Public Meetings - Alexandria, Virginia

The Alexandria City Council convened on September 22, 2026, holding a work session with the State Delegation at 5:30 PM followed by the legislative meeting at 7:00 PM. The meeting featured proclamations, detailed updates on the City Hall renovation and recreation programs, and a substantive debate on updating the council's rules of procedure, which was ultimately deferred to December. The council also received its highest possible bond rating from Moody's and Standard & Poor's. The meeting adjourned at 11:32 PM after a closed executive session. Proclamations & Public Testimony - Hispanic Heritage Month: Councilman Aguirre presented the proclamation, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the Latino community. Councilwoman Greene noted engagement from high school students. The council unanimously approved. - International Domestic Workers Day: Councilman Aguirre presented the proclamation highlighting state labor protections. Rosalia Fajardo, Executive President of the Board of Directors of Timia, accepted on behalf of domestic workers, noting the significance of the recognition during Hispanic Heritage Month. The council unanimously approved. Discussion Items & City Council Reports - Council Committee Reports: Members provided oral updates. - ARHA Work Group: Roy Priest has taken over as interim CEO, focusing on structural inspection reports and a resident meeting scheduled for September 24. - School Board Ad Hoc Committee (Election Reform): Councilman Aguirre and Councilwoman Marks reported hurdles on board size and staggering. Consensus moved toward implementing four-year terms in 2033 without an emergency clause due to legislative difficulty. Scenarios are being developed. - Transportation & Environment: Vice Mayor Bagley reported the region is not on track for 2030/2050 climate goals despite emissions declines. Mayor Gaskins reported on a VRE/DRPT feasibility study for consolidating regional transit, raising concerns about neighborhood impacts. VRE faces budget challenges transitioning from federal commuter to regional rail. - Mayor's Update: Requested council support to explore a Friendship City agreement with Osijek, Croatia. City Manager's Oral Reports - City Hall Renovation (Jeremy McPike & Janine Khatab): Discovery of extensive hidden asbestos in wall systems led to a $3 million cost increase and a ten-week delay. Demolition is progressing toward garage demolition and geothermal well installation. Historic discoveries, like an 1870s playbill, were found and will be preserved. - Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Out of School Time Program (Hashim Taylor): Summer 2026 saw 2,525 participants (11% increase over 2025). Financial assistance was provided to 1,098 families. The program is 95% staffed (74% return rate). The waitlist was capped at 10 per site for manageability. The "Where You Belong" campaign is rolling out at five centers. Discussion covered registration systems, climate adaptation, and reaching unserved families. - Bond Rating: The City Manager announced Moody's and Standard & Poor's awarded the city the highest possible bond rating (AAA), noting the city's rating places it above the U.S. sovereign rating. Mayor Gaskins highlighted the rigorous review process and the importance of fiscal discipline. Consent Calendar - Council approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Fourth Quarter Capital Projects Status Report. - Council retroactively approved a grant application to NOAA and accepted a $1,031,000 award for an Energy Self-Sufficient Emergency Shelter System. (Approved unanimously via roll call vote) Key Outcomes and Decisions - Amendment to Council Procedural Resolution (Item 14): DEFERRED to December 2026. The council considered a resolution incorporating the Citizen Participation Policy and Public Hearing Protocol to set time limits and decorum rules (no personal attacks, disruptive devices or conduct). Following extensive debate on defining "personal attacks" and "campaigning" vs. "election-related speech," a motion by Councilman Al Newby (seconded by Councilwoman Greene) to defer the item for staff to refine the language was approved. The City Attorney stated absolute definitions are legally complex. - Council Schedule: Approved the FY2027 Look-Ahead Schedule and the September-December 2026 calendar, including an update to the November meeting dates. - Closed Session: Council convened in closed executive session at 9:56 PM under Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A)(1) and (A)(8) to discuss personnel performance, salaries, and legal consultation. Reconvening at 11:30 PM, the council adopted Resolution No. 3403. - Meeting Adjourned at 11:32 PM.

The Alexandria Transportation Commission met in person at 2900 Business Center Drive and remotely via Zoom. The commission approved two months of deferred meeting minutes, adopted the Fiscal 2027 Go Alex Fund budget and work plan, and received updates on the paratransit program, parking and curb-management technology, and 2027 legislative priorities. No members of the public spoke at either public comment period. Note: the officially provided meeting date is September 21, 2026; the transcript opens with a notice referencing a September 16, 2026 date. Public Comments & Testimony - No public speakers signed up for the general public comment period or for the public hearing on the Go Alex Fund. Both comment periods were opened and closed without testimony. Minutes of the May and June Meetings - Minutes for both the May and June meetings had been deferred because prior meetings lacked a quorum. After a question from a member, the commission approved both sets of minutes. Public Hearing: Fiscal 2027 Go Alex Fund Budget and Work Plan - The budget and work plan had been discussed at the prior meeting but could not be acted on without a quorum. The commission adopted the Fiscal 2027 Go Alex Fund budget and work plan after closing the public hearing with no speakers. Discussion: Paratransit Program Update - Staff described the program's operations: a call center, an operations vendor, and a single city-purchased software platform for dispatching. Customers can request a trip by drop-off time or pick-up time window (for example, an 8:30 to 9:00 or 8:15 to 9:00 window for a 9:00 departure). - Roughly 20% of trips are booked through the mobile app, and those riders report high satisfaction with service. - Paratransit operated all normal hours except for about six hours, during which fixed-route service was also closed after an incident. Many trips connect to city programming at the West End Government Center, social services, and medical appointments that were also closed. - The program update was initiated by city council to find cost savings. Fares were 'right-sized' by distance: the highest-cost product is a 12-ride pass to the $10 fare zone during peak times. Metro Access charges the city over $100 per trip for city residents using its service. - Rides are pooled up to three at a time to keep travel times reasonable, and the current vehicle mix serves demand for larger wheelchairs and riders accompanied by two or three guests. - Once approved, a new service model would keep city residents out of the WMATA participant queue and fund an additional full-time staffer to serve residents directly. - A curriculum can certify travel trainers; the independent center currently has staff who speak English, Spanish, and (as transcribed) 'Park.' - The program's biggest equity concern is building a policy that expands accessibility while including guardrails so costs do not become exorbitant at launch. A pilot with a small group of riders will run for a few months before full rollout. - Staff are coordinating with other city departments that provide similar transportation services so that all city vehicles and staff are used as efficiently as possible. Discussion: Parking Website and Curb Management Update - The new curb-management layer gives the city its first centralized view of how every curb is regulated at any time, from two-hour metered parking to 15-minute zones. - Publishing standard curb specifications would allow automakers, Google, and eventually autonomous vehicles to ingest the same data and tell drivers whether they are allowed to park or load. - The Traffic and Parking Board and land-use priorities factor into decisions: in main street or town areas, access for people and goods is prioritized over parking. - Staff are monitoring utilization closely because of conditions at the City Hall garage and in Old Town, and other Old Town areas remain under review. The board asked staff to review additional areas without rehearing the same decision. Discussion: 2027 Legislative Priorities - Recap of the 2026 General Assembly session: the legalization of the safety stop (the 'Idaho stop') was discussed, as was two years of funding to relieve short-term pressure, but no legislation was modified. - For 2027, staff are considering dedicated funding for Northern Virginia. A commissioner called regional (WMATA) funding the most important issue, saying 'that funding throttles everything else we could possibly do,' and asked for guidance so a letter could be drafted for the chair to sign. - A commissioner expressed the position that bicycles should not follow exactly the same rules of the road as cars: safety stops and pedestrian-signal behavior reflect what is naturally safer on the street, get bicycles out of cars' way, and reduce animosity. - A commissioner noted that the 'Flock' camera discussion has undermined debate about similar-but-different technology that could support curb management and street safety, arguing the city cannot hire enough enforcement officers for every corner and needs technology to achieve safety outcomes. - Grant funding was discussed: DASH receives substantial funding, but 'we don't know if we're getting the funding until our budget is already done,' and the relevant staff grant can be applied for every two years. - A member noted a regional partner expected to be over budget next year due to accounting errors, having based this year's budget on last year's numbers, and referenced an appeal related to additional parking. A reference was also made to 'Dylan's rule' (likely Dillon's Rule) as a constraint on local action. Commissioner Updates and Appointments - The city is recruiting a citizen member aged 16 to 25 with an interest in transportation or land use. A separate motion reallocated a second Planning Commission representative seat to a citizen position; the city clerk was expected to take the reallocation to the committee on membership. - A commissioner noted that some applicants do not clearly fit the listed categories, and that some appointments, such as their own reappointment to the Environmental Policy Commission, take about 20 minutes online, with city council acting on appointments at council meetings. - Written items included a quarterly report of meeting metrics and topics, which one member admitted to not having read. Key Outcomes - Approved the May and June 2026 meeting minutes. - Adopted the Fiscal 2027 Go Alex Fund budget and work plan. - Directed the chair to draft a letter on the commission's 2027 legislative priorities, including dedicated regional (WMATA) funding. - Staff will continue paratransit improvements, including a small rider pilot and an additional full-time direct-service staff position. - The city clerk will review reallocating a second Planning Commission seat to a citizen member position.

The Alexandria City Council held a public hearing on Saturday, September 19, 2026, beginning at 9:30 AM. The meeting included proclamations, a public discussion period with extensive testimony opposing automated license plate readers (ALPRs), consideration of several special use permits and ordinances, and deferral of a contested development project. Proclamations - Council endorsed a proclamation recognizing Alexandria Library Black Family Reunion Day. - Council endorsed a proclamation recognizing September as National Preparedness Month. - The presentation of a proclamation for Mayor’s Cup Rugby Players Day was deferred to a later date. Public Comments & Testimony - Fifteen speakers during the initial public discussion period, plus additional speakers later, overwhelmingly opposed the use of Flock cameras and automated license plate readers (ALPRs) in Alexandria. Speakers argued that ALPRs violate privacy and Fourth Amendment rights, disproportionately target communities of color and low-income neighborhoods, and pose risks of data sharing with federal agencies like ICE. Many urged the city to turn off and remove all ALPR cameras and to ban their future use. - One speaker (Marta Schantz, chair of the Environmental Policy Commission) provided an update on the commission’s summer work and upcoming priorities, including legislative advocacy on climate equity, resilience, and utility regulation. - One speaker (Nicole Radshaw) discussed pedestrian and bicycle safety, citing a crash report with 23 incidents, including a fatal crash on Van Dorn Street. She called for improved street engineering, not just enforcement. - One speaker (Melissa Kuennen) criticized proposed changes to the council’s public hearing procedure that would formalize rebuttal time for developers, arguing it would dismiss resident input. Discussion Items - Item 9 – Special Use Permit 2026-00022 (911 C & D Pendleton Street): Council discussed the conversion of a nonresidential building to residential use, with concerns about potential parking impacts and precedent for similar conversions. The item was approved in a separate motion. - Item 10 – Development Special Use Permit 2026-10007 (724-728 North Patrick Street): Council debated the proposed construction of five townhouses on a commercially zoned parcel. Councilman Chapman expressed concern about losing neighborhood-serving retail, noting the barbershop and other small businesses. Vice Mayor Bagley highlighted that the parcel has by-right residential uses, so denial may not preserve commercial uses. After discussion, Councilman Chapman successfully motioned to defer the item to the October 17, 2026 public hearing to allow further conversation with the property owner about potential mixed-use options. - Items 13 & 14 – Right-of-Way Vacations (Kent Place): Council held public hearings and approved ordinances to vacate portions of public right-of-way adjacent to 2702 Russell Road and 2800 Russell Road. - Item 15 – Address Renumbering Appeal (3600/½ Russell Road): Council deferred consideration of this appeal to the October 17, 2026 public hearing. - Items 16 & 17 were presented for council information only. Consent Calendar - Items 7, 8, 11, and 12 were approved on a roll-call vote as part of the consent calendar (with items 9 and 10 pulled). These included: - SUP 2026-00024 for outdoor live entertainment at 1913 Mount Vernon Avenue. - SUP 2026-00032 for redevelopment of a single-unit dwelling at 1 East Custis Avenue. - Ordinance amending Section 3-2-301 of the City Code regarding fees for bad checks (ORD. NO. 5648). - Ordinance amending Section 3-2-230 regarding personal property tax due dates for furloughed federal employees (ORD. NO. 5649). - Item 9 was approved separately. - Item 10 was deferred. Key Outcomes - Votes: - Consent items (7,8,11,12) approved 7-0. - Item 9 approved 7-0. - Item 10 deferred to October 17, 2026 (vote: 5-2 in favor of deferral; Mayor Gaskins and Vice Mayor Bagley voted nay). - Item 13 (2702 Russell Road vacation) approved 7-0. - Item 14 (2800 Russell Road vacation) approved 6-1 (Councilwoman Green voted nay). - Deferrals: Item 10 (North Patrick Street townhouses) and Item 15 (address renumbering appeal) were deferred to the October 17, 2026 public hearing. - Next Steps: Staff to provide clarity on ALPR definitions and data retention for speed/red-light cameras; council to continue discussion on proposed rules of procedure on October 6 legislative meeting. Note: The meeting adjourned at 11:47 AM.

Note: The agenda for this meeting was dated September 16, 2026, but the provided meeting timestamp and instructions specify the meeting occurred on September 17, 2026. This summary uses the provided date. The Board of Architectural Review (BAR) held a public hearing to consider several applications for certificates of appropriateness, demolitions, additions, and a concept review in the Old and Historic Alexandria District. Items included signage at 625 First Street, a partial demolition and addition at 430 South Lee Street, a partial demolition and roof addition at 103 Quay Street, and a concept review for six townhouses at 330 North Washington Street. The meeting featured extensive public testimony, with two applications deferred and one motion ending in a tie vote. Consent Calendar - BAR2026-00316 – Signage at 625 First Street (Applicant: Laura Mercier): Approved with a condition that the applicant work with staff on final placement of the sign. The halo-lit sign will replace a temporary banner above the hotel entrance. Public Comments & Testimony - 430 South Lee Street (Items 5 & 6): Multiple residents and civic organizations spoke. John Richards (Historic Alexandria Foundation) opposed the proposal, arguing it would encapsulate historic brickwork and set a bad precedent. Scott Borzai (Alexandria Federation of Civic Associations) raised concerns about potential damage to the 1851 Orange and Alexandria Railroad Tunnel foundation and requested a geophysical study. Several neighbors (Miriam Creeta, Joan Porsche, Mario Velasquez, Charles Enoch) objected to the massing, scale, wind pattern disruption, and visual prominence of the proposed two-story side addition. Yvonne Wade Callahan (Old Town Civic) also expressed concerns about the tunnel supports and asked for caution. The applicant, Karen Conkey, argued that the design met design guidelines and that the tunnel was 47 feet away; she noted outreach to neighbors had yielded little feedback. - 330 North Washington Street (Item 9 – Concept Review): Several residents (Nancy McClernon, Mike Gaffney, Steve Davidson, Yvonne Wade Callahan) urged the board to require the applicant to study an alternative three-and-three mews layout instead of the proposed six townhouses in a row surrounded by parking. They criticized the suburban character, the parking-driven layout, and the lack of a full engineering study of alternatives. The West Old Town Civic Association’s written comments were echoed: the project remains inappropriate for the historic district. Discussion Items - 408 Prince Street (Item 4): Partial demolition and encapsulation of a 45-square-foot shed on the west elevation. No public comments. Approved as submitted per staff recommendation. - 430 South Lee Street (Items 5 & 6): The applicant presented a 19-foot-wide, two-story frame addition set back 6 feet 7 inches from the main house, covering about 700 square feet of side brick wall (encapsulation). Board members expressed concerns that the addition reads as a separate house, is too wide and prominent, and that the modern windows and roof deck would be highly visible from the park and Lee Street. Several members suggested a greater setback, massing reduction, and more deference to the historic structure. The applicant requested a deferral, which the board granted unanimously. - 103 Quay Street (Items 7 & 8): Partial demolition of 826 square feet of rear roof and construction of a new mansard roof with dormers and a roof deck. The applicant (Stephen Kulinski) had reduced dormer size per staff feedback. Board members debated dormer proportions and window railings. A motion to approve with conditions (to reduce railings and study dormer size) resulted in a 3–3 tie vote, which fails. The applicant then requested a deferral, which was approved. - 330 North Washington Street (Item 9 – Concept Review): No vote was taken; this was a second concept review. The applicant presented revisions: smaller dormers, more brick wrap, and refined roof forms. Board members reiterated concerns about the six-unit row layout surrounded by parking, requesting that the applicant produce a formal comparative study of an alternative layout (e.g., three-and-three mews). The board stressed that all sides of the building should be treated as fronts given its isolated location. The applicant noted they had studied the mews concept but rejected it due to open space and parking viability, though they agreed to consider further refinements. Board feedback included reducing height, adding a brick wall to separate parking, and lowering roof deck visibility. Key Outcomes - Minutes of September 2, 2026: Adopted unanimously. - BAR2026-00316 (Signage, 625 First Street): Approved with condition to work with staff on placement. - BAR2026-00326 (408 Prince Street): Approved as submitted. - BAR2026-00320 & BAR2026-00321 (430 South Lee Street): Deferred at applicant’s request (unanimous vote). The applicant will return with a revised design addressing public and board concerns about massing, setback, and tunnel protection. - BAR2026-00324 & BAR2026-00325 (103 Quay Street): Motion to approve with conditions failed (3–3 tie). Applicant requested and received deferral to next meeting. - BAR2026-00033 (330 North Washington Street – Concept Review): No action taken. The board directed the applicant to produce a formal comparative site study of an alternative three-and-three mews layout and to improve architectural treatment of all elevations before returning for further review. - Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Report: Adopted; chair authorized to sign.

The City of Alexandria's Planning & Zoning Department held its bi-monthly community meeting on September 17, 2026, led by Director Paul Stoddard. The meeting covered long-range planning (Duke Street revitalization), upcoming development cases, and several zoning text amendments. Staff presented updates and took questions from attendees via Q&A. Consent Calendar - No formal consent calendar was presented; all items were discussed individually. Public Comments & Testimony - No live public testimony was taken, but attendees submitted questions through the Q&A feature. Key questions addressed: substandard lot definitions, noticing procedures for administrative site plans, the relationship between historic preservation and building height/size, and progress on the Landmark Mall redevelopment. Staff answered each question during the Q&A session. Discussion Items - Duke Street Plan Update (Jeff Farner): Farner provided a status update on the Duke Street Small Area Plan. The plan has received over 4,000 participants' input, focusing on safety, transit, housing choices (including affordability), small business retention, parks, and public benefits. A draft plan will be released on September 29, 2026, with a community meeting on that date. The plan is a 20-year vision emphasizing transit-oriented development, preserving existing affordable housing, and creating opportunities for small businesses. - Development Activity (Nathan Randall): Randall summarized four upcoming development projects: - Townhouses with rear garages on Madison Street (streetscape improvements). - St. Stephen & St. Agnes Upper School: DSUP amendment for eight new lights, concessions, and pavilion. - Bishop Arton High School: DSP amendment to expand track, add fields, concessions, bleachers, and a new entrance plaza. - Carlisle Block P: Amendment to shift 60,000 sq ft from office to senior living (no footprint or height changes). - Non-Development Cases (Tony Lakola): Lakola presented multiple Special Use Permits (SUPs) and subdivisions, including: - 911 C N D Pendleton St (conversion of storage to dwelling). - 1913 Mount Vernon Ave (outdoor live entertainment at Delray Farmhouse Market). - 1 East Custis (new single-family home using pattern book). - 501 East Howell Ave (two-unit dwelling on substandard lot). - 108 North Quaker Lane (subdivision of 68,494 sq ft lot into two). - 218 East Alexandria Ave (vacation of right-of-way, alley paved). - 424 North Columbus (subdivision into two lots, variation needed). - 5535 Dawes Ave (resubdivision, variation needed). - One additional subdivision (30,351 sq ft lot into two, no variations). - Zoning Text Amendments: - Substandard Lots: Staff proposed allowing by-right development for most substandard lots (≥90% of zone minima, similar to surrounding lots) to streamline the process. Approximately 2,933 of 9,000 single-unit lots are substandard, concentrated in North Ridge, Beverly Hills, Rosemont, and Del Rey. SUPs would still be required for lots without frontage. - Historic Preservation: Amendments include: a new process for curb cuts in OHAD (reviewed by TES and preservation staff, BAR if needed); a codified BAR concept review for DSUPs (bulk characteristics first, architecture after DSUP approval); technical corrections; removal of $10 subscription fee; striking urban renewal as a basis; administrative approvals for rooftop screening; an appeals process for administrative decisions; BAR review of ATMs; clarified maintenance standards; and extension of BAR permit validity from 12 to 36 months. - Affordable Housing Administrative Site Plan (Nathan Randall): To comply with state legislation (YIGBY), the city will create a by-right approval process for affordable housing on tax-exempt land (owned ≥5 years by non-profits or religious organizations). At least 60% of units must be affordable (80% AMI for rental, 120% for ownership) for 30 years. Staff proposes an administrative site plan process with a 40-day review, no required noticing under state law (but staff recommends placarding and considering newspaper notice). Validity period of 5 years. Additional recommendations include raising the DSP threshold to 4 units and creating a streamlined admin pathway for smaller by-right projects (≤10 units or <30,000 sq ft non-residential). Key Outcomes - The Duke Street draft plan will be released on September 29, 2026, with a community meeting that same day. Final adoption is anticipated by December 2026. - Development cases (St. Stephen & St. Agnes, Bishop Arton, Carlisle Block P) are docketed for Planning Commission and City Council hearings in October and November 2026. - Non-development cases: Most are scheduled for hearings in October or November 2026; the SUP at 1913 Mount Vernon Ave was supported by Planning Commission and goes to City Council on the Saturday following the meeting (date not specified). - Zoning text amendments: - Substandard lot amendments will go to hearing in October 2026. - Historic preservation amendments will be presented in October/November 2026. - Affordable housing administrative site plan text amendments will be brought to November 2026 public hearings. - Staff will refine all draft ordinances based on community feedback received during the meeting and via online channels. - No votes were taken during the meeting; all items are at the proposal stage.

The Alexandria Board of Zoning Appeals held a public hearing on Monday, September 14, 2026, starting at 7:03 PM and adjourning at 7:36 PM, chaired by Mr. Liu. All six members present considered two Special Exception requests, one Variance request, a deferral, the FY2026 Annual Report, and approval of minutes from a prior hearing. The meeting was conducted in Council Chambers at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were included on this docket. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered during the hearing speakers from the public did not address the board beyond the applicants themselves. Discussion Items - BZA2026-00013 (908 Beverley Drive): Staff presented a request for a Special Exception to construct a second-story addition in the required west side yard. The existing side yard is 7.9 feet, and the new height requires 10.75 feet, so 2.85 feet of relief is needed. Staff recommended approval, noting the addition extends the vertical plane without changing the footprint. Applicant Louise Muth (co-owner) stated that the walls would be above existing walls, that seven of the 18 houses on the street have already done similar additions, and that neighbors on all sides had agreed and offered support. The board approved the request unanimously (6-0). - BZA2026-00014 (207 Woodland Terrace): Staff presented a request for a Special Exception to construct a two-story addition in the required northwest side yard, extending an existing non-complying wall. The required setback is 11.91 feet; the applicant proposes 5 feet, seeking 6.91 feet of relief. Staff recommended approval. Applicant Elizabeth Millette (co-owner) stated that they are proud residents of six years, that the addition will allow them to reconfigure the second floor to accommodate their growing family, and that they have neighbor support. The board approved the request unanimously (6-0). - BZA2026-00012 (3333 Helen Street): Staff presented a request for a Variance to construct a two-story and second-story addition in the required rear yard. The property was rezoned from R25 to RB in 2025, which brought the lot into compliance. However, the existing house location requires a rear setback of 21 feet for the two-story addition and 17.5 feet for the second-story addition; the applicant seeks to match the existing 11-foot setback, requesting 10 feet and 6.5 feet of relief, respectively. Staff recommended approval. Applicant representative Scott Fleming (architect) explained that the lot is only 50 feet deep, making compliance difficult, and that the proposed addition essentially fills in space above existing roof forms. The board discussed the rezoning history and noted that the setback requirement would be the same under the previous zoning. The board approved the variance unanimously (6-0). - BZA2026-00010 (9 Potomac Court): The applicant requested a deferral of this case, which seeks Variances to construct a deck in the required rear yard and reduce required open space. The board voted 5-1 to accept the deferral (Mr. Foley voted against). The case was deferred to a future meeting. - Fiscal Year 2026 Board of Zoning Appeals Annual Report: Secretary Eveland moved to accept the FY2026 Annual Report and authorize Chair Liu to sign it. The board discussed the selection of case studies (accessory structures and fences on corner lots) and the process for addressing attendance issues. A member asked about former member Bauman, who was absent more than 25% of the time but is not listed among those with 75% or more unexcused absences; staff clarified that the list is for unexcused absences only, and that the rule may be changing in the coming year to count total absences. Staff also reported that two candidates applied for the vacant seventh BZA member seat but council did not appoint them, and the position is being re-advertised. The motion carried 6-0. - Minutes from July 22, 2026 Public Hearing: Chair Liu moved to approve the minutes as submitted, stating they were correct and accurate to the best of his recollection. The motion was seconded and carried 6-0. Key Outcomes - BZA2026-00013 (908 Beverley Drive): Approved 6-0 (Special Exception for addition in side yard). - BZA2026-00014 (207 Woodland Terrace): Approved 6-0 (Special Exception for addition in side yard). - BZA2026-00012 (3333 Helen Street): Approved 6-0 (Variance for rear yard addition). - BZA2026-00010 (9 Potomac Court): Deferral granted 5-1, with Mr. Foley voting against. - FY2026 Annual Report: Accepted 6-0; Chair Liu authorized to sign. - Minutes (July 22, 2026): Approved 6-0. - The next meeting is scheduled for October 19, 2026 (third Monday due to the Columbus Day holiday). The board adjourned at 7:36 PM.

On September 11, 2026, the Alexandria Historic Preservation staff held a community meeting to introduce proposed zoning text amendments. The amendments address parking curb cuts in the Old and Historic District (OHAD) and Parker Gray, establish a formal development concept review process, and make several administrative clarifications. Staff emphasized that no formal votes were taken; the meeting was for gathering public input. Public Comments & Testimony - A speaker raised concerns about the fairness of fees for administrative reviews (currently $121) compared to the low cost of items like replacement lamps ($40), suggesting this discourages compliance. Staff noted that fees were recently adjusted citywide and are not part of this zoning amendment, but the comment was recorded. - Scott questioned the need for a curb cut process, noting that most OHAD properties have no space for a driveway and that existing curb cuts often harm streetscape character. Staff clarified they are not advocating for curb cuts but must establish a legal pathway after a court ruling eliminated the previous variance process. - Another speaker expressed opposition to any curb cuts in OHAD, arguing they damage the historic character. Staff responded that public comments advocating a blanket ban would be considered. - During the development concept review discussion, a participant urged that the process allow for up to three meetings instead of two, citing experiences with intransigent developers who did not meaningfully reduce mass and scale. Staff agreed to consider this feedback. - A speaker suggested that the first-stage review should require the applicant to show they have considered alternative site layouts, but staff explained that applicants are not required to present alternatives. Discussion Items Parking Curb Cuts - Julie Weiss Gerber, Principal Planner, explained that the current ordinance provides no process for applying for a curb cut after the Virginia Court of Appeals in 2025 ruled that variances from the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) were not an appropriate relief mechanism. Two pending cases are on hold. - Staff presented data: there are approximately 1,350 existing curb cuts in OHAD (887 are driveways to individual homes); about 1,480 properties lack alley access or interior courts and could potentially seek a curb cut. - The proposed process: an applicant must first prove no alley or interior court exists, then undergo a feasibility review by Transportation & Environmental Services (T&ES) for safety and code compliance. If feasible, Historic Preservation staff would review for appropriateness based on new design guidelines (still being drafted). If T&ES denies, the applicant or neighbor can appeal to the Traffic and Parking Board (no further appeal). If staff denies, appeal goes to the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) and then to City Council. - The process would also apply to Parker Gray, where currently curb cuts go directly to BAR; the change would place T&ES feasibility first. - Bill Conki, Preservation Architect, emphasized that design guidelines will be strict, likely prohibiting curb cuts on pre-1932 properties and those that block historic building views. He noted that the guidelines will be developed separately and reviewed by the Design Guidelines Committee on September 23. Development Concept Review - Bill Conki described the current informal, non-binding concept review that occurs before a project goes to Planning Commission and City Council for a Development Special Use Permit (DSUP). Under current rules, the BAR can only give feedback; applicants can attend once and proceed, often bypassing meaningful input on height, mass, and scale. - The proposed change splits the Certificate of Appropriateness (C of A) into two stages. Stage 1 (tentatively called "Concept Plan Approval" or "C of A Stage One") would be a formal vote on the building envelope: height, mass, scale, and location of buildings on the site. This would occur before the DSUP. Stage 2 would cover architectural details, materials, and other standards. - Applicants would be required to attend at least two concept review meetings (unless all parties agree earlier) before a vote is taken. The board would vote yes/no; if denied, the applicant can appeal to City Council. The number of meetings was debated; staff agreed to consider a maximum of three. - Staff noted that this change does not alter the list of standards; it merely moves the bulk characteristics review earlier in the process to provide certainty to developers and ensure BAR input is not an afterthought. - Public commenters supported the idea but raised concerns about land-use attorneys conflating envelope and architectural issues. Staff acknowledged the challenge and said they would work on clear language. Administrative Clean-Up Items - Staff proposed correcting outdated language, such as removing references to "urban renewal" as a reason for proceeding with projects and eliminating the $15 fee for mailing hearing calendars. - They seek to align rooftop mechanical screening waivers between OHAD and Parker Gray. - A major proposal extends the validity of a Certificate of Appropriateness from 12 months to 36 months, matching the DSUP approval period. This was requested by the BAR due to homeowner difficulties in securing contractors and materials. Some commenters suggested a fee waiver for renewal after 12 months instead, which staff said they would consider. - Enforcement of historic preservation violations was raised as an ongoing issue but not part of this amendment. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken; this was an informational and input-gathering meeting. - Public comments are accepted through Thursday, September 17, via email or phone to Julie Weiss Gerber. - The presentation and materials will be posted on the historic preservation website the following day. - The Planning Commission held a workshop on the amendments on September 1 and gave generally positive feedback. - Staff will compile public comments and continue refining the proposals, including design guidelines, before bringing them to the BAR and City Council for formal action.

The Alexandria Stormwater Utility Committee held a meeting on September 9, 2026, from approximately 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. The committee reviewed project updates, discussed flood grant program expansion, received a communications report, and set the agenda for the next meeting. Quorum was present with five in-person and two online members. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as amended, with three comments addressed. The minutes were noted to be 25 pages and well-captured. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered testimony during the public comment period. Discussion Items - Commonwealth & Glebe Flood Mitigation Project: Design substantially complete; signed and sealed documents received. Utility relocations ongoing; public meeting scheduled for June 4th at Cora Kelly to discuss construction impacts. - Nethergate (Combined Sewer): Field investigations complete; National Park Service granted categorical exclusion for environmental review. Design at 60%. - Pit and Gibbon and Hoofs Run Flood Grant Program Expansion: Consultant analyzing expansion of existing $5,000 flood grant program to larger amounts. Draft program vision expected in about a month; to be presented to committee in September. - Spot Projects: Bellafont Avenue storm drain improvements at 60% design; Buddy Ford outfall staircase rehabilitation scope and fee finalized; Clifford, Old, Manning street storm improvements near final design; West Reed and Dale Street project public meeting held April 7; Sky Hill Road project in initiation phase. - Sanitary Sewer Asset Renewal: On-call contract awarded for lateral rehab in Delray East; construction expected early summer. Delray West at final design. - CCTV Program: Four projects completed in Four Mile Run watershed; upcoming work on North Alfred and Keller Avenue. - Flood Resilience Plan (FRP): Plan 80% complete; additional analysis on three policy recommendations: increasing freeboard above base flood elevation, creating flood-prone area overlay map, and stricter stormwater quantity runoff rates. Draft FRP for public in August, council draft in September. - Snow-Related Storm Drain Damage: 50 service requests received; 24 repaired, 22 on list for contractor repair. Average cost per inlet top replacement about $5,000. Key Outcomes - The committee agreed to place the following items on the September agenda: flood grant program update, Braddock Road Metro development discussion (with invitation to Councilman Aguirre), flood resilience plan update, and proposed stormwater fee increase for fiscal year 2028. - The next meeting is scheduled for September 16, 2026 (third Wednesday) at 7:00 PM. - The committee emphasized the need for a financial burn plan to justify future fee increases, given $180 million appropriated and only $60 million committed/expended.

The Alexandria City Council held a legislative meeting on September 8, 2026, beginning with a closed executive session at 6:08 p.m. and reconvening in open session at 7:17 p.m. The meeting included proclamations, oral reports, consent calendar actions, consideration of several ordinances, contested appointments, and a discussion of Flock camera technology. The meeting adjourned at 10:31 p.m. Proclamations and Recognitions - City Council proclaimed September 2026 as Sickle Cell Awareness Month and Suicide Prevention Month. Speakers included Melanie Pearson Hurley (sickle cell advocacy), Alan Lomax, Rebecca Keisling, and Jim Page (suicide prevention). Vice Mayor Bagley emphasized responsible gun ownership and the 988 crisis line. Oral Reports - Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) (Councilman Aguirre, Vice Mayor Bagley): Reported on commuter choice changes, extension of DASH route to Orlando Chidilawa, and a DRPT study on potential consolidation of Northern Virginia bus services (Dash, Q, Fairfax Connector, ART). A public forum is planned for October 21. - Virginia Railway Express (VRE) (Vice Mayor Bagley): Updated on King & Commonwealth bridge replacements (18–24 month project), accessibility improvements at the station, Pause for Progress tunnel closure (Oct 19–23), Rail Safety Week (Sept 21), and the Tour de VRE fundraiser (Oct 3). - City Council General Updates: Councilman Aguirre reported on the ad hoc school board governance group, which reached consensus on four-year terms and will discuss staggering and board size on September 15. - State of the Economy (Visit Alexandria CEO Todd O'Leary): Presented tourism recovery metrics. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) turned from a 10% deficit in January to a 3% gain by June, driven by the “Unlock Your Story” campaign, the World Cup (hosting Croatia), and America 250 events (tall ships, July 4). Alexandria ranked first or second in RevPAR growth among Virginia submarkets from March onward. Average length of stay increased from 2.0 to 2.3 days, and overnight visitor share rose from 77% to 82%. - Update on City/ACPS Budget Category Process (City Manager, Finance Director, Budget Director): Outlined a new process for FY28 ACPS appropriations, including more detailed budget submittals, earlier staff-to-staff information sharing, and a transfer threshold of $500,000 (above which City Council approval is needed). Only 2 of 29 ACPS transfers in FY26 would have required Council action. Council discussed the add/delete process and need for clarity. - Update on City Hall Construction Impacts (Director of Communications Ebony Fleming): Presented a three-pronged approach: collaborate, promote, connect. Measures include monthly meetings with adjacent businesses, promotion of car-free options, parking banners, wayfinding, a farmers market no-cost space for businesses, and a wayfinding fee waiver in January 2027. Council discussed the definition of “adjacent” (one block around City Hall) and the potential for tour bus parking adjustments. - Update on Flock Cameras (Police Chief Tarrick McGuire): Reported 61 fixed ALPR cameras, funded largely by grants. Data is purged every 21 days unless associated with a criminal case. Internal audits have found no malicious misuse. Steps taken: published online dashboard, pursuing third-party audit (Dr. Robin Ingle), and exploring alternative vendors. Council members raised concerns about vendor Flock, data sharing with other jurisdictions (especially those with 287(g) agreements), camera density, and the need for community engagement. Mayor Gaskins stated the community supports moving away from Flock but wants a deliberative process. Consent Calendar - Uncontested Appointments: Approved appointments to 10 boards/commissions (e.g., Archaeological Commission, Beautification Commission, Children, Youth and Families Collaborative Commission, Commission for the Arts, Commission on Aging, Commission on Employment, Economic Opportunities Commission, George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee, Public Health Advisory Commission, Social Services Advisory Board). - Resignations: Accepted resignations from 11 members of various boards/commissions. - Removal: Approved removal of Tameia Low (Historic Restoration and Preservation Commission) for failure to meet attendance requirements. - Minutes: Approved minutes for eight meetings (May 12, May 16, May 26, June 9, June 13, June 23, July 1, July 29, 2026). - Closed Meetings Report: Received report. - Monthly Financial Report: Received for period ending June 30, 2026. - Ordinances (First Reading): Approved amendments to city code for bad check fees (Section 3-2-301) and personal property tax due date for furloughed federal employees (Section 3-2-230); scheduled public hearings for September 19, 2026. - Grant Applications: Authorized submissions/acceptances for: - SAMHSA Strategic Prevention Framework: $1,250,000 (5-year, no match), funding 2 FTEs. - DCJS Sexual Assault Services Program: $65,000 (0.5 FTE). - Supreme Court of Virginia Universal Drug Testing Grant: up to $45,696. - Supreme Court of Virginia Specialty Dockets Grant: up to $75,000 (retroactive). - Office of Violence Against Women: $500,000 (36 months, no match), supporting 1 FTE and six peer advocates. - FTA Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility: up to $1,000,000 (Resolution No. 3401). Discussion Items - Vacation of Right-of-Way (Kent Place): Approved first reading for two ordinances to vacate portions of the public right-of-way at the southern end of Kent Place (adjacent to 2702 Russell Road and 2800 Russell Road); public hearings set for September 19. - Contested Appointments: Council appointed members to 15 boards/commissions after roll-call voting. Noteworthy outcomes: - AlexRenew: Mark Schofield appointed (unanimous). - Board of Zoning Appeals: Council voted to readvertise the position. - Children, Youth, and Families Collaborative Commission: Martha Davis, Dan Edwards, Annie Reiney appointed. - Commission for the Arts: Robin Jordan reappointed. - Commission for Women: Ashley Edmiston and Yvette Jiang appointed. - Commission on Aging: Alan Dinsmore and Jane King (citizen members 60+), Marshall Hespe (volunteer leadership), Thomas Miles (supportive service provider). - Commission on Persons with Disabilities: Rachel Dixon reappointed. - Environmental Policy Commission: Dan Beattie reappointed. - Historic Alexandria Resources Commission: Donna DeBlasio reappointed. - Human Rights Commission: Jennifer Topping appointed. - Independent Community Policing Review Board: Christopher Lewis reappointed (one seat); the other seat deferred. - Local Emergency Planning Committee: William Kehoe appointed. - Public Records Advisory Commission: Candice DeNardi appointed. - Sister Cities Committee: Victoria James, Patricia Miller Scherschel, Elisabeth Poppen appointed. - City Council Schedule: Approved FY2027 look-ahead calendar and September–December 2026 official calendar. Key Outcomes - Proclamations: Unanimously adopted for Sickle Cell Awareness Month and Suicide Prevention Month. - Consent Items: All 14 items (13–26) approved en bloc by roll-call vote. - Ordinances (First Reading): Four ordinances (bad check fee, personal property tax, two right-of-way vacations) passed first reading; public hearings and final passage set for September 19, 2026. - Grants: Six grant applications authorized, totaling over $2.86 million in potential funding. - Flock Cameras: Council directed staff to: 1. Publish answers to all questions and a updated online information portal. 2. Move away from Flock as a vendor, with a timeline for evaluation and community engagement. 3. Finalize a third-party audit agreement (anticipated within a week). 4. Produce a map of all city-operated ALPRs and clarify camera counts. 5. Report back on options for gating data access and retention policies. - Contested Appointments: Completed for 14 boards; Board of Zoning Appeals will be readvertised; one ICPRB seat deferred. - Council Schedule: Approved as presented. - Closed Session: Council reconvened in executive session at 9:38 p.m. and adopted Resolution No. 3402 regarding the closed session.