Well, it appears the good people of Old Town DO pay attention to city notices about the Waterfront development plan. A crowd of about 50 – 60 have assembled at the Torpedo Factory. Upon arrival guests were treated to complimentary water, about 10 schematics set up on easels, and a worksheet chart about ideas & options complete with 3 green stickers and 1 red. This has me anxious. A voting system? Time will tell.
The City of Alexandria has a Waterfront Master Plan developed by EDAW & AECOM. Tonight’s event is the 5th community forum in a long-standing and somewhat behind-the-scenes movement to capitalize on our unique environment for the sake of development and mostly economy. I recognize a couple of artists, a couple of city people, but my God there’s a lot of consultants walking around. An official photographer is present and as the announcement is made that the presentation will begin, people are scurrying for the remaining seats.
A welcome address is given by Rosemary Covey (TFAA President) who is delighted to be connecting the community. Kudos about the recent film festival are being discussed as well as upcoming music, mosaic, and Halloween Ofrenda events. The City’s Planning Director takes the mic and introduces illustrious council members and the Planning Commissioner.
The Deputy Planning Director is now presenting in what is termed an “open house” format to “check in with you” about what you think the Waterfront should be. A rundown of past meetings is covered including “historical issues” with a slide of lower King Street flooding. This draws laughs – but I don’t think it funny. He reveals the green dots represent things we like while red dots represent what we don’t. Ideas are being considered through the city’s FaceBook page.
The Waterfront experience begins before you get to the water. Access and visibility are important. Continous waterfront access is being considered. The history of the waterfront should be used as a constant touchstone. Many people feel the arts should be highlighted in its role in the community to include public art development. Shoreline treatment should be improved and treatments should work together to create rhythms. Many people want to be able to access the water. Support for greener space, more boating services, and transportation/parking issues have also been voiced.
Sustainability, environmental, economic, and operational issues should be pursued to support efficient operations. Key focus areas were highlighted. Opportunities to extend the pier are being developed to extend out over the water. The waterfront core is where there will continue to be the most activities and visitors.
Redevelopment opportunitites are cited as ways to generate revenue to enhance the public realm. Focus on developing The Strand as a larger entity, outdoor dining, amenities and open space. Respecting the historical buildings, engaging the water, and connecting The Strand with adjacent waterfront areas are highlighted. City Marina development is oriented to improve commercial boat activity.
Founders Park is to be kept, protected and beautified. Providing a strong and intuitive pedestrain conection between the Park and Marina are also important. Redevelopment of Robinson Terminal includes options for boutique hotels, floating docks, extended boardwalk. Oronoco Park is lacking facilities and support and so the consultants are looking for ways to support events and activities for cleaner “small” celebrations like family reunions and weddings. Childrens activities are connected to past shipwrecks. Opportunities for kayaks and non-motorized boating for Oronoco Bay are cited.
Creating water gardens and native plantings leads to an improved plan for Windmill Hill Park, Jones Point Park, and the North End. Enhancing rails and trails is being assessed. Daingerfield Island should have increased acces and awareness of natural environments by working with NPS to activate natural trail areas.
For the remainder of the evening, participants will look at “idea maps” with lines to various points to the Waterfront – they represent ideas and NOT plans. The City is looking for guidance on which ideas we like best. Participants can also notate ideas on survey sheets. Information boards provide text on ideas on changing the Food Court, Robinson Terminal, and other plans. Participants start to rise and approach the schematics. Why can we only red sticker ONE idea, but we can green sticker THREE. Yes, the city will do what the city wants. One to three? Insulting.
Did I mention the proposed slogan is “Old Town – New Taste”? What does THAT say about the old taste and just who are the new taste makers?
