Community Corner

Old Dominion Boat Club Agrees to Sell Land to City of Alexandria

Agreement apparently ends long dispute, opens way for expanded waterfront development.

The decades-old dispute over a half-acre parking lot and clubhouse on Alexandria's waterfront has apparently ended, with the Old Dominion Boat Club agreeing to sell its property and avoid eminent domain and more legal battles.

The agreement opens the way for further development of the Potomac River waterfront, with plans to build a park as the centerpiece on the Dominion land.

The agreement gives the club $5 million in exchange for both its parking lot and clubhouse, and allows the club to build a new clubhouse in the nearby Beachcombers building. The deal also allows 45 surface parking spaces and a new boat ramp, piers and slips.

Find out what's happening in Old Town Alexandriawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“I think we’re happy we’ve started on the road to put this thing to rest,” club President Richard Banchoff told The Washington Post, which reported 60 percent of the club's 400 members voted to accept the deal.

“That’s very good news,” said Mayor William D. Euille (D), who has worked on the issue for 10 years. “Even though I know how difficult and challenging it was for ODBC members, and the city, it ends up being a win-win. . . . I’m tickled to death.”

Find out what's happening in Old Town Alexandriawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A precise contract will be drawn before the sale is final.

The disputed property is located where the commercial activity of King Street meets the civic activities of the Waterfront, resulting in a natural gathering spot for members of the public and, potentially, the principal hub of pedestrian activity for all of Old Town. For this reason, the Waterfront Plan identifies this location for a new public plaza where these activities can take place.


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