News

Alexandria’s City Council and School Board clash in intense budget battle

By Vernon Miles
ACPS headquarters and clock (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

The tense discussions between Alexandria’s City Council and School Board came to a head over Alexandria City High School’s Chance for Change Academy.

The joint work sessions are a chance for the school and city leaders to close the $7.5 million gap between the School Board’s $58.7 million request and the City Manager’s proposed $51.3 funding to the schools in the fiscal year 2024 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). But while both sides agreed relations between the two bodies are better than they’ve been in the past, the conversation still reopened old wounds between the two leadership teams.

Go to Alexandria’s City Council and School Board clash in intense budget battle Read more
News

A look back at the ‘urban renewal’ project that reshaped Old Town

By Vernon Miles
The view from the Alexandria City Hall's clock tower. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Fights over historic preservation are nothing new in Alexandria, and a recent edition of the city’s This Week in Historic Alexandria offered a look back at one of the controversial projects from the 1960s that shaped Old Town as it’s known today.

This year marks 60 years since Alexandria’s City Council approved the “Gadsby Commercial Urban Renewal Plan” in 1963 — a project that saw the large-scale demolition of much of King Street’s older buildings once construction began in 1965.

Go to A look back at the ‘urban renewal’ project that reshaped Old Town Read more
News

No arrest after gunfire near North Ridge neighborhood on Sunday

By James Cullum
No arrests were made after gunfire was reported in the area of W. Braddock Road and Kenwood Avenue on Sunday, March 12, 2023 (via Google Maps)

There were no injuries or arrests after gunfire was reported near the intersection of Quaker Lane, King Street and Braddock Road on Sunday.

The Alexandria Police Department received multiple calls for service at around 2:45 p.m. to the 1700 block of W. Braddock Road — about two blocks away from Alexandria City High School’s King Street campus.

Go to No arrest after gunfire near North Ridge neighborhood on Sunday Read more
Event

Healthy at the Harbor (Prince George’s County, MD)

National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland

165 Waterfront St.

National Harbor, Maryland 20745

Website Social

Join Kaiser Permanente for Healthy at the Harbor, a free community health and wellness event taking place Saturday, June 6, from 11 am to 4 pm at National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Bring your family and friends for free full day of fun, fitness, and preventive care along the waterfront.

Throughout the day, Kaiser Permanente nurses and physicians will offer no-cost health screenings, alongside a health and wellness expo focused on preventive care education. A lively Kids’ Zone will keep children active and entertained with spin-art bikes, face painting, balloon art, games, and more.

Go to Healthy at the Harbor (Prince George’s County, MD) Read more
News

Federal grant could boost electrification of DASH fleet

By Vernon Miles

Alexandria is hoping a federal grant could help push Alexandria’s DASH bus network a little closer to full electrification.

A memo from Deputy Director of Transportation Hillary Orr to the Transportation Commission said the city is hoping federal funding can help cover a sizable budget gap looming for electric bus replacement plans.

Go to Federal grant could boost electrification of DASH fleet Read more
News

Survey: Majority of Alexandria students, teachers and parents support metal detectors in schools

By James Cullum
Advanced metal detectors will be used for a pilot program in two Alexandria City Public Schools locations as part of a pilot program (via ACPS)

A new survey shows widespread support for the installation of metal detectors within Alexandria City Public Schools.

There were 4,374 respondents to the survey, which ACPS opened on Feb. 24 and closed on March 8. Included in the survey were 1,181 students, 609 staff, 2,295 family/guardians, and 289 community members. About 85% of survey respondents supported using weapons screening equipment in all or some schools, and 58% of respondents want the metal detectors in every school.

Go to Survey: Majority of Alexandria students, teachers and parents support metal detectors in schools Read more
News

New residential development coming to former Mark Center Hilton site

By Vernon Miles
The Rutherford at Mark Center (image via DCS Design/City of Alexandria)

After some zoning changes at the Mark Center Hilton last year, a developer is hoping to build a new 367-unit residential building on the site (5000 Seminary Road).

Applicant Mark Center Residential, LLC — aka The Requity Group — has submitted a development special use permit (DSUP) application to build the new multifamily building called The Rutherford on a recently subdivided 4.5 acre lot in the Beauregard Small Area Plan.

Go to New residential development coming to former Mark Center Hilton site Read more
News

Notes: Del Ray cigar shop struggles after back-to-back break-ins

By ALXnow.com
Del Ray Cigars & More will open at 2104 Mount Vernon Avenue on Friday, April 8, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Good Monday morning, Alexandria!

☔ Today’s weather: Light rain in the morning and afternoon. High of 47 and low of 35.
🌬 Tomorrow: Windy in the evening and overnight. High of 43 and low of 33. Sunrise at 7:23 am and sunset at 7:14 pm.

Go to Notes: Del Ray cigar shop struggles after back-to-back break-ins Read more
View More Stories