Author: Ryan Belmore

Ryan Belmore is a journalist based in Alexandria, Virginia. He served as Publisher of ALXnow from March to October 2025. He can be reached at [email protected].

News

Preview: What’s on Alexandria City Council’s April 8 docket

By Ryan Belmore
The Alexandria City Council in session on March 11, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

The Alexandria City Council will hold its legislative meeting on Tuesday, April 8. The meeting will begin with public hearings on tax rates and budget proposals before moving to a packed agenda of appointments, ordinances, and reports.

The meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. with a public hearing on the proposed real and personal property tax rates for the calendar year 2025, which will fund the fiscal year 2026 budget. This hearing will be immediately followed by a public hearing on the preliminary add/delete proposals to the city manager’s proposed FY 2026 budget.

Go to Preview: What’s on Alexandria City Council’s April 8 docket Read more
News

Malloy Automotive Group adds new Chevrolet dealership

By Ryan Belmore
Malloy Chevrolet of Alexandria (via Malloy Auto Group)

Malloy Automotive Group is growing its Northern Virginia footprint with a new Chevrolet dealership in Alexandria.

Malloy Chevrolet of Alexandria opened on March 31, at 6508 Little River Turnpike in Alexandria (Fairfax County), right next to the existing Malloy Ford.

Go to Malloy Automotive Group adds new Chevrolet dealership Read more
News

Alexandria City Council to consider increases to residential parking permit fees

By Ryan Belmore

The Alexandria City Council will consider substantial increases to residential parking permit fees at its upcoming April 8 legislative meeting. The proposed ordinance would amend the city code to raise fees across all permit categories, with the most significant increases targeting households with multiple vehicles.

The ordinance, scheduled for introduction and first reading, would modify Section 5-8-77 of the city code governing parking permits in residential districts. If approved, the changes would take effect following a second reading and enactment planned for April 30.

Go to Alexandria City Council to consider increases to residential parking permit fees Read more
News

Senator Warner warns ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs will raise costs for Americans

By Ryan Belmore
Senator Mark Warner during media availability on Wednesday, April 2 (via Senator Mark Warner's office)

U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) is leading a bipartisan effort to block President Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods, warning they will raise prices for American consumers and damage a crucial trading relationship with one of the nation’s oldest allies.

“This Liberation Day is actually going to be going down as tax day for Americans,” Warner said during a media call with Virginia media on Wednesday (April 2), referring to Trump’s self-proclaimed “Liberation Day” announcement of new tariffs.

Go to Senator Warner warns ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs will raise costs for Americans Read more
News

FAA increasing support, oversight for air traffic controllers at DCA; evaluating current arrival rates

By Ryan Belmore
At Gravelly Point, a man in a folding chair reads a book as planes land at National Airport (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

The Federal Aviation Administration is rolling out new safety measures at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

On Wednesday (April 2), the FAA announced plans to boost support and oversight for air traffic controllers at DCA. This includes increasing the number of operational supervisors from six to eight.

Go to FAA increasing support, oversight for air traffic controllers at DCA; evaluating current arrival rates Read more
Around Town

Maria Cristina Donoso named Alexandria’s next Poet Laureate

By Ryan Belmore
Maria Cristina (Cristi) Donoso (via City of Alexandria)

The City of Alexandria has appointed Maria Cristina (Cristi) Donoso as its next Poet Laureate.

Donoso succeeds Zeina Azzam, whose term concludes in April 2025. The Poet Laureate serves a three-year term, continuing the City’s tradition of celebrating poetry and creative expression.

Go to Maria Cristina Donoso named Alexandria’s next Poet Laureate Read more
News

Tall Ship Pride of Baltimore II to visit Alexandria this weekend

By Ryan Belmore
Pride of Baltimore II near Annapolis (image via Pride of Baltimore II/Facebook)

Alexandria is preparing for a nautical spectacle as the iconic tall ship, Pride of Baltimore II, is set to arrive at the Old Town Alexandria waterfront early Thursday morning. According to a social media announcement from the City of Alexandria, the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge will be temporarily raised to accommodate the ship’s passage, causing brief traffic disruptions.

The City alerted residents that the bridge will open at approximately 12:00 a.m. (midnight) on Thursday, April 3, to allow the Pride of Baltimore II to sail up the Potomac River. The bridge will then reopen for the ship’s departure in the early hours of Monday, April 7, at 3:30 a.m. Each bridge opening is expected to last between 15 and 20 minutes.

Go to Tall Ship Pride of Baltimore II to visit Alexandria this weekend Read more
News

HRP Group prepares for next phase of Old Town North power plant redevelopment

By Ryan Belmore
View of Power Plant from Potomac River on March 30, 2025. (photo by Ryan Belmore)

HRP Group (formerly known as Hilco Redevelopment Partners) is moving forward with plans to transform the former Potomac River Generating Station in Old Town North into a mixed-use development, with public engagement on the first phase set to begin next month (May 2025).

The 18-acre waterfront site, purchased by HRP Group in 2020, is slated to become a vibrant destination featuring residential buildings, commercial spaces, and over 10 acres of public open space.

Go to HRP Group prepares for next phase of Old Town North power plant redevelopment Read more
Around Town

Lend a Hand: Volunteer Alexandria’s Weekly Hotlist highlights available volunteer opportunities

By Ryan Belmore
The Alexandria skyline (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Spring is in full swing, and Volunteer Alexandria has many great ways for locals to help. Their weekly hotlist is packed with upcoming events and ongoing programs for everyone, no matter their age.

Sunday, April 6, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Volunteer on Good Deeds Day — Volunteer Alexandria is teaming up with the City of Alexandria’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Activities to help clean up the Mt Jefferson Park & Greenway.

Go to Lend a Hand: Volunteer Alexandria’s Weekly Hotlist highlights available volunteer opportunities Read more
News

Eclairons Pastry and Coffee House preparing to open in former Firehook Bakery location

By Ryan Belmore
Eclairons Pastry and Coffee House (rendering via Eclairons Pastry and Coffee House Administrative Special Use Permit request)

Arlington-based French pastry shop Eclairons is moving ahead with its plans to move into the former Firehook Bakery in Old Town (430 S. Washington Street). The location has been a bakery since 1970—first as Shuman’s Bakery, then Firehook Bakery since 2004.

An Administrative Special Use Permit request has been submitted to the Director of Planning and Zoning for “outdoor dining on private property; zoned: CD/Commercial downtown zone.” The applicant is requesting twenty outdoor dining seats where customers can enjoy the full menu.

Go to Eclairons Pastry and Coffee House preparing to open in former Firehook Bakery location Read more
View More Stories