Council Approves Addition to Marino's

The Alexandria City Council gave its go-ahead on the proposed addition to Marino’s Restaurant on Saturday after discussing hopes of a long-term plan for development on the west side of Jefferson Davis Highway.

Owner Ather Subzwari said the unanimous approval from council was a huge relief.

“This has been two years of time, energy and a lot of money,” he said. “We got a lot of support from the neighborhood. … [City] staff did a fine job with the plans.”

Subzwari said there are a few conditions to work through with the city before construction can begin on the that will include a second restaurant.

The Planning Commission approved the plans with a 6-1 vote on March 1 despite a recommendation of denial from the Del Ray Citizens Association.

Despite the restaurant's location outside of Del Ray, the DRCA was concerned with the addition’s proximity to residential buildings and wanted to urge the city to pursue a more detailed development plan for the west side of Route 1.

Marino’s faces the Potomac Yard Center, which is slotted for massive redevelopment in the next few years.

Council members said Subzwari’s plans were fine as a land-use matter.

“In terms of basic land-use questions, these are all correct,” Councilman Rob Krupicka said. “This is an important part of Route 1 that needs to be redeveloped. But this is an incredibly modest proposal. …  I don’t think we’re doing anything to hurt redevelopment [by approving the addition].”

Krupicka asked city staff to keep redevelopment “in the back of our minds” moving forward. Krupicka also mentioned the possibility of consolidating parcels of land on the west side of Route 1 down the line.

“In the future, I certainly hope we will have a plan,” Councilwoman Del Pepper said.