[Archived] City Offers Options to Old Dominion Boat Club for Resolution of Parking Lot Dispute

The City of Alexandria has offered the Old Dominion Boat Club (ODBC) two negotiated options in an attempt to settle a decade-long dispute involving the club’s parking lot and adjacent areas. The City and ODBC’s negotiating teams jointly developed two options for OBDC to choose from in an attempt to avoid using eminent domain. The offers provide ODBC with the same or better functional use of other property, which is above and beyond the compensation required by law.

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.

In November 2013, City Council directed the City Manager to continue negotiations with ODBC for 90 days to resolve the dispute. If no consensual resolution is reached, City Council has directed the City Manager and the City Attorney to begin the eminent domain process to acquire the necessary properties for this public project.

ODBC has called a special meeting and vote for late March and has notified its membership. The City awaits a review and a vote by the club on these two offers.

• Stay in Place Option: Allows ODBC to stay in their current building, gives them additional parking in a City-owned parking garage nearby, and provides the club with an equal number of better boat slips. The City would also pay the club $2.5 million.
• Move Option: Allows ODBC to build a new clubhouse on the Potomac in the former “Beachcombers” location at the foot of Prince Street with less flooding risk, better views and a large potential rooftop patio. ODBC would get 45 more usable surface parking spaces and this option would allow them to build a new boat ramp, piers and slips. The City would also pay the club $5 million.

The monetary compensation for both options are negotiated amounts that represent the value of the property ODBC is transferring to the City, minus the value of the property the ODBC is obtaining, and addresses the fundamental value of a compromise.

For more information, or to view related documents and other materials, visit alexandriava.gov/Waterfront. For media inquiries, contact Craig Fifer, Acting Director, Office of Communications and Public Information, at craig.fifer@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3965.