Open Space Steering Committee - Virtual Community Meeting January 27, 2021 - City of ...

Open Space Steering
Committee
Virtual Community Meeting
January 27, 2021

Agenda
1.   Zoom Ground Rules
2.   FOIA/Open Meetings
3.   Update on definition and purpose
4.   Public Access Easements
     • Discussion: Extent of public accessibility
5. Next Steps
6. Public Comment
7. Adjourn

                                                    2

Zoom Ground Rules

                    3

FOIA/Open Meetings Rules
What are the obligations of Open Space Steering Committee members
related to public meetings and carrying out Committee business?

• Any gathering of 3 or more members of the Committee is an
  official meeting and must be open to the public (in-person/virtual).

• All Committee meetings where 3 or more members are discussing
  Committee business must be public noticed a minimum of 3 working
  days prior to the meeting day.

• Committee members are not permitted to carry out Committee
  business using electronic communication such as, but not limited to,
  email, chat rooms, instant messaging, texting, etc.

  • To avoid potential problems, it is advisable that Committee members:
     • Not use REPLY ALL to emails - Respond and/or comment to Ana
        Vicinanzo or Judy Lo
     • Not initiate emails to the full Committee – Coordinate communication
        through to Ana Vicinanzo or Judy Lo
     • When possible, wait to communicate to the full Committee at the next
        scheduled meeting

• Committee meetings may only occur if a Quorum is present/virtual.

                                                                              4

Task 1 Update
• Purpose – where the definition will live
 • Guidance document (examples)

• Draft definition

• Draft purpose, characteristics, goals,
  etc.

                                             5

Draft Definition
Publicly Accessible Open Space in the City of
Alexandria is:

Outdoor space that has guaranteed public access
with the primary purpose being formal or
informal recreation; or the conservation and
protection of natural, cultural, or historic
resources; and which enhances the health and
well-being of Alexandria.

                                                  6

Extent of Public
Accessibility Discussion

                           7

Public Access Easements
• Typically allows
  "Pedestrian Ingress-Egress"
• Owner is responsible for
  maintenance and retains title
  to property
• Owner may close
  easement for maintenance
• Owner may close
  easement according to
  operational hours, such
  as sunset to sunrise each
  day
• City/public has full and free
  use of easement

                                  8

Programming within
 Public Access Easements
• To what extent should
  there be restrictions on
  programming and
  activities within the
  easement area?
  Examples:

-Holding private or public
events such as concerts
-Allowing businesses or
residents to vend services
such as farmer's markets,
classes or outdoor dining
-How many events or
programs should be
allowed?

                             9

Design within Public
 Access Easements

                       10

Design within Public
 Access Easements

                       11

Wilkes/Payne Street
    Public Access

                      12

Publicly Accessible Open
     Space Characteristics
• How do we make
  publicly accessible
  open space feel
  public and not
  privatized?

• What are
  characteristics that
  make spaces feel
  public versus
  private?

                               13

Thank you for your input!

                            14

Next Steps
• Using the input collected from tonight’s
  meeting staff will begin drafting extent
  of public accessibility on publicly
  accessible open space

• Staff will send out Definition, Purpose,
  Characteristics, and Goals document to
  Committee to review and edit

• Next Meeting: February 24, 2021
                                             15

Information & Questions
• Information
   • Open Space Planning

• Questions
  • Ana Vicinanzo, Urban Planner II
    ana.vicinanzo@alexandriava.gov
  • Judy Lo, Acting Principal Planner
    judy.lo@alexandriava.gov
  • Jack Browand, Division Chief
    jack.browand@alexandriava.gov

                                        16

Public Comment
• Please use the "Raise Your Hand"
  feature or "*9" to inform staff you
  would like to comment.

 • Comments will be limited to three
   minutes per speaker.

                                        17

Thank you!
Next meeting is February 24, 2021 at 7 p.m.

                                              18

Appendix

           19

Publicly Accessible Open Space Draft Definitions
1   Space available for public use for the purposes of outdoor
    recreation and leisure, cultural arts, and the protection of
    environmental, cultural, and historic resources, and which is
    intended to enhance the health and well-being of the
    community.
2   Land reserved for the purpose of formal and informal sport
    and recreation, preservation of natural environments,
    and/or provision of green space.
3   Space for recreation and leisure, natural resources, casual
    use, historic and cultural resources and is either publicly
    owned or has guaranteed public access – including parks,
    plazas, trails, streets, and recreation facilities. (Arlington)
4   Land that preserves and enhances Alexandria's vegetative
    and recreational areas and protects natural and developed
    amenities intended as areas for respite, with sunlight and
    fresh air for leisure activities.

                                                                      20

Open Space Definition
According to section 2-180 of the Zoning Ordinance, open and
usable space is that portion of a lot at ground level which is:

•   (A) Eight feet or more in width;
•   (B) Unoccupied by principal or accessory buildings;
•   (C) Unobstructed by other than recreational facilities; and
•   (D) Not used in whole or in part as roads, alleys, emergency
    vehicle easement areas, driveways, maneuvering aisles or off-
    street parking or loading berths.

The purpose of open and usable space is to provide areas of trees, shrubs,
lawns, pathways, and other natural and man-made amenities which
function for the use and enjoyment of residents, visitors and other persons.

Note: The Zoning Ordinance does not distinguish between public, public-
private, or private open space

Note: Above grade open space is currently considered open space – not
reflected in the zoning ordinance

                                                                               21

Intent of Publicly
   Accessible Open Space
As stated in the Open Space Master Plan (2003, updated
2017), it is an investment in a higher quality of life for
ourselves and future generations.

• We seek to protect public open space because:

  • It connects the community: Our parks and facilities are the
    public’s common ground that equitably bring together our
    vibrant and diverse community.

  • It improves well-being: Our programs and facilities motivate
    the community to make healthy choices and live active
    lifestyles through all stages of life and at all levels and
    abilities.

  • Its an investment in our environment: Our commitment to
    natural spaces provides physical, mental, and community
    benefits, while offering opportunities to engage with and
    conserve our natural resources.
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