Vernon Miles | ALXnow

Go-go music star-turned Alexandria teacher ‘Sugar Bear’ in the spotlight after Oscars shoutout

Published May 11, 2021 at 4:45PM

Most of Gregory Elliott’s students at T.C. Williams High School know him as a longtime, dedicated special education instructor.

But for parents and staff, many remember Elliott as frontman “Sugar Bear” for D.C.-based go-go band Experience Unlimited — also known as E.U.

News

T.C. Williams High School seniors spearhead successful push for in-person graduation

By Vernon Miles

Published May 11, 2021 at 2:30PM

The last class to graduate from the school under the name T.C. Williams High School will have their change to gather with their peers and loved ones in person.

At a school board meeting on May 6, a group of seniors from the school led a presentation of a plan they’d put together and run by school staff for how to make in-person graduation happen amid lingering concerns about coronavirus.

News

Alexandria senior living facility joins memory improvement study

By Vernon Miles

Published May 10, 2021 at 2:40PM

Alexandria and Bailey’s Crossroads-based Goodwin House Incorporated has partnered with George Mason University (GMU) to help improve memory retrieval and other cognitive abilities for seniors.

According to a press release, GMU is initiating a study of Goodwin House’s StrongerMemory program, which specializes in delaying or slowing the symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and/or dementia.

News

Landmark Mall developers to field public question in forum this week

By Vernon Miles

Published May 10, 2021 at 1:15PM

Landmark Mall rendering (image via City of Alexandria)

Representatives of the new Landmark Mall development are planning to host a public meeting later this week for folks hoping to hear the latest on the concept plan and answer some questions.

A virtual community meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 13, at 7 p.m. via Zoom.

News

Where should Alexandria’s American Rescue Plan funding go?

By Vernon Miles

Published May 7, 2021 at 1:00PM

The City of Alexandria is hosting a virtual meeting this weekend to gather public input on where federal funding from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) should go.

The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday) from 10-11 a.m.

News

Appeal to save North Ridge home takes fight to City Council

By Vernon Miles

Published May 6, 2021 at 2:15PM | Updated May 6, 2021 at 2:32PM

506 N. Overlook Drive (image via North Ridge Citizens' Association)

(Updated 2:30 p.m.) A fight to save a 19th century home in the North Ridge neighborhood is about to head to the City Council after nearby residents appealed an earlier Planning Commission decision.

The owner of the house at 506 N. Overlook Drive is seeking a permit to adjust the property lines for two parcels on the site, the first steps toward what will eventually involve tearing down the house on the property.

News

ACPS could adjust grades in recognition of COVID challenges

By Vernon Miles

Published May 5, 2021 at 4:45PM

ACPS could be adjusting its grading scale in recognition of the additional challenges posed for students by COVID-19.

In a report to the Alexandria City School Board scheduled for the meeting tomorrow (Thursday), staff is recommending that some exam grades be dropped and students be given additional changes to repeat assignments for a higher grade.

News

City Council candidates clash on critical local issues, Part 1

By Vernon Miles

Published May 5, 2021 at 2:45PM | Updated May 5, 2021 at 3:38PM

In a crowded City Council election, the Alexandria Democratic Committee split the candidates into two groups for moderated debates, which posted last night.

The debates, moderated by Alexandria Gazette-Packet journalist Michael Lee Pope, touched on various issues that have become critical talking points in city races over the last few years, from parking to broadband to — of course — Seminary Road.

News

Old Town dominated the city in 2020 business grant funding

By Vernon Miles

Published May 5, 2021 at 10:45AM

A new report from the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership showed that the 22314 zip code — Old Town and Carlyle — received more funding in business grants than the rest of Alexandria combined.

A breakdown of grant dollars by zip code showed that Old Town and Carlyle businesses received $3.5 million in grant funding. The next closest was the 22304 zip code in the West End, totaling $1.1 million.

News

What’s next for GenOn and the rest of Old Town North?

By Vernon Miles

Published May 4, 2021 at 5:15PM

Exercising near the closed GenOn power plant in Alexandria near the Potomac River. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Hilco Redevelopment Partners is preparing a sweeping redevelopment for the GenOn power plant in Old Town North, and at a public meeting held last week the developer and city staff gave an overview of how plans for the site fit alongside other nearby developments.

Jeffrey Farner, Deputy Director Department of Planning and Zoning, said the GenOn team faces the challenge of designing something that is in many ways the opposite of the current plant. The GenOn site is a closed off and very likely polluted site, and the city aims to work with the developer to turn the site into an open mixed-use development complete with open park space.

Opinion

Poll: Do endorsements in local elections matter to you?

By Vernon Miles

Published May 4, 2021 at 1:00PM

Voters participate in the Super Tuesday primary at Mount Vernon Community School, March 3, 2020 (Staff photo by James Cullum)

With the Democratic primary underway, candidates for the city council, mayoral, and state seats are putting together lists of endorsements from organizations and other notable locals.

As a local voter, how much do endorsements matter to you?