News | ALXnow - Part 804

Alexandria City Council to consider adjusting face mask ordinance for everyone

Published May 10, 2021 at 3:30PM | Updated May 10, 2021 at 10:02PM

Walking along the waterfront in Old Town. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

(Updated at 4:30 p.m.) The Alexandria City Council will consider adjusting the city’s face mask ordinance to evolve with Governor Ralph Northam’s executive order, which is continually being amended to loosen statewide coronavirus restrictions.

The ordinance states that all city residents under the age of five years old are required to wear face masks except while exercising, eating and drinking or if they have a verified health condition. The ordinance was approved last September and expires this September.

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.

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.

Inova Cares Clinic for Women opens in West End

By James Cullum

Published May 10, 2021 at 11:05AM

Officials cut the ribbon for the new Inova Cares Clinic for Women at 4700 King Street. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

The ribbon was cut at the Inova Cares Clinic for Women on Saturday, providing the West End with obstetrics and gynecological services.

The ribbon cutting was attended by a number of local politicians, including members of the General Assembly and Mayor Justin Wilson. Also unveiled was a new Inova Ewing Forensic Assessment and Consultation Teams department (FACT) to support domestic violence and assault victims.

Election: Stark differences as Wilson and Silberberg face off in mayoral debate

By James Cullum

Published May 10, 2021 at 10:15AM | Updated May 10, 2021 at 12:07PM

A voter leaves City Hall after casting a callot (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Stark differences were on full display Saturday night, as Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson and former Mayor Allison Silberberg sparred in a contentious debate on local issues.

Wilson defended his record since taking the mayorship from Silberberg in 2018. Silberberg, however, said she wants to restore the public trust, and that the city is at an inflection point.

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published May 10, 2021 at 5:00AM

The sky over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Old Hat Bar to open soon in Old Town — “Gastropub opening May 21 in Old Town may teach some new dogs in the hospitality industry some old tricks.” [Alexandria Living]

ACPS opens summer/fall learning choice form on Tuesday — “The decision you make now is important to our comprehensive planning. The Learning Choice Form will be sent to families by email on May 11, 2021. May 24, 2021 is the last day for families to inform ACPS of your selection for the 2021-22 school year. If a family does not make a selection before the deadline, then their child will automatically be enrolled in in-person learning for the first quarter of the school year.” [ACPS]

ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published May 7, 2021 at 3:30PM

What a week in Alexandria. Here are some of the highlights.

The Alexandria City Council on Wednesday approved its Fiscal Year 2022 $770.7 million budget on Wednesday, and it includes a 2 cent real estate tax reduction. It’s the first time that’s happened in 15 years, and the budget also fully funds Alexandria City Public Schools’ request and includes a 1% raise for city and state employees.

Here’s which City Council candidates signed the new ‘Alexandria Constituents’ Bill of Rights’ pledge

By James Cullum

Published May 7, 2021 at 2:15PM | Updated June 9, 2021 at 4:11PM

Alexandria City Hall (staff photo by James Cullum)

A group of city residents are asking that City Council members and candidates pledge themselves to a document they are calling the Alexandria Constituents’ Bill of Rights.

Rachel Sheedy and Stafford Ward are spokespeople for the group For Better Alexandria Government, although they declined to answer many of ALXnow’s questions, including who drafted the document and what a rejection of the document means. Their group launched its website tracking candidates who pledge themselves to it on May 1.

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.

Election: Northam endorses Wilson for reelection

By James Cullum

Published May 7, 2021 at 11:15AM | Updated May 7, 2021 at 12:27PM

Governor Ralph Northam on Friday endorsed Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson for reelection.

“Local government is where the policy rubber meets the road, and we need effective leaders like Justin there to implement policies and innovate solutions to the problems of everyday Virginians,” Northam said in a statement. “Under Mayor Wilson’s leadership, Alexandria has consistently created a model for the entire Commonwealth. From COVID response to affordable housing coalitions to equitable transit, Justin has led on the issues most important to Virginians.”

Girlfriend of murder suspect arrested for breaking into home and beating up witness

By James Cullum

Published May 7, 2021 at 10:45AM | Updated May 7, 2021 at 11:45AM

A 20-year-old Gainesville woman was arrested last month after allegedly breaking into a home in Old Town and fighting with a witness who is set to testify against her boyfriend in a murder trial.

Essence Amir Heard was arrested on the early morning of April 9 after allegedly breaking into a home in the 800 block of Montgomery Street in the Braddock area. Hours before, the murder suspect called the victim, who has a child with him, after he was informed that his trial would be moving forward after court delays due to COVID-19, and that she would be subpoenaed as a witness.