Extended Pedestrian Zone On King Street To Be Considered By Alexandria City Council

ALEXANDRIA, VA — An extension of the pedestrian zone on lower King Street will head to Alexandria City Council for action ahead of a proposed holiday launch.

On Monday, the Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board a recommendation to temporarily close the 200 block of King Street to vehicular traffic. The proposal would make the 200 block a pedestrian zone in two phases — during the holiday season from Nov. 22, 2024 to Jan. 6, 2024 and spring through early January 2026. In between the first and second phase, the block would reopen for city staff to make changes and address any issues.

The temporary closure would remove 17 parking spaces during the pilot program and modify a traffic signal at Fairfax and King Streets. The parking spaces include 16 metered spaces and one 15-minute space at the Alexandria Visitor Center.

City Council could take action on a permanent closure in fall 2025 before the second phase expires. The Traffic and Parking Board would have to review and recommend the permanent closure to the City Council. Community feedback would be collected before a permanent closure decision.

Mayor Justin Wilson and Councilmember John Taylor Chapman had presented the proposal in September to extend the pedestrian zone to the 200 block of King Street. The 200 block of King Street is a two-way street with businesses and on-street parking. The adjacent 100 block became a pedestrian zone in May 2020, and the change was made permanent in October 2021. The unit block and the Strand were added as a pedestrian zone over Memorial Day weekend 2022, and the permanent pedestrian zone was approved in November 2022. The 200 block had been temporarily closed during the busy Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend.

"There remains pent-up demand for properly programmed public spaces in this area and an extension of the King Street Pedestrian Zone into the 200-block of King has been suggested by residents and business owners as a way to enhance the appeal of our Main Street," a memo from Wilson and Chapman read.

The city officials' memo acknowledged the 200 block closure would prompt challenges also experienced in the adjacent block, such as public safety responses, deliveries and access for people with disabilities.

According to the city, the 200 block would need a 22-foot wide clear zone for emergency vehicle access, similar to the other blocks. No structures can be located within this zone, including moveable furniture, but pedestrians are permitted. Additionally, a five-foot wide path is required on both sidewalks to provide egress and space for emergency personnel to access buildings in an emergency. This also has the benefit of providing more visibility for retail storefronts.

Businesses can use parklet or outdoor dining space under the city's permitting program. City staff are recommending to waive a requirement for businesses to have a platform for outdoor parklet space. For areas on the block not used by businesses, city staff will work with Old Town Business to seek pop-up activities and additional seating.

City Council will review the 200 block temporary closure at its November meeting. City Council's meeting agendas have not yet been released. Before the meeting, the Alexandria Planning Commission will review the proposal to determine if it complies with the city's master plan.