Waterfront Work Group's Mission Concerns Alexandria Chamber of Commerce

The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce issued a statement on Monday saying it's "gravely concerned" by initial steps taken by the mayor-appointed Waterfront Work Group.

During its first meeting, the work group adopted a vision statement for the waterfront plan as "a vibrant waterfront that celebrates our historical and cultural legacy, expands and supports public uses, yet retains and preserves the special charm and ambience of our community for future generations."

The group originally began discussing a statement including the words "an economically vibrant waterfront," but later removed the word 'economically.'

"This is one of the first signs of trouble," said Chamber President and CEO Tina Leone. "We are disappointed that the word 'economically' was removed from the vision statement because it indicates that the work group has lost sight of the goals set forth over two years ago to create an economically sustainable waterfront. It is critical to our future that we develop a revenue-neutral or revenue positive waterfront plan. Otherwise, the City Council will be raising property taxes on all property owners in Alexandria in order to fund a watered-down plan that does not benefit the entire city."

Waterfront Work Group member and transportation consultant Nate Macek told Patch: "Personally, I share the chamber's concern that the waterfront be economically sustainable. The word 'economically' was removed from the vision statement in an effort to make it succinct, but perhaps this needs to be revisited."

Group member Mindy Lyle, vice president of client development for Haley & Aldrich, said she believes the waterfront plan must be economically vibrant and viable.

"For any kind of project like this to take off, you’ve got to have economic viability," she said. "Just taking the word out doesn’t make a differnce at how I look at things."

Leone added, "We can only hope that the City Council will remember that it endorsed the Economic Sustainability Task Force Report, which included the creation of an economically sustainable waterfront. Commerce put Alexandria's waterfront on the map, and the failure to nurture and support commerce on the waterfront is a disservice to our past and our future."

Leone said the chamber supports the Waterfront Plan that was proposed to City Council in June 2010.

Editor's Note: This story was changed to reflect Mindy Lyle's correct title.