Public Meetings - Alexandria, Virginia

This joint work session between the Alexandria City Council and the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) Board of Commissioners ran from 7:03 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on October 30, 2026. It was a one-year check-in on the new ARHA board appointed in October 2025. The agenda and written minutes were not included in the source package, so this summary is based on the transcript. No formal votes were taken; the meeting produced follow-up assignments. Governance and One-Year Board Report - Chair Jinx said the new nine-member ARHA board was appointed by council in October 2025 and has met about 40 times in committees/board sessions over the past year. - ARHA has had five CEOs in five years, four CFOs, and multiple HR directors; interim CEO Priest was hired to diagnose and fix problems, not simply keep the seat warm. - ARHA is working through the city council's ten-item "attestation" list. Highlights include: general counsel Steve McCullough now attends meetings; board completed HUD and FOIA training; HR policies and sexual-harassment training were reinstated; a clean third-party audit opinion was filed with HUD by September 30; and an independent property-maintenance/business-practices assessment is planned as a shared city-ARHA project. - The 2008 MOU between the city and ARHA has not yet been updated. Vice Mayor Bagley noted the city council wants MOUs with all quasi-city agencies completed within the next six months, by about mid-2027. Code Enforcement and Property Inspections - City Code Administration Director Greg Fields reported that routine code inspections of ARHA properties, which had stopped pre-COVID, have resumed. About 40 units, representing 10% of each ARHA property, have been inspected, and reinspections have been successful. - Virginia state code limits the city to 10% of units per property per inspection cycle, with the property owner selecting the units. If violations are found, the city can ask to inspect additional units. Tenants receive at least 14 days' notice. - ARHA also performs annual physical-needs assessments, a recently completed 100% inspection of its units, HUD InSPIRE inspections adopted voluntarily, and inspections required by lenders and Virginia Housing. - Vice Mayor Bagley requested a combined document showing all inspection types, schedules, findings, and overlap so the city and board can identify trends. CEO Search - The permanent CEO search is underway. The position closes November 10, roughly two dozen applicants had applied, and a search firm is conducting background checks. Board screening is scheduled for November, with final interviews in December. Chair Jinx said the board may extend the timeline if needed "to do it right." Resident Engagement and Transparency - ARHA held a resident/stakeholder meeting on September 24, 2026, with departmental staff and resident association representatives present; ARHA said it plans quarterly meetings. - A statement from Resident Association President Annette Rodriguez, read by Commissioner Cassandra Lewis, described efforts to rebuild a stronger, more active resident association and urged the city and ARHA to continue supporting meaningful resident participation, open communication, and transparency. - The board said it wants to remove barriers to public comment: residents can speak even if they did not pre-register, and virtual participation is available. The mayor asked that resident association minutes be posted online, and Councilmember Green asked for a way to capture comments from residents who cannot attend meetings. - Rent Cafe has been enhanced for rent payments, paperwork, and inquiries; resident training is underway. HOTMA changes take effect January 1, 2027, and ARHA says it is ahead of the transition. Property Management, Eviction Prevention, and Maintenance - Under the city-supported "Fresh Start" effort, 318 residents avoided eviction, and outstanding rent balances were reduced from about $1.049 million to $190,000 as of the meeting. Five evictions have occurred this year, and 34 unlawful detainers were issued. - Early-intervention steps include phone calls after tenants are 10 days late, late notice mailings after 30 days, referrals to city rent assistance programs, use of court diversion, and a posted grievance process. - Work orders year-to-date total 3,354; 84% are complete and 201 were pending. The goal is 90% completion within a month. - Vacant units were reduced from 58 at the end of September to 29; ARHA set a 30-day turnaround target for vacant units and a 20-day standard going forward. - The waiting list has more than 10,000 applicants and had not been updated in three years. The first 3,000 notifications produced 350 returned mail closures, but only one staff member is handling the process. - ARHA's Housing Choice Voucher program serves more households than public housing. Staff meet monthly with landlords. New HUD guidance asks authorities to stop issuing most new vouchers and reduce payment standards; Alexandria's payment standard is 110% versus HUD's suggested 99%. ARHA is not currently in shortfall and is working to obligate available funds before year-end. Ladrey Senior Building - The Ladrey building, acquired during the past year, is at 88% physical occupancy and 95.5% forward occupancy. Two-bedroom market-rate units have leased more slowly because they require two occupants; about two or three units remained without applications. - Net operating income is about $2.6 million versus a $3 million budget. The project will not meet its 1.15 debt-service coverage target in 2026 and will need to notify VRA with a recovery plan; a roughly $5,000 penalty is possible. Staff project coverage of 1.18 in 2027 and 1.25 by 2030. - Commercial leasing is beginning: broker JLL has been hired to market a kitchen/restaurant space; a hair salon and some parking are already leased. Capital Needs and Funding Outlook - ARHA's housing stock dates from 1940–1990. The five-year capital plan identifies $11.1 million in needs against $4.9 million in available capital, a $6.2 million gap. The 20-year capital need is estimated at $54.5 million. - Staff cited about $1.9 million in HUD capital funding, with only about half eligible for capital work; a later reference in the transcript cites a $1.3 million public housing capital fund, so the transcript contains both figures. - Other funding pressures include a rental income shortfall ($8.1 million collected to date versus a $10.9 million budget), HCV administrative funding at 88.5% of cost, and maintenance costs rising from $2.5 million to $5.5 million. Mr. Priest said about half of that maintenance increase was contractor-related; a hiring freeze is in effect. - Mr. Priest described ARHA as a $262 million organization with limited liquidity because much of its funding is locked in restricted reserves. - Councilmembers said the capital gap cannot be solved by the city alone and called for federal advocacy, potential state advocacy, and a deeper CIP discussion at the upcoming budget work session on November 7, 2026. They also asked for 10-year CIP projections, a funding-bucket pie chart, and a fuller picture of ARHA's real estate portfolio. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken. - Councilmember Chapman requested, and the city manager was asked to add, approximately 30 minutes of deeper CIP review to the November 7, 2026 budget work session. - Staff were asked to provide: (1) a combined inspection schedule and mapping document, (2) the InSPIRE/MOR inspection schedule, (3) an annual work-order report similar to 311 data, (4) a briefing on the Yardi work-order dashboard, (5) a timeline for Rent Cafe email/text functions, (6) the resident customer-service survey design and timing, (7) resident engagement options for residents who cannot attend meetings, (8) 10-year CIP and capital-gap data, (9) a pie chart of ARHA's funding buckets, (10) an ARHA real estate holdings review, and (11) circulation of the HUD voucher guidance. - The updated 2008 city-ARHA MOU is expected to be scheduled and completed within the city's six-month MOU timeline.

This summary covers the Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board meeting on 2026-10-27. The supplied transcript opens with the chair calling the meeting to order on 'Monday, October 26th, 2026,' so the transcript date does not match the supplied date; no agenda or minutes were available. The board approved routine items, heard extensive public comment, overturned a curb-cut approval, and recommended parking, taxicab, and car-share changes. Consent Calendar - Board approved prior meeting minutes by voice vote. - Consent item: residential parking permit restriction addition on the 1000 block of Princess Street. The board approved it by voice vote with no opposition. Public Comments & Testimony - Casey Kane, former board member, spoke during the non-docket public comment period. He requested written and oral updates on East Abingdon Drive bike lanes, South Pickett Street corridor improvements, Jameson Avenue pedestrian safety improvements, and Jordan Street safety improvements, and asked staff to restore time stamps to meeting minutes. Staff later provided updates: East Abingdon is pending National Park Service coordination and may be installed winter 2026-27 as part of the Mount Vernon Trail detour; South Pickett was moved to spring because of contractor scheduling and cold-weather risk; Jameson Avenue is expected this fall; Jordan Street was postponed to spring. - On no-turn-on-red items, Casey Kane supported the city's work, suggested standardizing sign appearance and placement, removing obstructions, and pairing signs with education and enforcement. An online speaker supported no-turn-on-red restrictions and leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs). Christopher Wilk spoke in support of the Old Town no-turn-on-red proposal, citing foot traffic on King Street and predictability for visitors. Two online speakers also supported the Old Town restriction. - On the 4118 Clifford Avenue curb-cut appeal, Duncan Blair, attorney for the property owner, argued that the board should use the clear-error standard and uphold the director's decision. Neighbors Ashley Preston and Sarah Friedman opposed the curb cut, citing loss of on-street parking, sidewalk overhang, drainage and tree-root concerns, a manhole, and safety for children and people with limited mobility; Preston noted the development plans were modified and were 100% complete as of October 13. - On Old Town parking changes, Molly Conway, former parent at Washington Street Preschool, supported modifying the 112 South Columbus Street loading zone to school hours. Jody Maynard, owner of a building at the corner of King and North Alfred, supported adding parking where a loading zone had been and opposed moving a loading zone back to North Alfred, citing early-morning delivery problems and noise. - On the taxicab biennial review, several City Cab representatives and drivers - Jamal Said, Daniel Hadgu, Serifella Pakelli, Abdullah Yusuf, and Ingrid Rivera - supported recommending 80 additional City Cab certificates. They described the driver-owned cooperative model, a waiting list of drivers, the need for marketing and dispatch investment, accessible service goals, and concern about airport rule changes that put taxis at a competitive disadvantage. - During written updates, Casey Kane raised safety concerns about the Wilkes Street and Patrick Street detour for the Heritage project: trip hazards, moved or missing barriers, incomplete signage, and sidewalk closures that he said conflict with city guidelines. He asked staff to share his photo documentation and to answer who approved the closures. Discussion Items No-turn-on-red restrictions - docket items 4 and 5 - For item 4, staff recommended no-turn-on-red restrictions at all approaches at the locations transcribed as Mount Vernon Avenue, Fleet Road, Quaker Lane, Janney's Lane, and Seminary Road. Casey Kane spoke in support; staff said national standards call for a post-mounted sign plus a signal-mounted sign and that the city prefers the red-ball sign, though signal weight and wind-load constraints can limit placement. Staff estimated only about 50-60% of existing signs have both locations. The board adopted the recommendation unanimously. - For item 5, staff proposed no-turn-on-red restrictions at all signalized intersections in Old Town bounded by First Street to the north, the city boundary to the south, Telegraph Road and the railroad tracks to the west, and the Potomac River to the east, paired with LPIs. Staff reported 121 pedestrian crashes in Old Town during the study period, 73 at signalized intersections; of those, 41 (56%) involved left turns on green, 9 (12%) right turns on red, 10 (14%) other incidents, 8 (11%) unknown, and 5 (7%) crossing against the signal. Board member Rosemary asked whether targeting high-crash corridors would be better; staff responded that a Safe System approach is proactive and holistic, that severe crashes are rising, and that a piecemeal approach has left gaps. The recommendation passed 5-1, with Rosemary opposed. Curb-cut appeal - 4118 Clifford Avenue - The board first voted to rescind its prior denial so it could apply the clear-error standard. Staff noted this was the first time in recent years the board had overturned a director-approved curb cut and that code criteria are being updated. Public speakers argued both sides. After discussion, a motion to uphold the director's approval of the curb cut failed, 2-4. A subsequent motion to overturn the director's approval passed, effectively denying the curb cut. Board members who supported overturning cited inconsistency with a prior curb-cut decision, loss of street parking, sidewalk-overhang risk, and safety concerns. Old Town parking changes - Staff presented a package to remove or modify underutilized loading zones, motor-coach loading zones, a taxi stand, a disability space, and a 20-minute parking zone, and to add parking in several locations, including North and South Washington Street, King Street, North Columbus Street, and North Alfred Street. The package also included modifying loading-zone hours at 112 South Columbus Street to 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. weekdays, reducing paid meter hours on the 200 and 300 blocks of North Washington Street to end at 5 p.m., metering the west side of the 100 block of South Patrick Street, and placing a 60-foot loading zone on North Alfred near King. - The board adopted an amendment removing a proposed one-space parking addition at the 100 block of North Columbus Street near King Street, leaving the scooter corral in place. The final motion, equal to the staff recommendation minus that item, passed unanimously. Taxicab biennial review - Board member Mark recused himself from this item because a family member is employed by Uber; he said the city attorney found no conflict, but he recused to avoid any appearance of one. Staff summarized the biennial review, current fares, vehicle age limits, and the recent history of City Cab. City Cab previously requested 180 certificates, the board recommended 180 in September 2025, and the city manager granted 80 in December 2025; City Cab began operations in February 2026 and requested an additional 80 certificates in August 2026. Staff recommended accepting the review and maintaining current regulations. The board instead moved to accept the review with the exception of recommending that the city authorize 80 additional City Cab certificates. The motion passed with Mark recused. Car share policy update - Staff asked the board to recommend that city council repeal the 2013 on-street car share resolution (Resolution 2540) and amend city code to create a permanent car share program, including both stationary on-street car-share spaces and free-floating citywide car share. Staff explained that the current program is limited to Old Town and Carlyle, only one on-street car-share space exists, and the change would future-proof the city and respond to resident demand. The board unanimously recommended the repeal and code amendment. Written updates, Vision Zero, and budget priorities - Alex Carroll presented a Vision Zero update. From 2020 to 2025, there were 145 fatal or severe crashes; fatal crashes trended slightly downward (2023 had zero fatal crashes), while severe crashes and their share of total crashes trended upward. Pedestrian crashes were the largest share, followed by angle crashes, with over one-third of fatal/severe crashes involving pedestrians. The city's High Injury Network guides prioritization. 2026 accomplishments included two speed-limit reductions, six school-zone speed cameras, more than 50 crossing improvements, two miles of new bike lanes, about a dozen LPIs and no-turn-on-red restrictions, more than 30 traffic calming treatments, and three new grants. Upcoming work includes South Pickett Street, Sanger Avenue, West End high-crash intersection audits (public comment open through November 6), Seminary West safety improvements, and Jordan Street. Staff also noted the city will update its Vision Zero Action Plan. Crash data come from VDOT reportable crashes, so the data are likely an undercount. - The board discussed draft budget priorities. It directed staff to revise the priorities by elevating DASH/transit funding and combined sidewalk/pedestrian/disabled-access projects, adding full funding for the Neighborhood Transportation Improvement Program, and changing school-trip language to walking/biking/micro-mobility. Staff said comments were due shortly after the meeting. - In commissioner updates, Kirsten reported that the Transportation Commission had completed work on budget and legislative priorities and provided input on the Duke Street land use plan, which is scheduled for city council action in December. Key Outcomes - Approved prior meeting minutes. - Approved the residential parking permit restriction addition for the 1000 block of Princess Street. - Recommended no-turn-on-red restrictions for the item 4 locations unanimously. - Recommended Old Town-wide no-turn-on-red restrictions, 5-1. - Rescinded the prior curb-cut denial at 4118 Clifford Avenue, failed to uphold the director's approval 2-4, then voted to overturn the director's approval. - Recommended the Old Town parking package, as amended, unanimously. - Accepted the taxicab biennial review with a recommendation to authorize 80 additional City Cab certificates; Mark recused. - Recommended repeal of Resolution 2540 and adoption of a new car share program chapter unanimously. - Directed staff to revise budget priorities along the lines described above. - Next meeting scheduled for Monday, December 7, 2026.

The Alexandria City Council held its legislative meeting on October 27, 2026. The meeting began with an executive session at 6:17 PM and reconvened in open session at 7:20 PM. Mayor Gaskins participated remotely via Zoom. The council took action on proclamations, grants, an interim policing auditor appointment, and received updates on housing, detention center, Duke Street land use, and automated license plate readers (ALPRs). Proclamations and Recognitions - Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Councilwoman Marks presented a proclamation recognizing October 2026 as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The council endorsed the proclamation. - Red Ribbon Week: Councilman Aguirre presented a proclamation recognizing October 23–31, 2026 as Red Ribbon Week. Youth peer advocates and school officials attended and spoke. The council endorsed the proclamation. Consent Calendar The council approved the following roll-call consent items (13–17): - Item 13: Accepted a $1,000,000 state grant for the Freedom House Interior Rehabilitation & Accessibility Improvements Project. - Item 14: Retroactively approved a grant application to the Virginia Museum of History and Culture for the Commonwealth History Fund Grant Program. - Item 15: Approved submission of a grant application to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership for site remediation at Potomac Yard Landbay G – Block G. - Item 16: Authorized submission of a concept proposal to the Virginia Department of Health for the Rape Prevention and Education Program, with annual funding between $25,000 and $100,000. - Item 17: Authorized submission of a grant application to Virginia Housing for up to $20,000 for a Capacity Building Training Grant to fund mold and moisture response training. Oral Reports from City Council - Council of Governments (COG) – Mayor Gaskins: Reported on a presentation about passenger fast ferry service on the Potomac. Mayor Gaskins expressed that Alexandria has not been included in route planning despite being included on maps. Councilman Aguirre added that it is "totally unacceptable" to have conversations about the city without including the city. Councilman Chapman noted that the previous council opposed such service, but this council has a different position. - Virginia Railway Express (VRE) – Vice Mayor Bagley: Noted the ongoing First Street Tunnel repairs near Union Station, with trains still running through Alexandria. Announced the Independence Yard renaming ceremony on November 20 in Alexandria and Santa Train tickets on sale November 30. - Waterfront Commission – Vice Mayor Bagley: Discussed a presentation on a proposed U.S. Maritime Museum at 1 Prince Street and the potential acquisition of the tall ship Providence. Also reported on tree well inventory and stormwater debris cleanup. - COG Transportation Planning Board – Councilman Aguirre: Updated on the fourth iteration of the I-495 South Side Express Lanes project. He noted that VDOT is now more open to feedback, that reserved space for Metro appears guaranteed, and that Virginia is committed to mitigating local traffic impacts. The council will follow developments closely. - City Council/School Board Ad Hoc Committee on Election Reform – Councilman Aguirre and Councilwoman Marks: The committee concluded its work with a single recommendation: shift to four-year terms for the school board beginning in 2033, with no other changes. Councilman Aguirre dissented, stating he does not believe opening the charter for only that change is worthwhile. Councilwoman Marks emphasized that it represents consensus after 20 years of debate. Councilman Chapman urged that any recommendation be rooted in student achievement. - Economic Opportunities Commission – Councilwoman Marks: Did not meet in October. - Transportation Commission – Councilman Chapman and Councilwoman Marks: Discussed the Duke Street plan and began preparing for budget conversations. - Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) – Councilman Chapman: Noted that NVRC will not increase rates for member jurisdictions; Alexandria will see a slight increase due to population growth. NVRC is focusing on regional communication and legislative advocacy. General Updates from Council Members - Mayor Gaskins reported on a meeting with Arlington, Fairfax, and Fairfax City regarding a state-requested study on consolidating regional bus systems. She stated the city has "significant concerns" about consolidation, emphasizing that DASH was created because a regional system did not serve Alexandria neighborhoods well. The city is open to coordination but opposes merger without a study of impacts. Public comments were accepted until October 23, and the state report is due in December. Councilman Aguirre added that consolidation could increase costs by 9% while saving only 1%. - Councilman Aguirre reported on attending the NVAR Pancake Breakfast, a new cafe opening on King Street, the Ethiopian festival with Vice Mayor Bagley, a discussion with Georgia State University students, a symposium on Dillon's Rule, the ARHA coat distribution, and the 30th anniversary of the Halloween parade. - Councilwoman Green congratulated Keith Burns, an Alexandria native and two-time Super Bowl champion, for having the Parker Gray Stadium football field named after him. Councilman Chapman also praised Michael Johnson from recreation for his role in dedications. - Councilman Chapman reported participating in the Breastwalk 5K, visiting Freedom House for the Banned Truth Tour, and noted that Go Virginia will soon vote on funding for an innovation district called Nexus 23 near George Mason University. Community Lodgings Inc. (CLI) Elbert Avenue Housing Project Ms. Xypolia, Director of the Office of Housing, presented an update on the proposal to replace a 28-unit building from the 1940s with a new six-story, 91-home development at 60% or below Area Median Income (AMI) for 40 years. Key statistics: - More than half of the units at or below 50% AMI, 10% below 30% AMI, and 16% below 40% AMI. - Weighted average affordability at 51% AMI. - 80% of units are two- and three-bedroom apartments (182 bedrooms total). - Total development budget: $58.8 million. - City contribution: $3,475,000 loan plus a proposed 80% tax abatement over 30 years (city's share less than 10% of project budget on present value basis). The project is a partnership between CLI and Wesley Housing. Resident move-outs are complete; former residents have first right to return. Tax credit equity and first mortgage have been identified; CLI will close on $16 million in tax-exempt bonds before year-end. Construction is expected to start April 2027. A zoning text amendment and tax abatement will come before council in November, with a public hearing on November 14. Council members expressed support, noting the project triples the number of homes on site and advances Housing 2040 goals. Detention Center Study Update Deputy City Manager Jan Lambert presented the status of the study examining whether Alexandria should continue to operate its own detention center. Key points: - Average daily population fell from 400 in 2018 to 270 in 2025; local inmates declined by half (248 to 134). Federal detainees make up about half of the current population (149 in 2018, 135 today). - The population has more complex needs. - The study will examine seven scenarios, including continued operation, contracting, regional jail, and alternative funding. - Community feedback via an online survey through November 20, 2026. - Final report due December 31, 2026, which will inform budget discussions. - Council members asked about state legislative implications, facility condition, and governance of a regional option. Duke Street Land Use Plan Update Planning staff (Jeff Farner, Carrie Beach) presented the updated draft plan for the 1.6-square-mile Duke Street corridor. Highlights: - The plan area covers 3.5 miles and is home to 45% of the city's market-affordable housing (about 1,400 committed affordable units). - Extensive community engagement included over 38 pop-ups and work with students. - Key changes since March include quantified affordable housing expectation (10% above base zoning), north-south connectivity, and district-level guidance. - 80 acres of opportunity sites are identified; the plan takes a flexible approach, setting objectives rather than specific height/FAR mandates. - Mobility: 30–40% of traffic is pass-through. Councilman Chapman and Councilman Alnuby expressed concerns about congestion not being adequately addressed. Councilman Chapman suggested a small business fund and an interim park at the Telegraph loop. Councilwoman Marks praised the focus on block size and placemaking. - City campus areas are included with a strategy for higher density flexibility. - Next steps: council consideration in December 2026. Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) Update Police Chief McGuire announced that effective that evening, he had notified Flock Safety that the city will discontinue the ALPR program. Next steps: - Cameras to be deactivated by October 30 (Friday). - Quality assurance over the next month to close out ongoing cases. - Physical removal of cameras and poles expected by December. - City Manager Parajon stated staff will return on November 10 with a proposed resolution establishing guiding principles for evaluation of any new surveillance technology, including transparency, community engagement, data ownership, and oversight. - Council discussion: Councilwoman Marks asked about bagging cameras immediately; Councilman Alnuby advocated using the ACLU/COPS framework and emphasized that council should retain the right to reject specific technologies. Mayor Gaskins thanked the community for input and noted that the public transparency page will be maintained. Vice Mayor Bagley clarified that the November 10 item is about a resolution, not a new vendor contract, and that the resolution could lead to a ban on technologies that do not meet criteria. No action was taken on the update itself; it was informational. Appointment of Interim Independent Policing Auditor Vice Mayor Bagley presented the motion to select OIR Group to provide interim independent policing auditor services, with Florence Finkle serving as the interim auditor. Ms. Finkle has over 30 years of experience, including as a prosecutor, deputy executive director of the NYC Civilian Complaint Review Board, and President of NACOLE. The council approved the motion (roll-call vote, all voting in favor), authorizing the City Manager and Mayor to execute a contract with a start date of October 29, 2026. Other Business: City Council Schedule The council approved the Fiscal Year 2027 Look-Ahead Schedule and accepted the official City Council Calendar for October 2026 through July 2027. The meeting was adjourned at 9:51 PM. Key Outcomes - Electronic Participation Resolution: Adopted (RES. NO. 3409). - Executive Session Resolution: Adopted (RES. NO. 3410). - Proclamations: Endorsed for Cybersecurity Awareness Month and Red Ribbon Week. - Consent Calendar: All five grant items approved by roll-call vote. - Interim Independent Policing Auditor: OIR Group / Florence Finkle approved (roll-call, unanimous) with contract starting October 29. - City Council Schedule: Approved. - ALPR Program: Discontinued; deactivation and removal underway; guiding principles resolution to be considered November 10. - Next Steps: Public hearing on CLI tax abatement on November 14; Duke Street plan to council in December; Detention Center study report by December 31; surveillance technology resolution on November 10.

On October 26, 2026, the City of Alexandria's Transportation and Environmental Services Department held a virtual pre-construction community meeting for the North Beauregard Street Multi-Use Trail Project. Project Manager David Lee presented the project overview, construction impacts, and schedule, joined by sponsor project manager Sarah Brent Burrell, construction manager Robert McGuire, portfolio manager Daphne Cott, and Ira Captain of Milani Construction. The meeting included public comments and questions focused on pedestrian and cyclist safety during construction. Public Comments & Testimony - Ken expressed concern about increased pedestrian crossings at Beauregard Street due to the sidewalk closure and asked whether signage would warn motorists to expect more pedestrians. Staff responded that typical detour signs would be used but that there is no approved highway sign for an increase in pedestrian traffic; they agreed to look into the suggestion. - Casey Wolf raised multiple concerns about the maintenance of traffic (MOT) plan, citing poor experiences with previous construction projects in Alexandria where signage and barriers were not properly maintained. She requested that the MOT plan be made publicly available for monitoring and emphasized safety for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly those with disabilities. She also noted that the four-foot-wide sidewalk on the opposite side would become two-way and asked for signs alerting cyclists to yield to pedestrians. Finally, she questioned whether traffic signal timing would be adjusted to give pedestrians more time to cross Beauregard Street, as the detour would require additional crossings. Staff responded that Rob McGuire would be the primary contact for MOT issues, that they would review the MOT submission, and that they would investigate signal timing and pedestrian volume monitoring. - William echoed Casey's concerns about pedestrian safety during construction, sharing personal experiences with rolling closures on Patrick Street and Eisenhower Avenue. He stated that his family's safety felt less important than maintaining vehicle throughput and urged the city to prioritize vulnerable road users. Staff acknowledged his input. Discussion Items - Project Overview: The project will widen an existing four-foot-wide sidewalk on the south side of North Beauregard Street between Fillmore Avenue and Berkeley Street into a 10-foot-wide permeable asphalt multi-use trail. Retaining walls (ranging from two to three feet up to 10 feet in height) and lighting will be installed. The project aims to fill gaps in the city's bicycle network and improve connectivity in the west end. Funding comes from VDOT (CMAC and RSTP), and the contractor is Milani Construction. - Construction Impacts: - No permanent lane closures are expected, though temporary lane closures may occur for equipment and materials. - The sidewalk on the south side will be closed for the entire construction duration; pedestrians and cyclists will be directed to cross the street and use the opposite sidewalk. - Parking restrictions will be implemented on both sides of Beauregard at Fillmore Avenue, with spaces closed during work hours (likely 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) but available overnight and on weekends. - Of three existing DASH bus stops (Fillmore, Braddock, Berkeley), the Fillmore stop is outside the work zone and will remain open; the Braddock and Berkeley stops will likely be closed during construction. Coordination with DASH is ongoing. - The project will coordinate with adjacent construction projects (Newport Village and a sanitary project) to minimize cumulative impacts. - Schedule: Construction is anticipated to start in early 2027 and last approximately one year. Work hours will be Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with Saturday work only in emergencies (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.). A more detailed schedule will be posted on the project website. Key Outcomes - Staff confirmed that the presentation recording, slides, and contact information will be available on the project website (alexandriava.gov/go/2831) starting Monday. - The MOT plan will be reviewed by David Lee and Rob McGuire before submission for permit; Rob McGuire is the primary contact for MOT issues during construction. - Staff agreed to look into adding signage to remind drivers to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, and to investigate adjusting traffic signal timing at Braddock Road and Berkeley Street to better accommodate increased pedestrian crossings during the detour. - Staff will coordinate with Newport Village and the sanitary project to ensure the southbound lane is reopened before starting this project, minimizing traffic disruption. - A commitment was made to monitor pedestrian activity and adjust signals if needed once the detour is in place.

The meeting on October 26, 2026, consisted solely of procedural instructions for the public on how to submit comments or testify in the Dominion Next Era case before the State Corporation Commission. No substantive discussion, votes, or decisions occurred. Public Comments & Testimony - The meeting provided guidance on two ways to participate: telephone public hearings or written comments. Instructions were given for registering to give oral comment, submitting written comments, and finding case materials on the SCC website. Key Outcomes - No decisions or votes were taken. The meeting was informational only.

The Alexandria Transportation Commission convened on October 22, 2026, to receive updates on the Duke Street Land Use Plan’s mobility chapter, deliberate on fiscal 2028 budget priorities, and share updates from various city boards and commissions. The meeting featured discussions on regional transit funding, traffic management, and long-term planning for the Duke Street corridor. Consent Calendar - The Commission unanimously approved the minutes from its September 2026 meeting by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public were present in the room or online. No public comment was received. Discussion Items Duke Street Land Use Plan Mobility Chapter - Staff from the Neighborhood Planning division (Christian Brandt, Michael) and Transportation Department (Sarah Brantbro) presented the draft mobility chapter of the Duke Street Land Use Plan. The plan area stretches from Alexandria Union Station to Van Dorn Street. - Community Engagement: Over 70 pop-ups were held, along with contact with 250 businesses, over 4,000 residents, and roughly 100 ACPS students. - Traffic Analysis: The corridor sees 30–40% regional through traffic between Quaker and Telegraph Roads. The 20-year traffic study found the planned density would not significantly increase traffic, drawing a comparison to Potomac Yard where added development coincided with reduced traffic on Richmond Highway. - Transitway: The Duke Street Transitway is in the design phase, with construction anticipated around 2028. The plan concentrates density around planned transit stops. - Safety and Infrastructure: The plan proposes a future street grid for redeveloped sites with wider sidewalks, on-street bike lanes, and multi-use paths. Areas identified for future safety study include the intersections of Holmes Run and Van Dorn, and Cambridge and Roth, and multimodal improvements along Wheeler Avenue. - Shade as an Equity Issue: Commissioner Melissa McMahon argued that shade along Duke Street is an equity issue rather than an amenity, urging that cross sections include sufficiently large soil volumes to support mature tree canopies to mitigate the heat island effect. - Regional Connectivity: Staff noted the transitway could connect with future BRT systems, such as the Fairfax County Route 7 BRT. Commissioner Dan inquired about coordination with the 395 interchange project and VDOT to address local traffic impacts on the corridor. - Process and Next Steps: Chair Dan noted the item should have been a public hearing and was not properly noticed; thus, no vote was taken. A letter endorsing the plan will be brought forward for a vote at the November 2026 meeting. The public comment period remains open until November 13, 2026. - Date Discrepancy: The public notice read at the start of the meeting referred to the “October 21st, 2026 meeting of the Transportation Commission,” while definitive meeting documentation provided to the AI specifies October 22, 2026. Fiscal 2028 Budget Priorities - Commissioners reviewed the City Manager’s stated focus areas for the FY2028 budget: employee retention, youth and education, public safety, eliminating community disparities, stable affordable housing, CIP debt, and diversifying the tax base. - Top Priorities Identified: 1. Sustainable, ongoing funding for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and regional transit support. 2. Maintaining funding for DASH transit services; a recent accounting error demonstrates the system requires higher investment than previously allocated to maintain current service levels. 3. Sustained investment in Complete Streets and Safe Routes to School programs as essential alternatives to driving amid economic pressures and high fuel prices. - Funding Solutions: Commissioners discussed several avenues to support priorities, including the state-permitted penny sales tax option and automated traffic enforcement revenue. Councilman Chapman advised against specifying a tax increase in the November letter, recommending it instead encourage the city to “look at all the available tools on the table.” - Advocacy Role: Commissioners expressed interest in having the Transportation Commission directly advocate for these priorities with state and regional bodies, coordinating with city council’s legislative agenda. - Next Steps: Staff will draft a letter for the November 2026 meeting summarizing these priorities and the call to explore all funding tools. The letter is due to the City Manager by November 20, 2026. Key Outcomes - September Minutes Approved: The minutes were approved by voice vote. - Duke Street Endorsement Deferred: The vote on an endorsement letter was deferred to the November meeting to allow for proper noticing. Staff will update the draft letter to reflect the meeting’s discussion. - Budget Letter in Development: A letter outlining FY2028 budget priorities (WMATA, DASH, Complete Streets/Safe Routes to School, funding flexibility) will be drafted and presented at the November meeting for approval before the November 20 submission deadline. - Meeting Format Change: The Commission agreed in principle to conduct the December 16, 2026 meeting fully virtually due to the holiday season. - Future Advocacy: Commissioners sought to formalize the Transportation Commission’s ability to advocate for city transportation priorities at the state and regional level with city council support. Commissioner Updates & Other Business - Environmental Policy Commission (EPC): Commissioner Dan met with EPC Chair Mark Deshans to discuss potential joint letters on EV sidewalk charging, the flood resilience plan, and the NOVA hospital construction engagement. - Youth Recruitment: The Commission discussed challenges in filling its young adult (18–30) seat. Suggestions included outreach to ACPS government teachers, NOVA’s student body, the Chamber’s Young Leaders Network, and city council-hosted youth forums. - DASH Service Survey: Commissioner Dan noted an open public input survey on potential DASH service reductions (closes November 10) ahead of a November public hearing. - Traffic Violence Remembrance: Commissioner Kristen Phelps announced the Northern Virginia Families for Safe Streets World Day of Remembrance for Victims of Traffic Violence on November 15, 2026, at Woodson High School. - West End Open House: An upcoming city open house will highlight street and infrastructure projects on the West End, with 34 staff members available to answer public questions.

The board met on October 22, 2026, to consider a restaurant sign application, a five-townhome demolition/encapsulation and construction proposal, and proposed updates to multiple chapters of the city's design guidelines. No agenda or minutes were available; this summary is based solely on the raw transcript. Sign Application - The applicant sought approval for an illuminated sign associated with a business hoping to open by Thanksgiving. - A board member moved to approve the sign with two approved options for the applicant: halo-lit letters that fit within the canopy, or larger letters extending above the canopy with external or non-internal lighting such as uplighting the canopy crown. - The motion also included external illumination of the sign's side/wall area as discussed. - A separate interior wall sign/decal graphic was not part of the motion; staff noted it had already been administratively approved. - The sign was approved by voice vote with no audible opposition. Demolition and Townhouse Project (Case 600354) - Architect Steven Kulinski presented a five-townhome proposal on a lot across the street from the meeting location, with demolition and encapsulation work associated with the site. He cited Old Town warehouse precedents, including the Curly Warehouse, Grilly Warehouse, Portner Brewery, Corn Exchange, and examples on King Street. - The revised design lowered parapets, added metal rails, recessed door entries, widened sidewalks and planted landscape areas by giving land back to the city, and added brick detailing, dentals, belt courses, quoins, and precast headers. - Public commenter Christine Roberts, speaking personally, asked about the cornice material above the dental molding and urged use of a high-quality material. The applicant stated the decorative cornice would be painted PVC with an aluminum coping, and offered to work with staff on a higher-quality material. - Board members asked about the penthouse cladding, brick color, and the durability of PVC. One member wanted to see an actual brick sample; another asked staff to work with the applicant on the final cornice material. - The board approved the demolition/encapsulation and townhouse design, incorporating staff recommendations and the direction to work with staff on the final cornice material. The roll-call vote was approved; no opposing votes were heard. Public Comments on Design Guidelines - Staff presented background on proposed updates to 11 design guideline chapters. The Design Guidelines Committee was formed in 2019, currently has six members, and used a new approach endorsed by the AER on April 22, 2026, with chapter discussions in May, June, and July 2026 and a community meeting on August 19, 2026. Staff reported no substantial changes since the August 19 meeting. - Christine Roberts, speaking for the Historic Alexandria Foundation, said the revisions may inadvertently weaken preservation protections. The foundation recommended retaining protections in the existing guidelines; creating a presumption against roof decks on early buildings; expanding protection beyond decorative details to original brickwork, roof framing, structural systems, materials, and craftsmanship; establishing meaningful visibility standards for complete rooftop installations from multiple public vantage points; requiring reversibility and avoiding intrusive construction methods; and requiring better documentation from applicants. - A civic association representative offered minor comments, including clarifying jurisdiction over side yards visible from the street, defining street-facing sides for corner lots, replacing poor-quality photos of EV charging stations and security equipment, and explaining why Parker Gray's rooftop screening rules differ from the Old and Historic District. - Amon Callahan, 735 South Lee Street, representing the Old Town Civic Association, requested full code citations, agreed with the Historic Alexandria Foundation on roof decks, asked whether exterior lighting rules apply to public alleys, objected to the EV charger photo, suggested a smaller size threshold for security cameras, and requested another public review round because final wording arrived late and the city system was down. Design Guidelines Discussion and Votes - The board discussed the roof deck chapter at length. Staff proposed aligning Parker Gray's deck review with the Old and Historic District, so visible decks and balconies require board review. Board members discussed preserving historic materials, visibility of railings and decks, and reversibility versus least-intrusive construction. - The board reached consensus on five roof-deck changes: early-building roof decks should be approved only when the applicant demonstrates preservation of historic roof form, significant features, and materials; strike historic roof framing from the protected list and add language about minimal disruption of original materials; add a guideline that railings and decks are minimally visible to the greatest extent practical; remove administrative review for special railing types and require board review for all rooftop railings; and state that cable, glass, and simple picket railings are preferred. - Because of the number of changes, the board did not vote on the roof deck chapter and asked staff to bring back an updated draft. - The board then approved six remaining chapters with modifications: exterior lighting, porches and porticos, security features, planters, structures in the public right-of-way, and small cells. The motion was approved by voice vote with no audible opposition. - Staff was also directed to add a definition of street-facing versus side, use usable code references, and replace or improve photographs throughout the chapters. Key Outcomes - Sign application approved with conditions on letter style and lighting. - Demolition/encapsulation and five-townhome project approved, with the final cornice material to be resolved with staff. - Six design guideline chapters approved; the roof deck chapter was deferred to a future meeting for an updated draft. - Staff directed to make glossary, photo, and reference improvements and to address public comments in the next draft.

Date: October 22, 2026 (Note: The agenda and minutes list the meeting date as October 21, 2026; the provided metadata indicates October 22, 2026. The agenda lists the location as Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe Street), while the minutes list the City Council Chambers at Del Pepper Community Resource Center (4850 Mark Center Drive).) The Board of Architectural Review met to consider two certificate of appropriateness applications and updates to eleven chapters of the Design Guidelines for the Parker-Gray and Old and Historic Alexandria Districts. Present were Chair Scott, Ms. Miller, Ms. Robinson, Ms. del Ninno, and Mr. Adams. Vice Chair Zandian and Mr. Spencer were absent. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM and adjourned at 9:02 PM. Approval of Minutes - The Board approved the minutes of the October 7, 2026 public hearing as amended (motion by Ms. del Ninno, seconded by Ms. Miller; vote 5-0). A correction was made to reference the correct name of a hotel. Public Comments & Testimony - Christine Roberts (private citizen) asked about the cornice material for the townhome project (Items 4&5) and urged use of high-quality materials. - Christine Roberts (Historic Alexandria Foundation) made six preservation-focused recommendations during the design guidelines discussion, including stronger protections for early buildings, more rigorous visibility and reversibility standards, and better applicant documentation. - Amanda Callahan (Old Town Civic Association) provided detailed comments on individual chapters of the proposed design guidelines, including requests to clarify definitions, update photographs, reduce the security camera size threshold from 1 cubic foot to 0.5 cubic foot, and cite specific code references. She asked the Board to defer adoption for further public input. - Scott (representing an unspecified organization) offered minor suggestions on clarifying jurisdiction, updating photographs, and explaining differences in screening requirements between districts. Discussion Items Item 3: BAR2026-00380 – Gorjana, 726 King Street The applicant, represented by Katie Gray, proposed interior and exterior alterations and illuminated signage. Staff recommended approval for the storefront work but denial of the internally illuminated canopy sign, blade sign, and backlit graphic. The Board discussed alternative lighting (halo-lit letters, external gooseneck lighting, uplighting) and approved the project with options: either halo-lit letters within the canopy or larger externally lit letters, plus external illumination for the blade sign. The motion carried 5-0. Items 4 & 5: BAR2026-00354 and BAR2026-00355 – Steeple Home Company Townhomes, 724-728 N. Patrick Street Architect Stephen Kulinski presented a warehouse-inspired design for five townhomes. The design included reduced parapet height, recessed entrances, setback to widen sidewalks, and detailed brickwork. Board members praised the improvements. Concerns were raised about the brick color and the PVC cornice material. The Board approved the projects with staff to finalize the cornice material. Motion by Ms. Miller, seconded by Ms. Robinson; vote 5-0. Item 6 – Updates to Design Guidelines Staff presented proposed updates to 11 chapters covering utility meters, mechanical equipment, exterior lighting, security features, planters, and others. The design guidelines committee had discussed the chapters in May, June, and July; a community meeting was held August 19. After public testimony, the Board discussed each chapter. Key discussion points: - Roof Decks and Railings: The Board agreed to add guidelines requiring minimally visible railings, require all rooftop railings to undergo Board review (removing administrative approval for cable and glass), and emphasize minimal disruption of historic materials. These changes will be drafted for a future vote. - Security Features: The Board agreed to reduce the administrative approval threshold for cameras from 1 cubic foot to 0.5 cubic foot and to replace an inappropriate floodlight photo. - Planters: The Board decided to strike a guideline stating permanent planters are inappropriate on early buildings, improve photographs, and add definitions of street-facing. - Exterior Lighting, Porches+Porticos, Security Features, Planters, Infrastructure in the Public Right-of-Way, Small Cell Facilities+Antennas: Approved with modifications including adding definitions and better photos. - Deferred Chapters: The Board deferred five chapters to a future public hearing: Utility Meters+Electric Vehicle Chargers, Mechanical Equipment+HVAC+Vents, Accessory Structures, Building Accessories, and Decks/Roof Decks/Balconies for further refinement, especially on roof deck and railing guidelines. Key Outcomes - Minutes from October 7, 2026: Approved as amended (5-0). - BAR2026-00380 (Gorjana): Approved with modified signage (5-0). - BAR2026-00354 & 00355 (Steeple Home Townhomes): Approved with staff to finalize cornice material (5-0). - Design Guidelines (six chapters): Approved – Exterior Lighting, Porches+Porticos, Security Features, Planters, Infrastructure in the Public Right-of-Way, and Small Cell Facilities+Antennas (5-0). - Design Guidelines (five chapters deferred): Utility Meters+Electric Vehicle Chargers, Mechanical Equipment+HVAC+Vents, Accessory Structures, Building Accessories, and Decks, Roof Decks+Balconies deferred to future hearing. - Directives: Staff will incorporate board feedback on roof decks/railings, security camera size, planter photos, and definitions, and prepare revised drafts for the deferred chapters.

The Board of Zoning Appeals met on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 7:05 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center. Vice Chair Justus, Secretary Eveland, Ms. Bashir, and Mr. Newmann were present, constituting a quorum; Chair Liu and Mr. Foley were absent. The board heard three cases and approved all motions unanimously, 4-0, with no public testimony beyond the applicants. Unfinished Business - BZA2026-00010 (9 Potomac Court): The applicant requested a deferral to appear before a full board. The board granted the deferral on a motion by Secretary Eveland, seconded by Ms. Bashir; vote 4-0. New Business - BZA2026-00015 (2807 Old Dominion Boulevard): A request for re-approval of a Special Exception to construct a second-story rear addition in the required side yard (zoning R-8). Staff noted the original approval (BZA2025-00002) expired because construction did not commence within one year. The relief sought was 6.07 feet (existing side yard 7.3 feet, required 13.37 feet). The applicant explained that personal circumstances (caring for grandchildren) prevented earlier construction. The board approved the re-approval 4-0. - BZA2026-00016 (520 East Mount Ida Avenue): A request for a Special Exception to construct a second-story addition in the required east side yard (zoning R-2-5). The existing non-complying wall is 1.3 feet from the property line; the required setback is 7 feet, so relief of 5.7 feet was requested. The applicant, Vivek Narula, stated the addition would allow for normal-sized bedrooms and bathrooms on a small lot. The adjacent property is a pet hospital; no neighbors raised objections. The board approved the special exception 4-0. Approval of Minutes - The board approved the minutes from the September 14, 2026, public hearing as submitted, on a motion by Mr. Newmann, seconded by Ms. Bashir; vote 4-0. Key Outcomes - Deferral granted: BZA2026-00010 deferred to a future meeting (likely November 2026) for full board hearing. - Two special exceptions approved: BZA2026-00015 and BZA2026-00016 both approved unanimously (4-0). - Minutes approved: September 14, 2026, minutes adopted without changes. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.