November 26, 2018 PYMIG Meeting Summary
The PYMIG held a meeting at the Charles Houston Recreation Center on November 26th at 7pm. The purpose of the meeting was to provide updates on the Development Special Use Permit (DSUP) process and the announcement of the Amazon and Virginia Tech Innovation Campus. The agenda, presentation materials, and video of the meeting can be found at: https://www.alexandriava.gov/PotomacMetroWorkGroup.
Environmental Permitting Update. In the coming weeks, two groups of contractors hired by the City (ecologists and surveyors) will separately be gathering information in the city park at the north end of our community and in areas of the wetlands. No heavy equipment will be used.
DSUP. The PYMIG’s suggested amendments to the current Metro Station design were submitted to City Staff on November 16th. City Staff has incorporated those recommendations into an amended DSUP they will present to the Planning Commission for approval during its meeting on December 6th, at 7pm, in City Council Chambers, Room 2400, 301 King St. The docket and proposed amended DSUP can be found at:
http://legistar.granicus.com/alexandria/meetings/2018/12/1959_A_Planning_Commission_18-12-06_Docket.pdf
Amazon and VA Tech Innovation Campus. The City has created a website with historical and current information on these topics. It can be found at: https://www.alexandriava.gov/NationalLanding
The State has pledged to provide an additional $50M in funds to restore the South Potomac Yard Metro Station entrance. The State will release the additional funds when Amazon has met certain hiring goals currently estimated to occur in 2026. We do not know if these funds will also restore the Southern Mezzanine and pedestrian bridge to the Metro Station project. City reps are meeting with State reps next week in an effort to have the funds released now so that the restored portions of the station will be constructed within the current construction schedule. Simply put, I know the uncertainty is unsettling. This was also recognized by City Staff. However, it has only been two weeks since the Amazon announcement and one of those weeks was shortened because of Thanksgiving. I will let you know when more information becomes available.
Construction Update. The WMATA rep stated that the construction trailers will not be installed in 2018 as expected. That will now happen in the first quarter of 2019.
We anticipate the next PYMIG Meeting will be held in January 2019 with date, time, and location TBD. However, Metro Station matters will be discussed in the previously mentioned Planning Commission Meeting on December 6th, as well as at the City Council meeting on December 15th, at 9:30am, in City Council Chamber, Room 2400, 301 King St.