Positions of the Del Ray Business Association

Commercial ad-on tax
DRBA does not support an ad-on tax to commercial real estate.  Any additional taxes should be moderate and applied to commercial and residential properties alike.
 
Trolley
DRBA supports trolley service to Del Ray.  To ensure its success, the trolley service should be very deliberately established with respect to issues such as route, schedule, stops, etc.  DRBA would like to work actively with the city and other relevant organizations on implementing and promoting trolley service to Del Ray.
 
Parking considerations
Based on information from the city’s study of parking in Del Ray, DRBA believes there is no evidence of a parking problem in Del Ray.  As such, DRBA urges the elimination of parking requirements in any and all city regulations (such as SUPs) regarding Del Ray.
 
Establishment of business by right
DRBA believes that if a building in Del Ray is zoned for commercial purposes, any commercial activity should be permitted, by right without the need for SUPs or other zoning requirements.  Such businesses would naturally be subject to common restrictions such as noise ordinances and the like.
DRBA supports consistently applied late night closing times for new restaurants in Del Ray.
 
Pedestrian lighting
DRBA supports the implementation of the recommendations for pedestrian lighting, as described in the Mount Vernon Avenue Business Area Plan of 2005.
 
City services related to DRBA events
As DRBA has begun to incur significant expenses by the city related to various events, DRBA would like to work with the appropriate agencies to determine the appropriate level of police or other support needed to determine if there are less costly alternatives.
 
General zoning issues
DRBA is deeply interested in participating in any future review of the zoning ordinance for businesses and will develop positions as proposals are put forth.
 
State agencies
DRBA seeks to enhance its relationships with Virginia state representatives to understand and mitigate state regulations impacting Del Ray businesses.

Revised and accepted 7 February 2011