Council approves extension for King Street Block 912–920 development; neighbor urges park alternative
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Summary
Council approved a development special‑use permit extension for a previously approved mixed‑use project at 912–920 King Street after staff reported no design changes and a Planning Commission 7‑0 recommendation; a neighbor asked the council to reconsider and consider a public park instead.
The Alexandria City Council voted unanimously to approve an extension of the Development Special Use Permit (DSUP) for the redevelopment of the King Street site at Block 912–920, maintaining a previously approved mixed‑use plan.
Planning and zoning staff told council the project’s site plan, architecture and public‑benefit commitments remain unchanged since the original approval. Staff reported the proposal would redevelop two city parking lots with a mixed‑use building at 912–920 King Street featuring 31 residential units above ground‑floor retail or “retail‑ready” spaces. The off‑site residential parking obligation will be provided at a parking structure on a related Henry Street site; the two projects are linked by contract. Staff said the project is expected to generate roughly one new student and will exceed stormwater phosphorus reduction requirements.
Nearby property owner Boyd Walker urged council to reconsider disposal of the city parcel and proposed instead that the city create a park at that location; he told council the project was approved five years prior and argued the community should re‑evaluate the highest and best use of the site before it is sold. Mary Catherine Gibbs, attorney for the applicant, said the applicant planned to develop as approved and had pursued financing partners but intended to proceed with construction that reflected the approved DSUP.
Council members noted that the virtual community meeting held by the applicant had limited public participation (staff reported four participants total, including staff and applicant representatives, with two community members). Several members asked staff to document community engagement and attendance more consistently for future extensions.
Ending: The council approved the DSUP extension by roll call (7–0). Planning staff will continue to prepare final permitting steps and to ensure the related Henry Street parking structure is completed before King Street construction proceeds.