December 24, 2015
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Vol. 11, No. 52 Alexandria’s only independent hometown newspaper DECEMBER 24, 2015 New chamber CEO reflects on challenges, opportunities ahead MGM casino, Potomac Yard and NSF relocation the biggest areas of focus BY CHRIS TEALE From the offices of United Way Worldwide on North Fairfax Street where he serves as execu- PHOTO/CITY OF ALEXANDRIA tive vice president and chief op- The subdivision of 809 and 811 Vassar Road into three properties is set to move forward erating officer, Joseph Haggerty after city council rejected an appeal by neighbors by a margin of 6-1. Vice Mayor Allison Silberberg was the lone dissenting vote. looks across the Potomac River and sees a tremendous opportu- nity for Alexandria as the new City council approves MGM casino is built at National Harbor. To the north is Potomac Yard, COURTESY PHOTO which is slated for the construc- Joseph Haggerty was announced last month as the new CEO of the Vassar Road subdivision tion of a new Metro station and Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, Councilors vote 6-1 to public hearing. Vice Mayor know where that leaves us commercial development. And replacing John Long. Haggerty is cur- reject residents’ appeal Allison Silberberg was the on this case. We don’t have in the Carlyle/Eisenhower East rently executive vice president and BY CHRIS TEALE lone dissenting vote among clarity right now.” neighborhood, he sees great po- chief operating officer at United Way Worldwide, and sits on the chamber’s City council rejected city councilors. “I agree that the standard tential with the construction of board of directors. at its December 12 pub- The case first came be- is a devilishly difficult one the National Science Foundation. lic hearing the appeal to fore council for a public to deal with, and it’s no sur- Those and numerous other sons, Haggerty said he has a per- prevent the owners of two hearing in June, when it prise that we’re getting dif- projects in the city excite Hag- sonal justification for agreeing to adjacent properties in the voted to remand the proposal ferent approaches and differ- gerty, who was announced as the be the chamber’s new CEO. Clover-College Park neigh- back to the city planning ent standards with different Alexandria Chamber of Com- “I travel a lot and I have a borhood from dividing commission for further dis- cases because it is so hard merce’s new CEO last month, couple of kids and I thought this their lots into three after cussion and analysis by city to translate into action,” said replacing the retiring John Long. fevered debate from both staff. Several months after City Councilor Tim Lovain. As well as for professional rea- SEE HAGGERTY | 6 sides and among coun- those original discussions, “It’s a struggle for the staff, cilors, who once again city councilors still struggled it’s a struggle for the planning wrestled with the process with how to apply the lan- commission. It’s a struggle involved in approving the guage of the city’s zoning for us, it’s a struggle for the subdivision. ordinance and the process as neighbors and the people of Councilors voted 6-1 to a whole. Alexandria, the citizens, as approve the proposed subdi- “If it truly is a ministe- they try and understand it vision of 809 and 811 Vassar rial act, we have to make and apply it and try to figure The final 2015 Alexandria Times Road by applicants Stephen it ministerial,” said City out precedent when the prec- Holiday Gift Guide is inside! and Mary Hales, after the Councilor Justin Wilson. edents keep changing.” Find local ideas for those perfect planning commission re- “We have to make the The appeal was brought last-minute gifts to complete your holiday shopping. turned a 5-1 rejection of the analysis ministerial, be- appeal at its November 5 cause it’s not today. I don’t SEE VASSAR | 9 SEE PAGE 13 ‘NOTES ON THE STATE OF VIRGINIA’ ARRIVES AT THE ANTHENAEUM - PAGE 17 2 DECEMBER 24, 2015 ALEXANDRIA TIMES ChristineChristine RolandRoland GarnerGarner Happy Holidays and a Peaceful New Year! OLD TOWN CHAPEL HILL SEMINARY RIDGE $2,550,000 $1,599,000 $1,099,000 UNDER CONTRACT Elegant townhouse circa 1815 on spacious lot Spacious custom home in serene setting on half Gorgeous updated home backing to 2 blocks to King St. & the riverfront! an acre just steps from Chinquapin Park. parkland on a quiet cul de sac! 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3 fireplaces, 4400 sq. ft. living space, 7 bedrooms, 5.5 plus .5 baths, over 6500 sq. ft. of living space with a 3 5 bedroom (4 upper), 4.5 baths with over 3800 sq. ft. of living space. 3-4 parking spaces. Original random width wood floors, car garage. Designed for entertaining and casual living with soaring ceil- Gourmet kitchen, Great room with fireplace & access to large screened exquisite woodwork and architectural details throughout. Two ings, impressive 3 story stone fireplace in living room, grand dining room, porch. Huge walk-out lower level with recreation room, guest suite story gazebo addition provides lots of light and garden views. spacious gourmet kitchen, fabulous Owner’s suite...the list goes on! and bonus room. Large fenced yard with patio & manicured lawn. DEL RAY OLD TOWN SHERWOOD FOREST $1,099,000 $925,000 $875,000 Beautiful townhouse with attached 2 car garage just blocks from the river & King Street! 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, attached 2 car garage. Approximately 2,700 sq. ft. of living space on 4 finished levels. Lovely moldings and wainscot- ing in living room and Beautiful colonial with a spacious 2 story dining room. Eat-in Fabulous renovation and expansion addition and fabulous new front porch! kitchen with granite is- with contemporary flare! 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3 finished levels. Spacious gourmet land, lower level family 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 2100 sq. ft. of living space on 2 levels. Open kitchen opens to breakfast room and family room. room with gas fireplace floor plan with tall ceilings, abundant windows and rich hardwood floors. Living room with fireplace, Master suite with luxury bath, and spacious 4th level Living room with fireplace, kitchen with heated floors, SS appliances & large fenced yard & driveway. with roof top terrace. granite counters and beautiful baths with Travertine marble. Fenced yard. Celebrating 27 Years CChristinehristine GarnerGarner (703) 587-4855 Since 1988 For additional information & Photos, Go To: www.ChristineGarner.com WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM DECEMBER 24, 2015 | 3 THE WEEKLY BRIEFING Tony Verducci relieved of duties as BI football head coach New city council to be installed Jan. 4 He helped lead Bishop es to thank Mr. Verducci for won all-state honors. The new mayor and city Smedberg and City Councilor- Ireton’s football team to two his years of dedicated service Kicker David Cooper, council will officially begin elect Willie Bailey, who will straight state finals, but after to the Bishop Ireton football running back Perris Jones, their new term on January 4 at 7 begin his first term. Silberberg nine years and holding the program and acknowledges linebacker Michael Everett p.m. at an installation ceremony replaces Mayor Bill Euille in most wins of any Cardinals the impact he has made on and defensive back Corey at the auditorium of T.C. Wil- the city’s top elected position. head coach, the school an- players and their families Johnson were named First liams High School. The event is The incoming mayor will nounced on December 9 that over the years,” said Ireton Team All-State; while tight free and open to the public, and host an event to mark the new Tony Verducci will not be re- head of school Tom Curry in end Ryan Verducci, offensive a reception will follow. council term on January 3 at turning in the fall. a statement. “The administra- lineman Patrick Gallagher, Allison Silberberg will the George Washington Ma- The decision by Ireton tion also thanks him for his defensive lineman Joseph be sworn in as the city’s new sonic National Memorial from was not related to results on service to our country as a Wenger and defensive back mayor, and she will be joined 3 to 5 p.m. Billed as an “Instal- the field, however. Verducci naval officer and wishes him Charlie Ladd earned Second on the dais by Vice Mayor-elect lation Celebration,” it is open has been selected for promo- the very best as he moves into Team All-State honors. Justin Wilson, incumbent City to the public and admission is tion to the Senior Executive his new role in the Senior Ex- There were honorable Councilors John Chapman, Tim free of charge. Service in the U.S. Navy, a ecutive Service.” mentions for offensive line- Lovain, Del Pepper and Paul - Chris Teale position that requires nomi- The announcement came man Amaechi Konkwo, wide nation from the President of just over two weeks after receiver Sam Smith, defen- the United States and would Ireton competed in its sec- sive lineman Trey Lovisone, require him to be based in ond consecutive Virginia In- linebackers Bernie Hayes Norfolk, Va. dependent Schools Athletic III and Joey Siedlarz, defen- While the school said that Association final, where it sive end/outside linebacker ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK Verducci was happy to com- lost 35-6 to Benedictine. The Mal Sullivan, punt returner mute between Norfolk and Cardinals went down to de- Alex Duke and long snapper Alexandria to continue his feat to the same opponent in Bryce Simpson. duties, athletic director Bill the previous season.