Hank Silverberg, wtop.com
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Alexandria has approved a blueprint for a new waterfront after three years of planning, changes and debate. But not without a great deal of dissent.
The council voted 5-2 late Saturday, capping off an eight hour public hearing.
The plan, which takes in only 8.6 acres of the city’s historic waterfront includes $40 to $50 million worth of development including two hotels.
It preserves residential parking, access to the waterfront and includes some flood mitigation in an area known for high water during storms.
But some residents say much more needs to be done — including a closer look at access to open space and a reduction in density.
Andrew MacDonald, from AlternativeAlexandriaWaterfrontPlan.com says city council members did not take the concerns of local residents into consideration and had made up their minds before the hearing.
Mayor Bill Euille, who favors the project, says the plan represents “a bright future while protecting our historic past”.
Another key component of the waterfront plan includes a look at the GenOn power plant site, and what can be done with it now that the plant is closing.
WTOP’s Kathy Stewart contributed to this story.
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