Action Alert: Sign up to Speak to City Council on May 16

[Zack DesJardins]

Hi everyone, 

Thank you for writing to City Council about Braddock Rd, they have received an avalanche of yes emails! And thanks to all who came out to ride on Sunday!

However, we still need your help! Please sign up to speak virtually or in-person for Docket item 12. Please consider sending me your speaker number to help us track who signed up.

When: Saturday May 16

• While the meeting begins at 9:30 AM, there will be some administrative items followed by several petitioners statements, a staff presentation and likely input from the Traffic & Parking Board. City Council can also ask questions.
• Only once those items are complete will the public comment period begin with each speaker allowed 3 minutes
• Expect the hearing to last through lunch well into the afternoon and potentially evening
• There are 52 speakers signed up as of 11:29 PM on Monday

Where: City Council Chambers, Room 1305 at Del Pepper Community Resource Center, 4850 Mark Center Dr, Alexandria, VA

• With only 60 seats in the Chambers, most people will be in the overflow room watching the meeting on a screen or watching on Zoom at home.
• BPAC will provide pizza and soda for supporters attending in person.
• See my video for bicycle parking directions (or attached photos) and this link for bus or parking information.

If you have not spoken to the City Council before, here are a few tips. 

• You will have to to three minutes to speak which roughly the amount of time it takes to read a sheet of paper (don't feel you need to speak the entire time) 
• Start by stating you support the staff recommendation 
• Make no more the three points 
• Give positive, fact-supported statements about why you support the project
• Try to make a unique, personal statement about why this project matters to you and your family 
• Avoid personal attacks

It can seem intimidating to speak but remember the City Council is made up of our fellow neighbors and there will be plenty of project supporters in attendance. 

For more information, check out the project webpage, the docket report or BPAC's Action Alert. 

Questions? Feel free to send me an email zacharyd...@gmail.com 

Thanks for your help and enjoy the rest of your week!

Zack DesJardins