Residents have until Sunday, Jan. 4 to submit comments on two of Alexandria’s draft recommendations aimed at updating the city’s Housing Master Plan.
Specifically, Alexandria is seeking feedback on drafts of the Affordable Housing Preservation and Common Interest Communities projects as part of Housing 2040. Community feedback will help shape the second drafts of each recommendation, expected to be released in mid-to-late February, according to the city.
The Affordable Housing Preservation project is focused on providing solutions to invest in the “affordability, livability, and financial viability” of Alexandria’s existing housing.
The current draft features the following six policy recommendations, each listed with detailed strategies for implementation.
- Work with rental property owners to extend affordability commitments for existing committed affordable housing
- Support acquisition of existing rental housing by affordable housing partners to preserve affordability consistent with the City’s Strategic Preservation Priorities
- Partner with rental property owners to rehabilitate existing committed and market affordable housing to improve its livability, health, sustainability, and safety
- Support 1-for-1 replacement of existing committed and market affordable rental units during redevelopment to the greatest extent possible to minimize displacement of existing residents and communities
- Enhance tenant relocation protections for low-income tenants
- Strengthen collaboration among property owners, funders, nonprofit partners, and tenants on preservation policy formation and implementation
The Common Interest Communities project, meanwhile, hopes to strengthen condominium and “other common interest communities.” Drafted recommendations include establishing visual inspection requirements, setting guidelines for reserve studies and seeking state support for association boards, among others.
Informational presentations, meeting recordings and other related materials for each project can be viewed on the city’s website.
The deadline to submit feedback is Jan. 4, according to a Monday announcement from the city. Residents can receive Housing 2040 project updates by signing up for eNews Alexandria and selecting “Affordable Housing.”
Housing preservation recommendations can be sent using this feedback form or by contacting Project Manager Chris Do at [email protected]. Feedback on the Common Interest Communities project can be sent through the Housing 2040 Comment Form or by contacting Project Manager Kim Cadena at [email protected].
Looking ahead, the Alexandria Housing Affordability Advisory Committee will host a virtual meeting on Jan. 7, while Housing 2040 will tentatively host its next community meeting from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 28, with a location still to be announced.
