The Alexandria City Council approved a rezoning and development special‑use permit for a Westridge/Longview townhome project, authorizing 19 townhouse‑style units with rear garages and a single for‑sale affordable three‑bedroom unit on Nob Hill Court/Longview Drive.

Project details and vote
Planning staff described the proposal as a renovation of a site between Nob Hill Court and Longview Drive north of Duke Street that adds 19 townhouse‑style units (four stories, 35 feet tall) and a single detached dwelling. The project proposes 36,000 net square feet of new development and roughly 12,000 square feet of private open space. The Planning Commission recommended approval 6‑1, and the council approved the rezoning and DSUP after debate; the final vote was 6‑1 in favor.

Key concerns raised
- Parking and compact garages: Several council members and neighbors raised concerns about the project’s request to allow compact‑sized garage parking spaces for two cars per unit. Staff and the applicant noted precedent for compact spaces in other townhouse projects; the applicant said market experience shows many buyers will use compact garages and that providing two parking spots (even compact) is preferable to one conventional space.
- Enforcement and HOA role: Council members asked how the city would ensure garages are used for vehicle parking rather than storage. Staff said enforcement language is typically included in HOA documents and that neighbors can use routine code enforcement channels.
- Affordability and unit type: Council members highlighted that the project’s new units were market‑rate, mid‑market townhouses intended to provide starter units rather than high‑end apartments. The plan includes one on‑site for‑sale affordable unit and contributions to the city housing trust fund.

Applicant and community input
The developer presented examples of successful compact‑garage projects (Stevenson Avenue, South Patrick Street) and said those developments sold successfully with compact parking. Community members said they were worried about spillover curb parking; the applicant said the townhome design includes garage enforcement through HOA covenants and that the applicant would continue dialogue with adjacent apartment owners about overflow parking.

Council action
Councilmember McPike moved to approve the rezoning and DSUP based on the planning report and hearing discussion; the motion passed 6‑1 with Councilman Chapman voting no.

Why it matters
The project is among a wave of smaller‑footprint, infill townhouse proposals that the city’s zoning for housing initiative intended to facilitate. The project highlights continuing tension over parking expectations in denser infill near transit: the city has been promoting smaller, lower‑cost housing types, while neighbors and some councilmembers continue to press for stronger assurances that residential parking demand will not spill onto already congested streets.

Ending
The rezoning and DSUP were approved; the council and applicant both said they will continue conversations with neighbors and staff about implementing HOA enforcement and potential residential permit parking if spillover problems emerge.