A proposed massive replacement for the Old Colony Inn will add over600 more cars to the George Washington Parkwayeachhour during peak rush hours.Worse, almost half of these willneed to crossGW parkway,(this will require longer left turn time on lights = more redlight time for north/south traffic). The developer needs a Special Use Permit (SUP) to build at more density than zoning allows. * We don't want our historic gateway to turn into a K Street, * You don'twant more gridlock. #1. Contact Council members via the Alexandria City Hall Clerkto register your opposition. Request that City Council reject the developer's request for a Special Use Permit.

Call:(703) 838-4550

Fax: (703) 838-6433

E-mail: city clerk c/o beverly.jett@ci.alexandria.va.us

#2. Come to the City Council Meeting at City Hall this Saturday,May 15that 9:30 am For more info, contact: (703) 836-4218   Background: Short story - A developer has bought Old Colony Motel and Conference Center. This large property faces the east side of the North Gateway of George Washington Parkway into Alexandria. It is zoned for a FAR of 1.5 (FAR is a floor area to size of lot ratio and is used a measurement of how big/dense a project is). The developer had requested a SUP to build at 2.5 FAR or 66% greater than allowed by zone. His rationally was the greater profits this offered would let him make prettier building. But with major citizen and Federal Park Services complaint against this project, it was rejected by Alexandria's planning commission, with the suggestion that the developer work with the citizen groups who opposed this project due to its massive size and scale and inappropriateness for the historic George Washington Memorial Parkway. The developer has not met with citizen groups, but has reduced size by about 5% and is requesting that our elected council members overturn the planning departments recommendation to reject by approve a SUP to allow for more dense development. Previously this was scheduled to come before Council but was withdrawn at the last minute (presumably because developer did not have sufficient support on City Council). We need your support to convince our elected council officials that they need to do the right thing and reject this proposal. Please call and come to Saturday's meeting to voice your opposition. There are more links Click Here And Here and facts below.

Old Colony Motel and Conference Center to be demolished. A 332,000 sq. Ft. "Industrial" Office building Complex (3 buildings) is planned to replace it. - 700 + car garage to be built - Building complex to be one of largest in Old Town The developer has requested a Special Use Permit and waivers of design/construction limitations.

This proposal violates the: * 1929 Agreement with the Federal Government * Old Town Historic District Standards

* Washington Street Guidelines * Old Town North Small Area Plan

The development proposed is 57% larger than current zoning allows. It ruins our Historic Gateway. It dwarfs adjacent homes. Its traffic will block our streets. It could add hours to your commute. Your support can convince City Council to vote against this project. Help save our Historic Gateway.Protect your Commute.Call &Show up and be counted. Come to the City Council Meeting at City Hall, 301 King Street this Saturday, May 15that 9:30 am