I have bad news for anyone else tired of reading about the Potomac Yard arena: the city announced a three-month schedule of public engagement for the project.
The schedule includes community engagement events, listening sessions, project briefings, site tours and more.
According to the city release:
The City and all partners involved in the Potomac Yard Development Project are committed to listening to and understanding the needs and concerns of the community. Project partners will participate alongside the City throughout this process with the shared goal of bringing to life a collective vision for Potomac Yard and creating exceptional experiences and regional economic growth for decades to come.
We are at the beginning of our public process and eager to listen to and engage with Alexandria and surrounding communities. We invite Alexandria residents, business owners, and those seeking more information and engagement to sign up here.
The city said biweekly public updates will be released on every other Tuesday until March 26 and continuing as-needed after.
The city will also host weekly virtual listening sessions on various topics. According to the release:
Weekly Virtual Listening Series | Starting Thursday, January 18, the City of Alexandria will hold weekly virtual listening sessions on Thursday nights from 7-8 p.m., covering topics, including:
- Financial proposal and economic impact: January 18, 2024
- Schools, housing and other community benefits: January 25, 2024
- Transportation and traffic management: February 1, 2024
- Small business and economic opportunity: February 8, 2024
A town hall with a short presentation is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 27, at 9:30 a.m.
The release said the city will also host pop-up events, site tours, and meetings with civic and business organizations over the next few weeks and months.
In other Potomac Yard arena news: the plans have already gotten some pushback from local residents and Washingtonians, while the city-funded Alexandria Economic Development Partnership has hired lobbyists to advocate for the project at the general assembly.