Alexandria Schedules New Public Meeting on Historic District Design Guidelines
Residents can testify Sept. 23 about proposed guidelines for Old Town and Parker-Gray after the initial written-comment period closed.
Residents and City staff discuss proposed updates to Alexandria’s Board of Architectural Review design-guideline chapters during an Aug. 19 public meeting. Photo: L.H. LawsonALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria residents will have another opportunity to speak about proposed updates to the city’s historic-district design guidelines during a newly scheduled public meeting Wednesday, Sept. 23.
The Board of Architectural Review Design Guidelines Committee will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center, 1605 Cameron St. The City’s meeting announcement says the public may provide testimony or comments.
The committee is considering updated guideline chapters affecting both the Old and Historic Alexandria District and the Parker-Gray Historic District.
Written-Comment Period Has Closed
The City accepted written comments on the current draft chapters from Aug. 5 through Sept. 2. The historic-preservation project page does not indicate that the online written-comment period has reopened.
The Sept. 23 meeting therefore provides a new opportunity for residents, property owners, architects, contractors and preservation advocates to address the committee directly.
The Zebra previously examined the proposed changes following an Aug. 19 community meeting. The proposals address subjects including newer building technology, administrative approval of routine applications, treatment of accessory structures and greater consistency between the two historic districts.
The project is intended to replace Alexandria’s foundational 1993 design guidelines with documents that are searchable, accessible and easier for applicants and residents to use.
Separate Zoning Meeting Scheduled Sept. 10
The Sept. 23 design-guidelines discussion is separate from a historic-preservation zoning-text meeting scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, also at the Durant Center.
Residents can review the current draft chapters and earlier meeting materials through the City’s preservation page. Additional background is available in The Zebra’s report on the proposed guideline changes.
HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES MEETING
When: Wednesday, Sept. 23, 7–9 p.m.
Where: Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center, 1605 Cameron St.
Districts: Old and Historic Alexandria and Parker-Gray
Public participation: Testimony and comments will be received
Written-comment period: Closed Sept. 2
