Power Plant Site Wins Planning Award
The Virginia chapter of the American Planning Association (APA) has recognized the City of Alexandria’s Department of Planning and Zoning for its work with the site owner in planning the redevelopment of close to 19 acres of the former Potomac River Generating Station in Old Town North. The brownfield site is to be redeveloped by Hilco Redevelopment Partners.
The planning project won the Red Clay Award for Development of the Year. The APA Virginia website states, “Virginia’s red clay is the Commonwealth’s traditional building material, making it an appropriate name for Virginia’s Development of the Year Award. This recognition honors a development that exhibits the values of great planning, helping to create a great place in Virginia. Eligible nominees include infill developments, building rehabilitation projects, brownfield redevelopments, downtown redevelopment, and other similar projects.”
The project includes multiple opportunities for an active pedestrian level
About the awards program, the APA Virginia website says, “Every year, the American Planning Association’s Virginia Chapter honors and showcases the best in planning throughout the Commonwealth with its annual Awards Program. The Chapter recognizes the tireless work of individuals who spearhead great planning throughout Virginia. APA Virginia convenes a panel of peers each year for its Awards Committee representative of the profession’s depth and diversity to identify, acknowledge and promote great planning.
A major focus of the City of Alexandria’s planning efforts is sustainability, which the project team has addressed in five key areas.
Under this program, the Chapter strives to accomplish the following:
Helping Planners Plan, by highlighting best practices and inspiring our members;
Helping Virginia Plan, by promoting sound planning and decision-making in the Commonwealth;
Making Planning and Planners Matter, by promoting the value and enhancing the credibility of planners among elected and appointed officials, the public and related professions;
Meeting Membership Needs, by endorsing our members and their work;
Getting Planners Involved, by engaging volunteers to serve on the Awards Committee and evaluate the work of their peers; and
Making Great Places Happen, by helping members and communities replicate and build on the success of others.”