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Council holds public hearing, first reading to close section of Boscawen Street
Summary
Council held a public hearing and first reading on an ordinance to close a section of Boscawen Street and incorporate it into the Loudoun Street pedestrian mall; staff outlined a timeline (public open house in April, design approval late May/early June, construction bids in September, construction starting Jan. 4, 2027) and said they will pursue approximately 50% funding from VDOT.
The Winchester City Council opened a public hearing and considered the first reading of an ordinance to permanently close a segment of Boscawen Street (from Indian Alley to the parking lane south of Cameron Street) and incorporate that portion into the Loudoun Street pedestrian mall.
Perry Eisenach presented the selected option, described outreach and project milestones and said the city plans a public open house in April to present the proposed design and receive feedback. Eisenach told council staff would bring a design back to council for approval in late May or early June, advertise construction bids in September, and begin construction on Jan. 4, 2027, with the goal of completing most work in time for the Apple Blossom festival. He said the city has discussed funding with VDOT and hopes to secure at least 50% of project cost from state and federal sources.
Council members asked about the process for design input from stakeholders, potential impacts to Indian Alley and signage needs, and whether the right-of-way portion would remain public. Eisenach said the narrowed portion of the road would remain a public right of way but would be reduced to one lane and include a loading zone; city staff also said they will install additional signage and make Indian Alley a ‘right out’ at Piccadilly Street.
Because this was the first reading and included the required public hearing, council took no final action beyond moving the ordinance forward: President Sullivan closed the hearing, council forwarded matters for the next design approvals and appointed in‑house viewers (Perry Eisenach, Chief Ronnie Lewis and Chief Drew Savage) to the ordinance process.
Next steps: staff will hold the April open house, finalize design for council consideration in late May/early June, advertise bids in September, and aim to start construction in January 2027.
