November 6, 2025
City of Alexandria Planning Commission
301 King St.
Alexandria, VA 22314

Docket Item #8: Potomac Yard Landbays G and H

Members of the Alexandria Planning Commission:

Thank you for the opportunity to testify. My name is Becca Dedert, and I serve as the Virginia Housing Advocacy Specialist for the Coalition for Smarter Growth. CSG advocates for walkable, bikeable, inclusive, and transit-oriented communities as the most sustainable and equitable way for the metro D.C. region to grow and provide opportunities for all.

Between April 2024 and 2025, average home prices in Alexandria rose by 10.5%, and the percentage of cost-burdened renter households making below $50K rose to over 93%. These metrics indicate a clear need to meet a growing demand for attainable housing, which is vital to maintaining a vibrant community that is economically resilient and culturally diverse.

We have reviewed the proposed plan and are testifying in support of the requested amendments to enable compact, mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly and transit-oriented development on Potomac Yard Landbays G and H. We strongly support prioritizing both market-rate and affordable housing in this resource-rich, high-transit capacity neighborhood, in acknowledgment of the reduced market demand for office space and the deep and documented need for new homes.

Being within walking distance of the Potomac Yard metro station, these projects offer an opportunity to capitalize on city and regional transit systems to expand housing and economic access for Alexandria residents for years to come. Ideally, we would like to see even more height and density for housing in such close proximity to the metro, but understanding the current market realities we are satisfied with establishing new minimum densities for CDD 10. As the last three remaining building sites in Potomac Yard, It is essential to meet this moment and maximize the benefits of these parcels.

The inclusion of 88 affordable units on land donated by JBG Smith makes this an especially opportune project, as it presents a model for how partnerships can be used to increase the feasibility of affordable home production throughout the city. Wesley Housing is a well-known affordable housing developer
with a strong reputation for providing residents both safe homes and holistic wrap-around services that foster stability and upward mobility. In this challenging market, it is particularly vital that we take every opportunity to increase the number of affordable homes in mixed-income, high-amenity neighborhoods.

These goals are strongly aligned with those of the city. Providing a range of safe, quality housing choices that are affordable and accessible has long been a goal of Alexandria’s Office of Housing. The city has made commendable progress towards meeting its housing production targets, particularly in high-capacity transit areas. This project is a clear and necessary continuation of the city’s efforts to address the housing shortage while leveraging its world-class transit system for long-term economic growth and community resilience.

We urge you to support the Potomac Yard Landbays G and H project by approving the requested amendments to advance an Alexandria where all residents have the opportunity to live and thrive.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Becca Dedert
Coalition for Smarter Growth
VA Housing Advocacy Specialist