Hilco held its fifteenth community meeting on Zoom last week, specifically to discuss its plan for open space on the former Gen On power plant site.

The plan consists of the following elements:

Waterfront open space: Hilco plans to add 2.86 acres to the National Park Service land to form a total of approximately 8.13 acres of open space to accommodate a range of active and passive opportunities for the community to connect with the river and nature.
Central Plaza: Located behind (to the west of) the waterfront space, a waterfront plaza is planned for a variety of activities.
Rail Corridor open space: The addition of Hilco’s 1.95 acres to the Norfolk Southern open right-of-way will create a linear park totaling approximately 5.05 acres, providing neighborhood space for different activities and the incorporation of historical and educational elements.

Click on image to download PDF of drawings and images.

Overall, the objectives are to connect the neighborhood with the waterfront, create both passive and active green spaces, and prioritize pedestrian access and activity.

At the meeting, landscape architect Simon Beer described the types of active and passive spaces and landscape elements that are being considered for the site. After his presentation, the development team fielded questions from the audience. Among the public comments was a request to not destroy the last historic rail line in the Alexandria, a question about the eventual population of the site, a request for more information about future arts uses, a plea for more shade through trellises on the site, and a question about whether the architecture should emulate that of Old Town. Hilco representatives provided their thoughts and noted that the presentation would be made available on their website.

Hilco collected community feedback through a month-long online survey, and conducted site visits for the public on May 12 and 13. Also in May, the Alexandria City Council approved Hilco’s proposed Coordinated Sustainability Strategy.

Next up is Hilco’s Development Site Plan application for sitewide infrastructure (IDSP), on the June 6 Planning Commission agenda for public hearing. The Commission’s meeting begins at 7:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chamber, and the DSP is item #6 on the agenda. The staff report and site plan are available on the Planning Commission docket at https://alexandriava.gov

Hilco has presented us with many fascinating ideas that have the potential to enhance the recreational opportunities for residents and employees in Old Town North.

Hilco Shares Open Space Plan, Prepares for Planning Commission Review of Infrastructure