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
Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final 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 Ci...
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