Do we have something to be thankful about today in the Parker-Gray neighborhood?Certainly. We're done with the flawed, dopey and rigged Braddock Road Metro and Braddock East planning process. It's over.
So permit the Growler a touch of schadenfreude this morning when the Cranky One observes that Alexandria citizens beyond our neighborhood — who wrote us off as a bunch of malcontents and anti-development Luddites — are becoming increasingly alarmed because the City is now applying the same screws to them over Potomac Yard, Landmark and the waterfront.
The City's formula appears to be this: first, hire a consultant to do private stakeholder interviews. By not discussing these issues in public the City is given inside knowledge of where each player stands and can develop a strategy to divide and conquer. Old Town activitists shuddered when they heard that one of the Braddock Road consultants was going to be recycled to do this on the waterfront plan.
The next step is that in lieu of widespread neighborhood participation, have the Mayor and Council appoint an advisory group heavily stacked with those who are known to sympathize with the City's already predetermined outcome. To further protect the City's interests, strip the Advisory Group of any ability to deliberate or vote among themselves on the issues, even though this practice is common in other communities and leads to compromise and buy-in.
The formula now being deployed with the new Potomac Yard Advisory Group has been lifted straight from Braddock East, much to the chagrin of Del Ray and the Federation of Civic Associations (which planned to send a strong letter to City Hall recently on this very issue).
Next, run bogus community meetings dominated by expensive, out of town "experts" (like David Dixon and Goody Clancy) who charge the City an arm and a leg to help march step the entire discussion toward the City's desired conclusion. Their role is to create the agenda, shape the discussions and cut off dissent or meaningful dialogue that does not trend toward what the City wants.
Old Town Civic Association conducted its own rigorous planning effort regarding the waterfront that gained support not just from its own residents but also other stakeholders such as the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce. But apparently this is being put aside by the City: the effort is invalid unless it's a process tightly controlled and managed by the City itself.
Finally, issue draft reports composed by the consultants and for an extra twist inform the community about the draft over a holiday week. The E-mail announcement that the Landmark report was available for comment was sent last Saturday, November 22, around noon, with the warning that "although public comments are welcome anytime until adoption, comments received after December 1 may be too late to consider for inclusion in the final draft, which is expected to be released the week of December 8."
The City is advising citizens to make their comments in just one week over a major holiday, when many people are away or preoccupied. And what's the rush? With the financial markets in upheaval, housing in the toilet and Landmark's owner General Growth Properties in straits, this major West End mixed-use redevelopment isn't likely to happen for years. Many civic leaders, too, are still dissatisfied with the scope of the study.
And another twist: "Because this is a preliminary draft, the document is not yet complete and contains some sections where additional text is still being prepared." Shades of the 2007 Braddock Road plan meetings! Do readers remember the "final" community meeting in the spring of 2007 that was held before the entire report was released — most significantly omitting a potentially controversial chapter on public housing?
So there you have it: Formula One. Forgive the Growler for a giggle or two. But in a more serious mode, the remaining questions are these:
First, who at City Hall is pushing planning efforts that are staged to look like they are citizen-driven when they are anything but that?
Second, where is the money coming from for these gigantic consultant-rich charades (ooops, charettes)? Isn't the City financially strapped right now?
And lastly, are the Mayor, Council and City Manager apparently afraid of honest dialogue and unfiltered input from the community?
33 comments:
The problem is more than Hamer and it starts at the top. Not one of our elected officials is worth a hoot.
I had so much more to write, but we've been through it all before. As for the other civic associations, what goes around comes around. We told you that you would be next to fall as your residents actively helped to bury us in City process.
Growler hit the nail on the head with this formula, which predates Ms. Hamer by at least a year.
Case in point is Virginia Paving in the West End. In the 2004-05 timeframe, City Staff was aggressively pursuing Virginia Paving for blatantly violating its Special Use Permit (SUP) (e.g., by illegally operating at night) and for causing a nuisance in the West End. Eileen Fogerty, the former Planning Director, openly opposed the presence of the plant, which is located near many homes and the Van Dorn Metro.
Then someone flipped a switch...
Fogerty was pretty much isolated from the Virginia Paving SUP proceedings, and control was seemingly placed in the hands of the City Attorney's office. The City hired a Massachussetts consultant to do air quality studies, as well as a Virginia based consultant, whose function I can not understand even to this day. Virginia Paving, of course, came armed with their own consultants.
At public meetings, the City, company representatives and the consultants headlined meetings, while civic associations and the public were allocated the closing minutes of meetings -- by which time, most decisionmakers and elected officials had either left or tuned out. Furthermore, the City and/or their consultants were able to influence enough of the civic association leaders and speakers so that there was no coherent, consistent dissent given during the public meetings.
Only an organized dissent at an October 2006 Council public hearing (where dozens of citizens could actually speak first) prevented a disastrous SUP from being passed that day. A "compomise" was then crafted behind closed doors, and passed 4-3 at a Council legislative session which afforded no opportunity for comment. Among those voting for a revised Virginia Paving SUP (which allowed Virginia Paving for the first time to legally operate at night) in November 2006 were a lobbyist for the transportation industry, as well as a member of the construction industry who was literally a government qualified paver in at least Maryland.
Following the passage of the revised SUP, the Mayor appointed Virginia Paving Advisory Committee began its work. Despite subsequent EPA/VADEQ fines (related to stack test irregularities and illegal installation of equipment), as well as severe violations of nuisance laws, Virginia Paving has yet to get even a slap on the wrist by the Mayor appointed committee. The City has recently weighed in with 30 day "improve or else we'll talk more" letter -- pretty easy to meet, since the paving season is pretty much over.
As was suggested by a prior commenter, it is safe to say that the "Formula" was not Ms. Hamer's creation. I'm interested to see if Ms. Hamer is able to tolerate the "Formula", or whether she will eventually get fed up, and leave for more verdant pastures (such as Ms. Fogerty's plum position in Santa Monica, California).
However, I'm even more interested in what the voters in 2009 will tolerate...
People in this City need to let the elected officials do their job. They get elected and are immediately expected to pull off miracles with no budget, without upsetting everyone. Now you cry at the job they are doing. Citizens of Alexandria have made their own mess of things by trying to dictate to their public officials rather than allow their public officials to act. Staff is so afraid to do anything because of fear, they eventually get fed up and either leave (i.e. Fogarty) or stop caring about the decisions being made and go on auto pilot.
There's a reason why there's a major budget shortage and it's not all because of the economy. We are all taught to diversify our investments. Well, the City's revenue should be more diversified. However, the citizens have done nothing short of preventing that out of "protecting their own property." Right now the City is feeling more of a crunch because they are so dependent on property taxes from residential properties. Had the citizens allowed more commercial and office development (i.e. Potomac Yard...hence the re-planning efforts underway), then 1) that site (along with others) would have probably already been mostly developed, 2) the City would have a larger tax base, and 3) their would have been a more diverse tax base.
As for the Virginia Paving, they shouldn't be working outside of their permitted SUP. But let's be realistic. Cameron Station moved in AFTER Virginia Paving. They knew all along who their neighbor was going to be. If citizens were to be successful in getting rid of Virginia Paving, well then again, they have created a higher cost of living because now the cost of maintaining your roads has now gone up. Again, making it more expensive for the City and the citizens.
It's hard not to indulge in a bit of schadenfreude. However, while other neighborhoods may get similarly screwed with ridiculous charrettes and steroidal developments, we here in PG will always carry the title of biggest screw-ees, as we remain home to the highest concentration of ARHA properties in all their glorious mismanagement.
I can only hope that other neighborhoods get as pissed off as we are and vote out these yahoos. We're still so mad about Bland and the Council's failure to deconcentrate we can barely see straight.
"People in this City need to let the elected officials do their job."
I wish even ONE elected official would do their job instead of feeling our pain and ignoring us.
"Citizens of Alexandria have made their own mess of things by trying to dictate to their public officials rather than allow their public officials to act."
You got it backwards - public officials are elected to act on voters' sentiments.
"Staff is so afraid to do anything because of fear, they eventually get fed up and either leave (i.e. Fogarty) or stop caring about the decisions being made and go on auto pilot."
Oh, please. While rank and file employees in any bureaucratic disaster either leave or do what little they can, City department heads accomplish little if anything productive.
"Had the citizens allowed more commercial and office development (i.e. Potomac Yard...hence the re-planning efforts underway), then 1) that site (along with others) would have probably already been mostly developed, 2) the City would have a larger tax base, and 3) their would have been a more diverse tax base."
Yup, tell that to Planning Commissioner Eric Wagner, the 3.5 million dollar man who almost single-handedly botched Potomac Yard.
"We are also told that the timetable has been pushed back to 2030."
According to the Post, this is when Landmark would be completed. 22 years from now. And City bureaucrats wonder why we laugh at them.
How long would it take Arlington or DC or Moco to rebuild Landmark?
"First, who at City Hall is pushing planning efforts that are staged to look like they are citizen-driven when they are anything but that?"
Thats the question I always have...who is pushing this mess? Carlyle, Landmark, Braddock Road, and Potomac Yard all are making our City look like a bunch of idiots. You would think that someone would ask what the results of all these planning efforts really are.
Plus, you mention Waterfront, and I still cant believe that no one in their right mind has figured out a way to leverage our Waterfront for productive use. Its just embarrassing.
"And lastly, are the Mayor, Council and City Manager apparently afraid of honest dialogue and unfiltered input from the community?"
Growler, you know that answer. Braddock East is exhibit A in honest dialogue and unfiltered input not being allowed. Look at the Mayors reaction to the outrage over Bland at the city Council hearing; he writes a letter calling Resolution 830 "visionary". When elected officials are stubborn and in la-la land (or Scotland) its obvious they dont care what public opinion is.
This is what happens when the same retread leaders and political agendas stay in place too long --- they stagnate like we are seeing now.
"As for the other civic associations, what goes around comes around. We told you that you would be next to fall as your residents actively helped to bury us in City process."
The difference for them is once they start bellyaching, the "Delray 3" will give in and give Delray whatever it wants.
When we bellyache, we are "racist" and "elitist" and "uncompassionate"
"openly opposed the presence of the plant, which is located near many homes and the Van Dorn Metro. "
Not to point out the obvious, but they were there first....
Thats all I heard during Braddock Road Metro planning....ARHA was there first....
"However, I'm even more interested in what the voters in 2009 will tolerate..."
They are most likely to do what they do now....check any name that has a D in front of it.
Why doesnt Kellom just run Daffy Duck for kicks to see if anyone notices?
"Citizens of Alexandria have made their own mess of things by trying to dictate to their public officials rather than allow their public officials to act. Staff is so afraid to do anything because of fear, they eventually get fed up and either leave (i.e. Fogarty) or stop caring about the decisions being made and go on auto pilot."
Perhaps Growler should do a review of some of their "decisions".....
And the last I checked, all the "dictating" comes from Delray and Cameron Station. Parker Gray gets to dictate nothing; in fact we are dictated to by ARHA.
"However, the citizens have done nothing short of preventing that out of "protecting their own property." Right now the City is feeling more of a crunch because they are so dependent on property taxes from residential properties. "
This was specifically brought up in the Braddock Metro and Braddock East meetings....
Over and over, PG residents stated quite clearly that more retail and commercial needed to be considered for the plan, and the fact that public housing overconcentration significantly impedes retail and commercial development in the area.
Smae thing with Landmark and its 70/30 mix; residents are clearly stating that residential alone wont get it done.
The idea that 1. any City leader listened or 2. because they put it on a Powerpoint slide they must be listening
IS LUDICROUS.
We want results, not blind words by Council apologists. How hard is it to get these results? Arlington and DC seem to be getting them. What are they doing that we are not?
"We're still so mad about Bland and the Council's failure to deconcentrate we can barely see straight."
Join the club; I hear that Melvin Miller is still demanding to know where "his" 16 units for "his people" are going to go, before he signs off on any Bland deal.
Just remember that 4.9 million price tag for those 16 units when your tax bill comes.
In light of today's Washington Post article about many development projects being delayed, I was wondering how PG was faring. Does anybody have any word on the progress of the Payne St. Condos, Bland, and Madison? Are all of these projects still on schedule?
Please pass along any gossip/info.
" What are they doing that we are not?"
Well in the case of DC they have an active policy to try to eliminate large pockets of poverty, without resorting to mandatory replacement of 1-1 units.
In the case of Arlington they just build stuff; it doesnt take 27 meetings with City bureaucrats to get business done there.
" Does anybody have any word on the progress of the Payne St. Condos, Bland, and Madison? Are all of these projects still on schedule?"
From what I have heard Payne St is fine but Madison is in trouble (due to financing, city pushback and delay, and the fact that they have been waiting for a long time to build something)
As for Bland, I think that comes online in 2015, as the project first will focus on rebuilding Glebe Park before actually redeveloping anything in Bland.
" Does anybody have any word on the progress of the Payne St. Condos, Bland, and Madison? "
You mean besides the fact that the lights have now completely gone off at both of those warehouses?
I guess Code Enforcement could care less. Its literally totally pitch black near the Madison at night, I just walked home from the Metro last night and was stunned how dark it was out. Walkable and livable Mayor, oh yes it is.
Moving next to a pre-existing public housing project is not comparable to moving next to a pre-existing asphalt plant. The asphalt plant "does" what its management directs it to do, i.e., make asphalt. ARHA management, while flawed, is not directing its "product," the residents, to ruin our neighborhood while living on the public dime. Let's be as critical of ARHA's dysfunctional residents as we are of its management.
"ARHA management, while flawed, is not directing its "product," the residents, to ruin our neighborhood while living on the public dime."
That management put those residents there in the first place, did it not? And it screens those residents to ensure they don't cause potential trouble for law-abiding residents, such as the elderly and disabled?
Dont forget, too, Virginia Paving pays taxes. ARHA pays squat.
Lets do a switcheroo though, move the asphalt plant to Bland and move Bland to Cameron Station. Lets see how the Cameron Station HOA likes that; it removes their perceived issue with Virginia Paving.
"It's hard not to indulge in a bit of schadenfreude. However, while other neighborhoods may get similarly screwed with ridiculous charrettes and steroidal developments, we here in PG will always carry the title of biggest screw-ees, as we remain home to the highest concentration of ARHA properties in all their glorious mismanagement.
I can only hope that other neighborhoods get as pissed off as we are and vote out these yahoos. We're still so mad about Bland and the Council's failure to deconcentrate we can barely see straight."
And Cameron Station (CS) was mad as hell, but they do not historically vote in Democratic Caucuses, so many in Council do not care (yet). I agree, PG is the most burdened by ARHA --and-- Cameron Station/Summers Grove is the most burdened by heavy industry. Burdens for both extend well above a mere nuisance, and into the realm of health and safety. In PG you are more likely than in most Alexandria neighborhoods to be harassed, robbed, or worse. In CS, because of its location in a valley with stagnant air, there is a higher chance of exposure to certain types of chemical pollution. And because of the new SUP, more pollution can come at all hours of the night, as opposed to only during the day. And night operations allow for more production, which brings more pollution.
I guess an analogous PG example would be allowing every less than law-abiding Bland resident (presumably a minority of Bland residents) to invite one less than law-abiding friend to live with him or her from April to November, and this friend would be "active" in PG well into the night, and at different hours than the first Bland resident.
Anyway, why all of the vitriol toward CS? I don't live there anymore, yet try to help them out. Call it a pro bono project. Most of the kids that attend the public school in the shadow of Virginia Paving (and an incinerator and a waste-oil processing plant and an ethanol transloading facility and...) do not live in CS. Similarly, this blog is one of Growler's pro-bono projects.
As the Growler can attest, I have tried to help her, and PG, when I can. CS and PG are on the same boat together, just on different neglected/abused decks. I see the problem as primarily being with the "Captain" and perhaps some of his mates -- obviously others would replace the entire crew.
Of course if everyone keeps drinking "The Formula", there will be no change. The "there first" and "tax" issues re: Virginia Paving are almost laughable if you knew all of the facts, and not just the ones distilled to you by the experts and PR consultants.
But Virginia Paving lives a charmed life now. Its PR person is a highly-placed board member of Alexandria DNC, its attorney is the wife of Obama's new press secretary, the "Captain" is (or was) involved in the paving industry, and the group that monitors Virginia Paving was hand-picked by the Captain.
It is not too hard to figure out why certain things happen in this City. I just can't believe that only 1500-2000 in this City care enough to go and vote in the only election relevant to any meaningful change -- the Democratic Council caucuses.
Just go vote, and you will be heard.
Hey Growler, is this part of the Mayor's formula?
ANOTHER INITIATIVE that city officials are promoting is "Buy Alexandria," which was formally launched by Mayor Bill Euille on Monday. A press release announcing the program described the effort as "an educational and marketing campaign encouraging the Alexandria community to buy in Alexandria in an effort to strengthen the economic vitality of the city." If each household spent $612 in Alexandria this holiday season, which is the national average for seasonal gifts, city officials estimate it would generate enough money to pay for five police officers or cover the average city snow plowing costs for one snowfall.
"Your purchases, from big-ticket items to everyday necessities, directly benefit the city’s tax base." said Euille in a written statement launching the initiative. "Buying in Alexandria and spending our dollars here will strengthen our economy, and help sustain the excellent services Alexandrians are accustomed to receiving."
With Alexandria retailers facing competition from Arlington and Fairfax counties, the "Buy Alexandria" initiative is an attempt to prompt city residents from thinking twice before leaving the city limits to do their holiday shopping. The plan was hailed by a number of businesses Monday, although some West End retailers are concerned that "local businesses" might be narrowly interpreted as Old Town retailers.
"My concern in Landmark Mall," said Charniele Herring, president of the West End Business Association. "If we had the kind of revitalization that we so desperately need on the West End, our tax base would already be stronger without this effort."
Its hard to buy things when there are no stores to buy them at. Apparently the Mayor doesnt get that there is only a decrepit Giant and a small Safeway in the entire Old Town area.
Its sad to see this because really what the formula is all about is Alexandrians getting the government they voted for and deserve. I say let them suffer for it.
"Apparently the Mayor doesnt get that there is only a decrepit Giant and a small Safeway in the entire Old Town area."
Trust me, I mean no disrespect and I am on your side. But Old Town does have a Trader Joe's (which I love) and a Whole Foods (if you like sitting in traffic).
I personally go outside the city to eat, have some adult beverages and retail shop, for one reason and one reason only.
Why would I pay the extra sales taxes Alexandria imposes when I can get everything much cheaper 3 miles away. Hard times are just that, Hard Times!
I do however give as much money to the small mom and pop store in this city as I can. I hate Big box companies and I am willing to pay the extra cost to keep them alive.
Plus you can't put a price on good customer service and people who can understand what you want and communicate with you. No offense Wal-Mart, but customer service just doesn't exist here in NOVA.
Bottom line, this council is not serving the good of the people and in this next election I will be begging my non voting neighbors to help me out and send a message.
Richard Ward is right, a city of 160,000 + and all we get is 2,000 people in Democratic Caucuses?
I know I can get at least 10 people that have never voted before in these elections, if you can do the same, and we can put a scare in the current machine, maybe, just maybe, a difference can be made.
History has been made and recently the masses have spoke. So let's agree that "YES WE CAN" get rid of the people who don't have our interests at heart.
KoK
Personally, I like the Buy Alexandria campaign. I have always made an effort to buy (and eat) in the City first. I really don't see the downside in this campaign.
With respect to the upcoming elections, I read in the Gazette that the Republicans will be offering at least two intriguing candidates - Frank Fannon and the owner of the Queen St clinic. I would think particularly the owner of the Queen St. clinic would be sympathetic to our concerns in PG, given that she's a PGer like us, right?
Anyway, what I'm hoping is that ICCA sponsors a candidates forum, both before the primaries/caucus and after, in which we ask them to each specifically delineate their positions on issues of concern to us - particuarly ARHA, i.e. if elected, will you pledge to make your first priority the redevelopment of Adkins, with the offsiting of every ARHA unit currently there?
Also, does anyone know the details about this caucus stuff? If we participate in the democratic caucus, are we prohibited from participating in the republican one? I'd imagine so. What I plan to do is go to the democrat caucus and vote against every incumbent. Then in the genreral election, vote for any republican or non-incumbent democrat.
i'd welcome any thoughts on this plan. My number 1 priority is getting ARHA out of our neighborhood to the extent possible.
Caucus details:
For now, see http://www.alexandrianews.org/index.php/2008/12/03/democrats-to-select-council-candidates-at-caucus/
"The Alexandria Democratic Committee will select its six City Council candidates at a caucus on Jan. 31 [from I believe noon to seven on a Saturday]...ADC will hold early voting on Saturday, Jan. 24, Wednesday, Jan. 28, and Thursday, Jan. 29, at ADC headquarters ," which is near PG.
You will need to sign a pledge which I believe states that you do not intend to support candidates other than that are selected in the Caucus, that you agree with principles of the Democratic party (most could agree with what are very generic principles applicable to almost any party, save hate groups like the neo-Nazi party), and that you have not voted in any other party's primary/canvass/etc.
"What I plan to do is go to the democrat caucus and vote against every incumbent. Then in the genreral election, vote for any republican or non-incumbent democrat.
i'd welcome any thoughts on this plan."
As for your "plan", there appears to be no real legal (as opposed to ethical) impediment to voting in the Caucus, then voting however you want to vote in the general election -- after all, ballots are secret, and since almost no one really makes up their mind until election day, no one really has an intent, as I understand it.
The Caucus prevents some mischief by the opposing party, i.e., of the type you are advocating. You are not going to see Chris Marston, or any Republican official, participating in the Democratic Caucuses. Short of that, the primary purpose of a Caucus, as opposed to a general primary, seems to be to make it less convenient for the general electorate to participate in politics, so that the few active party insiders can make all the decisions. In Alexandria, where "Daffy Duck" could run with a (D) after his name and get elected, as someone so aptly stated above, does a vote-repressing Democratic Caucus seem democratic?
Everyone is complaining about the City Staff and ARHA. Yet you all voted for the folks in office, and your VA State inome tax funds ARHA. (ARHA is a State Agency, NOT a city/county Agency) If you really want public housing deconcentration, you need to eliminate Resolution 830, and find ways to encourage developers to allocate a small percentage of homes built for Public Housing use. No Democrat working for the City of Alexandria is going to do this, ever. Why not? Because, you'd be eliminating the historic poverty stricken, drug infested, overcrowded African American neighborhoods folks in the city are so proud of (look at us, we love having these neighborhoods because we are compassionate) in favor of racially and financially diverse neighborhoods, filled with people who want to make Alexandria a nicer city to live in for everyone.
The City Council Election is in May. Why not have someone from Parker Grey run for Mayor? And vote in a couple of Republicans to help balance out political interests. And be sure they support abolishing Resolution 830. Folks, you need to put your votes where your whines are and help make a difference. If everyone in North Alexandria votes for a new mayor, and some fresh, republican people for council, I believe we will see some changes for the better. What do you all think?
"If everyone in North Alexandria votes for a new mayor, and some fresh, republican people for council, I believe we will see some changes for the better. What do you all think?"
I would LOVE that. I plan to vote for the Republicans and nonincumbant democrats. Is the mayor running again? Will anyone dare run against him? Whatever happened to him working for Obama. Or was that just one of his delusions of grandeur??
Euille would not survive Obama's vetting. Wishful thinking that Obama would hire him. Someone - ANYONE - should run against him.
""Without even knowing the outcome of the caucus, I am extremely confident that the Democrats will win all the seats on the City Council this May," said Susan Kellom, chairwoman of the Alexandria Democratic Committee. "We have the talent, the leadership and know–how, especially in the face of the current budget crisis.""
Alexandria, you get exactly what you deserve....
If you want to ask council members about their stance on ARHA:
"THE NEXT FEW weeks will see a flurry of campaign kickoff events across the city: Rob Krupicka at the Majestic Cafe on Dec. 13 at 3 p.m.; Justin Wilson at Fireflies on Dec. 14 at 4:30 p.m.; Tim Lovain at Tempo on Jan. 10 at noon; Ludwig Gaines at Generous George’s on Jan. 10 at 3 p.m.; Paul Smedberg at Rustico or Del Merei Grille (he hasn’t decided which yet) on Jan. 11 at 12:30 p.m.; Boyd Walker at 1307 King St. on Jan. 11 at 4 p.m.; and Del Pepper at the American Legion Hall on Jan. 25 at 3:30 p.m. Council candidate Kerry Donley said he is planning an event at Food Matters, although a date and time has yet to be scheduled."
I heard a rumor that the Gaines event is canceled -- he is apparently getting out of the Council race. Has anyone received confirmation of this?
No rumor in Gains dropping out : http://www.alexandrianews.org/index.php/2008/12/16/gaines-opts-out-of-council-race/
The "final" draft of the Landmark plan was posted today (December 23), two weeks late. Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for January 6th.
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