Got any spare drugs? In an effort to curb misuse, Alexandria is asking residents to drop off expired prescription medication on Saturday (April 27).
It’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. residents can drop off their unneeded prescription drugs (including pet medication) at:
- Alexandria Police Department Headquarters (3600 Wheeler Ave.)
- Fire Station 210 (5255 Eisenhower Ave.)
- The Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray (2204 Mt. Vernon Ave.)
- Walgreens Pharmacy (3614 King St.)
Expired and unused medication is “highly susceptible to misuse, especially opioid prescriptions,” the city said in a release. Additionally, many drugs are environmentally hazardous and can contaminate waterways if flushed.
Last year’s Drug Take Back Day took in 2,647 pounds of unused medication in Alexandria — a 40% increase over 2022.
The drop-offs will be staffed by the Alexandria Police Department and Sheriff’s Office.
Needles are not accepted at the event, and can be dropped off at other permanent medication locations, according to the city.
If you can’t make it to the drop-off event, the city recommends the following:
- Remove medication from its original container. Do not crush
- Mix medication with an inedible substance, such as kitty litter or coffee grounds
- Place mixture in a sealable bag or container and throw away in the trash
- Black out all personal information on the prescription label so it is unreadable
Photo via DCHS/Facebook
Alexandria’s City Council will approve its fiscal year 2025 budget in a little more than a week, and important actions will be taken between now and then.
On Wednesday (April 24), Council will hold a public hearing on the city’s tax rate. Last month, a 4-cent tax ceiling was approved for consideration, allowing city staff and local legislators wiggle room in analyzing funding options in exchange for raising taxes. Each penny added to the tax rate is about $4.7 million, and a 4-cent tax increase would bring in $18.8 million.
This year’s residential taxes are expected to rise due to underperforming commercial real estate assessments, as well as a proposal to raise salaries for teachers in Alexandria City Public Schools.
Alexandria’s commercial property tax rate fell 4% this year, or $736.9 million. The value of the city’s office properties fell 12.38%, from $3.58 billion in 2023 to $3.14 billion in 2024, according to a city report. It’s the second year in a row that office properties dipped in value, dropping 10% last year.
Council will also conduct a budget work session on Wednesday with their proposed budget additions and deletions.
City Council will approve the fiscal year 2025 budget on May 1.
The deadline has now passed for members of Council to propose amendments to the Manager’s proposed budget.
Amendments must have the support of 3 members to be considered during the remainder of the process.
This is the preliminary list of amendments:https://t.co/82LQDifJYN
— Justin Wilson (@justindotnet) April 5, 2024
Alexandria is seeking community feedback on a series of changes to South Pickett Street in the West End, including new pedestrian safety measures and protected bike lanes.
The project would cover S. Pickett Street from Duke Street down to Edsall Road. That route along the West End Village shopping center, Hillwood Condominiums, and ends near Samuel Tucker Elementary School.
“Today, South Pickett Street serves fast-moving vehicular traffic, has very few pedestrian crossings despite a robust crossing demand, and has no bicycle facilities,” a city report said. “This corridor has gradually been redeveloping into a higher-density neighborhood conducive to non-automobile travel, but the existing street design is challenging and hostile for people walking, biking, and taking transit.”
The road, currently four lanes, could be cut to two lanes for car traffic, one center-running turn lane, and a protected bike lane on each side of the street.
The report said “no significant differences in traffic operations” was expected based on a traffic analysis.
Other proposed changes include:
- Dedicated center turning lane
- Posted speed limit reduction to 25 mph
- New pedestrian crossings at key locations
- Traffic calming measures
- Upgrades to pedestrian ramps
- Lead Pedestrian Intervals and no turn on red restrictions at signalized intersections
Feedback can be submitted online until May 5. A virtual community meeting on the project is scheduled for Thursday, April 25 at 7 p.m. The meeting ID is 968 5930 1979 and the passcode is 968 5930 1979.
Following community feedback, the city said recommendations will be sent to the Traffic and Parking Board later this spring or this summer.
Image via Google Maps
Monarch Montessori School is now enrolling infants, toddlers and three year-olds for its full-time Montessori program. We offer a seamless enrollment process which involves submitting an application for review, paying the enrollment fee and submitting the remaining enrollment materials before your proposed start date.
At Monarch Montessori School, we aim to provide an authentic Montessori learning experience. At our Alexandria location, we currently have 8 openings in our Primary classroom (ages 3-6), and 6 openings in our Toddler classroom. Additionally, there are 3 infant openings at this time.
Our first floor space is an open concept. Infants and toddlers share the same large classroom. Children ages 3-6 are in two classrooms on our second floor. Each classroom has one lead and assistant guide. We offer a year-round program, with intermittent breaks for Spring Break and Winter Break.
Good Monday morning, Alexandria!
☀️ Today’s weather: Expect sunny skies with a high temperature near 66 degrees and a northwest wind at about 8 mph. Monday Night will be mostly clear, with the temperature dropping to around 40 degrees. The northwest wind will ease to around 5 mph before becoming calm in the evening.
🚨 You need to know
If you’ve been cruising around Alexandria without paying for car insurance, it’s time to start shopping around with insurance companies.
Starting July 1, a new law passed in 2023 eliminating the “uninsured motor vehicle” option will take effect.
Previously, drivers could pay a $500 fee and drive without insurance. 13 News Now reported that around 12% of Virginia drivers are uninsured, slightly lower than the national rate of 14%.
📈 Friday’s most read
The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for Apr 19, 2024.
- Alexandria considering big plans for properties next to Eisenhower Avenue Metro station (2728 views)
- Alexandria City Council approves new ‘neighborhood’ at former Vulcan Materials site (1063 views)
- Del Ray bank closes after incident with fired employee (526 views)
📅 Upcoming events
Here is what’s going on today in Alexandria, from our event calendar.
- No events today. Have one to promote? Submit it to the calendar.
Scholarship Fund of Alexandria Annual Gala & Auction
Do good while having a good time at the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria’s 38th Annual Gala and Auction at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center. The fun begins with a 2-hour open bar reception while mingling with 499 other Alexandrians who
It was another busy week in Alexandria.
This week’s top stories focused on development projects all over the city, from Old Town North to Carlyle and in the West End. News of the mixed-use projects comes as affordable housing advocates are protesting against being priced out and are asking for greater assistance from the city.
Politics-wise, City Council Member Alyia Gaskins celebrated two recent victories in her Democratic primary race for mayor. Gaskins is leading with fundraising, having raised $149,107 with $69,425 on-hand, according to quarterly campaign finance reports released Monday. Her opponent Vice Mayor Amy Jackson has raised $59,984 and has $22,682 on-hand, while former real estate developer Steven Peterson has raised $44,700 with $14,019 on-hand.
Gaskins also handily won the recent Alexandria Democratic Committee’s Straw Poll by 81%, followed by 16% for Jackson and 3% for Peterson. The primary is on June 18.
On Tuesday, we reported on a new movement to return Alexandria’s City Council to ward/district representation. While the nine-member Alexandria School Board is divided into three districts, the seven members of City Council are at-large, representing the entire city. The Communities for Accountable City Council is a self-described non-partisan group of city residents “exasperated with the intransigent Alexandria City Council that is unaccountable to communities and neighborhoods because of Alexandria’s At-Large election system.”
In our poll this week we asked whether City Council should return to a ward system. Out of the more than 500 votes, 57% voted yes and 43% voted no.
The most-read stories this week were:
- Notes: Old Town North building sold for $15.4 million to be turned into mixed-use apartment building (8413 views)
- Alexandria considering big plans for properties next to Eisenhower Avenue Metro station (4987 views)
- Alexandria City Council approves new ‘neighborhood’ at former Vulcan Materials site (4603 views)
- CVS set to close in Taylor Run neighborhood on Duke Street (3611 views)
- Affordable housing advocates rally outside Alexandria City Hall (3559 views)
- No arrest after fistfight leads to gunfire in Lincolnia (3351 views)
- Notes: Fundraiser for motorcyclist killed on Duke Street raises thousands (2390 views)
- Local organization forms to push Alexandria back to district/ward elections (2303 views)
- Mystic BBQ & Grill opens on Lee Street in Old Town (2235 views)
Have a safe weekend!
All of Bishop Ireton High School skipped classes today for a good cause.
More than 700 students, teachers and administrators participated in a cleanup of 30 sites in and around Alexandria, including along the city’s waterfront, Holmes Run and Four Mile Run Park.
Sophomore Trevor Pickard spent four hours picking up trash along the Potomac River waterfront. He said he picked up a lot of plastic bottles, tennis balls, diapers, cigarette butts and a lot of disposable vaporizers.
“Obviously not going to school is nice, but it was good to help on our community and beautify these parks for the people in Alexandria,” Pickard said.
B.I.’s Head of School Kathleen McNutt said that the school’s theme this year has been about giving back, and that the cleanup will be repeated next year. The effort meant 25 buses full of students, as well as coordination with parks and churches in the city, Fairfax County and Arlington.
“We wanted to be able to go out into the community as an entire group,” MCNutt said. “We feel like we’ve accomplished that today.”
Senior Zoe Falcone said that the effort was a fun reminder to not litter.
“I think it’s important that everybody start thinking about that, because it’s like a communal area and a shared space,” she said.
Bishop Ireton’s cleanup included:
- Holmes Run
- Ben Brenman and Booth Parks
- The Old Town Waterfront (Windmill Hill Park, Point Lumley, The Marina, Oronoco Park)
- Fort Ward Park
- Four Mile Run Park
- Chinquapin Park
- Dora Kelly Nature Center
- Gil McCutcheon Park (Fairfax County)
- Franconia Recreation Center (Fairfax County)
- Rising Hope Mission Church
- St. Martin de Porres Senior Center
- Sunrise of Springfield (Fairfax County)
- Good Shepherd Parish (Fairfax County)
- Community Lodgings
- Alternative Paths Training School (Fairfax County)
- Arlington Cemetery Kitchen Gardens (Arlington County)
Incidentally, Alexandria’s Earth Day celebration is this Sunday.
The Truist bank at 2809 Mount Vernon Avenue is temporarily closed today (Friday) after an alleged altercation with a former employee.
A former employee who had been terminated allegedly told bank staff that they “had a gun in the car and would be right back,” per scanner traffic.
Bank employees locked the doors at the bank and called police around 1:20 p.m.
As of 1:35 p.m. the bank was still closed with Alexandria Police cars parked around the building and officers inside speaking to bank staff.
James Cullum and Vernon Miles contributed to this story
Just Listed highlights Alexandria City properties that came on the market within the past week. This feature is sponsored by the Jen Walker Team (Licensed in VA) of McEnearney Associates REALTORS®.
Welcome Back!
Jen Walker here with The Jen Walker Team! We are a real estate group based out of Alexandria, Virginia. I, along with my rock-star team members, Sue Kovalsky, Micki MacNaughton, Adrianna Vallario and Nancy Lacey, have more than 40 years of experience in real estate and sold over $145 million in 2023.
Welcome to 110 W Nelson, the gorgeously curated home in the desirable Del Ray neighborhood! New from the ground up (2022), there is no shortage of space in this 6 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom, over 4K sq. ft. home which features both a main and upper level primary suite!
With 10ft soaring ceilings, the main level offers a traditional layout and plenty of space for entertaining or relaxing. The expansive kitchen features white shaker cabinetry, stainless appliances, and a large peninsula with plenty of seating and storage. The great room is the perfect place for gathering indoors around the gas fireplace, or open the tall sliding doors and enjoy the lovely spring evenings on the back porch while overlooking the beautiful yard! A coveted main level primary suite features a perfect private balcony, ensuite bathroom with a tiled shower, and a large walk-in closet including a stackable washer/dryer for convenience.
Walk upstairs past the built-in bookshelves (and storage seats!) to 4 generously sized bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a spacious laundry room! The upstairs primary suite is a true oasis featuring a walk in closet, huge ensuite bathroom and a large soaking tub. The lower level is full of surprises including built-in locker shelving in the mudroom area and a mudroom closet with built-in cubbies. Continue downstairs to an expansive lower level where the soaring ceilings continue, and a ton of storage! The large recreation room offers plenty of space for a family room, game room, or playroom. An exercise room with sliding doors has plenty of ceiling height for all the equipment, and also plenty of natural light to use as a home office.Don’t miss the 6th bedroom with a lovely bathroom, perfect for a guest room or au-pair room.
Home is more important than ever and this one checks every box! Ideally located in the heart of Del Ray near plenty of shopping, dining, schools, playgrounds, and endless community events, you will love living in this amazing community! Welcome home!
Open: Sunday, April 21 from 2-4 p.m.
110 W Nelson Avenue, Alexandria 22301 — $2,000,000
Click here for additional Just Listed properties in Alexandria and call The Jen Walker Team to schedule a home tour at 703-675-1566 or email [email protected].
- 2105 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria 22301 — $1,050,000
- 2909 Sycamore Street, Alexandria 22305 — $775,000
- 3214 Landover Street, Alexandria 22305 — $774,500
- 3348 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria 22305 — $649,900
Happy House Hunting!
In our highly competitive Alexandria market, the Jen Walker Team has the insider knowledge to connect you with homes that are not even public yet. With more than 40 years of experience, the Jen Walker Team has the expertise to answer questions, calm fears, and streamline your transaction. Want to see other homes not featured in this article? Contact our team today!
Please note: While The Jen Walker Team provides this information for the community, they may not be the listing agents of these homes. Equal Housing Opportunity.
McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 #WeAreAlexandria
Over time, Alexandria’s Alex311 service hotline has been getting better at responding to requests from locals.
The City of Alexandria usually gets a little over 30,000 requests through the Alex311 hotline. Those range from reports of missed trash collection to questions about trees and potholes.
A new presentation, scheduled to go to the City Council on Wednesday, April 24, showed that the Alex311 has gradually been getting more responsive and passed its goal last year.
Last year, Alex311 completed 84% of service requests within the estimated service resolution timeframe. That varies by the request, from 3 to 240 business days based on the complexity of the request.
That’s an increase over 76% in FY2022 and 72% in FY2021.
The report also said changes have been made behind the scenes to communicate more of the Alex311 requests to City Council. There’s a City Council liaison assigned as a point of contact to ask “non-routine questions,” who will then work with departments to get a response within seven business days.
The City Council also now receives a file of all requests submitted to all members of the City Council every week. The reports include details on the status of the request and responses from department staff.
Photo via Alex311/Facebook
