Alexandria Department of Planning & Zoning

Old Town townhouse proposal prompts debate over city’s development review process

Published September 8, 2026 at 2:45PM

The parking lot of 330 N. Washington Street in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

Old Town neighbors say a pending townhouse development application exemplifies why the city needs to better align the Board of Architectural Review process with development special use permit reviews.

The BAR continues to consider a concept review of Merion Row at 330 N. Washington Street, where the property owner seeks to build six three-story townhomes with rear-loading parking garages and rooftop terraces. The homes would take the place of two of the three drive-thru banking aisles at the Wells Fargo bank.

New ‘passport’ program emerges to boost support for Duke Street businesses

By Emily Leayman

Published January 23, 2026 at 10:30AM

Duke Street near Landmark and Cameron Run (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

A new “passport”-inspired promotion will encourage Alexandria residents to shop locally along the Duke Street corridor.

The City of Alexandria is planning a Duke Street Business Passport Program for businesses within a half-mile of Duke Street. The upcoming program would track shoppers’ passport progress with QR codes and award $25 gift certificates to five participants who visit the most passport businesses.

Alexandria schedules community meeting on zoning ordinance updates

By Ryan Belmore

Published September 9, 2025 at 11:30AM

Alexandria City Hall sign (staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

The Alexandria Department of Planning & Zoning will host a community meeting Sept. 22 to discuss potential updates to the city’s zoning ordinance affecting residential properties, commercial operations, and historic preservation.

The 7 p.m. meeting at City Hall, 301 King St., will take place in Sister Cities Conference Room 1101 on the first floor.