Alexandria City Council approves development projects, restaurant expansion in Saturday session
Council unanimously passes office-to-residential conversions and La Pluma outdoor seating permit during morning session, takes recess before tackling remaining agenda items
The Alexandria City Council unanimously approved multiple development projects during the morning portion of its Saturday public hearing on Nov. 15, including office-to-residential conversions and a restaurant expansion.
The council voted 7-0 on all action items during the first session, which began at 9:30 a.m. and included public testimony on both agenda items and non-docketed issues. The meeting continued at 12:30 p.m. to address remaining development cases and hear from additional public speakers.
Consent items pass quickly
The council first approved consent items 5 through 7 and 9 through 10 in a single vote after separating item 8, which had a registered speaker. The consent agenda included a special use permit for parking reduction at 1625 Prince St. for an office-to-residential conversion, a resolution providing secondary guaranty for Housing Alexandria’s Sanse Project financing, and ordinances related to supplemental appropriations and food truck vendor locations.
Item 8, addressing amendments to the city’s taxicab code, passed separately after public comment. The ordinance reduces the minimum number of affiliated cabs required from 40 to 10 vehicles and revises dispatch service requirements.
Braddock West Extension receives three-year extension
The council approved a three-year extension for the Braddock West Extension project at 727 Northwest St., which includes 180 transit-oriented residential units with 14 committed affordable units and ground-floor commercial space.
The project faced opposition from the West Old Town Citizens Association, whose representative Dino Drudi raised concerns about flooding at nearby intersections and the building’s seven-story height.
The council approved the project with amended conditions including space for Lincoln Lodge, a local civic organization, while maintaining all affordable housing commitments.
Strong community support for La Pluma
Council unanimously approved a special use permit amendment for La Pluma Coffee and Wine at 1000 Cameron St., allowing the restaurant to add 12 outdoor dining seats and extend Sunday hours until 10 p.m.
The application drew approximately 400 letters of support, with several speakers praising the business owners’ community involvement and responsiveness to city regulations during the public hearing.
Carlyle office conversion approved
The council approved an office-to-residential conversion at 2051 Jamieson Ave. in the Carlyle area, converting a largely vacant office building into residential units with 17 affordable housing units.
Applicant representative Ken Wire explained the building has been “entirely vacant since COVID” despite repeated attempts to attract office tenants. One neighbor raised concerns about the proposed white exterior paint color, though council members noted the project had undergone extensive review by the Carlyle Design Review Board.
Mark Center Drive residential project approved
The council unanimously approved a development special use permit and site plan for a multi-unit residential dwelling at 4880 Mark Center Drive, along with a parking reduction request.
The Bozzuto Development Company project passed 7-0 with no public speakers registered to comment on the application.
Potomac Yard plan amendments approved
The council approved a master plan amendment, zoning text amendment, and coordinated development district concept plan for Potomac Yard affecting properties at 601 E Glebe Road, 2601 & 2901 Main Line Boulevard, and 2900 Potomac Avenue.
The amendments set minimum and maximum densities for residential, retail, office, hotel, and continuum of care uses in Coordinated Development District #10, while increasing the maximum allowable residential units and decreasing the maximum allowable office space.
Four members of the public spoke on the item before the council’s discussion and 6-0-1 vote, with Councilman Canek Aguirre abstaining, stating that he understands why this plan is before them and wouldn’t object to the project, but was disappointed in the overall opportunities lost (affordable housing) in Potomac Yard.
Additional public speakers heard
Following the vote on item 15, the council heard from the remaining public speakers who had signed up for the public discussion period. The council heard from approximately 15 speakers during the morning session, many of whom advocated for an ethical investment resolution regarding companies involved in international conflicts. There were also numerous comments on Sheriff Casey and his alleged cooperation with ICE, although no action was taken on that matter.
