To the Editor:
I am surprised to learn that Kerry Donley, who has been involved in our city for many years both as a banker and as an elected official, still does not understand that elected officials cannot control the pace of development. However much we may enact permissive rules such as overlay districts and approve massive increases in density, the ultimate choice on whether to build or not belongs to investors whose decisions are based as much on the economy as on whether a local government is “business friendly.”
During his last term on Council, Mr. Donley attended many public meetings and took an active part in the creation of the Beauregard Corridor Plan, a large increase in density involving the destruction of many garden apartments in the West End. That plan was approved by City Council almost three years ago. To date very little has changed there. There are no development plans likely to be ready for approvals any time soon.
Even earlier, the city approved a re-design of Landmark Mall. Nothing has changed there either although the planning department does have some proposals which may be approved next fall. Despite the near emptiness of the existing mall, Mr. Donley is now touting using an overlay district in the West Eisenhower area for another big box retail center. I see no demand for such a center in that location.
Meanwhile the big box Potomac Yard center brings in around $14 million in annual revenue for the city, mostly from sales taxes. My observation of the license plates in the parking lot suggests to me that part of its commercial success is that it attracts shoppers from southeast Washington and nearby Prince Georges County. Both Mr. Donley and Mayor Euille are willing to forgo most of that revenue for a new plan for the Yard with a Metro costing at least $268 million.
Continuing to approve massive density increases and expensive infrastructure projects in hopes of attracting more business as both the mayor and Mr. Donley urge us to do is not a realistic plan for the city’s future. We need a new approach and new ideas. In other words we need a new mayor, Allison Silberberg.
Katy Cannady
Alexandria