Alexandria council approves first reading to permanently close 200 block of King Street to vehicles

Alexandria City Council voted on first reading to permanently close the 200 block of King Street to vehicular traffic, moving a long-running pilot toward a permanent pedestrian plaza and setting a public hearing and final vote for Sept. 13.

Planner Max Stavilliers told council the proposed ordinance would make the pilot permanent beginning Oct. 1. He said traffic studies showed pedestrian volumes outnumber vehicular traffic by factors of five to 12 at studied intersections and that staff had tracked deliveries, trash and parking impacts. The permanent closure would remove 16 metered parking spaces and one short-term visitor space, but staff noted nearby public garages and said parking demand could be accommodated within a short walk. “Traffic studies conducted before and during both phases of the pilot found that pedestrian volumes overwhelmingly outnumbered vehicular volumes from 5 to 12 times as many,” Stavilliers said.

Staff said business support increased during the pilot—from seven to 12 of 16 businesses—and that recent surveys showed 87% support. The city purchased movable bistro tables, chairs and planters to encourage outdoor dining and activation and has lengthened nearby loading zones for deliveries and ride-hail services.

Several council members raised practical concerns. Councilman Aguirre said a business reported recurring smoking in front of its doorway and asked whether the city can prohibit smoking in the pedestrianized right-of-way. Stavilliers said staff and the city attorney had reviewed options but, because the space remains public right-of-way, current Virginia law does not allow a citywide ban on smoking there. He suggested staff could work with businesses on behavioral approaches and that furniture could be designated non-smoking where feasible.

Councilmembers also probed first-responder access, accessibility design and sequencing with planned capital improvements. Staff said emergency vehicles would access the block from Lee Street under the approved setup and that any future bollards or permanent fixtures would be designed and locked to allow responder access. Several council members urged the manager to include a CIP project to create permanent, non-moveable seating and complementary streetscape work so the 100- and 200-block experiences align.

Councilman Chapman moved to introduce and pass on first reading; Councilman Aguirre seconded. The clerk called the roll and each present councilmember recorded an aye. The council set the ordinance for public hearing and final passage on Saturday, Sept. 13.