It's official -- Eileen Fogarty is leaving the City of Alexandria and returning to sunny Southern California. Ms. Fogarty, who came to Alexandria from Santa Cruz in 2000, has landed the plum position of Director of Planning and Community Development in Santa Monica. She'll be managing a staff of 114 and an annual budget of more than $20 million. In addition to planning and zoning, Ms. Fogarty's responsibilities will include transportation and traffic, building permits and inspections, and historic preservation.
So what will this mean for the Braddock Road Metro Small Area Plan, which was supposed to be finalized this fall, and for other projects in our area?
8 comments:
So what will this mean for the Braddock Road Metro Small Area Plan, which was supposed to be finalized this fall, and for other projects in our area?
What it means is DELAYS DELAYS DELAYS!!!!!!
Growler - would you mind posting when planning meetings (or other's that may impact Parker-Gray/Braddock) are scheduled or give the specific web page that provides that information? I can't seem to find it on the alexandriava.gov pages.
Thanks.
There's nothing on the Web site for Planning Commission after this month nor are there any community meetings of any kind that have been scheduled since last month.
The date for the release of the Braddock Road Metro Small Area Plan has been tentatively described as late September, but it isn't clear if this will be a draft plan with a public meeting and/or comment period, or if it will go straight to Planning Commission.
Somehow I get the sense that I won't be wanting to move to Santa Monica anytime soon......
Growler,
That wasnt me on the first comment to this post, but my feeling would be that most likely, there would delays across the board. On the Plan, on projects, etc...
Considering the P&Z Department seems to be evacuating the city en masse, this cant be a good sign for the department's morale. And considering they appear to be adding an increased workload to handle, this does not bode well for any revitilization efforts in the area.
Although it was refreshing to hear Councilman Macdonald talk about the "revitalization of Parker Gray" in his Council acceptance speech. Wonder what he means exactly by that....
I'd say for a woman who reportedly did not get along with anyone including developers she has bested them all. Her advancement is admirable, but I agree it will result in still more project delays.
Her leaving will only help the City. But that Department is like the Titanic--it's impossible to get anything done when most of your staff leaves in a given year. Look for more delays.
Growler - I just wanted to say thanks for your postings. I own a home in Old Town in the Parker Gray District but had to move and rent it out. My health suffered so because I could not get any sleep at night. Seems the ARHA residents were like owls, they slept during the day and kept me awake all night. I wish we could focus attention on holding those folks to the same standards that other neighborhoods are held to.
Thanks again for helping me keep up on my neighborhood. Maybe it will get better and I can move back some day.
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