Arlington: Residents, County Officials Tour Local Park
Local residents and county officials tour area around Jennie Dean Park.
From dog walkers to day laborers, artists to auto shops, there’s much packed into the area around Jennie Dean Park. The area’s small enough in size that the Arlington County Board and representatives of the local civic federation were able to walk the entire perimeter on Jan. 10, but big enough in interest that each board member was accompanied by nearly a dozen local citizens.
Alexandria Snapshot: Archaeological Find
Francine Bromberg, city archaeologist, is on hand to answer local citizen’s questions on Jan. 5 about the latest archeological find.
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.
New Year’s Resolutions for Arlington County Board
New leadership faces new challenges and old problems.
While many of the goals set by the Arlington County Board for 2016 were familiar, like expanding school capacity, signs of the new perspectives and new leadership began to take hold at its Jan. 1 meeting.
Jefferson Site: From Rejection to Approval
County decision ends year-long fight over traffic congestion and park space.
At its first 2015 meeting in January, the Arlington County Board voted not to approve Arlington Public Schools’ (APS) plan to build a new elementary school adjacent to the Thomas Jefferson Middle School.
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.
Arlington County Board Approves 173-Unit Affordable Housing Complex
Some residents question socio-economic segregation.
For the Arlington County Board, 2015 ended on a high note. With construction scheduled to begin in 2017, the current Arlington Presbyterian Church will soon be transformed into Gilliam Place, a home for 173 families at various levels of affordable housing needs.
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.
Arlington: Interfaith Community Marches Against Islamophia
“We’re here to share the love with people thousands of miles from us and right next door."
The last month hasn’t been easy for the Dar al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church.
On the Air in Arlington
Arlington Independent Media Launches 96.7 WERA
Heff Munson can create fire with just a plastic bag. He can make creaky stairs from rubber bands and a winch. Using a bag of rice, he can make it rain. Munson replicates the sounds as best he can, but when his program plays on Arlington’s new 96.7 WERA, it sounds real.
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.
Parable of the Good Arlingtonians
Planning Commission gives its blessing to Gilliam Place.
When the County Board’s meeting room is even a little crowded, it’s generally a sign that there’s a fight impending.
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.
Arlington: Remembering Jennifer
5K race raises over $95,000 for prenatal care raised in Jennifer Bush-Lawson’s name.
Neil Lawson was on the last segment of the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation’s Memorial 5k Run, but this part was the hardest.
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.
Arlington: I-66 Plans Take Toll on County Board
County Board remains unclear on potential project benefits.
Arlington County hasn’t quite decided what to do about I-66.
Arlington: Working on Office Vacancy Rate
Arlington economic leaders discuss residential and commercial development — and millennials.
Things may be starting to look up for Arlington. Last quarter, office vacancy declined by 1.5 percent, the first time it has declined in four years.
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.
Gun Control Compromise
31st Senate District candidates unite behind gun control legislation, at least conceptually.
While Republicans and Democrats disagree on virtually everything, gun control still stands out above the rest as one of the more divisive issues.
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.
Future Without Fuss: A Peek Into Arlington's Development Plans
Project on N. Glebe Road provides peek into Arlington development plans.
The future is here, and it's not as controversial as expected.
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.
Arlington: Gun Control Compromise
31st Senate District candidates unite behind gun control legislation, at least conceptually.
While Republicans and Democrats disagree on virtually everything, gun control still stands out above the rest as one of the more divisive issues. But in Arlington’s 31st Senate District, it’s one of the few issues that has found support from both the Democratic and Republican candidates.
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.
Arlington: Fight for the Neighborhoods
Four Candidates vie for 40 percent of County Board.
There’s no President, no congressional, and no governor on the ballot this year.