ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria

It was a busy week in Alexandria with discussion heating up around several city policy proposals.

Alexandria has been moving forward with Zoning For Housing/Housing For All, a suite of changes to Alexandria’s housing code that works to rectify some of the city’s historic housing segregation.

But the plan has attracted some concern from groups like Save Del Ray, who say the zoning project has not been rushed and less than transparent.

Meanwhile, Alexandria started a process of returning millions in grant funding after city leadership — seemingly by accident — put an end to earlier plans for the creek and the project will start again, this time without support from grants.

The Planning commission also recommended approval of outdoor seating at 1799 Prime Steak & Seafood despite outcry from some neighbors over safety concerns. That special use permit now heads to the City Council tomorrow (Saturday) for final review.

The most-read stories this week were:

1. Del Ray residents want deferral of controversial zoning plan to desegregate Alexandria
2. Old Town steakhouse grilled by neighbors over proposed outdoor seating plan
3. Alexandria Police arrest two men and recover stash of roughly 13,000 fentanyl pills
4. Alexandria returning millions in grant funding after Taylor Run kerfuffle
5. Police: No injuries after robbers steal cash register from Old Town 7-Eleven
6. Notes: Two injured in Hybla Valley Walmart stabbing
7. Alexandria food delivery driver busted after allegedly stealing Amazon package
8. Notes: Richmond Highway in Fairfax has second fatal pedestrian crash in 2023
9. Alexandria City Council to consider increasing stormwater utility fee
10. Duke Street lane closures planned this week around Lincolnia and Landmark neighborhoods