SUMMER 2016 Code Connection

BUILDING SAFETY MONTH CELEBRATION

In May, Code Administration celebrated Building Safety Month with our

annual kickoff event and community outreach efforts. Building Safety

Month is a public awareness campaign offered each year to help

individuals, families and businesses understand what it takes to create safe

and sustainable structures. This year’s theme was Building Codes: Driving

Growth Through Innovation, Resilience and Safety.

Thanks to our valued partners, sponsors, and dedicated City staff the

kickoff event was a huge success, even with a sudden downpour! The event

included a proclamation by Mayor Allison Silberberg and remarks from

City Manager Mark Jinks, followed by lunch and exhibits from City Mayor Silberberg & Director Gregg Fields

departments and local organizations associated with building safety. In addition, a free training seminar

was provided for the first time as part of the event, taught by the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals.

The Code Administration is already planning for Building Safety Month in May 2017 to spotlight the best

practices that keep places where we live, work and play safe. Thank you to all who participated!

Carvin DiGiovanni, instructor for the training The Permit Center Team! L to R: Inspectors Joe Blethen & Don Demaree,

Assistant Director Bill King

Representatives from Washington Gas Representatives from Virginia American

Water

Representatives from Eco-City

Alexandria

PAGE 2

CODE ADMINISTATION EMPLOYEE CERTIFICATIONS & AWARDS

Alonzo Hicks

Residential Plans Examiner

Combination Building Plans Examiner

Allison Cook

Residential Building Inspector

Residential Building Plans Examiner

Lei Fei

Commercial Building Plans Examiner

Charles Cooper

Combination Building Plans Examiner

Residential Building Plans Examiner

Adam Ward

Commercial Building Inspector

Commercial Mechanical Inspector

ICC/AACE Property Maintenance & Housing Inspector

Residential Building Inspector

Residential Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner

Residential Mechanical Inspector

Property Mechanical Inspector

Residential Plumbing Inspector

CODE ADMINISTRATION EMPLOYEES COMPLETE CIT TRAINING

Congratulations to Permit Technician Donna Dailey and

Code Inspector Leona Bradford for their successful com-

pletion of the 16 hour advanced Crisis Intervention Team

Code Administration welcomes a Permit Technician, Herman

Watkins! Watkins has worked in the Code Enforcement field

for three years. He currently attends Bowie State University.

Herman said his favorite thing about working for the Alexan-

dria, is the friendly environment, feeling welcomed and a part

of a family. Welcome aboard, Herman!

NEW CODE ADMINISTRATION EMPLOYEES

(CIT) training with the Alexandria Police Department. The course trains

participants on how to effectively interact with persons with juvenile men-

tal health challenges and people with autism. Before taking this advanced

course, Donna and Leona completed 40 hours of specialized training in the

recognition of psychiatric disorders, suicide intervention, substance abuse

issues, verbal de-escalation techniques, the role of the family in the care of

a person with mental illness, and legal training in mental health and sub-

stance abuse issues. It is important for Code Administration employees to

have an understanding of behavioral health and effective communication when working with the public. Effec-

tive CIT programs are based on strong relationships between law enforcement, mental health care providers,

government service providers, families and people living with mental illness. CIT is a long-lasting, evolving

partnership based on mutual goals. The completed of training provides Donna and Leona with knowledge and

skills to be more effective at their current positions.

Leona & Donna

Herman Watkins

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As with all projects, the Alexandria Permit Center is dedicated to completing the plan reviews

and issuing permits in a timely manner. In addition, we understand residents and businesses want

to know about projects that have received permits and those that may be coming to their

communities. Here is a list of current projects:

Large Projects Permitted Aldi 4580 Duke St.

National Science Foundation 2415 Eisenhower Ave.

The Thornton 1199 S. Washington St.

Grocery Store 621 Wythe St.

Immanuel Lutheran Church Addition 1801 Russell Rd.

Large Projects Under Review

VCA Veterinary Hospital Renovations 2660 Duke St.

Multi-Family Building with Retail 700 N. Washington St.

Cambria Square 430 S. Pickett St.

The Brandywine 450 S. Pickett St.

The Fillmore 5000 Echols Ave.

The Goodwin House 4800 Fillmore Ave.

Target Expansion 3101 Jefferson Davis Hwy.

EZ Storage 3640 Wheeler Ave.

Carr Hotel 220 S. Union St.

Wilkes Street Townhomes 1323 Wilkes St.

Just Tires 3300 Jefferson Davis Hwy.

PROJECTS IN REVIEW- MAY & JUNE 2016

CODE ADMINISTRATION PARTICIPATES IN “THE DOING BUSINESS IN ALEXANDRIA”

Allison Cook and Maryia Lackansingh did a great job on

May 10, representing Code Administration at the Doing

Business in Alexandria event hosted by the Small Business

Development Center (SBDC).

The event is geared toward new and seasoned small

businesses owners in Alexandria to hear from and interact

with the City officials and staff who administer small

business regulations in Alexandria. Attendees met with City

staff representing the Permit Center, Code Administration,

Planning & Zoning, Business Tax Office and the Health

Department.

Allison and Maryia assisting a customer

CODE ADMINISTRATION SPECIAL PROJECTS UPDATE

CODE CONNECTION PAGE 4

220 S. Union St. — The Indigo (above left)

Topping out occurred July 2 with the pouring of the fifth floor. The sheathing of walls are underway.

1225 First St. — The Dalton (above center)

Parking garage levels near grade for the 14-story, 270-apartment building.

0 Prince St. — Old Dominion Boat Club (above right)

Demolition of the old structure is complete and has been hauled away; awaiting Special Inspections

Meeting.

450 South Pickett St. — Brandywine Assisted Living Facility (above left & center)

Excavations in progress for the two level underground parking, which will have five levels of living

space above.

4800 Fillmore Ave. — Goodwin House (above right)

Sheeting and shoring underway for two levels of underground parking and five stories of residential

space.

2901 Eisenhower Ave. — National Science Foundation (above left)

Interior office undergoing build-out as exterior finishes are completed.

750 Port St. — The Meridian (above center)

Interior apartments at Finals up through 19 of 25 floors; roof top pool is open.

1199 S. Washington St. — The Thornton (above right)

At footings and foundations stage for this five story, 439 wood framed apartment building above two

levels of underground parking.