[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6294919,"mediaKeyId","2521377-9617f1ab9e39cb29283b71b0a6bcf68d","parentId",2521377,"title","Council clears planning items, approves parking‑reduction conversion and vending ordinance; votes at a glance","audioSeconds",455,"startMs",2896000,"endMs",3351000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2521377-9617f1ab9e39cb29283b71b0a6bcf68d&start=2896&end=3351","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2521377-9617f1ab9e39cb29283b71b0a6bcf68d/thumbnail_2896000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6294919/Alexandria-City-Independent/Virginia/Council-clears-planning-items-approves-parkingreduction-conversion-and-vending-ordinance-votes-at-a-glance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6294919-b05ede1086ff752a67cced154115f8f4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147565&Signature=XB4Swt6EibPyb4ALkYN5KKycpWrTB43UEUXZSg1X6BRFdr5AbbepvOe-PhxhYe~9L5PH7miWJanFhJeKGwJiNm4diPccmABCX5BMnqouJdZLelLks50Q1rWC51GM6edt3Rwwp~VUbc0bUniOHew5Y7eP-HbUfrekv8XvSU297X1NmS7ol9g5AW7-c3mqu~agzKIGZQz2FKxHWDr2ipTh6O95HZCI8~oZeOHFW3aWQSe1ua3OGociSZqiFyrbxdLeTpFvOazb7IYjYv~v5pkEzbLSkFJJVMEoP6ebNBKrJ~nw41Z50dSEZV3Be6pWt5e9ZTmHRl3c3cEn094lrNjZ3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Alexandria, VA","date","2025-02-22T00:00:00Z","article","At Saturday’s public meeting Alexandria City Council approved a package of planning and administrative items, including a special use permit to convert an existing building on King Street into residential units (with a new condition on parking information), an extension for a development permit in Eisenhower East and several administrative ordinances including a temporary polling‑place move and a vending parking designation on Mount Vernon Avenue.

The council first approved the action consent calendar with items 4 and 6 pulled for separate consideration. After public testimony on item 4 — a request to convert an existing building at 628 King Street into multiple rental units without onsite parking — the council added a condition requiring applicants to provide information about off‑street parking options and alternative transportation in leases or purchase agreements. Kathy Puskar, representing the applicant, said the project would create five studios and six one‑bedrooms with anticipated rents intended to fill a “missing middle” price point; studios were estimated by the applicant at about 334 square feet with anticipated rents near $1,700.

Councilmember Aguirre moved approval of the 628 King Street special use permit with the added parking condition; Councilmember Chapman seconded. Council discussion emphasized that the case illustrated why the city should revisit parking minimums and allow market‑based solutions where appropriate. The motion carried on the council voice vote.

The council also approved an extension for the Eisenhower Block 23 development special use permit (item 6). Planning director staff explained the developer‑contribution dispute that arose during the project’s first approval and said staff’s subsequent review confirmed the original analysis had omitted above‑grade garage square footage from the contribution calculation; staff recommended approval of the extension without changes to conditions so the developer could pursue financing.

The council approved a street vacation for Clarence Estate (item 10) and appointed viewers for the vacation (Anne Tucker, David Kaplan and Michael Porterfield). The council also approved on consent an ordinance to temporarily move the George Mason School precinct polling place to Trinity United Methodist Church; the item passed on roll call with all councilmembers recorded as “Aye.”

On item 8 the council approved an ordinance temporarily designating on‑street vending parking spaces in the 3800 block of Mount Vernon Avenue; staff and the applicant said the pilot program includes enforcement provisions and conditions to protect pedestrian circulation. Duncan Blair spoke on behalf of Del Ray North in favor of the vending designation and suggested adding a clear‑sidewalk requirement similar to the outdoor‑dining rules.

Where roll calls were recorded, members voted as indicated in the minutes: for the George Mason polling‑place move council recorded unanimous ayes; the vending ordinance passed on roll call with all members recorded as voting Aye. Other land‑use approvals were completed by voice votes; staff will finalize the ordinances and conditions in written form.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Public Hearing Alexandria, VA 02/22/2025","oneSentenceSummary","At Saturday’s public meeting Alexandria City Council approved multiple planning and administrative items, including the conversion of a King Street building to apartments with a new parking‑information requirement, an Eisenhower East permit extension, a street vacation, and a vending parking designation on Mount Vernon Avenue.","taxTitle","Alexandria City (Independent), Virginia","taxId",5798,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6294923,"Scores of speakers urge Alexandria to divest from companies tied to Israel; Human Rights Commission request cited",8573,209000,8782000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2521377-9617f1ab9e39cb29283b71b0a6bcf68d&start=209&end=8782","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2521377-9617f1ab9e39cb29283b71b0a6bcf68d/thumbnail_209000.jpg","/articles/6294923/Alexandria-City-Independent/Virginia/Scores-of-speakers-urge-Alexandria-to-divest-from-companies-tied-to-Israel-Human-Rights-Commission-request-cited","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6294923-7a04e49858ec772584bdaa7a8d32e545/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147565&Signature=o--OWnFj2ZzuQRQ2rL7sJDwtV4h0lQtAqznY2mCAfu9fFpahIlw3PG-VaM13ZeBNtVzv0tlxeionMsWW3il8lCIGjl37rF4kbVHVqYTVuIXcnrW8H~er1XQyy9DHr9II0BPoBPYu2QhcVw4uG45poDe1af8IHhBlCrVCsL6EQVefsEyq3xym~NiOMn-17htSqXFqxuBa2Hy32-fvequbJiQngfG75FVXxxJeUo-aeuCiUJORxQb~~uppgTJSVU2bS0GQXYmI3GrrKLQTBFnjfuJl8L2kXaCS56gPF36n-E1u78wMRx5uAloV3DuknT5VX7h0hq6wrZMlsG0WUM2o9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of speakers during the public hearing urged Alexandria City Council to divest city investments and contracts from companies they say support human rights violations in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, and they asked the council to act on a recommendation recently passed by the Alexandria Human Rights Commission.

The speakers—representing local advocacy groups, faith communities and area residents—named companies they said enable surveillance, detention and military operations, and they asked the city to cut financial ties where possible through contracts, retirement plan stewardship and local investment pools. One speaker said the Human Rights Commission had voted to recommend that the council pursue divestment from “human rights atrocities around the world, especially Israel’s genocide and apartheid,” and several speakers invoked reports by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and rulings of international bodies.

Lisonbee O’Connell, who opened the comment series on the subject, said the Human Rights Commission’s action echoed earlier local divestment work, recalling a 1985 city resolution on apartheid in South Africa. “Calling Israel an apartheid state is not a matter for debate,” O’Connell said. Other speakers named specific companies they said were linked to abuses: Motorola (surveillance systems); HP (servers and population‑registry infrastructure); Siemens (prison technology); Lockheed Martin and General Electric (defense equipment); Caterpillar, Cisco and Toyota (listed by speakers as connected through broader investments). Several speakers also urged the council to use its appointment and stewardship influence over boards that govern supplemental retirement plans and the local government investment pool.

Speakers framed their appeals as moral and legal: several asked council to follow the Human Rights Commission’s guidance, to ask the city manager to prepare options for non‑renewal of contracts, and to coordinate with other jurisdictions on ethical investment standards. Some speakers tied the request to international reporting: “Reputable organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have extensively documented Israeli apartheid against Palestinians,” a speaker said, and another referenced filings before international courts.

Council did not take formal action on the divestment request during the hearing. Several councilmembers acknowledged the testimony and the existence of the Human Rights Commission recommendation; none moved an immediate resolution or vote. Staff and the council will retain the written submissions and audio record as part of the public hearing docket. Speakers said they would continue monthly attendance at council meetings to press for action.","During a lengthy public‑comment period, multiple residents urged City Council to divest city investments and procurement from companies they said enable human rights abuses in Israel and the occupied territories, citing a recent Human Rights Commission recommendation.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6294928,"Parents and neighbors urge council to oppose Jefferson‑Houston conversion; call for broader planning",8754,1775000,10529000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2521377-9617f1ab9e39cb29283b71b0a6bcf68d&start=1775&end=10529","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2521377-9617f1ab9e39cb29283b71b0a6bcf68d/thumbnail_1775000.jpg","/articles/6294928/Alexandria-City-Independent/Virginia/Parents-and-neighbors-urge-council-to-oppose-JeffersonHouston-conversion-call-for-broader-planning","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6294928-4bba22965b1c9201f15a492138f5fa81/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147565&Signature=ms-qSR1USNp7COtmvtanpg6ZUhDdVoyemhgZs2Q9gSDEku9n67lr7p425vjOyGkB50cYm8KQ8s4CI3vS0pusUuUW7NdYiij0W8uLjqKfshaXO5U05J1tw2lSXiZEJwWtjpmcqXDVkKKRP7FMuivSz6hK3IoHjCu961Tz1eaar-hAYMbP80Aar4s1-D0e1ogm9kjD-fkVln1148nUCeBbyI~MgGlyTfA42ZyQ0-s4LFHGw36wegpQ6Y5nsxs4VOIhDKJ1DNGACuU7H9wf~ug6txNH~CxLiFwnbMOns-QN7SkgLIAR3ueJR9hFDtHRzp6AwyiY3lSO8fHK71tlos7w-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of parents, teachers and longtime neighbors used the council’s public hearing to press elected officials to oppose the Alexandria School Board’s plan to convert Jefferson‑Houston Elementary from a preK–8 community model to a middle school, saying the change would uproot a Title I neighborhood school and worsen capacity problems elsewhere.

Speakers said the plan was rushed, did not include adequate community engagement and disproportionately affects students who are low income and Black. Several requested that the city council press the school board to pause the conversion and pursue alternatives, including a new middle school site that would relieve regional overcrowding without closing or repurposing Jefferson‑Houston.

Parents described Jefferson‑Houston as a “walkable, community school” that provides wraparound services and a stable learning environment. “They lied to us when they said they briefed the plan to the community,” said a Jefferson‑Houston parent who urged council to reject the school board’s proposal. Tiffany Dixon, a redistricting committee representative for Lyles‑Crouch Traditional Academy, called for “thoughtful planning, transparency, and adequate support” during any transition and asked that receiving schools be provided staff and resources before students are redistricted.

Speakers cited data about student need. A parent and speaker representing Jefferson‑Houston families told council the school serves a high share of economically disadvantaged students and children with special needs, and that converting the building now — after a recent capital investment and a less‑than‑decade‑old reconstruction — would “splinter that community.” Helen Morris, who said she was on the school board that planned the current K–8 facility, described the previous building as substandard and defended the long process that produced the current, purpose‑built facility.

Opponents criticized the school board’s public process. Multiple speakers said the school board failed to provide timely and meaningful briefings to parents and community stakeholders before advancing the proposal, and one said she had filed suit asking the board to hold a public hearing on the closure. Several speakers asked the City Council to use its convening power and its scheduled meetings with school‑system leaders to insist on more transparent engagement and to explore alternative capacity solutions.

Council members heard the requests but did not take a formal vote on the school‑board plan at the meeting. Councilman Chapman said he expected the council would not support the closure plan as currently proposed and urged exploration of land or new facilities for a citywide middle school solution instead of converting neighborhood elementary seats. Several council members said they plan further discussions with the school board and community leaders.

Parents said they will continue organized attendance at council meetings to press the issue. Councilmembers and staff said they will place follow‑up meetings on the calendar with school officials to review the plan, community engagement records and alternative proposals.","Dozens of residents, parents and community leaders urged the City Council to push back on the school board’s plan to convert Jefferson‑Houston from a preK‑8 community school into a middle school, citing community ties, Title I impacts and inadequate engagement by Alexandria City Public Schools.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6294932,"Alexandria council approves short-term rental rules, adds director discretion for central area",3801,4673000,8474000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2521377-9617f1ab9e39cb29283b71b0a6bcf68d&start=4673&end=8474","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2521377-9617f1ab9e39cb29283b71b0a6bcf68d/thumbnail_4673000.jpg","/articles/6294932/Alexandria-City-Independent/Virginia/Alexandria-council-approves-short-term-rental-rules-adds-director-discretion-for-central-area","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6294932-96db7ec2c4e7207751410b274c9d93d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147565&Signature=CBAiWouLQkAqiAyOIygBS-m9cULnemNTaKh2JdJ0JtCQsUbG~UpWXbAtK7xX0fViNNESUdaP3bLxFXKuf10HhK3Lpsoh2SsHRSWVzxYpSJhobDZaktKk4zo0EKt-iObcSmb8catiQCxoOfD1oIKRo8m9Bo6OZirsLlZOi2FMus0CZy5oQFpR4XrgYUxEKTK82RNqMOF7OiopK~tfmRlmAX1ExvIklVWLA0jriuhi~CZW6a6Mjnpno61t5haA5CM-gQ~nxHn72ohly~EnExNexbFtsK0skuvg-qF9NhDNBXoo6lizF5FiFcqrLIxHyQeSYGCn38TJodvyOfepfm~ECQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Alexandria City Council on Saturday approved a zoning text amendment that creates a permitting system and new operating standards for short-term residential rentals in the city, with a late amendment giving the planning director discretion on parking arrangements inside the enhanced transit area.

The ordinance, proposed by city staff and recommended by the Planning Commission, is intended to curb problems residents and staff cited most often — noise, trash, parking and large “party” gatherings — while preserving short-term lodging options and tourism revenue.

Staff framed the change as modest and targeted. Tony Lecola, land use services division chief, told the council the city’s third‑party monitoring found roughly 600–700 short‑term listings at peak season and 62 complaints reported to the city between 2018 and 2025. “We want responsible short‑term rental operations that benefit visitors and address the most common concerns we’ve heard from residents,” Lecola said.

Under the new rules the city will: require a permit for any short‑term rental operating more than 10 days a year; cap occupancy at two persons per bedroom plus two additional guests (children under 3 excluded) with an absolute cap of 10; ban parties and events that exceed the occupancy limit in residential zones; require a posted good‑neighbor guide and 24/7 local agent contact information; and set parking expectations — 0.7 spaces per bedroom outside the enhanced transit area and 0.25 spaces per bedroom within it, with allowance to count up to two on‑street spaces when on‑site parking is unavailable.

Staff said the application will require operator and local agent contact information, ownership or rental documentation, a parking plan and notice to abutting property owners. “Operators must be reachable by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Lecola said. Carl Moritz, director of planning, added that repeat violations or failure to obtain a permit could lead to permit denial or relocation, with appeal rights to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Owners and operators who testified were split. Jordan Wright, who operates a long‑standing, in‑home listing, told council that short‑term rental income allowed her to remain in her house and that marketplace and platform review systems already penalize bad guests. “I meet all my guests when they arrive at my home,” Wright said. Rallying support for regulation that preserves operating options, Boyd Walker — an Old Town operator who said his business generated lodging and sales tax revenue — warned that heavy-handed restrictions could reduce city tax receipts. “If you’re not prepared to raise the tax rate, I suggest that you not try to restrict Airbnbs,” Walker said. Several speakers from Old Town urged exemptions or flexibility for very old buildings with no on‑site parking.

Council discussion centered on the parking standard and enforcement. Vice Mayor Bagley proposed — and moved — an amendment that approved the staff recommendation while allowing the planning director to accept an alternative parking arrangement for short‑term rentals located in the enhanced transit area. Councilmember McPike seconded the motion. Director Moritz told council the added discretion was intended to address edge cases where strict linear distances would be impractical, and staff agreed to draft a reasonableness standard.

Council also discussed enforcement staffing. Staff said a short‑term rental program manager and a 24/7 hotline are planned, funded by a proposed permit fee and included in the fiscal 2026 budget proposal; the city would hire an additional noise inspector in that budget as well. Lecola said the permit system rollout is planned for fall 2025 and that staff will phase in outreach and enforcement to allow operators time to comply.

Supporters and opponents both asked for predictable, transparent implementation. Catsby Jones, who operates a one‑bedroom unit in Old Town, urged the council not to require on‑site parking in dense, historic neighborhoods, saying most guests arrive by train or rideshare and the requirement would “cut off a valuable income source for residents.”

The council voted to approve the amendment and pass the zoning text change. Staff and council said they will follow with an online permit portal, a public education campaign and a phased compliance window ahead of the fall 2025 permit launch.","After months of study and public comment, the City Council approved a zoning text amendment to regulate short-term residential rentals, imposing occupancy limits, a permit requirement, a “good neighbor” guide and parking rules while allowing the planning director discretion inside the enhanced transit area.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council clears planning items, approves parking‑reduction conversion and vending ordinance; votes at a glance

Scores of speakers urge Alexandria to divest from companies tied to Israel; Human Rights Commission request cited

Parents and neighbors urge council to oppose Jefferson‑Houston conversion; call for broader planning

Alexandria council approves short-term rental rules, adds director discretion for central area