Alexandria · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Alexandria public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
State of the Economy and Commercial Real Estate Trends
The Brookings Institute presented data showing regional economic pressures, federal employment shifts, and challenges facing young job seekers in the DMV area.
Townhouse Development Concept at 330 North Washington Street
Developers are proposing six new townhomes in the parking lot behind the Wells Fargo building. Neighbors raised concerns that the sideways layout and four-story height clash with Old Town's historic character and rely too heavily on parking accommodations.
Commercial-to-Residential Conversions on North Washington Street
Developers seeking to convert an office building at 732 North Washington Street into residential units faced heavy scrutiny over proposed balconies and mansard roof heights, resulting in a deferral.
Carlyle House Roof Material Debate
Nova Parks proposed replacing the aging shingle roof on the historic 18th-century Carlyle House with a standing-seam metal roof. Preservationists and neighborhood groups pushed back, successfully arguing that wood shingles are historically accurate and essential for preserving the museum's integrity.
Infill Townhouse Developments and ADU Integration
The commission reviewed and approved multiple townhouse projects featuring accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on North Alfred Street and North Patrick Street. Commissioners praised the inclusion of ADUs as a progressive step for housing inventory.
Infill Housing and ADU Integration on North Alfred Street
A developer proposed dividing an old office lot into five new townhouses, each featuring a detached garage and an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) above it. Commissioners applauded the inclusion of ADUs as a great model for adding flexible housing to Old Town.
New Townhome Development at N. Fairfax & N. Lee Streets
EYA presented refined architectural plans for a multi-unit townhome development replacing existing structures at 333 North Fairfax Street and 300 North Lee Street. The board praised the developer's extensive community outreach with the Old Town Civic Association but required adjustments to rear bay windows, downspout coordination, and brick finishes.
Historic District Commercial and Residential Redevelopment
The board reviewed major exterior alterations and additions for commercial and residential properties in the Old and Historic Alexandria District, ensuring compatibility with historic design standards. Projects like the North Washington Street multi-family conversion required careful balancing of modern housing needs with strict architectural guidelines.
Office-to-Residential Conversion on Princess Street
The city is updating zoning rules and approving specific projects to turn empty office buildings into apartments. This helps tackle high office vacancy rates while adding much-needed housing in walkable areas.
New Construction Design at 1126 Prince Street
Developers are planning to demolish a 19th-century commercial structure and outbuilding on Prince Street to make way for new multi-unit construction, raising concerns from neighbors about historic preservation, light loss, and construction impacts.