The following is an update from our neighborhood’s PYMIG liaison, Steve Crime.
The PYMIG held a meeting at the Charles Houston Rec Center on January 27, 2020, at 7:00 pm. The purpose of the meeting was to update the status of the enhanced Southwest access to the Metrorail Station, present the latest from the City’s Board of Architectural Review (BAR), and receive a construction update from the builders (PYC). The agenda, presentation materials, and video of the meeting will be available in the next 24-48 hours at https://www.alexandriava.gov/PotomacMetroWorkGroup (Note: The presentation material slides will significantly aid in understanding the synopsis of the different change options.)
- Southwest Access. We are still waiting for accurate cost estimates for the two options (slides 4 and 5) to improve access to the Metrorail Station from the southwest (Potomac Yard side). PYC has developed cost estimates for the two options; however, the City and WMATA believe those estimates are excessively high. PYC, WMATA, and the City are working to arrive at cost estimates agreeable to all parties. Once received, the PYMIG will recommend a preferred choice to the City Council.
- The BAR. The BAR approved the proposed stormwater downspout shapes and connection details, exoskeleton paint finish, security fence and, retaining wall at the east access road (slide 7). Photos can be seen on pages 18-38 at http://alexandria.legistar.com/gateway.aspx?M=F&ID=619a9338-763b-48cd-8fcb-3551e1ad3389.pdf
- Construction Update.
- PYC has continued work on the AC switchgear building between the WMATA and CSX tracks. PYC has installed the footings and is now raising the outer walls (slides 13 and 14).
- Fill operations are continuing. Using the gravel access road into the wetlands, PYC is moving clean dirt into the area of the future station to bring it up to grade. PYC had already installed a garden-type black fabric to underlie the fill (slides 11 and 12).
- The fill operations will continue for several months because of the enormous amount of dirt required to bring the area up to the level of the existing WMATA tracks (see photo).
- Traffic circle. Work is continuing on the traffic circle. An update will be provided at the Community Meeting at the Charles Houston Rec Center on February 5, 2020, at 7pm.
- PYC anticipates installing flashing solar-powered crosswalk signs on Potomac Greens Drive at the crosswalk between Rose Square and our Clubhouse in mid-February.
- The PYMIG will meet on Monday, February 24, 2020, at 7:00 pm at the Charles Houston Rec Center, 901 Wythe St.
