Public Meetings - Alexandria, Virginia

The Alexandria City Council held its legislative meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center. The meeting began with a Landmark Community Development Authority Board meeting at 6:00 PM, followed by an executive session from 6:16 PM to 7:02 PM to discuss the investment of public funds. The open session included proclamations, oral reports, consent agenda approval, individual action items, contested appointments, and calendar updates. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved the Landmark CDA minutes and amended Special Assessment Roll (annual assessment revenue requirement for 2026 is zero). - Approved the electronic participation resolution (RES. NO. 3404). - Approved the consent items (12-20) by roll-call vote, including: - Receipt of resignations from eight board/commission members. - Uncontested appointments to various boards and commissions. - Approval of meeting minutes for September 8, September 19, September 22, and October 2, 2026. - Authorization for a VDSS Refugee Social Services grant of $500,000 to DCHS. - Adoption of resolution supporting a World Wildlife Fund Catalyst Grant application for Food Smart Alexandria ($500,000 in grant funding requested). - Authorization of retroactive grant renewal for the Virginia Department of Education At-Risk After School Meal Program for FY2027. - Authorization of a grant application to DCJS for $400,000 (with 25% match) for domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking prevention programming. - Receipt of the monthly financial report for August 2026. - Approval on first reading of an ordinance to amend Section 13-1-3 (night illumination) and scheduling it for public hearing and final passage. Public Comments & Testimony No public oral comments were received during the meeting. Individuals were recognized during proclamation presentations. Discussion Items - Proclamations: Council presented proclamations recognizing the Ben Brenman Award honorees (Friends of Frederick Douglass Memorial Cemetery and Social Responsibility Group), the 40th anniversary of Tenants and Workers United, and October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Recipients and council members spoke on the significance of each recognition. - Council Committee Reports: Council members reported on recent meetings of the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC), Eisenhower Partnership Board of Directors, Citizens Corp Council, and COG committees (Chesapeake Bay Water Resources and Policy Committee and Food and Agricultural Regional Member Policy Committee). Key points included continued discussion on lithium-ion battery safety; the 10th anniversary of NVTC's Commuter Choice program (which has invested $218 million, saved 2 million hours of traffic and $26 million at the pump); and updates on VRE budget and the upcoming Department of Rail and Public Transit (DRPT) consolidation study. - Council General Updates: Councilman Elnoubi requested guidance to the City Manager to convene a work group on lithium-ion battery disposal, citing safety risks and lack of clear disposal options. This received consensus from council, with suggestions to include storage and charging guidance. Councilman Aguirre and Vice Mayor Bagley highlighted the upcoming DRPT public engagement session on October 21, 2026, regarding bus consolidation. Council members also reported on various community events. - State of the Economy (AEDP Presentation): The Alexandria Economic Development Partnership presented its mid-year market report. Highlights: 2,791 jobs created, 650,000 sq ft retained or occupied, 27 active projects. Office vacancy declined from 21.6% to 18.8%, though net absorption remains negative at -160,000 sq ft. Potomac Yard has zero office vacancy but no new space available, leading to lost prospects. The innovation ecosystem received $4.13 million in competitive state grants. Council discussed challenges in Carlisle and Potomac Yard, the shift to smaller, amenitized office spaces, and the need to preserve flexible industrial/warehouse spaces. - State of ALEX911 (DEC Report): Director Renee Gordon presented the state of the 911 center. Call volume: 80,000 911 calls in FY23, 72,000 so far in FY26, total call volume of 311,000. 94% of calls were answered within 15 seconds. Gordon highlighted DEC's accomplishments as the first CALEA-accredited 911 center in the region and its innovative practices. Council members praised Gordon's leadership and the department's culture as she prepares to retire at the end of October. - Individual Action Items: The appointment of a viewer for 406-408 E. Alexandria Avenue was tabled indefinitely as the issue had become moot. Council adopted a resolution establishing a Friendship City relationship with Osijek, Croatia (RES. NO. 3407), with plans to convene a task force. Key Outcomes - Task Force Authorized: Council gave consensus to the City Manager to form a work group on lithium-ion battery disposal, handling, and public guidance. - Friendship City Established: Resolution adopted unanimously (7-0) to enter into a Friendship City Agreement with Osijek, Croatia, and convene a task force. - Viewer Appointment Tabled: The appointment for viewer for 406-408 E. Alexandria Avenue was tabled indefinitely (7-0). - Contested Appointments: Council appointed individuals to 16 boards and commissions after roll-call votes. Noteworthy appointments included Holly Davis (Commission for Women), Denise Wright (Commission on Aging - older persons representative), Robert Moore (Park and Recreation Commission), and Lori Hughes (Public Health Advisory Commission). - Calendar Approved: Council approved the Fiscal Year 2027 Look-Ahead Schedule and official calendar, with additions for the DRPT hearing (October 21) and Croatian Embassy event (October 19).

The Board of Architectural Review (BAR) held a public hearing on certificates of appropriateness, one withdrawal, waterfront flood-mitigation improvements, and a proposed zoning text amendment briefing. The agenda and minutes date the meeting as Wednesday, October 7, 2026, but the supplied metadata date is October 8, 2026; this summary uses the supplied date. The agenda lists the venue as Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe Street, while the minutes header lists Del Pepper Community Resource Center, 4850 Mark Center Drive. The hearing was called to order at 7:00 p.m. and adjourned at 10:31 p.m. Minutes - The BAR approved the September 16, 2026 public hearing minutes as submitted on a 7-0 vote. Public Comments & Testimony - On 601 Wythe Street, Steve Malone urged the board to uphold the guidance that unpainted masonry should remain unpainted. He argued that staining, even when diluted, removes texture and is treated as removal of an exterior feature under the zoning ordinance. - On 415 North Alfred Street, Wade Neil said the refinements improved the design but the repeated details still felt palatial and institutional. He recommended matching window lintel and sill materials, more traditional and varied windows, better massing transition into the adjacent house, differentiated garage colors, brick sidewalks conforming to city standards, and code-compliant ADU/garage egress. - Jessica Laphur said the project would overpower the block and that the two nearly identical right-hand units created an institutional feel. She asked the developer to spend more time blending with the street context. - Dr. Jeannie Cameron Brooker, who said she lives directly across from the site, thanked the developer for adding variety but asked that the two identical units also be differentiated. - On the waterfront applications, Stephen Wintermeyer said he liked many upgrades but opposed retaining the gravel parking lot, which he said earlier plans called to replace with green space. He also asked about utility poles, street closures, and accessibility concerns for nearby residents. - Melissa Bakeman, speaking as an architect and designer, said the design used too many materials, counting 11 different surface materials in Waterfront Park and 9 at Point Lumley, plus multiple stone step and bench styles. She argued the design felt scattered, raised concerns about removing mature trees, questioned corten steel, asphalt, and large granite blocks, and said the waterfront commission had concerns about the parking lot becoming permanent. - Steve Malone agreed with those material concerns and advocated for Alexandria’s traditional street cross-section of herringbone brick sidewalks, buff brick roadway, and granite curbs. He also urged maximum tree preservation and less concrete. Unfinished Business: BAR2025-00549 – 601 Wythe Street - This request sought approval to stain the existing brick at 601 Wythe Street as part of an office-to-residential conversion. Staff noted the stain was a condition of a prior 2021 BAR approval and recommended approval after reviewing mock-ups and color samples. - The applicant’s architect said the stain would reduce the heavy commercial mass of the 1980s building and create a more residential character. Board members debated whether the upper color was too close to the existing brick, whether the rendering matched the actual mock-up, and whether staining was appropriate on non-historic brick. - The board approved the application as amended on a 4-3 vote, with Vice Chair Zandian, Mr. Adams, and Ms. del Ninno opposed. The approved motion required the applicant to work with staff to achieve as close as possible the color contrast, tone, and appearance shown in the rendering while preserving the natural texture of the brick and mortar. New Business: BAR2026-00338 – 807 South Royal Street - The applicant requested partial demolition and encapsulation of a rear/west building. The applicant described adding a first-floor living room and kitchen and a second-floor master suite. - Staff recommended approval as submitted because the encapsulated portion would not be visible from a public right-of-way. The board approved the application 7-0. Withdrawal: BAR2023-00124 – 621 King Street - The applicant had initially requested a deferral but instead asked to withdraw the request for alterations to previously approved plans. The board accepted the withdrawal 7-0. New Business: BAR2026-00384 – 415 North Alfred Street - The applicant sought approval for new construction of five townhomes with garages and second-story ADUs in the Parker Gray historic district. - Staff recommended approval with conditions, including work with staff on the mansard roofline, adjacent dormer, window configurations, and front entry doors. The applicant presented revisions that lowered parapets, sloped roof-access enclosures, varied rooflines, added a mansard element, varied brick colors, and wrapped brick around the rear of the townhomes. - Board and public discussion focused on overall massing, the amount of ground-floor glass, window frame and muntin patterns, front door design, brick and stone details, sidewalk materials, and the need for more individual identity among the five units. - The board approved the application as amended on a 6-1 vote, with Mr. Adams opposed. Conditions included incorporating a mansard roof or similar transition on the right unit, narrowing the ground-floor windows and spandrel details, raising the water table slightly, using a more traditional front door with a transom, refining dormer and mansard materials, maintaining brick sidewalks if city standards allow, varying window muntin patterns, and changing the center unit to a two-window configuration. Waterfront Applications: BAR2026-00356 and BAR2026-00357 - The City of Alexandria requested alterations and partial demolition/encapsulation at 2 King Street, 1 King Street, 0 Prince Street, 1A Prince Street, and 3 Duke Street for the waterfront flood mitigation and park improvement project. - Staff recommended approval with conditions related to the shade structure, retaining wall and seating materials, and the King Street parklet surface. The applicant said the pump station element had been removed from the project and that the public parking lot would be retained as an interim use. - The proposal covered Point Lumley, Waterfront Park, and Lower King Street, including a relocated shipbuilder statue, canal stone seating, historic shoreline paving bands, new shade structures, stormwater improvements, and pedestrianization of Prince Street. - Board and public comments raised concerns about too many materials, the large amount of concrete on Shipbuilders Walk, removal of mature trees, the retained parking lot, accessibility, the central trench drain on King Street, and the need for more shade. - The board approved both applications as amended on a 6-1 vote, with Ms. Miller opposed. The approval included staff recommendations and conditions to reduce concrete, especially on Shipbuilders Walk; use warmer and more brick-based paving materials where feasible; preserve open space in the baby park area; add pedestrian-scaled lighting; and allow flexibility for access and grade changes. The shade structure was not finally approved and was directed to return for a subsequent BAR review in November. Information Session on Proposed Zoning Text Amendments - The BAR heard a presentation on proposed zoning text amendments. No vote was taken because the item was informational. - Staff outlined four proposed changes: a new parking curb-cut review process; conversion of informal concept review into a formal two-stage certificate of appropriateness process; extension of certificate of appropriateness validity from 12 months to 36 months; and related cleanup provisions. - Staff estimated that OHAD has roughly 4,400 properties, 147 alleys and interior courts, 3,350 curb cuts, 887 actual driveways, and about 1,408 properties without a current curb cut or alley access. The proposed curb-cut process would first review feasibility through transportation staff, then historic appropriateness through preservation staff and, on appeal, the BAR. - At the end of the session, the board elected Ms. Robinson to the BAR Design Guidelines Committee on a 7-0 vote. Administrative Approvals - The docket listed approximately 40 administrative approvals for roof, window, door, fence, signage, and related replacements throughout Alexandria. No separate discussion or recorded vote on these administrative items appears in the transcript; the minutes list them without individual action. Key Outcomes - Adopted the September 16, 2026 minutes 7-0. - Approved BAR2025-00549 as amended 4-3 for 601 Wythe Street. - Approved BAR2026-00338 7-0 for 807 South Royal Street. - Accepted withdrawal of BAR2023-00124 7-0 for 621 King Street. - Approved BAR2026-00384 as amended 6-1 for 415 North Alfred Street, with Mr. Adams opposed. - Approved BAR2026-00356 and BAR2026-00357 as amended 6-1 for the waterfront projects, with Ms. Miller opposed; the shade structure will return for further review. - Elected Ms. Robinson to the BAR Design Guidelines Committee 7-0. - Adjourned at 10:31 p.m.

A closed executive session was held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, beginning at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers at Del Pepper Community Resource Center, 4850 Mark Center Drive, Alexandria, VA. The agenda listed two items: a roll-call vote to enter closed session (agenda item 27-1409) and adjournment. The session was held in person and electronically via Zoom webinar. Closed Session (Agenda Item 27-1409) - The Council convened in closed executive session under Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(1) to conduct interviews with executive search firms to assist in hiring an interim Independent Policing Auditor. - Motion to enter closed session by Councilman Aguirre, seconded by Councilman Green. Approved by roll-call vote: Councilman Geary, Councilman Chapman, Vice Mayor Bagley, Councilman O'Nuby, Councilwoman Green, and Councilwoman Marks voted aye. (Motion carried; no dissenting votes noted.) Note: The agenda and transcript are inconsistent regarding the exact roll-call vote line-up. The agenda lists Councilman

The Alexandria Planning Commission convened a public hearing on October 7, 2026, addressing a work session on parking regulations, a consent calendar with two items removed, a vacation request, a Duke Street land use plan update, two special use permits, and a master plan/zoning text amendment for substandard lots. The commission voted unanimously on all actions. Work Session: Residential Parking Regulations The meeting began with a work session on proposed changes to parking regulations to align with state code (House Bill 888). Staff recommended applying the state's new minimum parking requirements citywide, with a proposed 0.5 spaces per dwelling unit for multifamily buildings, and 0.35 for affordable units at or below 60% of area median income, with a maximum of 2 spaces per unit. The commission discussed the rationale and impacts, and will receive the final proposal on November 5. Consent Calendar Items 3 (Subdivision 2026-00009) and 4 (Special Use Permit 2026-00035) for 108 and 110 North Quaker Lane were requested to be removed from the consent calendar for individual consideration. Public Comments & Testimony - Linda Bennett (adjacent Tupelo Place resident) expressed concerns about potential future access from Tupelo Place and traffic impacts. - David Levy (309 East Nelson Ave) opposed the vacation, arguing the city should maintain the alley and preserve parking areas, and disputed claims about trash truck use. - Elizabeth Wright raised process questions about the number of dwelling units (six total) and asked about viewer committees for vacations. - Monica Perry (Del Ray Citizens Association) supported the 90% test for substandard lots but opposed the block face test, which would remove 56% of lots from SUP review. - Two students from St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School spoke in favor of the athletic lighting proposal. - Applicant attorneys (M. Catharine Puskar, Duncan Blair) spoke in support of their respective applications. Discussion Items - Items 3 & 4: Subdivision and SUP for 108-110 N. Quaker Lane – Staff recommended approval; the commission approved the subdivision and recommended approval of the SUP for a lot without frontage. - Item 5: Vacation of Ramsey Street and East Alexandria Ave – Staff recommended approval of the partial vacation, with a realigned 20-foot alley. The commission approved. - Item 6: Duke Street Land Use Plan Update – Staff presented the draft plan, including housing affordability, open space, connectivity, and district concepts. The commission offered suggestions on labeling, shade as critical design, and implementation. - Item 7: SUP 2026-00034 for 501 East Howell Ave – Request for a two-unit dwelling on a substandard lot. Staff recommended approval; the commission agreed. - Item 8: DSUP 2026-10008 for 1000 St. Stephens Road – Athletic facilities, field lighting (up to 85 feet), and amended condition 66 to allow community use of the auditorium. Staff recommended approval; commission concurred. - Item 9: Master Plan and Zoning Text Amendment for Substandard Lots – Staff proposed new regulations allowing by-right development on lots meeting a 90% standard or block face test. The commission initiated and approved both the master plan amendment and zoning text amendment. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve Subdivision 2026-00009 – Approved 7-0. - Motion to recommend approval of SUP 2026-00035 – Approved 7-0. - Motion to recommend approval of Vacation 2026-00001 – Approved 7-0. - Motion to initiate and adopt Master Plan Amendment 2026-00002 – Both motions approved 7-0. - Motion to initiate and recommend approval of Zoning Text Amendment 2026-00003 – Both motions approved 7-0. - Motion to recommend approval of SUP 2026-00034 – Approved 7-0. - Motion to recommend approval of DSUP 2026-10008 – Approved 7-0. - Minutes deferred to next meeting; meeting adjourned at 10:39 p.m.

Mayor Gaskins called the City Council Legislative Meeting to order at 8:32 a.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, in the Council Chamber at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center in Alexandria, Virginia. The meeting was brief because the docket contained a single substantive item: accepting the resignation of a City Council appointee. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 a.m. Call to Order and Roll Call - Mayor Gaskins called the meeting to order at 8:32 a.m., and the City Clerk called the roll. - According to the meeting minutes, all Council members were present except Councilman Chapman, who was absent. Resignation of the Independent Policing Auditor - Mayor Gaskins announced that Amaratu Kamara had resigned from the position of independent policing auditor, effective October 3, 2026. - Mayor Gaskins thanked Ms. Kamara for her service to the city and expressed appreciation that she stepped in and stepped up to lead the office, especially after the passing of the city’s first independent police auditor. - The City Council accepted the resignation and provided five months’ salary as severance, along with payout of any unused annual leave in accordance with city policy. Key Outcomes - The City Council accepted the resignation of Ameratu Kamara effective October 3, 2026, with no opposition voiced during the roll call vote; Vice Mayor Bagley voted aye. - The approved severance package included five months’ salary and payout of any unused annual leave in accordance with city policy. - The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 a.m.

On September 30, 2026, Alexandria planning staff held a bilingual public launch and open house for the draft Duke Street Plan. Staff presented the plan's background, timeline, and draft contents, then held about 30 minutes of questions from in-person and Zoom participants. Council member John Chapman attended. The source package contained only a raw transcript; no agenda or minutes were available. Background and Plan Timeline - Planner Christine Frank introduced the meeting and noted that the previous Duke Street plan update was so old that she was two years old when it happened. - The plan area runs from Alexandria Union Station to the Van Dorn Street intersection; all properties inside the dotted line are part of the Duke Street land use area. - Staff reviewed prior engagement that shaped the plan: an event at Bishop Art on September 25, alignment principles in December, planned districts released in February 2026, input compiled in April, and maps and recommendations in July. These were refined into the draft launched at this meeting. - A planning department director (identified inconsistently in the transcript as Jeff Ranner, Jeff Farn, and Jeff Warner) said the document is a working draft, intended to be user-friendly and graphic, and that community feedback could still change it. Discussion Items - The plan is a 20-year framework for Duke Street. It is designed as an overlay plan implemented through the zoning ordinance, adopting elements of the plan without replacing all existing zoning documents. - Staff described the desired mix of uses, including neighborhood-serving retail, regional office uses, and regional traffic considerations. Duke Street is part of a larger regional ecosystem. - Maximum building height in redevelopment areas is generally 85 feet, with existing uses able to remain and adapt over time. - Staff said residents repeatedly emphasized that housing affordability should be maintained. - The plan proposes two new neighborhood parks, responding to the fact that the area currently has parks but few neighborhood parks. - New development would be required to manage stormwater before it reaches the Chesapeake Bay, a state requirement; the plan includes green infrastructure and rainwater management. - Staff said the plan is not a mandate. It sets a framework for redevelopment; property owners must work with the city, and the plan may be amended over time. - On implementation pace, staff estimated roughly one or two buildings per year in the corridor, sometimes more or sometimes less, based on market absorption. Public Comments & Questions - An attendee asked how names shared between the plan and the SPAR/zoning process would be differentiated, so that multiple identities do not become confusing. Staff responded that the corridor should not be monotonous and that distinct neighborhoods should be preserved through art, architecture, design, and mitigation of noise, light, and air quality. - A participant asked how land-use categories differ from zoning categories. Staff explained that zoning is the implementation tool; land-use designations describe the plan, while zoning carries it out. - A question about redevelopment of Alexandria Commons and the market district's linear park drew a response that staff have talked to property owners, there are no imminent development plans, and the plan establishes a framework that may trigger future redevelopment, including the linear park. - The Mason area was identified as an important resource within the market area, similar to Fox Chase, with the goal of maximizing retention of affordable housing and increasing affordable supply and demand. No imminent action was announced. - A Zoom participant asked how suggestions from the public were tracked. Staff said 75% of the ideas received had been compiled/shared at that point; some were definitely yes and others needed further evaluation. - Questions and discussion addressed local versus regional traffic and proposed street connections. Staff said the plan calls for more complete streets with larger sidewalks, street trees, parks, and bicycling connections, but exact street designs will be developed through engineering and redevelopment review. - A future Eisenhower Avenue connection and north-south continuity across Duke Street for walking and cycling were discussed. Staff said this potential bridge/crossing is not shown in the plan map because it would require a separate technical review and approval process; if desired, the city would need to pursue that process. - Questions were also raised about potential Metro connections, benches, picnic areas, and more detailed design. Staff described these as possible options or projects for future investment. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or motions occurred; the meeting was a public input session. - Community feedback on the draft will be accepted until November 13, 2026, through the website, email, and office hours. After incorporating input, the next version is expected to go to the City Council and Planning Commission in December 2026. - Staff said all questions and answers would be posted online at the end of the week, with links and additional information. - Attendees were invited to return to the open house portion, which included cake.

The City of Alexandria held a public open house to launch the updated Duke Street Plan, a 20-year vision for the corridor. City planning staff presented the plan's key elements—including land use, housing, transportation, parks, and design—and gathered community feedback through index cards and online comments. The meeting included bilingual (Spanish/English) interpretation and allowed attendees to ask questions and provide input on the draft plan. Public Comments & Testimony - A Spanish-speaking attendee expressed concern that the corridor should not become monotonous in design and suggested incorporating diversity through art, architecture, and landscaping to reflect the city's character. - Another attendee (Spanish) raised the importance of ensuring that all city parks feel welcoming and that people feel included, with staff noting the idea would be added to the plan's details. Discussion Items - Background and Engagement: Planner Christine Fran reviewed the extensive community outreach process, including pop-ups that reached over 250 businesses starting in April 2025, as well as email, online portal, and board feedback. - Plan Framework: Planning Director Jeff Farner explained that the plan is organized by chapters covering streets and traffic, land use, civic uses (including a potential city campus on the fueling station site), housing affordability, connectivity (e.g., new connections from Quaker to Telegraph), parks and open space, environmental features, building orientation, and district-specific visions. - Design and Flexibility: Farner emphasized that the plan allows for flexibility over its 20-year horizon, with incremental changes such as street crosswalks, trail connections, and development. He noted that interim uses may be appropriate for retail centers. - Traffic and Pedestrian Safety: Staff highlighted that 95 people currently cut the corner at a certain intersection, and the plan aims to direct new development residents to use those streets to improve safety. - Implementation: Changes will be gradual over the plan's life, not all at once. The draft plan is available on the city's website for public comment. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken at this public meeting. - Community members were asked to submit comments by mid-November (within 30 days) to be incorporated into the next version of the plan. - The final plan is scheduled to be presented to City Council in December. - Staff will also address questions submitted on index cards during the open house.

The City of Alexandria held a community meeting to present the draft Duke Street Small Area Plan, the culmination of over two years of engagement. Staff from the Department of Planning and Zoning, led by Christian Brandt and Jeff Farner, reviewed the plan's background, key elements, and next steps. The meeting included a 30-minute Q&A session addressing topics such as land use, transportation, affordability, and sustainability. The draft plan is available online, with public comments accepted until mid-November 2026 before the plan is docketed for Planning Commission and City Council in December 2026. Presentation Overview - Background: The plan updates guidance from 1992, responding to development pressure from the West End (former Landmark Mall) and Old Town. The plan area runs from Alexandria Union Station to Van Dorn Street. - Engagement: This was the 10th community event and 9th meeting. Over 70 pop-ups, 250 businesses visited, 4,000+ residents engaged, and 100+ students from Alexandria City High School participated. - Plan Elements: The draft plan is graphic-forward with 20 perspectives. It includes a city campus plan, small business support, interim uses, building heights (max 85 feet near transit), housing affordability, mobility improvements, parks and open space, and sustainability (heat island mitigation, tree canopy). - Implementation: The plan is an overlay zoning document. It envisions incremental changes over 20 years, with about one to two buildings redeveloped per year. Community Questions & Discussion Staff answered a wide range of questions from in-person and Zoom participants. Key topics included: - District Names: Developed to reflect distinct neighborhood identities; avoid monotony along the corridor. - Land Use vs Zoning: Zoning is the implementation tool for the land use vision. - Alexandria Commons: Privately owned; no imminent redevelopment; linear park would accompany future development. - Traffic and Mobility: The plan assumes the Duke Street Transitway (approved separately). Traffic studies show that increased local trips can reduce regional cut-through traffic, as seen in Potomac Yard. - Pedestrian and Bike Connections: Plans for a new connection under Telegraph Road, improved Libeck Bridge (possible bike/ped only), and better north-south connectivity over rail tracks. - Affordable Housing: Density is a tool to generate committed affordable units; market affordable housing retention is a priority. - Sustainability: Short-term shade solutions include street trees on surface parking lots. New development must meet stormwater requirements (Chesapeake Bay). Green infrastructure like bioswales and rain gardens are encouraged. - Metro/VRE Infill Station: Not recommended; focus is on Duke Street transit. - Plan Flexibility: The plan is designed to be adaptable over 20 years, with strong guardrails but room for change. Key Outcomes - Next Steps: Public comments are requested by mid-November 2026 for integration into the final plan. The plan is scheduled for Planning Commission and City Council review in December 2026. - Continued Engagement: Office hours will be hosted by Christian Brandt. All Q&A responses will be posted online. The draft plan and engagement hub are available on the city's website. - No Formal Votes: This was a community input meeting; no decisions or votes were taken.

The Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board met on September 29, 2026, to discuss public concerns, consider curb cut appeals, and review parking modifications for safety projects. The board heard extensive public testimony regarding traffic dangers on Crestwood Drive, debated three curb cut appeals, and voted on parking changes for Dawes Avenue, Old Dominion Boulevard, and Russell Road. The meeting concluded with adoption of legislative priorities and future scheduling. Consent Calendar - The board adopted the minutes from the previous meeting and the consent items by unanimous voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Crestwood Drive Residents (Liz Burdick, Charlotte Prater, Christina Brainer, Matthew Lafrata, Teddy Lafrada, Mike Leonard, Patrick McGee, Kate Costa, Erica Lenya): Expressed urgent concerns about speeding, cut-through traffic, and safety for children on the 1700 block of Crestwood Drive. They noted that the city approved speed bumps in 2025 but no action has been taken. They requested a concrete timeline and interim measures such as temporary speed cushions or radar signs. Several residents described crashes, near-misses, and a child killed cat. They asked the board to advocate for expedited traffic calming. - Rich Hoff (115 North Lee Street): Reported continuing gridlock and unsafe conditions on Lee Street due to valet parking and a scooter corral, with illegal parking blocking traffic, especially on weekends. He urged removal of valet parking or enforcement of no-parking zones. - William Bersher (Lyles Crouch parent): Asked the city to address the closure of Wilkes Street at the Heritage development, which forces unsafe detours on Gibbon and Franklin Streets. He requested accelerated reopening or quick-build protected bike lanes. - Linda Britton (Towngate North Condominium Association): Requested a meeting with city staff to discuss traffic, parking, and sidewalk concerns near Slater's Lane, including impacts from upcoming development and narrow sidewalks on the Mount Vernon Trail. Discussion Items - Curb Cut Appeal – 622 South Henry Street: Staff recommended upholding denial of a curb cut due to potential interference with pedestrian/vehicular traffic and removal of on-street parking. Public speakers (Jim Riggs) argued in favor, citing unique property conditions and safety. The board voted unanimously to uphold the denial. - Curb Cut Appeal – 3 West Mason Avenue: Staff recommended upholding approval, as the curb cut matched neighborhood character. Opponents (Susan Zook) raised blind-driveway safety concerns. Applicant Catherine Allen cited the need to charge an electric vehicle from solar panels. The board voted unanimously to uphold approval. - Curb Cut Appeal – 411A Clifford Avenue: Staff recommended upholding approval based on minimal parking impact. Neighbors (Ashley Justin, Sarah Friedman) opposed, citing loss of street parking and safety. The applicant's attorney and owner (Teresa Lustig) argued for the curb cut to allow aging in place. The first motion to uphold failed (2 ayes, 5 nays); a subsequent motion to deny passed (5 ayes, 2 nays). - Dawes Avenue Safety Improvements Project: Staff presented a plan to remove 56 on-street parking spaces (Netherton Dr to King St) and 15 spaces (Netherton Dr to 5190 Dawes Ave), add one space (Seminary Rd to 5190 Dawes Ave), and install bike lanes and a crosswalk. Public speakers (NOVA Provost Annette Hagra, Alexandria Families for Safe Streets, BPAC, others) voiced strong support. The board voted unanimously to recommend the director of TNES approve the parking modifications. - Old Dominion Boulevard Safety Improvements Project: Staff proposed removing 8 parking spaces on the 3600 block, 1 on the 3500 block, 2 on the 500 block of Tennessee Avenue, and adding a loading zone on the 3500 block, along with an interim sidewalk and crosswalk. The church community (David Thompson, Craig Wiggins, Michael Martin) and other residents (Melissa McMahon, Layla Asplin) supported the project but raised concerns about parking loss. The board voted unanimously to approve the parking modifications. - Russell Road Parking Additions: Following a prior decision, staff proposed adding 5 on-street parking spaces on the 600 block of Russell Road, 2 loading zone spaces on the same block, and 6 spaces on the 700 block of Johnston Place. Public comment was mixed: residents near Naomi Brooks Elementary School opposed the Russell Road spaces and loading zone, citing safety and congestion at drop-off; others supported Johnston Place. A motion to approve only Johnston Place spaces failed for lack of a second. A motion to approve both Russell and Johnston spaces failed (1 ayes, 6 nays). A final motion to recommend against all three modifications passed (with 3 nays). Key Outcomes - Curb Cut 622 S. Henry St: Board voted to uphold denial (unanimous). - Curb Cut 3 W. Mason Ave: Board voted to uphold approval (unanimous). - Curb Cut 411A Clifford Ave: Board voted to deny the curb cut (5–2). - Dawes Avenue: Board recommended approval of parking removal as proposed (unanimous). - Old Dominion Blvd: Board recommended approval of parking modifications (unanimous). - Russell Road / Johnston Place: Board recommended against all proposed parking additions (passed with 3 nays). - Legislative Priorities: The board discussed and approved legislative priorities, including a modification to change language on camera enforcement to “expand automated enforcement for safety purposes” to avoid association with ALPR/flock cameras. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for Monday, October 26, 2026.