Alexandria Homeowners Sue the City Over “Zoning for Housing initiative”

A group of Alexandria, Va., homeowners sued the city last week over a zoning change intended to spur economic development and lower housing costs.

City officials abolished zoning codes that limit construction in some areas to single family homes.

They want to allow more multi-family housing, such as apartments and condominiums.

Many residents complain they are priced out of the market for single family home ownership, thereby reducing their opportunities for economic security.

The median home price in Alexandria is about $675,000, compared with a nationwide average of $412,000.

The residents who sued are concerned more multi-family housing might reduce their home values. They are represented by a group called The Coalition for a Livable Alexandria.

Their lawsuit filed in Circuit Court for the City of Alexandria accuses city officials of violating state laws on zoning procedures.

It also says they failed to consider how more multi-family housing would strain infrastructure, such as stormwater management, sewage systems and waste removal. They also warned of more traffic congestion.

“Today is the first step in the due process and property rights of all Alexandria residents against unlawful, discriminatory actions taken by the City of Alexandria in a misguided attempt to rewrite zoning regulations for housing,” The Coalition for a Livable Alexandria said in a press release.

City officials say their “Zoning for Housing initiative” complied with all procedural laws.

For more information, contact The Legal Forum (www.legal-forum.net) at email: [email protected] or phone: 202-479-7240.