On This Day in Alexandria History — “On March 10, 1965 construction began to implement the controversial Gadsby’s Urban Renewal Project, in the heart of downtown Alexandria. approved by City Council in a close 4-3 vote. In the early 1960’s “urban renewal” in the United States focused largely on the demolition and reconstruction of deteriorated downtown areas, rather than the restoration of historic buildings to revitalize city centers, a concept that emerged a decade later. In Alexandria, renewal was originally proposed for a twelve block area further west along King Street, but ultimately moved east, centered on the area around Gadsby’s Tavern, City Hall and Market Square.” [Historic Alexandria]
AG Condemns Anti-Redistricting Mailers — “A political action committee opposing Virginia’s April 21 redistricting referendum is facing sharp criticism after sending mailers to voters over the weekend that invoke imagery and language from the civil rights movement — a tactic voting rights advocates and state officials say distorts history and risks misleading voters. The mailers, distributed by a group called Democracy and Justice PAC, led by former GOP Delegate A.C. Cordoza, feature black-and-white imagery reminiscent of 1960s civil rights demonstrations … Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones, the state’s first Black attorney general, said the mailers draw on a painful chapter of American history that should not be used as a political tool.” [Virginia Mercury]
Protest at Budget Session — “Alexandria, Virginia, residents who attended a public budget input session before the city’s mayor and members of the city council Monday had some hard questions about the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office and its alleged relationship with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.” [WTOP]
Portable Solar Panel Bill Advances — “In a legislative effort to save people money and help them generate their own electricity, if only a small amount, bills allowing for portable solar generation devices are nearing the finish line to be sent to the governor’s desk … Senate Bill 250, sponsored by Sen. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, and House Bill 395, by Del. Paul Krizek, D-Fairfax, prevents landlords that have more than four rental dwellings from prohibiting the use of balcony solar panels.” [Virginia Mercury]
City Recognizes Flood Awareness Week — “This Virginia Flood Awareness Week, the City of Alexandria encourages residents to learn about flood risk and the importance of flood insurance. As spring rains and hurricane season approach, now is an ideal time to prepare for potential flooding … The City has experienced more intense storm events influenced by climate change, resulting in large volumes of rainfall over short periods of time. The City acknowledges the potential for future flood risks caused by storms and their impact on residents, as outlined in the City’s Environmental Action Plan 2040 and in the Climate Emergency Resolution adopted by the City Council on October 22, 2019.” [City of Alexandria]
Registration Open For Condo Trainings — “Registration is now open for the next Condominium and Community Association Training session on leasing a condominium unit. The City of Alexandria, in partnership with Alexandria-based law firm Mercer Trigiani, is sponsoring a series of workshops related to common interest communities (condominiums, townhomes, cooperatives, others) during FY 2026.” [City of Alexandria]
Renovations at ACHS Baseball Field — “After being in the works for 11 long years, the Citywide Parks Improvement Plan for Eugene Simpson Stadium Park is finally being implemented. The ACHS Baseball team’s home field will be seeing major renovations, including the installment of a turf field and the addition of integrated equipment storage space underneath the bleachers.” [Theogony]
Concert Tonight at The Lyceum — “Widely recognized as three of Canada’s finest musicians, it is a pleasure to see how much enjoyment Timi Turmel, Erin Leahy, and Louis Schryer find playing together. While honoring their heritage as Cécilia, their music making has an undeniably fresh and high-spirited sound.” [City of Alexandria]
It’s Tuesday — Expect sunny skies and a high near 77, accompanied by calm winds that will shift to the south at 5 to 7 mph later in the afternoon. The night will remain mostly clear, with a low around 61 and a gentle south wind of 3 to 5 mph. [NWS]
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