Fostering Diverse and Inclusive Public Engagement in Alexandria

Two topics recently discussed at the February 4 meeting of the Alexandria Planning Commission have me thinking about the need for high-quality public feedback to inform decision making. The first involves practical updates to the city’s business zoning, which the Planning Commission and City Council will consider in April. Draft proposals include greater use of … Continue reading Fostering Diverse and Inclusive Public Engagement in Alexandria →

The Scooter Surge

Lately I’ve seen a lot of letters to the editor and social media posts with anger and frustration over the scooters that have inundated Alexandria. The city is currently conducting a dockless mobility pilot program, and 7 scooter companies are now operating in the city. It’s important to keep some perspective on the phenomenon. 1. … Continue reading The Scooter Surge →

Alexandria’s Pay-by-Phone Parking on residential blocks better manages a scarce resource

In 2014 I authored a letter to the editor making the case for some type of paid parking restriction on residential blocks in Old Town. Now, the City of Alexandria is considering making this program permanent. Parking is a scarce resource, and cities must manage supply to balance demand. There are a number of potential policies … Continue reading Alexandria’s Pay-by-Phone Parking on residential blocks better manages a scarce resource →

Prioritizing Long-Range Planning in Alexandria

The City of Alexandria is prioritizing long-range planning activities for fiscal year 2020, which begins July 1, 2019. Activities will address Amazon HQ2 and the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus, equity and housing affordability, mobility initiatives, and continuation of planning efforts along transit corridors and in the city's Growth Crescent. The item is one of the … Continue reading Prioritizing Long-Range Planning in Alexandria →

Craddock Site Redevelopment at 1201 North Royal Street to bring new “Art Walk” to Old Town North

At its January 3, 2019 public hearing, the Alexandria Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of a rezoning and development special use permit for the Craddock Site, 1201 North Royal Street. The present location of MetroStage (and original location of the restaurant Bastille) will be redeveloped by Carr City Centers into a 90-unit multifamily … Continue reading Craddock Site Redevelopment at 1201 North Royal Street to bring new “Art Walk” to Old Town North →

Alexandria City Council Public Hearing: Saturday, December 15, 2018

The Alexandria City Council approved the following cases of interest during its final public hearing of the 2016-2018 City Council session on Saturday, December 15, 2018.  Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Revised Design Council approved a Development Special Use Permit for a revised design of the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station, 2901 Potomac Avenue. The design features … Continue reading Alexandria City Council Public Hearing: Saturday, December 15, 2018 →

1200 North Fayette Street brings new development to Braddock Gateway and possibly a dog park… someday

On Saturday, December 15, 2018, the Alexandria City Council approved a Development Special Use Permit for the Braddock Gateway Phase 3 project at 1200 North Fayette Street. At present, the site comprises a portion of the DC Metro Church campus. As approved, the Carmel Partners project will bring two buildings with 370 apartment units and … Continue reading 1200 North Fayette Street brings new development to Braddock Gateway and possibly a dog park… someday →

Using VRE to Commute from Alexandria

UPDATED: May 28, 2019: With all Metrorail Yellow and Blue Line stations closed south of National Airport for Metro's Platform Improvement Project, here's a helpful reminder of an alternative way to commute to Washington, DC from Alexandria. One option often overlooked by inner-suburban commuters is the Virginia Railway Express (VRE), which offers commuter rail service … Continue reading Using VRE to Commute from Alexandria →

Alexandria City Council Public Hearing: Saturday, November 17, 2018

The Alexandria City Council approved the following cases of interest during its public hearing on Saturday, November 17, 2018: Consolidation of Boards of Architectural Review Council approved a text amendment to consolidate the Boards of Architectural Review on a 7-0 vote as recommended by the Planning Commission. The amendment will create a single Alexandria BAR … Continue reading Alexandria City Council Public Hearing: Saturday, November 17, 2018 →

Amazon selects Arlington for HQ2 – but what Alexandria lured to town may be the biggest benefit of all

Earlier today Amazon.com, Inc. announced that it had selected Arlington County, Virginia for a major new headquarters facility. It's a huge economic development victory for Northern Virginia and the Washington region, bringing more than 25,000 high-paying jobs over a 12-year period. Northern Virginia and New York City, which will also host a new headquarters, emerge … Continue reading Amazon selects Arlington for HQ2 – but what Alexandria lured to town may be the biggest benefit of all →