To the editor:

It seems everyone is weighing in on the proposed Alexandria waterfront plan. As a rower I want to say “weigh enough,” which means stop what you are doing now.

I see the city from a vantage that most Alexandrians do not. This summer, with the increased number of wooden sailing ships visiting, it felt like the clock had been turned back as I rowed. Looking at the shoreline and Old Town skyline above the masts, the city was frozen in the 19th and 20th centuries. That look needs to be preserved, especially between Princess and Gibbon streets.

This can be accomplished with prudent, small-scale development. Let’s keep what we have in the lower King Street area. Waterfront Park and Old Dominion Boat Club should remain as they are, but a sidewalk should be added on the Strand and the fencing improved in front of the boat club’s parking lot that creates a view of the river.

Also, recent news stories have indicated some members of the city council may have a conflict of interest. They should recuse themselves. I urge  remaining city council members to take a cautious approach and tread lightly since there will be no second chances in the future.

– George Bergmann
Alexandria