City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JUNE 6, 2023
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: JAMES SPENGLER, DIRECTOR, RPCA
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Recommendation from the City Council Naming Committee to Change the Name of Braddock Interim Park to Judy Guse-Noritake Park.
BODY
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ISSUE: Consideration of a Recommendation from the City Council Naming Committee to Change the Name of Braddock Interim Park to Judy Guse-Noritake Park.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1. Receive this report and schedule the recommendation from the City Council Naming Committee to change the name of Braddock Interim Park to Judy Guse-Noritake Park for public hearing on June 17, 2023; and
2. After the public hearing adopt the recommendation from the City Council Naming Committee to change the name of Braddock Interim Park to Judy Guse-Noritake Park.
DISCUSSION: The park naming recommendation is based on Judy Guse-Noritake’s tireless efforts and invaluable work in the field of environmental policy and advocacy, and as an inspiration for future generations to follow in her footsteps and contribute to the betterment of our environment. Ms. Guse-Noritake, was a longstanding City resident and had 20 years of service on the Park & Recreation Commission, she devoted her life to advocating for environmental causes and championing lasting policies that positively impacted the City, and was directly involved in numerous projects and initiatives that have improved parks and natural spaces. This naming recommendation was proposed by the Braddock Metro Citizens’ Coalition (Attachment 1).
The Braddock Interim Park is located at 600 N. Henry Street (Attachment 2). The Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RPCA) held a public comment period from April 21, 2023 through May 7, 2023 consistent with the RPCA City Council approved Park & Facility Naming Policy. The proposal is supported by the Braddock Lofts Homeowners Association, the Henry Condominiums Unit Owner’s Association and an overwhelming number of comments received are in support of the proposed new name (Attachment 3).
On May 23, 2023, the City Council Naming Committee, comprised of Councilman John Chapman, Chair; Councilmember Sara Bagley; and Councilwoman Alyia Gaskins, voted unanimously to forward the recommendation to rename the “Braddock Interim Park” to “Judy Guse-Noritake Park.” If approved by City Council, Judy-Guse Noritake Park will remain the name of the permanent park envisioned in the Braddock Metro Neighborhood and Braddock East Master Plans.
FISCAL IMPACT: $5,500. The cost to install a new park identification sign and biographical sign, and to replace the existing regulatory signage.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Park Naming Proposal
2. Braddock Interim Park Site Map
3. Community Comment
STAFF:
Emily A. Baker, Deputy City Manager
Jack Browand, Deputy Director, RPCA, Staff Liaison to City Council Naming Committee