Pedestrian-Only King Street Zone Planning To Move Forward

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria City Council gave approval for staff to start framework on a pilot program for a pedestrian-only zone on lower King Street during weekends. The pilot program could potentially run from April to October 2020.

Staff recommended limiting the pilot program to the 100 block of King Street (between Lee and Union Streets) and evaluating whether it should be extended to the 200 or unit block. Among the planning considerations will be re-routing of the King Street Trolley and emergency vehicle access.

Staff are discussing the idea with businesses to gauge interest in a pedestrian-only zone. Once the framework for the pilot program is ready, the city will collect input from business and community representatives through discussions and a roundtable.

Over the summer, Mayor Justin Wilson and Councilman John Chapman resurfaced the idea of a pedestrian-only zone, which was evaluated in a 2015 lower King Street multimodal feasibility study. A previous pilot program ran during four weekends from Friday evening through Sunday in 2006. That program was not renewed. According to staff, community members had overall positive feedback, but there were mixed opinions among business owners.

Wilson said staff can address concerns from business owners when developing the framework. He touted the benefit of a pedestrian-only zone for visitors and residents as well as restaurants with potential for more outdoor space.

Councilwoman Del Pepper expressed support for a pedestrian-only zone extended to the 200 block while highlighting the concern of the trolley re-routing. Chapman noted that a pedestrian-only zone extension to the 200 block, which include the visitor center, has an opportunity to be a "gateway" into lower Old Town for Visit Alexandria to promote.

According to a memo to City Council, the pilot program framework and a budget will be proposed to City Council in the winter. Once the pilot program ends, staff would compile a report with future recommendations to City Council.