Monthly Board of Director’s Meeting Minutes

Thursday, January 9, 2020 at 7:30 PM

Police Report:  Officer Lennon stated there were 136 reported calls for service in our area between November 1, 2019 - January 6, 2020. There were 24 assaults (most occurring in the ER), 31 larcenies (shoplifting and thefts from unlocked cars), 8 Hit and Runs (many at Seminary-Kenmore Avenue), 76 Moving Traffic Stops on Seminary Road, and 191 Moving Violations on Quaker Lane. For the calendar year 2019, there were 865 traffic stops on Quaker Lane and 797 stops on Seminary Road. Officer Lennon said he could not provide the accident data at this time, since his contact in that department just retired. He will try and get the accident data in the future.

Program: Bill Dickinson gave an update on the Alex Renew project to remediate the combined sewer outfalls by 2025. The city has contracted with Alex Renew to do the work, so now Alex Renew, not the City of Alexandria, is in violation of the Clean Water Act. Alex Renew is in the process of vetting 3 potential contractors to perform the massive infrastructure project. No one is certain of the price – estimates range from $370-$555 million. Alexandria got $25 million from the State of Virginia last year for the projects, and the Governor is asking for $65 million for us this year. The final costs will be paid by issuing bonds and raising our sewer fees. There will be two tunnels for this project. One will be at Robinson Terminal at Oronoco Bay.  The second will be at Jones Point. The big shaft will be at Alex Renew and will go to Robinson Terminal.  The tunnel will be 16’ in diameter. The pipe for Jones Point will go underneath the road at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Alex Renew has gotten 5 easements for the work, so no condemnation of land will be required.  Work is expected to begin in 2021.

Mr. Dickinson also gave a report on the City’s purchase of Freedom House from the Urban League for $1.8 million. The State of Virginia is also providing $2.4 million for needed repairs to the building. This is one of the most historic sites in the US where thousands of slaves were held to be shipped out to locations in the deep South. He encouraged residents to contribute through a fund at ACT to support the renovation of the building.

Minutes: The minutes from October were approved. The minutes from the Annual Meeting in November were approved and are subject to final approval by the membership in November 2020.

Treasurer Report:  Joanne Lepanto stated that our balance as of January 1, 2020 is $25,729.73. This includes income from dues of $450. A question was raised about if any of these funds are now restricted to the Connector issue.  Joanne will consult with Jack Sullivan about this and will report at the February meeting.

Area Reports: Bill Goff reported for Area 2 that the first trial for the TCW lights will be held on February 24^th. A second trial has been scheduled for June 26^th. Bette Smith reported from Area 6 that the HAWK signal at Braddock and North Early was approved unanimously.  She also reported parking concerns when regional athletic events like large track meets are held at Episcopal High School. These are not EHS events, but EHS is a venue for them due to their large facilities. Paul Judge reported from Area 9 that there is serious concern about the proposed project for stream remediation at Strawberry Run. The work will happen from 7 a.m.to 5 p.m. 6 days a week for one year. This will cause huge disruptions for those living at the end of Ft. Williams Parkway and will destroy native plants and numerous trees. SHA will see if we can arrange a presentation by T&ES at our February meeting. Christina Holt from EHS gave her report regarding the construction for the new track and field along Braddock Road. She reminded us that EHS reached out to SHA and nearby neighbors to discuss this project before it ever began. She knows that the sight of the loss of trees is upsetting to everyone, including the EHS community. She said EHS has been a very good steward of its 138 acre campus. They have been planting new trees across their campus for  many years. 190 trees were removed for this project. 300 will be planted back. This was not an old growth forest with specimen trees and no archaeological findings were made during the pre-construction surveys of the land. She encouraged anyone who has questions about this to call her directly. To date, no one has called EHS about the tree removal so she was not aware that people are reaching out to SHA with concerns. Ross Kane gave the report from VTS. He said that the pub is expected to reopen on February 2^nd and encouraged all to come over. They also have music events in the chapel with the Washington Bach Consortium and want to schedule an event with neighbors soon to show the new installation of the Assyrian reliefs.

Old Business: Frank Putzu reported that he received the FOIA documents over the Christmas holiday and is still studying them. The documents related to the AFD input into the Seminary Road reduction of travel lanes. Frank will send the FOIA documents to the board as soon as he completes his work. He expects there will be media interest in the findings. Carter Flemming reported that the Council has approved a second phase of the e-Scooter program for another year.

New Business:  Carter Flemming reported on the progress of the MacArthur School Rebuild Project. Bill Pfister is the SHA representative on the committee. The next community meeting will be January 15^th. The Alexandria Housing Summit will be held on January 11^th and will discuss topics relating to affordable housing and possible zoning changes. January 15^th will also be a meeting to discuss the Text Amendment changes being proposed for small businesses. These changes affect home-based offices that will now be allowed to have employees and more customers, changes many approvals from requiring SUPs to only Administrative Review, and changes some Administrative Review business to “Permitted” so they require no SUP or community input, and shortens the time for Administrative Review from 75 to 21 days. Residents are encouraged to go online and enter comments about these changes. The Alexandria Mobility Plan Advisory Committee meeting will be held on January 22^nd. Ms. Flemming reported that Bill Rossello has been appointed to this committee as the Federation of Civic Associations representative. The 13 civic associations who worked together on the Seminary Road issue will meet on January 28^th to discuss future plans. It was also reported that the Northern VA Transportation Authority has listed the addition of BRT lanes on Duke Street as its 3^rd highest priority for funding and construction. Former Mayor Allison Silberberg was introduced and expressed support for SHA’s efforts to cooperate with other civic associations and the Federation on opposing the Seminary Road lane reduction. She encouraged civic associations to stay involved in city issues because the voice of citizens is critical to the decision-making process.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

Carter Flemming

For Dick Hayes, Secretary

Board members in attendance:  Carter Flemming, Tom Fulton, Nancy Jennings, Fran Terrell, Bill Goff, Bill Rossello, Babette Smith, Jim Rowley, Frank Putzu, Paul Judge, Joanne Lepanto, Chris Weymont, Christina Holt, Ross Kane. 

Others in attendance:  Beth Chase, Phylius Burks, Calvin Terrell, Bill Wanaski, Carolyn Griglione, Mike Curry, James Snow, Kathy McAfee, Allison Silberberg.