City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: DECEMBER 6, 2022
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: JAMES SPENGLER, DIRECTOR
RECREATION, PARKS & CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
JACK BROWAND, DEPUTY DIRECTOR
RECREATION, PARKS & CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
BETHANY ZNIDERSIC, DIVISION CHIEF
RECREATION, PARKS & CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
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Consideration of a Term Extension of the Ad Hoc Open Space Steering Committee. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
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ISSUE: Consideration of a term extension of the Ad Hoc Open Space Steering Committee.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council receive this report and approve the resolution to extend the term of the Ad Hoc Open Space Steering Committee through September 29, 2023.
BACKGROUND: In 2002, City Council approved an Open Space Master Plan. A City Council appointed Ad Hoc Open Space Steering Committee advised staff on the development of the plan, including policies and open space goals. Since then, the City has achieved its goal of adding 100 additional protected acres of open space and has maintained a ratio of 7.3 acres of publicly accessible open space per 1,000 residents. Subsequently, in 2017, Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities updated the plan to evaluate our current open space situation and consider additional recommendations. The City also approved the Environmental Action Plan 2040 ("Plan"), which includes open space recommendations (action items 4.2.1 and 4.2.3).
As the City increases in population and building density with finite land constraints, there is greater challenge in increasing the publicly accessible open space quantity. Reinstating the Ad Hoc Open Space Steering Committee will bring together community stakeholders to advise staff on reconsidering open space policies and evaluating methods of open space acquisition, as outlined in the scope of work...
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