City Council | ALXnow

City Council Braces for Playground Fight With Community

Published May 27, 2020 at 2:15PM

With Alexandria health officials expecting the total number of COVID-19 cases to go up during Phase 1 of reopening, the City Council discussed the line between what coronavirus restrictions can be put in place and what can be enforced — particularly when it comes to playgrounds.

During a City Council discussion last night (Tuesday), James Spengler, Director of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, said city playgrounds could not open until Phase 3 of the reopening, which could be in the fall.

News

Majority of City Council Questions Month-Long Police Teleworking Initiative Amid Pandemic

By James Cullum

Published May 19, 2020 at 2:00PM | Updated May 21, 2020 at 2:31PM

An Alexandria police cruiser (staff photo by James Cullum)

(Updated on May 21 at 2:30 p.m.) A majority of the Alexandria City Council wants to know more about a month-long police teleworking initiative during the pandemic, and one member wants to see a full internal report.

Between April 6 and May 2, the Alexandria Police Department reduced its enlarged patrol presence (with added school resource officers, K-9 officers, traffic safety section officers and community relations officers), and on any given day had one-third of assigned patrol officers (18-24 officers) teleworking at home.

News

Outdoor Dining Needs Put Old Town Walking District Back on the Menu

By Vernon Miles

Published May 15, 2020 at 3:15PM

Customers waiting for food orders outside of The Fish Market on King Street, April 2020. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

An earlier plan to close a portion of King Street for pedestrian-and-bike-access-only could be making a comeback as restaurants look for ways to do outdoor dining as a social distancing measure.

In a virtual town hall, Mayor Justin Wilson addressed questions about the possibility of closing streets to promote pedestrian and bicycle traffic. The prospect has gained ground in New York City, San Francisco, and other urban localities. There has been pressure from some advocates in D.C. for the city to do the same.

News

Rental Support for Low-Income Communities Takes Spotlight in City Recovery Efforts

By Vernon Miles

Published May 13, 2020 at 3:30PM

Scenes at Southern Towers during a rent protest because of Covid-19 (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

The City of Alexandria is working through a three-pronged approach to protect the city’s most vulnerable populations from the dire economic impact of COVID-19.

In a City Council meeting last night (Tuesday), the department heads who approached the city leadership at the April with an outline of their needs came back with plans on how to address housing challenges, food scarcity and keeping small businesses alive in the wake of the pandemic.

News

City Manager: Police Officers Teleworked in Case of ‘Much Worse’ COVID-19 Situation

By James Cullum

Published May 13, 2020 at 2:15PM | Updated May 15, 2020 at 11:53AM

(Updated on May 15 at 10:45 a.m.) — Alexandria City Manager Mark Jinks and Police Chief Michael Brown have declined to comment on this developing story, according to city spokesman Craig Fifer.

City Manager Mark Jinks on Tuesday said that Alexandria Police ended their “significant” monthlong teleworking initiative and that police were isolated and made available to respond to a “much worse situation” should the peak of cases not flatten.

News

Neighborhood Health Outlines Progress and Challenges in Arlandria COVID-19 Testing

By Vernon Miles

Published May 13, 2020 at 11:40AM

A young boy is tested for COVID-19 at a Neighborhood Health testing facility outside Casa Chirilagua in Arlandria (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Dr. Basim Khan and community health nonprofit Neighborhood Health have been on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic in Arlandria, the neighborhood with the highest number of positive tests.

Khan spoke to the City Council yesterday (Tuesday) about the progress, and challenges, for testing and providing healthcare options for Arlandria residents.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published May 12, 2020 at 9:00AM

Northam Says Northern Virginia Will Ease Restrictions More Slowly — “Northam said that more information about ‘how this will work’ for Northern Virginia localities will be released on Wednesday.” [Reston Now]

Metro Phased Reopening Plan Includes Face Mask Requirement for Riders — “In the first phase, trains will run every 20 minutes and buses will operate on a Sunday schedule. Service will ramp up slowly from there. All riders will need to wear masks to board a bus or train in the WMATA system. (Right now, that’s just a recommendation and request, according to Metro’s website.)” [Alexandria Living]

News

Alexandria Economic Development Partnership Lays Out Path to Recovery for Local Economy

By Vernon Miles

Published May 11, 2020 at 3:30PM

In a memo to City Council, the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP) laid out the path to recovery for Alexandria businesses as the city prepares to sift through the economic wreckage left in the wake of COVID-19

In a series of short term and longer-term phases, AEDP President and CEO Stephanie Landrum laid out a number of things the city can do to help support businesses in the city struggle to hold on through the pandemic.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published May 11, 2020 at 9:00AM

Governor Asked Northern Virginia Leaders for Letter on Stalling Reopening — “He asked for this formal communication to demonstrate unity across the diverse Northern Virginia region, which is critical to a continued successful mitigation strategy… He appreciates their willingness to work with him on this responsible, data-driven and health-based approach.” [Washington Post]

City Sets Up Frozen Meal Delivery System For Residents Aged 60+ — “Spouses of individuals over age 60 and disabled adults living with someone aged 60 and older also may be eligible. Meals are prepared by Jeffery’s Catering and delivered twice a week by Senior Services of Alexandria. A total of 14 meals are delivered each week. For more information call 703-746-5999.” [Facebook]

News

Letter To The Editor: We’re All in This Together… Six Feet Apart

By James Cullum

Published May 7, 2020 at 5:15PM | Updated May 7, 2020 at 10:39PM

The following Letter to the Editor was written by Alexandria Vice Mayor Elizabeth Bennett-Parker.

As I write this, I sit in the Alexandria Medical Reserve Corps call center in-between calls.

News

City Council Passes ‘Hunker Down’ Budget With ‘Dreams Deferred’

By Vernon Miles

Published April 30, 2020 at 11:40AM

At the end of an exhausting emergency budget cycle, the City Council praised the work of staff for throwing together a $753.3 million fiscal year 2021 operating budget that fills a steep funding shortfall without curtailing city services.

In a 45 minute Zoom meeting, the City Council unanimously approved the budget with little discussion, following a week without any additions or deletions.