city government | ALXnow

Update: One new death, 137 new Covid cases since last week in Alexandria

Published March 21, 2022 at 3:30PM

There has been another death and 137 new cases of the virus in Alexandria over the last week, bringing the total number of deaths to 185 and the number of cases to 29,946, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

Still, the pandemic is winding down in Alexandria. One of the biggest signs is the fact that it’s been nearly two weeks since the Alexandria Health Department last posted a COVID-19 update. The city last released Covid information on March 8 — a stark difference from nearly two years of daily updates from the city, and a surge in January that saw a record-setting 12,822 positive cases.

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Superintendent advises Alexandria School Board to not talk to the media

By James Cullum

Published March 15, 2022 at 1:00PM | Updated June 8, 2022 at 11:48AM

ACPS Headquarters in Alexandria (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Updated at 6:30 p.m. — The Alexandria School Board on Monday (March 14) was advised against talking to the media, as the Board received a refresher on their operating procedures.

Board members were told that they have to be careful of what they say out of concern for the division as a whole, prompting some members to question toeing the line of Superintendent Gregory Hutchings, Jr. and staff.

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Face masks now optional for ACPS staffers, substitutes get a raise

By James Cullum

Published March 9, 2022 at 1:00PM

As of Monday (March 7), Alexandria City Public Schools staff are no longer required to wear face masks in schools.

Staff were informed of the rule change in an email on Friday (March 4) that wearing masks in ACPS facilities and vehicles is optional, with few exceptions. Additionally, all ACPS staff (not including substitutes) will get paid emergency leave if unable to work due to COVID-19.

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Alexandria proposes extending emergency business relief to June 30

By James Cullum

Published March 9, 2022 at 9:30AM

Local businesses will have until the summer to enjoy the fruits of a temporary program that has allowed restaurants to provide curbside pickups, suspend regular operating hours and sell alcohol to-go.

City Council, on Saturday, will consider extending the temporary relief program to local businesses from April 1 to June 30, and expire along with the city’s state of emergency that same day.

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Wearing face masks now optional in Alexandria government buildings

By James Cullum

Published March 7, 2022 at 10:45AM | Updated March 9, 2022 at 12:47PM

Security guard Destin Davis waves at City Hall at 301 King Street in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

Wearing face masks in government buildings is now optional in Alexandria, as nearly two years of the pandemic restriction winds to a close.

The decision, which was announced on March 1, comes after new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave Alexandria and its neighboring jurisdictions a “Low” community level of transmission.

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Alexandria wants to start charging businesses rent for use of ‘parklets’

By James Cullum

Published March 4, 2022 at 2:30PM | Updated March 4, 2022 at 3:04PM

After nearly two years of dining and shopping in parking spaces outside of local businesses, Alexandria wants to start charging rent.

City Council will review a staff proposal on Tuesday (March 8) to start charging annual rent to business owners for their use of parklets — converted parking spaces that have been used for outdoor dining, fitness classes and retail.

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City Council eyes roadway transformation with new Duke Street Transitway Advisory Group

By James Cullum

Published March 4, 2022 at 9:30AM

Traffic on Duke Street in Alexandria (staff photo by James Cullum)

After more than 10 years in development, the high-capacity Duke Street Transitway is getting the show on the road.

The Alexandria City Council, at its meeting March 8, will vote on authorizing the city manager to appoint an Ad Hoc Duke Street Transitway Advisory Group. The nine-person body will spend the next year providing recommendations for corridor design alternatives, and will endorse a preferred alternative by spring 2023.

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Alexandria landmarks lit in Ukrainian colors as locals express support for embattled country

By ALXnow.com

Published February 28, 2022 at 10:10AM

The George Washington National Masonic Memorial bathed in the colors of the Ukranian Flag, Feb. 27, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria has lit City Hall and the George Washington Masonic Memorial in the colors of the Ukrainian flag. The effort of solidarity for the beleaguered country has been echoed by shining blue and yellow lights on bridges and buildings throughout the region.

Russia invaded Ukraine last week, and hundreds have been killed so far during the conflict. At time of writing, Ukraine and Russia are currently engaging in ceasefire talks after Ukrainian resistance stalled Russia’s approach into Kyiv and other major cities.

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Beneath the layers of local satire page ‘Alexandria Shallot’

By Vernon Miles

Published February 25, 2022 at 10:00AM

Image via Alexandria Shallot/Twitter

Like parades and being mad about development, a fixation on hyper-local politics is one of the classic, enduring features of Alexandria. It’s an environment that naturally fosters satire, and there’s one account that’s at the head of the pack.

Alexandria Shallot is a Twitter-based spin on The Onion for Alexandria, posting almost daily mock headlines about (mostly) real local issues.

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How the pandemic is reshaping Alexandria’s City Hall overhaul

By Vernon Miles

Published February 24, 2022 at 3:30PM

Alexandria City Hall was lit up for the weekend of Juneteenth 2021. (photo via Carol Jean Stalun Photography for Visit Alexandria)

Alexandria’s City Hall is a local historic landmark, in addition its role as a civic center, but it’s showing its age.

In the City Manager’s proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) budget, $83.3 million is allocated to renovating City Hall (301 King Street) and $35.3 million is dedicated to leasing or creating swing space for use while the building is overhauled.

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Update: Potomac Yard Metro station construction is 70% complete

By James Cullum

Published February 23, 2022 at 2:15PM | Updated February 23, 2022 at 2:51PM

The Potomac Yard Metrorail station looking south. (Via City of Alexandria)

Construction on the Potomac Yard Metro station is 70% complete, and Mayor Justin Wilson said he’s knocking on wood in hope that it will open this fall.

On Tuesday, City Council received an update on the massive project.