City of Alexandria takes its zoning reform proposal to public review next week

A little over a week after the City of Alexandria debuted its new Zoning for Housing/Housing for All plans, the city is inviting the public to the first community feedback session.

City staff presented the draft recommendations earlier this week at a City Council-Planning Commission work session. The big headline recommendation was ending single-family-only zoning, though beyond that city leaders were skeptical about the plan’s ability to make a substantial impact on affordable housing supply.

The meeting next Thursday is the first in a series of community meetings. The City is embarking on a whirlwind tour this fall of public meetings and town halls regarding the plan before a final vote on Nov. 28.

“On Thursday, September 14, from 6-8 p.m., the City will hold the first of three fall community meetings on the Zoning for Housing/Housing for All initiative,” the event listing said. “Staff will summarize draft recommendations presented during the September 5 joint City Council-Planning Commission work session, review the schedule of additional engagement opportunities, and answer questions from the community.”

In a poll earlier this week, roughly 53% of respondents said they thought the zoning changes go too far, while 32% said didn’t think the changes went far enough. Only 14% said they thought the city struck the right balance.

The meeting can be attended in person at the Charles Beatley Central Library (5005 Duke Street) or online.