On Tuesday night, the Alexandria City Council voted unanimously to adopt the package of eight zoning reforms expected to boost the supply of new homes by 25%. The backing from residents like you and local groups was essential in showing broad support for the measures.
Category: Virginia
CSG comments: Smart Scale changes on Nov 2023
SMART SCALE’s criteria reflect the broad needs of Virginia communities, not just a simple congestion ranking. As a result, the Commonwealth has seen more cost-effective projects prioritized, regardless of transportation mode and size of project, and that include creative and less expensive alternatives to costly interchanges, reduced demand on our roadways, and more environmentally beneficial results.
Testimony: Alexandria Zoning for Housing
We strongly support adoption of all eight Zoning for Housing proposals including the proposed zoning text amendments, housing master plan updates, and city policy updates. The city is to be credited for its extensive public engagement and the staff are to be credited for their detailed analysis of where the zoning code, plans and policies can be modified. In the end this is a modest package but one which will help to address the housing crisis.
TAKE ACTION: Support zoning reforms for housing options in Alexandria
The proposed zoning changes include making it easier to build in multifamily zones, allowing two-, three- or four-unit dwellings in single-family zones, expanding housing opportunities in transit-oriented development and eliminating minimum parking requirements near transit.
CSG comments on state DOT draft Carbon Reduction Strategies
The Coalition for Smarter Growth respectfully asks your consideration of these comments as you refine your Carbon Reduction Strategies (CRS) prior to submittal to FHWA next month. These comments build on our October 17 letter to the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board.
Hear updates and speak up for safer streets in Culmore
Our continued safe streets efforts in Culmore have prompted a second public meeting this Wednesday! Fairfax County and VDOT will be providing an update on safety improvement projects that were announced at last year’s packed community meeting where residents rallied for safer streets in the Culmore neighborhood of Bailey’s Crossroads.
Press Release: ACPS award for School Bus Electrification Project
On Wednesday, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments will present a Climate & Energy Leadership Award in the Educational Institution Sector to Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) for its Electric School Bus program. According to the COG agenda materials, ACPS will have 15 electric school buses, representing 12% of its fleet, and will be the second largest electric school bus fleet in Virginia and the third largest on the East Coast after Fairfax County, VA and Montgomery County, MD public schools.
PRESS RELEASE: Bias in VDOT 495 Southside Study
“VDOT’s study is inherently biased because they determine their own conclusion even before doing detailed study. By defining the Purpose to be “extend the express toll lanes,” they are intentionally foreclosing other options,” said Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director of the Coalition for Smarter Growth.
Event Materials: Reducing Roadway Deaths and Injuries – Fairfax County’s Playbook
Our very own expert Sonya Breehey, Northern Advocacy Manager, was a panelist at the “Reducing Roadway Deaths and Injuries: Fairfax County’s Playbook” webinar. Check out the webinar recording!
CSG comments on VDOT 495 Southside
The Coalition for Smarter Growth submits the following comments on the Preliminary Alternatives and Screening Evaluation presented by VDOT in September 2023 for its 495 Southside Express Lanes study.