City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: FEBRUARY 5, 2025
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: KARL MORITZ, DIRECTOR, PLANNING & ZONING
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of an Ordinance Approving and Authorizing the Temporary Designation of On-Street Parking Spaces in the 3800 Block of Mount Vernon Avenue for Vending. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
BODY
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ISSUE: Consideration of the temporary designation of on-street parking spaces in the 3800 block of Mount Vernon Avenue for vending.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Introduce and pass on first reading of the ordinance (Attachment 2) approving and authorizing the temporary designation of on-street parking spaces in the 3800 block of Mount Vernon Avenue for vending; and
2. Set the ordinance for public hearing and final passage on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
BACKGROUND: The 3800 block of Mt. Vernon Avenue is a two-way street running north and south with a mix of commercial uses, on-street parking and private parking lots serving businesses in the Del Ray North shopping center.
For several years, street vendors have been enlivening the sidewalks of the Arlandria-Chirilagua neighborhood, selling a variety of goods to help earn a living while serving the needs of their community. This activity is occurring primarily on the 3800 block of Mount Vernon Avenue where sidewalks are relatively narrow. The Arlandria-Chirilagua Small Area Plan recognized the benefits that street vendors can bring to the neighborhood including providing access to affordable fresh food and economic opportunity for neighborhood entrepreneurs. The small area plan recommends that a pilot program be considered to allow small-scale street vendors to sell items such as food, art, crafts, and other items within specified locations in the public right-of-way,...
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