To the editor:
I am writing to you to express my extreme displeasure at the city’s plans to develop three 80-foot buildings in the Old and Historic Alexandria District. I am appalled by the city’s plans to allow its chosen commercial developer, Asland Capital Partners, to construct highly dense and massive buildings which will undoubtedly contribute to the degradation in the quality of life for nearby residents.
From the beginning, the Citizens Association of the Southwest supported the continued preservation and protection of affordable housing, and for the families who live in affordable housing. However, we oppose the footprint of the city moving to construct three, 80-foot-tall buildings that directly contradict the city’s 2018 Master Plan amendment that maximizes building heights at 55 feet.
The design of the proposed buildings does not keep with the Old Town community as stated by the City’s Board of Architectural Review in its Sept. 2, 2020 hearing.
We have been betrayed by the city’s October 2018 South Patrick Street Housing Affordability Strategy which allows developers to request up to an extra 25 feet through the City’s “Building Density and Height Program.”
Such an egregious request is entirely unnecessary in our community and will undoubtedly decrease the quality of life in our neighborhood. In addition, the design of the proposed buildings is not in keeping with the “Old Town charm” in the Old and Historic Alexandria District as stated by the City’s Board of Architectural Review.
I live in Old Town because I do not want to live in high-rises which would be perfectly acceptable in Crystal City or Potomac Yard!
-Caren Camp Alexandria
