Alexandria: Confederate Concerns About Appomattox
Alexandria’s Appomattox statue under scrutiny.
With a national dialogue underway on the appropriateness of Confederate flags and imagery, some Alexandrians have begun questioning whether the Appomattox statue to Alexandria’s Confederate dead should remain on Prince Street.
Alexandria: Tenants and Timeline Unclear for Landmark Mall
As city approves details for the mall redesign, other questions remain unanswered.
While City Council expressed support for new amenities and retail spaces at Landmark Mall, members of the public remain skeptical until more details emerge.
Alexandria: Rejoicing on Decision Day
Multifaith gathering celebrates national same-sex equality.
As Rev. Robin Anderson from Alexandria’s Commonwealth Baptist Church discovered this weekend, planning a party around a U.S. Supreme Court decision can be problematic. First, when Anderson began planning the Northern Virginia Multifaith Gathering for Marriage Equality, there was no set date for the decision. Decision day could have been anything between June 25 to June 29. And second, there was no way to determine the outcome of the decision. Hanging a festive banner could make for an awkward situation if the Supreme Court ruled against marriage equality.
Alexandria: Wolfe Street Bares Teeth at Developer
Potential property sale stirs controversy.
The historic 415 Wolfe Street home hasn’t been sold yet, but even the possibility of a sale to a developer has some neighbors incensed. The owners of the historic property insist that the home is still on the market, and while a few developers have expressed an interest in the project, nothing is close to being finalized. Yet, some neighbors have already begun expressing concerns that a potential townhouse development could have a serious impact on the neighborhood.
'State of Arlington' Addresses Transportation, Economic Challenges
County Board Chair Hynes addresses local transportation and economic developments challenges.
Like a shark, Arlington will need to keep moving forward if it wants to survive.
Alexandria: Goldilocks Approach
City Council reluctantly approves programming size for Patrick Henry Recreation Center.
A recommendation on the scale of the new Patrick Henry Recreation Center escalated into one City Council member calling on the city manager to fire the project staff.
Shots Fired in Alexandria
Police continue investigating wave of gunfire reports from across city.
The first “shots fired” call of the summer came in on April 18. Since then, there have been 13 reports of “shots fired” across Alexandria.
Alexandria: City Council Brief for 6/26
Pepper Celebrates 30 Years on Council
At the close of the 2014-2015 City Council session, members of the council watched a presentation and recalled where each was 30 years ago. For most, they were memories of playing sports as a young adult or living with their families, Councilman John Chapman was still celebrating a single-digit birthday. But for Council member Del Pepper, 1985 was memorable for an entirely different reason: it was the year she joined City Council.
Arlington Students Graduate from Convention
H-B Woodlawn hosts its annual unorthodox graduation.
During graduation, while other schools would have a sea of caps and gowns in rows of seating, the class of 2015 from H-B Woodlawn lounged around on the floor or on sofas in an array of Hawaiian shirts.
Arlington's ‘Manhattan on the Potomac’ Loses Its Central Park
Dramatic size reduction planned for Rosslyn Highlands Park.
Despite an impassioned plea from local residents to save Rosslyn Highlands Park, a redevelopment plan for Western Rosslyn has moved forward.
Alexandria: Patrick Henry Plan Advances
School Board addresses community criticisms of Patrick Henry development.
A divided School Board moved forward with plans to rebuild the Patrick Henry Elementary School. In a 6-3 vote, the School Board approved construction of a new Patrick Henry School and will begin the planning phase for the new building. Patrick Henry Elementary currently houses nearly 600 students in grades preK-5, but will expand to 800 students as a preK-8 school.
Alexandria: The Lot That Wasn’t There
Subdivision on Vassar Road divides neighborhood and City Council.
Steve Hales currently owns the dwellings at 809 and 811 on Vassar Road, but Hales would rather own 809, 811, and a subdivided lot 626. In theory, lot 626 is comprised of the empty space between the houses on lots 809 and 811. The plan was passed by the Planning Commission in a 5-1 vote.
Alexandria: Once a Titan ...
Parents and students from the Class of 2015 remember successes and struggles.
Much of the Robinson family pointed out every girl entering the floor of the Patriot Center, trying to determine at a distance which was McKayla Robinson. It wasn’t an easy task, and each one of the parents filling the 10,000 seat sports center at George Mason University was attempting to accomplish.
Alexandria: A Party Divided
Democratic unity in Alexandria uncertain as Euille weighs options.
One week after the Democratic primary, questions linger about whether or not incumbent William Euille will challenge Democratic candidate Allison Silberberg as a write-in. While on the surface local Democrats have rallied behind Silberberg’s nomination as Democratic candidate for mayor, Euille’s reluctance to yield the position casts doubts.
Arlington Democrats: Rebound Or Retreat
Arlington Democrats express confidence and concern following County Board Democratic primary.
Arlington Democrats seemed to have emerged from the June 8 primary confident in their choice of leadership, but the push to keep two of Arlington’s County Board seats Democratic won’t be going unopposed with two independents running in November.
Arlington: Mixed Response to Housing Plan
County Board moves forward on Affordable Housing Master Plan despite citizen objections.
After nearly five hours of public comment and debate, a request to advertise the Affordable Housing Master Plan for public hearings throughout July was approved by the County Board in a 4 - 1 vote.
Alexandria: Food Truck Showdown
At Food Truck Rodeo, mobile vendors express frustration with city truck policy.
“Food Truck Rodeo” is a bit of a misnomer. The event outside Southern Towers on Seminary Road did have several food trucks, but there were also two clothing boutique trucks, a homemade jewelry store, and a mobile skateboard shop.
Alexandria: In Three-Way Race, Silberberg Triumphs
Levine wins 45th District Democratic nomination.
After a tense race with a last minute shift in the polls, current Vice-Mayor Allison Silberberg became the Democratic nominee for mayor.
Alexandria: Waterfront Walk
Alexandria Waterfront Commission tours key locations in the long-range redevelopment plan.
Alexandria Waterfront Commission meetings are usually held in a crowded room at City Hall. But at 9 a.m. on June 6, the commission took its meeting to the streets, visiting sites all along the waterfront, from Tide Lock Park in North Old Town to Windmill Hill Park near Jones Point Park in the south, amassing a following of city staff and local citizens along the way.
Setting Priorities for Arlington Police
Arlington’s new police chief talks national crisis and local challenges.
For the most part, nothing changed. Jay Farr was doing what he’d normally been doing as acting police chief since Chief Doug Scott retired in March. But since he was selected by County Manager Barbara Donnellan to permanently fill the position on May 14, Farr says there’s been a slight change in the atmosphere.
Alexandria: On the Night Shift with City Police
Searching Alexandria’s nooks and crannies with the police.
Over his 10 years in Alexandria, Officer Mark Blackwell has come to know just about every dark corner of Alexandria. Before he turns his patrol car down an alleyway around midnight on May 28, he flicks off his headlights and the car creeps forward.
Alexandria: Final Mayoral Debate
Final Mayoral Debate ends on a civil note.
Attendees to the June 2 Democratic Primary Debate, one week before the primary, hoping to see sparks fly between the mayoral candidates may have left disappointed.
Where To Vote
On June 9, Alexandria citizens can vote in the Democratic Primary for 45th District Virginia House of Delegates and Alexandria’s Mayoral Election. The 45th District covers all Alexandrians in Old Town, Carlyle, Del Ray, and residents of the West End north of King Street. To vote, citizens must have a photo identification card, which can include:
Financing a Campaign
Cash contributions do not include “in-kind” donations: contributions in the form of goods and services.
Arlington: Parking Extension Deferred
Concerns over unknowns stall extension of parking meter hours.
Starting in September, Arlingtonians hoping for on-street parking should begin saving those extra quarters. In a unanimous vote at its May 16 meeting, the County Board approved a 25 cent-per-hour increase in metered parking rates. However, the board deferred a vote on the more controversial extension of operating hours until it receives a more detailed analysis of the extension’s effects.
Arlington: 45th District Candidates Struggle To Out-Democrat Each Other
Democratic primary candidates find differences on education and environment.
If residents are having a difficult time differentiating between the platforms of the five Democratic candidates running for the 45th district delegate seat, they are not alone.
Down the Drain: Understanding Alexandria's Sewer Crisis
Environmental Services proposes solutions to sewage crisis.
Alexandria experiences between 30 to 40 sewer overflows every year.
Alexandria: Clear Frontrunner in Mayoral Fundraising Race
While the race for the Democratic primary in Alexandria’s mayoral election remains hotly contested, incumbent William Euille remains the clear winner in terms of fundraising.
Alexandria: What’s Next For Patrick Henry?
Schools and Parks Department proposals each stalled by the other.
Alexandria Public Schools’ plans to rebuild Patrick Henry Elementary School around the location of the current site have hit a snag.
Arlington History for Sale
Community reacts to County Board’s vote to allow Reevesland Farmhouse to be sold.
In a way, Joan Horwitt, head of the Reevesland Learning Center, is getting what she hoped for. Fourteen years after purchasing the Reevesland property and allowing it to fall into disrepair, the County Board is taking action. But instead of dedicating $2.5 million in necessary renovations to the farmhouse to turn it into a public space, Horwitt was surprised on May 18. The County Board would be voting to sell the property.
Alexandria: Citizens Irate Over Tax District
In the May 15 public hearing prior to the City Council’s major Potomac Yard Metro decision, residents of the local special tax district spoke out against what they saw as being unfairly targeted.
Alexandria: Council Honors Lowe, Dunning
Parks in Del Ray named in tribute.
As the City Council voted to name two parks in Del Ray after influential citizens from the neighborhood, members of City Council and the community took a moment to reflect on the lives of Judy Lowe and Nancy Dunning.
The Fight for the 45th
Democratic primary candidates vying to replace Delegate Krupicka lay out campaign priorities.
As with most candidates in a primary, the Democrats campaigning to replace Robert Krupicka as delegate for Virginia’s 45th District which includes parts of Alexandria, Arlington and Mount Vernon, don’t vary greatly in their positions on political issues. Where these candidates do vary is their experience and priorities.
Teaching Technology Gallery Walk Benefits Students, Teachers
Gallery Walk highlights innovations in classroom technology.
“You have died of dysentery.”
Inventors Inducted Into Hall of Fame
The National Inventor’s Hall of Fame inducted 14 new members.
Alexandria: Mayor Makes Amends for Metro Mistakes
Mayor William Euille, who sits on the board of directors for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, apologized to riders of the Metro in Alexandria and throughout Washington D.C. for the what was trending on social media as the “Metro Meltdown” on May 11.
Getting To Know T.C. Williams High School’s New Principal
Dingle’s background in diversity education and a faculty standoff.
When students at T.C. Williams High School get called into the principal’s office next school year, they will find a new face on the other side of the desk.
Alexandria: City Council Passes Budget
After two months of City Council work sessions and public hearings, the council voted to approve the budget with little of the debate that had defined previous meetings.
Landrum To Lead Alexandria Economic Development Partnership
The Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP) named Stephanie Landrum as president and CEO of the organization on Thursday, April 30. Landrum had been serving as acting president and CEO since former President and CEO Val Hawkins stepped down in March. Landrum has worked at AEDP for 10 years and previously served as the organization’s vice president.
Alexandria: Budget Winners … and Losers
Schools and fire station win, affordable housing and rec center lose.
The last work session for additions and deletions to the city budget saw Alexandria City Public Schools and Fire Station 210 take the lion’s share of the funding while a recreation center’s Sunday programming and an affordable housing program were left unfunded. The May 4 work session is the last step of the budget process before the City Council votes on the budget later this week.
Alexandria: Feedback on Potomac Yard Metro
WMATA hosts public forum near proposed Metro station.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) took the Potomac Yard Metro Station discussion outside of City Hall and into the affected neighborhood for the April 30 public hearing at the Corra Kelly Recreation Center. The project had as many detractors in the crowd of local citizens as it did supporters.
Alexandria: Long-Term Budget Plan Lacks Numbers
Long Range Educational Facilities Plan faces scrutiny for budget omissions.
The Long Range Educational Facilities Plan includes extensive information on new enrollment projections for Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) and a list of proposed changes, additions, and new schools to fight current and projected overcrowding in the school system. What current drafts of the Long Range Educational Facilities Plan don’t include is the price tag.
Arlington: Protest Spotlights Chronic Lyme Disease
Advocacy group rallies in Arlington against medical guidelines on chronic Lyme disease.
Ozlem Jones has had Lyme disease for 11 years, but was only diagnosed two years ago when she began suffering from extreme bouts of fatigue and various problems with her nervous system. In that time, Jones says she passed it onto all three of her children.
Arlington School Board Candidates Seek Democratic Endorsement
School overcrowding is the primary focus for both candidates.
While School Board candidates don’t run as Democrats or Republicans, earning the endorsement of a political party has created an unspoken primary. Two candidates, Reid Goldstein and Sharon Dorsey, have begun campaigning for for the Democratic endorsement. Both candidates have focused their campaigns on overcrowding in the schools, though the proposed solutions vary.
Alexandria: Mistrial and Missed Trial
Just down the hall from each other, there were major developments in two Alexandria murder trials on April 23.
Alexandria: Mayoral Standoff
First debate in race for mayor focuses on failing infrastructure.
Differences between incumbent Mayor William Euille, current Vice Mayor Allison Silberberg, and former Mayor Kerry Donley emerged during a debate as the three took turns directing blame for Alexandria’s current problems on each of the other two during the first mayoral debate. The debate, held in Douglas MacArthur Elementary School on April 23, primarily focused around issues of parking and city infrastructure.The shifting blame became most apparent during the candidates’ discussions on BRAC-133.
Alexandria: Add/Delete Budget Drama
Council members spar over last minute additions.
A preliminary discussion of the City Council’s Add/Deletes from the budget led to a heated exchange between council members during their April 28 meeting.
Alexandria Mayoral Standoff
First debate in race for mayor focuses on failing infrastructure.
Differences between incumbent Mayor William Euille, current Vice Mayor Allison Silberberg, and former Mayor Kerry Donley emerged during a debate as the three took turns directing blame for Alexandria’s current problems on each of the other two during the first mayoral debate.
Neighborhood Outlook: A Snapshot of Upcoming Arlington Developments
New developments are springing up in Arlington.
Arlington: County Board Approves $1.16 Billion Budget
Schools adopt Tier One reductions.
After months of negotiations, the Arlington County Board and School Board settled on a compromise that sees cuts to projects on both sides.