Marymount University Neighborhood Relations Committee
December 14, 2009
7:00 p.m.
Reinsch Library Board Room

Present:  Mrs. Anne Wilson, Mr. Ned Rhodes, and Mrs. A. Harrington.  Also present were
Dr. Chris Domes and Dr. Ralph Kidder from Marymount University; Mr. George Robinson from Davis Construction; Mr. John Stranix, Owners’ Representative; and Mr. Rob Gibson and Mr. Matt Pfeiffer from Arlington County.

The minutes of the November 3, 2009 meeting were approved as read.

Mr. Stranix reported that Marymount University’s portion of the underground utility work has long been completed. Verizon has pulled some cable but perhaps not all.  Dominion Virginia has not yet begun to pull cable. 

Mr. Robinson gave an update on construction progress.  He said that Baker Concrete is completing the G-1 level, waterproofing for the foundation walls is complete and framing has begun for the first pours on level 1. He said Magnolia has completed the water line at the NW portion of the project and installed the fire hydrant at 26th Street and Yorktown Boulevard. He said that during the week of December 14th wall foundations will be completed on the G-1 level and concrete will be poured on level 1. He said concrete trucks will be arriving throughout the day and some material will be delivered on flatbed trucks. Mr. Rhodes asked that it be clarified that G-1 is the top level of the garage, while G-4 is the lowest level. 

Mr. Robinson than gave the 30-day look ahead.  He said that baker will be completing the G-1 and 1st floor levels of the project, including installation of MEP piping and interior concrete masonry units. He said that mechanical and electrical equipment will be delieverd to the site throughout the month. He said that there will be 80-85 workers at the site during the day and that wirkers will be paeking at the Ballston Mall and the Knights of Columbus lots. Finally, he said that Magnolia will be installing the final fire hydrant on 26th Street.  Mr. Rhodes asked when street plates would be removed; Mr. Robinson said by January 1.  Mrs. Harrington asked about the schedule.  Mr. Robinson said they are not affected by rain now.  Dr. Kidder said they are net about three days behind.  Mr. Rhodes asked about trailer trucks staging on 26th Street.  Mr. Stranix said this type of activity will be increasing.  Mr. Robinson said Davis Construction will manage the truck traffic to try to limit staging to one truck at a time.  Mr. Rhodes asked about a gas line repair that has left a pothole near the mulch pile.  Mr. Stranix said this is not part of the University’s project.  Mr. Gibson said he will send an email to Mr. Rhodes about whom to contact at the County about this issue.

Mr. Stranix gave an update on permits.  He noted that the University has received an extension of the F-2-G permit.  Dr. Kidder said that only zoning comments remain for issuance of the final building permit, specifically the wall check survey, whereas Planning has signed off on their items for the permit.  Mrs. Wilson asked about how far the building would extend on Yorktown Boulevard.  Mr. Stranix said no farther than it extends now.

Dr. Domes said that the Knights of Columbus parking permit has been approved.  Mr. Pfieffer said the post-approval information has been submitted, he has approved it and it only needs to be signed off by the Zoning Administrator. 

Dr. Domes noted that the University has agreed to a deferral on consideration of the University’s request to amend Condition 68 to the January County Board meeting.  Mr. Gibson said staff is reviewing the university proposal.  Parks, CPHD and Recreation are looking at the traffic light, the road conditions and the University’s plans to get a better overview of the proposal agreed to by the civic associations to make improvements on the northeast corner of 26th Street and Old Dominion Drive.  He said this group is meeting in the field tomorrow, looking especially at internal costs to eliminate invasive species that have invaded the area and killed some trees. In answer to a question from Mr. Rhodes, he said that the team will include the County arborist.  Dr. Kidder suggested that the University would consider planting new trees there if they could be counted as part of the University’s required tree replacement count.  Mr. Gibson said the County also would consider this.  Dr. Domes said University students might be able to volunteer to help maintain the space.  Mr. Gibson said the County’s goal would be to create a good streetscape, create good sight lines and keep upfront and ongoing costs low.  Mr. Gibson said they will come back to the January 11 NRC meeting with an update.  Mr. Rhodes said they will continue to support the proposals.  Mrs. Wilson asked about the amendment language.  Dr. Kidder said the amendment language the University proposed would be modified if County staff comes forth with a proposal they can support.

Dr. Domes provided enrollment counts by class time for the fall 2009 semester.  Mrs. Wilson
asked about the master plan process.  Dr. Kidder gave a description of the process.  Mr. Rhodes asked if the University will send data for the DRCA March newsletter.  Mrs. Wilson said their community meeting is April 21.  Dr. Kidder suggested that if a community forum is organized the other three associations should be invited as well. 

Mr. Rhodes asked about a conversation occurring at the County Board regarding using the mulch pile for parking.  Mr. Pfeiffer said the question arose as a result of queries from two local churches.  Dr. Domes said the University has not been a party to these conversations.  Mr. Gibson said this was primarily a Sunday parking issue.

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

The next meeting is scheduled for January 11 at 7:00 p.m.