Close the 200 block of King Street to vehicles permanently? Project continues to draw mixed reaction

In its second phase of the pilot program, the 200 block of King Street has been designated for pedestrians only since March. The second phase will last until September when the city council decides whether to make the changes permanent or not.

The City of Alexandria has already closed the 100 block to vehicle traffic since 2022 to help create more space for pedestrians. As a result of its positive feedback, testing out the 200 block will determine how much of a boost it would be for the historic street.

Kimberly Askew, an Alexandria resident who frequents King Street, said she supports a permanent closure to vehicles.

“I love it, and I think it’s great,” said Askew. “It allows people to walk down King Street and have that open air. It creates that kind of openness that people like”

Meanwhile, Craig Lebamoff, who works around the corner, said unlike the 100 block where there are more restaurants, the 200 block is the opposite.

“It’s hurting local businesses, and it takes away from parking,” said Lebamoff. “The foot traffic seems much less here.”

Michele Marceau, owner of Principle Gallery, said there are not enough restaurants to help with foot traffic. Other critics have expressed concerns about the difficulty finding parking.

Marceau said since the closures, attendance for three exhibitions have been down by half.

“The attendance has been very, very predictable until this last very months,” Marceau told WUSA9. “I don't believe it's been good for the businesses on King Street.”