Alexandria City Council Gears Up for New Year
City officials look at challenges and opportunities in 2016.
The Alexandria City Council brought in 2016 with a roar of bagpipes. The City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums played in the auditorium of T.C. Williams High School for the council’s Jan. 4 installation, but soon, it was right back down to business.
Alexandria: City Officially Launches Fire Station 210
After the long and troubled saga of Fire Station 210’s origins, the station officially had its ribbon cutting ceremony early on Dec. 12. Officially, the fire station had been open since April, but had suffered from understaffing issues.
Alexandria: My Grandmother's House to Host Collection Event
If you’re Katherine Keith and it’s not past Dec. 30, stop reading. This is supposed to be a surprise party.
Alexandria City Council Upholds BAR Approval
Council upholds approval of Robinson Terminal South buildings.
The most recent bout of developer EYA and a group of Waterfront residents went in the developer’s favor, but it wasn’t a knockout, and the citizens showed they weren’t going down without a fight.
Alexandria New Briefs: Week of Dec. 9
The Dec. 8 City Council meeting marked the last with Mayor William Euille, Alexandria’s mayor for 17 years and the first African-American to hold the position.
Alexandria: Gang Violence Returns to City
Police suspect gang activity in Alexandria’s fourth unsolved murder in 2015.
It took a fourth murder in Four Mile Run Park on Dec. 4, but the Alexandria Police have finally opened the public to a hint of insight into the ongoing investigations. Police Chief Earl Cook spoke to the City Council on Dec. 8, and while he would not give details on any ongoing investigations, it’s clear police suspect the murder may be gang-related.
Alexandria: No Space for Compromise in BAR Fight
Old Colony Inn design approved over citizen furor.
Often, the city and a group of citizens disagree on something development related. In theory, the city coordinates an effort to have the developers and citizens talk to each other, and all involved parties reach some type of compromise. That’s almost exactly what didn’t happen at the Board of Architectural (BAR) Review on Dec. 2.
Historic Discovery Made at Hotel Indigo Construction Site
18th Century warehouse unearths more questions than answers.
Once thought lost to demolition and fire, pieces of a mid-18th century warehouse on Alexandria’s waterfront have been reclaimed.
Alexandria: Plans for Old Town North Take Shape
Motherhood, apple pie, and “enriching community living” in Old Town North.
After a week-long community engagement process, Alexandria city staff was happy to report that people like good things. At the Planning Commission meeting on Dec. 1, city staff started with a review of the three-day charrette, held between Nov. 16 and 20.
Alexandria: ‘Onerous Regulations’ Cripple Food Trucks Pilot
After two years, and with only a week before City Council is set to make a decision, it’s difficult to say the results of the Food Truck Pilot Program are decisive.
MGM Addresses New Casino’s Impact on Alexandria
Across the Potomac, the MGM Casino is beginning to take shape. By the end of next year, Alexandria will be a short drive across the Potomac from a casino larger than any in Las Vegas.
Alexandria: TSA Move’s Insecurity
In the middle of a year of ups, the latest down came as a bit of a shock to the Eisenhower Partnership.
Alexandria: The Gospel of the Berg
Neighborhood gathers in prayer for victims of violence.
The courtyards of the Berg neighborhood were busy late on Nov. 20 with chants of “Victory is Mine.” More than 50 residents and visitors came together to honor the local victims of violence, with more filtering in as the night went on.
Alexandria: Eisenhower’s Latest Battle
Transportation, development, and questions of authority precede approval of Eisenhower West Small Area Plan.
Eisenhower East is a experiencing a bit of a renaissance. The AMC Hoffman is one of the city’s most popular theaters and hosted the premier of “Mercy Street.”
Lewis: Civil Rights Fight Not Over
Civil Rights icon addresses students for TC’s 50th anniversary.
In the middle of Civil Rights movement, young Americans turned towards civil rights leaders like John Lewis for leadership and advice.
Alexandria: New Faces on School Board Face Old Problems
Newcomers brace for coming budget and redistricting battles.
While incumbents held onto the City Council, the 2015 Alexandria election is bringing some new faces to the Alexandria School Board.
Alexandria: St. Joseph Catholic Church Celebrates Its 100th Anniversary
The Rev. Michael Thompson had a problem. Sunday, Nov. 15, was the 100-year anniversary of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Alexandria.
Alexandria Brief: Gateway to Affordable Housing
Currently a strip mall, the 5.3 acre site at the corner of Beauregard and King streets could soon become part of Alexandria’s push to regain affordable housing units.
Alexandria: Residents Oppose Plans To Truck Contaminated Soil
Plans to truck contaminated soil face pushback from citizens.
There is no Alexandria gas manufacturing facility at the corner of N. Lee and Oronoco Street anymore.
Alexandria Brief: Third Murder Reported
Jose Luis Ferman Perez, 24, of Alexandria, was found murdered in Beverly Park on Nov. 9.
Families' Memories Emerge After Verdict in Alexandria Murders
Charles Severance found guilty on all counts.
The jury had been dismissed over the weekend, but it barely took an hour of discussion on Nov. 2 to come back with a verdict in the case of Charles Severance, accused of three murders in Alexandria: guilty on all 10 counts.
It’s Mayor Silberberg in Alexandria
A “new day” for Silberberg marks end of era for Mayor Euille.
In the mayoral race, Vice Mayor and Democratic candidate Allison Silberberg unseated incumbent Mayor William “Bill” Euille, who after his loss in the Democratic primary, waged a write-in campaign.
Alexandria: Party at Patrick Henry
McAuliffe announces Virginia SOL results at formerly not-fully-accredited Patrick Henry Elementary.
In the first few minutes of his visit to Patrick Henry Elementary School, Gov. Terry McAuliffe took student Natasha Maldonado’s hand, looked her in the eyes, and begged her to keep doing well on her Standards of Learning (SOL) tests. “Keep passing those tests, all right?” he asked, “We need you.”
Clinton Takes Alexandria's Market Square
One day after Benghazi hearings, Hillary Clinton hosts rally in Alexandria.
It’s 1:25, five minutes before Hillary Clinton is set to take the stage, and the crowd is getting anxious.
Alexandria Schools Pass SOL Tests … Mostly
Alexandria City Public Schools got test scores back from the 2014-2015 Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, and for the most part, it’s a report card to hang on the refrigerator.
Alexandria: ‘The Math Doesn’t Add Up’
Fights over debt and development heats up in final council debate.
The light at the end of the campaign tunnel is within sight. Alexandria’s City Council candidates fought their last debate of the campaign season on Oct. 14 at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center hosted by the Old Town North Civic Association.
Alexandria: Computer, Firearm Experts Testify in Severance Trial
The first few days of the trial of Charles Severance were marked by passionate arguments from the defense and prosecution, culminating in the emotional testimony of the sole witness to one of the murders. However, as the trial enters its third week, the long work of piecing together the evidence begins.
Alexandria's Immanuel Church: More Than a Building
The Archbishop of Canterbury visits Alexandria for consecration of new Immanuel Church.
“To the glory of God, this chapel burned.”
Alexandria: Second Murder in Braddock Neighborhood
Police silent on investigations.
A second homicide hit Alexandria’s Braddock neighborhood last week, but so far, Alexandria Police have nothing to say about either investigation.
Alexandria: Key Witness Opens Severance Trial
Prosecution begins arguments.
Nancy Dunning, a real estate agent in Del Ray and wife of an Alexandria Sheriff.
Alexandria: Mayoral Showdown
Democratic candidate Allison Silberberg faces write-in challenge from Mayor William Euille.
Once a month, Vice Mayor Allison Silberberg hosts a coffee meetup where she talks informally with any members of the public who arrive.
Alexandria: New Heights Approved for Oakville Triangle
Building height restrictions along Route 1 traded for affordable housing and park renovations.
For visitors to Alexandria from Arlington or D.C., Route 1 serves as the first gateway into the city.
Severance Trial Begins in Alexandria
The six week trial of Charles Severance, accused of three homicides in Alexandria, began in Fairfax County on Oct. 5.
Alexandria: What’s in a Write-in Name?
City’s Electoral Board to determine “intent of the vote.”
Despite being dead for 10 years now, Rosa Parks is virtually uncontested on the Democratic ticket for mayor of Alexandria.
Alexandriava.gov 2.0
City reveals redesign for its website.
City Manager Mark Jinks remembered a time when the City of Alexandria was considered the leader in its municipal website.
Alexandria: City Offers Plans To Resolve Cyclist and Pedestrian Concerns
City hopes to reconcile longstanding feud between pedestrians and cyclists.
The Mount Vernon Trail runs 18 miles, from Arlington to Mount Vernon in Fairfax.
Alexandria: ‘Significant Oversight’
Write-In Euille Campaign faces state-level campaign violations.
“NOTICE: Individuals or groups who use this sample ballot for their own purposes must replace the above authorization line with their own.”
Alexandria: Cross-Training Plan Ignites Controversy
Medics and chief clash over Dual-Role plan.
Councilman Justin Wilson is choking on a fruit chew.
Alexandria: New Plaque in Parkfairfax Honors Vola and David Lawson
There’s no shortage of memorials in Alexandria to Vola Lawson. There’s the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter in West Eisenhower.
Alexandria: City Council Candidates Go West
Candidates debate future of the West End.
Landmark Mall. BRAC 133. Overcrowded schools. Crumbling infrastructure.
First Round in the Fight for Alexandria's City Council
The long table at the front of the Departmental Progressive Club in Old Town was packed with candidates...
Tear Downs in Alexandria
Council approves demolition of 226 The Strand, overturns decision to preserve Ramsey Homes.
Despite two different and controversial discussions in City Council: Ramsey Homes and 226 The Strand are coming down.
Alexandria: City’s Democrats Face Civil War
Euille officially announces write-in campaign.
When Mayor William Euille officially announced his pursuit of a write-in campaign for reelection at a Sept. 7 rally, he referred to the Dylan Thomas poem about a man who believes his work is unfulfilled.
Alexandria Gets Inked
Final approval rests with council.
Twenty years ago, James Marlowe said it wouldn’t be possible, but by the end of the year Old Town may have its first tattoo parlor.
Alexandria: The South Won't Rise Again
Council votes for further restrictions on Confederate flags.
There are at least 33 streets in Alexandria clearly named after Confederate military leaders, but potentially twice that many that may be related but without a clear historical record.
Alexandria: Hauling is Causing Trouble in Old Town
Carr Hospitality faces criticism over trucks in Old Town.
The jackhammers are loud, but Old Town residents can yell even louder. After years of fighting against the development of Carr Hospitality’s Indigo Hotel by residents of Alexandria’s Waterfront, there was little reason to think the opposition would suddenly quiet with construction underway.
Close Call with West Nile for Alexandria
Observant citizens prompt removal of mosquito breeding ground
With construction for the Indigo Hotel occurring in the area, it might have been easy to dismiss the pit of standing water at the corner of Duke and The Strand.
Alexandria: Redistricting Starts for Public Schools
ACPS chooses J.R. Reingold & Associates Inc. as its redistricting partner.
With a whimper rather than a bang, redistricting has started for Alexandria Public Schools. On Aug. 24, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) selected J.R. Reingold & Associates Inc. as a partner for its redistricting process.
Alexandria: New Defibrillators around City
Area incident inspires expansion.
In January, Judge Thomas J. Kelly Jr. in Arlington saved a man’s life.