City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: SEPTEMBER 5, 2023
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: KARL W. MORITZ, DIRECTOR, PLANNING & ZONING
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of an Application for a Joint Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments-Urban Land Institute Grant.
ISSUE: Application for a grant to participate in a joint Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments-Urban Land Institute (MWCOG-ULI) 2023-2024 Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) focusing on identifying priority, catalytic strategies to maximize the impacts of investments in COG-designated Equity Emphasis Areas, High-Capacity Transit Station Areas and Activity Centers.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the grant application to participate in the MWCOG-ULI 2023 to 2024 TAP, and authorize the City Manager to receive the grant, enter into any necessary agreements and schedule the technical assistance panel.
BACKGROUND: Recognizing that communities in the DC-Metro region are facing challenges related to the built environment, MWCOG and ULI are conducting a joint TAP program focusing on identifying priority, catalytic strategies to maximize the impacts of investments in COG-designated Equity Emphasis Areas (EEA), High-Capacity Transit Station Areas (HCTSA) and Activity Centers (AC). A panel of industry experts will work over a two-day period to evaluate and provide market-based feedback on the issue proposed in the selected application. Acceptance of the application includes a grant of $12,500 from MWCOG-ULI, constituting 50% of the cost for this program. The remaining 50% will be covered by the City.
MWCOG is an independent, nonprofit association that brings area leaders together to address major regional issues in the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia. COG’s membership is comprised of 300 elected officials from 24 local governments, the Maryland and Virginia state legislatures, and U.S. Congress. Policies are set through the COG Board of Directors, the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board, and the Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Committee. These three boards are responsible for a broad range of issues under the COG umbrella, including but not limited to transportation, land-use, public health and safety, education, the environment and more.
ULI is a nonprofit research and education organization supported by its members. Founded in 1936, the Institute now has over 50,000 members in 95 countries, representing the entire spectrum of land use and real estate development disciplines working in private enterprise and public service - including leading property owners, investors, advisors, developers, architects, lawyers, lenders, planners, regulators, contractors, engineers, university professors, librarians, students, and interns.
DISCUSSION: In late June, staff submitted a grant application that focuses on the Clermont Exchange neighborhood of the Eisenhower Valley, one of the largest redevelopment opportunities in the region. The neighborhood is located roughly midway between the Eisenhower East and Van Dorn Metro stations. For this neighborhood, the Eisenhower West Small Area Plan recommends moderate density residential, ground floor retail, supported by bus transit, with an urban style grid providing walkability and access to parkland.
Two major property owners have expressed an interest in redevelopment, and, of particular note, Norfolk Southern railway owns a long stretch of land behind the redevelopment sites on Eisenhower Avenue. Norfolk Southern has expressed an interest in selling the land for redevelopment of some kind, although it is neither planned nor zoned for development (the Plan anticipates the land will become open space). Development of the land is also constrained by the presence of a creek.
Staff believes the benefits of participating in this TAP include exploration of potential tools or approaches that can maximize public benefits and support planned development. A TAP panel could provide a forum for bringing Norfolk Southern to the table to engage with the City and property owners, and explore creative ideas like density transfers, land swaps, and more, while addressing two of the City’s major goals, affordable housing and open space.
COG/ULI have indicated to staff in August that this grant will be awarded to Alexandria, should the City Council approve.
FISCAL IMPACT: A City match of $12,500. Planning & Zoning will provide the required financial match from its approved budget. Staff from relevant departments (P&Z and potentially including Office of Housing, RPCA, and TES) will dedicate time for preparation and onsite management during the two-day TAP.
ATTACHMENTS: None.
STAFF:
Emily A. Baker, Deputy City Manager
Helen McIlvaine, Director, Office of Housing
Jack Browand, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
Tarrence Moorer, Interim Director, Transportation and Environmental Services