[Archived] Alexandria City Council Schedules Public Hearing on Proposal to Extend Outdoor Dining

City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

February 8, 2005

PIO 042-05/bg

Alexandria City Council Schedules Public Hearing
On Proposal to Extend Outdoor Dining

The Alexandria City Council scheduled a public hearing for Saturday, Feb. 12, on an ordinance to extend a pilot program for outdoor dining in the King Street corridor (Old Town area). At is meeting tonight (Feb. 8) the City Council gave first reading on the ordinance to extend the original pilot, which was designed to see if sidewalk caf� dining would be successful.

The initial pilot program, which ran from September through December 2004, “was very successful with about two dozen restaurants participating creating a lively and active street scene,” said Mayor William D. Euille. “The outdoor dining has been favorable to businesses and enjoyable for residents and visitors. There seems to be strong support in the community to continue this program on a permanent basis,” he said.

The King Street corridor outdoor dining area would cover the same as in the pilot program, on King Street from the Unit Block by the river to Daingerfield Road near the King Street Metro Station, as well as the 100 north and south blocks of streets that intersect King Street. If the Council approves the outdoor dining pilot extension ordinance on Saturday, it could begin as early as March.

The aggregate results of the outdoor dining pilot are also consistent with the principles of the draft “King Street Retail Strategy” which the City Council directed to focus on increasing the overall competitiveness of King Street’s retail sector in face of competition in the Washington, D.C. area.. The King Street Strategy advocates increasing street-level vitality, including outdoor dining. Public discussion of the King Street Strategy will continue into this spring and when the Strategy is adopted by ordinance, it will include permanent outdoor dining standards.

To speak at the public hearing on Saturday, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 703.838.4550, or via the web site www.alexandriava.gov. Speakers may also sign up to speak at the public hearing, scheduled to begin at 9:30 am in the Council Chamber, 2nd floor of City Hall, 301 King. St. A copy of the ordinance is available on the City web site or in the City Clerk’s office.