City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: NOVEMBER 2, 2022
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: YON LAMBERT, INTERIM DEPUTY CITY MANAGER
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance Approving and Authorizing the Permanent Closure of the Unit Block of King Street and Northern Portion of the Strand to Vehicular Traffic.
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ISSUE: Should the City permanently close the unit block of King Street and northern portion of the Strand to vehicular traffic and allow outdoor dining parklets on the unit block of King Street?
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1. Introduce and pass on first reading, the proposed ordinance (Attachment 2) approving and authorizing the permanent closure of the unit block of King Street and northern portion of the Strand to vehicular traffic.; and
2. Schedule for second reading, public hearing and final passage on Saturday, November 12, 2022.
BACKGROUND: Following City Council guidance in April 2022, the unit block of King Street and the northern portion of the Strand were temporarily closed to make space for a pedestrian zone. This was to be a pilot project between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Because of its success, the pilot was extended through November 20, the date through which the temporary closure is approved.
The unit block of King Street between the Strand and Union Street is a one-way street heading west with parking on one side of the block. On the other side, it previously hosted the King Street Trolley terminus and layover area until this was moved to Market Square with the closing of the 100 block of King Street. The block is commercial with several restaurants. During the pilot program, restaurants were allowed to use the space along the curb for outdoor dining as well, and one restaurant expanded its seating into the street. Previou...
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