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Monroe Bridge Construction Update
The following is a summary of key events in the remaining construction schedule that were presented by the developer at Thursday night's Monroe Avenue Bridge Liaison Committee meeting.
- The southbound Route 1 bridge deck is on schedule and will open in early October;
- When the new span is open, Howell and Bellefonte Avenues will open ((Bellefonte will be, and Windsor will continue to be, right-in and right-out);
- Slaters Lane slip ramp to southbound Route 1 and the pedestrian trail will open in late September;
- After the new span opens, motorists will be able to make a left turn from southbound Route 1 onto Slaters Lane;
- After the slip ramp and new span open, the light from Slaters onto Route 1 will be for right-turns (i.e., north-bound on Route 1) only;
- Monroe Avenue should open around November 1;
- After the new span opens until about mid-late November there will be work in the Route 1 median.
- All bridge work should be completed by mid-late November.
The powerpoint presentation that was given at the meeting is posted on the Potomac Yard website (specifically link at bottom of page).
An updated annotated illustration showing the final configuration of intersection and traffic/pedestrian routes for the Monroe Bridge when completed is available for download here.
IMPORTANT NOTE: One particular issue that was raised was the timing of the reopening of Howell and Bellefonte Avenues. Several people in attendance felt that it would be better to delay the reopening until no earlier than and perhaps after the opening of Monroe Avenue. The reasoning was to encourage/retrain drivers to use the preferred Monroe Avenue route to and from Route 1.
City staff has discussed the matter, and the Director of Transportation & Environmental Services has asked to attend the September meeting of the Del Ray Citizens Association to get input from the neighborhood.
There are several other issues related to Monroe Avenue between Mount Vernon Avenue and Potomac Yard on which the neighborhood needs to be informed. The September meeting will be a good time for these presentations and the discussion of when to reopen Howell and Bellefonte.
- - posted July 11, 2008
City Opposes Virginia-American Water Co. Rate Hike
The Virginia-American Water Company (VAWC), a private utility which provides water to Alexandria homes and businesses, has filed with the State Corporation Commission (SCC) an application for a 16.8% increase for Alexandria customers. Although the proposed rate increase is still under SCC review, under Virginia law, this rate increase will become effective on July 8, 2008. According to VAWC, the proposed 16.8% increase is driven largely by new capital investments in the VAWCs Alexandria infrastructure, and the VAWCs request for an increase in their rate of return. Investments in infrastructure are consistent with City Councils articulated desire for the VAWC to maintain its systems reliability, so a rate increase is justified, but not a 16.8% rate increase.
The City has reviewed the rate case documents and provided formal comments to the SCC in objection to the proposed increase in the VAWCs Alexandria District rates. The rate increase will be subject to a refund with interest if the SCC later determines a lower rate was appropriate. In 2000 and 2004, the SCC approved rate increases below what the VAWC requested.
City residents and businesses can express their concerns about this rate increase to the SCC by writing by September 10, 2008, to:
Clerk of the Commission
State Corporation Commission
c/o Document Control Center
P.O. Box 2118
Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118
Correspondence to the SCC should note the SCC case number: PUE-2008-00009. Comments may also be submitted electronically via the SCC web site by following the instructions at www.scc.virginia.gov/case.
DRCA Bylaws Review
The current DRCA Bylaws are in need of a review and revision. There are several opportunities for us to update the bylaws for the electronic era, clarify the classes of membership to include those who are interested in Del Ray but do not live or work here, and several other items. The executive board has established a review committee that will meet over the summer to present recommendations to the membership for consideration at the September 2008 meeting. If you are interested in working on the committee, please email DRCA past president Larry Altenburg.
- - posted July 5, 2008
Monroe Avenue Bridge Demolition Work This Weekend
The construction company has informed us that demolition work will conclude this weekend (6/28 & 6/29) at the Monroe Avenue Bridge project. Due to time restrictions placed by the heavily traveled railroad, work will take place both on Saturday and Sunday. Work hours will be 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday and 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunday. The demolition work will be performed on the last remaining pier for the old bridge, situated immediately adjacent to the railroad.
The work will consist of a hoe-ram breaking the pier and an excavator removing the rubble. There will be no traffic implications. Due to the location of the pier, and the proximity to the new bridge, the bridge should act as a noise barrier for the community near Slaters Lane. As for the Del-Ray community, the pier has considerable clear distance from the border of the new Potomac Yard site and is located on the opposite side of new stockpiles acting as a noise barrier.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call (703) 548-5020.
- - posted June 27, 2008
Monroe Avenue opening delayed until Fall 2008
According to the construction company (and confirmed by city staff) the opening of Monroe Ave has been delayed from July until Fall 2008.
"Due to the delay of the easement required for crossing Dominion Power's line on Monroe Avenue, we will not be opening Monroe Avenue in July. Instead, it will be approximately 14 weeks after we receive permission to continue work in the area. We are currently awaiting this permission, and unfortunately, do not have an approximate time frame when we will receive permission. Best bet is to say 'Fall 2008'. "
An updated annotated illustration showing the final configuration of intersection and traffic/pedestrian routes for the Monroe Bridge when completed is available for download here. - - posted June 23, 2008
DRCA Elects New Board
At its annual year-end celebration, the DRCA Membership elected the new Board of Directors for the 20082009 operating year:
- President: David Fromm
- 1st Vice President: Sean Crumley
- 2nd Vice President: Sarah Pearson
- 3rd Vice President: Heidi Ficken Posson
- Secretary: Michael Bergin
- Treasurer: Scott Newsham
- Sergeant-at-Arms: Andy Hall
Larry Altenburg, Immediate Past President, will continue to serve as a Director and member of the Board as an ex-officio member.
Additionally, the Board recognized several key volunteers for their contributions: Leland Ness and Lee Perna for their help with the historic signs and the historic components of the Centennial celebration; Janet Ness and Stephanie Sample for organizing the 2008 House and Garden Tour; and Carol Bailey and Gayle Reuter for organizing the Centennial Parade.
Many thanks to Neel Lassiter, owner of the No. 9 Lounge and the Evening Star Cafe for hosting the celebration!
- - posted June 11, 2008
City of Alexandria Advises Residents on Storm Cleanup Procedures
Following this week's severe storms, the City of Alexandria has posted reminders about cleanup operations for residents. You can read the material from the City on their website.
- - posted June 5, 2008
Monroe Avenue Bridge Construction Update
During the month of June, the bridge contractor will be performing multiple concrete deck pours. Seven deck pours in total will occur through the month. The contractor is targeting a Tuesday/Thursday schedule for these pours. These deck pours will occur in the early morning hours, starting at 3:30 AM and continuing through the morning. During this time, portable light plants, concrete pump trucks, and cranes will be used. Every effort will be taken to ensure minimal impact on the surrounding community, as City staff will be constantly working with the contractor. There will be NO traffic impacts.
For further information, please call Potomac Yard Development, LLC at 703/548-5020.
- - posted June 3, 2008
City Zoning Text Amendment
Considered 'onerous' and 'burdensome' by small business advocates, Alexandria has proposed to eliminate a special use permit requirement for certain businesses, changing them to permitted or administrative approved use. By reducing case-by-case scrutiny, will residential neighborhoods lose protections the SUP process affords them? Read more... TA#2008-0004 and Land Use committee response.
- - posted May 22, 2008
DRCA June Membership Meeting Location Announced
Typically our year-end celebration, the June 9 DRCA membership meeting will be held at the Majestic Lounge, upstairs of the Evening Star Cafe, 2000 Mt Vernon Ave. We will serve refreshments and invite all members to attend. At this meeting we will hold the elections for the 2008-2009 Executive Board, recognize various members of the community for their contributions, and have an all around good time. Hope to see you there.
- - posted May 30, 2008
House and Garden Tour a Huge Success!
With many thanks to Janet Ness, Stephanie Sample, and the entire House and Garden Tour Committee, the 2008 House and Garden Tour is now one for the books. The committee sold over 400 tickets, organized 11 homeowners and about 100 volunteers, and got Judy Lowe to ensure that we had great weather. Thank you all for your hard work and for making this historic Tour such a great time for all.
- - posted May 18, 2008
Virginia Legislature Recognizes Centennial
The Virginia Legislature officially recognized the Centennial of the Town of Potomac at Monday's membership meeting. Senator Patsy Ticer, Delegate Adam Ebbin, and Delegate David Englin presented an Official Proclamation to DRCA President Larry Altenburg in honor of Del Ray's history and centennial celebration.
- - posted May 14, 2008
76 Trombones Led the Big Parade!
 (Well, maybe one trombone and several members of the TC Williams Marching Band.) Hundreds of Del Rayers turned out on Saturday May 3 to commemorate the Town of Potomac Centennial with a Hat Parade! Representatives from various city and community groups marched along a Commonwealth Avenue crowded with onlookers celebrating our 100th anniversary. As the tail end of the parade passed, all of the spectators were invited to join in to truly celebrate our community. Organizers Pat Miller, Gayle Reuter, and Carol Bailey did a fantastic job pulling the event together, and many thanks to the DC Metro Church for organizing the post-parade childrens' games and the Kate Moran Band for the entertainment. Photos will be posted soon, but feel free to peruse Jack Powers's photos in the meanwhile.
- - posted May 7, 2008, photo © 2008 Jack Powers
DRCA Nominations Committee Submits 2008-2009 Executive Board Slate
After several weeks of effort searching for candidates for the Del Ray Citizens Association Executive Board, the Nominations Committee has submitted its recommended slate for the 2008-2009 year. For more information read their report on the Board page.
- - posted April 28, 2008
Del Ray House and Garden Tour Tickets Available Now!
Del Ray's biennial House & Garden Tour is scheduled for Saturday, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets will be available to the general public at the Farmers' Market beginning on May 3, or online. Day of the Tour sales will only be at the Farmers' Market. (Please print out your receipt and bring it to the Farmers' Market the morning of the tour to pick up your program(s), which serves as your ticket on the day of the tour.)
- - revised May 2, 2008
MV Big Flea Nets Huge Take
This year's annual flea market benefiting the Mount Vernon Community School PTA raised $18,226, over twice as much as last year, and with over $10,000 on the day of the event alone. Joe LaMountain, chair of the MV Big Flea, said "The funds we raised will be used for after school clubs, field trips, teacher supplies and extracurricular events like Hispanic Heritage Night and the Family Fun Fair." Thank you Joe and all of the volunteers for your hard work to benefit our local school!
- - posted April 28, 2008
Centennial Parade Coming to Del Ray
It's official!!! Mark your calendars. The Del Ray Centennial Hat Parade will be held on Saturday, May 3, in celebration of the "Town of Potomac's" 100th Birthday. The parade starts at 10 am at Cliff and Commonwealth Avenue and proceed North on Commonwealth to the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center fields.
Everyone is invited to participate -- all you have to do is wear a hat from one of the ten decades that the centennial celebrates -- 1908 to 2008. It can be from your grandfather's hall closet, your great grandmother's cedar chest or one you make. And a Del Ray Parade wouldn't be a parade without our pets so as long as they are wearing a hat, they are welcome to join the fun! Hat marchers should gather by 9:45 am on Cliff Street behind the yellow balloons. Other participants will include the Police Honor Guard, Sheriff's Car, Fire Truck, TC Williams Band, Antique Cars from each decade with hopefully a horse & buggy for our first decade, an old fashioned float, lots of elected officials & Del Ray Citizens Association Board Members (past and present) and finally families and neighbors in hats.
Look for an e-mail shortly giving details how you, your neighbors, friends and family can all help make the float that will be starring in the parade. We will be providing the location of our wonderful neighbors, the Beckers, who have donated their garage for the float making and we will give you the hours that you can come down and make a float the old fashioned way no experience needed.
We are also reaching out to the community to help identify key members of the community that you would like to see honored for their contributions to making this such a great neighborhood. Besides looking for those that have made contributions, we are also looking for our most senior citizens and our most recently born citizens. If you have any nominations or suggestions, please e-mail Gayle Reuter ASAP . They will be honored and ride in our special cars in the parade.
Immediately following the Parade at the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center, a May Pole will be demonstrated, children can participate in lots of old fashioned games and everyone can enjoy music by the Kate Moran Band. Also be sure and stop by the Spring Outdoor Art Sale hosted by the Del Ray Artisans on that day from 10 am to 4 pm next to the Mt. Vernon Rec fields.
Please spread the word and forward to any other list serves of neighbors and friends. And, if marching in parades is not your thing, don't worry, we need lots of fans to line Commonwealth Avenue to cheer all the "marchers" on. And remember, this only happens once every 100 years so you won't want to miss it!!!!
- - posted April 25, 2008
New Town of Potomac Historic Markers Dedicated
Del Ray's new historic markers were ceremonially dedicated and unveiled at the Farmers' Market on Saturday April 12. Mayor (and Del Ray Citizen) Bill Euille, several members of City Council, and DRCA President Larry Altenburg were on hand as well as several members of the Potomac Centennial Committee and the Office of Historic Alexandria. Images of each of the signs and their locations are available online. Thank you Lee Ness and Lee Perna for all of your work in providing the content for each of the signs.
- - posted April 14, 2008
Del Ray Resident Wins Pulitzer Prize for Journalism
Del Ray's own Brigid Schulte shares in the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Reporting as part of the team of Washington Post journalists who won for breaking-news coverage of the Virginia Tech shootings. The citation reads: "Awarded to The Washington Post Staff for its exceptional, multi-faceted coverage of the deadly shooting rampage at Virginia Tech, telling the developing story in print and online." Brigid is a writer for the Metro Section of the Post and regularly reports on happenings in Arlington and Alexandria. Excellence in journalism must run in her family as her husband, Tom Bowman with National Public Radio, was nominated for the 1995 Pulitzer for his six-part series "No Such Agency" for the Baltimore Sun. Congratulations Brigid!
- - posted April 8, 2008
Town of Potomac Centennial Lecture Fills Lyceum
Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Town of Potomac, Leland Ness, local historian and a co-founder of the Town of Potomac Historical Society, presented a lecture to over 150 attendees on the history and origins of Del Ray. Presented at the Lyceum and co-sponsored by the Alexandria Historical Society and the Del Ray Citizens Association, Ness described Del Ray as a one of the earliest commuter suburbs. A small railroad community with a very large and famous horse racing track (St. Asaph's) with savory and unsavory tales alike. Ness regaled the attendees for nearly 90 minutes with history and legend. The lecture was capped off with a special treat from The Dairy Godmother - a unique flavor of sorbet designed exclusively for the event. Thank you Lee for a wonderful night.
- - posted April 8, 2008
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