South Patrick Street Housing Affordability Strategy

On September 15, 2018, City Council adopted the Route 1 South Housing Affordability Strategy and renamed it to "South Patrick Street Affordable Housing Strategy," as an amendment to the Southwest Quadrant Small Area Plan. This Strategy was the result of a community process to develop tools to preserve housing affordability at The Heritage at Old Town and Olde Towne West III in a way that is compatible with the neighborhood and to prioritize safety and accessibility along S. Patrick St.
Page updated on March 5, 2025 at 4:55 PM
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Approvals

Background

The timing of this effort was closely tied to the expiration of affordability contracts on two large rental communities in the corridor – The Heritage at Old Town and Olde Towne West III. This initiative explored opportunities to maintain housing affordability in the plan area through the future preservation, renovation and/or redevelopment of these properties. Working with the community and commercial property owners, this planning effort developed strategies and identified public and private resources and tools to preserve housing affordability and diversity, including existing expiring long-term subsidies that provide deep affordability for many of the rental units. It also explored strategies to strengthen the character of the neighborhood, prioritize safety and accessibility along Route 1 South, and create a more welcoming gateway to the city.  

Planning Process

Working Draft Documents

June 2018

May 2018

April 2018

  • April 25, 2018
  • April 5, 2018 - Alexandria Housing Affordability Advisory Committee Meeting

March 2018

Charrette Week, February 26 - March 5 2018

This planning process included  a five-day intensive community planning "charrette" -  a collaborative planning and design exercise to develop the principles and strategies for the plan. Members of the community were invited to participate and share their ideas on-site during the day and at evening public meetings and open houses. Childcare, transportation and interpretation services in Spanish and Amharic were provided during the evening community meetings. If unable to attend the charrette in person, community members were invited to follow the charrette progress and participate online throughout the week. Take a look at these photos from charrette!

CHARRETTE GROUP VOLUNTEERS

To ensure consistent participation in the development of the Plan, the City solicited community members to serve as Charrette Group Volunteers. Charrette Group Volunteers, alongside all those interested in the planning process, will help develop the principles and strategies of the plan during the charrette. Volunteers of the Charrette Group committed to participating in most of the public engagement events, and in the charrette in particular. Charrette Group Volunteers represent the geographic and demographic diversity of the planning area.

 

February 2018

January 2018

December 2017

Resources

Questions?

This planning effort was jointly supported by the Department of Planning & Zoning and the Office of Housing. Questions may be directed to P&Z, 703.746.4666.