[Archived] King Street Pedestrian Plaza To Resume This Weekend City Council Approves Extension Of Trial Program Through Early November

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	September 15, 2006 PIO# 208-06/bjh	Brian Hannigan, Director of Communications, or Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

KING STREET PEDESTRIAN PLAZA TO RESUME THIS WEEKEND
CITY COUNCIL APPROVES EXTENSION OF TRIAL PROGRAM THROUGH EARLY NOVEMBER

The 100 Block of King Street, between Union and Lee Streets, will again become a festive pedestrian plaza for eight weekends this fall as a result of City Council action this week. After hearing a staff report on the first four weeks of the trial program this summer, the Council voted unanimously to extend the trial period for 8 additional weekends, September 15-17 through November 3-5.

Once again, pedestrians on the traffic-free 100 block of King Street will be able to stroll, dine, enjoy street musicians, shop, or just relax on attractive park benches provided by King Street merchants.

"The first trial period proved to be very popular with Alexandria residents and visitors," said Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille. "Now, the City Council and I look to the second trial period to determine the appropriate level of public support for this concept."

Interviews following the first trial period revealed that many business owners believed the program needed a more distinct identity. Representatives of the King Street Metro Enterprise Team (KSMET) and the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association (ACVA) are working with 100 block businesses to refine the program and share information about successful Pedestrian Plaza activities and merchandizing strategies.

The trial program is being conducted under the direction of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, in cooperation with the City's Small Business Coordinator.

During the continued trial program, the 100 block of King Street will be closed to all vehicles from 3:00 p.m. on Friday through 6:00 a.m. on Monday for eight successive weekends, beginning on Friday, September 15 and concluding on Sunday night, November 5.

"The business community was thrilled with the first trial period and we look forward to an even more successful pedestrian plaza this fall," said KSMET President Charlotte Hall. "With more moderate weather and better organization and publicity, we expect many more Alexandria residents and visitors to visit Old Town on these weekends. The resulting activity should benefit businesses throughout Old Town and along the full length of King Street," said Hall.

Following completion of the trial program, the City will assess the trial’s effectiveness in conjunction with surrounding residents and the business community and report its findings to the Mayor and City Council by March 2007.

Visitors to the historic district are encouraged to take Metro's Yellow or Blue lines to the King Street Metro Station in Old Town. From there, they can take the free DASH About Shuttle bus along King Street to Market Square. The Dash About Shuttle operates from 7 PM to Midnight on Friday, 10 AM to Midnight on Saturday, and 11 AM to 10 PM on Sunday.

Ample parking is available at Market Square and other parking garages and lots conveniently located throughout Old Town. For a parking map, call the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association at 703-838-4200, or visit www.funside.com . For additional bus information, call the City's Office of Transit Services and Programs at 703-838-3800, or visit www.dashbus.com.

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