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Alexandria’s Interim Fire Chief stops plan to replace fire engines with ambulances

By James Cullum

Alexandria Interim Fire Chief Jim Schwartz has put a departmental redeployment on hold that would have replaced fire engines with ambulances.

Former Alexandria Fire Department Chief Corey Smedley announced his AFD Forward plan in September. The plan would have replaced fire engines at Station 204 (900 Second Street) in Old Town North and Station 205 (1210 Cameron Street) in Rosemont. Using 2022 data, AFD found that 72% of their calls for service (out of more than 27,000 incidents) were medical and rescue-related, while just 15% were fire alarm and fire-related.

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New Alexandria survey asks residents how they handle extreme heat

By James Cullum
Playing at the sprayground at Potomac Yard Park (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria wants to know how residents beat the heat during the hottest months of the year.

The city is conducting a 30-question survey with George Mason University to “examine the impact of extreme heat on potentially vulnerable populations in urban areas,” according to a release.

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News

Massive penalty increase for zoning violations proposed in Alexandria

By James Cullum
The proposed penalty increase for zoning violations in Alexandria (via City of Alexandria)

Alexandria residents and businesses are facing a large increase in financial penalties for zoning violations.

On Saturday, City Council will consider a recommendation by City Manager Jim Parajon and the Department of Planning and Zoning to increase violations by hundreds, and, in some cases thousands of dollars.

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Alexandria wants feedback on what makes a good police chief

By James Cullum
The APD honor guard marches for the unveiling of the Alexandria Police Department Suicide Memorial, Sept. 26, 2023 (staff photo by James Cullum)

What qualities should the next chief of the Alexandria Police Department possess? The City of Alexandria is in the midst of its national search process and wants to know.

The police department has been led by interim Chief Raul Pedroso since February, when former Chief Don Hayes retired. Pedroso has made it no secret that he wants the job, and told ALXnow in an interview that he’s worked more than 30 years to reach this moment.

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What’s Up in Alexandria This Weekend: Old Town Festival of Speed & Style, live music and more

By Ryan Belmore
A 1953 Morgan at the Old Town Festival of Speed and Style on May 22, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Here’s a roundup of all the events, live music, and entertainment happening around Alexandria this weekend; enjoy! 

Are you organizing an event? Submit events to ALXnow.

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City Council to consider expanding food truck operating hours in Alexandria

By James Cullum
Brandon Byrd, owner of Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats in Old Town. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

It’s about to get easier to find a taco truck in the middle of the night in Alexandria.

City Council will consider a staff recommendation next week on extending the vending hours for food trucks from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. and the continuous vending time from four to six hours.

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

By James Cullum
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
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
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
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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