City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: DECEMBER 2, 2015
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Public Hearing and Consideration of the Report of the City Council Naming Committee on a Proposed Plaque to be Installed at the Alexandria Union Station in Honor of Lois Walker.
BODY
ISSUE: City Council consideration of the City Council Naming Committee's recommendation on the proposal to install a plaque inside the glassed arcade at the Alexandria Union Station in honor of Lois Walker.
RECOMMENDATION: That Council hold a public hearing on December 12 and adopt the recommendation of the Naming Committee's recommendation and proposal to install a plaque at the Alexandria Union Station in honor of Lois Walker.
DISCUSSION: Lois Walker was a long-time resident of Alexandria and a former City Council member who served for two terms. She was a well-known and respected advocate for integrated transportation planning initiatives in Alexandria and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, particularly those which influenced transportation corridors, public transit and multi-modal initiatives. Her influence and guidance helped lead to the development of Alexandria’s new Metroway bus service linking Alexandria and Arlington along Route 1 and the provision of flexible right-of-way along the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge to accommodate future high-capacity transportation solutions based on the emerging needs of the region.
The daughter of a railroad engineer, Mrs. Walker’s legacy was strongly focused on rail transportation, and she was the President of Virginians for High Speed Rail and a former Board member of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Her efforts also led to the donation of Alexandria’s Union Station, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, to the City of Alexandria.
After Mrs. Walker’s death in 2013, family members and friends sought a proper memorial in her honor that recognized her service and commitment to the Alexandria community. After considering several alternatives, the Naming Committee reviewed a proposal to install a plaque with the following inscription within the glassed-in arcade at the Alexandria Union Station:
“Lois Walker, 1913-2013, was a tireless advocate for multi-modal transportation solutions within the City of Alexandria and throughout the National Capital area. Through her efforts Alexandria’s Union Station was donated to the City of Alexandria, a transportation commission was created, and high capacity transportation corridors were designated. Her devotion and advocacy for transportation has led to the implementation of high capacity Metroway bus service through Crystal City and Potomac Yard which is one step toward her dream of a modern regional streetcar system. Lois also played a key role in ensuring that the rebuilt Woodrow Wilson Bridge would be able to accommodate a high capacity public transportation solution in the future. Lois served as the President of Virginians for High Speed Rail, as a board member with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and the Virginia Railway Express. Lois was an Alexandria resident for 45 years and a two-term member of City Council. Forever an Alexandria legend.”
The City Council Naming Committee (Councilwoman Pepper, Mayor Euille and
City Manager Representative Lance Mallamo) considered this request at its meeting on September 30, 2015. The committee voted unanimously to recommend its support of the proposal to install the above inscribed plaque at the Alexandria Union Station in honor of Lois Walker, and that the recommendation be presented to City Council at its December 8
Legislative meeting, set for public hearing and consideration on Saturday, December 12. The Committee recommended that Council approve the installation of the plaque within the glassed arcade at the Alexandria Union Station in honor of Lois Walker.
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Request dated September 28, 2015
STAFF:
Emily Baker, Deputy City Manager
J. Lance Mallamo, Director, Office of Historic Alexandria
Yon Lambert, Director, Dept. of Transportation and Environmental Services
Jeremy McPike, Director, Dept. of General Services
James Spengler, Dept. of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
Jack Browand, Division Chief, Dept. of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
Pierre Holloman, Dept. of Transportation and Environmental Services
Karl Mortiz, Dept of Planning and Zoning
Al Cox, Dept. of Planning and Zoning