City Council | ALXnow

Bennett-Parker says Grandmother, not campaign for Delegate, behind move to 45th District in December

Published March 22, 2021 at 1:00PM | Updated March 22, 2021 at 1:24PM

Alexandria Vice Mayor Elizabeth Bennett-Parker says she’s been serving residents of the 45th District for the last three years, and that she didn’t consider politics when moving into the district in December.

Bennett-Parker said that she moved with her 99-year-old grandmother, her husband and cat to the 45th District in December after her grandmother fell two times. The following month, she announced she was running for the seat, which is currently held held by Del. Mark Levine as he runs for Virginia Lieutenant Governor.

News

Police review board moves forward, but questions about confidentiality remain

By Vernon Miles

Published March 22, 2021 at 10:30AM

The city is gradually ironing out the details for what could become a police review board that reshapes some of the community engagement with local law enforcement.

The proposed Community Policing Review Board will be a “civilian body may receive, investigate and issue findings on complaints from civilians regarding conduct of law-enforcement officers and civilian employees of a law enforcement agency serving under local authority,” according to the city website.

News

ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published March 19, 2021 at 3:30PM

What a week in Alexandria.

Our top story this week was on a plan to install hanging gardens in the Carlyle neighborhood.

News

City lays out roadmap for stimulus plan

By Vernon Miles

Published March 19, 2021 at 10:50AM

Alexandria City Hall sign (staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

Like a lot of Americans, Alexandria is working on figuring out how to put its upcoming stimulus checks to good use.

The City of Alexandria is preparing to receive around $59.4 million from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and the city is currently working through how and where to put that money to use.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published March 19, 2021 at 5:00AM

City Council to condemn bigotry against Asian Americans — “On Tuesday evening Council will be considering a resolution condemning the disturbing rise in anti-Asian American bigotry and violence in our country. We stand with our Alexandria AAPI community and we will continue to work to #StopAsianHate” [Twitter]

Total Wine store might be coming to Alexandria — “The typical Total Wine & More store carries more than 8,000 different wines from every wine-producing region in the world. The typical Total Wine & More also carries more than 2,500 beers, from America’s most popular brands to hard-to-find microbrews and imports, and more than 3,000 different spirits in every style and price range.” [Alexandria Living]

News

Unions sign off on City Council collective bargaining proposal

By James Cullum

Published March 18, 2021 at 4:45PM | Updated March 18, 2021 at 9:44PM

Alexandria City Hall (staff photo by James Cullum)

In a major reversal, Alexandria’s unions are pleased with the direction City Council took on establishing a collective bargaining ordinance at its meeting on Wednesday night.

Vice Mayor Elizabeth Bennett-Parker introduced amendments to the city’s manager’s proposed plan that expanded the scope of bargaining.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published March 18, 2021 at 5:00AM

Usain Bolt compliments Alexandria’s running phenom Noah Lyles — “He talks the talk, but I’m looking forward to seeing how he’s going to match up – because he’s proven that he has the speed, just throughout the circuit and the way he’s running.” [USA Today]

City Council votes against Braddock West development — “A request by West Street Acquisitions, LLC to build a large multifamily residential building across the street from the Braddock Road Metro Station were denied in a 4-3 vote by City Council on Saturday.” [Alexandria Living]

News

Patrick Moran addresses controversies, wants to look to future

By James Cullum

Published March 17, 2021 at 2:30PM | Updated April 15, 2026 at 12:09PM

An earlier version of this article referred to a court case against Patrick Moran, but the case has been sealed in D.C. court.

Earlier: Patrick Moran wants to focus on the issues, and says that events from his past are hurtful, misunderstood and private.

News

City passes ordinance limiting large trucks from parking in business zones

By Vernon Miles

Published March 17, 2021 at 9:30AM | Updated March 17, 2021 at 10:16AM

(Updated 10:10 a.m.) If you’ve ever been frustrated by huge trucks taking up parking in business areas, a new city ordinance (item 19) should put you at ease.

A new city ordinance limits the ability of large trucks to park in Alexandria’s commercial business areas to a two-hour window unless they’re loading and unloading.

News

Council to review Taylor Run and Strawberry Run stream restoration projects this spring

By James Cullum

Published March 16, 2021 at 2:15PM

Critics of the Taylor Run and Strawberry Run stream restoration projects will get some of their questions answered this spring.

A recent City Council memo is asking staff to schedule a legislative meeting — preferably in April — for an update on the projects, which a growing chorus say disrupt natural habitats. The issue would be raised during the oral reports portion of the Council meeting.

News

City Council approves classical concert venue in Old Town

By James Cullum

Published March 16, 2021 at 9:45AM

Garden portion of The Rectory set up as music venue during the pandemic in 2020. (via Classical Movements)

The Alexandria City Council unanimously approved a special use permit authorizing four hours of daily acoustic classical musical performances at The Rectory at 711 Princess Street in Old Town.

Since last year, Classical Movements and musicians from the National Symphony Orchestra, the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and the Eclipse Chamber Orchestra have performed at the venue to outdoor audiences. The Sounds of Hope and Harmony performances have been held with socially distant crowds, and the new approval allows for up to 50 guests to enjoy the music.