City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JANUARY 8, 2014
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: RASHAD M. YOUNG, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Receipt of the 2013 Status of Implementation Report Related to Implementation of the 2003 Arlandria Action Plan.
BODY
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ISSUE: Status of the Arlandria Action Plan implementation activities.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council: (1) Receive the attached "2013 Status of Implementation" Report (Attachment #1) and (2) Direct staff to continue collaborative and community-based implementation of the 2003 Arlandria Action Plan.
DISCUSSION: In 2011 and 2012, City Council received the first and second "Status of Implementation" reports, documenting the process and accomplishments of the Arlandria Action Plan implementation activities. Those years of collaboration have resulted in continued progress in implementing the Arlandria Plan.
The 2013 report highlights the activities and achievements of the past implementation period (September 2012 to December 2013) as well as some recommendations that were not able to be advanced. It does demonstrate the consistent efforts on the part of the staff and the Arlandria community, via the Arlandria Action Plan Implementation Advisory Group (Advisory Group), to realize the community's vision as set forth in the 2003 Plan.
Accomplishments
The community building at Four Mile Run Park (4109 Mt. Vernon Avenue) was officially named the Conservatory Center at Four Mile Run this year and continues to be a valuable neighborhood resource. Although rentals and programming are limited during the winter months, the space was regularly used in the spring, summer, and fall. Additional phases of the expansion project have not yet been funded. Staff identified alternative funding to complete the new rain gardens and to install site furnishings. The remaining improvements to the expansion site, which were identified in the approved Concept Plan, are proposed for implementation as part of the Large Park Plan for Four Mile Run Park.
The Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP) continued to provide technical and administrative support to the Arlandria-Chirilagua Business Association (ACBA) and individual businesses; facilitating both the Façade Improvement Grant Program and new business technical assistance.
Planning and Zoning staff continue to monitor area development. Mt Vernon Village Center (3809-3839 Mount Vernon Avenue), a 685-unit multi-family redevelopment project, is moving to the Final Site Plan stage. Additional projects are moving forward and include: Alex Renew's new Four Mile Run Pump Station (3650 Commonwealth Avenue), East Reed Townhomes (101 and 103 East Reed Avenue) and non-profit AHC's Jackson Crossing (Route 1 and East Reed Avenue) in part due to a $2.5 million city loan and partnered land equity. Also, the non-profit Wesley Housing Development Corporation's Lynhaven Apartment Complex (3515-3525 Commonwealth Avenue) will undergo substantial rehabilitation in 2014 in part as a result of a $1.1 million new city loan. Staff will continue to support and encourage redevelopment of the Plan's identified redevelopment sites and will continue to touch base with property owners on a regular basis.
The Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market operated its fourth season at 4109-4125 Mt. Vernon Avenue adjacent to the community building from April 2013 - November 2013. During the past implementation period, Arlandrians also hosted and participated in community service projects (Casey Trees tree planting, Spring for Alexandria) and community events.
Lastly, during this time period, staff hosted one Advisory Group meeting, a spring community open house at the Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Markets, two Arlandria Advisory Group Executive Committee meetings, Quality of Life Walk (formerly Code Compliance Walk), and an annual Status of Implementation Open House. Staff also provided an Implementation Update Memorandum in the spring and an Implementation Update Newsletter in the fall.
Recommendations
As detailed on page 7 and 8 in the attached report, recommendations for implementation activities over the next implementation period include completion of the following funded pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure improvements: Safety improvements at Mt. Vernon Avenue/Russell Road (planning, design, and engineering funded in FY14-23 budget); Commonwealth Avenue/W. Reed Avenue Safe Routes to School Project; new bike lanes, sharrows, and bicycle parking on Mt. Vernon Avenue; installation of additional bicycle parking; new pedestrian crossing at W. Glebe Road and Florence Drive; Mt. Vernon Avenue complete streets assessment and planning; installation of two bus shelters on Mt. Vernon Avenue /Executive Avenue and Mt. Vernon Avenue/W. Glebe Road. Currently unfunded capital and infrastructure projects that will need to compete for funding in the FY2015 City Capital Improvement Programs include additional phases of the Four Mile Run Park Expansion Project and new HVAC system and roof at The Conservancy at Four Mile Run Park.
Staff will continue with the following ongoing implementation work: monitoring of current development projects, support and enhancement of retail and small business, support of future redevelopment, support of community-led efforts, Quality of Life neighborhood walk, and Advisory Group and community meetings. In addition, staff is recommending that the next annual reporting period be shifted to end in June 2015 in order to align the work with the City's fiscal year.
FISCAL IMPACT: In order to carry out the work tasks associated with implementing the 2003 Arlandria Action Plan, staff resources are required. Staff will hold quarterly meetings with the Arlandria Advisory Group Executive Committee, three Arlandria Advisory Group meetings (including the annual Status of Implementation Open House), and an annual Quality of Life Walk. The total number of staff hours anticipated for the next eighteen months of work, based on experience from the three prior implementation years, is approximately 550 staff hours. This estimate includes up to 17 staff persons from six departments/ agencies for various work tasks. The aforementioned work will be done by existing staff who will meet and coordinate issues as needed.
ATTACHMENT:
2013 Status of Implementation Report with attachments
STAFF:
Mark Jinks, Deputy City Manager
Faroll Hamer, Director, Department of Planning and Zoning
Carrie Beach, Division Chief, Department of Planning and Zoning
Maya Contreras, Urban Planner, Department of Planning and Zoning
Brandi D. Collins, Urban Planner, Department of Planning and Zoning