City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: NOVEMBER 6, 2024
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: ADRIANA CASTA?EDA, DIRECTOR, TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance Approving and Authorizing the Temporary Closure of the 200 Block of King Street to Vehicular Traffic
BODY
ISSUE: Consideration of the temporary closure of the 200 block of King Street to vehicular traffic.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Introduce and pass on first reading Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the ordinance (Attachment 2) approving and authorizing the temporary closures of the 200 block of King Street to vehicular traffic; and
2. Set the ordinance for public hearing and final passage on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
BACKGROUND: In 2021, the City Council approved the permanent closure of the 100 block of King Street, following a temporary closure that had been implemented to provide additional space for pedestrians and outdoor dining during the pandemic. In 2022, after a similar temporary closure, the Council approved the permanent closure of the unit block of King Street and a portion of the Strand. At the September 10, 2024, City Council meeting, the Council requested staff to explore expanding the street closure to the 200 block of King Street through a temporary pilot program that could help evaluate the merits of a permanent closure (Attachment 3).
The 200 block of King Street is a two-way street headed east and west with parking on both sides of the street. Similar to the 100 block of King, the block is predominately commercial. However, this block has a greater mix of retail and restaurants as well as some residences on upper floors of buildings. This block also includes the City's Visitor Center at the corner of N. Fairfax Street and King Street. One of the resta...
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