As Eisenhower East continues to grow, the City of Alexandria is hoping for input on how to shape the community as it continues to grow.
City staff is working on an update to the 2003 Eisenhower East Small Area Plan. A lot has changed for the area since 2003, with the National Science Foundation moving in and new developments taking shape. A draft of the update to the Small Area Plan focuses on how to build or maintain affordable housing and open space amid new development in the area.
“The update considered enhanced flexibility of land uses, affordable housing, building heights, additional development, open space and mobility improvements to support a vibrant community,” the city said in a press release.
Input on the plan can be submitted at AlexEngage through Monday, Dec. 16. after which the plan will go to the Planning Commission and City Council for consideration in January.
A draft of the Eisenhower East Small Area Plan divides Eisenhower East into two neighborhoods, one west of Mill Road — with the National Science Foundation, the Hoffman Center, and the Eisenhower Metro station — and one to the east — with Carlyle Mill Apartments, Alexandria Renew and a shopping center.
The plan indicates that these two neighborhoods will become increasingly distinct over time, with the western neighborhood focused on being a restaurant and retail destination, while the eastern side would be more focused on retail.
The plan notes that commercial uses are required closer to the Metro station, while land further away is identified as having greater flexibility of use. Building height in the plan is also concentrated around the Metro station, with the lots on either side of the station identified with a maximum building height of 400 feet, while lots further away have maximum heights of 150 feet.
Parks are identified as a priority in the city plans, which includes early designs for a park under the Metro tracks and outlines for other locations that could support parks, ranging from urban plazas to nature conservation areas at the eastern end of the neighborhood.
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