The proposed redevelopment of The Heritage apartments located in south Old Town has caused a significant amount of controversy: Concerns about displacement of low-income tenants, inappropriate size and design of proposed buildings and arguments about the historical significance of the site have dominated public meetings regarding the project.
However, redevelopment is moving forward and hundreds of new apartments will take place of the low-rise buildings that now fill the neighborhood formerly known as "The Bottoms". City Council members on Saturday denied an appeal by local residents to slow or stop the project.
On Sept. 2, the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) voted to approve a permit for developers to demolish the existing buildings at 450 South Patrick, 900 Wolfe and 431 South Columbus Streets.
Dozens of residents in the Old and Historic District around the project site appealed the BAR’s decision, which was discussed by City Council at a recent meeting. The appellants argued that the buildings in question may have historic significance that should be further studied and that the buildings contribute to the livability of the area.
City staff, members of the BAR, members of City Council and the property owner all spoke arguing that the 1970s apartment buildings have no historical or architectural significance in and of themselves. All parties expressed a desire to see African American history in the neighborhood preserved and honored in some way by the new development as well as minimized relocation impact on current residents of the apartment buildings.
Following public discussion, the City Council voted unanimously to deny the appeal and uphold the BAR’s decision. City Council members agreed that the issues surrounding the redevelopment were important, but they were not directly relevant to the appeal and could be discussed at a later time.
The BAR will discuss design changes to The Heritage redevelopment at their next meeting on Oct 21. Members of the public can attend the virtual meeting using the details below.
URL: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Qb-U2NaRSKCHYKeH_ToSqA*
The Board of Architectural Review Hearing will start at 7 p.m., while the Zoom Webinar will become available to join at 6:30 p.m.
Zoom Audio Conference:
Dial in: 301.715.8592
Webinar ID: 950 6453 4515
Password: 560241
Public comments will be taken at the meeting. The public may submit comments in advance to Lia Niebauer at lia.niebauer@alexandriava.gov or make public comments through the conference call on the day of the hearing.
For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Jackie Cato at jackie.cato@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3810, Virginia Relay 711.
For further information, call the Department of Planning & Zoning at 703.746.4666 or visit alexandriava.gov/dockets.
