September 8 General Meeting
The Cameron Station Civic Association met for it's general membership
meeting on Tuesday, September 8 at 7:30. Dirk Geretz from the City of Alexandria's Planning and Zoning Department spoke about the Eisenhower West Industrial Use Study. The civic association also held elections. Please visit Contact Us for more information about board members and leadership. All are welcome at meetings, and you're invited to join the civic
association at that meeting. Dues are $20 per voting member. We
appreciate your interest and involvement and are looking forward to an
exciting year.
May 4 General Membership Meeting Wrap-Up
The Cameron Station Civic Association met on Monday, May 4 at 7:30 at the Cameron Club for it's last general membership meeting until September. Special guest speaker was Delegate Charniele Herring, who gave us a wrap-up of the legislative session in Richmond. Download the presentation. We also discussed upcoming events and issues. Please check "What's New" for more information on upcoming events.
March 11 Meeting Wrap-Up
Morgan Routt, City of Alexandria Office of Management and Budget, presented a city budget overview. Please download his PowerPoint slides here.
General Membership Meeting Wrap Up - Monday, January 5
The Cameron Station Civic Association met for it's general membership meeting on Monday, January 5 at 7:30 pm at Cameron Perks. We welcomed Jim Hartmann, Alexandria's city manager, and Steve Jansen and David LaBahn, the independent investigators who produced an in-depth report on the Norfolk Southern situation for the city. They gave a brief presentation and took questions about the report. Download the report here: http://alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/special/transloading/TransloadingIndependentReviewDec2008.pdf.
We also discussed briefly the Landmark/Van Dorn small area plan, which went before the Planning Commission on Tuesday, Jan. 6 and was deferred until Feb. 3. If you are interested in learning more, visit: http://alexandriava.gov/planning/info/default.aspx?id=7014. There you may download a PDF copy of the plan. The Civic Association board has written a letter to the planning commission supporting the plan.
New! General Membership Meeting Wrap Up - Monday, November 3
Please download the the meeting handout here. The civic association met on Monday, November 3 and heard a presentation from Mike McGuire, Tall Cedars Development, on his proposed project for the corner of Pickett and Van Dorn Streets. The association also heard a presentation from a rail/hazmat expert on the Norfolk Southern transloading facility. Please check our website to stay informed of pressing West End issues and meeting notices.
General Membership Meeting Wrap Up - Monday, September 8
Many thanks to those of you who attended our meeting on Monday night. This email serves as a brief wrap-up of that meeting and a reminder of upcoming events.
Membership Dues:
Please pay your membership dues now. Dues are $20 per member (ages 18 and over). Please send your dues (either cash or a check), plus your name and email address to: Treasurer, CSCA, 152 Cameron Station Blvd., Alexandria, VA 22304.
Landmark/Van Dorn update:
The Landmark/Van Dorn small area plan panel will meet on Monday, Sept. 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the Landmark Mall meeting room near Lane Bryant on the second floor. The agenda for this meeting includes a discussion of the City's proposed changes to the Special Use Permit regulations in the Zoning Ordinance, the proposed transportation plan and transportation analysis, and a review of development economics for the planning area. Find out more at: http://www.alexandriava.gov/planning/info/default.aspx?id=7014
Norfolk Southern update:
The civic association briefed members about what the civic association has been working on with regard to the Norfolk Southern ethanol transloading plant.
1. The Civic Association has appointed Mike Waite, a longtime resident, to serve as our representative on the NS Monitoring panel established by the mayor. The group will meet when topics and issues arise. The civic association was busy over the summer on this issue:
2. We met with Rep. Jim Moran and Del. Brian Moran to discuss the issue
3. We spoke on the phone with staffers in Sen. Webb and Sen. Warner’s offices
4. We FOIA’d all pertinent documents (2,500 pages)
5. We attended and testified at the public hearing meeting on Saturday, June 14th
6. We attended and submitted testimony for the July 22 Surface Transportation Board hearing on rail transportation of hazardous materials (testimony can be viewed at our website)
7. We asked city council for an independent investigation into the issue (and developed a follow-up letter illustrating more reasons why we need such an investigation). Download the letter at: www.cameronstationcivicassociation.org (click on the Norfolk Southern tab). The council will take up this request at it's meeting on September 23.
8. We met with city staff to develop a more realistic and comprehensive emergency plan for Cameron Station and Tucker Elementary.
Please visit: www.alexandriava.gov/downloads to read the Cameron Station emergency plan. YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED. Read the draft plan, and email your concerns, questions, and suggestions to Steve Mason (special assistant to City Manager Jim Hartmann): steve.mason@alexandriava.gov.
You can find out more and keep up with developments at: www.cameronstationcivicassociation.org.
The latest update we can give is that we are trying to figure out if the transloading facility is ramping up to operate 24 hours a day. There is some indication, including increased noise and some construction, that this is happening. We will keep you posted.
Council Member Ludwig Gaines spoke to our group about both the Landmark/Van Dorn developments and the Norfolk Southern facility.
Election:
The civic association elected the following slate to it's board:
Ingrid Sanden, President (one year term)
Burke Wilson, 1st Vice President
Joe Bennett, 2nd Vice President
Kim Canter, Secretary
Michelle Go, Treasurer
Mindy Lyle, board member
Art Impastato, board member
Bo Schnurr, board member
Mike Lekas, board member
Announcements:
Two Community Emergency Response Team Classes Offered by Alexandria Police Start Wednesday September 10 or Monday, September 15.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.
The training is FREE! The classes are from 7 p.m. to approximately 10 p.m. (most nights we are out by 9:30) and are held at the Professional Development Center at 1108 Jefferson Street.
If you are interested in attending these classes please call Kim Purcell, CERT Coordinator at 703.706.3940 x231. Let her know which night you would like to attend (Monday or Wednesday). You can make up classes on alternate nights if needed. Kim will register you for the class and send you a confirmation letter with the class schedule and directions to the Professional Development Center.
Alexandria Citizens Academy Fall Session Begins September 25, Application Deadline September 15
The City of Alexandria invites residents to take part in the fall session of the Alexandria Citizens Academy, which begins on September 25. The 8-week Academy provides an opportunity for residents to learn about City government through first-hand experience and gain exposure to the wide range of government functions, services, activities and issues.
Classes will be held every Thursday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The class size is limited to 15–20 people and is open to City residents over the age of 18 years and/or owners of businesses located in the City. The majority of the classes will be held in the Council Workroom at City Hall (301 King Street), however, a few classes will be held at different locations throughout the City.
The purpose of the Academy is threefold:deadline for applications is September 15. For more information and/or an application visit www.alexandriava.gov/citizensacademy or call Elaine Scott, Office of Citizen Assistance, at 703.838.4800
New! Community Meeting Wrap Up
Please click on "What's New" for more information about the June 9 meeting.
Summary of General Membership Meeting - Monday, May 5
Coming soon.
Summary of General Membership Meeting - Monday, March 3
Coming soon.
Summary of General Membership Meeting - Monday, January 7
The Cameron Station Civic Association met Monday, January 7at 7 p.m. (refreshments) and the meeting was called to order at7:30. We at Cameron Perks. Special guestspeakers were Michael McGuire, President, Tall Cedars Development Company, which owns property at Van Dorn and Pickett streets. Mr. McGuire will present the plans for redeveloping the site into a mixed-use property. His attorney, Howard Middleton (Reed-Smith), was also available to answer questions.
Mr. McGuire and Mr. Middleton discussed a parcel of land at Van Dorn and Pickett Streets, which falls into the small area plan. That area is slated to become apartment dwellings with retail on the first floors and parking underground for both residents and shoppers. Possible retail tenants in that area include resturants, coffee shops, smaller retailers (possibly national chains), and other service-oriented retailers, like dry-cleaners. The plan is moving concurrently through city processes with the small area plan. If the small area plan moves along as planned, demolition on the current warehouse buildings could possibly begin next January (2009).
The other parcel of land discussed is at the intersection of Pickett Street and Edsall Road. The tenants in one of the buildins include Midas, a framing store, Fairfax Auto Parts, and other retailers. Mr. McGuire's company owns 8-10 acres of land which is directly adjacent to Cameron Station (and backs to Home Depot on one edge). His plans for this parcel of land include retail facing Pickett Street, underground parking and a residential (either condo or apartment dwellings) which will match - in height- the Woodland Hall condos, which will be closeby. These plans are very preliminary, as the parcel is NOT in the planning area as outlined by the city.
The civic association membership voted to urge the city planners to include the Pickett/Edsal parcel in the planning area, as the parcel is not currently included in ANY planning area and will be left to sit as warehouse/retail space. If you agree that the parcel should be included, please email Planning Director Faroll Hamer (and reference the parcel at Edsal and Pickett at): Faroll.Hamer@alexandriava.gov. PLEASE ALSO COPY Mr. McGuire and Mr. Middleton on your email: Michael E. McGuire: memcguire@verizon.net and Howard Middleton: JMiddleton@reedsmith.com.
Other issues discussed:
Landmark/Van Dorn Small Area Plan Advisory Group: Ingrid Sanden (civic association president) is representing the civic association on this 18-member task force. The group met on December 17 and will meet monthly, with time during the meetings for public comment. Residents are urged to attend. Please visit the Planning and Zoning page on the city's website to learn more about this group, what their goals are, and to download meeting notes and other presentations. Please also email Ingrid to share your ideas about the small area plan and what you envision in the area. Please sign up for the city's e-alert system to be notified of meetings about this and other projects!
Alexandria Waste Recovery SUP: The SUP has been deferred by the Planning and Zoning Commission based on complaints from neighbors to the facility. This facility is a transfer station for construction debris. The SUP requested an increase from 300 tons processed per day to 1,000 tons processed per day, with no proposed expansion of the facility or the hours of operation. However, the Planning Commission in early December heard complaints about messy worksites, trash, mud, etc. The Commission said Alexandria Waste Recovery must abide by the current SUP for three months and then ask for an increase, provided they can demonstrate they can and will abide by the current SUP conditions.
Traffic update: Alexandria city staff will present traffic/parking scenarios to the HOA and Civic Association boards on Jan. 15 and will get input from the boards at that time. This meeting is a follow-up to the October traffic meeting and will offer possible solutions to concerns residents brought forth at that time. The public will be invited to a meeting in the weeks following where city staff will present their ideas and ask for public input. Please check your emails for notices about this meeting.
Summary of General Membership Meeting - November 5
The Cameron Station Civic Association met Monday, November 5at 7:30 at the Cameron Club. Special guestspeaker was Vice Mayor Del Pepper, who spoke about issues facing the city, including transportation and West Enddevelopment, as well as how the residents of the West End of the city can beheard at city hall! Vice Mayor Pepper encouraged residents to attend all pertinent meetings about issues facing the West End and Cameron Station.
Also, staff members from Virginia Paving reported on the stack tests that were done at the plant in late August/early September. The report is currently being analysed by city staff, as well as consultants, and a final report will be released in late December or early January. If you would like a copy of the preliminary report (which is over 400 pages), please contact:
Chris Monahan, Virginia Paving
Office: 703-751-7100
Mobile: 703-906-9918 #130
Please pay your civic association membership dues by sending acheck for $20 per voting member (ages 18 and older) with your name(s),address, phone number, and email address(es) to:
Civic Association Treasurer
152 Cameron Station Blvd.
Alexandria, VA 22304
Summary of General Membership Meeting - September 10
Download the agenda for the September 10 meeting (Word document)
The Cameron Station Civic Association met Monday, September 10, at 7:30 p.m. at the Cameron Club. The program featured Faroll Hamer, Director, Planning and Zoning, City of Alexandria. Ms. Hamer discussed the Landmark/VanDorn small area plan, including a new process for vetting the plan through a working group which will be chosen in October. Ms. Hamer also discussed the West Eisenhower small area plan, which is scheduled to begin in the late fall/early winter. Please check back under "What's New" for up-to-date information about all West End planning projects.
The Virginia Paving Mayor's Liaison Panel will meet Wednesday, October 17 at 7 p.m. at Samuel Tucker Elementary School. as always there is a time for public comment during the meeting. If you have any questions or would like to lodge a complaint regarding Virginia Paving, please contact Carlos Martins, Sr. Air Pollution Control Specialist for the City ofAlexandria, at: 703-519-3400 x. 116. After hours or on weekends, pleasecontact the 24-hour nuisance hot line at 703-836-0041. You may alsoemail Carlos Martins at: carlos.martins@alexandriava.gov.
Please visit "What's New" for information about the bridge projectover Duke Street (near Brenman Park), and also about a traffic andtransportation meeting sponsored by the civic association and the Cityof Alexandria.
Please pay your civic association membership dues by sending acheck for $20 per voting member (ages 18 and older) with your name(s),address, phone number, and email address(es) to:
Civic Association Treasurer
152 Cameron Station Blvd.
Alexandria, VA 22304
The civic association re-elected it's officers at the September 10 meeting. Please visit "Contact Us" for a list of current board members and officers. Officers serve one-year terms and can serve three consecutive years. Board members serve two-year terms.
Summary of General Membership Meeting - May 7
The Cameron Station Civic Association met Monday, May 7 at 7 p.m. at the Cameron Club. The program featured Gregory Hamm, ManagingPartner, Reston Group and Project Manager for General GrowthProperties, Inc., who spoke on the Landmark Mall redevelopment project. Also joining us was Michael Slaving, Senior Assessor, City of Alexandria's Real Estate Assessment Office to talk about property values in Cameron Station. Julie Bryant, from Cameron Perks, presented her business plan for a farmer's market in Cameron Station on Brenman Park Drive.
Department of Real Estate Assessment information:
Landmark/Van Dorn Small Area Plan:
The Landmark/Van Dorn Small Area Plan is scheduled to come before the Alexandria City Council this fall, 2007. The small area plan is key in providing a vision to developers and residents as they plan for development and redevelopment on the West End of Alexandria. Encourage the City Council to address the plan by emailing members of the council now. Find out more about the small area plan.