Fort Ward Observer, December 3, 2009

Fort Ward Observer
Volume 1, Issue 3
December 3, 2009
Prepared by J. Glenn Eugster

Highlights

This issue includes information on the following Fort Ward Park activities plus much more.
City archaeological and historical research underway
Congress funds Fort Ward Park in 2010 budget.
Community research reveals park intent and purpose.
Community research confirms City knowledge of graves.
City meets with Seminary Civic Association.
Fort Ward Museum Historian co-author’s Mr. Lincoln’s Forts.
Homeowners express continuing concerns about storm water
Fort Ward Park Ad Hoc Stakeholder Advisory Group Appointed and to meet on December 8, 2009.

Purpose

Fort Ward Park was established by the City of Alexandria in 1964 through a collaborative effort which began in the early 1950’s between local homeowners, citizens, historians, civic associations, City park and planning department managers and local elected officials. The purpose of this report is to provide community interests with information on what is being considered, proposed and underway in Fort Ward Park and its surrounding area.

Good Things are Happening at Fort Ward Park

A number of actions have been taken this past month to address ongoing problems, more effectively manage and assist visitors, and protect the history, culture and natural resources of Fort Ward Park. Specifically city and community leaders have taken the following actions:

a. City Archaeology and Historical Research Underway:
The Office of Historic Alexandria is busy preparing for necessary historic research and archaeological surveys at Fort Ward Park. With the recent approval of 2010 funds by the City

Council managers and staff have been working on a “Scope
of Work” for a contract to do archaeological research. This investigation is the first part of what will be a multi-year project to locate, identify, evaluate, and interpret the full range of historical and cultural values and resources within Fort Ward Park. This information will be a foundation for good decision-making and can be used by the city to assist revisions to the existing master plans for the park. Once a contract is agreed to the actual research and survey work will take place in 2010.

b. Fort Ward Park History Workgroup Meets in October: On Saturday October 17, 2009 Lance Mallamo, Director of the Office of Historic Alexandria, convened the first meeting of the city’s Fort Ward Park History Workgroup. Mr. Mallamo told the audience that their role was to assist the city with research about the history and culture of the park. He emphasized the importance of this group’s role indicating that this effort would help to jump-start research on the park. He added that the city isn’t going to be able to do the work themselves. “We want to work with you. We want the focus to be what you want it to be”.

He described the work underway, including the test-use of radar to look for graves inside the park, as well as funding that is being provided by the City Council for archaeological research.

Susan Cumbey, Director of the Fort Ward Museum gave the group some background on the creation of the park and noted that this was the best place in metropolitan Washington, D.C. to see a reconstructed Civil War fort. She noted that this park was created as part of the Alexandria’s commitment to the Civil War Centennial in 1964 and that it was the first public preservation project in Alexandria.

People in the audience were engaged in discussion about the research effort and stressed the need for the city to:
Repair the city’s creditability with the community by being honest and open about past mistakes. Work and communicate with the community.
Recognize that the entire park is historic, sacred and rare.
Take a holistic approach to park management.
Involve the people who are connected historically to the park and who have been undervalued and left out of discussions and
decisions.
Tell the untold story of Native and African American history including an indoor display exhibit on African American history and culture for the Museum.
Improve the city’s understanding about this resource and what the park is about.
Look at the park as part of Alexandria’s upcoming the Civil War Sesquicentennial.
Link all efforts to finding funds.
Take down the city’s October 2008 Facilities Study & Recommendations displayed on the Alexandria website.
Take down the fence around the maintenance/ nursery yard and allow access to park graves.

Discussions included ideas for ways to interpret the history of the park, the gate that restricts access to Clara and Robert Adams graves, funding, and commemoration of the area where people lived and are buried. Tom Fulton of the city Archaeological Commission said that the park represents a “transformational change” worthy of historical significance. Pam Cressey told the group that “you can’t dream too much and that only the citizens of Alexandria can come up with the powerful ideas about this park“.

Ms. Cressey also noted that she wanted input on a Scope of Work the her office is preparing for the contract for archaeological research.

c. Fort Ward Park History Workgroup Meets in November: On Saturday November 7, 2009 Lance Mallamo and Pam Cressey of the Office of Historic Alexandria convened the second meeting of the Fort Ward Park History Workgroup. Mr. Mallamo opened the meeting with information on the city’s Fort Ward Park & Museum Ad Hoc Stakeholder Advisory Group. He noted that the City Manager was still confirming appointments to the group. Once the 10 members are confirmed and an announcement is expected.

Mr. Mallamo said that he did not think the Work Group’s earlier proposal to remove the maintenance/ nursery yard fence should be made until the Ad Hoc Stakeholder Advisory Group meets.

Ms. Cressey gave the group a report on the October 20 and 21, 2009 test of the radar detection equipment used to identify graves in the park. The tests included the maintenance/ nursery yard; the Jackson Family graves, graves at the entrance to the maintenance/ nursery yard, and other areas. With the permission of church officials the team also scanned the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery. Tom Fulton of the city’s Archaeological Commission assisted the team with scanning work.

Fran Terrell, Chairperson of the Seminary Civic Association, indicated that her organization created a Family Workgroup to help with research. She said that relatives of people that lived and are buried in the cemetery are helping to identify additional graves.

Ms. Cressey said that she expected to have a report on the test results in about two weeks. The results of the radar test will be used to help the city complete the scope of work for the archaeological research contract. The research which will start in 2010 is expected to take three-years to complete.

Mr. Mallamo added that he had submitted a $75,000 request for 2011 funding from the city to continue the archaeological research.

Ms. Cressey presented a Draft Report on an Inventory of the History of Fort Ward Park to the History Workgroup. The presentation gave the meeting participants an overview of the city’s report which is filled with interesting and important information about the historic and cultural values and resources of the park before, during and after the Civil War.

The purposes of this inventory are to:
1) Identify known resources;
2) Predict probable locations of additional resources predicted from a variety of sources;
3) Assess the significance and integrity of the resources;
4) Recognize the threats facing and opportunities presented by each resource;
5) Establish best practices for the care, investigation and enhancement of the resources; and
6) Delineate historical zones to assist in park planning.

The report will be provided to the company selected for the archaeology contract. It will give the consulting archaeologists an overview of the history of the site. Pam stressed that the history of the park needs to be researched before any digging can begin. She added that the city wants to start the contract work by early 2010.

Members of the workgroup, which is open to all, were encouraged to provide comments on the draft report to Ms. Cressey by no later than Friday December 11, 2009.

A number of smaller sub-groups were formed to further develop ideas and report at the next meeting on December 6, 2009 at 10:00 am at the Fort Ward Museum. The groups include:
Goals and Priorities Group
Research Group
Museum Group

The newly created Seminary Civic Association’s Family Group was offered the opportunity to report at the next meeting. There was also a brief discussion about the idea of workgroup members writing an article on the park and its history for publication. Several members of the workgroup indicated their interest.

d. Congress Funds Fort Ward Park: On October 30, 2009 Congress signed into law legislation that will provide $75,000 for Fort Ward Park Preservation. Federal funding for Fort Ward Park, which must be matched with non-federal monies, was requested at the urging of the Office of Historic Alexandria, the Mayor and City Council, by Congressman Jim Moran and his staff. At a time when local, Commonwealth and federal budgets are tightening managers and elected officials gave Fort Ward Park their priority attention.

The federal funding comes from Save America’s Treasures which is one of the largest and most successful grant programs for the protection of our nation’s endangered and irreplaceable cultural heritage. Grants are available for preservation and/or conservation work on nationally significant intellectual and cultural artifacts and historic structures and sites. Intellectual and cultural artifacts include artifacts, collections, documents, sculpture, and works of art. Historic structures and sites include historic districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects.

The funds are to be used to preserve the Fort Ward Civil War Fort, improve access for the disabled, and update displays to include more recent historical developments in the park's history.

e. Community Research Reveals Original Park Intent & Purpose: Although city officials have repeatedly denied that there is a master plan for Fort Ward Park community researchers have gathered city information that indicates that there are master plans for the park. In addition to the actual master plans information has been obtained that describe the city’s original intent and purpose for creating the park. City plans developed in 1962 and revised in 1979; Recreation Department, General Services Department, Department of Public Works, City Council and City Manager correspondence; federal land acquisition grant applications; and the city’s 1981-82 application for the Fort Ward Historical Park to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, have been researched. These city documents describe the purpose of the park as:

“ a proposal to acquire not only valuable land in terms of historical character, but also preserve as much land as possible to be left in a natural state”.
Eugene L. Barnwell, Director, Alexandria Recreation Department land acquisition proposal for Fort Ward Historical Park. 1954.

“To preserve a historical site and further provide a recreational area which should remain as much as possible in its natural state..” “To provide for the recreational interest and pursuits of those persons desiring areas left in their natural state…”.
Lee Fones, Director, Alexandria Recreation Department land acquisition proposal. 1955.

“Although the park’s principal importance is historical, it also can be used in its natural state as a recreational and picnic area”.
Eugene L. Barnwell, Director, Alexandria General Services. Sunday Star, Washington, D.C.. 1962.

“ to retain said land for permanent open space purposes, and the open space use of said land shall be: Park and outdoor recreation activities and uses compatible with maintaining the open space character of the lands involved; implementation of historic site and preservation of lands of historic and scenic value”.
City Council approval of Contract for Grant to Acquire Open Space Land Under Title VII of the Housing Act of 1961. 1963.

“…Fort Ward is a 35-acre Historic Park owned and operated by the City of Alexandria, Virginia“. “Fort Ward today serves as a 35-acre historic park and museum”.
Alexandria City Council action for listing on the National Register of Historic Sites. 1981

f. Community Research Reveals Past City Knowledge of Park Graves: Although the Directors of the City Recreation Department, Office of Historic Alexandria, advisory commission members, and local elected officials expressed surprise earlier this year when community interests raised questions about the African American graves within Fort Ward Park, community research has revealed that numerous city officials were aware of grave sites in the park as early as 1962.

Community researchers, using city information, have documented a number of graves and family grave sites on master plans and in documents related to the City’s condemnation of private lands for the park. Interviews with current and past city employees, as well as adjacent neighbors, indicate that city managers were specifically aware of the grave sites in the area that is now a maintenance/ nursery yard. In fact it appears that some city employees were directed to remove gravestones so that the city could convert the area into a place for city vehicles, plants, supplies and debris.

The city’s conversion of certain parts of the park for maintenance and nursery yard areas, which were placed on top of African American graves, was done without normal city reviews and permits. Past actions reflect a complete disregard for people who are buried in the park and their families who live continue to live in the city.

g. City Official Meet with Seminary Civic Association: On October 23, 2009, at a regular Seminary Civic Association meeting, Lance Mallamo of the Office of Historic Alexandria met with association members to update them on public and private efforts to protect, restore and enjoy Fort Ward Park.

The highlight of the meeting was Mr. Mallamo’s remarks on current and future city efforts including the use of radar to identify graves; a cell phone tour of African American history which is 90% complete; the relationship of the park to the City’s Strategic Plan; and a National Trust for Historic Preservation grant the city hopes to receive to help with historical and cultural research.

The National Trust grant will enable the city, and its communities, to work with Dr. Edna Greene Medford of Howard University. Dr. Greene Medford is Associate Professor and former director of the Department of History’s graduate and undergraduate programs. Specializing in nineteenth century African-American history, she teaches courses in Civil War and Reconstruction, Colonial America, the Jacksonian Era, and African-American history.

Mr. Mallamo told the audience that his office is focused on understanding the resources of Fort Ward Park. The work will be holistic in nature and include: a re-evaluation of the Museum mission statement; a better understanding of what brought African American families to settle in the area; with an emphasis on early Native American history and African American history during the period between the Civil War to the end of the Civil Rights movement.

Mr. Mallamo encouraged the meeting attendees to help the city gather information on the history of the park.

Dave Cavanaugh of the Alexandria Archaeology Commission, and Glenn Eugster of the Seminary Hill Association, Inc. also made remarks to the group about community research and the importance of civic engagement in local decisions.

g. Fort Ward Museum Historian Co-Authors Mr. Lincoln’s Forts: The city held a book signing and authors’ reception on November 14, 2009 at Fort Ward Museum to celebrate the publication of the new and revised edition of Mr. Lincoln’s Forts: A Guide to the Civil War Defenses of Washington (Scarecrow Press, 2009) by Dr. B. Franklin Cooling III and Walton H. Owen II.

The new edition of Mr. Lincoln’s Forts is the long-awaited successor to the first edition published in 1988. According to the foreword by Edwin Bearss, Chief Historian Emeritus for the National Park Service, “...Mr. Lincoln’s Forts is a classic, a publication against which future endeavors in the field will be measured.”

It features expanded and revised content, including illustrations not featured in the original edition. The book is the premier historical reference and tour guide to the Civil War Defenses of Washington, the extensive network of forts constructed to protect the Federal capital. The author’s research indicates that Fort Ward is the best preserved of the forts in the defense system and one of the most significant sites discussed in the book.

The authors are specialists in Civil War history, and in the Washington area forts. Dr. Cooling is a professor at the National Defense University and a well-known Civil War historian and author. Alexandria’s own Wally Owen is Assistant Director and Curator at Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site,

h. Seminary Hill Association Annual Meeting: On November 12, 2009 the Seminary Hill Association, Inc. held it’s annual meeting at the Virginia Theological Seminary. The program featured I-395 Transportation Issues: How They Affect You and All Seminary Hill Homeowners. Speakers included Councilman Rob Krupicka; Ronaldo Nicholson from the Virginia Department of Transportation; and Nancy Jennings from Marlboro Estates. Despite meetings and planning at all levels of the government it was apparent, as Nancy Jennings stated in her remarks, that, “Traffic is getting worse and will continue to get worse”.

Meeting participants, who included Councilman Smedberg and Councilwoman Pepper and Hughes, were encouraged by Joanne Lepanto, President of the Association, to get involved in local decisions because the world is run by people that show up.

The meeting included election of Officers and Area
Representatives. The following persons were elected to serve the Association.
Nancy Jennings, President
Jack Sullivan, Treasurer
Bruce McCarthy, Secretary
Lillian Stanton Patterson, Area 1
Carter Fleming, Area 2
Dick Hobson, Area 3
Beth Arnson, Area 4
Dick Hayes, Area 5
Glenn Eugster, Area 6
Pat Lidy, Area 7
Rick Ward, Area 8
Bruce McCarthy, Area 9

For more information about the Seminary Hill Association go to: www.seminaryhillassn.org


Unresolved Issues and Concerns

a. Possible Topics for the Fort Ward Advisory Group: For nearly three years homeowners, family-members, church officials, historians, park and recreational users, advisory commissioners, past and current city employees, civic association board members, Commonwealth managers, and leaders from national non-profit organizations, and others, have raised concerns about the management and use of Fort Ward Park. Although elected officials and city managers have taken some action to respond to these concerns many of the problems and matters of concern need attention.

The Mayor and City Council has charged the Advisory Group with the task for making suggestions to city managers about the management and use of Fort Ward Park. Hopefully the Advisory Group will arrange for walking tour of the park and take time to read city and community historic research, as well as the public record of community concerns and comments from the last three years. Some of the most pressing use and management issues which have been identified include:

Recognition of the original park purpose and intent
Management of crowds and inappropriate park uses
Regulation of noise levels from park users
Damage to African American graves within the park
Security for the park and Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery
Stormwater damage to the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery graves
Regulation of alcohol use by park users
Integration of multiple city jurisdictions within the park (I.e. Recreation, Horticulture, Arborist, Stormwater, Historic Preservation, Museum, Maintenance, etc.)
Clarifying the status of the October 16,2008 Fort Ward Facilities Study and Recommendations
Clarifying the extent of the District maintenance office/ yard location and operation
Abatement of stormwater “pond” and flooding of adjacent private property
City compliance with city laws, ordinances and permits (i.e. Special Use Permits, others….)
Recognition of the need for basic planning and management documents (i.e. statement for management, updated master plan, Special Use Permits, etc.) before the public expenditure of funds for park development
Maintenance/ nursery yard location, activity and condition
Public access to the graves of Clara and Robert Adams, and other, within the maintenance/ nursery yard
Management of invasive plants along park boundaries
Management of natural, wildlife and scenic values and resources
Sustainable levels of park maintenance (i.e. damaged tree removal, debris, pedestrian bridge, maintenance/ nursery yard, City Arborist Memorial, etc.)

Hopefully the Advisory Group will create an objective and open process for city managers and community interests to identify and discuss these and other issues in order to agree on balanced solutions which will protect the park, encourage people to enjoy the area, and respect adjacent private property owners.

c. Community Interests Contact City Manager About Water Runoff Concerns: Residents who live nearby and use Fort Ward Park continue to voice concerns about water runoff flowing from the park into the ravine between the park and Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery. Residents believe that the city’s lack of park maintenance and storm water management have created a de facto “beaver-dam”.

This “beaver-dam” has created a pond of stagnant water which is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes that spread the West Nile Virus and for other noxious insect vectors. Additionally, children could potentially wander away from the nearby playground and drown in this pond.

Given the fact that the City of Alexandria, through its Recreation Department and Transportation & Environmental Services Department, has created and maintained this public health nuisance over the years residents and park users have asked the city to take action.

On November 19, 2009 area residents contacted James Hartmann, the City Manager, and requested the city to immediately take all necessary measures to abate this public health nuisance. This nuisance has been an ongoing concern of residents who have contacted Alexandria city officials regularly over the last three years with no palpable response. Recreation Department Director Jim Spengler, as well as Transportation & Environment Director Rich Baier has been assigned by the City Manager to look into this matter.


Future Efforts of Note

a. City Budget Process Underway: Alexandria is working on the budget for 2011 and they want your input. The City of Alexandria expects Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 to be another challenging year based on early economic forecasts. As the City begins the budget process, they would like your input regarding the FY 2011 Operating Budget and Capitol Improvement Program. Whether you are supporting a service or opposed to an expenditure this is one of the chances you have to make your opinion known. The City of Alexandria encourages public comments on the issues presented on their web-sites. To comment go to: http://Alexandria.gov


Inside Alexandria

Conversations and correspondence with various City staff, local elected officials, advisory commission members, and citizens have revealed information about actions and activities being discussed for Fort Ward Park.

a. Fort Ward Park & Museum Area Ad Hoc Stakeholder Advisory Group Appointments: On June 23, 2009 the City Council approved Resolution No. 2349 establishing an Ad Hoc Advisory Group for Fort Ward Park and Museum Area. City Recreation Department leaders indicated on November 24, 2009 that the following appointments have been approved.

As appointed by the City Manager, the Stakeholder Advisory Group shall consist of ten members, as follows:

Park and Recreation Commission (3 members)
Richard Brune
Ripley Forbes
Robert Moir
Historic Alexandria Resources Commission (3 members)
William Schreiner
Charles Ziegler
Ralph Thomas Fulton
Environmental Policy Commission (1 member)
Philip Voorhees
Citizens at large (2 members)
Frances Terrell
Adrienne Washington
Citizen living within a one-mile radius of Fort Ward Park. (1 member)
Linda Ries

The purpose of the Group is to have City staff work with the Advisory Group primarily “to solicit recommendations on balancing park uses, implementing education and outreach opportunities and reviewing the success of recently implemented changes. This Advisory Group would advise staff with a goal of recommending an appropriate balance between the different uses of the park, including active, passive/environmental and historic/archeological interests“.

b. Fort Ward & Vacant City Land: Recent discussions with city managers and elected officials about the idea of selling-off city lands has gotten the attention of Marlboro Estate homeowners. Deputy City Manager Mark Jenks and Recreation Department Director Jim Spengler were recently contacted by residents about neighborhood concerns about a parcel of land owned by the city between North Van Dorn Street, Fort Ward Park and the homes at the end of Fort Ward Place and Ellicott Street.

The land, which was originally dedicated as public parkland as part of the Marlboro Estates subdivision approval process, is currently zoned R-8. According to the city's website "the R-8 zone is established to provide and maintain land areas for low density residential neighborhoods of single-family homes on 8,000 square foot lots. Nonresidential uses of a noncommercial nature which are related to, supportive of and customarily found in a residential neighborhood are also permitted".

In response to concerns Mr. Jenks indicated that “….when we did the sort of City-owned parcels to consider selling that no City owned parcel near Ft Ward was on the list that went to Council. Parks staff helped sort the list so they protected the site in
question. There are no park or park-related parcels on the City land sale candidate list”.

Mr. Spengler indicates that “The parcel you mention is already documented by the City as both a part of Ft. Ward Park and as public open space. It is not listed as a parcel the City is trying to sell to raise funds. It should be more clearly identified within the park boundaries when a new master plan is done for the park“.

Upcoming December Events

Saturday: December 5, 2009

FORT WARD PARK HISTORY GROUP
10:00 a.m., Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Rd., Contact Susan Cumbey, 703.838.4848

TUESDAY: DECEMBER 8, 2009

ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL will hold its only legislative meeting of the month at 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers, City Hall, 301 King Street. For more information contact Jackie Henderson, 703.746.4550.

ALEXANDRIA AD HOC FORT WARD PARK AND MUSEUM AREA STAKEHOLDER ADVISORY GROUP will hold a meeting at 7:00 p.m., Fort Ward Museum, 4301 W. Braddock Road. For more information contact Laura Durham, 703.746.5493.

WEDNESDAY: DECEMBER 9, 2009

ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE ON GOAL 1 OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN – There is Quality Development and Redevelopment, Support for Local Businesses, and a Strong, Diverse, and Growing Local Economy will hold a meeting at 7:00 p.m., Council Workroom, City Hall, 301 King Street. For more information contact Brandi Collins, 703.746.3854.

ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE ON GOAL 4 OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN – Alexandria Is a Community with Public Schools Amongst Northern Virginia’s Best and Where Our Recreational Programs Provide Youth the Opportunity to Succeed will hold a meeting at 6:00 p.m., Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe Street. For more information contact Jack Browand 703.746.5500 or Jim Spengler, 703.746.5502.

ALEXANDRIA HISTORICAL RESTORATION AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION will hold a meeting at 8:00 a.m., Lloyd House, 220 North Washington Street. For more information contact Lance Mallamo, 703.838.4554.

THURSDAY; DECEMBER 10, 2009

SEMINARY HILL ASSOCIATION INC. will hold its regular monthly board meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the parish hall of Emmanuel Church-on-the-Hill on Seminary Road at Quaker Lane. For more information contact Nancy Jennings at: nrjennings@comcast.net

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009

ALEXANDRIA CONVENTION AND VISITORS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF GOVERNORS – TOURISM MARKETING FORUM will hold a meeting at 9:00 a.m., Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. For more information contact Stephanie Brown, 703.746.3302.

SATURDAY: DECEMBER 12, 2009

ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL will hold its regular public hearing at 9:30 a.m., Council Chambers, City Hall, 301 King Street. For more information contact Jackie Henderson, 703.746.4550.

MONDAY: DECEMBER 14, 2009

ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE ON GOAL 3 OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN – There Is an Integrated, Multimodal Transportation System that Efficiently and Effectively Gets People from Point “A” to Point “B” will hold a meeting at 7:00 p.m., Minnie Howard Library Media Center, 3801 West Braddock Road. For more information contact Rich Baier or Yon Lambert, 703.746.4025

TUESDAY: DECEMBER 15, 2009

HISTORIC ALEXANDRIA RESOURCES COMMISSION will hold its regular monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m., Lloyd House, 220 North Washington Street. For more information contact Lance Mallamo, 703.838.4554.

WEDNESDAY: DECEMBER 16, 2009

ALEXANDRIA ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMMISSION will hold its regular monthly meeting at 7:00 p.m., Archaeology Museum, 105 North Union Street, Suite 327. For more information contact Pamela Cressey, 703.838.4399.

ALEXANDRIA BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE (BRAC) ADVISORY COMMITTEE will hold a meeting at 7:00 p.m., Alexandria Burke Library, 4701 Seminary Road. For more information contact Pat Escher, 703.746.3812.


What can I do to help with Fort Ward?

a. Get Involved in Local Decisions! If you have an interest in the future of your community and want to get involved you can donate some of your time to this group of community and neighborhood organizations, and homeowners, and help save Fort Ward Park and our surrounding area. A group of community leaders has created an informal partnership to help save Fort Ward Park. The group needs volunteers with passion, skill and experience in marketing/ communication, historic research, law, finding grants, fundraising, and other areas. If you have time and are interested contact J. Glenn Eugster at 703-845-8947 or by e-mail at: glenn_eugster@comcast.net

b. For Further Information: If you would like to:
receive more information on the Fort Ward Observer;
be added, or removed, from this mailing list;
request past editions of this newsletter, or,
make contributions to this report in the future.
Please write or call: Glenn Eugster
By e-mail: glenn_eugster@comcast.net
By telephone: (703)845-8947 (before 9:00 pm)
By mail: 4022 Ellicott Street, Alexandria, VA 22304

It is important to note that although I am sharing this information with a broad and diverse group of people, I do not have a mandate to speak for anyone. This information is offered so that you will be informed and, hopefully, engaged in your community, City, and this park. I speak only for myself and those who may think as I do.

Fort Ward Observer, October 2009

Fort Ward Observer
Volume 1, Issue 2
October 2009
Prepared by J. Glenn Eugster

Introduction

Fort Ward Park was established by the City of Alexandria in 1964 through a collaborative effort which began in the early 1950’s between local homeowners, citizens, civic associations, City park and planning department managers and local elected officials. The purpose of this report is to provide community interests with information on what is being considered, proposed and undertaken in Fort Ward Park and its surrounding area. It is important to note that although I am sharing this information with a broad and diverse group of people, I do not have a mandate to speak for anyone. This information is offered so that you will be informed and, hopefully, engaged in your community, City, and this park. I speak only for myself and those who may think as I do.


Good Things are Happening at Fort Ward Park

A number of actions have been taken this past month to address ongoing problems, more effectively manage and assist visitors, and protect the history, culture and natural resources of Fort Ward Park. Specifically city and community leaders have taken the following actions:

a. Visitor Management and Assistance: Elected officials and the managers and staff of the Recreation Department have continued give priority attention to managing visitors to the park. Although the summer season has passed the Fort Ward Park “rangers” continue to provide direction and services to the steady stream of residents and visitors enjoying the area.

b. Fort Ward Gate: As government officials and friends groups enjoy the 45th anniversary of Fort Ward park users have taken notice that the Fort Ward Gate has been going though a restoration. Although there is some minor work that still needs to be completed, the gateway to the historic fort and park looks wonderful.

c. Respect for African American Graves Continues: City managers and staff continue their efforts to correct some of the bad-decisions of the past as a way to recognize the value of African Americans who lived in Fort Ward before the park. The city managers have recently removed all of the maintenance vehicles and equipment from on top of and nearby known, and likely, African American graves inside the maintenance yard and nursery area. The nursery area is where the graves of Clara and Robert Adams and others are. This part of the park is managed by the City Arborist and is now locked while the city prepares to conduct archaeology studies.

d. City Council to Allocate Funds for Archaeology Work: The Office of Historic Alexandria has prepared a draft scope of work for necessary historic research and archaeological surveys at Fort Ward Park, and has requested funding of $50,000 from funds already set aside by City Council in contingent reserve for this work. If approved by the Council the research phase could begin this year, and actual survey work would take place in Spring 2010.

e. Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery Improvements: City managers and their contractors recently completed repairs to the fence of the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery. The fence was damaged in 2008 when several trees in the park fell across the fence onto church property. In addition, in response to concerns by church leaders, historians and nearby residents city leaders have arranged for staff from the City's Department of Transportation & Environmental Services to develop a topographical map to determine the origin of surface waters that have been flowing into the cemetery and damaging graves and headstones. According to city staff the map will be used to develop a plan for managing storm water within the park.

In response to requests by city leaders Oakland Baptist Church officials arranged for the removal of two large dead trees within the cemetery. In addition, local landowners that live adjacent to the cemetery have also have begun to take action on their property to redirect runoff from roofs and gutters to help prevent damage to the cemetery.

f. Park Plans and Burial Information Found: A group of community historians and researchers, using city information, have found the original overall plans for Fort Ward Park. Despite assertions by the City's Recreation Department that there is no overall plan for the park the local research team has located plans funded by the City Council which include the museum, park drive, parking lots, picnic areas, and the graves of the African American residents who lived on the land before the city purchased it for a park. In addition to the plans researchers have found a variety of information that describes the original intent of the park and indicates that city officials were aware of the family grave sites in the park as early as 1962.

g. African American Research Continues: Various citizens and government employees continue to conduct research on African American history and culture at Fort Ward. This month researchers made three presentations to share their work to date.

On September 22, 2009 historian Tom Fulton gave a 30-minute presentation, at the Friends of Fort Ward Fall Meeting, on the ongoing research he has been doing on the history of the African American community that lived on the land that is now Fort Ward Park during the 19th and 20th centuries. Tom's presentation was part of the work which attempts to bring together a variety of information that he and others, including researchers Dave Cavanaugh and Adrienne Washington, have collected to help tell the untold story of African Americans within the park area.

Alexandria Archaeology's Fran Bromberg participated in American University's 6th Annual Public Anthropology Conference, "Advancing Social Justice in Times of Crisis" on October 9 & 10, 2009. Her panel, "Unearthing Social Justice: Archaeology and Crisis" on Saturday, October 10 was entitled "Recognition and Remembrance: Freedmen's Cemetery and Fort Ward Park".

On Friday October 9, 2009, also at the American University Conference, local resident researchers Adrienne Washington, Dave Cavanaugh, Tom Fulton and Glenn Eugster participated in a panel discussion entitled “Views of the Same Scene: Protecting Archaeology and Heritage in Fort Ward Park”.


Unresolved Issues and Concerns

City and community leaders continue to discuss the following Fort Ward Park issues and concerns.

a. Continued Impact of Nursery and Maintenance Yard Activities on Fort Ward Park Graves and Adjacent Homes: The City's Recreation Department continues to store piles of mulch, materials and debris adjacent to neighborhood residences and in the area that is known to be the site of a African American school, church, residence, and additional graves. Although community leaders are delighted that maintenance vehicles no longer use the area the descendants of those buried in the yard and adjacent landowners continue to be concerned that about the condition and contents of yard.

b. Adjacent Homeowners Concerned About Water Runoff: Homeowners adjacent to Fort Ward continue to voice concerns about water runoff flowing from the park into the ravine between the park and Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery. The completion of a recent drainage project at the museum has increased storm water flows in this area. Construction and landscape debris dumped by the city, along with park trees that have fallen in front of the storm sewer, continues to cause runoff to pond adjacent to nearby homes and the children's playground. Residents believe that the pond is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. In addition, storm water flows have eroded some of the supports for the wooden pedestrian bridge which links the memorial for the city’s first arborist and the children’s playground.

c. Fort Ward Facility Study & Recommendations: The October 16, 2008 facility study and recommendations for Fort Ward Park was prepared and approved by the City Recreation Department and the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission without public input or basic information about the natural, historic and cultural resources which the park was created to protect. Despite a year of public concern about the study, and the closed-process that was used to develop its recommendations, the Recreation Department continues to display the report, without revisions, on City’s website with the following note.

Fort Ward Park Facility Study and Recommendations Presentation
On October 16, 2008, the Park and Recreation Commission received a draft presentation from Park Planning staff which addressed the over use of Ft. Ward Park. Staff indicated this initial detailed look by Operations and Park Planning staff was designed to share neighborhood concerns related to the park's operation and potential solutions with the Commission. Department staff shared that they will be meeting with the Friends of Ft. Ward, local civic organizations, and neighborhoods in 2009 regarding these ideas. When community ideas have been solicited, staff will return and present comments and ideas to the Commission.

This proposal conflicts with the original intent and overall plan for Fort Ward Park, and the City of Alexandria Archaeological Protection Procedures and Ordinances. If implemented it would also have an adverse impact on the park including it's listing on the National Register of Historic Places, possible Native American archaeological values, and the family graves of the African Americans who lived in the area that was acquired by the city for the park. The continued display of the Facility Study and Recommendations on the Alexandria's website reinforces the direction that the Department and the Commission intends to pursue and the reluctance of these organizations to incorporate public input into their decisions.

d. Fort Ward Park Action Plan: Earlier this year the City agreed to hold public meetings and accept written comments to help develop an action plan for the management, protection, use and interpretation of Fort Ward Park. Comments made by the public during the City’s meetings in April and March 2009, and written comments that were submitted, have not been used by the city to complete the proposed Action Plan for Fort Ward Park. A draft action plan presented to the public in March 2009 was completed before the end of the comment period and did not include or address written comments from the public, various organizations, and city advisory commissions before it was submitted to the City Council. Moreover, written and verbal comments to City Council from the Director of the Recreation Department and the Chair of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission indicated that the community supported their recommendations which is incorrect and misleading.

e. Vacant City Land Eyed to Boost Cash-Flow:
Recently a story in the Alexandria Times described how elected officials are looking at how vacant properties in Alexandria could provide a cash-flow boost. The story describes how the city's Economic Sustainability Task Force has researched and assessed “pockets of real estate” owned by governments throughout the city that could be used--or used at all--more productively.

The story intersects with requests made by this community to Recreation Department staff in February 2008, and again in September. The requests asks for help to protect a parcel of land owned by the city between North Van Dorn Street and the homes at the end of Fort Ward Place and Ellicott Street.

The land is currently zoned R-8. According to the city's website "the R-8 zone is established to provide and maintain land areas for low density residential neighborhoods of single-family homes on 8,000 square foot lots. Nonresidential uses of a noncommercial nature which are related to, supportive of and customarily found in a residential neighborhood are also permitted".

The land is forested and appears to be part of Fort Ward but it is not part of the park. Long-time homeowners believe that the property was set aside for storm water management purposes when the Marlboro Estates subdivision was approved by the City. No documents have been found which describe that agreement.

The property seems to be a logical addition to Fort Ward Park and should remain in a protected status. Such action would add land to the city's open space goal, support the recently approved Urban Forestry Plan, as well as assure the adjacent homeowners that the use of this property will not change in the future.




Future Efforts of Note

a. Alexandria Archaeology Office to Test Radar Technology at Fort Ward: The Office of Historic Alexandria is currently exploring the use of radar technology to assist the effort to identify burial sites within the Fort Ward Park. Plans are tentatively scheduled to test this technology on October 15-16, 2009 to identify a “signature” of known and potential burial locations. If a potential burial site signature can be identified as similar to a known gravesite, that potential burial site would then be “ground-truth” by archaeologists to confirm the existence of a grave. This work is non-intrusive and will not have any negative effects on resources or human remains.

b. Fort Ward Park History Workgroup to Meet on October 17, 2009: The Fort Ward Park History Work Group will have its first meeting on Saturday, October 17 at 11:00 am at Fort Ward Park Museum. At that time the managers from Office of Historic Alexandria will be reviewing the work plan for historic research and archaeological surveys proposed for Fort Ward over the next few years. They will also be sharing information documented by their office over the past summer that has increased our understanding of the African American community that developed around the Civil War fortification after about 1870.

The intent of the History Workgroup is to develop information which will be shared with the proposed Fort Ward Park Ad Hoc Advisory Commission on an ongoing basis to further assist understanding of the park’s historic and cultural resources, and to identify areas of sensitivity.

c. Civil War Celebration Planning Meeting on October 24, 2009:
On behalf of the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission (HARC), the Office of Historic Alexandria and the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association will co-sponsor a second Civil War Sesquicentennial community planning meeting on Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m. to noon. The meeting will be held at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, and free parking is available. This meeting is open to all, and public participation is most welcome.

The purpose of the meeting will be to gather public input and refine ideas developed at a meeting held on June 6 for Alexandria’s commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. This is part of a statewide effort of the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission, to develop a greater understanding of the cause, impact and aftermath of the war based on the theme “Understanding Our Past, Embracing Our Future.” Activities associated with this initiative are planned to take place from 2011 through 2015.

As part of the October 24 program, HARC Chair Ellen Stanton will review suggestions and issues raised by the community at the earlier June meeting, and will announce a series of sub-committees that the public may participate in to advance programming and public understanding of the Civil War in this region. Then Richard Lewis, Public Relations Manager of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, will assist with developing a vision statement and SWOT analysis, a critical look at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with creating a common vision to commemorate of one of the most significant periods in the history of Alexandria.


Inside Alexandria

Conversations and correspondence with various City staff, local elected officials, Advisory Commission members, and citizens have revealed information about actions and activities being discussed for Fort Ward Park.

a. Fort Ward Park Ad Hoc Advisory Group Appointments: City and private leaders indicate that the Alexandria City Manager’s Office may announce the appointments to the proposed Fort Ward Park Ad Hoc Advisory Commission as early as October 20, 2009. On June 23, 2009 the City Council approved Resolution No. 2349 establishing an Ad Hoc Advisory Group for Fort Ward Park and Museum Area.

b. Money, Time and Services: Most government agencies complain about not having enough money to do their work. Alexandria agencies are no different than most in their views about funding. Recent budget cuts have reduced funds available to protect, restore, manage, maintain and interpret Fort Ward Park. Many of the funding problems which have come up at Fort Ward Park are often related to time and direction rather than only budget shortfalls.

Although local funds are available for park, recreation and historic preservation, restoration and interpretation work, most leaders and managers would agree that there is never enough money to do what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, and the way it needs to be done.

Despite the expertise and experience of city employees many of the problems that have been encountered at Fort Ward have been due to a lack of direction. This lack of direction has cost the city time and money, hurt services to the public, and is the direct result of not having basic information about the park and planning documents to guide decisions. The lack of good information and a master plan for Fort Ward Park, as well as most other city parks, continues to result in bad decisions which require work to be stopped, redone or undone costing these departments and the citizens they serve time, money and services.

As the legendary baseball spokesman Yogi Berra has said, "You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going because you might not get there“, and, “If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else". Perhaps it is time for some rethinking about the way the city manages Fort Ward and it’s other parks.

c. Civic Engagement and the City Council: Evidently on September 26, 2009 the City Council had a Strategy Plan Retreat. During the retreat the Council was scheduled to have a session on Community Engagement/ Representation. Hats-off to the Council for taking time to value and discuss strategic planning and community engagement!

There are many definitions of community engagement and it will be interesting to see what the Council decides to do to more effectively engage communities. Despite the many successful traditions of community engagement in Alexandria there are problems and some a getting in the ways of getting things done.

The Council would do well to look at how the City, including it’s government managers and employees, advisory commission and committee members, engage and interact with the public while carrying out their duties. Over the last two years in the Fort Ward area community input, interest and concern has often been strongly resisted, or ignored, by city managers and commissioners. A top-down approach has been used to as the city tries to carry out poorly conceived ideas for Fort Ward. As a result a “we-they” environment has developed between community interests city managers and advisory commissioners. Moreover, community interests who speak up and speak out are criticized by managers for being “activists”.

With the creation of the three advisory groups for the Civil War Celebration, Fort Ward Park History and Fort Ward Park the city has a chance to actually engage community interests rather than provide token opportunities to participate in decisions about our city. Hopefully the Council will look at ways to use community engagement to tape the expertise, experience, interest, and support of Alexandria’s residents. Such an approach will help the city reach better decisions, save time and money, and provide appropriate services. Most importantly it will help us help ourselves to protect our history and prosper.



Upcoming October Events

October 15, 2009

ALEXANDRIA PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
7:00 p.m., 435 Ferdinand Day Dr., Samuel Tucker Elementary School. Contact William Chesley, 703.746.5426

October 17, 2009

FORT WARD PARK HISTORY GROUP
11:00 a.m., Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Rd., Contact Susan Cumbey, 703.838.4848

ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL – PUBLIC HEARING
9:30 a.m., 301 King St., Council Chambers, City Hall
Contact Jackie Henderson, 703.746.4550

October 19, 2009

ALEXANDRIA ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY COMMISSION –
OUTREACH SUB-COMMITTEE
6:00 p.m., 301 King St., Sister Cities Conference Rm1101, City Hall. Contact William Skrabak, 703.4076

ALEXANDRIA ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY COMMISSION
7:30 p.m., 301 King St., Sister Cities Conference Room 1101, City Hall. Contact Bill Skrabak, 703.746.4065

October 20, 2009

HISTORIC ALEXANDRIA RESOURCES COMMISSION
7:30 p.m., 220 North Washington St., Lloyd House
Contact Lance Mallamo, 703.838.4554

October 21, 2009

ALEXANDRIA ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMMISSION
7:00 p.m., 105 North Union St., Suite 327, Archaeology Museum
Contact Pamela Cressey, 703.838.4399

October 24, 2009

ALEXANDRIA 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION (Planning for the Sesqui-Centennial)9 a.m. to noon, George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr. For more information call 703.838.4554



October 27, 2009

ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL
7:00 p.m., 301 King St.. Council Chambers, City Hall
Contact Jackie Henderson, 703.746.4550

November 12, 2009

SEMINARY HILL ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING
Insert time, VA Theological place and contact


What can I do to help with Fort Ward?

1. Enjoy Fort Ward Museum and Park. Recreate, relax and learn about history, culture and nature. Take time to walk, jog, bicycle, exercise your dog, picnic with your family or friends, listen to a concert, participate in a historic Civil War tour or event, learn about African American history and culture, bird watch, view the arboretum, or simply relax and enjoy all that Fort Ward Park and Museum has to offer.

2. Join a group that supports the protection, management, maintenance, restoration, recreational use and interpretation of Fort Ward Museum and Park.
Since the 1950’s and the work of Dorothy Starr many individuals and community groups have taken and interest in and helped support Fort Ward. Four organizations that have been and are involved include:

Friends of Fort Ward, Bill Schreiner, President
The Friends of Fort Ward
4301 West Braddock Road
Alexandria, Virginia 22304
www.fortward.org

Oakland Baptist Church, Arnold Ambers, Board of Trustees & Community Liaison.
3408 King St.
Alexandria, VA 22302-3015
www.oaklandbaptistchurch.org

Seminary Civic Association, Frances Terrell, President
By e-mail write to: fterrell56@msn.com

Seminary Hill Association, Joanne Lepanto, President
www.seminaryhillassn.org


3. Help! Donate some of your time to this our group of community and neighborhood organizations and homeowners and help save Fort Ward.
A group of community leaders has created an informal partnership to help save Fort Ward Park. The group needs volunteers with passion, skill and experience in marketing/ communication, historic research, law, finding grants, fundraising, and other areas. If you have time and are interested in a being involved in a rewarding cause contact J. Glenn Eugster at 703-845-8947 or by e-mail at: glenn_eugster@comcast.net


For Further Information

Contact J. Glenn Eugster to:

receive more information on the Fort Ward Observer;
be added, or removed, from this mailing list;
request past editions of this newsletter, or,
make contributions to this report in the future.

Please write or call:

By e-mail: glenn_eugster@comcast.net
By telephone: (703)845-8947 (before 9:00 pm)
By mail: 4022 Ellicott Street, Alexandria, VA 22304

Fort Ward Observer, September 2009

Fort Ward Observer
Volume 1, Issue 1
September 2009
Prepared by J. Glenn Eugster

Introduction

Fort Ward Park was created in 1964 through a collaborative effort between local homeowners, citizens, civic associations, City park and planning department managers and local elected officials. Since its creation support for the park has been shaped by the publics strong interest in the Civil War, Native and African American history, outdoor recreation and the protection of nature and open space. The traditions of civic engagement have brought together neighborhood associations, adjacent landowners, national organizations, churches, schools, and other local groups to work with the City of Alexandria, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the National Park Service to protect and enjoy this 42 acre park.

Over the last three years there have been numerous discussions at all levels of the government and private sector about the City’s past, present and future management and use of the park. Some of the City’s actions and plans have been taken and were developed without basic information on Fort Ward Park, public input, or City and, or, Commonwealth permits. In response to public comments made this year at four City sponsored meetings Alexandria officials are planning a series of actions to examine and shape the future of the park.

The purpose of this report is to provide community interests with information on what is being considered, proposed and undertaken in Fort Ward Park. It is important to note that although I am sharing this information with a broad and diverse group of people, I do not have a mandate to speak for anyone. This information is offered so that you will be informed and, hopefully, engaged in your community, City, and this park. I speak only for myself and those who may think as I do.

Good Things are Happening at Fort Ward Park

In response to public interest in, and comments about, Fort Ward Park the City of Alexandria is taking a variety of actions to address ongoing problems, more effectively manage and assist visitors, and protect the history, culture and natural resources of the park. Specifically the City has taken the following actions:

a. Management of Visitors: This year City staff have been assigned to provide assistance to park visitors to ensure user satisfaction and adherence to City regulations and park permits. City staff, in coordination with the Permits Office and Police Department, have worked to manage past problems related to large crowds, noise, alcohol, and prohibited uses. On weekends and holidays these employees have been especially important in issuing and checking permits, greeting visitors and clarifying appropriate activities and uses of the park. Not only have these City employees put a friendly face on Fort Ward Park but they have managed the use of the park to ensure user satisfaction and safety, park protection, and respect for adjacent landowners. After the major problems of the last two years this improvement in park management by the City is noteworthy and responsive to ongoing public concerns.

b. Recognition of African American Graves Inside the Park: City managers and staff have removed many of the maintenance vehicles, equipment, materials and debris from on top of and nearby known African American graves inside the maintenance yard and nursery area. Temporary fencing and signs have also been posted around known grave sites and headstones within the park to discourage park users and maintenance workers from further damaging these graves.

c. City Funds for Archaeology: As Alexandria officials wrestled with serious budget cuts this year City Council members included $50,000 for this fiscal year to begin archaeology research at Fort Ward Park. The Office of Historic Alexandria is developing a work plan for how the money will be used.

d. Park Improvements: A series of park improvements have been made recently including: relocating the park visitor contact station, refurbishment of the visitor restrooms in the park maintenance building, removal of a deteriorated picnic shelter, upgrading drainage around the Museum, posting park use guidelines and permit information, restoration to the historic gate of the Fort, expansion of the maintenance storage area near the Amphitheater, tree and shrub pruning and removal, and tree and flower plantings.

Unresolved Issues and Concerns

City and community leaders continue to discuss the following park issues and concerns.

a. Continued Impact of Maintenance Yard Activities on Fort Ward Park Graves: Maintenance and nursery vehicles continue to park on and near African American graves. Piles of mulch, equipment, materials and debris continue to be stored in the area that is known to be the site of a African American school, church, residence, and additional graves.

b. Water Runoff and Tree Damage: The expansion of the maintenance yard and nursery area, which was done without City permits and approvals, has caused increased water to runoff into the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery. In addition, lands inside and outside the park and cemetery are contributing runoff to the cemetery. The runoff has eroded grave stones and grave sites are subsiding due to these land use changes.

Repairs to a cemetery fence, damaged by fallen park trees blown down in 2008, still need to be completed by the City‘s Recreation Department.

In addition, adjacent homeowners continue to voice concerns about water runoff flowing from the park into the ravine down slope from the cemetery. Construction and landscape debris dumped by the City, along with park trees that have fallen in front of the storm sewer, cause runoff to pond adjacent to nearby homes.

c. Fort Ward Park Action Plan: Earlier this year the City agreed to hold public meetings and accept written comments to help develop an action plan for the management, protection, use and interpretation of Fort Ward Park. Comments made by the public during the City’s meetings in April and March 2009, and written comments that were submitted, have not been used by the City to complete the proposed Action Plan for Fort Ward Park. A draft action plan presented to the public in March 2009 was completed before the end of the comment period and did not include or address written comments from the public, various organizations, and City advisory commissions before it was submitted to City Council.

d. Fort Ward Facility Study & Recommendations: The October 16, 2008 facility study and recommendations for Fort Ward Park was prepared and approved by the City Recreation Department and the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission without public input or basic information about the natural, historic and cultural resources which the park was created to protect. Despite ongoing public concern about the study, and the process that was used to develop its recommendations, the document continues to be displayed on the City’s website.

e. Fort Ward Park Site Plans and Permits: Discussions continue about the development of Fort Ward Park outside of the City‘s normal site planning and special use permit approval process. In 1965 the City approved a site plan for the park’s 300 square foot greenhouse located in the maintenance yard. Following that decision the Recreation Department has expanded the use of that area to include a district maintenance yard, a solid waste transfer station, and a storage area for mulch, materials and debris. Each of these expansions was done without public notice, site plan review, special use, solid waste and storm water management permits.

Future Efforts of Note

a. Federal Funds for Fort Ward Park: Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat and senior member of the House Appropriations Committee announced that funds for Fort Ward Park were included in the FY 2010 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill (H.R. 2996). The legislation passed on June 26, 2009. If approved by the Senate, Congress and the President, the bill could provide $75,000 to preserve the Fort Ward Civil War Fort, improve access for the disabled, and update displays to include more recent historical developments in the park's history. The bill will require non-federal matching funds.

b. African American Historical Research: Local historians and community leaders are researching the history of African American occupation of the area that is now Fort Ward Park. A paper is being developed and a series of presentations on this research will be scheduled this fall.

c. Urban Forestry Plan: On Saturday September 12, 2009, at the City Council Public Hearing, there will be a Second Reading and Final Passage of an Ordinance to Adopt Master Plan Amendment No. 2009-0001 of the Urban Forestry Master Plan as a Chapter of the City’s Master Plan.

The City-wide Urban Forestry Master Plan includes a recommendation to rededicate Fort Ward Park as the City’s Arboretum. It also suggests that a master plan be developed and adopted for the park. This recommendation reaffirms the City’s earlier commitment in 1983 to create a collection of trees and other woody plants that will serve as an educational resource for City residents and visitors. $25,000 is proposed to go to implement this recommendation. It is unclear how this proposal relates to the City’s other commitments and proposals for the park, and Archeological regulations.

d. Fort Ward Observation Committee: The Friends of Fort Ward, a private non-profit organization that assists the City protect and interpret Fort Ward Park, has created a Park Observation Committee to periodically report to the groups Executive Committee on issues, concerns and activities related to Fort Ward.

e. National Trust for Historic Preservation African American Research Grants: Earlier this year the National Trust for Historic Preservation notified government and civic leaders that they are launching Partnership-in-Scholarship Grants to support collaborative projects between African American Historic Places and college/university scholars.

This year, four grants of $15,000 each (no match required) will be awarded in Fall 2009 to projects that help sustain current or attract new audiences at historic sites or enhance the interpretation of challenging topics at historic sites. Eligible projects include:
Improving public access to African American historical and cultural resources at historic places.
Strengthening teaching and education at colleges and universities through historic places.
Promoting research and original scholarship of a significant theme related to African American history and culture to support joint public programs.
Providing opportunities for lifelong learning through a collaborative program.
Strengthening each institution’s humanities programming in order to preserve, enhance, or enjoy significant African American historic places.
The deadline for applications is September 30, 2009.

f. National Park Service and Alexandria, Virginia, Fort Circle Parks Project: Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site is working with the National Park Service, National Capital Region, and other local partners, to raise public awareness and appreciation of the entire Civil War Defenses of Washington. The project is to identify a bike route, using existing trails, that would connect Civil War forts on the Virginia side of the Potomac that have notable remains. The current thinking is that this bike route would
connect Fort Ward (Alexandria), Ft. C.F. Smith (Arlington County), Fort Ethan Allen (Arlington County), and Fort Marcy (George Washington Memorial Parkway/Fairfax County).

The purpose of this project, which once was proposed by the Civil War Roundtable in 1954, is to:
Raise public awareness of the remaining Civil War forts,
the fact that the greater Civil War Defenses of Washington formed a ring around the capital city, and the role that the forts played during the Civil War; and
Increase bicycling opportunities with a safe, identified bike route.


Inside Alexandria

City news releases, as well as conversations and correspondence with various City staff, local elected officials, Advisory Commission members and citizens have revealed information about actions and activities being discussed for Fort Ward Park.

a. Ad Hoc Advisory Group Established for Fort Ward: On June 23, 2009 the City Council approved Resolution No. 2349 establishing an Ad Hoc Advisory group for Fort Ward Park and Museum Area. The group will consist of ten members, recommended by various existing City advisory commissions, who will work toward a goal of finding an appropriate balance between the different uses of the park, including active, passive/ environmental and historic/ archeological interests. The group will be appointed by the City Manager and will serve for a “limited duration of about a one-year period”.

b. Civil War Celebration: The City is developing it’s effort for the upcoming 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Sesquicentennial Celebration activities are being planned by the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission, the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Center, and the Office of Historic Alexandria. One meeting of the leadership group was held in June and another meeting planned for later this fall. The City’s plans for the celebration at Fort Ward Park are unclear at this time and it is not certain if the effort will include the proposals for Fort Ward Park and the West End that the West End Business Association and the Friends of Fort Ward developed over the last twelve months.

c. Fort Ward Park History Work Group: In March 2009 the City proposed the creation of a “Fort Ward Park History Work Group”. This is a new work group to document the historic and cultural resources of the park, including its association with American Indians, Civil War fortifications, and the post-war African American community. The work group will assist staff with research and documentation of the historic site, with a specific focus on the heritage of the African American community, known as the Fort, that existed following the Civil War until the mid-20th century when the City of Alexandria acquired the property to preserve the Union fort.

The information gathered by the work group and staff will be used to help the Recreation Department and the Office of Historic Alexandria interpret and protect the Fort’s cultural and historic resources. Participation in the work group is open to all, and participation by descendants of former residents is especially welcome.

After considering various dates over the summer, the City’s plans for the first meeting of the Fort Ward Park History Workgroup continue to be in flux. A meeting date is being discussed by City officials and is likely to be announced in September.


Upcoming September Events

September 7, 2009 [Various Labor Day group events at Fort Ward Park]

September 8, 2009 [City Council Regular Meeting, 7:00 pm, City Hall, Alexandria, VA]

September 10, 2009 [Seminary Hill Association, Inc. Board Meeting, 7:30 pm, Fort Ward Park Museum, Alexandria, VA]

September 12, 2009 [City Council Public Hearing, 9:30 am, City Hall, Alexandria, VA]

September 22, 2009 [Friends of Fort Ward Meeting, 7:00 pm, Fort Ward Museum, Alexandria, VA--rain date is September 29, 2009]

September 22, 2009 [City Council Regular Meeting, 7:00 pm]

September 23, 2009 [Lecture on the Virginia Federal Writer’s Project Guide, 7:30 pm, Lyceum, Alexandria, VA]

September 26, 2009 [Fort Ward Park Civil War Shelter program, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Fort Ward Park]

TBD [Alexandria, Virginia Civil War Sesquicentennial Celebration Meeting, date, time and location to be announced]


Who is Who at Fort Ward?

Many of us have tried to contact someone at Fort Ward Park about a concern, issue, or opportunity. Often we find it difficult to know who to talk with and what their responsibilities are given the management approach to the park. In March 2009 at the T.C. Williams High School Public Meeting on Fort Ward, the Director of Historic Alexandria and the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Activities Department told the audience that they were the points of contact for Fort Ward Park. Although Lance Mallamo, of Historic Alexandria, and James Spengler of Parks & Recreation, are the City officials responsible for Fort Ward many other city and group leaders are involved in current and future use, planning and management of the park and museum. Some of the key contacts include:

Fort Ward Park, Jim Spengler, Director of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities

Fort Ward Park Maintenance & Visitor Services, Walter Powell, Park District Superintendent

Fort Ward Nursery and Arboretum, John Noelle, City Arborist

Alexandria Recreation & Parks Commission, Judy Noritake, Chair
Office of Historic Alexandria, Lance Mallamo, Director

Alexandria Black History Museum, Louis Hicks, Director

Alexandria Archaeology, Pam Cressey, City Archaeologist

Fort Ward Park Museum and Historic Site, Susan Cumbey, Director; Wally Owen, Chief Historian

Fort Ward Park Ad Hoc Advisory Group, Mark Jinks, Deputy City Manager; Lance Mallamo, Director, Office of Historic Alexandria; James Spengler, Director, Parks, Recreation & Cultural Activities Department

Alexandria Archaeology Commission, Kathleen Pepper, Chair

Alexandria Police Department, Hassan Aden, Captain; Officer Troy Boyle

Alexandria Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission, Ellen Stanton, Chair, Historic Alexandria Historic Resources Commission

Friends of Fort Ward, Bill Schreiner, President

Oakland Baptist Church, Arnold Ambers, Board of Trustees & Community Liaison

Seminary Civil Association, Frances Terrell, President

Seminary Hill Association, Joanne Lepanto, President

West End Business Association, John Porter, President


For Further Information

Contact J. Glenn Eugster to:

receive more information on the Fort Ward Observer;
be added, or removed, from this mailing list; or,
make contributions to this report in the future.

Please write or call:

By e-mail: glenn_eugster@comcast.net
By telephone: (703)845-8947 (before 9:00 pm)
By mail: 4022 Ellicott Street, Alexandria, VA 22304

Fort Ward Observer, July 16, 2010 to October 9, 2010

Fort Ward Observer
Volume 2, Issue 4
July 16, 2010 to October 9, 2010
Prepared by J. Glenn Eugster
July 15, 2010

Highlights
This issue includes information on the following Fort Ward Park, Marlboro Estates, Seminary, and Seminary Hill activities, plus much more.

* Debating the Scope of Archaeological Research at Fort Ward Park
* Proposal to Cover Illegal Fill in Fort Ward Maintenance Yard
* Infrastructure Assessment and Master Plan Proposed for Fort Ward Park
* Stormwater Management Plan Must Wait for Archaeolgical Work
* City Responds Quickly to August Storm Damage
* Debating Who Should Mow Fort Ward Park
* Fort Ward & Seminary African American Descendants Society Formed
* Advisory Group Debates Whether to Let the Public Review Their Recommendations for Fort Ward Park
* Plans for Fort ward Archaeological research Move Ahead
* Memorial for City’s First Arborist Damaged by City Clean-up Effort
* Braddock Road Update
* Crime Alert
* Beauregard Development Opposed

Purpose
Fort Ward Park was established by the City of Alexandria, as a historic park, in 1964 through a collaborative effort, which began in the early 1950’s between local homeowners, citizens, historians, civic associations, City Park, Public Works, and Planning Department managers and local elected officials. The purpose of this report is to provide community interests with information on what is being considered, proposed and underway in Fort Ward Park and its surrounding area.

Good Things Are Happening at Fort Ward Park

1. City and Community Leaders Debate Scope of Archaeology Research.

The Fort Ward Park Advisory Group and the Fort Ward History Work Group Meetings have been the platform for a series of recent discussions about the use of City of Alexandria 2010 funds for archeological, historical and cultural research and surveys to locate African American graves and structures. This research was approved and funded by the Mayor and City Council in 2009. During meetings and by correspondence members of the two groups, and other community organizations, have discussed the scope of archaeology; the City’s plans to dig before the August 2009 Fort Ward Park Inventory of Historical, Cultural and Archaeolgical Resources is completed; the interest by the descendant family members to identify more historic context and have a bigger role in telling their story.

Local historian Dave Cavanaugh, a former member of the City Archaeolgical Commission, presented verbal and written remarks to the Advisory Group and the City about the inadequacies of the research work and problems with the services contract at Fort Ward Park. Attached is a copy of Mr. Cavanaugh’s letter which City officials.

Plans for the City’s contract for archaeological and historic research has been delayed for several months and City funds to complete the work which is required are uncertain. See section # for an update on the archaeological work.

2. City officials announce plans to cover maintenance yard with soil.

Much to the surprise of many in the audience City officials announced at the August 24, 2010 Fort Ward Advisory Group Meeting that they do not intend to remove the gravel and soil that was illegally placed in the Fort Ward Park maintenance yard. Noting funding shortfalls the Recreation Department intends to cover the gravel areas with soil and revegetate the area. Lance Mallamo, Director of OHA noted that, “We won’t be removing gravel in the maintenance yard--in this first phase. It is a large gravel area approximately 8,000 square feet and is likely to be a couple of feet deep”.

Given that the archaeological research, storm water management plan, and master plan for Fort Ward Park have not been completed it is unclear why the City is proposing to add more fill to the area. Adjacent homeowners and family members with graves at the Oakland Baptist Church continue to have erosion, sediment and flooding problems due to the City’s decision to add fill to the area and change existing drainage patterns.

3. City officials propose to do a infrastructure inventory and assesment and master plan for Fort Ward

At the July 27, 2010 Fort Ward Park Advisory Group Meeting James Spengler, Director of the Recreation Department announced City plans for a “infrastructure inventory and assessment” of 109 park properties as well as formal master plans for Fort Ward, Ben Brenman, Four Mile Run, and other City parks. “We want to get out of the system of reacting to ciotizen complaints”, said Spengler.

Mr. Spengler commented on Fort Ward and indicated that “The Fort Ward Park Plan was never official approved by the City Council. There have been ebbs and flows. Events and history have been highlighted and you don’t drop one initiative when you embrace another. Fort Ward is a hodge podge of proposals and activities.

Mr. Spengler noted that a person who formerly worked for the Central Park Conservancy, and is from Alexandria, will be the person leading this effort. He expects the work to be done by outside consultants and each plan is expected to cost approximately $60,000 each. This will be the Recreation Department’s first master planning effort and it is unclear what their planning process will entail and how the activities of the Office of Historic Alexandria, the Department of Transportation & Environmental Services, and the public will be involved.

4. Fort Ward Park Runoff/ Stormwater Plan Waiting For Archaeology To Be Completed

Rich Baier, Director of the City Department of Transportation & Environmental Services, in September 7, 2010 letter to the Fort Ward Park Advisory Group indicated, “Since I attended the meeting with the Advisory Group in May, my staff has been working on aspects of the park project. Our primary efforts to date have focused on supporting the Office of Historic Alexandria in preparing for the archaeological investigation. We are preparing an engineered plan that delineates the extent of their excavation and ensures that appropriate erosion and sediment control devices will be placed during the ground disturbing activities. This plan will also include erosion protections surrounding the demolition of the greenhouse structure and fence removal at the old maintenance yard.

While T&ES staff has begun preliminary work on delineating drainage areas and gathering data for the hydraulic analysis, the bulk of the work on the drainage and stormwater management plan will be done in conjunction with the Park Master Planning. I understand that the department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities will begin this effort once they have the findings of the archaeological investigation and recommendations of the Advisory Committee. It is certainly our intent to coordinate these efforts so that any proposed changes in the park do not create drainage and stormwater problems and that our stormwater improvements do not interfere with or jeopardize any of the park resources. T&ES will participate in site visits with stakeholders as part of these efforts.

As I discussed at the Advisory Group meeting in May, T&ES does have limited funding to allow us to develop a stormwater plan. Funding for improvements identified will be requested as part of future Capital Improvement Program budgets“.

Rich Baier will brief the members of the Fort Ward Park Advisory Group about storm water/ runoff grant opportunities at its meeting Thursday, November 11, 2010 at 7:00 PM at the Fort Ward Museum Library and not October 14, as had originally been announced.

The Recreation Department, at the request of the church and community leaders, has replaced the temporary hay bales to reduce the park storm water/ runoff damage to the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery graves and grave stones. Graves continue to subside and grave stones are eroding from park runoff.

5. City responds quickly to Storm damage to park trees and the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery.

Following the storms of August the City Recreation Dept. quickly directed contractors to remove the numerous trees that fell within Fort Ward Park. Trees which were removed included those that fell from park land onto the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery and private property along the park boundary.

The recurring tree damage also motivated the City to do additional backlog tree maintenance on other trees that are in the park. Trees that were diseased or likely to topple from future storms were pruned and, or, removed from the park.

6. City Officials Debate Who Should Mow Fort Ward Park

The July 27, 2010 Fort Ward Park Advisory Group Meeting included a discussion with James Spengler, Director of the City’s recreation Department. Advisory Group member Bill Schreiner raised the issue of how the vegetation is maintained in the earthworks. “Mowing has been problematic in the past. Camp Days draw an awful lot of people. Mowing removed a chunk of the earth mound. We are not here to be a truth commission but we need to think about turf management of the entire park and this needs to be considered for the earthworks. How can we avoid slices [being taken] out of the historic embankment in the future?”

Mr. Spengler responded, “Turf wasn’t here [historically], trees weren’t here. Some of the park is hallowed ground. For a long time it was okay to park vehicles in the maintenance yard. I’m comfortable transferring historic mowing to the Office of Historic Alexandria with funding. We [Recreation Department] aren’t historic. We aren’t trained in historic maintenance and never will be. I am proposing to Lance [Mallamo, Director of the Office of Historic Alexandria] that everything inside the ring-road will be done by the Office of Historic Alexandria”.

Spengler added, “You won’t get perfect mowing. That’s the nature of turf maintenance”.
Tom Fulton noted, “The entire park is on the National Register of Historic Places and requires an ongoing maintenance responsibility. There are four departments involved and a coordinated effort would send a positive signal that stove piping has been dissolved. It is incumbent of the two departments [Recreation and History] that the two groups work together“.

Bill Schreiner added, “Every year we have the same battle with turf management. Spengler replied, “You can’t expect 100% performance”. Fort Ward Museum Director Susan Cumbey added, “We could get the staffs together for joint training”.

Spengler replied, “Maintenance workers don’t differentiate between different parks. We can break a contract out. I want this park to be done [maintained] totally by contract.

Wally Owen , the Assistant Director of the Fort Ward Museum, asked, “Who mows the ball fields? It’s special equipment but couldn’t your group do the work if you had it? “ Mr. Spengler replied, “If we get the money we could do this. However, parks crews mostly work on athletic fields and get positive feedback from recreation groups on their work. I’m not sure there is motivation to pick-up more skills”.

Susan Cumbey noted that, “Interest can be cultivated with crews--helping preserve something that has been valued”.

Mr. Spengler concluded the discussion by saying, “It [turf maintenance] would be better if it were handled by the Office of Historic Alexandria. The Recreation Department does athletic fields. This is the only historic park that they maintain”.

Mr. Spengler’s comments came as a surprise to some of the audience. Earlier that month, in response to repeated damage of headstones by City maintenance employees, Recreation and Office of Historic Alexandria Department managers indicated that “ we [the two offices] are now putting together a policy on how to properly maintain grave sites“. No mention was made of a new mowing policy or better ways to protect these sacred places. Mr. Mallamo responded to questions about the most recent headstone damage indicating, “ We aren’t sure that the damage to the headstone was due to mowing. We think it may be the result of freeze-thaw this past winter”.

7. Fort Ward & Seminary African American Descendants Society Formed

On July 24, 2010 at the Oakland Baptist Church the first general meeting of the Fort Ward & Seminary African American Descendants Society was held. Adrienne Washington, one of the group’s steering committee members, outlined the following mission:

Describe, interpret, protect and celebrate the living legacy of African Americans who contributed to the defenses of Washington, D.C. at Fort Ward in an effort to win their own freedom which has led to a more perfect Union.

The primary goal of the Society is to share the history of African Americans in order to describe the role they played and the contributions they made during the Civil War at Fort Ward and in helping to create the Seminary community. African Americans were crucial to the war effort; and that the war is best understood not just as a military phenomenon, but as a social and political one as well.

Her remarks included background of the effort and the importance of having the descendant families tell their story at Fort Ward. Attached is a copy of a paper What does “The Fort” and “Seminary” Mean to Us? By Adrienne Terrell (Randall) Washington, for Ft. Ward and Seminary African American Descendants’ Society, 7/9/10, that was shared.

Ms. Washington spoke of the difficulty African Americans have had in getting recognition for their contributions to the Civil War and Alexandria. She noted that the graves of Clara Adams and her husband have been locked behind the chain link fence of the Fort Ward Park maintenance and for years. Ms. Washington said, “We can now claim 150 years of history in this area”.

Frances Terrell, also a member of the steering committee, noted that the Oakland Church and the Society had contacted the City about the state of Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery. The cemetery has been regularly damaged by park trees and runoff/storm water from the maintenance yard.

The Steering Committee is comprised of Ms. Washington, Ms. Terrell, Dave Cavanaugh, Joyce Casey Sanchez, Glenn Eugster, and Gerald Wanzer. check with AW. Steering Committee members, with pro-bono assistance from various technical and legal experts are pursuing status as a non-profit organization. Members have created a FaceBook page and are looking into possible sources of funding for Society activities.

At the initial general meeting of the Society attendees were invited to join the organization and assist the effort.


8. Fort Ward Park Advisory Group Discusses Whether the Public Should review their Recommendations

During the September ??, 2010 Fort Ward Park Advisory Group Meeting there was a brief discussion between members as to whether the public should have the opportunity to review the groups report and recommendations before they are submitted to the Mayor and City Council. At earlier meetings Chairman Tom Fulton had indicated a desire to circulate a draft of the report and recommendations to the public for their review and comments. However, the Advisory Group hadn’t voted on the idea and the dialogue at meeting revealed disagreement among members.

In response to Mr. Fulton’s goal to share their report with the public as soon as it is ready, Bob Moir, who represents the Parks and recreation Advisory Commission said,
“I thought we were to respond to City Council rather than to the public. Our job is to represent the entire public. It is to represent the broader public and provide services to the City”.

As the schedule was discussed the public review issue came up again. Ripley Forbes of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission said, “Why do we need public comments? Why are we dealing with public comments?”.

Bill S., of the Friends of Fort Ward, added, January 14, 2011 is the one-year anniversary of the Advisory group and we can write the report and send it to City Council. Or, we could have public meetings. Mr. Moir added, “We don’t have anything to do with public meetings”.

Mr. Forbes suggested that we should ask the City Departments. Bill S. added that he thought that the City Resolution creating the Advisory Group doesn’t require us to have public meetings.
Tom Fulton suggested that the group “mull this over more”.

According to Mr. Fulton, “The Advisory Group has not yet voted on how it will make its draft document available to the public. My comments at the last meeting were intended to begin that discussion. As you could see from the brief debate that ensued there appear to be many factors involved in deciding how best to proceed. Aside from a desire to complete our work by no later than January 14, 2011, and to include the public in the process, there is, as yet, no decision regarding how to go about that process“.


OHA Announces Plans for Archaeolgical research

On September 28, 2010 Fran Bromberg, Pam Cressey and Lance Mallamo of the Office of Historic Alexandria led a walk-about of the areas that the City will conduct archaeological research on within Fort Ward Park. The OHA reps also briefed the Fort Ward park Advisory group at the meeting that followed.

The OHA representatives were joined by two members of the Ottery Group which has been selected by the City of Alexandria to perform the work. The Ottery Group offers a wide variety of services in archeology, historic preservation, and the environmental sciences and has particularly strong credentials in the implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). They are based in Olney, MD and have worked in Southern MD.

Ms. Cressey explained that the Ottery Group, once they have signed a contract with the City, will: 1. fill in the gaps of the historical record and examine information in the Inventory. They will revise and update the Inventory; 2. Review the results of the Ground Penetrating Radar test and do ground-truthing; and .3. Conduct an archaeological survey to determine what are the best ways to identify graves in the environment.

Ms. Cressey added that the contractor will do shovel testing; metal detection; scraping of the ground; and excavation by hand. Great care will be taken not to damage grave sites. She added that the work was likely to begin in the Old Grave Yard, adjacent to the Cemetery at the entrance to the maintenance yard. Fran Bormberg noted that there appear to be 21 burial locations in that area.

Ms. Cressey noted that they hope to confirm whether or not the Ground Penetrating Radar will, or won’t, confirm the graves. She said that on the average this technique is correct 25% of the time. “If this work confirms the Ground Penetrating radar then it’s the way to go”.

She added, “We want to consider looking at the area to understand not just the possibility but the reality [of graves].

In response to an earlier statement that Mr. Mallamo made about there not being any burial areas under the maintenance yard aggregate, Ms. Cressey said, “We aren’t saying there is nothing here, anywhere. We don’t know how deep the aggregate is. This is the first test in this area. This is not a completion of knowing everything about the maintenance yard”.

Ms. Cressey and Ms. Bromberg advised the attendees that a sediment fence will be placed along the boundaries of Marlboro Estates and the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery before shovel testing will be done above those areas. The shovel tests will reveal how much soil and aggregate material has been added to the maintenance yard. If it is deep the area will be scrapped.

The work is waiting for the City contract to be signed as well as the City Soil & Erosion Control Permit to be approved. Hopefully the work will begin in October. Public information signs may be posted on the park information kiosks.

Workers will be in the area, with heavy equipment and machinery after the initial work, for a period of several weeks. Work will be performed Monday through Friday. Questions can be directed to the contractors, or Pam Cressey or Fran Bromberg of the City Archaeolgy Office.

If graves are found the descendant families will be contacted to discuss what if anything should be done in the way of arranging a memorial service. Once graves are found City surveyors will come out to record the graves.

Ms. Cressey indicated that during the work period she will send out notices to periodically let people know the results of the work.

Add reference to andout as attachment

Memorial to the First City Arborist Damaged by Storm Cleanup Effort

Although the tree removal work at Fort Ward Park was necessary and impressive it came at a price. Unfortunately the machinery used to remove large portions of trees from the storm water run required the removal of shrubs and grassed areas from the Memorial to Charles W. Hendryx.

The memorial, which is between Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery and the stormwater run honors Mr. Hendryx who was City’s First Arborist from 1959 to 1971. He also worked with Mrs. R.F. S. Starr in 1959 providing information relative to the development of Fort Ward Park. Mrs. Starr was one of the community leaders who advocated for the protection and development of the historical park.

Mr, Hendryx’s vision was used to develop the City's original plan for Fort Ward Park in 1962. His contribution to Alexandria was recognized by the City Beautification Committee and the memorial was created in the park adjacent to the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery using public and private funds.

The damage from storm clean-up efforts has further denigrated this part of the park which has been long neglected by the Recreation Department and the City’s Beautification Commission.


Braddock Road Update

Deputy Chief Aden reports that “we have been very busy on W. Braddock Rd. Between Quaker and N. Van Dorn this summer“. We have staffed several weeks of intense speed enforcement resulting in numerous traffic tickets. On September 23, 2010 at the Seminary Hill Association Board Meeting Deputy Chief Aden reported that 83 speeding tickets were issued during a two week period on West Braddock between the intersection with King and Quaker and Howard Street. The Alexandria Police Department will continue this enforcement as school begins and periodically throughout the year.


Crime Alert

Friday August 27, 2010: There was an attempted break-in at 2130 North Early Street this morning. According to family members who witnessed the attempted break-in, a man tried to enter the home through a rear door at 8:45 am. Evidently the intruder entered the property from Marlboro Place. Fortunately the intruder set the security alarm off and the Alexandria Police Department was called. The Police investigated the incident and further information is not yet available.

The following is a synopsis from Captain Tim Dickinson (Sector 3-West End Commander):

"The resident reported that her 11 year old daughter saw an unknown race male attempting to open the rear kitchen door. The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. She reported that when the subject opened the door, the alarm went off. The subject then closed the door and ran towards the rear of the house. He then jumped the wooden fence and continued running northbound. K-9 ran a track but the track ended at the wooden fence. Officers completed a canvass by knocking on several doors but no one was home."

Detectives will get the case and investigate further.

Normally Marlboro Estates and North Early Street are safe areas to live. However we do experience periodic home and auto break-ins. Residents are reminded to take extra care while at home and away. We do not have an official neighborhood watch in our area so it is important that we all continue to look after our homes and those of our neighbors.

Opposition to Proposed Beauregard Development

Citizens in the West End fear more gridlock like that created on Seminary Road and Beauregard by the Mark Center development. Some are working to halt the Beauregard Corridor Plan until the City begins building transportation solutions. Nancy Jennings, President of the Seminary Hills Association (SHA) Board, testified to the City Council on Sept. 25, 2010 that "Seminary Hill residents agree that the Beauregard Corridor Plan process should be halted until the City has funded a shovel-ready rapid-transit project in the Beauregard Corridor." Citizens are signing a petition that there should be no increase in density in the Beauregard area until appropriate and proven transportation "solutions" are fully funded.

You may join this effort at http://www.gopetition.com/petition/39264.html

Additional information will be posted soon on the Seminary Hill website. In the meantime, below is information about the problem and what you can do.

Nancy Jennings President, Seminary Hill Association, Inc. A Time to Scream Bloody Murder

The failure of the City of Alexandria to plan is evident in the BRAC at Mark Center. While the debate continues on how to handle the traffic gridlock that this development will bring, City Officials are planning more high rises and more dense development in the Beauregard Corridor. Stop the madness! The Seminary Hill Association, Inc., (SHA) seeks collaboration with all West End organizations and residents in a major effort to stop in its tracks the unwanted additional dense development. At the Beauregard Corridor Plan meeting on Sept. 30 at John Adams Elementary School, SHA will request formally that this planning process be suspended until transportation infrastructure is being built in the West End that will improve the movement of people on Beauregard Street, I-395, Seminary Road, and on adjacent streets.

SHA invites you to join this campaign to:
• Let responsible officials know of citizen opposition to more density in the Beauregard Corridor.
• Change attitudes in City Hall toward out-of-control development everywhere in the West End.
• Protect our neighborhoods. Rally events to attend:
• October 5—Planning Commission work session on the Beauregard Corridor at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall.
• TBD in October—City Council work session on the Beauregard Corridor in City Hall.
• Nov. 2—Distribute information at Congressional polling places.

What can you do?
• Call or email the City Manager, the Planning Director, the Mayor and Members of City Council demanding no increased density.
• Send letters to the editors of the local media.
• Volunteer to distribute flyers to your neighbors at polling places or in your neighborhood.
• Visit the SHA website, www.seminaryhillassn.org, for more information and the emails and phone numbers of officials.


October in Fort Ward History

1953
On October 1 The City Planning Commission, at the request of the Director of Planning, considered the status of five Civil War Forts located in Alexandria. It was approved that the City appoint a committee, with citizen members, to confer with the owners of these properties to see what could be done to acquire them.

1960
On October 7 City Manager E. G. Heatwole sent a memo to the City Attorney Floyd Williams advising him that Public Works Director P.B. Hall has found several graves within the Fort Ward site.

1961
On October 3 City Manager E. G. Heatwole submitted a proposal to the Mayor and Cit Council to fund the acquisition, development and restoration of Fort Ward Park. Included in the proposal is a request to use funds to hire a consultant to prepare a Park Master Plan.

1962
On October 7 citizens, including those from North Early Street, the Seminary Hill Association, Episcopal High School, and other interested property owners and organizations, filed a formal protest objecting to application by Richard and Mary Ruffner to rezone 20.6 acres of land on the north side of the 4,000 block of Braddock Road.

1978
The City of Alexandria begins a three month City-wide Civil War Exhibit “Allexandria: Occupied City 1861-1865. The exhibit includes an October 1 events at Fort Ward including a Living History Demonstration on Fot Life and a lecture on “War Gaming”.






Up Ahead

Future Meetings


Saturday, November 6 –Fort Ward History Work Group Meeting, 10:00 a.m. -12:00 noon, Meeting Location To Be Determined

Thursday October 14, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.-Fort Ward Park Advisory Group Meeting
Ad Hoc Fort Ward Park & Museum Advisory Group
Thursday, October 14 and


Tuesday, October 26 at 7:00 p.m. -Fort Ward Park Advisory Group Meeting
Fort Ward Museum, 4301 W. Braddock Rd.
www.alexandriava.gov/29638


Thursday, November 14 at 7:00 p.m.-Fort Ward Park Advisory Group Meeting
Fort Ward Museum, 4301 W. Braddock Rd.
www.alexandriava.gov/29638


For Further Information

For Further Information
If you would like to:
receive more information on the Fort Ward Observer;
be added, or removed, from this mailing list;
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make contributions to this report in the future.

Please write or call: Glenn Eugster

By e-mail: glenn_eugster@comcast.net
By telephone: (703)845-8947 (before 9:00 p.m.)
By mail: 4022 Ellicott Street, Alexandria, VA 22304

Should you wish copies of the summaries of the meetings that were mentioned in this report please contact me.