Permanent Closure Of Lower King Street Block Considered This Fall

ALEXANDRIA, VA — In October, the Alexandria Planning Commission and Alexandria City Council will consider the permanent closure of a block of lower King Street to vehicular traffic.

City staff are proposing a permanent closure of the 100 block of King Street between Lee and Union Streets. The proposal calls for a more permanent design for the block adding 5-foot-wide pedestrian paths along both sidewalks between the buildings and the curb. The remaining area would be available for business use through a permitting process.

If the permanent closure is approved, short-term improvements for the block would include new barricades, street furniture, and signage. These would be funded through the city's first American Rescue Plan allocation plan. A more permanent design for the block would be considered through the city's capital budget plan in coordination with other waterfront projects. The permanent closure of the block affects about 25 two-hour metered parking spaces. The King Street Trolley has also been affected, running from the King Street Metro to Market Square rather than to the waterfront.

The 100 block of King Street has been closed for pedestrian and business use as part of temporary business flexibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The measures, which include the block closure, outdoor dining flexibilities and more, were recently extended through April 1, 2022. Since the measures were set to expire on Jan. 1, 2022, the city provided an extension allowing businesses to plan for the winter season as a proposal for the permanent block closure was developed.

Many businesses along the block have used the street space for outdoor dining or vending, according to a city staff report. A recent survey with 2,700 responses found 89 percent of respondents had a positive experience with the block closure and 92 percent want the closure to continue. A majority of businesses on the block expressed interest in a permanent closure at an August outreach meeting.

The Planning Commission hearing is scheduled for Oct. 5, and the City Council hearing will be held Oct. 16. City Council will consider feedback from the Planning Commission, as well as the Traffic and Parking Board and Waterfront Commission, which also reviewed the proposal.