City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JANUARY 8, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: EMILY A. BAKER, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage of an Ordinance to Amend the Franchise Agreement awarded to the Tall Ship Providence Foundation to Dock a Replica Historic Tall Ship at the Waterfront Park bulkhead
BODY
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ISSUE: Consideration of an ordinance to amend the franchise awarded to the Tall Ship Providence Foundation.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1. Introduce and pass the proposed Ordinance on first reading on January 13, 2026, to allow the amendment of the franchise agreement with Tall Ship Providence Foundation; and
2. Schedule the Ordinance for second reading, public hearing and final passage on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
BACKGROUND: The Tall Ship Providence Foundation (“TSPF”) is a 501(c)(3) organization formed to purchase and preserve the historic Tall Ship Providence. The docking of a historic tall ship is consistent with the City Council approved Waterfront Small Area Plan. TSPF and the City wish to amend the franchise awarded in 2022 to terminate on January 31, 2026.
DISCUSSION: On or about November 12, 2022, pursuant to §15.2-2100 et. seq. of the Code of Virginia (1950) as amended, City Council adopted Ordinance No. 5466, awarding a franchise to TSPF to moor a reproduction historic tall ship providing a living history museum, public cruises, private charters and retail items, at the riparian area adjacent to the Waterfront Park bulkhead (1A Prince St.) in the City of Alexandria, Virginia consistent with Special Use Permit #2021-0001.
On or about June 9, 2023, the City and TSPF entered into a franchise agreement pursuant to the franchise granted by Ordinance No. 5466.
This proposed ordinance will allow the City and TSPF to amend that franchise agreement by changing its term to end on January 31, 2026, instead of the original termination date of May 31, 2032. The City and TSPF will, with subsequent Council approval, enter into a five (5) year lease for the property TSPF currently occupies under the franchise agreement. Council consideration of the lease is anticipated on January 24, 2026. This lease agreement is scheduled to be brought before Council for consideration at the January 24, 2026 public hearing.
FISCAL IMPACT: While the Franchise fee will terminate on January 31, 2026, it will be replaced by a similar fee for the lease agreement, pending Council’s subsequent approval.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Cover Sheet
2. Proposed Ordinance to the Tall Ship Providence Foundation
3. Proposed Franchise Agreement
STAFF:
Jack Browand, Deputy Director, Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Activities
Shawn B. Lassiter, Assistant City Attorney