Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Vienna mayor: new 12th Street kayak launch will give city its first public river access; $1M earmark set for John Manville work
Summary
Mayor Chad Emerick said a new kayak launch on 12th Street will provide Vienna’s first city-operated river access and that a $1,000,000 congressional earmark has been awarded for John Manville site work to support parking and riverfront improvements.
At a public brown-bag session, Mayor Chad Emerick announced progress on several riverfront projects, including a new kayak launch at 12th Street that he said will deliver Vienna’s first public access to the river.
"For the first time in Vienna's history... Vienna will have public access to the river," Emerick said, describing a 14-foot approach and a floating dock suitable for kayaks and similar small watercraft. He cautioned that the site is an active construction area and urged residents to be cautious near heavy equipment.
Emerick also provided an update on redevelopment of the John Manville property adjacent to Spencer's Landing. He said the city requested and was awarded a $1,000,000 earmark through Congressman Riley Moore's office; paperwork is expected this summer and funds should be available this fall to put the work out to bid. Plans described to support Spencer's Landing include converting north-side concrete to parking to better serve events and removing large expanses of south-side concrete—subject to restrictive land covenants that may limit redevelopment options.
On Spencer's Landing amenities, Emerick said the city has issued two initial task orders through its engineer (Thrasher) and aims to add a multiuse entertainment stage and larger restroom facilities as long-term components, but noted portions of the site are in flood plain and design must comply with floodplain restrictions.
Emerick said some short-term improvements (parking conversion, privacy screening) have already improved the site’s appearance and that future work will emphasize green space. He asked residents to watch for project updates once bids and timelines are finalized.
