Zoning lawsuit plaintiffs file appeal

The plaintiffs challenging Alexandria’s Zoning for Housing initiative have appealed last month’s dismissal to the Virginia Court of Appeals.

The Coalition for a Livable Alexandria announced in a Dec. 24 email to supporters that a notice of appeal was filed Dec. 12. The appeal came two weeks before the Dec. 26 deadline under Virginia law, which requires filing within 30 days of a final order.

Judge H. Thomas Padrick Jr. ruled in the city’s favor on Nov. 12, granting summary judgment in the case. A final order dismissing the lawsuit with prejudice was entered Nov. 26.

Judge rules in city's favor in zoning lawsuit

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — An Alexandria Circuit Court judge ruled in the city’s favor Wednesday on motions for summary judgment in a lawsuit challenging the city’s elimination of single-family zoning protections.

The Alexandria BriefRyan Belmore

The coalition is continuing to raise money to fund the appeal. The group announced Dec. 15 it had raised $45,000 to cover outstanding legal fees from the trial court proceedings, triggering a deal with law firm Dunn, Craig & Francuzenko to forgive the remaining $41,000.

The lawsuit challenges the City Council’s 2023 decision to allow construction of up to four housing units on properties previously restricted to single-family homes.

The coalition and the law firm did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Zoning lawsuit plaintiffs clear legal fees, signal appeal

The Coalition for a Livable Alexandria says it has raised enough money to eliminate outstanding legal fees for plaintiffs who challenged the city’s Zoning for Housing initiative, clearing the way for a potential appeal after a judge dismissed the case last month.

The Alexandria BriefRyan Belmore