A major rail infrastructure project and a 450-unit development highlight Tuesday’s packed Alexandria City Council agenda, with several other significant funding and infrastructure items also up for consideration.
Fourth Track Project Moves Forward
Council will consider authorizing temporary construction easements to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority for the Alexandria Fourth Track Project, a nearly six-mile rail expansion designed to boost passenger capacity and reduce regional traffic congestion.
The project will add a fourth rail line parallel to the existing tracks, primarily within the current rail corridor, but will require temporary access to city-owned property for construction. Work is scheduled to begin at the end of 2025 and is expected to wrap up in 2027.
The temporary easements will affect various open space parcels adjacent to the existing railbed and portions of Union Station at 110 Callahan Drive. VPRA’s contractors must secure construction bonds and provide replacement parking for displaced city staff, with the city retaining the right to suspend access if contractors fail to comply with mitigation measures.
Landmark Overlook Development Extension
The Council will consider extending development permits for the Landmark Overlook project, located near the former Landmark Mall site, which will bring 450 residential units and retail space to the Stevenson Avenue corridor.
The project comprises 88 stacked townhouses and two seven-story buildings, featuring 362 apartments, as well as 6,900 square feet of ground-level commercial space, all connected by a skybridge.
Key features include 15 on-site affordable housing units, a quarter-acre park, and a 40% reduction in phosphorus runoff. The development is expected to generate up to 25 new students and will result in a net reduction of 23 parking spaces, offset by the addition of 26 new on-street spaces.
The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval.
City Operations and Infrastructure
Health Department Funding: The Council will vote on releasing $120,510 from contingency reserves to maintain community health programs that are threatened by federal funding cuts. The money will support outreach to immigrant and refugee communities, including expanding the ALX Breathes program for Amharic-speaking residents with asthma.
The funding request comes after federal COVID-19 grants ended and other health grants were reduced, resulting in a decrease in outreach, clinical services, and resource coordination for newcomers.
City Hall Renovation: Plans for demolishing and reconstructing Market Square Plaza, along with the below-grade parking garage, and for renovating and expanding City Hall received unanimous approval from the Planning Commission.
Employee Bonuses: A second reading will authorize 1.5% state-funded performance bonuses for eligible employees of the Department of Social Services.
Updates and Presentations
The meeting will feature an Economic Summit update, a State of Health presentation, and a Fire Department update.
Meeting Details
See the full docket and attachments here.
The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at 301 King Street, following an executive session at 6:15 p.m. It will also be available via Zoom webinar and government channel 70. Public comment will be accepted with advance registration required.
