city government | ALXnow

Alexandria anti-‘Zoning for Housing’ case gets another day in court

Published May 8, 2024 at 3:30PM | Updated May 8, 2024 at 4:07PM

The Franklin P. Backus Courthouse in Alexandria (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

(Updated at 4 p.m.) Alexandria succeeded in its bid today to dismiss a case filed by residents furious with a citywide zoning overhaul that allows developers to build homes with up to four units on any property, but residents will get a chance to try again in a month.

The Coalition for a Livable Alexandria and residents Phylius Burks, Joyce Pastore, William Corin, David and Meghan Rainey, Joshua and Maria Carias Porto, Jimm Roberts and John E. Craig have so far spent about $30,000 in legal fees in their efforts to get the circuit court to reverse City Council’s Dec. 2023 decision on the Zoning for Housing/Housing for All package.

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ACPS budget with staff raises goes into final stages after nod from City Council

By James Cullum

Published May 6, 2024 at 3:50PM

School buses on W. Braddock Road on Dec. 10, 2021 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Staff raises and market rate adjustments are a few of the proposed highlights after Alexandria City Public Schools got the green light last week by City Council to add $273.03 million to its combined funds budget.

The $14.3 million increase over the current ACPS budget comes at considerable cost to the taxpayer, as last week City Council approved a 2.5-cent tax increase to pay for it and other city services.

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After ‘freak accident’ Steven Peterson wants to get off the sidelines in Alexandria mayoral race

By James Cullum

Published May 3, 2024 at 1:30PM | Updated May 3, 2024 at 1:59PM

Alexandria mayoral candidate Steven Peterson with his wife, Martha (Courtesy photo)

After missing an important mayoral debate this week due to a “freak accident” while canvassing that led to his hospitalization, Steven Peterson says that he’s done sitting on the sidelines.

Peterson said that got 10 stitches in his nose and suffered a concussion after his 105-pound Golden Retriever chased a squirrel and he face-planted on a gravel path at the West End Farmer’s Market on Sunday. He said that the leash was wrapped around his legs and that he flipped over after the dog bolted.

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Office of Historic Alexandria is raising rental fees at six venues

By James Cullum

Published April 30, 2024 at 10:30AM

The Alexandria Lyceum (staff photo by Airey)

It’s about to get pricier to host events in buildings operated by the Office of Historic Alexandria (OHA).

On Wednesday, along with passing the fiscal year 2025 budget and considering other fee increases, City Council will consider OHA’s proposal to adjust renting out space at the following venues:

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Alexandria City Council conducting public hearing on a tax rate increase

By James Cullum

Published April 22, 2024 at 10:45AM | Updated April 22, 2024 at 11:16AM

Alexandria City Hall (staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

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.

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ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria

By ALXnow.com

Published April 19, 2024 at 3:45PM

The proposed apartment building at 901 N. Pitt Street in Old Town (via City of Alexandria)

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.

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New report says Alexandria’s service request hotline is gradually getting more responsive

By Vernon Miles

Published April 19, 2024 at 10:50AM

(photo via Alex311/Facebook)

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.

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After years in ruff condition, Del Ray dog parks to soon reopen

By James Cullum

Published April 19, 2024 at 9:30AM

Simpson Dog Park at 521 E. Monroe Avenue in Del Ray (via Facebook)

After two years of reconstruction, two Del Ray dog parks will be reopening to the public over the next several months.

The formerly dusty, not-grassy Simpson Dog Park at 521 E. Monroe Avenue is expected to open within the next three-to-four months, according to the city. The work includes tree and sod plantings, grading and stormwater improvements.

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Alexandria police want $20K to monitor crime in real-time

By James Cullum

Published April 18, 2024 at 10:45AM

Image via McEnearney

The Alexandria Police Department is asking City Council to fund an incentive program to help it monitor crime in real-time.

Council will consider the release of $20,000 to help create the Alexandria Real-Time Information Center (ARTIC) at its meeting on April 24.

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Alexandria City Council to consider raising fees for ambulances, stormwater utilities and late car tax payments

By James Cullum

Published April 10, 2024 at 1:30PM

Flooding on lower King Street in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

It’s about to get a little more expensive to live in Alexandria.

On Saturday, City Manager Jim Parajon will present City Council with proposals to increase:

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Notes: Alexandria offering free advice to homeowners to ‘solarize’ homes

By ALXnow.com

Published April 9, 2024 at 9:11AM

Solar panels (file photo)

Good Tuesday morning, Alexandria!

⛈️ Today’s weather: Showers are possible from 2pm to 5pm, followed by potential showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Expect mostly cloudy conditions and a high of 78°F. Winds will remain calm before turning south at 6 mph in the afternoon, with a 30% chance of precipitation. Tonight, showers and thunderstorms may continue, bringing cloudy skies, a low of 59°F, and a south wind at 6 mph. The chance of precipitation increases to 50%.