To the Editor:
A leader has stepped forward to advance a rational compromise on the Waterfront plan not unlike Councilwoman Del Pepper did last year. Vice Mayor Silberberg’s proposed adjustment limiting new hotels in the Waterfront Plan to one would protect our precious resources and the quality of our environment. Further, this compromise would promote the economic well-being of our city while advancing the needed improvements to protect and enhance our waterfront. Its adoption may satisfy the interests of competing sides on the issue, help heal the wounds and bring a rational closure to this divisive issue.
As early as December of 2011, Ms. Silberberg opined in the Washington Post about compromise on the Alexandria Waterfront development issue. Now vice mayor, Silberberg displays courage in proposing compromise in the face of some seemingly entrenched positions. I applaud her courage and vision as I did Councilwoman Pepper for her leadership on this fractious issue last year.
I encourage the mayor and other council members to support the vice mayor’s proposal, advance the issue and help heal our community. Patsy Ticer was right to describe Vice Mayor Silberberg as “a voice of reason!”
Ken Hill
Alexandria