Alexandria city planners project that the proposal might only add up to about 178 units of additional housing over the next decade.
Cue “Why Can’t We Be Friends?”
While Issa noted that the Office of Planning and NCPC did not seem to agree on much, beyond changing penthouse regulations, he did say, “We will not close the Height Act consideration without full consideration.”
The city wants more control over any proposed changes in height outside of the L’Enfant City.
The vote comes two days after the NCPC’s staff released a proposal to allow for taller buildings in targeted areas outside of the L’Enfant City with congressional approval. Shortly after last night’s meeting began,
Council Chair Phil Mendelson, an ex officio member of the NCPC, and 11 Councilmembers co-introduced the bill. Only Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) did not.
Under the NCPC’s recommendations, the Height Act would remain the same inside the L’Enfant City to “protect the integrity of the form and character of the nation’s capital.”
At yesterday’s public hearing for proposed amendments to the height act, a lot of people testified against it.
A Republican member of Congress has asked that a study be conducted on whether or changes should be made to the 1910 law that has stopped buildings in the city from going above certain heights.