City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: NOVEMBER 6, 2013
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: RASHAD M. YOUNG, CITY MANAGER/s/
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Consideration of Receipt of a Report on Brick Sidewalk Update.
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ISSUE: Proposed revision to City policies as it relates to the application of brick sidewalks
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council receives a report on proposed new sidewalk materials and construction standards.
BACKGROUND: Earlier this year, City Council directed staff to research and develop proposed new options for sidewalk design in regards to future new brick sidewalk construction outside of the Old and Historic District and specifically within the Eisenhower Small Area Plan for Eisenhower Avenue reconstruction. Alexandria Commissions on Aging and Persons with Disabilities, the Alexandria Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee as well as some in the community voiced concerns regarding the safety, accessibility and installation of more brick sidewalks, stating that they are difficult to traverse, particularly for the elderly and disabled. Brick sidewalks are also twice as costly to install and require more frequent and expensive maintenance than concrete sidewalks.
The development of new sidewalk material and standards is consistent with the Council Strategic Plan, and directly supports Goal Three, which calls for a... "multimodal transportation network that supports sustainable land use and provides internal mobility and regional connectivity for Alexandrians." The new practice is also consistent with the Complete Streets Policy adopted by Council, stating that... "the City of Alexandria shall incorporate Complete Streets infrastructure into existing public streets to improve the safety and convenience of users and construct and enhance the transportation network for all users." Additionally, ...
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