The annual showdown between the City Council and School Board over funding could be exacerbated this year by the lingering fiscal impact of coronavirus.
At the tail end of a joint work session between the two bodies last week, City Manager Mark Jinks outlined the dire fiscal situation as the city heads into its budget season.
A barge, new pier and cottages are still joining the Tall Ship Providence as part of the historical exhibit, but the pandemic has forced the ship operates to reduce the scope of their nautical ambitions.
The Tall Ship Providence Foundation is seeking city permission at a Planning Commission meeting on March 2 to amend earlier amendments to improve the planned design and layout of pier, cottages and barge. The Maritime Center section of the Tall Ship Providence was originally approved last March.
Del Ray Business Association Launches ‘I Love Del Ray’ Campaign — “Now through April, you’re going to see a lot of marketing and promotion out there about all of our wonderful small businesses — both in-home and brick-and-mortar — and how we can support them through these tough upcoming winter months.” [Zebra]
How Alexandria is Celebrating Black History Month — “Join the City in celebrating #BlackHistoryMonth with special virtual events and activities throughout February, honoring the history, culture, achievements and contributions of African Americans.” [Twitter]
ACPS has acknowledged that community feedback has generally opposed putting affordable housing at a new school development.
In a recent joint Alexandria City Public Schools and City Council meeting, ACPS Director of Capital Programs Erika Gulick said that feedback from Alexandria residents indicated that locals were not comfortable with housing, including affordable housing, being co-located at some school developments.
Some unscheduled bridge repair has led to a section of King Street near the eponymous Metro station being temporarily closed.
“Unexpected bridge repair work has closed King St. between Callahan Dr. and Commonwealth Ave,” police said in a tweet. “It’s unknown how long repairs will last. Follow detours and traffic direction in the area.”
Alexandria’s COVID-19 deaths are now at 104, and the number of cases has reached 9,121.
That’s three more deaths and 361 cases since this time last week, according to the Virginia Department of Health. The fatal victims were in their 60s and 70s.
A project meant to restore Taylor Run, a stream near T.C. Williams High School, has attracted considerable controversy as local environmental activists say the city’s plans will provide minimal benefit and could end up harming the local forest.
The city’s plan is to replace the existing stream with a “natural channel design” that would make it shallower and step-pools and log riffles would be designed to curb erosion. The city’s stated goals are to stabilize the stream corridor and natural environment against erosion, and protect public infrastructure while meeting Chesapeake Bay cleanup goals.
The Del Ray Business Association just launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Inova Alexandria Hospital.
Hospital workers are on the front line of the pandemic in the city, and the DRBA campaign is just the latest of numerous efforts to show appreciation.
Updated at 4:45 p.m. — A winter weather advisory remains in effect throughout the day, as the City was blanketed with snow on Sunday. Up to two more inches are expected overnight, according to the National Weather Service.
The snow shut down in-person schools and non-emergency city staff are allowed to telework.
ACPS In-Person School Called Off Monday, Virtual Learning Still Happening — “WEATHER ALERT: For Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, ACPS buildings are closed for all. Virtual learning to continue. Food distribution and child care at ACPS buildings canceled.” [Twitter]
Warming Centers Open in Alexandria Until Feb. 5 — “Due to forecasted cooler weather, the city of Alexandria will offer warming centers Friday through Feb. 5 to provide relief from the cold for community members who may not have access to a warm shelter during the day.” [Patch]
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning in Alexandria and the surrounding area, as the city is expected to receive four to eight inches of snow on Sunday and Monday.
“The steadiest snow will fall through this afternoon before tapering off to an intermittent mix of light snow, sleet, and freezing rain,” NWS said in its alert on Sunday morning. “Additional snow is expected Monday through Monday night with additional accumulations most likely around one to three inches, bringing the storm total accumulations around four to eight inches.”
