City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: SEPTEMBER 4, 2019
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Resolution to Authorize the City Manager to execute an Agreement to finalize a Proposed Future Bequest from Jon H. Rosenbaum, Ph.D. and Betsey R. Rosenbaum. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
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ISSUE: Consideration and approval of a Resolution to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement to finalize a bequest from Jon H. Rosenbaum, Ph.D. and Betsey R. Rosenbaum to implement Point Lumley Park Improvements consistent with the Waterfront Small Area Plan.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement to finalize a bequest, up to $2.5 million, from Jon H. Rosenbaum, Ph.D. and Betsey R. Rosenbaum to implement Point Lumley Park improvements consistent with the Waterfront Small Area Plan.
The Waterfront Plan, approved by the City Council in January 21, 2012, is a 20 to 30-year vision for the area extending from Third Street (Tidelock Park) on the north to Wolfe Street (Shipyard/Harborside Park) on the south. The Phase I landscape and flood mitigation design for implementation of the Waterfront Plan was approved on June 14, 2014 by the City Council.
The City’s adopted Waterfront Plan contemplates a number of planned new park areas between King Street and Duke Street. One of these new park areas opened this year at the foot of King Street, and an expanded Point Lumley Park area between Duke Street and the ODBC parking lot would be constructed after the Waterfront flood mitigation project is completed around 2025. The expanded parks along the Potomac River waterfront when developed are intended to be high quality areas based on the design guidance of the Olin Group which is one of the premiere landscape design firms in the United States. In order to help the City achieve its vision as articulated in the Waterfront Plan, Jon and Betsey Rosenbaum who are long time Alexandria residents have agreed to bequest up to $2.5 million for the construction of the planned expanded Point Lumley Park. The Point Lumley Park improvements may include amenities such as a shade structure, seasonal landscape beds, tree lined walkways, and seating and social gathering spaces. The City is grateful for the Rosenbaum’s generosity and public spirit in planning for such a large bequest to provide a lasting benefit for residents and visitors to the City. As the City Charter/Code (?) requires City Council to formally accept gifts made to, or proposed to be made to, the City, a resolution accepting the planned gift is attached for City Council action.
FISCAL IMPACT: Up to $2.5 million bequest to the City of Alexandria.
ATTACHMENT: Resolution
STAFF:
Debra Collins, Deputy City Manager
Emily A. Baker, Deputy City Manager
James Spengler, Director, Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities
Jack Browand, Division Chief, Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities
Terry A. Suehr, Director, Department of Project Implementation
Anthony Gammon, Deputy Director, Department of Project Implementation
Karen Snow, Senior Assistant City Attorney