What's in a ZIP code name? A lot to the members of the Mount Vernon Farms Alliance.
That is the name of the group that has taken on the task of attempting to change the post office name of ZIP codes 22308 and 22309. Now designated “Alexandria” for mail purposes, the Alliance is attempting to have it renamed Mount Vernon Farms, Va.
"We sent out notices to all the civic associations in the area and have received wide support for the idea," said Jon Hass, spokesperson for the project. "But ultimately the populace will make the decision through a vote with the postal service."
Hass explained, "Once we feel the population impacted has been properly educated, the post office will send out a ballot. The result of that will determine the outcome."
The area in question stretches from just north of Wellington Road to just east of the intersection of Route 235 and Route 1 and from the Potomac River to the eastern edge of Huntley Meadows Park.
"There has been long-term interest in this concept to more closely identify with the Mount Vernon area than Alexandria," Hass said.
"Others have wanted to join us, but we have kept it to these two ZIP codes because that is where the majority of the George Washington farms are located in this area," according to Hass. He indicated they have had interest particularly from those in ZIP code 22306.
THE ALLIANCE has listed a "distinguished board of directors" which includes, among others, U.S. Sen. George Allen, R-Va.; Virginia state Sen. Linda T. "Toddy" Puller (D-36th); Mount Vernon District supervisor Gerald W. Hyland; and Lee District supervisor Dana Kauffman.
Formed this past spring, the Alliance also has an executive committee composed of representatives from county government, post office representatives, Fairfax County police and various civic associations.
Jeffrey McKay, chief of staff to Kauffman and Lee District Citizen Association Relations representative, serves on the executive committee. He supports the effort because "I think it will improve people's knowledge to be able to say exactly where they live. It will correct a lot of confusion."
McKay feels there is a dual benefit. "It will not only help the people who live in those ZIP codes, but also it will help the postal service," he said.
"For a lot of people it's an emotional issue. They are not in Alexandria and don't want to be designated that way. However, I believe it is the practical side that is most important. It's a clarification," McKay emphasized.
ANOTHER MEMBER of the executive committee, Becky Witzman, director, Southeast Fairfax Development Corp., said, "I definitely support the effort."
The purposes of the Alliance are as follows:
*ZIP codes 22308 and 22309 are not in Alexandria;
*Alexandria is a large and cumbersome postal distribution area serving a growing population;
*The name change would more clearly identify our area with the historically significant Mount Vernon Estate;
*It would be especially helpful to the police and fire departments;
*Most of George Washington's farms were located within these ZIP codes;
*Name-change precedents has been established by Kingstowne and Laurel Hill, areas that recently changed their names from Alexandria.
For further information on this proposal or questions, call 703-780-1932 or e-mail at mcamadison@aol.com.