Tsehayinesh Menberu says that she and her West End neighbors often choose between buying groceries and paying their rent.

Menberu has lived at the Southern Towers complex in the West End for more than a decade. On Saturday, she and about 50 others demonstrated for increased affordable housing outside City Hall during City Council’s public hearing on the fiscal year 2025 budget.

“It is especially difficult to uproot a family from their home, school and friends,” she said. “You can imagine that difficult decisions parents are having to make when they have to decide between moving out or paying a ridiculous amount of rent, which they can barely afford.”

The protest was organized by African Communities Together, a D.C.-based nonprofit that has advocated for Southern Towers residents over the last several years.

About 50 people chanted “ALX is all of us!” and held signs as they marched to the stage in front of City Hall.

“Today we stand at a pivotal moment in Alexandria,” said ACT’s DMV director Solomon Ayalew. “As we work toward creating more affordable housing, we must remember that developments take time, time that our community does not have. We are being displaced now, we are being pushed out now. You may not feel it in the rest of Alexandria, but we do.”

Ayalew said that the city needs to make permanent its guaranteed basic income pilot, and to approve housing voucher fund grant program.

There was a 62% decline in market-affordable rental units in Alexandria between 2000 and 2021, according to the city. The city has pledged to produce or develop thousands of units to meet 2030 regional housing goal set by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

According to the city:

According to U.S. Census figures, nearly twenty percent of Alexandria’s 80,000 households with incomes up to $75,000 are cost burdened. Approximately 19,000 households are paying more than the federal government indicates they should for housing, leaving little in their households budgets for necessities. The City projects that the number of households in Alexandria will rise to about 100,000 households by 2035. The longstanding imbalance between housing supply and demand, exacerbated by stagnating wage growth particularly in low to moderate-wage sectors, is a key factor underlying the high cost of housing, imperiling our ability to grow an economy that depends on a diversity of skillsets.

Celianna Gunderson, the lone Republican running against six Democrats for City Council this November, observed the protest.

“I’m looking into affordable housing,” Gunderson said. “Being a single mother to teenagers, I’ve gone through a lot of struggles with having to pay my rent as well. In the past, I’ve had notes on my door from the rental office telling me I had so many days left. Luckily, I’ve never been to the point of eviction, but I know that it’s difficult for a lot of people, even when you’re making a decent paycheck.”

Jonathan Huskey, a Democrat running in the June 18 primary, said that the city needs to get more creative to solve its affordable housing woes.

“I want to make sure it’s not just temporary affordable housing, but actually lasts,” Huskey said. “That’s going to require the city to get involved in a new and different way. Things like limited equity, cooperatives, new models for building construction — there’s lots of different things that this council has not yet implemented.”

If you or anyone you know is experiencing a housing crisis or homelessness, contact the city’s Department of Community and Human Services at 703-746-5700 or text 703-346-5599.

Alexandria City Hall at 301 King Street was investigated this afternoon after a bomb threat was sent, according to the Alexandria Police Department.

The Arlington Police Department sent a K9 unit to investigate just before 12 p.m., and a sweep was conducted of the building, but it was not evacuated.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we are sweeping the building and investigating a potential threat,” APD Communications Director Tracy Walker said. “But we have not evacuated the building.”

APD wrapped up its investigation of the building at 12:45 p.m.

A coalition of affordable housing advocacy organizations is planning to rally outside of City Hall this weekend to advocate stronger affordable housing and tenant protections.

The rally is scheduled for Market Square outside of City Hall (301 King Street) on Saturday, April 13 at 1 p.m. — while City Council is meeting inside.

The rally will be hosted by African Communities Together (ACT), an organization that’s done extensive advocacy work for residents of Southern Towers in the West End, and will include speakers from Southern Towers and advocacy group Tenants and Workers United.

“On Saturday, April 13th, African Communities Together (ACT), housing advocates, and residents of the City of Alexandria, will rally outside City Hall to call on the City of Alexandria to prioritize affordable housing and tenant protections,” ACT said in a release. “A shocking 78% of renters in Alexandria with incomes up to $75,000/yr are spending over 30% of their income on housing costs, making them housing cost-burdened.”

The rally is aimed to coincide with the city’s public budget hearing. Affordable housing advocates have been vocal throughout the budget process, along with advocates for fully funding Alexandria schools. Advocates called for the city to fully fund a pair of affordable housing developments that have been waiting in the wings for years and to expand the guaranteed income pilot.

At the same time, the city faces numerous other funding demands, from funding to Alexandria City Public Schools to long-overdue and costly infrastructure projects.

This year also marked the first time assessments for multi-family residential properties have declined — due in part to the increase in the city’s housing supply — which Director of Finance Kendal Taylor said could translate into rents decreasing, or at least stabilizing, for Alexandrians living in apartments.

The ACT release said the group will also debut a public art project from local artist and former Southern Towers resident Nana Ama Bentsi-Enchil. The artwork is called Doors of Displacement and focuses on the impacts of the housing crisis on the community through a “series of community-designed doors.”

After months of discussion, Alexandria’s Human Rights Commission (HRC) voted in favor of a recommendation that City Council pass a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The workroom in City Hall was packed to standing-room-only with supporters of the ceasefire resolution who have been active for months in both Human Rights Commission meetings and City Council public hearings calling for a ceasefire resolution.

While there have been conflicts between Israel and Palestine for decades, the latest conflict started on Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 250 others hostage. After the attack, Alexandria’s City Hall was lit in blue and white in support of Israel.

Alexandria City Hall is lit in the Blue and White as we stand with Israel and against the murderous terrorism of Hamas. pic.twitter.com/qLVwx8Oevr

— Justin Wilson (@justindotnet) October 11, 2023

Since then, Israel’s attack on Gaza has caused extensive civilian casualties and devastated much of Gaza. Several cities around the United States have issued calls for a ceasefire.

There’s been resistance to a ceasefire in Alexandria, however. The HRC had planned to vote on a resolution in February but was told that Commissions cannot pass resolutions and can only make recommendations to the city. The HRC was also told by a member of city staff that three elected officials asked that the HRC not send them a resolution on an international issue.

The HRC held off on voting on the issue until they could meet with the Office of the City Attorney, but a letter sent by City Attorney Cheran Ivery said “given what I have been told transpired at the most recent HRC meeting, I do not believe that would be a productive interaction, so I respectfully decline.

Ivery said in the letter that the HRC does not have the authority to pass resolutions, but that it can communicate its position to the City Council on a topic:

As previously stated in writing, and reiterated to the HRC by staff, it is the opinion of my office that the HRC lacks the authority to pass resolutions. This opinion has nothing whatsoever to do with the subject matter of any proposed resolution. Should the HRC desire to communicate its position to the city council on any topic, it certainly may do so in several different ways,e.g., a letter, report, or memorandum,to name a few mechanisms.

Much of the discussion from the HRC was on crafting language in their recommendation to avoid making it sound too much like a resolution, substituting instances of “request” and “call” to a softer “recommend.”

The final resolution read:

Recommendation to Join Representative Don Beyer in a call for a long-lasting Ceasefire in Gaza

The Alexandria Human Rights Commission accompanies our Jewish and Palestinian residents in their suffering in light of the horrific attacks of October 7th and the catastrophic loss of civilian life that has followed in Gaza.  During its last three meetings, the Commission has heard about the extreme emotional pain experienced by Alexandria residents who have strong personal ties to Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank.  These residents feel that their voices are not being heard as decisions directly affecting them are made by City, state, and federal officials.

Alexandria is a diverse city that welcomes people hailing from all corners of the globe and practicing all religions.  Consistent with the maxim that all human life is precious and must be protected, the City will not tolerate any acts of violence or hatred, including any antisemitic, Islamophobic, anti-Palestinian, or anti-Arab acts against our residents or visitors.  Residents may contact the Office of Human Rights if they are aware of any such events or have concerns to express.

After several months of hearing heartbreaking testimony, the Alexandria Human Rights Commission finds it imperative that we recommend the City Council to call for a durable ceasefire. Several cities around the country have adopted resolutions containing similar calls.

The Human Rights Commission of the City of Alexandria recommends that our City Council join us in echoing the call of Alexandria’s U.S. Representative Don Beyer on December 4th for a “durable ceasefire to secure the release of all hostages, a halt to attacks on Israel, the protection of civilian lives in Gaza, and an end to the appalling loss of life from this conflict.”

“This is about right and wrong,” said Matt Harris. “I think we’ve done the right thing here calling for a ceasefire in this terrible situation.”

Others said they regretted how long the process had taken.

“Several of us regret very much how long it has taken,” Tom Reeder said.

The recommendation passed with 13 in favor and one abstaining.

There were around 30 activists gathered at the far end of the room, many of them with signs sharing the names and photos of civilians killed in Gaza.

Comments from the audience expressed appreciation to the HRC for its work, saying the fight will continue with trying to get Alexandria’s City Council to pass a resolution calling for a ceasefire.

“This issue has brought us public participation on an unprecedented scale,” said Marc Bendick Jr. “I hope that you will continue to be active in the city on many issues. Feel free at any time to come to this Commission because you have enriched us in this process.”

A large part of the discussion was also from members of the HRC encouraging activists to continue their work in Alexandria, combating both antisemitism and Islamophobia. Commission members also used the unique level of attendance at the meeting to encourage activists to:

• Apply for vacancies on Alexandria Boards and Commissions
• Volunteer with local non-profit ALIVE!
• Spread word about the Gerry Bertier Scholarship and John Duty Collins III Outstanding Advocate for Persons with Disabilities Award

As Alexandria’s City Council works through a tight budget year, one of the big items infrastructure pieces looming over the city is the $110.2 million renovation of City Hall.

The renovation was brought up as an item that could be delayed at a recent budget meeting, but over time repeated deferrals — and an expansion in scope — have made the much-needed renovation more and more expensive.

“The renovation of City Hall has been deferred five times,” Giovonny Bland, from the city’s Office of Communications, told ALXnow, “moving the main renovation/construction period from FY 2015 to FY 2025.”

A decade ago, the city balked at a $50 million renovation of City Hall, and there was a minor controversy over a comment from then-Mayor Bill Euille over the possibility of financing the renovations by leasing out space in the building. Euille’s opponents in the mayoral election attacked Euille for considering ‘selling city hall’ and Euille eventually walked back the comments, saying he was considering every option.

Since then, City Hall has continued to deteriorate, getting F ratings on a new facility report in 2022, described in the Joint Facilities Master Plan Roadmap as “functionally obsolete.”

“The cost has increased over time, however, the scope of the project has also changed from an HVAC-only replacement to a full renovation of the facility,” Bland said. “The full renovation scope started in the Approved FY 2015–FY 2024 CIP and the budgeted cost at that time was $47.5 million. It has since increased to $110.2 million.”

Last year, the city added the replacement of the Market Square parking garage and the redesign of Market Square to the project.

There is $93.4 million set aside for the renovation of City Hall and the Market Square Garage in the City Manager’s proposed FY 2026 Capital Budget.

According to the City Budget (page 193):

This project was initiated with the purpose of replacing the outdated and past their life cycle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC), life safety systems and perform any necessary structural repairs. This work requires the demolition of the ceilings and lighting, and disruption of the HVAC and life safety systems in the work areas, therefore requiring the temporary relocation of the employees to a swing space for the duration of the work. Since the HVAC, life safety and structural work will have a significant impact in disrupting the workspace and building operations, and requiring the expense of temporary swing spaces, it is reasonable to be performed at the same time with the newly proposed space planning and space reconfiguration.

The budget item says the goal of the project is to create a modern and energy-efficient building with environmentally friendly systems.

The annual George Washington Birthday Parade is returning to Alexandria on President’s Day (Monday, Feb. 19). Here’s what you need to know.

The theme of the 101st annual parade is “George Washington: Alexandria’s Living Legend,” and this year’s parade marshals are the recipients of the prestigious Living Legends of Alexandria award.

According to parade organizers:

The Grand Marshal will be representatives of the Living Legends of Alexandria, individuals who have contributed to the community in an exemplary and lasting way that has significantly impacted the quality of life in Alexandria and serves as an inspiration to others. 2024 is also the 275th Birthday of the founding of the City of Alexandria.

Thousands of freemasons, city-related groups and nonprofits, and politicians march in the parade, which the city says is the oldest and largest of its kind in the world. The free event was first held in 1923 to commemorate the cornerstone laying of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial at King Street and Commonwealth Avenue.

The parade begins at 1 p.m. at the intersection of South Fairfax Street and Gibbon Street. Participants will then march north on South Fairfax Street to City Hall (301 King Street), take a left at Queen Street, and another left at S. Royal Street to the reviewing stand, which will be located at the intersection of N. Royal Street and King Streets. The parade route ends at the intersection of S. Royal Street and Wilkes Street, and the parade is scheduled to end at 3 p.m.

Parade organizers will also select the first, second and third-ranking participants in the following categories:

• Antique vehicles
• Masonic lodge with the best spirit
• Community/fraternal group
• Float
• Historical unit
• Honor and color guards
• Military units and drill team
• Youth groups
• The spirit of George Washington

Additionally, the winning restaurant in this year’s annual Cherry Challenge will be announced.

Alexandria’s next parade is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Old Town on Saturday, March 2.

(Updated at 1:50 p.m.) Alexandria is about to get a little brighter.

The city will host its annual holiday tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 18, outside City Hall (301 King Street) in Old Town.

The free event goes from 6 to 8 p.m. and includes a holiday singalong, speeches from city leaders and a visit with Santa Claus. It will be held rain or shine.

The artificial 40-foot-tall tree will be adorned by 40,000 lights, according to Visit Alexandria.

According to the City:

The public is encouraged to take public transit or walk to the event. Visitors to Old Town can take Metrorail’s Blue or Yellow lines to the King Street-Old Town Station and then take the free King Street Trolley to the event in front of City Hall. For DASH schedule information, call 703.746.DASH (3274) or visit dashbus.com. For Metrobus schedule information, call 202.637.7000 or visit wmata.com. For parking information, visit alexandriava.gov/Parking.

For those who like to see a natural holiday tree lighting after Thanksgiving, the city’s Del Ray neighborhood will host its own tree and menorah lighting ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 3.

The free event is held at Pat Miller Square (Mount Vernon and E. Oxford Avenues) and also includes a visit from Santa.

The Del Ray Business Association is also asking visitors to bring donations for Carpenter’s Shelter.

“In the spirit of the season, participants are urged to bring new full-size lotions, deodorants, and body wash; ground coffee, or flip flops/shower shoes in various sizes for Carpenter’s Shelter,” according to DRBA.

As Alexandria leaders prepare to vacate City Hall for a few years while the building is renovated, a wish list is already building for what a new and improved City Hall could look like.

The center of city government, rebuilt in 1871 after the previous building burned down, is in rough shape and the much-needed renovations have long been kicked down the road.

The City Council got an update on the City Hall renovation plans at a meeting last week. Jeremy McPike, director of the Department of General Services, said the city is looking to award a design contract sometime in spring 2024.

Construction funding is set aside for fiscal year 2025, with the design of the swing space in the same year. The renovations are scheduled to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2027.

The project is estimated to cost around $210 million.

McPike said there will be significant public input this upcoming spring as designs are finalized.

The renovations will hit more than just City Hall, McPike said the work will also replace the Market Square parking garage and include a redesign of Market Square.

There are still plenty of unknowns in the project, McPike said the city isn’t even sure what’s in the walls in some parts of the building.

“Every 60 years since this building’s birth, it’s been reinvented into something new,” McPike said. “In the process, there are electrical, mechanical, structural, hazmat [things] behind these walls that we are yet to fully get into.”

Vice Mayor Amy Jackson asked if the building’s footprint could be enlarged to take up some space in Market Square. McPike said no expanded footprint was currently being planned, but that staff did hear from city leaders that they wanted improved space for ceremonies.

Meanwhile, McPike said the city could use 4480 King Street — where the Health Department was located before it consolidated with other departments in a West End building — as a temporary replacement for the current City Hall.

The Old Town Farmers’ Market, however, would be relocated not far from the current location at Market Square.

“We planned several years ago for a backup, understanding there would be significant disruption [with this project],” McPike said. “We have, in the lease next door at Tavern Square, the opportunity to do the farmers market there. We have plans for North Royal Street as well; the same spot but a slightly different location.”

McPike said a goal of city staff was to keep the Old Town Farmers’ Market as intact as possible.

“We like to pride ourselves on having the longest continuing operating farmers market in the United States, so we are preserving that record,” McPike said. “Maybe by a sidewalk or two, for technicalities, but we have certainly built in those plans to continue to operate here in Old Town.”

Alexandria’s Eve Capps says she’s more surprised than anyone that she’s lived this long. The 100-year-old was born in Sacramento, California, in 1923, and with an acute memory fondly recalls her childhood during the Great Depression.

“My father worked for the railroad, and we went from living in a big house to a shack,” Capps told ALXnow. “But I was just a little girl and I thought it was fun.”

On Tuesday (Sept. 12), Capps and 26 Alexandria centenarians were recognized by city leaders at City Hall. This is the third year for the annual event in observance of National Centenarian’s Day.

Mayor Justin Wilson said that achieving a full century of living is impressive, although the celebration should not simply be about a number.

“It’s about the contributions that all of you have given to for so many years, so many decades, generations, to our community,” Wilson said. “It’s about the rich legacy that you all have created in our community. And that’s a legacy of family, some of which we see here. That a legacy of service, and accomplishment.”

Capps said that the secret to her longevity is staying active.

“I’ve always taken very good care of myself,” she said. “I don’t know why I’ve made it this long. I just keep going on and on, and I’m always surprised when I have a birthday.”

Centenarians in Alexandria

• Mary Addison — 102
• Ann Buxton — 100
• Dorothea G. Campbell — 100
• Eve Capps — 100
• Anita DuMars — 102
• Audrey Fenton — 101
• Lowell Fisher — 101
• Walter A. Hammersley — 101
• Margaret Johnson — 104
• Marjorie Knowlton — 100
• Daniel Krinsley — 101
• John Leeper — 101
• Pauline Lynch — 100
• Charlotte Neborak — 100
• Ada Nelson — 102
• Ann Samuel — 103
• Jane Sara — 103
• Alice Schmidt — 103
• Catherine Sevick — 106
• Helen Smith — 101
• Eva L. Sorenson — 100
• Edith Tillotson — 100
• Barbara Weadon — 100
• Frances Webb — 103
• Ruby Wells — 101
• Virginia Wirtz — 100
• Mildred Youso — 102

Alexandria’s City Hall (301 King Street) will be illuminated in purple this week to commemorate those who have died from drug overdoses and to raise awareness of substance abuse recovery.

Alexandria, in particular, has been hit with an increase in drug overdoses and deaths. According to the release:

Drug overdoses and deaths continued to increase in 2023 in Alexandria as well as across the country, particularly among youth. This increase is driven by the use of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which is 100 times more potent than morphine in unregulated drugs, powders and pills. Fentanyl is often pressed into pills and combined with other substances without the user’s knowledge. Consuming even a small amount can lead to an overdose.

The Alexandria Police Department said it’s seen a spike in opioid overdoses in local children in recent years. Earlier this year, multiple Alexandria City High School students were hospitalized with possible overdoses and one student died.

City Hall was lit in teal in 2021 to raise awareness of opioid recovery.

The release said City Hall will be illuminated starting on Tuesday, Aug. 29, through the morning of Friday, Sept. 1.