Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} The fight over the plan to rezone and redevelop the Alexandria waterfront has taken another turn: Several members of a group called Citizens for an Alternative Alexandria Waterfront Plan said Tuesday they will file a legal challenge and will ask the Alexandria Circuit Court to overturn the Council’s vote.
On Jan. 21, after a lengthy battle with residents opposed to the city’s plans, the Council approved an amended plan to add hotels, parks and other development to the waterfront.
Opponents say the Council and planning officials refused to accept a petition with 200 signatures from citizens who live within 300 feet of the proposed project. The opponents argue the petition should have changed the required vote from a simple majority to a supermajority. Under those rules, the 5-2 vote would have failed and the rezoning plan would not have been approved.
City Attorney James Banks told the Washington Post he believes the plaintiffs have to go through the Board of Zoning Appeals before they take their case to court.
“We have not been served with the complaint yet,” Banks told the Post.
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