Save the Winkler Preserve

The purpose of this page is to provide you updates regarding the Winkler Botantical Preserve and to serve as a resource for you.  Since the Department of Defense has decided to locate the BRAC 133 facility at the Mark Center, the Virginia Department of Transportation is conducting studies for a traffic plan to alleviate the traffic burden that the area around the facility will face, including I-395.   One of the options under consideration is Alternative D, which will run an access ramp through the Preserve to the facility. 

After hearing testimony from residents and community stakeholders (including many children who have taken classes at the Preserve), the Alexandria City Council voted unanimously to request VDOT to take the Preserve off the table as an option to be considered in the transportation plan.

Below are links to the Winkler Preserve  facebook page and copy of a letter I recently sent to Governor-Elect McDonnell's Secretary of Transportation Designee, Sean Connaughton. 

Save the Winkler Preserve on Facebook

January 5, 2010

Mr. Sean Connaughton

c/o Governor Elect Robert McDonnell

202 North 9th Street, Suite 200

Richmond, Virginia 23218

Re: VDOT MEGA Projects Division Study of Transportation Plans for the BRAC 133 Facility

Dear Mr. Connaughton:

Congratulations on your appointment to as the Secretary of Transportation.    I look forward to working with you regarding Virginia’s transportation issues. 

There is a matter of urgent importance that my district is facing – the transportation plan for the BRAC 133 facility which sits just off of I-395 at the Seminary Road exit.   As you are aware, this facility will house over 6,000 employees many of whom are expected to gain access from I-395.  The BRAC 133 facility is adjacent to the Winkler Nature Preserve (“Preserve”) which has already faced adverse impacts due to the construction.   

Currently, VDOT is considering several alternatives for vehicle access to the facility including an option that is opposed by the City of Alexandria which is Alternative D.   Under this Alternative, a 35 foot exit ramp and highway would run directly through the Preserve.  Alternative D would be devastating.  

On December 12, 2009, after a public hearing at which numerous people testified, the Alexandria City Council voted unanimously to request that VDOT eliminate from consideration any alternatives that "would impact the land area of the Winkler Botanical Preserve" and to evaluate alternatives that "do not harm the integrity of the Preserve."  Despite the City Council's unanimous decision, it is my understanding that VDOT is not taking options that harm the Preserve off the table.   It seems that it is a waste of resources to continue to study an alternative that the community and the City Council have rejected.   

At a time that is convenient, I would like to meet with you and/or a leader of your Mega Projects staff to discuss this issue further.  My aid Jennifer Bissett will contact your office to make arrangements.

Sincerely,

 Charniele Herring

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