Pedestrian-Only Block Of King Street Proposed In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The concept of closing a block or two of King Street to vehicles has re-emerged in Alexandria.

Mayor Justin Wilson and Councilman John Chapman called for the city to explore a pedestrian-only zone in the 100 block of King Street and potentially the 200 block, according to the mayor's latest newsletter. A memo sent to the city asks staff to make a recommendation. Fox5 reported that the pedestrian-only zone would only happen on weekends.

The city tried a pedestrian-only zone as a pilot program for four weekends in 2006. According to the memo, many pedestrians had positive feedback, but there were mixed opinions among business owners. That pilot program was not renewed.

The memo says the opening of the new Waterfront Park and new King Street programming make it an ideal time to consider a permanent pedestrian-only zone on weekends.

"We view this moment as the perfect time to see these blocks, connecting Market Square with our Waterfront, as not just roads to carry cars, but vital space to support commerce, visitation and the history of our community," states Wilson's newsletter.

Wilson and Chapman ask city staff to use feedback from the 2006 pilot program and create a plan for the pedestrian-only zone. The plan would include expanded outdoor dining capacity if businesses should choose to add more outdoor seats, infrastructure enhancements for pedestrians and bicycles, expanded programming, and public art integration.

The memo calls for a plan to implement in spring 2020.

Would you support a pedestrian-only zone on King Street? Let us know in the comments.