak.newsletter/.

SIGN UP FOR OTNCP MAILING LIST

Please provide your contact information to receive notices of community events or information of general interest. Please mail the form at right to Old Town North Community Partnership, c/o Montgomery Center, 300 Montgomery Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 (or email).

OTN PROJECT RESULTS IN CITY AWARD

The Virginia Municipal League has presented the City of Alexandria with a 2006 Achievement Award on October 17 at its Annual Conference for the Chatham Square project. Chatham Square is a mixed-income development built in 2005-2006, located between Pitt and Royal Streets and spanning two City blocks between Princess and Pendleton Streets. It contains 100 market-rate townhouses and 52 rental public housing units. The project is the result of a public-private partnership between the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority and developer Eakin-Youngentob, who previously built Rivergate and the Ford Plant townhouses.

JUST OUTSIDE OUR NEIGHBORHOOD:

The Braddock Road Small Area Plan is almost complete. The plan provides for several areas of higher density to take advantage of the Metro Station’s presence, and puts in place mechanisms to provide more open space and a better pedestrian environment for the area between Queen Street and the Monroe Avenue Bridge, west of Route 1.

City Council recently approved a plan for part of Potomac Yard that will result in construction of a new firehouse with residential units above, as well as townhouses and office and retail space.

Construction is continuing on the new Monroe Avenue Bridge. The arches of the new bridge are clearly visible as you cross the old bridge, allowing you to see what the new alignment will be. A little inconvenience now with construction, but great improvements “down the road”.

On October 28 from 8 am to 1 pm, Alexandria’s Urban Forestry Committee is holding a tree sale at Ft. Ward Park. Trees will be available for purchase by Alexandria residents in 5-gallon containers, at $30 for shade or ornamental trees, and $40 for evergreens. Even if your yard is small, this is a good opportunity!

Yes, add me to the OTNCP Mailing List!

Name:
Address:
Phone:
Email:

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September 2006

POWER PLANT HEARING SCHEDULED

The Virginia State Air Quality Control Board has scheduled a hearing on September 25 at 10 am in Glen Allen (outside of Richmond) at which the Mirant Power Plant's operations will be discussed. The City of Alexandria will make a presentation requesting the Board to force the state''s Department of Environmental Quality to aggressively apply its regulations to the Plant. A public comment period is available to interested citizens during the meeting, and those who cannot go in person may send their thoughts by email to cmberndt@deq.virginia.gov (Cindy Berndt, Regional Coordinator). In our neighborhood, Tescia Yonkers is collecting signatures on petitions requesting stronger enforcement. Further information is available from Tescia at 703-548-7456, or from Elizabeth Chimento at 703-548-7939 (ecchimento@comcast.net).

At City Council's September 12 meeting, City Attorney Ignacio Pessoa provided these additional updates on the power plant:

• The Virginia Supreme Court has agreed to hear the City's appeal of the case in which the City had revoked two special use permits for the plant and been overturned by the local Circuit Court.
• A nuisance lawsuit by the City has been postponed to February 2007.
• The state Department of Environmental Quality has agreed to treat its review of the power plant activities as a New Source Review due to ongoing construction and changes proposed as to the plant's operations. This is a more stringent process.
• The DEQ has directed Mirant to conduct PM 2.5 stack emission tests.
• The City's motion to deny approval of a consent decree on the plant's operations is temporarily stayed until the Federal government responds to comments filed by the City and other parties.

Mirant presents its side of the story on a new web site, http://potomac.mirant.com.

Our thanks to Elizabeth Chimento, Poul Hertel, Tescia Yonkers, Sally Ann Greer and other neighbors who are following these developments closely and working to ensure better air quality for our neighborhood.

IN THE WORDS OF A RESIDENT...

A neighbor has put his condo at Canal Place on the market and will be leaving Alexandria. John Mark wrote us his impressions of Old Town North. He says "We like to cuddle on one of the benches overlooking the river as the sun goes down behind and discuss the day's events. We do some people watching as joggers run and dogs walk by and they all look at us as well. We'll miss walking to Trader Joe's and the new Thai place on Royal. We already miss brunch at Café Marianna; what a shame to see that place go. We'll miss keeping windows open most of the year, enjoying fresh breezes, lots of natural light and the squirrels who are always watching us."

WHAT'S NEW IN OLD TOWN NORTH?

Bastille Restaurant has opened in Café Marianna's place. Its chefs, Christophe Poteaux and Michelle Garbee, are introducing French cuisine with regional and world influences to our neighborhood. The restaurant features an inviting atmosphere; one wall shows work by local artists. A theater menu will be available from 5 to 7 for those attending performances at MetroStage. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, with brunch on Sunday.

Kosmos Design & Ideas has opened at 805 North Royal Street. It features teak furniture, weavings, and accessories made from recycled natural materials.

A special use permit for a new coffee house at 610 Montgomery Street was approved this month. In addition to coffee, the 22-seat restaurant will provide sandwiches, salads, and pastries. It will be open 7 days a week and may feature live music on weekends.

The Boathouse at the foot of Madison Street improved its driveway entrance and landscaping. Four black bollards replace the crooked gate with peeling yellow paint.

Twelve new trees are to be planted in Montgomery Park, courtesy of the law firm of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP as part of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Chamber of Commerce.

Chequers Restaurant at the Radisson is offering a new "Quick-Fix" lunch menu, featuring pannini sandwiches for $5.00, and soup and salad bar for $9.95 dine-in or $4.25/lb carry out.

Demolition of the Postmasters building seems to be complete, making way for the construction of condos.

OTNCP MEETING SCHEDULED

The Old Town North Community Partnership's September meeting will be held on Thursday, September 21 at 7:30 pm at 300 Montgomery Street, 2nd floor (across from the tennis courts). All residents, employees, and business owners in Old Town North are welcome to attend. On the agenda:

• Top five priorities for Old Town North
• Committee and Board assignments
• Review of draft new business directory
• Review of concept plan for Armed Forces Benefit Association building in the 900 block of North Washington Street. AFBA's plan would result in demolition of the unsightly Jefferson Building at the corner of Montgomery and Washington Streets, and construction of shorter brick buildings compatible with the Washington Street standards. The Montgomery Street façade would include retail space and the remainder of the project would be Class A office space serving the AFBA as it expands its services to members of the military.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Old Town North Community Partnership is seeking volunteers to help distribute our newsletter to the various residential areas as well as community meeting places. (The best way to make sure you see every issue is still to request email delivery. Write to info@oldtownnorth.org, and we'll put you on the list for newsletters and emails about special events). We also need a Webmaster to maintain our web site, and people who want to make a difference by leading various efforts to improve our neighborhood.

UPCOMING EVENTS OF INTEREST

• The Development Special Use Permit for the "Windows Catering" site across from MetroStage is going to public hearings on October 3 (Planning Commission) and October 14 (City Council). Plans are available for review at the Planning Department in City Hall. For more information, contact Gary Wagner at 703-838-4666.
• The Braddock Road small area plan is nearing completion. Among its goals is the creation of a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood, safe walkable environments, enhancements to Route 1, and increased use of transit options. Community meetings and public hearings will likely take place this fall. For further information, call the Planning Dept, 703-838-4666, or www.alexandriava.gov (go to Planning Deparment, Neighborhood Planning, Braddock Road).
• MetroStage presents Girl in the Goldfish Bowl through October 15. The play won the Governor General's Literary Award for Drama, Canada's highest literary honor. Tickets: 800-494-8497, information: 703-548-9044.
• On October 14, City Council will hold a public hearing to allow members of the public to comment on the upcoming Fiscal Year 2008 City Budget and Capital Improvement Program.
• On October 3, several restaurants and shops in Alexandria are donating part of their proceeds to support the Walk to Fight Breast Cancer. Stardust Restaurant is donating 20% of its proceeds for the entire day. The organizers hope to raise $10,000 on October 3. Eat out and feel virtuous because you are contributing to a good cause.

SIGN UP FOR OTNCP MAILING LIST

Please provide your contact information to receive notices of community events or information of general interest. Please mail the form below to Old Town North Community Partnership, c/o Montgomery Center, 300 Montgomery Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 (or email).

Name:
Address:
Phone:
Email:

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May 2006

PARK FENCE COMES DOWN, OTN CELEBRATES

The week of May 15 saw the beginning of construction on Montgomery Park improvements. First in line was demolition of the fence along Fairfax Street and on First Street (other than the fencing necessary for the dog park). It is now possible to enter the park from Fairfax Street, although there is a little hill to overcome. Steps will be cut into the hillside as part of additional improvements. During the summer, work will begin on construction of a path from the metered parking lot toward the center of the park above the tennis courts, making way for installation of a thirty-foot wide picnic shelter. Future phases of work will finish the path all the way to the Radisson Hotel, and reconfigure the shape of the dog park.

The Old Town North Community Partnership celebrated with the Second Annual Taste of Old Town North on May 18. Neighborhood restaurants were enthusiastic participants. If you couldn't come, you missed:

• Jambalaya from Café Marianna
• Pasta from A La Lucia
• Salad from Stardust
• Soup and lemonade from Perks/Thai Royal Restaurant
• Coffee and pastries from Starbucks
• Hummus and pitas from Perfect Pita
• Meatballs from the Radisson

New for this year, George Williams from the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership and several local businesses provided information at a special table.

The Parks and Recreation Department worked with us to make the event a success, contributing their band stage and scheduling the Richard Walton Band to play for us throughout the event.

OTNCP thanks all those who participated in organizing the event, and in particular, Jay Palermino who has been teaching us all that is worth knowing about organizing "Taste of" events. Jay took time out from his ventures at Hollin Hall Pastry Shop and Willow Restaurant to help us.

Thanks also to Bruce Machanic, our Montgomery Park and Taste of Old Town North Committee Chairman. Brochures describing the park improvements, budget, and fundraising plan for the new park are available at Bruce's office at 300 Montgomery Street, 2nd floor. This is also OTNCP's headquarters for newsletter delivery and for additional information brochures for the community.

WILSON BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION WILL AFFECT ALL THIS SUMMER

So far, our neighborhood has not been unduly affected by construction of the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Now that one new span has opened, the Bridge Project is going to start on demolition of the current Wilson Bridge, causing traffic and noise impacts during the summer. We provide some information here so you know what to expect. More detailed information is available from the project's web site, www.wilsonbridge.com and from the City's Woodrow Wilson Bridge project coordinator, Reed Winslow, 703-548-3180.

Be aware of the upcoming traffic changes:

• Avoid the Beltway near Alexandria the entire weekend of June 9-12 and July 14-16. Major lane shifts will be taking place, and the potential for long backups is high.
• Work on the urban deck at Washington Street near St. Mary's Cemetery is due to be completed in late summer. This will allow Washington Street to revert back to its normal four lanes.
• Some northbound ramps of Route 1 (from Fairfax County into Alexandria) will be closed and access patterns will change.
• Jones Point Drive, the access road to Jones Point from Royal Street, has already been closed to vehicles.
• The Mt. Vernon bicycle trail will remain open but experience shifts in entrance points and path location.

The demolition of the current bridge and new pile driving will probably cause some noise to drift up the river in our direction. Demolition of the bridge in the vicinity of Royal Street is to start on July 17 and move eastward, taking about four months. Pile driving will start as soon as portions of the old bridge are out of the way, probably in early September. Expect noise throughout the fall.

A community meeting to explain these changes and the construction program is being scheduled for late June.

OLD TOWN NORTH HOSTS SUMMER EVENTS

On June 11 from 1 to 3, the Alexandria Crew Boosters are holding a dedication ceremony at the Boathouse at the foot of Madison Street. The Boathouse will be named the Dee Campbell Rowing Center after the inspiring coach of the girls' senior eight boat for 40 years.

The 25th Annual Alexandria Red Cross Waterfront Festival is scheduled to once again take place in Oronoco Bay Park on June 17 and 18. The Festival features a series of concerts, children's events, arts and crafts and concession stands, and living history exhibits. For more information, consult the festival's web site at www.waterfrontfestival.org, or call 703-549-8300.

The City's annual Birthday Celebration will be held on July 8 at Oronoco Bay Park beginning at 6 pm and culminating in fireworks at 10 pm. The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra will entertain us with a concert.

Old Town North Community Partnership is sponsoring two free summer concerts in Montgomery Park with the Parks and Recreation Department:

• July 18, Blue Rhythm Boys
• August 1, Jumpin' Tonight

Elsewhere but nearby, check out these events (information available from www.thefunsideofthepotomac.com).

• June 17, Civil War Camp Day at Ft. Ward
• July 4, Red White and Blue Concert at Mt. Vernon
• July 15-23, Alexandria Guitar Festival at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House and Athenaeum
• July 18, Children's Days at Gadsby's Tavern
• August 6, Carlyle Housewarming, Carlyle House

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Old Town North Community Partnership is seeking volunteers to help distribute our newsletter. We ask one person from each residential neighborhood within Old Town North to pick up enough newsletters for all the houses in their area, and hand deliver them. We need "carriers" for Harbor Terrace, Portners, Potomac Shores, and Port Royal. If you haven't seen any hand delivered copies in your neighborhood (about every other month) please let us know.

However, the best way to make sure you see every issue is to request email delivery. Just write to info@oldtownnorth.org, and we'll put you on the list for newsletters and emails about special events.

WHAT ELSE IS NEW, IN BRIEF

• Sport & Health is applying to increase its space from 25,000 to 41,000 square feet and for a new entrance doorway within its current building at Madison & Fairfax Streets. The Planning Commission/City Council public hearings are in June.
• Demolition has started on the old Postmasters building on Royal Street at First Street, to make way for new residential condominium buildings.
• Plans are being prepared for new residences at the former Windows Catering building site.
• OTNCP is working on figuring out why the coal train is making so much noise lately...we'll let you know the answer in the next issue!
• The Thai Restaurant at Royal and Montgomery seems to be making progress...look for their opening soon.
• Next OTNCP meeting, June 21, 7:30 pm. Meetings are held at 300 Montgomery Street, 2nd floor. All are welcome.

SIGN UP FOR OLD TOWN NORTH COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP MAILING LIST

Please provide your contact information to receive notices of community events or information of general interest. Mail the form below to Old Town North Community Partnership, c/o Montgomery Center, 300 Montgomery Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314.

Name:
Address:
Phone (Circle one: home   work   cell):
Email:

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April 2006

Old Town North Community PARTNERSHIP -- UPDATE

• Taste of Old Town North: The event is planned for May 18, from 5 to 7 pm in Montgomery Park.  Jay Palermino is working with neighborhood restaurants to bring you a variety of food tasting experiences.  The Parks and Recreation Department is providing music by the Richard Walton Group.  OTNCP will offer a limited number of tables where neighborhood businesses can display their products and services, and another display area for use by City departments that have information pamphlets and resources applicable to our neighborhood.  For more information or to volunteer, call Bruce Machanic at 703-836-8066.
• Montgomery Park Improvements: Construction will begin this spring on a number of improvements planned for the park.  First in line is removal of the chain link fence blocking the park entrance along Fairfax Street and on First Street.  Next will be construction of a handicapped-accessible path from Royal Street into the park as far as the planned picnic shelter structure.  A community sign will be erected that will provide a central point for community information.  OTNCP is raising funds for its promised share of these improvements.  A number of naming opportunities are available through the purchase of benches and trash cans that will be labeled with the donor’s name.  The second phase of improvements begins in October 2006 and includes extension of the path to Fairfax Street, reconfiguration of the dog park to provide the same amount of space but in a better arrangement, and landscaping.
• Community Information Sign: We are preparing a base map showing points of interest in Old Town North, including residential areas, bicycle and pedestrian paths, historic features, and retail areas.  This permanent map will be combined with a bulletin-board type area that will provide listings up upcoming events and activities in the neighborhood and this newsletter.
• Neighborhood Business Directory: We have compiled a list of neighborhood-serving businesses and will soon publish a three-panel guide and map showing the types and locations of businesses in Old Town North.
• Summer Concerts: As part of our partnership with the Alexandria Department of Recreation, we are bringing you two summer concerts in Montgomery Park:
• On July 18, Blue Rhythm Boys
• On August 1, Jumpin’ Tonight

    Concerts are free and open to all.

PROPERTY VALUES UP SHARPLY IN OLD TOWN NORTH

Our neighborhood has been discovered:  Old Town North experienced sharply higher property values in 2005.  Citywide, the average values as reflected by the City’s assessments on January 1, 2006 are up 19.5%.  The average value of a single-family house in Alexandria (including townhouses) is $667,386, and the average value of a condominium is $363,592.

And now, a selection of current for sale listings in our neighborhood:

Alexandria House: 2BR 2 BA condo                       $   529,900
Chatham Square: 3BR 3.5 BA townhouse           $   975,000
Harbor Terrace: 2BR 1.5 BA condo                         $   407,000
Liberty Row: 2BR 2.5 BA condo           $   724,000
Potomac Shores: 1BR 1 BA condo           $   275,000
Portner House: 3BR 3 BA condo           $   855,000
Portner’s Landing: 3BR 3.5BA townhouse            $   924,900
Port Royal:  1BR 1BA condo           $   324,000
Rivergate: 3BR 4.5 BA townhouse           $1,119,000
Watergate: 2BR 2.5 BA townhouse                        $   517,000

Residential property (including multi-family rental buildings) accounts for 72% of all real property assessments in Alexandria.  Office, retail, and service property makes up only 23.0% of total real property assessments, and vacant land is 2.6%.  In case you are wondering, public service corporation property is the rest.

TC Williams Crew holds events in Old Town North

The TC Williams Crew Program, operating from the Boathouse at the foot of Madison Street, has kicked off the spring rowing season.  On March 25, the annual Run vs. Row event took place in Oronoco Bay Park, and along Fairfax and Union Streets.

Coming up April 1 and April 8 are two local meets, starting at the Boathouse early in the morning.  April 1, TC meets Washington-Lee, and April 8, TC hosts Robinson.  Even if you don’t have a child at TC Williams, come and watch the races.  The Boathouse is open, parents and volunteers are there to greet you, and you can go on the dock to watch the races.  Come on over (preferably walking or biking!) and have some fun watching our high school team!

Did YOU KNOW…

At the site of today’s Radisson Hotel on North Fairfax Street, the Old Dominion Glass Company built a factory in 1901.  Ravaged by fire in 1902 due to the explosion of a gas pipe, but soon reconstructed, the plant manufactured white flint beer and soda bottles, flasks and medicine bottles.  Another fire in November 1920 destroyed 1,400,000 drug bottles.  The plant closed and furloughed 250 employees.  Eventually the plant was sold at auction in 1926. 

Other glass companies were located along North Henry Street in the early 1900s.  By 1930, Alexandria’s four glass factories were closed, either by fire or as a result of prohibition.  These closures led to Alexandria’s decline as an industrial center before World War II.

Put these events on your calendar

City Council candidates’ forum, April 6 from 7:30 pm to 9 pm  at the Radisson hotel, 901 North Fairfax Street

City Council election, May 2.  Old Town North residents vote at the Ladrey highrise at 300 Wythe Street (between Fairfax and Royal Streets).  School Board members are also elected at this time.  We are in District A.

Taste of Old Town North, May 18, 5 to 7 pm in Montgomery Park.

Jamestown Festival, May 27 to June 3, various locations on the waterfront from Founders Park to Waterfront Park.

The 25th Annual Alexandria Red Cross Waterfront Festival is scheduled to once again take place in Oronoco Bay Park, on June 17 and 18.  For more information, consult the festival’s web site at www.waterfrontfestival.org.

Summer concert, July 18, 7 to 8 pm, Montgomery Park:

The Blue Rhythm Boys  (jazz)

Emergency preparedness guide available

The Alexandria Health Department has published “Are You Ready” a guide to preparing for emergencies at home and work.  The guide tells you what to do in case of several specific emergencies, lists emergency contact phone numbers, and provides a list of basic supplies to keep on hand at your home.  One key recommendation is to designate someone in another state as the person to receive phone calls from family members who cannot communicate with each other in Alexandria due to power outages and other disruptions; that person then acts as clearinghouse and coordinator until everyone in the family has been located.  The guide is available from the Health Department at 703-838-4400 or at www.alexhealth.com.

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February 2006

Taste of Old Town North event planned for May

The Second Annual Taste of Old Town North is planned to take place in Montgomery Park on May 18.  Last year’s event featured food samples from eight restaurants in our neighborhood, music sponsored by Alexandria’s Department of Parks and Recreation, and keynote remarks by Mayor Bill Euille.  More than 600 residents, employees, and friends of Old Town North enjoyed the event.

This year’s Taste of Old Town North promises to be even better: more restaurants, displays by area businesses, and additional recreational activities will be featured.  The event is free and open to all.

Jay Palermino of Hollin Hall Pastries and Willow Restaurant has once again agreed to coordinate the event for the Old Town North Community Partnership.  We are currently forming a planning and volunteers committee.  If you are interested in helping us plan the Taste of Old Town North, please contact Bruce Machanic at 703-836-8066 or email us at info@oldtownnorth.org.

Additional festivals and events planned for summer

The 400th Anniversary Celebration of the Founding of Jamestown will be on the waterfront from May 25 through June 5.  Locations include the south end of Founders Park, the City Marina, King Street Park, the unit block of lower King Street, and Waterfront Park.  More information will be available as the date approaches from www.jamestown2007.org or www.funside.com.

The 25th annual Alexandria Red Cross Waterfront Festival is planned for June 17-18 in Oronoco Bay Park.  Check www.waterfrontfestival.org for more information.Alexandria’s Birthday Celebration is scheduled for July 8 in Oronoco Bay Park.  The event features Big Band sounds at 9 pm and fireworks at 10 pm.

Montgomery Park Plan approved; improvements to start soon

Following City Council approval of the plan in January, the way is clear for the beginning of construction of park improvements.  We are hoping that the first project will be the removal of the fence along Fairfax Street and First Street (other than around the dog park), to be followed by construction of a path from the parking spaces eastward toward the Radisson Hotel and installation of a gazebo structure to provide protection during festivals or to host picnics.  We are also working on installation of a community information sign that will allow us to post information about upcoming events and items such as the approved park plan.

TC Williams Crew Program about to start spring season

The TC Williams Crew Program, operating from the Boathouse at the foot of Madison Street, starts its spring practice and meet season on Tuesday, February 27.  High school rowers practice in the afternoons every weekday.    Local events include the annual Run v. Row event on March 25, in which rowers compete against runners in a 10k race and 4K walk, and boat races on the Potomac on April 1 and April 8.

City council and school board elections slated for May

City Council members and the Mayor are elected every three years.  The election takes place on May 2 this year.  Every member is elected at large, representing the entire city rather than specific neighborhoods.  The Democratic Party recently held a caucus and nominated six candidates for City Council: Paul Smedberg, Rob Krupicka, Del Pepper, Ludwig Gaines, Andrew MacDonald (all incumbents) and experienced newcomer Tim Lovain (www.alexdems.org)   Bill Euille will again head the Democratic ticket as candidate for Mayor.  The Republican Party has announced the following candidates: Ken Foran, Craig Miller, Bernie Schulz, Pat Troy, and Van Van Fleet.  (www.alexgop.org)

The School Board election occurs on the same schedule as the City Council election.  Three candidates each from three districts are to be selected.  The candidate filing deadline is March 7.

Several candidates’ forums are planned throughout the city.  One is being planned in early April at our Radisson Hotel – more information will be provided in our next newsletter.

The voter registration deadline is April 3.  Additional information of voting procedures and precincts is available on www.alexandriavoter.org or at the Voter Registration office at 132 North Royal Street.

News of projects in and around Old Town North

• Groundbreaking for the Monroe Avenue Bridge took place on February 10.  Plans and construction status information are to be made available on www.potomacyardalexandria.com
• Construction is about to start on the Postmasters site, North Royal Street at First Street.  The developer, Holladay Corporation, is working with neighbors to minimize construction issues.
• Redevelopment of the Metro Bus Barn is inching closer to reality, as the prospective purchaser makes the rounds of Metro and Richmond to work out details of the substitute bus yard being offered.
• The ABC site is also close to redevelopment by a residential builder who has completed several projects in Old Town.  We are hoping that the redevelopment will be such as to allow our Giant store to remain or be incorporated into a new development.
• Developer Larry Brandt is planning a residential project on Washington Street (west side) on the block formerly occupied by 7-11, a printer, dry cleaner, and check cashing business.
• The Armed Forces Benefit Association is continuing its planning efforts for its headquarters block.  The concept plan calls for demolishing the Jefferson Building (white marble office building) on the corner of Washington and Montgomery Streets and replacing it with a new building more in keeping with the character of Washington Street.  However, this can only take place in 2013 or later when the association takes possession of the land under the Jefferson Building.
• The Planning Department continues to plan for the Braddock Metro area, west of Washington Street.  This plan is important for Old Town North, as we have many relationships with the Braddock neighborhood, including using the Metro Station and as future customers of its planned grocery and retail stores.  Get the latest plans and updates at www.alexandriava.gov, Planning & Zoning tab.
• A waterfront planning effort is expected to begin this spring.  The City’s Waterfront Committee will be involved; Engin Artemel is our neighborhood’s representative.  The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce has also formed a Waterfront Committee.
• Any winter snow issues?  Call the T&ES operations division at 703-838-4488 for information.

Questions about the activities of the Virginia legislature?   Contact our representatives, Senator Patsy Ticer, 804-698-7530, district30@sov.state.va.us, or Delegate David Englin, DelDEnglin@house.state.va.us,
 804-698-1045.

 

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January 2006

WHAT’S NEW IN OLD TOWN NORTH?

First of all, it’s 2006, and we wish all our readers a happy and fulfilling year.

Residents are beginning to move in at Liberty Row, the condominiums at 635 First Street.  To date, 23 out of the 63 units have settled.  Chatham Square on Pitt Street has also gotten many new residents. 

A new business has opened at 801 N. Royal Street in the Montgomery Center, Michael’s Wine Connection, attached to A La Lucia Restaurant.  The store features wine tasting events every Friday evening.  It stocks great wines and wonderful food products.  Its hours are 11 am until 7:30 pm Tuesday through Thursday, and 11 am to 9:30 pm Friday and Saturday. 

A 32-seat Thai restaurant was approved for 320 Montgomery Street and is under construction.  The owner is Phil McCombie, who also owns the coffee shop in Montgomery Center.  Hours will be 11 am to 9 pm.

Our Montgomery Park Plan has received approval from the Planning Commission and is scheduled for City Council review and approval on January 21.  Construction of improvements is expected to start this spring.

Lonnie Rich, whose office, Rich Greenberg, Rosenthal & Costle is located on North Fairfax Street, takes on the Chairmanship of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, also located on North Fairfax Street.

Alan Voorhees, chairman of the Old Town North Urban Design Advisory Committee, passed away in December.  He was internationally renowned as the founder of the transportation and planning consulting firm of Alan Voorhees and Associates, and was an entrepreneur in a number of fields.

Next month’s newsletter will provide an update on development projects proposed for our neighborhood.

Metrostage to open new production January 18

MetroStage at 1202 North Royal, our own professional theater, is producing Two Queens, One Castle, billed as a soulful, rousing gospel, R&B, jazz, and pop musical.  Explore life’s complexities (career, motherhood, marriage, family, church).  Don’t miss this exciting new production.

The final production of this season, Becoming George, about the life of writer George Sand, will debut on April 19.    For tickets or information, call 703-548-9044, www.metrostage.org.

MONROE AVENUE BRIDGE SLATED FOR DEMOLITION, REROUTING

As part of the plan for Potomac Yard approved in 1999, and following a City Council public hearing in 2003, the Monroe Avenue Bridge will be torn down and replaced with a smaller new bridge that provides a straighter alignment for Route 1.  The plans for the new bridge were unveiled in December at a community meeting attended by close to 300 people.  Additional community meetings were held on January 5 and January 11.  Construction is due to begin soon.

Four options are being considered for re-linking Monroe Avenue with Route 1 after construction, and another four options are being proposed for pedestrian access.  The Planning Commission and City Council will hold a joint work session on January 24, and public hearings in February. 

The City’s Transportation and Environmental Services Department is working on ways to route traffic during temporary closures of Slaters Lane during construction.  We will provide links on our web site to this information as it becomes available.  Additional information is also available on www.potomacyardalexandria.com and on the City’s web site, www.alexandriava.gov.

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Urban Forestry Committee is holding an open house to receive community input on an Urban Forestry Plan for the City on January 18 at the Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson Street, 7:30 pm.  Marian Clarke, resident of Alexandria House and a Board Member of OTNCP is active on the Urban Forestry Committee and has led tree-planting efforts in our neighborhood.  Speaking of urban forestry, did you know that Alexandria House maintains the park at Madison and Fairfax Streets, and OTNCP maintains Montgomery Park?

OTNCP meets on January 25 at 7:30 pm at 300 Montgomery Street, 2nd floor.  Old Town North residents, business owners, and employees are welcome to attend the meetings.

In the context of the Braddock Road Area Plan effort, six project proposals for the area west of Washington Street are to be discussed on January 26 at 7 pm at the Charles Houston Recreation Center.  The projects are:

• The Madison, 800 N. Henry Street (this is the project that proposed to include a Harris Teeter grocery store)
• Fayette Plaza, 1219 First Street
• 600 N. Fayette Street
• Tony’s Auto, 1112 First Street
• Charles Houston Recreation Center renovations
• Braddock Metro Plaza Condominiums, 1261 Madison St

Further information is available from the Planning Department’s Steve Milone, 703-838-4666.

In March, OTNCP will hold its annual meeting to provide information about our community and upcoming events.  Date and location will be announced in our next newsletter.

The 2nd annual Taste of Old Town North will be held on May 18 in Montgomery Park.  Last year’s event attracted more than 600 people and featured food samples from eight local restaurants.  We are looking for volunteers to work on our committee planning the event: call Bruce Machanic at 703-836-8066 to volunteer or for more information.

The 400th Anniversary Celebration of the founding of Jamestown is coming up.  Alexandria will be one of the stops for the ship Godspeed in early June.  The Parks and Recreation Department is proposing that related historical and family-oriented activities be held at Founders Park, near our neighborhood.

SNOW DAY REMINDERS

The City Code states that business owners and homeowners are responsible for clearing sidewalks abutting their properties within 24 hours after a snow storm.  City emergency crews will clear public streets within 12 to 72 hours depending on the amount of snow.  But…not all streets are public streets.  Many are now owned by homeowners associations and are cleared privately.  For information on your particular situation, call T&ES at 703-838-4488, consult www.alexandriava.gov, or watch Comcast Cable Channel 70 after a snow event.

CITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS….soon

Alexandria’s Mayor and six City Council members are elected for three-year terms.  All Council members serve at-large.  The next election is scheduled for May 2, 2006.  This year, nine Democrats have declared their candidacy for City Council seats.  The Democratic Party has decided to hold a caucus on February 4 to select their six candidates who will move forward to campaign for election in May.  The Republican Party has not yet announced its slate. For further information on local elections, please consult the Registrar of Voters web site, www.alexandriavoter.org.  For information on the Democratic caucus, go to www.alexdems.org.

 

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November 2005

“Places Worth Caring About” Focus of City-sponsored Presentation

The City of Alexandria retained Mr. Ed McMahon, Senior Resident Fellow at the Urban Land Institute, to give a presentation on October 20 on Livable Communities and Smart Growth.  Illustrating his remarks with a series of slides, Mr. McMahon focused on the importance of respecting a community’s character in development and redevelopment projects.  Development that takes into account a community’s prevalent architectural forms, accommodates human scale facades and features, and eliminates the ugliness of uncontrolled signage and infrastructure can be good for business, the environment, and the community.

Each community’s image is fundamentally important to its economy and well-being.  Its history as a place, its special older structures, its walkability and people-friendliness, are features that make us love a community and individually contribute to the enhancement of that community.

Mr. McMahon asserts that it is possible to retain a community’s physical connection to the past, and to change corporate pressures for sameness.  He showed examples of McDonald’s restaurants built in local styles, a five-story Target store that is not surrounded by a sea of parking and does not take up a huge amount of land, and attractive retail strip centers.

We in Old Town North already have a community that embodies many of the principles illustrated in the presentation.  We have a mix of uses, so that we do not need to rely on our automobiles as extensively as other neighborhoods.  After all, we can walk to grocery stores, restaurants, dry cleaners, and other services (even a theater!).  We welcome all ages in our neighborhood, from the toddlers at St. Anthony’s Day School, to the teens at the T. C. Williams Boathouse, to the elderly at the Ladrey High Rise.  We also have access to a variety of modes of transportation, DASH buses, taxis, private automobiles, bicycles, walking, and for some of our neighbors, even canoes and boats.  And we could walk to Metro on a nice day!

 So we are really pretty close to most measures of livability in the US today.  What more do we need?  Perhaps a little more beautification – undergrounding those power lines on Fairfax Street sure would be nice!  A community center would be good, and OTNCP is working to make Montgomery Park more community friendly, as well as working with new and existing commercial properties to make community meeting rooms available in the future.  We also need to emphasize our views and vistas to the waterfront, and reinforce the pedestrian friendliness of our streetscapes.  These are ongoing efforts that we will focus on as new development projects are announced for our neighborhood.

An additional community forum is planned for November 14 at 7:00 pm in the Atrium of the PTO headquarters building;  it will feature Daniel Burden, Executive Director of Walkable Communities, Inc.

Montgomery Park Plan continues to advance

The Parks and Recreation Department has applied for a special use permit to carry out the Montgomery Park improvement plan.  This permit should be granted in December, and the work will be able to begin in the spring of 2006.  Initial improvements will include removal of the chain link fence along Fairfax Street and construction of an east-west path north of the tennis courts.  We have provided input to the Parks Department for selection of a 30-foot diameter gazebo structure that will serve as a community space for picnics, small concerts, and roofed shelter (with open sides)..  A smaller community signboard structure has also been selected.

Motorcoach task force deletes short-term parking locations in Old Town North

In the September newsletter, we noted that several short-term parking locations had been proposed for our neighborhood to serve motorcoaches and their drivers.  These included sites on North Fairfax Street and on North St. Asaph Street.  After discussing these proposals with residents and businesses in Old Town North, OTNCP requested that the Motorcoach Task Force eliminate these sites as unworkable and not in keeping with the character of the neighborhood.  The Task Force agreed, and forwarded to the City Manager its recommendation that the City consider a single large site with appropriate services to house the motorcoaches, and that this site not be in the tight urbanized areas of greater Old Town (the grid pattern streets)..

events scheduled for OTN