King Street Block Closure, Outdoor Business The Focuses Of Survey

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The city is conducting a survey as it develops proposals to make King Street's 100 block and outdoor business flexibilities permanent in Alexandria.

In 2020, the Alexandria City Council approved various business flexibilities to allow residents to safely support businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes the closure of the 100 block of King Street to vehicles for business and pedestrian use; on-street parking space use for dining, retail and fitness and use of curbside loading zones for customer pick-up of food and merchandise. The temporary programs are in effect until Jan. 1, 2022.

The city's Department of Planning and Zoning and Department of Transportation and Environmental Services are tasked with developing proposals to continue the programs beyond Jan. 1, 2022. Proposals will be presented for City Council consideration at the October public hearing.

The survey is underway to inform the proposals under development. Respondents are asked about their experiences with the King Street block closure and the other outdoor business programs. The survey is open to residents, visitors and business operators until Sept. 10.

The 100 block of King Street closure has resulted in restaurants and other businesses using sidewalk and street space for outdoor dining or merchandise displays. Vehicular traffic is diverted to surrounding streets, while the King Street Trolley is only running between the King Street Metro and Market Square at City Hall.

The City Council already approved funding for the 100 block of King Street closure through the American Rescue Plan phase one funding plan. The plan includes $100,000 for short-term improvements of infrastructure and amenities to the block closure. Funding for short-term improvements is in anticipation of a permanent closure and consideration of expansion to other blocks, according to the funding plan.